UMASS/AMHERST fai.,l,iwi.M,..M.».M.,,;*yt>,.»,Ba .' Uiiill.iiimaillKlilllDh i.i;ri I.I )l>rij«ii|i 1,11/1 i«l!l«ir,«|iyji|l»r,li|ii'iiiii>i*i|iy!iir»i»yW ^- 35 LIBRARY OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE No..__ks_g_Q_.. DATE. 4-/8 ss. so \/ Lo 1S.74 K O B E R T M; J^ K N O C K. SFPPI.BMI!IfT TO TnB C.iBBBN, JASCARX 10, 1875. ILLUSTRATED WEEKLY JOUMAL GARDENING IN ALL ITS BRANCHES. THIS IS AN ART WHICH DOES MEND NATUEE : CHANGE IT RATHER : BUT THE ART ITSELF IS NATURE.— Shatespeare. VOL. VI. LONDON: OFFICE: 37, SOUTHAMPTON STEEET, COVENT GARDEN, W.C. CHRISTMi^S, 1874. c 1S74 s/.U UnppLSjEBirr, jiw. 16, 1876.] TO ME. ROBERT MARNOCK, AND FORMERLY CURATOR OP THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS IN THE REGENT'S PARK, TUE SIXTH VOLUME OF "THE GARDEN" IS RESPKCTFULLY DEDICA-TED. W. R. [BFPPLBiIB:fT, JAX. 16^ 1875] VI THE GARDEN INDEX. INDEX TO VOLUME VI. A. AbbL^ Petel Pear, 422 Abliey Garden, lloclditch, 431 Aljelia triflora, 4€2 Abies excelsa, 31 ; Gordon!, 73, 132 ; Hookeriana, 272 ; Meuziesii, 481 ; nobilis, large, 428 Acacia lophantha, 310, 430 ; a3 a table plant. 3S0 Actinidia kolomikta, 547 ; volubilia, 547 Adder's Grape Vine, 57d Adiantum gracillimum, 443 Africa, proposed expedition to Cen- tral, 20 Asaricus prunulua, 207 Agave, scurvy cured by the, 459 Agnus Castus, 383 Agricultm-al Society of Prance, offer of prizes by, 336 Alkaline lands, cure of, 61 Allamauda cathartica, 100 Allotments, cottagers', 226 Aloe, American, error concerning the, 332 ; at Kew, llH; Bainesii, 100 Alpine bed, an, 470 Alpine plants and hardy bulbs for mn- dows, 242 Alpines and slugs, 60 Alpine window plants, 242 Amarantus Henderi, 341 ; new varieties of, 262, 424 Amaryllis reticulata, 384 American fruit crop, the, 88 American Pomological Societies, pro- ceedings of, 20 Ammonia, effect of, on flowers, 442 Ampelopsis tuberosa and napiformis, 365 Amazon and Madeira Rivers, the, 498 Anemone-leaved Cranesbill, 245 Annuals, for Hose beds, 298 Anthurium, double spathed, 10; Scher- zerianum, 337 Antirrhinums numidicum, 405 Ants and chalk marks, 228 ; enemies to caterpillars, 252 ; in dwcllinga, 348 Apples, mixed with Pear stocks. 179; as an article of food, value of, 653; Belle de Lippe, 402; jelly, 412; flavour of, 436; gathering, 343; in Normandy, crop of, 336 ; list of, 218 ; American, 422 ; imported. 557 ; remarkable weight of Blenheim Orange, 557 ; sweet, 316 ; various ways of cooking, 16-1 ; the best, 293 ; the uses of, 256 Apple trees and side branches, 54; large, 179; old, 204 Apricots, Shiraz, 168 Aquaria and winter gardens, 286; in- door, 520 Aquarium, and Summer and Winter Garden Society, the, 66 ; and winter garden, anew, 238 ; atLivoqwol, 402; the Brighton, 422 Aquatics, hardy, 248; in bottles, 171 Aralias, from cuttings, 98 Araucaria excelsa, at Malta, 156; ex- ceUa speciosissima, 537; imbricata, cones on, 33 Arbutus coccinea, 431, 506 ; Unedo. 450 Architecture and foliage, 115 ; and trees, 650 Areca lutescena, 263 Armeria cephalotes alba, 146 Arrangement of fruit for dessert, 193 Artesian well, remarkable, 268 Artichokes, Jerusalem, in market gar- dens, 4.82 Arundo conspicua, 93, 531; at Saffron Walden, 42 Asparagus, a new, 207 ; culture in Germany, 207; market, 13; planting in summer, 207 ; salt for, 276 Aspects of vegetation, 289 Aspen, autumn tints of the, 328 Aster^t, herbaceous, 360 Atraphaxis spinosa, 404 Auculjus, fcrtilisincr, 523, 518, 563 Autumn, Meadow Saffron, 247; tints, 4U)| Autumnal - tinted Vine leaves, 474 ; ^ flowering shrubs, 184 Avenues for London, grand, 277 i Azara microphylla, 350 B. Balata gum, the new, 464 Bamboo, the, in Egypt, 181; at Fota, 73 Barberry, the Scarlet, 48l, 503 Banana, varieties of, 410 Barrelier's BellUower, 192 Baskets, hanging, 514 ; pot covers, 680 Battersca Park, HQ; sub-tropical gardens in, 20 Beal, address by Professor, 66 Bean, Mont d'Or Butter, 276 Beans, Broad, 448 ; French, 150, 490 Beauty in common things, 460 Bed, an effective winter, 446 Bedding plants, 338; difficulty in esta- blishing. 92 Bedford Square, improvements in, 632, 557 Beds, evergreen, for winter, 517 Beech, the Newbattle, 32 ; Weeping, 479 Beet in market gardens, 232 ; white or silver, 584 Begonia fuchsoides, 558 ; new kind of, 382; Richardsiana, 293; at Ghent, 317 at Kew, tuberous rooted, 359 ; new hardy, 145 ; new tuberous rooted, 197 ; tuberous rooted hybrid, 199 ; winter blooming, 591 j Belle de Lippe Apple, 402 Bertolonia van Houttei, 317 Best Cypresses for Britain, 425 ; sea-side trees, 165 Bignouia radicans grandiflora, 156 Bindweed, the Sea, 366 Biota orientalis, 428 Birch, new Weeping, 525 Birches and Aspens, 284 Bird Cherry, 181 Birds in the Botanical Gardens, 529 ' Bliickbirds, 313 Blanc mange and Apricots, 39 Blind, flowers for the, 41 Blomus iscalinus, 512 Blue gum tree, the, 32, 42 Biyde's flower scissors, 215 Boldoa fragrans, 410 Bonamy's Weeping Birch, 625 Books on plants, old, 175 Boots, wet, 354 ' Borders, flowers in out-door, 422 Botanical Alpine Club, Scottish, 38, 423 Botanical Gardeue, birds in, 629 Butanical names, reform in, 312 Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh, addition to the, 680 ; early, 52s ; Hull, proposed change in, 2s7 ; Sydney, plants for, j 168 Botanic Society, Anniversary Meeting [ of the Royal, 142 ! Botanists, directory of, 464 I Botany, Brown's Manual of, 15 ; for the I young, 355 Botryanthus pallens, 512 Bougainvillea, culture of, 294 Boulevards, the Vienna, 403 I Bouquets, arrangement of, 223 ; hand, ) 471 ; last of the seaaon, 409 ; Box edgings, 324 ! Bramble, Parsley-leaved, 343 I Branch falling, 53 ' Brantingham Thorpe, 291 Brassica tribe in London market gar- ! dens, the, 309 [ Bravoa geminiflora, 92, 146 Breakfast-table, vases for, 223 Briar, Sweet, fields of, 380 I Broccoli, Christie's Self-protecting, 437, j 462; culture of, 34 Bromelijiceous plants, 406 I BrowaUia elata, 496 i Brownea coccinea at Kew, 413 Brugmansia sanguinca, 168 Brussels Sprouts, 413 Bryanopsis laciniosa, 193 Bryant, addition to Victoria Park made by, 190 Bryony, 79 Buckthorn, Sea, 233 Bulb beds during frost, 516 Bull Palm, the, 558 Burghley Gardens, 27 Butter-nut, raising, 548 Button-hole bouquets and coat flowers, 372 Cabbage, Cattell's Reliance, 117; large head of, 584; sprouts, 53; the Ker- guelen, 14 Caladiums, wintering, 363 Calanthes at Drumlanrig, 403 Calceolarias, bedding, 320 ; shrubby, 445 Calcutta Botanic Gardens, the, 512 Californian woods, 382 Calville Apple at Barham Court, 412 Camellias, renovating neglected, 254; unhealthy, 538 Camomile, culture of, 302 Campanula BarreUeri, 192; hederacea, 221; Portenschlagiana, 100; Raineri, 50; Smithi,79 Camphor, effect upon vegetation, 14, 296 Campidium filicifolium, 693 Cannas, free-flowering, 404 Cannell's system of heating, 463 Cantharikopho, 577 Caoutchouc, extended use of, 402 Carludovica huniilis, 429 Carnation, new pink-coloured perpetual, 380 Carnations, layering, 36 ; tree, 416 Carniverous plants, 210; the so-called, 288 Carpets, the two, 390 Carrot jam, 164 Cassia corymbosa, 563 Castanea chrysophylla, 543 Catalpa, the. 93, 133, 428 ; durability of the, 232 Caterpillars, ravages upon Pine forests by. 238 Cattleya gigas, 422 Cauliflowers for dry weather, 324; market garden. 300 ; the Hereford- shire Dwarf, 371 ; Veitch's self-pro- tecting, 437, 483 Caunton Manor. 400 Ceanothuses, 428 Celery, 483 ; best varieties of, 490 ; cul- ture round London, 116; Fungus affecting, 684 ; in cold countries, keeping, 629;. Major Clarke's Red, 490 ; Sulham prize, 638 Celosia Huttonii, 222 ; pyramidalia, 360, 4U9, 513 Cemeteries, Mr. J. Smith on, 575 Ceutaurea ragusina, 194 Cerasus persiciefolia. 131 Cercis siliquastrum, 53 Cereus speciosissimus, 10 Chamsrops humilis, male, 517 Change of climate in Scotland, 233 Chanterelles, the, 488 Chai'tometer, Morris's, 523 Chelone barbata antwerpensis, 93 Chelsea Botanic Garden, the, 333 Cherries, market, 219; Frogmore Late Biggarcau. 3G4 ; Joc-o-sot, 343 ; Orchard, German, 451 ; Bird, 181 Cherry trees killed by sunstroke, 244 Chestnuts, 366 ; harvest of, in the Appenines, 493 Chickens, predatory, 1-40 Chinese gardening, 200, 215 Christmas decorations, 533, 659 Chrysanthemums, 287 ; for table decora- tion, 472; in China, liquor distilled from, 532 ; at the Crystal Palace, 442 ; culture of, 424, 536 ; show of, at Stoke Newington, 486 ; in the Temple Gardens, 382 I Cistua tauricua, 606 I Clapham Common improvements, 557 Cleaning statuary, vases, &c., 470 Clematis lethusjefolia, 42;t; cirrhosa, I 425 ; for pillars, 98 ; winter flowering, 462 I Climate in Scotland, change of. 233 I Climbers, new hardy, 583; conserva- I tory, 149 ; stove, 100 Climbing trees, method of, 573 Cloche protector, a simple, 280 Currants, the best, 220 ' Clubbing, 324, 371 I Coal, wet, 355 ; impurity in, 475 i Cochliostema Jacobianum, 44-3 ' Cockscomb, large, 170; pjTamidal, 360, 400, 513 Cofl*ee as a disinfectant, 39 I Colchicnm autumnale, 247 ; toxic action exercised by, 288 ; perishing, 24 ; ! singular properties of , 446 Coleus Duchess of Edinburgh, 233 Colorado Potato beetle, 483 Colorado, flora of, 262 Colours of flowers. 446, 497, 539 Conifer insects, 325 Conifers at Beaufort, 377; efffecta of geological position on, 7 ; for Britain, the best, 333, 373 ; manuring, 351 ; of Italy, 28 ; raising from seed, 328 Consen'atories, wooden, 435 Convolvulus soldanella, 366 Cool foliage plants, 197 Cool greenhouses, plants for, 197 Cool Orchids, the best, 251 Cordyline australis, 2 Cork, indestructabihty of, 328 Corylopsis spicata, 503 Cottage garden societies, 192 Cottage in Kensington Gardens, 297 Cottager's Kale, 80 Cotoneaster Simmondflii, 450 Covent Garden, 16 ; fruits in, 92, 238 ; foriegn fruits in, 686 ; necessity for improving, 313; roofing, 215; winter and spring flowers in, 311 Covent Garden Theatre, Uving plants at, 238 Cowan's system of heating, Mr., 142 Cow Parsnip-leaved Montagn^a, 145 Crab tree, a large, 111 Cranberries, 530; New Jersey. 93; new Andean, 206 Cranberry culture, 129 Crassula Saxifraga, 71 Creepers, true, 517, 539 Crinum asiaticum, 71 ; Moorei, 243 rose-coloured variety of, 163 Crocus odorus, 470 Crocuses, autumn, 340 Cromwell House, 334 Crops in Devon, 9 ; shelter for, 418 Crosses. 560; and wreaths, floral, 514 Crowbar, a plea for the, 255 Crown Imperials, 423 Crystal Palace, flower beds at, 461 decay and spoliation of gardens at, 143, 211 Cucumbers, culture of. round London, 106; Duke of Edinburgh, 255; pit, flue heated, 371 ; in Russia, 449 ; ' market, 106; short c. long, 418; win- ter, 624 , Culture of Cypripedinms, 43 ; of Potatoes ! 347 ; of the great Water Lily, 169 ; of the Ivy Harebell, 221 ; of Tropjeolum ' polyphyllum, 24; of Vegetable Mar- row, 180 Cxipressus Lawsoniana, 425 I Currant-bush in Elm tree, 338 Cuttings, fruit tree, 343 Cyanophyllum, propagation of, 409 ! Cycas revoluta, 217 I Cyclobothra lutea, 215 1 Cydonia japonica for hedges, 156 I Cymbidium gigant«um, 533 ■ Cypresses, 425 i Cypripedinms, propagation of. 43, 67 ; caudatum, 69 ; epectabile, 424 Cytisns laburnnni scrotinum, 33 SUPPLEMENT, JAX. IG, lS7o.] THE GARDEN INDEX. Vll Date Plum, the, 74, 556 Dacrydium Pranklini, 462 Dangstein, gardens at, 203 Daphno Portuuoi, 377 » Darliugtonia californica, 432 Darwinian philosoplier, a, 163 Dasjliriou arcotricluim, 263 Davalia Mooreana, 461 Duke of Buccleuch Grape, 565 Dead-walls, draping, 247 Decoration, a grumble about, 380 ; Russian table, 190; Christmas, 532, 659; dinner table, 101, 148, 170, 241, 266 ; aweet-scented plants for, 433 Dessert, arnmgement of fruit for, 267 Deutzias, 131 ; scabra, 132 Dianella tasmanica, 10 Dinner-table decoration, 101, 143, 170, 241. 266 Diospyros Virginiana, 74 Dipladenia amaljilis, 100 Diplopappus chrysophylla, 431, 497, 616, 539 Disa granditlora, 6&, 113: culture of, 317 Disraeli and gardening, 23S Dohchadeira tubiflora, 197 Double Scarlet Thorn, haws on, 506 Douglas Fir or Oregon Pine, the, 359 Drapers' Compauy, garden of the, 20, 103, 343 Drapers' Garden, flower show at the, G6 Drainage and watering of pot plants, 361, 251 Draining, 349 Dreer's improved Lima Beans, 529 Duckweed, fruiting, 243 Dutch bulbs, 190 Dwarfing trees, 99 Dyspepsia, digging a core for, 75 Early May Potato, 393 EastweU Park, 478 Eating berries of Rhamnus croceus, 33 Echeverias, 10 Echium vulgare, 416 Edelweiss, accident whilst searching for the Alpine, 233 Edging plant, new, 320 j silvery, 270, 293 ; Parsley, 79 Edinburgh Botanical Club, 33 Effect of late rains in Devonshire, 9 Egypt, Bamboos in, 181 Elder, rosy-flowered, 7; under diffi- culties, 405 Elms, branch -shedding in, 132 Emigrants, a hint to intending, 530 Engadine, flowers in the, 17 EngUsh, the, in the natural parks of Colorado, 371 Epidendrum piliferum, 445 Epigyniuui leucobotrys, 535 Epiphyllums, grafting, 294 j treatment of, 515 Eragrostis elegans, 311 Ericaceous plants, 141 Erica Mackayana, 335 Erpetion reniformis, 222 Erjmgiums, new, 335 Espalier fruit trees, 243, 389 Eucalyptus amygdalma, great height of, 530 J cordata at Balmuto, 66, 156, 168 ; globulus, 33, 42 Eucharis amazonica, 163 Euphorbia, 557 Evergreens, transplanting, 526 ; flower- ing on a lawn, 493; when to prune, 351 ; winter bedding, 517 ; mottoes in, 660 Evening Primroses, 196 Exogonium purga, 360, 517 R Farringdon Market, proposed rebuilding of, a Feathery Tamarisk, 253 Fences, Gooseberry, 54; Laburnum, 32 Fern cases, 534 Fern-leaved Campsidium, 593 Pern, a new gold, 495 Ferns, 363; best British. 79; compara- tive rate of growth of tree, 216 ; Dr. Boswell Syme on, 513; from spores, 317, 384; greenfly on, 317; in parks, 496 ; London, 6 Fertile admixture of soils, 574 Fertihsation, insect, 208, 423 Festuca dives, 530 Fibre-yielding plants, 395 Ficarias, 47 Figs, casting fruit of, 54; Kentish standard, 316 Fig orchards, 220 Filbert culture, 578 Filling vases, materials for, 221 Firs and Pines, 156 Fir, the Silver, 182 Fir tree, the term. 526 Flamingo plant, the. 337 Flavouring, leaves for, 39 Flax, new substitute for, 39 Flora of Africa. Dr. Schweiufurth's col- lection of, 233 Flora of Colorado, the, 263 Floral decorations at Tanbridge Wells, 4) ; at funerals. 333, 396 Flore de Serrcs, Van Houtte's, 263, 367, 460 Flower-bed, a large, 216 ; an effective, 405 Flower-beds at Crystal Palace, 461 Flower Farms of Morocco, 489 Flower gardening at Stukely Hall, 470 ; in Hyde Park, 184 Flower, Indian garland, 193; markets in Paris, new, 163 ; mission, 133 ; painting, 507 Flowers and children, 346 ; at funerals, 332,396; autumnal, 310 ; baskets and vases of, 299; colours of, 416, '197, 539 ; curious artificial colourmg of. 351 ; drying white, 25 ; effect of ammonia on the colours of, 412; fertilisation the cause of brilliancy in, 422 ; florists', 535 ; for dry borders, 6 ; for London balconies, 402 ; for the blind, 41 ; from Piesse and Lubtns' flower Farms, 530; gumming, 119 ; hanging basket of cut, 599: hardy, at Bitton, 401 ; how to preserve cut, 299, 102 ; how wo acquired a taste for, 139 ; in Hyacinth glasses, 341 ; in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, 145 ; in the Isle of Wight, 511, 676; not preserved by sal ammonia, 462; on lawns, 174 ; state of hardy, 118 ; simple vase of, 8 ; sweet scented, 488 ; wild Welsh, 5 ; wiring, 119 Flue-heated Cucumber-pit, 371 Foliage, coloured, 328 Food, green, for Arctic expeditions, 533; treatise on, 75 Forage plants, 393 Forcing Seakale, 57, 276, 433 ; Straw- berries, 117 ; the Lily of the Valley, 403 Forest, a buried, 431 Forest trees, pruning, 107 ; English, 527 Formalism and foliage, 11 Fortune's, Saxifrage, 470 Fota, Bamboos, &c., at, 73 Fourcroyas, 430 Foxgloves, 126 France, flowers in, 404 ; teaching of horticulture in. 557 Free Gardeners, Edinburgh Lodge of, 532 French Bean, 150 ; Flageolet, 463 ; select, 151 Fruit and grain crop, near Mentone, 383 Fruit and vegetable food, 185 Fruit crops, English, 81, 93, 110; in Roscommon, 179; Scotch, 109; Ame- rican, 86 ; culture, the Hoolbreuk sys- tem, 364; eating, 164; growing for market, 203, 218; for exhibition, standard of quantity, 263 ; for dessert, arrangement of, 192, 267. 311, 405 ; in a copper kettle, 553, in Gascony, 283 ; International Exhibition of, 422 ; in tin cans, 161 ; positions for hardy^ 570; ladders for picking, 239; of Stephanotis floribunda, 467; prices of, 220 ; report, American Pomolo- gical Society's, 291 ; rooms, orna- mental, 520 Fruit drying, successful mode of, 114; the Alden process of drying, 537 Fruit-houses, tropical, 415 Fruit trees, cultivating, 474 ; low espa- lier, 243, 389 ; mulching. 474 ; pruning newly- pi anted, 263 ; to prevent splitt- ing in, 495 ; with low branches, 397 ; walls, wiring, 573 ; exhaustion of, 26 Fruiterers' Company, dinner, 360 Fruiting Duckweed (see Nertera) Fruits and vegetables, certificated, 552 ; tropical, 415 ; thinning blossoms of, 364; bush, 147, 545; continental, 190 ; early distribution of, 526; foreign, in Covent Garden, 536 ; select, 524 Fuchsia procumbens, 126, 363 ; Ricar- tonii, 320 ; seed, 71 Fuchsias, culture of, 34 ; in Ireland, 196 ; in Isle of Man, 222 Fungi, exhibition of, at Munich, 432 ; at Rothamsted, 233 ; growth of, 489 ; root, 518 ; show of, at Aberdeen, 310 ; show of, at South Kensington, 310 ; the Peziza class of, 530 ; at South Ken- sington, 336 Q. Game cover, 229 Garden, Algerian, 447 ; Drapers* Com- pany's. 20, 103, 320, 348 Gardeners, alleged degeneracy in young, 383 Gardoncra* Benevolent Institution, 102, 163, 183, 489 Gardeners, Edinburgh Lodge of Free, 533 Gardener's friend, 343 Gardeners' lamps, 507 Gardener's Paradise, the Western States not a, ls8 Garden fetes, 19 ; harvest, the, 330 Gardenia citriodora, 149 Garden in autumn, my, 633 Gardening at Hoxton in olden times, 268; at Salt Lake, 171 ; Chinese, 200, 216 ; in India, military, 439 ; in rooms, 241 ; in Spain, 344 ; landscape, 143 ; nomenclature, 63; taught in Swedish schools, 167; in French schools, 557; window. 144, 397 Garden, noble gift of a, 270 Garden parties, 61 Garden rustic work, 35 *' Garden, the American Monthly," 2G2 Garden, the Shakspearean, 116, 193, 271; the Temple, 332 Garden, wild, on a stiff soil, 470 Gardens and aquaria (see Aquaria) Gardens at Hampton Court, 76 Gardens at Heckfield Place, the, 190 Gardens, enjoyable, 235 ; floating, 472 ; of the Hesperides, 431 ; of the new workmens' cities, 231 ; old London, 103 ; plea for pubUc, 234 ; river side, 391 ; Spanish balcony, 25 Gardens, new kind of town, 240 Garland-flower, Indian, 193 Gas pipes fatal to trees, ISt Gaura Lindheimeri, 174 Genista prostrata, 10 ; virgata, 2 Geology, economic, 673 Geranium anemone folium, 245 ; Robert- ianum album, 470 Geraniums, bedding, 196 ; good double, 217; in Hyde Park, wanton destrac- tion of, 142 German Iris, 195 Germination of seed, 472 Gesneras, 430 Gibson testimonial, 43 Gladioli, forcing, 535 ; Souchet'e, 73 Gladiolus brenchleyensis, 168 Gladstone, Mr., at Hawarden, 238 Glasshouses, materials for, 416, 447 ; wooden curvilinear, 415, 435 Glasshouse walls, embellishment of, 579 Gloxinias from leaves, 317 ; the best, 361 Gnaphabium leontopodium, 233 Godfrey, death of Mr. Robert, 90 Golden Chestnut, the, 618 Golden Square, proposed improvement in, 262 Goldilocks, 366 Goodyera Dawsonii, 197 Gooseberry fences, 54 Gordon's Dwarf l-ir, 73 Gourds, ornamental, 3 Grafting, curiosities of. 312; Roses on wild stocks, 470; the Peach, 474; storing grafts for, 436; winter, 293 Grape crop, Californian. 51 Grape, Black AUcante, 474 ; Black Ham- burgh, 568; Duke of Buccleuch, 565 ; Golden Champion, 179 ; Golden Queen, 619; Gros Colman, 566; Trebbiano, 230, 241 Grapes, Almeria, 330 ; at Lambfcon Castle, 494 ; early, 263 ; grown in open air, various kinds of, 332 ; heavy bunch of Black Hamburgh, 190, 312, 455; in Covent Garden, Hamburgh, 360; M. Gaillard's collection of, 423; packing, 54; seedling, 532; shanked, 380; testing, 665 ; remarks on, 173 Grape Vme, the, 510, 564 Grass, a new, 380 Grasshoppers in Algeria, 464 Greek Temples, surroundings of, 519 Greenhouse plants, winter blooming, 317 Green Park, new road through, 143 Grigor, Mr. John, donation by 118 Ground-work, practical hints on, 418 Growth-force, singular instance of, 534 Guano, new beds of, 63 ; origin of, 437 ; recent discovery of, 42 ; analysis of, 62 Guarana a remedy for nervous head- ache, 203 Guernsey Lilies, second year, 337 Gynmogramma decomposita, 71, 495 H. Hagley Park, 333 Hailstorm, severe, 92 Hale Farm Nurseries, flowers at, 143 Hampstead Heath, 153 Hampton Court Gardens, 76 Hand Bouquets, 471 Hardy Ericaceous plants, 141 ; autumn blooming plants, 249 ; flowers, a novel arrangement of, 193 ; condition of, 118; plants for dry soils, 174; notes on rare, 496; oE the Himalayas, 191 Harebell, Ivy, 231 Hatchet-leaved Thujopsis. 194 Hawthorn, curious growth of, 206 Heat and draught. 105; how to with- stand, 73 Hcathersidc Manual, the 238 Heaths, hardy, 141 Heating and Are -extinguishing appar- atus 81 Hedcra Roegneriana, 143 Hedge plant, Cydonia us a, 156 Hedgerows, trees for, 518 Hedges, ornamental, 36, 431 Hedychinum Garduerianum, 193, 215 Heliotropes, 339 ; standard, 416 Hemp, the common, 310 Hepaticas, 683 Herbarium, British, at Dublin, 512 ; Gay's, 439 Herb cultivation at Mitcham, 166 Hesperides, gardens of the, 421 Heteroecism in the case of the Potato parasite, 533 Hole, the Rev. Reynolds, -102 Hollyhock, culture of the, 403; disease of, 215; the Fungus, 252; novel way of treating, 270 Honey Locust as a hedge plant, the, 548 Honeysuckle, winter flowering, 539 Hooker, Mrs., death of, 436 Hornet, death from sting of, 203 Horticultural Club, new, 554 Horticultural implements, 118 Horticultural Society, communication by Mr. Darwin to, 2 ; medals of the, 12; meetings of the, 513; certificates of the, 313, 530 Horticulture, annual of Belgian, 575; at the International Exhibition of 1376, 531 ; taught in schools in France, 557 ; ditto in Sweden, 167 Horticulturists, noteworthy, 459 Houseleek, the Cobweb, 21 Hillside approaches, planting, 410 Himalayas, hardy plants of the, 191 Hinchinbrook, 331 Hippophte rhamnoides, 231, 330 Humboldt Orange Lily, the, 33 Huntingdonshire Gardens, two, 334 Hutton's Cockscomb, 222 Hyacinths, culture of, 217; Grape, 5; Roman, 538 Hyde Park, flower- gardening in, 189 Hydrangea acuminata. 403; panicu- lata, 142 ; at South Kensington, 263 ; in Covent Garden, 217 Hymenocalyx undulata, 197 Hypoxia Rooperi, 48 1. Ice-house, 442 ; and cool-chamber, -133 Immortelles, crosses and designs in, 332 ; silvery white, 580 Impatiens repens, 334 Improvement to Clapham Common, 6,>7 Impurity in coals, a plant product, 47u In-arching, 314 Incense, 56 , , ^ Indian Crocuses, 406 ; Garland- flower, the, 193,215 . ^^ „, Indiarubber, new source of, 163, 451; trees in India, 313 Influence of the weather upon garden- ing, 65 « .,- Insect exhibition in Paris, 238 ; fertilisa- tion, 539; stings, remedy for, 251 Insect-powder, 324 Insects and colour in flowers, 416, 469 ; affecting Conifers, 325 ; in Kansas, 336 ; exhibicion of in the TuUeries Gar- dens, 238 _ Introduction of forest trees into Eng- land, 527 , ^.,, Ipecacuanha plant in Calcutta, the, 533 Ipomea Horsfalliie, 495, 496 ; in a Piuc- stove, 691; propagation of, 538 Irids. 163 Iris barbata, 195 ; bearded, 195 ; varie- ties of, 195 ; Kcempferi, 2 ; rare. 24, 13 Iron railings in the parks, 368 Irrigation near Paris, 413 Isle of Wight, flowers in, 511, 576 Ismailia, 476 Ismene calathina, 46 Italy, Conifers of, 28 Ivy bower, moveable, 123 Ivy Harebell, the, 218 Ivy and dry houses, 513 ; on cemented walls, 330, 424, 416 Ixora Fraserii, 118 J. Jaoquemjns, death of Prof., 160 Jalap plants, 517, 558 Japan, cultivation in, 501 ; Peai enlturo in, 381 [supPLnraira, jAy. 16, 1875. Vlll THE GARDEN INDEX. Japanoso vogetable-wax tree, 625 ; nursery, 311 Jasminum sambac, 100 Joniporus CliinenBiB aurea, 143 K. KenBington Gardens, 401; and Mr. A. Grant, 273 ; burning weeds in, 288 Kew, Cape Pelargoniums at, 10; flowers at, 20, 190 ; early opening of gardens, at, 238, 381, 379. 382 ; new rockery at, 174 ; Victoria Regia at, 169 Labelling plants in Hyde Park, 288 Labels, preserving wooden, 630 j slate, 46-t ; whalebone, 14 Laburnum fences, 32 Ladders for picking fruit, 239 Ladies plate for 1h76, 496 Lady'B-slippcra, 13, 67 La^liaa, the best winter blooming, 580 Lambton Castle Grapes, 494 Lamps, gardeners' 507 Landscape efl'ects, planting to produce, 261 Landscape gardening, 142 Landes of Gascony, 289 Lands, cure of alkaline, 61 Lankester, Dr., death of, 440 Lapageria and shade, 48 ; crimson and white, 202, 288 J rosea, 461 Larches, Dunkeld, 351 Lascellea' curvilinear wooden houses, 382 Laurel, experiments on the, 557 Lawn mower contest, Birmingham, 61 Lawn trees, 280 Leaf, fall and renewal of the, 248, 577 ; functions of the, 526; mould, 406; impressions, 300 Leaves for hotbeds, 406 ; music of, 205 Leeks for market, varieties of, 255 Lefevre on Epping Forest, 464 Leicestershire, rainfall in, 105 Leicester Square, 1, 647 Leptospermum lanigerum, 450 Le Sauvage prize tor 1876, subject of the, 42 Leschenaultia f ormosa, 294 Lessons taught by the late dry summer, 367 Lettuce, best White Cos, 80 Leuchtenbergia principes, 71 Leucopogon Cunningham.ii, 380 Levant, notes from the, 71, 93, 124 Ley's nursery, Croydon, 368 Libocedrus decurrens, 328, 426 Libonia peurhosiensis, 678 Lightning on trees, effect of, 479 Lilacs, 251 ; new, 450 ; white, 74, 557 Lilies at Weybridge Heath, 2, 42; CaU- fomian, 683 ; in 1874, 174 ; from Mon- tenegro, 215 ; Guernsey and Bella- donna, 311 J Shakespeare *a, 227 ; Water, 318 Lilium auratum, 118; fine, 146; mon- strous, 462 ; candidum, 2 ; dalmati- cum, Mr. LeichtUn's collection of, 288; excelsum, 174; giganteum, 20, 496; Humboldti,33; pomponium, 214; Thuubergianum, 142 ; Washington- ianum, 2 ; Neilgherricum, 680 Lily, Belladonna, 340, 382 ; bulbs of the, 340 ; Guernsey. 337 ; of the Valley, 408, 444; Paraguayan water, 612; Victoria, 169 Lima Bean, Dreer's improved, 629 Lime-kiln, heating, 483 Linaria Cymbalaria, 60 Lincoln's Inn Gardens, proposed open- ing of, 250 Linden's, M,, new eslabllBhinont at Pallanza, 336 Lindley modal, the, 443 Liriodendron tulipiferum, 107 Liaianthus, how to grow, 593 Lobelia, Lady Macdonald, 363 ; pumila fl. pi., 405 Lobelias, now, 206 ; double, 405 Loco and Ilattleweed in Virginia, 168 Locke gift, the, 442 Locust trees, 478 London fruits and (lowers in the olden time, 542; giand avenues for, 277; market gardens, Wallflowers in, 497 ; Peas, 117 ; improvements, more, 188; squares, neglected, 38; Btatues in. 62 Lonicora fragrantissima, 539 Lopping of ornsimental trees, 547 Love-lies-bleeding, 404 LucuUa gratissima. 632 Lychnis, double scarlet. 98 Lyons, Rose ehow at, 402 M. Mahogany trees in India, 308 Maiden-hair Fern, lasting properties of, 263 Maize as a window plant, 223 Mallow, new application of the Marsh, 335 Manchester flower and fruit show, the, 530 Mandevilla sauveolens at Battle Abbey, 42 Mango in Portugal, fruiting of, 510 Mantel-piece decoration, 266 Manure, liquid, 324 ; new, 18 Manuring kitchen gardens, 482 March stands, 170 MarL-chal Niel Rose, 469; on its own roots, 270 Market, Covent Garden, 215 Market gardens, first, 528 Market Palms, 197 Markets, London fruit for, 203 Marigold, French, 194 Marsh Marigolds, 47 Marton Hall, 224 Masdevallia Davisii, 557 MassachuBctts, floating of fruit-pro- ducing land in, 336 Masters, death of Mr., 332 Maw, Mr., dedication of "Botanical Magazine " to, 572 Maxillaria granditlora, 262 Maximowiczia sinensis, 583 McMon-an,tleath of Mr. John, 114 Meadowbank plants, sale of, 118 Mealy bug, cure for, 105 Measui'er, the complete, 563 Mechanical forces in plants, 532 Medicago arborea, 425 Medicinal plants, 395 Melianthus major, 430 Melon, remarkable African, 190; seeds, cleaning, 220; Sir S.Baker's African, 215 ; of the south and west. Water, 262 ; three crops of, 64 Meran and the Grape cure, 87 Mesembryanthemums, 100, 383 Metereologists, natural, 359 Mexican vegetation, 512 Michigan Pomological Society, 66 Mignonette, wmter, 10, 362 Milla biflora, 238 Mimosa prostrata, 10 Mimnlusglutinosus, 254; maculosua, 42 Mimuluses, 46 Mineral mannrea, 597 Miniature Tulips, 248 Mistletoe on Mistletoe, 102 Mixed plantations, 375 Moles in cutting beds, 10 Momardica charantia, 247 Monanthes ariostaphis, 8 Mona's Pride Potato, 393 Moneywort, tho variegated Cornish, 359 Monstera deliciosa, 168 Montagnas heracleifolia, 145 Mont d'Or Butter Bean, 276 Montenegro, plants from, 215 Montpellier, plants in bloom at, 24 Moor Park, 152 Moss, long, 157 ; whiskey from, 233 Mottoes made of evergreens, 5tJ0 Mountain Ash, 450 Moussoron, tho autumn, 207 Muhlenbeckia complexa, 517 Mulberry, introduction of the, 324 Mulberry trees, paper made from Japanese, 287 ; London, 260 Mulching, 324 Musa champna, 42 Mnscari moschatura, 5 Muscat, the white, of Frontignan, 494 Museum, tho ground of East London, 190 Mushrooms, large, 584 ; management of, 165; in Cumberland, 112; supply of, 168 Music of leaves, 205 ; of trees, 184 N. Naflaria olegans, 79 Narcissi aa border flowers, 358 ; autumnal, 50 Nash, Mr. Daniel, death of, 530 Nasturtiums, in Apple orchards, 512 Natural parka of Colorado, 371 Natural selection, 167 Nature printing, 300 Nectarine Victoria, 364 Nectarines and Peaches on same tree, 87 Necropolis of Paris, the future, 270 Nolumbiiim speciosum, 262 Nepenthes, various kinds of, 360 Nerine, the Japan, 238 Kertera depreasa, 123, 143, 248, 380 Nettles, poison of, 397 New Gladioluses, 73; hardy Crinum, 243; manure, 13 Nomenclator Botanious, Dr. Pfeiffer's, 612 Norway Spruce, 231 Nothoscordum fragrans, 100 Nursery, a Japanese, 311 Nuts, keepinij, 398 Nyasa aylvatica, 351 Oak Lodge, Kensington, grounds of. 20 Oak, Phylloxera of the, 35; vitality of the, 53; the Burr, 166; the Swamp, 252 Ode to the Honourable M. P. Wilder, 440 Odontoglossum vexillarium, 2; Roezlii, 283 ; winter, 403 (Enotheraa, 1«6 Oil-yeilding plants, 395 Olden process of drying fniit, 657 Oleanders, culture of, 429 ; the double Pink-flowered, 118 Olives, outdoor, 53 Oncidium euxanthinum, 446 ; Krameri, 384; zebrinura, 238; at Ferniehurst, 262 Onion fly, 324 Onions in London gardens, 683 ; novel way of preservmg, 39 ; Spanish, 412 ; splitting, 117 ; thinning, 14 Ophiopogon Jaburan aureo-variegatum, 294 Orange culture, 443 ; in the Azores, 476 ; in the Tuileriea Gardens, 403 Oranges, Mock, 331 ; preserved, 412 Orchard-houses, 646 Orchard, a good Fear, 666 ; Peach, 364 Orchards, laying out, 576 Orchids, 467 ; Dove, 168, 288 ; at Down House. 317; at Kew, 19; at Messrs. Veitch's, 402 ; for vases, 341 ; sale of, 92, 557 ; Bishop Sumners, 262 ; for show cases, 383 ; without Orchid- houses, 558 ; cool, 251 Orchis maculata, flowering of, 532 Origin of Belgian Pears, 474; of new plants, Mr. Meehan on, 370 Ornamental devices, 560 ; Gourd, 193 ; rustic work for the garden, 35 Orwell, submerged forest in the, 489 Osborn's Early Forcing Bean, 151 Osiers in England, consumption of, 310 Oxalis, 312 Ozothamnus glomeratua, lo Packing trees, 572 Padus comuta, 181 Pfeonia arborea, 533 Palms, 368 ; hardy male. 517 ; and cool Orchids. 238 ; for market, 197 ; in tho Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh, 663; table. 313 Paint, indestructible, 99 Pampas Grass, when to cut, 453 Pandanus Veitchii, at Drimilanrig, 694 Panic um capillare, 341 Pansy Blue Bell, 360 ; Miss Maitland, 425, 462 Papaw, use in the tropics of, 164 Paper, plants used in the manufacture of, 42 Paris green, 252 ; flower markets of, 168 ; the future necropolis of, 270 Parks, Camberwell, 443; Reigate, 334; acreage of London, 296, 356 ; flowers in the, 145 ; neglect of planting in, 531 ; the Queen's, 283 ; West Ham, 66, 99 Parliament Square, 386 Parochetus communis, 424 Parsley, edgings of, 79 Parsley -leaved Clematis, tho FooPa, 423 Parsnips, culture of, 323 Passiflora edulis, 317; princops, 495 Passion-flower, fruita of, 439, 520 Pasturing cows in Apple orchards, 364 Pea, Anderson's Mummy, 263; Culver- well's prolific marrow, 207 Peaches, bud-shedding in, 9 ; Early, 304; and Nectarines on same tree, 87 ; grafting, 474 ; at Montreuil, annual gathering of, 336; tho land of, 9 ; Ucid's Weeping, 74 ; kernels of, poisonous, 178; kernels splitting, 293 Peach-leaved Cherry, tho, 131 Peach nut. 343, 520; orchard, a large, 364; stealing, 284 Pear, a now late, 494 ; Boarr«5 Clairgeau, 4'S9, 520 I Comto de Lamy, 360 ; cul- ture of, in Japan, 361 ; Mario Louise, 542; No Plus Meuris, 666; Lucy Grieve, 382 ; now seedling, 422 ; Passe Colmar, 510 ; Washington, 54 Pears and Apples, the finer kinds of American, 567 ; for cold regions, 474 Pears, artificial ripening of, 459 ; names of, 493 ; choice list for standard, 494 ; the flavour of, 436 ; for a bouth wall, 204 ; gathering, 343 ; good wall, 436 ; Ust of, 218 ; on Apple stocks, 566 ; preserving, 412; ripening. 387, 473; worth growing, 465,474; aynonyms, 542 Pear trees, planting, 578 Peas, early dwarf, 36 ; lasting Sweet, 116; late, 302; the Shamrock, 424; London market, 117; Ne Plus Ultra, 302 ; new kinds of, 42 ; to prevent cracking in, 218 Peat bog, planting, 349 Peat in Western Germany, preparation of, 336 Pelargonium, a yellow, 46 ; Jewel, 100 : new type of, 681 Pelargonium society, 284, 360. C78 ; duties of, 699 ; prizes offered by, 489 Pelargoniums, Cape, 20; at Chilwcll, 538; new double-flowered, 173 Pentstemon brevifloros, 263 Peonies, tree, 531 Pepperidge tree, tho, 351 Pepper tree, 527 Peristeria elata, 288 Perpetual beauty in landscape garden- ing, 143 Petunias as bedding plants, 21 Peziza class of Fungi, 530 Pfeiffers, Dr., new publication by, 612 PhUadelphus, 131 Philodendron Sellowiannm, 361 Phlox, new white, 270 PhaUtnopsis grandiflora, 568 Pharmacographia, 417 Phylloxera, cure for, 166, 619 ; in Austria, 422 ; in European and American Vine- yards, 336 ; of the Oak, 35 ; origin of, 566; prize for means of destroying, 142 ; proposed remedies for, 233 Phytolaca icosandra,340 ; decandra, 508 Picea pectinata, 182 Picking fruit, ladders for, 239 Picture frames, rustic, 514 Pine-apples, new, 642; weights of, Frogmore, 316; how to cut, 64; Queen, 42 ; the best. 8 ; watering, 9 ; pots for, 219, 263. 315 Pine, dwarfed, 99 ; the Stone, 29 ; woods, 279 Pine forest, Portuguese, 350 Pines and evergreen shrubs, trans- planting of, 503; and Firs, 156; on mountains, 450 Pinetum, Gordon's, 557 Pinus Pinaster for seaside planting, 566 ; Pinea, 27 Pittosporums, 430, 445 Plane trees in Leicester Square, 547 ; in Paris, state of, 66 ; raising seedling.606 Plant, a golden-leaved, 424 ; evapora- tion, 483 Plantations, thinning, 374 Planting, and propagation of the Grape Vino, 664 ; directions for, 398 ; effective, 449 ; in the parks, neglect of, 631 ; peat bog, 349 ; railway embank- ments, 265; seaside, 154; to induce landscape effects, 261 Plants, new medicinal, 410 ; new twin- ing, 593 ; and shrubs for a cool room, 599; at Kew. 190; autumn-blooming, 222; bedding, 338; carnivorous. 210; collection of herbaceous and Alpine, 20 ; early distribution of, 537 ; for all weathei-s, 97 ; forcing hardy, 463; for screens, 197 ; for shady situations, 683; for steep rock-work, 270; for table decoration, 313 ; for walla, 361 ; for windows, 267 ; for winter bloom- ing. 363 ; hardy Ericaceous, 141, 612 ; hardy, of the Himalayas, 291 ; herba- ceous r. bedding, 146; in Middlesex, 138 ; intended distribution of bedding- out, 336 ; labelhng, 283 ; Ufe history, of, 302 ; London, catalotfue of, 360 ; migration of, 5i6; new hardy, 215; new method of arranging, 357 ; new Tasmanian, 99 ; of the Himalayas, hardy, 191 ; oil yielding, 393; on Arthur's Seat, 50 ; peat-loving, 6, 24 ; raising new kinds of, 465 ; refusing to Uower in windows, 578 ; respiration and nutrition in, 464; winter- blooming greenhouse, 317; winter half-hardy, 413; room, 409, 660; ailver-lcaved edging, 270 ; water-edge, 434 plant stands, 398, 534 Plant stove, a drawing-room, 599 Playgrounds, public, 224 Ploione, species of, 406 ; Walhchi, 360 Plumbago cap ens is, in the London Parks, 262 Plum, early Normandy, 36-1 ; Rivera's Early Prolific, 179; Date, 556; a good late, 293; market, 319; a etoneless, 306; of Kansas, 110; orchard -house, 387 ; trees gamming, 244 ; trans- planting, 211 ; wild, of Texas, 147 sWPLBHmrr, JAif. 16, 137S.] THE GARDEN INDEX. IX ^lams for walls, 204 j method of drying, 164 Podophylltun, 417 Poinsettia palchenima, 293 ; palcher- rima rosea carminata, 254 Pokeberry, uses and distribution of the, 608 Pollarding trees in small gardens, 611 Polyanthuses, fancy, 298 Polygonatnm multiflorum, 77 Polygonum complexnm, 617 Polynnia grandis, 338 Pomological Society, proceedings of American, 20, 66 Pond weeds, £0 Pontederia crassipes, 171 Poplar leaf-stalk insect, 328 Poppy, semi-double, 24 PopuluB tremula, 489 ; tinted leaves of, 328 Potato Beetle, of Colorado, 187, 233, 482 ; crop, 117 : in Worcesterahire, 371 ; what to do with the, 207 Potato-culture in market gardens, 265 ; in the north of England, 398 Potato disease, 68 ; correspondence re- specting, 533 ; committee, report on the, 4« Potatoes and crop rotation, 638 ; Early Channel Island, 118; for exhibition, 684 ; keeping old, 207 ; in Devon, 437 ; in early spring, 655; International Exhibition of, 667; introduction into Europe of, 489 ; new, at Christmas, 151 ; new kinds of, 347 ; prices of, 684; select, 324; varieties of, 390; selected Lapstone, 437 ; Walker's Re- gent, 437 Pot covers, basket, 560 Pot plants in rooms, 409 Pots for Pines, proper size for, 241, 678 Pots, glazed, 638 ; paper seed, 24 ; Scotch and English, 678 Pottery tree, the, 183 Preserving cut flowers, 299: timber, 206 Primrose, Chinese, 120 Primroses, culture of double, 320 ; deep planting of, 6 ; double, 169 ; fine Japan- ese, 46, 198 Primula farinoea, 6 ; offictnahs, 98 Prince's Feather, 404 Printing-house Square, trees in, 2S1 Propagating Indian Shot and Castor- oil plants, 254 Propagation of Cypripediums, 43 Propagation of hard-wooded Araliaa, 98 Propagation of Ipomasa Horsf allia, 496 Propagation of Seakale, 56 Pruning forest trees, 107 Prunus japonica, 325 Public promenade of Rio Janeiro, 411 Puccinia malvacearimn, 215 ; Remedy against, 42 Puff-ball in mature state, 200 Purslane, French, 437 Putty, how to soften hard, 75, 163 Pyrethmm uliginoaum, 360 Pyms arbutif olia; 377 : tinted leaves of, 328 Pyrus Torringo, 351 Queen's park, the, 283 Quercus macrocarpa, 166 j palustris, 263 Quince marmalade, 412 Radishes, culture of, 323 Railway banks and slopes, beautifying, 252, 265, 392 Rainer'a Bell-flower, 50 Rainfall at Belvoir, 105 Rainfall in the United State3,periodioity of, 310 Rainfall, influence of trees on, 489 Rain-water, storage of, 298 Raising water, 81 Rampion, French, 437 Raspberries, culture of, 219, 436 Raspberries, American red, 541 Rats, poisoning, 577 Rattleweed, effect of, on cattle, 284 Recipe for destroying insects, 210 Recipes, cookery, 413 Regent's Park, flower walk in, 173 Reliance Cabbage, Cattel's, 117 Remarks on cooking Cranberries, 130 Retinosporas pisifera aurea, 320 ; in pots at Kew, 373; true and false, 53 Rhamnus croceus, effect of eating berries of, 32 Rhododendron beds, plants for, 293 Rhododendron Vauban, 512 Rhodotypufl kerrioides, 229 Rhubarb, great yield of, 639 Rhus cotinus, 377 Rice, to cook properly, 366 Ringing-tongs, French, 204 Rio Janeiro, promenade at, 411 Ripening Pears off the trees, 337 Rivers', Slessrs., orchard-houses, 113 Robinias, various, 265 ; weeping, 63 Rochea falcata, 148 Rock-walls in gardens, 225 Rock- work at Oatlands, 430 ; plants lor 141 Rocqnencourt, 320 Room eardens,".bulbs for, 241 Room plants, 660 Root Fungi, 64S Root-coiling, ill effects of, 308 Root excrescences, 520 Root show, Messrs. Carters', 610 ; Royal Berks, 510 Rosa rugosa alba, 262 ; gallica var. damascena, 512 Rose, a garden, and its inhabitants, 384 Rose cuttines, 340; ditto struck in water, 403 Rose, Duchess of Edinburgh Tea, S60 ; Duke of Edinburgh, 462 ; the Burneti, 422 ; MariSchal Niel, 270, 469 ; Mons. Thiers, 333 Rose harvest, 24 Rose hedges, French, 49 Rose Mallows, 563 Rose trees in Morocco, groves of, 489 ; of Jericho, 613 Roses, 545 ; Shakespearean, 193 ; show of, at Lyons, 316, 402; and the human hair, 426 ; climbing, 50 ; exhibiting, 214 ; cultivation of in pots, 74, 587 ; Moss, 146 ; moving old climb- ing, 663; not opening, 258; of 1874, the, 166, 213, 337 ; on their own roots, 245, 639; otto of, 413; Prairie, 320; recent, 487 ; select, 405 ; wall, 453 Rothamsted, Fairy Rings at, 233 Royal Gardens at Hampton Court, 76 Rnbus biflorua, 428 Rudbeckia subtomentosa, 493 Ruscos androgynus, 32 s. Saffron, cattle poisoned by Meadow, 336 Salad, Dandelion, 39 Salvia, gesnergeflora, 100, 130; patens, wintering, 340, 366 Sambucua rosseflora, 7 Sands, fixing shifting, 289 Sar codes aan guinea, -123 Sairacenia purpurea at Glasnevin, 463 Savoy, King Koffee, 578 Sawdust a better plunging material than tan, 371 Sasifraga craasifoUa, 48 ; Cymbalaria, 95 ; floralenta, 223 ; Geum, 3 ; longi- folia, 639 ; oppositifolia, 78 ; sarmen- tosa, 22; ligulate, miscellaneoua, 95; None-so-pretty, 3 ; Wandering Jew group, 22 Schinus MoUe, 525 ScMzostylis coccinea, 497, 539 Schools, horticultural, 110 Science, organised eommon sense, 512 ScUla, 132 Scotland, change of climate in, 233 Screens, plants for, 197 Scurvy, the Agave a cure for, 469 Seakale and Seaweed, 80; culture of, 56 ; forcing, 276, 482 Seaside planting, 16-1 Season and our gardens, the, 65 Sedum cameum variegatum, 663 ; livi- dum, 498 ; spectabile, 174 Seed saving, 412; old, 336; vitality of, 433 Selaginella csesia arborea, 407 Selaginellas, 407 Sempervivum arachnoideum, 21 Sewage, French opinion of, 437 Sewage-water for the plain of Gonne- villiera, supply of, 190 Seychelles, expedition to the, 403 Shah of Persia, remarks on European gardens by, 533 Shakespearean garden, the, 176, 227, 371 Sheffield, new park at, 66 Shelter and ornament, 375 Shrub, a beautiful, 229 ; a fine and rare, 206 Shrubby Mimulus, the old, 254 Shrubs, autumn flowering, 184; climb- ing, 428 Siberian Cofiee, 118 Sibthorpia variegated, 359 Sideritis hyasopifolia, 6 Siebold, Herr, memorial to, 360 Silver Fir, the. 133 Siphocampylus betulisefoliua, 363 Site and plan of a Vinery, 492 Sloe or Wild Plum, 442 Slug fence, 60 Smellfungus, the wail of, 114 Smith, Mr. Jay, on cemeteries, 575 Smooth-leaved Cayenne Pine-apple, 8 Snake Millipeds, 104 Snapdragons, 4 ; new variegated, 366 Snow plant, 416, 423 Societies, joint committee of scientific, 42 Society for the promotion of scientific industry, medals offered by, 530 Soho Square, projected improvements in, 215, 338 Soils and sub-soils, 673 Solanum crinitum, 96 ; Jasminoidea, 173, 422 ; positions for the Jasmine- like, 578 ; pseudo capsicum, 384 Spain, gardening in, 344 Spanish balcony gardens, 25 Sparasis pulcherrima Thunbergii, 223 Species, Mr. Meehan'a origin of, 310 Spike-flowered Bird Cherry, 131 Spinach, winter, 534 Spiraea, new shrubby, 489 ; palmata, 510 Spiraeas, forcing, 146 Sprays for the hair, 470 Spring Navelwort, wintering the, 174 Squares of London, the dismal, 66 ; statues in, 65 Squills, list of, 132, 158 Stadt Park in Vienna, 402 Staphylea colchica, 269 Statuary, cleaning, 470 Steep rock-work, plants for a, 270 Stephanotia fruit, 520 St. Helena and its flora, 423 Stings, remedies for, 133 Stoke Newington Common, 532 Stone fruits on hard soils, 179 Storm in Belgium, heavy, 310 Storms, effect of, on vegetation, 39 Stove, Kerr'a vapourising, 620 Stove plants for winter blooming, 363 St. Paul's Cathedral, improvements in, 20 St. Petersburg, new garden ab, 310 Strawberries, culture of, 91 ; for Kent- ish gardens, 474 ; heavy crop of under glass, 494 ; mai-ket, 291 ; Pacific coast, 9 ; packing, 9 ; forcing of, for market, 342 ; new eeedlinE-, 422 ; plantations of, 81 Strelitzia Nicolaii, 173 Stuartia grandiflora, 383; pentagynia, 206 SuEeda dendrioides, 222 Succulent houses, Mr. Peacock's, 417 Sunningdale Nursery, hardy plants at, 360 Surprise, the old, 303 Sussex Fig orchards, 220 Swedish gardening schools, 443 Sweet Peas, culture of, 174 ; for market, 269 Sweet William, double, 404 ; single, 404 Symbology of flowers, 417 Syme, Dr. Boswell, new work on Ferns by. 613 Table decoration, 65, 101, 119, 143, 193, 223, 299, 313 Table vase of autumn flowers, 471 Tacsonias, fruit of, 620 Tacsonia Van VoLxemii, fruit of eat- able, 460 Tamarix plumoaa, 252 Teaching, new way of, 345 Tea plants, hardiness of the, 532 Telegraph posts, 392 Temperature and rainfall, 661 Temperature Indicator, 4i64 Temple Bar, what to do with, 115 Tender Cypripediums, 67 Thames Embankment, 140, 464 Thea viridia and Bohea, 633 The faU of the leaf, 248, 577 Theory, a popular, exploded, 303 Thorn tree, destruction of an old, 443 Thrift, great white, 146 Thuja gigantea, 426 ; as a hedge screen, 481 Thujopsis dolobrata, 184, 427 Thunder-storm, severe, 3 Tigridias, 118 Tillandsia usneoidea, 157 Tilth, deep, best, 105 Timber of the United States, the, 140 ; preservation of, 206, 606 Time for sowing the Chineao Primrose, 120 Toads in the garden, 188 Tobacco plant, the, 126 Todeas, large importation of, 443 Tomatoes, chapter on, 114 ; preserving the two best, 437 ; Green Gage, 360 ; origin of the use of, 366 Tomato soup, 413 Tooting Common to be made into a park, 580 Town garden, a new kind of, 240 Town squares, 493 Town trees, good, 280 Trafalgar Square as a garden, 238, 262 ; the fountains in, 41 Trailers, cool house, 294 Transplanting trees and shrubs, 306; evergreens, 481, 503, 526, 671 Travellers' tree, the, 305 Tree Peonies, 531 Tree Wcigelas, 365 Trees, extraordinary growth of, 184; fossil, 345 ; notes upon, 310 ; and architecture, 533 ; annual lopping of ornamental, 517; and gas pipes, 184 ; and lightning, 53, 450 ; deciduous, 546; seaside, 155, 377; best to plant, 413; branch -shedding in, 134 ; brightly- tinted, 449 ; clearing, 73 ; demand for famous, 33 ; draping, 79, 99 ; experi- ments on the bark of, 557 ; in and near towns, 401 ; in assemblEiges, 277 ; in India, mahogany, 308 ; in Printing-house Square, 234; in small gardens, pollarding, 511 ; lawn, 280 ; method of climbing, 573 ; near rail- ways, 392 ; influence of, on rainfall, 489 ; packing, 672 ; planting for land- scape effect, 4S0 ; pruning, 450 ; raising ground about, 53 ; shade, 50 ; the music of, 134 ; to stand sea breeze, 330; mismanaged, 117 Tremellas, the, 576 Trilliums, 516 Tritoma MacOwani at Kew, 263 Tritomas, 453 Tropceolnm Lobbianum, 339, 412 ; poly- phyllum, 24; speciosum, 215; tri- colorum, 253 Tropical fruit houses, 415 Truffles, false, 324; in France, 512; preserving, 412 Tuberoses, Mr. John WiUs*, 118 Tuileries Gardens, the, 643 Tulip beds, early, 297 Tuhp tree, 107 Turnip caterpillar, 324 Turnips, market, 232 ; winter, 106 Tuscan remedies, indigenous, 460 Twining plant, new, 593 Umbilicus Bpinosus, 174 Up a tree, 388 Uses of the leaf, 536 Vaccinium macrocarpum, 92 ; Mortenia, 206 Vanda ccerulea, 409 Vanilla plant, the wild, 479 Vanilline from Pine sap, extraction of, 310 Varieties : Do they wear out, 581 Vase of Flowers for dinner-table, 471 Vase plants, native drooping, 410 Vases for the drawing-room, 341 Vases, how to plant, 331 ; simple flowers for, 8 ; to clean, 470 Vegetable market, a Normandy, 233 Vegetable Marrow, culture of, 130; forcing, 533 Vegetables, cold, 483 ; for winter and spring, 275; in London, scarcity of, 92 Vegetarians, the jovial, 472 Vegetation, effects of storms on, 39 Veitch's Giant Cauliflower, 276 Veitch's nursery, flowers at, 422 Vellosia coerulescens, 445. 558 Venn's black Muscat Grape, 566 Veronica Candida, 293 ; lobelioides, 323 Veronicas, Alpine, 6 Voice's screws for trellia and feucins: wire*, Mr. 216 Viceregal Lodge, large Vine at, 111 Victoria Park, addition to, 190 Victoria regia, 169, 319 Vienna Boulevards, the, 403 Villa gardens, pollarding trees in, 6H Vine, Adeler's Grape, 578 Vino borders, 617, 640; covering for, 343 Vineries, at Burghley, 27; prize for best cropped, 310 ; ventilation of, 492 ; in the Koyal Horticultural Society's Gardens, 360 Vines, novel cure for diseased, 304; buying pot, 315 ; culture of pot, 542; fine crops from, 178; for amateurs, 453 ; from eyes, 87; inarching, 314; in greenhouses, 364; in pots, 519; orchard-house, 343 ; structures for, 517; stocks for, 314; what to grow under, 364; when to plant, 204; in- door culture of, 290; at the Viceregal Lodge, 111 ; autunmal tints of leaves of, 474 ; young, 178 Vintage in France, 168, 240, 262, 343 Viola Munbyana. 24 Violas and Pansies, bedding, 359 ; bed- ding, 403 ; new bedding, 217 Violet, new dark NeapoUtan, 638 Violets, the, and the Napoleons, 469; winter, 98 ; yellow Dog's-tooth, 23 Virginia as a garden land, 564 Vitie tricaepidata, 46 [srapiSUBBT, jA!r. 16, 1876. THE GARDEN INDEX. w. "Walks, Grass, 79 ; gravel, 298, 539 "Wall plants, 351 ; cool-house, 294i Walls, embellishment of glass-house, 579; Ivy on cemented, 4.i4 ; natural rock, 225 ; Plums for, 20-li "Wall studs, galvanised, 43t> Walnut jam, 164 ; ketchup, 413 Walnut, raising black. 548 Walnuts, great size of, 288, 512 Wandering Jew Saxifrages, 22 Wasps in Sootland and Wales, 190; nests of, 228 , to destroy, 223 Water-colour exhibitions, 11 Water-edge plants, i'ii Water Lilies, 3H Watering London streets, permanent pipe system of, 142 Watei'ing-pot, siphouic, 18 Water supply for mansions, 263, 485 ; precautions against a deficient, 38; raising, 81 Water-squirting, cost of, 410 Water, the waste of, 286 Wax tree, Japan, 525 Wax, vegetable, 39 Weather, the, 105 Weeds on walks, 29S Weeping Beech, 479 Weigelas, seeds of, 402 ; tree, 265 Wellingtonia in Ireland, 202 Wellu, remarkable artesian, 263 ; hori- zontal, 142 White Lapageria at Chelsea, 288 Whymper, Mrs., book by, 46'J Wild tiowers at Arundel, 123 ; fertili- sation of. by insects, 206 Wilderness Roses, 17 Wild garden on a stiff soil, 470 Wilder, Mr., ode to, 440 | Wilhelmsbohe, 153 Wistarias and their culture, 276 ; layer- ing, 682 Witch Hazels. 503 Window gardens, 397 i Window plants, 267; refusing to flower, 578 ; Maize as, 223 Winter and spring, vegetables for, 275 , Winter-flowering Odontoglossums, 408 j Winter gardens, 115; and aquaria in , London, 284 ' Winter gardening societies, town, 144 i Winter succulent plants, 269 j Wood-ashes, leached, 39 I Woodlands, distribution of American, 31d Wood-paving for streets, danger of, 118 Wood Sorrel, 312 Woods and forests in Germany, 336; extent of English, 7 ; under-growth in, 184 Worms in pots, 228 Wreaths and crosses, floral, 514 Y, Yellow wood Cladastris, 252 Yew, bog, 74 Yorkshire, fruit, in, 220 Yosemite Valley, 451 Yucca, as a vegetable, 72 ; draconis, 425 ; variegated specimen of the Aloe-leaved, 336 Yuccas, 126, 146 ; in the Regent*B Park, 20 ILLUSTRA.TIONS. PAGB Abiea Gordoni pumila 73 Actinidia Koloniikta 647 ,, volubilis 647 American Aloe naturalised in Spain 345 Ampelopsis tuberosa 365 ,, napiformis 365 Anemone-leaved Crane's-bill ... 245 Aquaria and plant-case combined... 521 Areca lutescens 253 Artificial lighting of dining-rooms... 55 „ rock-work at Oatlands ...431 ,, water 177 Arundo conspicua at Hereford ... 631 Barron's tree transplanter 571 Basket in which Grapes are im- ported 587 Begonia Richardsiana 293 Belladonna Lily 311 Black Hamburgh Grape, huge bunch of 455 Bouvardia 119 Bryanopsislaciniosa 193 Buttressed giant tree, an Amazonian 499 Campanula hederacea 221 Campsidium filicitolium 593 Carlina subacaulis 15 Carludovica hnmilis 429 Carica Papaya 15 Cerasus persicjefolia 131 Chamcecyparis nutkaensis 427 ,, obtusa 427 Champs Elysees 277 Christmas decorations 659 Clematis aethusaifoha 423 ,, cirrhosa 425 Cochliostema Jacobium 443 Colorado Potato Beetle 482 Corylopsis spicata 603 Cottage in Kensington Gardens ... 297 Cress, crop of on a vase 373 Cupressus Lawsoniana 426 ,, macrocarpa 427 Curvilinear wooden conservatory in Mr. Ley's nursery 369 Cycas revoluta 217 Cypripedium Fairieanura 69 Dxmonorops accidena 313 „ palcmbanicus 313 Dinner-table decorations ... 101, 119 Double Sweet William FAOS ... 406 Entrance to the Central Avenue of the Grand Elys^ea 277 EpigjTiium leucobotrys 635 Erynginm Lasseauxii 335 Fall of the leaf 249 Flamingo plant, the 337 Flower garden in front of the cottage in Kensington Gardens ... 301 Flowers in Hyacinth glasses ... 341 Ficaria calthaifolia 47 Forest, a 499 Forms of stands (various) 101 Fruit of Passifiora edulis 317 ,, of Stephanoti3 floribanda ... 465 Gardener's Friend, the 348 Garden in Spain 344 Gardens at Roquencourt 321 Gold Fern, a new 495 Goosberry Gourd, the 3 Graperies, forms of 491 Group of Yuccas in bloom 127 Guernsey Lily 311 Gymnogramma decompodita ... 495 Hampton Court Gardens 76 Hibiscus coccineus 563 High walls of rock in a garden ... 225 Hooker's Spruce on Mount Shasta, California 273 Hymenocalyx undulata 197 Ice-hoose, with cool chamber be- neath 435 Iris iberica 195 Ivy bower, a moveable 123 Japanese dwarfed Pine Ladders, for picking fruit 239 Lady's-slippers (Cypripedium) ... 43 Landes of Gascony, the 289 Large Pinaster at Monreith 667 Leaf and tubers of Ampelosis napi- formis 305 Leaves, flowers, aad fruit of the Jalap plant 515 Lemon-scented Gardenia 149 Lihum Humboldti 33 Lily of the Valley 445 Liriodendron tulipiferum 107 Lonicera f ragrantissima 639 Male Hardy Palm 517 Maximowiczia sinensis 583 Mesembryanthenaum minimum ... 383 ,, testiculare ... 385 Method of climbing trees, new ... 673 Modern Chinese Garden 201 Montagnaea heracleifolia 145 Morris's Chartometer 628 Nile vegetation 473 Oldest Acacia tree in Europe ... 265 Open Bay Window Garden 397 Oreodoxa regia 313 Packets of seeds 413 Packed trees for long joameya ... 573 Padus comuta 181 Passiflora edulis 317 Perforated vase for spring flowers 241 Philodendron Sellowianum 361 Plant protector, a cheap and effec- tive 280 Pine-apple as imported from St. Michael 636 Pinus Pinea and the Italian Cypress 29 Pinus Pinaster 667 Pointed trees and horizontal archi- tecture 683 Pontederia crassipea 171 Present aspect of the Landes of Gascony 289 Private garden at the Toileries in 1870 543 Prunus japonica 326 Prunus tenerrima ... 306 Pyramidal Cockscomb, a 513 PyruB Torringo 351 Raisin de Calabria Grapes, huge bunch of 455 Rat-proof fence 596 PAGB Ravanala madagascarensis 20fi Rhodotypns kerrioides 229 Richards' cut-leaved Begonia ... 293 River-side scenery 393 Rose, a well-grown pot 695 Rose cuttings struck in water ... 403 Round-headed trees and horizontal architeetore 689 Sambncus roaaeflora 7 Section of Mr. Peacock's Agave- house 447 Selaginella csesia arborea 407 Sempervivum arachnoideum ... 21 Shade-giving trees 51 Siphocamphylua betula?folius ... 363 Smeaton's heating and fire-extin- guishing apparatus 81 Solanum crinitum 95 Solomon's Seal at Hampton Court 77 Staphylea colchica 269 Street balcony gardening in Murcia 26 Strelitzia Nicolaii 173 Terrace garden with undipped vegetation II The cottage in Kensington Gardens 297 The Gardens at Rocquencourt ... 321 The Japanese Plum 325 Tillandsia usneoides 157 Timber-built house and Cherry orchard 451 Traveller's tree of Madagascar ... 306 Tropical fruit-house, section of ... 415 Tubers of AmpelopsLs tuberosa ... 365 Variegated Cornish Moneywort ... 359 Vase filled with autumn flowers ... 469 ,, ornamented with Ferns and Grasses 223 Victoria regia in flower 169 View in the Drapers' Company's garden 103 View in the Public Promenade, Rio Janeiro 411 Weeping Beech 477 ,, Birch, a new £26 Wilhelmsbohe 163 Window garden with glass doors ... 397 BUPPLEHEST TO inK UAKDiiH, JAB. ID, 13/0, J JSIR. ROBERT ISl^RNOCK The accompanying portrait is that of Me. Robert Maknock, a gentleman possessing a world-wide reputation as a landscape gardener. Mr. Maenock's professional career may be said to have commenced with the laying out of the Sheffield Botanical Gardens about the year 1837. His success in that case led to his being aiDpointed by the Royal Botanic Society to form their new garden in the Regent's Park, and of the hajjpy manner in which that work has been executed it is unnecessary now to speak. It so clearly bore the impress of a master mind in the art of landscape gardening, that from that time Mr. Maenock ranked as one of the leading men in his profession. In Mr. Maenock's case the artist and practical landscape gardener have been so happily combined, that, in the numerous works executed under his direction it would be difficult to find one in which the highest principles of the art are not well shown. The same breadth of treatment, grace of outline, and easy and natural undulations which characterise the Regent's Park Gardens may be traced throughout most of his other works. In selecting a few from the many places either laid out or renovated by him, it may be sufficient to mention one or two of the more important, such as Warwick Castle, Hagley Hall, Draycott, Rood Ashton, Oak Lodge, Kensington ; Hall Place, Tonbridge; Berry Hill and Park Place, Bucks; Greenlands, Henley-on-Thames; Wimbledon House, Surrey ; Rousdon, Devon ; Possingworth, Susses ; Eyusham Hall, Oxon ; Wadhurst Park, Susses, and others too numerous to be here specified. In 1853-54 he laid out the grounds of the villa San Donato, near Florence, for Prince DemidofF. In addition to many contributions to the horticultural and botanical press, he was for several years horticultural Editor of the " Gardeners' and Farmers' Journal." As director of the gardens and eshibitions of the Royal Botanic Society, his good taste, skill, and courtesy were invaluable in makmg the Regent's Park shows worthy of their great popularity, both with the public and exhibitors. Mr. Maenock was the first to arrange a flower show in a picturesque manner, and well he succeeded. Indeed, notwithstanding the many and meritorious attempts in the same direction that have since been made, the arrangements for flower shows in the Regent's Park are still admitted to be the best. On his retirement from the curatorship of the Royal Botanic Gardens, the exhibitors presented him with a handsome testimonial, as an expression of their esteem for the way ho had managed the exhibitions of the society. For genuine kindness and courtesy to those brought in connection with him, Mr. Maenock has, through a long and honourable life, stood pre-eminent ; and it is not too much to say, that few men have secured so many friends and made bo few enemies. With respect to his more recent works, some of which are enumerated above, our own opinion is that as regards design, and taking all the circumstances and capacities of each place into consideration, they aro the most beautiful, and in all ways satisfactory, we have seen in any country. JnLY 4., 1874] THE aAEDEN. 1 THE GARDEN. " Thia is an art Whioli doea mend nature ; change it rather ; but The Aet itselp is Natuee." — Shakespeare. LEICESTER SQUARE AS A GARDEN. The public, through tho daily and weekly journals, know all about the recent history of Leicester Square ; it falls to us to discuss, from a purely professional stand-point, the garden into which the square has been converted. A garden ot any kind, in lieu of the nuisance of Leicester Square, with its fragments of the leaden horseman, its dead dogs and cats, and its decay- ing and not inodorous rubbish of various kinds, is a precious boon to the district, and the most notorious eyesore in London is seen no more. But we have scores of squares needing like changes ; and the manner in which this transformation has been done, being likely to influence future work in tho same direction, it is desirable that the points in which the design of Leicester Square is glaringly deficient should be fully made known to all interested in such improvements. The first and chief defect in the new garden is that it is too much " cut up." There is a broad walk immediately circling the fountain, and another walk all round, between that and the enclosure, and then there are likewise four other walks, one from each of the four entrances, intersecting the external walk, and leading directly to the one round the fountain. This needless preva- lence of gravel, instead of tnrf, is a radical mistake ; it is a repetition of the tones of the surrounding houses ; it wearies the eye, and destroys all repose. It is a similar mistake to that committed in planning the garden of the Royal Horticultural Society at South Kensington, in which caSe the elaborate psendo-gravellings were varied in tone by the adoption of different coloured brick-dust for different walks, with the view, perhaps, of not being too dependent for colour upon the gardener and florist. But the effect is cold, hard, and unin- teresting ; there is, also, iu that example of London gardening a super-abundance of statuary, and an overdone and glaring fountain, far too big for the area iu which it is placed, which wo notice here, because there are very similar defects glaringly noticeable in the laying out of the new Leicester Square garden. The fountain, for instance, like that of the Horti- cultural gardens, is too big for the space, while the lesser pieces of sculpture dotted about would be better away. The walks, as before observed, are too many; and the area for the refreshing green of turf is thus made too small. In short, there is far too much of the archi- tect and sculptor, and too little of the gardener. This is a great, but, very common, defect in the creation and embellishment of town gardens. The planning of the turf and walks, and the selection of trees, and the forms and situations of the plantations, should be under the exclusive management of an eminent gardener. The gardener, on the other band, must not attempt to design the fountains or statues, just as the architect or sculptor must not meddle with the special work of the gardener. We have, in the overdone architectural gardening at the head of the Serpentine, a hideous example of the results of a contrary system to the one advocated. But, to return to Leicester Square, let us see what could be done to relieve the eye from that intolerable deal of gravel walks. Either the one round the fountain, or the external one might be altogether suppressed. The centre should have been an open expanse of verdant turf, and the only walk required, was a sufficiently wide one around the Square, with the needed num- ber of short walks leading from the entrance to this. In the centre where there ought to be repose, there is nothing but stone, chairs, and gravel — and confusion. As for the planting, much is wrong — both as to the kind of trees selected, and the manner of their disposal as to position. It is very curious that in spite of all the experience of the constant failure of evergreens in the London squares, that no kinds of single deciduous trees (or scarcely any) have been employed iu the planting of Leicester Square; Rhododendrons and Portugal Laurels are the plants chiefly made use of, though a moment's thought, with all the experience that our town plantations furnish, would have shown that trees which do not shed their leaves annually become so encrusted in soot after a single winter in the midst of London smoke, that they dwindle into miserable and stunted objects, anything but ornamental ; and, indeed, wretched to look upon. Deciduous trees, on the other hand, which are provided by Nature with a new suit of greenery every spring, suffer compara- tively little injury from the smoke-plague of our myriad chimneys. ' In Lincoln's Inn Fields, Brunswick Square, Russell Square, and other spacious enclosures, the deciduous trees, from Lilacs up to Limes and Planes, present, on the contrary, as fine an appearance as they do in the purest country air. The expensive standard Portugal Laurels, and fine Rhododendrons now planted in Leicester Square, may simply be looked upon as planted there to die, within a couple of years certainly, and to become wretched objects after the effects of a single winter's smoke work. It would seem, in matters horticultural, either nobody observes what goes on in London or nobody takes a lesson from what occurs. What has become of all the very expensive Portugal Laurels and other fine evergreens planted in the Horticultural Gardens at South Kensington ? Let anyone go into Hyde Park now and see the scare-crow Cypresses along Park Lane, and the miserable Conifers near the Corner, and judge how unwise it is to plant many evergreens even in our parks. But we are rich and foolish enough to go on buying and plant- ing costly evergreens, and carting them off, when nearly dead, to the rubbish-heap, replacing them again with costly nursery specimens. One thing is certain — that the only way of preserving in good health the shrubs planted in Leicester Scpmre will be to transport them bodily to some pleasant country every autumn, bringing them back in early summer. As regards the central fountain and statue, it is a fairly-designed, well-executed, piece of work, when judged by itself ; but it occupies far too much space in a small enclosure like that of Leicester Square. The diameter of its inner circle, without the external one, with its complications of bracket work and vases, would have been in better proportion with the area in which it is placed. Again, the marble fosse or fosses occupying the space between the inner and outer circuit of the design are fitted for the reception of water and not for the display of flowers, with which they are now filled. There is also an extraneous feature in the fountain work, in the shape of a metal guard or gallery, the effect of which is puerile and incon- gruous, and should be removed. The effect of the metal rail work of the enclosure is, on the other hand, good and appropriate ; and the novel feature of reducing it to about half the height of the usual enclosures of our squares is a manifest improve- ment, if our London roughs, who are certainly getting a little smoothed down, can be induced to respect it as a boundary line at a time when the gates are closed. It is only right to add that, though Mr. John Gibson, jun., has carried out the work he is not responsible for the design, which is, we believe, wholly that of the architect. Hence, of course, the reason why gravel and stone usurp the place of Grass and flowers. Let us hope that the absence of the only vegetation that can thrive in Leicester Square is not intentional, and that it will be remedied in autumn. Should this be so, we trust those ti'ees which, like the Lime, become rusty and lose their leaves early in summer, may be avoided, and such as the good kinds of Robinia, which preserve the freshest verdure till late in the autumn, not forgotten. A square, with a few dying evergreens in winter, and without any more stately vege- tation, would prove a sorry prospect at any season. Trees that will bear the London climate and smoke, and which attain to a considerable size when full grown, would eventually become a fine feature iu Leicester Square ; to have the surrounding houses partially concealed by their upper- most branches, and to walk among their shadows in the warm days of an English summer, might become a pleasure to many generations of Londoners. It should not be forgotten that the many seats provided will be useless, and the gardens not frequented in hot weather, if there be no trees to give shade. The opening day (Thursday) was of the kind that makes even a garden, without shade, far from agreeable. It is hoped that this bold innovation will lead to many of the dismal squares of London being opened and improved. THE GARDEN. [July 4, 1874. NOTES OP THE WEEK. The following Lilies are now in bloom at the gardens, Weybridgo Heath, viz. : — Liliutn auratum, L. Brownii, L. canadense flavum, L. c. rubro flavum, L. c. rubrum, L. californicum, L. colum- biannm (just over), L. coridion, L. croceuni, L. giganteum, L. Ham- boldtii, L. Ki'ameri (very large mauve-pnrple flower), L. longiflornm, L. partheneion, L. parviflorum, L. philadelphicum, L. puberulura, L. Thnnbergianum atrosanguineum grandiflorum (very fine dark colour), L. T. bicolor, L. T. aureum, L. T. marmoratum, L. T. maculatnm, L. Washingtonianum, white flowered ; also a variety of it sold by Messrs. Backhouse — this has almost white flowers which changed to purple, a handsome flower — L. W. purpurcum. The following so-called varieties of L. nmbellatum were bought under tho following names ; but, although they were all iu bloom side by side, neither Mr. Wilson nor his gardener could recognise wherein their differences consisted ; they are fine showy iiowers, viz. : — L. u. grandiflorum, L. n. erectum, L. u. macnlatum, L. n. Sappho, L. u. fulgiduui, L. u. Incomparable, and L. n. punctatnm. — • — Mr. Stapleton, of Spring Grove House, Isleworth, writes to us as follows : — " The thunder-storm, which passed over this neigh- bourhood on the 2J;th ult., will be long remembered on account of the tremendous fall of hail with which it was accompanied. In a few minutes the ground was thickly covered, so that it presented quite a wintry appearance. The hailstones being unusually lai'ge, much damage was done to the fruit crops and bedding plants. Strawberries were deeply indented by the hailstones, which has caused them to rot upon the ground; Pearson espaliers were also much damaged, the fruit, wherever exposed, being marked as if by shot. In the flower garden Coleuses are literally stripped of their foliage, and Geraniums completely riddled ; Elm and Chestnut trees also suffered severely. The storm does not seem to have extended far, as but a short distance from Spring Grove nothing was known of it." A MAGNiFic'E.\T Specimen of Odontoglossum ve.villarium is now in flower in Mr. Rucker's well-known collection of Orchids at Wandsworth. The plant in question has one young pseudo-bulb, which has produced four flower-spikes, bearing in all fifteen flowers of remarkable size and substance. This variety has blossoms of a soft rosy hne, and is one of the finest Odontoglots we have yet seen, the individual blooms and the entire plant being far finer than the specimen pourtrayed so faithfully by Pitch in the current number of Bateman's beautiful " Monograph " of the genus Odontoglossnm. Another plant bears thirteen deeper-tinted flowers, rather smaller in size than those to which allusion has just been made, but still extremely eft'ective. These plants more than confirm the excellent opinion formed of this Odontoglot by its fortunate introducers, Messrs. Veitch, who, it will be remembered, exhibited a specimen of it last year at South Kensington with twelve flowers on two fine spikes. It appears to possess the singular habit of producing a spike from the axil of each sheathing leaf ; while, in exceptionally robust and well-grown plants like Mr. Rucker's, a spike is often produced from the apex of the last-formed pseudo bulb. Even 0. Alexandra;, charming as it undoubtedly is, is inferior in beauty to this fine kind, which, when it becomes thoroughly established, will be found to be one of the most beautiful and effective of all Orchidaceous plants. An interesting communication was made by Mr Darwin to the Scientific Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society at their meeting on the 1st iust., relating to some observations he had recently been making on Pinguioula. The reader will remember that he has already published some remarkable facts regarding the seizure of flies by Diontea (Venus's Ply-trap) and Drosera (Sundew), which lead to the conclusion that the insects entrapped are made use of for the alimentation of the plant. After the fly has been seized by tho leaf, an acid secretion di.stils from the latter which enables it to digest the nitrogenous matter in the insect, which is absorbed into the plant, and the rest rejected. Mr Darwin has been regarding the genus Pinguicula from the same standpoint. Its leaf, indeed, has no hairs by which cither to entangle or retain flies or other insects ; but it is covered with an adhesive secretion, which, if it does not at once glue any insect that alights on it to tho spot, at least prevents its escape as effectively. The leaf is reflexed at the margins, so as to to become a kind of tray, over whose edge the entangled sticky insect must find it difticult to clamber. Farther he finds that the Pinguicula digests albuminous subjects placed or alighting on its leaf, in the same way as the Sundew or Diona:a. If an insect or piece of meat, or a Cabbage seed (a seed rich in albumen), or, it would almost appear, any other organic substance is placed on the leaf, it, like the Snndew throws out a secretion, which, as in it, is acid, and which acts as a solvent to the albuminous matter exposed to it. Moreover, the leaf becomes slowly reflexed over it, and distils this secretion above the object as well as below it. After twenty, four hours it reverts to its natural position and the secretion is re- absorbed. Mr. Darwin infers that the purpose of this is to feed tho plant. We shall await the publication of his paper with im. patience, and until we have had the opportunity of reading it deliberately and digesting it at leisure, we shall reserve our judg. ment upon it. The Place da Trone, in Paris, is about to be converted into a public garden, with the usual accompaniments of Grass, flowers, shrubs, trees, and fountains. Messus. Hooi'Eii, of Covent Garden, have sent us a small spike of Lilium Washingtonianum in flower. They state that when the blooms first open they are quite white, and that they afterwards change to lilac, the two colours on the different spikes having a beautiful effect. It is, without doubt, a chaste and charming Lily. Some of our contemporaries are enthusiastic about having found the Genista virgata, of Madeira, a handsome shrub, in flower in Mr. Waterer's nursery. It is, however, not so rare as one would suppose from this discovery ; a large shrub of it has for many years adorned the long mixed border in Kensington Gardens. The flowers of the White Lily (Liliatn candidum) having expanded iu Paris from the 13th to the 17th of June, the harvest in the basin of Paris ought to commence about the 20fch of July, This observation is founded upon a relation that appears to exist between the flowering of this plant and the ripening of cereals. So many days (it is said) as the flowering of the White Lily precedes the festival of St. John, just so many days before the 1st of August will the cutting of cereals commence. During all the years that we have made this remark, says Mr. Carriers in the Bevue Horticole, facts have confirmed it. The different varieties of the beautiful Iris Kajmpferi, are generally considered somewhat difficult to manage J but in the Wel- lington Road Nurseries there are now numerous beautiful and distinct forms of this Iris, varying from pui'e white to the richest violet- purple, all in full flower, planted out in the open ground. Although perfectly hardy, it increases but slowly, and is on that account rarely seen outside the few trade collections in which it is grown. Messrs. Henderson's plants are growing in ordinary garden soil, but it is thought they would do even better in a moist situation. One fine variety of I. K;cmpferi exhibited by Messrs. Henderson the other day at South Kensington, bore some resemblance to a large purple Clematis; its six petals were perfect, i.e., they were all of equal size, instead of having three partially suppressed, as is generally the case in the group to which this Iris belongs. It was stated at tho meeting in question, that the deviation from the normal type just alluded to, distinguished this Iris from I. Icsvigata, which it other, wise closely resembles. At a meeting of the Court of Common Council, held the other day to further consider the advisability of rebuilding Farringdon Market, after considerable discussion, the following amendment was made by Mr. Isaacs: — "That whereas the site of the present Farringdon Market is of considerably greater value than that adjoin- ing the Metropolitan Meat Market Extension ; and that whereas tho latter site has the advantage of frontages in four streets, and of con. tiguity to thi'ee principal lines of railway, which would enable growers living at a great distance from the metropolis to supply tho London markets with fresh vegetables at prices considerably below the current values ; and that, whereas a market could be erected on the new site without displacing the trade at present carried on in Farringdon, this court is of opinion that a new fruit and vegetable market should be erected on the site adjoining the Metropolitan Meat Market." Upon a division, this was carried by 55 to 33 votes. The Markets Committee were then instructed to obtain plans and esti- mates for a new fruit and vegetable market on the site adjoining the Metropolitan Meat Market, and to report to the court. A .voiiLE plant of Curdyline australis (Hooker) — Dracaena australis (Forst. Prodrom.) — is now finely in flower iu the Botanic Garden, Glasnevin. It is a New Zealand plant, and not the Norfolk Island plant, which goes under the name of Cordyline australis in our gardens. The latter is C. Baueri (Hooker) — Charlwoodia australis (Sweet), andDraeiena australis ("Bot. Mag.") — which, though often seen in our large conservatories, is not a hardy plant in any part of the British Isles. The plant at Glasnevin, as we learn from Dr. Moore, has stood without any protection during the last seven years, and has now a stout straight stem a foot in circumference, and nearly 1-1 feet high. The panicle of inflorescence is nearly 2 feet wide at the base, and rather more than 2 feet from base to apex. This flne Cordyline was received at Glasnevin, from the Oxford Botanic Garden, thirty years ago, when it was a very small plant ; it got too large for the plant houses aud was, consequently, put out-of-doors, where it has succeeded admirably. Channnrops Fortunei (Chincusis) is also flowering freely out-of-doors at Glasnevin this year ; it has been planted out seven years. July 4, 1874.] THE GAKDBN. THE FLOWER GARDEN. ORNAMENTAL GOURDS. The genus Cucumis, familiar to all of us in the form of Cucum- bers and Melons, is far more widely known as the source from which we derive these much esteemed esculents than as affording subjects which might be applied to purposes of an ornamental character. It contains, however, many species which possess such a unique and hl::ar)-e aspect, that they claim a large amount of attention from those who seek after that variety of form and expression, which, irrespective of any pretensions to intrinsic beauty, contributes to lend — if only from mere con- trast— an additional effect to many well-studied combinations of fine-flowered or fine-foliaged plants. The cultivation of the Gourd family in our flower-gardens has hitherto been strangely neglected, and our object now is, by a description of a few of the most remarkable species, to direct more general attention to it. On the Continent, Gourds have been long esteemed, either for their singularity or the handsome colouring of their fruits. Being climbing plants, they are employed for covering arbours, trellises, &c., and, although most of them are annuals, the peculiar effect which they produce, will re- pay the small trouble of an annual sowing. The subject of our illnstration, the Goose- berry Gourd (C. grossula- rioides) is one of the hand- somest of the family. It forms creeping stems about 8 feet long, and of the thick- ness of a goose-quill. The fruit, which are produced in great abundance, are as large as a good-sized Gooseberry, and are finely marked with alternate longitudinal bauds, of very dark and very light green. They are so bitter in taste as to be inedible, and so numerous that a single plant will often bear from 500 to 800 fruit. Although the plant is a native of North Africa and Arabia, it can be advantage- ously grown in the open air in this country during the summer, and may either be sown, in the place where it is intended to remain, about the middle of May, or, in a hot-bed under a frame, in March or April, and after- wards transplanted, with a good ball, into a bed of spent hot-bed matei-ial, or into a hole filled with stable-manure, covered with some inches of soil. Although not absolutely necessary, frequent waterings during the heats of summer will be found useful in encouraging a vigorous growth. Another very singular species is C. metu- liferous, which grows about 4 or 5 feet high, and beai's largish egg-sha])ed irregularly-nibbed fruit, 4 to Cinches long, studded with huge prominent spikes, and of a fine scarlet colour when ripe. It is supposed to have been first discovered by Dr. Livingstone in Southern Africa, in the Caffrariau district. The variety called Teasel Gourd (C. dipsaceus), a native of Central and Eastern Africa, grows about 7 feet high, with very slender stems, about as thick as a goose-cjuill. The fruit is about 3 inches long, of a regular oval shape, yellow when ripe, and densely covered with long stiff hairs, so that it very much resembles the flower-head of the Teasel before the flowers have expanded. It presents a marked contrast to the fruit of many of the other species. In culture, it requires to be treated in the same manner as the Gooseberry Gourd. A perennial species from Nubia and Abyssinia (C. Figarei), found on the mountains of those countries at 6,500 feet altitude, very much resembles the GooselWry Goutd/ili -tiifi appearance of its fruit, which, however, i^^o^^hat larget, and destitute of the long spines which are feijljibitad by the former. It merely bears a few very short scattfei^^'d points, which are chiefly collected around the base. Five vai-Jetrtes t£ this species have been noted. In Abyssinia, the roots of this plant, which possess a very bitter property, are said to be employed as a remedy in cases of madness. Enough, perhaps, has been stated to show the wonderful variety which exists amongst the fruits of this family of plants, and we shall conclude with the following enumeration of some species now in cultivation, which present a most extraordinary diversity in the shape and colouring of their fruit, and seeds of which are easily procurable through any of our leading nurserymen. Among the finest of the larger-fruited sorts are the Turk's Cap varieties, such as Grand Mogul, Pasha of Egypt, Viceroy, Empress, Bishop's Hat, &c., the Serpent Gourd, Gorilla, St. Aignan, Mons. Fould, Siphon, Half-moon, Giant's Punch-bowl, and the Mammoth, which weighs from 170 pounds to upwards of 200 pounds ; while, among the miniature varieties, the Fig, Cricket-ball, Thumb, Cherry, Striped Custard, Hen's-egg, \ •Ui The Gooseberry "Gourd. Pear, Bottle, Orange, Plover's- cgg, &c., are most interesting kinds, and particularly useful for filling vases, &c. All these, as well as many other.=, grow well in our climate in summer, and do not require the protection of glass or any other shelter. The directions given for the culture of the Gooseberry Gourd will be found applicable to all the rest ; those that are sown in frames early in the season being gradually hardened off by a judicious admission of air before they are finally planted out. This court o, however, need only be pur- sued when an early growth is desired. The plants, as a rule, are tenacious of life, and will exist with a scanty supply of water and in indifferent soil ; but, if it is desired to grow them to their highest degree of perfection, they will, like their congeners the Melons and the Cucumbers, be found not insensible to thu advantages of a rich and mel- low compost, and a liberal allowance of water at all times. These conditions are, in fact, essential to the abiindant production of well-developed, finely-shaped, and richly-coloui-ed fruit. W. M. SAXIFRAGES. By J. C. NIVEN, Botanic Gardens, Hull. The None-so-pretty Group (Continued from p. 477J. S. Geum of Linnious — though amply distinct from the preced- ing species, S. umbrosa, when seen in its true typical character, possesses also many variations that, in my opinion, may be traced to a strong tendency to hybridisation between the two species, there appears to be a sort of collateral cousinship amongst them, ^vhose limit is so extensive as to form a perfect puzzle to the descriptive botanist. The true specific type under consideration has round reniformly cordate hairy Itaves, crenate or dentate as to the margin, and showing but a small trace of the hard cartilaginous edge that we had in the preceding species ; the foot-stalks of the leaf are hairy, rounded below, channelled above, and longer than those of umbrosa. The whole plant in aspect bears so close a general resemblance to the old London Pride — more especially in the flowers — that they may readily be mistaken by the ordinary observer for the same THE GAKDBN. [July 4, 1874. plant Our present species is not, however, possessed of such a vigorous constitution, nor is it able to stand the extremes of cultural neglect,unclerwhich,asIbeforeobsei-ved, the other appears to flourish. Like S.' umbrosa, it seems to have no recorded habitats beyond Britain" the Pyrenees, and the central mountains of Spain, but I am strongly of opinion that the remarks I made on the geographical distribution of that sppcies are equally applicable to this. S. Geujn var. polita of Haworth is of much smaller and denser growth, devoid of hairs both above and below the leaf, cordate at the base, but not reniform the marginal notches, broad and blunt pointed. . . , . . ,, S. Geum var. dentata of Link, as its name implea, is specmlly distinguished by the small sharp serratures, by the foot-stalk being flattened at the'top, not channelled, and by the slightest tendency in the orbicular leaf to run down the margin of the petiole ; the flowers, besides the usual crimson spots, have a single yellow blotch about the centre of each petal, which enhances their beauty much on a close examination, though hardy noticeable at a distance. S. Geum var. elegans of Mackay has its leaves slightly more oval' than orbiculate ; its chief characteristic, and on that account the name elegans was given by the worthy old Saxifragean Doctor, results from the flowers being densely dotted over with both yellow and crimson spots. It grows abundantly in one or two localities in the south aiid west of Ireland, but we have no record of this variation occurring on the Contiuent S. Geum var. hirsuta. — Considered as a distinct species by Linnaeus, and merged into the variety dentata by Engler, possesses many features especially its own, sufficient, if not to raise it absolutely to a specific title, at least, to coustitute it a well marked variation. It has the true characteristics of our typical species, both in form of leaf and foot-stalks, its leaves are more upright, margined with very blunt crenatures, and covered both above and below with lonf erect hairs ; as to colour, the whole plant is of a much darker green than any of the preceding ; and the flowers almost devoid of the crimson dots. This plant, wh=n growing with the vigour as it does in the southern Irish mountains, is supposed, by some, to be allied to 5 repanda, if not identical with it ; but, independent of other botani. cal points, the thick fleshy leaves of the latter, as compared with the former, renders it readily distinguishable. S. cochlearisefolia of Schrader is identical, from Bugler's description, with a species long in cultivation under, I feel bound to say, a much happier title — namely, S. cochleata— than that which Schrader has o-iven ; but, for it I can find no authority beyond that of gardens ; and, as the other has a true descriptive status, I sup- pose we must yield here to precedence. Be the name as it may, this is a singular little plant, and perfectly distinct. It forms dense com. pact tufts of glabrous, rounded, cordate leaves, oblique at the base, hard and horny in substance, and markedly concave ; the margins, indented irregularly, are cartilaginous ; the flower-stems are about 6 inches high, covered with minute glands, and distinguished by the presence of''two or three wedge-shaped leaves. Our plant, as regards foliage, does not exceed 2 inches in height, and always presents a dai-k"bronzy-green appearance, its concave or, as I would term them, cochleate leaves, intermingling with the adjacent and opposite leaves, destroys altogether anything in the form of a rosette-like arrange, nient. What, then, is its history ? Referring to Engler, we find it occurring iu his hybrid addenda to the Robertsonia section, where it is represented as a cross between Geum and rotundifolia, a parentage that I must candidly admit I entirely fail to recognise on either one side or the other, whether as regards foliage or flowers ; which latter, by the way, are very rarely produced. He further states that it is a hybrid found by Villars in his garden as long ago as the year 1793, .and bavin"- since occurred in the Berlin Botanic Garden. Be this as it may, it lias all the distinctive characters of a true species ; and, as such I am disposed to recognise it, and should like to see it retained under its garden title of S. cochleata, at least, until some more likely ancestry for it is pointed out. S. cuneifolia of Linnasus, is sometimes met with under the name of S. cuncata, but the latter is given by Wildenow to a plant belonging to the Mossy section ; hence, however unfortunatel}' similar the nomenclature may be, the two species are perfectly distinct. Tiie leaves in this plaut are glabrous, ovate, with the blade rounded at the apex and gradually narrowing into the jietiolo in a wedge-liko fashion for at least half its length. The margins are distinctly cartilaginous, very slightly notched, collectively the leaves form a tolerably dense arrangcineut of moderately-sized rosettes, from the centre of each of which rises a panicle of flowers, some 6 or 7 inches hii'h, more slender, and the individual flowers much smaller than in Geum. It is a native of nearly all the mountain ranges in Southern Europe. S. cuneifolia var. dauriea of Schlicher, although regarded as synonymous with the foregoing, is, I think, fully entitled to rank as a distinct variety, arising from the following peculiarities. Its leaves are more acutely pointed, the apex being distinctly reflexed, and the margins more irregularly notched ; added to these, the arrangements of the rosettes is far from being so uniform. Some rise above the general surface, giving a much laxer character to the growth of the variety than is the case in the original species. S. cuneifolia var. infundibulum. — Of this name no mention whatever is made by Engler, and yet it is an exceedingly distinct variety. The funnel-shaped Saxifrage has its leaves almost entire in the margins, round at the points, and incurved in such a manner that each rosette forms a perfectly natural foliated cup, from the centre of which rises the panicle of flowers about 4 or 5 inches high ; indeed, I know of nothing more striking than the effect produced in a well-grown plant of this variety, each rosette being a facsimile of ita neighbour. In cultivation the most appropriate position in a rockery for both this and the former varieties is when growing in a decayed old stnmp of a tree, thus raising it above the general ground level, and giving it an opportunity to overhang the edge, which it will soon do, with a degree of grace and elegance that few plants can surpass. I originally obtained it from the Copenhagen Botanic Garden, and, though not absolutely certain, I think it is one of Dr. Lange's very appropriate names. S. cuneifolia var. multicaulis of Lange. — This, like the former, is tabulated as a synonyme, but is equally entitled with it to be considered as a variation, if not indeed a true species. Its leaves are slender, much narrower than the foregoing, and it branches off into numerous trailing stems, not distinct rosettes ; it is but a ehy grower. I had it in cultivation for about three years from seed, and, just as it was going to bloom, it succumbed to an attack of that pest of all pests — the white grub of the Otiorrynchus ; should any of my readers possess this variety I should be only too glad to add it once again to our collection. S. capillipes of Reichenbach has been cultivated for years as S. capillaris ; it is considered by Engler as a variety of cuneifolia, to which he gives the name subintegra, but I prefer the specific name, to which I think it is fully entitled. It is a perfectly glabrous plant, with rounded leaves, narrowing very slightly into the petiole, entire as to their margins, and of a thick leathery consistency ; they are grouped together in wide expanding rosettes, each rosette being supported on a slender woody stem devoid of leaves, hence originates the very appropriate specific name. The flowers are produced somewhat sparsely, and are, individually, much larger than in any of the heretofore named varieties of cuneifolia. It is a native of the Appenines, the Alps, and the Tyrol. It is a free-growing species, flourishes well in common garden soil, and, being of a pretty lively green, has a pleasing and effective appearance as a border or rock plant, independent altogether of the bloom. S. Bucklandi of gardens. — As long as I can remember, this species has been in cultivation in our English gardens, and I have no doubt those who grow it will admit that it ought to rank as a good distinct species ; and yet, not only is the name altogether absent in Engler's " Monograph," but there is no species described therein, that, so far as I can mako out, can be applicable to our present pLant. S. Bucklandi is a dense-growing cajspitose plant, composed of numerous small rosettes, whose erect foliage and com- pact arrangement cause the little rosettes to merge into one another, in such a way that they almost lose their individuality. The loaves are small and ovate, gradually narrowing down into a long slightly-ciliated petiole ; the upper surface of each leaf is distinctly convex, and the margins almost entire. The tiny panicles of bloom rise to a height of about 3 inches, and produced, as they are in quantities, have a very pretty appearance, adding elegance to the somewhat stiff contour of the tnfted little plant. SNAPDRAGONS. These may be had iu flower all through the summer and autumn months, and among the blossoms are forms and markings of the most varied and beautiful kind. Snap- dragons are hest when treated as hardy hiennials. A pinch of good seed sown in a box or pan in a house or frame during the mouth of March will furnish abundance of plants for any ordinary garden ; and when these seedlings are '6 or 4 inches in height they may be placed in the box or pan in which they are growing in the open air until the stems have become hard and wiry ; then transplant them into whatever position they are to occupy; and by midsummer, or soon after, they will begin to bloom, and will continue to do so until the end of November. As a rule I find that no other hardy border plant flowers more continuously or more freely than the Snap- dragon, and those side shoots that come so abundantly after July 4, 1874] THE GARDEN, the centre spike has done blooming offer most useful material for cut bloom at a time when flowers are of great value. If seed be sown as soou as the earliest pods are ripe, which will be about the end of June on old plants, a batch of seedlings should be raised from it sufficiently strong to stand the winter, and these will flower early in the ensuing summer. The best plants and the finest spikes are produced from those plants that have bloomed the previous autumn, as, if the tops have been partially cut down during the winter, an abundance of strong, robust growth will come up early in the spring from the base of the plant, and these shoots will furnish splendid snikes of flower, varying from 6 to 9 inches in length, all open at once. These would be at their best proliably about the middle of June ; but if a goodly number of plants be grown there would be little difficulty in getting good spikes for exhibition all through the month. The Snapdragon is a very easily cultivated plant, and, it horticultural societies could be generally induced to encourage its culture by offering good prizes for the best eight or twelve spikes, it would doubtless receive more general attention than it does at present. The most pleasing forms of the Snapdragon are those with flaked and striped flowers, and these come very constant from seed. It is peculiarly noticeable that seedling plants of this striped strain have stripes or flakes on the under sides of the leaves, and the stems are also sometimes marked in the same way. The flower markings are so diversified, that out of a batch of 100 plants scarcely two have fiowers exactly alike. Many of them are also bizarre in character, having a coloured ground, and two other diverse colours flaked upon it. In securing a collection for any purpose, it would, however, bo unwise to overlook the beauty of some of the self-coloured flowers, or those that have white throats with rich coloured mouths, and especially those that have deep coloured mouths and orange or white lips. Most of these colours are found best in the tall-grosving strain; and, as these, when in the second year of growth, will rise to a height of 30 inches, they should be planted several feet from the front of the border, in order that dwarf plants be not obscured. There is a dwarf or Tom Thumb strain that is perhaps best adapted for pot culture. These will grow to heights varying from 10 to 15 inches when in flower, and, in addition to a very free blooming habit, have colours that do not exist amongst the tall kinds. This dwarf strain is just as hardy as the other, and requires the same process of cultivation; but, if planted iu the open border,it should be kept in the front row with other medium- sized plants. If seed of these be sown in the spring under glass, plants will be produced that will flower during August and September ; and if potted up into 32-sized pots will make a rare display in windows at that time. There are a few very fine double forms of Snapdragon, but these do not seed, and have to be propagated by cuttings. The flowers are very large and massive, and have a curious appearance, but are not, on the whole, so pretty as the single kinds. It is always easy for the grower to perpetuate any favourite kind by means of cuttings, which should be taken from strong side shoots in the summer, and struck under a hand-light in some shady or cool situation. A. D. WELSH WILD FLOWEKS. It was after seeing the wild Columbine in a meadow close to the steep rock, known as the " Little Orme's Head," near Llandudno, that I came to the conclusion that old Walton's Culver Keys, the flower about which so many different opinions have been expressed, mnst have been the Aquilegia vulgaris, since it grows wild in sufficient profusion here to enable '* garlands " to be formed oi^ it *' along with Cowslips." Those who assert, in confirmation of their opinion, that the wild Columbine could not have been the plant alluded to by the old angler, because it is never seen in sufficient quantities to form a garland, should go to Llandudno, and interview it there when in full bloom. The Vernal Sandwort I, likewise, found there, its pearly, white flowers showing out well amid the bare herbage on the mountain's side, and the Herbe aux Charpentierg of the French, the Herb of Taliesin, as it is called in North Wales, being named after that ancient bard, thrives better there than in any other place in which I have ever met with it, Bangor included, and yet I gathered some fine specimens of it near the latter town, two summers ago, but those taken from the Little Orme were the best. " Pegyl," as the Welsh women call the Honnd's-tongne, is very abundant in the hedges ; its lurid look betrays at once its poisonous character ; never- theless, it is, in my opinion, an interesting plant, and its prickly nuts, and smooth seeds, are very pretty objects when viewed through a common microscope. The little Orme cannot boast like the large rock, the Great Orme, of rare shrubs, such as the Cotoneaster, which guide books tell one used to be considered a foreign plant, until found there. I see no rea.son, however, why it should not still be thought so, though very hardy; for, anyone acquainted with that coast must be aware that, in former years wrecks oft" the Great Orme's Head were unfortunately not unfrequent ; what more likely, then, than that the seed collection of some homeward-bound botanist may have beeu cast on shore to take root among the crevices of that dangerous rock ? The botanist, who stays at Llandudno should visit Sj'chnant Pass, a spot rich in rare wild plants, where, among the old Druidical remains he will find much to delight him. Maen y Campan (the stone of games), the place where Eisteddfodai were held, the Cromlechs and the Carneds are all covered with different kinds of flowers, and even the old walls of Braich y Ddinas, the strongest fortress the Britons ever held in the Snowdon range, are decked with graceful Ferns, Ivy, and yellow Wallflower, whilst the lovely little Maiden Pink (Dianthus deltoides) covers the ground with its bright tufts of bloom, but the raven and the chough now reign where the old Welsh Princes waged war against their Saxon foes, and oft-times against each other. The Gi'eat Hall, at Conway Castle, where Edward and his nobles held high revel, is given over to the fronds of the Hart's-tongue and memories of the mighty dead. The name of Llewelyn y Llwy Olaf has almost faded from the land he reigned over, but the descendants of the birds he loved so well to sport with, the royal peregrine and the falcon, may still be seen hovering over the mountain passes, or wending their flight across to the Orme's Head. Berry Grove, Liss. H. B. W. GRAPE HYACINTHS. (muscari.) The increasing interest taken in all classes of hardy spring-flower', ing plants will, probably, make a complete account of this pretty family acceptable to cultivators of these subjects. Muscari moschatum. — This, the musk-scented Grape Hya. cinth, is more remarlvable for the fragrant odour than for the colour of its flowers, which are of a dull greenish. yellow tint, slightly shaded with violet, and are produced, in rather dense racemes, 2 or 3 inches long, and containing from twenty to fifty flowers on flower.stalks 4 to 8 inches high, appearing iu spring and early summer. The individual flowers are about a quarter of an inch long, and of a tubular pitcher, shape, with the rounded segments of the mouth reflexed in a starlike fashion ; leaves, five or six in number, linear, fleshy, about a foot long, and from half.an.inch to three-quarters broad. Native of Asia Minor and the East. A variety, M. m. flavum, has yellowish flowers, with purple teeth or segments, disposed, in a more oblong raceme. M. comosum. — Flower.stem, a foot or more high, marked with tawny spots ; flowers, of an olive-tinged amethyst blue, or bluish, violet, arranged in a large loose raceme, 6 to 12 inches long, and con. taining from forty to a hundred flowers, each flower is divided into slender twisted segments, which give it a fringed appearance, most remarkable in the varieties, M. c. monstruosum and M. c. plumosum ; leaves, linear, ribbon. like, channelled, toothed at the edges. Native of Southern Europe and Algeria. A variety, M. tenuiflornm, has narrower flowers and leaves. M. clusianum is also, probably, a variety with fewer and denser abortive flowers. M. racemosum. — A well-known kind, very common iu old gardens; flower.stem, 4 to 6 inches high; flowers, fragrant, of a deep sky .blue colour, in a dense raceme of twelve to twenty blooms, and about an inch long ; leaves, five or six in number, rush. like, spreakiug 8 to 10 inches long. Native of England and Southern and Central Europe. A variety (M. pulchellum), found on Mount Par. nassus, has leaves which are less rush-like in appearance, and has larger and more reflexed segments of the flowers. Another, M, byzantinum, has a lax few-flowered raceme and erect leaves. M. botryoides. — A very charming species, with a flower-stem 6 to 9 inches high, and lovely deep sky-blue flowers, with white teeth or segments at the mouth, arranged in a short, dense, and almost globose raceme, 1 to I2 inches long, and containing from twelve to twenty flowers ; leaves, three or four in number, linear, somewhat glaucous, 6 to 12 inches long. Native of Southern Europe. A variety (M. b. Lelievrii), found in Western France, has a denser raceme and thicker flowers. It also blooms earlier (about the end of February) in its native habitats. M. aipinum. — Flower.stem, li to 2 inches high ; flowers, sky-blue, in somewhat loose racemes 1 to IJ inches long, and contain. THE GARDEN. [July 4, 1874. ing from twelve to twenty flowers each ; leaves, four or five in number, linear, fleshy, 2 or 3 inches long and about a quarter of an inch broad. Native of Asia Minor, in the Alpine districts of Cilicia and Taurus. M. Cupanianum. — A Sicilian species, with broadly.linear, flaccid, chaimelled leaves, and flowers disposed in a longish dense raceme. M. caucasicum.— Flower-stem, 6 to 8 inches high ; flowers, of a livid blue, in a loose raceme from 3 to 4 inches long, and containing fro n twenty to forty blooms; leaves, two to four in number, fleshy, linear, 6 to 9 inches long and about half an inch broad. Native of arid parts of the Georgian Caucasus. M. Bootanense. — Flower-stems, 5 or G inches high ; flowers, blu;, twelve to twenty in number, borne in a raceme 2 to 2.^ inches long and 1 to 1^ inches broad ; leaves, five or six in number, fleshy, linear, very convex on the back, 5 or 6 inches long and about a quarter of an inch broad. Native of Bootan. M. Pinardi. — Flower-stem, 6 to 8 inches high ; flowers, in a loose raceme of from fifty to eighty blooms and l to 8 inches long; leaves, four to six in number, G to 9 inches long, and about a quarter of an inch broad. Native of Asia Minor. M. longipes. — This species resembles Hyacinthus ciliatus in habit, but retains the distinguishing flowers of its genus. They are pro lucod in a pyramidal raceme, the pedecils of the lower flowers being often 2 inches long. Leaves, linear, roughly-toothed, shorter than the flower-stem. Recorded by Boissier as a native of Philistia. M. Gussonii. — Flower-stem, 3 or 4 inches high ; flowers, in a rather loose raceme of twenty to thirty blooms, and from 2 to 21- inches long ; leaves, three or four in number, linear thread-like, and 5 or 6 inches long. Native of Sicily. M. latifolium. — This species is distinguished by never producing more than a single leaf, which is 9 to 12 inches long and from three- quarters to an inch broad ; flower-stem, slender, a foot or more high ; flowei's, in a moderately dense raceme of twenty to thirty blooms, and from IJ to 2 inches long. Native of Phrygia in the Pine forests of Mount Monrad-Dagh. M. Bourgsei. — Flower-stem, IJ to 2 inches high ; flowers, of a deep sky-blue colour, in a short loose raceme of six to ten blooms, and from half to three-quarters of an inch long. Native of Lycia, near the snow-line on Mount Ak-dagh. M. maritimum. — Flower-stem, 3 to G inches high ; flowers, in a loose raceme of twelve to twenty blooms, and from 2 to 2| inches in len'.;:th ; leaves, three or four in number, fleshy, linear, 6 to 9 inches Ion?, and about a quarter of an inch broad. Native of Algeria. M. neglectum. — Flower-stem, G to 9 inches high ; flowers, fra^frant, of a ileep sky-blue colour, with whitish reflexed segments at the mouth, and arranged in a dense raceme, 1^ to 2 inches long, and containing from thirty to forty flowers ; leaves, numerous 9 to 12 inches long, linear thread-liko, deeply channelled. Native of France, Germany, and Italy. This appears to be little more than a larger- growing variety of the preceding species. M. commutatum. — Nearly allied to M. racemosum j flower, stem, about G inches high ; flowers, of a deep sky-blue colour, almost scentless, in a dense raceme of twelve to twenty blooms ; leaves, five or six in number, fleshy, narrowly linear, channelled, 5 or G inches long. Native of .Southern Europe, Palestine and Armenia. Botry- anthus albo-virens of Todaro is probably a white-flowered variety of this species. M. grandifolium. — Flower-stem, 5 or 6 inches high ; flowers, of a livid blue colour, in a dense raceme of fifteen to twenty blooms, and about 11 inches in long ; leaves, five or six in number, 15 to 18 inches Um'^, and about l.i inches broad. A large-leaved species ; grown in the Royal Gardens at Kew. Native country unknown. Iff. Aucheri. — Flower-stem, slender, 2 to 4 inches high ; flowers, very small (scarcely half an inch long), in a short dense spike of six to ten blooms ; loaves, two in number, fleshy, 2 or 3 inches long. Native of Asia Minor. M. pallens. — Flower-stem, 3 to 5 inches high ; flowers, white, oblong, less pitehor-sliaped than those of any other species, in a dense raoeme of twelve to twenty blooms, and less than an inch long; leaves, numerous, thread-like, G to 8 inches long, glaucous, rounded on the ba'-'k. Native of the Caucasus and Iberia. M. parviflorum. — Flower-stem, slender, thread-like, flexuose, 4 to 8 in :lies long ; Cowers, of a pale sky-blue colour, very small, six to twelve in number, produced in a loose raceme of six to twelve blooms, and from 'J tolj inches long; leaves, six to eight in number, linear, thread-like, 4 or 5 inches long. Native of Spain, Sicily, Algeria, Bcrypt, and Syria. M. Heldreichii .^Flower-stem, 4 to 6 inches high ; flowers, of a fine amethyst-blue colour, somewhat like those of M. botryoides, but nearly twice as large, and arranged in a longer spike. Leaves, five or six in number, rush.like, 8 to 12 inches long. Native of Mount Parnassus, in Greece. The preceding account, translated from Mr. Baker's Latin des- criptions in the Journal of the Linnean Society, includes all the known species of Muscari, only some of which, however, are in cultivation ; several kinds, as may be seen from the des- criptions, jtresenting no features of marked interest. The kinds which are grown are valuable as distinct and pretty plants, flowering in sjn'ing and early summer. Their proper position is either in the front row of the choice border or on rock- work, or they may be advantageously grown as window. plants in pots or boxes. In all cases, they thrive best in rich, deep, sandy loam, and are easily multiplied by separation of the bulbs evei-y third or fourth year. W. M. Deep Planting: best for Primula farinosa. — This grows in my neighbourhood, and I have for years had specimens of it in my garden. I procured them in April ; and, in the following June and the succeeding season, the flowering was usually satisfactory; but, after that, I generally lost them — they did not reappear after the second winter. Attributing the failure to frost forcing the roots out of the ground when deprived of their mossy covering, I adopted the following mode of culture, which has proved successful : — About the middle of August I replanted all, dividing the strongest; and, after stirring the soil and adiling a little fresh material, I took each plant, and grasping it around outside the outer leaves, and so enclosing the inner ones, pressed them together and inserted the plant so deep as to leave only the tips of the outer leaves visible above the soil, and finished by pressing the latter firmly and compactly all around. Notwithstanding this deep planting, I have, after a severe frost, occasionally observed protruding roots, and had to apply my foot with some degree of pressure to force them back into their places ; nevertheless, the result has proved that such rough treatment did not prevent the plants from doing well. These Piimroses like a light peaty soil ; and, being bog plants, dryness must be avoided when in flower; they require to be watered freely. Thus treated, my plants have increased rapidly and flowered strongly, having stems from 12 to 14 inches high, bearing noble umbels, each consisting of upwards of forty florets. P. cortusoides has succeeded equally well under the same treatment, and it is probable that all the Primulas of the deciduous section would also succeed. — Ry. NOTES AND QUESTIONS ON THE FLOWER GARDEN. Sideritis hyssopifolia. — This is a very quaint-lookiii;:;-. and, I believe, rather an unconimou plant of the labiate family. It jrroivs about 9 inches high ; has a dense -spreading habit, a profusion of long spikes of pale 3'ellow or sulphur- coloured {lowers. Its low prostrate habit renders it admirably adapted for rock-work, especially when the latter is of a dark colour. — T. WiLLiius. Peat-loving Plants.— Can any of your correspondents inform me from experience what is the be.=;t kind of bed or frame in which to grow the North American Orchids, Bog plants, and such things as Pyrolas, Trilliums, and other small and delicate plants of like nature? Is it necessary to use peat alone? and is Sphagnum a good thing ? It seems that most of these plants like to be kept dryish in winter, and very wet in summer, which is exactly the reverse of what our climate naturally is. How can this be managed? — H. E. British Ferns in London Areas.— A prominent feature of London areas in summer is the abundance nf native Ferns which they often contain, and which appear tn thrive amid the dust and smoke almost as well as in the country, a cir- cumstance probably owing to their shady cool position, and to the copious supply of water which they get. I know several streets in tlie heart of London where they grow year after year as fresh as possible in the areas, and the more shady these are, the better the Ferns do. My principal object in writing, is, how- ever, to draw attention to the rocky* Fernery that wa-s added to the South Kensington Museum some years ago.' This is now very attractive, the Ferna (most of which are common native species) being fresh and vigorous and not a bit less graceful than their tropical or exotic congeners. — F. W. B. Alpine Veronicas.— Every lover of plants who possesses a garden ought to grow Lhe following Veronicis, viz : — V. multifida, pectinata, repens, sasatiUs, taurica, and verbenacc.i. They are all perfectly hardy, and require but little attention, V. repens is a beautiful plant for the spring garden, and lor tliat purpose cannot be grown too largely. A gentleman passmg my garden last spring, when an edging of it was in full bloom, inquired, *• what is that plant which is as white as snow?" V. taurica is also c|uite a gem if left unditturbed for a year or two ; it is just now blooming beautifully with me. I have also planted a very beautiful variety of V. saxatilis, called Grievei, a kind with bright rose-coloured tlowors, which I received from Messrs. Backhouse, of York. It is worth iniiuiriug after, — J. Whittakek, MorUy, near Derby. Flowers for Dry Barren Borders.— I have a border, in front of my house, in which plants generally refuse to grow, a^ it becomes very dry and parched during the summer months. What could I obtain- to cover it, a'nd bear a few (lowers ?~W. S. [For a border such as you nanie, nothing is better than Antirrhinums, or " Snapdragons," and Mignonette. Sow the latter now, and in autumn dig it as deeply as possible, adding a barrow load or two of stable manure, and then sow Antirrhinum majus and Saponaria calabrica seed thickly .all over the surface, and rake them in thoroughly. These are sure to grow and liower well the following summer. A friend of ours lives in a house facing a railway embankment, and, to hide this, he obtained permission to sow flower seeds over it, and just now the Antirrhinums are a sight well worth seeing — a perfect mass of brilliant colours. — Kd.J JtjLY 4, 1874.] THE &ARDEN. THE ARBORETUM. EFFECTS OF GEOLOGICAL POSITION ON CONIFERS. Thf. general diffusion of foreign Conifers in this country, and their importance, not only as regards the effect which they will eventually produce in our landscapes, but as regards their intrinsic economic Talue, induces me to hope that a notice of certain peculiarities, which I have had opportunities of remarking in a few species, may not be unacceptable. In and about Tortworth Park, at the northern extremity of the Bristol Coal Basin, the underlyiug beds of carboni- ferous limestone and old red sandstone crop out at a high angle, with occasional beds of the triassic and liassic formations resting on their flanks, producing not only great iiTegularities of surface, but important differences both in the constitution and quantity of the superincumbent soil. Over the whole of this ground the more com- mon Conifers are planted in great abundance, and, with a few excep- tions (owing chiefly, I believe, to geological reasons) , they grow rapidly and well. As a general and sufficiently obvious rule, the Conifers thrive in proportion to the depth of the surface-soil on which they stand. This is especially the case with the Deodar and Finns insignis. The rule does not, however, appear to apply invariably to the Douglas Fir (Abies Donglasii), as I possess specimens growing as vigorously on the cold and sterile shales of the carboniferous limestone, as others on the deep and warm soil of the old red sandstone. The most fastidious of the Conifers which I have had an opportunity of observing is, undoubtedly, Cryptouicria japonica. On the limestone, its leading shoot is always defective, audits growth generally devoted to the form- ation of a nest-like mass of small shoots ; whilst on the old red, a formation deficient in lime, its growth is regular, upright, and graceful, and so rapid, that I have no hesitation in affirming that in this locality it would outgrow the Larch. The Deodar, on the other hand, appears to be the least dis- crimiuating, and the most accommodating of all the Conifers. No position, and no variety of soil, appears to come amiss to it ; on lime or sand- stone, rock or clay, it grows with equal facility — though depth of soil, as before stated, invariably contributes to ra- pidity of growth. Pinus in- signis appears to prefer the old red to the limestone ; on the latter formation it maintains itshealth, but itsaunual growth is comparatively small. The TOOst vigorous specimen of this Pine which I possess stands on a deep loam, formed by the detrital matter of tho overhanging hill, at the point of contact of the old red sandstone and the clay of the lower lias. In Arancaria imbricata, though planted in considerable abundance, and in every variety of soil, I have not been able to detect any decided preference for one formation over another. It has an evident dislike to a wet locality, and it generally, though not exclusively, thrives best upon a deep soil. Cupressus funebris and Cupressus Goveniana, are both growing vigorously on limestone rock, with but little surface soil. The former of these trees is thriving equally upon a deep soil of the old red sandstone. Cupressus macrocarpa is growing rapidly on the clay of the carboniferous lime- stone. Tasodium sempervirens appears to be extremely capricious in its taste as regards the formation on which it grows ; but I have, in several cases, remarked that it thrives and even appears to luxuriate in a shade which proves deleterious, and often fatal, to Pinus insignis. There are many other Conifers which appear to manifest habits or tastes peculiar to themselves ; but which are either too young, or in numbers insufficient to justify me in attempting to generalise upon them. Indeed, all the remarks which I venture to offer in this short paper are not made with a view to dogmatise upon the subject, but in order to call the attention of persons cultivating this tribe of plants to the importance of selecting the position of such Conifers as show any decided tastes. With some reference to geological position, it is true that many formations are not often met with upon one estate, more esiiecially in one park — the locality in which the more valuable The Rosy-flowered Elder (Sambueus rosi«aora) Conifers are generally planted ; but, where such conditions do occur, a knowledge of the formation in which each species appears to thrive best cannot fail to prove important. Before such knowledge can be attained, more extended and more accurate observations will, however, be necessary. [Let us hope that this paper, contributed to the transactions of the Scottish Arboricultural Society, by Lord Ducie, may prove the means of calling general attention to this matter. — Ed.] ROSY-FLOWERED ELDER. (SAMBUCUS ROS.El'LORA.) This very omaraental variety of the Elder is a seedling from S. glauoa, to which, however, it does not bear the slightest resemblance. It forms a vigorous-growing shrub, with smooth shoots and branches, and oval-acumiuate leaves, green and smooth on the upper surface, and covered with a silvery-white and felted down underneath. The shoots are covered with a green bark, marked with one or two reddish rings at the inser- tion of each pair of leaves, the rachis of each leaf being geuo- rally tinged with violet. The flowers are rose-coloured on the outside of the petals, and white on the inside. They are almost scentless, and are disposed in comparatively short spike-like clusters, broad at the base, and with numerous violet-coloured ramifications. The plant does not run at all at the roots. The parent plaut, S. glauca, on the contrary, has all its herbaceous parts covered with a dense pubes- cence, and bears yellow- flowers, which have an odour of Citron or Gilly- flower, and are produced continuously, disposed in an umbel. The leaves are dif- ferent in sizeand shape from those of S. rosM flora, and are pubescent on both sides. The plant also runs very much at the root. Our illus- tration represents the in- florescence of this remark- able variety', which, in almost every particular, presents a singular contrast and want of resemblance to its parent, and which might, with great advantage, be introduced into our pleasure-grounds among Lilacs, Laburnums, and other flowering shrubs. It is perfectly hardy, in- different as to soil, but, of course, will thrive best in a generous loam. In other respects it requires as little attention as the common Elder of our requires hedges. W. M. Extent of Woods in Eng'land. — It seems from the official statistics that of the whole surface of England and Wales, less than 4 per cent., or only 1, 153,000 acres out of a total of 37,319,000 acres, is occupied by woods, coppices, and plantations. Treating the three ridings of Yorkshire as separate counties, Sussex is the only county which returns more than 100,000 acres of wood, nearly 11 per cent, of its area being thus clothed. The woods of Hampshire are next in magnitude, embracing some 87,000 acres, but forming only 8 per cent, of that county's area. Kent follows with 78,000 acres of woodland, while the adjoining county of Surrey, although returning only some 48,000 acres of wood, shows almost as high a percentage as its neigh- bour Sussex, since very nearly one-tenth of its whole area is thus employed. These four counties, Hampshire, Kent, Surrey, and Sussex, appear to possess a much larger extent of woodland relatively to their size, than any other area in England. A good Weeping Poplar.— Poplars of late years are receiving attention, and already our list of weeping varieties numbers four or five distinct kinds. According to our idea of beauty, however, there is but one really first-class tree, and that one is among the finest of all the drooping plants; we allude to the P. grandidentata pendula. THE GAEDEN. [July 4, 1874. For a small-sized specimen, it forma a strong rival to the Kilmarnock AVillow, and will, we believe, in time supersede it. There is an objection, however, to its calture, which we must mention ; all the Poplar family throw up suckers, more or less; consequently, this trouble will stand in the way of its advancemeut. Budded upon the Lombardy Poplar, the long, slender branches, reminding one of whip- cords, are full of grace and beauty ; and, even when worked 7 or 8 feet high, the branches will extend frequently to the ground in a single season. — Horticulticrist. THE GARDEN IN THE HOUSE. VA.SB OF SB[PLB FLOWERS. Just at the present season there arc so many flowers in bloom that, when aliout to decorate a vase, one is puzzled as to what .should be selected for that purpose. Being about to redeco- rate a stand for the centre of a dinner-table a few days ago, I thought I would try what effect I could produce with simple — I might almost say common — flowers. I therefore selected the following, viz., white Water Lilies, wild Convolvulus, Canter- bury Bells, Forget-me-nots, and the pink Geranium Christine, together with the addition of a few hardy Ferns and wild Grasses. My stand was a high glass trumpet, which I set in a soup plate, and then filled it with fresh-looking wood Moss, well damped, so as to keep the flowers about to have their .stems placed in it fresh. I then commenced to arrange my flowers as follows : — Round the edge I placed some fronds of the Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-fmmina) so as to hide the china; I then filled up the interior with four large fully- opened Water Lilies, trusses of pink Gei-anium l)etween each, and, close to the stem of the trumpet I placed Canterbury Bells, bent a little forward, so as to bang out ; the whole being intermixed with fronds of Asplenium AdiaTitum-nigrum, A. Trichomanes, and sprays of Oats. In the trumpet I placed, first, a long spray in flower of Convolvulus, which I twined round the stem ; this flower is generally considered to be worthless in floral arrangements, because it soon fades, but this is a mistake, for, if placed in water as soon as cut, and not allowed to once flag, it will remain frosh for three or four days. Its young flower-buds will also open equally well as if still growing. After the Convolvulus had been twined to my liking, I then finished off the trumpet with a plume of wild Grasses, through which were interspersed .some pink Geraniums, of the same variety as that used in the tazza, and a few sprays of white Forget-me-not. Round the mouth of the trumpet were a few frond.3 of Asplenium Tricho- manes, wired so as to droop gracefully over. Grouped round this centre-piece I had eight specimen glasses, four about 8 inches high, and four about 6 inches, placed in such a way that the tallest were towards the top, and bottom, and sides of the table, and the smaller came in corner- ways. The tiny bouquets in the four tallest matched, as did also those in the smaller glasses. Each little bouquet in the tall glasses con- sisted of a half-open pink Cabbage Rose-bud, some white Forget-me-nots, blue Lobelia, Hemlock, hardy Fern fronds, and a few spikes of wild Grasses. Those in the smaller glasses con- sisted of a half-opened bud of the old white Provence Rose, blue Lobelia, Hemlock, and two pips of pink Geranium. When finished, the effect of this group was really very neat and pretty, far more so than I even for a moment expected ; and yet, of what was it composed? Of nothing but common flowers, and what may be termed a few weeds. I do not wish it to be inferred, however, that I consider such an arrangement as this superior to one composed of hot-house flowers. What I wish to inculcate is, that people who may not have stoves and greenhouses may, nevertheless, have pretty floral arrange- ments on their dinner-tables ; and that a few flowers, arranged as has just been described, give a dinner-table a look of refine- ment such as nothing else can do. A. Ha^sakd. Uppei- Norwood. Monanthes ariostafihis.— This is one of the most desirable of scanilcnt Bucculents ; it has opposite leaves about the size of, and nearly as thick as those of " Horse Beans." It ^ows freely in a light moist sandy compost, and if planted in a hangrin^-basket or pot, it droops very f^acefuUy over the sides. It Is easily propagated either by means of cuttings or division, and well deserves general culture as a window plant. — B. THE FRUIT GARDEN. THE BEST VARIETIES OF PINE APPLE. The varieties of the Pine Apple, though not so numerous as those of some other fruits, arc yet sufliciciently so to perplex those who contemplate their cultivation, and wish to grow only the best kinds. Out of some two dozen varieties, the following are, iu my opinion, the most meritorious : Sjiootu-leaved Cayexn'e. — This is certainly, in every re- spect, the finest variety of Pine Apple in cultivation. It is a robust, compact, free grower. The leaves are quite smooth, oE a dark green colour, and covered, on the underside, with a whitish powdery bloom. This is never found on sickly plants, and is always a sure indication of good health. There are two varieties of Smooth Cayenne, one with fine, broad, recurving leaves, which is decidedly the best ; the other is much more narrow and erect in the leaf, aud never looks so well as that just mentioned. It is one of the most reluctant to produce suckers, about which there is this peculiarity, that they never show themselves until after the fruit appears. It seldom starts prematurely, and is always certain of showing fruit when the plant is about ton months old or so. The aver.age weight of the fruit is from o to 8 pounds, and its flavour, in winter aud iu summer, is nearly uniform, and always excellent. It swells well at all seasons, is very firm in flesh and skin, and will keep well in a cool room for at least six weeks after it is ripe. The Smooth Cayenne yields, as has been already stated, the heaviest weight of fruit from a given number of plants, and it i.s altogether a very excellent Pine. Pkickly Cayense. — This is sometimes taken for Charlotte Rothschild. It is, however, inferior to that variety, as well as to the smooth-leaved kind, but is, nevertheless, a fair average Pine. The leaves are narrow, tinted with purple, somewhat erect, aud prickly along the margins. It is a sure fruiter, the average weight being 7 and 8 pounds. The fruit Ijcgins to colour at the bottom while the top is quite green, and, by the time the top is ripe, the bottom has frequently begun to rot. This gener.dly occurs when too much water is given at the root. Under all circumstances this Pine must be used immediately it is ripe. Charlotte Rothschild. — This is a valuable Pine. It grows large, and requires plenty of room for development. The leaves are of a lively pale greeu colour, long, recurving, and thickly edged with strong spines. It is not such a free crower and fririter as the Smooth Cayenne, but the fruit is quite equal to that variety in flavour, either in summer or winter, aud it often swells to the handsome weight of 10 pounds. Like the Smooth Cayenne, it seldom throws gills from the frnit stem, and it is slow in producing suckers, a circumstance which accounts for its comparative scarceness in the couutrj'. It should be in every collection. The Queen. — This, though an old and common variety, cannot be cultivated by the unexperienced with much success- It is indeed, the most capricious and deceptive of all Pines. Though of the same age as other kinds and treated precisely like them, and though growing along with them, and as large and like to bear fruit as any of them, yet, it frequently does not do so for twelve mouths afterwards. Sometimes small plants will start into fruit unaccountably and prematurely ; often large fruitful-like plants cannot possibly be induced to fruit, while others in all respects similar, not only produce fruit freely but every sucker on the plants shows fruit also. Rarely, even with the best of growers, does a full batch of Queens start into fruit together, nor within months of each other; half the ([Uantity desired is often all that is obtained. I have seen plants of thi.s variety attain a height of .5 feet. These certainly looked ipiite capable of bearing fruit long before they had acquired such stately dimensions, but they did not fruit until they were four years old. To induce fructifica- tion and keep the plants within bounds, decapitation is often resorted to in the case of the Queen, but seldom with any other variety. This operation consists in cutting over the plant by the surface of the soil, clearing off a few of the bottom leaves, as iu the case of suckers, re-potting in fresh soil, and plunging in a strong bottom heat, where new roots are soon produced and fruitftilness is generally immediately the July 4, 1874.] THE GARDEN. result. The Queen is a moderately robust grower. The leaves are half erect, with rough spiny edges, aud the fruit averages from 3 to 6 pounds in weight. In summer the flavour of a good Queen is first class, but in winter it is only about fourth rate. Sucliers are produced very abundantly (as well as unmorous gills) from the base of the fruit and along the fruit, stem ; it is, therefore, easily propagated, but, as regards merit, I give all the preceding preference to it. Black Jamaica. — This is sometimes grown under the name of Montserrat. Its leaves are long and upright, aud very dark green when ripe. The fruit is deep yellow, small, compact, and weighs heavy for its size. Its flavour at all times is exquisite, which is its principal recommendation. It is not often grown in quantity, except about Manchester and through- out Lancashire, where it is extensively cultivated, aud seems to be a general favourite. Prixce AiBERT. — This is as yet a comparatively scarce Pine. In habit it somewhat resembles the Jamaica, and is a very fine variety. Its leaves ai'e purplish-green, with strong spines. In shape, its fruit differs from the barrel form of the preceding in being pyramidal from the base, which is very broad ; it tapers to the apex, is generally a foot in length, and from 4 to 6 pounds in weight. The crown is only about 2 inches high ; it cannot be induced to grow large, and, although it would look out of place on the broad shoulders of a 6-pouud Smooth Cayenue, it forms a becoming finish to fruit of its own kind. When young, the fruit is dark purple, changing, when ripe, to a beautiful reddish-yellow, and the flavour is at all seasons excellent. It is the handsomest of all Pines, and, as suckers are produced from it freely, I hope soon to see it as common as the Smooth Cayenne. Lambtgn Castle Seedling. — This, when in commerce, will be a valuable addition to our stock of Pines. It is a strong grower, with very long dark green leaves, and fruits freely, if needs be, when the plants are small and young, which is a matter of great importance where cjuick returns are looked for. It surpasses all others in size and weight of fruit, average examples of which' weigh from 10 to 12 pounds each. As seen growing in quantity with Mr. Hunter, at Lambton Castle, its appearance is all that can be desired. I cannot speak personally as to its flavour, but in " Fruit Culture Under Glass " it is said to be " exceedingly juicy and well flavoured." This, in the case of a fruit double the average weight of that of any other Pine, is a great gain. Others, such as Enville, Wortley's West Indian, Blood Red, Downton, Havannah, Black Prince, The King, Globe, Hurst House Seedling, Prickly and White Providence, Moscow, Thorsby, and several kinds of Queens might be enumerated ; but these possess no particular merit, and are scarcely worth growing, even for the sake of variety. J. Muib. Effect of tlie Late Rains on Fruits and Vegetables in Devonsh.ire. — Wehave had fine rains here this week, which have been beneficial to Grass, Corn, and Mangold crops, and for Turnip sowing. Potatoes, I have observed, have been small so far, bnt pretty good for eating, though they have shown symptoms of disease generally, both in Btalk and foliage, and a good many of the tubers, when cooked, have been soft, white, and watery. As regards fruits, the Apple crop, after passing through all the vicissitudes of cold, hail storms, frosty mornings, and a long duration of cold biting north-east winds, is much better than was expected ; there are some Apples in almost every orchard, some of which are producing a heavy crop. Taken altogether, there is more than halt a crop which is now growing fast. Cherries have been pretty plentiful, but generally small, and a good many not much more than skin and stone ; while, owing to the long continuance of drought, the natural food for birds got so scarce, that they devoured an immense quantity of them, more particu- larly the starlings and jackdaws. — James Barnes, ExmoutU. Strawberries on the Pacific Coast. — The San Francisco papers state that the receipts of Strawberries in that city for a week or more, towards the end of May, had averaged over thirty tons daily. The greater portion of this immense quantity comes from Santa Clara county, large tracts of land in the vicinity of San Jose being devoted to the cultivation of this frnit. It is transported to the city in chests of twelve to twenty drawers. Each drawer of the twelve contains Gibs., and of the twenty 41b3. each. On May 28 chests sold at from 2 dols. 50c. to 4- dels, at the commission-houses. the lowest price this fruit ever sold for in San Francisco. At retail the choicest varieties could be obtained for 10c. per lb. Tho (7i/-oiiicie adds : — " Thirty tons of Strawberries is a large quantity ; but, until a day or two past they have all been disposed of. After this, however, until the close of the season, it will bo almost useless to send inferior kinds to this market, as they were yesterday thrown away. When the choicest varieties bring but 4c. per lb., inferior ones will not pay for handling. Tho crop is unpi'ecedentud ; and, while the current prices are barely adequate to pay the cultivator for his labour, they place the fruit within the means of tho multi- tude." The San Francisco region is an excellent one for most kinds of fruit. The Land of Peaches. — The Delaware Peach-growers' Con. vention met lately at Dover, in Delaware. Tho Hale's Early was the finest among specimens shown, and a good crop throughu[it tho peninsula of this variety (the earliest), is expected. They will probably form a very large part of the eutiro yield for the season. The Troths were also very full ; but the Early Yorks did not seem so good. The Old Mixons exhibited only a very small chance for a crop. The Smocks will probably be only tolerably full. Tho Stump of the World made a poor show, and the Crawford's Late were about on a par with them. The Crawford's Early made a very excellent show. The Reeves Favourites looked very promising, and the Moore's Favourites here looked well. Mr. Townsend also reported that the crop for the presout season would fall very far below that of last year ; that, probably, there would be only one-third aa many. There were about 1,500,000 baskets last year. A grower representing Smyrna aud the country around, reported the prospect for a good crop in that neighbourhood asvery uncertain, and a gentleman from Dover thought that the yield from this section would be very thin, in fact, almost a failure. In Kent County, Maryland, a very prolific Peach section, the crop was reported a failure. lu Sussex County, Delaware, a like report was made, and the same from the lower portion of the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The estimates were then called for and the following were reported by the growers representing the different sections ; — From Mount Pleasant, 20,000 baskets ; Kirkwood, 10,000 ; Armstrong's, 35,000; Middletovvn, 75,000; Townsend, 2-5,000; Ginns, 2,000; Black Bird, 5,000; Green Spring, 5,000; Clayton, 35,000; Brentford, 10,000 ; Morton, 25,000 ; Dover, 20,000 ; Wyoming, 20,000 ; Woodside, 5,000 ; Canterbury, 10,000; Pelton, 10,000; Harrington, 5,000; Farmiugton, 3,000; Greenwood, 2,000; Bridgeville, 10,000; Seaford, 5,000; Laurel, 10,000; Delmar, 2,000; Sahsbury, 5,000; Dorchester and Delaware Railroad, 10,000 ; Junction and Break- water Railroad, 10,000; Kent County Railroad, 25,000; Maryland aud Delaware Railroad, 25,000; making a total estimated shipment by rail of 442,000 baskets. It was also estimated that 158,000 additional would be shipped by water, making a total shipment from the entire Peach country of G00,000 baskets. NOTES AND QUESTIONS ON THE FRUIT GARDEN. Vines in Pots- — At -what stage in the growth of Vines in pots should liquid manure be given?— A. \\t may be given with advantage after the berries are fairly set, and have begun to swell, but as soon as there is the slightest indica- tion of change in their colour, the supply should be discontinued, or it might injure the flavour of the fruit when ripe. — Ed.] Watering Pine-apples.— I send you a sample of our Pines. The plant from which the fruit sent was cut was watered copiously up to the last moment ; but I must state that our plants have abundance of roots and leaves, both broad and thick, that do not leave any idle moisture about the roots. I submit the specimen for your opinion as to its appearance and flavour. — J. Thompson, Worthy. [Along with this came a noble Queen Pine, well coloured, and weighing upwards of -i lbs. As to quaUty, it was pronounced by one of tho best judges of Pines in Covent Garden to be excellent.— Ed.] Peach Trees Dropping their Buds.- The case related by "G. S." at p. Sis, Vol. v., of The Garden is apeculiar one, but I have an impression that if he knew all the particulars, it is probable that the falling of the bads of the par* ticular tree in his orchard house would be found to be due to something else than the imperfect maturation of the wood, which seems to be a matter of guess work. Ill-ripcncd wood can be detected at a glance. If this is the cause, how comes it that only trees under glass suffer the most? and that oul-door Peaches are seldom or never affected at all in that way ? The few trees we have here out of doors never ripen their wood more than partially, and yet they never drop a bud, so far as I have ever noticed. In fact, immature buds are the least likely of any to drop, so that the case cited by " G. S. " must be explained in another way. — J. S. W. Packing Strawberries.— Strawberries are the most difficult of all kinds of fruit to pack safely. Wrapping each fruit in a leaf is a good plan, but deft fingers only can perform the operation without bruising the berries. We like to pull them off the plants by the foot-stalk, and to lay them in the box in the same way, simply placing a flaccid Strawberry leaf between ihe berries. In this way they can be wedged as lightly together as is needful. Tne boxes should be 2 inches deep, ana before packing a thin layer of cotton- wadding should be laid on the bottom, and on this soft Vine-leaves ; above the fruit, nothing binds so well as the soft Strawberry leaves before mentioned ; aud above, layers of cotton or leaves to keep all in their places. It is very im- portant that the Strawberry leaves for packing should be gathered some hours before they are wanted, and allowed to dry and flag in the fruit room : leaves freshly gathered are altogether imsuitablc,— ff'i?t'"tr. 10 THE GARDEN. [JuLi- 4, 1874. THE INDOOR GARDEN. WINTER MIGNONETTE. Few flowers are more esteemed in tvlnter and early spring than Mignonette. Although it is not a delicate plant, yet it is not generally seen iti the perfection to which it might be brought by the simple method of culture which I am about to describe. To flower at or soon after Christmas, the seed should be sown in the beginning of August, in pots of any convenient size. The soil should be good loam, moderately enriched with rotten dung, aud kept open by a pretty liberal intermixture with old mortar or lime rubbish. It is essential that the pots be thoroughly drained, and upon the drainage a handful (more or less, according to the size of the pots) of one-year-old pigeon's dung should be placed. After sowing the seed, set the pots where they will not require fretfuent waterings, too much moisture being extremely iujnrious to Mignonette; for this reason, therefore, it will be safer to place the pots in a frame or pit, where they may be covered by the lights in rainy weather. As the plants increase in size, they should be gradually thinned, ultimately leaving three or five in each pot. The principal point to be attended to now is judicious watering; by this I mean giving water only when the plants really require water, and then in sufficient quantity to moisten the whole of the soil — not dribbling a few drops over the plants to-day to prevent them from being dry to-morrow — a practice too much followed with plants in pots. Pinch off any prema- ture flowers that may appear, keep the pots free from weeds, and far enough asunder to prevent the plants from being crowded, and when they are removed to winter quarters, set the.-n near the glass in an airy situation. A few of the plants might be placed in an intermediate house, or other situation rather wanner than a greenhouse, to come into bloom a little earlier than the rest. I have recommended the seeds to be sown iu pots, which is the method I prefer ; but, if more convenient, a sufhcient number of self-sown plants might be taken up and potted, only a few extra should be put in to allow for casualties, as the Mignonette transplants badly. The best Mignonette I ever saw was treated in this way; but, as it is not everyone who can procure pigeon's dung, I may add that guano will be foimd an excellent substitute. This admirable fertiliser must, however, be applied in a liquid state, and not before the pots have become well filled with roots, when a sinall quantity of guano, given at intervals of a week or so, will increase the vigour of the plants in an extraordinary degree. A second crop might be sown in the beginning of September, and managed in the same manner. Single plants will attain a large size in 6 or 8-inch pots, if the main branches are pegged down as they grow and the flowers are kept pinched ofi for a time. (j, j£. ECHEVERIAS. In yonr issue of Jane 20 (p. 531, Vol. V.) you have given a long list of Eoheverias, in which there are several eiTors, both as regards nomen- clature and description. I shall, therefore, venture to rectify them, and, in taking tbem as they come, where I make no remarks it may bo presumed that the original information is correct. Echeveria abyssinica is not an Echeveria, but a Sempervivnm. E. agavoides, of this E. yuccoides is a synonym. E. atropurpurea, the leaves of this are said to be oval.acute glaucous, but they are canaliculate narrow, 4 to 6 inches long, and not glaucous. E. bifida, this is a synonym of E. .stolonifcra ; in the remarks on stolonifera it is said to require a dry and warm temperature ; it is.however, equally as hardy as E. secunda, which it much resembles, if kept dwarf, but it will grow from 6 to 12 .inches in height. E. calophana, is said to be, probably, a garden name for acutifolia, a kind to which it bears no resemblance ; but it is very nearly related to E. lurida, only not so metallic in hue. E. carinata is a hybrid between E. metallica and some other sort, and is not worth growing. E. farinnlenta is a garden synonym of E. farinosa. E. globosa, this is distinct from E. glauca, and IS the same as exhibited by Messrs. E. G. Henderson under the name of eximia ; it is a better plant than glauca, and has a bluish tmt, the leaves are conchate. E. Ilookeri, synonym Pachyphytum roseum (Hort.). E. lasa is a variety of E. californica, but the foliage IS not quite so glaucus as in that kind, and it is more depressed. E. raisteca is the same as E. nodulosa (Baker). E. Pfersdorffii is E. stolonifcra. E. scaphylla, this is said to form " a stemless well. furnished rosette of leaves, and to be a good subject for ornamental edgings ; " the plant is, in reality, however, a very strong grower, forming a mass of green foliage 1 foot through, and from 12 to 18 in height ; therefore, quite unfit for edging purposes. E. spatbulifolia is Sedum spathuiifolium,and E. villosa is the same as pubescens. In the notes on cultivation, vegetable mould and peat is recommended, to be mixed with loam and sand. I have, however, always found that Echeveria^ dislike peat, they avoid it and delight in loam and a mixture of burnt ballast. When at Mr. WiUon Saunders's we once sp'jilt our Echeverias through giving them peat, especially E. farinosa ; but in the compost just named I can treat it as the others, giving it plenty of water. As to propagation, they strike as freely as Pelarg')niums ; the best plan is to cut the tops off, which are found to make excellent plants ; the stems, afterwards, push out shoots freely, except, perhaps, E. pulverulenta, which is a dangerous subject ; if cut down, it strikes tardily, and the old stem dies. J. CltOLCIIEB. Cereus speciosissimus as a Climber. — This is a free-flower. ing and attractive plant when grown in a pot, but to see it at its beat it should be planted out and trained up the sunny wall of a couser. vatory or warm greenhouse. In the conservatory at Little Dalby Hall, near Melton, the back. wall is completely covered with this showy flowering plant to a height of about 12 feet, and when I saw it, a few days ago, there were two or three hundred flowers either fully ex. panded or yet to open, while many had already fallen off. In addi. tioii to the flowers, the plant is made to serve as a stojk for Phyllocactus Jenkinsonii and one or two Epiphyllums, which promise to suceed well thus treated. Cape Pelargoniums at Kew.— In the Heath-house at Kew there is now quite an attractive display of these showy plants, many of which, notwithstanding theu' old-fashioned aspect, deserve a place in the greenhouse or window garden, where, under ordinary treat. ment, they will bear white, rosy-purple, scarlet, or crimson flowers in profusion. In times gone by Cape Pelargoniums used to make their appearance on our exhibition tables, but now they are seldom or never seen on such occasions. Among those now in bloom at Kew, the following are the most conspicuous, viz. : — P. selectnm, a free-growing variety with Oak-shaped foliage and trusses of vivid purple Uowers ; P. pulverulentum, a variety having swollen stems and thick deep green leaves, something like Begonia rosseflora ; its flowers are of a deep velvety maroon, nearly black, each segment being margined with dull yellow ; P. elatum, a kind with small serrated, oblong, glaucus leaves, set on long slender petioles, aud bearing conspicuous flowers an inch across, arranged iu loose trusses; the lower segments are white, the upper vivid crimson veined with black; P. ardens majus, a showy Oak-leaved variety, having trusses of deep scarlet flowers, the upper segments of wliich are nearly black and quite velvety in appearance. These Cape kinds, like other Pelargoniums, may be readily pi'opagated by means oE cuttings, and they like a fresh open compost consisting chiefly of sandy loam. — P. W. B. NOTES AND QJESTIONS ON THE INDOOR GARDEN. Ozothamnus glomeratus. — This pretty little composite shrub ha^ long slender hrauclics, briLjht L'rcen oblong or ovate sharp-pmnted leaves, and dense glomerate heads of whitish flowers ; the latter are most delicioasly scented, and the plant is well worth a place planted out either in the cool conservatory or winter garden. It is a native of New Zealand and tolerably hardy. — J. Q. H. Genista prostrata. — This is jtist now in beautiful condition ; it« rich golden Pea-shaped tlowers being borne profusely on slender decumbent branches. It doos well treated as a pot plant in a cool greenhouse on conservatory, or it may be planted on a sheltered portion of rock-work in the outdoor garden, where it8 bright blossoms render it, very effective.— J. B. Q. Anthurium Sclierzerianam with doable spathes.— A small seedling of this fine stove plant in the Orchtd-house, at Tweed Vineyard, has produced a double flower, i.e., the first bloom which opened had a double spathe. The spadis was the same as that of single blooms. Other flowers which hare since expanded nu the same plant are single. The double one may be a mon- strosity, yet it indicates the possibility of obtaining a double variety'. — M. Mimosa prostrata. — This forms an elegant climber or trailer in a cool conservatory. It grows vigorously when planted out in almost any porous compost, and should be trained up columns or pillars and allowed to fall down gracefully from the top; so treated it is very effective, its slender pink shoots being beset rather closely with fresh green i)innate foliage, among which its globular heads of pink flowers are often conspicuous. It is readdy propagated by means of cuttings, and seed is borne in abundance on established plants. — B, Dianella tasmanica. — Dianella-'T are for the most part pretty blue-flowered Grass-like plants well worth culture in cool greenhouses or conservatories, not only on account of their spreidiug panicles of cierulean flowers, but more especially for their bright blue berries which develop themselves after the flowers have faded, and which remain ornamental for several months in suc- cession. They all grow freely, but D. tasmauica is one of the best of the group. They grow and blossom well in a fresh compost consisting of loam and leaf- mould, sufficient .sand being added to keep the whole in a porous condition. Tlicy rc'iuire a liberal supply of moisture all through the summer months. — B, July 4, 1874] THE GARDEN. U FORMALISM AND FOLIAGE. We wish to condemn a practice which has been, by some, accepted as a safe one, namely, that of blending palatial architecture with garden scenery, by making those portions of the gardens in close juxtaposition with the architectural lines of the terrace and main building exhibit a formal and geome- tric character, by the introduction of a preponderance of lines running parallel with those of the structures with which they are closely associated. Even low clipped hedges of ever- green or deciduous shrubs have often been resorted to, in order to give, as it were, more emphasis to the linear effect of this part of a garden. That such a principle is injurious rather than advantageous, is rendered evident in the present instance, by the pleasing effect produced by means of the partial concealment of the architectural lines of the terrace, by the irregular growth of a few judiciously placed .«hrubs, as shown in the accompanying illustration. The effect thus shrubs, whose growth does not exceed a moderate height. Forest trees would clearly be out of place so close upon a highly decorative fapade, and should be, wh»n in front of such a structure, relegated to a considerable distance, where they would so group with the building, when seen from a stand point still more distant, as to form a pleasingly combined picture, without appearing to intrude upon such an architectural com- position— the sky linos and upper part of which are generally intended to be seen, uninterruptedly, from a conveniently near point of view. Such a building may, however, be flanked with the foliage of tall trees with great advantage, which would afford support (as shown) to the general forms and aspects of the building by its dark masses of pleasingly irregular form, and of rich and distinct hues of colour; which not only impart extra value to the light one-toned hue of the building, but blend it into the surrounding scenery with great grandeur and rci)Oscfulness of general effect. Clipping of trees Teiiice Garden, with undipped \ egetation realised is undoubtedly good, and shows, beyond the power of cavil, that well planned and artistic interruptions to the continuous formality of architectural lines by the occasional in- troduction of gracefully-growing shrubs at well considered points, are of the greatest advantage in producing an agreeable variety of form in the general composition; both the regular and the irregular forms gaining greatly by their close juxtaposition. The wild natural grace of the shrubs, whose general growth is of pointed and rising character, being seen to gi-eat advantage against the horizontal lines of a light background of stone or marble, while the mouldings of the terrace cornice- work are appreciated with double advantage after their tem- porary concealment. These advantages would not have been obtained if clipping, and other kinds of formality had been resorted to in the foliage. It should be observed that the foliage near the terrace, which has been made use of in the present instance for the purpose of varying what would other- wise be a monotonous continuity of sti-aight lines, is that of and shrubs to make them harmonise with architectural forms has for generations been an orthodox practice, but^Jt Js none the less a bai-barous and needless one. H. N. H. GARDEN LANDSCAPES AND FLOWERS IN THE WATER-COLOUR EXHIBITIONS. One of the most attractive of the smaller pictures in the present exhibition of the Institute of painters in water-colours, is a spirited study of an old gardener, by Mr. H. B. Roberts. The work has evidently been executed with a rapid and skilful brush, and the result is a free-handed and very artistic produc- tion. The expression of that kind of good humoured sagacity which arises from being connected with flowers and fruits, and their culture, is well hit off' in this clever sketch ; as is also the expression of the honest, perhaps rather self satisfied, conviction that the said flowers and fruits have always been 12 THE GAEDBif, [JoLY 4, 1874. the finer and the better for bis tending. The fine old face is a very index of the seasons, and the -iveatber-wisdom of over three score of years ; and a twinkle in the eye, shows plainly enough that the old gardener is brimful of knowingncss upon all such horticultural matters as have come within the range of the plodding practice which has been the business, and evidently the very pleasant business, of his life — the successful minding of his master's flower garden, and kitchen garden, and greenhouse too, with possibly a bit of a stove for a few specialities. There is ali-o a (juaint puckering about the lips of the weather beaten, but hale and hearty, countenance, which indicates that a supply of good racy garden talk is ready to hand, to any extent, if he should be asked any questions when he takes up to the house the basket of ruddy Apples, nicely ti-inimcd Cabbages, and other esculents which he is carrying under his arm ; I commend him to the notice of the always witty and instructive author of the " Six of Spades," and I only wish the original of this capital study, for it must have been done from the life, were going the round with me among the pictures, for the sake of hearing a few of his remarks on flower painting, good or bad, and anent Peaches and Melons and Grapes as they appear on paper or canvas, in this year's exhibition. I fancy he would deem none of the flower or fruit portraiture flattering to the originals, especially if they had been raised by himself, and that he might breakout with — " Well, I'd never have sent such a bunch of Grapes as that to a show, or exhibition, or whatever it may be called ; and as for the Rosea — why, I should have been ashamed of 'em." Not being able to obtain the assistance of my old garden friend, I must arrive at conclusions in my own way — and am induced to admit to myself that it is not always the most perfect .show flower that makes the best model for a picture, nor the most jierfect bunch of Grapes tliat is the one which ought to be painted, for would not every blemished berry on a bunch of Muscat of Alexandria, intended for exhibition, have been carefully snipped out, and the speck of brown or crimson, which in a painted bunch would be of the highest artistic value as a relief to tlie monotony of the somewhat opacjue, glaucous colouring, have been made to disappear. I think I should be able also to show to my friend, the old gardener, that in what may be termed floral landscapes, if by good artists, there is always something new and refreshing to be learnt. For instance, in the picture by Mr. Albert Goodwin in the exhibition of the society of painters in water-colours entitled " The Alpine summer," such vast stretches of flower- colour are shown, as make the patches of blue, red, or yellow in any English garden as yet planted, shrink into pincushion work. In the Alpine summer there are far extending streaks, and broad masses of pink, blue, yellow, orange, and other tones, caused by the profuse flowering of Gentians, Mountain Anemones, Trefoils, Wild Irises, Campanulas, Cyclamens, Trilliums, Orange Lilies, and other flowers, in masses measuring whole acres in extent. Here then, is Nature's method of producing grand effects, upon a large scale, which might be artificially imitated, wherever sufficient space could be devoted to purely decorative purposes. Mr. Goodwin, who evidently feels intensely the beauty of Alpine scenery when rich with its gorgeous tints of spring and summer, has another study of Alp-land, which ho calls " The Alpine Rose," in which large spaces, as though vast rosy clouds were resting on the flanks of the great green hills, are encrimsoned by the deep rose colour of Rhododendron ferrugineum. The plants grow as thickly together as Heather, and the whole mountain is made glorious by them. Mr. Goodwin, in his enthusiasm, quotes the antique poetry of the Bible to express his admiration: — " The wilderness, and the solitary place shall be glad with them."* That something of the kind might be produced in English park and garden scenery is proved by the existence, in England, of similar effects in places where, however, they are rarely seen, and where they do notministertotheinterest and beauty of laud- scape gardening, or to that of broadly-treated park effects. I know, for instance, many woods which, in April, are so closely carpeted with a jjrofuse and closely-grown crop of wild blue Hyacinths that Nature's flooring is one continuous mass of blue. I also know many meadows, even in the metropolitan counties, where, in early spring, acres of the wild single Daffodil * Isaiah. cover great expanses with soft ])alc gold, beautiful to the artist's eye, but " disgusting " to that of the farmer ; " for," lie says, "they spoil his pasture, and the cows don't like 'em." In Scot- land there are upland spaces of enormous extent, and plains, too, which are so densely clothed with Heather that, in the autumn, they produce an effect of rosy or lavender-hued monotone, as continuous aiul complete as though the whole district were artificially clothed in some rich fluii'y material of one or other of those colours. The richness of the effects of colour of these broad moorlands, heightened or deepened according to the natural undulations of the land, is rendered highly jnctu- resque by the dark trunks of Pines or bright white of silver- barked Birches, that rise from this deep carpet-work of piidvy- purple that spreads far and wide. It is thus evident that sucli scenes as that of Mr. Goodwin's Alpine summer might be created in any part of England where land can bo conveniently spared for the purpose. Mrs. Harrison has a little glimpse of scenery called "View at Holrawood," in which the foreground is entirely composed of a stretch of closely-flowering Prim- roses, showing how closely-planted masses of wild flowers, each kind occupying to itself a large continuous space, may be made wonderfully effective and very beautiful in the garden landscape. The flower-painting in the water-colour exhibitions, with the exception of two or three real gems of art by Mrs. Duffield, is not strikingly represented this season. It by no means reaches the high level of several flower subjects, treated in oil, in the Royal Academy exhibition. Mrs. Harrison's compositions at the institute are, for instance, as a rule, too indefinite in character. The extreme delicacy of flower-forms and tones is not sufficiently studied, two large compositions being especially remarkable for these sins of omission. Another lady artist, of the same name, in the " society's " exhibition exhibits flower sub- jects which are all, more or less, open to similar objections ; a large group of Convolvulus major being, perhaps, the more attractive of these works. In Mrs. Dufficld's works at the insti- tute, on the contrary, delicately accurate definitions of form, and a refined appreciation of the lightest shades and tones of colour, are always vrell observed ; a group of Althfea frutex, with other flowers (No. 291), and Peaches and Sweet Peas (No. 22;3). being very beautiful examples of this lady artist's best manner. Only one really remarkable example of fruit-painting is to be found on the walls of either exhibition; it is the work of J. Sherren (No. 14!i), at the institute. The composition is some- wh.at affectedly entitled " Bread and Wine," and consists of two bunches of Grapes, one of Muscat of Alexandria and the other of Black Hamburgh — both such as the most accomplished gardener need not be ashamed of exhibiting. They are exqui- sitely finished, and the general treatment strongly calls to mind some of Hunt's masterpieces in that style of art. Beneath the Grapes lies a handful of ears of Wheat ; aud at the back is the sacrament.al gold plate, a salver, and a chalice, painted as finely as Lance's well-i-emembered piles of plate in bis famous Gil Bias subject, " Rolando's Cave." In the figure subjects, in which flowers or fruit are made to play a conspicuous share, are a few juctures which Dught not to be passed over without a passing word of comment. On the " society's " walls Mr. Smallficld has a charming twilight picture, which he calls " Evening Primroses." A lady of the Elizabethiau time, in the picturesque costume of her day, sits thoughtfully on a stone seat as the shades of evening gather, and the night-flowering CEnothera is unfolding its pale yellow flowers, that shine like stars in the increasing darkness. Another subject is, a lady placing a small vase filled with Primroses upon a table, and bends over them to inhale their sweet spring odour. I forgot to mark it in my catalogue ; it is a little picture worth looking for. At the institute, a large work, " Vintage Procession in the Campagna" (No. 181), by Guido Bach, has a well painted basket of Grapes, an offering to the Virgin ; and a child has wreathed its beautiful Italian head with twisted sprays of Vine, with a wild grace, highly suggestive as a model for the treatment of that kind of feature in any kind of festal decoration. There is also a picture, by E. K. Johnson (No. 44), called " Summer," in the society's exhi- bition, in which growing flowers in a half-wild garden (tended by a very pre-Raphaelite lady), are very carefully and effec- tively treated, especially the Sunflowers, Hollyhocks, Cam- July 4, 1874] rp THE GARDEN. 13 pauulas, and Sweet "Williams. Many other subjects are worthy of a word of comment, but my allotted space is more tlian filled. A Garden Lover. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. ASPARAGUS CULTURE IN LONDON MARKET GAEDENS. This is a remunerative crop in good seasons, but in late cold springs, the beds do not begin to bear until May, thus materially shortening the cutting season, which must be discontinued in good time to permit a full growth of the shoots before the end of the autumn. It must also be remembered that this crop occupies the ground for two entire j-cars witliout yielding any pecuniary return ; on the contrary, in addition to the ground-rent, a vast expenditure is incurred in the way of manure and manual labour. Although it begins to repay a little in the third year, it is not until the fourth season that it begins to fully pay for the trouble and expense of growing it. During these three years the same ground would have yielded six, nine, or twelve other crops, each of which would amply have rewarded the cultivator for his pains. Asparagus, too, allows the ground no rest, for even in a young state it is a gross feeder ; the question therefore, whether in the long run it pays well or not, is rather a difliiiult ouo to answer. First Year. Asparagus may be raised from seeds saved in autumn, and sown in rows from 18 inches to 2 feet apart iu February. Between lines of young fruit trees, or between rows of fruit bushes or Moss Roses is the usual place in which the seed is sown. The less shaded, however, the ground is the better ; but open ground in market gardens is too precious to be; devoted to this crop the first year. I have, however, seen a field at Isleworth devoted to it ; Potatoes, Cabbages, and Brussels Sprouts being set between the rows. Great attention is paid to the young Asparagus the first season, in the way of hoeing and cleaning, and thinning a little if too thick ; and the succeeding spring, provided the plants have grown strongly, they are transplanted permanently. Second Year. Now is the time to consider the kind of plantation to make, and the distance apart of the rows, not the beds, as would be the case in private gardens. Market gardeners seldom make beds now-a-days, and those that do exist are gradually giving place to the single-row system. Mr. Steel, of Fulham, had lately some Asparagus beds containing throe rows, planted 2 feet apart from one another, and from the centre of one bed to that of the next was 9 feet. He had also a few other beds with two rows in each, the same distance apart as in the case just named, but in this instance the beds were only 7 feet from centre to centre. Mr. Dancer, of Fulham, and some growers at Barnes and Mortlake, still have beds on the same principle. These beds, in addition to the Asparagus, yield three rows of French Beans in early summer, two rows of Coleworts in autumn, and three rows of the same in the alleys between them. The recognised mode, however, is to plant Asparagus in single rows 6 feet apart ; but many prefer even a greater space than that between the rows, for Mr. Jessop, at Chiswick, has his Asparagus in single lines from 6 feet to 8 feet asunder, and I must confess that I never witnessed such fine plantations. The 5 feet wide ridges, however, being the most universal, we ■will suppose that to be the system adopted. The ground for the crop having been trenched and heavily manured late in autumn, it may be marked of into 4 feet wide beds with alleys intervening 1 foot wide. In these beds sow Radishes iu December or January, as convenience permits ; and in March or April, after removing the protecting litter from the alleys, dig them and plant therein the Asparagus about 15 or 18 inches apart. The Radish crop will soon be removed from the beds, which may be cleaned, slightly dug, and Beet sown therein, or Onions or Leeks transplanted on them, and which will occupy the space till autumn, when they too may be cleared oij and Coleworts or Wallflowers planted in theirplace. Other modes of cropping the space between the Asparagus might be resorted to, but that referred to and practised by Mr. Pocock between Kew and Mortlake I consider the best. Summer Cauliflowers intercropped with Lettuces occupy much room, and French Beans, if used, would necessitate so much trampling of the ground in the operation of gathering, that the Asparagus would be checked at the root and be liable to injury of the stem from breakage. An open position is also of great importance, for the more the plants are under the influence of the sun the stronger -will they grow, and the sooner iu the season will they yield " grass." Hoeing the sur- face soil and keeping all clean includes all further requirements until the end of October or 1st of November, just any time after the sprayey shoots turn yellow, when they are cut over an inch or two above the ground. As soon as the crops between the rows are removed the ground is heavily dressed with light manure, such as that used during the summer for growing the frame Cucumbers on, aud^hich is dug into the ground. Third Year. This year the Asparagus is strong enough to produce a partial crop for market, consequently the mode of culture depends on whether the grower intends to have blanched or greeu " grass." The latter is sometimes desired as being the best for the plants, and there is a small demand for naturally coloured shoots. In this case, therefore, the ground is inter- cropped as in the previous year-, an efl'ort being made to change the subjects if possible. If the soil was cleared and prepared iu good time. Potatoes might be planted this year ; or Seakale, Spinach, or Turnips might be used instead. In case of the ridging system being preferred, the rows are earthed up a little from the broad spaces between them ; but not so much as they will bo in future years. On each side of this ridge a row of Cabbage or French Beans is commonly sown. Cutting begins immediately the heads appear at the surface of the soil ; but it is not practised severely this year, for some shoots are allowed to grow unchecked about a fortnight after cutting begins, and it only lasts for about four weeks, when all shoots are permitted to grow. Some market gardeners scarcely cut any the third year, whilst others do so rather severely. At the end of the season the tops are cut over, and the ridges are levelled and otherwise treated as follows : — Fourth Year. This is the first main cropping year ; consequently, what is done to the plantations this year is merely repeated in after years, until the plants become weakly and the rows patchy, when the plantation is broken up and cropped with other sub- jects. On the 1st of March, provided the weather be pretty dry and no frost in the ground, the rows are earthed up from the intervening spaces after having had their surface previously forked over. The coating of soil is about 10 inches deep ; and, when all is nicely rounded off and finished, the ridges appear like a series of Potato pits, or broad Celery ridges, rounded at the top and void of plants, and are altogether about 24 or 36 inches iu height. The ridges are cropped, as pre- viously stated ; and about the 1st of April the whole surface soil is loosened with a hoe and rake, so as to permit of an easy egress of the shoots. In ordinary seasons cutting begins about the middle of April, and last for ten weeks; but, in bad springs, it is sometimes May before it commences. It is discon- tinued about Midsummer Day, and is rarely practised until July ; but a little longer allowance is made in the event of a late spring. During this particular year, however, the cutting is not quite so severely performed as in after ones, when, from the time it begins until it ends, not one head escapes the knife. Small and great are cut, until the 21st of June, or thereabout, when all are allowed to grow unchecked excepting in the case of some small sprayey shoots that are better removed than left. In the alleys Coleworts are now planted, either two or three rows ; and in many cases, too, the ends of all the ridges, and where any blanks occur, arc similarly made up. Sometimes there is also a row of Cole- worts planted along the side of the ridges when the French Beans have been removed; but, if Beet had been sown there, it will remain until the autumn. I have also seen Nasturtiums grown on the same sites for yielding cut flowers and seeds for pickling. When cutting-down time comes, all the unberried 14 THE GARDEN. [July 4, 1874 " grass " is cut and laid in heaps together, whilst the berried stalks are kept separate. The former is carted home to the firelioap or dunghill, or is kept for a foundation to hot-beds ; and the latter are kept for seeding purposes in a dry and airy shed. After being stored there for a while, until the seeds become ripe and firm, the berries are separated, washed, and dried, bruised and rubbed in sand, afterwards washed again to clean the seeds, which are spread out to dry, and then stored until sowing time. Before the time of thus clearing the ridges most, if not all, the Coleworts will have been marketed ; there- fore draw the surface soil of the ridges into the alleys ; and into these dig it rather deeply. Plant immediately some of Cock's hardy green Coleworts ; no matter how big and lanky the ])lants may be, they will soon take to the soil, and be market- able by the end of February ; then proceed with the last year's routine of ridge-making. Plantations last in good bearing condition for six or seven years, after which time blanks appear; therefore it is considered more profitable to break them up than to keep them longer. Wben such is the case, they are cut from during the last year of their existence as long as the result will pay for the trouble ; and if ic is thought that the roots will afterwards be of any use for forcing, they are permitted to occupy the land till Novem- ber, when they are lifted for that purpose ; but, considering them to be too poor for that end, they are uprooted at once, the ground levelled, manured and dug, and planted with Broccoli or Cabbage. The ordinary long saw-knife is the instrument used in cutting, and the men and women employed in the market gardens are great adepts in its use. They slip down the blade alongside of the shoot, and with a peculiar twitch sever the stalk from the crown withou*-, injury to the latter or the advancing shoots. In cutting, the " grass" is laid in little heaps on the tops of the ridges, until one course of rows has been gleaned from ; they are then collected into baskets, conveyed in a cart or barrow to the sheds, where they arc washed, tied into bundles of a hundred (10-5), and are that night, or early next morning, sent to market. Mr Dancer, of Chi.swick, one of the best and most experienced of market gardeners, has a very strong-growing variety of Asparagus, called Giant, a kind which, when exhibited by him some time since at South Kensington, was awarded a first- class certificate. Mr Dancer grows no other sort than this, and his stock of it, as yet, is rather limited, but 1 believe that he has saved all the seed he possibly could gather, with the view of its extension. As early as the begin- ning of Novemiicr, the French growers begin to supply our markets with Asparagus, very much stronger, and indeed earlier, than our own gardeners could produce it ; and this has so materially altered the price of and demand for English- grown Asparagus, that the Fulliam growers and others, farm- ing very dear land, are continually reducing their plantations, whilst some have entirely done away with Asparagus to make room for quicker-growing and more remunerative vegetables. J\lr. Taylor, of the firm of Webber & Co., Covent Garden Market, informed me that the dealers there have no trouble whatever in getting a thousand bundles (one hundred heads each) at a time of forced Asparagus from the growers in the vicinity of Ajigoulcrae, and other Asparagus-growing districts of France. The French Asparagus, too, which is blanched, and about 1.5 or 18 inches in length, is much stouter-stalked tlian that grown in England; consequently it demands a higher price than the latter, the usual price varying from l-iis. to ii.Ss., or even -fOs. a bundle according to the season, quality of produce, and demand for the commodity. F. ARE NOT ONIONS TOO MUCH THINNED ? Bv tbinninK the crop out well yon will have large Onions, and in fine seasons probably well ripened ; but when a plentiful crop of good soimd keeping Onions is the object, it is a mistake to thin them too much. As a rule, .small or moderate-sized Onions are the best ripened, and a small Onion is just as good in a culinary point of view, as a large one, if not better. For instance, small well-ripened Onions aro preferred for pickling purposes, and to secure these it is the usual practice to .sow the silver.skinned variety thickly, and leave them unthinned, and in this way " button Onions," as they are called are produced. By thinnin? the plants out we would only get thick necks wholly uusnitable fur tho purpose. Long.keeping qualities aro very much sought after by the Onion grower, and it is well known that well, ripened samples only will keep, and these are more certainly secured by leaving them pretty thick in the bed. To leave the plants 7 or 8 inches apart, as is generally recommended in gardening books, is a mistake, unless Onions for exhibition only are required ; but whore sound bulbs — say about as broad as the mouth of an ordinary tea-cup — will satisfy, leave the plants close enongh together to touch each other when they attain that size, that is supposing them to be sown in rows 7 or 8 inches apart, as Onions always should be sown, in order to facilitate the clearing and stirring of the ground. If sown broad, cast, then the plants should have a little more room. This is my practice, and a plentiful and sound crop of Onions is an important matter with ns, where they are used every week by tho bushel. When our women thin the crop they have orders to leave them about the length of their forefingers apart, and by autumn the ground has the appearance of being fairly thatched with Onions, of a size and quality fit for any culinary purpose. Cottagers who generally have not too much room in their gardens often crop thicker than is hero recom. mended. Two years ago I saw a bed of yellow Danver's Onions in a cottage garden that would have astonished thin croppers. The rows were only 5 itiches apart, and the plants from 2 to 3 inches, and the bulbs fairly clustered over one another, and literally covered tho ground — very nice samples, and thoroughly ripened ; for I kept sam. pies of them till June the following year ; and Danver's Yellow, though a first-class Onion, is only a second-rate keeper. In order to satisfy oneself on this matter, let anyone leave a thick and a thin row together, and weigh tho produce at harvest time. J. S. W., in the Field. The Kerguelen Cabbage. — " The plant abounds with essential oil; and, when cooked, the Cabbage tastes like tough Mustard and Cress. Being a powerful antiscorbutic, it is invaluable to the crews of ships touching at Kerguelen's Land. Dr. Hooker says : — ' During the whole stay of the Ei-ebus and Terror in Christmas Harbour, daily use was made of this vegetable, either cooked by itself or boiled with the ship's beef, pork, or Pea-soup. The essential oil gives a peculiar flavour, which the majority of the ofEcers and the crew did not dislike, and which rendered the herb even more wholesome than the common Cabbage ; for it never caused heartburn, nor any of the unpleasant symptoms which that plant sometimes produces.' The sole representative of this genns of Cruciforaj is Pringlea antiscurbutica, a remarkable Cabbage-like plant con. fined to insular Kerguelen's Land, and hence often called the Kerguelen's-Land Cabbage." — Mr. A. Smith, in " Tho Treasuiy of Botany. Tho genus is characterised by its oblong seed-pods being composed of two convex or boat-shaped valves, with- out a partition between them ; and by the seeds, which are numerous and in two rows, being heart-shaped at the bottom, but prolonged into a short beak at the top, and having accnmbent cotyle- dons. The plant has a thick round root, often 3 or 4 feet long, and 2 inches in diameter, which lies along the ground, and bears at its extremity a largo Cabbage, closely resembling the common Cabbage of this country, having a dense white heart and loose preen outer leaves ; its flower. stems grow out from below the principal leaves, and are tiom 2 to 3 feet high, with their lower part more or less leafy. Effect of Camphor on Flowers and Seeds. — Before the beginning of this century, Dr. Benjamin Smith Barton, of Phila- delphia published some experiments in which cut flowers or slips in water, which were about to fade or wither, were revived for a time by putting camphor in the water. He compared its action to that of spirituous liquors or opium upon animals. We think the idea and the practice have not wholly died out in this country, although very warm water is the commoner prescription now-a-days. Dr. Vogel, of Munich, has been trying these experiments over again, and he finds that camphor does have a remarkable reviving effect npon some plants, although almost none npon others, and that it quickens the germination of seeds. ■Whalebone Labels. — With reference to the note and illnstra. tionsof this (see, p. 534, Vol. V.), permit me to say, that no label which requires handhng, however little, before the label can be read, can ever be worthy any serious attention. In Italy a written label is thrust into a hollow Arundo stalk, fitted with a cap. To read the label, this cap has to bo taken off and the paper unfolded. It is again folded up, the cap put on, and the reed thrust in the ground. It is clear that the persons who invent or tolerate such labels have no notion of the points required in a good label. Tho first of these is, that the writing should be easily read as one stands before the plant or tree, and without touching the label in any way, or even turning the head, which is necessary with labels written vertically. — CCUAlOIt. July 4, 1874.] THE GARDEN. 15 THE LIBRARY. A MANUAL OF BOTANY.* Books on botany, both elementary and advanced well-qualified authors, too, have issued from the Continental press in such numbers of late years, as to well nigh rival those of the French and German gram- mars which are to be met with, in almost endless profusion, in our educa- tional establishments. It would be idle, however, to suppose that any one of these treatises on botany has yet exhausted the sub- ject, or even contemplated its final exposition. When the broader questions of the true limitations of families, genera, and species shall, at some dimly dis- tant period, have been finally resolved and nni- Tersally accepted, there will still remain the vast field of microscopic investigation, iu conjunction with that of and from British and in in a chcmicalanalysis,to yield to Cailina sulwcanlis, one of the Compositse, clistinguislied by thi! large ilcvel. f),o T^o,.s!ovor;,icford, was first with fine blooms, considerin;? the season. Among light-coloured varieties, we noted Th^rcse Levet, aflower of soft satiny rose; Marguerite de St. Amand, silvery rose, fine incurved flower; Belle Lj'onaise, a pale sulphur tea-scented variety ; Elie Morel, a fine flower, bright rose mai'gined with lilac ; La France, one of the finest of all now Roses, and of a bright rose, the outer petals being nearly white ; Baronne Rothschild, is a fine open flower of considerable merit, the colour being a soft rosy-salmon ; Mons. Furtado is also a nice clear sulphur-tLuted variety, belonging to tae Tea-sceuted sec tion. The dark flowers shown in this group were very fine, and included among other kinds the following, viz., Maurice Beruardin, a fine open flower with large smooth petals of a bright crimson colour; Alfred Colomb, a full Rose, of the same colour as the last; Claude Levet, a fine incurved bloom, of a dark crimson tint. The second prize was awarded to Mr. C. Turner, of Slough, who had evenly matched flowers very tastefully set up. Among light kinds were Paul Neron, a fine large rosy- lilac ; Abel Grand, hght rose; Princess Mary of Cambridge, sofc flesh ; President, light rosy -salmon ; Henri I'ajes, a fine full flower, of a pale rosy-lilac colour; Gloire de Dijon, Victor Verdier, and others equally good. Among dark varieties, were fine blooms of Camille Bernardin, crimson-purple ; Senateur Vaisse ; Madame Victor Verdier, rich crimson ; Dupuy Jamin, a fine, smooth petalled flower, of rich lilac-purple ; Ferdinand de Lesseps, velvety crira-on; Dr. Andry. and Lady Suflleld. Messrs. G. Paul & Sons, of the Old Nur- series, Cheshunt, were third, with a very fine col- lection, in which a new unnamed seedling Hybrid Perpetual was conspicuous, the colour being a rich fiery crimson ; there were also fine blooms of Alfred Colomlje, a soft crimson-purple; Camille Bernardin; La Fontaine, a soft lilac-purple; Nardy Freres, a dull purple ; Victor Verdier, an I other equa'ly well-known kinds. In cla-^s 2, for forty- eight blooms, three tru?ses, Mr. Chis. Turner wa^ first with fine flowers, the most conspicuous being three fresh blooms of Ferdinand de Lesseps, ricn crimson; Abel Grand, also fine; Li Franco aud B.iionue Roths- child, both excellent light flowers ; Duke of Edin- burgh ; Prince Camille de Rohan ; and Caas. Lefebvre, very fine dark varieties. In Messrs. Paul & Son's col- lection, which was second, were fine blooms of Marechal Niel and Belle Lyonnaise, both j-ellow Teas. Mr. Cranston, King's Acre. Hereford, was first in the class for twenty -four varieties, three trusses of each. Among dark kinds we noticed Mnrte Baumann. B-auty ol Waltham, General Jacqueminot, and Duke of Edin- burgh; also Paul Verdier, a bright rosy-crimson. Among light varieties, Madame Eugeaie Verdier, Abel Grand, Baronue Rothschild, L\ France, Bessie Johnson, and Elie Morel, were good. Mr. J. Eraser, of Leyton, was second with nice trusses, well set off by buds and foliage. Among the different varieties we notice I Senr- teur Vaisse, Duke of Edinburgh, Dr. Andry, and General Jacqueminot, all excellent fiery-crimsons, the light flowers bemg well-represented by Madame E. Verjier, Elie Morel, La France, and Baronue Rothschild. Mr, G. Prince, 11, Market Street, Oxford, was third with nice flowers. The blooms of Marie Baumann, in this group, deserve more than a passing notice, and show what a splendid flower this is when well grown. The best box of twenty-four Roses in the show came from Mr. J. Cranston, who had Jean Chepin, a rich crimson- purple, but rather too small for show purposes. Maurice Bernardin, John Hopper, Marechal Vaillant, Marechal Niel, and other old favourites. Mr. C. Turner, of Slongh, was second ; and Mr. E. Cooling, of Bath, was a very excellent third. In the Amateur's Cl.asses, the Eev. C. Arkwright, Pencombe Rectory, Hereford, was first with forty-eight varieties, some of which were very fine. The second award in this class went to the Rev. J. M. B. Camm Monkton Wyld, Dorset, who had nice stands in which Tea-scented varieties were very fine. Mr. W. Farren, 10, Crescent, Cambridge, was third ; and Mr. W. Ingle, gardener to Mrs. Round, Colchester, was a good fourth, the blooms being very neatly set up. Mr. J. W. Chard also staged a nice collection of blooms in this class. In class 6 (twenty-four Roses) Mr. W. Farren waa first with a very effective group. Second, F. H. Gould, Esq., Mortimer Vicarage, Reading, with flue flowers rather soiled by the recent wet weather. Mr. W. Ingle third. Several other collections were staged in this cla«s. In class 7 (twelve distinct varieties), Mr. J. Marp, Corn Market Street, Oxford, was first with fine fresh flowers, including Madlle. Marguerite Dombrain, a fine lull satiny flower of the softest rose; Paul Verdier, Countess of Oxford, and others. Thirteen aood stands were staged in this class. In class fj, the prizes in which were offered for Roses sent out during the past three years, the first went to Mr, Cranston, who hsul iamia Laxton a flae deep rosy- flower of good form ; Cheshunt Hybrid, a nice variety, but jiast its best ; Mons. Etienno Levet, a fine fully expanded flower of a soft rosy-lilac tint, and with very smooth petals ; Reynolds Hole, a deep velvety-crimson, and others. Mr. Charles Turner was second with Miss A. Hassard, a finely formed full flower of the most delicate rosy flesh ; Bessie Johnson, delicate flesh ; Princess Christian, a globular full flower of a pale satiny rose ; Annie Laxton, President Thiers, John Stuart Mill, a fine deep rosy-purple, and others. Third, .Messrs. Paul & Son, who had nice flowers of Wilson Saunders, a deep velvety crimson; Etienne Levet; Lyonnaise ; Francois Michelson, soft rose ; The Shah, deep crimson ; Cheshunt Hybrid, Hypolite Janin, Thomas Miles, a full deep rosy-crimson flower, and others. Class y, si.x trusses of any new Rose sent out during the last three years.— First, Mr. C. Turner, with Etieflne Levet, a finely-formed full flower of a deep rosj'-lilac colour. Messrs. Paul &. Sons were second with Annie Laxton, and a duplicate set consisted of W. Wilson Saunders. Mr. G. Prince was third with Elie Morel, a fine rosy flower, the petals being beautifully crisped. Class 10, for Twelve Tea-scented Roses.— First, Messrs. Paul and Son with Catherine Mormet a deli- cate salmon-tinted flower ; Marechal Niel, Niphetos, a fine variety with paper-white flower; Gloire de Bor- deaux, a bright rosy-Ulao ; Cheshunt Hybrid, Sonvenir d'un Ami, fine soft iiesh ; President, white sutt'used with flesh, and others. In the Amateur's Class, the Rev. G. Arkwright was first with very fresh flowers, including Devoniensis; Compte de Paris, flesh; Catherine Mer- met ; Souvenir d'un Ami ; Reubens, creamy-white ; Triomphe de Rennes, an old favourite of a delicate sulphur tint; Souvenir d'Blise, a flnely formed bud, creamy-white ; Gloire de Dijon, and other well-known kinds. Mr. W. Ingle and Mr. W. Farren had nice groups, and were second and third respectively. In the last-named collection we noted Maria Sisley, a deep rosy flower with peculiarly pointed segments. The Rev. J. B. M. Camm was first for twelve trusses of Alfred Colomb, a flue purplish-crimson flower ; and Mr. J. W. Chard was second. Messrs. Paul & Son were first for twelve trusses of Dake of Edinburgh, and their stand of this flery crimson-tinted variety was much admired ; the second award went to Mr. C. Turner. For the prize oliered for twelve trusses of Baronne Rothschild, eight fine collections were exhibited. The Rev. J. B. M. Camm was first with fine flowers, well coloured. In the nurserymen's class, Mr. C. Turner took corresponding honours with an equally fine group of blooms. The best twelve trusses of La France came from the Rev. G. Arkwright, whose flowers were large and flnely coloured. The Rev. J. B. M. Camm and Mr. Prince also showed fine stands in the same class. Mr. G Prince was first with twelve flowers of Marie Baum;inn, one of the best Roses in its class. Two fine stands of Tea Roses, consisting of Glou-e de Dijon and S mvenir d'un Ami respectively, came from the Rev. G. Arkwi i»ht Groups of Roses in pots came from Messrs. G. Paur& Sons and Messrs. C. Turner, the prizes being awarded in the order in which the names stand. As regards miscellaneous subjects, a silver medal was awarded to a fine coUection of decorative stove and greenhouse plants, Orchids, and Ferns, which came from Mr B. S. Williams. Among them was a nice plant of the rare Aerides Sohroderii, bearing a spike of lar'^e richly tinted flowers ; Disa grandiflora, and a »ood variety of Oncidium cucu. latum. Mr. J. Aldous also had a group of decorative plants, to which a small bronze medal was awarded. A small bronze medal was likewise o-iven to some splendid cat blooms of Pinks and Verbenas from Mr. C. Turner. Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son sent some dwarf Lobelias in pots, very profuse'y bloomed. Among them L. Nemesis was a fine clear blue, about 3 or 4, inches high ; L. Aspasia, same habit, but r.ither deeper in tone ; L. pumila max- ima, a great imorovement on L. pumila ; L. Unique, a dense variety of the most vivid Ulue imaginable, and one which will prove invaluable for the now popular system of carpet bedding. A fine group of single and semi-double flowered Larkspurs also came from the same firm, together with a collection of tricolor zonal Pelargoniums. Mr. Harrison Weir sent cut spikes of a yellow-flowered Foxglove (Digitalis lutea ochroleuca), 'the throat of which was mottled with dark brown. Mr. R. Dean sent a very showy collection of cut spikes of Antirrhinums. Messrs. Carter & Co. had a new Hybrid Sehizanthus, named Butterfly, the segments of which were white, spotted with a dark purple, also a deep rosy variety of Hedysarum corouarum. Mr G. F. Wilson furnished a choice collection of cut LUies, and two splendid pans of Nertera depressa, very fresh and dense, profusely sprinkled with coral-tinted berries of the size of small Peas. It is quite kardy in a shady situation, and is found widely distributed in motm- tainous districts of both hemispheres. Messrs. Dixon & Co., of Hackney, sent Ufted plants of Calceolaria Golden Bedder, a kind which bears large golden flowers. Messrs Barr & Sugden had a splendid group of cut Lilies of the Thunborgianum and Martagon types. Messrs. J. Backhouse, of York, sent a blooming plant of Mormodes Pardina, a native of Mexico, having spindle-shaped bulbs nearly a foot long, bright green- ribbed foliage, and a short spike of yellow flowers, pro- fusely speckled with dark brown ; also plants of Onciilinm stjUigernm, a native of Mexico, closely resemblmg the rare O. Barkerii (O.ltigrinum) iti habit, but with longer and flatter pseudo-bulbs. The flowers are about an inch and a half across, borne on arching branched spikes 5 or 6 feet in length. The sepals and petals are of a creamy-yellow, spotted with brown, the hp being three-lobed, lateral lobes white, and central lobe jwrplish-brown. Messrs, Dick Radclyffe & Co,, of High Holborn, and Messrs. J. Bromwich & Co., South Belgravia, exhibited some elegant Fern-cases, very tastefully arranged. JFruit. — The show of fruit was limited to one or two Melons of average merit, and a flue collection of Cherries consisting of a dozen dishes sent b.v Mr. J. Woodbridge, gardener to the Duke of Northum'jerlaud, at Syon. Mr, McLaren, of Ash, Surrey, sent cut fruiting branches of a prolific Llaspberry, named McLaren's Prolific ; the fruit is large of a dark red colour, but deficient in flavour, A new seedling Grape, named the Duchess of Edin- burgh, came from Mr. W. Melville, gardener to George Gibbs, E3ii.,,The Royal Vineyard, St. Lawrence, Jersey; the bunches were long and tapenng, the berries large and oval, green in tint, fine and distinctly netted with yellow, like some of the smooth skinned Gooseberries, the foot-stalks were thin and slightly warted ; though sweet and juicy with a slight Muscat fiavoiu-, it was thick skinned and otherwise of little merit. Mr. I'erkins, gardener to Charles Keyser, Esq., sent a pair of fine yuceu Pines, the produce of rooted suckers planted in August 187J ; the heavier of the two was a splendid fruit, symmetrical and well swelled, weighing 5 lbs. 13 oz. ; the smaller one being only 7oz. lighter. Vegetables. — Considerable interest was occasioned amung practical gardeners and amateurs by the fine collections of Peas sent in competition for the prizes offered by Messrs. Carter & Co. The first award went to Mr. VV. G. Pragnall, gardener to G. D. W. Digby, Esq., Dorset. The varieties were Champion of England, pods rather small but remarkably well-filled ; G. F. Wilson, pods well-filled and the Peas of goodflavour Superlative, with very large-curved and curiously- pointed pods, the Peas in which were rather small ; Hundredfold, with well-filled pods ; Wonderful, one of the best of the group, the pods being rather smaU but well-filled, and the Peas large .and of fine flavour; James's Marrow, a prolific variety with well-filled pods of medium size. Mr. H. Elliot, gardener to J. Hibberd, Esq., Maidenhead, was second with Laxton's Quality, evulently a fine and prolific variety, the flavour being sweet and good ; Fu-st Crop Blue, another good cropper of excellent flavour ; Laxton's Supreme, in the way of Superlative but rather smaller ; James's Marrow, Forty- fold, a productive variety of good flavour ; and G. F, Wilson. The first prize for four varieties went to Mr. F. Baily, gardener to T. T. Drake, Esq., Shardeloes. These were Superlative, Laxton's William the Fu-st, Laxton's No. 1, a small podded kind but probtto, and Laxton's Pillbasket. Mr. G. T. Mdes was second, and Mr. R. Gilbert, of Burghley, third. Mr. R. Dean sent haulm of two new Peas from his grounds at Lledfont. One was named Robert Fenn, a prolific cropper, with from seven to nine Peas in a pod. The other was called Deiin's Dwarf Marrow, smaller, but very pro- ductive. First-Class Certificates were awarded to the follow- ing novelties :— Rose Sir Garnet Wolseley (Cranston).— A seedlmg from Camille de Rohau, and in colour simdar to Mane Baumann. It is a nice incurved flower of a rich fiery- crimson colour. Ins Kffimpferi (E. G. Henderson) .—A fine flower, having six broad imbricating petaloid segments of a rich claret colour, with a bright golden streak at the base. The foliage resembles that of some Gladiolus, and the three-fiowered scape is fully a yard high. It is one of the best of a beautitul, but shy-flowermg, section of this genus. ,„ , , . Tricolor Pelargonium Dr. Masters (Henderson).— A dwarf, dense habited variety of considerable merit. The leaves, which are crumpled, are green in the centre, bordered with clear yellow, and having a broad bronzy scarlet zone. Silene pendula ti. pi. (Dean).— This is a very pretty double-flowered " Catch-fly," of the brightest rose colour. It will prove useful lor bedding purposes and dry sunny banks. Lobelia (pumila) magnifica (Boster).— This is the best dwarf Lobelia we have ever seen, and is certain to become popular. A httle patch about 3 inches high and as much through bears about aoo flowers of the most vivid blue imaginable. Echeveria Peaoockii (Croucher) .— A robust habited species, the thick bluish glaucous foliage being very symmetrically arranged ; each leaf is concave above, with their points incurved. It is one of the best of the small growing section, and is ctt'ective as a pot plant. The flowers are of the usual form and deep orange colour, borne on a simple secund spike from 12 to 18 inches high. The spike is of a reddish-purple colour, clothed vrith lance-shaped bracts of the same colour as the leaves. WEST HAM HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. June 30th. This suburban exhibition was quite a success, the stove and greenhouse plants being excellent— indeed, better than those staged at some of our large shows this year. The principal exhibitors among nurserymen were Messrs. B. S. Williams, Rollisson, and Wright ; and Mr. J. Ward, Mr. D. Donald, Mr. J. Douglas, and Mr. J. Wheeler among amateurs. Fruit, though sparsely represented, was excellent in quahty ; Grapes, Straw- berries, and Cherries being especially fine. Vegetables, though somewhat scarce, were of average merit. The New Park, in which the exhibition was held, is of con- siderable extent, and contains some fine specimen Yews, Poplars, and some fine old Mulberry trees, in the trunk Qt one ol which an Elder bush has estabUshed itself, and THE GARDEN. [JuLT 4, 1874. 18 gradually Bplitting the Mulberry as it increases in Bize. Stove and Greenhouse Plants.— In the nurserj-man'a clntss tor t\\L'lvi5 bpucimeDs, Mr, H. S. WilliHms wufl first with a woll-K'roHn t-Toiip, in which were Kricaoljbata, beariuK lar^'e inliated wax-liite flowers of ])carly wliite- neas ; K. ( iivcmliahii, a well-known yellow tlowercd variety; AUnnriniui Hendertionii, anfl A. cathartica. AnthmiuTii SliLTzerianum, liouprainvillca Klal'ra, and other ef|U;i.Ily well-managed plants. In the amateur's rlasa, Mr. .1. Ward, pardenerto F. G. Wilkins, Ksij., of Ley ton. WHS deservedly first, with twelve splendid iJlants, ani'ing which tiie following deserve special mention. viz., AnthuriumSrIicrzerianum, with about twenty brilliantly coloured spathesi Stalice prnfusa, a perfect ma.ss of bright blue llowcrs ; Kalosanthea Frederick Desbois, rich scarlet; and a splendidly coloured liougainvillea glabra. -Mr. J. Wheeler was second with a well-grown grouii, in which was Stephaiiolis floribunda, a per- fectly globular mass of fresh leathery foUago of the (liirkest tmd most healthy green tint, inter- sperseii with great clusccns of sweet-scented snowy flowers. This was supported by an excellent speci- men of Bougainvillea glabra. Mr. D. Donald was third with Krica Aitoniana, a fine old white variety with long tubular flowers ; Ixora amboyensis, well bloomed ; Dipltliicnia amabilis, and others'. Good col- lections of Hnc-loliaged plants were furnished in excel- lent conilition by Mr. D. Donald, Mr. J. Ward, and Mr. J. Douglas, the iirizes being awarded in the order in which the names stand. In looking over these groups we noted a splendid specimen of the sombre-tinted Cycas circinalis. with graceful pinnate foliage, 6 or more feel in length. This plant is as elegant as a Palm, and, like its congener, C. rcvoluta, stands a good deal of rough UB;ige ; hence, as a companion to the latter, it deserves generiilly to be more grown for all kinds of modern dci-oration and for sub-tropical gardening during the summer months than it is. Mr. Ward's plauts, ahhonuh rather small, were superior to any others in the tent ; they consisted of good examples of Sarracenia tlava. Cocos Weddelliana, a remarkably fresh and promising little Palm ; Crotou undnlatum, one of the most ell'octivc of all the newer kinds; Latania rubi-a and Areca lulescens, both distinct and effective decorative Palms ; Dracaena lineata, Tucea aloifolia vitriegiita and Dicksonia antarctica, a well-known Tree Fern that luxuriates hi a cool temjierature. In the Amateur's Class for six stove and greenhouse plants, Mr. Ward was again first with a young fresh Ixora Williiimsii, the flowers of which are of a bright orange tint, liorne in enormous trusses backed by handsome leathery foliage. The group also contained' good plants of Erica depressa; Phoinocoma prolifera Barnesii ; a well-grown Kalosanthcs eoccinea, about 3 feet by 2 and otjher plants eciually effective. In the Nurserymen's Class, for a group of decorative plants not esceedino- twenty-four in number, arranged for efl'eet Mr B S° Williams was first with a splendid collection of lan^ij plants, all being of a more or less choice character and comprising flowering and foliage plants. Orchids' Palms and Ferns. To Messrs. Eollisson of Toot- ing, who also had a splendid group, the second prize was awarded ; and Messrs. Wright of the Nurseries. Lee, Kent, were third. Heaths were unusually excellent, the best eight being contributed bv Mr. Ward, who had splendid specimens of E. Ne Phis Ultra, a fine free-habited variety with bold white flowers ; E. feriuginea major, a deep rosy-flowered kind, profusely bloomed ; B. Parmentieri rosea nicely coloured; and E. gemnifera. a rich orange-fl'owere'd variety, tijiiicd with green. In the class for four speci- mens, Mr. W;ird was first with E. ampullacea Williamsii a fine long-llowered white kind ; E. tricolor rosea, well- coloured, and others. Orchitis.— Of these Mr. Ward's collection contained fine richly-cnloiired varieties of Odontoglossum Alex- andric, Dendrobium Parishii, D. Bensonia;, one of the very hiiest of all the Indian Dendrobes ; Epidendrum vitelliiiuin majus, with two spikes of remarkably Que riehly-tinted flowers of a glowing orani'e-scarlet ■ Cyiinpeaium barbatimi, C. Vciteliii, and others. Iii another group were well-flowered plants of Phala;- nopsisgrandillora,CcelogyneLowii,andCattleyacitrina, witli lemon-scented flowers of wax-like consistence. Some fine stands of cut Roses were staged by Mr William Paul, of Waltham Cross. Fancy Pelargoniums were exlnbitod by Mr Donald, and Mr. Ward was first in the class of six fine show varieties. Ferns came from Mr. .1. Lane, Romford; and Mr. Simmonds also Btagtid a very good group. Collections of Hydrangeas, zon.il and tricolor Pelargoniums. Fuchsias, Coleus, Lihea, .-ind other decorative plants, made up a very intcrcslhig exhibition. Fruit— .Mr. Richardson, of Lordship Lane, Totten- ham, lurmslied a Black Hamliurgh Vme in a pot bear- mg seveii line clusters of fruit ; also a Golden Hamburgh ecfually hue. Excellent Cucumbers came from Mr. J Doughis. Melons from Mr. Stephenson and Mr. Douglas who also staged three splendid clusters of Black Uam- hurgh Grapes. Mr. Bone being second. While those staged by Mr. J. Lane had wonderfully fine berries, but rather small bunches. The first 'prize for White Grapes went to Mr. J. Douglas, who had nice clusters ot Buikland Sweetwater. Mr. Bone occupyin-- a corresponding pisition with three nice bunches of JIuBcat of Alexandria. Peaches and .Kectarines of excellent ipiality came from Mr. Stephenson j and Bpleiidid Strawberries wore furnished by Mr. E. E Wythes, of Kpping, and others. Cherries were remarkably fine, esuecially a dish of Black Hearts Bt.agean Society, and in 1 M69 was elected the first President of the Hampshire and Wmchestcr Scientific and Literary Societ.v. Among his best known works are his " Botanical Kambles," *' The Forest Trees of Britain," " A Week at the Liz.ard Point," " Kambles in the British Isles," Flowers of the Field," " Gardening for Child- ren," "British Birds in their Haunts," and "Home Walks and Holiday Rambles." Not the least success- ful of his works were those written specially for children. He died at his residence, Winton House, Wiacbaitor. JuLV 11, 1874.1 THE GARDEN. 19 THE GARDEN. " This is an art Which does mend nature : chanp;e it rather : but The Ast itself is Naiuee." — Shakespeare, GARDEN FETES. The garden fetes of the metropolitan district have become the most charming attractions of the London season, as the recent entertainments given by H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, in his beautifal gardens at Chisvvick,^aiid by Lady Holland, at Kensington, and others of a similar kind prove. It is also admitted that the general characteristics of garden fetes have greatlj' advanced in attractiveness since the days when the late Dnchess of St. Albans' breakfasts at Holly Lodge, were looked forward to as the climax of the festivities of the London summers of those days. Both then and now (but now far more generally) the charms of social gatherings among trees and flowers, with the air cooled by gentle and refreshing breezes, were, and are, acknowledged to bo far more agreeable than assemblies in crowded rooms with an insufhcient supply of fresh air, and too little spare. The garden party certain!}' possesses great advantages over those indoor crowdings, especially when the average temperature is about 1-53° Farenheit in the sun, and 80'^ in the shade, slightly intensified by the presence of a comet rapidly approaching its perihelion, as at the present time. Last Wednesday was one of the most glorious, at all events one of the hottest, July days of 1874', and, by a happy conjunction of circumstances, one might pass nearly the whole day among trees and shrubs and human flowers, almost as fair and beautiful as the flowers themselves. It was the day fixed for Mr. BoUn's annual "'Rose fete" at Twickenham; -where a few hours may be lounged away both pleasantly and in- structively among the rich collections of trees and shrubs. We have not space to speak of Mr. Bohn's Roses, the flowcr- doitics of his /^;^: — but beautiful as they were, and always grown in large masses of plants of each variety, which greatly adds to their effect — we must quit them hastily, in order to prepare for the garden / ie of the season — the evening /efc at the Botanic Garden in the Regent's Park. The first tentative fcta of the kind in these gardens took place in 187'2, when the arriving guests were greeted by a heavy thunderstorm, which, though it afterwards cleared off, yet left the Grass too wet to be dried even by the profusion of blue and red fire, which changed the great rain-drops into sa]iphires and rubies. The night_/t'fcof 1873 was more favoured Ijy the weather ; but for the floral games of 1874 was reserved the exquisitely beautiful night of July the 8th. The purple sky was quite Italian in the depth of its hue, and the new comet was the observed of all observers, to the occasional neglect of the many-hued fires that fitfully lighted tree-tops, and threw coloured gleams across the turf, and among the silks and satins and laces of the pro- inenaders, with a fairy-like effect, that would have driven a "Wattean to despair. The whole arrangements of lighting were, indeed, a great success. The festoons of white gas- lighted globes on each side of the broad walk, with a rosy- tinted one at the point of each of the supports, produced a very brilliant effect, and so lighted up the promenade and prome- naders, that the illuminations may be faiidy pronounced to have been what the Italians so expi'essively call "a r/iorno" Yet it was not precisely daylight, but seemed rather a kind of soft moonlight, even brighter than the light of day. But what would all this have been without the glorious weather, which will make this fete a memorable one in the annals of the fetes of the "Botanic?" and what would it have been without the charming laying-out of the garden itself, which, by the good taste of Mr. Marnock, has made the garden in the Regent's Park one of the most beautiful spots in Europe ? The arrangements for the accommodation of Royalty "made it somewhat difficult to get round the conservatory to the prin- cipal exhibition tent from the top of the broad walk, there being but a narrow space left at either end of the terrace (between ropes) for the vast crowds of spectators to crush through ; but the fineness of the night, the general beauty of the scene, and the exuberant loyalty of the British public, kept everyone in good humour, notwithstanding the uncom- fortable crowding at those points, which might very easily have been avoided by roping off a sufficiently wide passage- way. I'he first impression on entering the great tent was that, after the glorious glare of the gardens, it was altogether insufficiently lighted ; for, while a few experimentalists were testing the lighting power of the magnesium light by reading the smallest print of the Tiiiu's newspaper, the big letters of the prize labels in the tents were scarcely legible by the some- what scant)' supply' of ordinary gas. It must be conceded however, leaving out all attempts to read the labels, that the eft'eot of the subdued light was verj' soft and pleasing. The display of cut Roses was abundant beyond precedent, and the arrangement of them was fanciful and pleasing; but the extremely subdued light, and the fact of their being placed too far from the eye (upon the ground), rendered it difficult to judge of their excellence from a florist's point of view ; though their exquisite perfume filled the air. The table decorations, as a rule, were pronounced inferior. A public, verj' exacting in its tastes in such matters, has been educated by the produc- tions of our great gardeners, the deftly-skilful fingers by which they have been displayed for some years past, and the beautiful vase-forms invented for their reception have produced such happy combinations that the public taste has grown fastidious, and is by no means easily satisfied, and such uncomplimentary exclamations as " poor! " " spotty ! " " no cuseinhle .' " " trivial ! " " bad ! " were bandied freely about ; and there was an outcry that some of the first prize objects were not always to be found. A few general principles appeared to have established them- selves in the public mind with regard to floral decorations for the table. The first was, that dark stands next the cloth for crystal vases, large or small, was a glaring mistake, the clear sparkle of the glass being, in every way, preferable. Upon this principle, even the graceful Fern-fronds, when allowed to lie on the cloth, were disapproved of; and such remarks were heard, as if these fronds were swept away and the clean clear base of pui-e glass left undisturbed upon the cloth — a gbstening icicle upon a field of snow — the effect would be much more cool and charming. Another principle arrived at appeared tu be this, that small masses of the same flowers, say masses of blue flowers alternating with white — or pink or crimson with white — the effect, lightened and blended with Ferns and Grasses, was more likely to be effective than the old many- coloured system. At the same time, it was admitted, that a free and natural arrangement, if truly artistic, was a higher class of floral decoration, but very seldom realised on account of its difficulty. Among the things remarked as novelties, were one or two sideboard decorations of I'ich and tasteful arrangement among many of execrable meanness and barrenness of design. Lamps with glass stands arranged as receptacles for flowers, the light plunging down among the flowers producing a charming effect, but several of these were considered spoilt by a mass of common paper flowers covering the shade. There was, also great ob- jection made to strings of barley-sugar, or glass beads among the flowers, producing a puerile and pastrycook effect of the meanest kind. There were, however, some cachepots of pure white porcelain, in which pots of fine-growing Maiden- hair Perns were concealed, which were pronounced a success. Finally, there was a nobly-designed silver table piece, several feet long, with snpports for flowers, which were artistically filled with grand Orchids and Lilies, which secured general admiration, notwithstanding the awkward nature of one of its chief features— Water Lilies growing out of looking-glass instead of water, which, it must be conceded, is rather a clap- trap device, though lookiug-glass so used is dignified by the makers of such things by the plausible title of " a mirror lake." In conclusion, we may express a hope that in future years the floral element will be more worthily represented at such a great meeting as this. The few dinner-table and rather meagre decorations can surely be improved upon. The grand tent and the conservatory ought to be well filled, the conser- vatory on these occasions being devoted to the hot-house plants and Orchids. Its ordinary occupants might be placed in the open air for the occasion. 20 THE GARDEN. July 11, 1871.] NOTES OP THE WEEK. S05tE very fine Ynccas arc sending up their flower-spikes in the Avenue Gardens in tlie Regent's Park, another proof among many of the great value of these fine plants for town gardening. NoTwrrnsT.KNDiNG our repeated notices, in the advertisement columns, that every letter should contain the writer's name and address, we continually receive questions without them, and questions to which we can only reply by post. It is reported that the extensive garden belonging to the Draper's Company is to be disposed of for building purposes. It is several acres in extent, and lying, as it does, in a dense jjart of the city would bo invaluable if formed into an open square or public garden. The sub. tropical gardens in Battersea Park are now completed, and they present a very attractive display. The bedding, out in the vai'ious parks is now becoming very attractive, the mud- edgings, however, looking as ugly as usual. As regards the health and culture of ordinary bedding. plants, by the way, can anybody say what advantage they receive from being raised to the level of these plastered edgings ? Wf learn from Nature that arrangements have been concluded between the proprietors of the Daihj Tdegraph and Mr. Bennett, proprietor of the New York Herald, under which an expedition will at once be despatched to Africa, with the objects of investigating and reporting upon the haunts of the slave traders, of pursuing the discoveries of Dr. Livingstone, and of completing, if possible, the remaining problems of Central African geography. This expedition has been undertaken by, and will be under the sole command of Mr. Henry M. Stanley. We suggest that a botanical collector should accompany this party if possible, so as to obtain some more definite knowledge of the luxuriant vegetation of the interior of Africa of which we know, as yet, so little. The Florist of this month contains a coloured illustration of Messrs. Veitch's handsome orange. scarlet flowered Rhododendron, called Duchess of Edinburgh. It belongs to the Jasmine-flowered type, which includes, besides Jasminiflorum, the white blossomed Princess Alexandra, and the pink-flowered Princess Royal, and Princess Helena, all choice conservatory plants, to which Duchess of Edinburgh (a hybrid raised between Princess Royal and Lobbii) is a splendid addition. Its leaves, which are about 2 inches long, are elliptic, glossy, and coriaceous ; and the blossoms, which are borne in terminal umbels of from nine to twelve together, are strikingly showy. The same number also contains a coloured representation of the Barrington Peach, a well-known and excellent variety. Amo.vg plants now in flower on the rock-work at Kew, are Lychnis Sieboldii, a good plant of which is producing large white flowers tinged with pink in abundance ; a white-flowered perennial species of Lobelia, called littoralis, which, if thoroughly hardy, will become a valuable plant for rock-work ; Helichrysum Bcorpioides, a showy perennial Everlasting ; Hypericum balearicuni, a dwarf species, now thickly studded with yellow flowers ; a distinct kind of Sedum called sempervivoides, with rose-coloured flowers, and a good plant of Androsace lanuginosa, with several umbels of prettv delicate rose-coloured blossoms. The herbaceous grounds at this establishment are nosv full of showy plants, among the rarer and most interesting of which may be mentioned Dianthus ramosissimus, a much branching wiry. stemmed kind with purplish-rose-coloured flowers ; the trailing Abrouia arenaria, with showy umbels of pale yellow flowers, and Salvia chionantha a showy white-blossomed species. Ligusticum pyrenoeum, a plant ornamental both in flower and foliage is also now blooming freely at Kew. Collections of herbaceous and Alpine plants are now well worth a visit, many interesting plants, both new and old, being now at their best. For instance, the handsome Morina longifolia is just now in fine condition at Mr. Parker's establishment at Tooting, where a tuft of it is bearing no fewer than seventeen fine spikes of white and rosy flowers. Here, too, are to be seen, among a host of other attractive plants, Omphalodes Luciliae ; Prunella pyrenaica, one of the best of the genus ; large .'tufts of Rudbeckia californica, a fine plant for the back of a mixed border or shrubbery ; and a good tuft of Jasione perennis, having much larger and finer heads of bloom than those we have before seen on any plant of the kind. Among hardy aquatics, for which this place is famous, we noticed Sagittai-ia obtasa, a somewhat scarce plant with white flowers, which, when fully established, will doubtless prove itself worthy of general attention. At the Wellington Nursery, St. John's Wood, there are, also, many attractive plants now in flower, among which the follow, ing, on account of their rarity, are most worthy of mention, viz. : — Campanula Zoysii, a smooth-tufted and very distinct species of Bell- flower, scarcely 3 inches high, a mass of pale blue flowers, which stand erect on the stems j the handsome Sileue Elizabeths), a kind with bright rose-colonred flowers ; Linum salsoloides, of which there is a good specimen nicely in flower, and Lychnis Bungeana, of which there are several fine varieties blooming in such perfection as to clearly indicate that, when more common, they will make useful border plants. The scarlet-berried Elder, so often seen on the Alps, is now covered with its ornamental berries in Mr. Harrison Weir's garden in Kent. It deserves to be more frequently planted than it is. It is important to notice the striking improvement effected in St. Paul's Churchyard by the removal of the railings to the west of the Cathedral ; St. Paul's itself, and the whole of the surroundings seem altered for the better by this simple process. Many of our buildings and their surroundings are greatly disfigured by needless railings — those miserable barriers which suggested to a witty writer the remark " Thieves without and nothing to steal within." • We have just received from Colonel Marshall P. Wilder, of Boston, the new number of the " Proceedings of the American Pomo- logical Society, by far the most useful and well-stored thing of the kind we have ev»!r seen. It is in every way worthy of the country which is destined to become the greatest fruit-growing region of the earth, and contains a mass of matter of great practical value to American fruit-growers and, in a lesser degree, to oorselves. Tho paper and printing are of a character superior to what wo usually meet with in the best works published in this country. — -^ A PAINTING of the grounds at Oak Lodge, Kensington, often. alluded to in these columns, is now on view at the house of M Arsene Houssaye, Avenue de Friedland, Paris. It is the work of M. Ollivier Piehot, and has for its subject the visit paid in 1872, by the Emperor Napoleon, the Empress Eugenie, and Queen Christina, to the villa of Mr. MacHenry, in Holland Park. Tho Royal and Imperial party with their attendants, the host and hostess and their family, are represented walking through the grounds of the Mac- Henry villa. A piece of water in the foreground is charmingly painted. The figures are all portraits. — — The last number of " Jennings's Orchids, and How to grow them in India and other Tropical Countries," contains coloured plates of Masdevallia Lindenii, a fine plant bearing lilac-purple triSd flowers ; Cattleya gigas, sometimes known as C. Imperialis, with rosy-purple sepals and petals, and a great niarginate purple lip with deep veins ; Dendrobium Boxallii, with white flowers like those of D. Bensonise in form, with white sepals and petals tipped with lilac, the lip being blotched in the centre with clear yellow ; and Aerides Fieldingii, the common " Fox-brush Orchid," an old favourite with dense gracefully drooping branched spikes of rosy-purple flowers. LiLiUM giganteum is now in fine flower in Professor Owen's garden, at Sheen. It was only planted out a year last spring. Its odour fills the garden. Few people seem to grow this most stately of the Lilies, though it is hardy on light warm soils. We have seen the plant flowering freely in Messrs. Dickson's Nursery, at Edinburgh, and Mr. Outram, in the Gardeners' Record, tells of its succeeding well in Scotland : — " Lilium giganteum stands out-of-doors at Gordon Castle, as far north as Banffshire, the seat of the Duke of Richmond, proving itself quite hardy in that locality. When I visited these gardens on June 23rd, plants of it wero from 6 to 8 feet in height, showing fine spikes of bloom. Mr. Webster, tho gardener there, showed me dried flower-spikes, the result of last year's growth, upwards of 12 feet high, which had each produced two dozen and upwards of flowers." Of the following plants coloured illustrations appear in the current number of the Botanical Mar/azine — viz.. Chrysanthemum catananche, a dwarf cut-leaved Composite, which forms silvery tufts a few inches in diameter, and bears pale yellow flowers as large as those of the common Marigold or Gazania splendens. Like tho last- named plant, a purple ring enriches the fertile florets of the disc. It is found at an elevation of from 7,000 to 9,000 feet on the Greater Atlas, and flowered at Kew in April of the present month. — Erica chamissonis : a ternate-leaved rosy-flowered species from Southern Africa. — Ilomanzofiia sitchensis : a dwarf decumbent herbaceous plant from North-western America, about 6 or 8 inches in height, with crenulate renitorme leaves, and scarpoid panicles of white flowers about half-an.inoh in diameter. — Iris olbiensis : a showy species, with the habit of I. pnmila; but with larger and more durable Bowers. Its blossoms, which are produced in April, are rich purple, and as handsome as those of a Cattleya. It is a native of Northern Italy and the South of France. — Campsidium chilonse : a pretty climbing Bignonaceous shrub, introduced by Messrs. Veitch, with whom it bloomed early in spring. It has bright green foliage, and drooping clusters of deep rosy tubular flowers, with an expanded five-lobed rim. It is a native of Chili, and a desirable plant. — Pyrns baccata : a highly ornamental tree from the Himalayan range, bearing snowy-white blossoms in dense clusters, succeeded by globular fruits as large as marbles, and of a golden-yellow colour, tinged with crimson on the sunny side. It is perfectly hardy. July 11, 1874] THE GARDEN. 21 THE FLOWER GARDEN. THE COBWEB HOUSELEEK. Ix many gardens this interesting little mountaineer is a novelty as yet, and its curious downy covering and strange aspect generally-, leads many to doubt its hardiness and con- stitutional vigour. It is, however, as hardy and as easily grown as the common Housoleek. The Cobweb Houseleek is a native of many parts of the Alps, and I have this year been in districts where it occurred on every rocky place. It is on the flanks of the warm I\[aritimo and Italian valleys, where the snow leaves it free to the sun early in spring ; and it is also in the colder and more northerly Swiss val- leys, where it only escapes from its prison house in early summer. It thrives perfectly in British gardens, but being fref|uently grown in pots and frames (which it does not enjoy so well as a suitable position in the open air) it may seem to some a slow-growing or a difficult plant. The proper place for it is on a rock- garden, and it will grow in any open sandy soil, the sole precaution necessary being to prevent it from being overrun by taller or quick- spreading plants. It doqs perfectly well on level bor- ders of sandy loam in the London district, but in all cases where it i.s planted in a mixed border the plant or group of plants should be surrounded by a few half- buried stones which will keep off the hoe and rake, and the foot, and prevent evaporation. The best plants I have seen ai'e at Lamport Hall, the seat of Sir C. Isham,in Northamp- tonshire, where they form silvery seams and tufts as good as I have ever seen on the Alps. There should be no diftioulty in establishing the Cobweb Houseleek on an old wall or ruin or open stony place where it would not be overrun by coarser vegetation. It may, of course, be used with the various small succulent plants now grown in the Hower garden. I once saw a splendid specimen of this charming little Alpine grow- ing in a pot on the outside of a window at Bromley, in Kent, and so luxuriant was its growth that the silvery rosettes drooped gracefully over the sides of the pot until they nearly touched the edge of the saucer in which the plant stood. W. PETUNIAS AS BEDDING PLANTS. Among summer bedding plants none are better than some of the showiest of single Petunias, especially such sorts as have a dense short-jointed habit of growth, that flower profusely, and that have medium-sized rounded blooms of good shape and substance. With such plants, no matter of what coloui-, whether all the same or mixed, a lieauliful mass of flowers may be obtained from the moment the jilants are turned out at the end of May up to the end of October. Of all the shades of colour to be found in the Petunia, none are so pleasing as those of the striped kinds ; for, unless propagated from the same plant, no two are exactly alike ; and, even the same plant, often furnishes much diversity in the way of markings, although the colours are identical. A good striped strain ought to be devoid of any large loose flaccid flowers, huge blooms that are all poiuts and folds, and that get torn to rib- bons iu the first gale of wiud to which they are subjected. For some seven or eight years I have been growing annually from seed a good number of plants of the striped forms, and by means of constant and careful selection, I have so far got rid of all self - coloured flowers, that not one plant in a hundred yields other than good striped blossoms. In some cases the ground- colour is white, striped with crimson, purple, or red- rose, and, in others white stripes are laid on a dark ground colour. Some of the flowers are, perhaps, more showy than others ; but in all cases, if the variegation is present, and the shape of the flower per- fect, the effect is most satis- factory. Self-coloured flowers also make most effective masses, but these look best when in distinct colours. Countess of Elles- mere, a well-known rose- coloured kind with a white throat, is a very pleasing variety ; so is Warrior, a rich crimson ; and there is a deep crimson-purple kind called Spitfire, that also furnishes a rich and most effective hue of colour. I once saw the last named kind planted thinly amongst a bed of silver-edged Pelar- goniums, above which the dark purple blooms of the Petunia came up freely, and with excellent effect. Most of these kinds, if grown apart from others, will re- produce themselves from seed ; but, as a rule, plants raised from cuttings seed but little, whilst seedling jjlants, especially of the white and striped kinds, seed freely. Our best single white self has smallish flowers ; but the habit of the plant is coarse, and the growth rank, so that a neatly rounded mass of this variety is never obtained. Some of the striped forms yield nearly white flowers, but these are unreliable, and are at all times liable to revert to dark shades. There are also some prettily veined flowers, a few of which are worth grow- ing, but, as a rule, they are inferior in decorative effect or beauty to richly coloured selfs or the striped forms. Than Petunias, few plants are more easily propagated, either by means of cuttings or seeds. Cuttings should be put in early in September when the wood is short-jointed and firm. The Cobweb Houseleek (Sempcrvivum aracbnoideum). 22 THE GARDEN. [July 11, 1874. Thev will strike freely in G-inch, pots, filled two thirds up with moderately Rood compost, and the remainder with a mixture ^- sharp sand and soil. Place them on a shelf near the glass during winter; give them little water, and they will make growth enough to furnish cuttings about the end of March, and if in April, the stock plants themselves be potted up sinHy, a good stock of bedding plants will be secured. Seed may be sown about the middle of September, and the seedling plants kept in pans or boxes through the winter; or it may be sown in February under glass, and, if possible, m a gentle heat, when good plants may also be produced m time for bedding out. I invariably sow about the middle ot bep- tember, in a shallow pan which has been previously failed with a fine sandy compost. The soil on which the seed is sown should be kept just moist until after the plants are well up, when they may bo watered freely. When about an inch in heitrht they should be pricked out thinly into other pans or boxes, and in these they may stand through the winter, and be potted up into 60-sized pots early in the spring. The double forms ot the Petunia make very useful pot jilants, but they are not desirable for bedding purposes. The blooms are usually heavy and full, and, when wet with the rain, he about in an ungraceful fashion, looking anything but pleasing. As pot plants o-rown under glass they are not subject to this misfor- tune • and, if the plants have been well grown, are robust and stocky and, if they have been well pinched during the earlier stao-es'of growth, good heads of flower will be the result. Pet°unias, whether double or single, make very showy exhibition plants ; and, if well grown, are invariably admired because the hues of colour are well toned and the reverse of gaudy. I should like to see the Petunia more generally encouraged at our horticultural exhibitions. Alex. Deam. Bedford, W. SAXIFRAGES. By J. C. NIVEN, Botanic GardetiB, Hull. The "Wandering Jew Group. This very distinct group is represented by four well defined species, to which Borkhausen gave the appropriate generic title of Diptera, thus separating them from the Saxifrages altogether. Seeing, however, that the popular will has never endorsed the new title, it must be considered as nothing more than a technical term applied to this special section. One of its peculiarities— as indeed the name, which literally means two-winged, expresses— consists in the inequality of the petals, as regards size. When Borkhausen established his new genus, the two species then known had irregular flowers, consisting of three small petals and two large ones, the Latter, beincr thr'ee or four times the size of the former and pendent, had "somewhat the appear.ance of two wings. Recent dis- coveries have, however, brought to light another species, in which there is but one large petal, hence the original ap- propriateness of the name Diptera has become somewh.at marred. A second peculiarity presents itself in the very habit of the plant, with its long slender trailing sarmentose stems, reminding one, by its growth, of the " runners" of the Straw- berry. AH the species in this limited section are of Chinese or Japanese origin, and appear (in spite of their " Wandering Jew " designation) to have, like the Celestials themselves, believed that their native country represented the entire world, and confined their rambling propensities thereto. S. sarmentosa (of the younger Liniiteus) hag as synonyms S. stolunifHia of Jacquin and S. chinensis ot Louricro ; it is the trailing plant that we not unfrequently meet with in cottage windows, under the popnlar name ot the Wandering Jew, or sometimes under that of the " Mother ot Thousands." The latter title is, however, more gene- rally claimed by the Linaria Cymbalaria, though equally, it not more appropriate to our trailing Saxifrage. Its leaves, when growing viforously, are fully '!• or 5 inches across, convex-rotund, and broadly indented, laxly covered with erect hairs and blotched with white, giving it quite a variegated appearance. The foot. stalks are tiilatod and fleshy at the base, clothed, as well as the back of the leaves, in a young state, with crimson hairs. The stolons originate from the axils of the lower leaves ; they are long and thread-like, either simple, as in the Strawberry, or branching — a bud, which ultimately develops into a perfect plant, is produced at the extremity ; this, after establishing itself in the ground, assists in the continuous growth ot the stem proper, its onward progress being only checked by the periodic arrestment ot growth necessary to secure a fresh root anchorage, and tho development ot what were buds originally into perfectly independent little plants. When suspended in a pot, ot course the rooting process is omitted, and the buds constitute a series of plantlets, extending through a series ot generations. The inflorescence consists ot a very lax panicled cyme, about 12 inches high, carrying six or seven flowers on each secondary division, the whole ot the stalks and calyx being covered with glandular hairs ; the two lower petals are large and of a creamy-white, the upper ones small, pinkish, and dotted with a few distinct crimson spots. Sur- roundino- the ovary is a largely developed disk ot a brilliant orange colour, which materially adds to the beauty ot the flower. This species is of no modern introduction, dating back to the last century, but by whom introduced, or through what ehannel, I cannot ascertain. S. cuscutseformis ot Loddigcs, and figured by them in their " Cabinet," is considered by some as only a minor form ot the previous species ; but, surely, it has tall title to all the honours ot a specific distinction. Its leaves are broadly oval, varying in size from a three- pennypiece to that of a penny, or even larger, perfectly flat on the snr. face, the margin broken by a tew broad but slight indentations ; there are no blotches on the leaf, but every vein is picked out with a silvery whiteness that reminds one of the Eranthemum argyroneurnm ; its runners are as slender as the finest thread, or, even, hair ; the flowerinf-stems do not attain a height of more than 5 or G inches, each bearing two or three blossoms, whose large developed lower petals are remarkable for the purity of the white. This species is tar more tender and delicate in its constitution than old sarmentosa, and it delights in a moderately moist atmosphere, its slightly fleshy leaves being highly susceptible ot hygrometrio changes ; hence, the very best place to grow it is on the back wall of a cool Fernery, where it can throw out its hair-like stolons and insert its roots into the crevices ot the damp bricks, where, in the course ot a season or two, it will form a beautiful mosaic with its silver-veined leaves, all the purer and brighter tor the shade which such a situation affords it. There appears to be some doubt as to its native country ; Engler gives it as Japan, with a query ; but I should not be at all surprised it it does not turn out to be an Abyssinian plant, as I came across a iew dried fragments of Abyssinian vegetation that had been gathered by a soldier in the late expedition, and I have very little doubt, in my own mind, that one leaf was that of our little Dodder-like Saxi- frage ; if so, this group will claim a wider range than has heretofore been assigned to it. S. cortusaefolia of Siebold aud Zuccharini takes precedence of the name S. japonica, with which we are in this country more familiar, and under which it was introduced and distributed by Messrs. Fortune & Standish. In appearance it claims a much closer relationship to sarmentosa than the last species. It is, if anything, a more vigorous grower ; its leaves are a dark green, orbicular in shape, and slightly seven. lobed, covered with long, erect, crimson hairs, which hairs are so densely arranged on the leaf-stalks, and also on the young leaves, as to give a very important character to the plant ; its creeping stems are developed with great vigour, and are beautifully crimson in colour ; the large petals in the flowers — which, by-the-way, are produced in good bold panicles — are three-nerved, whereas, in sarmentosa they are but one-nerved. S. cortuSEefolia var. tricolor is a charming variegated tonn, introduced also by Jlr. Fortune. In it the golden variegation con- trasts beautifully with the crimson hairs, but it is far from constant in its parti-coloured state. It is ot stunted habit ; and, as soon as vigorous growth sets in, the plant loses its variegation, and reverts back to its normal condition ; were this not so, it would be one ot the loveliest plants we have for a suspended basket. I well remember seeing tho fu-st importation of it at Mr. Standish's nursery, and being perfectly charmed with it. Possibly, some ot my readers may have been more successful than myself in dealing with this variety ; if so, I should be glad to glean the result of their experience. S. Fortunei ot Hooker is a plaut perfectly distinct from the tore- going species, in the fact that it does not possess the rambling character at all. Although Dr. Hooker, in his description accompanying tho figure in the Botanical Magazine, appears to have assumed that it would ultimately develop runners, I have, after cultivation tor a series of years, never noticed even the slightest tendency in this direction ; nay, the reverse, as its foliage appears to spring from a sort of fleshy, and indeed flesh-cohmred, bud, to which the offsets are so closely attached that they are with difficulty separated. Fortune's Saxifrage is, in spite ot this important distinction, correctly referred to this group. Its leaves are 2 to 3 inches across, rotundly reniform, or, perhaps I ought to say, renitormly rotund, of a thick leathery sub- stance, and moderately lobed j as to the margin, concave and glabrous, if I except the presence of a few scattered hairs; but so far separated July 11, 1874.] THE GAEDEN. 23 are they, that they scarcely militate against the appropriatonesa of the term glabrons. Its flowers are prodaced in tolerably dense pannicled cj'mes; they are white, with a tinge of green, and have only one of the lower petals enlarged, the four smaller ones being entire as to the margin ; whereas the large one is deeply laciniated, or almost lobed. The time of blooming in this plant is about tho month of November — quite an exceptional thing among Saxifra^^es. In mentioning this fact, I am reminded that tho number of Chinese and Japanese plants that bloom in the winter time is very consider, able. Why such should be the case I can hardly explain. As to the hardiness of Fortune's Saxifrage, though I have not fairly tested it, I am disposed to fear that our winter's severity will be against it. Be that as it may, a plant that naturally comes into blossom in the cheerless month of November, and lasts till Christmas, is by no means to be despised, .and is well worthy the protection of a frame, which is all that it requires. DOG'S-TOOTH VIOLETS. [Mr. Andrew Mukrav, who has recently travelled over portions of the Rocky Mountain region, has communicated the following highly interesting notes on Erythroniums to the Scientific Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society.] "The yellow Dog's-tooth Violet occurs in vast numbers, covering acres with its bright and glowing flowers. One of its habitats is easily accessible from Salt Lake City, being within two hours' walk of it. It travels perfectly well in the bulb, and scores of bulbs that I sent by post wrapped up in oilskin reached England safely for a postage of a few pence. I sent all my living plants in this way through the post, and, with the single exception of an Iris, which I begin to think mnsfc be an annual, all seem to have arrived in safety. It has, moreover, the great advantage of growing within a consider, able range of altitude. As I just said, it is found on the very crests of the hills, covering considerable spaces, bnt the flrst time I met it was in a small glen called the City Creek, running up from Salt Lake City and at no great elevation above it. It was a lovely morning in April, the sun beating strong into the glen or canon, the tiger beetles had just come out and were flying strong and vigorous, settling constantly on the road which meandered up the glen parallel to the stream that murmered by its side, and numerous butterflies flitting and sailing about — the American variety of the Camberwell Beauty was especially numerous and fine. I had gone about two miles up the Creek to a point were some conglomerate rocks, with caves and holes in their faces, said to have been a few years ago the abode of the grisly bear, began to contract the sides of the glen previously to opening it up somewhat wider a little liigher up. The sides of the rough road and the sides of the stream itself were clothed with Willows, Poplars, Rose bushes, &c. ; and the undergrowth chiefly consisted of the Holly.Ieaved Berberry, which grows everywhere up such glens in profusion. It was not so beauti- ful, however, as I expected ; trodden down by man aud beast it looked broken, damaged, and imperfect, for the cattle of Brigham Yonng, and his tenants wander over all these hillsides. The Mahonia aquifolium, therefore, in a wild pastoral country is rather a failure, though it would probably be difi^erent were there nought but Indians, deer, and bears to admire it ; still even now its glossy leaves and bright yellow blossoms are refreshing and pleasing to the eye, although not to be compared with its beauty in our own country, where it is protected and cared for. Pushing along, through this and the shrubs along the river-side a bright yellow flower, something like a small hooked Daffodil, caught my eye, growing some distance ahead in a moist bend of the road among the roots and under the shade of the Mahonia and Burr Oak. " Can this be a Daffodil ? " said I to myself ; " I did not know that there was any in North America." I drew near, and found that it was not a Daffodil, but a large bright yellow Dog's-tooth Violet, with its petals curled back like those of a 'Tiger Lily. The first one that I saw had only one head; presently I saw another with two flowers on the same stem; then one with three, and on up to half-a-dozen. I was immediately on my knees gi-ubbing at them with my knife ; but it was no easy task. The longer stem seemed as if it would never show its bulb. Perseverance, however, as usual, met with its reward ; several bulbs I lost by the stem breaking or becoming involved among the matted roots of the Mahonia or Burr Oak, but I got a few, and resolved to return next morning, like Oliver, and search for more. I had no botanical books with me, but a Salt Lake friend fortunately possessed a copy of Dr. Serene Watson's recently published quarto on the "Botany of the Fortieth Parallel," being part of Clarence King's report on that region, and, having recourse to it, I made my tirnivaiUe out to be the Erythronium grandiflorum of Hooker. Nest day I was back to the same locality, and found one or two additional habitats, all on the City Creek Glen or canon. While I was busily occupied in obtaining a few more bulbs I was aware of some one approaching, and looking up I saw a young man carrying a gun, looking on benignantly at my operations. "A botanist ? " says he. Instinctively I felt that he, too, had been touched by Ithuriel's spear, and on inquiry more scotico I found that it was so. He know a little of botany, and was able to give me the names of a good many of the surrounding commoner American plants, which were new to me. I inquired if he knew this Erythro. nium, and said I supposed it to be grandiflorum. "No," said he, " that is not the grandiflorum ; it is white and larger. I can show you where it grows, higher up;" and he did accompany me in search of it, but missed it. What he spoke of is the white variety, described as albiflorum, and he also mentioned a pink one ; these are certainly to be found in the neighbourhood, although I missed them. We did not find his white Erythronium, but we saw plenty of the yellow species or variety of which I am speaking, and as I was by that time armed with a prospector's pick instead of an insufiicient knife, I was enabled to make a very good haul of bulbs. Passing, however, from the getting of the plant to the plant itself as it has now been introduced into this country — and will, I doubt not, be hereafter sent over in still greater abundance — the readers may, perhaps, like to be reminded of what we know about Erythro- niums in general, and more particularly of the species in question. Everyone knows our common Dog's-tooth Violet, Erythroniam dens, canis. It is that species that has supplied the derivative of the generic name, fpD9(}oe (red), a name by no means applicable to the majority of the species, seeing that most of them are yellow or white. The E. dens-canis, although common in our gardens, is not a native of Britain, but in Switzerland and other parts of Europe it is common. It also extends all the way across Asia to the Pacific coast, through Southern and Temperate Siberia, Baikal, Dahuria, &c., where it assumes at least three different forms or varieties — the common one one called E. sibiricum by Fisch, and another called E. parvifloram by Regal. This, I believe, is the only old-world species. Two other supposed species, one (E. bifida) with a bifid style, and another called longifolium, from Switzerland, have been described by Sweet in his " Flower Garden ; " but they are only varieties. America is better provided with species. The Atlantic slope of the Continent has two — one (the common yellow Adder's Tongue), E. americanum, of which bracteatum (Boott) in a var., is yellow, and has the gi-een leaves spotted with purplish and dotted ; the other, E. albidum, has a white or bluish-white flower and the leaves spotted but not dotted. The other names (B. Nut. tallianum and E. Carolinianum) are either varieties or synonyms of these. Now, with reference to these two species, I should like the reader to note what are the distinguishing characters, for he will presentlj' see that exactly similar differences occur in the varieties of the Erythronium of the Pacific slope ; and if what is sauce for the goose should be sance for the gander, it would appear to follow that either the two eastern species should be united, or the varieties of the western species should be separated into different species. At the same time, I should note that in speaking of the second of the eastern species (E. albidum) I do not myself know the plant, and speak only' from Prof. Asa Gray's description in his " Manual." The differences then between B. americanum and E. albidum are these : — E. americanum. Leaves — spotted ivith purplish and dotted. Perianth — pale yellow, spotted near the base. Style — club. shaped, stigmas united. E. albidum. — spotted but not dotted. — white or hluish-white. —club-shaped, stigmas 3-cleft. On the western side of the Rocky Mountains we have the species B. grandiflorum, which has led us to this subject. It was first descrbed by the late Sir William Hooker in tho Flor. Bor. Amer. ii. 182, and four varieties indicated ; — 1. E. grandiflorum var. minor, Hook. ; flower, yellow, aud single on the stem ; leaves, green, and not spotted ; stigmas, united, and brought to a point. This is figured by Lindley in the Bot. Ben. t 1716. 2. E. grandiflorum var. giganteua. Hook., Lindley, 1. c. ; flowers, yellow, from two to five flowers on the stem ; leaves, green, and not spotted ; stigmas, united and pointed. As to these two varieties, there can be no doubt that they are one thing. In the large patches of them which I saw in Utah, every variety, from that with a stem with a single flower up to others with as many as nine or ten flowers on a stem, were to be seen growing together, almost as close as Crocuses in a nurseryman's flower-bed. Of this variety, therefore, we may say with Marc Antony, " Let thia fellow be nothing of our strife. If we contend — out of the question wipe him." 3. E. grandiflorum var. albiflorum. Hook. ; flower, white, only one 24 THE GAEDEN. [July 11, 1874. on the stem ; stigmas, three-cleft, with the lobes entire at the apex ; leaves, green, and not blotched. This variety lias lately been flowered by Dr. Regcl, of St. Peters- burg, and described and figured in the Gartfiiflura (August, 1873, p. 227), and tlie characters above given are taken from his de- scription. 4. E. grandiflorum var. maculatum. Flowers same as last variety ; leaves blotched. ■ I add this as another variety on the strength of the description given in their catalogue for 1873 by Messrs. Backhouse, of York, who have introduced it and flowered it in England. They describe it under the name of Erythroninm giganteum (Lindl.) — the gigantic Dog's-tooth Violet — as follows : — " Think of a Dog's-tooth Violet growing 9 to 18 inches high, and bearing three to ten large flowers on one stalk, and a fine idea may be formed of this noble species. Our collector states that it forms a branching, somewhat oonflnent spike of flowers, usually of a creamy-white, shaded with delicate pink or purple ; others are quite white, and others again of a light lemon. yellow. In some districts it is of a clear red-purple. 'The blossoms are individually 3 inches or more across, and very hand- some, the petals being broad and well expanded. Foliage blotched and marbled with purplish brown. Months of flowering — February, March, and April." I incline to think that iu their native country April and May would better express the flowering months. Of all the varieties this seems to have differeuces of the greatest value. Generally speaking, one would feel disposed to admit as distinct two varieties which, in addition to other specialities have such a remarkable distinction as green leaves and blotched purple leaves, but here all the differences seem to be unstable, while the main characters are constant; thus, the bulb, %vhich is peculiar is, 1 believe, the same in them all. It is of a peaked oval shape, and the rootlets spring out, not at the termi. nation, but at about a third from the bottom. I do not think, therefore, that we can avoid coming to the same conclusion as Hooker and the American botanists, and regarding them all as mere varieties of one species. Besides the above we have — 5. E. grandiflorum var. Smithii (Hook.), of which the flowers are rosy-pnrple, and one on a stem ; .and 6. E. gr.andiflorum var. multiflorum (Torrey in Pac. R.R. Rep. iv., p. 14f>). .Flowers, bright lilac, j'ellow at the base on the inside; flowers, one to fifteen on the stem ; stigma, club-shaped ; leaves, not spotted. It is obvious that thaso differ from the common yellow type in little but the colour. THE ROSE HARVEST. A WEEK ago the Rose harvest threatened to be like most of the other harvests of beauty which we have reaped this season, short though brilliaut. Now that rains have come prospects h,ive brightened ; our Roses will abide with us for a reason.able time, and many of them promise to be, after all, exceptionally fine. Conspicu- ous for quality are such varieties as Marie Banmann, Peter Lawson, Duke of Edinburgh, La France, Princess Mary of Cambridge, .Tohn Hopper, Marechal Niel, Gloire de Dijon, Madame Barriott, Ija Rhone, Charles Lefebvre, Boule dcNeige, Cumtede Paris, Prince Camille de Rohan, Dr. Audrey, Victor Verdier, Madame Victor Vordier, Mdlle. Eugenie Verdier, Madame Fillion, Devonicnsis, Rose d'Or, and others, nearly all of which carry an exceptionally fine head of bloom. That magnificent Rose, Baroness do Rothschild, is later and shorter in the stalk than usual. Ipswich Gem, a pretty little Rose, almost too bright to look upon, has thrown out flowers of unusual size. I have also seen the following, specially fine this season, viz. : — Elie Morel, Ferdinand de Lesseps, Comtes.se de Cliab. rillant, Alfred Colomb, Xavier Olibo, Framjois Michelon, Camillo Bernardiu, Dupuy Jamin, Fisher Holme, Exposition de Brie, Madame Hector Jacquin, Madame Vidot, Louis van Houtte, Beauty of W.altham, Madame Bravy, &c. Most Roses that were pruned late in the spring carry a large head of bloom; whilst those pruned in autumn and winter are in many instances almost bare of buds. With a little more rain and dull weather to give the roots time, the late flovcers promise to be by far the best, and the July Rose shows, in- cluding the grand show at Birmingham, are likely to be better supported with Roses than those that were held iu June. D. T. Fisn. Rare Irises. — Can any of your correspondents tell me anything about the Irises known in catalogues as I. Ka;mpferi, I have noverseen them iu flower in any nnrsery or private garden, and though the description of them is very tempting, I fancy they must be very shy bloomers. Max Leichtlin puts them down as I. setosa (Pall.) , and says they only require to be planted in peat, but as peat is with me a very expensive article, and the varieties of this plant are mostly highly priced, I have not tried more than a few of them. From their names I suppose that they have been raised in Holland and Belgium, but of their history I can learn nothing. Iris Monnieri, a fine yellow species in the way of ochroleuca, from Crete, is now in flower with me, and Iris violacea (Klatt.), is just coming into bloom. Its habit is much the same as that of Iris lajvigata (Fisch.) which I recently saw at Kew, and I expect it is the same plant. Is tfcere any difference between Iris tomiolopha (Uance) sent out by Bull, and I. tectorum (Max) ? I suspect not, but have not yet flowered the latter. — H. J. Elwes. [Messrs. E. G. Henderson have I. Kasmpferi now finely in flower in their nnrsery at St. John's Wood. It is very variable, its six great purple petals being nearly equal, and all in the same plane, like those of a Clematis flower. Other varieties have but three fully developed petals. It is planted in ordinary garden soil, and, nnfortu. nately, is not readily multiplied, being of slow growth. — F. W. B.] Plants in Bloom early in May at Montpellier. — The following were in bloom at Montpellier when I left there on the 3rd of May, viz., Nympha^a alba, Nuphar lutea. White Thorn (single and double, the former just over), Portugal and common Broom, Persian and common Lilac. Pittosporum Tobira, three kinds of Robinia pseudo-Acacia, Rosa multiflora. Horse Chestnut (white and yellow). Laburnum (nearly over), and Guelder Rose; while about London the following were in blossom on May 29, viz.. White and Red Thorns, Horse Chestnut (nearly over). Red and Yellow Chestnut, Laburnum (the latter iu the shade in bud only), and Guelder Rose, the last almost over. The whole line of country from Montpellier to the north of France, ri'l Bordeaux, Tours, Paris, bore traces of the late frosts. In many places the Vines were much cnt ; the Acacia, Oak, Ash, and Apple, seemed to have suffered severely, especially when growing from stools, and in sheltered hollows ; while the black Italian Poplar, Willow, Alder, Birch, and Hazle, had apparently escaped. From Dover to London I saw very little sign of frost ; but here, in Richmond Park, the common Brake (Pteris aquilina) has been damaged to a great extent.- — M. Mogghidge, Richmond, Surrey. Viola Munbyana. — This Algerian Viola is a well-marked species, growing on the summits of the whole range of the Atlas Mountains in Algeria. In Munby's " Flora of Algeria," published in 1847, it was mistaken for V. calcarata, and in Destontaines' " Flora Atlantica," 1808, it was confounded with V. cornnta. Messrs. Boissier and Reuter first described it as a new species in their " Pugillus Plantarum Novarum " in 1852. Although sufficiently distinct from either V. cornuta or calcarata, it comes very near V. lutea, and the length of the spur of the flower appears to be the only well-marked distinction. Like V. lutea, its flowers are both entirely violet and entirely yellow, and clumps of it will have as many violet as yellow flowers. In cultivation it has withstood the hardest winters, generally beginning to flower about the end of February, and attaining its greatest beauty in May. — Flnrist. NOTES AND QUESTIONS ON THE FLOWER GARDEN. Culture of Tropseolum polyphyllum.— Will you kindly j^ive me a few- hints about Tropa^ulum polyphyllum ? I cannot make it do well. Ought it lo be in full suu or partial shade ? In rich or in sandy soil ? I put a very good plant of it in the ground a little time ago, and it has quite faded awaj*. — H. 10. [This fine plant thrives well in deep sandy loam on the rock garden or in a border. There is sometimes, however, a little difficulty iu establishing it at first. — Ed.] New Semi-douhle Poppy.— We have received from Miss Hope, of Wardie Lodge, Edinburgh, specimens of a showy red semi-double Poppj', a seedling from Papaver orientale, crossed apparently with P. b.-actcatuni. Misa Hope states that it grows short and robust, requiring no staking ; that it is three weeks later than P. bracteatum, and that it lasts much longer than P. orientale. Its dowers stand well up above the leaves, which have a bluer tinge than tlie leaves of p. bracteatum. Seed Sowing in Paper Pots.— A floricuUural correspondent of 3f(>orr\t Sum/ cuts good thick paper into three-cornered pieces, bends them in the shape of a funnel, fills them with soil, and, planting a seed in each, buries the whole in a bos of soil. When the plants are ready to remove to the ftower-bed, the paper and its contents are lifted out and planted like roots. The paper soon rots, and the plants never flag. Colchicums Perishing.— I thought these hardy enough to take care of them- selves, but some I i)ut in last autumn have perished. Can this be checked in case of future planting ? — H. E. [Bulbs are frequently injured by remaining too long in the shops or from being kept too long outof the ground, which is the same thing ; when this is the case they very soon moulder away when put into the ground. Other causes could only be determined on the spot, — Ed.] Culture of American Peat-loving Plants.— In reply to "H,E." (p. c), allow me to say that no frame is necessary for a good many of these plants ; many will flourish in an artificial or natural bog in this country, as, for example, the Sarracenia and Orontium ; others, as Cypripedium spectabile, thrive perfectly in peat beds for American plants ; Trilliums also thrive well in peat beds in very shady places in shrubberies. It is not necessary to keep American bog blants " dr.^nsh" in this country in^winter. — W. July 11, 18?4.] TSE GAKDEN. 25 THE GARDEN IN THE HOUSE. SPANISH BALCONY GARDENING. England is, perhaps, more than any other country, a land of exotics, if wo apply this term, not only to flowei-s and shrubs, but also to styles, fashions, and objects, which have been trans- planted hither from foreign quarters. Amongst other impor- tations from .ibroad is the vase, which occurs so frci[uently in buildings of the later Stuart days. In England it isa mere archi- tectural ornament when met with on a house-parapet, with a certain beauty indeed, but no meaning or significance. It is u-sually a carved block of stone, incapable of holding anything, though of a form as if intended to hold something, and, more- over, it is generall}' placed in a situation inaccessible to anyone but a mason. When the vase has any use in England, it must, I need scarcely say, always be within reach of a watering-can or garden syringe. If we turn to countries from which these house-parapet vases have been brought, we find that they have both use and beauty, and furnish the means of gratifying one of the most refined and elevating -of pleasures, viz., the culture of flowers. Fond as the English are of gardening, this taste, for- tunately, is not confined to them. The wealthy Spaniard delights in his garden, high-wallcd if in a town, and with gratings through which he may look into the street, or through which the passer-by may see the Orange and the Almond blossom in spring, or if the garden be in the country, it is frequently railed in with cane-work, often very prettily plaited. Of course, water is the one thing needful for cultivation in Spain (I speak of the south), the famous gardens on the walls of the Alhambra having only about one yard of earth. The Spanish town lady, who frequently lives in a street often no wider than an English alley, cultivates flowers both in her balcony and on the terrace of her house. She is not, if unmar- ried, allowed to walk out alone ; she, therefore, sits in the even- ings in her balcony, to see and be seen, and surrounds herself with flowers, from the midst of which she converses with any friend who may chance to be passing ; or she may be seen by those who have the advantage of a higher station-point walking about on the terrace of her house, watering a dama del hosque — Lady of the Wood, a very prickly Cactus, the hedge-hog of its tribe — or a Geranium, with water costing about one penny per gallon, and brought up to her by her servant in curiously-shaped earthen pitchers. The narrowness of the streets of a Spanish town are due, partly to the necessity of getting as much shade as possible, aud partly to that of economising room where city walls exist. Space for a garden is a rarity ; and flowers must, therefore, be cidtivated in balconies and on house-tops, or not at all. The parapets are therefore made ornamental with vases, and in these pots of flowers are placed, and thus the propriety of use- fulness with beauty is preserved. This, however, is not the limit of terrace-gardening in Spain. Flowers in earthen pots stand about on various parts of the house-top, just where they get the required sun or shade ; and many pleasant hours have I spent on the terraces in Murcia, listening to the castanets and guitars in the street below. As to the utilisation of orna- mental vases on English houses, it can scarcely be expected in so rainy a land as ours that flat roofs will ever become general ; still, where they do exist they are very pleasant places, and if the huge stone vases which sometimes adorn their parapets were hollowed out aud flowers planted in them, their orna- mentation would be much increased. Spanish Street Gardening. With reference to Spanish street gardening, there is a plant known in Murcia as the Picardia, much used for this jmrpose. It is a trifoliate creeping plant (apparently Dolichos Lablab), which will climb up a string to the height of from 20 to oO feet. It is also very tenacious of life, and will grow not only in the open street, as shown in the accom])anying illustration, taken in the Trapcila of Murcia, but also in the gloom and dusk of a Spanish house, whei'e we have seen it patiently growing up a staircase. In the patio, or court of their houses, the Spaniards also contrive to make a summer arbour by means of a circular arrangement of Picardias in pots, training the plants up strings to a hoop suspended between the galleries, as in the Casa de Nogues, a fine old house in the Traperia, and the white columns of the Casino are every summer wreathed round with this plant, thus giving an air of coolness in a country where shade is a luxury. Why the Picardia should not be used in a similar manner in our own country during the heat of summer and autumn I do not know. It will succeed here, for I have had plants of it direct from Spain, growing equally well iu the gloom of a London studio, and in the brighter atmosphere of a Sussex village. It is a hardy and a docile plant, growing in any direction in which one chooses to train it, and in what- ever condition of life it is placed it seems to bo always contented. J. M. Woodward. Northdiarch, Berkhempstead. Street Balcony Garclening in Murcia. DRYING WHITE FLOWERS. Mil Wermig's instructions, pub- lished in The Garden from time to time, in reference to drying flower.s and Grasses, have so much pleased me that I am induced to ask a fovv ciuestiona respecting the preservation of white flowers. In some cases I have succeeded very well with these; but, in others, I have failed. The floral leaves or, rather, petals soon curl and turn yellow, especially those of Roses, when dried in sand. Is there any chemical agent which could be used to bleach them after being dried ? By what process can I pre- serve white Camellias, Tuberoses, Pinks, Roses, &c., so that they will retain their original whiteness aud form ? I have failed to dry white Camellias without being spotted. In drying the Immortelle with borax ought the Bowers to be bleached first, or remain in their natural yellow colour ? — L. F. Sanderson, Biver Bank Nufscrij, San Jose, California. [To the foregoing Mr. Gustave Werniig, to whom this letter has been sent, furnishes the following reply: — If Mrs. Sanderson did not succeed in preserving white Camellias, white Roses, Tuberoses, and similar Bowers, she has not had a worse i-csult than the most experienced preservers of flowers have. Up to this time I do not know a single instance in which I have seen a dried specimen of the above-mentioned flowers, and of many others — as, for instance, all .the Orchids, and most flowers of Monoootyledonons plants. White flowers, especially, are very difficult to manage, as they nearly always become spotted with a shade of yellow, which gives them a rather dirty appearance. The only flowers which are pure white in bouquets of Everlastings are to be found amongst the true Everlast- ings, viz., the pretty little Ammoblum aUitum, white Immortelles, Xerantlieraum annuum album, &c. How to preserve these well I described in my former articles. Even among dried white Asters, although much used and, if well done, pretty looking, I never oonld 26 THE GARDEN. [JuLv 11, 1874. find one which was pure white ; every one had, more or less, a shade of yellow. It may be that, with the aid of chemistry by.and-bye, we may succeed in preserving a greater number of flowers in their natural colours ; but, up till now, we must bo contented with a limited number. Referring to the other question in the above letter about the colouring with borax, Mrs. Sanderson may, without hesi- tation, take the Immortelles in their natural state; yellow as they are, they turn to a beautiful scarlet if managed in accordance with the directions which I gave in a former number of the The Garden. I must add, however, that flowers colonred with borax become paler in the course of time, especially if exposed to the sun ; while those coloured by aniline keep their colour much longer. Borax, however, is cheaper and gives the flnest scarlet.] THE FRUIT GARDEN. CAUSES OF THE EXHAUSTION OF FRUIT TREES. By P. T. QUINN. The failure of certain varieties of fruit to bear maximum crops of well developed specimens every year, or even every alternate season, under what would be acknowledged as high culture, does not always prove that such a variety ig worthless and should be placed among the rejected fruits, for, with similar treatment, this same variety, grown upon a different quality of soil in another locality, might yield abundantly of full-sized fruit, recommending itself by its natural thrift aud productiveuess. Failures arising from unoongeniality of soil and climate, are striking in every district where fruit growing has been attempted in this country. At this time, among the more intelligent cultivators, it is very generally accepted, both in practice and theory, that there are comparatively few varieties of our mul- tiplicity of kinds that can, with any prospect of ultimate success, be recommended for orchard planting beyond the boundaries of single States, nor is it rare to find instances where differcut sections of the same State, call for entirely difEerent lists of fruits, owing solely to the causes named. I mention these facts here, and lay particular stress upon them, in this brief paper, tor I am well aware of the fact, that there is nothing more conducive to neglect and ill-usage in the management of a fruit orchard, than to begin with a lot of varieties nnsuited to the locality. Therefore, while tracing the causes of " exhaustion of fruit trees," it may be well to warn beginners from taking a wrong step at the start, and one so prolific of bad results that is so likely to mar the path of the inexperienced fruit culturist. Choose the list of varieties then after full deliberation and thorough canvassing of the subject, and let this care and caution govern every step taken, not only in selecting lists of kinds, but also, from whom such trees should be purchased, for at this critical period there are two more important considerations that will need earnest attention. The first, is to be sure and get strong and well-grown trees, and secondly, that such are true to name. To start with poorly-grown stock, is courting disease and disappointment on the threshold of an undertaking, and to have fruit trees turn out untrue to name, is one of the most discouraging events that the beginner has in store for him, for it will prove as expensive as distastefnl, bringing pangs of regret, too late, however, to remedy. Both of these may easily be avoided, and at no extra cost, by ordering the trees from some re- sponsible nurseryman who has his reputation at stake, for such are always quite as anxious to send out good stock and that true to name as the inexperienced purchaser is to be sure of these two points at starting. In treating the subject of " exhaustion of fruit trees," from a practical stand-point, the old and familiar adage comes into play, that an "ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure," for trifling mistakes made at starting very often lead to disastrous results. Before planting Com, Potatoes, or Onions, successful growers are sure to make a careful survey of the condition and quality of the soil, adding what it may lack before depositing the seed, for to the wise it is self-evident unless these are up to the standard, the profits will be small. And so it is with the market gardener, who raises two and sometimes three crops from the same ground the same year, and this year after year for a lifetime, without exhaustion of the soil, but, on the contrary, improving it each year. But the gardener knows full well, without being told, that if he raises two crops from the same ground in a year, he has to manure for two, for if not, it is time and money thrown away, and better by far to only attempt one instead of two. If persons, in starting a young orchard, would alwiiys follow the market gardener's rule, the end would justify the means, and instead of a meagre supply of fertilising material for one crop, there should be a liberal allowance given for two ; in due time the trees would reimburse threefold for the outlay. But how Tery seldom we find this carried out in orchard practice. With a young orchai'd of Apples or Pears, no returns in the way or frnit are expected for six or seven years, and in the meantime the ground is cropped as usual, to pay expenses, using just enough of manure to bring the cultivated crop to maturity, forgetting or overlooking the fact that there are two crops on the same ground, each having needs, while only enough of manure is applied for one. By this short- sighted economy the trees are pinched, their growth and vigour impaired, and, in thousands of instances, the orchard permanently injured, leaving what fruit such trees produce at the mercy of the insects that now-a-days infests our orchards. Kven when the ground is in good condition and fertile at the time of planting, following a plan similar to the one described, the results cannot be other- wise than fatal to the health and productiveness of such trees. Although the bad effect of such treatment may not show itself in so short a time, as when orchards of Apples or Pears are sown in cereals or Grass, still it tells against the trees in the long run. In Pear culture, exhaustion and premature death of certain varieties is hastened by neglect in furnishing the soil with fertilising material and allowing j'oung trees to overbear. This latter practice has, in my belief, permanently injured more Pear trees than all the other causes combined, and cannot be too strongly condemned or denounced, for whenever encouraged it is sure to prove fatal. In my planting of the Pear in the future, I will not allow a Pear to grow on a tree, no matter how vigorous it may be, until the tree is at least five or six years in place. Under good treatment, by this time the trees will be of good size, the roots well established, and the tops strong and capable of carrying a crop without running any risk of injuring the trees. I know from experience that this is by far the best plan to follow. Another aud very productive source of exhaustion is in planting fruit trees too far apart. When Apple trees, for instance, are set 40 feet apart each way, and Pear trees 25 feet, there are wide intervening spaces between the trees, that under the most favourable auspices of high culture it will take, at least, a quarter of a century for the trees to shade and occupy the whole of the ground. Five or six years from the time of planting such an orchard, the old custom was, and, by the way, it is very couimon even now, to sow the orchard down to Grass, and keep this part of the farm in permanent meadow. In open ground, meadows are seldom left longer than four or five years without break- ing up the sod, cropping for two or three years, and again re-seeding But, owing to the inconvenience of ploughing among trees, and the uncertainty of getting hoed crops to grow in the shade of such, the sod in the orchard is left unbroken five, ten, and twenty years. In these long terms, the more nutritious and better quality of Grasses are gradually run out, and replaced by the more vigorous and inferior native sorts, much more formidable rivals in the contest for food than the former occupants — a fact that tells its own story from year to year in the starved appearance and unfrnitfulness of such trees. However, the crop of hay is cut annually, and the Apples gathered and taken awaj', while there is nothing returned in the shape of manure to make up, in whole or in part, for this annual drain upon the soil. Within my own compass, I know of dozens of Apple orchards that have been kept constantly in Grass from twelve to twenty years, the Grass cut, and Apples gathered (when there were any to gather), and to my knowledge there has not, vrithin any five years, been enough manure applied to raise one crop of Potatoes, nor, during that time, as much labour given to the trees as would be in raising a single crop of corn. Yet these very men who are excellent grain farmers, will wonder why it is that Apples don't grow and bear as they formerly did when they were boys, and that there is no use in trying any more. Grass is bad enough, under the best treatment, in an orchard where manure is applied to the surface in liberal doses at regular intervals ; but when this part is neglected, or overlooked for a term of years, it will need no prophetic vision to foresee the final result. Meagre crops of very indifferent fruit will be the sum total of such treatment. That there are certain old favourite sorts of fruit that grew vigorously and bore abundantly, in the first half of the present century in many localities, but of late years, owing to climatic causes, have hopelessly failed under the best culture, none can dispute. But in the meantime, others, aud equally valuable kinds, have taken their places, kinds that respond freely to high culture and are fully np to the standard in quality. These cases of failure are confined to a limited number of kinds, and do not, as many suppose, affect the whole list of sorts. To make fruit culture pay the highest profit, I am thoroughly convinced of the importance of close planting, aud low heading, so that when they reach the bearing age, the ground will be exclusively given up to the trees. Manure should be applied regularly, and the surface kept under the plough, running this implement, among bearing trees, not deeper than 2 or 3 inches. — Proceedings of the American Ponwlogical Society. July 11, 1874.] THE GARDEK. 27 THE GARDENS OF ENGLAND. BURGHLBY GARDENS, NEAR STAMFORD. BuRGHLEY House, 0116 of the fluest examples of the Elizabethan style of building extaut, is a stately pile irrespective of its historical interest, and the Trell-known romantic associations with which it was invested by one o£ the later Cecils. Im- posing mansions are, however, easily created, or, according to Lord Bacon, " men come to build stately, rather than to garden finely." I will, therefore, direct attention on this occasion more particularly to the noble and widely-spread park, the fine trees which it contains, and to the useful fruits and vegetables with which the fruit and kitchen gardens are stocked, than to technicalities of architecture. The park consists of some 1,500 acres, from the moi'e elevated positions of which, some extensive and beautiful views are obtained of the town of Stamford, and of the well-wooded country beyond it. There are, strictly speaking, three parks, all well-planted ; the lower one being diversified by a large sheet of water, which stretches away like a broad river imme- diately in front of the mansion. Here, as elsewhere, are some noble trees — Oaks, Elms, and Chestnuts, whilehereand there the striking foliage of the Purple Beech stands out conspicuously, backed by the lighter foliage of Maples and Limes. There are also a few stately Cedars which throw their sombre-tinted branches over the turf in every direction. Hawthorns are plentiful, and, by the abundance of fruit which they are pro- ducing, some idea may be gleaned as to how attractive they must have been early in the season when covered with snowy flowers. Chestniits form a great feature here, and some fine glossy-leaved Oaks are remarkable for their size and vigour. The High Park, as it is called, is an agreeably un- dulated piece of ground of considerable extent, well stocked with deer. Here, also, are some fine avenues of Limes, whose leafy interlacing branches form a perfect Gothic canopy overhead. These are always beautiful ; but, when seen under golden sunlight or silvery moonbeams, and when strong light and shadow throw the perspective into bold relief, then is the time to see the avenues at Burghley at their best. Broad patches of Fern afford shelter for the dappled deer, which are seemingly unconfined, owing to the care with which all boundary lines have been hidden from view. Scattered here and there over the park are some picturesque thatch-roofed cottages, overrun with climbing Roses and Clematises, the effect of which is excellent. The fruit gardens are fully a mile from the mansion; they are situated at the extremity of the High Park, and are, for the most part, surrounded by a sunk fence. Inside are parallel walls, against which the fruit-houses are erected — all lean-to structures, heated by a pair of Weeks's tubular boilers, set side by side. The Vineries. I have seen these houses — some half-dozen in number — before, on several occasions, but never saw them look better than at present. Anyone seeing them and noting the unusu- ally heavy crops which the Vines are bearing, would be sure to predict their becoming worn out at no very distant date. This is, however, far from being the case, and, in point of fact, they are not in the least overworked, although they would certainly appear to be so to ordinary cultivators, who seldom take more than eight to twelve bunches from a Vine. Mr. Gilbert's theory is "plenty to eat and plenty to do," and it is a system to be recommended, judging from the results realised at Burghley. A house of Hamburghs here, any enthusiastic Grape gi'ower would go miles to see ; the clusters are not only large and numerous, but every berry has an oblate or flat- ended form, a sure sign that they are well fed. These are colouring finely, and will succeed the Grapes now being cut from pot Vines. A Vine of Ferdinand de Ljesseps, a seedling raised by Mr. Pearson, of Chilwell, with a fine musky flavour, is here doing better than I have ever seen it elsewhere. It is grafted on a black Hamburgh stock, and is bearing about a dozen clusters, the largest weighing fully three quarters of a pound. When well grown, as at Burghley, this is a most ' desirable Grape, being quite distinct in flavour from all other kinds, and very early. The Vine borders at Burghley are all mulched with well rotted manure, and some idea of the way in which the Vines arc fed may be gleaned from the fact that only a day or two before my visit Mr. Gilbert had poured nearly 4,000 gallons of water on one of these borders alone, a saturation which washed down the nutriment from the mulching to the roots. Failures in fruit culture occur more from want of water than from any other cause, and though drought is most to be feared in the case of Peaches, Nectarines, and other fruits planted in inside borders, yet even Vines planted in outside borders are greatly benefited by copious waterings all through the hottest and dryest months of the year. One thing in particular struck me in regard to all the Vineries at Burghley, and that was not only the abundance of fruit which they contained, but what is of more than equal import- ance, stout short-jointed canes and fine fresh green foliage in abundance, a sure proof that the roots are in a suitable medium. Some of the leaves on the Black Hamburghs measured from a foot to 16 inches in length, and quite as much in breadth ; and, notwithstanding the dry season, I did not see a trace of red-spider. About twelve months ago, Mr. Gilbert planted a house of late-keeping Grapes, such as Gros Colman, Waltham Cross, Seacliffe Black, and others, including some Vines of Trebbiano, a kind which, at Burghley, is found to be one of the finest and most valuable of all late- keeping Grapes. To have it in its best condition, however, it must be perfectly finished oS, 'i.e., thoroughly ripened, other- wise it scarcely reaches mediocrity, a remark which equally applies, to Gros Guillaume or Barbarossa, as it is commonly called, although when well-ripened under sun-heat it is one of the best of late kinds. These young Vines, although so recently planted, cover the roof, and have made fine stout growth as thick as one's thumb. The foliage is also large and fine, the shoots being trained out in such a way as to give to the foliage its full share of light, sun, and air. Pot Vines have been excellent here this spring, and there are many fine bunches fully a pound weight each still to cut from them. The secret of Mr. Gilbert's success with pot Vines lies in inducing an early and vigorous growth, so that they may have plenty of time to ripen off their wood in autumn, whereby the canes get thoroughly ripened. Genial heat, good turfy loam, and plenty of good feeding in the shape of manure-water will do the rest. "We have already alluded (see p. 333, Vol. IV.) to Mr. Gilbert's excellent method of growing Vines m pots for the decoration of the dinner-table, and need only now add that this season they have been as good as ever. Among pot Vines we found the new seedling, named GUbert's Russian Emperor, which promises to be a useful black Grape for early work, a desideratum in the case of those who have to put Grapes on their employer's table every day in the year. The Vme m question, though a weakly one, has produced thirteen fine bunches this season. The latter are long and tapering, the berries being quite distinct in shape from those of the Black Hambm-gh, beinc' oblate and slightly flattened at both ends, and the flesh is well flavoured and juicy. Two houses of Muscats are full of handsome clusters, varying from 1 to 3 pounds weight each. The foliage here, as elsewhere, is large and fine. Other Fruit Hovises. Early Melons, now over, have been excellent. Mr. Gilbert ia noted, not only as a good grower of Melons, but as a raiser of them, his last Hybrid Greenflesh, Lady Isabella Cecil, being one of the best in its class. Gilbert's Greenflesh is also a fine oblong deep golden fruit, beautifully netted, and possesses a fine flavour Victory of Bath is now too well known as one of the best of Melons, either for show or table, to need any coninaent ; this is largely grown at Burghley, where both it and Lady Isabella Cecil are great favourites. Of Pine Apples, I saw m the fruit-room some Queens which weighed from o pounds to over 4 pounds each; and, in addition to other fruiting and succes- sion plants, Mr. Gilbert has just planted one pit with the newer varieties, including Thoresby Queen, a fi°e pl^mp fruit (its only drawback being its small crown), and Charlotte Koths- childe, one of the flnest Pines grown. Smooth-leaved Cayennes and Black Jamaicas are also grown for the sake of variety. An extensive addition to the fruit-houses IS about to be inade in the shape of a Cherry-house, 64 feet long; and another house is to be built for Pigs. In addition to these a grand tropical fruit-house is in contemplation. When these are 28 THE GARDEN. [July 11, 1874. built, Burghley will be one of the most extensive and coinpleto fruit-growing establishments in the country. Strawberries in pots are nearly over, but have been very fine this season ; and in one of the Pine-pits I noticed some fine Tomatoes, grown in pots with the view of ensuring a supply all through the winter and early spring, after the outdoor crop is finished. Peaches do not succeed well on open walls at Burghley ; there- ore, the main supply of this fruit is obtained from trees under glass. Outside, the trees suffer severely from fly and blight, although repeatedly syringed and dusted with Tobacco. There is, however, a fair sprinkling of fruit on most of them. Inside the houses, the Poach trees are in perfect health, and some trees of Boyal George are bearing a splendid crop of fine fruit. In a late house of Peaches and Nectarines, the trees, planted three years ago, already cover the roof with fiue wood and fresh healthy foliage. These will bo invaluable as regards supplying a succession of fine fruit until late in the season. Hardy Fruits. This promises to be an excellent year for all kinds of out-door fruits, with the exception of Peaches, which, as previously explained, are rather thin and poor — a circum- stance with which the absence of rain has doubtless much to do. Cherries, especially Morellos, on north walls are a full crop, and the trees are very healthy. I was also glad to note that there is a fair sprinkling of fruit on the Burghley Park Cherry, a variety which owes its notoriety to Mr. Gilbert's good culture. Goosebei'ries and Currants are laden with fine fruit, and Strawberries are also abundant. Ingram's, or the Five-leaved Pine, is much grown hero, and is esteemed for its excellent colour and fine flavour. Black Prince is still one of the earliest of all Strawberries, either for out or indoor culture, its only fault being its small size. The old Grove End Scarlet is still grown here for preserving — a purpose for which it is well suited. Raspberries are trained on the arch system, a supporting upright stake being placed in the centre of each arch ; and, thus managed, they bear fine crops of fruit. Prince - of Wales, Mr. Gilbert says, is the best variety he has, and one which deserves to be better known than it is. Apples and Pears promise to be fair crops ; and Apricots look remarkably well, the foliage being fresh and clean, and there is abundance of fruit. The Kitchen Garden. This is very extensive and well stocked with vegetables, in the culture of which Mr. Gilbert follows the market garden system, in which heavy manuring, deep trenching, mulching, and copious waterings play important parts. Peas are producing wonderfully fine crops, which, however, have to be closely netted in order to protect them from jackdaws, which, notwithstanding a liberal use of cartridges, 'are found to be very destructive. Among new varieties, Mr. Gilbert is very fond of Pillbasket, one of Mr. Laxton's latest novelties, and one which promises to be a profuse cropper ; it grows about 3_feet high, and bears full-sized pods, each containing from eight to nine Peas, very sweet, and of a beautiful fresh green colour. Standard is another good dwarf Pea, although hardly so profuse a bearer as the last. William the First is one of the newer early varieties ; it grows about 3 feet high and produces satisfactorily. This is a favourite, as is also another novelty named Surplanter, a dwarf vai'icty, very sweet and good. Cauliflowers are better than might have been expected, considering the late dry weather. This year, Mr. Gilbert has tried a new plan in regard to Cauhtlower culture ; he plants them in a trench which has, as a matter of course, been well manured ; treated in this manner, three rows being put into a broad trench slightly below the ground level, they succeed admirably. Potatoes look well ; Mr. Gilbert covers the young growth with dry Fern, a plan much to be recommended in unfavourable seasons ; .lohnson's Premier is found to be one of the best of the early sorts, and Myatt's Ashtop, Early Handsworth, and other early varieties, are also largely grown. These are planted 3 feet apart, each way, and a mixture of sand and lime added to the ordinary soil suits them admirably, the tubers turning out clean and fresh. Mushrooms in open air beds have been very plentiful, over a bushel being, some- times, gathered in one day, notwithstanding the late dry weather. F. w. Burbidge. THE ARBORETUM. THE CONIFEES OF ITALY. In all representations of Italian scenery the Stone Pine (Pinus Pinea) forms a conspicuous object, and it was no doubt as common in the time of the Romans as at present. Ovid describes this tree as having erect foliage, or a bristling head ; Pliny says that it is branching at its top, whilst Pinaster is so from the middle of its trunk upwards, and that it bears at the same time fruits about to ripen, others which will ripen the next year, and others, again, which will ripen the third year. ilo also says it has a very large fruit, and it is, in fact, that which, among the Italian species, bears the largest cones. He says that the nuts are found in cavities, and are covered with a layer of rust, by which they are enabled to lie softly ; he states, moreover, that the seeds are eatable, which is only true of this species and of Pinus Cembra of the Alps. The Pine was then, as now, cultivated in gardens, and Virgil calls it their most beautiful ornament ; Horace, too, mentions a Pine that grew near his country house ; and, according to Varro, Pines served to mark the boundaries of estates. Lastly, in Pompeii and Herculaneum, we find figures of Pine cones in drawings of fruits and of culinary substances, and also on the arabesques ; in Herculaneum kernels of charred Pines have been discovered. The Pinaster of the ancients does not appear to be the same as that of the moderns ; the former was said to be of extraordinary height, n hilst the latter is almost as low as the Stone Pine. For the same reason the Pinaster cannot bo the common P. halepensis, which is still lower than the Stone Pine. But this great height agrees with the P. Laricio, which in Corsica attains the enormous height of 140 or l-'iO feet, and in Sila, in Calabria, of 120 to 130 feet ; but the statement that the Pinaster grew in the plains does not apply so well, for P. Laricio is a mountain tree ; but Tenore says that it is occasionally found in the plains. By Pinaster, Pliny probably meant both P. Pinaster and Laricio, which are not very unlike one another. Pliny's Pinaster cannot possibly be P. sylvestris, for the latter is found on the Alps only at a certain height above the sea, and rarely perhaps on the northern Apennines; it is iiot very high. Firs are distinguished by Pliny, and other Roman writers, into two sorts, Abies and Picea ; two sorts are also found in Italy at the present day, viz., the Spruce Fir, which only occurs on the Alps, and the Silver Fir, properly so called, which is spread over the Alps and the entire chain of the Apennines. We may, therefore, look upon the Abies of the Romans as our Silver, and their Picea as our Spruce Fir. The Larch of the Romans may be looked upon as identical with our Larch. This tree was found nowhere in Italy but on the Alps. Pliny's remark, that the Larch grows in the same places as the Spruce Fir, confirms this. He also says that at Rome, a bridge, over a place where sea-fights were represented, had been burnt, and that the Emperor Tiberius ordered Larches to be felled in Rhetia, ('.'•., in the Alps, to repair it. He afterwards notices the greatest tree that had been seen in Rome at his time ; it was exhibited as a curiosity by Tiberius on this same bridge : it was kept till the building of Nero's amphitheatre ; it was a trunk of a Lai'ch 120 feet long and 2 feet thick. The localities in which the Cypress is found in Italy show that it is exotic. Pliny says that it was a foreign tree, brought from Crete, and ditficult to cultivate. According to Theophrastus, the pyramidal variety of the Cypress grows in Crete, on the top of Mount Ida and the White Mountains, which are covered with eternal snow, a singular circumstance, since elsewhere it only prospers in warm countries. Near Somma, in Lombardy, there is a Cypress, which Napoleon respected when he constructed the Simplon. It is 121 feet high and 23 feet in circumference at 1 foot above the ground. This, diameter, when the very slow nite of growth of such trees is remembered, proves it to be very old. The Abbe Belese says that, according to ancient records, this tree existed in the time of Julius Caesar, i.e., half-a-contury B.C. Pliny mentions a (Jypress at Rome that was thought to be as old as the city itself, and which fell in the reign of Nero. At any rate, it is certain that the cultivation of the Cypress was known in very early times. Cato and Varro say that it was July 11, 187^.] THE GAEDBN. 29 ITALIAN coxn.'iiua -ri.\u,s imnea a.mj the it ALLAN CYPEESS. July 11, 1874] THE GARDEN. 31 planted iu gardens to mark their limits. The Juniper of the ancients is the same as that of the moderns ; of this there is no doubt. Ancient writers describe it as having spines instead of leaves, and as Iceeping its fruits all the year round, and some- times those of the preceding year. The Juniper is said to have no flowers, and, by mistake, it has been supposed tliat there are two sorts — one with flowers and the other with fruits; this refers perhaps to the two sexes, which in this plant areondifi'erent individuals. The Taxus of the ancients is no doubt the same as our present Yew tree. Pliny mentions it at the end of his enumeration of the Conifers, and says that it resembles them ; that it is the only one with berries ; that it is dark, graceful, sad-looking, and without resin. In another passage, he says oxpi-essly that it is an evergreen. It was generally believed in ancient times that the Yew was poisonous. The frequent mention of the Yew by the ancients leads us to suppose that iu their time as well as in our owu, it grew both on the Apen- nines and on the Alps. The art of clipping trees and giving them all sorts of shapes was known to the Romans ; but, although this was done with the Cypress, the Silver Fir, and t he Box, it was not practised on the Yew, probably because the latter tree required a colder climate than the plains afforded. There is no reason for supposing that the species of Conifers indigenous in Italy at the present time differ from those of former ages. The most common and the most easily dis- tinguished are expressly mentioned by ancient authors, and are, for the most part, described with sufficient accuracy to enable us to determine what they really were. Those that are not mentioned may, from the vague ideas of those times, be considered as having been united to the others, or as having altogether escaped observation. Although Italy contains wenty species of Conifers (excluding the Cypress), and Europe north of the Alps has but six, the number of individual trees is by no means apportioned in the same way. The Conifers in the north of Europe form immense forests, and consequently play an important part in the general aspect of the country. In Italy, on the contrary, with the exception of the Alps, where they form by their quantity a region at the mean height, these trees constitute but small scattered woods, which give no important feature to the landscape. Along the coast of the Gulf of Genoa, as far as the Roman States, some forests of Pines peculiar to the basin of the Mediter- ranean are certainly found — Pinus Pinea, Pinaster, and hale- pensis ; the coppices near the coast contain Junipers of the south of Europe ; forests of Spruce exist in some countries of the central Apennines — for example, near Vallambrosa and Camaldoli, and genei'ally in the upper part of Tuscany. Forests of Conifers are also met with in the Abruzzi, and on Mount Sila, in Calabria, where the Silver Fir or the Calabrian or the Corsican Pine predominate. On Etna, lastly, forests of the Corsican Pine exist : but the whole is not to be compared with the immense tracts covered by these trees in the north of Europe. It appears, then, that Italy is not very largely stocked with Conifers, and they consequently play a subordinate part in the operations of life. In the Alps exclusively do we find these trees the objects of the same industry as in the north; here they are cut down, slid over the sides of the moiantains, floated down the rivers, divided in saw-mills, and sent away as trunks, beams, and planks ; this work, too, is only found going on here and there, and on a comparatively small scale. In Scandinavia and northern Russia the houses are constructed almost entirely of the wood of Conifers ; in central Europe this wood is also largely used for beams, floors, and staircases ; in Italy, with the exception of the Alps, the houses with the staircases and floors are built of nothing but stone or brick. In the north Conifers are used for palisades, bridges, and roads ; in the centre of Europe they are greatly employed for bridges, par- titions, and garden palisades ; but in Italy the bridges are of stone, and high walls surround the gardens. The wooden pipes for water and the piles of the north are replaced in Italy by stone acqueducts and piers. As Italy, with the exception of the Alps has but few mines, she does not, like the north, employ large quantities of Fir-wood. Genoa obtains planks for her ships from the western Alps and from Corsica ; Venice and Trieste theirs from the eastern Alps ; Naples has hers from Sila ; Italy, however, imports pitch, tar, and other resinous products from foreign countries ; but Venice is the principal place of exportation of one of these products — Venice turpentine, which is obtained from the Larch on the high regions of the Alps. On the south slope of the Alps turpen- tine is also obtained from the two species of Fir ; it is collected by the Italian peasants, who ascend the mountains and climb up the trees to make incisions in them. During the middle ages the Yew was very much destroyed in consequence of the great commerce made by the Venetians of its wood ; for, before the discovery of powder, the Y'ew was in high esteem for making bows. In former times the Yew was much more common to the north of the Alps than at present. Pinus. P. Pinea (the Stone Pine). — This ia found on the sandy coasts and hills of Tnscany, to the west of the Apennines, and on the hills of Genoa, usually accompanied by, and frequently forming forests with, the Pinus Pinaster. The large forest near Ravenna is, according to Bertolini, formed of this Pine ; it is also found iu the country about Nice. It is gene.rally cultivated throughout the whole of Italy, from the foot of the Alps to Sicily. It ia not commonly found higher than from 1,000 to 1,500 feet, but it occurs in the south of Italy as high as 2,000 feet. It is found, according to Sibthorp, on the sandy coasts of the Western Peloponnesus, in the same conditions, pro- bably, as in the middle of Italy ; it is also met with in the island of Meleda. Cultivated, it is found on all the shores of the Mediter- ranean. P. sylvestris. — This tree occurs frequently in Italy on tho southern slope of the Alps, from Frioul to Nice (as, for example, in the valleys of Tagliamento, Piavo, on the Baldo and Legnone Mountains, in the Valteline, on the Simplon, Mont Cenis, and at the Col de Tende) , especially in the sandy soil of the valleys ; it is not, however, as abundant as the Spruce, Silver, or Larch Firs. As a general rule, it cannot be said to exist lower than 2,000 feet above the sea. P. Pumilio. — This is found on tho sonthern slope of the Alps, towards the east as well as towards tho west ; but the transitory forms of Pinus sylvestris are so common, and the distinctions between them and P. Pamilio so narrow when there are no cones, that I am not quite certain that some of the localities given for this do not belong to Alpine forma of P. sylvestris. P. Purailio is found beyond the limits of trees ; but scarcely higher than 7,500 feet, nor lower than 4,000 feet. It prefers a swampy soil. This species also grows on the northern slope of the Alps, and ia very common on the Carpathians, where it forma a region above that of the Spruce Fir between 4,100 and 5,600 feet. P. Xiaricio. — This species (the Corsican Pine) is very common on Mount Etna, where it forms woods at a height of from 4,000 to 6,000 feet. It alao forms forests, according to Tenore, on the mountain of Sila, in Calabria. It was first discovered in Corsica ; bat it has since been found in the countries of the south of Europe ; for example, on Mount Serrat, in Spain ; on Mount Athos, on the Taygetua, Cyllene, and other mountaina of Greece, as well as on Mount Ida in Crete, and in Phrygia. P. Pinaster. — This species grows in the sandy plains, and on the lower mountains, on the south slope of the northern, and on the western slope of the central, Apennines. It is not found to the south of these mountains, nor before we come to the north of the Apennines. P. halepensis. — Thia apeoies ia not found to the north of the Apenninea ; but it is very common to the east and west of these mountains, as well aa in Sicily. It grows on sand and on rooks, but best on the latter ; its upper limit ia 2,000 feet at the outside (the Somma between Terni and Spoleto). P. brutia. — The Calabrian Pine approaches, rather too near per. hapa, P. halepensia ; but ita cones are nearly sessile, the tops of their scales rough, and ita leaves are longer than those of P. hale- pensia. It grows, according to Tenore, in Calabria, especially on the Aspramonte, at a height varying from 2,400 to 3,600 feet. P. Cembra. — This is found in the high regions of the Alpa, from the Tyrol to Mont Cenis, but scattered between 4,000 and 6,500 feet. It is also found on the northern slope of the Alps, from Austria to Savoy and Danphine. It occurs also in the Carpathian mountaina and on the Altai. Abies. A. excelsa. — The Spruce Fir ia very common, and forms forests on the Alps from esfet to west. It is principally found at a height varying from 4,000 to 6,500 feet. It ia found on the Euganean hillsj but nowhere on the Apenninea. According to Bentham it occura on the Pyreneea ; but it doea not grow even on the mountains in the countries surrounding the Mediterranean. The tree found iu tha 32 THE GAKDEN. [JuLi 11, 187). north of Asia, which is somewhat analogous to A. cxcelsa, is a dilTerent species (Pieoa obovata). A. pectinata (The Silver Fir). — This is found all over the Alps from east to west. It is principally found at a height of from 2,000 to 4,000 feet, but it occurs as low aa 1,000 and as high as 1,500 feet. Like the last species, it is found on the Euganeans. It grows on the whole chain of the Apennines from north to south. Larix. L. europsea. — The Larch is spread over, and forms forests in, the upper regions of the Alps, from cast to west. Its proper region is at a height of from 3,000 to G,500 feet ; it sometimes occurs as high as 7,000 feet, but it is then dvvarf, aud occasionally as low as 2,000 or oven 1,500 feet (near La Piave). It is not found anywlicrc on the Apennines. The Siberian Larch is, according to Ledebour, another species (Lari.i sibirica). Capressus. C. sempervirens. — The Cypress is found in gardens, or ceme. teries, or avenues, throughout the whole of Italy, from the foot of the Alps to Calabria, as well as in Sicily ; it is here and tliere found wild. The upper mean height at which it grows is about 2,000 or 2,500 feet. It is ver^ common in the other countries surrounding the Mediterranean, Greece, Barbary, Africa, &c. It is supposed to be rea'ly wild in the Grecian Archipelago and in Asia Jlinor. Juniperus. J. communis. — The common Juniper occurs very generally on the Alps from east to west, from the foot to a height of 5,000 feet. It grows in a dry sandy soil, on heaths and in woods. It occurs in the whole of the north of Europe as far as Liipland. It is also found on the Pyrenees, in Spain, and in Greece, but, as it seems, only on the mountains, and, lastly, in the Caucasus. J. nana. — This is found ou the Alps, in the sub-Alpine and Alpine regions, seldom below 5,000 or above 7,500 feet, and on the Apennines. To the north of the Alps it occurs on the Carpathian mountains. J. hemisphserica. — This is found in the upper barren region of Mount Etna, low and spreading. Its region may be fixed between 5,010 and 7,000 feet. Tenore says that it was found by Gussone on the Aspromonte, and on several of the mountains of Calabria. J. Oxycedrus. — This species is quite different from J. macro- carpa, with which it is often confounded. It is found on the Apeu. uinis, at a height of from 1,000 to 3,000 feet. J. macrocarpa. — This is found on the sandy coasts and rocks of the Mediterranean, the Adriatic, and in Sicily. It occurs, too, in Gro 'ce, near Cadiz, and is probablj- spread over all the coasts of the Mo literranean. J. Sabina. — The Savin is found on the Alps and on the Apen- nin s. Some Italian botanists say that it grows on rocks near the sea ; but, probably, this was J. phceuicea. According to Bentham, it gro.vs on the Pyrenees. J. phcenicea. — This is found on rocks on the shores of the Mediterranean, from Nice and Oueilli to Calabria, and in Sicily ; and also -along the Ionian Sea and the Adriatic, from Tarentum and Gallipoli to Cherso. It is generally spread round the Mediterranean, in Greece, and its Archipelago, probably, also in the Levant. Taxus. T. baccata. — The Yew is occasionally found on the Alps, the mountains of Piedmont on the Apennines ; it is probably not wild in the plains. Its lower limits are 1,000 feet on the Alps, and 2,000 feet on the Central Apennines ; its upper limit reaches the region of the Conifers, and that of the Ash in the Apennines. It is found on the western and northern slopes of the Alps, in the niouutaius of Central Europe, in Scotland, and in the Scandinavian Peninsula. [The above particular.s are abstracted from Professor Schouw's paper, published iu the Journal oE the Royal Horti- cultural Society.] The Large Beech Tree at Newbattle Abbey.— At a late meeting of the Botanical Society of Edinburgh, Sir Kobi-rt Christison gave a short notice of this remarkable tree. The trunk rises about 20 feet before giving off branches, and it than rises with a certain methodical irregularity, carrying a great girth to a great height. It is difficult to describe this upper trunk. Tto branches appear rather to form the trutik than to rise out of it, constituting as it were a part of the trunk some way up before taking their outward course as true branches. The extreme branches are everywhere covered with fine twigs, showing that the whole tree is healthy and thriving. Daring a late hurricane a huge limb was snapped off, but there are so many more that its loss is scarcely noticed. At 2 feet from the ground the buttresses make the girth 32 feet ; at 5 feet it is 21 feet ; and at 7 feet, the narrowest ]iart below the first branch, it is 18 feet in girth. The great massiveness and height of the trunk, produce a sort of oppression on the inner sense of the spectator. On the whole it is more gigantic than the Eccles Beech, chiefly, perhaps, on account of the much greater length of trunk before its first branches come off. It is undoubtedly taller, and in every way an object well worth going a long distance to visit. Cytisus Laburnum serotinum. — Some time since, M. Car- riere, in the lieiMc-^ JlorticoU', drew attention to this variety of Laburnuiji, which ho described as a remarkably handsome shrub, with nue([ual leaflets, fre<(uently smaller than those of the common Laburnum, and slightly turned uj) at the edges. The flowers are of a fine yellow colour, very numerous, and disposed in compact clusters. They do not begin to appear until some time after the common kind has burst iut,o bloom, and they last for some time longer; hence the specific name "serotinum." M. Carriers remarks that this variety is sometimes confounded with C. L. trilobnm or longiraeemosum, but the latter flowers earlier, and its clusters of flowers arc much longer in shape and fewer in number. C. L. serotinum has the rare merit (as a shrub) of being a suitable and ornamental subject for flower-beds, as, no matter how much it may be cut back, or how dwarf it may bo trained, it always pro- duces a profusion of flowers. Demand for Seeds of Famous Trees. — The demand for the seeds of the Sequoia (Wellitigtonia) gigantea and the Eucalyptus globulus, is unprecedented. Ilalf a million trees of the latter were sold last season in this vicinity ; and nurserymen predict that the demand the ensuing season will extend to three million trees. A very large number of the other sorts of Gum trees are sold for ornamental ]>urpose3, many of them being more desirable for such purposes than the Blue Gum. There are twenty-seven varieties of the Australian Gum tree grown in this vicinity. Some of them are equal, in every quality which constitutes a good shade-tree, to any tree grown on the Pacific Coast. The seed of the Blue Gum is now retailing for about three dollars an ounce. There are about three thousand seeds in an ounce. The seed of the Sequoia gigantea retails for about the same price ; and the demand at present is ahead of the supply. It is now sent all over the world. But the demaud is the greatest from Australia. There is also a good demand for the seed of the Monterey Cypress. For hedges and wind-breakers nothing has yet been found in this country equal to this species of Cypress. If the tree is left to grow in its natural state it makes wood as fast as the Blue Gum. — San Franchco Bulletin. NOTES AND QUESTIONS ON TREES AND SHRUBS. Conine: of Araucaria imbricata.—Much has been said of late in gardening papers about this Araucaria producinji cones. Our tree, which erows near the suspension brid.s.TC in the grounds here, had several cones on it last year ; but I was unable to get any seed. This year it has about thirty cones on it j I therefore hope to be more fortunate. — T. Clements, Pain's Hill, Snrre}/. Singular Effect of Eating the Berries of Rhammis croceas.— A Trans- atlantic ]i!itur;ili^t says that the rod berries of thisUuckthorn, which the Apacho Indian.^ cal, h:ivc a curious property. The colouring matter is Uikcn up by the circulation, and diffused through the system, so that "the skin exhibits a beautiful red net-work." Where can Ruscns androgynus be obtained ?— Can " J. H. Q.*' (seep. nt/. Vol. V.) tell me where I may procure this? It is a plant I have been seeking for during these Ia.st twenty years; but have never seen it offered for sale or named iu any catalogue. When at Bitton gardens last summer, I noticed a thriving specimen of it out of doors, trained against tlie wall of the residence ; Mr. BUacombe, while courteously showing me bis fine collection of herbaceous plants, told me that he obtained it from Madeira. At the same place, if I mistake not, I saw n nice tuft of Cypripedium spectabiie in fine health. — J. M., Sawkchurck, near Axminster, Decou. Laburnum Fences-— How can I make an ornamental Laburnum fence simiar to that iu the garden of the Royal Horticultural Society at South Kensington ? — D. [Plant young Laburnums in a slanting direction, about 6 inches apart, or more, if large. When you have planted one tree leaning in one direction, plant another in the opposite direction, so as to form a trellis work, and so on to the end of the hedge you wish to make. Where the trees cross each other, remove a small piece of bark from each, tic them together, and clay them as in grafting ; this will cause the trees to unite, and the result will be one of th» prettiest and strongest fences imaginable. — J. M.] The Blue Gum Tree (Eucalyptus globulus) —Would this tree suit our climate? Do ynu believe in the properties attributed to it?— B. [The lOucnlyptus will' live in England in mild districts, but is liable to be cut do^vn by severe frosts, and is much too tender for cold or northern districts. It thrives best in warm temperate regions such as California. It is certain that districts known to be malarious have been found pcrfectlj- safe since this tree has been planted in them abundantly. Whether the so-called fever-destroying l)roperty is peculiar to this tree is doubtful ; it seems to us, however, fair to jissume* that if malaria arises from decaying vogeUation over large areas of low-lying land, its antidote is likely to be found in abundance of vigorous evergreen vegetation. The Eucalyptus, moreover, is a beautiful and valuable tree in temperate countries, and well worth planting extensively, apart from sanitary reasons. — Kd. JuLV 11, 1874..] THE GAKDEN. 83 THE INDOOR GARDEN. THE HUMBOLDT ORANGE LILY. (lILIUM irDMBOLDTI.) Tins is one of the most stately of Califoniiaii Lilies, "[rowing, as it does, from 0 to 8 feet in height. It has deep glossy-green was showu by Mr. Law, of South Lodge, Enfield, at one of the recent floral meetings at South Keusington. Mr. Tanton, of Epsom, who has kiudly furnished us with the following memoranda concerning this and other species, also exhibited a flue plant of it on the ^Oth ult., at the Crystal Palace :— " The taste," he says, " for new Lilies being on the increase, aud the kind of treatment which they require being The Humboldt Orange Lily (Lilium Humboldti). leaves, eight or nine in a whorl, and bears about the same number of large or.ange flowers in a somewhat lax spike. Of these our illustration furnishes a good idea as to form and markings, but not as to size ; those represented being little more than half their natural size. Of this Lily, for the intro- duction of which we ai'e indebted to Mr. Bull, a splendid plant as yet ill understood, some growers complaining of their bulbs not starting, others that they split to pieces during the period of rest, a few simple instructions ou such points may not bo without interest. During February last I received overland from California, Lilium Washingtonianum, Humboldti, Pardalinum, and others ; these were immediately potted 34 THE GAEDBN. [July 11, 1874. in rough turfy and very fibrous peat, loam, and leaf mould, to -which was added a good proportion of washed river- sand ; they were then stored away under a stage in a cool pit, and kept without water until young growths had been pushed up about 0 iuches iu height, when they were watered with very weak manure-water and kept still in the cool pit. All the plauts of Humboldti, thus treated, have flowered, and I augur for this species, both from its value as a free flowerer and from its lasting properties, a very brilliant career. The plant of it which I exhibited at the Crystal Palace on the 20th ult., had been fourteen days in bloom, and it continued in beauty up to the 30th ult. After flowering I take care to keep the leaves of all my Lilies vigorous and healthy as long as possible; when the tops have died down the bulljs are stored away quietly till December, when they are re-potted, disturb- ing the ball of the previous year as little as possible. This is a point of importance, for I find disturbing and uncovering the bulbs to induce tbem to split, to shed their scales, and to rot. This is particularly the case with the Californian species, or those which have their leaves arranged iu a whorl. The beautiful Lilium auratum, if treated in this way, will always yield fine flowers, and permanently improve in vigour." THE SIMPLEST WAY OF GROWING FUCHSIAS. Your readers are doubtless familiar with the habit which the old Fuchsia Riccartoni assumes when grown out of doors in those situations where, throug-h the severity of the winters, it is compelled to assume a semi. herbaceous habit, dying down in winter, and springing uj) again in summer from an annually increasing stool, until it attains the size of a goodly bush. I have often thought what magnificent specimens such plants would make if transferred to a pot, with their profusion of flowers ; but how much more imposing would some of our fine cultivated varieties appear grown in the same way. Imagine a plant of a good variety grown iu a 12-inch pot, and furnished, perhaps, with a hundred or more nn. pinched shoots 2 or 3 feet in length, and loaded with bloom — a circular ball, in fact, but graceful and perfectly free from anything like that trained formality which we too often see at exhibitions. A group of such massive specimens on an exhibition table would make the attenuated pyramids which we have hitherto been accustomed to admire to appear more attenuated still, and in a less' favourable light. Not so long ago I saw a number of specimens of the kind I have described ; they had not been grown for exhibition, but had simply been allowed to assume the bnsh habit, because the gardener had no time to attend to pinching and training ; but he had sue. ceedod nevertheless in producing a number of plants for vase, &c., work in the house such as one seldom sees. The advantages of this, which may be called the natural system, are that the plants can be grown with less than one. tenth of the labour usually bestowed upon specimens so-called, flower better, and are better suited, as a rule, for decorative purposes. It is not difficult to get up a stock of such plants. Those who have Fuchsias one year old or more, have only to cut them down to the pot, and they will break away from the bottom the first year, perhaps, only six, eight or twelve shoots, according to the age of the stool ; but, in such a case, the number may be increased by pinching the shoots when they are about 2 inches in height. This will multiply them considerably, but no further stopping must bo done. Plants may be cut down at any time while they have still growing vigour in them. At the end of the season the plants must be cut down again, and stored away till spring, when they should be partially shaken out, and potted at once in the pots that are to last them for the season, as, when grown in this way, any interruption of growth through " shifting on " is not desirable. The size of pot will, of course, depend upon the size of plant that is wished i the size of the specimen will be just in proportion to the root-room, and the room and light which they receive. Neat little plants, in 4 or 5. inch pots, may be had, or they maybe grown much larger accord, ing to fancy or requirement. — Tlie Gardener. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. Sin Geouge Rose being introduced one day to two charming young ladies, whose names were Mary and Louisa, ho instantly added, with a bow, ** Ah, yes ! Marie-Louise — the sweetest Pear I know ;" a compliment almost worthy of being coupled with that most beautiful one of Sydney Smith, suggested by the Sweet Pea. A young lady, walking with him in the garden, paused to examine a favourite flower on which she had taken great pains. " I am afraid, Mr. Smith," she said, " that this Pea will never come to perfection." " Then allow me," taking her politely by the hand, " to lead perfection to the Pea! BROCOOLL Though June is the month in which most gardeners try to get their plantations of Broccoli finished, yet July has often arrived before the work is done. I have planted in August and had nice heads, but the sooner the planting is done after the beginning of June the better. Though planting early ensures the finest plants and largest heads — if very large heads are desirable — I never found the time of sowing or planting to aft'ect the plants as regards the time they came in. I have sown at different dates, from February till the middle of April, and planted from May till August, but the crop never came in either sooner or later in consccpience. I have, therefore, for many years, always sown all at tbo same time, and planted at the same time, for convenience sake ; and, by planting a good many varieties, have always ensured a good and regular supply throughout winter and spring, when the winters were reasonably mild — for it is certain that no practice as to time of sowing or planting will ensure the heads forming at a certain time, if during winter we have protracted periods of frost or cold, during which all growth is at a standstill. It is a good plan to keep on the heels of Broccoli with the Wal- chereu Cauliflower. I have never found a variety so good as this old sort for resisting " buttoning " in dry summers and withstanding frost. I sow and plant it as late as possible, and have had it at Christmas, and later when severe frost held off. Selection of Varieties. The following selection of a dozen or more sorts does not include all the newest kinds, but it comprises the best of old and new, so far as my experience goes — and I have grown all the sorts named, and some of them for a long time. I give the names in the order in which they succeed one another in coming into use ; Grange's Early White (an autumn variety), Early White Cape, Osborn's Winter White, Snow's Winter Wbite (an excellent variety), Ohappell's Cream, Gordon's Late White, Diloock's Bride, Shearer's Late White, Knight's Pro- tecting, Wilcove's Superb Late White, Carter's Champion, and Cattell's Eclipse. Some of the first named in this list come in pretty close upon one another, and are all fine sorts. The three last named are also first-rate sorts, and specially valuable on account of their lateness. Cattell's Eclipse is, I believe, the very latest. I have had it late in June, and by cutting the last beads with the leaves, and putting them iu an ice-house, they will be in good condition after the summer Cauliflower has come in even in late seasons. It is advisable to plant a few good sorts, although space maybe limited. A dozen rows may inolude a dozen different sorts, if a succession is wanted ; for when one sort comes in, it is soon over. Preparation of the Ground and Planting. Though it is by no means an unusual thing to see nice little heads of Broccoli about the size of a teacup, or larger, in cottagers' gardens where the soil i^ seldom turned over more than a spade's depth, and not over liberally manured, yet the plant likes a deep and rich soil. If practicable, the ground should be trenched two or three spades deep, or at least double-digged. When there is not time for doing either of these, then the ground must be dug over a spade deep only, taking care to break the soil up thoroughly, as deeply as a good spado will do it, and working iu some well-decayed manure at the same time. And here let me say a word about single digging. An indifferent man will simply shufile over tlio ground, inserting his spade at an angle of 4-5°, and turning the soil over to a depth of about ti inches, while a man who understands how to dig, or who is looked after and made to perform his work properly, will keep a straight and open trench, put his spade in perpendicularly, take tbin spits, and turn the soil over thoroughly, breaking it well as he goes on, and do the work generally as it should be done. There is a vast difference between good and bad digging, and I never met with a labourer out of a garden who knew how to dig, however good a workman he might be in other respects. If the soil is broken up well iu the trench, I never care about the surface being a little rough ; a raked surface among July 11, 1874.] THE GARDEN. 35 vegetable crops is an unmitigated evil at any time. Planting should be proceeded with as soon as the digging is finished. Here we invariably plant from 2j to 3 feet apart, if the planting is done in June or July, and the plants are always more crowded than is deiirable by October. When planting is deferred till August they need not be allowed so ranch room. I always like to let the same man plant the whole crop. If the weather is dry, the seed-bed is watered well the night befoi-e to soften the soil. The following day the man, armed with a big basin half tilled with puddle, consisting simply of soil and water and a little soot, and a steel fork, proceeds to loosen the plants in the bed and then to pull them up with the whole of the tap root to each, and to place them with their roots in the puddle till the basin is filled. He then marks ofi: his ground, puts his line down, and, with a dibber about 3 inches in diameter, he makes a hole deep and wide, that there may be no obstacle to getting the long tap root down straight to its extremity. Then the dibber is pushed down again just at the side of the hole and parallel, to the same depth, and squeezed up firmly to the plant. This ensures the whole of the roots being brought into contact with the soil up to the neck, instead of being "hanged;" and so the work proceeds. " Buttoned " Cauliflowers and stunted plants are in many cases caused by bad planting. They are put in with broken and mutilated roots ; and those that do happen to have a tap-i'oot most likely have it bent double in getting it into the hole, and, instead of the point being at the bottom of the hole, it will probably be sticking up above the surface. I have so often seen the consequences of careless planting, that I think it right now to draw attention to it. No one should wait on wet weather for planting Broccoli if it is long in coming ; get the olautingdone as soon as you can, and water well once or twice, and they will do till the rain comes. True Broccoli never " buttons," let the weather be ever so dry after planting. When the plants are fairly established, and have grown a little, they must be earthed up with the hoe, more to prevent the wind from twisting them about than anything else. Towards the end of October all the plants should be partially lifted with a spade, and laid with their heads to the north, to check and harden them, in order to enable them the better to resist frost. J. S. W. Early Dwarf Peas. — Among these Laxton's Unique, a variety that received a first-class certificate at Chiswick in 1873, is one of the best. It originated in the same batch of seedlings as produced William the First, and is, indeed, a reproduction of that fine early kind, with this difference, that it grows only to a height of Ij feet, whilst William the First rises up to 3 feet. Dwarf Peas are preferable to tall kinds as they can be so^vn in rows from 2 to 21 feet apart, and, laid in the ordinary fashion, will yield as heavy a crop as the same sorts will if sown in rows at 3i feet apart, and then staked, or, ns can be got from tall Peas sown in rows 5 feet apart. Moreover, in small gardens, where a rapid succession of crops is of the utmost importance, a good crop of Winter Greens can be got forward early amongst dwarf laid Peas, and this result could not be obtained if they were staked. I find that our market growers are gradually getting rid of tall kinds, as they are peculiarly subject to two. evils. If the season be dry, the moisture of the ground is exhausted before the crop is produced, and thus a poor one is the result J whilst, on the other hand, if it be a damp season, then so much growth is engendered that in gathering the first pickings, the haulm becomes so twisted and broken that the future crop is mate, rially checked. Dwarf kinds are not subject to either of these evils, and the crops are gathered from them with ease and rapidity. — A. D. Ornamental Rustic Work for tlie Garden. — Messrs. Cave, of 40, Wigmore Street, who are so well-known for the manufacture of plant-screens, flower-baskets, &c., for indoor decoration, have called our attention to some rustic work of distinct and novel character and much taste in workmanship. It is formed of a variety of woods, the most desirable parts for this purpose being chosen from extensive plantations, and carefully seasoned before being used. Tables, garden- seats, and large lawn flower-baskets, are manufactured of these materials ; the tables being especially good in form and workmanship, and the seats and chairs also excellent. The large lawn baskets do not seem likely to be so useful, inasmuch, as if properly planted, much of the choice rustic work would be obscured by the plants. THE PHYLLOXERA OP THE OAK. (Discoveries of Balbiani.) The Acadeinij contains an abstract of a paper by Professor Balbiani, detailing his observations on Phylloxera quercas, a species allied to the P. vastatrix which has occasioned such ravages among the Vines. The Vine pest can live under ground as well as in the air, and its most destructive work is performed on the roots of the plants to which it obtains access through cracks in the soil. Vines grown on clay lands are most exposed to its assaults, as they become exten- sively fissured in hot weather, and the best mode yet discovered of checking the mischief is by freely inundating the soil. It is, however evident that this remedy cannot always be applied; and M. Balbiani studied the life history of P. quercus, in the hope that it would throw light upon the development and pi'oceedings of its Vine relative. He tells us that somewhat late in spring the first individuals of the Oak Phylloxera may be seen In the shape of pale yellow larvaj on the under surface of the leaves, each one occupying the centre of a yellowish spot produced by pricking into the leaf. These larva3 grow without changing their position ; and, after attaining a length of about a millimetre, they surround themselves with a number of eggs concentrically arranged. The development of these eggs commences almost as soon as they are laid ; and in a few days the young escape and wander to a fresh part of the leaf, in which they plnno-e their sucking tubes, causing the formation of a yellow spot, which, like their parents, they never leave. Generations thus succeed genera- tions, until the entire surface of affected leaves are covered with phylloxera of all sizes. When full-grown, M. Balbiani figures them as pear-shaped, very broad in the middle, blunt at the head, and very narrow at the posterior segments. The suokino-! tube of the mouth reaches as low as the third pair of le^s • and the creature, exclusive of its antennse, looks a little more than 3 inches long when magnified fifty times. Until about the middle of August, in the climate of Paris, only wingless or larval phylloxera are produced ; but, from then till the end of the month a certain number of the larv^ are transformed into winged sorts, after passing through the stage of red chrysalids; the winged form, according to Balbiani's figure, representing a mao-nlfi. cation of fifty times, appears under that power 5 inches across from tip to tip of the larger pair of wings, the body about 2 inches lono-, and the sucking mouth-tube short, not reaching to the segment carrying the second pair of legs. The lower wings are much smaller than the upper ones, and each one is furnished with a small pair of hooks on the upper edges, about one-third from their tips. Hitherto no one had succeeded in discovering males of the phylloxera, and in no female organ could any spermatozoa be detected ; consequently, there could be no doubt that the ordinary generations were jjarthe. nogenic. In the females on each side of the oviduct canal are two pouches, connected with glands coiTesponding with the usual colloid glands of insects, and supplying the substance investing their eggs. Between these is a pouch like that for receiving spermatozoa, though none have been found in any case. The question to be decided was whether, and, if so, when, the phylloxera, like the aphis, produced males and the females laid fecundated eggs. On examining the indi. viduals destined to be transformed Into winged insects, no external character differentiated them from the wingless generations ; but an examination of internal organs showed their reproductive apparatus to be slightly developed. Thus, while the egg-laying larvse contained a variable number of eggs more or less matured, these individuals only contained eggs so slightly developed as to be little distinguished from the other contents of the oviary. It was ob- served that the winged insects did not remain on the leaves longer than was necessary for the hardening of their integuments, and very seldom laid eggs upon them. In calm weather they remained longer than when it was windy, confirming the remarks made by naturalists concerning other insects, and notably by Morreu with regard to aphides, that they availed themselves of air currents to help their flight. But when did they go, and where deposit their eggs ? In September M. Balbiani placed some twenty winged females in a bottle with a fresh Oak leaf, in which they thrust their sucking tubes with, out delay. The next day, however, some were uneasy and moved about, depositing here and there an egg. Others, after wandering about, returned to their first place, and laid their eggs in a heap, and others, again, left the leaf altogether, and laid an egg here and there on the sides of the bottle. In two days all had finished laying, and soon after they died. The eggs were alike In shape, but some were twice as big as others. When the hatching came the small eggs produced small red larva), and the big ones large yellow ones the small being the males, and tbe larger ones the true females of the species. JI. Balbiani subsequently found that the winged sorts laid their eggs among the old scales at the base of the new shoots of the trees, and that they were hatched in about twelve days ; and now comes the most curious part of his discoveries; both males and 36 THE GARDEN. [JuLV 11, 1871. females from their eggs were destitute of alimentary and digestive organs, as male rotifers have long been known to be. They have no suctorial mouths, no stomachs, &c., but their reproductive apparatus is highly developed, and they spend their short lives in the formation of fecundated eggs. The ovary of these females is mnch simpler than in the parthenogenetic forms ; instead of two ovaries, each with from two to si.v ovigerons tubes, there is a single tube in the middle of the body. These females lay only one egg in fissures and cracks of the Oak bark ; it is a " winter egg," neither like the egg of the parthenogenetic females, or those of the winged insects. April is the time for hatching these winter eggs. The first generation thus produced is extremely fertile, one of them being seen on April 25th with eighty. seven eggs, which, in two or three days, were increased to more than 100. In the summer, these females are less prolific, the ovarian tubes diminishing in number until at last only one is fonnd. Thus the vital energies of the parthenogenetic females become exhausted, and the reappearance of the males is requisite for the continuance of the race. GARDENING FOR THE WEEK, AND AMATEUR'S CALENDAR. The Flow^er Garden and Pleasure Grounds. The staking and tying up of climbers and the pegging down of dwarf. growing plants are operations which will require constant attention. Altliough we have of late bo3n favoured with refreshing rainfalls, fine foliaged, or what are known as sub-tropical, plants should still be supplied with abundance of water, and the surface of the beds should be well mulched with good rich manure, to check evaporation, and assist in the production of a fine healthy luxu- riant leafage, which constitutes the jirincipal beauty and attraction (if such plants. The unsightliness of the manure may be easily concealed by the mowings of lawns, and the margins of the beds should bo neatly covered with green Moss, which the occasional waterings will keep in good condition. Wherever carpet. bedding is I)ractised this must also have constant attention in the way of pinch, ing in, and regulating the growth of the various plants eaiployed for that purpose, so as to preserve the outlines and patterns of the beds. Let decaying blooms of Roses be cut off as soon as the petals have fallen, or are about to do so. The autumn flowering kinds may now be cut slightly back, and if the plants are encouraged by mulching and watering with well-diluted liquid manure, and at the same time kept free from insects and mildew, an abundant supply of blooms may be reasonably expected during the month of September, and even the early part of the following month. The present is also the most suitable time for budding Roses on the Briar-stock, .an operation which should, if possible, be completed during this month. All fiowei'ing shrubs, as soon as they go out of bloom, should have dead and decaying flowers removed ; and, when necessary, the plants should be cut back. Box edgings may also now be trimmed ; and wherever divisional lines arc formed by means of Sweet Briar or the common evergreen Privet, they should also now bo cut. Few plants are better suited for forming low ornamental hedges than the Privet; but, being of free growth, it re(iuires to be clipped several times during the season. The common Yew (Taxns baccata) is also an excellent hedge-plant ; but it is of slow growth. There are, however, several other hardy Coniferous trees to which this objection does not apply, such as Cupressus Lawsoniana, Thuja Lobbii, Thujopsis borealis, A'c, all of which are well suited for ornamental hedges or screens. Where such already exist the present is the most suitable time for cutting or rather clip])ing them. But, when such hedges or screens consist of large-leaved plants, snch as the common or Portugal Laurel, it is then advisable to prune with the knife, in order to avoid, as much as possible, the mutilation of the leaves. Dwarf ConifcVons trees, and ornamental shrnbs of various sorts, are frequently used in the embellishment of Itaban and geometrical gardens; and, where that is the case, it is generally necessary to preserve a certain amount of uniformity as regards shape and size ; and the present is a suitable time to attend to the cutting or trimming of such specimens. Among plants well suited for this purpose are the Sweet Bay, the Portugal Laurel, the Laurustinus, &o., trained in the form of standards or otherwise, together with various sorts ot Cypresses and Junipers, and other plants of a drooping habit of growth ; also the Irish Yew (Taxus fastigiata), generally trained in the form of pyramids, and on which are sometimes grafted the gold and silver striped varieties of the Taxus baccata or common Yew, a union which pi'oduces a very striking effect, as do also trained specimens of the fine-foliaged Acer Negundo variegatum, which, although deciduous, produces, nevertheless, during the summer months a very pleasing contrast when associated with sombre or dark-foliaged plants. Continue to extract Plantains and other broad-leaved plants from lawns, and occasionally take an opportunity, after a considerable rainfall, to well roll all dressed ground. This will, however, seldom bo necessary where a heavy horse machine is used ; and, where that is employed, avoid, by all means, a too close approach to fine specimen Coniferous or other trees upon the lawn. Whatever portion of surface the mowing machine may not have reached should be neatly cut with the scythe on the following morning; and, at the same time, the margins of walks and clumps should be trimmed or clipped with the grass-edging shears, an operation quite indispensable to neatness and high keeping. Carna- tions and Cloves may now be layered, and cuttings of Pinks and Picoteos may be inserted in a mixture of sand and finely-sifted leaf soil under hand-glasses, which should bo placed on the north side of a wall, together with cuttings of any hardy herba- ceous plants which it may be desirable to increase. In layering Carnations, PIcotees, or Pinks, first prepare some soil, consisting of two-thirds loam, one-third well-decayed and finely- sifted manure or leaf-mould, and add to the whole a sixth of sand ; then remove a little of the surface soil from around each stool, cut away weakly shoots, and strip the leaves from a [lortion of the stem next the ground. With a shai'p thin-bladed knife, split up the por. tion of the stem cleared of leaves, beginning a little below one of the joints; and turning the top of the layer upwards, so as to throw the heel or tongue downwards, fix it firmly in the fresh soil by means of a wooden peg, putting it into the ground below the split portion of the stem. When all the layers of each stool are layered, place a.=i much of the prepared soil firmly round the stool and about the stems as will keep all steady and firmly in their places; give a good water- ing through a rose, and keep them watered at least three times a week should the season be dry. At the time of layering remove all stems from which the flowers have faded or been gathered. Should birds prove troublesome, as they frequently do in dry weather, by scraping about them and scattering the fresh moist soil, it is a good plan to place some flints or round stones about the plants ; this keeps birds from removing the soil, and prevents evaporation. — P. Geieve, Culford, Bury St. Eflm%tnd's. Indoor Plant Department. Conservatories should now be gay with Balsams, which should be liberally supplied with manure-water ; in order to secure a succession of blooming plants, some should have all their flower-bnds removed until about four or five weeks before they are required for use. Y'oung Fuchsias should now be full of flower, as should also older plants of them trained to rafters in the form of climbers ; these should be well attended to as regards thinning and watering. It is considered to be bad practice to thin out too much of the wood at any one time ; on the contrary, they should be gone over frequently, and as they always emit flower-buds at the joints as they advance in growth, shoots that attain too great a length should be removed, giving such as remain a better chance to furnish fine flowers. Pelargoniums will now, for the most ]iai t, be done flowering, with the exception of zonal kinds, which should be encouraged. Annuals of April and May sowings should now be in full bloom. Colenses should also now be very effective ; these are always best when produced from early spring cuttings ; a few old plants only should be retained through the winter, in order to furnish cuttings late in February and March. Colenses, when bushy and well-grown, make charming vase plants, edged with Tropa3olnnis, Ivy. leaved Geraniums, yEschy- nanthuses, Hoyas, Convolvulus mauritanicus, variegated Panicum, &c. Amongst the best kinds of Colons are Queen Victoria, Duke of Edinburgh, Princess Royal, Marshallii, Bausei, Prince .\rthnr, Beauty of St. John's Wood, Golden Gem, Hector, Wiisonii, Reevesii, and Telfordii aureus. Plumbago capensis should now or very soon be one of our finest greenhouse plants, both in the shrub form and that of a climbei'. Camellias planted in borders should be syringed daily in warm weather. In order to give a little floral relief, pots of Japan Lilies, such as speciosum, rosoum, and punctatnm, should bo placed hero and there, when they come into bloom, among the Acacias, Camellias, &c. These Lilies should be top-dressed with I'ongh lumpy loam and manure. Ijilies in pots that have done blooming should be laid on their sides against a wall or fence, in such a manner as to prevent rain from reaching them. Specimen Azaleas should, if possible, have a house to themselves, in which they can be placed near the glass. Hard-wooded greenhouse plants, such as Heaths, Epacrises, and many others, may now or soon be set out of doors on beds of ashes, and carefully watered ; the ground about them should also be well saturated at least twice a day in bright weather. In stoves, Allamandas, Bougainvilleas, Clerodendrons, and Stephanotis will be bloom, ing freely, and when allowed to ramble over a trellis on the roof they have a much finer appearance than when trained on JuLT 11, 1874] THE GARDEN. 37 pot trellises, as seen at exhibitions. Stoves at this season are not generally very gay, the principal flowering plants in them being Ixoras, Gloxinias, Gloriosas, Gesneras, Strelitzias, and a few others. jUarantas growing freely, if likely to become pot-bound, should be again re-potted ; plants of Cyanophyllum magniticum, when growing freely, should likewise be shifted a second time, using for the purpose good yellow loam, a little peat, decayed hot-bed manure, and white sand. Caladiums should bo tied and trained rather openly, so as to permit young leaves free development. Sonerilas, Bertolonias, and similar fine-leaved plants, are much more highly coloured when grown under bell-glasses perforated at the top, aud otherwise treated like Anaiotochiluses, than when grown in pots unprotected. Orchids. Lielias, small Cattleyas, Barkerias and other Orchids on blocks, or iu hanging baskets require very careful attention, especially during hot sunny weather. It must be remembered too, that plants suspended at the highest points in the house, viz., immediately uuder the glass, are frequently in a temperature 8' or 10^ higher than those placed on the stages and side benches, and that they, moreover, receive more light ; circumstances which, combined, render it necessary to keep them supplied with regular and copious moisture at the root ; such plants also generally have less absorbant compost round their roots than others differently circumstanced, and this is another reason why they should be sj'riuged or dipped into water more frequently than plants in pots, and iu a moist compost. The cause of many amateur cultivators failing to grow epiphytal Orchids on blocks, or rafts of teak, as well as in pots may geueraljy be traced to irregu- larity in watering, or lack of moisture at the root. Autumnal flowering Ladias grow best without much Sphagnum around their roots ; I have, however, grown them on earthenware blocks modelled from natural branches, with success. These are hollow and perforated with circular holes at the side. In order to keep them perpetually moist they should be filled with fresh Sphagnum, and saturated with tepid water every morniug. After the plants have made their growth, and during dull wintery whether, when they must be kept compara- tively dry at the root, the Moss may be removed, for, if left when dry, it only serves to harbour cockroaches, wood-lice, and other vermin. Cool Orchids making growth must be liberally supplied with moisture and those in flower may be removed to the conservatory, or even a sitting-room, without iujury. Small or delicate plants should be covered with a glass shade which, while it effectually obviates dryness, cold draughts or sudden fructuations of temperature allows the beauty of the plants to be seen equally well as if wholly exposed. Indeed I often think that glowing colours and fresh foliage look richer under glass shades than when not so protected ; nor do I stand alone in this matter, for our principal nurserymen frequently adopt tho practice of placing delicate plants uuder glass at exhibitions. — F. \Y. BURBIDGE. Hardy Flowers. These have impi'oved wonderfully during the past fortnight, many of the stronger growing perennials having made such growths as to render tying and staking constantly necessary. Cuttings of plants vfhich it may be desirable to increase, should now be taken off and struck. Some kinds, such as Pentatemons, Iberises, &c., may also now be layered as soon as possible. Any new plants recently received should, if practicable, be divided into as many pieces as possible, and re-planted, giving them at the time a good watering. Seedling perennials in pots, sufficiently strong to bear pricking off, should receive attention ; while plants from early cuttings, which have now become well-rooted, should be potted off into what are called thumb-pots. Further sowings of annuals for late flowering may still be made, and newly gathered seeds of choice perennials should be sown at once. Hardy annuals and biennials are now in perfection, and any of these requiring stakes should be accommodated with them for protection against strong winds. Conspicuous among plants now in bloom are the different kinds of Lilies, which vary iu colour from the pure white of the old-fashioned Lilium candidum to the deep orange-yellow of L. Thunbergiannm. Various forms of the beautiful L. auratum are also highly attractive in many places, and Bo are the flowers of L. Humboldti, Brownii, and longiflorum, iu large collections. Several plants of the Composite family are, likewise, now very ornamental, particularly the tall-growing Achillea filipen- dulina, with its large flat heads of yellow flowers ; also several of the Gaillardias with rich orange-yellow flowers, and Coreopsis auriculata, the blooms of which are of a clear golden-yellow, and produced in abundance. The old Everlasting Pea is likewise now in perfection in many places, aud associated with it should be the white flowered form of that species. Lychnis chalcedonica, a very old garden favourite, is now producing clusters of bright scarlet flowers, and the large and handsome blooms of various hybrid forms of L. Bnugeana, are at present strikingly conspicuous. Of the Sage family several are flowering freely, among which I would particularly mention Salvia chionautha, a plant well worthy of more general cultivation than it receives. It grows from 3 to -1 feet in height and bears an abundance. of large showy white flowers. Day Lilies (HemerocalUses) are now at their best, and the blooms of Alstrcomeria aurantiaca are also just now very conspicuous, as are likewise those of various Larkspurs, both single and double ; and several kinds of Monkshoods. Auioug annuals and biennials now conspicuously in flower are tho dift'erent varieties of Claikia pulchella, and the Corn-flower (Cen. taurea Cyanus) so useful iu a cut state. The Canterbury Bell, one of the best of biennials is also nicely in flower, particularly the variety of it called Campanula Medium calycanthema, au exeollcut kind.^ T. Spanswick. Hardy Fruits. Should the weather prove dry, or the soil be thin and porous, few operations tell so well on the finishing of superior fruits, as mulching the surface of wall and other tree borders, and giving them a thorough soaking with water. So much has been said in favour of a dry atmosphere for the perfect finishing of frnits, that many have carried the dry theory down to the roots likewise, and with the most disastrous results. Even tho importance of a dry atmosphere has been much exaggerated. Seldom have I gathered finer flavoured Peaches than in a dripping autumn, or in that particular condition of the atmosphere when heavy dews have wetted the fruit almost as thoroughly as a shower of rain. As for dryness at the roots, it is injurious, not helpful, to the perfect maturation of good fruit. Of cours", the term is very indefinate, and a swamp is even worse for the ripening of fruit than a Sahara. But the root-run should be moist, not Tlry, if fruit is to be obtained in perfect condition as to size and quality. Lacking rain, an occasional syringing over head with the garden engine, will cleanse the leaves, invigorate the trees, and benefit the fruit up to the time when it begins to swell ; beyond that period all artificial means of adding to the water supply should cease. A thorough soaking of sewage now, followed by a mulching of 6 inches iu thickness of manure, will probably carry the crops of wall trees safely through. See at once to the netting up of late Strawberries and Cherries. In regard to the latter it is a good plan not to nail in the breast wood until the fruit is gathered. Thin it as much as is necessary, and then leave the young wood of Morellos or any shoots that may be needed to make blanks good in other varieties as it grew. These young shoots keep the nets off the trees, and prevent the birds from reaching the fruit. The wood, too, ripens better in this way than when trained in close to the wall. Even the shade afforded by the leaves seems to be useful for the Cherries. Some fruits (and, especially, perhaps, Grapes and Cherries) ripen better iu partial shade than wheu fully exposed to the sun. Ilence a gooJ many of the failures of cultivators, and among them the scalding and semi-roasting, and hardening of the substance of fruits, arise from the reckless denudation of trees of branches and leaves, thus unnatm-ally exposing the fruit, iu full growth, to an excess of direct sun-light. The breast wood in Apples, Pears, Plums, Goose- berries, and Cherries should soon be stopped. Those who only stop such wood in the growing season may now do so without fear of exciting the buds, left at the base, into a premature and useless growth of wood. The object of these stoppings is twofold, to allow more light and air to play around the fruit, and to develop the buds at the base of the current year's wood into fruit buds. A third reason is to bring more light to bear upon the spurs that form on the branches of Apples, Pears, Plums, and Apricots in other places than at the base of the current year's shoots. Notwithstanding what has been said about the injurious effects of au excess of direct sunshine, doubtless a considerable amount of light is essential to the full development of the flavoirr of fruit, and one great object of summer pruning is to hit off the happy mean between a deficiency and an excess. The other use of summer pruning (the development of the small buds at the base of breast wood into fruit buds) is a matter of everyday experience. It can only, however, be done successfully by timing the stopping aright. If done too soon the buds will break with useless wood j if too late, the sun will not have time to round them off aud fill them up with the plumpness of fruit-bearing buds. Light is also essential to the plumping out of the clusters of spurs that nestle iu groups on the branches of Apples, Pears, &c. If these are densely shaded after July they will remain long and thin, and orUy yield a cluster of useless leaves. If well sunned, almost each of them will be browned, and plnmp out with a promising fruit bud. Therefore see that they are now nourished by the sunlight aud strengthened by a play of free air around them. — D. T. Fish. Kitclieii Garden. The drought in this part of the Midlands is becoming more intensi- fied ; much care and forethought will, therefore, be necessary to keep up the different sucoessional crops. The water supply in many 38 THE GARDEN. [Jui.T 11, 1874. gardens is often tleficicnt, and, even where the supply is abundant, its distribution by manual labour is a heavy task in dry seasons. When a supply of water can be obtained from a source which gives sufficient pressure, it will bo found, in the long run, good practice to have pipes laid abont the garden, with plugs at intervals to which one or more lengths of hose could be attached for its distribution. By this means one or two men, in a given time, would do far more watering th.an a dozen could accomplish in the ordinary way, i.e.,i{ the water had to be carried .any distance, without takicg into con. sideration the injury that is often done by so much trampling of feet. Advantage should be taken of the present dry weather to secure a good stock of the various kinds of herbs for drying for winter use. If tied up in small bunches and suspended from beams or rafters in a dry airy shod, they will dry gradually and without loss of strength or flavour. Cut down a portion of the Mint bed to produce fresh young growth for late summer anil autumn use. Peas of the Ring, leader section may now be sown, but the ground selected for them must be in good condition, and the trenches flooded with water before sowing. This is also the best time for making a large sowing of Tm-nips for autumn and winter use. The Red Stone should be tho princip.al variety relied upon. Plant out Cauliflowers from the May sowings for autumn use, and, where tho ground is not sufficiently rich for this crop, the following plan may bo adopted with advantage : Make holes 1 foot square and 15 inches deep, 2 feet apart all over the space intended to be planted, put into each hole two spadesful of rotten manure, and return the soil, leaving, at the same time, a basin or hollow space in the centre, in which the plant should be set and well watered in, and, if dry weather continues, mulchiug should be had recourse to, to keep tho eai th cool and moist ; of course, in deep rich land this mode of concentrating the manure for any particular crop may be nnnecessaiy ; but, in all doubtful cases, a little extra pains, in this way, especially in a se.ison like the present, renders less after labour in watering, necessary. liox edgings have made but little growth this season, but advantage should be taken of showery weather, when it occurs, to have them cat and the walks well roUed. — E. HoBD.iV. Cottagers Gardens. These should uow bo abont at their best, aiul every inch of space occupied. As Potatoes and other early crops are cleared off, tho ground should be immediately occupied with Broccoli, Winter Greens, Celery, and Turnips iu quantities proportioned to tho consumptinn. All hedges .ibout such gardens should now be pruned, and tho walks, narrow though they may be, should be kept scrupulously clean. Climbing plants on walls should now be slightly pruned and young growths nailed in. The flower borders, if any, should bo gay with herbaceous plants, annuals, .and a few of what are called bedding plants to give colour in autumn. Window plants should receive daily attention as to watering and removing decayed leaves, and a reserve of such plants should bo kept constantly in readiness to succeed such as are past their best. Calceolarias, now nearly over, should be succeeded by Fuchsias, Geraniums, Balsams, and fine, foliagcd plants, and the aim should be not a feast of bloom one week and a fast the next, but a gradual change, so that the seasons may be linked together in floral beauty. All crowding of plants should be avoided, as it is only by allowing room that individual beauty aud effect can be obtained. — J.imes Guoosi. them the expediency, at the present time, of adopting every available precaution for the storage of wholesome water in those localities which are like to suffer from drought. With this view it is desirable that the sanitary authority should make a careful examina. tion of the existing sources of supply, ao that they may, as far as practicable, be economised, and that steps may be taken, where necessary, to obtain an additional supply. If any part of the dis. tiict is within the limits of a water company, tho attention of the company should, with the like object, be directed to tho points lastly referred to. The sanitary authority are aware that, if there is no such company, they themselves may not only construct and maint.ain water-works, but also dig wells, and do any other acts necessary tor providing a water suppl3' for their district. It is, therefore, compe. tent for them, in case of need, to provide, by means of water-carts and other like expedients, a temporary supply for domestic use, and for flushing sewers and drains; and the cost attendant upon tho adoption of this suggestion, which would be comparatively small, might be wholly or in part reimbursed by a Tnoderate charge fur the accommodation. I am directed to add that the greatest care must, of course, be taken with regard to the purity of the water which tho sanitary authority distribute ; that no supply should be used which is not perfectly safe from pollution by cxcremental matters or other filth ; and that other impurities, if the water coutains such, shonld be removed from it by filtration or otherwise, before it is dclivei'od for domestic use. — I am. Sir, your obedient servant, " Whih-liall, June 29, 1S71. John L.VMBEUt." rRBCAUTIONS AGAINST A DEFICIENT WATER SUPPLY. The Local Government Board have issued tho following circular to tho sanitary authorities throughout tho country, urging the taking of precautions against a probable deficient su]iply of water from the long continued drought : — " Sir, — I am directed by the local Govern, nieut Board to state, that in consefpicnce of the long continu.ance of dry weather, their attention h.as been drawn to the fact that in Bover.tl parts of the country tho ordinary water supply has become considerably diminished, and there is reason to be apprehensive that, as the simimer advances, the evils arising from this cause will bo much more seriously and extensively felt. Among such evils must be included the very .serious danger to health wliich will arise if, for want of a better supply, recourse is had to polluted water. Under these circumstances, the Board thiid< it right to point out to the sanitary authority the importance of taking steps to inform them, selves fully of the nature and extent of the existing water supply in the several parts of their district, and the sources which may pro. perly be relied upon for the purpose of supplying any present or prospective deficiency. The Board need scarcely remind the sanitary authority that one of the chief duties which tho Legislature has imposed upon them is that of providing their district with a suffieient supply of water, aud the Board cannot too strongly impress upon EDINBURGH BOTANICAL CLUB. The following is au extract from verses submitted to the members ot this club at their meeting at Easter Duddiugstou Lodge, on 3rd July, 1S7'1: — Of the heavens and their changes but little we know, Though much they affect us poor mortals below. If our sun, as averred, be a'changcable star. As some orbs in far space most undoubtedly are. Then changes may follow on earth, air, and sky, And the plants of our planet be affected thereby. Change, change, nothing but change. M'Nab was the first men's attention to draw To the baleful effects of some unobserved law — ■ In tho fruits that once ripened, hut ripen no more In our northern climate. Whereas we had stoi-o Of Rihstuns, Greengages, Figs, Peaches, aud Pears, All matured in the open in long bygone years, AVhich with fifty things more I cant specify here. Were brought to our markets and shows year by year; But now, tho' we pettle such thiugs on the wail, ' Tis rarely we get one ripe fruit after all. As of fruits, so of vegetables, ev rjratia, Tomatoes, Once reared in the border as we still do Potatoes, Have, with Mushi-ooms and Capsicums all out of order, Bid Scotland good-bye, and passed over the Border. Change, change, nothing but change. On facts such as these M'Xab took his position, .'Vnd proved our poor climate in a back-going condition. Now, facts being stubborn, with so many to back him, lie feared not, and cared not, whoe'er might attack him, While an editor high, both on gardening and climate. And on all cognate subjects acknowledged as Primate, Held the case as made out by facts ad 'jahirem, 'With a surplus to spare of those put before him. Then Naudin struck in with evidence clear. That like changes iu France w.ere experienced as here. Yet with many concurrents, it may not be denied. There was somethiug to say on the opposite side ; And a chap singing " Frutex " made a very fair case, On tho tables of Chiswick in the main for his base ; But whether by these or the cycles ot Schwab, He failed, to my thinking, to damage M'Xab ; For cycles no longer than Schwab's in duration. Are wholly inadequate for the occasion. I. A. IIemiv. The Neglected Squares of liondon. — When wo think how much good Mr. Grant's gift must do, and how much innocent pleasure he will have given, all that surprises us is that he has not long ago been anticipated. There must be many millionaires morn or less connected with London, accumulating wealth even beyond their ambition, who must be casting about for means of disposing of their superfluity, and would not be sorry to raise monuments to their own memories. Many of them who profess philanthropy can find no better outlet for it than the application of their spare riches to those questionable schemes which tend to foster poverty, or at July 11, 1874.] THE GARDEN. 39 least to discourage independence. Why should they not follow Mr. Grant's very sensible example — bestow a gift that can by no possi. bility be abased, aud enjoy the pleasure of their own good deeds in their lifetime ? But, besides these, there are other meu, of still better ascertained means, upon whom such au obligation more naturally falls. There are great landlords, owners of wholo districts, who administer, through a machinery of agents, blocks of houso property of every class. They draw enormous revenues in a shape which absolves them in a great measure from the responsibilities they would incur were their property situated in country parishes. There can be no immediate intercourse between tlieui and the occupants of their houses. In the way of charity they have no direct dealings, except with rectors, curates, or churchwardens ; aud the bounty they distribute is entirely at their own discretion. But they owo a duty, as citizens of no mean city, to tho great source of their revenues. Mr. Grant has anticipated in Leicester Square the owners of ancestral domains ; but there are many other places in London which may bo dealt with at once, without costly and complicated law proceedings. Leached Wood-Aslies. — Some valuable observations on the fertilising action of leached wood-ashes are contained in the annual report made by Professor S. W. Johnson to the Connecticut State Board of Agriculture. Analyses of four samples lead Professor Johnson to the conclusion that the chief fertilising element in leached ashes is carbonate of lime. The specimens examined con. tained from 3S to 53 per cent, of this substance. The proportion of water in leached ashes is as large as 35 per cent. When unadul- terated, the quantity of sand or soil and uuburnod coal which thoy contain varies from 6 to 15 per cent. As the beuefit derived froui their application to land is often attributed to potash, it is interest- ing to learn that they seldom contain more than 1 per cent, of potash. Effects of Storms on Vegetation. — A storm of unusual severity visited the north of Italy aud the south and east of Prance a few days ago. A letter from Antibes, in the Ddbats, states that the thunder and lightning in that district were tei"rilic, and that the hail was driven by the wind with such force that the leaves of the trees were riddled or torn to shreds, leaving nothing but naked branches. Pigs, Vines, Olives, aud other fruit trees were ravaged, and some were torn up by the roots. People on the roads were felled and vehicles overturned. The hurricane did not keep a straight route, but was influenced by the currents formed in mountain gorges and in the valleys, and wheeled about, carrying ruin wherever it went. At Tarbea the hail had to be removed in shovelfuls from the foot pave- ments, and round Montpellier the Cornfields were almost destroyed. Vegetable Wax. — This was the subject of a paper read before the Natural Science and Statistical Society of Eastern Asia, at Yeddo, Japan, on Deo. 6th, 1873. The delivery of the paper was accompanied by an exhibition of specimens of the material in different stages of preparation. The wax tree is in appearance not unlike our Mountain Ash, and the Beau-shaped berries, in size about that of Lentils, are gathered in the month of October. After being softened by the action of steam, to which they are exposed in stone receptacles, the berries are pressed, aud the wax obtained. The substance is then purified by boiling, first iu lye, aud then in pure water, after which it is bleached in the sun for about fifteen days, in which latter process it becomes white, and is ready for use or for exportation. The vegetable wax, thus prepared, is scarcely distinguishable — except by a tallow-like odour — from beeswax, and is exported from Japan to England in considerable quantities. The new Substitute for Flax. — Cau you inform us what this American Wood Nettle is, that we hear of as a substitute for Flax, which a Mr. Roezl discovered in America and has introduced into Germany ? What is the sense of our introducing Ramie from China if we have something as good, or bettei', at home ? — Te.xtilis. [It is an old affair come up again, and it remains to be seen whether any- thing will come of it. About fifty years ago a clever Irishman, named Whitlow, finding that our wild Wood Nettle (Laportea canadensis), had a good deal of strong fibre in its bark, took some roots back to Ireland and England, introduced it as a new species under the name of Urtica Whitlowii, and vaunted its merits as a substitute for Flax. For some reason or other it did not succeed. Lately it has been taken up anew by a very interprising German explorer and collector, Mr. Roezl. He has taken the same plant to France and Germany, under a new name, this time Laportea pustulata. Aud it really appears that our Nettle "is attracting considerable attention in Germany for textile purposes." It is said that the trials that have been made of it under the direction of the Prussian Minister of Agriculture gave favourable results. The advantages claimed for it are, that being a hardy perennial it is not necessary to sow the seed year after year ; and that the fibre is extracted frDci the stalks with much less labour and cost than is required in the case of Flax and Hemp. We can only say that the fibre of the bark, which is good and abundant in Nettles generally, is particularly fine and strong in this species; while all the central part of the stem is tender and succulent, and therefore probably easily got rid of by maceration or mechanical means. The question whether it will pay to cultivate Nettles and extract the fibre is entirely a practical one. As tho Nettle in question grows in woods aud damp shady places, it may be doubted if it will thrive in open and dry holds. But it grows very well in good garden soil, as we have occasion to know. Flax, however, has hold the ground for several thousand years, aud it is much to bo doubted if it now finds a rival. — Asi G«.iY, in The Trihmie.'} THE HOUSEHOLD. Leaves for Flavouring.— With the exception of sweet and bitter Herbs, grown chiefly for the purpose, and Parsley, which ia neither bitter nor sweet, but the most popular of all flavouring plants, comparatively few other leaves are used. Perhaps I ought also to except the Sweet Bay, which is popular in rice and other puddings, aud certainly imparts one of the most pleasant and exquisite flavours ; but, on the other hand, what a waste there ia of the flavouring properties of Peach, Almond, and Laurel leaves, so richly charged with the essence of bitter Almonds, so much used in most kitchens! Of course such leaves must be used with caution, but so must the spirit as well. An infusion of these could readily bo made, either green or dry, and a tea or table spoonful of the flavour- ing liquid used. One of the most usefnl and harmless of all leaves for flavouring is that of the common Syringa. When Cucumbers aro soarco, these are a perfect substitute in salads or anything iu which that flavour is desired. The taste is not only like that of Cucumbers, but identical — a curious instance of tho correlation of flavours in widely different families. Again, tho young leaves of Cucumbers have a striking likeness in tho way of flavour to that of the fruit. The same may be aflirmed of Carrot-tops, which are as like Carrots in taste as may be. In most gardens there is a prodigious waste of Celery flavour in the sacrifice of the external leaves and their partially blanched foot-stalks. Scores of sticks of Celery arc cut up into soup, when the outsides would flavour it equally well or better. The young leaves of Gooseberries added to bottled fruit give a fresher flavour and a greener colour to pies and tarts. The leaves of tho flowering Currant give a sort of intermediate flavour between Black Currants and Red. Orange, Citron, and Lemon leaves impart a flavouring equal to that of tho fruit and rind combined, aud some- what different fj'om both. A few leaves added to pies, or boiled in the milk used to bake with rice, or formed into crusts or paste, impart au admirable aud almost inimitable bouquet. In short, leaves are not half so much used for seasoning purposes as they might be. — P. L. SiMMONDS. Blancmange and Apricots. — A pint of milk, a pint of cream, half an ounce of isinglass melted with a little boiling water, four ounces of loaf sugar, three Bay leaves bruised, a stick of cinnamon broken, a tin of preserved Apricots or Apricot jam j boil the milk, sugar, cinnamon, and leaves together for ten minutes ; put it into the cold milk ; then strain it ; add the isinglass, aud let it boil up ; then the cream ; let it boil for five minutes. Strain it into a basin ; stir it till only lukewarm. Add three table-spoonfuls of brandy. Stir it well, and pour it into a wetted mould. Let it stand in a cold Dlace eight hours. NOTES AND QUESTIONS ON THE HOUSEHOLD. A Novel "Way of Preserving^ Onions.— Mr. Baines, of Southsato House Gardens, stores his Oaions in an uncommoa way. They are nailed in bundles on the outside of his house : aud, iu this way, slightly protected from wet by the eaves, they keep, on an average, five weeks longer than those of the same varie- ties and ot the same crop, stored in the ordinary manner. Mr. Baines says this is the mode adopted by the Cheshire market gardeners. Dandelion Salad.— The French are so enthusiastic over this salad that great pains have been taken to improve the varieties of Dandelion, some of which we have imported into this country. The Dandelion requires a thorough blanching to deprive it of its bitterness. It can easily be grown at a low tem- perature, and when properly cultivated it is said to produce white leaves as crisp and nutty as the finest white solid Celery. Two varieties are highly praised in the French papers — one, which has a full round head, like a small Cabbage, and another which has long, broad, Lettuce-like leaves. Coffee as a Disinfectant.— Koasted coffee, says the Komceopathic Worlds is one of the most i)o\verful means, not only of rendering animal and vegetable cffluviie innocuous, but of actually destroying them. In proof of this, the statement is made that a room, in which meat in an advanced degree of decom- position had been kept for some time, w.is instantly deprived of ail smell on an open coffee roaster being carried through it, containmg 1 lb. of newly roasted coffee. D:)e3 not this suggest the advisability of keeping our coffee canisters constantly corked ? Of course, such as is used for disinfecting purposes would he destroyed. 40 THE GAEDEN. [JuLT 11, 1874. SOCIETIES AND EXHIBITIONS. EVENING FETE AT THE ROYAL BOTANIC GAKDENS. On Wednesday evening last a grand J'e'tc was given by the President and tlie Council of the Iloyal Botanic Society in their gardens in the Ilcgcnt's Park. This fete may now be fairly considered to be one of the settled events of the London season, as it certainly is one of the most pleasant of them. As a rule, people are pretty safe, as far as the weather is concerned, in fixing July for open air festivities; but, with the expe- rience of tlie last few weeks, and with the recollection of the manner in which their first J*'te was interrupted by a violent thunderstorm, the Council have been kept iu a state of great anxiety as to whether or not a similar disaster awaited them on this occasion. Fortunately for them and for their guests, the weather proved simply delightful, and nothing in any shape or form interposed to mar the success and the pleasure of the gathering. The arrangements for the pii? were very similar to those of last year. The principal avenue, leading from the entrance at York Grate to the conservatory, was festooned with opal lamps along each side, the effect thus produced reminding many of the ilUimiuation of the Champ Elysues on an Emperor's f'te day. Many of the numerous paths intersecting the twenty acres of gardens were covered in by awnings and lighted with lamps of various colours, while the flower beds and the ornamental vases throughout the grounds were also surrounded and lit up with similar lamps. Chains of globes fringed other parts of the gardens, marking the bridges and the rest of their special features. The large exhibition tent wa^* lit with the lime light, and occasionally with coloured tires, while the illumination of the conservatory was very effective ; the magnesium burners from the outside and the ever-changing electric lights from within, with a very tasteful arrangement of flowers, Ferns, and exotic plants, combining to produce a most dazzling effect. The visitors numbered between 9,000 and 10,000, including the 2,500 fellows and members of the society ; and the fact that evening dress was en r'cgle added' considerably to the success of the gathering as a mere spectacle. The Duke and Duchess of Teck arrived shortly before eleven, and were received at the entrance by the Council, who escorted their Royal and Serene Highnesses to their seats upon the dais, the three bands meanwhile joining in the National Anthem. Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales, who was also expected to be present, sent, through the President, an intimation to the Council of her regret that she found herself unable to attend. An excellent feature was a charming exhibition, in the large tent, of cut Roses, furnished and arranged in designs by Mr. W. Paul, of \yaltham Cross ; Mr. Paul had, in fact, cjuite a garden of cut Roses. Mr. Wills sent many van-loads of his well-grown and graceful plants to decorate the great tent, and in this way materially added to the attractions of the evening. The special feature of the show was the table decorations, which, as usual of late, were tastefully arranged. Bouquets, on the other hand, both for the table and hand, were very poor indeed. It would greatly tend to the improvements of exhibitions of this kind if the various entries composing a class were arranged together, otherwise it is most difficult for the public to compare the various produc- tions. This also is a great obstacle to the efficient performance of the judge's part of the work. We trust these highly successful and interesting evening pies may go on increasing in brilliancy, and would suggest that next year the society would give prizes to stimulate our great plant decorators into showin*; us samples of their best work. There is a frequently- expressed feeling that dinner table-decorations are being over- done, but we have heard no such objections made to the floral decoration of a ball-room, or of a hall, or any other portion of a house for such a festive occasion. There would not be much difficulty in so framing the schedule, as to draw to the pleasant gardens in the Regent's Park far more attrac- tive plant displays than have yet been seen there on the occasion of an evening fete. For example, we have no doubt that Mr. Wills could arrange a bank or series of groups of plants, which would be more effec- tive thau all the tablejor supper decorations put together. THE GARDENERS' ROYAL BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. Ox the 2nd inst. the anniversary festival of this society, of which Her Majesty the Queen is the patroness, was held at the London Tavern. Mr. Alfred do Rothschild presiding, supported by Mr. Alderman and Sheriff Whethara, the Rev. William Rogers, rector of Bishopsgate, Major Snell, and many other gentlemen of consideration. The room in which the entertainment was given was charmingly decorated for the occasion with the choicest flowers and evergreens, in the display of which all the principal florists and nurserymen in and about the metropolis, for miles round, had contributed. The society was established thirty-six years ago, and durini? that long interval it has aided 214 persons down to the end of 1873, of whom sixty-two then survived, and the total sum paid to them up to the end of December last was £18, /GO. The funded stock of the society then amounted to £8,900. The chairman. Mr. Alfred de Rothschild, in proposing the toast of the evening, " Success and pro- sperity to the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution," said he did not require to be a botanist to appreciate the sweet aroma of a Rose or the blushing beauty of the Violet ; and it was because that appreciation of what was truly delightful was in us all, although possessed in a higher degree by some, that he ventured to say a few words on a topic which he otherwise should not have had an excuse for approaching. He dwelt on the infinite pleasure which all mankind derived from gazing upon flowers and plants of every hue and description. Such an attempt, ho said, would be to " paint the Lily," or " to throw a perfume on tUe Violet," for every thing that was gay and bright and joyous was associated with flowers and the fresh foliage of trees. Indeed, it was impossible to deny that they played aii important part in the manifold incidents of human life. The conquering hero, on his return from a distant campaign, was garlanded with a wreath of Laurel ; the gentle bride, as she was led up the steps of the altar, was encircled with the fragrance of Jasmine and Orauge blossoms ; and who knew how many a romance, which othewise might have remained dormant, had not been developed by the "anony- mous boucjuet ? " The English gardener, yar excellence, had, by his in- dustry, skill, and enterprise, brought the science of horticulture to a perfec- tion which stood unrivalled, and was not even equalled in countries where the sky was sunniest and the climate less capricious. He spared no trouble or expense in introducing from tropical zones the rarest of Orchids and other exotics, and his care was unceasing in nurturing and fostering those delicate and, in many cases, half-withered ijlants. The chairman concluded by an eloquent anpeal to the company to support the charity, in aid of which the entertainment was given, reminding them how largely gardeners contributed to the festivities of the season, and that this had been an exceptionally joyous one none, he said, would deny; for we had placed garlands of Laurel upon our Ashantee heroes, and had welcomed to our shores a fair and illustrious Princess, whose brow was still encircled with Jasmine and Orange blossoms. This and other parts of the chairman's address were much cheered. He concluded by proposing as a toast "The continued and increased success of the institution." Later in the evening the rector of Bishopsgate proposed *' The health of the chairman" in appropriate terms. The guests after- wards drank to the health of Mr. Sherifl' Whetham, who had honoured them with his company on the occasion. Mr. Edward Cutler, secretary to the fund, at the close of the entertainment, announced that the sub- scriptions of the evening amounted to £771, of which 100 guineas had been contributed by the chairman and members of his family. FLORAL DECORATIONS AT TtJNBRIDGE WELLS. At the annual exhibition of the Tunbridge Wells Horticultural Society, hold on the 3rd inst, the classes open for different styles of floral arrange- ments, were so well tilled that it would be impossible to describe each exhibition in detail. We must, therefore, content ourselves with giving descriptions of such only as obtained first prizes in each class. In that for a group of three pieces, the first prize was awarded to Mrs. Seal, of Sevenoaks, for three Mai'ch stands, the centre one having a trumpet rising out of the upper tazza, these were most tastefully arranged with ordinary flowers and wild Grasses ; wired pips of a light blue Larkspur, being placed so as to come out against an orange-shaded Begonia with excellent eflect. In the class for a single piece, Mrs. Seal was awarded the first prize for a prettily arranged vase of an uncommon shape ; the lower part resembled an ordinary March stand ; but the upper tazza, in place of being supported on a stem rising from the centre of the lower one as is mostly the case with these vases, was supported by three slight rods which rose from the outer edge of the lower tazza. In the decoration of this stand the effect would have been much enhanced had Mrs. Seal ran Lygodium scandens, or some equally light creeper, up the rods ; this stylo of vase would be well adapted for a drawing-room table. The class for hand bouquets was the weakest part of the show ; I do not mean as regards the number staged or the flowers used, but as regards tho bouquets themselves ; one and all were packed, as many flowers being used in one as might have made two, or, perhaps, three, if skilfully arranged ; the best was that exhibited by Mrs. Seal, who was again in this class the fortunate winner of the first prize. It consisted of half-blown yellow Hoses, mauve Orchids, and blooms of Eucharis amazonica, all of which blended well together. Button-hole bouquets were well represented, the first prize being won by Mr. Rust, the gardener at Bridge Castle. Perhaps one of the most attractive classes of this section of the show was that open for wild flowers arranged for effect ; and any- thing more charming than the stand of these — exhibited by Miss Walker — to whom the first prize was awarded, could not be imagined. The vase itself resembled a March one in form, and each tazza and the trumpet were filled with Dog Roses, blue Forget- me-nots, brown-tinted sprays of Oak leaves, and British Ferns ; in each tier the flowers and foliage were most charmingly intermixed. In addition to those just named, in the trumpet was placed a long trailing spray of white Convolvulus, which drooped down, and was twined in a most graceful m.inner. In the class for single pieces for table decoration, for gardeners only (the prizes for which were given by Mrs. G. Howe, Goldney), the first prize was won by Mr. R. Downing, for a very light and effective arrangement. The form of the stand was as follows : — Out of a tazza rose a glass stem, supporting on the top of a trumpet (just like a March stand with tho upper tazza taken off) ; half way up this stem orojected three tiny curved branches. In the tazza were blooms of deep crimson Roses, Stephanotis, blue-shaded Statice, ic, set ott' by Ferns and other foliage. The small curved branches contained blooms of Stephenotis and Statice, intermixed with fronds of Adiantum cuneatum. In the trumpet was an elegant plume of Ferns, Grasses, and flowers, similar to those employed in other portions of the stand ; while, drooping down from the mouth of the trumpet, were long sprays of Selaginella, which gave a certain amount of grace to the whole arrangement, that was not to be found in the other stands in this class. The small branches, being very lightly filled, did not interfere with the view across the table ; but, had heavy flowers been used in this part of tho stand, such would have been the case. On the whole the floral arrangements were admirable. July 11, 1S74] THE GARDEN. GREAT SHOW AT ASTON PARK, BIRMINGHAM. July 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th. This great exhibition was opened at the Lower Grounds, Aston, on the 7th inst. The weather was singularly favom-able, being warm, but with just enough sunshine to hght up the tents and to bring out the elegant outlines of the plants and the hues of the flowers to the best advantage. It was a con- siderable task to arrange and put into proper position the immense number of plants brought together on this occasion. As is usually the case with large exhibitions, some exhibitors who enter for competition do not put in an appearance ; and, as an allotted space is reserved for each collection entered, there are certain ugly gaps where the plants do not present themselves. This necessitates alterations in the plans of those who direct the grouping of the plants, and some delay is the result. At eleven o'clock, however, the judges were enabled to enter on their several tasks ; and, once commenced, the work went on smoothly, and shortly after the time announced the tents were thi'own open to the public. During the afternoon large numbers of visitors passed through the tents, but at no time in the day were they inconveniently crowded. At all times locomotion was easy, except at certain points — such as the fruit, the table deco- tions and bouquets, and the Eoses — and here many persons congregated. The general public, who are invariably correct in their estimate of an exhibition of this kind, were entertiined with what they saw, and emphatic expressions of admiration and praise were heard on every hand. The success of the undertaking, in short, was complete. Stove and Greenhouse Plants. — In the grand class of sixteen stove and greenhouse plants, in bloom, there were but three entries, and of those staged by Messrs. Cole & Sons, too much can scarcely be said. The most striking features, per- haps, of the whole collection, were two Azaleas — Brilliantand Chelsoni — which were masses of bloom. In the collection, too, were some magnificent Heaths, including a very splendid Erica Cavendishi, rather past its prime however, and four others possessing considerable merit as specimen plants. The collection also included an Aphelexis, hand* somely and naturally grown, and an Ixora coccinea of splendid form and colour, but scarcely bloomed sufliciently. Mr. Cypher's collection could scarcely be called a good second, his specimens failing in size and effect when compared with those of his rival. Among them were a beautiful Ixora am- boyensis — a very distinct and telling plant, and remarkably well grown ; a gi'and plant of Clero- drendron Balfouri, also a Phosnocoma prolifera Barnesi, and Eucharis amazonica, admirably flowered. Mr. Marsh's collection, which, though destitute of any great distinguishing feature, con- tained some pretty well-grown specimens of Clero- dendron Balfouri, Hoya carnosa, Kalosanthes rosea, and others. In the class for ten stove and green- house plants the Messrs. Cole are again successful as first prize ■winners, their collection being Inferior only in size to that of the previous class. Fore- most in this group another Azalea, called Brilliant, and an Ixora aurantiaca were very remarkable both for foliage and colour. Here also were some well- furnished specimens of Aphelexis macrantha pur- purea. The amateur class for ten stove and green- house plants was also well sustained. We have only noticed the gems of the exhibition in the great tent thus far, which contained besides perhaps nothing more striking than the Cycas revoluta, Crotons, and Phormium tenax variegatura, shown by Messrs. Cole & Sons, in their premier prize in the collection of fine-foUaged plants. It is impos- sible to imagine a grander effect than was produced by the collection of magnificent plants, brought together in this capacious and almost circular tent, the chief specimens being grouped to good advan- tage. Orchids. — These were not so well represented as might have been expected at this season. Mr. B. S. Williams had, however, some fine specimens, including Anguloa Clowesii, with great waxy Tulip- like flowers of a soft golden-yellow colour , Vanda tricolor, a splendid pan of the great Bearded Lady's- shpper, the delicately-perfumed Aerides odoratum and A. Lobbii, one of the dwarf estin habit, and most effective of all the species ; the Cape Disa grandi- flora, with gorgeous flowers of scarlet and gold ; and a nice specimen of the orange-flowered Epiden- drum vitellinum. Mr. W. E. Dixon, of Norwood Nurseries, Beverley, had a nice group ; as had also Mr. Mitchell, gardener to Dr. -\.insworth, one of the most enthusiastic of amateur Orchid-growers. The last-named exhibitor had nicely-grown weU -bloomed plants of Odontoglossum grande, 0. Sehleipe- rianum, the beautiful purple-lipped Cattleya Men- delii, and others equally good. In the class for single specimens, Mr. B. S. Williams was deservedly awarded the first prize for Aerides odoratum majus, with about twenty fine spikes. Roses. — The Rose tent was a grand sight. Sevei-al Rose shows have been held this season, but finer blooms have not before been exhibited than those which appeared at Birmingham on this occa- sion. Right down the middle of the tent there was arranged, on the central stage, a line of Fuchsias, with here and there some showy Dracffinas and plants of Lilium auratum. On either side were arranged the stands of cut Roses, the nurserymen's classes on one side, the amateur's classes on the other. There were two challenge cups given in the Rose classes in addition to the money prizes ; one in the nurserymen's class, for seventy-two varieties, and one in the amateur's class, for forty-eight varie- ties. In the class for seventy-two varieties, no fewer than ten stands were to be found ; but the best came from Messrs. Paul & Son, of Cheshunt. There were about four stands in the collection that seemed to stand out from the rest by reason of the finer quality of the flowers; and to judge them accurately and decide on the best, required a great amount of care and attention on the part of the judges. They were quite three-quarters of an hour awarding the first prize in this class ; and when it was given to Messrs. Paul & Son it was felt by those who had attentively looked over the flowers that the decision was a just one. In the class for forty-eight varieties, Messrs. Paul & Son were also placed first, and hei'e the competition was close also. Twenty-four Roses, single blooms only, brought to the front a new grower in Mr. H. Merryweather, of Southwell, Notts ; Mr. Cant being second. On the opposite side table were staged some of the most beautiful, because sweetest scented, Roses — the Teas ; and here, in all his glory of golden uniform, was found Marechal Niel, surrounded by a galaxy of white, blush, and pink beauties, redolent of sweetness and lovely charms. Specially noticeable, also, were boxes containing twelve blooms each of one kind in which some groups of grand colour pre- dominated. Here were the deep red Alfred Colomb, the new dark Hybrid Perpetual Duke of Edinburgh, the Baroness de Rothschild — the grandest blush- pink Rose in cultivation ; also La France, a splen- did flower of a flesh tint; Marie Baumann a ciimson - red ; Devoniensis, that lovely white Tea ; and Marechal Niel. The amateurs' col- lections of cut Roses were not far behind the fine blooms of the trade-gi-owers. With twelve Tea Roses, Mr. C. N. Newdegate's gardener was placed first ; but, looked at later in the day than when seen by the judges, the second-placed twelve were the freshest. Mr. Thomas Laxton, of Stam ford, also staged a charming collection, as did many others, the different collections exhibiting every shade of colour, from the deepest crimson to pure white. Fruit. — The chief feature in this department was the collections of eight varieties, to contain not more than two dishes of Grapes. In addition to a £10 prize, there was included a silver challenge cup, value 25 guineas. The best collection came from Mr. W. Coleman, gardener to Earl Somers, and consisted of fine Black Hamburgh and Muscat Grapes, a Moscow Queen Pine Apple, Royal George Peaches, Elruge Nectarines, President Strawberries and brown Turkey Figs. This was well worthy of the handsome prize which was awarded to it. For Pine Apples there were four classes, and there must have been nearly 100 splendid fruits set up, the majority of the Queens averaging 5 lbs. to 6 lbs. in weight. Then came the collections of three bunches of Black Hamburgh Gi-apes, and here the first prize was given to three splendid bunches — large, sym- metrical, and crowded with evenly-sized berries, covered with a beautiful grejlsh bloom. These also came from Mr. W. Coleman. Not less interesting were the white Grapes, which were represented by the large amber-coloured bunches of the Muscat of Alexandra, still one of the best-flavoured Grapes in cultivation. The best three bunches came from Mr. Foster, gardener to Mr. E. Greaves, Avonside, Warwick. The bunches taking the second prize had large berries, but they were wanting in the colour and finish that oharacterise first-class Grapea. There was a class for Buckland Sweetwater Grapes, a white variety, of a less rich and luscious flavour than the Muscat, but still a good Grape when well grown. Mr. Cox, gardener to Earl Beauchamp, Madresfield Court, had some very fine examples of this well-known Grape. Three bunches of white Grapes, of any other variety than that namedin the foregoing classes, were represented by GoldenCham- pion, a large Grape, with luscious, tempting berries. Some fine Frontigaans were also exhibited. Next came Peaches, of which there were no fewer than twenty dishes of rich-looking fruit ; of Nectarines, there were some thirteen dishes ; of Apricots, there were only two dishes, but then it is yet early for them ; Figs, two dishes ; Black Cherries, five dishes; White Cherries, seven dishes— all of which were very fine. Strawberries were both numerous and fine. Melons were very good, bad, and indifferent. The judges were scarcely to be envied in having to taste so many, for it must be remembered the prizes were awarded according to the flavour of the fruit. There were green-fleshed varieties, and also scarlet-fleshed ; the former, generally, the best flavoured. The finest fruit was a Golden Gem, sent by Mr. W. Cox, Madresfield Court. Table Decorations. — On a long range of side-tables were tastefully placed some charming centre-pieces for dining and drawing-room tables, consisting of glass epergnes dressed with flowers, Ferns, Grasses, &c. ; and it was specially notice- able that the simplest and lightest arrangement met with the widest approval. Bouquets, arranged close by, as nice and effective as it is possible to make them, were also objects of much admiration. The bridal bouquets were exceedingly elegant, and opera bouquets were even more beautiful, as the intro- duction of a few rich tints of colour in graceful arrangement created more pleasing efl'eets than a combination of white flowers only. On the oppo- site side-table were placed the splendid silver cups which Mr. Quilter had so liberally offered as prizes. Miscellaneous. — Messrs. Veitch & Sons con- tributed a fine group of new and rare plants con- taining most of the novelties recently exhibited at our London exhibitions. Mr. Charles Turner had a charming group of large flowering Pelargo- niums, very bright and effective, containing among, other varieties, Corsair, Protector, Juno, Highland Lassie, Claribel, and Blue Boy, which has the deepest tint of blue of any variety yet raised ; Ruth lovely hue of pink ; Achievement and Scottish Chieftain, also struck us as being very effective. Clematises ivere shown by Messrs. Jackman and Son, of Woking, and received more than ordinary attention. These have flowers of either sombre or soft tints, and possess all those charming hues of rich purple and soft lilac, so rarely seen in hardy decorative plants. A neat group of Palms and Ferns, sent by Mr. R. H. Vertegans, of Chad Valley Nursery, Edgbaston, was much admired. A beau- tiful new pyramidal Ten-week Stock, named Mauve Beauty, sent by Mr. R. Dean, of Ealing, was very effective ; its perfume being exceedingly rich, and its colour novel and pleasing. A fine variety of Lilium auratum, having an unusual amount of colour in the markings was staged by Messrs. John Standish & Co., of Ascot, and specially commended as a fine variety ; while Mr. J. E. Mapplebeck staged some fine hardy Ferns, tor which he is so famous, and the judges awarded to several of the newer types first-class certificates of merit. Mr. J. Croucher contributed somepretty little Haworthias, curious Stapelias, Aloes, and a fine group of Agaves. Mr. Pilgrim also sent a nice collection of the last-named plants ; while Mr. Pfersdorff, 73, South Row, Kensal New Town, had a fine miscellaneous collection of these now well- known plants. The last-named exhibitor has done more than any other cultivator we know towards increasing the popularity of succulents, and thou- sands of little specimens, from his estabhsh- ment, find their way to Covent Garden and other markets, and from thence are distributed to the window gardens of the metropolis. Horticultural Implements. — This depart- ment, from its extent and variety, was one of the most attractive features of the show. There was scarcely an article of any value unrepresented. An idea — though imperfect, it must be admitted — of the nature of the exhibition may be gleaned from the following brief description of some of the stands. Messrs. Dennis & Co., Chelmsford, were extensive exhibitors. At their stand was to be seena THE GARDEN. [JvLY 11, 1874. specialite iu the shape of a conservatory, named tlie " VilU." Their selection of grcenhourfef* and other garden erections was so numerous, and of so va/u-d a character, as to suit tiie tastes of everybody ; tbcy also showed a new high pressure valve which pro- mises to he useful J likewise a new hut-water boiler, with patent casing, by which all brick- work setting is not only obviated, Init Uio radia- tion of heat is prevented, and tlic heated air s utiUsed to Support combustion ; another of heir inventions is a water - waste preveutor. Messrs. Crowley showed a lawn-mowcr, " The Invincible," for which a gold medal was awarded. Messrs. Felton & Sons, liirmingham, exhibited a large and varied collection of rustic fnrniture. Messrs. Powell & Co., of Birmingham, obtained a silver medal for a large assortment of articles, con- sisting of garden seats, vases, fountains, and flower stands, pumps, engines, syringe.s, &c. The same firm also exhibited water and hose barrows, lawn mowers, and garden tools. Messrs. Hassall & Sin- gleton, of Freeman Street, Birmiugham, furuished lieating apparatus and a large number of other useful articles. One of the most attractive exhibi- tions was made by Messrs. Ilartloy & Siigden, of Halifax, who, amongother things, showedljoilersand other heating apparatus, the Windsor, Victoria, and other lawn mowers, &c. Messrs. Boyd & Son, of Paisley, were.the exhibitors of a number of excellent greenhouses. The Alpha patent air gas-making apparatus, through the use of which everyone is enabled to supply himself with gas at a cheap rate, was exhibited by Mr. H. fj. MuUer, of 22, Mary Ann Street, Birmiugham. The characteristics of the apparatus set fortli that no heat is required in the jiroduction, the gas is made instantaneously, is of a superior illuminating or heating power to coal gas, purer and less costly. The arrangements for tlie iitting-up of the apparatus are in every respect simple and complete. Mr. Henry Inman, of Stret- ford, near Manchester, who a few years ago sup- plied the rustic houses, bridges, Sec, for the Aston Lower Grounds, obtained a first prize for a large variety of rustic summer-houses, garden-seats, tables, and vases. The Dromore Patent Heating Company exhibited Cowan's patent compensating system of heating horticultural and other buildings, which was highly commended. Mr. Peters, 2G, Carr'a Lane, Birmingham, furnished all kinds of horticultural implements, seats, vases, pumps, engines, lawn-mowers, *tc. To the garden furni- ture in this collection a silver medal was awarded. Mr. Kay, of Navigation Street, Birmingham, exhibited filters, fountains, and acjuaria. Messrs. Perks & Co., of 50 and 52, Dale End, Birmingham, showed Parker's dry earth -closets, glass louvre ventilators, and similar contrivances. Messrs. Follows & Bates, of Manchester, showed a Uxrgo collection of the " Climax " and Anglo-American lawn-mowers. Messrs. Baker & Co. obtained a f^;ilver medal for garden arches, flower and Fern- stands, garden- chairs, stools, hanging baskets, conservatory cages, aviaries, &c. Mr. Matthews, Weston-super-Mare, showed an elegant assortment j of torra-cotta work, including vases, stands, ] fountains, statuary figures, I tal iau an d Fern ' baskets, for which a silver medal was awarded. , Messrs. Green & Sons, Leeds, exhibited a selection \ of lawn-mowers and Green's patent hot- water boilers. Messrs. A. Smith & Co., of Bath, showed their patent siphonic watering pot, to which allusion was made last week. Messrs. Mapplebcck & Son, Bull Ring, Birmingham, were awarded a silver medal for fountains and vases. Mr. J. Clark was awarded a silver medal for plant protectors and similar contrivances. For cheap garden carts Mr. W. Sawney, Beverley, Yorkshire, received a bronze medal. Garden hose was fur- nished by Mr. J. Pumphrey, 5, Broad Street Coruei-, Birmingham, to whom a bronze medal was awarded ; a similar award was also made to water appliances for garden purposes, shown by Messrs. Ball & Purser, Carr's Lane, Birmingham ; also for hot water valves, shown by Messrs. Jones & Co., Broad Street, Worcester ; peat and sand, contributed by Slessrs. Fi-aser & Co., Leighton Buzzard, were highly recommended. The Lawn Mower Contest.—This took place on Wednesday last, when four makers com- peted, viz., Messrs. Green, Barnard, Edwards (Messrs. Crowley & Co.), and Hartley & Sugden. No spaces were marked off for each machine to mow, the competing machines being merely run two or three times over a jDiece of Grass not exceed- ing 30 yards in length. No idea could, therefore, be formed of the time in which any of them could do a certain amount of work ; there was no dynamometer applied to test the draught, and each exhibitor adjusted the height of cut according to his own notion, the Gra.ss being very short though thickish at buttom. We do not believe half-a-dozen barrow loads werecutby all the competing machines, which numbered about twenty. The machines entered all worked fairly well. The prizes were awarded as follows: — Gold medal, Mr. Edwards; silver medal, Messrs. Green; bronze medal, Messrs. Hartley & Sugden. The trial, so far as it went, may be considered to have been fairly can-ied out. It must be regarded, however, as of Httle value as a guide to intending purchasers of lawn-mowers, as the question as to which is the best lawn-mower remains stdl unsettled. Neither Messrs. Shanks, Ransome, Follows & Bate, nor the Archimedian competed. Judges. — These were :— Class 1 to 12 : Mr. Ptobert Parker, Exotic Nursery, Tooting, London ; Mr. A. iiogQT, superinteudeut Battersea Park, London ; and Mr. Carmichael, The Gardens, Crow Hall, Bath. Ckisses Pi to ;57 : Mr. T. Moore, Botanic Gardeu, Chelsea, London ; Mr. C. Penny, The Gardens, Sandriugham, King's Lynn j and Mi*. 11. H. Vertegans, Chad Valley, Edgbaston. Classes 38 to 53: Mr D. T. Fish, The Gardens, Hardwick House, Bury St. Edmunds ; Mr. J. Fleming, The Gardens, Cliveden, Maidenhead ; and Mr. James Cutbush, The Nursery, Highgate, London. Classes 54 to Co : Mr. Shirley Hibberd, Stoke Newington, London ; the Rev. S. R. Hole, Caunton Manor, Newark; and the Rev. C. Peach, Appleton-le- Street, Malton. Classes CO to S7 : Mr. John Laing, Stanstead Park, Forest Hill, London ; Mr. J. F. Meston, Haverstock Hill, London ; and Mr. John Standish, Royal Nurseries, Ascot. Classes 8S to 100 : Mr. Thomas Bailey, the Gardens, Shardeloes, Armishaw ; Mr. A. F. Barron, Royal Horticultural Society, Chiswick, London; and Mr. E. Bennett, The Gardens, Hattield House, Heils. Classes 110 to 130a : Mr. Peter Barr, King Street, Covent Garden, London ; Mr. J. Pottle, Sudborue Hall Gardens, Wickham Market ; and Mr. J. McKirday, Woodbine Lodge, Beckenham. The arrangement of the show was entrusted to Mr. Baines, of South- gate, and Mr. Spinks, Mr. Quilter's foreman. LIST OF AWARDS. DIVISION 1.— PLANTS. Sixteen Stove and Greenhouse plants, in bloom — 1st prize, £25, E. Cole and Sons, Withiugtnn, near Man- chester; 2ud, £13, Mr. Cypher, Queen's Road. Chelten- ham ; 3rd, £13, Mr. Mar.rh, gardener to Mr. J. O. Bacclius, Binswood, Leamington ; a silver challenge cup, of the value of 25 guineas, in addition to the money prize, E. Cole and Sons. Ten Stove and Greenhouse plants, in bloom, nursery- men—1st prize, £15, E. Cole and Sons; 2nd, £10, Mr. F. Perkins, Leamington ; 3rd, £7, Mr. Cypher. Ten Stove and Greenhouse plants, in bloom, amateurs. — IsL prize, £15. Mr. Chapman, Rugeley ; 2nd, £10, Mr. Chadmck, gardener to Mr. C. Nelson, Crackley Hill, Kenilworth, Specimen Stove plant, in bloom— 1st prize, £1 10s., Mr. Webb, gardener to Mr. J. Gulson, Stoke, Coventiy, and E. Colo and Sons, equal; 2nd, £1, Mr, B. "S. Williams; 3rd, 15s., Mr. Chadwick. Specimen Greenhouse plant, in bloom — Isfc prize, £1 10s., Mr. B. S. Williams ; 2nd, £1, Mr, Parker, Rugeley; 3rd, ISs., Mr. Chadvvick. Nine Fine-foliaged Plants, nurserymen — 1st prize, £10, Cole and Sons ; 2nd, £7, Mr. B. S. Williams ; 3rd, £5, Mr. Heath, Cheltenham ; Mr. Pilgrim and Mr. Dixon (extra). Nine Fine-foliaged Plants, amatem's — Ist prize, £10, Mr. T. M. Shuttlewonh; 2nd, £7, Mr. Forster; 3rd, £o, Mr. Brown. Six Fine-foliaged Plants, nurserymen— 1st prize, £5, Mr. Heath; 2ud, £3, not awarded; 3rd, £2, E. Colo & Sou. Six Pine-foijagcd Plants, amateurs— 1st prize, £5, Mr. Marsh; 2nd, £3, Mr. Brown. Specimen Fine-foliaged Plant— 1st prize, £1 10a., Mr. Heath; 2nd, £1, Mr. Croucher, gardener to Mr. J. T. Peacock, Hammersmith ; 3rd, 15s., Mr. Beecher, gar- dener to Mr. L. Foster, AValsall. Six Drnca?ua3 (green varieties excluded)— 1st prize, £1, Mr. Brown. Specimen Crnton— 1st prize, £1 10s., E. Cole & Sons; 2nd, £1, Mr. Heath ; 3rd, ISs., Mr. Chapman. Eight Stove and Greenhouse Ferns, uurperymen — Itit prize, £10, Mr. B. S. Willioms ; 2nd, £7, Mr. Cypher and Mr. T. M. Shuttleworth, equal ; 3rd, £5, Mi\ Pilgrim. Eight Stove and Greenhouse Ferns, amateurs— 1st prize £10, Mr. Brown; £~, Mr. T. M. Shuttleworth, equal ; no 2ud prize ; 3rd, £5, Mr. Coleman. One Tree Fern, nurseo'men — 1st prize. C2, Mr. B. S, Williams; 2nd, £1, Mr. Pilgrim; 3rd, i:>8, Mr. Vertegans. One Tree Fern, amateurs — 1st prize, £2, Mr. Jones; 2nd, £1, Mr. Quartcrman, gardener to Mr. W. T. Glad- stone, Edgbaston" Specimen Stove or Greenhouse Ferns (Adiontam excluded)— 1st prize, £1 10s., Mr. B. S. Williama ; 2nd, £1, Mr. Parker; 3rd, 15s., Mr. Shuttleworth. Specimen Adiantum— 1st prize, £1 10s., Mr. Cypher; 2nd, £1, Mr. Turner, Slough ; 3rd, 15s., Messrs. Cole 4 Sons. Six Lycopodiums- Ist prize, £2, Mr. Webb; 2nd, £1 108., Mr. Allen ; 3rd, Mr. Jones. Twelve Hardy Ferns— 1st prize, £4, Mr. Mapplebeck, Moselcy ; 2iid, £3, Mr. Pilgrim ; 3rd, £2, Messrs. Ivery & Son, Dorking. Three Pitcher Plants— 1st prize, £5, Mr. Shuttleworth ; 2nd, £;j, Mr. B. S. Williams. Specimen Pitcher Plants— 1st prize, £1 10s., Mr. B. B. Williams; 2nd, £1, Mr. Shuttleworth. Six Ericas, nurserymen— iat nrize, £6, Mr. Dixon ; 3nd, £t, Mr. Cypher. Six Ericas, amateurs- 1st prize, £6, Mr. Clinpman. Specimen Erica — l&t prize, £1 lu.s., Messrr*. Cole 8t Sous; 2nd, 1/., Mr. B. S. William.s ; 3rd, 16s., Mr. Foster. Six Palms— 1st prize, 6/., Mr. B. S. Williama ; 2nd, ■il., Mr. 1-eacock; 3rd, 2/., Messrs. Felton & Sona and Mr. Marsh, equal. ' Six Palms in 8-inch Pots— 1st prize, 3?., Messrs. Felton & Sons; 2nd, 21., Mr. R. U. Vertegans; 3rd, U., Mr. Pilgrim. Six New Plants, in or ont of flower (Orchids ei- cluded)— 1st prize, £5, Mr. B. 8. Williams; 2nd, £3, Mr. Cypher ; 3i'd, £2, Messrs. Felton & Sous. Sis New and Rare Plants, sent out in 1S72, 1873, or 1371, In or out of tlower — 1st prize, £5, Mr. B. S. Wilhams; 2iiJ, £3, Mr. Dixon; 3rd, £2, Mr, Pfersdorff. Ten Orchids— 1st prize, £12, Mr. B. S. WilUams ; 2nd, £9, Mr. Mitchett, gardener to Dr. Ainaworth, Brough* ton, Manchester. Six Orchids, nurserymen — 1st prize, £G, Mr, B. S, Williams. Six Orchids, amateurs — Ist prize, £6, Mr. Mitchett ; 2nd, £4, Mr. WilUamson, Ramsdale Hall, Lawton, Cheshire. Specimen Otchid— Ist prize, £1 10s., Mr. B. 8. Wil- liams. Nine Gloxinias— 1st prize, £1 10a., Mr. Allen. Twelve Agaves— Ist prize, £6, Mr. J. Croucher; 2nd, £l, Mr. Pfersdorff; 3rd, £i, Mr. I'llgrim, Collection of Twenty-five Cacti— Iat prize, £8, Mr. Croucher ; 2nd, £4, Mr. Pfersdorff. Collection of Twenty-five Succulents (Cacti and Agaves excluded)— 1st prize, £6, Mr. J. Croucher; 2nd, £4, Mr. PfersdorlT; 3rd, £2, Mr. Pilgrim. Ten Clematis— 1st prize, £7, Messrs. Jackman & Son, Woking ; 2nd, £5, Mr. Vertegans. Six Pots of Lilium anratum — Ist prize, £1, not awarded ; 2nd, £3, not awTirded ; 3rd, £2, Mr. Turner. Nine Fuchsias — 1st prize, £5, Mr. Caldicott ; 2nd, £3, Mr. Harborne, Smethwick; 3rii, £2, Mr. Coleman. Four Fuchsias- 1st prize, £2 10s., Mr. Cox, gardener to Earl Beauchamp ; 2nd, £1 IDs., Mrs. Brown, Rugby ; 3rd, £1, Mr. Harborne. Specimen Fuchsia — 1st prize, £1, Mr. Harborne ; 2nd, 10s., Mr Caldicott; 3rd, los., Mr. Coleman. Nine Show Pelargoniums — 1st prize, £5, Mr. Turner; 2Dd, £3, Mr. Quartcrman ; 3rd, £2, ilr. Marsh, Six Show Pelargoniums — Ist prize, £3, Mr. Turner ; 2nd, £l, Mr. Quartcrman ; 3rd, £1, Mr. Allen. Collection of Twenty Show Pelargoniums, not less than twelve varieties— 1st prize, £5, Mr. Turner; 2nd, £3, not awarded ; 3rd, £2, Mr. Chadwick. Six Fancy Pelargoniums— 1st prize, £3, Mr. Quarter- man ; 2nd, £2, Mr. Turner; 3rd, £1, Mr. Coleman. Nine Zonal Pelargoniums — 1st prize, £5, Mr. Marsh ; 2nd, £s, Mr. Cox; 3rd, £2, Mr. Quartcrman. Six Nosegay or Hybrid Nosegay Pelargoniums— 1st prize, £3, Mr. Turner ; 2nd, £2, Mr. Quarterman. Six Tricoldi' Pclargoniuma, gold or silver-edged— 1st prize, £3, Mr. Ford; 2nd, £2, Mr. Marsh; 3rd, £1, Mr. Turner. Six Gjld and Bronze Pelargoniimis— let prize, £1 lOa., Mr. Allen ; 2nd, £1, Mr. Newton ; 3rd, l&s., Mr. Cox. Six Double Pelargoniums— 1st prize, £2, Mr Parker. DIVISION 2.— ROSES AND OTHER CUT FLOWERS Seventy-two Roses, single trusses, nurserymen — 18| prize, £10, Messrs. Paul and Son; 2nd, £S, Mr. Cant; 3rd, £5, Mr. Cranston ; -Ith, £3, Messre. Perkins i a silver challenge cup, of the value of 25 guineas, offered in addition to the money prize — Messrs. Paul and Son. Forty-eight Roses, three trusses each, nurserymen— 1st prize, £6. Messrs. Paul and Son ; 2nd, £-4, Mr* Cranston j 3rd, £3, Mr. Keynes ; 4th, £2, Mr. Tomer. Twenty-fom" Roses, Hybrid Pcrpetuals only, three trusses of each, nurserymen — Ist prize, £1. Messrs* Paul and Son ; Sud, £3, Mr. Cant ; 3rd. £2, Mr. Prince, Oxford ; 4th, £1, Messrs. Perkins and Sou. P.ILY 11, 1874.] THE GARDEN. Twenty-four Roses, single trusses, uui'serymeu — 1st prizo, £.i, Mr. Merewoatbci- ; 2nd, £2, Mr. Cant; 3rd, £1, Mr. Prince ; 4th, 10s., Mr. Turner, Forty-oi^ht Roses, single trusses, amateurs — 1st prize, i;6, Mr. State, gai-dencr to the Rev. C. Kvans, Boliliull; 2nil, £1. Mr. Draycott, gardener to Sir B. Canard, Bart., llallerton Hall, Leceister ; 3rd. £3, Rov. (i. Arkwrii^ht, Peneombe, Hereford ; 1th, £2, Mr. Di ay- cott ; a silver challenge cup, of the value of 25 guineas, in addition to the money prize — Mr. State. Thirty-si.^ Roses, single trusses, amateurs — 1st prize, £5, Mr. Evans ; 2nd, i3, Mr. Parnell ; 3rd, £2, Mr. Paget. Twenty-foar Roses, single trusses, amateurs— 1st prize, £i, air. Mayo, Oxford ; 2nd, £3, Mr. Parnell ; 3rd, £i, Mr. Evans ; 4th, JEl, Mr. Foivkes. Twelve Roses, single trusses— 1st prize, 21., Mr. Brown; 2nd, 1/. 10s., Mr. Parnell j 3rd, U., Mr. Evans; 4th, 10s., Mr. State. Twelve Roses of 1371, 1872, or 1873, single trasses— 1st prize, 2/., Messrs. Paul & Son; 2nd, I!. IJs., Mr. Uranstone; 3rtl, 1/., Mr. Howes; 4th, 15s., Mr. Uaut. Six Trusses of any Rose of 1371, 1872, or 1873— 1st prize, II., Mr. Cranston ; 2nd, 153., Messrs. Paul & Son ; 3rd, IDs., Mr. Cant ; 4th, 7s., Mr. Laxcon. Twelve Tea-scented and Noisette Roses, Single TrussL'S, nurserymen — 1st prize, 1^. lOs., Mr. Cant; 2ud, 1/., Messrs. Paul & Son; 3rd, 15s., Mr. Prince. Twelve Tea-scented and Noisette Roses, single trusses, amateurs — 1st prize, 3/., Mr. Evans ; 2nd, i;. 10s., Rev. G. Ai'kwright; 3rd, 11., Mr. Laxton. Twelvo Roses, single blooms— 1st prize, 1(. IDs., Mr. Turner Twenty-four Roses, in not fewer than twelve varieties, grown in pots not exceeding eight inches in diameter — 1st prize, m., Mr. Whiteman ; 2hd, it., Mr. Cooling. Twelve trusses of H. P. Alfred Colomb— 1st prize, 1/., Mr. Turner; 2nd, 15s., Mr. Cant. Twelvo trusses of H. P. Duke of Edinburgh— 1st prize, i;., Mr. Tui-ner ; 2nd, 15s., Mr. Cant. Twelve trusses of H. P. Baroness Rothschild— 1st prize, 11., Mr. Cant ; 2nd, 15s., Messrs. Paul and Son. Twelve trusses of H. P. La France— 1st prize, 11., Mr. Cant. Twelve Trusses of H. P. Marie Baumann— 1st prize, i;., Mr. Prince ; 2nd, 15s., Messrs. Paul and Son. Twelve Trusses of Noisette Mar^chal Niel— 1st prize, i;., Mr. Cant ; 2nd, 15s., Rev. W. H. Benn. Twelve Trusses of Tea Devoniensis — 1st prize, 1^., Mr. Cant; 2ad, 153., Mr. Way, Jesus College, Oxford. One Vase of Roses, cut blooms, set up with Rose foliage only — 1st prize, 1^., Messrs. Perkins; 2nd, 15s., Mr. Chard. Eighteen Bimches of Cut Flowers, nurserymen— 1st prize, 4/., Cole Jt Sons ; 2nd, 31., Messrs. Perkins. Eighteen Bunches of Cut Flowers, amateurs — 1st prize, 4i., Mr. Chapman; 2nd, 3/., Mr. Milton, Man- chester; 3rd, 2?., Mr. Chad wick. Eighteen Bunches of Hardy Border Flowers- 1st prize. 2/., Messrs. Perkins. Twelve Carnations (self s excluded) — 1st prize, IMOs., Mr. Tui-ner; 2nd, 1/., Mr. Hooper; 3rd, lOs., Mr. Catley. Twelve Self Carnations— 1st prize, 1?., ilr. Turner; 2nd, 15s., Mr. Catley ; 3rd, 10s., Mr. Hooper, Twelve Picotees— 1st prize, 1/. 10s., Mr. Turner ; 2nd, 1/.. Mr. Hooper; 3rd, 10s., Mr. Catley. Twelve Pinks— 1st prize, 1/. lOs., Mr. Turner; 2nd, 1!., Mr. Brown; 8rd, 10s., Mr. Hooper. One Bridal Bouquet — 1st prize, 21., Messrs. Perkins ; 2ud, 11. 10s., Mr. Turner, Liverpool; 3rd, li., Messrs. Felton & Sons. One Ball or Opera Bouquet — 1st prize, 21., Messrs. Perkins ; 2nd, 1(. 10s., Mr. Jones ; 3rd, li., Mr. Jackson. Three Pieces for Table Decoration (fruit excluded) — 1st prize, ez., Mr. Cooke; 2nd, 5i., Mr. Jackson; 3rd, 4i., Mr. Smith, gardener to Mr. C. N. Newdegate, M.P. ; 4th, 3/., Mr. Cypher. One Centre Piece— 1st prize, 2i. , Mr. Cypher ; 2nd, 1(. 10s., Messrs. Perkins; 3rd, 1?., Mr. Turner ; 4th, 10s., Messrs. Phippin ..t Robinson. Gentlemen's Button-hole— 1st prize, 153., Messrs. Pope A Son ; 2nd, 10s., Miss Baines, Southgate ; 3rd, 7s., Mr. Turner; 4th, 5s., Mr. Cypher. DIVISION III.— FRUIT. Two Queen Pine Apples — 1st prize, 21., Mr. Harris, Singleton Gardens, Swansea; 2nd, li. lOs., Mr. Bond, gardener to Mr. G. A. Smith, "Weybridge ; 3rd, 15s., Mr. Sandford. gardener to the Bectine, Kerby Lonsdale, Westmoreland. Two Smooth Cayenne Pine Apple— 1st prize, 21., Mr. Wilson. One Pine Apple, any other variety— 1st prize, 11., Mr. Bruce. Six Pine Apples, not necessarily distinct- 1st prize, 5!., Mr. Harris; 2nd, 4/., Mr. Bond; 3rd, 3!., Mr. Wilson ; 4lh, 21., Mr. Miles. Three Bunches of Black Hamburgh Grapes— 1st prize, 31., Mr. Coleman: 2nd, 21., Mr. Fleming ; 3rd, 11., Mr. Douglas, Radford, Notts. Three Bunches of Black Grapes, any other variety— 1st prize, 3Z., Mr. Sweeting; 2nd, 21., Mr. M. Hender- son. Three Bunches of Muscat or Black Alexandria Grapes —1st prize. 31., Mr. Foster; 2nd, 21., Mr. Cox; 3rd, 11., Mr. Haynes. Three Bunches of Buckland Sweetwater Grapes— 1st prizo. 31 , Mr. Cox ; 2nd, 11. 10s., Mr. Douglas ; 3rd, II., Mr. Coushon. Three Bunches of White Grapes, any other variety — 1st prize. 2/., Mr. Douglas ; 2ud, 11. lOs., Mr. Coleman ; 3rd, 1/., Messrs. Standish and Co., Ascot. Collection of six varieties of Grapes, single bunches — 1st prize. 5/., Mr. DougUis; 2ud, 3^, Mr. Henderson ; 3rd, 2/., Mr. lianucrman. Six Peaches, any variety — 1st prize, 1/. 10s., Mr. Miles; 2nd, 1/., Mr. Baunerman ; 3rd, 15s., Mr. Jack- son ; extra, Mr. Coleman. Six Nectarines, any variety— 1st prize, 1^ 10s.. Mr. Haynes; 2nd, U., Mr. Baunerman and Mr. Coleman; 3rd, 15s., Mr. Henderson. Eight Apricots, any variety — ist prizo, 11., Mr. Smith ; 2nd, 15s., Mr. Winstone, gardener to Mr. H. B. Preston, Kenihvorth. Twelve Figs, any variety — 1st prize, 1^, Mr. Banner- man; 2nd, 15s., Mr. Foster. Fifty Black Cherries, any variety — 1st prize. Mi-. Miles; 2ad, 153., Mr. Barnwell; 3rd, lOs., Mr. Gar- diner. Fifty White Cherries, any variety — 1st prize, II., Mr. Miles ; 2nd, 15s., Mr. Douglas ; 3rd., 10s., Mr. Miles. Twenty-live Strawberries, of the British Queen or Dr. Hogg type, one variety — 1st prize, 1^., Mr. Cox ; 2ud, 15s., Mr. Gardiner; 3r.l, 10s., Mr. Taylor. Twenty-iive Strawberries, any other variety — Ist prize, 1/., Mr. James; 2nd, 15s., Mr. Chad wick; 3rd, 10s. ; Mr. Taylor. One Melon, Green-fleshed — 1st prize, 1?., Mr. Cox ; 2nd, 15s., Mr. Nott; 3rd, 10s., Mr. Gardiner, One Melon, Scarlet-lleshed— 1st prize, 11., Mr. Read; 2nd, 15s., Mr. Malcolm ; 3rd, lOs., Mr. Coleman. Collection of Eight Dishes of Fruits, to contain not more than Two Dishes of Grapes — 1st prize, 10/., Mr. Coleman; 2nd, 7^.,Mr. Bonnerman; 3rd, 5(., Mr. Good- acre. DIVISION IV.— VEGETABLES. Collection of Ten Dishes of Vegetables (Caoumbcr and Salading excladed)—l3t prize, 5(., Mr. Miles; 2nd, 3;., Mr. Turk ; 3rd, 2/., Mr. Holder ; a Silver Cup, of the value of 25 guineas, in addition to the money prizes in the preceding class — Mr. Miles. Collection of Eight Dishes of Vegetables (Cucumber and Salading excluded)— 1st prize, 3(., Mr. Arkell, gar- dener to Mr. A. G. Skinner, Cheltenham ; 2nd, 21., Mr. Ford; 3rd, 1/., Mr. Burnett. Three Dishes of Kidney Potatoes, twelve tubers of each— 1st prize, U. lOs., Mr. Baker; 2nd, 1/., Mr. Biddies, Loughborough ; 3rd, 10s., Mr. Bagerley. Three Dishes of Round Potatoes, twelve tubers of each— 1st prize, 1/. 10s., Mr. Baker; 2nd, 1/., Mr. Gilbert; 3rd, los., Mr. Bagerley. One Dish of Twelve Kidney Potatoes, one variety— 1st prize, 10s., Mr. Biddies; 2ud, 73., Mr. Miles ; 3rd, OS., Mr. Bagerley. One Dish of Twelve Round Potatoes, one variety— 1st prize, lOs., Mr. Biddies ; 2nd, 7s., Mr. Craddock 3rd, 53., Mr. Baker. Three Varieties of Peas, half a peck of each — 1st prize, 1/. lOs., Mr. GUbert ; 2nd, 1/., Mr. Richardson ; 3rd, 10s., .Mr. Cox and Mr. Turk, equal. One Dish of Peas, half a peck, one variety— Ist prize, 153., Mr. Miles; 2nd, 10s., Mr. Baker; 3rd, 6s., Mr. Dean. One Dish of Twelve Onions, one variety— 1st prize, lOs., Mr. Smith; 2nd, 7s., Mr. Turk; 3rd, 53., Mr. Ai-kell. One Brace of Cucumbers— 1st prize, 15s., Mr. Douglas ; 2nd, 103., Mr. Holden ; 3rd, 5s., Mr. Chad- wick. One Di3h of French Beans, fifty pods, one variety— 1st prize, los., Mr. Miles; 2na, 103., Mr. Wilson; 3rd, OS., Mr. Day. , , ,, Three Sticks of Celery— 1st prize, los., Mr, Arkell ; 2nd, 10s., Mr. Smith; 3rd, 5s., Mr. Bloxham, Bletchley. Three Sticks of Rhubarb— Ist prize, 153., Mr. Smith ; 2nd, lOs., Mr. Cox; 3rd, 5s., Mr. Mitchell. One Dish of Twelve Carrots, one v ariety— 1st prize, 10s., Mr. Arkell; 2nd, 73., Mr. Smith; 3rd, 5s., Mr. Baker. One Dish of Twelve Turnips, one variety— 1st prize, 7s., Mr. Holder; 2nd, 6s., Mr. Douglas; 3rd, 33., Mr. Barnwell. Thi-ee Cabbages, one variety— 1st prize, 5s., Mr. Ford ; 2nd, 3s., Mr. Arkell ; 3rd, 2s., Mr. Brown. Three Cos Lettuces, one variety— 1st prize, 63., Mr. Brown; 2nd, 33.. Mr. Cox; 3rd, 2s., Mr. Masterton. Three Cabbage Lettuces, one variety— Ist prize, 5s., Mr. Brown ; 2nd, 3s., Mr. A. Dean; 3rd, 2s., Mr. Allen. Three Cauliflower.';, one variety— 1st prize. 103., Mr. Barnwell ; 2nd, 7s., Mr. Ford ; 3rd, 5s,, Mr. Miles. Bunch of Thirty Heads of Asparagus— 1st prize, lOs., Mr. Arkell ; 2nd, Vs., Mr. Smith; 3rd, 63., Mr. Turk. One Dish of Thh-ty Broatl Beans— 1st prize, 73., Mr. Miles ; 2nd, 03., Mr. Richardson. Basket or Tray of Salads, not less than twelve varieties— 1st prize, 11. 10s., Mr. Smith ; 2nd, 11., Mr. Holden; 3rd., 1.33., Mr. Turk. One Dish of Twelve Mushrooms— 1st prize, 10s. ; Mr. Cushon; 2nd, 7s,. Mr. Allen ; 3rd, 53., Mr. Holder. One Dish of Twelve Tomatoes— 1st prize, 15s., Mr. Cox ; 2nd, 10s., Mr. Miles ; 3rd, 5s., Mr. Arkell. Special prizes offered by Mr. Thomas Laxton, Stam- ford for any four of the following varieties of new Peas raised by himself, and distributed by Messrs. Hurst, Leadenhall Stri-ct, viz., Laxton's No. 1, Fill- basket, Speculative, William the First, Omega, and Popular, Fifty Pods each.— 1st prize, 4(.,"not known '; ind, 21. 10s., Mr. Gilbert ; 3rd, 1/., Mr. Miles. COVENT aARDBN MAHKET. Tub market is still well suppiod, and the bustle of the fruit season is now commencing in earnest. All kinds of small fruits, as Gooseberries, Currants, Strawberries, Raspberries and Cherries are abundant and cheap. Now is the time to obtain the above for preserving, as the two latter kinds more especially will never be cheaper or fresher than at present. Among dessert fruit. Grapes, Pigs, Melons, Pines, and Peaches, aic of uuexceptionallv line quality. West Indian Pines are now plentiful, two large cargoes having recently como to hand in splendid condition. Vegetables are fresh and plenliful. Cucumbers and small Salading are now in excellent condition. Tomatoes, principally imported fruit, are abundant and of excellent quality. Among cut tlowers, Stephanotis, Roses, Bouvardia, Heliotrope, Waterlilies, Tuberoses, Pinks, Carnations, Double Pelargoniums, and Corn-aower3, make up the principal .supply. Plants in pots consist of i'elargomums. Fuchsias, and other ordinary flowering plants. Foliage plants, as Ficus elastica (the common India-rubber plant), Isoleois gracilis, small Palms, Ferns, and Dractouas, anil the graceful Uinbi-ella Sedge are much admired, and sell in large quantities for room, window, and balcony decoration. Cut Flowers. Calla blooms, per doz carnations, per doz. bunches Eschscholtzia Gardenias, per doz Heliotropes, per doz. spr.ays Mignonette, 12 bunches * Pelargoniums, Cape, per 12 sprays Pelargoniums, Zonal, per 12 sprays Roses, indoor, per doz Roses, out-of-door, do. Stephanotis, 12 sprays Sweet Peas, pel- doz. bunches Sweet Sultan Pinks, per doz. bunches Plants in Pots. Balsams Begonias, per doz.... Calceolaria Cyperus, per doz Dracaena terminalis, per do7. Dracaena viridis, per doz Fuchsia, per doz Gardenias Heaths, in variety, per doz Hydrangeas Mignonette, per doz Myrtles, per doz Palms, in variety, each Scarlet Pelargoniums, per doz. Prices of Fruits . Chillies, per 100 C)obs, perlb. Chernes, per lb Grajies, hothouse, black, per lb. Lemons, per 100 Nectarines, per doz Oranges, per 100 Peaches, per doz Pine-Apples, per lb Ditto, imported, each ... Strawberries, per lb. Waluuts, per bushel Ditto, per 100. Prices of Vegetaljles. Artichokes, per doz Beet, Red, per doz Cabbage, per doz. Carrots, per bunch Carrots, young, per bunch Cauliflower, per doz Celerv, per bundle Coleworta, per doz. bunches Cucumbers, each Endive, per doz Fennel, per bunch Garlic, per lb Herbs, per bunch Horseradish, per bundle Leeks, per bunch Lettuces, per doz Mushrooms, per pottle Mustard and Cress, per purmet Onions, per bushel Onions, button, per quart Parsley, per doz. bunches Parsnips, per doz Peas, per quart Potatoes per bushel „ Kidneys, per lb. ,, Round, per lb Radishes, per doz. bunches Rhubarb, per bunch Salsafy, per bundle Scorzonera, per bundle Shallots, per lb Spinach, per bushel Turnips, young, per bunch Turnips, per bunch s. 1. B. a. ... 3 0lo3 0 4 0 a 0 ... 3 0 8 0 ... 3 0 8 0 0 0 0 G 2 0 8 0 " 0 0 1 0 ... 0 3 0 8 1 0 0 0 ... 0 4 1 0 3 0 8 0 ... 3 0 9 0 4 0 9 0 ... 2 0 6 0 ... 4 Otol3 0 6 0 12 0 ... 4 0 12 0 ..6 0 12 0 12 0 30 0 ...13 0 24 0 4 0 12 0 12 0 24 0 ...12 0 30 0 13 0 24 0 ... 4 0 6 0 3 0 9 0 ... 3 6 15 0 ... 4 0 9 0 2 0 3 0 ... 1 0 1 0 0 6 1 6 2 0 6 0 '" 8 0 14 0 ... 6 0 15 0 0 0 16 0 ... S 0 2t 0 3 0 0 0 ... 1 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 ... s 0 12 0 1 0 1 6 ... 3 0 6 0 1 0 2 0 ... 1 0 2 0 0 4 0 6 ... 1 0 0 0 3 0 6 0 ... 1 8 2 0 3 0 4 0 ... 0 4 0 9 2 0 0 0 ' ... 0 3 0 0 0 6 0 0 ... 0 3 0 0 3 0 4 0 ... 0 3 0 0 1 0 2 0 ... 2 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 ... 4 0 6 0 0 3 0 0 ... 4 0 0 0 0 9 1 0 ... 1 0 1 6 3 0 6 0 ... 0 3 0 6 0 2 0 3 ... 1 0 1 6 0 3 0 6 ... 1 0 1 6 1 0 0 0 ... 0 8 0 0 2 0 0 0 ... I 0 0 0 3 0 THE GARDEN. [July 11, 1874. PATENT PRIZE MEDAL "CLIMAX" AND "ANGLO-AMERICAN" LAWN MOWERS. Upwards of 22,000 sold during the past four years. PIOLLOWS & BATE have received the FIRST PRIZE in EVERY COMPETITION; and at the Vienna Exhibition, in 1873- -1- the ONLY Medal given for Lavm Mowers was awarded to tliom, their Machines being considered by the Jurors entitled to this distinction, over all other competitors from Great Britain, the Continent, and America. PATRONISED BY .J^S==.-..^lQ ^""^'"^ Machine fully guaranteed, and. W ^^~~"^*^ if not satisfactory, may be at once re- Her MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY THE QUEEN, W £ turned, free of ail cost to the purchaser. His Royal Highness the PRINCE of WALES. His Imperial Majesty the EMPEROR of GERMANY. His Imperial Majesty the EMPEROR of AUSTRIA. The Imperial RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT (For the Agricultural Museum at St. Petershurgh). And numbers of the Nobility and Gentry of Great Britain and the Continent. ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUES Post-free to any Address. IMPORTANT NOTICE. FOLLOWS & BATE Beg to intimate, that legal proceedings will be taken against all Persons, whether Makers, Vendors, or Users of Machines, infringing their Patent Wheel and Pinion Driving Gear, or with the Box at back of Machine. DUTTON STREET WORKS, MANCHESTER. rro TENANT FARMERS and Others J- proposing to EAnSRATE to NORTH AMERICA. For full information relating to IOWA and NE- BRASKA, and to the very desirable Lands now to be purchased in those fine Agricultural States on favour- able terms, apply in person or by letter at the Offices o£ The BURLINGTON and MISSOURI RAILROAD COMPANY, 16, South Castle Street, Liverpool ; 13, Queen Victoria Street, London, K.C. HAMILTON A. HILL, European Agent. JOHN MATTHEWS, The Koyal Pottery, f Weston-super-Mare, Manufacturer of TERRA COTTA VASES, FOUNTAINS, ITALIAN BASKETS BORDER TILES. GARDEN POTS, of superior quality, from 1 to 30 inches diameter, stand the frost, and seldom turn green, ORCHID, FKRN', SEED and STRIKING PANS, RHUBARB and SEA-KALE POTS, &c. Price List D03t free. Book of Designs, 7d. OHAW'S TIFFANY ELASTIC KJ NETTING, and other Shading and Protecting Materials, may be procured from any respectable nursery and seedsman. Samples and prices on appli- cation.—Address, JOHN SHAW & CO., Tiffany Manu- facturers, 29, Oxford Street, Manchester. THE BUNION SPKING, 5s. each. — These painful distortions can be relieved and cured. The application is simple, its results effectual. Say which foot.— Payaljle to W. MILLKR. Truss and Surgical Bandage Maker, 29, Leicester Square, W.C. Vide Brifish Medical Journal, I4th Oct., 1871, and others. NETTING for FEUIT TREES, SEED- BEDS. RIPE STRAWBERRIES. Ac, TANNED NETTING for protecting the above from Frost, Blight, Birds, kc, 2 yards wide 3d. per yard, or 100 yards, 20s. ; 4 yards wide, 6d. per yard, or 50 yards '20s. NEW TANNED NETTING, suited for any of the above pur- poses, or as a Fence for Fowls. 2 yards wide, 6d. per yard ; 4 yards wide, Is. per vard ; l-inch mesh, 4 yards wide, Is. 6d. per yard. TIFFANY. 6s. 6d. and 7s. 6d. per piece of 20 yards.— EATON & DELLER, 6 and 7, Crooked Lane, London Bridge, E.G. TOHN EDMONDS & CO. (Late CDM- O MING & EDMONDS), HoBTicuLTtrRAL BuiLnBBS and Hot-Watbb Engineebs, Lillie Bridge, Fulham, London. S.W.— Patentees of the " TUBULAR SADDLls BOILER."— Experienced Engineers sent to inspect ex- isting Apparatus, or advise for new. Plans and Esti- mates for the Erection and Heating of Conservatoriea and Hothouses sent free upon application. WILLIAM JAMES RIVETT, HORTI- CULTURAL BUILDER, Stratford, London, E. —GREENHOUSES, ORCHARD HOUSES, 4c., fixed vrithin Fifty Miles of London, without extra charge. IMPROVED GROUND VINERIES and Plant PRESERVERS. Price Lists free by post. Estimates for every description of Horticultural and Hot Water Work. DEATH TO ALL INSECT PESTS. MOORE'S COMPOUND destroys all insects without injury to the plants ; for mildew and blight on Roses, it has no equal. — Manufactured and sold, wholesale and retail, by JOHN MOORE, seedsman. Market Place, Warwick ; and all respectable nursery and seedsmen. Is, per jar. THE House Cistern, with a Ci.stem ] LONDON AND GENERAL WATER PURIFYING COMPANY, LIMITED. PATENT CISTERN FILTERS, Charged solely with Animal Charcoal. Vide Professor See also the Lancet, September 30, 1867; and Dr. TD EQUIRING, when once fixed, no attention whatever, and superior to all other.s, ■f-^ Frankland's reports to the Registrar-General, July, 1868, November, 1867, and May, 1870. January 12, 1867. Also Testimonials from Dr. Hassall," September 23, 1863 j Dr. Lankester, ~ Letheby, February 16, 1865, and December, 1872. Price £1 10s. and upwards. Portable Filters on this system, £1 5s. to £3. ti r. ^'''''Ohised and used by Her Majesty the Queen at Osborne, H.R.H. The Prince of Wales at Sandringham, H.R.H. the Duke of Cambridge, the elile of the Medical Profession, and at the London, St. George's, Fever, and German Hospitals, and at Government Barracks and Lunatic Asylums, and numerous Institutions, Breweries, ic. Portable Cistern Filter. Water Testing Apparatus, 10s. 6d. and 21s. each. Pocket Filters from 4s. 6d. to 6s. each. Household and Fancy Filters from 128. 6d. Jhese Filters may be seen in operation, and full particulars may be obtained on application to the secretary, at the Office, 157, STRAND, W.C. (four doors from somerset house), LONDON. Kbid " Wateb : its lirpuaiTiES and Pubificatioit," Pbicb, peb post, 2d. JuLT 18, 1874.] THE GARDEN. 41 THE GARDEN. " This is an art Which does mond nature : chan^a it rather : The Aet rrsELp is Nature." — Shakespeare. but FLOWERS FOR THE BLIND. It is more than a year since I made some remarks on " Flowers for the Sick and the Poor," and the " Flower Mission " is now a regularly organised system in this and other towns (vide Miss Stanley's paper in Macmillan's ilayazine for April last). Still, I have not observed any particular notice of the blind ; and for this past year, we have taken our supplies regularly to the Royal Blind Asyhira, the manager informing me that no one had, as yet, thought of sending them ilowers ; and very much pleasure have wo given during these twelve months to the inmates of that institution. Of course, for such aa object, the supplies are limited to aromatic and sweet. smelling plants, of which at present there is abundance — Roses, Pinks, Stocks, Honeysuckles, and woody plants, Sweetbriar, Southernwood, Walnut ; but the dry season has never let our herb beds grow, and we have had to fall back upon our winter Thyme and Rosemary, this last being the most unfailing and surest for all seasons and weathers. A hedge should be formed of it in gardens that are intended to regularly siipply the blind, sick, and poor, also one of Sweetbriar ; we had the border forked and loosened about the Sweetbriar, and gave it a thorough soaking ; the Rosemary, on the other band, which backs a succulent border, is enjoying the hot sun, and gives no trouble. I will name some plants that have given the blind pleasure, and which may not occur to those who have not tried, and sncceedud in making a variety in their supplies every week in the year, to those deprived of the sense of sight ; also the various shifts I have been put to, and the assistance I have. had. There must always be a difficulty in supplying a sufficient quantity of any particular thing at the scarcest season, when one is dealing with a large or even a small public institution. For instance, it is not fair to go into a workroom containing eighteen or twenty blind workers, with only a dozen Narcissvis, Polyanthus, or Hyacinths ; and yet that number will, lu'obably, clear off the whole supply of an ordinary greenhouse for one week. Our worst time occurred when the Snowdrops were over, and before sufficient Primulas of all sorts had come on (Violets, Primroses, Lily of the Valley later on, and Jessamine last of all, were four plants we could not attempt at all), and for two or three weeks, we were reduced to Sweet Bay, Rosemary, Lavender, and Thyme. One is often startled by such remarks and questions, from the blind, as these, " I saw Crocuses yesterday, but they have no smell. Snowdrops are sweet ! " and " What is the colour of the flower?" At the time of the Duke of Edinburgh's marriage, they had all been out to " see" the illuminations, and were eloquent in their descriptions of what they liked best, one admiring the castle most, another a bank, or church. On applying to onr two principal nurserymen I was at once most liberally supplied (one week from each) with sufficient Hyacinths and Lily of the Valley to go round the room we usually visit, and the w'orkers in which were highly delighted, each sniffing at a fine Hyacinth and carefully going over every bell with their fingers (they always touch before they smell) . The Lily of the Valley was an immense treat ; all knew it by name and idea. Forced flowers for an asylum are quite out of the question, and, only at a pinch, can one ask nurserymen for them. I bethought me then of Balsam Poplar, any quantity of which I was allowed to cut in a neighbouring tree nursery. They liked the smell, but not the sticky feel to their fingers. From the moors also, I brought with mo a quantity of the flowering branches of Bog Myrtle (Myrica Gale), which is deliciously fragrant (even more so than the leaves), and which conveniently came into bud at the scarce season ; and here let mo observe, for those who have eyes, the expanding of Gale flower buds in water is worth watching. Willow catkins they were delighted with, and, of the four varieties I took, at once selected the softest of them to feel over and over (velvet they were likened to), and, as they knew something about Willows, they were much interested and surprised to feel and learn that Willows had flowers. One poor woman's face lighted up, as she exclaimed, that she " did not know what they were, but she had pulled them when a girl." The Edinburgh Blind Asylum is passed by all the market carts coming from the south side of the city, and I suggested to oae or two of the market gardeners, that unsold bunches of flowers or sweet herbs might be left at the asylum as they returned home. They were pleased with the idea, but I have not yet heard that any have been left — perhaps, on account of fresh unsold bunches of sweet herbs in summer being dried, and which are sure to sell in winter. It is wonderful how often, kindly well-meaning people have o be asked for and reminded of a little kindness they are perfectly willing to give or to do ; but, I quite own, from experience, that tho flower, or gift, is the smallest and easiest part of the kindness. Tho time, trouble, thought, and punctuality, are the serious strain, and what people weary of after the first pleasant burst of feeling has evaporated, the sick, poor, and blind particularly (the latter never get better), are sure not to pass away from amongst us, and they remember tho flower day with the precision of a chronometer. The only argument I have heard against " wasting flowers on the blind," was this, that a bottle of perfume would last much longer and go farther among them, and keep the flowers for the seeing sick and poor." Now, I hope this opinion will not weigh with any. one who for a moment considers that the blind are deprived of the sense by which we all learn most of Natui"e ; and, to compare a flower, pure and fresh from a field or garden, with tho meritorious, but meretricious bouquets of Rimrael, is an impossibility. Then tho great proportion of those in the Edinburgh Asylum have become blind (only one woman aud four boys having been born so), and, therefore, have recollections of green loaves and bright flowers ; and how pleased they all wore to tell me that their Musk plants were growing, and their bits of Spearmint had got roots. The best arranged and ventilated work-rooms in any institution must be benefited by large basketfuls of aromatic herbs being emptied out iu their midst, the atmosphere becoming purified thereby ; and I am sure so must the health of each worker, who has a sprig of Thyme or Rosemary stuck in their dress to breathe over. Every public institution has its most convenient days and hours for receiving flowers. At the Blind Asylum Saturday forenoon is the best time, as they leave work early, and of course have Sunday to themselves. Cut flowers go farther in supplying the blind, because one sprig smells as sweet as a dozen ; and they feel over the shape of one Hyacinth or Stock better than when a handful is given to them. From the delicacy of their touch, they can pick off any fading leaves or flowers on a spike, thus saving the donor's time. I tell them I bring them the flowers to sort and clean for themselves, not as if they were infirmary patients, with hardly strength to smell the flowers laid by their side, as is often the case. I hope these remarks may remind any who have as yet overlooked the blind, that although those may be iu fair health, and not in want, yet still flowers can cheer and elevate them, as well as other afflicted ones. Tho blind are true incurables. It seems superfluous to give a list of sweet-smelling plants suitable particularly for the object of this paper, but, at the risk of being tedious, I do so, having seen tho pleasure they gave to those who can only smell and touch flowers.— *Rosemary, different sorts of **Thyme, Sweet Bay, different sorts of Arborvitte, Rhododendron hirsutum. Gale (flowers for winter, leaves for summer). Lavender, *Southernwood, three sorts Artemisia, Spearmint, **Musk, Balm, Costmary, Sweetbriar, Woodruff, Mints (Nepeta, Melissa, Teucrium, Mentha, Origanum), Pot-herbs (usually so called). Balsam Poplar, Walnut (leaves), Willow (catkins). Myrtle, Gum Cistus, Balm of Gilead, Sweet Ver. bena, scented Geraniums (particularly Odoratissimum, Nutmeg, Lobatum and Peppermint scented, as they loved the soft, downy feel of these leaves). Heliotrope, Eucalyptus leaves, *Christmas Roses (Helleborus niger), *Snowdrops, Laurustinus, Arabis, *Wallflower, *Ribe3, *Cowslip3 and Polyanthus, *Lilac, Hawthorn, Narcissus (particularly Poeticus), Hyacinth, *Syringa (Philadelphus), Buddlea globosa, *Roses (particularly Scotch and Cabbage), *Pinks (particularly double.white) , *Stocks, Honeysuckle, Marigold (common yellow). Azalea, Daphne (Spurge Laurel), *Lily of the Valley, Day Lilies, Lilies (Lilium candidum). Mignonette, Sweet Peas, Lupins (common yellow). Carnations, Chrysanthemums (they liked the fresh smell of the leaves), and Salvia (Grahamii). The names with the * were decidedly the favourites, and we supplied rooted plants of those marked * * . When frost sets in and plants have to be lifted, there is always a great waste of sweet leaves, which might be advantageously sent to institutions of the blind. Wardie Lodge, Edinhurgh, July 6. F. J. Hope. The Fountains in Trafalgar Square.— As we write men are employed in breaking up and carting away the net.work of pipes which supplied the numerous water.squirts in one of the largo fountain basins in Trafalger Square. What changes or repairs are contemplated we known not, but one cannot see all this expensive fooling without regretting that (if we must suffer it and pay for it), it is n'ot carried on in some out of the way nook in the parks. It is a pity to see a fine central space like Trafalgar Square despoiled by such " ornamentation." The open and precious space devoted to the wide and usually filthy fountain basins and extensive arid asphalte pavements, could of course be easily converted into a pretty garden, varied with trees, which would make the square charming to look upon, from the terraces above, and indeed from every point of view. 42 THE GARDEN. [July 18, 1874. NOTES OF THE WEEK. Tnr, unusual heat of the past week has adranced fruits con. sidorably, but not always improved thorn. The great heats following heavy rains have improved the flavour of the Strawberries. Rasp, berries have come and gone before tho heat more rapidly than ever lias been known in Covent Garden. Fair Jargonelle Pears have come from France during the week, and also some Apples of an inferior class. Reine Claude Plums have come from Avignon. Tomatoes are poor and scarce. Flowers have been much forwarded by the heat ; but they endure a shorter time than usual in tho cut state. FuuiT of Musa Cbampna, a variety introduced to Syon from Trinidad, was shown at South Kensington the other day by Mr. Woodbridge, and pronounced to be remarkably rich in flavour, far superior in that respect to the ordinary kinds. The best flavoured of all tho varieties of Banana grown in the tropics are of a pale rose colour ; and it would be interesting to know if this colour is peculiar to a distinct -variety, or whether it is merely duo to favourable circumstances of growth. In order to encourage a taste for horticulture among the young, tho Royal Horticultural Society has caused a number of bronze medals to be struck, for presentation among successful exhibitors at tho flower show of St.Botolph's, Bishop.=gate, which has been long so ably conducted by tho Rev. W. Rogers. This is doubtless a seep in the right direction, and let us hopo that the "Lindley Medal," awarded on more than one occasion, may also be struck and forwarded to those to whom it has been awarded. Messus. DowNiE, Laird, & Laixg have, it is reported, disco- vered a specific against the ravages of the Hollyhock disease (Puccinia malvacearum). In allusion to this subject, our attention has been called to some Hollyhocks growing in the kitchen gardens at Moor Park. These, when about half-grown, were attacked very virulently by this Fungus, nearly every leaf being destroyed by it. The disease, however, appeared to die out as suddenly as it came ; young foliage pushed forth as fresh and healthy as ever; and, when we last saw them, they promised a good show of bloom. We have throughout fought against the practice of placing costly fountains in our gardens, public or private, as being an objectionaJjle way of allowing architects and sculptors to fritter away moneys which ought to be devoted to pure horticulture. The last water-squirting arrangement, that around the feet of Shakes- peare in Leicester Square is, however, the most puerile and lacka- daisical thing ever perpetrated. So we say again to all who seek for natural beauty and quiet grace in a garden, avoid the "garden architect," who offers yon stone and water jets instead of Grass and trees, and flowers and peace. . — . — Those interested about tho hardiness of the Fever- Gum tree (Eucalyptus globulus) will be glad to learn that it not only will grow in England, but that as far north as Fifeshire it will survive and even attain a considerable height. There is at Balmuto a tree of it about 30 feet high, growing- against the i-esidence of the well- known botanist Dr. Boswell Syme. Its age is upwards of twenty years ; and, though nearly as high as the one at Powderham Castle (35 feet), it cannot, however, boast of the same girth (.5 feet). It bears capsules each year, but the seeds do not ripen so far north. Mr. G. F. Wilson, Heatherbank, Woybridge Heath, writes to us as follows: — " Lilium californicum, L. Pardalinum, and L. puberulum have bloomed well here planted out on the root-work and in bods. L. Pardalinum is most like L. puberulum in form, but has larger shoots and brighter scarlet on the tips of the petals ; while the Lily brought by Mr. Robinson from California, and first named L. Eobinsoni, but since considered as identical with L. Pardalinum, appears in every specimen I have bloomed to be at least an improved variety of this last, as the scarlet tips of the petals are much brighter, and as it is altogether a handsomer Lily. L. Martagon dalmaticnm, with its fine head of rich purple flowers, has been much admired." TnE Conncil of the Meteorological Society recently resolved to organise a system of observations of natural phenomena connected with the season, as well as of such branches of inquiry as tend to establish a connection between meteorological phenomena and vegeta. tion. As a preliminaiy to carrying out this intention, they invited tho various societies before which such subjects most naturally come, to nominate delegates to join a committee by whom the whole (juestion, as bearing upon agriculture, horticulture, &c., should be considered, and to whom also any written communications should bo submitted. The first meeting of this joint committee was held at the office of the society, 30, Great George Street, on Thursday, July 2, when delegates were present, and promises of co-operation read from the Royal Horticultural, Royal Botanic, Royal Agricultural, and other societies. After the subject had been fully discussed, tho Rev. T. A. Preston, of Marlborough College, was requested to prepare a list of plants to be observed, and also to draw up a report on the same. Other gentlemen were requested to prepare lists of insects, birds, and animals. TnE prize Grapes grown by Mr. Colmau at Eastnor Castlo have been exhibited in Messrs. Webber's windows in Covent Garden for the past few days. The Hamburgh bunches have never been surpassed for beauty and finish. Stoke Newixoton Green, which has long been in a dig- graceful state, is shortly to be laid out as a public park, the Islington Vestry having resolved to purchase it from the Lord of the Manor of Highbury. We liave received the " Natural Principles of Landscape Gardening," by Mr. J. F. Johnson, Curator of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Belfast. It is published, for the author, by Messrs. Aitchison & Sons, Belfast. We shall take an early opportunity of reviewing the book. . We have received from Mr. Muir, of Clovenfords, blossoms of the very handsome Mimulus maculosus, naturalised in that neigh- bourhood. It is supposed to have been thrown from some garden into the river Caddon, and to have been deposited by that mountain streamlet in the places in which it is now found. Adried coUectionof new kinds of Peas was exhibited by Messrs. Carter & Co. at the last meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society, together with a very interesting collection of forty-five kinds of Lettuce, including all worth culture, as well as some singular and raiely-seen varieties of that tribe of plants. Four splendid Queen Pines were sent to the last meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society by Mr. Harris. These weighed collectively 19 lbs. 3 ozs., and were perfect in shape and colour, well swelled, and in every way really noble fruit. They were the best Queen Pines we have seen this season. There is now in Mr. Chater's nursery, at Saffron Walden, a plant of Arundo conspicna, bearing sixteen beautiful feather-like panicles of bloom. Though this plant has been out of doors four years in tho most exposed part of the grounds, its growth is very vigorous, and, even when not in bloom, the plant is attractive, its graceful foliage being of the loveliest green. A PLANT of MandeviUa sauveolens at Battle Abbey, has been growing in the open air during the past fifteen years. Cut flowers from it were shown at South Kensington on the l(5th inst., and were as much admired for their pure white colour and elegant form, as for their delicate fragrance. It is one of the finest of all climbing plants for a cool conservatory. The fine collection of Orchids belonging to Mr. J. Brand, of Balham, is, we learn, to be sold by auction next week. The collection contains some fine specimen Phatenopsis, Angnocum sesquipedale, Epidendrum vitellinum majus, and ma,ny other valuable plants, among which may be mentioned Eucharis amazonica, in tho culture of which Mr. Howard has been so successful. We understand that a committee of gentlemen are occupied in getting up a testimonial to Mr. John Gibson, late of Battersea and Hyde Park. We have, however, had no official intimation of any kind from the committee or from any of its members. Mr. John Gibson was tho first to modify in this country the apalling display of scarlet and yellow iu our gardens, and well deserves as good a " testimonial " as can be given him. • Mil. Ingram, Belvoir Castle, Grantham, says : — " I do not remember such a bad season as this has been for spring transplanted plants. We were deficient -Is inches of rain at tho end of 1873 ; we are now minus 0 inches ; this is 1,000 tons per acre less than our average for nine mouths." The Caen Academy of Science and Art proposes as the subject of the Le Sauvage prize, of the value of -1,000 francs, to ba awarded in 1876, the question of the " Function of leaves in tho vegetation of plants." The academy does not want simply an exposi- tion of the present state of science on this important question ; it requires, besides, from competitors, exact experiments performed by themselves, and new facts tending to throw light upon, invalidate, confirm, or modify doubtful points in the theories at present accepted. The memoirs ought to be sent to the academy before 1st January, 1876. At the Vienna Exhibition there were specimens of paper made from several materials which have not hitherto been utilised for that purpose. Among these was paper from the Mulberry-treo bark, from the Stinging Nettle, and from Potato stalks. In sections of European countries where Mulberry leaves are used for feeding silk- worms the remaining twigs have served only for fuel. But now, in Austria and parts of Italy, the bark is peeled off by a very simple arrangement, and from it a material prepared, from which .a good quality of paper is made. In Hungary tho Nettle is used with rags for making fine sketching and copying paper, and in Bohemia wrapping paper is made from Potato stalks. July 18, 1874] THE GARDEN. 43 THE INDOOR GARDEN. LADY'S-SLIPPERS. (CYPRirEDIUM.) Of the different species belonging to this genus, all, both hai'dy and tender, ai'e favourite garden plants. They are widely distributed in both hemispheres, and in all kinds of climates, from the north of Europe, and North and South America, to Japan, India, Borneo, Java, and the Phillippines. In the whole family of Orchids, there is, perhaps, no other genus which has a wider range. Botanically, Cypripediums are distinguished by their having two fully-developed anthers, and the lateral sepals connate, or fused together, there being only one solitary exception in C. arietinum, whilst popularly they .are readily known by their slipper-shaped lip. One tolerably well-marked section, all the species belonging to which being tropical American, has been made by the younger Propagation. All the species are stemless herbs, and are readily propagated by dividing strong established masses ; such off-shoots soon make blooming plants. Several beautiful new hybrids have been raised by Mr. Dominy and Mr. Seden in the Royal Exotic Nursery, at Chelsea, and also by Mr. Cross, gardener to Lady Ashburton, at Melchet Park, in Hampshire, after whom one of the hybrids is named. Other cultivators, including Mr. Pilcher, gardener to Sigismnnd Ruoker, Esq., at Wands- worth, have raised seedlings from the chaste little 0. Schlimmii, but these are said to vary but little from the parent plant. In order to obtain seed it is necessary to fertilise the stigmatic surface of one flower with the glutinous or honey-like pollen from another flower of the same plant, or from a separate species, if a hybrid is desired. The stigmatic surface in this genus is concealed by the infolded margins of the lip, and is, generally, a thick trowel-shaped ivory-like process just below Hardy Varieties of Lady's-slipper. Reichenbach, a separate genus — Selenipedium — but in the following remarks I have grouped all the species under the older and better-known name of Cypripedium. The different species of Cypripediums are nearly as diverse in habit and mode of growth as they are in their geographical distribution ; all the hardy, and some of the tropical American tender kinds, are strictly terrestrial ; others have been found clinging to the face of sunny limestone rocks in Moulmein and Burmah, while G. Lowii belongs to a group which is strictly epiphytal. The cul- ture of all the tender species is by no means difficult, but that of the hardy North American and Siberian kinds is just the re- verse, and many have failed to get such plants to bloom except during the first season, after they have been imported. The best results have been obtained with 0. spectabile, C. humile, and C. pubescens, while Messrs. Backhouse have succeeded in flowering the rare and beautiful 0. guttatum and C. irapeanum in their nursery at York, where a broad patch of the only British species, 0. Galceolus, also does well on rock-work. the broad shield-like sterile anther, or staminode. Press down the lip and apply the pollen to the under side with the point of a pencil, or a quill tooth-pick will serve admirably for this purpose. The seed resembles fine mahogany sawdust, .and should be sown as soon as ripe on the surface of living Sph.ag- num Moss that has become thoroughly established on the surface of a pot of fibrous peat ; cover partially with a bell- glass, tilting it at the bottom so as to allow a free circulation of air. This last precaution is especially necessary just when the young seedlings make their appearance, as that is the most critical period in their growth, and many thousands of seedling Orchids never get beyond that .stage. As the seedlings develop themselves they may be removed and potted off separately, and treated as recommended for established plants. Culture of Tender Species. These should be potted in a fresh open compost consisting of fibrous peat broken into lumps about the size of pigeons' 44 THE GARDEN. [July 18, 1874. eggs, -with the fingers; to this add about one-fifth of either dried horse droppings or cow manure, which should be col- lected in pastures in summer wh3n dry and laid on a hot flue long enough to kill all insect life that it might contain. A little turfy loam may also be added in the case of the most robust- growing species, adding sufficient coarse well-washed sand or grit to keep the whole porous. The pots or pans in which the plants are to bo put should ]>e well washed and thoroughly dry before they are used, and this remark also applies to the crocks employed for drainage. Cypripediums do not require so much drainage as many other Orchids; indeed, about one-third the depth %f the pot or pan will be amply sufficient for them. Place a thin layer of fresh Moss, or the rough fibre from peat, over the crocks so as to prevent the finer particles of compost being washed down among the drainage. The collar of the plants may be about level with the rim of the pot, and the compost shouhl Ije neatly surfaced with fresh Sphagnum, ■which should be kept regularly sprinkled with spray from a syringe so as to induce it to grow as freely as possible. All the species require a copious supply of moisture when growing, both overhead and at the root, and they should never be allowed to become dry, as they, like many other stemless Orchids, have no decided season of rest. During the spring, summer, and autumn months they should all be regularly syringed morning and evening ; and, in exceptionally hot dry ■weather, a gentle dewing in the middle of the day will induce that healthy i igour and fresh succulent growth so pleasing to the eye of the practical cultivator. They should be shaded carefully from hot sunshine, and free ventilation is essential, care being taken to guard the more tender species from cold cutting draughts. All these plants are more or less liable to be attacked by insect pests, especially if out of health through any irregularity in their treatment. Thrips, red spider, and the yellow aphides peculiar to Orchid-houses must all be guarded against by means of a liberal use of the syringe and abundance of fresh air. If, however, thrips and fly have obtained a foothold, eradicate them at once by repeated fumi- gations with tob.acco-cloth or rag. It is bet:cr to fumigate gently on two or three successive evenings than run the risk of burning the foliage by filling the house too full of hot smoke. If the plants are gently sponged over occasionally with clean tepid water it will do much towards keeping them free from dust and insects. Some recommend the use of weak liquid-manure when the plants are making their growth, but beginners liad better avoid such applications. Many of the species grow well in a moderately warm greenhouse tempera- ture or in a Cattleya-house, but C. Stonei, C. tevigatum, C. concolor, C. niveum, and one or two others, do best in the warm moist atmosphere of a stove or East India house. The pretty little C. Schlimmii does best in a cool house with Disas and Odontoglots, and requires careful attention to prevent its suffering from thrips, which seem to have a special liking for its fresh succulent foliage. Culture of Hardy Species. This section is scarcely less beautiful than that containing the tropical species, from ■which the hardy kinds are readily distinguished by their herbaceous habit. One of the freest and most vigorous of the whole group is the white-flowered rosy-lipped C. spoctabile ; and C. pubescens and C. humile seem to do much better than any of the others, if we except C Calceolus. The majority succeed tolerably well for a year or two in a cool moist peaty compost; and, if gi-own in pots, they should be plunged in a cold frame with a northern aspect, and protected from the mid-day sun. 0. spectabile may be planted out in a border of peat and leaf-mould, where it will flower several years in succession if kept regularly moist and cool at the root. C. Calceolus, on the other hand, prefers a sti'ong chalky loam, with an eastern aspect, sheltered on all sides from rough winds and sun. If these hardy Lady's- slippers are grown in pots, they should be well drained, as h^.is just been recommended ; and, if syringed every morning, so much the better. The pots should be surfaced with fresh green Sphagnum to prevent undue evaporation from the soil ; and such surfacing also keeps the soil cool, by acting as a non- conductor. The roots should never be allowed to become dry, even in winter — an evil to which may be attributed, I fear, the loss of many of these interesting plants. In 1842 a collection of these hardy species used to grow well in Messrs. RoUisson's nursery, at Tooting, planted in a peat border outside at the back of a Heath-house. During winter and spring they were protected by a layer of Sphagnum 2 to 3 inches in thickness. I now propose to furnish a simple key to the species, and to add such descriptive details as may prove of use to culti- vators : — I. Cypripedium. Hardv ok Te.ndee. — .Spcies, mostly herbaceons ; flawer.stems, leafy ; leaves, thin, nervt'il. Lip, yel'mv ; § petals, linear. 1. C. Calceolus. — Petals, not spirally twisted ; deep purple. 2. C. parviflorum. — Lip, depressed in front; petals, twisted; flowers, perfumed. 3. 0. puiescens. — Lip, convex in front ; flowers, not scented. Lip, yellow ; § petals, ohlong. 4. C. irapeanum. — Whole flower, yellow ; flowers, 4 inches across. Flowers, rose-coloured ; § petals, ohlong. 5. C. macranthmn. — Petals, shorter than the inflated lip. 6. C. ventricosum. — Petals, longer than the lip ; flowers, much deeper coloured. Lip, rosy ; § sepals and petals, white. 7. C. spectabile. — Sepals and petals, not spotted ; stem, 12 to 14 inches high ; three to five. leaved. 8. C. guttatum. — Sepals and petals, spotted ; stem, 4 to 6 inches high ; two-leaved only. Lip, white ; § sepals and petals, green and red. 9. C. candidum. — Lip, pare white; sepals and petals, green, streaked with reddish-brown. Lip, white and rose ; § lateral sepals, free. 10. C. arietinum. — Lip, white, chequered with bright rose; the lower sepals, not coherent. Lip, rose ; § leaves, tivo, radical. 11. C. acaule. — Lip, large, rosy-pnrple, furrowed in front ; flower, stem, not leafy. 12. C. palmifolium. — This is a tall-growing species, not at present in cultivation. — C. cordigerum, a native of Northern India. This Lindley considers to be a white-flowered form of our own C. Calceolus, a widely distributed species, being found in Europe, Dahuria, and, according to Tbunberg, in Japan. — C. passerianum is described and figured in Hooker's " Flora of Korth America," t. 206, and is one of Richardson's species, being synonymous with his C. parviflorum, described in " Franklin," appendix i., 340. — C. montauum is another North American species, described by Lindley in his " Genera and Species of Orchidaceous Plants. ' It has a white inflated lip, similar to C. spectabile, and long narrow sepals nearly 3 inches long. All the above are little. known tenestrial species, probably not at present in cniti ration. II.— Cypripedium. Tender Species. — Leaves, leathery, radical, distichous, persis- tant ; flower scape, leafless, one or many flowered. Foliage variegated. 13. C. venustum. — Lip, bronze-coloured, with deep green veins. 14. C. concolor.- — Scape, one to two flowered ; flowers, pale yellow 15. C. niveum. — Flowers, white, with purple dots. 16. C. javanicum. — Lip, olive green, not veined. 17. C. barhatum. — Lip, deep purple ; petals, with shining hairy warts along their upper margins. 18. C. argus. — Flowers, on long scapes, like C. Hookerae ; petals, 2^ inches long, t)rofusely covered with eye-like spots. 19. C. purp}(rat'jni- — Dorsal sepal with revolute margins. 20. C. Hnokeriv. — Flowers, on scapes 16 inches high ; upper sepal, not striped ; variegation very distinct. 21. C. superhiens. — Petals, 3 or 4 inches long, white striped with green, and spotted with dark brown. 22. C. Dayanv.m. — Petals, white veined with purple, not spotted. Green Leaved. Flowers, solitary. 23. C. insigne. — Upper sepal, green and white, spotted with brown or purple. 2i. C. villosum. — Whole flower of a warm brown colour, shining, as if varnished. 23. C. hirsniissimum. — Petals, green at the base, dotted profuselv with brown-purple, and slightly twisted at the apex. 26. C. Fairioannm. — Petals, curved downwards like an S; upper sepal, heavily streaked with purple. Green leaved. Several fioioers on a scape. 27. C. Lowii. — Scape, 2 to 3 feet long ; three to five-flowered ; July 18, 1874] THE GARDEN. 45 petals, parple and yellow, 3 to 4 inches long, spotted with brown at the base. 28. C. SchUmmii. — Flowers, small, white, with a rosy lip ; petals, sometimes spotted with deep rose. 29. C. caudatum. — Petals, linear, twisted, 15 to 30 inches long. 30. C. Stonei. — Petals, ligulate twisted ; scape, sepals, and ovary, smooth. 31. C. lievigatum. — Scape, sepals, and ovary, hairy. 32. C. caricinum. — Leaves, grass-like; flowers, greenish; petals, 3 to 4 inches long, twisted like a corkscrew. 33. C. glanduhferum. — Petals, acute, set with two or three hairy glands. 34. 0. Parishii. — Petals, blunt at their apices, also with hairy glands. 35. C. longifoUum. — Flowers, green and purple, rarely more than one ojren at once on the same spike, with bracts 3 inches long. 36. C. Eoezli. — Similar to the last ; petals, purple ; leaves, twice as broad. There are several hybrid forms belonging to this section of the group, and I have thought it would be best to add these by themselves, as follows, with their parents' names in par- enthesis. They are, in most cases, intermediate : — C. Sedeni (C. longifolium x C. Schlimmii). — Flowers, deep rose, 3 inches across ; lip, crimson, white inside, spotted with rose. C. Harrissianum (C. barbatnm x C. villosum). — Flowers, shiny, as if varnished ; foliage, variegated. C. vexiUarixnn (C. Fairieannni x C. barbatum). — Flowers, resem. bling the first named parent; foliage, variegated, like C. barbatum. C. Domini (C. candatum x C. Pearuei). — A large flowered species, with the long petals of the first named parent. C. AshburtoniiT (C. insigne x C. barbatnm). — Foliage, slightly varie- gated; flowers, resembling those of C. insigne without the spots. The produce of this cross varies very much, the foliage of some of the seedlings being nearly green, while others are almost as strongly maiked as in C. barbatum. I. — Cypripediiim. C. CaUeolus (Common hardy Lady's-slipper). — This is one of the rarest, and, also, one of the most beautiful, of our native Orchids. It grows about a foot in height, and bears one or two showj- flowers at the apex of the strongest leafy stems. Although a British species, the plants now in cultivation are mostly imported from the Swiss Alps. The sepals are of a deep purple tint, the petals being narrow, tapering with wavy margins. These are also of a purple colour tipped with yellow at their apices. The lip is rounded or swollen, and, being of a clear golden-yellow colour, contrasts well with the dark sepals and petals. It is found in woods in Russia, Asia, and Eastern Europe and the Arctic Circle, but is more sparingly distri. bated over Western Europe ; in Britain it is almost, if not quite, extinct. Oue of the best known habitats of this plant was Castle Eden, Dean, Durham, and it has also been fonnd in Yorkshire. According to Thunberg, it is also a native of Japan. — Eich. Fl. Germ. 33, t. 496 ; English Bot. I., t. 1. ; Paxt. Mag. 3, t. 247. C. parvijiorum (Small-flowered Lady's-slipper). — This has been more than once referred to the last-named species, from which, how- ever, it is readily distingnished when both are seen side by side. The plant is similar in size and habit, but the lip is larger and distinctly flattened or even depressed in front, and the flowers are also delicately perfumed. The sepals are of a rich chocolate-brown colour, while the slender, wavy, or twisted petals are green at the base and streaked and spotted with dark brown. The lip is of a clear yellow colour, with a row of crimson or reddish dots around the month. The leaves are of a fresh apple. green ; and the plant, although rare in even the best collections, is well worth introduction and careful cnlture. It is a native of Canada and, probablv, of North America. —Bot. Mag. 23, t. 911 ; Linn. Trans. 1.2; Bot. Mag. 57, t. 3,024. C. puhescens (Hairy Lady's-slipper). — This is a free-growing species, both stem and foliage being covered with whitish hairs. It is very distinct from both the last-named kinds, and grows well treated as a pot plant in a shady cold frame. The sepals are of a creamy. yellow colour, striped with bright red ; petals narrow, very much twisted, also yellow streaked with red, while the lip is of a clear golden tint. In shape the flower reminds one of C. Calceolus, but it is readily distinguished from that species by the yellow sepals and twisted petals, and also by the flower being scentless. It is a native of Korth America, and common in good collections. It is also called C. Calceolus by Walt, and C. flavescens Red. — Lodd. Cab., t. 895 ; Hook. Bor. Amer, t. 206 ; Sweet Fl. Gard.,71. C. irapeanum (Pelican-flowered Cypripede.) — This is a very fine large-flowered species, recently re-introduced to our gardens by Messrs. Backhouse, of York, with whom it has flowe:-ed. In shape, the flowers resemble those of C. spectabile. They are fully 4 or 5 inches across the fully-expanded segments, and are borne one and two together on the leafy stems. The colour is a bright golden, yellow throughout, and the lip is blotched within with bright reddish-crimson, and in shape reminds one of some of the larc'e. flowered Calceolarias. It is a tender species, and does well potted in peat.Ioam, on a well.drained bottom. It requires plenty of water at the root when growing, and an airy atmosphere suits it better than a close one. It is a native of the Savannahs, or gi'eat natural meadows of Upper Mexico, where it is fonnd at an elevation of from 2,000 to 5,000 feet.— Bot. Beg. 82, t. 58 ; Flore des Serres, 3 t. 186. C. tnacranthum (Large-flowered Lady's-slipper). — This rare plant has often been introduced, although we do not now know whether or not it is in cultivation. It grows from 6 to 12 inches in height, and bears one or two rosy-purple flowers at the apices of the stems. The petals are striped, and the lip, which is inflated, is distinctly netted with dark veins. It is a native of Siberia, and is well worth general culture.— Bot. Reg. IS, 1,534 ; Bot. Mag. 50, t. 2,93S. C. venfricosum (Inflated Lady's-slipper). — This is another rosy- pnrple-flowered species, much resembling the last in general appear, ance, but easily distinguished from it by the petals being shorter than the lip, a very nnusual occurrence in this genus. The lip itself is shaped like that of C. maci-anthum, but it is of a much deeper colour. It is a native of Siberia. — Sweet Fl. Gard., II, t. 1 ; Rchb fl. Germ., 13, t. 497. C. fpectahile (Showy Lady's-slipper). — This is one of the most beautiful of the hardy species, and one which succeeds perfectly well planted out in a cool peaty compost, sheltered from the mid-day sun. It also makes a splendid pot -plant plunged in a cool and partially shaded frame. The stems rise fixim a foot to 18 inches in height, and bear from one to three large flowere at their apices ; both leaves and stem are covered with short white silky hairs. The flowers, which measure about 3 inches across, are of pearly whiteness, the rounded lip being suffused with bright rose around its mouth. It is a native of the United States and North America, and should be grown in every collection of moisture -loving hardy plants. Also known as C. album. Ait.; C. Calceolus, Linn.; C. canadense, Michx. ; C. hirsutum. Mill. ; and C. Regince, Walt. — Linn. Trans., I, 3 ; Bot. Reg., 20, 1,666 ; Sweet Fl. Gard., 240 ; Wooster's Alp. PI., t. 1. C. guttatian (Spotted Lady's-sUpper). — This charming little plant resembles C. acaule in habit, but has snowy flowers blotched with purple. It has been repeatedly introduced both to this country and the Continent, but received little attention until quite recently, when the plant has again been introduced, and, I believe, has flowered in Messrs. Backhouse's collection at York. The whole plant is only a few inches high, its short stems being two-leaved. It is a native of Siberia, North America, and Northern Russia, where it grows in swamps and spongy bogs. — Flore des Serres, 6, 573. C. diiKiidii/.i (Milk-white Lady's-slipper). — A pretty little species, similar in habit to C. spectabile, growing about a foot high, and bearing a solitary flower at the apices of its leafy stems. Its sepals and petals are white or greenish-white, more or less streaked and shaded with pale brown. The lip, which is inflated, is pure white. It is not unfrequentlj' imported, and is well-deserving of culture. A native of boggy marshes, and extending into Canada to the northward, and to the Platte and Rocky Mountains to the west. — Bot. Mag. t. 5,855. C. arietinum (Ram's-head Lady's-slipper). — This curious and interesting little plant is seldom seen in cultivation, although it has fre. quently been introduced to our gardens. Botanically, it is remarkable as being the only species with free lateral sepals, and this character serves to distinguish it from all the other species at present intro- duced. The lip tapers from the mouth to a blunt point ; the colour being white, curiously chequered with bright rose, like some of the Fritillarias. The upper sepal is ovate, the lower sepals and petals being nearly linear, of a dull green colour, streaked with reddish- brown. The flowers, which are solitary, scarcely measure an inch across, and are not showy, although the plant is worth culture where variety and botanical interest are appreciated. It is a native of Canada. — Bot. Mag. 38, t. 1,569 ; Sweet's Flower Garden, t. 213. C. acaule (Stemless Lady's-slipper). — This is one of the com- monest of hardy Lady's-slippers, and is frequently met with in good collections of hardy plants. Treated as a pot-plant in a cool frame, it does remarkably well, and blooms freely every spring along with C. Calceolus, C. spectabile, and C. pubescens. It grows well in an open compost of spongy peat, and, like its congeners, must have a copious supply of water at the root. The whole plant is 6 or 7 inches high, having two broad gi-een leaves at the base, and a solitary nodding flower borne on a slender scape. The lip, the most con. 46 THE GARDEN. [July 18, 1874, Bpicnon3 part of the flower, is rosy-purple, netted with darker veins, and curiously foldt-J inwards in front— a characteristic peculiar to this species, which is sometimes known in books and gardens as C. hnmile. It is a native of North America, and is perfectly hardy. — Bot. Mag. G, 192 ; Lam. Encycl. 729. F. W. B. MIMULUSES INDOORS AND IN THE OPEN AIR. These, though handsome, free-flowei-ing, aad easily-gi-own plants, are seldom met with now-a-days — except, perhaps, in an odd corner of some old-fashioned garden. Though, how- ever, the taste for novelty has unhappily driven them into the background, they are, nevertheless, well worth attention. AVith the common Musk we are all well acquainted ; and, as a window-plant, Mimulus cardinalis makes a good companion to it ; for, though taller, it is equally fragrant, and its bright scarlet flowers are more showy than the small yellow blooms of the Musk. Both these Mimuli are quite hardy, and well adapted for borders. Many of the large-flowering varieties of Mimulus make beautiful pot-plants for the summer decoration of the greenhouse and conservatory, where they keep up a succession of bloom from the middle of June until August. A mixture of clay, loam, and a good quantity of silver or river sand suits them admirably. They should always be kept in a cool place, and liberally supplied with water. When done flower- ing, they should be placed in some sheltered corner out- side, or in a cold frame, where they will remain all winter, and should be allowed to start into growth undisturbed until the young shoots are an inch long ; they should then be taken out of their pots and divided if increase is wanted, or the whole plant may be re-potted in any desirable sized pot and replaced in their old quarters, to remain until ready for the purposes for which they may be required. Plenty of water while growing is, with Mimuli, more a necessity than any particular selection in the way of site or other requirements ; indeed, they belong to a class of plants that readily accommo- date themselves to circumstances. When growing them extensively some years ago I found the following varieties best suited for pot culture, viz., M. aurantiacus splendeus, a kind with a golden-yellow ground blotched with crimson, and beautifully spotted in the throat ; M. albus elegautissimus, a very finely spotted variety, with white ground, the lobes and margins being marked with crimson ; M. cupreus, orange and crimson; M. cupreus speciosus, a kind with larger blooms than the cupreus, and more richly spotted with deep yellow and bronze-crimson ; M. coccineus, fine scarlet ; M. guttatus and M. luteus, both bright yellow ; M. exquisitus, a sort with a beautiful orange ground brilliantly edged with crimson and elegantly spotted ; and M. meteor, orange, with large violet and bronze-shaded blotches. The blooms of many of these have a peculiar musky scent, and are as exquisitely marked as those of any herbaceous Calceolaria. They look well when dotted here and there amongst other flowering plants, or placed together in groups ; but those who have only seen them, even at their very best thus artificially arranged, cannot form any conception of the grand effect which they produce when grown in great natural masses. There are large patches of the beautiful yellow and crimson M. maculosus, growing wild in many of the ((uiet marshy nooks of the river Caddon, close by here, a mountain rivulet, the banks of which are richly clad with floral gems, such as wild Orchids and Irises. The Irises, like the Mimuli, grow in large clumps by the sides of the stream and in the quiet side pools of water; though their fine heads of bloom rise to a height of 3 and 4 feet above the surface, and have a fine appearance, still the Mimuli are the most attractive. I never saw the latter bloom in such profusion, nor so richly deep in colour as here. M. maculosus is not indigenous to this quarter, but has been cast out of some garden and deposited by the river iu the places in which it now grows. With this variety alone, not to speak of other kinds, or of the greatly improved sorts which have lately been introduced, what an amount of embellishment might, with very little trouble, be given to the sides of lakes, ponds, and streams, and other places, in which little vegetation of an ornamental character will grow. In such situations Mimuli would delight. They thrive well with their roots entirely and constantly covered with water, the foliage and flowers being allowed to float on the surface, and are exceedingly effective, either by themselves or mixed with other aquatics. J. Muiu. ClovenfiirJu. Hypoxia Rooperi. — This rare and beautiful plant is just now flowering in a cool house at Kew. In habit it is not unlike Vellozia (Talbotia) elegans, the deep green tapering leaves being arranged ia three rows, or rarely distichous, their margins being set with white hairs ; the flowers are stellate, each as large as a shilling, and .are borne at the apex of a flattened scape, about a foot high ; their coluar is a deep bright golden-yellow, similar to that on the lip of Oncidium bifolium. There are several species iu this genus well worth general culture. They are mostly natives of the Cape of Good Hope, aud grow well either in a greenhouse or cool frame. H. longifolia, a native of Algoa Bay, has narrower leaves, IG or 18 inches in length, and flowers over an inch across, of a rich yellow colour. It is figured in Bot. Mag. t. 6,0.3.5.— B. Orchids in Flower at Kew.^A plant of Oocidium Lanceannm now bears a fine spike of richly-tinted flowers, the sepals and petals of which are rounded and slightly wavy along their margins, and of a dull greenish. yellow spotted with brown ; the lip is richly coloured with a shaded baud of purple, the apex being nearly white. This, though an old-fashioned species, is one of the finest in the genns, and the spike on the Kew plant is one of the best we have seen. Among the Phalajnopsids, P. grandifloraand P. rosea (equestris), and P. Lud. demanniana are in bloom. Dendrobes are represented by D. Pierardii, one of the niost graceful of all the species when well grown, and a plant of the showy and distinct "Mayflower" of Ceylon, D. McCarthi^. Trichopilia albida, also now in flower, is delicionsly scented, the perfume being like that of the flowers of Narci.ssu3 poeticus ; its crisped or undulated sepals and petals are very narrow, from 2 to 3 inches in length, and of an apple-green tint ; the lip is pure white, the margins being slightly revolute. This plant bears from three to five flowers on a lax erect or drooping spike, and is grown in some gardens under the name of T. fragrans. The latter is, however, a distinct plant, all the divisions of the flower being of crystaline whiteness. A small plant of Dendrochilum filiforme bears two or three slender pendent spikes of delicate green flowers, which are arranged in two rows along the hair-like scape, and closely resemble golden filagree work in the delicacy with which the segments overlap each other. One of the most curious of the Orchids now in bloom here is Acranthus arachnites, a native of Madagascar. It resembles a Sacoolabium in habit, having deep green distichous leaves, the flowers being solitary on long slender.nodding or pedent scapes. The sepals and petals are curiously curved, the lateral sepals being gibbous and concave, like those of Sarcopodium. The whole flower is of a pale greenish-yellow colour ; and, although not showy, extremely interesting on account of its peculiar structure. — F. W. B. NOTES AND QUESTIONS ON THE INDOOE GARDEN. Lapageria and Shade.— I know not why this does not do well with me, unless it is that ray greenhouse is iu too snnny a place. Does the plant like shade? — H. E. [Partial shade is considered one of the conditions of successful Lapai^eria culture. ^Ed.] Unusually Fine Japanese Primroses.— My plants of this Primrose have flowered splendidly with me this season. I measured the tallest of them, and found it to be 31 inches, and it bore seven whorls of magnificent tlowers. None of my plants, of which I had 300, were under IS inches in height, and among them I had a variety of colours. — Annik Owew. [Were they in the open air? — Ed.] Vitis tricuspidata.— A plant of this elegant cool greenhouse, or ratlier hardy climber, should be grown in every cool corridor or conservatorj-, where a vigorous growing plant is desirable. Grown under these conditions and planted out in a moderately rich border, it develops very fine foliage of a bright bronzy-green colour, and is one of the very best of foliage plants for such purposes. — B. Ismene calathina.— This beautiful Amaryllidaceous plant is nearly related to Crinuins and Pancratiums, and, like them, bears its dowers in clusters at tlie to]ioE :i more or less flattened scape. Its segments and corona are of peariy whiteness, and the whole flower is most deUciously perfumed. The corona is irregularly six-cleft, the segments being fimbriate or fringed, and another peculiar point in the structure of the flower is that of the filaments being turned inwards at right angles, something similar to the style in Gloriosa, This Ismene grows freely in any light sandy compost ; it flowers in May and June, and is much valued on account of its sweet-scented flowers. — J. M. A Yellow-flowered PelargOHium.— It may interest your correspondent, M. Jean Sisley, and others, to know that P. oblongatura, a iarge-flun-ered soecies from the Cape, is now bloondng freely in the Royal Gardens at Kew. It has a thick swollen root-stock, from 2 to 3 inches high, and is clothed, before flowering, with a few short stalked oblong or slightly hearD-shaped, coarsely jagged leaves. These fall off before the compound flower-spikes appear. It is a variable plant, some of the flowers being of a creamy white, while others are deep lemon-yellow, with purple streaks on the upper segments. It is worthy of attention as a decorative plant, inasmuch as it is a profuse flowerer. A good figure of it will bo found in the Bot. Mag., t. 6,996.— B, July 18, 187-i..] THE GARDEN. 47 THE FLOWER GARDEN. MARSH MARIGOLDS (CALTHA) AND FICARIAS. All those who care for hardy spring flowers cannot afford to dispense with the aid of these. The Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris) that in early spring " shines like fire in swamps and hollows grey," is one of the finest hardy plants we possess, though it is so freiiuently met with in wet meadows and by the stream-side that there is little need to give it a place in the garden, except on the margin of water, where it is always welcome. Its double variety is, however, a garden plant of much value, and well worth a place in a moist rich border, or, like the single form, by the water-side, or in the artificial bog. This double Marsh Marigold is frci|uently seen in the Londo\i flower-market in spring. There is also said to be a double variety of the smaller Caltha radicans, which differs from the common plant in being about half the size, and by having a creeping tendency. Everybody knows the common Ficaria of our wood.s, with its myriads of polished golden flowers in spring. The Tvhite and double forms are well worthy of garden culture. Still finer, however, inasmuch as it is twice as large, is the, as yet, uncommon Ficaria or Caltha grandi- nora (Calthiefolia). This line species is a native of southern England, though rarely— Ac|uilegifolium— -hung its pretty lilac flowers everywhere, and I noticed that thcj' were of a deeper lilac than those in cultivation. The sulphur Anemone (A. sulphurea) was perfectly lovely, far surpassing the Adonis vernalis we love so much as a spring flower in our borders. The prettiest of the Columbines is atrata, so common in this part of the Engadine. Though apparently so distinct from vulgaris, Grenier says of it, in his " Flora of the Jura," " I have seen this fine variety return to the normal conditions after two years of cultivation." Aquilegia alpina, with its solitary noble blue flower, grows plentifully on the skirts of wooded tracts up the mountain sides. Of the PojJiiies, Papaver alpinum, and the rarer pyrenaicura, occur in the Grisous ou Piz Languard, and some of the Bernina Mountains. These are lovely in their Alpine homes. Among the Cruciferai, I would especially notice Arabis cajrulea among the higher Alps. Its blue flowers are charming, and vie with the Aubrietia, which it somewhat resembles. Two Violets (one perfumed like our Sweet Violet) may be met with . around Samadeu — Viola pinnata and V. mirabilis. The pinnate leaves of the former sufficiently characterise it, they are so elegantly multipartite. V. mirabilis is a remarkable plant ; the first that appear are sterile, large, with pale-lilac petals, highly fragrant, and the cauliuavy flowers are apetalous and Ficaria caltha}folia (one-third natural size). Franco, and was introduced to our gardens some years ago by the writer, who gave some plants to Mr. Parker, of the Exotic Nursery, Tooting, who has since increased it abundantly, and cultivated it with success as a border flower. It is quite hardy, and thrives to perfection in ordinary open border soil. It is, according to a WTiter in the Ecvue Horticole, as valuable a plant as the Spring Adonis (A. vernalis). Mr. Parker's plants were, during the past spring, 1-5 inches high, and densely covered with large showy polished golden flowers. AV. R. FLOWERS IN THE ENGADINE. It was about the middle of July, 1871, that I visited the Engadine, just when the Alpine flowers were in all their glorj'. I fixed my abode at Samadeu, induced to do so by the variable nature of the soil that clothes the heights above the village, at one time consisting of glacier silt, at another giving indication of calcareous admixture. Out of upwards of 200 interesting plants that I collected, I shall choose the more local and remarkable. I shall begin with the Ranunculaceai. The Alpine Clematis (Atragene alpina) clothed the bushes with its climbing stems and deep violet flowers ; it grows in all its beauty above Samader. A Thalictrum we sometimes see in cultivation in fertile. Among the Caryophyllaceaj, Dianthus superbus and Silene nutans deserve mention. The latter, indeed, is our Nottingham Catchfly, always indicative, I believe, of the chalk formation. Hedysarum obscurum is a conspicuous flower around Samaden, edging the sides of the mountain pathways. This and the lovely Phacas are among the more attractive of the Papilionaceous flowers. You recognise many of our cultivated Honeysuckles in the wooded dells of the Engadine — among them Lonicera crerulea,alpigena, and xylosteum, which last we surely can only claim as a stray in Great Britain. Samaden and Pontresina are exceedingly rich in Composita?. I need only mention, to prove my assertion, such plants as Senecio abrotani- foliusandcarniolicus, Achillea raoschata, that yields the Espirt Diva of the Engadine, Saussurea discolor, Hieraciumalbidum, Artemisia mutellina, Serratula Rhaponticum, with many others. Among the Lentibulariacc;u I found Pinguicula alpina and P. Icptoceras, a gem of beauty, growing in A^al Severs. P. alpina differs in colour from others ; the corolla is whitish, marked in the throat with two yellow spots. The Primulas come next, and they are well represented in the neighbourhood of Samaden. Primula integrifolia, P. Moritziana, P. viscosa, P. latifolia, P. longiflora, and P. CEnensis all occur in the Grisons, together with their little cousins, the Androsaces, of which A. glacialis 48 THE GARDEN. [July 18, 1874. is, perhaps, the most lovely. Who can do justice, again, to the Gentians ? Fully a dozen of these blue stars of earth arc here, and you know not which most to admire as you walk over carpets of their flowers ; the taller ones are on the slopes of the hills — G. lutca, purpurea, punctata — and many a time, when weary of mountain-climbing, have I cut off slices of the root, to revive and sustain me for further exertion. Among the Boraginacea3 I found Ccrintho alpiua, that strange- coloured plant, both in leaf and corolla, where yellow and violet are made to blend and harmonise; Eritrichiura nanuni, with its little cushions of bbic hiding its silky leaves — the very loveliest of our Forget-me-nots I How it grows on Piz Langiiard, braving the cold and the blustering winds. Among the Scrophulariacene — that anomalous group — the genus Pedicularis shows to advantage around Samaden. The Labiates offer you Horminum pyrenaicum that reminded me, somewhat, of Salvia patens, and Dracoccphalura Kuyschia- num, and the r.arer Anstriacum, that occurs, I believe, only in the Grisons and Valais. I must not forget to mention Daphne striata, a richly fragrant Daphne, that grows on the hilly slopes of Samaden and Val Severs ; the flowers are light ]iink, and have a long tube that is striate throughout its length ; hence the name. As I climbed from Val Severs up the slope to the summit of the plateau that overlooks Samaden, the rich perfume of this Daphne was almost overpowering. The shrub grows about a foot high, seldom more. Among the Liliaceai I noticed, plentifully, L. Martagon, L. bulbiferum, and the pi'etty and delicate Lloydia serotina, growing and flowering in crevices where the granite silt afforded it root-hold ; it looks almost like a miniature Crocus, its perianth being striped with rosy-red externally ; the root-bulbs are very small. The Finns Cembra, among Conifers, fruits in Val Severs to perfection ; the nuts are commonly used at dessert in the winter. In the summer, the trees were loaded with their bluish-coloured conspicuous cones. Peter Incubald. The Lodge, Hovinyhiun, York, June, 1874. BEAUTIFUL ANB EAEE IRISES. By MAX LEICUTLIN. It seems to me that Iris susiana is not so difficult to manage as other species iu the same group. Every spring, my green- house is gay with potfuls of I. susiana, each plant of which throws up from three to four flowers. Some time after flowering I keep them nearly dry, in order to give them a season of rest. I either plunge the pots or turn out the plants in some place where I can protect them from rain by means of a frame put over them, leaving the underground moisture alone to keep the plants alive until the end of August, when they have matured their rhizomes and can be started afresh. As regards soil, they are not very particular, but if they have any preference, it is for a loamy mixture, say, one part loam, and the other parts leaf-mould, sand, and decomposed cow-dung. I do not believe that they can be forced. Besides, the species named by Mr. Elwes (sec p. 499) there are numbers of others, scarcely known, which well deserve cultivation. Iris tevigata (Fischer) (syn.. Iris violacea, Klatt) is a fine purple-flowered kind and perfectly hardy ; Iris juncifolia (Xiphion) is one of the most brilliant of the race, it's flowers are of the brightest yellow imaginal^le, and comparatively large ; but above all. Iris setosa (Pallas) and its varieties ought to be more generally grown iu England. This species is better known to horticul- turists under the name of Kajmpferi, and the large and double flowered varieties, produced by the Japanese, and also, of late, in some European gardens, are truly magnificent; the flowers appear rather flat, presenting the outer segments in their entire dimension; the colours are very striking, they vary from white to lilac and violet, and from sky blue to indigo, brown, and blackish-maroon ; they have but one defect, and that is, they often do not flower the first year after trans- plantation; the second yeai-, however, they amply reward all who patiently wait for them. To grow tliem well and have plenty of flowers they should be planted in peat, and should be left undisturbed ; they are perfectly hardly. Iris nepalensis (Wall.), which is considered, by competent authority, to be an Indian form of Iris germanica, is also a very beautiful kind, which flowers very profusely in May, the inner segments of the flower (which is large) are of a bright sky blue, and admirably contrasts with the violet-blue, yellow-blotched, and bearded outer segments. In order that it may bloom prof useh' it wants a rich soil. Iris tectorum (Maximowicz) (syn. Iris toraiolopha, Hance), is not so showy as that just named, yet it is a very interesting kind, which, if planted iu a sunny warm situation, will flower very abundantly, and show off its strongly crested blue and dark blue blotched flowers to great advantage. A rich soil, much sun, and some dampness, are the conditions under which it succeeds best. In Japan it grows on the top of straw-covered house-roofs, feeding on the decomposing straw, and exposed to sun and weatlier all the year round. Before long our collection of Irises will be enriched by the addition of some showy kinds from Asia Minor and Japan. 1 hope to flower some of the Japanese kinds in 1875, when they will be properly named and identified. SAXIFEAGES. By J. C. NIVE>f, Botanic Gardens, Hull. The Ligulate Group. To anyone who is unacquainted with those structural organs upon which the relationship of plants, one to another, may be said to depend, it must be a matter of no little difficulty to recognise wh}' plants so entirely distinct in foliage, flower, and habit of growth as this section presents, should be relegated to the over-grown genus Saxifraga, rather than formed into an independent little genus of its own. Haworth in his " Megasea," and Moench in his still more familiar " Bergenia," recognised the claims of this ligulate section to such a dis- tinction, and our Saxifrageau monographist, Engler, endorses the same after a negative fashion, by ignoring it altogether amongst the various sections into which he divides the old genus. Possibly he found, as others have done, both before and since, that the various species which constitute this section are in a lamentable state of confusion. In my endeavour to analyse it, I must only hope that I may escape making confusion worse confounded. Let me, then, first explain why we call this the " ligulate" section. I have seen it more than once Anglicised as the strap-leaved group of Saxi- frages, but this is clearly a misnomer, as the outline or shape of the leaves is by no means such as would justify this descrip- tive title. If you remove one of the leaves with its foot-stalk complete, you will find at the base a stipulaceous appendage, at first somewhat membranous, but, as it acquires age, becoming quite leathery in character. These stipules, for such I take them to be, not only form a perfect sheath round the inner leaves or bud, but are also prolonged upward, very similar to the ligulate stipules of the Grasses — hence the true origin of the name. All the species are characterised by having large undivided leaves, of a leathery consistency, not fleshy, as the unfortunate name crassifolia would lead one to imagine. These are attached to a stout stem, that either runs along the surface of the ground, or sometimes grows erect, which stems often represent the growth of a series of years, branching, of course, as the process of flowering goes ou. As was the case with our wandering friends (geographically a misnomer), reviewed in my last article, so these likewise have but a comparatively local distribution. They are, in fact, con- fined to the Himalayas and the far-east mountains of Siberia, and possess no European or new world representatives — at least none have as yet come under the ken of the botanist. S. crassifolia of Linnrcus, claims first notice on accoant of its priority of introdnction, dating back, as it does, to the time of Solander, about the year 1765. Its leaves are large, broad, and obovate in shape, with the base tapering down the sides of the petiole. The margins are slightly indented, and perfectly free from hairs, as also is the surface of the leaf ; its flowers are produced in dense panicled cj-nics, rising from the terminal shoots in showy pendent masses ; they are of a light rosy colour with the slightest lilac tint, and as they are produced in the months of March and Ajiril — iu spite of the somewhat coarse appearance of the leaves — they form a very gay and useful accessory to the beauty of the spring garden. It is a native of the mountains of Siberia. S. crassifolia var. ovata, as the name indicates, has oval leaves, the blades scarcely narrowing at all into the foot-stalks. It July 18, 1874.] THE GARDEN. 49 throws its bloom well up, and is of a deep rose colour. For decora- tive purposes this variety will almost vie with S. purpurascens. It is, I think, similar to the variety known as rubra. S. crassifolia var. orbicularis, sometimes dignified as a species, but I am disposed to consider it as notliing more than a small growing form, with the leaves rather broader than those of the previous variety, and a more branching habit. A free bloomer, producing an abundance of light rosy flowers, which are well elevated above the foliage. S. cordifolia of Haworth, is by far the most frequently met with in cultivation, and, as regards nomenclature, is as often recog- nised by the former title as by its correct one, which it obtains from the heart-shaped character of the leaves. Compared with crassifolia, the leaves are much larger, nearly as bvoad as they are long, and distinctly heart-shaped at the base, also indented along the mai'gin with a series of rounded little notches. The inflorescence is similar to the last, but produced in bolder masses ; the individual flowers are larger, not so pendent, and of rose colour without the lilac tinge. This is the plant so frequently met with in old shrubberies, where it grows in enormous patches, holding its own well in the battle of Ufe against all comers. It thrives under trees, enjoying the summer shade they afford, and gladdens the eye with the masses of pink flowers in early spring. It is a native of Siberia, and appears to have been introduced abont the same time as the last species, but overlooked by Linna3us, or perhaps considered only as a variety. S- ligulata of Wallich is a Nepal plant with broadly obovate leaves, slightly crispate at the margin and distinctly, but not densely, ciliated, the upper and under surfaces are glabrous. The flowers are produced in small eymose panicles, white, with a rosy tint towards the margin of the petals ; the anthers, before expansion, are of a deep crimson colour, which adds much to the beauty of the flowers. Coming from Xepal and with the tendency to very early spring growth, it is liable to suffer from frosts ; this form of injury occm-ring in three or four consecutive seasons so weakens the plant as ultimately to kill it ; care, therefore, should be taken to give it a nice sheltered situation, where it may also have the benefit of a bit of shade. S. ciliata of Royle. — Under this title, two plants, perfectly distinct, are figured respectively in the Botanical Register and the Botanical ilatia:i)ie, the former represents a plant with leaves devoid of hairs, except at the margin, where they are densely arranged, and hence give rise to the appropriate specific title ; the latter repre- sents a plant whose entire leaf surface is covered with an array of erect somewhat bristly hairs, rendering the ciliated character quite inconspicuous. Which then is the correct one ? Seeing that the most learned of doctors differ, I may well hesitate to give an opinion. One thing is certain, they are distinct plants ; Royle, himself, in his description, says that the leaves are sometimes suffused with scattered hairs over the surface both above and below, but may it not be possible that he has mixetl up two distinct species under one descrip- tion. Taking, therefore, S. ciliata figured in the Berefcr dark Roses, and hardy (juick growing kinds.— Fleuk ne Lib. [Try some of the Roursalts, such as Gracilis and Aniadis, a purplish-crimson, inormis, too, is a good bright red. — En.] Autumnal Daffodils.- There are three or four species of Narcissi that bloom during the summer or .lutumu months about which I should like some definite information. N. viridifiorus is figured in the Bufmiiidl Magazine, t. 1 ,6S7, and bears inconspicuous green flowers with reBescd segments ; N. serotinus and N. clegans are two other species mentioned by Baker in his " Review," about which cultivators seem to know but little. Can any of your readers tell me if these plants are anywhere in cultivatirni, or refer m'e to good co'.oured figures of them? It is not improbable that they may exist in some old-fashioned gardens, but these old things are apt to be overlooked in favour ot more showy border flowers.- F. H., JEilinhurijh. THE ARBORETUM. TREES AND SHADE. HoM" enjoyable the shady nooks of our gardens have been during the broiling days of July, 187 !•, need not be dwelt upon. Any tree-shaded recess during the hot months of summer becomes the favourite garden resort during the mid-day glare ; even the attractions of the flowers failing to make us linger long about the open parterres while the sun is high and tlie heat oppres- sive. Yet we do not seem to take so much pains as our fore- fathers did in the creation of green alcoves and cool arbours facing the north, of -which one hears so much in the descrip- tions of old gardens ; nor in the careful providing of the shady " wilderness," which was the ever necessary ap|iendage to every English mansion of the olden time, though scarcely ever thought of in the formation of modern gardens, in which all is required to be so trim and smart that the delightful old bit of wild Nature has had to submit to banishment, and, along with it, its subdued light, its cool shades, and all the charms of it-j natural wildness, in which Bramble and Bryony were allowed to intertanglc themselves with Ivy, as an undergrowth, and a Moss-grown pathway or two, could not even remain un- molested. In Elizabeth's time, Shakespeare often alludes to shady garden bowers and Yew arbours as favourite retreats in summer days ; and delights to dwell upon such features in the gardens of ancient times. In old gardens, the cropped Yew or Holly hedges of great height, green walls of verdure, made gloriously shady walks, impervious to a single ray of light. Between two such hedges, constant shade prevailed ; and a fountain at one end added to the aspect of refreshing cool- ness. Nothing would be more easy than to plan and plant summer groves, and groups of shade-giving trees, in every new garden, large or small, according to the space at command ; for there is no necessity to have recourse again to the cropped Yew hedges or Yew arbours of our forefathers, or to any other kind of topiariau work. The central fact to be borne in mind about shade-trees is, that some kinds are frequently planted which are useless for this purpose. Shade-trees are of more import- ance in the heated streets of a city and in promenades ; yet, as we write (loth July), the Mall in St. James's Park is thickly strewn with the fallen brown leaves of the Lime, and the trees above arc yellow with the foliage about to fall. It is absurd to jilant a tree to furnish shade which frequently begins to lose its loaves before the heats of summer have set in. Be.sides, our summers are short enough in all conscience, without plant- ing the Lime to give us sigi^s of autumn long before it really appears. Curiouslj' enough, it is from foreign trees that we get the most perfect and refreshing shade. A good shade-tree should not only give a dense cool shade, but its green should be fresh and pleasant to the eye in the heat of summer. Mr. Meston thinks there is no better tree for shade than the Black Italian Poplar ; and it possesses these essential qualifications even in London, where the Lime fails so much sooner than it does in the country. Some of the Acer platanoides, and the Sycamore and its varieties, are strongly recommended by Messrs. Osborn, of Eulham, who also mention the Horse Chestnut ; but town planters would do well to bear in mind that this loses its leaves in cities prematurely, and somewhat after the fashion of the Lime. Tlie Ashes have fine ([ualilics as shade-trees, retaining their handsotne leaves throughout the heats. The Planes are very fine, but somewhat open ; they also begin to show the yellow leaf too soon, but never in a very objectionable way. The Tulip tree, when old and spreading, is a good shaile-tree. Populus alba and P. a. acerifolia are also valuable. Perhaps the most ch.armiiig green hues are afforded by Robinia and its varieties, which, though somewhat late in coming into full leaf, retain their exi|uisite verdure till late in the year. Many trees may be named, whicli,in open situations, may be readily trained to form of themselves isol.ated shady retreats, even on a suimy lawn. The Weeping Ash, for instance, in a good situation, will very quickly form a perfect tent of verdure, providing ample room within its descending branches for garden seats, and even a rustic table. The Weeping ^Mountain Elm, again, forms a fine far-sjireading canojiy of very dense foliage, which, though not descending perpendicularly to the ground, and so forming an absolute tent, like the Weep- July 18, 1874] THE GARDEN. 51 SHADE-GIVING TREES. July 18, 1874.] THE GARDEN. 53 ing Ash, is perhaps more impervious to the sun-rays, and casts a broad and deep shadow, in which a certain amount of coolness may be constantly enjoyed. Then there is the Weeping Willow, never yet utilised in this way, which, by careful management, might be made to form garden apartments of very picturesque character ; for instance, let four young trees, high standards, be planted at the angles of a sipiare about 9 feet in diameter, let a slight framework be raised, over which the lateral branches are to be trained; and in three or four years, an interlaced roof of summer gi'eenery of considerable expanse will be formed, and, then the new branches may be allowed to descend all round, forming a screen, or rather gracefully descending curtain, surrounding the entire space intended to be so en- closed. This result being achieved, the trees may be allowed to pursue their natural growth, and all appearance of for- mality will rapidly disappeai-, leaving to the pleasantly enclosed and shaded space the aspect of being mei'ely a graceful acci- dent of Nature, especially after the removal of the original supports to the roof of interlaced verdure, which may be done as soon as the branches have permanently assumed their positions and acquired sufficient strength to support themselves without extraneous aid. Many other shade-producing devices of more or less pleasing and appropriate garden character might be formed. The following list of shade trees has been furnished us by Messrs. Osborn : — Acer Juglans Quercus Tilia platanoides niffra coccmea . americana laxi- Piseudo- Platanus clnerea pal us tr is flora albo - variega- regia Robinia pubescens lepto- tum Liriodendron Pseud-Acacia phylla pui-pui"eum Tulipiferum crispa heteropbylla ^sculua Platanus macrophylla Ulmus Hippo castanum acerifolia Decaisneana campestris flore pleno pyramidalis Salis latifolia ohioensis Populus pentandra suberosa rubicunda alba babylonica pendula Ailantus acerifolia Russel liana montana glandulosa canescens pen- alba major Castanea dula Sophora pendula vesca tremula pendula japomca var. (Cam- glabra moniUfera Tilia per d 0 w n Fagus angulata europaea Elm) sylvatica can di cans platypliylla glabra purpurea Quercus intermedia vegeta (the pendula peduuculata rubra H u ntingdon Frasinus sessititlora aurea or Chichester excelsior Cerris alba Elm) pendula rubra pendula americana H. N. H. TREES STRUCK BY LIGHTNING. At a late meeting of the Botanical Society of Edinbnrgh, Mr. M'Nab said that he had recently visited a large Sycamore, growing in the park at Woodburn, Dalkeith, which had been struck by lightning on the 25th June. The stem of the tree was 11 feet in cu'cumference at 3 feet from the ground, and 70 feet in height, and of perfect sym- metry. Considerable portions of the outer bark, varying from 2 to 3 feet in diameter, particularly on various parts of the upper branches, presented the appearance of having been scorched. Portions, from 1 to 6 inches in length, and averaging 2 inches in breadth, were more or less curled up, and seemed attached by the middle. On one spot alone had the bark been entirely removed, and in this instance the strip was about 2 feet long and 6 inches broad. Numer jus lines were traced on the outer bark, as if carried off by the electric fluid as it was passing to the ground. It was difficult to say what permanent damage the tree had sustained, but towards the top of the south- west side it had a yellowish appearance. An Ash at Lugton, on the Dalkeith property, had been struck at the same time. This tree, which was about 8 feet in circumference and 50 in height, was struck one-third from the top. The bark had been entirely taken off, and the wood much splintered at the point where struck. At various places along the main stem the bai-k had been stripped off, and at the base the bark had been nearly all removed. Some Beech plants had at the same time been injured in the nursery grounds of Mr. Methven at luverleith Park. On inspection he found a row of four.year old plants more or less damaged. The leaves had been burned, but otherwise the plants appeared in a healthy con- dition. Although in several cases he found that both the leaves and branches of Beech trees had been injured by lightning, there was not a case on record, as far as he was aware, of this tree having been torn to pieces like many others. Of late years many forest and ornamental trees had been damaged by lightning, and, although not instantly killed by the electric fluid, they were injured to such an extent aa ultimately to cause death. Wall fruit trees were also subJBctto the effects of lightning, and almost immediately a sudden browning of the leaves would be- observed. In the case of stone fruit, besides this colouring of the leaves, the b.ark burst, causing a flow of gum from the injured portions. Sir Walter Elliot made a few remarks on trees which had been struck at Sidlaw last year, and, which up till now were not observed to bo damaged. The President gave a short description of a large Oak which a few years ago was struck by lightening at Edmonstone House. This instance, ho said, gave one an idea of the amazing power of lightning. The trunk on being struck was shattered to pieces, and, in proof of that, he had to state that large pieces, 9 and 10 feet long, were blown some distance off. Singular Case of Brancli-falling.— We have here a few of the best English Elms I have ever met with, one of which covers a space 79 yards in circumference, and has a height in proportion. The first branches are quite 30 feet from the ground ; indeed, I do not remember ever seeing such a height and spread of branches combined. The trunk girths, at 4 feet from the ground, 13 feet 3 inches, and ia, as the saying goes, " as sound as a bell," as are even the smallest branches. What storms this fine tree must have battled through, and yet not a limb has been lost. One, however, fell when least expected, not in a storm, but in one of the calmest nights of summer, during a heavy dew or fog. The branch which thus fell is It yards long, and measures -Ifeet 10 inches in circumference. It is without splft or other blemish, and I am at a loss to account for its snapping off otherwise than by the weight caused by the deposit of dew ; or, possibly, the long drought has had soaiething to do with the matter, the wood having become crisp through want of moisture. The occurrence took place on the night of July 9.— John Tavlok, Hard. u'icl;e Grange, Shreivsharij. New Weeping False Acacia (Robinia Pseudo-Acacia pendula) .—To the above name we might, after the manner of many horticulturists, add the qualifying word vera, to distinguish the plant of which we are speaking from that which has long been sold for it, under the popular name of the Weeping Bobinia, which has nothing weeping about it but the name. In fact, this last-named plant is a variety of R. tortuosa, of a somewhat vigorous growth, the longer branches of which bend down slightly in consequence of their length. The plant bearing the name, at the head of these remarks, Is, on the contrary, of a distinctly weeping growth. The vigorous branches, which are often of great length, weep down towards the main trunk, after the manner of the Slyphnolobnim pendulum. The foliage presents no special peculiarity, and resem. bles that of the typical species, or common Robinia. Where have wo the plant we are noticing ? We have admired it at St. Michel. Bougeval, in the garden of M. Couturier, the eminent nurseryman, of whom plants may be procured. We believe that it has even flowered, though we do not affirm the fact. — Bevue Uorticole. NOTES AND QUESTIONS ON TREES AND SHRUBS. Olives out-of-doors at Clapham.— Mr Hanbury exhibited at a recent meetino- of the LiimteM Society braiiclios of Olive grown m the open an: against a wall at Olapham, some bearing llowers, others nearly npe frmt. Raising Grounl round Oak Trees.-Most certainly raising the ground over the roots of Oak trees (see p. 624, Vol. V.) will gradually kdl them. Healthy Elms often bear covering over in that way with impunity ; but my experience is that such covering is highly detrimental, and generally fatal, to Oaks. Build a rubble wall round the stem, 8 or 10 feet from it ; this will help to extend the period of existence, but will not ultimately save the trees.— M. True and False Retinosporas.— Retinosporas come mostly from Japan ; but one or two of them, or what pass for such, are known to have origmated from seed of the American Arborvitse. M. Carriore, in the Seiuie Uorticole, after a lonf study of them, comes to the conclusion that all the species of Retinospora fall 'into two series, and have been derived— one set from the American Arliorvitaj ; the other from the Chmese or Japanese Ai-borvltsa (Biota orieiitalis). Cercis Silionastrum in the Botanic Gardens at Leyden.-WhUe visiting these gardens m the beginning of May, I was delighted with the beauty of tma tree, of which there are in these gardens three Rrand specimens, one agamst a west wall and two others against a south one. The circumference ot the stem of one of these, at 6 feet from the ground, is about a toot, and it reaches to the top of the wall, which is from 15 to 18 feet in height ; at the top, the branches extends horizontally to the length of 45 or 48 feet. During my visit, these trees were covered with flowers ot a bright rosy-pink colour, produced in bunches from the old wood before the foliage makes its appearance, ihis gives the trees a singular but beautiful appearance.— A. M. 0. Johgkikdi CoNlNCK, TutU'tihitm 2\''iii-seric)t, DcifetJiscttart, near Zwolle, Netherlands. Oak Trees in Chemical Manufacturing Districts.— The Oak is possessed of more vitality than most people are aware of. Living in the heart ot the chemical manufactnrini; district of Lancashire, I have had an opportunity of observing the behaviour of this tree under dilBculties. It is quite true that it is the first to show signs of decay, and that it yields to the influence ot the noxious gases before any other British tree; but, after it has apparently withered, and to all outward appearance is dead, it continually, year after year, sends out a^ain a few green shootii, thus showing that the roots are living, and to some extent vigorous. Other trees in this district which are susceptible to the gases, seldom send out any new shoots. Another thing worthy of notice is that tall trees suffer before shrubs or small trees.— B. 64 THE GARDEN. [July 18, 1874. THE FRUIT GARDEN. THREE CROPS OF MELONS FROM THE SAME PLANTS. I HAVE hitherto been under the impression that one crop of Melons from each plant was all that could be got in anything like perfection in any one year ; but this season we have j^athcred one crop, part of a second, and even a third crop is set and swelling. The plants from which so much fruit is obtained are grown in a close frame, heated by means of a y-inch pipe run all round it for top-heat, and a similar amount of pipes for bottom-heat. Over the pipes for bottom-heat a vacant space is left, formed by placing boards l inches apart across the pipes, their ends being laid on bricks in such a luanuer as to raise them several inches above the pipes. Thin turves, with the green side down, are placed on the boards, which leaves a space 3 feet deep in front and 4\ feet deep at the back. Into this space Oak leaves are then firmly trodden, leaving a foot clear between them and the glass. Below the centre of each light is placed a barrowful of good yellow loam mixed with a quantity of dry cow dung — materials which form a good compost in which to plant ; and, as the roots extend, more of it is added from time to time until the bed is covered. When the plants have made six leaves they are pinched in, and as the laterals extend they are pegged down on the soil at regular distances apart ; and, on reaching the extre- mities of the pit, their points are stopped, which terminates all further stopping until the first crop is ripe, unless any stray shoot happens to rise against the glass. When a fruit has fairly set and has commenced swelling, a brick or slate should be put below it to obviate discoloration by laying on the soil, and also to facilitate ripenhig. All laterals bearing fruit are stopped two buds beyond the fruit. When the first fruits have attained half their size another crop will be setting, which should be treated like the first, and when the first fruits are cut, a third crop will be setting. All barren and super- fluous shoots should now be removed, as well as all decaying leaves. Watering is a matter of much importance. When the plants are put in, a good soakhig should be given them, and no more will be recpiired until the shoots have reached the sides of the frame, after which another good watering will be suffi- cient to set the first crop. After they have set and have beguii to swell, they will rer(uiro water regularly every week. To the plants under each light, I give once a week, four large potfuls of manure-water and two of clear water. The manure is given through the spout of the pot, and as little is spilt on the leaves as possible. The clear water is applied through a rose, and it washes any of the leaves that may have been touched with the manure-water. When the fruits begin to colour, watering is withheld until they are cut, after which, watering is carried on as usual, and between three and four in the afternoon is the best time for the operation. Syringino- must be attended to night and morning, viz., in the afternoon when the temperature is about 100", and first thing in the morning, unless the latter is so dull and cold as to render it inexpedient to lift the sashes. James Morkison. Fig Trees Casting their Fruit.— A friend of mine is in distress at the conduct of a fine Fig tree, which, after making a great show of fruit that promised to become very tine, suddenly commenced to drop its Figs, until, in a few week's time there were very few remaining on it. It is stated to have been well watered, and to all appearances healthy. Can yon, in the ab, the cause of the disaster, and its remedy.— R, Curtis. [Upon submitting this case to an excellent Fig grower, he has kindly favoured us with the following reply :— The cold spring, and June frosts have killed the flowers, which are inside the receptacle, and which, after fertilisation, swell into the fruit. One of our own trees has suffered in the same manner. Even in more favoured climes, as in Judica, the same thing Bometinies happens, and " the Fig tree casts its untimely fruit," That this is the correct explanation seems confirmed by the fact that the second crop of Figs, which appears when the summer is advanced, is not liable to drop, at least from trees that are healthy, and good bearing sorts. If your friend's tree is of the Brunswick variety, which is known by its large, handsome, and deeply divided leaves, it had better be discarded, and a Brown Turkey, which is a first rate bearer put in its place, after renewing the soil.— G. S.] Packing Grapes. — Nothing is better for this parpose than tin boxes, 18 inches or 2 feet long, G inches deep, and 12 inches wide; these sizes will be found to fit suitable-sized hampers. Peickiug materials should consist of fine paper-shavings or coarse unbleached cotton-waddiug. It is not contact so muchasrubbing which destroys the bloom of the berries ; the bunches should therefore be packed very firmly, first wrapping each bunch in one or two sheets of soft tissue or lino drapery paper, and afterwards wedging them together in the box, so tliat when the lid is shut down they cannot move about, in whatever position the box or hamper may be laid or thrown. Grapes packed in this way rarely get damaged, nor is the bloom of the beiries much affected. — Gardcmrr. Gooseberry Bushes for Garden Fences. — Why not !-■ and also for hedges between arable fields on f.irms ? There can be no question that a Thorn hedge forms a good fence, but it is no more than a fence ; it needs good land and free exposui-e to light and air to grow it, and a great deal of labour to keep it in order, but it yields no profit. Perhaps nothing could be better for external fences or for boundary lines between meadows, where a strong fence is needed to prevent the passage of stock ; but in such positions as those indicated above, an impenetrable barrier is of less moment. A certain amount of shelter, and a clear sharp line of division are all that is necessary, and these may readily be found in Gooseberry plants of various sorts. In fact, many varieties, such as the Iron. monger, Warrington, &c., with their long sharp spines, would make a fence almost as impenetrable as Quickset itself ; and almost any sort of Gooseberr}' has spines enough to constitute it a good hedge plant. Of course a great deal depends upon the modes of planting and training. It would not, however, be difficult by a little nianipu. lation to make a fence of Gooseberry bashes quite as impenetrable as most of those formed of White Thorn ; but with even ordinary attention, they would form a fence sufficient for the positions thus indicated. Supposing them only to be used as dividing lines between gardens, what an immense gain to cottagers and small holders would result from it. Why, many persons might gather almost enough Gooseberries, green and ripe, to pay their rent, and would still have plenty left for their own consumption. Once make fences of them between fields, and there would hardly be any limit to the quantity of this wholesome fruit. For this purpose, the plants should be ]>lanted a foot apart, and pruned into a sharp. pointed i)ynimid, say 2 or A feet wide at the bottom, and to a point at the top, the height ranging froBi 3 to 5 feet, according to circumstances. Lines of this sort would not grow fruit of an ounce weight, but they would grow any quantity of useful fruit of medium size and of fine quality. It is to be hoped that many })ersons may decide to stub up their old Thorn hedges, and substitute Gosseberries. — Florift. NOTES AND QUESTIONS ON THE FRUIT GARDEN. How to Induce Side Branches in Apple Trees.— I bave a yount,' Apple tree, about S feet high, trained asai^t^t a wall, the main stem of which is devoid of side branches for about 3 feet in the middle of the tree. What course should I take to induce the tree to push out side branches ? Shall I have to cut back the leading branch ? — C. [Make an open incision by means of two cuts above the dormant eyes, or graft or inarch shoots in the vacant places.] How to cut Pine Apples.— When Pines are cut. as many of the short leaves that arc found on the fruit stem, close to the bottom of the fruit as possililo. should be cut with them. The natural garnishiDg which these small leaves aiTord the fruit wheu set on the dessert table is very effective. I have seen many forms of artificial garnishing tried, but none to surpass this. The want of these leaves on imported Pines vcr>' much impairs their appearance. When packing Pines to travel, these leaves should be carefully raised and lied np around the fruit with a bit of soft matting. In that way they help to protect the fruit. — J. Muik. The Grape Crop in California.— From the reports to local papers, the Grape crop (if is74 picmises to be both heavy and of good quality. In Napa county the yield is estimated to reach probably 4,025 tons, or 537,000 gallons of wine. Sonoma county is estimated to ^-ield from 10 to 25 per cent, more than last year. Other counties make similar reports. In Santa Clara, making raisins is a protitable business. Only abnnt 75 per cent, of the Grapes in a Vineyard arc suitable for raisins, and 'ihefc shrink 33 per cent, in drying. A good Vineyard shnnld therefore yield half as many pounds of raisins as there are Grajie's harvested. California is for Vine growing the finest State in the Union, our hothouse Grapes thriving well there, whereas in the east they are a failure. The Washington Fear.— Wc have cultivated and fruited this Pear and highly commended it for ni(.>rc than thirty years, the first spceimcns ripening in tlie'year 1H36. Wc observe by the jmblic joiunals that cultivators in manj places "are just awaking to an appreciation of its excellence. The tree is a Iiaudsomc, althougli not rampant, grower, and is one of Ibc earliest bearers, being excelled in this respect only by the Julienne and BaTtlctt. When well grown, the Pear is handsome in appearance, the crimson dots on the side next the sun adding much to its beauty. In flavour it is very sweet and excellent. Its ilrawbacks are— it is not large enough in size to obtain celebrity in market, and although very juicy and tender, it is rather breaking than butterj- and melting in texture. It "is one of the varieties that will flourish on almost any soil. — Cultivator, July 18, 1874] THE GAUDEN. 55 THE GARDEN IN THE HOUSE. ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING OF DINING-ROOMS. I Mtss Hassaed, so woU known for her charming dinner-table :nid other floral decorations at onr great flower shows, and ■who lias so often contribnted to Tnn Garpkn articles embod}^- iiig her experiences in that way, has, we arc glad to say, Table with gaslight at each end. acceded to our Vof|uest that she would re-describe them in consecutive order. In tlie articles, of which this is the first, the whole question of table decorations will, therefore, be dealt with in detail. — En.] The selection of stands for the decoration of the dinner- table must depend (as has been well shown by Mr. W. Thomson, in The Garden, whose illustrations we reproduce) Table with gaslight over centre. on the manner in which the room is illuminated by means of artificial light. Generally speaking, there are but three ways of lighting rooms with gas or wax lights, ■viz., lights placed on the table, bracket or wall lights, and the chandelier or gasiilier. The style of stand or stands selected for the table wholly depends upon which of these modes of lighting is adopted. For instance, if the room be lighted by two gas lights or chandeliers, one at. each end of the table, a March stand should be chosen ; but if illuminated by a gasalier placed over the centre of the table, the selection of such a stand would be a mistake, for, the light being above the stand, though the flowers arranged in the top tazza would bo well shown up, those in the lower one would be put into the shade ; the top tazza would catch all the illuminating rays, and keep them off the lower one as effectively as if a screen had been placed over it. By such an arrangement as that shown in the accompanying illustration, each tier has its proper share of light. Where the gasalier is placed over the table, the best form to use is a high single slender trunipcc, or some such shape, so that when the light happens to fall on it, it will not throw any shadow on the arrangement which may be placed round the base of the vase. When the light is placed over the centre, flat arrangements can be used with advantage, though for my own part, where possible, I give preference to something high in the centre. Undoubtedly the best stand for a room thus lighted is the trumpet, or some modification of it — such a stand, in short, as that represented by the accompanying illustration. When about to purchase new stands, these remarks should be borne in mind, and also when arranging pot plants on the dinner-table ; for the mode of lighting atfects them quite as much as stands. If the lighting is not taken into consideration, large Fern fronds and similar foliage would throw heavy shadows on the table- cloth, which would spoil the look of any arrangement in their viciuit}-. Plants Placed Through Dinner-tables. Many will donbtless be ready to exclaim, " Who would cut holes in one's dinner-table or table-cloth for such a purpose? " VVell, allow me to explain how this can be effected without damaging either the table or cloth. With the exception of those who have seen suitable plants put through a talile, no Pot plant through table. one can have an idea of the elegant effecj which they produce when arranged in that way. Imagine the striking effect which young Tree Ferns or Palms have in such positions ; their elevated fronds shading from the blaze and glare of light the smaller arrangements of flowers and fruits laid here and there on the snowy damask below them, a i-esult which cannot be produced unless the plants arc put through the table. This may be done in several ways. Dinner-tables are gener- ally of two kinds— the one the 'telescope, into which maybe put as many or as few spare leaves as miy be desirable; the Plant through table arranged with Ferns, &c. other that with a large centre and spare ends, which may be added at pleasure. There are two ways of putting the plants through these tables. Now-a-days dinner-tables are never, I need hardly say, uncovered, therefoi-e it is of no consequence of what material the top of the table is made, provided one leaf, reserved for a plant in the centre, or two if for a plant at either end, be made of common deal, either the same size as the mahogany one for which it is substituted, or only a foot or 18 inches wide, if the table is required to be made shorter. 56 THE GARDEN. [July 18, 1874. This spare leaf should be cut in two, aud a half-circular piece cut out of each piece, which, when replaced in the table, will leave a circular hole in the centre. Before this deal leaf is lifted into the space from which the mahogany one has been removed, a wooden box, or anything which will form a stand for the plant, should be put into proper position ; the plant should thou be placed on it and carefully raised to a proper height, keeping always the surface of the pots just below the level of the table. Each half of the spare leaf may then be fitted into its place, when the stem of the plant will occupy the centre of the circular hole cut for it. If there is a plant to be placed at each end of the table, the best way of supporting them is to place a long plank underneath. Should Ferns be used, the holes cut out of the spare leaves must be of the same size as the top of the pots, as, in the case of such plants, the pots must be flush with the table. The other plan of arranging plants in this way is to have a small piece of brass or iron that may be drawn across and fastened when the table is within an inch or an inch and a half of closing, which will prevent its either closing or opening. This form is suitable only for Palms, and similar plants. It is in this way the table with extra ends must be managed, and about which there is no difficulty; for I constantly practice it. Let us now turn to the covering of the table. The way the table-cloths (for it takes two to each table when so decorated) are ai-ranged, is as follows :— Each cloth is opened and spread along each side of the table, so as to meet in the centre or lap over each other about an inch. They should be kept as flat round the base of the plants as possible, and the cloths should be pinned together so as to prevent thorn from being open. A clean flat-iron should next bo obtained with which the folds should be neatly pressed, so as to obliterate any appearance of a join. If half the width of the cloth is not found enough to allow it to droop gracefully at eacli side allow more ; but always keep the middle fold flatly pressed, a trouble which will be well repaid by the effect produced. My tables both at South Ken- sington and Birmingham had plants put through them. At the former I had a graceful pair of Ptcris tremula, and at the latter a pair of Chama^doreas. The accompanying illustration represents a plant of white Bouvardia, with Ferns and scarlet Pelargoniums arranged round the base. All plants put through tables should have some similar kind of arrangement round the base, otherwise they would look unfinished, and, indeed, anything but ornamental. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. Incense. — At a meeting of the Society of Experimental Thera. peuticg, in France, an interesting paper was read by M. L. Marchand, on " The Origin and Uses of Incense." In regard to its origin, M. Marchand states that it has been known from the period of highest antiquity under the name Oliban, and has always been regarded as a precious substance. It was bnrnt in the temples of pagan divinities, and to the present day it is used in Catholic countries, under the name of incense, from the Latin word incemlere, to burn. There is much discussion as to the source of incense. Some authors think that all the incense which arrives in Europe comes from Arabia ; but it is certain that whilst much comes from Arabia, some also proceeds directly from the trees of Abyssinia. According to M. Schimper, the resin is produced by a tree named Boswellia floribnnda; others, with Flliokiger, suppose that it is the Boswellia sacra ; whilst others again, with Birdwood, attribute it to the Boswellia Carteri. M. Marchand distinguishes two species of offiicinal incense : one in small leaves mixed with more or less debris of bark ; the other in large fragments of finer quality. The former was called male, the latter female, incense, by the ancients. Female incense is the produce of the Boswellia popyrifera, a plant that is only found in Africa. Male incense, on the other hand, is obtained both from India and Afrira, being the produce of the Indian species, Boswellia thuriferaor serr.ata, and the African species, Boswellia sacra, B. Carteri, B. Bhau-Djama- Mohr, and B. Frerania-Vegaor. The Dismal Squares of London. — Punch, after comment, ing on the renovation of Leicester Square, says: — Who follows suit ? Pmtcli wants to know — Lifts thy square (once King's Place), Soho, From squalor sad to think on — Regilds the square still *' golden " hight, And sets the lamps of legal light High in the fields of Lincoln ? SBAKALB CULTURE IN THE MARKET GARDENS OF LONDON. Seakale is one of the most important crops gi-own by the London market gardener. It is either an annual or biennial crop, easy to cultivate, accommodating in its habit, free from insect pests; and, altogether, it gives little trouble and is highly remunerative. Growers in the Fulham fields, the Chiswick and Barnes Thames level, the Deptford and Wool- wich neighbourhoods, and, in fact, for manj' miles round the metropolis, pay much attention to its growth, and regard it as one of their principal crops. From the first week in November till the end of April it is abundantly supplied in our markets. Propagation. The common way of increasing Seakale is from cuttings of the thong-like white fleshy roots, which arc cut away from the crowns when these are lifted for forcing. These thongs, when removed, arc thrown into a heap in a shed, there to remain until all the plantations that are to bo lifted for forcing arc up and dressed. The best are then selected, cut up into pieces about 4 inches in length, and laid in a heap by themselves. The remainder are either burned, along with jjrunings of trees and bushes ; committed to the dunghill, where there is a herd of pigs, and where they are not likely to be disturbed imtil they are so decomposed as to be exhausted of all future efforts at new life ; or, most commonly of all, carted away to some useless corner, where they are built into a heap, there to remain and rot throughout the succeeding summer. Beds are in the meantime prepared for the cuttings, from 4 to 0 feet in width, any length, and raised, like a seed-bed, about 4 or G inches higher than the surrounding level, to keep the Seakale roots healthy and free from damp. The cuttings are then brought hither, and a layer of them, nearly 2 inches in thickness, placed on the surface, and over them another layer of soil about 2 or 3 inches in depth. This being generally done in January, all is left undisturbed till planting time, which is commonlj- in March. The beds are then uncovered to unearth the roots, which will have started several eyes, and emitted a quantity of white feather-like rootlets. As now the top and bottom ends of the sets or cuttings can easily be discerned, men and women are set to work at them to rub off all eyes excepting the ' strongest top one, and to arrange them by placing all the head ends one way and the bottom ones the other way, and in this manner placing them in baskets for the convenience of the planters, who dibble them into the ground head end upwards. Instead of placing the made cuttings on the bed used for starting them, some growers lay thereon selected, but uncut, roots, and at uncovering time thej' cut back these roots to the best eye, then cut them at the required leugth below it, and rub off all other eyes, as in the previous ca.se. By this plan good eyes are neatly and certainly secured ; but the practice is more laborious than in the first case. Seakale, too, is raised from seed in some cases ; but it is considered a tedious and almost needless way, considering bow easily they are olitaincd from cuttings ; and I think I can do no better than relate how Mr. Myatt, the famous market gardener at Deptford, propa- gates this vegetable from seed. In March he selects a piece of ground in some corner of his garden, digs it deeply or trenches it, but gives it no manure, if it had been liberally treated in that respect for the previous crop, and thereon he forms a series of 4 feet wide beds, with 1 foot alleys between them. On these beds he sows his seeds quite thickly. When the seedlings appear they are left unthinncd and unmoved during the succeeding summer and winter, with no care being paid to them whatever bej'ond cleaning, which is attended to to prevent the weeds from seeding, thus (jresorving the soil from a succession of these pests. Early in the following spring, or when the plants are twelve mouths old from the time of sowing, they are lifted, cut into ■!• inch lengths, to which are preserved the crowns, the remainder being thrown away. These pieces are then planted permanently at once, and will be equ.ally strong with the plants from root cuttings. The objection to seedlings, however, is that they solely occupy July 18, 1874.] THE GARDEN. 67 the ground under the seed beds for one entire year, without yielding any return that season, and also that during the second summer they are sometimes liable to produce multitudinous crowns ; and, unless extra labour is expended in reducing them, they form but weakly subjects for next winter's forcing. By lifting them in January instead of March, cutting them back as before directed, and placing them in layers on beds, as already advised for root cuttings, all starting eyes, excepting the main single crown, could be rubbed away, and thus much labour saved. Why are not the seedlings thinned and planted out the first season of their existence ? may be a question asked l^y many, and it is one that Mr. Myatt's experience soon settles. He has tried that mode of treatment, and, even with great care, found the majority of his plants " bolted " during the summer, and at lifting time the roots were too weak for any payable piirpose ; consequently they require another year's growing, and unremitting attention in reducing their many crowns ; therefore he has discarded the practice, as being a troublesome and unprofitable one. Planting and Summer Treatment of Young Plantations. The Seakale cuttings being prepared and in readiness for planting, that operation is usually performed in March. No ground is prepared for them alone, but they are inserted with iron-shod dibbers at certain distances amongst the crop at the time occupying the ground. As a rule, the most approved method of cropping the Seakale gi-ouud at planting time is this : — The ground, after being well manured aud doubly dug or trenched in winter, is levelled in February, and lines drawn along it ih or 3 feet apart for Cauliflowers, which are then planted, keeping them at the same distance asunder in the rows, or more generally at that of the least distance. Between the lines of Cauliflower, other lines are drawn precisely in the middle — but this line is more commonly guessed at than measured — and in it are planted white or green Paris Cos Lettuces, only half the distance asunder in the rows as the Cauliflowers. In the rows occupied by the latter, too. Lettuce plants are inserted alternately with the Cauliflowers. Thus in the field there will be, when finished, three Lettuces for every single Cauliflower. The ground is now ready for receiving the Seakale, a set of which is planted with the dibber, alter- nately with Lettuces and Cauliflowers, iu all the rows. The Lettuces are first ready for m.arket, and are commonly, re- moved before they can injure the Cauliflowers. By the end of May, most of the latter crop is also marketed, thus leaving the Seakale, which, by this time, will be coming up strongly, in sole possession of the soil. Mr. Broadbent, of Parson's Green, Fulham, an excellent gardener, plants his Seakale sets 15 by 18 inches apart amongst his spring Cabbages, which are all removed before they can materially injure the Seakale. Mr. Dancer, nurseryman and market gardener, Fulham, plants some of his sets in the alleys between his Asparagus ridges ; but in this case they must all be lifted at the end of the first season. Mr. Geo. Steel plants some of his sets in rows between his Gooseberry bushes and Moss Eoses ; but they must always be removed for forcing at the end of the first season. Some nurserymen plant their sets at 18 inches apart each way, and never inter-crop the ground amongst them, but take great care of them ; and, under such management, they get finer roots than can be produced in the market gardens. These nurserymen's roots being all lifted next winter, the best are sold for forcing, and the weakest cut back and sold as planting plants. It is a stupid practice, how- ever, to buy plants for transplanting, for sets are decidedly- better. The plants give trouble in reducing the number of their crowns and flower-stems in summer ; whereas the sets, if properly made and treated, give hardly any, and in one year make almost as good crowns as the real plants will. In any case no further care is necessary throughout the summer and autumn than at first hoeing the surface soil weekly, whether it is dirty or not, cutting away all flower-spikes, as they only tend to weaken the crowns, and rubbing off all small shoots that may chance to spring around the main one ; but this is an infrequent occurrence iu the case of properly-prepared young plants. All vacancies m the plantation caused by blind sets, or others inadvertently hoed off or irreparably bruised in planting, should be made up with Lettuces. Towards the end of the year, if the plantation is to be entirely lifted for forcing — say about the last week in October or the first fortnight of November — just as soon as the leaves have decayed, they are raked ofl:' into heaps with a wooden-toothed rake and carted to the manure-heaps. Sometimes they are left as a partial pro. tection against frost. Winter, Spring, and Summer Management of Old Plantations. Although young Seakale are the most suitable and con- venient for forcing, still there must be a portion, if not an entire plantation, left for producing " natural " Seakale, i.e. the Kale unforced. In private gardens this is commonly done by covering the crowns with pots made for the purpose, or a framework of wood covered with a mulching of leaves to ex- clude light ; indeed, in the same way, but with increased covering of leaves or litter, the bulk of the Seakale is forced. The object of this old-fashioned and really troublesome plan is to save the forced plants for another year's use, thus incurring a watchful attendance during the succeeding summer in cutting out the flower-stems aud reducing the shoots ; otherwise, if left to grow as they can, they will produce multitudinous weak crowns, that will bear as many, if not more, weakly ones next year. If a young plantation be made every year, part of it to be lifted for forcing, aud part left for spring use, to be grown on next summer, and lifted for forcing in winter, less time, ground, and trouble are required than by adopting the old principle of keeping the same plantations untouched year after year. In the end of autumn or beginning of winter, all roots to be forced may also be lifted, and lined in as closely as they can be put iu some cool corner out of doors, to be taken into the Mushroom-house as required, and thus the piece of grouud they occupied is empty and ready for manuring, trenching, and ridging, and in good condition for early crop- ping in spring. In market gardens all plantations are made as recorded under the preceding heading ; and if the field is to be kept to yield " natui'al " Kale, every third row is lifted, and thus the rows are left in pairs, having a si:)ace of nearly, if not quite, .3 feet "oetween them. The surface of the soil is then raked clean, and from this wide space the rows are earthed over to the depth of half a dozen inches, any time between November and February, but the sooner the better, so as not to interfere with the other work, and also to prevent the frost penetrating the ground amongst the crowns and thus rendering it cold and late. The Kale begins to push about the second week in March, and, according to the position of the field, and nature of the soil and weather, a supply may be gleaned therefrom till the end of April. As soon as the point of a shoot of Kale is discerned above the ridge, that head is fit for cutting, which is usually done twice or three times a week. In cutting, the soil is drawn away with a spade from every visible shoot, which is cut over just into the crown, and laid on the ridge top till all have been cut ; or women with baskets come after the men and take them to the outside at once. The earth is not replaced again, except so much as is necessary to keep the ridges from breaking down, and thus leaving uncut crowns uncovered. When the day's cutting is over, the Kale is placed on its ends in broad shallow baskets, carried by men and women, or carted home, where it is washed, tied iu punnets of a dozen heads, again packed into baskets, which are piled on waggons and sent to market. After all Kale is cut, the ridges are levelled down, and the space between the rows cropped with white Cos Lettuces, which heart at this season better than any other sort. Immediately the Seakale begins to grow numerous crowns are produced; but these are all reduced to two, or at most three, of the strongest, and in this respect, in removing their flower-spikes, aud in keeping the soil about them loose and clean, they are well attended to .afterwards. These old roots are used next winter for forcing, but I have known them, as in the case of Mr. Bagley, Turnham Green, to be kept for two or three years, but they gave continuous trouble throughout the summer, however, and the older they became the more annoying they were. Forcing. Never have I seen Seakale forced iu the ground as it grows in any market garden, for such a practice would be far from 58 THE GARDEN. [July 18, 1874. remunerative ; indeed, all tlic Kale that could thus be forced would not pay for tbe trouble taken with it. In market gardens the roots are all lifted and dressed for forcing, cutting away the thongs to within an inch or two of the main root, as explained under the head of " propagation." If the Kale be rei|uired early, say in the first fortnight of November, the very best crowns and such as are best ripened, which will bo seen by the leaves being withered the earliest, should be selected, as it is a difficult matter to get Seakale to start so early, notwithstanding its being the easiest of all vegetables to force. Having the crowns in readiness, a hot-bed is pre- pared for startin.o; them in, which, in the case of the earliest batch, merely consists of a dung-bed covered with frames and sashes, and a few inches deep of soil levelled within the frames for planting the roots amongst, and that is done as thickly as they can be conveniently stowed together. It is endeavoured to keep up a heat of 65*^ or 70°, as they require a little extra excitement to influence them thus early. Litter or mats are kept on the surface over the glass, so as to keep all dark and blanch the Kale. Mr. Humphreys and Mr. Steel endeavour always to have a good cutting of Seakale in time for Lord Mayor's Day in London ; but, as a rule, this is considered too early for regular forcing. When the time comes — about the first fortnight in November — the beds where Cucumbers were grown during the previous summer are cleared out, and re-filled with hot dung, over which about 8 inches deep of soil is placed and levelled, but no frames are used for the Seakale. A notch is then made crosswise in the beds, and therein the crowns are planted as thickly as possible, earthing them up to the top, which is left bare, and proceeding in this way till the whole bed is finished. The lines across the bed are about .5 inches apart, and about the same space of a margin is left empty on each side. Amongst the roots, and lengthwise in the beds, four rows of short stakes are inserted, so that they may be 18 inches above the soil. Some 0 or 7 inches deep of short litter is then strewed over the whole surface of the beds, which are then covered over with mats supported on the ends of the stakes. When these stakes are not used hoops and mats are employed for the purpose. In about three or four weeks after the beds are made up cutting generally begins, when it is necessary to uncover the beds as the operation proceeds, drawing the short litter off the crowns to get at them, and replacing it as speedily as possible, as all the crowns are not fit to cut at the same time. For cutting the forced Seakale a small tool with a handle about 1^ feet long, bent at the neck, aud with a blade about 2 inches wide by 3 inches long, like that of a spade or Dutch hoe, is used. This is a handy instrument, and well adapted for its purpose, as it may be so deftly employed for cutting over the Kale with a small piece of the root-stock adher- ing to it. Tlie mode just described of forcing this vegetable is only that practised as regards the eai'liest beds ; and, indeed, manygrowers do not adopt it at all, whereas all market gardeners that make Seakale forcing a part of their business form their beds, particularly the late ones, as follows : — A well-sheltered plot, near home and the manure-heap, is selected and lined off into spaces either 4 or .5 feet wide, with intervals 2 feet wide between them. These spaces are used as beds, over which the soil from the alleys or intervals is placed, after finely breaking it, until the alley is 20 inches deep. The Seakale crowns are then all lined into these beds as described in the case of earlier beds, and thus the beds are left uncovered until they are required for forcing ; but, as a rule, two or more of them are always being forced, aud others started to succeed them. As these beds have no bottom-heat, it is not necessary that they must be immediately covered, as in that case they, being incited at the bottom, would grow, no matter whether their crowns are cared for or not ; but, in this instance, having no exciting agent, and being in a dormant state, they await the cultivatoi-"s convenience. In forcing them, the alleys oetween the beds are firmlj' filled with fermenting manure, and, the beds being covered as formerly directed with short litter aud mats supported on the upright stakes, all is finished. The Kale takes a longer time to push into growth by this means than when forced on a dnng bed, and it does not come quite so regularly. This method, however, has the advantage of less trouble and risk, and great convenience in keeping up a supply until it can be produced from the open-air beds, at which time all forcing should desist, and the forced roots should be forked out and removed to a heap by themselves, or to the piggery, where their vitality is sure to be destroyed — otherwise, if mixed amongst the dung, conveyed to a field at once, and dug into it, they would certainly grow again, and prove a futui'e annoyance. The dung being forked out from between the alleys, the soil is levelled, and the piece of ground will then be ready for digging over for French Beans, Cauli- flowers, Tomatoes, or for erecting Cucumber frames on. Mr. Gilbert, of Burghley, has a good method of beating Asparagus beds, which appears very feasible to me as regards Seakale beds, and I have recommended it to several market growers, who have promised to give it a trial. This plan is to get 2-inch drain-tiles, which he inserts at short intervals into the sides of the beds, so as to admit the heat from the fermenting material in the alleys to the interior, and thus increase the temperature. -Field. Suecessional Cabbages from the Old Stumps.— Any authoritative work ou gardeniDg will tell you, with regard to Cabbage, to sow in autumn, spring, and midsummer, and to plant as often — a course of practice which most gardeners have discovered to be quite uunccess.ary. Cauliflowers and Bi-nssels Sprouts cannot always be had just when wanted ; but tender Cabbage — aud what is nicer or more wholesome ? — may be had with vei-y little management. Supposing we plant Cabbage in autumn, late, or in spring, they will come in for use nice and tender towards the beginning of summer ; but, as the household is generally not able to use them as fast as they grow, the heads are allowed to swell until they burst, or goto seed or rot, and eventually become quite useless for cooking pur. poses. This, I am quite aware, is what takes place in nine cases out of ten with the Cabbage crop iu summer ; aud, consequently, it is imagined that another suecessional planting is required to continue the supply; but this is a mistake. In gardens from which large establishments have to be supplied, it is seldom that more than one, or at most two, plantations are made during the twelve months ; and the reason is this — that, as the Cabbages are ready, they are generally wanted, and a certain number of heads are cut daily ; but the experienced gardener does not cut the head off at the surface of the soil, but just at the neck, leaving a few of the bottom leaves. Consequently, before the quarter has been cut over the first-cut plants have made another l.)reak and become furnished each with a whole cluster of youug succulent heads, which fold imme. diately, and are fit to cut before the first heads are ([uite finished. The plants will even break and fold a third time, and in this way a quarter of Cabbage may be made to afford a supply nearly all the year round. The vigour, free growth, and tenderness of the heads will be greatly promoted by frequent stirrings of the soil between the rows, and mulching with any loose material, such as short Grass or leaves, at command. Cut your Cabbages, therefore, if you have to give them awaj' to your neighbours, before the heads get over ripe and useless, and you will have a continuance of young and tender heads such as most cooks prefer to heads which are large, white, and hard. To ensure a winter crop, in case of the sprouts being run upon too much, a planting may bo made in August or the beginning of September of some dwarf kind, and also the Enfield Market variety.— J. S. W. NOTES AND QUESTIONS ON THE KITCHEN GARDEN. Potato Disease. — The soft white-looking Potato tubers found among early Potiitoes after being cooked are those in which there is incipient disease, and such Potatoes are always the first to go wrong when a change of weather takes place. Thunderstorms, followed by cloudy drizzling rains and fogs, Jiasten ou the lurking malady at a great rate ; it shows itself all at once, to tho astonishment of those who had no idea that disease was lying in wait, as it were, ready to be developed. This has been the case in previous years, aud the same thing will happen this year within ten (lays or so. Then every one will say that their Potatoes were destroyed in a single day or night. This is, to some extent, the reason why nothing more is known of the cause and care of this disease than, there was nearly thirty years ago. The next fortnight, as I have predicted, will produce a great outcry about such sudden attacks, as if disease really ever did attack the Potatoes suddenly. — Jambs Bi.BXES, Exmonth. Kecent Discovery of Guano.— A short time ago, some extensive beds of guano were discovered in Peru, to the south of the Province of Tarapaca. An examination of the beds has recently been made by two survej'ors, who were sent out by the Central Board of Engineers of Lima. Peru. Their rejiort ia of very great interest, as it shows that several large bed^ of guano, of excellent quality, exist in that locality. Those which have been surveyed, arc estimated to contain nearly 8,01X1,000 tons; one of them alone contains .5,000,000 tons of fine quality. These fortunate discoveries not only remove all fear of a present failure in the supply of guano, but indicate that there are yet other undis- covered beds in existence, which will provide R practically inexhaustible supply. July 18, THE GARDEN. 59 GARDENING FOR THE WEEK, AND AMATEUR'S CALENDAR. The Flower Garden and Pleasure Grounds. Many annual flowers, snch as Nemophilas, Clarkias, and many other species, although exceedingly beautiful while in bloom, aro yet of short duration, even during favourable seasons, and, of course, more so during snch seasons as the present. They should (if the seed is not required) be cleared off as soon as their beauty is over, and be immediately replaced by some other species of plants from the reserve garden. Attend to the various sorts of plants in the flower beds, as regards training, pegging down, watering, &c ; and regulate the growth of standard and pyramidal specimens of Fuchsias, Pelar- goniums, Tropa3olam3, Clematises, &c. ; while drooping plants in baskets and vases, will also require to be occasionally regulated and trained, so as to be made to depend gracefully over the sides, and around the margins of the same. Plants suitable for this purpose, are the various sorts of Ivy. leaved Pelargoniums, Clematises. Con. vulvulus, Mani-andias, Lophospermums, and many others. Hardy shrubs and trees have now nearly finished their annual growth, and their foliage has, in most instances, attained its fall size, and has also acquired the hue or colour of maturity; so that the present is a very appropriate time to make notes having reference to any contem. plated thinning out, or other alterations which may bo deemed desirable, and which it may be intended to cai'ry out at a later period of the season. In all cases, however, where.it is intended to attempt the improvement of garden and park scenery, whether by the removal, or trausplantation of existing specimens, or by the intro. duction of new varieties, it is necessary in either case to exercise considerable care in the matter, and to make as sure as possible of the adaptability of newly-introduced plants to the situations where they are required ; taking into consideration the habit of growth and form which such trees are likely to assume when in a fully developed condition, whether they will be of drooping habit, round-headed, or of pyramidal form ; even the colour, form, and size of foliage should have careful consideration. The character and quality of the soil should also have due weight in the forming of selections of trees and shrubs, as it not unfrequently happens that certain species will succeed admirably in soils where other members of the same family will almost invariably fail. As an illustration of this, it has often been observed that where Picea Pinsapo succeeds well, Abies Douglasii, on the contrary, fails, and vice vers'i. It happens not unfrequently among Coniferous trees that rival leaders are produced, and, whenever this is the case, the strongest and best. placed shoot should be selected, and all others at once cut off ; otherwise, the progress of the specimens will be greatly retarded, and their symmetry destroyed. The terminal buds in the leading shoots of valuable young Conifers are often injured or destroyed by insects, and this is difficult to prevent, as the injury is mostly inflicted before it is observed. Birds will not unfre- quently cause a like evil by repeatedly perching upon the end of the leading shoots, but this may be prevented by tying to the upper part of the trees a piece of wire, the upper end of which should be made exceedingly sharp, and this sharpened portion should extend an inch or two in advance of the terminal bud, which will effectually prevent birds from perching upon it. The very dry and hot weather which we are now o.^periencing is by no means favourable for the operation of budding Roses or other species of ornamental trees ; but it should, nevertheless, be proceeded with on every favourable opportunity. In inserting buds in the Briar keep them as close to the stock as possible, as this lays the foundation of a well-formed head, and the shoots, when they grow, will appear to spring from the top of the stock. One of the best materials for binding the buds is coarse knitting cotton. Good soft bast, which should be wetted when about to be used, will also answer the pur. pose very well; but, whatever material may be used, the bnd should be bound firmly above and below, so as to bring its base into close contact with the wood of the shoot it is budded on. All budding upon the Briar stock should, if possible, be accomplished during the present month, or early in the month of August ; but it may be successfully performed on the Manetti stock up to the middle of September. Many other hardy trees and shrubs are perpetuated by means of budding, and the present is the proper time to attend to such matters. From some unknown causes, Nature not unfrequently develops abnormal sports, or lusus natures, of various forms, very frequently in deviation from the ordinary green colour of vegetation, or in the production of shoots or branches having coloured or variegated foliage ; so that amateurs, and cultivators generally, should always be upon the outlook for such occurrences, and should take immediate advantage of the same, otherwise valuable and ornamental additions to our hardy trees and shrubs, and to plants generally, would, and no doubt are, sometimes be lost to horticulture. So,whenever any striking or apparently valuable sport develops itself, it should be carefully encouraged ; and, if produced by a hardy shrub or tree, the best and most rapid means of perpetuating and increasing the same is by budding it npon young plants of its normal or green-leaved congener. When sports are produced by tender or soft.wooded plants, they can generally be perpetuated by cuttings.— P. GniEVB, Culfonl Gardens, Bury St. Edmund's. Indoor Plant Department. Give weak manure-water to gross feeding conservatory plants, and from specimens planted out in borders remove all superfluous shoots and suckers. Tafsouias, Passifloras, Bignonias, Habrotham- nnses, Louiceras, Marechal Niel Roses, and other climbers, must be frequently regulated in growth, not so much by means of shortening their shoots as by removing the weakest of them. Fuchsias trained to rafters require thinning, and Clematises tying to trellises. Do not allow deciduous climbers to intertwine with evei'green ones, as they are apt to spoil the latter. Keep up a succession of Hydran. geas, zonal, show, and sweet-scented Pelargoniums, Fuchsias, Coleuses, Lobelias, Salvias, Cockscombs, Balsams, Schizanthuses, and similar plants, and transfer to frames or the greenhouse such plants as have done flowering. Heaths, and some other early. flowering, hard. wooded plants, may now be set out of doors on a bed of ashes, plunging the pots in Cocoa-nut fibre, or some such material, to keep the roots cool and moist. In greenhouses, old plants of Agapanthus umbellatus will now be flowering abundantly, and should have plenty of water and a sunny position. Plants of Hebeclinium ianthinnm should have been cut down after flowering, and should now be kept moderately dry for a time, unless it is necessary to force them early. Cut in hard-wooded Veronicas that have done blooming, so as to encourage fresh growth. Keep plants of Lisianthus Russellianus in a warm, moist place, and re-pot them as often as they require it. Pot off seedlings of Primula japouica, and keep them out-of-doors, where they form stronger plants than if nursed under glass. Shift Statices as they require it, and, when they begin to lower, give them mauure-water, or place a mulching of manure over the surface of the soil in the pots in which they are growing. Lemon-scented Verbenas and Fuchsias should be started into growth, as required ; those already started should be kept pinched in, to make them bushy. Plants of Kalosanthes should now have some assistance in the way of stimulants, as should also Lilies, and some soft-wooded plants. Erythrinas in pots should be grown in a cool and light house near the glass ; they require plenty of water, and their main branches should have supports of some kind to keep them in proper position. Bouvardias that were cut back after flowering should now be making good wood ; they must, therefore, be kept moist and warm for some time yet. Persian Cyclamens should be kept in cool and shady frames, or against north walls ; they should receive a little water during the summer months. C. Coum, and similar kinds, should also be kept moderately dry, but not too much so. Azaleas that have done blooming, and which have had their seed-pods picked off, should be re-potted, if necessary, and put into a warm pit, where heat, moisture, and shade can be given them. Camellias also make good growth under similar conditions, as do also Citrons of various kinds. Pinching-in should be practised freely until the plants have attained the form it is desired they should assume. Keep the atmo- sphere of stoves moist by syringing not only the plants, but the stages and walls, and likewise by sprinkling the floor with water. Poinsettias should now be started into growth ; they should be propagated by means of cuttings and eyes, and the young plants should be kept shifted on as they require it, and set near the glass. Plants of Euphorbia jacqniuia3flora must be kept growing, and also near the glass, so as to ripen the points of the shoots. Pot on young plants of Sanchezia nobilis, Scutellaria Mocciniana and Ventenati, Pentas carnea, Linum trigynnm, Monochaetum ensiferum, Centradenias, Eranthemums, and others, using a compost of loam, thoroughly-decomposed manure, and a little peat. Increase the stock of Achimenes by means of cuttings ; Gloxinias, by using good and well-developed leaves as cuttings ; the fine-leaved Begonias in the same way as Gloxinias, and also by placing a whole leaf flat on the surface of a pan filled with silver sand and peat, and surfaced with sand, affixing the leaf thereon with pegs, cutting or breaking the ribs at intervals, and sprinkling some sand over the surface of the leaf; if kept damp and shaded, leaves treated in this way soon form buds at every break. The herbaceous kinds are best increased by means of cuttings. Keep Epiphyllums in a nice growing temperature, and Eucharis amazonica plunged in bottom heat, in a moist stove and flooded with water. Pot seedlings of Cyperus alternifolius, give them plenty of heat and moisture, and they will form, when one or two yearsold, fine plants for table decoration . Keep DraOEenas, Crotons, Ananassas, and other flne.leaved plants, near 60 THE GARDEN. [JuLT 18, 1874. the glass, in order to bring oat their colours, but preserve them from strong annshine. Dipladeniaa, Allamandas, and gimil.arly habited plants, hitherto run along the roof just inside the glass, on thresids, may bo taken down as they cotnc well into bloom, and trained so as to more fnlly exhibit their beauty. In the case of suspended baskets, remove any )>lants that appear to be exhausted, and replenish with fresh material; rather, however, than lift out many of the jilants, plant the basket afresh, retaining such as are in good condititm. Ferns, Selaginellas, Tradescaatias, Begonia scandens, variegated Panicum, Fittonias, Achimencs, some of the creeping Ficuses, Ac., do well in baskets kept in stoves ; and for conservatory and balcony baskets take Ivy. leaved and sweet, scented Pelargonium, brilliantly colourefl Lobelias of the Erinus section. Petunias, Mesembrianthernums of different sorts, Tropie. olums, Isolepis gracilis, Gazania splendens, Lysimachia nummnlaria. Ivies, Musk, Convolvulus mauritianicus, and many kinds of Ferns and Solaginella. Orchids. Shading aud watering now constitute the chief operations in the Orchid. house, and the eidtivator will, in most cases, lind it necessary to keep his plants well sponged over at least once a week, so as to keep red spider and tlirips in subjection. Occasional syringings are very advantageous morning aud evening during dry hot weather, and sundry fumigations with tobacco will bo necessary to destroy green or yellow aphides, which rarely fail to put in an nppearance either on the young growths or flower.spikes. The cool house must now be ventilated as much as possible, opening the doors on hot days and covering the openings with tiffany, which should be kept wet by repeated syringings; apjilications of this kind in the case of cool Orchids, deserve the attention of cultivators who often find their plants snffering from too much summer heat. The air is cooled a." it passes through the wet tiffany, and the latter also serves to prevent draughts and dust. — F. W. Buiiridge. Indoor Fruit Department. In eaily Pineries, in which the frnit has been cut, the plunging material should be turned out, and the pits thoroughly cleansed and lime-washed. Suckers should bo firmly potted into G-inch pots, using fibry loam and a little charcoal for them ; after being potted they should be either plunged in front of late succession plants or in separate beds, and shaded for ,a short time during bright snushine. Vines swelling frnit should be allowed abundance of moisture, both at the root and in the atmosphere, and late Vino borders should receive good soakings of manure. water, either from the farmyard or the cesspool ; immediately after the manure-water has been applied, another soaking of pure water should be given, in order to dilute the first application, and to wash it down. Figs should be allowed abundance of moisture at the root, overhead, and in the atmosphere. Stimulants should not bo too often applied to Figs in the way of manure-water, but they thoroughly enjoy a mulching of good fibry loam and rotten m.anure. Peach and Nectarine trees that have done fruiting should be well syringed and supplied with water, and also freely e.'cposed to the air. Melons that have done fruiting should be either thrown away and replaced by young ones, or cut back and encouraged to start anew; but young plants are best. Hardy Fruit. Complete as soon as possible the pvopagation of Strawberrj- plants for forcing and the forming of new Strawberry beds. Young plants pay best for growing. Some only fruit their plants once. They lay the earliest runners in pots, feed them freely throughout the season, plant them out on rich deep ground in the autumn, gather a fine crop, propagate fresh plants, and dig tho one-year old ones in. This is carrying a sound principle to extremes. As a rule, the plants will carry more fruit the second year than the first, aud they ought to bo .allowed to st.and over for a second crop; unless, indeed, tho almost better plan is adopted of forcing tho young plants the first season, and then planting them out as soon as they have finished fruiting under glass. From such pl.ants the first crop in open quarters is the best. Whether tho liberal treatment in pots, the development of the leaves under glass and close to the light, and the abnormal strength thus thrown into the crowns, or tho extraordinary activity and vigour of the roots, be the causes of the unusual fertility is uncertain ; but, that it exists in forced plants, is proved afresh by each year's experience. The next best aud most profitable method is to propagate plants, and treat them in every way as if intended for forcing, until the end of September, when they should be planted out on a bit of the best ground in the garden, in rows 2 or 21 feet apart, tho plants being 18 inches or 2 feet asunder in the rows. Another mode, involving less labour aud the loss of a season in the age of the plants, is to remove the strongest runners as soon as rooted, plant them in beds or rows 6 inches apart, leave them there, kept free of suckers, all flowers and frnit being picked off dnring the next season, and plant them out in the autumn as recommended for this j-ear's strong plants. Such plants may also bo allowed to fruit for one or two years. Two good crops, however, from the same plants, are as many as can be profit.ably taken from them, .attend to watering and mulching .Strawberry plants turned out after forcing. These, properly cared for, will come in after tho Elton Pine and other late sorts, and will carry tho Strawberry season far into autumn. By planting fresh runners of Alpines or Hautboys every year, late Strawberries may also bo gathered for ices. The Ilautboys give a flavour unirpie among fruits, unless, indeed, a little of tho same aroma may bo detected in tho American Musk Grapes or Mr. Pearson's hybrid Grape Ferdinand do Lf'ssnpg. It is most important to guard these late Strawberries from birrls, and from too much sun. The latter burns out thofjuality, .and flavour, as well ,as hurries the fruit over; whereas tho object of the cultivator is to prolong it as late as possible. It is somewhat singular that cultivators, who do so much to get things early, take so little pains ti> have them late, though, to the true lover of Straw. berries, these luscious fruits in September anr] October are just as much valued as in February or March. The late autumn. bearing Raspberries, if cut over by the ground, as they ought to have been last winter, will now require staking, as they will be coming into full bearing. Thin out the young canes of summer-bearing varieties, only leaving from three to fivo canes to a stool; Also cut out tho bearing shoots as soon as the fruit is gathered, in order to admit more light and air to the young wood. If tho latter is weak, it may be much strengthened by thoroughly soaking the roots with sewage, or surfacing with m.annre. The size and quantity of next year's crop will be determined by the vigour and size of the young wood pro- duced and matured this autumn. Few fruits are in greater demand than Raspberries for preserves, and also for dessert, where they are liked ; and few fruits pay better for liberal culture. The yonng canes, when strong, should also bo loosely staked to protect them from being broken off by the winds. Should dry weather prevail, late Gooseberries and Currants will swell out finer and keep longer if they are well soaked with house sewage, and mulched over the roots with G inches of good manure. Net the fruit carefully from birds.— D. T. Fish. Kitchen Garden. Unless late Peas o,re heavily mulched ami thoi-onghly watered two or three times a week, the crop is likely to be a scanty one. Tho advantages of sowing in well-manured trenches are now so apparent as to require no argument in favour of the general adoption of the plan for all Peas sown after the 1st ot Jlay, and, especially is this desirable in poor dry soils. Beyond a passing thunder storm, there is no likelihood at present ot any considerable rainfall ; sowing small seeds, therefore, will be useless, nnless the ground is thoroughly soaked with water before sowing, and shaded immediately afterwards. In difficult seasons like the present, it will be better to make small sowings at more frequent intervals, and to pay particular attention to shading. Branches of Hazel, Ash, or Elm, may be obtained from the undergrowth in plantations almost everywhere without doing any permanent injury; and, .although, the leaves will wither in a few liours, they will afterwards adhere to the branches a long time, and form a grateful shade to any crop just commencing growth, where frequent watering, it unaccompanied with frequent stirring ot tho surface, would render the soil almost impervious. Recently planted Celery would be much benefited during this scorching weather by being shaded with branches in this way ; and, as they will permit an abundant circulation of air, there is no danger ot the growth being weakened thereby. It is, in fact, necessary to adopt every expedient to check evaporation, and, as far as possible, to keep things in a growing condition, almost regardless ot appearances. Early Potatoes are now ripe and may be lifted and stored at once; the tubers in conse(pience ot the drought are smaller than usual, but are of good quality, without any symptoms ot disease. Those intended tor seed should be laid in an open shed with a northern aspect, where they will gradually become green, and in this con- dition they are capable ot resisting a good deal of frost, and are less likely to make an exhausting and premature growth. During tho winter they should bo kept cool and in thin layers. The very best plan is to ]>!ace them, at the approach of winter, " crown upwards," in shallow trays or boxes, one Layer only in a tray. And* there is no better place to kee}) those intended for early planting than under a greenhouse stage, where only sufiicient artificial heat is used to keep out frost, and where, at all other times, an abundant circulation ot air is admitted. Late Potatoes, that have not been injured by frost, and have consequently made sothcient growth to shade the ground, are at present looking well, but nearly everything, with the exception of grain crops, are suffering from the prolonged drought. Where it is desirable to plant a house of Cucumbers for July 18, 1871.] THE GARDEN. 61 autumn use, a sufficient number of seeds of tho Telegraph, or any other approved variety, may now be sown for that purpose. There is no necessity for any artificial heat at present. Soak the seeds in water for twelve or eighteen hours before sowing ; plant each seed in a small 60-pot ; shade, and keep close till the plants are up. Pro- vide several more plants than will be required, and, when planting, select the strongest. — E. Hoi5d.a.y. Market Gardens. The principal work in these now consists in stirring the surface of the soil about growing crops, and in gathering fruit. The principal crops at present ready for market are Cauliflowers, Cabbages, Peas, Broad and French Beans, Potatoes, Onions, Carrots, Vegetable Mar. rows. Cucumbers, Globe Artichokes, &c. Cucumbers producing heavy crops are assisted by applicaCions of manure-water and guano- water ; toads are kept in Cucumber-frames to keep down wood-lice. Vegetable Harrows are mulched. Tomatoes are now receiving close attention in the way of watering, for the retention of which drills are drawn on each side of the plants ; they are also mulched with short dung. This crop is being deprived of all suckei's and lateral shoots, preserving only the main stem, or at most only such shoots as are bearing good clusters of flowers or fruit. They are gone over every few days, thinned, and tied, the latter operation being per. formed so as to place them on the sunny side of tho stakes. French Beans have begun to bear a fair crop. They are commonly grown in single lines from 21- to 3 feet apart ; between every alternate line is a row of Lettuces. The last sowing has just come up, and the ground about them is being loosened. Among Onions there is, as yet, little appearance of canker. Cauliflower ground that has become vacant is now hoed and afterwards loosened with a fork, but not turned over. The ground, after being loosened, is planted with Coleworts, about 14 or 15 inches apart each way. Good-sized plants are used for this purpose, as they do not 3'ield so soon to the influence of drought. The first plauted.out Celery, since the rains have come, is growing apace, and being in drills about 6 feet asunder, the sides of tho ridges are broken with the hoe, so that a little of the soil may fall round the crowns. On the ridges, or rather curved spaces elevated to about 6 or 8 inches in the middle, are planted Lettuces or Cole- worts for winter use. The Celery receives a good deluge of water now and then, and, if convenient, a little manure-water is likewise given to it. To Snow's Winter White Broccoli a little earth is being drawn ; this is the kind that furnishes tho early winter supply. Brussels Sprouts that were planted between lines of Potatoes, are now growing rapidly. Ground that has been occupied by tho socoud and third crops of Lettuces, is again planted with a line of Savoys, and one of Lettuces alternately, the rows being about It- or 15 inches apart. Gherkins are progressing favourably. Superfluous young wood on fruit trees on walls is being removed, and useless and unpro- ductive old fruit bushes are uprooted and burned as soon as the fruit they have borne has been cleared off. Frames, hand-lights, &o., for next season's work are being painted, and otherwise put into thorough repair. GAEDEN PARTIES. The genius of the age, says the Scho, has discovered that in fresh sweet gardens, where stuffiness and over-breathed air are unknown, and where tea, ices, and Strawberries are tenfold more delicious than within doors, it is possible for the fortunate possessors to give parties where every social enjoj'ment may be had in perfection without any of the drawbacks which attend them when taken at night in heated rooms, and among flaring lights, at hours w'aen every rational being ought to be asleep in bed. Of course it is but comparatively a few even among wealthy people who can offer such pleasures to their friends. Still we are persuaded that the great success of Garden Parties will have presented to our intelligent country-women some- thing like a beau ideal to which assemblies ought to be made to approach as nearly as possible ; aud that a great deal will be done in consequence to make such gatherings more healthful and enjoyable. Few can open to their friends half an acre or so of close-shaven turf, sheltered with trees and adorned with roses, where easy chairs and Persian rugs, and tables, laden with services of coffee, ices and tea, make a score of groups, each worthy of Watteau. But hundreds might arrange (were such things to be well understood) that their rooms should open out with lai'ge French windows upon terraces or smaller gardens where the shade of two or three trees would be enough to give freshness. New houses of the handsomer sort would also be built in the suburbs, expressly with a view to possessing so great an attraction. Nor does it seem out of question that, as enter- prising people have found it a good trade to let out ballrooms and dining-rooms, so others might keep a handsome, suitable garden in a convenient locality in the suburbs, which might be hired at will by party givers, during the season, enabling them to offer their friends a far more charming entertainment than any indoors. Nor need wo think of such pleasures as being conlincd to tho rich. Have we not lately published a long striug of requests for help in providing ** a Day in the Country " for thousands of city-pent children. This is their Garden Party, ;jnd we hope that all of them will succeed in getting it. Very lately the Dean of Westminster gave to the exhibitors of Window Gardening what was practically a delightful Garden Party in the College Garden, aud wo hope his example may be followed by similar gatherings. Tho more we all herd together in smoky towns the more we need tho repose and fresher air of gardens removed from the roar and rattle of tho streets ; and tho more busy and anxious uur lives, the more desirable it is that our pleasures should not be robbed from the hours when Nature needs sleep, and taken amid heated rooms and the sight-destroying glare of lamps, but enjoyed as veri. table oases of greenness aud freshness amid the wilderness whereiu we dwell. THE CURE OP ALKALI LANDS. Upon tho plains iu our uew territories on both sides of the Rocky Mountains, there are vast tracts of alkaline soils so much impregnated that they yield nothing but Sage brash and Grease wood, or are entirely barren. If cultivation is attempted, a white crust soon forms upon the surface, and all cultivated plants die. There are millions of acres of these lands rich in all the elements of plant food, but made worthless by the superabundance of alkali. It has been generally supposed that these lands could never be made productive. The settlers of Utah have been entirely successful in treating these lands, and have done a good work for the nation in demonstrating their great value. We some months ago visited the Jordan valley, and saw meadows with a thick heavy sod, yielding three tons of hay to the acre, that were once entirely barren. We also saw Wheat fields, that would turn lifty bushels to the acre, reclainied by the same process. This matter has attracted the attention of the British Government, as thoy have largo areas of similar lands in India, that they have never been able to make productive. Tho secret of success in reclaiming the land lies in a j>rooess of leaching the surface of the soil, more or less prolonged according to the quantity of alkali the soil contains. The field to bo treated (of any convenient size) is first surrounded with a ditch about 3 feet deep, to carry off any water that may be run upon it at the upper edge. It is then laid off into strips about two rods wide by deep furrows running across the slope. The upper side of the furrow is ridged high enough to make a shallow pond covering the whole surface of the strip. The next breadth of the meadow is prepared in the same way, and so on until the whole is finished. Water is then taken from the irrigating ditch aud turned into the upper basin, and this com- municates with the lower basins until all ai'e flooded. The water is allowed to stand for a few days in these shallow pools, when a frothy scum rises to the surface. It is then drawn off, carrying the seam with it, into the outside ditch. As this large ditch is lower than the surface, the water charged with alkali is all the while draining off through the soil. The water is kept running over this land summer and winter, for one or more years, according to its character. la some obstinate cases it is kept in the leach four or five years, before it will bear good crops. In others a single season will subdue it. The best crops for the first season after treatment are found to be Beans, Cotton, summer Squashes, Melons, aud Onions. A few inches of sand spread over the surface is thought to have a beneficial influence, facilitating the germination of seed, and preventing the formation of crust. It is agreed by all parties who have reclaimed these soils that they are the most productive lands in the territory, bearing successive yeais of cropping without any apparent diminution of yield. In some parts of the territory they have succeeded in reclaiming these lands without irrigation, but this is where there is more rainfall than in the Jordan valley, and probably where there is less alkali in the soil. Ileavy rainfall alone in some cases, has made the land productive. To facilitate the action of the rain the land is ploughed up and down the slope that the.water may run off freely upon the surface. Theland is ploughed frequently, and the particles undergo a change as they come in contact with the atmosphere, sun, rain, and frost. There are large tracts of these reclaimed lands in the terri. tory yielding magnificent crops, and fine gardens and orchards loaded with fruit. — American Agriculturist. The following announcement appeared in a San Francisco paper : — " The gentleman who took, by mistake, a quantity of garden-hose from a residence in Geary Street, near Gough Street, is requested by tho owner to call aud get the nozzle, as the hose can be of no material use without it." 62 THE GARDEN. [July 18. 1874 GARDENING NOMENCLATURE. " What's in a name ? " is a question that haa often been raised, and, doubtless, as often settled — at least to the satisfaction of the questioner. Now, whether taken from the political, literary, social, or commercial point of view, there is, wo apprehend, much in a name ; and, if we descend from the f^eneral to the particular, we fancy that, from a horticultural point of view, it is not a matter of indiilereuoe. True it is that our greatest poet has said — A Kose by any other name would smell as sweet ; but we take leave to doubt whether it would always seem as fair. We have observed that certain names at once take hold of the public, are in everyone's mouth, and make the novelty popular from the beginning; whereas, in other instances the reverse of this is the case, the high qualities of the novelty require knowing to make the name popular. If we look back on the past, or take the existing nomenclature of plants, we find much that is incongruous and in bad taste. Botanists and horticulturists have alike erred here. The former have trangressed by adopting a frightful terminology, by com. pounding words in different languages, and by applying words which do not correctly interpret facts. As an instance of the latter, the word "coecinea" (scarlet) is often applied to things crimson; " cccrulea " (blue) to purple ; and "alba" (white) to things which would hardly pass as such in the murky atmosphere of the sootiest towns. The horticulturist, even of our own time, too often gives the reins to fancy ; and, after i-eading some of our plant catalcgues, one would almost think that the days of bright blue Roses and luscious ont.of-door Grapes had at length arrived. It may be pleasant enough, and sometimes temporarily profitable, to give the reins to fancy, when the practice not only amuses the mind, but, at the same time, fills the pockets of the performer. But there is a large and increasing class of amateur gardeners in the community, matter-of. fact people, to whom this method of proceeding is obncxious. There is delusion in it. The purchaser acts, hopes, realises, and is disappointed. The object has not fairly answered the character given of it. We do not accuse the giver of these highly-coloured names of wilful exaggeration. The culture of flowers is not exactly that matter-of. fact occupation which some would represent it to be. There is poetry in it, and the ruddy glow of imagination will often uncon. scionsly tinge the objects over which it delights to hover ; but, if the names are applied with a poet's license, the descriptions should at least be precise, definite, and truthful. If horticulture is to become a science to the few, and remain a source of recreation to the many, its votaries must remember that even in poetry, and certainly in actual life, the imagination must be restrained within due bounds or the result will be neither intelligible nor satisfactory. But these are not the only points on which reform is needed in the nomenclature of plants and flowers. Where is the cultivator who would not rejoice to see the long French names of Roses and other plants reduced to a state in which they might bo spelt, pronounced, and understood by all ? Could not the nurserv- man into whoso hands these novelties first pass translate such names as are translatable, and re-christen others ? for many of such names are at present a mere jumble of unintelligible sounds to those who are the oftenest called on to repeat them. To prevent confusion, this work might be delegated to some tribunal whose authority would, by common consent, be acknowledged and followed. We once knew an ingenious labourer who remembered the name of the Rose " Je me maintiendrai " by assimilating it with the words " Jenny maintain me;" and we hoard more than one philosophic nurseryman mourn over the loss of time incurred in writing " Souvenir do la Reine d'Angleterre," 500 time repeated, when " Ajax " or " Ino " would have answered every purpose. Further, something may be said on the fitness of names. A flower that would well become the name of "Blushing Bride" would make a very indifferent " Alderman ; " nor should wo expect to see exactly the same complexion in a " Vulcan " as in a " Venus." A large Goose. berry might appropriately be.ar the name of "Achilles," which would be far more euphonious and agreeable to ears jiolito than such names as "Bang-up'' and "Thumper," which exist plenti- fully among this class of fruit. In this, however, as in other instances, we would not advocate a change of names already established — they are short and easy enough, if homely or provincial — but that future names bo chosen from a more refined vocabulary. Finally, wo have seen it somwhere suggested, and think the suggestion a good one, that newly-introduced°species, the botanist's plants, should bear names coined from the Latin or Greek languages expressive of some prominent feature ; and the horticulturalist's plants, what we are used to regard as mere varia- tions of species, should have applied to them popular names in onr own language. The names of the good and great ones of our own time, and of all time, offer for this purose a rich repertory, from which wo might freely draw. These suggestive remarks are thrown out for the consideration of those who usually name our plants. There are a many cries for reform just now; and, among small things, it is nowhere more needed than in onr horticultural nomeu. clature. — Florist. Analyses of Guanos. — Dr. Voelcker has had transmitted to him, by the Secretary of the Admiralty, thirteen samples of guano, viz., five from Pabellon de Pica, three from Punta de Lobas, and livo from Iluanillos. In all cases these samples were taken from the deposits at various depths. The Pabellon guanos Dr. Voelcker describes as containing little moisture, and as in a fine powdery condition. In round numbers they contain from y to 1.3 per cent, of ammonia. They are inferior to Chincha, but nearly equal to Guan- copo. The Punta de Lobas guano is drier than Guancope. The Huanillos guano is dry and powdery, of a light brown colour, and contains from 8 to 12i per cent, of ammonia, and from 2i to G per cent, of sand. One sample from Pabellon Dr. Voelcker compares favourably with the best old Chincha guano. Statues in London Squares. — There are several figures and effigies, particularly in the neighbourhoods of Trafalgar Square, Waterloo Place, and Hyde Park Corner, which the Metropolitan Board of Works would cover themselves with glory by buying up and removing to sequestered spots in the country — the heart of a forest, or the middle of a wood. Any little addition to the rates which such a judicious outlay might entail would, we are pursuaded, be cheerfully borne by the inhabitants of the metropolis. Mr. Punch will be most happy to supply the Board with a list of desir. able emigrants. — Punch. SOCIETIES AND EXHIBITIONS. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. July loin. This meeting, one of the best of the season, owed much of its excellence to the fruit prizes offered by Messrs. Vcitch & Sons. Messrs. Carter & Co., too, added much to its interest by sending the finest collection of named varieties of Lettuces we have yet seen, as well as a fine series of dried specimen Peas. Mr. B. S. Williams had several groups of rare and choice decorative plants; and Messrs. Jackman staged a fine collection of hybrid Clematises. Pelargoniums — These were well represented, and, on the whole, of good quality. The best collection came from Mr. Catling, gardener to Mrs, Lermitte, of Finchley. It contained fine examples of good culture, some of the plants being nearly i feet through. The varieties were: — The Bride, white; Wm. Catlin, vivid scarlet; John Williams, salmon, and a perfect mass of bloom at least 4 feet across ; Virgo Marie, white dark zone ; Corsair, a splendid variety with compact trusses of fine vivid scarlet flowers; and Mens. Rendatler, hright salmon. This was one of the best plants in the show, and a dense shield of flowers nearly 5 feet through. The same exhibitor also had the best group of nosegay varieties. Mr. W . Paul, Mr. Chas. Turner, and others, staged excellent collections of golden and bronze Zonals, Ivy-leaved and other varieties ; and the first named exhibitor also sent two exeelleut stands of cut flowers. In the case of new varieties, only one plaut should 'oo shown in the same pot, more than one, a practice sometimes resorted to, puzzling the public and conveying no correct idea of the true character or habit of the plant. Fruit. — The show of fruit staged in competition for Messrs. Veitch's prizes, to which we have previously directed attention, was one of the best we ever remember to have seen at South Kensington of late years, and formed the chief attraction of the exhibition, it is once more evident that a good show of fruit is as possible as heretofore, if the prizes ottered are sufficiently liberal, as they were on this occasion, to induce the best growers to cut their /iiicst fruit. Mr. VV. Coleman had a really fine collection of ten varieties. Black Hamburgh Grapes and Royal George Peaches being unexceptioually fine and well-coloured, as was also a splendid dish of Lord Napier Nectarines. Rivers's Early Apricot, May Duke Cherries, and brown Turkey Figs were also of excellent quality. Mr. G. T. Miles, gardener to Lord Carrington, also had a good collection, the Black Prince Grapes being excellent. In the same collection were fine Bellegarde Peaches, Violette Uitive Nectarines, Jetfersou I'lums, and a tine dish of Strawberries, named Souvenir de Reefe. Mr. T. Jones, of Frogmore, also had a nice group ; the excellence of the other dishes being somewhat marred by a faidty Pine. Mr. Baunerman, gar- dener to Lord Bagot, had a really fine group of six dishes, the Black llambuvgh Grapes being very fine, as also were the Muscats, although not so perfectly finished as is desiiuble. The Royal George Peaches iu this collection were nearly perfect in size, and richly coloured, the Nec- tarines and Figs being also of excellent quality. This was one of the most creditable collections staged, and well deserved the awara it obtained. Mr. J. Watson also had a good assortnieut of fine fiuit, the Grapes and Dr. Hogg Strawberries being excellent in every way. The last- named fruit is one of the largest and best for exhibition pur- poses, and always appears to bear packing and carriage well, Mr. July 18, 1874.] THE GAEDBN. 63 W. ]5ouos bad Black Hamburgh and Muscat Grapes in oxccUout condition, good Strawberries, and a nice Golden Qaoeu Melon. Mr. D. Wilson, gardener to Earl Fortescue, staged ten fine Melons, to wbicli an extra award was made. Mr. W. Sparkcs had six very lino Queen Pines, to which an extra prize was given, while the best three Queens came from Mr. StirUng, Park Weir, Swansea, and Mr. D. Wilson was second with splendid smooth Cayennes. Grapes were well represented by fine large- berried clusters from Mr. Coleman, Mr. Deaville, Mr. Loudon, and other well-known exhibitors. Mr. R. Fleming, Sandhays, Liverpool, staged three immense clusters of Black Hambui-ghs, the berries being too closely packed to allow them to swell properly ; otherwise, they were splendid ex- amples of good cultivation, and deservedly obtained an extra prize. The first prize for white Grapes was taken by Mr. Loudon, who had Golden Champion, a really noble Grape, and a bunch of Muscat of Alexandra. Peaches were especially fine, there being about two dozen dishes staged, and all were above average quaUty. The varieties were Barrington, Belle- garde, Noblesse, Grosse Mignonne, Admirable, Royal George, and Teton de Venus, the latter being a large and fine fruit for table or exhibition purposes. Four splendid Queen Pines, weighing in all 19 lbs. 3ozs., were placed before the fruit committee and awarded a certificate, these having, unfortunately, arrived too late for the fruit show. They were grown by Mr. Harris, gardener to Mrs. Vivian, Singleton, and were considered, by the entire committee, to be splendid examples of superior cultivation. Mr. Woodbridge, of Syon, sent fine specimens of Musa Champna, a variety from Trinidad. The fruit is about 3 or 4 inches in length, and thicker in proportion than that of M. Cavendishii. These were pro- nounced to be of excellent flavour. Mr. Perkins sent an Enville Queen I'ine, rather irregular in shape, but weighing 8 lbs. lOozs. Melons, grown with their roots in water, came from Chatsworth, but were not considered to be of first-rate flavour. It was observed at the meeting that the best Melons in Persia are grown on floating islands or gardens, with their roots constantly in water ; but that it is uninterrupted and bright hot sunlight which develops their flavour, much moisture at the root being essential to counteract the dryness of the air. Miscellaneous Subjects. — Messrs. J. Veitch & Son sent a splendid group of new and rare decorative plants, among which a collection of new Gloxinias, with large and remarkably richly-coloured flowers, call for especial notice. In this group was one of the finest plants of the beautiful blue Vanda caerulea that we have ever seen, bearing a, stout erect spike of about fourteen flowers, the individual blooms being not only large, but more vivid in colour than is generally seen. The plant was growing in a large teak cylinder, similar to that figured and described in The Gakden at p. 547, Vol. V. The collection also comprised a fine richly-coloured variety of Aerides quinquevulnerum, Disa grandiflora, Croton Youngii, remarkably brilliant in colour ; Darlingtonia californica, Sarracenia Stevensii, which appears to be a vigorous-habited, as well as a decidedly beautiful plant ; Ficus Parcelli, Tillandsia (Caragaata) Zahni, and others equally interesting, to which a silver medal was awarded. Mr. B. S. Williams, of HoUoway, also had a very effective group of stove and greenhouse plants. Ferns, and Orchids, including splendid specimens of Aerides afline superbum, with five or six fine spikes of rich rosy-purple flowers ; A. odoratum majus, well-flowered ; Disa grandiflora, the rare Dendrobium crystallinum, and others. This group was also deservedly honoured with a silver medal. Mr. J. Aldous obtained a bronze medal for a neat and tastefully-arranged bank of flowering and foliage decorative plants. The six Hydrangeas, shown by the same exhibitors, also deservedly obtained a first prize. It is surprising what an eflective old plant this is ■when well grown , and as it is easily cultivated, even in a cottage window, it deserves to become even more generally populai-, as a decorative plant, than is at present the case. Messrs. Veitch also had four splendid stands of cut Roses, the blooms being remarkably fresh and clean, and including some of the best of the old and new exhibition kinds ; and a very interest- ing group of Conifers, growing in large tubs. Among the latter we noticed a fresh and healthy specimen of Sciadopitys verticillata, the curious and distinct Umbrella Pine from Japan. This is a striking plant, and is often depicted by Japanese artists on all kinds of ornamental articles. The same group also included some of the most beautif al of the Eetinosporas, and a fine specimen of Abies poUta, one of the I'arest and most distinct in the whole group. Pinks, Carnations, Picottees, Vei-benas, and other florists' flowers, were staged in capital con- dition by Mr. Charles Turner and other exhibitors. Mr. Jack, Battle Abbey, Sussex, sent cut spikes of the white-flowered Mande- ■villa sauveolens from a plant which has been growing planted out in the open air during the past fifteen years. Mr. G. _F. Wilson sent a collection of Lilies, including L. Humboldtii, L. longiflorum, L. umbel- latum citratum, a distinct variety of a deep salmon tint throughout, and L. longiflorum marginatum, with glaucous leaves, margined with clear creamy-white. Mr. G. Thomson, Crystal Palace Gardens, sent a fine hybrid form of the L. lancifoUum type, the individual flowers being nearly as large as L. auratum, and of pearly whiteness, spotted with crimson. It is supposed to be the result of a cross between the last- named plant and L. (lancifolium) speciosum, and has previously been certificated as a first-class variety. Mr. P. Barr sent about thirty varieties from T'^ocing, including several fine forms not generally met with in cultivation. Messrs. Carter sent four pots of pyramidal- trained Lobelias, very healthy and well-flowered, and also cut specimens of a fine blue-flowered Pentstemon, unnamed. Mr. W. Paul sent a collection of double Zonal Pelargoniums, amongst which George Sand, a fine pale rose ; Talabut, deep crimson ; Francjois Purtusati, a rich salmon ; and Jeanne Alegatiere, a deep lilac-pink — deserve especial notice as being promising novelties. A fine robust plant of Odontoglossum voxUlarium, with ten flowers on two fine spikes, came from the Society's Garden. Mr. J. George, Putney Heath, sent four new Zonals with large bright flowers ; and Mr. Perkins & Sons, Coventry, sent seedhng Zonal Duchess of Edinburgh, a coarse grower with immense trusses of largo white flowers with a salmon eye. Mr. Chitty, Stamford Hill, sent his new Colons, Duchess of Edinburgh, to which wo have before alluded as a fine plant. Messrs. E. G. Henderson sent Pelargonium Sparkler, a richly-coloured tricolor variety of good habit. Bridal Bouquet, a silver-edged variety with white flowers. Distinction, a dwarf dark Zonal variety with bright crimson-scarlet flowers in dense trusses ; and Mrs. Maxwell Masters, a fine silver tricolor well coloured. The same firm also had a collection of new Ivy-leaved varieties with salmon and rosy-piuk flowers. These are so valuable for hanging-baskets, window-boxes, and balconies, that we hope to see these new hybrids grown extensively for the latter purposes. A plant of a pretty rosy-flowered Saocolabium, named S. Cruikshankii, came from Messrs. Henderson ; it has erect spikes and di-ooping fleshy leaves of a glaucous green colour. A fine box of a new Rose named Miss Hassard came from Mr. C. Turner, who also had a fine stand of another new variety named Rev. J. B. Camm. The kist-named is a fine full Rose with very fine foliage. Mr. Tipping, Richmond, sent a seedling golden zonal, resembling Golden Chain, named Golden Shower, which promises to be useful as a bedder. Mr. R. Dean, of Eabng, sent some fine cut spikes of mauve-coloured Stocks, cut Clove Pinks, Car- nations, and Picotees, and three fine Tropteolums, the one named The Comet being remarkably dwarf, robust, and brilliant. Vegetables.— Messrs. Carter & Co., High Holborn,_ sent forty-five varieties of Lettuce, many of which were of unusually fine quality, and all highly interesting in an horticultural point of view. Among them were Tom Thumb, well known as one of the best of the heartmg or Cabbage Lettuces ; Ne Plna Ultra and AU the Year Round, both useful kinds, forming closely imbricating heads of fresh succulent leaves. The Hanson Lettuce is a novel American variety, with wonder- fully fresh green succulent leaves forming a large head ; this promises to be a decided acquisition. Other varieties consisted of Bath Cos, one of the very best for summer or market work. Paris white Cos, Pans green Cos, and others equally good. The same exhibitors senta very mteresting and useful collection of mounted specimens of their new Peas, each con- sisting of a single plant carefully dried and mounted to show the size and habit of growth, the fully-developed pod and ripe Peas being glued at the bottom. These give an excellent idea of the whole plant, and we under- stand Messrs. Carter intend to complete the collection as opportumties permit; and, at the same time, have ofi'ered to present them to the Society so that they may be available for future reference. Mr. Johnson, Glamis Castle, sent haulm and produce of Allen's Champion Pea, which, judging from the specimens sent, is a wonderful cropper, bearing large pods, each containing from ten to twelve Peas. Messrs. Barr & Sugden sent three boxes of very fine Cucumbers, including fresh well- grown specimens of Telegraph and Dyer's Champion, a more spmy variety, and rather longer in the specimens shown. First-class Certificates were awarded to the following novelties :— Djuble Pelargonium Jeannie Aligatiere (W. Paul).— This is a fine habiteil variety oE free and vigorous growth, bearing large compact trusses ot briglit rosy flowers suffused with lilac. It is one of the best and most pleasing varieties oE its class, and is well suited tor pot culture or tor cut flowers. Pelargonium Zonal Sir Garnet Wolseley (George).— A free growing plant, with laro-e compact trusses oE vivid crimson-scarlet flowers. Weeping Purple Birch (W. Paul).— This is a distinct form oE the common Birch, and, lite it. has a silvery trunk, while its foliage is oE as deep a bronzy- purple as in the Purple Beech. It promises to become one oE the very iirst ot ornamental trees, and a worthy companion for the choicest ot Comters, and also for associating with variegated Negundos and other light-tmted orna- mental-leaved trees. , , , .^ j ., „ X Ixora Fraserh (Fraser).— A robust variety of vigorous habit and deep flossy foliage, and immense heads oE bright orange flowers tally 6 inches across. As a summer-flowering exhibition plant it deserves general culture. X Campanula Smithii (Smith).— A pretty dwarf proEuse Howermg plant, supposed to be a hybrid between 0. Hostii and 0. piiUa, well adapted tor pot culture and general decorative purposes. The flowers are nearly an inch across, erect, and oE a beaiitiEul bluish-hlac colour. The slender stems and tohage are densely covered with silky Iiairs. , .. c , * Sonerila Hendersonii (Henderson).— A free flne-foliage stove plant, ot dwart ■Growth, and resembling some o£ the Bertolonias in habit ; the oblong serrated leaves are 3 to 5 inches in length, deep green, regularly spotted or blotched with silver grey. The under side oE the leaves is purple, with darker veins and reticulation. .,,-.. .u i ^ «f Sonerila Hendersonii argentea (Henderson).— Similar inhabit to the last, ot which it is a variety. The grey blotches here run together, and suEEase nearly the whole upper surface oE the leaf ; very distinct and beautiEal. H.P. Rose Royal Standard (0. Tnrner),— A fine full flower, densely incurvea. It is ot a deep rosy-Ulac colour, and promises to become a splendid exhibition flower. HOETICULTCTRAL SHOW AT CALAIS. July 12Tn and 13th. O.v the occasion of the Calais /«(e the Societe d' Agriculture offered prizes for the best cuUnary vegetables, to be exhibited in the Saloonot the Hotel de Commerce, and the result was a very fair display, contain- ing several features not common in English exhibitions of a similar kind. In the market gardens of St. Pierre, about one league from Calais, and at Cologne, on the road to Guines, where the soil is favourable to vegeSible growing, some kinds are grown with eminent success, while others are strikingly inferior to the growths of our own gardens. Potatoes, in the light dry soil between Calais and Guines, and also in another direction between Calais and Dankerque, on reclaimed land, appear to be 04 THE GARDEN. [July 18, 1874. remarkably ^ood, sound, aud of large size; an English kind (Kidney), I'rinco of VVules, was splendid, both in size and quality, some t'roiu private gardens being: quite remarkable ; a very pretty small Kidney, AcLille Lemon, llpurple for half the length and then white, was much admired. I'Jarly Cabbages, exhibited by the soUUers of the 8tli regi- ment of the line, were exceedingly tine, and as a table vegetable were delicate ; a, much larger kind, grown at Ht. Pierre, by M. jjemaissieun, 0,11 of a delicate jmlo green, even to the external leaves, and received the first prize. A great Cauliflower, Lo -Normand, quickly grown, and a foot across, crisp and tender, was a beautiful object for a gardener's eye to rest upon ; and there were many other kinds equally fine, if not finer, to one of which the first prize was awarded. A great variety of Onions of distinct kinds, some of them very handsome bulbs, were shown. We do not, i think, gi-ow the long purple Onion, Corne de Bceuf, which is much esteemed here, on account of its mild Havour, for soups and similar pur- poses ; a large white kind, as white as snow, was a good deal noticed ; and the Ognou de Madore, both Hat aud round, seemed to be of a good strain ; as also a small round kind nearly black, said to be very hardy and early. Several kinds of soup and stew herbs, not grown in England, are great favourites here. A delicate kind of Pea pleased me, it is as small as the seed of Sweet Pea when ripe, and I was informed that it is as sweet as sugar ; it is called Capucine petit. The ordinary pods of this miniature kind con- tain, on an average, eight to ten peas. The Carrots made a goodly show of both the long aud short kinds, both red and white, principally grown for the table only; a yellow kind was of large size, aud received honourable mention. Beet was in great variety, the purple kind being splendidly rich in colour ; those with turnip-shaped roots are in much demand for stilf soils. The Kohl Kabi, on the other hand, cannot bo favourably spoken of, nor can the Celery, the bundle to which the secoud prize was awarded being truly wretched. Turnips were well represented, and some of the varieties would, I fancy, be worth importing. The Navct de Taulien is a due round root ; and, among the long kinds, Kose du Palatinat, purple, half way down, aud Navet do Meaux, a white kind, still longer in the roots,^ were remarkable, as well as the Navet Jauue de Hollande. There was Scorzonera 20 inches long, which is a vegetable we ought to attend to more tha,n we do ; boiled in milk it is delicious. There was no Cos Let- tuce, which in the neighbourhood of Paris is grown in such perfection ; but, of the " Cabbage " kinds, there were the lai'gest specimens I have ever seen. Early fruit was represented ; but there was nothing remark- able. Two pot-grown Currant bushes, one white and one red, grown for table decoration, leceived a first prize. The fruit was the largest 1 ever saw, and the bi-anches were entirely clothed in such massive clusters that few table ornaments could be imagined of a more atti-active and appropriatj character. They were grown in square and very tasteful terra cotta pots, which were in themselves ornamental. A Travelling Garde.vek. THE BIRMINGHAM LAWN MOWER CONTEST. The following account of this trial has been kindly furnished us by one of the judges :— The place chosen for this trial was all that could be desired as regards space ; but, in consequence of several large Hower beds being dotted over it, it could not be staked out in a square workman-like manner. The trial, however, proved quite satisfactory, both to the judges and lookers ou. JI(ffit of the machines V7cre tried by the judges them- selves, and every pains was taken to arrive at a just conclusion ; indeed, Mr. Bennett, who was one of the judges, worked every machine entered for competition. The competitors were' Messrs. Crowley & Co., Man- chester; Messrs. Oi-een & Son, Leeds; Messrs. Hartley & Sugdeu, llaUfax; Mr. Uarris, Birmingham; and Messrs. Barnard, Bishop, & Barnard, Norwich. The conditions under which the trial was Ut be made having been read, the contest commenced about a quarter to twelve o'clock. A 3U-ineh Green's new mower was first tried, worked by two inen, and afterwards with a pony, Imt it failed to give satisfaction, inasmuch as it ribbed the Grass considerably ; a 2IJ-inch machine of the same pattern when tried was not more satisfactory ; but the Silens Messor of the same maker proved much better ; but all the machines with chain action, more or less, ribbed the Grass. Messrs. Barnard & Bishop tried a UU-inch Ratchet with a pony, which made good work on level ground, but on uneven ground it also ribbed ; this machine is very noisy, \vhich certainly is a great drawback to it. Messrs. Hartley & Sngden's new machine, the Windsor, with flexible handles, was next tried, and it did its work tolerably well, but was hard to work. Edwards's Invincible, shown by Messrs. Crowley & Co., proved the easiest to use, and did its work remarkably well, making but little noise, aud proved most satis- factory in the trial of various sizes. After a while, the whole of the machines were tried on wet Grass, with the same results in most cases as on dry lawn, the luviucible doing its work well, and throwing the Grass w^ell forward. There is another advantage belonging to this machine, viz., the roller being placed behiud the cutter, it is well adapted to cut long Grass. Unfortunately, there was no very long Grass on which to try the machines ; but the trial took place on very satisfactory turf, with a close thick bottom. Messrs. Green's machines, Wving been better set, now cut much better, and proved easy as regards draught. All the makers regulated their own machines, but, in most eases, they were set too low to work easily. After the trial, which lasted fcmr hours and a half, the judges had one of each of the machines taken to pieces, aud the .special merits claimed by each maker explained. After that, the awards were made as follows, viz., the gold medal to Messrs. Crowley & Co. ; the silver medal to Mr. Uarris for (iiven'a Silens Messor (chain action) ; and the bronze medal to Messrs. Uartley & Sugden. After the awariU were made, the winning machine was purchased by one of the judges, and another of the same make was ordered by asecond. Though Messrs. Shanks, Follows it Bate, and other well-known mowing machine makers did not compete, they all approved of the verdict which was arrived at. Messrs. (ireeu & Son won the silver medal for a verge cutter. OBITUARY. THE LATE HENRY STEPHENS. TiiK I'omoval of an honoured veteran, in ripe old age, from the scene of his labours to the " rest that remaineth," need never be an occasion for sorrowful regret. And it is not so much for the purpose of paying his ashes the tribute of " one melodious tear," as for pointing the moral of an earnest man's example to survivors, that we draw attention to the career of usefulness just closed by the author of the " Book of the Farm," Mr. Henry Stephens, who died last week, in his eightieth year, at his residence, near Edinburgh. A Scotchman born and bred, he began lifo with a determination to devote himself to the theory and practice of agriculture ; and it should be a lesson to the lads who look upon farming as a dernier resort, when idle half years at school, and fruitless terms at college, result in a conviction that they are good for nothing else, and that tlio accesssories of a farmer's life, the field-sports, the farmer's ordinaries, the riiling a good hack, .and so forth, are " not so bad fun " after all. Mr. Stephens, as he has lucidly aud plainly put it in the preface to his first edition of the " Book of the Farm," published in 1842, won a name in the pursuit to wliich he dedicated himself in a far more deliberate way. Having received a Uberal education at the parochial and grammar schools of Dundee, and subsequently at the Universities of St. Andrews and Edinburgh, he boarded himself with one of the best Ber- wickshire farmers to acquire an insight into the best farming Scotland could show. Here for three years he pursued an " all-round " course of practical initiation with every species of farm-work, putting himself in the place of ploughman, shepherd, field-Labourer, cattleman, and giving attention, at odd times, to the dairy and the poultry-house. Not content with this, he travelled aVjroad for eighteen months or so, at the close of the Peninsular war, by way of familiarising himself with whatever was in advance of our home system in continental agriculture. On returning to England he made his hrst and great experiment on what might have seemed a curi>u.i vile, a neglected aud dilapidated Forfarshire farm of .301) acres ; but, what to his thoughtful and already experienced eye bespoke a future triumph over diiticulties by dint of industry and perseverance. He straightened his fences, he drained his lands, and trench-ploughed them afterwards ; he cultivated his wastes, he introduced improved sheep and cattle farming and housing, and, in short, he made a farm let at £VjM a year worth £400. At this farm of Balmadies, a proud monument of determined industry and shere sense, he wrought till some forty years ago he migrated to near Edinburgh, and at Redbiue Cottage began the great work which has given him an European, as well as a Transatlantic reputation, such as no other agriculturist has attained in literature. Tha same thoroughness which characterised his practice, animated the pages in which, from the lirst elements to the most mature results of farming, he set down the history, system, and methods of successful agriculture. So simply, yet so clearly aud ably has he detailed all the processes rf British farming, that, although there is nothing to which the average British farmer is so averse as book-learning or pedantry, Stephens's " Book of the Farm " has ever been regarded as a justifiable book of reference, and an exception to the general rule of " unpractical theory," by even the mo.st old-fashioned and anti-bookish farmers. After the first success of this Upas ma-jniihi, it i^not surprising that Mr. Stephens got many openings for collateral treatises on the subject, which he had made his own. In farm-buildiugs, farm-implements, farm-physiology, his authority associated him as a joint editor with others ; and his " Manual of Practical Draining and Catechism of Practical .\griculture," as well as his '' Essay on Yestcr Dei'p Land Culture " (1.S5.-)) enhanced the reputation already acquired. But the most remarkable proof of Mr. Stephens's devotion to his favourite study was given in the last years of his life, when as late as 1871 he published a new edition of the " Book of the Farm," not simply revised aud re-arranged, but actually recast and writteu, in order to bring up Its contents to the latest developments of i)i-actical agriculture. Those who have compared the first edition with the last, as we have ourselves done, may well express amazement at the industry, candour, and receptivity of the old man, who could so keep himself au courant with the new improvement, which old age is apt t<) designate ncw-broomist, as to record seriatim the points of advance in each, and to weigh the merits of the old with the new, with all the impartiality of a judge. In his private life, Mr. Stephens was as simple and unpretending as he was genuine in his litci-ary character. Honoured ill public and in private, he was not set above himself by compliments or dUtiuetions. but exhibited all the humble-mindedness of a real disciple of learnlug. He was hospltiible and genial iu his own quiet way, and enjoyed an occasional visit to his literary friends in the " moderu .Vthens." Like all men of the s.Lino fibre and calibre, ho had a keen interest 111 the events of the day — the new books, the current politics. One reads the s.ame of the great .lames Watt, whose great intellect could embrace the common road of contemporary events, at the same time that it was grappling with the most abstruse problems of science. Long may it be ere this type of' mankind fails before the coming-in of a more super- tl.-i.il system of study and aeiiuirements. Long may Henry Stephens's example live with his " Book of the Farm." July 25, 1874] THE GAEDEN. 65 THE GARDEN. " This 13 an art Which does mend nature : ohanp;e it rather : The Aax itself is Natuee." — Shaliespeare. but THE SEASON AND OUR GARDENS. The proverbial vicissitudes of the weather in our fickle climate have, perhaps, never been more fully exemplified than during the present season, so far as great fluctuations between heat and cold, accompanied by excessive dryness, are concerned. Commencing with last autumn, it is not once in a quarter of a century that such a season for outdoor work occurs ; all through the winter there was scarcely a day spoiled through frost, rain, or snow. Planting, whether associated with new work or alterations, went on uninterruptedly ; through the absence of chilling rains or snow the ground never got so cold as usual, root-action scarcely being sus- pended. By the end of February and beginning of March, the continued dry weather, began to tell upon the water-supply, many wells being pumped dry daily, that had never been known to fail before, not even in the driest summers. The extremely mild winter, as might be supposed, brought fruit-trees early into bloom ; yet, not so early as on some previous seasons. On the nights of the 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th of March, we had respectively, 11°, 14°, 17°, 14°, and 7° of frost. Peaches, Apricots, and Nectarines, were in full bloom, and yet where protected with ordinary canvas covering the trees set a full crop, a circumstance which may be accounted for through two causes. First, the extraordinary dry state of the soil by which the sap in circulation was reduced to a minimum. Second, the concurrent dry state of the atmo- sphere ; but I rather think that the dryness of the soil was the primary cause of their escape. During the last weeks of April we had a change to almost tropical weather, the thermometer in the shade reaching, as near as possible, to 80°, but this was of short duration. May brought us a return of cold unseasonable weather until near the end of the month, when we had it warmer, but throughout the month, as in April, there was an extraordinary absence of rain ; the land, consequently, got very dry, all kitchen-garden cropa being late and unpromising, except where more than ordinary means had been taken to assist them, or in exceptionally favoured spots. Deciduous timber trees were late in leafing, and their leaves uncommonly small in size, consequent not only upon the ungenial spring, but also upon the extremely dry state of the soil. June was characterised by alternste heat and cold, the thermometer ranging from 82° in the day down to freezing on several nights ; this, as might be expected, had anything but a favourable effect upon tender things, such as Toma- toes, French Beans, and bedding plants. Roses in most places have been poor, their first growths having been cut off, and the second, as is usual in such cases, being weak. Thunder-showers were experienced in some parts of the country, but, on the whole, the amount of rainfall was exceed- ingly small. July brought us very hot weather, accompanied by thunder-storms, in some parts, and rain which was very partial — in some places abundant, in others little or none. We occasionally hear of gardeners who say they have dis- continued watering kitchen-garden crops, depending on a liberal use of manure and deep culture to carry them through a dry season. In some unusually favourable localities, with a rich deep unctions loam resting on a naturally damp sub-soil, water may be dispensed with, but, in far the greater number of gardens, unless watering is resorted to in seasons like this, or even when the soil is not so dry as at present, it is vain to look for vegetables in either C|uantity or in condition fit to send to table, no matter how well the land is either pre- pared or cropped. In most places thoroughly good soakings, accompanied by mulchings, so as to prevent loss by evapo- ration, are necessary in very dry seasons, or the results are Peas all coming in together, and as hard as bullets before they are half grown, the late crops becoming a mass of white mildew, and not calculated to produce a single dish when the season for which they were sown arrives ; Cauli- flowers buttoning ; Lettuce running to seed ; and Celery bolting. This is precisely the condition in which many gardens are at present, where everything has been done in the pre- paration of the land and treatment of the crop that skill and attention could devise, except the application of water, which is not given for the best of all reasons, there being none to give. Wells, pumps, and cisterns having failed, every drop of water that is used has to be carted — in many places — a con- siderable distance. Such weather has not been favourable for the development and spread of the Potato fungus ; conse- quently we have all but escaped the disease so far ; but the excessively dry condition of the soil has, in many places, prema- turely stopped the growth of the tubers, the eyes of which are just beginning to start, and as soon as we get rain in suflScient quantities to excite growth they will push a second crop, the effect of which will be to spoil their quality — this second pro- duce being small and of little value. Where this state of matters exists, as soon as rain comes, and before they have had time to push this second growth, it is best to take up the crop, for, although they are not so good in quality or equal in weight to what they would have been if not checked in their growth, they will be better than if allowed to remain. Trees, such as Horse Chestnut, Elm, Lime, and Plane, are fast shedding their leaves as badly as Elms and Limes do in August, when much affected with red spider. Such seasons as the present show, in a marked degree, the mistake of allowing old trees to remain in too close proximity to each other, even in positions where it appears almost sacrilege to touch them. Wherever they happen to stand so close that the land cannot support them, particularly in respect to moisture at the roots, the result often is death. Ac- cording to the laws of natural selection, the weakest perish, frequently leaving the survivors fatally injured in the death struggle ; such seasons also point to the timely thinning of young trees, more especially such as stand in prominent positions before they get injured through in- suflBciency of food, consequent upon their being too closely planted. There are hundreds of bare unsightly spots in our parks, or grounds occupied by some newly-planted striplings, which have no chance of ever attaining the goodly proportions of the old trees they have supplanted. ' The latter might have weathered many a storm if the ground they occupied had not ,been exhausted by the continuous drain of too many roots. Old trees are like old animals : they have not the vigour of youth to sustain them in a life and death struggle ; consequently, should never be allowed to stand too thickly. One living tree in such situations is vastly preferable to two dead ones. The weather too, has had the effect on insect life usual in such seasons. The hot days in April brought out wasps in this neighbour- hood in large quantities. Such numbers then made their appearance as I do not recollect seeing so early in any previous season ; but the recurrence of unseasonable cold evidently destroyed them, for, after the middle of May we scarcely saw one until within the last few days, when some have made their appearance. To some extent the same thing occurred with aphides. Through the mild winter they escaped destruction on Roses on walls and in similarly sheltered situa- tions ; the unusual heat of the few days in April brought to life quantities that were destroyed by the low temperature after- wards. Bad as the season has been for gardens, it might, never- theless, have been worse for the country at large. Englishmen are proverbial grumblers at the weather. All through thespring we were lamenting the absence of rain, wherein, if the season had been wet instead of exceptionally dry, the earth temperature would have been so low that, combined with the low tempera- ture of the air, it would have exercised a most damaging in- fluence on vegetation, more especially upon that all-important crop — Wheat — which, instead of being as it is (exceptionally good), would have been a most serious failure. The way in which grain crops kept their colour, and went on growing through the unusually prolonged cold, was a subject of general remark, and an evidence of the mitigatory influence which a dry condition of the soil exercises over an ungenial state of the air. ' T. Baines. Southgate. 66 THE GARDEN. [July 25, 1874. NOTES OP THE WEEK. Mb. J. T. BoswELL Syme sends us, from his garden in Fife. shire, a healthy and vigorous branch in flower of a Eucalyptus which he thinks is E. cordata, and not E. globulus as stated last week (see p. 42). The leaves are bluntly heart-shaped, and rather closely set on the branches. Their colour is similar to that of the leaves of E. globulus and they are equally aromatic. AiiELiA FLORiBUNDA, Mr. Charles Moore informs na, is now in fine flower at Glasnevin. It grows in the open air nailed against one of the houses and is very beautiful, its long purplish.red tubular blossoms being produced from the axils of the leaves at the ends of the branches in great profusion. It succeeds, we believe, out-of-doors in Devonshire, and in some of the other warmer counties in England. ■= We are pleased to be able to state that Lord and Lady Holmesdale have granted permission for the beautiful grounds at liinton Park to be open to visitors on Tuesday and Friday afternoons, from two to six o'clock, until further notice. A book will be kept in tha Cohservatofy, in which visitors will be invited to enter their iiames. We learn, from the Cultivator, that many interesting facts were stated by members of the Michigan Pomological Society, from different parts of that State, showing the difference between the cold of low places, and the warmer temperature on hills and elevations, during the intense cold of winter — a difference of a hundred feet or two in height often making a difference of eight or ten degrees in temperature. Peaches were often found killed in low, warm places, while the trees bore plentiful crops on the hills above. This principle has been long well understood, but the additional corroborative evidence is interesting. PnoF. BeaI lately gave an interesting address, with enlarged Illustrations, on several characteristics which might be employed in describing fruits, which pomologists had overlooked. Among these was a dissimilarity in the form or aggregation of the styles in the flowers of some different sorts, but the most remarkable character which he pointed out was the peculiarity in the shape and markings of the petals of Apples, some being ovate, others round, cordate, &c., and so far as he had examined, these characteristics were constant or uniform. The only drawback for general utility is that they must be examined at a time when the fruit itself cannot bo seen. In reference to Chelsea Bridge and Batteraea Park Sir C. Dilke asked the First Commissioner of Works, the other night, whether the subject of freeing from toll the government bridge leading to Battersea Park was under the consideration of the Office of Works, and whether the promise of that office to plant the vacant space on the west side of Battersea Park was to be carried out. Lord H. Lennox said the question of freeing Chelsea Bridge from toll was a difficult one, but he had hopes that the difficulty would not prove insuperable. With regard to the second part of the question, he said if Sir C. Dilke turns to the Estimates of this year, he will find that he had caused provision to be made in the Vote for Parks, &c., for the present year for forming and planting the empty space of ground on the west 'boundary of Battersea Park between the gymnasium and the west lodge. The work is in hand as far as the formation of the ground is concerned, and the planting will bo commenced in the autumn. A COMPANY under the title of the Royal Aquarium and Summer and Winter Garden Society has been started, the object of which is to provide London with an aquarium and winter garden, and in connection therewith to afford facilities generally for the promotion of artistic, scientific, and musical entertainments. A site has been procured facing the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, and lying between the new Government offices and Victoria Street. The centre or main transepts of the building will bo con. strncted principally of glass, forming a large conservatory and promenade surrounded by galleries. Special concerts (vocal and instrumental) will be held every Saturday, at which the most eminent and favourite artistes w^ill appear. Perfoi'mances of an attractive and varied character will also take place on stated days ; at Christmas an entertainment will be provided specially acceptable to children and families. The aquarium, says the prospectus, will be a special feature, being the first of its kind established in London ; and no pains will be spared to render it at once the most complete and instructive aquarium in the world ; the experience already gained in the construction and management of the Brighton, Crystal Palace, and Manchester aquaria will be fully utilised, and prove highly advantageous in the completion of the present enterprise. It may be specially noted that the marine aquarium has of late years proved one of the most attractive places of resort for all classes of society. In connection with tho main building there will be rooms for private concerts and for the delivery of popular lectures on matters pertaining to science and art, and other subjects of public interest. The hall will be so arranged that artistic, literary, and private societies can engage it for the pm'poses of meetings, couver. saziones, &c. — ■ — Wk have received the official circular, relating to Mr. Gibson's testimonial, from the secretary, and have given it publicity in another column in the hope that it may receive the attention which it deserves. At the Lincolnshire County show, held this week at Grantham, Messrs. Carter's exhibition of seeds and roots formed a prominent feature, especially the display of Grass seeds and Grasses, a depart- ment to which much attention is evidently paid. They are shown in sets suitable for all kinds of soils >»nd climate. The operation of laying out the new park for Sheffield, given to that town by Mr. Mark Firth, of Oakbrook, has been commenced. The park is 36.^ aci-es in extent, and commands one of the finest views to be had of the sarrounding country. It is about two miles from Sheffield, and is near a densely populated part of that town. Mr. Jarlot, the superintendent of street plantations in Paris, informs us that the Planes which we have been accustomed to admire in Paris, are beginning to suffer and to die. As soon as the roots get through the prepared soil, and touch tfao dry chalky Paris soil, they cease to thrive. On a recent visit to London, he was amazed at the size and beauty of the Planes and other deciduous trees in the west-central squares, and in other parts of London. DiSA GBANDIFLORA, when Well grown and flowered, amply repays all the trouble required for its successful cultivation. We saw, last week, at Sir William Marriott's garden, Down House, Dorset, some plants grown by his gardener (Mr. Hill) of this beautiful Orchid with more than eighty flowers in bloom at once. In one pan wo counted more than thiity flowers of a most brilliantly coloured variety of D. grandiflora, named superba. Some of the varieties were originally given to Sir William Marriott, by Mr. Leach, of Clap- ham, whoso skill in cultivating D. grandiflora is well known. West Ua51 Park was opened on Monday last by the Mayor and Sheriffs of London. It has been partly the gift of Mr. Gurney, partly of the Corporation of the City, and some of the expense has been raised by voluntary contributions. Altogether it is a magnifi- cent gift of 80 acres of beautifully timbered land in the centre of a district which needs it sadly. In all, it is about some 5 acres larger than St. James's Park ; and, though it lacks ornamental water, it makes up for that in the beauty of its Grass and trees. The wholo formal ceremony of opening was a great success, and passed off with the greatest enthusiasm. On Thursday last a flower show was held in the Drapers' Company's garden, Throgmortou Street, at which numerous prizes were awarded for window-plants grown within the precincts of tho City. The plants exhibited consisted of Aucubas, Ivy, Zonal Pelar- goniums, Musk, the Spotted and old Scarlet Monkey-flower (Mimu. lus). Creeping Jenny, Ferns — such as Lastrea, Scolopendrium, and Adiantum. A plant of the Canary Creeper (Tropa3olum peregrinum), came from St. Paul's Cathedral, and there were numerous examples of the fresh green Ornithogalum, an Onion-like bulb so often seen iu cottager's windows in all parts both of town and country. The show was a very interesting one, and the plants staged good, considering tho smoke and dust amid which they were grown. Mr. Marshall, of Enfield, sent a collection of choice Orchids and stove and greenhouse foliaged plants ; while Messrs. W. Paul, C. Turner, and G. Paul & Sons, furnished admirable stands of cut Roses. The gardens are about an acre in extent (not several acres as stated at p. 20), and contain some fine old specimen MulbeiTy trees. In a large oval tank here, the white Water Lily grows luxuriantly, and the American water weed (Anaoharis) is just now flowering very profusely. Fine specimens of Rhode Island Greenings were exhibited at a meeting of the Michigan Pomological Society, held on the 21th ult., as fresh and plump as in autumn, grown at South Haven, by President Phillips of tho South Haven Horticaltnral Society. Theso Apples were packed in barrels with each specimen wrapped in paper, and headed up, and were kept iu a cellar with a temperature near tho freezing point through the winter. Handsome Apples thus packed brought 50 per cent, more in the market than those packed in tho common way. Judge Ramsdell, of Traverse City, presented bright and fine specimens of several sorts grown at that place. Among them was the Fameuse, which appeared as fresh as in autumn. Specimens of the Golden Russet (of Western New- York) and Northern Spy were also in excellent condition, as well as Wagener and Baldwin. Tho Grand Traverse region is about 15" north, where Apples do not ripen till late in the season, and all sorts keep well. No warm weather occurs after the ripening season — a most important advantage. That region is nearly surrounded by the open waters of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, and there is no difficulty in keeping Apples as low as 30^ all winter. July 25, 1874.] THE GAUDBN. 67 THE INDOOR GARDEN. LADY'S-SLIPPERS. II. — Tender Cypripediums. 0. venustum (Handsome Ladv's-slipper). — This is an old and well, known plant, with handsome foliage and rather showy green and purple ilowers, which are copiously prodnced during the autumn and winter mouths. The flowers are nearly as large as those of the liearded Lady's. slipper, but different in the foliage ; and the lip is bronzy-green, not deep purple, as in the last-named plant. Close examination of the leaves shows them to be covered with a super, posed layer of air-cells, and these give to the foliage a rather glaucous tint. It appears to like a tolerable degree of warmth; but 1 have seen creditable plants grown under ordinary greenhouse treatment. The sepals are white, or pale green, striped with darker lines at the base ; and the spreading petals are olive-green at the base, baviug purple apices. They are fringed by rather long black hairs, and have a few black spots over their surface. It is an easily- grown plant, that should be in every collection of greenhouse or stove exotics. It is a native of the East Indies. — C. venustum Wall. Hook. Ex. Flora 33; Lod. Bot. Cab. 585 ; Bot. Reg. 10, V88; Bot. Mag. 47, 2,129. C. venustum var. spectabile is a very distinct and bright coloured form, although very rare. There is an excellent coloured figure in the second volume of Warner's Select Orchidaceous Plants, t. 2-1. C. pardinimi is a distinct variety of this plant, characterised by its broader foliage, having paler blotches of purple behind, and in the toe of the slipper being peculiarly obtuse or blunt. It often bears two, and more rarely three, flowers on a scape, the colours being similar to those of the normal form. It is figured in Floral Mag. 1874'. C. concolor (Self-coloured Lady's-slipper). — This is a small, bnt verj- distinct and interesting species. The flowers, which are of a clear sulphur-yellow throughout, sparingly dotted with brown, are borne on one or two flowered scapes from 2 to 5 inches in height, the flowers themselves being 2 or 3 inches across. It grows best in a warm moist stove or East Indian house, planted in a shallow pan of fibrous peat and lumps of sand or limestone rock. It flowers neai-ly continually when well grown, and requires plenty of moisture daring the summer months. In winter, water very carefully, as it is inclined to rot off at the crown. The plant was discovered bytheEev. C. Parish on lime-stone rooks in Burmah. It is also a native of Moulmein, where, according to Colonel Benson, it is found on the exposed face of limestone rocks, under a burning sun for a consider, able portion of the year. — C. concolor, Parish, M.S.; Bateraan in Bot. Mag. t. 5,513; Gard. Chron. 1865, p. 626, with an excellent wood- cut fig ; Batm. 2d Cent. Or. PI. t. 153. C. nivenm (Snow-white Lady's-slipper). — This is a little gem, and .a general favourite wherever it is grown. In habit, it is so near the last, that Mr. Ellis, who obtained many of the first plants introduced, mistook it for C. concolor until it flowered. The foliage is, however, a little longer, and rather deeper in colour ; the flowers are borne on one or two-flowered scapes, which vary from 3 to 6 inches in height, sometimes even higher ; the sepals are white in front, suffused with delicate rose-flesh at the base, which gives them a charming opaline appearance, and at the back they are suffused with green, and blotched with dull purple ; the sepals are pure white, nearly 2 inches long, and are dotted at the base with purple ; lip, oblong, slightly pointed, not unlike a wren's egg, but larger, pure white, with minute purple dots. Like the last, it luxuriates best in a warm moist atmosphere, and thorough drainage at the root. Different individuals of this pretty little plant vary considerably in the form of the lip, some having the lip tapering and bluntly pojnted, as in C. concolor ; while others have it rounded, something like C. Schlimmi. It so nearly resembles C. concolor in all its parts, that I am inclined to think it is best considered as but a white form of that species. — C. niveum Rchb. f. in Gard. Chron. 1869, p. 1,038 ; C. concolor var. uiveum Rchb. f . in litt. ; Floral Mag. 1871, 543 ; Jenning's Orch. t. 28. C. jai'anicum. — This is a very inconspicuous species of the C. barbatum type, having variegated foliage and solitary dingy green and purple flowers on a long slender purplish scape. It grows well treated like C. barbatum, and flowers during the winter months ; its flowers, like all the others in this group, being very permanent in character. Although not showy, the plant is worth adding to a collection of these plants for variety. It is a native of Java and other islands in the Indian Archipelago. — C. javanicnm, Reinw. ; Flore des Serres, 7, 703. C. i)arfio(vm (Bearded Lady's Slipper). — This is one of the best known and most generally cultivated of all the species. It is a most vigorous and free. flowering plant that may be had in bloom all throughout the year with but little trouble. The foliage is of a pleasing green colour, with darker blotches and lines, the flowers being borne on long deep purple or chocolate.tinted scapes, 6 to 15 inches in height. The upper sepal is fully expanded, clear white at the apex, its lower half being striped with deep purple and bright green. The petals are spreading, and are of a bright purplish-tint, ciliated along their edges, and characterised by bright, hairy, black glands along their upper margins. The lip is quite an inch in width in good varieties and of a deep claret-purple, with deeper veins. This is one of the most variable plants in the whole group, the typical form being somewhat caulescent in character, with very small and poorly-coloured flowers. The best known variety in cultivation, and one of the most popular for show purposes, is C. barbatum nigrum, or, as it is sometimes called snperbum. Another form, which bears two flowers on a scape, is named C. barbatum biflorum. C. Crossii is another very distinct form and rather rare. Strictly speaking, C. Veitchii (superbiens) and C. Dajii may be referred to this species, and all the numerous forms are easily recognised by the peculiar marginal glands on the petals, and the shape of the green staminode. The plant, being robust, readily adapts itself to very diverse modes of treatment. It grows well in turfy loam, peat, and dried cow-dung in shallow pans or pots, and, when well grown, makes a fine exhi- bition plant. For the latter purpose, it is a usual practice to grow the plants in small pots, and arrange those that bloom best in a large pan when in flower. Grouped in this way, and neatly surfaced with fresh moss, they have a fine eileot in the eyes of ordinary floral critics, although they look stiff and formal to the artist. The plant is a native of Mount Ophir, a locality very interesting, as being the habiiat of a beautiful, but, as yet, unintroduced Fern (Mattonia pectinata). — C. barbatum Lindl. Bot. Reg. 28, 17; Bot. Mag. 72, 4,234; Flor. de Serres, 3, 190. For fig. of C. barbatum v. Crossi, see La Belgique Hort., 1865, Nos. 8 and 9. C. argus (Eye-like Spotted Lady's-slipper). — In habit this plant resembles C. barbatum, but the flowers ai'e bome on taller scapes, the latter varying from 12 to 18 inches in height. The flowers are about the same size as in C. barbatum ; sepals, white, streaked with green lines, as in C. venustum ; petals, curved, as in C. Fairieannm and X C. vexillarium, oblong, marked with green lines, and pro- fusely spotted or blotched with deep purple eye-like markings ; each petal has about seven large shining hairy glands along its upper margin, a character which shows its close relation to the bearded Lady-slipper in a marked degree. The blunt apices of the petals are suffused with purple as in C. venustum. Lip like that of C. bar- batum in form, but veined with green on a bronze-coloured ground, as in C. venustum. It is a distiuct and handsome plant, growing and flowering very freely in the winter and spring treated like its con- geners. It was introduced by Messrs. Veitch, and first exhibited in December, 1873. It is a native of the Phillipines, and may be a natural hybrid. Mr. Bateman suggests that C. barbatum and C. venustum are the parents, and in this opinion I fully agree. I believe it is not yet figured. — C. argus Rchb. f. in Gard. Chron., 1873, p. 608. C. purpuratum. — This, at first sight, so closely resembles C. bar. batuni, both in habit and flower, that it is not unfrequently so named in gardens and nurseries. It is, however, very distinct, and charac- terised by the absence of marginal hairy glands, and by having the margins of the acute dorsal sepal or standard very distinctly revolute. It is an old species, seldom seen in modern collections, although I have noted it flowering annually in the Kew collection for several successive years. It blooms during the winter months, and lasts for fully a month or six weeks in perfection. It sometimes, though rarely, bears two flowers on a scape. — Lind. Bot. Reg. 23, 1,991 ; Wight Ic. PI. Ind. or. 5, 1,780; Bot. Mag., t. 4,901. C. Hooheriw (Lady Hooker's Lady's-slipper). — This, although not remarkable for the beauty of its flowers, is a handsome plant, well worth growing as a foliage plant, its broad green foliage being con- spicuously marked with silvery grey. Each leaf is from 4 to 6 inches long by about 2w inches in width. The flowers are borne singly on scapes 12 to 16 inches in length ; sepals, ovate, of a greenish.yellow colour ; petals, 2 or 3 inches long, spathulate, green at the base, and of a lively purple colour at their apices, the petals are spotted with purple or brown about the centre ; lip, more or less swollen, of a greenish-purple colour; staminode, oblong, greenish. This is the best of all the variegated kinds, and good varieties bear really hand, some flowers, while others are very dingy. C. Bullenii is a variety of this plant. Like all the other tropical species, it likes plenty of subdued light and a warm moist atmosphere. This species and C. Fairieanum are subject to the attacks of thrips and red spider if irregularly treated, and these soon spoil their beauty and give them an unseemly rusty appearance. Genial warmth, fresh air, and moisture will do much to keep these pests in abeyance, especially if the syringe is freely used at the same time. It is a native of Borneo and the Malayan Archipelago. — Hook. Bot. Mag., t. 5,362 ; Batm. 2d. Cent. Orch. PI. t. 123 ; Fl. des Serres, 15, 1,565. 68 THE GARDEN. [July 25, 1874. C. superbiens (Superb Lady's-slipper), although nothing more than a fine form of the Bearded Lady's-slipper, this is, at the same time, so distinct and beautiful that for all garden purposes it merits a distinct title. The plant is easily recognised, even when not in flower, by its bright yellowish.green darkly.blotched foliage. Its flowers are large aud solitary, borne on stout scapes, 12 to 14 inches high. The upper sepal is broadly egg-shaped, of a greenish shade at the base, softening into white at the tip, and streaked with deep green convergant lines. Petals 3 to 3.^- inches long, nearly an inch broad, strap-shaped, rather blunt at their points, and deflexed at an angle of about 45". The petals are white, shading into green at the base, the apices being tinted with rose. The petals are spotted throughout with deep purple, something in the way of C. argus ; but here ihe markings are smaller and the segments larger. The lip is large, inflated at the mouth, tapering in graceful curves to a blnnt point, being of a dull purplish brown colour, veined with green at the sides. The stamina is lunulate, with a tooth on each side below. It likes a very warm humid atmosphere, and a fresh open compost, and appears to grow nearly all the year, so that it should not want for moisture at any time. It is a native of Java, often called C. Veitchii in gardens. — Rchb. f. in Bonplandia, 1855, 227 ; XeniaOrch. ii. 9, t. 103 ; Warner Select. Orch. Ser. 2, t. 12 ; L. 111. Hort. 12, 429. C. Dayanun (Mr. John Day's Lady's-slipper). — ^This is another fine and distinct form of the ubiquitous C. barbatnm, and as one of the most effective of its class, should find a place iu the most select collection. In form, the flower reminds one of C. snperbiens, but it is easily distiugaished from that form by the dorsal sepal being narrower and more sharply pointed ; the petals are longer and more spreading, and aro not spotted. The upper segment is ovate, pale yellowish-white, streaked with green ; petals 3 to 4 inches in length, white at the tips, pale green at the base, streaked with interrupted brownish purple lines. Lips very large and wide at the mouth, gradually curving to a bluntish point as in C. superbiens, tbe colour being purplish-brown, margined with a shade of green. Foliage, light green, blotched irregularly with a darker shade. It has a tolerably free habit, and requires a warm fresh humid atmosphere, with a copious supply of tepid moisture at the root. Flowered first about 1860. It is a native of Borneo and the Malayan Archipelago. Although described as C. spectabile, it must not be confounded with the hardy North American species of that name. — C. spectabile, Rchb. iu Allq. Gart. Zeit, Oct. 11, 1856, var. Dayii ; C. spectabile, Gard. Chron. 1860, p. 695; Flor. do Serres, figured in as C. Dayii. C. insigiie (Bannered Lady's-slipper). — This is one of the oldest and best of all the species, and one that grows well with the same care as is requisite to succeed with a Fuchsia or Geranium. It is one of the best and most suitable of all greenhouse Orchids, for it must be badly treated, indeed, it it refuses to grow and bloom. It likes a compost of fibrous loam and well-dried cowdung on a well- drained bottom, with plenty of water at the foot when growing ; blooming, as it does in the winter, makes this doubly valuable. A very fine variety of this plant, with brighter-coloured flowers and more white on the upper sepal, is called Maulei. A good figure of this variety will be found in Flore des Serres 15, 1,561-. As an Orchid for room or window-enlture in a Wardian case, this has no equal, as it is perfectly safe if preserved from actual frost, although the nearer the winter temperature is kept at 40' Far. the better. It should never be allowed to become thoroughly dry at the root, though less moisture is desirable during dull or cold weather, or the plant may suffer from damp. In the Gardeners' Chronicle, 1812, p. 253, a correspondent recommends this as a drawing-room decorative plant, when in flower, and says : — " On the 1st of December I placed eight plants in the drawing-room ; there they revelled iu the greatest luxuriance for three successive months, and, when taken out in March, were as fresh and vigorous as the day thoy were put in."— Wall. Hook. E.\-. Fl. 34; Lodd. Cab. 1,321 ; Bot. Mag., 62, 3,412. The figure under this name in Bl. Bumph., 195, is C. glanduUfernm of the same author. C. insigne Veitchianum. — This is a still finer variety than C. Maulei, the upper sepal being large and white nearly to the base, profusely blotched with crimson. A plant of this was sold in the Moadowbauk collection for over twenty guineas. I believe it is not yet figured. C. villosum (Shaggy Lady's-slipper).— One of the finest and most luxuriant of all the species, which grows equally well either in a hot stove or in a cool Orchid-house. Coming from the hot climate of Moulmein, one would expect a high temperature was essential to its well-being; but such is not the case— indeed, the plants seem fresher and more vigorous when grown in a cool, moist, airy temperature than when coddled up in the East Indiau.house. The foliage is of a fresh green colour, the base behind being profusely speckled with purple ; flowers, solitary, on stout hairy scapes, 6 to 2 inches in height ; sepals, oblong, greenish, shaded and streaked with brown towards the base ; the spathulate petals are of a bright brown tint, shining as if varnished ; the lip is of a pale yellow tint, shaded with purplish brown, aud shining like the petals ; the oblong staminode is honey. coloured, slightly tinged with green, having a blunt tooth or a projecting tubercle in the centre ; well-grown specimens bear twenty to thirty flowers, and last six weeks in perfection. This is one of the best species an amateur can add to his collection, as it seldom fails to please. A native of India-Moulmeiu, where it was found by Mr. T. Lobb, one of the most successful of the Veitchian collectors, at an elevation of 5,000 feet. — Lindl. in Gard. Chron. 1851, p. 135. C. hirsutissimmn (Hairy Lady's-slipper). — A free-growing planti bearing large fully-expanded flowers on scapes shorter than the leaves. Although not particularly showy, it deserves culture as a variety, especially as it blooms freely at the dull season of the year, when flowers of any kind are valuable ; flowers, solitary, the sepals being green, shaded with dull brown, the petals having undulated margins, and a partial twist near their apices, green at the base, profusely dotted with brown, and of a bright purple tint at the apex; lip, green, very profusely spotted with brown. This species was first published by Hooker in the Bntanicil Magazine, from Lindley'a manuscripts, and the plant first flowered in English collections about 1858. Lindley remarks that it is allied to C. insigne, villosum, Lowii, and barbatum, which species he thus distinguishes from each ether : — " C. insigne is only tomeutose, and its petals want the spathulate form, long hairs, and strong undulation. C. villosum has longer flowers, no undulation, or beard, or ciliation of the petals, and has the sterile stamen truncate, not quadrate. Of C. Lowii, the long flat naked petals are quite different. C. barbatum has a circular, not quadrate, sterile stamen, spotted short leaves, and wants the shaggi. ness. In C. purpuratum the sterile stamen is lunate." The plant is a native of Assam. — Lindl. Bot. Mag. t. 4,990; Warner's Select Orch. PI., 1st ser., t. 15; Batm. 2nd Cent. Orch. PI., t. 119. 0. Fairieannm (Mr. Fairie's Lady's-slipper). — One of the rarest and most distinct plants in the group, easily recognised when in bloom by the rich purple markings on its dorsal sepal, and by the curious double curve assumed by the petals. The plant is lather small in habit, having pale greenish leaves that spread horizontally over the top of the shallow pan in which it should be grown. It is rather delicate, and likes a warm partially shaded position in tbe East Indian-house or plant stove, with a fresh open sandy compost thoroughly well drained. The flowers are solitary on slender scapes, the upper sepal being large in proportion to the other segments, the margins being undulate and pilose or ciliate, while at the apex striped with rich parpio or claret markings. The lower sepal is greenish-white and much smaller ; petals, curved downwards, green striped with purple, margined with purple hairs. The plant was first described by Lindley from a specimen which first bloomed with Mr. Fairie, of Liverpool, iu 1857. The plant was first imported from Assam ; and, although many consignments have been received, it continues very rare. It bloom.s in the autumn and lasts well. — Hook, in Bot. M:ig., t. 5,024 ; Gard. Chron., 1857, p. 704 ; Batm. 2nd Cent. Orch. PI., 1. 140. C. Lowii (Mr. Hugh Low's Lady's-slipper). — This is a strong- growing vigorous-habited species, introduced in 1816, and was described soon after from a specimen which bloomed in the collection of A. Kenrich, Esq., of West Bromwich. It is a native of Borneo, where it is found growing on the branches of some of the highest forest trees. I have seen some finely-grown plants in the garden of Provost llussel, of Mayfield, near Falkirk, N.B., who has one of tho best and most complete collections of these curious and beautiful plants that I have ever seen. One of these plants bore six flowers on a fine scape nearly 4 feet long. The foliage is about 12 to 11 inches long, and \\ inches in width, of a dark green colour, the erect scape being usually about 2 feet high and three to four flowered. The upper sepal is downy at the back and pale green within. The petals are 3 to 4 inches long, projected nearly horizontally at right angles with the lip. These are spathulate in form, yellowish-green at the base, heavily spotted or blotched with purple, the apices being of a dullish purple tint ; the lip is oblong, blunt at the apex, of a shining purplish-brown colour ; the staminode is curiously three-lobed below. This plant, although a native of one of the hottest and most univer. sally humid districts in tho world, gro\vs perfectly well in a moderately cool Cattleya-house. They grow best iu a fresh open turfy compost surfaced with living Sphagnum Moss, into which its thick hairy roots branch in all directions. This plant is more rarely known as C. cruciforme. It is a native of Borneo. — Flore des Serres 4, 375 ; Jour. Hort. Soc. 5, 27 ; Lind. in Garil. Chron., 1847, p. 765, with wood-cut fig. C. Schlimmii (Schlimm'a Lady's-slipper). — This is a charming little plant when well grown, yet growers, as a rule, fail in its culti- vation. I have only seen two plants iu a really first-class condition, one in Provost Russel's well-known collection at Falkirk, aud tho other iu Mr. Edwin Wrigley's garden at Bury, Lancashire. The last mentioned specimen bad leaves 12 to 16 inches iu length and nearly July '25, 1874.] THE GARDEN. 69 2 inches broad, being of a fresh light green colour, and in the most vigorons health. It was growing with Odontoglots, Disas, and Oncidium macranthnm, in a cool moist house, and was literally revelling in a fresh open compost of turfy loam and fibrous peat, surfaced with living Sphagnum Moss. It bears pretty little flowers 1 to 2 inches across, on erect simple, or more rarely branched, spikes. The sepals are oblong, slightly downy, and greenish white ; petals, oval or oblong, pnre white, sometimes sparingly spotted with bright purple ; lip, rounded, white, suffused with bright rose. The flowers are not unlike those of the North American C. spectabile in shape and colom-, but smaller. It is very liable to the attacks of thrips, which seem especially fond of its fresh succulent young leaves ; a cool atmosphere, regular supplies of moisture at the root, together with daily syringings, and a shady position in the house, will do much to prevent their ravages. It is a chaste little species well worth culture. It is a native of New Grenada, and flowered with Mr. Bull about 1866. —Bot. Mag., t. 5,614 C. caudaUim (Long-tailed Cy. pripede). — This is one of the most attractive of Orchids, and, at the same time, one of the greatest curiosities of the vege- table kingdom. The foliage is strap-shaped, 5 to 10 inches in length by about 1 inch wide, and of a bright green colour. The spike is two or three flowered, and is a little longer than the leaves. The flowers are large and handsome ; sepals, ovate-alternate, the lower one rather larger than the upper one, 3 or 4 inches in length, and of a pale yellowish colour, streaked with deep green mai-k. ings, and sometimes tinged with rose. The lip is large and very much swollen, yellowish outside, heavily suffused with greenish, purple. The colouring is very rich in the best forms. The inflected lobes at the base are of ivory whiteness, spotted with rich purple markings. The petals are the most striking parts of the flower and are re- markable not only for their great length, but for the gradual manner in which they elongate until tie maximum length of from 20 to 30 inches is attained. When the buds first open these petals are not much longer than the sepals, but they continue to increase in length, for nine or ten days at least, after the flower opens. It would be interesting to know the cause of their rapid growth, while, at the same time, the rest of the flower does not visibly enlarge; it is, however, a peculiarity evinced, more or less, by all the long-petalled Cypripedes and by one or two Brassias. Another case, nearly similar, is found in the tail or spur of Angraecum sesqnipedale, which frequently attains the length of from 12 to 16 inches. It was pointed out by Darwin, in his " Fertilisation of Orchids," that in its native habitat (Madagascar) there probably existed a lepidopterous insect with a proboscis sufficiently long to reach the nectar, which is secreted at the very bottom of the tube or nectary, and suggested that its so doing resulted in the fertilisation of the flower. More recently this has been proved to be the case, and a moth has been discovered in the Island with a proboscis of the required length. In the case of the Long. tailed Lady's-slipper I have often thought that it might possibly be fertilised in Peru by large ants or other creatures unable to fly, and that the long petals served as ladders np which they can climb to the sexual apparatus. It is one of the best species in the Cypripedium Fairieanum. genus and should be introduced to every collection. C. caudatum roseum, is a brighter coloured variety which succeeds well under rather cooler treatment than the normal type. This plant grows well in a cool Orchid-house where the teuiperature is kept about 40° in winter, and is very effective. C. caudatum first flowered in the once celebrated collection of Mrs. Lawrence at Ealing Park in 1850. Native of the Peruvian Andes. — Lindl. Hook., Ic. pi., 7, 658-9; Paxt. Fl. Gard., 9 ; Plor des Serres, 6, 566 ; Warner's Orch. Plants 2nd series, t. 1. C. Stonei (Mr. Stone's Lady's-slipper). — This maybe considered as one of the most attractive species in the whole group. It wag first imported from Sarawak by Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., and named in honour of Mr. Stone, an enthusiastic cultivator and late gaidener to Mr. Day, of Tot. tenham. It has smooth foliage of a bright green colour, about 1 foot in length, and IJ- to 2 inches in width. The flowers are borne 2 to 4 together, on a large curved erect spike, subtended by large bracts. The flowers are large and brightly coloured ; sepals, white, faintly tinged with rose, and heavily blotched behind with purple ; petals, 5 inches long, and ;f of an inch broad, droop- ing, slightly twisted, of a faint yellow colour, streaked and blotched with purple ; lip, not unlike a Mahomedan slipper in shape ; of a bright rosy-lilac colour, with conspicuous car. mine-tinted veins. The style ia curiously two-branched, and the staminode is surrounded by a hairy border, like the collar of a Polish tunic. A fine variety of this, C. Stonei platytasnium, differs from the normal form in having flat petals fully I to J of an inch broad, richly blotched with purple. It is both rare and valuable. — C. Stonei, Lindl., Bot. Mag., t. 5,349; Batm. 2d Cent. Or. PI. 200 ; Jenning'a Orch. t. 12 ; C. Stonei platytffi. nium Rchb. f. Gard. Chron., 1867, p. 1,118, with excellent wood-cat fig. C. Iwvigatum (Glossy-leaved Lady's-slipper). — In habit this is barely distinguishable from C. Stonei, and their mode of flowering is the same. It is easily distinguished, however, by its smaller flowers, and by the purple markings in front of the ovate dorsal sepal, as well as the scape ovaries, bracts, and petals of the present plant being profusely covered with purple hairs, while in C. Stonei they are perfectly smooth. The petals are also much more dis- tinctly twisted, and vary from 4 to 6 inches in length, being of a clear yellow colour, streaked and spotted with purple at the base ; the lip is yellow, shaded with purple. This beautiful plant was introduced from the Philippine Islands by the late Mr. John Gould Veitch, who discovered it growing on the roots of Vauda Batemanni. Like its congener, C. Stonei, this only succeeds well in a warm genial atmos. phere, partially shaded during bright sunshine, with plenty of light during the dull autumn and winter months. Good specimens of both these beautiful plants bear from three to six fine spikes, each bear, ing three or four flowers. — C. Itevigatnm (Bateman), Bot. Mag., t. 5,508; Batm. 2d Cent. Or. PI. t. 101 ; Flore des Serres 17, 1860. C. cariciniim (Ledge-leaved Lady's-slipper). — This is a modest slender-leaved little plant, well worth growing in a mixed collection. Its bright green grassy leaves are produced from a sleuder rhizome which creeps over the surface of the mossy compost iu all directions 70 THE GAKDEN. [July 25, 1874. Its flowers are borne on erect spikes, one to three together, and, though not showy, are extremely delicate in their tinting, and the narrow petals are curiously tortile or twisted like a fanciful cork, screw. Sepals and lip of a pale grass-like green hue ; petals, greenish, margined with white, and tipped with purplish-brown. It flowered in ilessrs. Veitch's Orchid. houses in 18G5, and is one of Mr. Pearce's discoveries. It grows well in a moderately cool and hnmid temperature, with copious supplies of moisture at the root. I have seen this plant growing vigorously and flowering most pro- fusely in a cool lean-to Orchid-house, with air on night and day iu summer. Treated in this manner, this species and the pretty little C. Schlimmii do well ; both like to feel the effects of condensed moisture on their fresh foliage during the night. It is a native of Peru and Bolivia, and is sometimes known as C. Pearcei, as a com- pliment to its unfortunate discoverer. — Bot. Mag., t. 5,46G. C. glanduli/eruiii (Blume's glandular-petalled Lady's. slipper). — This is a rare and curious plant, not at present introduced to our collec- tions. It bears large handsome flowers, two or three together on a scape. Petals, 3 or 4 inches in length, acute or sharp pointed, and bearing two or three conspicuous hairy glands along their margins ; lip, inflated, pink or bright rose-coloured, with a pair of reversed horn-like appendages inside. It agrees with C. Parishii, in having long petals set with large hairy glands, but the petals of the last, named have blunt rounded hairy apices, by which it may readily be distinguished. The only figure I have seen is in " Blumo's Rumphia," Vol. IV., 198, where it is figured under the name of C. insigne, which must not be confounded with the well-known C. insigne of Wallich. It is also known as C. glanduliflorum. Native of New Guinea, and probably also of Java. C. Parishii (Rev. C. S. Parish's Cypripede, or the Elephant- crushed Lady's-slipper). — This is a very interesting plant, with broadly strap-shaped deep green leaves bifid at the tip. The flower, spike is 1 to 2 feet long, bearing from three to five large long, petalled flowers ; the upper sepal is ovate, with unfolded margins, and has a strongly defined reel behind ; the lower sepal is rather smaller and reflexed ; in colour they are pale greenish.yellow. The petals are 4 to 6 inches long, with undulated margins near the base, and the segments become distinctly twisted towards the rounded hairy tips. They are greenish.yellow at the base, margined with purple, while the apical portion is deep claret-purple, with pale margins ; each petal has about three hazy marginal glands, the lip is oblong, vf ith the lower lobes inflected in the usual way , the colour being a decided green, shaded ■with brown. It grows well in a warm genial atmosphere, and has recently been exhibited by Mr. B. S. Williams, at Sonth Kensington. The only other Lady's-slipper that has the peculiar large hairy glands on its long petals is the C. gl.induliferum, of New Guinea, and that has not the curious blunt tips to its petals like our plant. The plant was introduced by the Rev. C. S. Parish, who met with it in India, near the Siamese frontier. — C. Parishii, Rchb. f. in MS. in litt; R. C. Parish in Herb. Kew ; in Flora, June, I8G9 ; Gard. Chron. 1869, p. 814 ; Bot. Mag., t. 5,791. C. longiJoUum (Long-leaved or Reichenbach's Lady' -slipper). — This is a free-growing species, introduced by M. Roezl, one of the most intrepid and successful of modern collectors. According to Reichen- bach, this plant, C. Roozlii, C. caudatum, C. Pearcei, C. Schlimmii, and one or two others, all South American, belong to Selinipedium, a genus characterised by having a three. celled ovary. The foliage of this plant is bright green, strap-shaped, 12 to 16 inches long, by 1 to 1^ inches broad. The scape varies from 2 to 4 feet long, bearing ten to twelve or more flowers, which open in gradual succession from below upwards, rarely more than one being open at the same time ; in this way a plant often lasts in bloom for a whole year or more. The flowers are of a warm yellowish-green tint, shaded with brown, each having a large green bract at the base. The drooping or diver- gant petals are 3 or 1 inches long, tapering from the base, where they are half an inch broad, to the attenuated apices. These are of a brownish-purple colour, the lower sepal is much the largest, a very unusual occurrence in the genus, although well marked in the present species, and iu C. Roezlii. These segments are of a greenish-brown colour, the lip being oblong, olive-green in front, and profusely dotted or speckled within. The rhomboidal, or triangular, staminode has a conspicuous rim of stiff black hairs along its upper margins. It grows well in a moderate temperature. This is also, though erroneously, known as Reichenbachii in some gardens. A native of Costa Rica.— C. longifolium, Rchb. f., 1869, p. 1,206. C. Roedii (Roezl's Lady's-slipper), — This is a very robust plant, very nearly related to the long-leaved Cypripede, but distinguishable by its much longer and broader foliage, and by its flowers being larger and much more showy. The leaves vary from 12 to 18 inches in length, being nearly 2 inches wide, and of the freshest green colonr imaginable. It grows freely treated like its congeners. The spike, like that of the last-named, is 2 to 4 feet long, with great Strelitzia-like bracts at the base of each flower. The flowers open in gradual succession, rarely more than two being open at the same time, and the plant continues flowering for ten or even twelve months from the same spike. The sepals are ovate and of a soft rosy tint, the lower being nearly twice the size of the upper segmynt. The petals are 3 or 4 inches long, and of a bright rosy-purple colour ; the lip is green, shaded with purplish-brown. The inflected sides being palo yellow, profusely waned, and having about two green glands on each side about the centre. It is a noble plant that should be included in every collection. Uplands in South America. C'.jaj[Jo)n'(;um(Japanese Lady's- slipper). — This is a rare and extremely slow growing plant, which I have never seen in cultivation. It is a native of Japan. — C. japonicnm, Thunberg's Icon. Jap. t. 1. C. Sedenii (M. Seden's Cypripede). — This is a very beautiful hybrid, and very vivid in its colouring. It was raised by Mr. Seden, one of the foremen in the Royal Exotic Nursery, at Chelsea, and is the result of a cross between C. Schlimmii and C. longifolium. It is an interesting fact that the plants were intercrossed with each other, and seedlings raised from both ; the species, as seed.bearing parents, gave exactly the same results. The foliage is strap-shaped, grace, fully cm'ved, and of a bright green colour. Flower. spikes, purple, hairy, bearing five to seven flowers each, only one or two being fully expanded at the same time. The sepals are oblong, of a bright rosy colour. Petals, oblong, inclined to be strap.shaped, and partially twisted near the apex, creamy. white with deep rosy margins ; lip, oblong, bluntly pointed, the mouth being curiously lobed on each side, and having ronnded bosses on the front margin. The inflected sides are pure white, dotted with rose, the staminode being slightly downy and tinted with pale yellow. It flowers very freely throughout the winter, and its bright foliage and brilliant flowers make it a general favourite. Grows well in a cool house. — Jenning's Orchids, t. 4 ; C. Sedenii, Rchb. f. in Gard. Chron. 1873, p. 1,085. C. Harrissianuui (Dr. Harris's Lady. slipper). — This is a very robust free-growing hybrid, raised by Mr. Dominy between C. villosum and C. barbatum. The leaves are 5 to 7 inches long, nearly 2 inches broad, and are of a bright green colour, marked with darker green in the way of C. barbatum; flowers, large, shining, as if varnished, shaped something like those of the first named parent, but darker in colour, the lip is rich pnrple, the petals being shaded with purple and brown. It grows and blooms nearly all the year round, and is one of the finest plants in the whole group. Some forms are deeper and brighter in colonr, but all are good and well worth culture in the most select collection. — C. Harrissianum, Rchb. f. in Gard. Chron., 1869, p. 108. C. vei:illariii,m (Standard Lady's. slipper), — This is another beauti- ful plant raised in Messrs. Veitch's establishment at Chelsea. It has variegated foliage and is the result of a cross between C. barbatum and the pretty little C. Fairieanum. The result is a very interesting hybrid nearly exactly intermediate in character between the two species ; the dorsal sepal is roundish.oblong, with undulate hairy margins, of a light greenish tint veined with purple ; petals, curved like those of the last. named plant, hairy along the margins, pale green in colour, with dark veins and purple spots and markings ; lip, purple, shaded with green. It flowers during the winter mouths, and is well deserving of general culture. — -Rchb. f. in Ga,rd. Chron. 1870, p. 1,373. C. Doininii (Mr. Dominy's Cypripede). — This is a free-growing plant with the general habit of C. caudatum, except that the leaves are narrower and more gracefully curved. It is the produce of seed from the last. named plant fertilised with C. caricinum, and the flowers, although closely resembling C. caudatum in form and size, show traces of both parents ; the sepals are light green shaded with dark green, the drooping twisted petals being of a pale yellow tint streaked with bright reddish crimson ; the inflected lobes of the lip are pure white with rich claret. coloured dots, while the sacshaped central lobe is green, heavily shaded with purplish-brown. It is a most desirable plant, blooming during the winter and spring months, and lasting a long time in beauty if the flowers are kept dry. — Rchb. f. in Gard. Chron. 1870, p. 1,181. C. Aahhurtoniir. — This plant is the result of a cross between the old Bannered Lady's-slipper and the well-known C. barbatum. In habit and inflorescence it somewhat resembles both parents. The leaves are shaped like those of C. insigne, bat are a little broader, bifid at the tip, and covered with dark net-like markings of dark green on a lighter ground. Some individuals are marked nearly as distinctly a C. barbatum, while, in others, the markings are barely visible. The flowers are in shape similar to those of the last-named, and are borne singly on a slender chocolate-coloured scape about a foot high. Upper sepal white at the apex, greenish at the base, having numerous deep brownish-purple stripes and blotches ; petals slightly deflexed, oblong, wavy along their margins, of a greenish, while with deep purplish veins ; the margins being hairy and tinged JoLY 26, 1874] THE GARDEN. 71 with purplish.roee. Lip oblong, rather blunli at tho point, and narrowing towards the mouth ; the coloar is greenish, shaded with purple, the depth of colour varying in different individuals. It is an interesting and easily grown plant, well worth growing. It was raised by Mr. Cross, late gardener to Lady Ashburton, at Melchet Park, Hampshire, after whom it is named. — C. Ashburtonice, Rchb. fil. Gard. Chron., 1871, p. 1,647, where there is a woodcut figm-e. C. Cro^sianum (Mr. Cross's Lady's-slipper) . — This is another pleasing hybrid, raised at the same time as the last, and from the same parents. Its oblong foliage is intermediate between that of C. insigne and C. venustum, being of a glaucous-green tint above, paler below, blotched with purplish.black towards the base. There are a few dark reticulations on the upper surface of the leaf. The flowers are borne on purple hairy scapes, 8 to 12 iuches in length ; the bract being glaucous, with purple spots ; upper sepal, white at the apes, pale green below, with dark green nerves, and a few purple spots at the base ; petals, strap-shaped, slightly wavy, of a brownish copper colour, with dark purple or blackish spots ; the lip is yellowish, shaded with bronze, and having the green net-work as in C. venustum ; the staminode is like C. venustum in form, but of a yellow or pale honey colour, as in C. insigne. It is an interesting plant, and must not be confounded with C. barbatum Crossii. — C. Crossianum Rchb. f. in Gard. Chron. 1873, p. 877. Uropediuni Lindenii (Linden's Uropede). — This curious and extremely rare plant was named by the late Dr. J. Lindley, one of the most distinguished and acute of all orchidologists. It grows well in a cool house, and was introduced to our collections in 1818 by M. Linden, after whom it is named. As a genus this differs from Cypripedium of Linnajus or Selinipedium of Reichenbach, by having an elongated petaloid appendage, in place of the swollen slipper- shaped lip. In habit and mode of flowering, the plant is identical with C. caudatum, and the flowers closely resemble those of the last- named plant in every respect, except in the slipper being transformed into a long caudal appendage. It does well treated like C. cauda- tum. The plant flowers in the spring and may be regarded as a monstrous form of the last-named species. It is a native of New Granada, where it grows sparingly in moist woods at an altitude of 7,000 to 8,500 feet, and where the mean annual temperature is only 56°. It flrst flowered with M. Pescatore, of St. Cloud, near Paris, in 1853. — Uropedium Lindenii, Lindl., Belg. Hort. 4, 13 ; Regel. Gartenfl., 1861, 315. F. W. B. Weiw Golden Fern (G-ymnogramma decomposita). — As a garden jjlant, this new Golden Fern will take the position of a companion to the silvery G. pulchella, the size, fine cutting, and triangular outline of the fronds, producing a certain amount of similarity, though botanically the two are perfectly distinct. It was introduced from the Andes of South America, by John Gair, Esq., of Falkirk, by whom it was sent to Kew, and from thence it has been distributed. The fronds are nearly deltoid in outline, membraneous in texture, and qaadripinnatifid in division, supported on dark chestnut-brown shining stipes more than a foot long, clothed with sulphury meal at the base, and furnished with a few scattered pale brown scales. The pinnfe are set on tolerably close, of a clear green colour, the pinnules close lanceolate-deltoid, the tertiary segments palmatifidly cut down into hnear-acute segments, and bearing the sulphur-yellow sori through the whole length of the vein. It is a fine stove species, the large triangular fronds having a peculiarly elegant appearance from their flne cutting, while the minute finger. like divisions into which the lobes are split up give it a distinctive character. — Florist. NOTES AND QUESTIONS ON THE INDOOR GARDEN. Crinuin asiaticum.— This has bright careen leaves of a fresh, glossy green, and the flowers are white and delicately perfumed, twenty or thirty being borne on each scape. They are succeeded by great pale green globular fruits, not unlike small Apples, and these, even after the flowers are over, give the plant a striking appearance. — J. D. K. Leuclitenbergia principes.— A fine healthy specimen of this rare succulent is now showing tiower in the succulent-house at Kew. The plant has pecuUar elongated angular mammre, from the apices of which the flowers appear. It is a plant buc rarely seen, although last year it bloomed well in Mr. Peacock's collection at Hammersmith. Crassula Saxifraga. — This pretty tuberous-rooted species has been recently figured in the -Bo/tz/iteif/ Magazine (see t. 6,068). Its rounded crenulate leaves are deep green above and of a lively rosy-carmine beneath. The flowers are of a pale rose colour, and are borne in a small dense cyme at the apex of the peduncles, from, 4 to 6 inches in height. It is now in flower at Kew, and deserves a place in every collection of succulent plants.— B. Fuclisia Seed. — A person visiting a Fuchsia-house, on one of the Continental seed farms, was asked to guess the weight of seed procured from the house- about 10 by 30 feet in size. Twenty, ten, and even as little as one pound were suggested, but the fact proved that the entire prodtict was only one quarter of an ounce. Mr. Cannell's specimen Fuchsia-house, 30 feet by 20 feet, has not yet afiforded him a quarter of an oimce in one season. NOTES FEOM THE LEVANT. Having lately returned from a short tour in the Levant, dui'ing which I paid some attention to the horticulture and v/ild flowers of the countries which I visited a few notes on what I saw may perhaps be of interest to the readers of The Garden. My intention was to have visited the islands of Crete and Cyprus, and the south coast of Asia Minor ; but, vai'ious causes having prevented my carrying out this plan, I took the French steamer from Marseilles on March 6, for Smyrna. Though we called at both Palermo aud Messina, I had no time on shore at either place to collect plants, or to see anything of the natural productions of Sicily. A hurried walk through the public gardens at Palermo showed that the climate must be a remarkably fine one; for, though the spring was said to be unusually backward, and snow was lying on the mountains at 3,000 feet above the sea, Irises and Roses were both coming into flower on March 9. Date Palms, Magnolias, Loquats, and Oranges were very fine in these gai'dens ; and a good many plants, which in England are usually kept in a warm greenhouse, such as Cannas, Cala- diums, Cycas revoluta, two or thi'ee species of Araucaria, and others, were thriving in the open air. The botanic gardens here are said to be very interesting, and much better cared for than many Italian botanic gardens ; but, as it was getting dark when I landed, I had not time to visit them. A month or so in Sicily would probably repay a lover of flowers extremely well ; for, having a greater variety of climate than any other island in the Mediterranean, a very rich soil, and a great diversity of natural features, its flora is extremely rich and varied. Two days after leaving Sicily the steamer arrived at Syra, one of the principal islands in the Greek Archipelago, and the seat of a large aud prosperous trade. As we had to remain three hours, I took the opportunity of getting on shore, and walked up to the top of the hill above the town, which is about 1,200 to 1,.500 feet high. Having always supposed that the climate of the Greek islands was, even iu winter, a warm one, I was greatly astonished to see snow lying on all the islands, which were more than 2,000 feet high. By the middle of March, spring is usually at its height here ; but this winter seems to have been one of unusual severity all over the Levant, and I hear that the streets of Athens and Smyrna have, within a few days, been almost blocked with snow. Syra, like most of the Greek islands, looks from a short distance extremely barren and rocky ; but, wherever any soil has accumulated in valleys or in hollows in the rocks, which are tolerably sheltered from the high winds, Corn, Vines, and fruit trees are culti- vated. The most abundant and conspicuous plants are Asphodelus i-amosus, Scilla maritima, and Poterium spinosum, a curious-looking herb with branching spines. A yellow- flowered Genista was also coming into bloom, notwith- standing the cold ; whilst Anemones, Grape Hyacinths, and a small bulbous Iris (Xii^hium sisyrinchium) starred the ground with patches of colour. On ascending a few hundred feet, the Squills and Asphodel became more stunted; aud near the top I found a species of Crocus iu seed, probably C. Fleischeri, a small Eomulea, a Colchicum, aud other dwarf bulbs, all in a very starved condition, owing to the absence of soil. What there was is stiff red loam, without any sand, formed by the decomposition of limestone rock. It is iu such a soil, I may observe, that most of the mountain plants I collected in Asia Minor grow, including nearly all tho Croci ; and Herbert mentions the same thing with regard to the Croci he found in the Ionian Islands. The only one which I have found in a sandy soil is C. sativus; but, though they can resist the immense heat on these islands, they grow much stronger when slightly protected from the sun. The gardens of Syra seem very poor, as, owing to the great scarcity of water for irrigation, not many vegetables or flowers are grown. Figs, Peaches, Prickly Pears, and Grapes seem to be the principal fruits, as I saw neither Oranges or Olives. I arrived at Smyrna on March 12, in a heavy storm of wind and rain, and found much snow lying on all the mountains round. Everyone is talk- ing of the unusual severity of the weather, and judging from the look of the trees, they have good reason to complain, for many of the Oranges are so cut by the cold that they will hardly get over it. Strolling up the hill at the back of the town, not a flower was to be seen, but a small pink Erodium, just showing 72 THE GARDEN. [July 25, 1874. above ground. Outside Smyrna, as is usual in most Turkish towns, are large cemeteries planted with Cypresses of great age and lieight. This species, Cupressus fastigiata, is hardly seen in perfection, except m a Turkish cemetery, though as an individual tree, the finest I have ever seen is in the garden of Mr. Whittall, at Bournabat, near Smyrna. This tree is a perfect model of health and symmetry. Though at least 80 feet high, and very old, it is so perfectly furnished from top to bottom with branches, that there is not in the whole tree a bare or irregular place to be seen ; the fellow tree to it, on the other side of the entrance, was unfortunately blown down, but the one that remains still acts as a noble sentinel at the gate of one of the best known, and most hospitable houses near Smyrna. During the week I remained at Smyrna, the weather continued very bad, heavy snow on the mountains and rain on the coast, so after making two or three excursions in the neighbourhood, I saw that very little could be done at present in the way of collect- ing flowers. I found, however, at last three species of Crocus, tw'o Trichonemas, and a few other bulbous plants coming into bloom. The soil of the plains round Smyrna, is a very rich deep loam, and where water can be obtained for irrigation will grow almost any kind of crop in perfection. Wheat, Vines, Maize, and Cotton are the principal crops of the country, but the wine produced is not of good quality, though strong and cheap. I liave never tasted in any part of the Levant wine that I really liked, most of the sorts being too strong and sweet to drink, unless mixed with at least as much water. Whether this is on account of the soil and climate, or the way of making the wine, I am not sure, but probably the great heat and richness of the soil has something to do with it. Almost all kinds of fruit grow well near Smyrna, especially Pomegranates, Apples, Peaches, Grapes, and Apricots. The Pomagranates of Bounarbashi, are very celebrated, and really are far superior to any I have eaten elsewhere. In the month of March and April they still keep fresh and are wonderfully sweet and juicy. The hills round Smyrna are of limestone, very barren and stony, and covered in most parts with a scrub of dwarf or ever- green Oak, Cistus, and other shrubs. Pine.f grow on the higher parts of the hills in scattered woods, but few deciduous trees seem to grow here. Oleanders and Myrtles fill the beds of all the streams and water courses, the former growing to a height of 12 or 1.5 feet. Before leaving Smyrna, I made an expedition to Ephesus,whereIfound vegetation rather more advanced than at the former place. The hills here were covered with an immense species of Ferula, the dead flower-stalks of which were 7 or 8 feet high, and 2 inches in diameter. Two sorts of Asphodel were also very abundant, and some interesting succulent plants. Ferns, and creepers were found in the rocky chasms of the hill on which the ruins mostly stand. In more shady parts of these gullies the ground was perfectly covered with the leaves of Cyclamen hederasfolium growing with a vigour I have never seen elsewhere. Some of the corms I took up were not less than 6 inches in diameter, but so deeply buried in black leaf-mould that they were not easy to get up. Cyclamens are called Sowljread in Turkey, as well as in Europe, but I do not think the name is a well-founded one, as though wild pigs are abundant in many parts of the country, I never saw the marks of their rooting where Cyclamens grew. One of the most beautiful trees for its size in Europe, Arbutus andrachne, is common on the hill sides near Bphesus and in many parts of Turkey. The smooth bark resembles red Russia leather, covered with a thin silvery skin, which peels off in winter. The flowers are produced in April in large white panicles, and which give the tree a most elegant appearance, and make it a worthy ornament for an English lawn. On March 21st I left Smyrna in a small English steamer, which calls at various places on the coast of Asia Minor, intending to land at JIacri, in Lycia, a very beautiful and little-known part of Asia Minor, which offers greater attrac- tions to the naturalist, sportsman, antiquarian, or artist, than any country I have been in except the Himalaya. On the way we touched at Scio. a very fertile island, where Mastic, a spirit very much drunk by Greeks all over the east, is principally made. Samos, a good-sized island, which produces some of the best wine in the Levant, was the next calling place, and here I had time for a Lurried run on shore. Spring was at least fifteen days in advance of Smyrna, and many flowers were out ; among them gorgeous Anemones, Trichonemas, Cerinthes, Chrysan- themums, and three sorts of Ferns, AdiantumCapillus Veneris, Ceterach ofiicinarum, and Nothochtena Marantaj. The Vines were just bursting their buds, and all looked very inviting for an exploration of the island, which having mountains of 3,000 and 4,000 feet high is sure to contain some fine plants. Early next morning we were at Cos, an island which has the largest extent of level ground I have seen in the archipelago. Here there is a celebrated Plane tree, which, however, did not appear to me so fine as some I have seen in Iilacedonia and on the Bosphorus. It is, as usual in Turkish towns, carefully preserved on account of the shade, which is, in these sunny islands, so valuable. Symi was the next island where I landed ; a barren rock, producing hardly anything but sponges, which are collected by the inhabitants of Symi and Caylmno in different parts of the Levant,and brought here to be dried and manipulated. The natives of these islands are wonderfully expert in diving, being able to reach the bottom in as much as 30 fathoms of water, and to remain down nearly two minutes. After landing in the harbour of the thriving little town, I went up the hill-side, which I found perfectly covered with the most lovely Persian Cyclamens in full flower. They were growing in the crevices and on the ledges of hard sharp white limestone rocks, the soil being a stiff red loam ; and though the corms were smaller than we grow in greenhouses, I never saw finer flowers or better marked leaves than on these stony barren islands. ^m 1 1- 7\ H. J. Elites. (To be conftniied.) How to Withstand the Heat. — Under this heading the Lancet gives some seasonable advice which none require more than those who pass their time in gardens on these sunny days. About this season of the year we commonly receive various communica- tions, some asking for and others tendering advice to the public as to the best methods of avoiding sunstroke. The necessarj' precautions are, after all, such as common sense would dictate. Temperate living, light and loose clothing, proper protection for the head, a cold bath in the morning, and the avoidance of that excitable fussi- ness as to the heat of the weather, which so many persons exhibit to the increase of their own and other people's discomfort. Veritable cases of sunstroke do occur in this country, of course ; but the majority of such attacks, especially when fatal, are probably attri- butable to the combined effects of heat and langour and some pre- existing affection of the circulatory or respiratory organs. A condi. tion, which is in reaUty more allied to fainting than to sunstroke, may overtake those who encounter heat and fatigue, with long intervals of abstinence from food ; and the same thing is very apt to follow in those persons who have deranged their digestion and overloaded their systems by a course of dinners. Young and healthy men do not require any stimulants ; they can refresh and cool themselves with any iced non-alcoholic drinks, or with iced claret and water. A great desideratum is a really palatable and cool beverage free from alcohol. After dry and hot seasons, when choleraic and febrile complaints are likely to occur, many people begin to manifest a hydrophobia without any antecedent bite of a rabid dog, for they are not at all confident as to the quality of any drinking water, even if it were procurable in a fresh pleasant state at refreshment rooms. In the case of middle- aged and older men, who, from being occupied in town, are veiy apt to abstain from taking anything during the day, and to forget, perhaps, that their appetite for breakfast in hot weather is small, we think a very light mid-day meal or a sandwich, with some iced claret and water, or, in cases of feeble health, or where extra fatigue is undertaken, some stimulant in the shape of sherry or even brandy and soda-water, advisable. Of one thing, however, we are sure : that the frequent recourse to very small doses of alcohol in a variety of shapes is bad. The Yucca as a Vegetable. — A plant of great interest is the Maguo or Mescal, growing in Southern Arizona — a peculiar species of Yucca (probably Y. brevifolia). The plant consists of about eighty to one hundred leaves, from 2 to 3 feet long, pointed to a sharp thorn at the end ; all the developed leaves are concentrically united at the ground ; those undeveloped (the heart of the plant) remain soft and perfectly white so long at the sunlight ia kept away by surrounding outer leaves. The Indians bake this heart in coals for eight or ten hours, when it acquires an exceedingly sweet taste, much like honey. The Mexicans also prepare from this baked Mescal an alcohoUc beverage. JULY 25, 1874.] THE GARDEN. n THE ARBORETUM. BAMBOOS AND HALF-HARDY TREES AND SHRUBS AT FOTA, CORK HARBOUR. In the beautifully laid-out pleasure grounds of this fine demesne, the Benthamia fragifera or Strawberry tree, which is also known by the name of Cornus capitata, indigenous to Simla and Bootan, attains a luxuriance and beauty unequalled in my experience in any other part of the kingdom ; the finest specimen, now (July 10) completely covered with its large and showy white blossoms, is •2-t feet in height and 1-23 feet in circumference, its branches trailing down to the ground, and the whole forming a most beautiful and conspicuous object in the grounds. There are a number of others scattered about the grounds, many of which reach the height of 40 feet, but are not such spreading or well-fnrnished specimens as the one above-mentioned. This rip 3ns its handsome fruit in large quantities towards the end of August ; it is, however, not allowed long to adorn the tree, as it is most greedily devoured by birds as soon as ever it ripens; they are attracted by its bright colours. The fruit is well and accurately figured in Vol. 78, of the Botanical llar/arAne, tab. 4,641. The next most striking and uncommon plant in this collection is the variety of Bamboo named Arundinaria faloata, with which a small island in a piece of artificial water is completely covered, producing, when the graceful feathery foliage is at its best, which it will be next month, a most beautiful and striking effect. The Bamboos grow in clumps of from 400 to 500 canes each, about 18 feet in circumference, and usually reach a height of from 24 to 26 feet. Underneath these Bamboos were planted, at the com- mencement of last autumn, two fine specimens of the fine tree Fern Dick- sonia autarctica, which are looking at present in extremely vigorous health, having thrown up several new fronds at the commencement of this summer, and seeming not to have suffered in any way from the previous winter, which, however, was one of the mild- est we have had in this district for many j-ears. It is to be hoped that these tree Ferns may in time get quite acclimatised and reach a large size in this exceptionally sheltered and favoured situation. The ornamental water round the Bamboo island is now very gay with the bright golden blossoms of that pretty hardy aquatic, Nuphar pumila, which re- produces itself with the greatest possible rapidity from seed. The deliciously sweet-scented, and far too little grown Aponogeton distaohyon has also been in profuse and almost continuous bloom for the last nine months, and has now lost all its leaves and apparently gone to rest for a season ; it is perfectly hardy. The Ijanks of the ornamental water are adorned with a profusion of the handsome Phormium tenax, or New Zealand Flax, which here attains the utmost luxuriance, many of the clumps being 13 feet in diameter and 9i feet high, interspersed with huge tufts of the Pampas Grass (Gynerium argenteum), and, with Bamboos iu the centre of the island, they impart to the place quite a tropical appearance. In another part of the grounds, ChamEerops humilis has been planted out, without any protection, thirteen years, and is now 10 feet in height with a trunk 3 feet in circuniference at the base. Dracasna (or as it is now more correctly named Dracasnopsis) australis, has been planted out for over four years, and is now over 0 feet high. The Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipiferum) is very fine here, one specimen measuring rather over 60 feet in height and 11 feet in circumference of trunk at a distance of 4 feet from the ground ; this tree blossoms fi-eely nearly every year. There is also one of the finest specimens of Pinus insignis here that I have ever seen anywhere ; it measures 168 feet round its branches, which feather beautifully down to the ground, and its trunk, at a distance of 1 foot from the ground, measures 10 feet in circumference. The Eucalyptus globulus, or Fever Gum tree, has here reached the height of 45 feet, and its trunk 2 feet from the ground measures 7 feet in circumference, but the timber is so extremely brittle, that every severe gale tears off from it several branches, thus detracting much from what would otherwise be a very fine specimen of this uncommon and valuable ornamental tree. The common Arbutus thrives exceedingly well here, and one fine specimen measures 150 feet round the outside spread of its branches. There are'also some very handsome specimens of the Cryptomeria japouica, one of them measuring 36 feet in height, with a spread of branches of 95 feet in circumference. A fine specimen also of the Taxodium, or Sequoia semper- virens, has reached 40 feet in height, and measures 8 feet in circumference of trunk at the base. The proprietor of these beautiful grounds is most anxious to increase the number of handsome plants, usually considered tender and requiring the protection of a greenhouse, but which live and thrive iu the open air in this mild climate. He has, therefore, planted out with this view Cycas revoluta, and a num- ber of other fine things, some of which it is hoped inay ultimately prove hardy. W. E. G. Abies Gordoiii pumila. GORDON'S DWARF FIR. (ABIES GORDONI PUMILA.) Tins variety, which was raised by M. Molet, nurseryman, of Plessis-Piquet, forms a dwarf pyramidal shrub, with numerous erect branches, covei'ed with a smooth bark of a light green or slightly yellow colour. The leaves are of a deep green on the upper surface, and are marked underneath with two glaucous bauds. It forms a very handsome rainiatm-e shrub, well suited for small lawns or gardens, while the leaves never turn brown under the sun, as those of the parent plant are liable to do. Another advantage which it possesses over the latter is, that cuttings from all the branches form vertical leading shoots as readily as if they were seedlings, a property which belougs to hardly any other species or variety of Abies. The general appearance of this graceful variety is well shown in the accompanying illustration. W. M. NEW METHOD OF CLEARING GROUND OF TREES. We had an opportunity of witnessing the other day, on the estate of Grangemuir, near Anstruther, a new system for clearing ground of trees, recently introduced by Mr. A. Gilchrist, Carvennour. Mr. Gilchrist, as local manager in Fiteshire for the Scottish Steam Culti- vation Company, has of course long been familiar with the use of agricultural engines, and when it became necessary, some three or four years ago, to root out an old hedge which encnmbered his farm, he bethoughl him of attaching chains to the stamps and drawing them out by means of the steam drnm commonly used for plough traction. Finding that a great deal of time and trouble was thus saved, he applied the same method to the removal of trees, and with results equally satisfactory. There is now, for example, lying on the farm the stump of a tree 3 feet in diameter, which he siiecessfully upi'ooted. The system has since, we believe, been tried in variona 74 THE GARDEN. [JoLY 25, 1874. places — among others on the property of Mr. Gorclon, of Cluny, and on the northern estates of the Duke of Sutherland. As exhibited the other day, it was applied to the removal of a strip of plantation, consisting of Oak, Beech, and Plane trees, said to be about a hundred years old, but which havo made no advance in growth for twenty years past. The engine, a machine of 12-hor30 power, being the same that is nsed for steam ploughing by the wire-rope system, was placed in an adjoining field, near the trees to be operated upon, though it subsequently appeared that the work could be done as effectually from a distance of 150 or 200 yards. A chain being hitched round a tree at such distance from the ground as might be deemed advisable, the wire rope of the engine was attached, when, with a turn or two of the drum, the roots were wrenched up bodily with a large ball of earth adhering. Notwithstanding that the soil was dry and hard, the work went on apace, about 300 ti-ees, varying from 6 to 12 inches in diameter, being rooted up in a few hours. The machine was afterwai'ds removed to the vicinity of another plantation, where considerably larger timber could be operated on. Here, on the first trial, a sturdy Beech of 22 inches in diameter was overturned without difficulty. A couple of Oaks of rather smaller girth were next dealt with, but in their case the roots held fast till the timber gave way under the strain. The same thing had happened with two or three of the smaller trees operated upon earlier in the day, the reason apparently being that, with a view to got the largest possible leverage upon the roots, the chains had been fixed too high. The ^ experiments seemed to show that with a sufficient power, applied at the proper height, any tree of ordinary dimensions could be wrenched from its bed. It was equally evident, however, that for trees of large size, which required to be laid hold of at no great height, considerable engine-power and thoroughly reliable tackle W'ould be necessary. The last tree taken in hand was a large Beech, similar to the one that had been successfully lifted. In the finst instance, the chain was attached too high, and when the pnll came the trunk was split. A fresh hold was then taken within a few feet of the ground, but the consequent loss of leverage involved an increase of strain, under which the wiro rope gave way, though it was clear that if the tackle had held good the tree would have yielded to a little more pressure. Among those who witnessed the trials were Mr. James Whyte and Mr. Miller (of the firm of Messrs. James & John Miller) , both of whom are specially interested in the system with reference to its applicability to Canada. It is estimated that with an engine sjiecially constructed for the purpose, say of 14 horse- power, an acre of forest timber could be thoroughly uprooted in the course of a day's work, being as much as a man could cut down in a week, leaving the stumps and roots to be subsequently dealt with. In this view the matter has presented itself to the minds of some enterprising gentlemen as a promising commercial speculation, and we hear that a movement is on foot for the formation of a company, with the Duke of Manchester as chairman, with the view of putting the system into a practical shape. Besides the facilities it offers for clearing land intended to be cultivated, it seems to commend itself to those interested in the timber and bark trades ; hence the attention bestowed on it by a firm like that of the Messrs. Miller, which uses annually in the manufacture of tanning the bark of many thousand Canadian Hemlocks. — Scotsman. NOTES AND QUESTIONS ON TREES AND SHRUBS. New White Lilac— Aldlle. Leftraye, florist, of Liiige, has succeeded in raisins a new variety of White Lilac, which is described in the Belgiqne llnrlicule as licing exceedingly flno, the flowers being of largo Bize, good sub- stance, and of the purest white colour, with anthers of a golden yellow, and arranged m large well-furnished clusters. The jury at the International Exhibition at .Maastricht awarded the plant a first prize, and also bestowed on It the title of Reino des Pays-Bas (Queen of the Netherlands). Keid's Weeping Peach.— This is decidedly pretty and attractive, for. in addition to its gracefully di-onping branches, the bloom adds another interest- ing feature to the tree. It was a chance seedling that originated in the grounds of the late Mr. William Reid, of Elizabeth Town, Xew Jersey, and in its natural state was a sprawling shrub. Worked standard high, however, it becomes very graceful without artificial training.— if ^se of mowing them into walls, as now practised round Paris, been carried on at Hampton Court, we should have had little more to .see than in any of those that carelessly sprung from the base of the old terrace wall, than iu any of the more carefully cultured bedding plants ; and herewith furnish an engraving of a sketch, taken on the spot, of the Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum multiflorum), one of the most graceful of plants, and which should have a place in every garden. We had been accustomed to regard it as most fitting to adorn quiet shady walks and wild places ; but here it is on the full glare of the terrace, just as lovely in effect as it would be anywhere else. The annexed isometrical view of the Palace and Gardens of Hampton Court conveys a very complete idea of the laying-out of the place. There is, however, among many advantages, one disadvantage, in the isometrical system, as illustrating a general plan, which is, that full-growu trees, especially in a plan consisting of intricate parts, must necessarily be dwarfed in order not to confuse the perspective lines ; and, therefore. Hampton Court Gardens. supremely dismal French gardens, such as that of Sceaux and many others, where the heavy walls of clipped Lime trees, ' hideous m themselves, steal every grace from the garden. Even the old Yew trees, allowed to free themselves from their old clipped form, and send their plumy branches forth naturally, are a great advance on the clipped tree of any kind, though they are so numerous at Hampton Court as to produce a somewhat monotonous effect. In those dreadful old shearing and clipping days, we believe they did not clip the flowers. Had they the modern flower-garden notion of pinching and clipping Cerastium, Santolina, &o., &c., into neat little hedges, it would have greatly increased their resources for formalism. On a recent visit to Hampton— now like all the great gardens round London, extensively adorned with " bedding plants," very well done according to the .standard in such matters— we found, as we thought, more beauty in an old English flower the gardenesque beauty of the place is, neccssarll}', not done justice to. The great churchman and minister. Cardinal Wolsey, iu selecting this spot for the erection of a palace, maintained the credit of his cloth by the choice of such a site. Our wealthy and powerful ecclesiastics have, ever since the firm establishment of Christianity, shown aouteuess and good taste in the selection of some of the most lovely vales of fair England for the erection of their monasteries and episcopal residences, choosing, with taste and judgment, situations in which soft green slopes, a running stream, and noble woods, combined to give both beauty and value to their dwelling. The river gave them fish ; the forest, game ; the southern slopes of then- open land furnished ground for their luxurious gardens as well as rich pastures for their cattle. Wolsey, one of the last of the race of those opulent Cliurchmon, erected one of the last of the great ecclesiastical residences at Hampton, not long before the Reformation. Shortly before the whole- July 25, 1874.] THE GAEDEN. 77 sale confiscations of the time, the noble riverside palace of the Cardinal had already fallen to the share of the king himself, and has ever since remained a royal palace, though not regularly iuliabited by the royal family since the time of William III. It has been said that the por- tion of the gardens, known as the wilderness, is not in harmony with the rest of the laying out — that may be .so — but it is yet very interesting from an historical point of view, as being a remaining part of the original plan of the Wolsey gardens. It was, in the Cardinal's time, quite customary to retain a part of the pleasure grounds in a state of nature ; and such had, indeed, been the custom in baronial and royal, as well as ecclesiastical, gardens, from a very early period. In fact, nothing between an absolute wilderness, and a formal geometrical garden was then understood ; for land- scape gardening is a modern art. Our ancestors knew nothing of that gentle subjection of nature to somewhat smoother and more regular forms, freed from too much out the enlargements of the palace in the Romano-Italian style of the day. The eastern terrace at Hampton Court is a noble walk, and perhaps the finest thing of the kind in Europe, the views from which, down the two diverging glades, are extremely pleasing. The isometrical plan, as has been said, conveys no idea of the effects of full-grown foliage trees, some of which are remarkably fine, especially a very noble Catalpa ; but, as showing very accurately the mode of laying-out, the system is perhaps more useful, in some respects, than a picturesque one, which, however, it is intended to give on some future occasion. On the accession of William III., important alterations and additions were made, in which, of course, the Dutch style predominated, but it did not harmonise badly with those of the reign of Charles II. The Dutch King went in very largely for cropping and shaping ; and there appeared, under tlie persevering efforts of topiarian skill, tree lions, tree elephants, tree peacocks, tree bears, and tree statuary — all shaven and shorn, into their liD-MM Solomon's Seal on the terrace at Hampton Court. ruggedness and too much weediness, without making it formal. But the innate love of Nature was still there, as evidenced by the preservation of a portion of land, in a wild state, near the residence, so as to be conveniently accessible at all seasons ; and where la belle Chatelaine, or my Lady Abbess could roam freely in coming spring, and watch, day by day, the first peeping of the Snowdrops through the winter- bronzed turf. In remote places, there is still many an old mansion, with the ancient appendage of a " wilder- ness ; " though by far too many have been lopped and trimmed, and smoothed out of existence by modernising gar- deners ; and so, the wilderness of Wolsey, at Hampton Court, is at all events, an interesting relic of our old national style of romantic gardening, or rather of leaving alone a certain portion of the pleasure-grounds. The semi-circular flower garden, spreading from the terrace of the eastern front, was planned in the reign of Charles II., probably at the same time that Sir Christopher Wren carried respective forms, out of Yew, Rosemary, or Box. These inno- cent wild creatures were the delight of the King, who was a topiarist pur-samj, and was never tired of watching their foi'ced growth into the desired shapes. Many of the devices remained, and were well kept up as late as Horace Walpole's time, who greatly admired their ingenuity, and has placed his fitlt of approval on record. It is almost to be regretted that some remains of the Yew-tree bears do not remain at the present day — even at the risk of ill-naturedly caustic critics calling the place a " bear-garden." H. N. H. A Noble Effort. — We understand, from a contemporary, that " the Royal Horticultural Society are entering into an arrangement with Messrs. Prince for establishing in the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens at South Kensington a skating; rink ; it is con- fidently expected that this important addition to the attractions of the gardens will lead to a very considerable increase of the Society's funds." 78 THE GAEDEN. [JuLv 2o, 1874. THE FLOWER GARDEN. SAXIFEAGES. By J. C. NIVBN, Botanic Gardens, Hull. The Opposite-leaved Group. So vemote in outward appearance are the representatives of this section to those of the preceding, that, in the absence of the flowers, it would be utterly impossible to recognise the relationship — the former with largely-developed leathery leaves, some 8 or 10 inches long, the latter with an altitude only to be measured by the decimal parts of an inch. Yet it is questionable if there can exist a more lovely and loveable plant than Saxifraga oppositifolia. The sectional title applied to this group by Tauchnitz, viz., Porphyrion, is perhaps as happy a one as ever was given to a plant embodying, as it does, the appellation used by the ancient Greeks for the purple or Tyrian dye. No one who has seen this Saxifrage in its Alpine habitat, with the vivid purple robe of Nature still impressed on the eye, as it must have been, but will at once acknowledge the correctness of the nomenclature, especially if it has been their good fortune to fall in, as I once did, with the major or larger variety. No words can express its Ijeauty, no painter could commit to canvas the impression conveyed by viewing a large extent of heatherland suffused by the rich tint of this early spring Saxifrage. Long before the denizens of the heath have awakened into vital activity our purple mountain Saxi- frages have paid their votive offerings at Flora's shrine, possibly the very first at their high altitude that have been presented, and, consequently, all the more acceptable. S. oppositifolia of Linnajns forma exteEsive patches of slender procumbent, many branching stems ; the leaves, as may be inferred from the name, are opposite, broadly ovate, fleshy, obtuse at the point, and slightly reflexed, with a single pore or holo inserted in the flattened extremity ; the margins are ciliated with bristly hairs, somewhat deflexed downward, they form an exceedingly pretty object under a moderately powerful glass, each little branchlet simulating very perfectly an obtuse leaved Aloe ; the flowers are solitary on short peduncles, about the size of a three-penny piece, and, as before stated, of a rich purplish-crimson colour ; the petals are obovate, slightly unguiculate, and five-nerved. This charming Saxifrage appears to possess a world-wide geographical range, at least, throughout the northern hemisphere, from the Sierra Nevada to Spitzbergen, on nearly every mountain height; eastw.ard through Siberia, even to Thibet, and westward through Greenland and Labrador, as far as TJnalaschka, it has no equal in this respect amongst all the Saxifrages. S. oppositifolia var. grandiflora of Engler is more familiarly known in this country as the major variety, it has broader and more densely arranged foliage, its flowers have obovate petals, distinctly unguiculate and seven-nerved, they are fully double the size of the normal type, and possess a richer and deeper colour as well. This form, said by Engler to be Pyrenean, is also met with in Britain, though but rare. S. oppositifolia var. alba, though not mentioned by Engler, has been for many years in cultivation in this country, besides being at once distinguished by its pure white flowers, it has a markedly slender growth as compared with the others ; owing to the leaves being further apart the dark red colour of the tiny stems is rendered conspicuous ; so distinct is the plant that, in the absence of the flowers, it may readily be picked out from among any number of the other varieties. What its origin is I know not, I have never met with it wild, nevertheless, it is quite possible it may be a casual sport picked up on some of our British mountains. S. oppositifolia var. pyrenaica has a good deal the appear, ance of an intermediate form between oppositifolia and biflora, ; its leaves are far less fleshy than those of the former, larger,' more densely ciliated, and not abruptly shortened at the point ; the flowers are of a palo rosy tint, hence it not unfrequently goes by the name of pallida. It is often mistaken for biflora, but, unlike that species, is essentially an early spring bloomer. S. oppositifolia var. Budolphiana of Hornschnck, is the most diminutive of all this section ; the stems are densely abbre- viated and covered with small leaves. I believe it is in cultivation with Mr. Maw, bnt I have not heard whether it has yet bloomed. S. biflora of AUioni, is synonymous with S. rosea of Lapeyrouse, and was supposed by Willdenow to be but a form of oppositifolia. It is, however, a perfectly distinct plant, its general growth is stronger, the leaves larger, and further apart, not fleshy nor smooth, but pilose, or more correctly described as downy, especially on the upper surface ; the procumbent stems also are hairy, and altogether more lax in growth than any of the forms of the previous species. The flowers are produced from two to seven in number, in a sort of lax corymb, of a size about equal to that of the large flowered variety of oppositifolia, and of a deep rosy tint; its time of blooming is July and August, but this lateness may, to a g:"eat extent, be accounted for by the great altitude at which it grows, rendering it late in the spring, or even early in the summer ere it gets relieved of its winter's snow covering. Possibly to this very fact we must attribute the great difiiculty which we find in its cnlti. vation. With every chance of success, last autumn, offered by a supply of nice patches, just brought home by Mr. Maw from the Piedmont Alps, and planted in various situations, my only report is, that they are all dead. Since writing these descriptive articles, I have had a large correspondence with Saxifrage growers, and in every instance where S. biflora was reported as growing freely, it turned out to bo only the pyrenaian form of oppositifolia. I will not, however, yet despair. I got a tew pods of ripe seeds from the plants last autumn, and, from a spring sowing, there are at present half a dozen or more tiny plants, which may yet yield the elements of success ; perhaps some of my readers may be able to throw some light on the subject. Our plant is a native of the Pyrenees and the Maritime AlpS. S. macropetala of Kerner is the name adopted by Engler for what we cultivate as S. Kochii of Ilornung ; or, perhaps, I should say, ought to cultivate, as I have very grave doubts as to whether the true plant is in cultivation. Those plants that I have had nuder that name from three different sources, have proved untrue ; at least, they do not answer Engler's description in the matter of foliage and habit ; neither of them have yet flowered, so, perhaps, I ought not to condemn them in too positive terms. The leaves of the true plant have a more dense arrangement than in biflora, the flowers aro produced in corymbose clusters, varying from two to five in number, the stalks covered with glandular hairs, as also aro the calycino divisions. Kernor's plant is said to be a native of the mountains of Switzerland, Carinthia, and tlie Tyrol. S. retusa of Gouan, is known under the following synonyms — S. imbricata, S. Wulfeniana, and S. scorbiculata ; but of all these, decidedly the most appropriate, is that of Gouan, which has been in use for many years. Considerably smaller, more compact in growth, and harder to the touch, than any of the preceding species in this section, it is readily recognised. The leaves are thick and fleshy, almost triquetrous, retuse at the point, and supplied with three distinct pores, or dots on the upper surface ; quite devoid of hairs or ciliaj, except at the base of the short petiole. Its flowers are pi'oduced sparingly, they are arranged in dense little groups of from three to five on a perfectly erect peduncle, about an inch in height, and present the appearance of a little group of intensely bright crimson stars ; though, far from being as showy a plant as the forms of oppositifolia, it, nevertheless, possesses a charm of its own, and were it only a more abundant bloomer, it would become a formidable rival. It is a slow grower, but possesses a good vigorous constitution, aud is equally hardy with the others, but requires a locality in the rockery, where thorough drainage can be had, and also, full exposure to the sun ; the texture of the soil should be rendered free and open by an admixture of small nodules of granulated limestone, amongst which its little wiry roots deUght to revel. It is most impatient of watering overhead, when succeeded by a bright sunshine. Two-thirds of a fine panful of this plant has become withered and brown in the course of a few days after this operation, which, is one to be avoided at any time, bnt especially is it the case with this plant. Its geographical range appears to be very similar to that of biflora, except that it extends farther eastward on the Em'opean Alps. THE NEW GLADIOLUSES OF 1874. M. SoucHET, the successful raiser of many of the finest hybrid Gladioli, has been compelled through failing health to relinquish his favourite business ; .and henceforward the task of upholding the fame of the establishment will devolve upon his successors, Messrs. Souillard & Brunelet, whose novelties this season are eighteen in number, all of which are first rate. From these wc select the following; — Amalthee, a fine variety of moderate stature bearing a splendid spike of large, pure white flowers with broad patches of a rich violet- red ; throat, violet velvety ; anterior divisions of the perianth, slightly shaded with lilac. Belladonna, a fine spike of well set white flowers shaded with bright lilac, the lower division marked with slender bright carmiuo stripes. Shape of the flower very peculiar and quite new. ii'Unique Violet. — Spike, very long, bearing unusually large dark lilac flowers tinged with violet, and flamed with deep carmine. A vigorous grower and of perfect habit. July 25, 1874] THE GARDEN. 79 Variabilis. — Spike, long, flowers extra large, pure white, spotted or uot, ami sometimes clashed with lilac ; bottom of the throat violet. An exceed ingly effective branching variety. Merveille. — Very beautiful rose-cerise, faintly shaded with violet bordered and flamed with deep carmine ; centre, very bright. Psyche. — A magnificent large spike of delicate rose-coloured glazed velvety flowers, the inner divisions of a deeper rose, flamed with bright carmine. Unrivalled in form and colouring. Arethuse. — A fine spike of perfectly formed delicate white flowers, faintly tinged with pink and striped and flamed with bright carmine. Murillo. — A magnificent spike, bearing beautiful bright cerise-red flowers of extra size, all the divisions banded with pure white, and the lower ones almost altogether white. A first-rate variety. Le Vesuve. — An extremely long spike of beautiful brilliant fiery-red flowers, very large and effective. A late strong-growing variety. De Mirbel. — A large spike of extra large perfectly shaped widely-expanded handsome rose-coloured flowers, slightly tinged with violet or lilac, ground very bright, striped and flamed irith deep carmine. Asmodee. — A very beautiful spike of cerise-red or bright purple flowers, bordered and flamed with a rich garnet-red, spot and very broad rays, white. A very distinct variety. Le Tintoret. — A very long and handsome spike of fine open flowers of a beautiful cerise, flamed with carmine near the edges, and with a carmine spot upon a yellowish ground. A strong-growing variety. To the foregoing dozen tinrivalled varieties, we may add the folUnving sis, which are scarcely inferior in point of form and colour. Ondine. — A long spike of perfectly disposed white flowers shaded with lilac, each division furnished with a small deep violet blotch, and faintly dashed with very bright carmine near the edges. Albion. — A very large spike bearing handsome white flowers of unusual size, faintly and delicately tinged with lilac and sometimes flamed with lilac-carmine. An extra tall variety. Triumphans. — A very large and beautiful spike of cerise flowers, admirably set. Cassini. — Extra large spike of perfectly arranged beautiful rose flowers flamed with carmine, lower divisions elegantly striped with carmine on a very bright ground. Ambroise Verschaffelt. — A splendid spike of perfectly formed pink and white flowers, flamed with garnet-red, divisions with a large rose spot. An exceedingly effective variety. Sirene. — Delicate clear bright rose, slightly tinged with orange and broadly rayed with red on the lower divisions, spot red on a yellow ground. — Illustration Horticole. The Distribution of Alpine Plants. — M. De CandoUe, at the recent Congress at Florence, explained that the pre-glacial Alpine flora was not able to exert a great influence on the existing flora, inasmuch as the great changes which took place during the glacial period had necessarily swept away this ancient vegetation. He could uot agree with those who considered the Alps as a centre of diffusion of a special flora, but believed them rather to be the refuge ground for the plants, which, as the glaciers retired, had found con. ditions more favourable to their existence than in places lower down. In proof of this, he observed that the richest parts of the Alps for rare plants are those which were soonest deprived of glaciers, the ground having been thus cleared for the introduction of a more ancient flora, of which these rare plants are remnants. The southern, the eastern, and the western slopes of the Alps were successively cleared of the principal glaciers, and the Swiss Alps received their flora first from the south, and then from the east and west. M. de Candolle then asks, " Why should the plants ascend as ihe glaciers retreat, and why should there be greater variety in this advancing vegetation?" In pre-glacial times there was more moisture in the climate of Europe, and, consequently, the flora was richer and more varied. After a time, the climate became dryer, and, as the glaciers retired, many plants were able to maintain them- selves, by advancing gradually over the gi-ound as it became un- occupied by glaciers, finding there conditions more favourable for their growth. Hence one can deduce the law that the richness and variety of Alpine floras depend on the antiquity of their introduc- tion. Mr. Ball approved of M. De Candolle's theory to a certain extent, but he did not consider it sufficient to explain all the facts. When, for instance, a rare species is to be found in more than one locality, it is natural to suppose that formerly it had occupied all the intermediate ground, and that the glacier coming throirgh the midst of it had divided it into two groups. He was also unable to understand how M. De Candolle's thooiy could explain the fact of certain plants growing vigorously in limited, spots without extending their area, and was inclined to attribute this limitation to the nature of the I'ock, its chemical properties, &c. — serpentine, for instance, almost always supports a peculiar vegetation ; thus the Engadine Valley, which must have very recently been freed from glaciers, is remark- ably rich in rare plants. Grass Walks. — To these there are a few drawbacks. It is said of Grass walks, " They are always green and pleasant to the feet, never wet, and much less troublesome than gravel walks." With respect to the appearance, I think a well-kept gravel walk does not look worse than a Grass walk, but, on the contrary, helps, by means of contrast with the green lawn, to make a garden look much more pleasant than it otherwise would do. It may be, that a gravel walk gives, in the beginning, a little more trouble than Grass, but, if well constructed, the trouble will be afterwards, if not less, at least not more than with Grass walks. I really never did see a well-con- structed gravel walk muddy. One cannot enjoy a garden with Grass walks on a flne morning without getting wet feet, the Grass being damp with dew, neither is it possible to walk over Grass after a refreshing rain from the same cause, and thus one is deprived of the enjoyment of one's garden just when it is most desirable to take a walk in it. On the contrary, well-consti-ucted gravel walks are always dry and pleasant to the feet, and I am sure, as I have said, will not give more trouble than Grass walks, which, if not mown very often, will become quite impassable, and serve as a retreat for snails and other insects. — G. Werjiig. Plants Suitable for Draping Trees. — The common red. berried Bryony (Bryonia dioica) would make a suitable plant with which to drape trees. It is a graceful clhnber, and, as it does not ripen its fruit mtil autumn, its beauty would last for a considerable period. It is found in most parts of Europe, but, although common in England, in Scotland it is considered rare. Its favourite habitat is a hedge or thicket. I met with it last month in a shady Hamp- shire lane, one of those charming spots where the Hazel and Beech- clad banks, rising high on both sides, form a complete arbour. The Byrony was in full bloom, and its slender stems, numerous tendrils, large alternate Vine-like leaves, and delicate creamy-white flowers, beautifully marked with green veins, formed a very pretty picture. Draped round one of those old trees, to be found occasionally on lawns which are not of modern date, it would, I am certain, be a " thing of beauty," when its green berries had become red or bright orange, though not "a joy for ever." I am very partial to berries for winter decoration, although some of my special favourites bear rather a suspicious character, to w'nich the Bryony itself is not an exception, for most authorities are of opinion that the fruit partakes of the poisonous properties of the root. There is another plant, somewhat similar to that just named, called Black Bryony, but which, in reality, is not a Bryony at all, but the common Tamus (T. communis) — also, a red-berried plant, which has long twining stems and a black root. The roots of Bryonia dioica are white, and were, in former times, believed by the Welsh, the lower classes at least, to be real " Mandrakes ; " for herbalists used to obtain a very fair resemblance to the human figure from the roots of a thriving young Bryony plant by opening the earth round it, and placing the roots in a small plaster mould. They then carefully replaced the soil, and, by the end of the summer, accomplished their task, for the roots grow quickly, and, in most instances, assumed the form of the mould. — W., Berry Orove, Lt«s, Hants. NOTES AND QUESTIONS ON THE FLOWER GARDEN. Campanula SmitM.— You say (p. iil) that this is a hybrid between C. Hot^tii and C. pulla ; it should have been between C. frasiUa and C. pumila alba. — William Smith, Wilmoi Road, Leyton. Why Not?— Parsley properly belongs to the vegetable garden, but it makes a beauLiful edging for flower beds, the bright greeu of its finely curled leaves giving a pretty finish to flowers that lack foliage. I am bold enough to use ic thus and find it very effective.— R. N. Madaria elegans.— Among the numerous members of the Composite order introduced into our garden, this hardy Californiau annual deserves, I think, a word of commendation. It grows 1 or 2 feet in height, and bears narrow entire downy leaves, and lax-terminal cymes of showy pale yellow flowers nearly 2 inches in diameter. The ray florets are deeply three-lobed at the apex, and marked at the base with a red-brown spot. It is a plant that flowers well in the shade.— R. 0. The Best British Ferns.— Would you be good enough to give me a list of names of a dozen of the rarest and best British Ferns, such as would win in a good exhibition of them ?— Crispum:. [Athyrium filix fceraina Victorife, Athyrium filix fcemina plumosum, Scolopendjium vulgare crispum Itetum, Scolopendrium vulgare digitatum, Adiantum Capillus Veneris, AUosorus crispus, Lastrea fibs mas cristata, Lastrea dilatata cristata Wollastonii, Osmunda regalis, PolypotUum vulgare cambricum, Polystichum angulare, Polystichum angulare Jonesii, Trichomanes radicans, Asplenium marinum, Polypodiiim Dryoptei-is. The above are very beautiful when well grown, and are often met with at exhibitions. They are all British, and hardy.] 80 THE GARDEN. [July 25, 1874. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. COTTAGER'S KALE. From the time that hag elapsed since this vegetable was first brought under public notice, one might have supposed that it would have been more generally cultivated than it is. When first offered it received a very high character, not only for free growth, great weight of crop from the ground occupied, hardiness, enabliug it to withstand the severest winters, but, above all, for its fine flavour. This high character has been fully borne out, and still we find numbers of gardens, in which this, the best Kale in existence, is not grown, and the place in which it should be found occupied by Scotch Kales, which are much inferior to it in flavour, and not superior in their power to withstand severe frost. The first season in which it was " let out " I grew it ; but at the time of planting I noticed that there was a considerable difference in the plants, some being green in the stems, like ordinary Kale, others having more or less a purplish tinge. I at once concluded that the seed had not been carefully saved — that is, the seed plants had been, when in flower, growing too near some other of the Brassica family in bloom. Sub- sequent experience proved that in this I was mistaken. In planting, the green plants were put on a separate plot from the purple ones, bat were treated in every way in a similar manner. In any plant essentially of a decorative character, novelty of some distinctive kind is a sufficient warrant for its cultivation. Not so with a culinary vegetable, the legitimate use of which is to be eaten. Consequently, I submitted this Kale to the test to which, with me, new vegetables are always subjected, viz., comparison when cooked with the best established variety that admits of being tested with the new comer. On this occasion, late in the autumn, Ihad Brussels Sprouts, Walcheren Broccoli, and the purple and green varieties of the Kale, cooked separately ; also the two forms of the Kale cooked together. The verdict of myself and several friends was, that the green form was very much inferior to the Brussels Sprouts both in flavour and texture, being tough and stringy, and that when cooked with the purple completely destroyed the flavour of the latter, as well as gave the whole a diagreeably strong character. This mixture of the purple and green forms has doubtless had the effect of depreciating the value of this vegetable, for the purple, when cooked separately, was as different as could be, being as tender ai Spinach, with a flavour more like that of Walcheren Broccoli than the Sprouts ; the latter only surpassing it in appearance. From that time I have always grown this Kale as a crop to succeed Brussels Sprouts, giving up the Scotch Kales altogether, except a dwarf variety that is the latest of all in running to flower, and which bridges over the time from the end of the winter Greens until the first early Cabbage comes in. From the impression I had first formed respecting the seed plants being improperly managed, I determined to save my own, selecting nothing but purple-stemmed plants ; kept them completely away from any other of the Brassica family, and, when in bloom, carefully covered them with hexagon netting, that effectually excluded bees and flies, jet the seed from these purple plants so treated produced as many green plants as of the colour wanted. The practice I have followed from that time has been simply in planting to reject all green plants, only using such as had the unmistakeable purple tinge in the stems. To secure a full heavy crop it is not necessary to sow the seed as early as in the case of Brussels Spronts, yet it should be in the ground by the middle of April. The land should be well prepared by a good dressing of manure, dug in not too deeply, for this, like all others of the Cabbage tribe, is a surface rooter ; and, although all the family prefer a heavy, strong soil, still it should always be well pulverised BO that the roots can extend in all directions without the obstruc- tion of big, hard, unbroken lumps, that alike offer resistance and afford little nutriment to the tender feeding rootlets. An opinion sometimes exists, that in the preparation of ground for culinary vegetables, if a sufficient quantity of manure is dug into the soil within the distance that the roots of the intended crop will extend, this is all that is required. Such is by no means the case. The limited season that most culinary vegetables have in which to arrive at maturity necessitates the whole of their mannrial food being evenly dispersed through the soil in which their roots extend ; so that, from the day the young plant appears above ground until it is fit for the cook, it may have had all along a continuous supply of the necessary food. This cannot happen unless the manure is evenly dispersed thi'ough the soil, which is an impossibility unless, in digging, the ground is broken sufficiently fine, so as to admit of the equal dispersion of the manure. This, as will be obvious, is of less importance in the case of any plant that requires years to come to maturity. If space can be spared, the plants may be at once put out from the seed-bed, when large enough to handle, or they may be pricked out about S) inches asunder, until some other crop is cleared off to make way for them. A few words respecting this preparatory process may not be out of place. The freest.rooting plants in exist- ence have need of all the roots they make ; consequently, in trans- planting even so common a vegetable as a Cabbage, it is essential to preserve as many of the roots free from mutilation as possible ; yet, how often are these and other plants treated as if their roots were of little or no importance ! As regularly as the seasons come round there is the recurring lament over Lettuce prematurely running to seed ; Celery and similar things bolt- ing. Can it be wondered at when, in taking up for re-planting, they are simply dragged out of the ground like weeds, three-fourths of their roots being ruthlessly torn off ? Of the bad results arising from this barbarous work it is difficult to speak too forcibly. The necessity of using a trowel when planting, or of loosening the plants with a fork, so as to retain all the roots possible, may be insisted on, and yet not be always carried out by one's work- men. If anyone is doubtful as to the effect it has upon the crop ulti- mately, he may be convinced by simply noting the difference there will be all through the after-growth of any given crop, a portion of which is removed with all their roots intact, as compared with another portion torn up weed fashion. In preparing a nursery bed for this Kale, and all its congeners, the surface on which the soil is placed should be composed of as hard a material as can be got, so that the roots of the plants cannot penetrate into it ; and the 6 or 8 inch of soil placed thereon, in which they are pricked out, should be thoroughly pulverised before the plants are put in, so that when removed they will come away with nearly all their roots entire. The plants in the nursery bed should never be over-crowded — 9 inch each way is a good distance ; when they are well cared for, and assisted with water when they require it, good crops can be obtained, even when they are removed to their ultimate destination in the garden — later in the season by some weeks than would be of any use in attempting with badly prepared plants — this is an advantage, more especially where space is limited. Cottager's Kale, like all other vegetables intended to stand the winter, should not be planted too thickly ; the weakening influences of over-crowding show themselves, and render plants unable to resist an amount of cold that they would have withstood without injury, if they had had room sufficient for light and air to give them their wonted strength. If the plants are put out in the quarters where they are to remain, as early in the spring as they are large enough to handle, they should be planted 2 feet asunder in the rows, and the rows should be 2 feet (> inches apart ; if planted later in the season from the nursery bed, 2 feet each way will be sufficient. T. B.iines. Sea-weed and Sea-sand in the Cultui-e of Seakale. — Permit me to suggest that those of your readers residing near the sea-shore, who cultivate Seakale, should make use of both sea-sand and sea-weed if they desire to obtain really fine, yet delicately- flavoured crops. The name Crambe maritima points to the natural habitat of the plant, which is found in a wild state on different parts of the coast, growing upon shingle and sand. It was this which gave me the idea, now many years ago, of making use of sea-weed mixed with manure in the formation of Seakale beds, and of covering up with sea. sand such plants as I did not want to force, but cut from naturally. My Seakale, thus treated, was excellent, the Kale growing up through the sand being white, crisp, and free from any rank taste or smell. I planted a row of crowns in a bed formed of manure, sea-weed, and mould ; and then iu autumn, instead of covering with pots, I had a ridge of fresh sea-sand, nearlj' 2 feet in height, raised over the entire row. The Kale, thus treated, came in just as the forced row of plants was going out ; directly the shoots began to peep through the top of the ridge, we removed the sand, and cut, from the crown, shoots very superior, in point of taste, to those of the manure-forced vegetable. — ^W., Bei-rij Grove, Liss. NOTES AND QUESTIONS ON THE KITCHEN GARDEN. The Best White Cos Lettuce-— What is the best hardy white Cos Lettuce? — B. M., Enjii'li. [The best hardy white Cos Lettuce is Myatt's variety of the Covent Gardcu White Cos. — R. Gilbert, Iiurffkl*->/.^ A sTOBV is told of a citizen of Boston, U»S., who let a piece of ground to a man *' on shares." The man wished to hire the lot, but the owner, doubtful of getting any money of the tenant, proposed to let it upon the promise of receiving half the products. Occasionally during the summer he parsed the spot, and was pleased with the cultivation it was receiving, and with its goodly show of vegetables. Harvest time came and passed, and he heard nothing from bis tenant till, in response to a hint, the latter sent him one Water-Melon and three shrivelled Cucumbers. Indignant at this treatment he called upon the man, and asked him what it meant. " Why, you see, stiuire,*' replied the tenant, "the boys stole all of yonr half of the crops except the Melon and Cucumhers which were>ent,to you *' July 1874.] THE aARDBN. 81 GARDEN STRUCTURES. A COMBINED HEATING AND FIRE-EXTIN- GUISHING APPARATUS. A NEW heating and fire-extinguishing apparatus has been brought under our notice by Messrs. Smoaton & Co., horticul- tural builders, Pulham, which vre think well worth the attention of householders and others interested in the preservation of buildings from destruction by fire. Messrs. Smeaton have just completed a contract, amounting to over £7,000, at Hert- ford House, for Sir Richard Wallace, who is anxious to ensure the safety of his pictures and other art treasures. The plan is a simple one, and consists of a hot-water heating apparatus and cold-water service apparatus, so connected by a system of self-acting double-action valves that the heating appara- tus acts independently of the cold-water apparatus, and the latter indepedently of the former ; while at the same time, should a fire arise, and the hydrants be opened at any one or more points, the valves come into instant action, and render available the whole of the water in both apparatuses, as also that which may be received from any external force from street mains or other supply ; and further, should such force be greater than that obtained from the pressure exerted by the columns of water, the valves adjust themselves, and render the full amount of such extra pressure available. The advantage to be derived from the efficient action of such an apparatus will be obvious ; among them may be mentioned the cer- tainty of having a large sup- ply of water at command the moment an outbreak of fire is discovered, when frequently a few gallons ready to hand would be of more use than fire engines half an hour later. A good idea of the apparatus will be gained from the an- nexed illustration showing the section of a warehouse to which it has been applied. A is a hot- water cistern to act for service and expansion. B — A cold-water cistern one or more of which may be used. C — Bill-cock and loop service to cold-water cistern. D — Safety expansion and circulat- ing box in connection with hot- water cistern. E — Self-acting double-action valve, stopping the communication of hot-waterto cold-water cistern, and opening to admit supply to heating ap- paratus. P — Cold-water services for general household or other purposes. G — Self-acting double-action valve to regulate supply and exhaust of cold-water cistern, by which the whole weight of water in the cisterns is available for the hydrants should the pressure be ofi from the main, while it prevents overflow if the pressure is on. H — Fire hydrants, of any number and in any position. J — Boiler of hot-water apparatus. K — Self-acting double-action valve preventing the cold-water passing into the heating apparatus whilst allowing the water in the heating apparatus to pass to the cold-water apparatus, and so becomeavailableforhydrants connected with it. L — Self-acting double-action valve retaining the whole of the water in the cisterns and pipes in case of the mains being emptied, or the pressure reduced below that exerted by the head of water in the cisterns. M — Cold-water service from street mains or other supply. N — Vertical service column to cisterns. 0 — Hot-water pipes, which may be fixed above or under the two floors and so arranged that they may be heated in sections or altogether as may be required. P — Vertical hot-water mains from boiler to safety expansion circulating box in connection with hot-water cistern. — Baildinq News. . THE FRUIT CROPS. M. Raising Water.— I have two ornamenal pieces of ^ater, one 200 yards and the other 300 yards from the front of my house ; would any of your readers be kind enoui^Ii to tell ine how to hft the water to the top of tiie house, otherwise than by hydraulic force ? If a water-ram ia anythijig to the purpose, would some one describe it ?— F. METROPOLITAN AND EASTERN DIVISION. Kent.— Bridge Castle Gardens, Tunbridge Wells.— Apricots, very scarce ; Apples, fair crop ; Pears, excellent ; Plums, most abundant ; Cherries, a capital crop ; Strawberries, good, bnt did not last on account of want of rain and great heat ; Peaches, an average crop ; Gooseberries, good ; Currants, plentiful ; Filberts, scarce ; Raspberries, plentiful and good ; Figs, good, saved this year by being protected with nets in April. — J. Rust. Preston Hall, Aylesford.— April and May frosts were more or less destructive to frnits in this neighbourhood ; nevertheless, Strawberries are a fair crop ; Currants, Gooseberries, and Rasp, berries, abundant ; Apricots, Apples, Pears, Plums, Peaches, Necta- rines, and Nuts, all very thin crops. — William Bradley. Chevening Park, Sevenoaks.— Apples, Apricots, and Peaches, a quarter of a crop; Cherries, half a crop ; Pears, Straw, berries. Raspberries, and Goosberries, good crops ; Plums, a great crop ; Walnuts, Filberts, and Damsons, a failure ; Currants, good — D. COE. Hampshire.— Heckfield Place, Winchlield.— Apples are, generally, a light crop ; Apricots are a heavy crop ; Cherries, especially Morellos, good ; Peaches and Nectarines have not been so good for years; Pears are about half a crop, and will be small; Plums of all kinds, heavy, both on walls and standards ; Currants red, white, and black, very heavy crops and fine in quality ; Goose, berries and Raspberries were never better ; Strawberries, where not cut off whilst in bloom by frosts in the end of May, are very heavy crops ; Nuts, almost a total fail, ure. For blight of all kinds, for severe frosts in May and June, and for drought, this year is the worst I have ever known ; yet, notwith- standing this, om- fruit crops may be pronounced, upon the whole, satisfactory. Water has been used ad lihitum, and Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots, and Pears, were well protected early in the season. — W. Wildsmith. Strathfieldsaye, Winchfield. — Fruit crops here are somewhat variable. Apples and Pears with me are not quite half a crop ; but, in some places in the neighbourhood, less liable to late frosts, I have seen very heavy crops of these fruits. Peaches and Apricots, all protected here with good canvas coverings, arg most abundant, and, strange to say, notwithstanding the most ungenial season I ever knew, the trees appear healthier than I have ever seen them for many years. On walls, Cherries and Plums are plentiful ; but, on standards, an absolute failure. Of small fruits. Raspberries, have produced a heavy crop ; Gooseberries and Currants, rather a light one. Strawberries have been sadly deficient and late, the frosty nights of May having destroyed all the earliest and strongest blooms, consequently we have not half a crop. — James Bell. Surrey.— The Denbies, Dorking.— Apricots, a partial crop ; Apples, on espaliers, an excellent crop in some cases, on many stan- dards not a fruit ; Pears, abundant, and promise to be of excellent quality ; Plums, on wall-trees a good average crop ; under glass abundant ; Strawberries, abundant, and of excellent quality ; Cherries, moderate — trees much blighted ; Peaches and Nectarines, a good average crop — trees much blighted ; Figs, very few are grown here on the open walls ; Currants, Gooseberries, and Raspberries, abun. dant, and good in quality ; Walnuts, a good crop ; Nuts, very plentiful. — James Drewett. Berkshire— Royal Gardens, Frogmore.— Apples, partial, say about an average ; Apricots, heavy crop and good in quality ; Cherries, plentiful ; Currants, good ; Gooseberries, abundant ; Pears, a fine crop and clear from smut; Plums, plentiful; Peaches and Nec- tarines, good crops and apparently of excellent quality ; Raspberries, fine crop, but suffering from heat; Strawberries, light and of short duration ; Walnuts, below average, killed by spring frost. — Thomas Jones. Coleshill, Shrivenham.— Apples, thin— say about half a crop ; Apricots, plentiful ; Cherries, a fair crop, but very much Smeaton's heating and fire extinguishinj ' apparatus. 82 THE GAEDEN. [July 25, 1874. spoiled by late frosta and black fly ; Currants (red), thin and small, (white) good, fine, (black) abundant and large ; Figs, plentiful ; Gooseberries, good and of fine size ; Mulberries, plentiful ; Necta. rines, a fair crop ; Peaches, plentiful — trees much blighted and sickly; Filberts, scarce; Pears, some early kinds plentiful, but late kinds very thin, having suffered much from late frosts ; Plums, scarce, with the exception of Damsons, which are plentiful ; Rasp, berries, plentiful, but small ; Strawberries, about half a crop, and not nearly as fine as usual, the first blooms having been cut o2 by late frosts; Walnuts, very thin. — Henuy Eckford. SOUTH-MIDLAND DIVISION. Huntingdonshire.— Ramsey Abbey. — As far as regards quantity, our fruit prospects are most favourable ; but the prolonged drought has had a bad effect upon both size and flavour, and, as might have been expected from tho character of the season, insects have been more than usually troublesome. Apricots are an excellent crop ; in fact, on an east wall they set much too thickly, and many had to be taken off. In a diflaoult season like the present, there is a considerable advantage in having trees in different aspects. I believe, indeed, that in some places Apricots would do well in a north aspect ; I intend trying them there, with the view of pro- longing their season The blossoms also in a severe spring would probably escape injury from frost on such an aspect. Peaches and Nectarines are a moderate crop, and in this scorching weather, in the full glare of the sun on a south wall, even when heavily mulched and water freely used, it is difficult to keep the trees free from red spider and in good growing condition ; Plums and Cherries are good but small ; Gooseberries, Currants, and Raspberries are abundant, but smaller than usual ; and the same remark is also applicable to Strawberries, which are, moreover, somewhat deficient in flavour ; Apples are a fair crop, but small ; Pears are thin, so also are Nuts of all kinds. — E. Hobd.w. Hertfordshire. — Moorpark. — Apples, moderate, owing, doubt, less, to the sharp frosts which occurred during the blooming season ; Pears, fair crop ; Plums, heavy crop ; Strawberries, abundant on plants forced last year and planted out 3J feet from row to row, and 18 inches asunder in the row, the ground being trenched 3 feet deep ; Cherries, May Dukes, Bigarreaus, and Early Sweet Cherries on walls, good crops ; Morellos, very much attacked by black fly ; crop indif. ferent ; Peach and Nectarines tree (out of doors) moderate, much blighted in the first part of the season, clean and good in Peach, houses and orchard -houses ; Figs, not a good crop; Gooseberries, very heavy crop ; Black and Red Currants, good ; Raspberries, soon over, owing to the dry and hot weather. — D. Cunningham. Oxfordshire. — Great Tew, Enstone. — Red, White, and Black Currants, Gooseberries, RaspbeiTies, and Strawberries abundant ; Cherries, May Dukes and Bigarreaus, a full crop ; as are also Plums of all sorts ; Pears, an average crop ; Apples, about a quarter of a crop ; Apricots, none ; Peaches and Nectarines, very few ; in our orchard-house full, as usual ; we, therefore, feel the comparative loss of out-door crops the less, and can have always plenty of dessert for nine weeks, from the end of July till the beginning of October. — A. Macpakl.\np:. Buckinghamshire. — Wycombe Abbey. — Apricots, a good average crop ; Apples, a fair crop in some places, in others scarcely any ; Pears, abundant ; Plums, plentiful and good ; Strawberries, the earliest and largest fruits destroyed by frost, crop good, but has suffered in many places from want of rain ; Cherries, in low situations, very abundant and fine, on high-lying ground, small ; Peaches and Nectarines, good crop ; Figs, a fair crop ; small fruits, abundant and good ; Nuts, not plentiful ; Walnuts, plentiful in some places, scarce in others. — G. T. Miles. Northampton. — Castle Ashby. — Apples, in the garden here, a total failure, owing to the bloom having been all destroyed by spring frosts ; Pears upon walls, a medium crop, but we have no fruit upon pyramids, of which we have a fine lot of well furnished young trees ; upon young espaliers, there is a nice little crop ; Plums, abundance of all kinds ; Peaches and Nectarines, very few, trees suffered from cold and frost after having made their young growth, also fearfully infested with greenfly, which, to keep in check, requires a considerable amount of labour and attention; Morello Cherries set abundance of fruit, and all went well with them up to the stoning season, when they failed to perform that process ; consequently, they dropped off, and are now a very poor crop ; Currants, red, average crop ; black, very inferior ; Gooseberries, average crop, but inferior in quality ; Raspberries, very bad indeed, the frost and cold nights in May having completely paralysed the young growth, from which they have not yet recovered ; consequently, they have produced small pea. sized hard bits of fruit, and the canes are now in a semi-lifeless state ; Apricots, very satisfactory, having been well protected during the severe frost of April and May by means of temporary covering ; Figs on walls, a few ; Cob Nuts and Filberts, none ; Walnuts, a few. With the exception of a few Horse Chestnuts, we have seed on no other forest tree on the place. This season will be recollected by all connected with horticulture as a singularly unfavourable one. — George Beech. Burghley, Stamford. — Plums, particularly Greengages, an excellent crop ; Peaches, half a crop ; Nectarines, half a crop ; Strawberries and Gooseberries, full crop ; CuiTants, abundant ; Figs, scarcely any ; Nuts, very scarce ; Medlars, full crop. These remarks relate to outside crops ; but inside. Peaches and Nectarines are very fine, thus showing the desirability of growing such fruits in cool houses. Our third house (just in) contains Peaches measuring 10 inches round. Strawberries have not more than half come to per- fection, iu consequence of the dry weather. We have only had occasional slight showers since April. Apples are a short crop in this locality, and Pears, in some places, are a full crop, while in others they are very thin. — R. Gilbert. WEST-MIDLAND DIVISION. Worcestershire. — Witley Court, Stourport. — Up to May, seldom had we seen a greater promise of an abundant fruit crop of all kinds than this year. The previous summer and autumn having been favoui'able for the ripening of the wood, and the early part of this year all that could have been wished, there was the greatest possible profusion of bloom, which, however, got damaged by the bitterly cold and frosty weather that set in with May and continued throughout that month and June. Fruit trees, too, suffered severely from the persistent attacks of legions of aphides and other insects. Apricots are, therefore, but an average crop, even where thoroughly protected ; upon cottage walls, they have suffered severely from frost, and are very scarce ; Apples, half a crop, except in the case of trees in high-lying positions, on which the crops are, in some instances, heavy ; the trees have suffered much from blight ; cider Apples, very partial ; Pears, scarce and partial, early blooming sorts best; Plums, scarce and very partial ; we have average crops of Damsons, but they are by no means general ; Strawberries with us have been a good crop, but generally they are light and partial; in some districts the bloom was caught by spring frost. We have an abundant supply of water, which has been of great service to Straw, berry crops this season. Our best cropping sorts have been — President, a great bearer ; Lucas, first-class in flavour, a good bearer, and a kind that carries well ; John Powell, a free and useful sort ; Dr. Hogg, fine in size and of first-class quality ; Sir J. Paxton, and Mr. Eadclyffe, a good strain of British Queen. Of Cherries upon walls, such as Morellos, there are full crops ; upon standards, such as the Kentish, an abundant crop, but, in general. Cherries are a light crop, poor in size, and equally poor in quality ; Peaches and Nectarines, on open walls, where protected, are fine crops, trees, too, clean and promising ; Figs upon walls, an average crop ; Goose, berries, full average crop ; Currants, Red and White, under average ; Black Currants, much blighted, and quite a quarter of a crop has fallen ; Raspberries, full average crop ; Walnuts, quite destroyed by frost ; Filberts, half a crop, red-skinned by far the best crop. I may add that early Potatoes are fine, both in crop and quality, that lato sorts are suffering from drought, and that I fear tho crop will be poor, even should we now have rain. — Geo. Westland. Worcester. — Apples, partial ; Pears, fair crop of early sorts, but not many of late kinds ; Plums, rather scarce ; Cherries, plentiful but small ; Peaches, Nectarines, and Apricots, not many ; Goose, berries and Currants, good crops, but blighted ; Raspberries, plentiful ; Strawberries, not abundant, fruit small. — Richard Smith. Gloucester. — Tortworth, Wootton-under-Edge. — So far, this has been a season of extremes, and against cold, heat, and drought, vegetation has had a constant and hard struggle ; nor is there the least sign of such unfavourable conditions drawing to a, close. Day after day the heat is so intense, that almost every kind of fruit tree is yielding to its effects. Should rain be delayed much longer our green crops will be a failure, particularly on shallow soils where water is scarce. In this neighbourhood, and, indeed, through- out the county, the rainfall has been very limited. We have not had much more than three days' rain since the middle of March, and none whatever since the 3rd of July, when we had just sufficient to discolour the ground ; nevertheless. Peaches and Nectarines on open walls, in the majority of cases, are fair crops, and by constant attention to watering, the trees are in excellent health. Apricots are a total failure. Of Plums, we cannot reckon on more than a third of a crop ; still, some varieties are bearing freely. The same may be said of Pears, with the exception of the earlier kinds, about which there is little to complain. Apples ai"e a full crop, and, in many cases, a very heavy one ; but, in low lying districts, they are a good deal below the average. Cherries at one time promised well, but three, parts of the fruit dropped daring the stoning period, particularly in July 25, 1874] THE GAEDEN. 83 the case of wall-trained trees. Strawberries are . abundant, but to a great extent small and deformed. Bush fruits are abundant and highly flavoured, with the exception of Gooseberries, which have suffered from the intense heat. Nuts are plentiful, both cultivated and wild vaneties. — Alexander Cuamii. Warwickshire. — Compton Verney. — Apples, very few ; Pears, good ; Apricots, average crop and fine ; Peaches, good ; Nectarines, average ; Plums, heavy crop ; Cherries, on walla a crop ; Walnuts, killed by the frost ; Strawberries, plentiful, but small ; Raspberries, not good, want rain; Gooseberries, plentiful; Ctir. rants, fair crop ; Nuts and Filberts, not grown ; Figs on walls, average crop. — G. Cuaddook. Staffordshire.— Alton Towers, Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent. — Gooseberries were a heavy crop, but they were nearly all out off by frost on the 15th of June last ; Currants, the same ; Strawberries, abundant, but small ; Raspberries, good, but suffering from drought ; Apples, thin, say half a crop ; Pears, pretty good ; Cherries, plentiful, but small ; Plums, good, with the exception of Damsons, which are thin ; Peaches, thin, dreadfully blighted ; Apricots, very good, but small. I may add that vegetable crops, including Potatoes, are generally good, with the exception of -Carrots, which are very much blighted, but we are short of rain, and have had bitterly cold weather up to the end of June, on the loth of which we had l" of frost, and 10° on May 14th.— H. Rabone. Keele Hall, Newcastle. — Apples, very thin ; Pears, a good crop on standards and walls ; Damsons, a good crop ; Peaches and Nectarines, poor, very few grown on open walls ; Raspberries, good ; Cun'ants, good ; Strawberries, generally good, but small, owing to the continued dry weather ; Cherries, good, especially Morellos on dwarf boshes, on which we find they bear better, and ai'e less subject to insects, than trained as they usually are against a north wall ; Gooseberries, good ; Apricots, fair. We never remember so much blight — aphis, caterpillars, and honeydew — as this season. We are suffering from want of rain ; in fact, we have had very little during these last six months, although this part is generally con- sidered to have a wet climate. — W. Hill. Willey Hall, Broseley. — Apricots, very good ; Peaches, good ; Nectarines, very good ; Cherries, abundant ; Apples, very fair; Pears, very good ; Plums, very heavy crop; Filberts, moderate ; Gooseberries, very good ; Currants, good ; Strawberries, very good, but small, owing to the dryness of the season. — W. H. Welch. Herefordshire. — Downton Castle, Ludlow. — Peaches. Nectarines, Apricots, and Plums, with us are good crops ; Apples> about half a crop, being destroyed by frost and blight ; Strawberries and Cherries, fair crops. On the Cherry orchards in this part of the country there was the finest blossom that has been seen for years, but most of it was destroyed by blight. Raspberries, Gooseberries, and Currants, about half a crop, having been destroyed very much by frost : Pears and Damsons are fine crops. — Wm. Landon. Eastnor Castle, Ledbury. — Up to the beginning of May the fruit crops in this district were promising. Plums and Cherries having set thicker than I ever remember to have seen them. On the 9th of May and two following mornings we had very sharp frosts, which completely cleared our standards and pyramids of fruit, Rivers's Early Prolific Plum excepted, which appears to be one of the hardiest, as well as one of the earliest, varieties we have. On walls we still have a good crop, but the trees have been much injured by aphides, and they are now suileiing from the extreme drought. Apricots, however, turn out to be a much better crop than was at one time anticipated, many of the latest blossoms having set and swelled after the prominent blooms were destroyed. Early kinds are now ripening fast, and the sweet-kernelled Kaisha is unusually fine and transparent. Peaches and Nectarines are a partial crop, the cold wet season of 1873 having been unfavourable to the formation and maturation of perfect blossom buds ; indeed, it was by no means unusual this spring to find such shy kinds as Bar. rington, Wallburton, &c., entirely without bloom buds, except in very warm situations. Aphides have been unusually troublesome, but where they have been kept in check, and mulchings have been attended to the trees are looking well. Cherries are a thin crop, and the fruit has dropped more than usual, black fly being very trouble- some. Apples are very scarce and poor, except on elevated spots that were well sheltered from the north, and this being a great cider, making county even partial failure in the Aople crop is a serious loss. Pears are rather more promising, but the fruit is small, no rain having fallen to affect the roots since April. Bush fruit is plentiful and good, with the exception of Black Currants, which are badly blighted. Strawberries were much injured by the May frosts, and a continuance of dry weather, while improving the flavour, has seriously reduced the quantity and duration of this useful fruit. Raspberries fall below the average. Nuts are scarce. Walnuts partial ; many of the trees were killed back when they had made 4 inches of young wood, and it was nearly midsummer before they showed signs of returning vitality. I may add, that up to the pre- sent time vegetables have been plentiful and good, but we may now expect a falling off. Potatoes are short in the top, look healthy, and promise a fair yield of medium-sized tubers of first-rate quality. — W. Coleman. ^ NORTH-MIDLAND DIVISION. Leicestershire.— Cole OrtonHall, Ashby-de-la-Zouch. — Apricots, very light in this quarter ; Apples, very good ; Pears, very good on walls, thin on standards ; Plums, unusually heavy crop ; small fruits of all sorts abundant, but small from want of rain ; Cherries, a very great crop ; Peaches and Nectarines, both rather thin (were over-cropped last year) ; Figs, a good crop, but look as if they would drop off, owing to the excessively dry weather ; Strawber- ries, plentiful, but small^halt of the crop unable to swell, owing to the drought, which has killed many of the plants outright ; Nuts, very few indeed. — M. Henderson. Kottingham.^WoUaton Hall.— Apples are a light crop, having been much injured by frost in May ; good dessert kinds will be scarce, although when in bloom there was every appearance of heavy crops ; of Apricots there is a good average crop from late blooms, the first blossoms having been entirely killed — trees healthy ; Peaches and Nectarines, light ; during May the trees were much infested with aphides, but now they are doing well ; of Plums there are good crops, especially of the better dessert sorts, but the trees were badly attacked with aphides early in the season ; Damsons, very scarce ; Cherries, good, but suffering from want of rain to swell them off properly ; Pears, early and mid-season kinds, plentiful, late sorts scarce ; Filberts, none ; Walnuts, scarce, having been killed by frost ; of Gooseberries there is a very heavy crop in the neighbour- hood, but the trees are much infested with caterpillar ; Strawberries, moderate, having been much hurt by frost, and dried up since ; Red and White Currants, good crops and clean. Black scarce ; Quinces, none. — Henry Gadd. Lincolnshire. — Belvoir Castle, Grantham. — The crop of that most valuable of all hardy fruits, the Apple, is by no means a full one ; indeed, I do not think that it can be called half a crop, and the drought may still lessen it. Late-blooming trees of large size and mature age afford the best crops. Amongst other sorts that have fair crops may be mentioned Bess Pool, Northern Greening, Cald- well, Blenheim, Herefordshire Pearmain, and Keswick Codling. Of Pears there is a very good general crop, especially on the most healthy and vigorous trees. Williams's Bon Chretien, Marie Louise, and Louise Bonne of Jersey are very full. Of Plums there are fair ci-ops of Victoria, Jefferson, and Golden Drop on walls. Standard trees gene- rally have failed ; but few Damsons. As regards Cherries, there are abundant crops of May Duke, Morello, and Kentish ; but they are greatly injured by blight and drought. Of Peaches there is a moderately good crop — trees healthy. Of Figs, there is a very good show of fruit. Apricots, scarcely half a crop, a portion of the fruit having fallen owing to the dry state of the borders ; Strawberries, very abundant, but smaU ; Raspberries, a very full crop, but suffering from drought ; Gooseberries, a very full and satisfactory crop ; Currants (red), a moderately good crop, (black) rather smaU. — W. Ingram. Sudbrooke Holme. — Apricots, an average crop ; Peaches, a failure — trees unhealthy through cold and fly ; Plums, an average crop ; Pears, Marie Louise, Winter Nelis, and Williams's Bon Chretien are good crops, but all other sorts scarce ; small fruits, such as Currants, Gooseberries, Raspberries, a full crop ; Black Currants, scarce ; Cherries, of all kinds, an average crop ; Apples, in general, under an average, but in some orchards a good crop, though both these and Pears will be small this season owing to the drought ; small fruits, in cottage gardens, scarce ; every kind of crop is suffering from want of rain. — George McBey. SOUTH-WESTERN DIVISION. Cornwall. — Enys, Penryn. — Apples appear to be an average crop ; Pears are rather above the average, but, judging from present appearances, will be small ; Peaches and Nectarines, below the average ; Cherries, about an average ; Plums, kinds for preserving, below the average ; other kinds, about an average ; Figs, poor ; Strawberries, a good crop, but soon over, owing to the drought. Bush fruits of all kinds, a good crop ; Raspberries, good. — Henry Mills. Dorsetshire. — Sherborne Castle. — Apples here are a very fair crop ; Apricots, half a crop ; Berberries, plentiful ; Cherries, a fair crop for the neighbourhood; Currants, half a crop, very much damaged by the late frosts ; Figs, moderate ; Gooseberries, half a crop, damaged by the late frosts ; Medlars, a fair sprinkling ; Necta- rines, in the open air, a very middling crop, and the trees are in a very 84 THE GAKDEN. [July 25, 1874. bad condition — indoora, very good ; Nuts and Filberts, scarce ; Peaches, a very middling crop, trees in bad condition ; Pears, a moderate crop ; Plums, plentiful ; Quinces, a middling crop ; Rasp, berries, very plentiful ; Strawberries, very good, but small, owing to the drought ; Walnuts, plentiful in some places. I may add that Potatoes are looking uncommonly well this season, a singnlar fact, when most other vegetable crops are suffering from drought. The Corn is looking remarkably well, but root crops are almost a failure. — W. G. Pkagnell. Devon. — £xeter. — Peaches and Nectarines, moderate ; Apricots, below average ; Plums, abundant ; Pears, Apples, and Strawberries, average crops ; Black Currants, below average ; Red and White, average crops ; Raspberries, good ; Nuts and Filberts, abundant ; Cherries, abundant ; and Figs, scarce. — John Gabland. Somersetshire. — Ashton Court, Bristol. — Apples are a good average crop, early kinds being more plentiful than late ones; Apricots, light crop ; Cherries, plentiful, but much blighted ; Cur- rants, red and white, very fine and heavy crops; black, light and much blighted ; Pigs, generally good ; Gooseberries, heavy crop ; Medlars, every prospect of a heavy crop ; Mulberries, good ; Peaches and Nectarines, good on open walls (where protected in spring under glass), also large and well flavoured; Nuts, very light; Pears, good, aud, for the season, remarkably clean and fine ; Plums, poor and much blighted; Raspberries, good, but small ; Walnuts, scarcely any ; Strawberries, an average crop, which suffered much from drought. Fruit trees and crops generally are much blighted and greatly in want of rain. — John Austo-v. Merriott, Crewkerne. — We have here a fair crop of most kinds of fruit. Apples, in both gardens and orchards, will, I think, be a good crop, say half the quantity we had last year, which was just one half too much for the good of either the trees or the growers. Apples were nearly unsaleable, such was their abundance ; but, thanksto railways, the "blackcountry" and large towns absorbed a considerable portion, and the cider barrels, with some difficulty, held the rest. One thing this season, notwithstanding the adverse weather we had up to the end of June, trees generally look healthy and are covered with fine foliage, consequently, the quality of the fruit will be finer than it otherwise would have been, a circumstance which will make up for quantity. Pears grafted on the Quince are nearly a failure this season, while those grafted upon the Pear stock are loaded with fruit ; it was just the reverse last season. Plums of most sorts, on open standards, are a good crop, in some instances weighing down the branches ; I have noticed this season that the woolly and hairy. leaved kinds have resisted the frost better than the smooth and shining.leaved sorts. Cherries, especially May Dukes and Morellos, are bearing heavy crops, but we are sadly tried to know how to save them from blackbirds, through whose depredations we lose more than half onr fruit crops. Gooseberries, Currants, and Raspberries are, and have been, abundant ; Strawberries, owing to want of rain at blooming time, are only a partial crop. We havehad little or no rain here for three months ; we had a good fall at the end of June, but that on the 29th wasaccompanied by a thunderstorm, which, in a few instances, started the Potato disease. Field crops in this neighbourhood are very fine, and give great jiromise of an abundant harvest. — John Scoit. Nettlecomb, Taunton. — Up to the last week in March fruit crops promised to be abundant, but April set in accompanied by cold easterly winds, and, occasionally, rain, hail, and snow until the latter part of the month, when we had a week or ten days of summer weather, which very much improved the fruit crops, aud trees on walls were recovering fast. May, again, brought us cold easterly winds and sharp frosts at nights, and these unfavourable conditions continued, more or less, for three weeks in June. There was, how- over, little or no rain or the crops would have suffered much more than they have done ; still, the cold frosty weather did much damage, both to fruit and vegetable crops ; nevertheless. Apples are a good crop, particularly the better sorts ; Pears, above an average crop ; Plums, in some places, plentiful, iu others scarcely any; Strawberries, where kept well watered, are a fair crop and of fine quality ; Cherries, good and fine, particularly May Dukes and Morellos; Peaches and Nectarines, in some places, are a fair crop, in others, scarcely any ; Apricots, here and there, are a good crop, where pretected, otherwise indifferent; Figs, outdoors, abundant; Walnuts, scarcely any, trees much injured by frost ; Filberts and Kent Cob Nuts, scarcely any ; Quinces, none ; Medlars, an average crop ; Black Curranis, an average crop ; White and Red Currants, below average ; Gooseberries, very good ; Raspberries, in some places, an average crop, in others, much under average. — Charles Elworthy. Wiltshire. — Wilton House, Salisbury. — Apples hereabouts are a bad crop ; Apricots, a medium crop ; Cherries, a fair crop ; Currants and Figs good ; Gooseberries, fair ; Medlars, thin ; Mul. berries, trees much injured by spring frosts ; Nectarines and Peaches good; Nuts, a fair crop ; Pears, partial ; Plums, abundant ; Quinces, a light crop ; Raspberries, thin ; Strawberries, poor; Walnuts, bad. There was perhaps never a better prospect of fruit, of all kinds, than this year at the end of April, and perhaps it would be impossible to find on referring to reports of past years, a more destructive month than May proved to be this year ; one favourable condition, however, was the almost total absence of rain, of which only i inch fell in May. Had we received the usual amount with such frosts and bright sun, total failure must have been the result. Frosts occurred on fifteen nights in May, the most severe being on the 10th, 11th, 17th, and 18th, when the glass registered 6' of frost on the two former, and 4P on the two latter nights, but owing to the clear sky which prevailed throughout the month 12* of frost were frequently registered on the ground by the thermometer when exposed. A variation of 90^ often occurred between the mid-day solar heat, and the minimun heat on the surface of the ground at midnight ; on the 18th the solar heat reached 125^, and the minimum on the same day on the surface of the ground was 23', a difference of 102' in twelve hours. — T. Challis. MIDLAND DIVISION. Derbyshire. — Chatsworth, Chesterfield. — Apples with us are about a quarter of a crop ; Cherries, on walls, a crop, but those on standards when in bloom suffered severely from frost ; Currants, red and white, are a full crop, but black kinds suffered from the frost on May 16th ; Gooseberries are about half a crop ; Plums, none ; Pears, a thin crop ; Peaches, none grown out of doors here ; Raspberries, half a crop ; Strawberries, an abundant crop. The frost of May 15th was most destructive to Pears, Apples, and Plums ; we registered 10' of frost on the 16th, and 9' on the 17th of May, and the cold winds, which blew from the north-east twenty-one days consecutively, were most detrimental to both fruit and vegetables, and considering that we had only 3'81 of an inch of rain between the 1st of March and the 12th of May, it has been one of the most trying seasons for out- door gardening that I ever remember. — Tnos. Speed. Osmaston Manor. — Apricots here are a good crop ; Pears, very good ; standard Apple trees are loaded down with fruit ; Straw, berries, very good and large ; Cherries, excellent, both on standards aud walls ; Plums, including Damsons, a very large crop ; red and black Currants and Gooseberries, heavy crops ; Raspberries, good ; Peaches and Nectarines, not grown out of doors here. — J. Booth. Nottinghamshire. — Welbeck Abbey, Worksop. — Apple trees in this district produced an extraordinary abundance of blossoms, but spring frosts and insects have sadly thinned the crop, which can hardly now be called an average one. Pears, on standards, are likewise only thinly cropped ; but on walls these are abundant. On a wired trellis, in the kitchen garden here, both Pears and Apples show very heavy crops. Plum trees furnished plenty of blossom, and the fruit escaped the ungenial weather in May and June better than Apples and Pears have done ; very heavy crops of Plums are, therefore, now to be seen in many orchards. Cherries have been a fair average crop, and on north walls Morellos are abundant ; Apricots, Peaches, and Nectarines, on walls, where protected, are abundant, and required a great deal of thinning ; Raspberries and Currants are well cropped, but the fruit is small, having suffered from the continued drought in June. Legions of aphides have like- wise attacked the foliage of Currants, so much that the bushes are nearly bare. Strawberries, where well attended to with watering, have produced excellent crops, and I find President, Sir J. Paxton, Lucas, Sir C. Napier, British Queen, Dr. Uogg, Frogmore late Pine, and Elton still the best varieties for general crops. No variety equals the Groveud, or Old Scarlet of some, for preserving, as it ripens early, and has a fine red solid flesh. Filberts and Cob Nuts are a failure here, but they are not grown in any quantity. — William TiLLERY. Berry Hill, Mansfield. — Considering the cold spring and long drought which we have had, fruit crops, oir the whole, may be set down as a fair average. Apples are a fair crop ; Apricots, good ; Cherries, a fine crop, especially Morellos, which are very heavy ; Peaches, a good crop, but very late ; Plums, very fine ; Strawberries, abundant, but fruit small ; of what are called small fruits, there are good crops ; Walnuts, very thin, having been cut off by frosts ; Filberts, also a light cro)i. — S. A. Woods. Lincolnshire. — Bloxholm Hall, Sleaford. — Apricots, abun. dant where protected ; but, where unprotected, even on the same aspect, they were destroyed by spring frosts ; Apples, a complete failure, only a few being observable in sheltered corners. The blossoms on Apple trees were plentiful and strong, and great hopes were entertained of an abundant crop, but, a succession of frosty nights occurring when they were in bloom completely destroyed them ; Pears, some varieties an average crop, but, in general, under JuLT 25, 1874.] THE GAKDEN. 85 average, and I am afraid that the quality will be indifferent ; Plama, on open standards and bushes, a compltsto failure, but where protected on walls, a fair crop; Peaches and Nectarines, where protected, a fair crop, but the trees in some parts are very much blighted ; Cherries, under an average, having been much destroyed when in bloom by severe frosts in May and June ; Strawberries, a good crop and fine, but their season will be one of short duration owing to the hot dry weather ; Figs, under average ; Gooseberries, a fair crop, and of good quality, although they were very much injured in some localities by late spring frosts ; Raspberries, abundant and fine, but will be of short duration; Red CJrrants, under an average, having been very much destroyed by spring frosts ; White Currants, a fair crop ; Black Currants, under average ; Walnuts, variable, some trees having a fair crop on them, while others show none ; in most cases the young shoots were killed by sharp frosts in May ; Nuts, under average, not much grown hero. The fruit season this year will be a memorable one. In spring we had an abundance of bloom. Apples, Plums, and Cherries, were completely covered. The month of April being mild, vegetation progressed favourably, but from the 1st May to the middle of June we had scarcely one night free from frost accompanied by cold biting east and north-east winds which have proved very destrnctive to fruit crops. On Monday the ISth May we had 12° of frost. Potatoes and Kidney Beans were cut to the ground and again on June the 12th we had 11° of frost, which again cut down Potatoes, Kidney Beans, and other vegetables. Pears, Apples, Cherries, and Gooseberries dropped in quantities from the trees, blighting all our hopes. — David Lumsden. NORTH MIDLA.KD. Lincolnshire. — Aswarby Park, Folkingham. — Among Apples, Ribstons are a full crop, all other varieties about a quarter of a crop ; Currants, red, white, and black, full crop, fruit of the black small ; Figs, a fall crop, fruit large and fine, several ripe fruit having been gathered from outside walls ; Gooseberries, all gowing on a north border, are a heavy crop, fruit very large ; Apricots are a heavy crop, fruit large, changing colour fast ; Mulberries, full crop ; Pears on walls, half a crop ; on trees, trained as pendulous standards, a full crop, having only missed a crop once in thirteen years ; Nectarines, a fine full crop, foliage much blistered ; Peaches, very poor, fruit of the Early Beatrice on a wall now ripe ; Plums, quarter of a crop, suffered badly from late frosts, Rivers's Early Prolific now ripe. The rainfall .between January and March has been 3'02, between April and June 1'36, while from June up to this time we have had none ; everything in this neighbourhood is, therefore, suffering from want of rain. A large farmer near here has turned his stock into a field of Wheat, and my employer turned his lambs into a 40 acre field of Oats ; in the village of Scredington, 2 miles from here, they have to pay Id. for each bucket of water for domestic use ; the lawns here have not been mown for these last eight weeks ; carpet-bedding is doing well here, but ribbon-bedding is almost a failure. Last week, our rector told his gardener to save all water, as it was likely to be wanted for domestic purposes, and to let the kitchen and fiower gardens take their chance. — Richaud Nisbet. Rutland. — Exton Park. — Apples and Pears are scarce in most gardens in this neighbourhood ; Cherries are abundant ; Peaches and Nectarines are a very poor crop, the frosts on the 10th, 11th, and 12th of March, when we had 12° and 5° of frost, caught them while in bloom and killed all the flowers, even when covered with branches and other kinds of protecting material ; Strawberries are a good crop, but have suffered much from want of rain ; President, Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury, and Elton Pine, have withstood the dry weather better than any other variety ; small fruits are a splendid crop. Red and White Currants being larger and finer than ever we have known them to be here. The fruit is large, clean, and has ripened well. Black Currants are abundant, but very small. Gooseberries are a remarkably fine crop, and the bushes are clean and healthy ; Raspberries, good but small, owing to continued hot dry weather ; Filberts and Walnuts are very scarce. — J. Smith. EASTERN DIVISION. Suffolk. — Culford Hall, Bury St. Edmonds. — Peaches and Nectarines on the walls here are carrying a moderate crop of fruit, but the trees have been greatly blighted. In orchard-houses the prospect of frnit is much better. Apricots are a somewhat light crop, but the fruit, which is nearly ripe, is remarkably fine and large. Apples, in the gardens here and in this neighbourhood, are as nearly as possible, a total failure, and any small portions of fruit which there may be, will consist of the most hardy culinary varieties ; numbers of trees of the finer dessert sorts are here trained to a low flint wall facing the west, and they are carrying about half a crop. Both standard and dwarf pyramid Pear trees are here much the same as Apple trees — nearly destitute of fruit ; while, on walls, nearly all sorts are in great abundance, and it has been necessary to thin out the fruit to a considor.ablo extent. Plums on standard trees are also a failure ; oven the Damson (which seldom fails here) has done so this season, while Greengages, Washington, and most other sorts trained to the walls are in great abundance, and have required thinning. Cherries — The only sort grown on the open walls here is the Morello, of which there is a moderately gord crop ; but they have been greatly infested with black fly. In the orchard-house the various sorts are abundant, and of good quality. Figs trained on the open Avails are carrying a fair crop of fruit, which is likely to ripen. Grape Vines on the open walls show enough of fruit, which will, however, hardly ripen this season. Mulberry trees are carrying a light crop. Medlars are in great abundance ; Quinces, very few ; Walnuts, none ; Filberts and other Nuts, a very light crop ; Rasp, berries, abundant, and, considering the great drought which we have experienced, much finer than could have been expected ; Goose, berries, in great abundance and very fine ; Red and White Curr.ants, abundant, and of excellent quality ; Black Currants, light and inferior in quality ; Strawberries, plentiful and good, but, on account of the dry weather, have not lasted long. — P. Gkieve. — — Wolverstoae Park, Ipswich.— Pmit crops in this dis- . trict are very variable, and are suffering from want of rain. Peara on the Quince stock have set full crops, except in exposed situations ; but a large percentage of the fruit is frost bitten and deformed, and, when rain comes, I fear a goo I many will split. Those on Pear stocks and trained on walls are more satisfactory, and, being deeper rooted, have not suffered so much from the dry weather. Plums are thin on standards ; but, on walls, have set full crops. Many of these are now falling, and others are swelling very irregularly, owing to the tender fruit having been injured just after setting. Strange to say. Apricots passed safely through this tiying ordeal, and have set full crops ; while the trees are freer from gum than I have seen them for years. Peaches and Nectarines are very thin, and the trees havo suffered severely from the constant checks to growth which they have had, and persistent attacks of aphides ; indeed, I do not remember a season when the latter have been so numerous, or so difiicult to eradicate as the present ; Cherry trees are bearing fine crops, and the fruit is of good quality; Figs showed enormous crops, but the moro tender kinds, such as White Marseilles, havo all fallen off, while the dark kinds have retained a fair crop ; Apples are variable, some kinds having set full crops, while others are very thiu ; wherever fully sheltered, the crops are np to the average, but the fruits are now falling, and will be small if we do not soon get a supply of rain ; the crop of Strawberries has been most abundant, but, owing to the drought, the fruit did not swell to a large size; Gooseberries, Raspberries, and Currants are all heavy crops, but the latter are badly infested with green fly, and to escape an unusually heavy deposit of so-called " honeydew," I have had the tips of the shoots removed. — J. Sheppaud. Hardwicke House, Bury St. Edmunds.— Apricots on walls here are between ahalf and a three-quarter crop ; Plums, Peaches, and Nectarines, full crops in places ; Cherries, all sorts, full crops here, in other places failures ; Pears, a quarter crop ; Apples, very partial, full crop on many trees, few or none on others ; Mulberries, fine crop ; Medlars, full crop ; Nuts, partial ; Gooseberries and Cur- rants, full crops, and elsewhere entire failures; Raspberries, fine show, but suffering from late frosts and continued drought ; Straw- berries, fine crop, half a crop, and a complete failure, according to locality, latest sorts generally the best ; President, Eleanor, and Elton, fine here ; Keen's Seedling, British Queen, Black Prince, and old Scarlet, for preserving, almost a total failure ; the whole of the early blossoms were blackened and ruined by June frosts. On walls I found glass copings most useful for Peaches, Nectarines, and Apricots. Trees under these are carrying good crops. Apricots protected by boughs on the walls, but under no coping, almost a total failure. The Imperatrico Plum, too, is almost a total failure. Have other cultivators found its blossoms more tender than those of the Gages, Golden Drop, Jefferson, Victoria, Violette Hative, &c. ?_ I almost forgot to add that ont-of-doora Figs and Quinces are bearing capital crops. — D. T. Fisn. Norfolk.— Cossey Hall, Norwich.— Apples here are good, but in some localities only very moderate ; Pears, on walls and espaliars, are a fair crop, but on standards deficient ; Apricots are abundant, but in some instances the fruits are falling off through drought at the roots ; Plums are good on walls, but bad on standards ; Figs "and Cherries are only a moderate crop ; of Peaches and Nee- tarines there are fair crops, but the trees are infested with insects and blight ; Gooseberries and Currants are plentiful ; Raspberries, good in some parts, but in others they have suffered from drought ; and the same remark applies to Strawberries ; Filberts are a fair crop, but of Walnuts we have few indeed.— J. Wighton. 86 THE GARDEN. [July 25, 1874. YORKSHIRE. Thorpe Perrow, Bedale. — Apples here are a bad crop, all having beuii iloatroyed by Alay frosts ; Apricots, abundant; Cherries, good; Carrants, abundant ; Filberts, bad ; Gooseberries, an enormous crop ; Pears, good ; Plums, moderate ; Peaches, good ; Raspberries, moderate, suffering from want of rain ; Strawberries promised to be good, but from want of rain the crop is inferior. — William Culver. WKLL. Wortley Hall, Sheffield. — Apples, Pears, and Plums, a failuri', in consequence of tho scathing winds and frosts which jirevailed when the trees were in flower; Cherries a fair crop; Apricots on walls, moderate; all Gooseberries and Curnants, where netted in spring from bullfinches, good; but whore not protected, bushes everywhere are entirely denuded of their buds ; Peaches under rrlass are a very good crop. — J. Sl.MPSOX. Cleveland District. — The Apjile orchards attached to nlniost every farm-house in this district, are bearing lighter crops than I have seen upon the trees for several years, and the same may be said of the Pear and Apricot trees that cover the walls of both the houses and cottages. In gentlemen's gardens, however, the reverse of this holds good, the fruit crops in these being abundant; Pears and Apples upon dwarf trees are remarkably good ; Plums, most abundant in many places ; Gooseberries, Black and Red Currants, a licavy crop; Strawberries, plentiful, but small; Cherries, a vei'y indifferent crop, the trees nearly killed tlirough fly and blight. — J. T. Stourton Park, Knaresborough. — After the very vari. able season which we have experienced fru4t crops are as good, with the exception of Apples, as could have been expected. Apricots are everywhere abundant ; Peaches and Nectarines are fair crops ; Pears, Plums, and Cherries are abundant. Here Pears and Plums are better on standards than on walls ; both Plum and Cherry trees have suffered much from fly; Apples are, in general, a very light crop, some trees are producing fairly, whilst others have few or no fruit at all on them. With the exception of red Currants (which are smaller than usual and a lighter crop) bush fruits are abundant. Strawberries in the gardens here are an average crop, but the fruit, owing to the drought and heat, is smaller than usual ; the Straw- berries in general in this neighbourhood are, however, a light crop, the continued drought having been much against them. — M. S.vuL. NORTHERN DIVISION. Northumberland. — Shawdon Hall, Alnwick. — Early in the season the promise of an abundant fiuit crop in this county was great, but in many cases the result has not fulfilled our expectations. This ia not to bo wondered at when we consider that in the month of May and early part of June wo had hard continuous frost. During several nights in the latter part of May the thermometer registered V of fi-ost. To the dryness of tho atmosphere, and abundance of early foliage, must, I think, thei'cfore, be attributed the fact, that we have an average, if not an abundant, crop of fruit in this county. Apricots are fully ten days earlier than usual, the fruit being in some cases in different stages upon the same tree, as owing to the severity of the weather they caine into blossom at intervals of eight or ten days. Peaches are not extensively grown in this county, but such as we have appear to be a fair crop ; the trees are, however, Buffering from fly ; Pears on walls are just an average crop, but the trees are healthy and robust ; Cherries are all but a failure ; where the trees are exposed to the east or south-east, they are suffering from fly and bight ; Apples, like the Gooseberry crop, are abundant in some places, but scarce in others ; Black and Red Currants are, in many places, a light crop ; of late Strawberries, the crop is quite an average one ; Raspberries are an indifferent crop, the fruit being small and bluish, and, in some cases, the plants are suffering from canker and curl. — J. Thomson. Durham.— Lambton Castle Pence Houses.— Apricots here area heavy crop ; Cherries, fine; Plums, an average crop ; Straw- berries, plentiful and good ; Peaches, fine and plentiful ; Nectarines, good; Apples, very thin ; Pears, average ; small fruits, plentiful. — J. Hu.NTEIl. NORTH-WESTERN DIVISION. Lancashire.— Croxteth Park, Liverpool.— Strawberries in this part of the country are abundant and good ; Currants of all sorts arc thin; Gooseberries and Raspberries are fair ; Cherries (Morello), good, but injured through black fly, May Dukes and other kinds a fair crop ; Plums, including Damsons, a failure outside, plentiful in orchard-houses ; early kinds of Pears a good crop, later sorts here injured by frost in May; Apples, which also suffered from frost while in flower, are a thin crop. — J. Bisset. Cheshire.— Crew Hall.— Apples, very few ; Pears, very good crops generally; Plums, average on walls, scarce on standards; Damsons, which are largely grown in this district, very scarce except in sheltered situations ; Strawberries, good crop with me owing to their being well watered during the dry weather; Cherries, an average crop ; Peachi^s and Nectarines, good in orchard-house and on protected walls; Apricots, scarcely an average crop ; Gooseberries, Rod Currants, and Raspberries, plentiful ; Black Currants, scarce ; Nuts, very few. Tho very low temperature in the latter part of April and nearly all through May and June, loner than I have ever known it to bo here, caused many fruits already formed to fall off, and prevented Apples, when in bloom, from setting. — W. Wiiiukek. THE AMERICAN FRUIT CROPS. We have received from tho Department of Agriculture, at Wash. iugt(jn, the report of the fruit crops for the year 1871: The bloom of all orchard fruits has been generally abundant. Tho frosts of April, especially those of the 29th and .3Uth, were not too early in tho Southern States to be harmless. They proved exceed, ingly destructive to fruit prospects throughout the entire region south of the thirty-ninth parallel and the Ohio River. There are exceptions in tho vicinity of rivers and in other protected locations, but they are very few. Scarcely a southern county makes so positive a stateaient as Boone, Arkansas: — "Almost every tree is loaded. Thousands of bushels of Apples and Peaches will doubtless rot in tho orchards." A reduced yield is the nearly universal expectation, and many reports indicate less than a fourth of an average crop, and some scarcely a tenth. In cases where the germ escaped destruction by frost the young fruit is rapidly withering and falling off to a very discour.aging extent. In the Eastern States the bloom is generally quite full, but the fruit was not developed sufficiently to make a report of condition satisfactory. Reports from the fruit regions of Western New York, Ohio, Michig.an, Missouri, Kansas, Texas, and California are variable, but of fully average promise. In Pennsylvania the prospect for fruit is generally good. Increasing attention ia paid to fruit culture in some portions of this State. It is stated that in Wyoming Count}' " millions of fruit trees and Vines have been set out within the past fifieen years, and all are loaded with bloom and set with fruit." Fruit culture is also attracting much attention throughout the South. Apples. — The States reporting condition, average, or above, arc as follows : — Maine, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Texas, 101 ; Rhode Isl.and, New Yoi-k, Minnesota, 103; Vermont, Illinois, Wisconsin, 101; Iowa, California, 105; Pennsylvania, Missouri, Nebraska, lOG ; Michigan, 107; New Jersey, 111; Massachusetts, Kansas, 118; Connecticut, 119. Those below average : — Virginia, 59 ; Mississippi, 07; Louisiana, 75 ; North Carolina, 76; Georgia, 82 ; Alabama, 83; Delaware, 88; Tennessee, 90; Maryland, 92; Arkansas, West Virginia, 9(3 ; South Cirolina, 97. There is some complaint of injuries from insects in different portions of the country. " Cater- pilLars are more numerous than over " in New London County, Con. necticut, and very abundant in other sections of Nevv England, and the pest is reported "in countless millions" in Ripley, Ind. In Decatur, Iowa, " the leaf-roller has taken nearly half the Apples." The ravages of the measuring worm are also reported. In Mont, gomery, Ala., a blight similar to that affecting Pear trees is injurious to Apple ti-ees. Peaches. — The eastern Peach. growing regions do not present very favourable rejiorts of condition. The average for Delaware is but' 60; that of Maryland 61; and New Jersey is placed at 80. Mild weather in winter advanced the buds, .and late frosts and sleets brought mnch injury throughout this belt. A report from Kent, Maryland, after the great April frost, stated that Peaches would bo abuudant ; but ten days later, after the occurrence of further frosts, our correspondent wrote that there would scarcely be a fourth of a crop — a full crop of Hale's Early, but scarcely any of Crawford's Early or Crawford's Late. Hale's Early has also measurably escaped in Caroline .and Queen Anne. A similar injury of late frosts is reported from Wicomico and other Peach counties. Tho reports concerning tho Michigan Peach region are favourable, and the average for e.ach of the States west of the Ohio is not less than 100, The Middle States (excepting Pennsylvania), Ohio, and all tho Southern States east of the Mississippi, will have a comparatively small production this season. The destruction was caused by frost and hail. The storm of the 29th of April, which was of snow as far south as Washington and throughout the plateaus of the South, was peculiarly destructive to young fruit or its germs. A portion of Inili.an.a and Illinois report excellent prospects. It is reported from Jasper County, Missouri, that seedlings are a failure, while budded trees bear half a crop. In orchards of nourbon, Linn, and Wilson, Kansas, the leaf is curling and the fruit dropping. The past winter has proved very destructive to Peach trees in Oregon, especially JuLT 25, 1874.] THE GARDEN. 87 those growing on a good soil, highly cultivated, and still worse on lands iiTigated late in the season. In some localities iu California the crops will be reduced by the effects of curled leaf and mildew. Pears. — The condition of the Pear crop is below average in nearly all the States east of the Mississippi, the principal exceptions being Southern New England, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The bloom was abundant, but frosts proved very destructive. In Queen Anne, Maryland, " all are gone except some Seckels and Duchesses." In Anderson, Kentucky, " a large part dropped off." In Montcalm, Michigan, " the trees are about all dead, the effect of the winter of 1872-73 " — a statement which is mado elsewhere relative to Peaches as well as Pears. In the vicinity of Concord, Mass., the old favourite, the reliable Bartlett, has died out in numbers, and many others are visibly declining in vigour. PEACHES AND NECTARmES ON THE SAME TREE. It is a curious and b}"" no moans easily to be accoanted for pheno- menon, that of Peaches and Nectarines growing on the same tree — nay, sometimes even on the same branch ; while stranger still is the record of trees bearing fruits, one-half of which was Pea?h, the other Nectarine. We have received a communication from Dr. Moore, of Glasnevin, enclosing a letter bearing on the subject from his friend. Sir Thomas Larcom, K.C.B., late Under Secretary for Ireland. Dr. Moore, in his note, remarks that " even in our advanced state of horticultural knowledge, few practical gardeners, or even the owners of gardens know that the Peach was originally a sport from a Nectarine; " adding that in the instance alluded to by Sir Thomas Larcom the sport has been reversed, the Nectarine occurring on the Peach. We shall let Sir Thomas tell his story :^ " Heathlield, Pareham, 7th July, 1874. " My dear Dr. Moore, — Tou gave me such satisfactory information some time ago about the four-leaved Shamrock that I am tempted to write to you to ask whether the Peach and Nectarine are akin to each other. This has occurred in the garden of a gentleman in our neigh- bourhood : a Peach tree, never failing to produce Peaches, bore last summer three Nectarines on a particular branch, on which branch there arc now three Peaches. There is, I am told, for I have not visited or seen the tree, no appearance of the branch having been ingrafted. I confess I discredit the whole story, and take it for a fancy of the gardener. I do not know what is to come next, if fruit can grow grow by ' selection.' Do enlighten me. — Always sincerely yours, " Thomas Laucom." Dr. Moore remarks that the phenomenon must be of rare occurrence ; as, though he has been for nearly half a century among fruit trees, he has never actually seen an instance of it ; neither have we ; but tho fact is, nevertheless, indisputable. Mr. Rivera is of opinion that the Noblesse and some others of our best Peaches originated from the old White Nectarine. That comparatively new and line Peach, Prince of Wales, was raised by Mr. Rivers from a stone of the Pitmaston Orange Nectarine ; while of ten seedlings raised by him from stones of this same Peach, Prince of Wales, five turned out to be Peaches and five Nectarines ; three of the latter being orange and two white-fleshed. Another eminent fruit grower has gone so far as to say he could produce the phenomenon by carefully removing the down from the surface of the young Peach when not larger thau a Horse Bean, the resnlt being a Nectarine in size, colour, flesh, and flavour. If any of our readers have mot with a case of the kind this season (it has been thought to occur oftener in dry seasons), or can speak from previous personal experience, we shall be glad to hear what they have to say in the matter. — Irish Farmers' Gazette. Vines from Eyes for Pot Culture. — I wish to know when the eyes of Vines should be struck for growing in pots in order to fruit in January, February, and March, and what are the best Vines for that purpose ? — J. V. H. [Mr. Tillery, of Welbeck, to whom your queries have been sent, says : — " The eyes of Vines for growing in pots for fruiting in January, February, and March, ought to be struck in January or beginning of February, and the eyes should be taken from well-ripened wood from an early Vinery. They must be started iu a brisk bottom-heat and grown in it, as well as shifted and stopped two or three times till they get strength and size enough by the time they are fit for the last shift into fruiting-pots. This is for yonng pot Vines intended to be forced the year after being struck. There is less attention required in raising early pot Vines, by grow- ing them the first year as strongly as possible, and then cutting them down to have a strong rod the second year for the next year's forcing. They may, in the second year, be shifted into the largest- sized fruiting-pots, and each Vine will then bear from twelve to fourteen bunches of finely-coloured fruit ; at least 1 had this year, on pot Vines so managed, that quantity of bunches on the Esperione Hamburgh and Foster's White Seedling. The greatest cause of success in forcing early pot Vines is in having the wood well ripened as early as possible, and then placing them in the open air in the latter end of the summer and autumn to harden tho wood into a state of rest before being forced. As a black early Grape for growing in pots there is no better and surer bearer than the Hamburgh, and I prefer the variety of it named the Esperione for the purpose. Tho purple Constantia or Frontignan is another excellent variety for early forcing, and, having a perfumed flavour, it is much preferred by some. As to white Grapes for early pot culture I have found Foster's White Seedling, Bucklaud Sweetwater, and the Royal Muscadine to be the best."] MERAN AND THE " GRAPE-CURE." Meran, the ancient capital of the Tyrol, though it has long ceded its metropolitan honours to Insbritck, remains the head-quarters of the Grape-cure, and is unrivalled for beauty of situation and charm of climate. Rounding tho shoulder of a mountain, one comes suddenly on a scene of peace and of luxuriant beauty which might befit a vale of Arcadia. MouutaiuB of 6,000 or 7,000 feet high enclose a wide valley, dotted with farmsteads and white cottages, all surrounded by a southern vegetation. Here grow magnificent Spanish Chestnut and Fig trees, while a perfect net-work of Vines trained over trellises covers the hills. Along the edge of the road grow immense Pumpkins, with their robust picturesque leaves and yellow flowers gazing right in the sun's eye ; while beyond lie fields of Indian Corn — making up altogether a rich and luxuriant picture. After a couple of mdes of this scenery we entered Meran, a' sunny cheerful town, lying on the right bank of the bright and brawling little river Passer. The population of Meran numbers 1,500 ; this is greatly increased during the months of August, September, and October, by strangers, who come for the Grape-cure, and to rest awhile in a climate so dry and warm, and yet so much cooler than Italy during this season. Tho visitors are chiefly those suffering from chest complaints. The Meranees are not an enterprising people, and trust confidently to the beauty of their town and climate, and most implicitly to their Grapes, to allure the stranger. And there is a charm in this simplicity far more delightful to many than the usual stereotyped amusements of a watering-place. A band plays every morning iu the gardens ; and here the visitors walk, eating Grapes, or read, or sketch with a basket of Grapes beside them, or ramble about iu family groups — all, and always, eating Grapes. The first thing one does on arriving at Meran is to buy a basket ; Grapes of the richest bloom and most delicious flavour are to be seen all around ; they hang in purple bunches over all tho hills, in every garden, round every cottage porch ; carts and baskets full of them are brought into the town every morning, and they lie heaped on stalls in glorious profusion at the corners of the streets. Everybody who comes " takes the Grape-cure," to the extent of eating more Grapes than he ever did before in his life, unless he prefers Pigs, which are almost as plentiful and excellent. No quantity of Grapes under three pounds a day can be considered as a true and energetic Grape-cure. The patient begins with one or two pounds a day, dividing the quantity into three portions — one taken an hour before breakfast, the next between that and dinner (which takes place at 12.30 or 1 at latest at Meran), and the last portion in the afternoon or evening, an hour before the last meal of the day. The Grapes must be eaten in the open air, an injunction obeyed to the letter at Meran, as everybody walks about eating Grapes all day long, unless you prefer taking one of your three portions sitting in your verandah, gazing out over tho lovely country. After a couple of days the quantity is to be increased by half a ijonnd, until it reaches three or four pounds. This is often sufficient — dependent, of course, upon the nature of tho disease, the progress it has made, &c. Many people eat six pounds daily, although as many as eight is said to be unusual. Patients are not to be discouraged if they feel less well after three or four days of Grape eating ; this is not seldom the case ; but, this crisis being past, they speedily feel the benefit of the treatment. One great advantage of the Grape-cure is that no special diet is enforced. Food in any way trying to the digestion is, of conise, forbidden ; and other fruit is in general not recommended ; but, after eating from four to six pounds of Grapes daily, one does not feel any particular inclination for further indulgence iu Pomona's bounties. Grapes, containing a large quantity of nourishment, have a very satisfying effect on the appetite generally, and less of other food is required ; and, in cases where the cure is taking good effect, the patient gains in weight, and, after a while, in strength also. The cure occupies from four to six weeks, and during September and October the Grapes are at their best. Early ones are to be obtained in August and late ones in November, but they are neither so good 88 THE GARDEN. [JuLT 25, 1874, nor so efficacious. The country, too, is in its greatest beauty during the height of the Grape season. Not but what April is a charming month at Meran, when the abundant Almond and Apricot trees are a mass of blossom, and when the traveller returning home after a winter passed in Italy is tempted to linger awhile in the pretty little town before proceeding northward. GARDENING FOR THE WEEK, AND AMATEUR'S CALENDAR. The Flower Gardea and Pleasure Grounds. The time lias almost arrived when, in ordinary seasons, the flower garden is expected to be at its best ; but this is far from being the case this season, and if a decided change in the state of the weather does not take place soon the display this season will be meagre, as well as of short duration. Wherever watering the flower beds is attempted, it ought to be done efTectually, otherwise it does more harm than good. There is frequently considerable difliculty in pro. perly applying the water to the beds in very dry weather and on light soils, when and where it is most required. More particularly does this happen when such beds are on an incline, as, where that is the case, the water applied is almost sure to form channels for itself, and pass off, leaving the thirsty occupants of the beds little, if at all, benefited. The only remedy for this is mulching with some suitable material, as this prevents the water from running off the surface, as well as prevents, to a great extent, evaporation. But, as a mulching in the flower garden, manure is hardly admissible, on account of its untidy appearance ; and, possibly one of the best materials for that purpose, where it can be conveniently obtained, is tanner's bark, or tan fresh from the tan.j'ard ; this, when neatly applied, has by no means an untidy appearance, and possesses also the property of driving ants and other troublesome insects from the beds. The time is also at hand when steps must necessarily be taken to commence the propagation of plants for next year's embellishment, but, to attempt at present to take cuttings from Pelargoniums and other plants occupying the Sower beds, is of course out of the ques- tion, as, in most instances, such plants have hardly as yet made a start. The desirability, therefore, of possessing a well-stocked reserve garden, such as has formerly been recommended, will now be admitted. Now is, however, a good time to make a rough sketch or plan of the flower garden, and on each bed and border of which to write in pencil the name, or names, of the plants intended to be used in planting it next season, and also the probable number of plants likely to be required for such a purpose. By an occasional reference to this sketch, thus arranged, it will be seen at a glance what amount of stock is required for each particular department, and the annoyance of having too few, or of having more of some varieties of plauts than are really required, may bo easily avoided. Now is also a suitable time to take a careful survey of the present arrangement of the parterres; and, should any improvement or alteration suggest itself as regards the distribution of colours, or other matters, a note should bo made of it, to which reference may be made hereafter. The hot and dry weather is anything but favourable to Roses, the summer blooms of which will soon be over. Remove at once, therefore, all dead and decaying blooms, water frequently, and mulch the plants, encouraging them in every possible way, with a view to induce them to produce an abundance of autumnal blossoms. Stake and continue to tie np, as may be required. Dahlias and IloUyhocks ; copious watering is indispensable as regards the latter, otherwise red spider will be sure to attack them. Castor Oils of different sorts, Wigan. dias, and various other sub-tropical plants, should now be neatly supported by means of stakes, if this has not already been done ; and beds of such plants should be abundantly supplied with water. Follow up the layering of Carnations, Cloves, and Picotees, as formerly directed ; p-nd be careful to, in some way, pre- vent birds from scraping the soil from them during dry weather. Where Pink pipings have been inserted under hand- glasses, and are now fairly rooted, the glasses may be removed, and the first opportunity should be taken, after a good rain, to plant them where they are intended to flower. Auriculas may now be potted ; some prefer to pot them before July is out ; others defer that operation till August. It is a rule with cultivators to keep their plants dry and comparatively dormant during June and July. Water is almost entirely or quite withheld ; the plants may be said to be maturing their growth. One well, known grower is fond of a.use at Kew. It is nearly allied to the Alliums, and bears clusters of white flowers on a slender scajje .about a foot high. The folia^'e is slender and glaucous, like that of llilla uniflora. It is a plant well worth growing on account of its flowers, which are most dcliciously scented. — B. Mesembryantliemums.— These are not only useful as window plants— a purpose for which many of them have been used for many years— but, as rock- work ])lants, in sunny positions in the conservatory or greenhouse, they have few equals. Many of the species lu.xuriate when planted outside in dry sandy soil during the summer months. — B. Campanula Portenschlagiana.— This pretty bell-flower is now in flower in the greenhouse at Kew. and, in spite of its long name, it is well worth at ten- tion. It is prostrate or pendulous in habit, and bears large salver-shaped blue flowers an inch and a half across. Its leaves resemble those of Veronica Hulkeana, or a small-leaved form of the common Birch. As a plant for a bracket, or hanging-basket in the window, it well deserves a trial, being a most profuse bloomer. — B. Aug. 1, 1874.] THE GARDEN. lOl THE GARDEN IN THE HOUSE. DINNER-TABLE DECOEATION. Forms of Stands. NE of tho principa,! things to be decided before entering farther into details, is the stands in Tchich the flowers are to be arranged; of these there are so many varieties that it Tvoiild be impossible to ennmerate all ; I shall, therefore, only select those which I have in use myself, and with which I have taken prizes. One of mj' favom-ites istheMarch form of stand, with a trumpet rising out of the top tazza. This I have always considered most effective ; it is easily dressed, and not expensive to pur- chase ; its greatest fault (and one which belongs to tne true March stand) is, the bottom tazza is seldom or ever in keeping, as regards size, with the upper one; to remedy this it will be found a good plan to have zinc trays made of a size in keeping with the upper tazza ; these trays should be about an inch and a half in depth, and painted green outside and white inside. The stand should then, after it has been screwed together, be placed in the tray, which, when packed with sand, will keep all perfectly firm ; but should ^^ :7 March stand furnished with moveable top vase, the stand, after being arranged, require to be moved from one table to another, it must be lifted by means of the ziuc tray, and not tho glass stem, which would be done were it not standing in such a tray. The next form which claims attention is the high single trumpet with three curved branches or trumpets arranged round the centre one. This stand is suitable for placing on a plateau of looking-glass, as it has no dish or tazza at the bottom; in my opinion, however, it is always improved by having some arrangement of flowers round the base, and, to effect this, it is a good plan to have a tray made similar in form to that just described, in which this description of stand can be quite as easily fixed as an ordinary March stand. My attention was first directed to this siand by Mr. W. Thomson, of Penge, whose taste in floral decora- tions is well-known, and I have since used it constantly at flower shows, and on our own dinner-table ; it cannot, however, be arranged so quickly as the March stand, but a little practice will soon overcome that diiBcnlty, and, when arranged, it forms a truly handsome centre-piece for the dinner-table. There is also a stand very similar to that just described, which has a tazza raised on a pedestal about 6 inches high, but, as this form is never made of as large a size as the first-men- tioned, it is not so suitable for the decoration of a dinner-table, but it nevertheless forms a very elegant drawing-room vase. A high slender trumpet, riiing out of a flat tazza, is another form of vase which is well suited for tho dinner-table. The next which I shall mention is the common March stand, per- haps the best known of any, and one which is to bo found in almost every household where floral arrangements are at- tempted, though I must confess that I am not such an ardent admirer of this form of vase as most people ; on the con- trary, I much prefer, as I have stated, a March stand, with a trumpet rising out of the top tazza. Before coucluding my Compoiintl trumpet'Staud. remarks on the forms of stands, &c., I must not forget to mention the trays for placing round the bases of plants which are brought through the dinner-table. These should be made of zinc, about I5 inches in depth, painted green outside and white inside, and of the shape represented in the accompanying illustration. After having arranged the flowers in each half, they are placed round the base of the plant, and by a little adjustment of the foliage the points of junction can be quite concealed. In purchasing stands, the brightest and clearest looking should be selected. This is not, however, of so much Tray for placing round the bases of plants, importance in the case of the March form as in that of some others, inasmuch as the tazzas are filled with sand, but, where a trumpet or some such arrangement exists, transparency must be secured, as glass with flaws or marks on it would have a bad effect, and should be avoided. Another point worth remem- brance, when purchasing stands, is to observe that those selected do not intercept the view across the table ; for, no 102 THE GAUBEM. [Aug. 1, 1874 matter how handsome the flowers may be, or how costly the vases in which they are arranged, if they interrupt the view, everybody seated at the table would, if they were consulted, have them removed. Materials for Keeping Flowers Fresh. As a rule these consist of clay, saud, Moss, and water. For flat tazzas or zinc trays, such as described for placing round the stems of plants brought through the table, sand or Moss should be selected; if the former, it should be Reigate or silver-sand, though any kind may be used ; but, should any portion of it happen to be seen, yellow or common sand has an unsightly appearance. AVhon the tazzas or trays have been filled with the sand, the latter should be wetted by means of a small watering pot, which should hold, say a pint or a quart of water, a fine rose being used for the puqjose, and the sand should be watered until it is quite wet. The sand must not, however, be made too wet, as in that case the stems of the flowers will not stand upright or where placed. If Moss be selected, that sold by florists in bundles is the proper kind ; but persons living in the country may obtain all they require in this way in the hedge-rows or woods. In the case of bought bundles, when opened out, all leaves or other rubbish should be removed and the Moss placed in a basket, and put under a water. tap, which should be allowed to run freely on it for some little time, so as to thoroughly clean it. When this has been done, the water should be pressed out of it, leaving just enough to keep the Moss damp and the stems of the flowers fresh. For filling the trumpets, spring water, if it can be obtained, is the best but whatever kind of water is used, it should be perfectly clear, as any little floating impurities are unsightly. Were I asked " which is the best material in which to arrange flowers- sand or Moss ? " I should reply, " one is about as good as the other. If the flowers are to last for any length of time, place their stems in Moss, but, if this is not im'portant, then use sand in preference. A. Hassard. THE MISTLETOE GROWING ON THE MISTLETOE. Some time last year we called at Old Conna, the residence of Mr. Phmeaa Rial], near Bray. Besides its situation and views there is always here something to be found to interest the lovers of trees and plants. On inspecting a fine specimen of Mistletoe growing on an old Apple tree in the garden, and laden with its translucent pearly berries, many bird-sown seeds of itself were observed to be attached to the parasite. Several of these had germinated, and had apparently firmly attached themselves by means of the sucker or rooting end to the branchlets of the mother plant ; but in no case, then noticed, had the plumule or ascending portion taken a vertical direction or developed further growth. Being much struck with the fact, then patent, of the young Mistletoe plants rooting (if one may so term the process) in the parent tissues we determined to keep the matter in view, and at a future day see what further progress, if any, was made by these partially developed little embryos. We are free to confess, however, that we had but slender hope of finding them come to anything. With this object mamly in prospect, we called at Old Conna, in the early part of the present month, and almost our first steps were directed to our friend the Mistletoe. On examining it, the dream of double parasitism was at once dispelled. The germinating entities of last year had made no progress, and in almost every instance life was only manifest at the descending axis, the young plant having withered off at the opposite end. We had almost turned away inclined to smile at the idea we had for twelve months entertained when attention was directed to what appeared to be a sturdy young Mistletoe growing on one of the inter, nodes of the parent plant. Closer inspectionleft no doubt about the fact. Here was a stout young plant firmly established, which counted two or more years since it raised its little head aloft, and was then about making its third set of leaves. After admiring this tiny, but to us at the time exceedingly interesting object, we proceeded to examine more closely the thicker or inner ramifications of the plant, and were rewarded by finding growing midway on one of the thickest and smoothest internodes a sturdy young plant three times the size of the preceding, full of health and vigour, with two principal bifurcations, four secondaiy branches, and five sets of its twin leaves, counting its age probably by some half dozea or more years. Here, then, we found, established beyond cavil, the interesting, and, as far as we know, Hitherto unnoticed, or, at all events, unrecorded fact of double parasitism.— /j-js/i Farmers' Gau-tU: GARDENERS' ROYAL BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. I THi.VK this institution receives more support from gardeners than, as at present constituted, it has a right to expect, and in a very few words I will tell you exactly what I mean. It is the gardener's first duty, as it is that of any other man, to make the best provision he can for his old age, and in subscribing to this institution I do not think he does so. For this reason I do not subscribe to its funds. I hold a tolerably good position, have fair wages, and could well afford to pay the annual subscription of a guinea, constituting membership. Supposing I become a member and pay my sub- scription for a number of years, I have no guarantee that I shall have any return for my investment. I may become old and unable to work, but it is quite a chance whether I shall obtain anything from the institution which in better days I had subscribed to annually. I do not think a man, in making provision for old age, is justified in investing his savings in anything of a speculative character, as is the case in subscribing to this institution. Supposing I subscribe, and on attaining the age of sixty 1 should be unable to earn a livelihood, I shall stand a chance of being elected ; but it is just possible a period of several years may elapse between the time of my sending in an application and being elected, and in the mean, time I may starve. I am well aware of the rule under which members of fifteen years' standing are placed on the pension list without election, but that affords but poor consolation, for as years roll on there is a likelihood of there being more subscribers applying for admission than there are vacancies. When this is the case, of what avail is it that you have subscribed fifteen years ? You have to incur all the expense and anxiety of an election, and in the end, perhaps, be defeated by those who are no more deserving than yourself but are fortunate in having more influential friends. But, supposing I am selected without election, or in an election am placed at the head of the poll, what is the pension I receive ? Why, a pittance of £16 per annum ; and supposing my wife was to be left a widow, and to be placed on the pension list, she would receive the sum of £12. 'This is about 63. Old. and 4s. O^d. per week respectively. I would like to know what a man or woman who has been in tolerably comfortable circum. stances can do with these pittances. We have been told that we ought to support the institution, and I would like you to tell ns what a man can do with six shillings or a woman with four shillings a week. I have been trying my hand at it, and the only use I can see for it would be to pay the rent of a room or a small cottage in a rural district. Again, to be eligible for election, yon must not have an income exceeding £30 per annum, and you must not be in receipt of parochial relief ; so that in the latter case, if you have not a good reserve of friends able to support you when you make the first appli. cation, you must either renounce all claim upon the institution or go on the tramp and stand the chances of being committed as a rogue and a vagabond. This is the assistance afforded by the " noble insti- tution " we gardeners are called upon to support, and it is for this we head gardeners are expected to subscribe our guineas and take the sixpences and the shillings from the men under us. The pensions are an insult to the craft, and you may depend upon it that, until the institution offers something more substantial than at present, it will not receive a very large amount of support from gardeners. Wo have to work too hard for our money to admit of its being invested in such an unremunerative manner. If the institution afforded substan- tial assistance, plenty of gardeners would soon become members, but at present it is not held in high favour in gardens and nurseries. Unless it does something better, I do not see that it is of much use ; for a man can, by beginning at thirty, secure an annuity of 63. per week, to commence when sixty, by paying £2 per annum into the post-office. An extra pound is thus paid every year. But in one case the annuity is certain, and belongs to the recipient as a right at the age specified, whether able to earn his livelihood or not. In the other case it is uncertain ; and, to stand any chance of obtaining it, yon must stir up your friends and make the unpleasant admission that yon are in a destitute state. [This letter, signed by a " Head gardener," and published in the Gardeners' Mayaziiie, points out some things which deserve consideration when gardeners are appealed to to support this institution, and the thoughts which it expresses in connection with it have often been our own. Independence is a sturdy hardy plant which we should like to see every gardener cultivating, as it is more likely to thrive to his satisfaction than such feeble reeds of charity and benevolence as are above referred to. We also hope that the institution may some day be modified in such a way as to afford gardeners sufficient encouragement to join it from the wholly independent point of view. It should aim at offering gardeners a sufficient support in old age, and that support should be the right of all those who had duly paid for it, without any kind of voting or pretence of pseudo- benevoleuce. — En.] Aug. 1, 1874.] THE GARDEN. 103 OLD LONDON GARDENS. Nowhere are gardens and shade-trees more welcome and enjoyable than in our large cities and open town spaces, and any diminution in their number, in order to give place to bricks and morter, must be looked upon with regret. A garden an acre or more in extent, well planted and enlivened with sparkling water and brilliantly-tinted flowers, is a thing to be desired even in the most salubrious of neighbourhoods ; but, when such a garden lies within a stone's throw of the Royal Exchange or Bank of England, in the very densest and most crowded part of London, it becomes so intimately associated with public welfare, that its loss would be a real calamity. In such a position is the Drapers' Company's garden at the present moment. Although it belongs to one of the wealthiest of all the ancient City guilds, it has been advertised as a site for building purposes; but whether this project will be I'uthlessly carried out, and another of the historical laud- marks and breathing-spaces of London be wrenched from us, attractive features in the garden, if we except the shade trees, is the central piece of water just alluded to. In this the common white Water Lily grows and flowers as freely as if it had been set in a limpid stream, o'erhung by Willows far away in the country. Anacharis and Alisma plantago also grow freely here, and the former is just now bearing its singular pinkish-tinted flowers more profusely than we ever remember to have seen them elsewhere. Very little is done here in the way of cultivation ; the garden, therefore, owes its charm principally to such shrubs, trees, and old-fashioned flowers as can take care of themselves. Among other open spaces in the City is the garden of the Mercer's Company, also close to the Bank. lu this there are some fine old trees, and there is a little garden, gay with flowers and shrubs in the quadrangle court of the Bank itself. Nearly three centuries ago Lord Bacon penned his celebrated essay on " Gardens," in his chamber in Gray's Inn, where even now an avenue of Elras represents those which afliorded shade to the witty philosopher View in the Drapers* CompaDy's Gardcu. remains to be seen. The subject is now engrossing great attention, the space in question having been a garden as long ago as the reign of Henry the Eighth. Onr illustration gives an excellent idea of the present appearance of this time-honoured breathing space, which only the other day was honoured by the presence of Royalty at a distribution of prizes given for the encouragement of one of the most pleasing of all decorative arts — window gardening in towns. The garden itself is oblong in shape, and comprises rather more than an acre of green turf, surrounded by shady walks. In the centre is a largo pond well furnished with water-plants. Poplars, Maples, and other trees and shrubs, grow well here ; and there are some flne old Pollard Mulberries just now remarkably fresh and green, and bearing abundance of fruit. This is one of the best of all comparatively dwarf trees for city gardens, and one which deserves to be more generally used by town planters than it is. Here these trees look as if they had stood for centuries. One of the most who could appreciate a town garden even in those days, when fresh fields and villages were within half an hour's walk of St. Paul's. Many of the old City churchyards contain some fine trees ; but we would also like to see them contain better flowers than Golden Rods and Sunflowers. These gloomj-- looking old burial grounds might easily, we should think, bo converted into beautiful gardens, full of flowering shrubs and sweet-scented blossoms, thus adding considerably to the beauty of such open City spaces. Pinsbury Circus, Tower Hill, and the Temple represent good city gardens ; and within the walls of the Charterhouse there is also a large open space, which, however, we fear will soon be built on, though invested with so many old memories and lasting associations. As for the difficulties of gardening in the City they are purely imaginary. Hitherto, no pains have been taken in the planting of trees, or no good preparation made, and yet we could enume- rate a whole arboretum of trees and shrubs that are now in perfect healtli in City gardens. 104. THE GARDEN. [Aug. 1, 1874. GARDEN DESTROYERS. SNAKE MILLIPEDS AND CENTIPEDS. TuE myriapoda, to -whiclj the above insects belong, are divided into two great sections, the most important character of ■which, so far as the horticulturist is concerned, is, that the one (with a curious exception, where the mandibles are con- verted into a sucking apparatus) has its jaws or mandibles formed on the ordinary plan adopted iu insects that chew their food, while the other has them formed out of its fore- legs into something half-leg, half-jaw, after the fashion of the nippers of spiders, with a sharp point and a hollow duct up their core, which is connected with a poison gland, as is the case with, at least, some of the spiders also. The former of these sections compose the Chilognaths (meaning jaw-jawedinsects) or Julida;, the latter the Chilopods (meaning foot-jawed insects) or Scolopendrida3. This difference in the character of their jaws is a very important one for the horticulturist, because by it he ought to be able to distinguish between his friends and his enemies. Th-e Julidas have their jaws perfectly adapted for chewing vegetables as well as any other matter. The Seolo- pendridas have not ; and the same principle that enabled Cuvier to determine the nature of his fossil vertebrates, whether car- nivorous or herbivorous, equally applies to the organs of feed- ing in these insects. Both, to be sure, are equally under the ban of horticulturists, because both are found by them iu injured roots of plants, and they credit both alike with the damage done, although the one actually did it or helped to do it, and the other only came there to prey upon the insects that ■were busy doing it. Curtis, although himself regarding the Scolopendras as carnivorous, mentions that the late Mr. IIopc " attributed the Potato disease to the attacks of the wire- worm, and also to a small Scolopendra which he had found in myriads infesting diseased Potatoes at Southend," and Curtis adds that he himself " observed them in rotten Potatoes in August 18i5; and in September 1848 Geophaluselcctricuswas running about in every direction when the Potatoes were forked out." But an examination of the structure of their mouth and jaws, at once shows that the Scolopendridaj could never be vegetable feeders. There are two principles which it is safe to say Nature never deviates from. She never does anything without a purpose (although we may not always see it), and she never wastes her labour. If she endows an animal with any special struture or apparatus, it is for some end, and with the intention and for the purpose that the animal shall use it to attain that end. Now it is obvious that if the centipedes feed on the roots of plants, they must sin against both of the above principles in Nature's code. A poison bag and a poison tooth cau be of no possible use to a herbi- vorous animal, therefore, as it would be a useless waste of apparatus to give it something which was of no use to it, the animal possessing these tools cannot have been intended to be herbivorous. The structure of the poison apparatus has been perfectly well ascertained, and the poisonous character of the secretion sufficiently proved by experience. As to the latter, De Geer, who was more practically acquainted with the habits of insects than almost any other naturalist of the last century, ■watched tbe proceedings of one species common in this country (Lithobius forficatus), and says of it, " I have seen a fly after being bitten by one of the Scolopendra; die almost instantaneously, which would seem to indicate that their bite is venemous," and Latrcille drew similar conclusions from his observations on another which is common in France and the South of Europe (Scutigera araneoides). The larger the species naturally the more powerful should the poison be expected to be, and the bite from one of them causes pain and suffering, even to man himself. Brown, in his " History of Jamaica," says of one of the larger species (S. morsitans) — " This insect is reckoned very venomous ; the prongs of the forceps are very strong, bending and pointed, which enable them to bite very hard, and they probably emit some venomous juice also, as some who have been bit by them informed me that the part bitten is very painful for two or three hours, and turns frequently of a livid colour. I have seen them often kill a cockroach with a single nip." We also may cite an actual example of the severity of the bite related to us by the sufferer. He was the manager of a sugar plantation in Jamaica in the bygone days, when slaves were still slaves, and Jamaica still Jamaica, and in the " boiling season," when the juice of the cane is boiled to produce the sugar, it was his duty or practice to visit the boilers during the night to see that the fires were kept up and no intermission allowed in the process. On these occasions he merely threw on a dressing gown and thrust his naked feet into slippers while he took a hasty round through the works. While thus engaged he was once bitten on the leg a little above the ankle by one of these large centipeds. They are nocturnal animals, and of course most lively and alert at night. He described the pain as so excruciating that he almost fainted on the spot, and Lad to be assisted into the house, and some time elapsed before he got the better of the bite. As to the structure of the apparatus for poisoning the wound made by the bite, that was satis- factorily made out by Mr. Newport, the eminent entomologist, whose loss is still deplored by our older naturalists. Until he worked it out, the gland by which the poison of the centi- ped is secreted had not been shown. Leewenhock discovered at tbe apex of»the mandibles an orifice that communicated internally with an elongated cavity, and he also saw a drop of fluid exude from the orifice, but he did not discover the ti-ue secreting gland — which, however, Newport did. He not only confirmed Leewenhock's observation in regard to the existence of a longitudinal opening at the inner margin of the ape.x of the mandible, but also traced backwards a sac with which it communicates, and discovered the gland of which it is the reservoir. It is to be observed, that the effect of the bite of a centiped in warm climates is very various ; sometimes ex- cessively virulent and painful, at others causing little incon- venience. It is, no doubt, in a great measure due to the state of health and constitution of the individual sufferer and his consequent susceptibility to disease ; but, moreover, from ex- periments on venemous snakes, we now well know that the vii'ulence of the poison and the degree of injury inflicted Ijy it, may depend much on the circumstance, whether or not the animal has I'ccently bitten and expended its venom on some other object ; in which case, the injury occasioned is less severe ; and, the reason is obvious, not only may the reservoir of venom be exhausted, but it may also be satisfactorily accounted for by what we now know of the manner in which the secretions of all glands are elaborated by the growth, bursting, and diffluence of successive series of epithelial cells that iiue the interior of these organs, the fluid contained within, and into which these cells and their nucleoli are resolved being the proper secretion. Allien this is expended too frequently, and the organ in consequence is excited by what may be called the stimulus of want, the secreting epithelial cells are hastened in their development, and the fluid into which they are resolved is imperfectly elaborated and its properties are doubtless less active. Another curious secretion, which is produced by one at least, if not more, of the Scolopendridaj is a sort of phospho- rescent light, which seems to exude from the body, and is left like a shining trail on the spots over which the insect has passed. It soon fades and disappears, seldom being seen for a longer space than a couple of feet behind the insect. Geo- philus longicornis is the species whose luminosity has been most frequently observed in Britain, but there are reasons for believing that the property is common to all the section of centipedes known as Geophilida;, and that it is evolved only at the breeding season. Mr. Newport mentions having found two individuals of this species on the ground in contact with each other at midnight, on the 2-5th of September, which shone almost as brightly as the glow-worm, for which, at the instant, he mistook them. On taking them into his hand the luminous matter was exuded and adhered to his fingers, and continued to shine for some time, like phosphorus. The individuals appeared to be able to give it forth at pleasure. This property appears to be common to some tropical, as well as European, Geophili. Oviedo, the friend and companion of Columbus, as quoted by Newport, mentions it in his account of the island of St. Domingo : — " There are in this island (St. Domingo) many kinds of Scolopendra or hundred legs ; some are slender, and as long as one's finger, and like to those of Spain, and these bite and cause considerable pain. There are others of these worms about half the length of the finger and slender, Aug. 1, 1874] THE GARDEN. 105 with many feet, and these shine much by night, and leave a light where they go, and may bo seen 60 or even 100 feet oil. Tet the whole animal does not shine, but only the joints where the legs spring from the body, and the light is very bright." The horticulturist must regard all these centipedes as friends, but not so with the snake millipeds or Juli. These are general feeders, consuming both living and dead, and decaying animal and vegetable substances. The living animal matter on which they prey is slugs, small snails, earthworms, insects, and their larvtB and pupic, and so far as that goes they may be regarded as friendly to the cultivator ; but, on the other hand, they also feed on living plants, and man}- of them, such as Potatoes, Carrots, &c., are often seriously injured by their attacking their roots. It is a question, however, whether they are not sometimes unjustly blamed. They are, undoubtedly, often found in holes in our root crops, but it may be that the holes were already there before they came, and that they have only come to feed on the soft p.arts of a diseased or decaying root. A sound healthy tuber has, perhaps, too tough a coat for them to penetrate, but when they get into the juicy interior of soft pulpy I'oots, such as bulbs, the case is different ; they can have no difficulty in making their way into them or in consuming the tender fibres of the roots of herbaceous plants. It is very doubtful whether any means have been found of getting rid of these insects. Sprinkling soot and nitrate of soda over the land and watering it with lime water have been recom- mended, but apparently without much success. It is difficult to damage the insect without damaging the plant it is attack- ing too. So far as greenhouses, hothouses, and outhouses are concerned, they may be kept tolerably free from them by care, cleanliness, and the adoption of such traps as have been already referred to in Mr. Baines' and other papers in this journal ; but the open fields ai-e less under control. The com- monest species are the Julus terrestris, a leaden-coloured species, something like a thickish wire, and Julus guttatus, a small long thread-like species, too miilute and slender to allow anything to be done by direct manipulation. When viewed under a magnifying-glass this last species will be seen to be a very pretty little animal, like a pale thread about the thickness of a pin, with a double row of bright crimson spots on it, and when put in spirits it stains the liquid of a purple hue, to which it itself turns after death. It has no eyes, which has led to its being regarded as belonging to another genus. This is the species which most frequently forces itself upon the attention of horticulturists, and Lilies seem especially the object of its attacks. I, sometime since, received from Mr. George F. Wilson, F.E.S. (and placed in the collection of economic entomology now at Bethual Green), preserved in glycerine, the scales of the bulb of one of his Lilies which was disentegrated by these little creatures, and a correspondent of this journal, not long ago, stated that on turning out some pots of Bucharis amazonica and Vallota, which were not thriving, he found, besides acari, a quantity of this species of snake milliped busy about the roots. Further investigation showed that the roots of some of the sickly plants had been perforated by these insects, which had also eaten their way into the body of the bulbs themselves. Curtis, from his own knowledge, specifies the roots of the Scarlet Bunner, the roots of the Cabbage tribe generally, and the roots of young Wheat, as having been attacked, and Mr. Wilson Saunders, who, wo all know, is not a man likely to 'he deceived in any point relating to horticulture or entomology, notes that he had observed that the young roots of his Heart's-ease were injured by this species. There are several other British species of Julus, viz., J. Londinensis, J . latestriatus, J. punctatus, and J. pilosus, aud along with them should be reckoned the little flat Polydesmus complauatus, which seems to bo not for behind J. guttatus in its mischevious propensities. A. M. Mealy Bug on Stephanotis. — I should esteem it a favour if you could inform me how I can effectually remove moaly bug from a house devoted to Stephauotis. The house is 12 feet square, and covered with Sbephanotig. — RoBr. Jajies. [Reply by Mr. Baines : — It is difficult to completely eradicate mealy bug when once it has got established, but, with perseverance, it can, nevertheless, bo accom. pliahed; and it is more easily destroyed on Stephanotis than on most other plants, owing to its being able to bear, without injury, au application of " insecticide " suliioiently strong to kill the insects. Remove tho plant from the wires, and immerse its head in Steven- son's " Abyssinian mixture," 8 ounces to the gallon ; repeat this two or three times in the course of a fortnight. Paint the house thoroughly ; limewash the walls ; remove the surface soil from the beds, if any ; also tan, or other plungiug material ; in short, leave no lurking places in which the insects or their eggs can find a lodgment. Dip and wash all plants in the " insecticide " repeatedly, as advised in the article devoted to this insect (see the last volume of The Garden, page 141). This, if carried out, will effect its complete destruction.] Rainfall in North. Lieicestershire. — In horticultural, as well as in other affairs, there is always a degree of consolation experienced when great cultural misfortunes are shared by the whole community. Individual and exceptionable troubles from ungenial weather are i are, but when they do occur they seem to press with particular force on the unlucky sufferer. In the matter of rainfall I am made painfully conscious of being in a peculiarly unfortunate and exceptionable position, without having enjojed the advantages of a shower, in quantity more than enough to lay the dust, for nearly three months past. I read in the papers that refreshing rains have fallen in the north ; your correspondent, Mr. Barues, reports heavy showers in the south. West of this placo thunder-storms and copious rains have filled the brooks and replenished resevoirg ; and lastly, news comes from the dry east that rain has fallen in sufficient quantity to re-invigorate the languishing Roses. Above the river system of the country, uninfluenced by the east or west coast evaporation, near the very centre of the island, I find that at Belvoir, climatic circum- stances exist, which, though sometimes satisfactory, are, in a season like this, painfully trying. The rainfall for 1873 for this district was 4i inches below its average amount, and every month of the present year has exhibited a deficiency. We registered in January 1-58, February 1-59, March 105, April I'll, May 0 97, June 0-35, July 0'07; up to the 17th the total registered amount is 6'75 for a period of six and a half months. The above figures will at once tell rainfall observers the state of dryness to which we have been subjected. The temperature of the earth has increased considerably ; a wine merchant at Grantham informed me that his cellar, which for twenty years had never exceeded 53°, had this year increased to 62°. Large and deeply- rooted fruit trees are so far affected as to lose a portion of their fruit. Hay has been cut one day and carried tho next. There exists no present chance of securing a Turnip crop; late planted Potatoes have dwindled aud failed ; succession Pea crops languish for moisture; and watering alone keeps vegetable crops from dying up. The catalogue of troubles and trials to which we, in this little central portion in North Leicestershire, are subjected by the pro- longed drought might be indefinately extended, but quite enough has been told to establish my position— that we are in a dry and stormless region. — William Ingram. The Heat and Drought. — These have been indeed serious, but let US hope that the worst is over. On July the 20th the ther. mometer stood at 90° in the shade ; Apples were roasting on the trees, as were also Plums and Apricots, and Strawberries and Raspberries were being burnt up. Cauliflowers were drained of sweetness, and Lettuces were driven into seed-bearing by the fierceness of the sun's heat. St. Switbin, as Mr. Ingram, of Belvoir, humourously put it, has done nothing for us, and we ought to have appealed to St. Fiacre to have prevented our gardens being converted into herbariums. Such a deficiency of rain and excess of heat coming together have been most disastrous. Two lessons have, however, been taught us : One is the importance of deep cultivation ; and the other is a better and larger means of storing water — or, in other words, to prepare for the drought. Store more water in the earth and out of it — the former by deep tilth, the latter by larger tanks and deeper cisterns or wells. The expense of carting water on many estates now is one of the heaviest. The water is also often bad and dirty, and farmers and gardeners are haunted with the fear of the pond and well becoming dry. All this trouble might be averted by a larger storage of rain and other water. Deep tilth, again, carries the crops through even such seasons as these, whereas, on shallow ground, the crops droop, and fail, and absolutely die by wholesale, for lack of water. Peas, on shallow land, this year are an absolute failure, seldom returning the labour-, to say nothing of paying back the seed sown. On deeper tilth they stand, and will yield halt a crop. To carry on gardening without abundance of water is impossible. Water is the chief constituent of fruit and vegetables, the basis of sweetness of flavour, and tenderness of flesh in both ; and everywhere the parched plants and trees are now pleading, with bended stems and flagging leaves, for water.— D. T. Fish. l06 T^HE GARDEN. [Aug. 1, 1874. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. CUCUMBER CULTURE ROUND LONDON. Tuis is one of the most extensively grown indoor crops in market gardens, some growers devoting immense ranges of glass houses to its cultivation, while others grow it very largely in frames on sunk hot-beds. Some idea of the extent of its culture may be obtaiued from the fact that Mr. George Steel, of Fulhara, has, annually, a field of frame-ground containing many ranges of frames with from 800 to 1,000 ordinary sashes ; other market gardeners grow in proportion. From this field Mr. Steel sends to market weekly, during the summer, from 180 to 220 dozen of fruits. At one time Cucumbers were extensively grown out-of-doors in the market gardens round London : but for the last thirty years this practice has been abandoned. In the neighbourhood of Sandy, in Bedfordshire, however, they are yet grown on a large scale out-of-doors on ridges. Mr. Wm. Bagley, of Fulham Fields, has still the same variety of Cucumber growing in frames that his father used to grow out-of-doors forty years ago. The Telegraph, and varieties of it, are much grown in fi'ames ; so is the Syon House, Pettie's, and a few other sorts. These kind, together with the Rabley, Duke of Edinburgh (some excellent gardeners say that the Duke of Edinburgh is a good variety of the Rabley), the Hedsor (Mr. Murray, of Frogmore, informs me that the Hedsor is a tried and select form of the Telegraph), Sutton's Perfection, and a few others, are chiefly used for growing in span-roofed and lean-to pits or houses. For framework, the first sowing is made in little punnets or Hower-pots, which are placed in hot-dung frames. "When they germinate and are fit for potting-off, two plants are potted into a 6-inch pot, and the whole replaced again in the frames, keeping them near the glass. About the middle of February or in March, just as soon as some of the frames can be emptied of the Cauliflower or Lettuce plants that were wintered in them, the frames are moved aside, and trenches cast out 5 feet wide and 2 leet deep, and firmly filled with once or twice-turned stable litter. Over this some soil is placed, and the frames set on again. The earth that was cast out of the trenches almost levels up the space between the frames. When the heat subsides enough to permit of planting, a little more soil is introduced to the frames, and one potful (containing two plants) is plauted under each sash, and one of the plants is trained towards the front of the frame, and the other towards the back. The sashes are then put on, and all is kept close for a few days, and, if need be, a little shading is also given by strewing some litter over the glass. Afterwards, until the plants have fairly began to grow, no more ventilation is given than is necessary to prevent scorching m the case of bright sunshine. Another sowing is generally made to succeed the first one ; but, as a rule, there are seldom more than two sowings made, and the second is only sown because all the frames would not be empty at oue time, to be filled by the first sowing. Where great paius is taken the earliest plants retain their good bearing qualities as long as the latest sown ones. For several weeks after having been planted, they are protected at night by covering the sashes with litter, removing it next morning; indeed, this covering is not discontinued until the month of June. When the plants have grown sufficiently to come into bloom, they are most attentively looked after in the way of regulating the growths, pegging down the vines, stopping the shoots a1 the joint beyond the embryo fruit, and in preventing an accumu- lation of superfluous growths. Throughout the day they are allowed to have plenty of air during the summer, but it is all taken off at night. As soon as the men come in the morning they tilt up the sashes a little, and if the heat of the day greatly increases, the sashes are tilted up a little higher still, usually about 3 inches. Watering is performed in the morning, and is given abundantly to those requiring it, whilst those that are not dry have simply a sprinkling overhead. In watering, one or more men are employed in carrying the water to one who pours it on. It is cold water from the tap that is entirely used, and I think that this is the greatest drawback to Cucumber growing that the market gardener has to contend with, as where one or several acres are covered with frames for this fruit, it would be next to impossible to make tepid all the water required. Large hogsheads, however, are sunk here and there about the frame ground, and brick or cement tanks are frequently used for containing water, with which they are filled for the next day's use. Manure-water, made from guano, is sometimes given during the summer time, being applied through a fine rose overhead. This application is not only useful as a stimulant, but Mr. Hubbard, foreman to Mr. Bagley, of Turnham Oreen, assures me that he has found this manure- watering, when given overhead, to be of material benefit in** destroying or preventing red spider as well as invigorating old plants. In reference to woodlice, Mr. Hubbard also informed mo that he gives considerable sums for toads to people who fetch them chiefly from the neighbourhood of Wimbledon and Kingston. A couple of men are commonly kept at work in the frame ground, and on three days of the week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) they are employed in cutting fruits for market, and on the other three week days they are busy stopping and regulating the Vines. Should any young fruits exhibit a tendency to become crooked, they are put into cylindrical glasses open at both ends. These glasses are about a foot or fifteen inches long, and one and a half or two inches in diameter, and several thousands of them are employed in one large frame - ground, as one good and straight fruit is worth nearly a dozen small and de- formed ones. The best of the crooked ones do for pickling. Cucumbers require sunny weather to set well, and in dull wet seasons they do not do much good, especially in the earlier part of the year. Should the summer be hot and bright, the sashes must be shaded a little, and this is done by strewing some rank litter over the glass ; but many market gardeners, by way of economy of labour, paint the sashes with whiting, as in the case of glass houses. By the 1st of August the plants will be getting exhausted ; therefore careful attention is paid to thinning out old and bare vines, and encouraging young wood by means of stimulants, in the way of manure-water and coverings from cold ; and in this way they will last good till September. In August some fruits are saved for seed, for if left sooner they would materially weaken the crop of marketable fruit. Should auy " nosed " fruits be detected, these are sure to be taken care of, tied round with a string, and left till ripe, as they are certain to contain good seed. When the seed fruits become yellow and are cut, they are placed under sashes or on boards before the sun, so as to get thoroughly ripe and hard before being separated from the pulp. F. TURNIPS FOR WINTER. The winter crop of Turnips is the most important of the year. Cooks prefer their Turnips off the ground, and not from the store heap, and it is necessary to sow a good breadth for the winter supply. Chirk Castle is the best variety with which I am acquainted for winter use, as it is very hardy, and as regards flavour and appearance among the best, being white and tender, though almost black outside. The date at which it should be sown for the winter crop must depend entirely on locality. Large Turnips are not wanted for culinary pur. poses ; they should, theiefore, be sown just soon enough to ensure their forming nice useable roots, about 4 or 5 inches in diameter. In the north, or in late districts, such a crop should be sown between the middle and end of June, but, in the south, sowing may be delayed till the beginning or middle of July. It is a good plan, however, to sow twice, or to sow also on a north border at the same time that a sowing is made in the open quarter. Turnips may follow early Peas, or any other crop not belonging to the tap-rooted section, for which the ground has been previously well manured. It is needless almost to say that the ground must be deeply and well broken up, and the Turnips should be sown as soon as the ground is ready, in rows 2 feet a|)art. When they have made their rough leaves they should be thinned out from 20 to 2 1 inches apart at least. This is wider than would bo necessary for early Turnips, but, in winter, room between the plants is half the secret of success. When crowded, the leaves arc soft and incapable of resisting frost ; on the contrary they perish as soon as severe weather sets in, leaving the roots exposed, and as the latter are soft and watery, in consequence of the crowded state of the leaves preventing a free admission of air about them, the alternate frosts and rains of winter soon destroy them. When thus thinned, both roots and leaves attain a degree of hardness that enables them to withstand winters of a very severe character. J. W. S. Aug. 1, 1874.] THE GAEDBN. 107 THE ARBORETUM. THE TULIP TRKE. (LIBIODENDRON TULirEFERUM.) This noble Noi'th American tree deserves a place ou every lawn, as it seldom fails to develop itself into a stately specimen in any good, deep, vrell-drained soil. In habit of p;rowth it closely resembles the common Maple, but its conspicuous orange-tinted blossoms and scaly fruits at once suggest its near" affinity to Magnoliads, to which it belongs. The flowers are not unlike those of a Tulip, and hence the name by •which it is most gener- ally known. The broadly- expanded leaves, instead of being palmate as in the Plane, are irregularly four-lobed, and some- what resemble a saddle in conformation ; in the United States, indeed, the vernacular name Saddle tree is derived from this peculiarity.just as we derive our popular name from its Tulip-like flowers. Our illustration gives an excellent idea of the flowers, foliage, and fruit. The flowers are profusely borne during the summer months ; and, although not strik- ingly ornamental on the tree ou account of their being somewhat hidden amid the ample foliage, when cut, and arranged in a vase with the foliage that naturally belongs to them, they have a dis- tinct and striking ap- pearance. In America this tree is said to form specimens from 100 to 1.50 feet in height, but in this country it rarely exceeds 70 or 80 feet. There are some fine speci- mens at Fulham Palace, in the Eoyal Gardens, Kew, and in other places, although well - grown trees of it are by no means common. In the old arboretum at Chis- wick, there used to be two specimens of this fine tree, one having much larger and brighter coloured flowers than the other ; and, doubtless Flowers, foliage, and fruit of the Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipiferum). other varieties of it exist where plants are raised from seeds. All through the summer the foliage is of a fresh pale green ; and, in the autumn, it dies off a brilliant golden-yellow. Striking effects might, therefore, be obtained by grouping it with Quercus cocoinea or the purple-leaved Beech. In addition to its ornamental properties, it is valuable as a timber tree, the wood being firm in texture and capable of taking a fine polish. It is, however, most valuable in this country as an ornamental tree, and, for that purpose, its distinctand noble port commends it at once to the notice of intending planters. In London gardens, where the tree flowers very well and grows fairly, the foliage dying off in autumn affords very striking effects. Its value is more apparent where stately specimens are found. ON PRUNING FOREST TREES. By ROBERT PHILIP, Forester to John I. Chalmers, Esq., of Aldbar. I BELIEVE there is not a branch of the forester's work on which more diversity of opinion exists than on prnning forest trees ; nor is there any one operation in the cultivation of timber which foresters seem so determined to conduct on the old principle as pruning. It is lamentable to see fine healthy trees, young and old, spoiled in their timber and retarded in their growth, by the way in which they are treated in too many instances. The great diversity of opinion on pruning which exists among practical men, has had a most prejudicial effect on the minds of proprietors of plantations ; for those who have taken an interest in the management of their woods have been bewildered by these opinions, when they turned their minds to the improvement of them. One writer advises to prune none, designating it as an unnatural operation; another holds pruning to be everything in the manage, ment of wood ; while a third would prune so long as he can do so by merely pinching off the terminal buds with his finger and thumb. One writer recom- mends close pruning; another foreshortening; while a third recommends foreshortening, thinning out, and cutting close off from the bole all the branches which appear to be robbing the main stem of its due nourishment. It is little wonder that gentlemen have turned away from the subject in bewilderment, some leaving the matter in the hands of their forester ; while others, afraid to risk the spoiling of their trees under such unsettled principles, have refused to have them pruned at all. This is how the matter stands with some of those who have turned their attention to the subject ; but I fear too many have taken no interest in the matter at all; and until gentlemen do take an interest in all the branches of the forester's operations, arboriculture will never reach to that elevated posi- tion which it ought de. servedly to hold among the economic sciences. Books, essays, reports, &c., have been written and pubHshed on pruning; bat seeing that so much diversity of opinion exists, which has produced a baneful effect, instead of realising the object aimed at, we must look in some other direc- tion for improvement. I should say, seeing that we cannot agree in theory and practice on pruning, let the plantations under the charge of the writer be examined, and if he has had full scope to carry out the theory or practice which he recom- mends in his writings, then it could be possible to judge of its merits ; and let it be reported on by the judges, who ought themselves to be intelligent, practical men of experience. By this, or some such method, a knowledge of the system of pruning which will produce the cleanest and soundest timber, may be attained at once, and prevent that delay which must necessarily be submitted to before it can be tried and the result ascertained, to say nothing of the risk of destroying good trees by priming on a wrong principle. Until some such plan of ascertaining the best system be adopted, I fear all the 108 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 1, 1874. essays and books which caa bo written on the gabject will tend little more to settle the matter than what has been already produced. I shall DOW proceed to give my own method of pruning, and its results. Nearly thirteen years ago I was sent to prune a quantity of young Oaks and other trees, which were from 3 to l feet high, and had been planted a number of years. These trees wore yery unhealthy, from some cause unknown to me ; for they were planted in good soil and situation, but they were literal bushes without any leader, and covered over with dead spray. I looked at the plants, going through them and examining them, and was fairly at a loss to know what to do with them. However, I commenced to cut off all the dead spr.ay, and select the shoot most suitable for a leader to the plant ; I then cut in or foreshortened all the rest of the contending branches. In this way I went over the plants and left them ; and the first year after being so treated, they pushed out fine healthy young shoots, and formed good leaders. They have been two or three times pruned since, but slightly, as they were intended to keep thin on the ground. The ground on which part of them grows was afterwards enclosed as a poultry.yard, and this has been in their favour no doubt ; but inde. pendently of the ground being kept clean by the poultry, the first pruning had a most beneficial effect upon thein, for the ground was not enclosed for some time after it took place, and now they are as healthy trees as could be wished, but will never make clean timber, from not being regularly pruned, which was the wish of the pro- prieter. Almost the whole Oak and other hardwood trees on this estate have been very much neglected, both as regards pruning and thinning, when young ; for many years, and, until the time I have mentioned, no pruning or anything like rational principles had been performed. I have found, on cutting up hardwood of from eighty to a hundred years of age, that it had been close pruned at one period of its growth ; and the Beech trees, in particular, have been very much damaged by the way in which the work had been performed. They had been pruned close to the stem, and a large number of branches taken away at once ; for I have seen a plank with a large number of black decayed marks in it, not more than from half-an. inch to 15- inch in diameter ; and the same thing is to be found in every other species of hardwood tree when cut up. But there is one exception, in the case of the Scotch Fir which had been served in the same manner ; not one of them which had been pruned have left decayed holes in the tree, but the reverse ; the wound has healed over, and fine clean wood has formed, leaving the knot fast in the plank when sawn up for use. Much has been written in favour of and against the pruning of Scotch Fir, but from what effects of it I have seen, I am satisfied that it preserves clean sound timber, nor could I detect any injury done to the growth of the tree ; the con- centric rings or annual growths were as large after the pruning as they had been previous to it, taking the slower growths of the tree naturally, as it becomes older, into account. I am of opinion that all dead wood ought to be pruned off trees wherever it occurs. In the case of some acres of Larch trees which had a large quantity of dead branches on the lower part of the trees, I knocked them all off as high up as a man could reach with the handle of his axe, and this has proved of great benefit to the health of the trees. I by no means recommend cutting off close to the tree green branches of any of the Pine tribe ; but, if it were not for the expense of the process, I would prune off every dead branch as soon as I observed it dead. I have shortened branches on Fir, Spruce, &c., and have seen no bad effects follow : this is absolutely necessary in the case of nurses to hardwood. Pruning hardwood trees is an operation which I con. sider indispensable, if we would have sound clean timber. It too frequently happens that we have to deal with neglected trees, and there is a stage at which trees may have arrived, when pruning to any extent would be useless. The time which I consider trees ought to have their first pruning, after being planted where they are to remain, is, when they show proof that they have established them, selves in the soil, and not till then, for I have never found any benefit to the plant arising from pruning before this time. Trees pruned when they have not established themselves are apt to push ont yonng wood ; but it rarely happens, in this quarter at least, that the young wood ripens properly ; and the frost and cutting winds in winter kill back a great portion of it, and when young wood is killed back, it is, in my opinion, a means of rendering the plant unhealthy for a time, which retards rather than facilitates its growth. I never cut any of the branches close for a considerable time, and never cut any close but those next the bottom of the tree. I have ample proof of the bad effects of thinning ont branches on a tree, for those left just grow the faster from having more light, air, and nourishment. I shorten all contending branches, or those that appear to be appro- priating too much of the substance which ought to bo deposited on the maiu etemj but keep all those which keep within proper bounds, and by this method the strong branches are checked ; for shortening, if not caiTied too far, will check the strong braches, as I have ample proof. If I find a strong branch with lateral shoots or spray upon it, I cut back the branch to some of the smaller branches, and endeavour to leave as little appearance of pruning as possible. ^Vhen the trees are large and neglected, it is impossible to do this; but I prune very little off trees after they arrive at this stage ; all I consider necessary to be done to them is to balance their tops, and preserve one leading shoot if the tree is not at the height required ; and this is done on the foreshortening principle, but by cutting the branches at a greater distance from the bole, and only such of them as are straggling, and liable to be broken by storms. Many fine trees are destroyed for want of a few of these straggling branches being shortened. I make no difference in my mode of operations when pruning for timber, my aim being to produce as much sound clean timber in each tree as the nature of the soil, situation, and climate, will permit ; and this applies equally to all kinds of hard, wood. I do not find it necessary to prune oftener than once in two years, except the young trees — that is, till they are beyond reach of the pocket-knife — these I endeavour to have pruned every year ; but pruning, if too frequently or too severely applied, will prove hurtful to the tree. It is not uncommon for healthy trees, the first year after pruning, to push up 3 to 5 feet of a leading shoot, and when so much growth is produced in one year, the tree makes little or no progress to height the following season, but furnishes the previous year's shoot with side branches. Some pruners evidently believe that a tree will produce timber as fast with few branches as with many, from the way they treat their trees, some thinning out the branches, others cutting away a large number of them close to the stem at one operation ; but I always endeavour, by shortening, to keep the branches as small in circumference as I can, and have plenty of them ; and if I thin any, it is for the purpose of checking the strong branches, and may cut them further back than the ordinary outline of the tree, and by this means the wounds are in a great measure hid. By this system of pruning I have Oaks 30 feet and upwards in height, and no branches on them more than 21 inches in diameter at their base, and few of them so thick. These trees have not been so regularly pruned as I could have wished, but they show what a little assistance will do for them. I have no particular proportion of head to the stem, but find that trees increase in thick, ness fastest when they have about two-thirds of their whole height covered with branches during the whole period that they are increas- ing in height, but ought to diminish to between one-half and one- third of the height for a top, according to the sheltered or exposed situation they may be in, care being taken not to draw them up too fast, and then allow them to get top-heavy, as this would bring on too much strain both on root and stem ; and this in soft soils is very injurious to the tree. Every tree has its own habit ; and the pruner must, in a great measure, adapt himself to the habit of the tree he has to deal with, and not force them into any shape which may please the fancy of the operator. We can only assist Nature in her operations, and if we would study her operations more closely than we do, there is no doubt but we would arrive sooner at practical conclusions. One tree, such as the Poplar, has a natural tendency to keep to one leading shoot, and to keep its branches within a comparatively narrow space; while the Oak has the opposite tendency if left to Nature ; its habit is to have a short stem with a wide-spreading top, which may be a beautiful object in certain situations, but certainly not profitable as a timber tree. Pruning is 80 closely connected with, and dependent on, judicious thinning, thaf attention to it is of great consequence ; for to thin the trees to wide distances will cause them to throw out strong side-branches, and creates additional work to the pruner ; but by keeping the trees pretty thick on the ground, the branches are confined within reasonable limits, and consequently kept from increasing to a large size. The method which I adopt is, by thinning and pruning, to keep the trees standing quite clejir of each other, to allow free circulation of air, and admit the light all ronnd them, both of which are essential agents in the growth of trees ; and by this means I manage to keep the trees in a healthy growing state, and prevent the branches from becoming large, which always detracts from the value of timber, except where bends and " knees " are formed fit for shipbuilding; and I fear there are too many of these gnarled, ugly trees in this country at the present day, which, if left alone, as they are past much assistance from the pruner, will keep plenty of them in the country, without allowing the young trees to be lost in the same way for a considerable time to come. The tools which I use in the oper.ation of pruning are a strong pocket-knife, handsaw, a saw with the teeth reversed, and the pruning. shears ; the last two are fixed on long poles, and they save much loss of time in climbing; for trees farther advanced a ladder ll to 18 feet will be found necessary. — Transactions of the Scottish ArboricuUural Society. Aug. 1, 1874.] THE GAEDEN. 109 FRUIT CROPS IN SCOTLAND. Roxburghshire. — Floors Castle, Kelso. — The fruit crop in this neighbourhood is, on the whole, a fair one, uotwithstanding the very unpropitious weather which we had iu the early part of the year. The only exception is the Apple (in some districts, and with me) , which is rery poor. Some of the trees, however, snch as Atkins's No. 1 and Ecklinville, are producing a fair crop. Apricots on south walls are laden with fruit, which promise to be fine in quality ; the Breda is approaching maturity, but is small, a fault made up by its earliness. Our Apricot trees were only protected with Silver Fir branches ; as the growth advanced, the leaves of the Fir dropped off, giving light and air gradually ; this is, I think, the best of all kinds of protection of a temporary character. I have tried all other schemes of covering, but none beats this as regards simplicity and effectiveness; and, at the same time, it is cheap and procurable in most places. Spruce Fir is nearly as good, but the branches do not lie so closely and snugly on the trees. Plums were protected in the same way on south walls ; but on north walls, where we have our Golden Drop, and from which we get a supply till the end of November, we do not protect at all, as the trees flower sufficiently late to be out of the reach of frost ; hence, I think walls of this aspect should be planted with other fruits besides Morello Cherries. Plums on walls are an excellent crop, and standards of Victoria are laden with fruit. Damsons, again, are fruitless, owing, no doubt, to their early flowering and the frozen ordeal which they underwent. Strawberries have been very plentiful and fine ; but, as I think, wanting in flavour. The kinds which suit us best are Keen's Seedling, President, Prince of Wales, and La Coustante, and these form our indoor supply as well. New plantations are made from those fruited indoors every year; the year after they yield large crops, and frequently a sprinkling the current year in autumn. Currants and Gooseberries are only a middling crop, fully half of the crop having di'opped in consequence of frost. We are very much exposed to north-west winds, which, however, we are endeavouring to shut out by means of young wood plantations. I attribute the loss of our crop of Apricots on a ^vest wall to this exposure. The east side of this wall is covered with Ivy, and I am training the Ivy over the top, and am in hopes of forming a natural coping for the trees on the west by simply stretching a wire along to support the ends of the Ivy, allowing it to hang down here and there along the front. The good old dwarf Raspberry called North- umberland Pillbasket is a never-failiug crop. Morello Cherries are abundant, as they always are ; but table kinds are scanty and not good. We have no outdoor Peaches or Nectarines, but those indoors ai'e, and have been, plentiful and fine, especially Nectarines, which are really more useful in every way than Peaches, as they carry better and keep longer after being ripe. Had we more Apples, our supply of fruit would have been, on the whole, satisfactory. — Heney K.VIGHT. Midlothian, Dalkeith Park. — Apples here are a moderate crop ; the cold easterly winds which prevailed while they were in flower considerably thinned them ; the trees are clean and healthy, and such fruit as they are bearing of good size and quality ; Pears, an average crop, both on walls and standards, and the fruit being free from spot and of a fair size has a fine appearance ; Peaches and Nectarines on the open walla are hardly an average crop, and the leaves are suffering from blister and aphides ; Apricots are fully an average crop ; Plums and Morello Cherries, a moderate crop, but the trees suffered much from aphides during the dry weather in June ; Strawberries, Raspberries, and Currants, a good average crop ; Gooseberries, a partial crop and very much infested with aphides ; Filberts and other Nuts a light crop. On the whole, this may be considered to be a fair average fruit season in this locality. We almost entii'ely escaped the severe spring frosts that played such havoc amongst the fruit in other districts. — M. DuNX. Oxenford Castle, Dalkeith. — Apples hero are a good average crop — Lord Sufiield, Ecklinville, and Oslin, being heavily laden, but iu the case of some kinds the fruit is dropping a good deal ; Apricots are a heavy crop, though three. fourths were thinned off ; the fruit is swelling off satisfactory, the borders having been mulched all the season ; sweet CheiTies are under the average, best on west aspects ; Morello kinds are very heavy, the fruit is, however, ripening prematurely, and is, in many cases, dropping off ; Currants, red, an average crop; white, good ; black, medium, fruit not so large as usual ; Gooseberries are so heavy a crop that the bushes have required propping up, and the fruit is large and fine ; Plums (Green- gage section) under average ; Victoria, heavy, both on walls and standards; Damson (Scotch), very heavy; Pears are a fine crop, healthy, and swelling well on walls, the borders of which have been mulched, Hessel and Croft Caatle also good as standards ; Rasp, berries, rather under the average, foliage browned as if burned, and fruit under the usual size; although the ground was mulched, I presume last year's wood was unripe ; Strawberries here on heavy soil, a very heavy crop, but whore the soil is light a poor crop ; and the plants are suffering from drought ; the varieties grown here consist chiefly of Keen's Seedling, Prince of Wales (Ingram's), La Coustante, Viscountosso Hericart de Thiu-y, British Queen, and Duke of Edinburgh (Moffats). Some things are suffering a good deal from want of rain, but, iu general, our fruit crops are satisfactory. Our soil being a strong heavy loam, or nearly clay, resting on 40 feet of blue clay, does best under a roasting season. Our practice is to mulch e-Ktensively and never to dig amongst our fruit trees, bushes or Strawberries. Some growers for market, in this neighbourhood on lightish land, have very poor crops, especially Strawberries, which are rather a speciality in this locality. — A. Anderson. Renfrewshire.— Blythswood. — Round this neighbourhood, Apples and Pears, though a fair crop, are nothing compared with what was expected from them when iu bloom. The withering winds in May so checked the trees, that threo-fourths of the blossom's failed to set, and in many cases half of those which did set, have since dropped. Strawberry crops aro plentiful and fine — indeed, all small fruits are abundant; the Gooseberry caterpillar, however, has caused more annoyance in some places than has been the case for the last year or two. Outdoor Peaches are nearly a failure, though they flowered profusely ; Apricots are better than usual ; Plums, vvith the exception of Victoria, are very scarce; and Cherries, with the ex. oeption of Morellos, are also a thin crop. Among Apples, Lord Sufiield and Stirling Castle, are bearing exceptionally heavy crops ; Straw, bei-ries are fine, and Gooseberries abundant; Currants are plentiful and clean, which was far from being the case here these last two years ; Raspberries are also fine, having been much benefited by the late rains. I may add, that Apricots are never a satisfactory crop out of doors in this neighbourhood, owing, I believe, to the atmo- sphere being so damp ; but Peaches, until the last two seasons, have been abundant, and have ripened admirably. — John Methven. Dumfriesshire.— Drumlanrig'.— The fruit crops in this district may beset down as follows: — Apples, Plums, and Cherries, plentiful; Pears, average crop ; Peaches, moderate ; Gooseberries, Currants' Raspberries, and Strawberries, heavy crops and fine in quality. This season is considered to be the driest and warmest which we have had since 182G. — David Thomson. Perthshire. — Drummond Castle, Crieff.— Peaches on the open walls here are half a crop, and the same may be said of Apples and Pears ; Plums are a good crop ; Gooseberries, Currants, and Raspberries, first rate. — Roderick McDonald. Scone Palace. — In the gardens here. Apples are a failure; Pears, partial ; Plums, variable — some trees none, others require thinning ; Morello Cherries and Apricots, a full crop ; Gooseberries Red and White Currants, below average; Black kinds, nearlv a failure ; Filberts, a full crop on some trees, on others few. In this neighbourhood the general outdoor crop of fruits is 25artial ; Goose- berries, in some localities, very scarce, in others, here and there a full crop ; and the same may be said of Currants ; Apples and Pears partial, here and there good, in other places scarce ; Apricots and outdoor Peaches, good ; Strawberries, which aro here a field crop are reported to yield at the rate of a pound to the yard, a money value of from £60 to £121 an acre. Some cultivators only take two good crops from them, then trench 3 feet deep, and re-plaut the same crop again and again, harvesting, on an average, from 2 to 3 tons an acre. — John Halliday. Dupplin Castle.— The bloom on fniit-trees of all kinds was very abundaut ; but late spring frosts not only destroyed much of it, but also the fruit that was set. Apricots are a splendid crop here although many in the neighbourhood have been damaged by frosts. Plums are a very scarce crop, Denyer's Victoria being the only variety that is bearing what may be called a crop. Apples are also very scarce here ; but, in some places, these are good crops. Pears too, are not half a crop. Strawberries are abundant, and extra good iu quality. Cherries, with the exception of Morellos, which are excellent, are very thin. Filberts are an average crop. Small fruits of all kinds very plentiful here ; but, in some other places, very few. Poaches, in the open air, none ; in houses not heated, a good crop. — John Bkownino. Taymouth Castle. — Small fruits. Plums, and Cherries are abundant hereabouts ; but Apples and Pears are below the average. — R )15ERT M0NTG05IE11Y. East Lothian.— Whittingham, Prestonkirk. — Apricots, extra large crop and looking well ; Apples, average crop ; Cherries very large crop and well flavoured ; Currants, of all kinds large crop and good iu quality ; Pears, a moderate crop ; Peaches, none orowu out of doors here, but where they are grown they are an average crop ; Plums, of all kinds are an extra large crop, except Green Gage, and even of that there is a fair crop ; Gooseberries, a large crop and well flavoured ; Raspberries, average crop ; Strawberries, 110 THE GAEDEN. [Aug. 1, 1874. plentiful, but owing to want of rain when the fruits were swelling, they are not so large aa they might have been, but thoir flavour is good. — John GARREri'. Ayrshire. — Culzean. — The fruit crop here this season is pretty good, especially Currants, Gooseberries, Kaspberries, and Apples. Strawberries have been poor here ; bnt, in some gardens in this district, they have proved a good crop. Wall fruit, especially Pears, is very scarce ; dessert Plums, except Victoria, not more than half a crop ; Cherries and Apricots an ordinary crop ; standard fruit is more abundant, especially Apples and Pears. All small fruits have suffered very much this season from blackbirds and thrushes. — David MUEUAV. SUPPLEMENTARY ENGLISH REPORTS. Sussex. — Petworth. — Apples are abundant hereabouts on high oTouiid, but scarce on low lying districts; Pears are very plentiful ; and i>f Plums there are wonderful crops ; as regards Damsons, every old stump of a tree has some fruit on it. I have had to thin most of mv wall trees and all my pyramids. Both Plum and Cherry trees are much blighted, although on the latter there are heavy crops. Strawberries are plentiful and the fruit fine ; Raspberries, good ; Gooseberries and Currants of all kinds abundant, but the fruit is smaller than nsnal ; Apricots are plentiful, especially on some old trees that were removed last autumn ; Peaches and Nectarines, good; Filberts and Cob Nuts, fair crops ; Walnuts, plentiful ; Figs, a fair crop; Mulberries, plentiful ; Cranberries, Quinces, and Medlars, good crops ; outdoor Grapes are plentiful, and the Vines in most places are lookino- strong and vigorous. I never saw so many aphides, both black and green, as this season ; almost all trees are affected by them more or less. — Geo. Breese. Hereford. — Shobden Court, Iieominster. — Apples are scarce with us here, except in a few favoured places ; Pears are fair crops; Nuts, very few ; Apricots, in general, fair crops, thongh, in some instances, the e.arlier varieties suffered from frost on the 9th of March, when the trees were in full bloom ; Plums fire good ; Cherries have borne fair crops, but, in some cases, they have been so much blighted as to make them useless ; Figs are thin and have dropped considerably ; Strawberries have been abundant, and good in flavour, bnt the late kinds have suffered from the continued drought. We have had very little raiu here since March; on the 23rd of May we had a few hours' nice rain, but only a small shower or so since. Raspberries, Currants, and Gooseberries have borne large crops. This season we have been fully three weeks earlier than usual, owing, doubtless, to the unusually warm weather which we had in April. Strawberries are nearly over, except a few Elton Pines, as are also bush frnits, except such as are netted for dessert. — J. Matthews. Surrey. — Deepdene, Dorkingf. — Apples here are a failure ; Apricots are a fair crop ; I'eaches and Nectarines, moderate ; Pears, plentiful ; small fruits — Gooseberries, Currants, and Raspberries, fine crops ; Strawberries, scarcely an average crop ; Figs, moderate ; Nuts, scarce.— J. BfRNETT. Portnall Park, Staines. — All fruit crops in this neigh- bourhood suffered considerably from frost, and the gardens here, being very low, suffered severely from the same cause. Fruits on walls are but thinly distributed, with tho exception of Cherries, of which we have an e.tcellent crop, but rather small in size ; on espaliers we had a splendid " set," but scarcely a fruit is now to bo seen, all having suffered so severely from frost ; crops of Gooseberries and Currants are very thin ; Strawberries and Raspberries have been abundant and good, both in size and quality ; on standards, with few excep- tions, the crop has failed. — Thos. May. Worcestershire. — Madresfield Court, Great Malvern. — Owing to the sharp frosts which occurred on May 11 and following nights, hardy fruits, at that time most promising, suffered severely ; and, in many cases in low or damp situations, in addition to the loss of tho crop, the young growth was cut back. Blight and disease have, consequently, been prevalent among tho stone frnits generally, many of tho Plum orchards being very short, both in point of fruit and foliage. Wall fruits are better, the fine summer-like weather which we had in the latter part of April having caused the foliage to expand sufficiently to materially shelter both the flower and young fruit. Apricots are, perhaps, more abundant than any other fruit, and are now ripening fast ; but, in consequence of tho extreme drought, they will not be so large as in more genial seasons. Apples, though partial, are good in sheltered situations ; Apricots, a good crop, bright and clean ; Cherries, on standards, thin ; Morellos, very good ; Figs, light, injured by frost ; Nectarines, good, and trees clean ; Peaches, a good crop ; Pears, on standards, partial, on walls a heavy crop ; Plums, very few on standards, on walls a heavy crop ; Strawberries, early kinds injured by frost, late crops good ; Gooseberries, good ; Currants, clean, but crop short ; Walnuts, entirely destroyed by frost ; Coppice Nuts, a light crop ; Filberts, none. — W. Cox. Middlesex. — Syon House, Brentford. — Fruit crops here are, on the whole, barely an average ; except, perhaps, Cherries, which have been abundant. Of Apricots we have a fair crop ; and the same may be said of Peaches, Nectarines, Pears, and Plums. We have a good quantity of Apples, both on standards and on dwarfs. Straw- berries have been plentiful ; but rather small, owing to the first frnit having been cut off by frost, and the occurrence of dry weather when they were swelling. Of Raspberries we have had but half a crop, and about the same of Gooseberries and Red and Black Currants. Walnuts here are an average crop ; but, in some places in this neighbourhood, they VFSre much injured by spring frosts. — JOH.\ Wooubeidge. THE WILD PLUMS OF KANSAS. [Some time ago, it was stated that a traveller in Central -A.merica, while passing over the sandy plains of Kansas, met with dense thickets of small Plum trees, not larger than our Gooseberry bushes, bearing fruit of immense size and fine flavour. Several inquiries for further information respecting these Plums not having met with any response, our occasional contributor, Mr. Jackson Gillbanks, who takes so active a part in all branches of natural history, wrote to America to ascertain whether or not such Plums existed, as small bushes bearing large and delicious fruit would be a grand acquisi. tion to both our gardens and orchard houses. This has produced the following interesting letter on the subject from Mr. Ed. Thompson, of Kansas.] " Lawrence, Kansas, U.S.A., July 3, 1874. " Dear Sir, — Tour letter, relating to the wild Plums of the plains of Kansas, has again directed my attention to them. The head waters of the Kansas River and many streams emptying into the Platte, abound in wild Plums of many varieties and colours ; where the soil is fertile and water plentiful, the trees grow to the height of from 6 to 10 feet, and tho frnit of many kinds is large and pleasant to the taste. There is one variety of white Plum quite as- large and of as good flavour as Bolman'a Washington, a kind generally cultivated and much valued in the Eastern States. Another kind resembles the St. Catherine in size and colour. Among the sand hills of the Arkansas, the trees do not reach the size that they do further north, being, in fact, mere bushes 3 and 1 feet high, growing in dense clumps or thickets. The frnit, however, appears to be equally large and luscious, and during the early fall my men have frequently brought baskets into camp, which were exceedingly palatable, cither raw or cooked. In the fall of 1872, after we had experienced severe frosts upon the head waters of the Republican, on our way into settlements, upon the north ford of the Soloman, we found a deep arroyo, with a spring, whose sides vrere filled with Plum trees in full bearing, their sheltered position having apparently delayed the fruitage and protected them from frost. I shall be this year south of the Arkans.as river, in tho extreme south-western part of this State, and if the Indian's untutored mind does not suggest his raising my hair, I will niaka further observations upon this subject, the result of which I shall be happy to communicate. (Signed) " Edw.\rd D. Thompsox." POMOLOGICAL INSTITUTE, AT REUTLINGEN, NEAR STUTGARDT, WURTEMBOURG. This establishment, under the able superintendance of Dr. Edward Lucas, undoubtedly takes a prominent position among horticultural schools on the Continent. Having been a year at the Institute, I will try to give some account of it. It was founded by Dr. Lucas in 18G0, and now extends over 21 acres of land. Since its commence- ment, G9(5 pupils from various countries have been received. During the winter of 1872 and summer of 1873, there were 71 scholars from the following states : — Baden, 3 ; Bavaria, 11 ; Palatinate, 6 ; Ilessia, 1 ; Pomerania, 2 ; Brandenburg, 6 ; Silesia, 3 ; Province of Saxony, 3; Westphalia, 1; Rhine Province, 1; Hanover, 1; Holstein, 1; Hessia, Nassau, 3 ; Reims, 2 ; Saxony, 4 ; Wurtemberg, 7 ; Moravia, 2 ; Tyrol, 1 ; Transylvania, 1 ; Switzerland, 6 ; Denmark, 1 ; Sweden, 2; America, 2 ; Africa, 1. As indicated by the title of the institn- tion, pomology is one of its leading features, but instruction in every branch of horticulture is given — Vine-culture, drawing, physics, and chemistry, being taught by competent professors. In the arrange- ment of the garden, a main walk, 110 yards in length, is planted on each side with a great variety of frnit trees in the form of cordons, palmets, &c., and on the right and left of this walk are the model gardens, where the best sorts of fruits are to be found in the shape of Aug. 1, 1874] THE GAEDBN. Ill great pyramids. Farther on is the nursery, properly so called, where, every year, large numbers of fruit trees are trained. Not only is the theoretical instruction at Reutlingen excellent, but, also as regards the practical part, it would be difficult to fiud a better establishment. From the large number of fruit trees grown, every. one has the best opportunity of practically perfecting himself in fruit- culture. There is also a good geological collection, tools of different countries, an excellent library, artificial fruits, &c. The flora of Reutlingen and environs is a rich one, as the town is situated among high mountains. The botanical excursions which are often made, either with Dr. Lucas or his foreman, are exceedingly interesting, and an excellent herbarium can be formed by those who are desirous of doing so. Not only for its horticultural instruction is Reutlingen recommended, but, owing to the great number of scholars from different countries, the best opportunities are afforded for learning other languages. It is a pity such institutions are so rare ! A. M. C. JONGKINDT CONINCK. Tottenham itfurseries, Dedemsvaart, near Zwolle, Netherlands. THE LARGE VINE AT THE VICEREGAL LODGE. It is now some years since we first noticed and detailed the histqry of what is nOw widely and familiarly known as " The Large Tine at the Viceregal Lodge." The lite story of this very remarkable Vine was then a short one ; for, be it remembered, that though a wonderful Vine, it is very far from being an old one. In fact, a decade had not then nearly passed from the time Mr. Smith took it — a poor sapling, struggling for life — in hand. Even then it was a horticul. tural wonder, filling a curvilinear lean-to house, some 70 feet in length and 15 feet wide, and carrying a magnificent crop of Grapes, quite a picture to look at. Since that time the house has been made a half-span, and has had its breadth thereby considerably increased. Large increase of space was thus afforded for further extension, and so skilfully was the Vine induced to avail itself of it that it soon entirely occupied it; and the long lines of luscious clusters hung as thickly there as in the older portion of the house. It may be as well to mention here, for the information of those who have not seen this Vine, or remember the particulars previously given, that the stem enters at one end of the house, and from this seven main rods are conducted horizontally and equi-distant from one another, in perfectly straight lines, till further progress is arrested where they reach the opposite end of the house. The wood of these main rods is about the thick, ness of a ship's cable, and the spurs on either side disposed with the utmost regularity, each rod forming a perfectly straight and strongly- defined line fringed with a double row of beautiful stout green foliage from among which depend on either side, as if strung with almost mathematical accuracy, the long lines of sable pendants which are the crowning glory of the Vine. It is now just about eighteen years since Mr. Smith undertook the management of what was then a weakly plant, and is now a giant in its way ; and we are inclined to think it, taking all in all, one of the finest examples of successful Vino culture, and perhaps the very best example of what is called the extension system to be met with anywhere. Year after year, without a single blank, it has borne splendid crops of highly finished fruit, and the present year's crop forms no exception, save in one respect, and that is — that as regards size of bunch, berry, and aggregrato weight, it will be the finest which this noble Black Ham- burgh has yet ripened. The bunches number probably 400 or there, abouts ; many of them, we calculate, will weigh 3 pounds or so, and the average is 2 pounds or over ; the aggregrate weight of crop, we suspect, little short of 7 cwt. The bunches are just now colour- ing, and by-and-bye, when they put on their full sable habiliments and rich bloom, the big Vine will be a sight worth looking at — a triumph of cultural skill, upon seeing which he would be cold and phlegmatic, indeed, who would withhold from Mr. Smith his warm appreciation of his skill, and the remarkable results of it before him. — IrUh Farmers' Oazette. A large Crab Tree. — When lately visiting (said SirR. Christison, at a late meeting of the Edinburgh Botanical Society) a friend at Kelloe House, in the parish of Endrom, a few miles eastward from Dunse, I was shown a Crab tree, which appears to me to deserve being added to Mr.'McNab's memoranda of large trees in Scotland. Crab Apple trees are more frequently met with in hedgerows in Berwickshire than anywhere else in Scotland where I have been ; possibly, because nowhere else in Scotland do hedge-rows abound as fences. The tree in question, according to the information supplied by an old man upon the estate, stood with several others in a hedge-row, but the hedge-row was cut down to improve the highway. This particular tree was, however, so large, even at that time, very many years ago, that it was left standing in a convenient triangular space, in front of Kelloe Gate, where it does not interfere with the roadway. It has now a trunk of 8 feet in girth, is 50 feet in height, branches freely, and was covered with leaves when I saw it. The fruit was clustered, as in the Cherry. In the spring the whole tree was one sheet of white llowers ; but little fruit formed on it, in consequence of the sharp frosts in May. It is well known in the surrounding country, whose inhabitants visit it from a considerable distance when it is in flower. It continues to be perfectly healthy in every part. GARDENING FOR THE WEEK, AND AMATEUR'S CALENDAR. The Flower Garden and Pleasure Grounds. The time has now arrived when it is generally considered advisable to commence the propagation of the various species of plants used for the purpose of bedding out in the flower garden, &o. ; but in this part of the country, and no doubt in many other parts, there will this season be found a difliculty in obtaining material wherewith to form cuttings, more particularly as regards the different kinds of Pelargo. nium, which, generally, play so conspicuous a part in the ornamenta- tion of the parterre, and it may, in some instances, be necessary to delay for a time the propagation of this family of plants. But there are several other varieties of bedding plants, of each of which it is only necessary to have a few store pots to preserve during winter, in order to produce cuttings for the purpose of increase during spring, such as the Verbena, Petunia, Fuchsia, Lobelia, Coleus, Iresine, Heliotrope, Ageratum, Alternanthera, &c. ; therefore, if cuttings of these can be obtained now they should be inserted without delay in pots some 6 or 8 inches in diameter, which should be well drained, using a soil composed of about equal parts of river or silver sand and finely-sifted leaf soil, putting in each pot an inch or two of somewhat rough soil upon the Moss which covers the drainage. The pots should then be filled with the pre. pared soil, and the cuttings inserted, watered, and placed upon cinder ashes in a frame or pit, which should be kept quite close and moist for a few days, and shaded from bright sunshine. When the cuttings are fairly rooted, they should be at once exposed to the open air night and day, when they will become well.hardened and robust ; and may so remain until there is danger from frost, when they should be placed in a greenhouse or pit during winter, and it introduced into genial warmth in spring, say early during the month of March, they will then produce abundance of cuttings which will root freely, and are much to be preferred to autumn-struck plants for planting in the flower beds. It may, however, bo necessary to observe, that such plants as the Alternanthera, Iresine, Coleus, Heliotrope, and the dwarf variety of the Ageratum, being somewhat tender, will require to be wintered in a stove temperature. It is also quite unnecessary to pot off singly any of the varieties of bedding-plants which have just been named, as allot them will succeed equally well, if not better, if they are merely shaken from the store or cutting pots and planted at once in the flower-beds. The case, however, is somewhat different as regards the various sorts of bedding Pelargoniums, as they should all, if possible be struck early in the autumn, plaL'ing four cuttings in a 4-inch pot, and these should be potted off singly in spring. This should, if possible, be done with all the zonal varieties, and it is more particularly necessary to do so with the variegated zonal or tricolor sorts, which should, it possible, be strong well-established plants when turned out, as their development in the flower beds is not so rapid as that of the green. leaved zonals, and the various Ivy-leaved sorts, which will generally succeed well if struck as cuttings in 4 or 5-inch pots, and separated when planted in the flower-beds. The various varieties of this section of the Pelargonium family, form excellent bedding plants, and do not, as yet, appear to be appreciated according to their worth or adaptability for this purpose. They, however, form exceedingly effective bedding plants, and are very suitable where the soil is light and dry, and will be found to succeed well during seasons and in situations in which the Petunia and Verbena, &c., would entirely fail. Among the best bedding varieties in this section of plants, are the old Crimson Ivy-leaved, the pink-flowering variegated variety, Duke of Edinburgh, Bridal Wreath, the last-named forming one of the most beautiful and effective white beds which can be imagined, together with some other varieties which are hybrids between P. lateripes and zonal species, such as Willsii, Willsii roseum, Lady Edith, and Dolly Varden ; the last is a variety with beautifully zoned bronzy foliage and pretty pink-magenta coloured flowers. Cuttings should also be struck, as soon as they can be obtained, of the more free-growing sorts, such as Peltatum elegans and L'Blegante, which are useful for training upon the handles of rustic baskets or droop, ing from the sides of vases, &c. Continue to regulate the develop. 112 THE GAEDEN. [Aug. 1, 1874. Dient of climbinff plants of all sorts, such as Roses, Honeysuckles, Clematises, Tropfimlums, and similar plants, which are so useful and ornamental when trained in the form of standards and pyramids, &c. On acconnt of the dronght which has so lon^ trees, for, if trained thinly over tiles or slates, the fruit will be burned before it is ripe. The long clear stem is also an aid to fertility, whether from the distance between root and top and the length of sap vessels traversed by the sap, or from some other cause, it is not easy to say. — D. T. Fish. Kitchen Garden. Now that rain has fallen copiously, finish planting late Broccol and all kinds of Winter Greens. Walcheren and Veitch's Autumn Giant Cauliflowers, should also be planted for late autumn use on well, manured land, in an open position. Sow a good breadth of Prickly Spinach for standing the winter ; also, the Giant Rocca and White Tripoli Onions. Parsley may yet be sown for late spring picking ; it will not run to seed quite so soon as that sown earlier. Make a good sowing of Endive, of both the green curled and Batavian varieties for winter. The earliest sown crop will now be full grown, and portions of it should be tied up and blanched in succession; the blanching may easily be effected at this season by covering each plant with an inverted flower pot, with a bit of Moss twisted into the hole to keep out wet, air, and light. Plants from the successional sowings, now that rain has come, should be planted out on well- prepared land, 1 foot apart, at intervals of two or three weeks. This is a ETOod time to sow a good breadth of Red Stone and Orange Jelly Turnips for winter use ; they may be sown on land from which early Potatoes have been lifted, without any further preparation of the soil, beyond levelling, raking, and working up a fine tilth. It will be best to sow in drills ; and it will be a great advantage to the crop if about three or four pounds per rod of super-phosphate, mixed with about twice its bulk of wood ashes or burnt earth, are sown in the drills with the seeds. The season has hitherto been too dry for artificial manures to have much effect ; but we shall now probably have a period of cooler, moister weather. Chervil is always in request ; therefore, make a sowing for winter ; and, when the plants are large enough to prick out, fill a box or two with the thinniugs to place in a frame for use in bad weather. Provision should also be made to have a supply of Sweet Marjoram in a green state through the veinter. This is best done by filling a box or two with the young plants in May, and keeping them pinched back ; but plants may be lifted now from the border, shortened back, and planted in boxes. It bears forcing well for the production of young green shoots in winter ; and, as it strikes freely from cuttings in heat, if desired, a stock of young plants may be worked up in spring for planting out. Early Horn Carrots^ may yet be sown to supply small young roots in autumn and winter. Tomatoes will now require a good deal of attention as regards the removal of all superfluous growth from the main stems, and stopping all leading shoots one leaf beyond the^ clusters of fruit. This must be carried out persistently, if good-sized well- ripened fruit is desired. The blanching of eariy Celery usually requires about four or five weeks ; and, as there is not much chance of waterin.] Aug. 8, 1874.] THE GAEDEN. 137 GARDENING FOR THE WEEK, AND AMATEUR'S CALENDAR. The Flower Garden and Pleasure Grounds. Let every effort be used to render the flower garden aa interesting and attractive a3 possible; let beds of Verbenas and Calceolarias still be well supplied with water while the weather continues dry, or the former will become the prey of red spider, while the latter will be not unlikely to die off altogether. Zonal Pelargoniums, when fairly established, will continue healthy and will flower well with a somewhat restricted supply of moistare j the tricolor sorts, which are generally grown for the beauty of their foliage only, should be divested of their blooms before they espaud, and should be encouraged by every possible means to grow freely. Continue to thiu, stake, and tie up the shoots of Dahlias and other tall-growing herbaceous plants wherever this is required ; also i-emove decayed leaves and flower- stems as soon as the flowering period is over ; and it is very likely that many species of Larkspur and other hardy plants will, this season, flower freely for the second time in the course of the autumn. Many annual flowers have been of short duration this year ; they should, however, be cleared off as soon as they are out of bloom, unless seed is required, and this should never be saved promiscuously, or the " strain " will gradually deteriorate, as it generally happens that the worst flowers are the most productive of seed. If new and distinct varieties are desired recourse must be had to artificial fertilisation ; but if improvement of strain is merely what is sought for, that can, with more or less certainty, be secured by judicious selection, a practice which should be invariably pursued with annual flowers generally, and more particularly with such plants as the various sorts of Stocks and Wallflowers, Mignonette, Anemones, Columbines, Antirrhinums, Pinks, Larkspurs, Helichrysums, Phlox Drumniondii, tic, as, by this means, annual flowers, as well as culinary vegetables of various kinds may be brought to a very high degree of excellence. The marking of the selected blooms may be effected by attaching to them small pieces of coloured worsted or some such material; and the seed produced by the marked blooms should be carefully collected as soon as fairly ripe. Where the production of hybrids or cross-bred plants is attempted, fecundation must be induced artificially, an operation which requires considerable care, and as a sine qua non to success, it is necessary that the blooms selected to bear seed, should be emasculated at an early period of their existence, that is, the anthers should be carefully removed, and in the case of some species, it is necessary to do this even before the blooms have expanded, in order to prevent the possibility of self-fertilisation ; in the case of some small flowering species, however, there is some difficulty in effect- ing this, although it is easy enough to accomijlish it, in the case of such plantsasthePetunia,&o., by merely slitting a small portion of the tube of the corolla, and removing the unripened anthers, taking care at the same time to avoid injuring the stigma, which should be afterwards carefully watched ; its slightly glutinous condition, will indicate its readiness for the application of foreign pollen, which should be care- fully applied with a camel-hair pencil or otherwise. Koses which were budded in June or during the early part of July ought now to be looked to ; the ligatures used to secure the buds in their places, should be loosened, to prevent the flow of sap being in any way impeded, and to admit of the natural expansion of the shoots and young buds ; while buds which may have been inserted somewhat late last autumn or grafts put on last spring will, in most instances, have made strong shoots, and will require support in the form of stakes to prevent them from being blown off by high winds or from break- ing down by their own weight when wet. The clipping and cutting in of Yew and other hedges connected with the pleasure grounds and parterres should now be pi'oceeded with as rapidly as possible ; although, on account of the long drought which has been experienced during the present season, there will possibly be much less to remove than is usual. Cuttings of all sorts of bedding Pelargoniums should now be inserted without further delay wherever they are to be obtained. In many instances, however, it is to be feared that they cannot, as yet, be taken from the beds in the flower garden without injuring them; but, where thei-e is a well-stocked reserve garden, cuttings of all sorts may be taken from that department without fear of disfigurement. They may be inserted in the open border in lines or otherwise, and may remain in that condition until the begin- ning of October, when they should be lifted, potted singly, and placed under glass, or they may be inserted four together in 4-inch pots, and placed on cinder ashes iu the open air. — P. Gbieve, Ciilford Gardens, Bury St. Edmunds. Hoses. Briar stocks will require more attention than usual this season to get the lateral shoots to grow strong enough for budoing ; all laterals, except two or three at the top of the Briar, should be out away, and all root suckers should be removed at once. I find that a slight mulching of leaf-mouhl, old tan, or of any decomposed garden refuse, keeps the ground among Rose Stocks from cracking, and also helps to retain moisture, whereby lateral growth is much benelited ; this season's Stocks should havo a good watering two or three times a day, before they are budded, an operation which will cause the bark to rise more freely than it otherwise would do. If the bark does not rise well it is of no use to bud, but, on the other hand, budding must not be deferred until the bark gets set. July and August are the two best months for budding, and our finest show blooms the following spring are cut from Roses budded^ in the autumn. In budding, select the best and most prominent-looking buds for the purpose ; those from the middle of the shoot are best ; the top ones are often too soft, and the bottom ones are not sulficiently developed and often lie dormant ; the bud should be cut clean out and the heel should not be more than ^ of an inch long ; make an incision with the budding knife in the term of a T" about 1 inch long, on the base of the lateral shoots, carefully raise the bark and then insert the bud, taking care to get the heel close down to the stock ; then make all secure by tying with soft wool or matting. The following six varie- ties worked on strong Briars, if kept well trained, make excellent umbrella and pyramidal trees, viz. : — Gloire de Dijon, Climbing Devonionsis, Anna Alexieff, Jules Margottin, Duke of Edinburgh, and Princess Mai'y of Cambridge. Of these, the two first are Teas, the rast hybrid perpetuals. — H. G. Indoor Plant Department. Attend to the training of climbing plants, or they soon get a confused mass. Keep a diligent look-out for insects of all kinds, for they increase with the temperature of the season, and if left even for a time entail much more labour and do a great amount of injury. Give now a little more air, less shade, and give less water at the root, as well as in the atmosphere. This will assist the season's growth to ripen ; but do not reduce the temperature of the stove, as we see frequently done, until the ripening process is complete, that is, the wood well matured and hard. Plants that are prematurely put to rest by the unnatural method of reducing the temperature before the growth is ripened, are almost certain to start into growth when not wanted, during the application of the extra heat required during severe winter weather ; in which case it is useless to expect a satisfactory amount of bloom. AUamandas, grown in pots with the intention of training them on wire or wooden trellises, should have their branches allowed to grow loosely upright, until they are either opening their first flower bads, or nearly so; as, if trained down as they make their growth, they never bloom so satisfactorily, as when the point of the shoot is brought down lower than the head of the plant ; the first effort the plant makes is to adjust the balance of the sap, so rudely disturbed by pushing the eyes of the shoots that are bent over the top of the trellis, and so starves the points of the shoots from which the bloom ought to proceed ; and this holds good of all plants of a similar character. Numbers of seedling Ferns of some varieties will make their appearance — such as Adiantums, Lomarias, Davallias, Dicksonias, and these, if carefully taken up without materially injuring their routs, and potted in small pots, after which kept a little close until they get established, will be found very useful, either for standing amongst the larger plants, filling Fern-cases, or for decoration iu other places apart from the Fern-house proper. All the stock should be gone over repeatedly, during the season of growth, with brush and sponge, in order to remove any insects that will now thrive apace with the warmth of the season, and which, if left to themselves, even for a compara- tively short time, entail a great amount of labour, and spoil the appearance of the plants. Continue to encourage the growth of Azaleas by closing the house early — say by four o'clock, syringing well overhead, and by throwing an abundance of water about the paths and floors of the house. It should be borne in mind that these are hill-region plants, and that, in a state of nature, they grow in a moist atmosphere, different from what they often receive under cultivation, where we see them making their young growth with small sickly foliage. Azaleas are plants not easi'y killed, and consequently exist for years under such treatment, but they bear no comparison with plants well-grown. Some hard-wooded plants will now have completed their growth, and may be placed iu a sheltered place out of doors, where they will get a moderate amount of sunshine, which will harden their growth and help them to get through the dull autumn and winter months without the attacks of that certain visitant to unripe foliage — mildew. The stock should be gone over twice a day in bright weather to see that nothing suffers from want of water. Encourage Heaths, but especially the summer-flowering kinds, to make their growth. In case of such as have almost completed it move them out 138 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 8, 1874. ©f doors, where they will receive all the light and air possible ; but guard the pots from the full action of the sun, otherwise the roots may suffer, more especially such pots as are well filled with roots. They ought to stand on 6 inches of ashes to exclude worms, and if there are no means at hand to protect them from drenching rains, they should be laid down on one side during heavy rainfall. This will keep the roots from being saturated with wet. Orcliids. Give less moisture both at the root and in the atmosphere to such pseudo-bulbous species as have finished their season's growth and seem inclined to rest. It is, however, impossible to lay down general rules as to the watering of Orchids, the most successful cultivators being thof^e who treat every individual plant according to its require- ments. Orchids come from so many different climes, and their seasons of growth and rest are so variable, that all one can do ia to assist Nature instead of thwarting her, when all will be well. Pleiones which have finished their growth should have a few weeks rest, and preparations should bo made to re-pot them as soon as the blooming season ia over, for like most other Ca3logynes, their flowers and young growth are produced simultaneously. Odontoglossums, Cypripediums, and cool growing Orchids, as 0. macranthum, 0. serratum O. zebri- num, and 0. obryzatum, will require copious supplies of water at the roots. Masdevallias will, in many cases, be making new growth, and should have as much light as possible, and cooious supplies of moisture at the root. If the Sphagnum on the top of the pot is not in a fresh and growing condition, it should be at once renewed. Living Sphagnum Moss is Indispensable to the Orchid grower, and if it keeps fresh and green it is one of the surest signs that the temperature is sufiiciently genial, and that the atmosphere is charged with enough humidity to suit most kinds of Orchidaceous plants. Plants in flower, such as Odontoglossum Alexandra), O. Schlieperia- num, 0. vexillarium, O. Roezlii, Masdevallias, Onclds, Miltonlas, Cattleyas, and Trichopilias, may be removed to the conservatory, where, however, a little fire-heat will be essential on cold and wet nights, otherwise, the flowers will suffer from an excess of moisture and decay prematurely. — P. W. Burbidge. Hardy Fruit. It may seem late to many to give the advice to finally thin all stone and other fruit to a medium crop ; but, it is not yet too late. Late Peaches, Nectarines, Plums, &c., are never safe until thoroughly stoned ; even in the finishing process they often cast a good many fruit, and, therefore, it is safer to leave reserves until the stoning ia completed. There is something analogous to stoning in the growth of tile seeds of Apples and Pears ; a good many fruits often fall just as they are about to take their second or final swelling. When these are off, all excess should be removed, and, in all cases of fruit thinning, the worst shaped and worst placed, should, of course, be taken. In thinning Pears, not only cracked fruits, but those that have a tendency to crack, should likewise be picked off. The severe thinning of fruits not only improves the quality and size of those left, bnt adds to the health and strength of the trees. By thinning early we probably divert the vital forces that would have gone to develop those removed into those that remain. In late thinning we probably fail thus to divert the strength meant for one fruit into another ; but, the act is useful, nevertheless. The entire tree gains by the husbanding of its force, and each fruit left shares in the greater plenty provided by the enhanced strength of the tree. The late showers have been very beneficial to fruit trees, and, indeed, for all wall trees, nothing is more useful than a dally artificial shower over head in the afternoon and evening of every hot day. These showers refresh the leaves, and develop the fruit to a fuller size than it otherwise would be. No practice tells more on the size and quality of Peaches than this daily overhead sprinkling, up to, say, within a fortnight of their maturity. It is, in fact, as much or more needed in August than in any month of the year. It is death to spider and most other insect pests, and gives new life and greater vigour to the entire tree, root, leaf, and branch. Protect, as much as possible, ripe fruit and fruit ripening from the attacks of insects. Hollow stems of umbelliferous plants, or short lengths of large reeds, are the best traps for earwigs and woodiice, and if a drop of sugar and water is sent into them, also for ants — the most destructive of all. These should bo placed with one end under a branch near to the fruit and emptied into boiling water every morning. Wasps have hardly appeared yet, but, as soon as the first is seen, hang wasp bottles, baited with beer, against the walls ; these are so effective for wasps that the bottles will require emptying every morning, and wasps may be destroyed in such a way as must tell against these greedy hosts. Wasps nests must also be sought for, discovered, and totally destroyed by being suffocated with a fussee of sulphur and gunpowder, or, simpler still, a rag or piece of cotton. wool dipped in turpentine or carbolic acid. A pint of tar poured into the hole is also a disabler, and a final. — though slow and cruel — mode of destruction. Birds can be netted off, but we cannot master these smaller insects unless by destroying them, and to h.ave perfect fruit, we must see to their prompt destruction. Apricots and all other fruits should be gathered the moment they are ripe, and no fruit be allowed to decay on the walls nor in tho garden. — D. T. Fish. Kitchen Garden. Spring Cauliflowers aro an important crop in most places, and require a considerable amount of attention for a long period in order to secure a satisfactory result. The time of sowing has great influence upon the future crop turning out satisfactory or otherwise, for if sown too early — and a very few days will sometimes make an important difference — many of the plants may button or turn in prematurely, and thus be useless. To obviate this difficulty where, ever it may have been felt, it will bo better to divide the seeds into three portions and make three sowings, at about a week or ten days intervals. In the north, the first sowing should be made about the 10th of this month ; in the midlands, about the 15th ; and in the south, from the 20th to the 25th ; and, the last sowing, at least, should be made in a frame. In cold late situations I have always found it the best and surest plan to delay sowing till about the middle of September, and to sow in boxes in a frame ; but, after the seed- lings have come up, in order to have sturdy little plants, abundance of air should be given. In January, a sufficient number for forcing, or for hand-lights, should be potted into GO-sized pots, and placed in any warm house or pit near the glass, where a free ventilation can be had in favourable weather. In about a month they should be taken to a cold frame and hardened off previously to planting them out under hand-lights or in any warm situation. A few of the strongest may be potted on into 8-inch pots for forcing in pots. With liberal surface dressings and free applications of liquid. manure very good Cauliflowers may be obtained early in this way. Of course, all this implies that there is sufficient space under ghass for this purpose ; and, where this can be obtained. Cauliflowers will force as easily as Potatoes or any other vegetables. Between this and the middle of the month is a very good time to make the last sowing of Turnips for use m spring ; in fact, in the north this should have been alreadj' done. For this purpose I sow tho Chirk Castle Black Stone ; it is very hardy, and displays a less tendency to "bolt" in a mild spring than any other Turnip with which I am acquainted. Have the Mushroom-house thoroughly cleaned out and the walls white, washed, pouring boiling water into all cracks and crevices to destroy woodiice, &c., so as to start the autumn and winter beds next month in a house free from Insect pests. There will probably be plenty of Mushrooms in old pastures from this time till October, if we have sufEoient rainfall to moisten the ground. A warm summer if followed by a dripping autumn is usually very productive of Mushrooms. In sowing Lettuce at this season the Bath Cos must not be forgotten, as, from its compact growth, it is easily lifted when full grown and placed under cover in bad weather. The Tom Thumb Cabbage Lettuce should also be sown in quantity. Sow in an open situation. As the days are now rapidly shortening, and the sun loosing its power and wherever there is not sufficient moisture in the land to cause the seeds to germinate, it will be better to water the bed thoroughly before sowing, and afterwards shade with branches, rather than water after the seeds are sown. — E. Hobd.^y. Cottagers' Gardens. The season for sowing some of the most useful garden crops is now drawing near, and, if possible, ground should be selected for them that has been dug up some considerable time ; for if very dry soil is dug up and cropped immediately, it will be almost impossible to find moisture enough for seeds to germinate in it. The principal sowing of Cabbage should be made at once; Onions of the Tripoli or Giant Rocca kinds should be sown partly at the middle and partly at the end of the month; sown at those times they succeed better with us than spring sown Onions, especially those transplanted from late sowings. Turnips succeed well after early Potatoes, which may now be lifted. Vegetable Marrows and Cucumbers will now be bearing freely, and should receive constant attention in the way of thinning both shoots and foliage; the fruit should be cut directly it is fit for use. Scarlet Runners should receive liberal supplies of water ; planted in patches by the sides of walks or against fences, they form one of the most ornamental as well as useful crops in the garden. Herbs should now bo dried and stored away in an open shed for winter use ; the old plants will yet have time to make a good growth before winter. As regards plants (such as Stocks and Wallflowers) they may be trans- planted, and Polyanthuses and Primroses may be divided. — J.vmes GiiooM. Aug. 8, 1874] THE GARDEN. 139 HOW WE ACQUIRED A TASTE FOR FLOWERS. " Well I think I cau tell you how we all came to be so fond of flowers, and to be able to grow them, and a few vegetables also." The speaker was apparently a well-to. do mechanic, neat and tidy in his appearance, and with a greater look of intelligence and refinement in his coun- tenance than is common among people of his class ; his auditors were strangers from a distant part of the country, to whom the pretty, tasteful, and well -cultivated gardens attached to the cottages about them were evidently novelties. " Yon see, when I was a young man and just out of my apprenticeship, there was a great to-do in this city of om-s among what were called the working classes — just as if many a man who never soils his hands has not to work hard with his head sometimes — about shorter hours, higher wages, and so on. I daresay the masters and men had each some cause to complain of each other, but I am not going to enter into their quarrels and battles ; I only Bay, that after years of bother, matters were arranged on a basis apparently satisfactory to both parties. When that was the case, the men had a deal more money to spend, and more time in which to spend it, than they ever had before. Pew suitable means of getting rid of this time and money were available to them. Their faculties were not trained so as to enable them to enjoy the various museums and other interesting institutions which were open to them j and these, although professedly free to all, were in general hedged round with many irksome rules and regulations, rendering them dis- tasteful to the very classes they were intended to benefit. In short, they did not, for one reason or other, take advantage of the means of im- provment at their disposal. Instead, then, of attempting to ameliorate their condition by mental cultivation, the majority of men, after their day's work was over, spent their evenings in drink-shops and singing saloons, to the great profit of the publicans and the benefit of the revenue ; but a few, of whom I was one, used to take good long walks into the country, thereby enjoying the pure air, and the many and beautiful objects which Nature so liberally provides for the benefit of every one. In some of our rambles we had often to pass nm-sery gardens, which always stood temptingly open, as it inviting us to enter and inspect them. When we had summoned up courage enough to go inside, we found no one to interfere with us, and we were welcome to wander about just as we pleased, and to see what- ever was to be seen. If at any time we made any iuquiries of the workmen, they answered them with civility, and appeared anxious to impart any information which was in their power, and by BO doing interested several of us so much about flowers, that we resolved, on the first opportunity we had, to visit the Botanic Gardens, where we hoped to learn much that we could not do in the nurseries, as we were unreasonable enough to suppose that, as those gardens were for the public benefit, there would be some properly qualified officials there to enlighten the ignorance of the .visitors. The Botanic Gardens were very fine then, but not nearly so much as they are now. In those days the entrance to them was only by a paltry little door in a high dead-wall, evidently intended to prevent the interior arrangements being seen by passers- by, and reminding one far more of the entrance to a lunatic asylum or penitentiary than a place for recreation. On ringing a beJl an attendant appeared and opened the door just wide enough to admit us. He cast rather a suspicious glance at us, and evidently thought it very hard to have been put to the trouble of opening the door for us. I remember that over the door there was a notice about the hours when the gardens were open and when shut to the public, and part of it was that from six till eight on Saturday evenings during summer they were open for the benefit of the working classes. None of us could at all make out why only one evening of the week was allowed for this very large section of the community, as every other night as well as Saturday could be made available by some portion of it, especially now that the short-time movement was fairly inaugu- rated. Whatever idea the authorities might have intended, we took the notice as a sort of hint that the working classes* company could be dispensed with at all other times ; and we could not help thinking how much better it would be were the gardens open every evening till sundown, so that all classes whatsoever might come with their children, whose school hours would be over, to enjoy the many pleasant sights to be seen within the walls. " This first visit of mine was, however, the means of giving me a new interest in life, for which I have ever since been very thankful ; and I fancy that, from what I then saw and heard, I have been useful in increasing the happiness and comfort of many of my fellow work- men. Whilst walking through the conservatories. Palm-houses, &c., feasting our eyes on all the beauties they contained, we happened to overtake a party of jolly, good-natured looking sailors, whe were evidently well pleased to see growing here many plants, trees, and flowers with which they had formed a kind of acquaintance during their wanderings about the world, but apparently thought little of them here when compared with the specimens they had seen abroad, and were quite as much bewildered as we were at the prodigiously long names that some of the things were labelled with. ' Why, look ye here,' said one them to his companions, ' whatever do they give this little chap — not big enough to make a thole-pin for the dingy — a name as long as the mainto'-bowline for ? ' Should any one remark to me that such-and-such a thing was as big as a lump of chalk, or as long as a bit of string, I would at once know what ho meant, because everybody knows what they are ; but to my mind the mainto'-bowline was only an embodiment of a straight line, length without breadth or thickness, and as I wanted to know something more about it, I asked the sailor what it was. Instead of answering me, he only stared at me for a while with the greatest amazement, and turning to his shipmates, said ; ' Well, boys, longshore folk call us ignorant, but did any mortal man ever see a fellow on board come to that one's time o' life who didn't know what the mainto'-bowline was ! Why, I expect he wouldn't know the best bower from the cook's tormentors, were he to see them together. But, I say, what's the use of staying in here, looking at these things ; we see enough of them when we're away from home. Let's go outside, and have a roll on the Grass, for we can't see a bit of turf like that except in the old country.' So commisei'ating my ignorance, they left me to have their roll on the nice velvety turf, whilst I staid behind, pitying the taste of anyone who would prefer a patch of Grass to contemplating the beauty of the exotics. I strolled away from my companions, and found the very commonest flowers with names I could not under, stand ; but pondering on the subject, I saw that owing to the enormous multiplicity and variety of plants, some accurately distinct appellations common to all countries were necessary. It was rather painful to see so few people taking anything like an intelligent interest in the plants set out for their instruction. The most of them only admired the flowers. In the fine shady walks, ladies and gentlemen, generally young, were seen lounging along in pairs ; the lady intently examining the toes of her boots, and poking holes in the gravel-walks with the point of her parasol ; and the gentleman quite as intently examining the lady's ear, or perhaps watching her curls — they used to be worn in those days — and both seemingly much at a loss for anything to say to each other. The gardens, in fact, were more a lounge for idlers than anything else. Perhaps the sight of so many plants, native and foreign, in time works a revolution in the feelings. In my own case, I felt no small enjoyment in my rambles. My mind was, as it were, opening on a new world of rational pleasure. As often as I possibly could, I returned for a walk in the gardens, and always brought some of my companions with me, till at last quite a large number of young men and women began to take an interest in flowers, and to entertain a desire to obtain information about them. So we got an obliging young gardener to come when his work was over, and tell us as much as he knew about the plants and flowers. By-and-byo this gathering became a regular class ; and it was soon observable that those who attended it began to show a great deal more taste and neatness, not only in their dress, but in their general household arrangements, than they did before. Here, then, was the beginning of a social reformation, all arising from the habit of looking at plants and flowers. The authorities saw this, and appointed a gentleman to give popular lectures on the vegetable kingdom. The Latin and Greek names were translated into English equivalents, and although they still continued of a considerable length, they were in a language we all knew, and they, therefore, conveyed some meaning to our minds, and were more easily remembered. These lectures were largely attended, and the gardens came to be so very much frequented, that they were kept open till sunset every day, and the blank-wall was pulled down, and replaced by the fine open railing and ever-open gate which is there now, affording a refreshing peep to all who are passing. About the same time, too, the magistracy of the city was busy pulling down the old lanes and closes with which it abounded, and letting more air in about it ; and some speculators, finding so many people taking to gardening, built cottages in the suburbs, where they could have bits of garden-ground attached to them. Then the people who took those cottages discovered that they wanted to know something about vegetables as well as about flowers, and, by dint of determination, got a suitable portion of the garden set apart where the best sorts could be grown, and where people could be taught the best modes of growing them. Such I believe to be the reason why so many men in and about our city have gardens, and know how to cultivate them ; and how their wives, seeing them take so much pride in their outdoor neatness and decoration, and vegetables, soon learned to keep all indoors neat and tidy, and to have the well- grown vegetables well cooked. In consequence, also, of this taste for horticulture, the men had to consult books on the subject, and soon had little libraries. Bat reading gardening-books led them into reading about other subjects, and you will now see in almost every cottage a few shelves of well-selected works by the most intelligible 140 THE GAEDEN. [Aug. 8, 1874. authors in almost every department of science. What a grand future would open on the condition of the manual labouring classes general! , wore they simply to begin to take an interest in flowers ! With improved tastes all else would follow. Even now, in some places we are favoured with a glimpse of that greatly to be desired future." — Chanilers' Journal. SOCIETIES AND EXHIBITIONS. EOTAL HOKTICULTUEAL SOCIETY. August 5tii. The most remarkable features of this meeting were the new Orchids and other plants staged by Messrs. Veitch and Mr. W. Bull ; Mr. G. P. Wilson, Mr. Ban-, and others, also furnished splendid plants and cut spikes of Lilies, chiefly of the L. aui-atum, L. speciosum, L. Thunbergianum, and nmbeUatuni types. Two splendid smooth Cayenne Pines, weighing 9 lbs. each, came from the Royal Cxardens, Frogmore. Orchids. — Messrs. Veitch & Sous exhibited several hybrid Lady's- slippers, including Cypripedium Sedeni, C. Harrissianum, and C. Duminianum, all of which are now recognised as valuable additions to the genus to which they belong. A remarkably healthy plant of the bright purple-llowered Acrides Huttonii bore a spike of flowers nearly 2 feet in length ; this plant is very distinct from any other species of the genus in cultivation, and, evidently, improves under good culture ; a pUnt of Saceolabium Blumei majus bore four fine wreath-like spikes of pearly- white lilac-tipped flowers, and a species of Stanhopea, something iu the way of S. oculata, also bore a seven or eight flowered spike of yellow flowers, profusely spotted with brown. In addition to these the coUectiou included a fine specimen of Masdevallia Veitchii with four spikes, Aerides suavis- simum, the deep claret-purple flowered MUtonia Slorelliana, and others. Mr. Bull had a plant of the snowy-white Cypripedium niveum, Odonto- glossum Roezlii, and a healthy specimen plant of Lffilia elegans Ander- sonii, bearing a splendid spike of deep rosy flowers, the lip having pure white lateral lobes, and a rich crimson-purple central one ; it is one of the best and most distinct of all the forms of this well-known Orchid. Mr. Denning exhibited a cut flowering pseudo-bulb of an unnamed Den- drobium bearing dense clusters of vivid orange-yellow flowers ; in habit, the plant seems to be near D. secundum, but the flower-spikes are more copiously produced, the bulb shown being perfectly wreathed with flowers ; the sepals, netals, and lip, are conspicuously striped with reddish- brown, and the plant is certainly worth cultivation as one of the most distinct species hitherto added to our collections. New Plants.— Of these Mr. W. BuU had a fine group. Conspicuous among them was the ivory-veined Arad, Phyllatsenium Lindenii, with great halberd-shaped foHage ; Dracajna Shepherdi, one of the most robust of all the species ; Croton spirale, well coloured ; 0. majesticum, C. volutum, and others. Some of the Cycads in this group were very ornamental. Macrozamia plumosa is one of the freshest and most graceful of all the species, the leaflets being a foot long and very slender, drooping elegantly on aU sides. hoses.— Messrs. Geo. Paul & Son, of the Cheshunt Nurseries, staged eight stands of cut Roses, many of the flowers being in fine condition. Among these we may note Louis Van Houtte, a fine velvety flower ; S. Reynolds Hole, something in the same way, but much darker in colour ; Gloire de Dijon and Madame Villermoz, both good ; Camille Bernardin, an old favourite, of a pale rosy-crimson colour ; and La;ha, a large flower, of the most delicate rosy-flesh ; Baronne Rothschild, one of the very best of hght exhibition kinds ; Ettiene Levet, a deep rosy-crimson ; Madame Baumann, and others. Miscellaneous.— Mr. R. P. Barr staged a fine collection of cut Lilies, among which we noticed L. tigrinum fl. pi., a double form well worth a place in all collections, the white-flowered L. longiflorum, and others of the umbellatum type. Mr. H. Loader, gardener to H. P. Hennell, Esq., Mayo Road, Forest Hill, sent a splendid specimen of Lilinm auratum with two stems, each about 10 feet iu height ; the larger of the two stems was faseiated towards the top, and bore the enormous number of forty-eight flowers, while the smaller one bore seventeen. The plant was well clothed with healthy foliage to within 18 inches of the pot, and deserves mention as an example of what this plant is capable of becoming under superior cultivation. Mr. Offord, of Upper Clapton, sent Ageratum, Clapton Gem, a dwarf and tolerably free-flnwering form of A. mesicanum. Mr. Wood- bridge sent fine cut sprays of Clethra arborea, a beautiful half-hardy evergreen shrub, bearing terminal panicles of pearly white flowers in great abundance ; also Pavia macrostachya, with deep green lobed leaves and slender terminal spikes of white flowers with long stamens aud crimson anthers ; Hibiscus syriacus, and both rosy and white varieties of Ceaonothus americana. Mr. Stanton, SUU Mills, Lewisham, sent two seedling Lobehas of fair average merit, and Mr. Eckford sent cut trusses of Verbenas. Mr. R. Dean sent stands of French and African Marigold flowers, very double and bright in colour, also fine blooms of Camellia-flowered Balsams. Messrs. F. and A. Smith sent a fine group of Balsams, with largo and richly coloured flowers. The plants were sturdy aud dwarf, the colours being both variable and distinct. It seems a pity so useful a decorative plant and one which everyone can grow, cither out of doors or as a window plant, should not be more generally cultivated. Fruit and Vegetables.— These were limited in quantity, although some specimens of both were above average merit. Mr. K. Dean sent two fine dishes of Potatoes from Bedfont. One variety was a large white Kidney, raised by Mr. Robert Fenn, <>f Woodstock, and the other, Snowflake, a tine American variety of more than average merit. The same exhibitor also sent a dish of Exhibition Runner Bean, evidently a good form of the old Scarlet Runner, and a hardy frame Cucumber, named Green Gem, on account of its fresh colour. It is said to have an excellent constitution, and to be a prolific bearer during the summer months, succeeding weU as a winter-fruiting variety treated in the usual way. Mr. Moms sent two dishes of a new seedling Potato, not named. Messrs. Barr & Sugden sent fruit of Marquis of Lome, Duke of Edin- burgh, and Luton Hoo Cucumbers for comparison. Mr. Woodbridge furnished a small collection of Plums ; Mr. Sage excellent fruit of WaJ- burton Admirable Peach ; and Mr. J. Clark, Roehampton, an excellent dish of Moor Park Apricot. First-class Certificates were awarded to the following novelties : — ^letrosylon filiare (Bull) — An elegant Palm, belonging to the pinnate-leaved section, aud having gracefully recurved leaflets, the l^af-stalka being rather formidably armed with extremely slender brown spines. It is a usefiil addi- tion to the genus to which it belongs. X Zygopetalura, seedling (Veitch). — This plant resembles Z. Jlackayii in habit, the sepals and petals being dark brown, with a bluish-purple lip, and the curiously plaited crest peculiar to the group. It is a very interesting addi- tion to a useful and well-known group of showy-flowered Orchids. Lilium speciosum atro-eanguineum rubrum (\ViIson). — This is an extremely fine and early-flowering form of the common Japanese Lily, the individual flowers being 8 to 9 inches across, and very richly coloured, while the plant itself is robust, and scarcely exceeds 2 feet in height. Dendrobium, epecies (Denning). — This is a beautiful and free-fiowering addition to a division of the genus, not remarkable for conspicuous-flowered species. It may be likened to D. secundum, but flowers more profusely, bearing orange-yellow flowers, with segments striped with brown. Fuchsia procumbens (Ktaghorn). — A Botanical Certificate was awarded to this graceful New Zealand species, which has recently been raised from seed, and flowered in several collections. It is not showy, but possesses a graceful habit, and may be useful to hybridisers. The New Approach, to the Thames Embankment. — The block plan of the proposed new approach, recently laid before the Metroijolitan Board of Works, shows a road 90 feet wide, which is nearly the same width as the Embankment roadway itself. Much discussion has taken place as to the width of the street, it having been contended that such a street in such a situation could hardly be made too wide, the only doubt being whether it ought not to be 100 feet in width. The Timber of the United States.-^Professor Brewer, of the Sheffield Scientific School of Yale College, has surprised the meterologists of the old world, who have been led to believe that the climate of the United States has been gradually changing through the destruction of its forests. Ho has written a letter, in which he shows by figures that no such destruction has been going on, and it there has been any change of climate, it must be from some other cause. He says, that in the older settled portion of the Eastern States — New England and the Middle States — one third of the whole farming area is still woodland, and that if we extend our observations further to the south and west the facts are still more striking. Predatory Chickens. — Try Max Adder's method, which he de. scribes as follows : — " We had a good deal of trouble last summer with Pitman's chickens ; as fast as we planted anything in our little garden, those chickens of Pitman's would creep through the fence, scratch out the seed, fill up, and go home. When the Radish-bed had been ravished in this manner for the fifth time, we complained to Pitman. He was not disposed to interfere. ' Adeler,' he said, ' I tell yon it does 'em good ; and it does them beds good to be raked over by chickens. If I bad Radishes, give me chickens to scratch around them and eat up the worms. Radishes that haven't been scratched ain't worth a cent.' Then we climbed over the fence with the determination to take the law in our own hands. W« procured half-a-peck of corn and two dozen small fish-hooks. Fastening the hooka each to a grain of corn, we tied wire to each hook. Then wo scattered the whole of the corn on the Radish-bed, and fLxed the ends of the wires to the biggest sky-rocket we could get. The rocket stood in a frame about 10 yards away from the hooks. That very morning Pitman's chickens came over, and instantly began to devour the corn. We were ready ; and, as soon as it was evident that the hooks were all swallowed, we applied a match to the rocket. It is regarded as probable that no barn-yard fowls that have existed since the days of Noah, ever proceeded toward the azure vault of heaven with such rapidity as those did. A fizz, a few ejaculatory cackles, a puff of smoke, and Pitman's roosters and chickens were swishing around among the celestial constellations without their feathers, and iu some doubt respecting the stability of earthly things. Pitman never knew what became of his fowls ; but, when we read in the paper next day that twenty-four underdone chickens, with fish-hooka in their craws, had been rained down by a hurricane in New Jersey, wo felt certain that that sky-rocket had done its duty." Aug. 15, 1874.] THE GARDEN. 141 THE GARDEN. " This is an art Whiob does mend nature : change it rather : The Akt itself is Natuee." — Shakespeare. but HARDY ERICAOBOUS PLANTS. By JAMES M'NAB, Royal Botanic G.ardcns, Edinburgh. No class of shrubby plants now in cultivation is, perhaps, more interesting or better adapted for rock garden purposes than the hardy dwarf Ericaceous group, such as the species of Menziesia, Dabrocia, Ledum, Cassiope, Andromeda, Vaccinium, Erica, Calluna.also Azalea procumbens, Arctostaphylos alpinus, Bryanthus erectus, and Rhodothamnus chamascistus, &c. They are mostly kinds which naturally grow in high and dry situations, and stand with impunity a considerable amount of drought, as lias been sufficiently tested during the past summer, more particularly when they become thoroughly established in rock garden compartments, or between the crevices of the stones comprising them. When an Ericaceous rockery is to be formed, the ground selected ought, if possible, to slope towards the north, or should be placed behind a south wall, in order to avoid full exposure to the sun, where such plants would be apt to dry up, besides requiring more artificial watering, which is apt to prove injurious to their leaves during a period of bright sunshine. If the rockery for such plants has to be constructed on comparatively level ground, the soil laid down for the purpose should be blocked into shape according to the taste of the operator, but made to slope towards the north. The south slope can be arranged irregularly, and afterwards planted with common or hybrid Rhododendrons interspersed with portions of Grass lawn. When the north or rock-garden slope has been worked into the outline wanted, which can be done with any kind of soil, the upper surface can be mixed with rough peat partially intermixed with broken pieces of sandstone free of iron, say from half-an-inch to 2 inches in diameter. The stones to be used for forming the plant-boxes of the rock -work must be about 16 or 18 inches long, and not less than 2 inches thick, also of a porous nature, and each placed about two-thirds into the soil, forming compartments from 6 to 12 inches in diameter, these spaces to be filled with chopped peat and broken stones. If the rock-work slopes much, which is highly desirable, it ought to be arranged, if possible, to show irregu- lar artificial quarrys, by dipping here and there into the ground. It is of importance, while planting the boxes, to have the surface-soil of the back portions of each compartment a little lower than the front, so as to enable the water, either natural or artificial, to sink down behind the plant, instead of running off, as it is apt to do, when sloping to the front. By this simple arrangement the moisture is not lost, and the stones being kept much longer moist, the roots will be found to adhere more firmly to them. All the Ericaceous, and the allied orders of plants, possess variety sufiicient to fill a rock- garden of themselves, and varieties can be had and planted in duplicate to keep up a succession in a blooming state in the various compartments more or less all the year round. For the summit or highest portions of the rock-garden, compact plants of Rhododendron hirsutum and R. ferrugineum are admirably adapted, and, in such situations, mature their flower-buds well — often more profusely than they do in ordinary peat borders, where they may grow more vigorously, but produce flower- buds less abundantly. Such plants as Menziesia empetri- formis, M. Drummondii, and M. caerulea are also well suited for rock-garden culture, and flower profusely every year. An occasional surfacing of fresh peat and sand will be found well adapted for such plants,partic'ularly after the flowering is over, and before the young growths begin to form. The Menziesia c^rulea seeds abundantly in such places ; but, with the excep- tion of one or two rcquii-ed for seed-bearing purposes, the flowers of all the others should be clipped off with a pair of scissors, so as to induce a free growth for the flowering of the following year. Cassiope tetragona and O.fastigiata are interest- ing objects for rook-garden cultivation, and flower profusely. Like the Menziesias, they are improved by having a little sifted peat mixed with sand put amongst their stems ; they will root into it, and their appearance will be improved for the following year. The Dabojcias, white, purple, and variegated, are also very suitable rock plants. With the exception of the compact- growing varieties, all others must be clipped in after the flowering is over ; they arc likewise improved by having a little fresh soil placed amongst their stems ; it will induce fresh roots, and the plants will be greatly benefited by it, instead of appearing long and lanky, as they are frequently seen. All hardy Heaths, such as Erica Tetralix, E. cinerea, ciliaris, herbacea, Mackayana, Watsonii, vagans, as well as numerous varieties of Irish Heaths of the E. mediterrauea breed, like- wise the many forms and vai'ieties of the Common Ling, Calluna vulgaris, are all extremely well suited for rock-garden culti- vation, and all are improved by being more or less clipped. This clipping is mostly done, immediately the flowering is past, with a pair of sheep shears, and if properly attended to in this respect, they will continue in a compact-flowering state for many years, while the want of it causes them to be long and wiry, and if allowed to get into this condition, any after- cutting will have a tendency more to destroy than improve, particularly if the weather should be dry and sunny after Ijeing done. As the varieties of the Ling Heath flower at different seasons, I generally find it best to clip each sort as soon as the blooming is over. Pew of the hardy Heaths prove more effective for rock-garden decoration than the varieties of the Bell Heather (Erica cinerea). When rooted from cuttings, which all hardy Heaths ought to be (see The Garden for 21st December, 1872), and placed between the crevices of rook- work stones, although not more than one inch apart, peat soil having been previously placed there, the plants root down, the branches spread, and flowers are freely produced in these limited spaces ; this mode of treatment must be towards a northern aspect. Azalea procumbens, both Scotch and American, are well-suited for rock-work purposes, the soil for them must be well supplied with stones, so as to allow their long roots to get freely down between them. The Arctosta- phylos alpina (Black Bear-berry) grows admirably in rock gardens ; like the dwarf Azaleas and many others, it is better to have the surface of the compartment, after being planted, covered with pieces of freestone, which prevents the soil becoming too dry, but which cannot happen if the compartment has a northerly aspect, but if placed in a situation where they arc likely to get dried, a slight covering of Sphagnum Moss placed over the surface of the soil in the compartment before the stones are put on, will prevent over-drying. Gaultheria procumbens, G. carnea, G. prostrata, and G. nummularioides, Vaccinium Myrtillus, and V. maorocarpum, Epigasa repens, Rhododendron lapponicum, Andromeda hypnoides, Diapensia lapponica, Pyxidanthera barbulata, all Ericaceous plants, with numerous other dwarf shrubby ones, although not of the same family, deserve a place in the Ericaceous rock-garden, and, as they are reared immediately under the eye, they can receive more attention than they generally get in low level beds or borders, where such rarities are generally planted.and where they often get smothered with Moss or Marchantia. Of the latter class may be mentioned the dwarf species of Rubus, such as R. aroticus, R. Chamiemorus, Dryas Drummondii, D. octopetala, and D. integrifolia, Galax aphylla, Polygala Ohamasbuxus, Liunaja borealis, both Scotch and American, as well as the varieties of Empetrum, Pyrola, and the dwarf Willows, as Salix reticulata, S. lanata, and S. herbacea, with many others not named here, when so cultivated, possess an interest infinitely greater than can possibly be derived by being reared in the ordinary way of low border cultivation. Most of the plants above enumerated, are now growing m the Ericaceous department of the rockery in the Edinburgh Botanic Garden, and, notwithstanding the dry summer, they have all stood well, flowering more or less abundantly, and possess infinitely greater charms for the general cultivator, than can possibly be derived from any other method of growmf such plants. A good quality belonging to most of these plants is their evergreen character. An artistically arranged group of them in a rock-garden is full of beauty in mid- winter, even before the myriads of rosy buds of the spring flowering Heaths begiu to open, and grouped along with silvery ever- green Alpine plants, the effect is all the more charming. 142 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 15, 1874. NOTES OF THE WEEK. Mr. J. BoswELL Syme, Balmnto, Kirkcaldy, writca to ua to say that he has some seeds of Helleborus colchicus, guttatus, &c., which he will be happy to distribute to anyone who caros to receive them. Early application must, however, be made as they should be sown at once. They will not vegetate if kept till spring. As will be seen by our advertising columns, a company has been formed to work Mr. Cowan's patent system of lime-kiln heating, of which we have spoken favourably on several occasions, and which is highly approved of by Mr. Bennett, of Hatfield, and other horticul- turists, who have already given the plan a trial. We are glad to see that Mr. Cowan holds the position of managing director. We have received from Messrs. Teutschel & Co., of Colchester, a bloom of a very handsome Lily, named Lilium Thunbergianum aureum nigro-punctatum. Its segments, which are of great substance, are golden-yellow, shading off into soft orange.yellow at the edges, and profusely spotted with chocolate. It is a showy and valuable addition to late flowering Lilies. At the Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham, the pretty little antumn-flowering bulb Acis (Leucojum) autumnalis is now in bloom ; as are also Cypella Herberti, a handsome Iridaoeous plant with Tigridia-like flowers ; Chlora grandiflora, a charming little bright yellow-blossomed Gentianaoeous plant; Echinacea (Rudbeckia) purpurea ; the brilliant scarlet Pentstemou barbatum Torreyii ; Erigeron glaucum ; and ffinothera eximia and marginata. On the recommendation of the Streets Committee, the Commissioners of Sewers for the City of London have passed an order to put Moorgate Street, Finsbury Pavement, Mansion House Street, and Queen Victoria Street under the permanent pipe system of watering of Messrs. Brown and Co., of India Buildings, Edinburgh. The three first mentioned thoroughfares are of asphalte, and the last mentioned of granite. AxMOST immediately the new road about to be made through the Green Park, in order to relieve the traffic from Pimlico to the West End, will be begun. The new thoroughfare will lead out of Pic- cadilly, opposite Hamilton Place, and proceed through the park. Constitution Hill is not touched, but, on the contrary, remains intact, by the intended construction of an arch, under which heavy vehicles going eastward will pass, private carriages going by Grosvenor Place. The new road is to be 60 ft. wide, and will presumably be a macada- mised thoroughfare. Me. J. Lucas, of the Geological Survey of England, has just published a treatise " On Horizontal Wells," in which he asserts that he gives a " solution of the problem of supplying London with pure water." Examining the geology of the greensands and chalk of Surrey, he finds that above 1,000 feet of porous strata rests upou a bed of " absolutely impervious clay," and he contends that " a tunnel driven along the strike of the beds, or water-level, must of necessity arrest all the water that is flowing down it as far as the gallery is carried." The geological evidence given appears conclusive ; we may, there, fore, hope that a source for the supply of London with " the best and purest spring water" has been discovered. Those engaged in building extensive stone-gardens, making costly geometrical arrangements for fountains, and other purely artifi- cial garden " adornments," will do well to ponder over the following note : — " At a meeting of the shareholders of the Crystal Palace Com- pany, which took place the other day, Mr. Wakefield in the chair, to consider a plan for the restoration of the building, Mr. Scott Russell aaid that he had made an inspection of the Palace at the request of the Reconstruction Committee. The whole of the capital expended on the part of the building which had been burnt down, both upon the building itself and its valuable contents, had been lost through the culpable negligence of some one, and there had not been any attempt made to restore that part of the structure. There had also, he found, been an entire wing of the Palace blown down, and no effort had been made to restore that portion cither. He found the whole of tho grand cascade of tho waterworks, which had cost nearly £300,000, going to ruin. Tho two cascades lower down wore also going to decay, and so was the building opposite, in which iised to be seated illustrious people who visited the Palace. A great number of tho pipes and communications of the waterworks were likewise going to ruin. On looking into tho state of the machinery of the waterworks he was astonished to find that the economical portions had been allowed to go utterly to ruin, while the most extravagant and costly part of the works, which were but seldom used, had been maintained in full working order. As to tho courts of sculpture, Mr. Russell found that the works had nearly all gone — where, he could not tell. From some a finger, a nose, or an arm was missing, and, apparently, there had been no attempt to replace the missing parts of the statues. The magnificent collection of art sculpture was in a moat disgraceful condition. The works were in such a state of decay throughout, that a very large sum would have to be speedily expended upon the property. The Torbay Nursery, Torquay, hitherto in the possession of Messrs. Morgan & Sons, has just been purchased by Mr. W. James Veitch, the eldest son of Mr. Robert Veitch, of Exeter. . The last published part of the Linnean Society's Transactions contains Mr. .1. Scott's Notes on the Ferns of British Sikkim, with eighteen plates, and Prof. Reichenbach's Enumeration of the Orchids collected by the Rev. C. Parish, in Moulmein, with six plates. Mb. Jas. Anderson, the well-known Orchid grower, the originator, and for many years manager, of the famous Meadowbank collection has now taken Meadowbank, with the view of converting it into an extensive nursery of iudoor and hardy plants generally. Among these. Orchids will form an important feature. Mii. Jacrson Gillbanks writes to us to say that in West Cumberland Mushrooms are so plentiful in the fields that they appear as if spread with '• lime," a result, doubtless, wrought by heavy showers having fallen lately nearly every day for a week together in that district. We have received from Mr. Young, of Godalming, cut branches of his beautiful Golden Chinese Juniper named Juniperus chinensis aurea, a variety which promises to be a most valuable addi- tion to hardy ornamental Conifers. For grouping along with Yews, Portugal Laurels, and other sombre-tinted evergreens, where striking effects are so much wanted, its bright golden colour will render it invaluable. The Board of Trade has received from the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs a copy of a French law, promulgated on the 25th ult., instituting a prize of 300,000 francs (about £12,000), to which may be added subscriptions from other sources, for the discovery of an efficacious and economical means of destroying the Phylloxera or of preventing its ravages. A commission nominated by the Minister of Agriculture and Commerce will determine tho condition of com- petition and the award of the prize. The white variety of Hydrangea paniculata, now in flower in Mr. John Waterer's nursery at Bagshot, and which will continue blooming till November, seems likely to prove a valuable addition to late-flowering hardy shrubs. The tree form of Hedera Ra3gneriana, of which there are several plants in the same nursery, shows a very distinct habit and aspect, and will be useful for planting under the shade of trees, or as an isolated specimen on Grass. A new golden variegated form of Juniperus chinensis also seems likely to prove both useful and ornamental. On Monday evening last a constable arrested a drunken man in the act of tearing up a bed of Geraniums in Hyde Park. He had uprooted no fewer than fifty-five before he was caught, and had spoiled a bed for the rest of the season. Brought before Mr. Newton, he could offer no defeuce, and he was severely punished by the in. fliction of a fine so heavy as to render it nearly certain that he will lie in prison for two mouths — the alternative penalty. It was stated in evidence that lately a great many plants have been missed, among them being specimens of choice varieties ; and that we consider the worst symptom which the incident disclosed. Under such circum. stances it is not surprising that the magistrate should declare, with emphasis, his fixed intention to impose no fines, but in future to inflict imprisonment. He hoped the fact would be made known far and wide. We readily welcome his resolve, and give publicity to his note of warning. The persons who steal flowers and plants are guilty of a delinquency which bears the stamp of meanness as well as crime. The public themselves can do a great deal in aid of the police by keeping a watch upon depredators. The thirty-fifth anniversary meeting of the Roj'al Botanic Society of London was held last week in the Inner Circle, Regent's Park, Sir Walter Stirling in the chair. Mr. Sowerby, the secretary, read the annual report, from which it appeared that the number of new subscribers who had joined tho society during the year, was in excess of that of last year, and also much above the average. Tho numerical strength of the society had been fully maintained. Tho exhibition of flowers and the evening /rJe had been most successful, and were gaining in popularity. The new range of greenhouses for the preservation of plants relating to the arts, manufactures, and domestic economy, commenced last jear, had been completed at a considerable cost, and thus extended facilities had been offered to teachers, students, and others seeking information relating to tho vcetable kingdom. Free admissions to study had been issued to twenty-six artists, 318 to professors and students, and 31,500 cut specimens distributed to them. Several improvements had been made in the gardens, and many new and interesting plants added to the collection. His Serene Highness the Duke of Teck was elected president tor the year. Auo. 15, 1874.] THE GARDEN. 143 THE LIBRARY. LANDSCAPE GARDENING "FOE PERTBTUAL BEAUTY." * " He who aims high, aims well, though he hit not the mark as high as he aimed," is an oft quoted aphorism of one of our old divines, full of grand meaning and noble purpose. On perusing the early part of this most recent literary production on landscape gardening, with its high sounding title, em- bodying, as it does, beauty both past, present, and to come — in fact, " everlasting beauty ; " it struck us that the foregoing aphorism would have been most happy in its application — clearly the aim of the writer was high — and equally clearly, does he fail to hit the point at which he aimed. Nay, more, as we progress through the volume, the feeling is, that the title of this work ought to have been not " perpetual beauty," but " beautiful for ever." Some years ago, we were called in professionally by an elderly gentleman of somewhat penurious proclivities, to solve the enigma as to how the arrangements of the grounds surrounding a new house were to be disposed of ; we found our friend deep in the study of a dozen or more landscape gardening works, some ancient, some modern, all expensive; failing to realise out of one anything definite to suit his own particular case, he purchased another and so on, with a cumulative result, that in the end left him in a much more confused condition of mind than at starting. After glaucing at the books, which, were in truth, a costly and a really valuable lot, we suggested that he should transfer them to his library-shelves, and accompany us round his garden, or rather round the site of his proposed garden, where we had no doubt a few hours would place us in a position to reduce the whole of his theoretical ideas to such practical data as would result in the preparation of the necessary plans, and the ultimate accomplishment of the work so as to render it, if not a perpetual beauty, at least an object of beauty, and for beautification, so long as it lasts. The perusal of the present work with its high sounding title, brought the foregoing little episode very pointedly to our recollection ; had it then been in existence, it might well have formed the culminating volume in the series, as of all the works on landscape gardening, it has never been our misfortune to peruse one less practical, and less adapted to assist the amateur who essays to try his hand at the ornamental and picturescjue improvements of his grounds. Why, then, should this be — why should the most recent emanation from the horticultural press in this line require such an unqualified verdict ? Our author has had, at least, sonie practical experience, in addition to a practical training, and ought to have been able to give us something more consonant with that practice than is evinced in the work before us ; we live in a practical age, why then preach high sounding platitudes reduced, every now and then, to a sort of multiplication table-like regularity, that to us appears to be thoroughly meaningless. Evidently, our author, or possibly our author's " learned friend," to whom he alludes in the pre- face, is an admirer of Ruskin, and so, indeed, are we. There is no English writer imbued with a more refined love for, or capability of, appreciating beauty than Ruskin, and, what is more, he possesses a power of language that enables him to convey those ideas clearly to his reader. In his " Stones of Venice," " Modern Painters," nay, indeed, in all his works, there occur passages replete with poetry and the highest moral sentiment combined, which a writer on landscape gar- dening might fitly take for the heading, subject, or text of each chapter of his book. The author's aim ought, however, to be, not to soar with Ruskin after, if we may so call it, a lame- winged fashion, but rather to remain on terra firma, which, indeed, he states it is " his glory to beautify," and reduce those grand thoughts and sentiments embodied in Ruskin's works to a practical form, whereby he may benefit himself, his pro- fession, and mankind at large. Lest it might be thought that we are dealing too harshly with an author who, in his preface, pleads inexperience in authorship, we will give one or two quotations and leave our readers to judge for them- selves. In his chapter on " Beauty and Comparison," he says : • " Landscape Gardening for Perpetual Beauty.'* By J. F. Johnson, Curator of the Boyal Botanic Gardens, Belfast. Belfast : 0. Aitchison. — " The word ' comparison ' is, perhaps, the best I can make use of in order to convey a sense of the general feeling which I desire to express. Plants should preserve their individual char- acter in due subordination with the general arrangement, and not be jumbled up unmeaningly together to the ruin of all true effect. If, indeed, plants had less beauty than they actually possess, still it must wound the soul of the observer to witness the harshness and inconsequence with which they are often treated. Contrast, when rightly used, is, in truth, the source of developing great beauty ; but if we neglect the comparison of our subject the results must prove unsatisfactory. In con- templating some scene of natural beauty with its refined fore- ground dying away into Lufinity, the soul is, as it were, filled up with and steeped in its harmony. No woi-k in which the principles of harmony are violated can further the true interests of art, while those which instil a just feeling of unison with the subject, must necessarily do good. It is easy to find examples. Scenery, indeed, must be true to Nature and effect, else the results cannot possibly prove satisfactory." Again, speaking of t'ne lines of infinity and mass, whatever those may be supposed to mean, he says in his chapter on " General Observation for Be.auty," " These lines should be used according to the natural formation of the ground to be beautified. No straining should be attempted to give more than is natural to the place, in just proportion of feelings, for there are plants of infinite characters which will beautify either small or large effects. Thus, the line curving concavely, in all its various forms, towards the individual, gives material to the mind ; and the line curving convexly, or from, gives him occasion for thought. Thus the beauty of each character, in its development, gives either its material or thought to the mind." The latter part of this quotation might, we think, be more plainly and common-sensely defined, by saying, that the concave line and the objects of which it is composed, present to the eye the line of present enjoyment; the convex line, on the other hand, represents the line of prospective or future enjoyment. Again, speaking of the planting of shrubs with reference to outlines and masses, we quote the following : " Although these two effects of vegetation — outlines and masses — produce an impression, more or less, on every person, for you cannot pass a shrub or tree, even buried in thought, vrithout receiving an invisible influence, communicated by their masses and outlines, yet the details must have one's particular attention before one can see them. But the subjects that surround you guide your path and meet every view of your eyes, shedding an influence over your life, such as every person is not aware of ; therefore, the general outlines and massing of vegetation should be carefully adjusted, and, on these two featuresof character I will venture togive a fewreniarks." These are followed up by detailed mention of some shrubs, including Hollies, Tews, and Rhododendrons, with special reference to their outline and mass peculiarities ; concluding witha list of miscellaneous evergreen and hardy shrubs, he finishes as follows. " Much of the art of arranging vegetation consists in placing the character of the plants planted into harmony suitable to the scene intended to beautify," which sentiment we hope our readers fully appreciate and understand, in which case we can only plead that they have the advantage of us. These quotations, will, we think, amply exemplify the style which the author has unfortunately adopted, and fully confirm the correctness of our opening remarks. Yet, though this style unmistakeably pervades every page of the book, there are passages occurring here and there that indicate a poetic mind and one capable of appreciating Nature; in illustra- tion of this, take the following as a sample : — " There are various natural scenes which show forth beauties from early spring till latest autumn without any assistance from art. Some old Hawthorn hedge, for example, will display a pleasant bordering of early Primroses and Violets, and, when May arrives wraps itself over with fair sweet flowers. Then the wild Rose peeps forth with her lovely delicate buds, and in autumn Rose and Thorn alike vie with each other in bright array of scarlet fruitage, a perfect delight to look at, yielding a regale for birds in requital of their songs. Tet many a scene would manifest results not less charming than these, would we only avail ourselves of Nature's guidance, but led astray by 144 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 15, 1874. technical principles, we fail to understand and miss the plea- sures which otherwise we might enjoy." Here we are at one with our author, especially in the latter part of the quotation, which appears to militate strangely with the general feeling as expressed in the work before us, consisting, as it does, almost entirely of an enunciation of those vague technical principles, which he himself thus condemns — less of them and more of Nature, and the power of appreciating Nature ought to constitute the stock in trade of a landscape gardener. Turning to the chapter on " Town parks," we were much disappointed to find that little more than a single page is devoted to this subject. Surely the importance of additional park accomodation, and the etjual importance of turning those that are in existence to the best account, might have formed subject matter for a lengthy dissertation — nay, more, we think, our author might have found therein illustrations accessible to all — of those grand principles which he wishes to impart to his readers, and thereby have verified the old saying, that "an ounce of practice is worth a pound of theory." In speaking of trees for town parks, he appears to ignore the Piatauus, giving prominence to Robiuias, Birches, and Itlaples, none of which are, for one moment, to be compared to the former as town decorative trees. The concluding chapter, devoted to " the Pinetum," consists of about three-quarters of a page ; and out of the long array of Conifers — not all of which, we admit, are valuable, from a picturesque or economic point of view, but, nevertheless, many are — our author's brief sum- mary under that heading consists only of Pinusaustriaca, Abies (which, he does not say), Cedrus Libani and Deodara, Pinus Sabiniana and excelsa, Taxus baccata fastigiata, and Picea nobilis ! Where are all the goodly array of Araucarias (not, we believe, once mentioned in the book). Sequoias, Taxodiums, Junipers, Cupressus, Thujas, Libocedrus, Retinosporas, &c. Should this work of Mr. Johnson's reach a second edition, we would strongly suggest a limitation to broad and oft repeated platitudes, that refer, in the most indefinite manner, to everything in general and nothing in particular, and an extension of the subjects of these two chapters. Parks and town decoration are the order of the day, and most certainly belong to the proper sphere of landscape gardening, not architecture, to which fact Leicester Square, as modernised, bears ample testimony; and Pinetums are yet in course of formation, and have not become things of the past, as our author's cursory allusion to them would lead one to imagine. The work is illustrated by eleven plates, or, more properly, diagrams. These, to some extent, help to explain the author's meaning, but they are far below the standard which the art of wood engraving has now acquired. We cannot leave this book without quoting a paragraph from the introductory chapters that we think, as proceeding from a young author, might well have been excised from the manuscript by the pen or scissors of " the learned friend " before alluded to. It is as follows : — " Much mischief, undoubtedly, is often unwittingly done by bookmakers who dish up other people's brains in such a fashion that, so far as horticulture is concerned, one might as well read a romance as peruse their writings. Disgusted with plagiarism, many give up reading on these subjects altogether, and thereby lose what might prove beneficial, along with what is otherwise. It is, however, very possible to re-discover a truth that was known before." Such a sweeping and ill-natured condemna- tion would have been much better omitted. No doubt Mr. Johnson himself has re-discovered truths that were known before— aye, and that were clothed in much more intelligible language than he has disguised them in, long before he was born. Considering the many curiously involved ungrammatioal and hopelessly meaningless sentences in the book, we are surprised to learn, from the preface, that Mr. Thomas Moore, of the Chelsea Botanic Gardens, has looked over the proof sheets. Yet the book abounds with such sentences as the following: •'After ihaf the sph-if is placed in the material of hcauty, obeervation may be made on parts of its diversifi- cyfion!"{p. 31). "In beauty, form and colour are one ; 'its form yiving ynii Nature's character for the present and future ; ivhileits colour fells you its permanent im^ircssion on its liyht pleasant thoughts " (p. 109). TOWN WINDOW GARDENING SOCIETIES. Is London, Ilnll, and elsewhere, societies have been formed to enooarage window-gardening, and wherever the beneficial influence of such societies has been exerted they have done much good. Many a dingy homo has been made all tho brighter by the plants grown in them under the fostering influence and encouragement of such societies. Nor has it been essential to the happiness of tho owners that a high standard o£ plant cultivation should have been set up. If only a plant will live, preserve its leaves green, and occasionally gladden its owner's eyes with a flower, then the cansea for supreme satisfaction are quite ample. Now and again it is possible to meet with really well-grown plants in tho homes of the very poor, and we well remember on one occasion to have seen in the window of a small honse in one of our back streets nearly a dozen healthy vigorous plants which would not have been discreditable in any cottage window in the country. This by way of encouragement. There are many plants which will thrive excellently well even in the smoke of large towns, provided they receive a few extra attentions.' For instance, the soil in which they are planted should bo fresh and sweet, and should bo renewed at least annually ; tho dust and dirt which will be certain to accumulate on the leaves day by day should be occasionally removed — the of tenor the bettor — by sponging, or the rougher and readier method of sprinkling, or the more simple one of exposure to gentle rains when they fall. Then, again, plauts should, on the one hand, never be over. watered, so as to convert the soil into mud ; nor kept without water too long, so as to convert the soil into dust. With such means most of the more robust plants which com. monly adorn cottage windows will grow and do well in those of towns. Evergreens of many varieties are well adapted for permanent occu- pancy of such jjositions ; for, owing to the harder and oftentimes glossy surface of the leaves, they are hardier than most soft-wooded plants. The Cactus family, again, and many of the succulents, will for a long time bear up against rough usage and neglect, and the other adverse circumstances attendant upon town gardening; and their uncommon styles of growth, and flowers quaint and strange in appear- ance, invariably produce unflagging interest. Bulbs of many sorts, too, are particularly suitable to fill creditably a prominent place in a town window. We should like to know that window. gardening societies were established in all our populous towns. They would accomplish a really good work, and would encourage many who are now inert to become cultivators. The duties of the committees of management would not be arduous. They might well undertake the printing and distribu- tion of such a code of instructions as would be readily understood by all who could read. They might purchase and distribute, at thu lowest possible price, suitable plants, bulbs, &c., properly potted. They should arrange for the holding of two exhibitions every year — one early in spring, when bulbs should be shown ; tho other some time in the summer, for plauts generally. They might also arrange for the occasional delivery of simple, but instructive addresses on plant life and plant growing in various parts of the town. They would also have to collect funds, in order to cover necessary expenses and provide prizes, which might bo in money, plants, books, or useful domestic articles. To make the society as powerful as possible, it would, perhaps, be advisable to arrange for the organisation of two bodies — the one central, the other local. The local sub. committees should, perhaps, be as numerous as the ecclesiastical parishes or the municipal wards. They should be chosen by the residents in their respective districts. The central committee might consist of repre. sentative members of the local ones, one or two selected from each, with the addition of perhaps a few other persons chosen by these local representatives. The work of the central committee would be to raise the necessary funds, to settle the rules, to fix the exhibition days, and to award the prizes ; while the local committees would have to work up their several districts, diflnse information respecting tho objects of the society, put themselves in personal connection with tho class in which the exhibitors would be found, and in other ways help on the work of the organisation. By such a dual arrangement an immense amount of work might be done, while no one person's share need be overwhelming. The connection between the localities each being represented in the central committee, would bo mutually helpful, and, if well managed, the society would prove all powerful in carrying out its objects. Here, then, wo venture to submit, is a plan capable of yielding admirable results, and which all classes of tho community can assist either by subscription or personal work, or both. Cannot such an organisation be started (says the Midland Counties Herald) in Birmingham forthwith. No one need be frightened at the labours involved, or the amount of money to be raised. £100 per annum would do tho work magnificently; half the amount might possibly be sufficient to start with, and to do it fairly well. The writer of this article was, not very long ago, instrumental in sotting on foot in a large town in Lancashire, a small but sncoessful society of this kind. Aug. 15, 1874] THE GARDEN. 145 THE FLOWER GARDEN. COW-PARSNIP-LEAVED MONTAGN^A. (m. HERACLEIFOLIA.) Tnis, oue of the most stately of all half-hardy plants, has been rescued from obscurity to decorate our sub-tropical gardens. Tt is readily propagated by means of cuttings made of the root, inserted in pans of light sandy soil placed on a genial bottom heat. The plant itself grows rapidly if planted in a deep, rich, moist soil, in a sheltered situation, often attaining a height of from 10 to 12 feet in a single season. Its great cut leaves, Tvhich measure from 2 to 3 feet iu length and about 2 feet in breadth, droop gracefully on all sides. It is useful as a conspicuous central object in a group of outdoor foliage plants, such as Yuccas, Solanums, Tobacco, Pampas Grass, Reeds, and Grasses, while it also makes a stately and noble object planted out in a cool conservatory along with other more tender foliage plants and Ferns. Our illustra- tion is a representation of a well- developed specimen of this plant, which is well worth a place in all gardens, either massed along with other robust-habited plants, or planted singly in sheltered por- tions on the lawn or pleasure grounds. B. NEW HARDY BEGONIAS. I HAVE now iu bloom three new seedling hybrid Begonias, raised by M. Lemoine, of Nancy, from whom I received the tubers in a dormant state in the month of April. They are named respec- tively Rubens, Velours, and Le- viathan ; the two former resemble Intermedia in habit, sending up a stem about a foot in height, and producing flowers in profusion from the axils of the leaves. The flowers are produced in bunches of three, composed invariably of a male in the centre, with a female on each side; the centre flower is much larger and finer than the side ones, but, unfortunately, usually drops off as soon as ever the female flowers are fertilised, thus seldom remaining on the plant more than a day after opening, though the female flowers remain in beauty for several days. The flowers of Rubens are of a fine car- jniue-blood colour, and the blooms of that variety are a size larger than those of Velours, which, however, is a shade deeper in colour than the former variety. Leviathan, much the strongest and most vigorous-growing of the three varieties, closely resembles Veitchi in its habit of growth, and produces its fine bright fiery orange blooms, on tall foot-stalks, well raised above the foliage. All these flue hybrids were raised by M. Lemoine by crossing B. Veitohii with Pearcei and cinnabarina. I also received from Nancy, at the same time, bulbs of three other varieties of Begonia, named, respectively, C. Glijm, Mastodonte, and Camoens, the first named failed to grow ; the latter being small weak tubers have not yet bloomed, but the last-named will, I think, produce a bloom or two before the end of the season. The rare and beautiful Begonia octopetala, from the Peruvian Andes, is now coming into bloom with me, planted out in the open garden in the same bed with the other varieties, and without any kind of protection whatever. Its leaf-growth is most healthy and vigorous, resembling small Rhubarb leaves, thus showiu" that this fine variety is quite hardy in this climate in summer and in nowise requires the temperature of the hottest part of the stove, as stated in the account of the plant in the " Botanical Magazine," vol. 61, when the plant flowered in the Glas- gow Botanical Gardens late in the autumn of 1836, the result of ■^ this over-kind treatment being the destruction of all the bulbs^seut over from Peru, and the loss of the plant to European collections till re-introduced by Messrs. Frasbel, of Geneva, in the sDrin<^ of this year. ^y. j,^' q ° Montagnfea heracleifolia. AUGUST FLOWERS IN HYDE PARK AND KENSINGTON GARDENS. The excessive care taken of some of the flowers planted on the bedding and ribbon.border system has been so judicious, and the watering so copious, that, iu spite of the utter failure of the bedding system in most places, it has been comparatively snc- cessful this season in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. The small flower garden about tire cottage iu Kensington Gardens, which for many years has been so richly filled with masses of colour, is this season quite ablaze with brilliant hues. The de- vices are so good, and the plants com. posing them so closely grown and profusely flowered, that all London devotees of the bedding system shonld hasten to see them before the early autumnal frosts begin to nip their beauty. The mixed borders, along what is popularly known as the flower walk, have received nothing like so much care. The fact is, that most gardeners devote their chief atteution to the close bedding sjstem, which produces showy effects with little etfort. This is a source of regret to those who prefer the natural to the . artificial in garden effects, as it leaves the general public to imagiue that a mixed border, as rich in masses of colour as a geometrically-arranged bed, is simply an impossibility. This is a great unstake, for picturesquely, irregular flower masses, either on open lawns or in front of shrubberies, might, with half the care and expense devoted to the geometric system, be made equally rich, and far more various in effect ; for the bedding system, as at present practised, con- fines the gardener to a very small list of plants to select from, as, for in- stance. Pelargoniums, Verbenas, Cal- ceolarias, Lobelias, and about half a score of other things, which, on account of their compact growth, lend themselves to the system. A mixed border, or mixed lawn bed, on the other hand, is susceptible of an immense variety of treatment, by means of plants of countless kinds, and end- less and striking deviation of form and colour. To eifect this however, with all the beauty of which the system is capable, necessitates much study, and that of a higher kind than is required to close-pack rich effects in geometrical devices. It also requires much more extensive knowledge of plants, and such pictorial taste as is required for painting a landscape on canvas. Painting natural landscapes in living flowers, in the highest stvie of 146 THE GARDEN. [Atjg. 15, 1874. whicli the art is capable, requires, perhaps, even a wider range of artistic knowledge than that of the painter, though of a strictly special kind Leaving Kensington Gardens, and keeping the western bank of the Serpentine, the rock.work is reached ; this feature of the park-garden, ing appears to be in a somewhat neglected state. The rock masonry itself is improved, by being much more completely clothed than it has been with trailing plants, such as Ivy, Periwinkle, St. John's Wort, Saxifrages, and other more or less suitable plants ; but dead bushes require clearing away, and other rock.growing shrubs planting to fill gaps. Along the front there are many small compartments which are needlessly empty ; but advantage should be taken of that circum- stance to prepare for the sort of 8])ring display for which such spaces ate calculated. Cyclamens, the hardy kinds, might, with proper care, be made to do well. Squills of various kinds, and common Blue Bells, both blue, white, and lilac, would tend to make this rook-work very gay in early spring ; to say nothing of Hepaticas, blue, white, and piuic. It does not seem, too, that either Wallflower or Antirrhi. num seed has been scattered in places decidedly favourable to their growth. Young Wallflowers should be now strong seedling plants in situ, which in due time would make a splendid show of colour, and fill the air with delicious perfume. There are, also, several kinds of Lilies which delight in establishing themselves permanently among the interstices of rock-work. About the narrow wending water the ground is kept in excellent order ; and its slopes .and well-grown trees, of various kinds, render it very attractive. There are, also, some beds of flowers on the bedding system, which, from boiug partially shaded , and near the water, have defied the drought, and are in very luxuriant bloom ; their excessive formality, however, pro- duces anything bntanatui'al contrast with the irregular character of the ground and foliage among which they have been placed. In this spot, without iuteiferiug with the plans adopted in other parts of the park, experiments of a natural kind of bedding out might be tried, distinct from the ordinary geometric system. For instance, let the beds be of excessively irregular and natural form ; let them, in some cases, run down to the very water's edge ; in other cases let them lose themselves among the trees. In filling them with the usual bedding plants, let these be placed in irregular masses, in which they might be supposed to have sprung up from seed. Let a couple of well contrasted colours pre- dominate— massive inirregnlarity — not indiscriminately mixed, but each having one or two stragglers, but not more, of the other kind, capriciously breaking a too monotone character ; then let the other spaces, all irregular, be filled with smaller masses of striking colour, broken in one or two places, but not more, with solitary touches of the predominating colour. Here is a suggestion for a new kind of bedding, which would blend harmoniously with the slopes of irregular ground, or an irregular distribution of trees and shrubs. The lawns and flower-beds, which form such a vast improvement in that part of the park which lies between the southern, or rather south, eastern end of the Serpentine and Apsley House, are in very fair order ; but their extent has prevented that copious supply of water, which, alone, could have preserved them quite intact from the effects of the excessive heat and drought of the season. There are good effects produced among these large lawn beds by the use of tall.growing semi-tropical plants, distributed sparsely among the masses of Cannas and other plants which are grown more for their luxuriant foliage than for their flowers. One expanse of the kind, varied by tall sprays of Fiona elastica, has a very pleasing effect ; and there are many other combinations, produced by means of less known plants, which are equally suc- cessful. The series of geometrical masses of flower-colour which stud the whole line facing Park Lane with expanses of crimson, purple, scarlet, pink, yellow, blue, and many intermediate hues, are, on the whole, successfully managed this season. Profuse watering has preserved them from the effects of drought, and the plants, with the exception of the Calceolarias and Verbenas (which are this season comparative failures everywhere), appear just now in robust health and extremely profuse bloom. The walk between these masses of flowers is evi- dently a favourite resort, and its present high state of keeping is certainly a boon to the population of London. Two or three advan- tageous innovations upon the extreme regularity of the system may be noted. The dazzling scarlet of some of the Pelargoniums with variegated foliage, is both heightened and varied in a neat and pleasing manner by the introduction of a few detached specks, as it were, of Viola cornuta, the pale but bright purple blooms of which, 8p.irkling here and there, have a most pleasing effect. Another good effect of an analogous, but more striking kind, is where a bright green-foliaged plant, mottled with yellow, is dotted sparingly among the velvety crimson masses of the gorgeous Coleus Verschaffelti. An Ajiatkuu. Herbaceous v. Bedding Plants in 1874. — Many will bo astonished at the statement (p. 118) that Mr. Pearson, of Chilwell, considers that the present season has shown the superiority of the bedding system over the mixed border. Here, at least, it is exactly the contrary. All things planted out since the Ist of May have had a hard struggle for bare existence, except in cases where there was a rea ly access to a plentiful supply of water. Well-established perennial plants have alone succeeded. Some of these have done very well, and most have done fairly, except Phloxes (a very thirsty family) and Lilies. The latter have been stunted in their growth, except the old L. tigrinum, which I never saw better. There is one class of plants which is too much neglected (and which ought to form a portion of every mixed border), which deserve especial notice this year; I allude to flowering shrubs, which have, in almost every instance, flourished well ; Yuccas, too, have been in great beauty. — Hexky H. BLL.icoMBE, Bitton Vicarage. Spiraeas for Forcing. — S. japonica is decidedly the best of all the Spiraaas for forcing, and it is also one of the most beautiful of pot plants. This is the opinion of Jlr. Herbst, of Richmond, who supplies Covent Garden with the earliest plants of it. Spiraja fili- pendula has been tried, but although it produces pretty white flowers, they are useless when cut, as they do not last any time. S. palmata, he says, has the same fault, and, moreover, does not force well ; and he also dislikes .S. callosa, the flowers of which, although very pretty when seen from a distance, have, when closely examined, a coarseness about them that detracts from their value; besides, the blooms on the lower portion of the brauchlets of the spikes begin to fade before those at the end have expanded. — W. How Moss Roses are grown for Market. — Moss Roses are largely grown for the London markets ; they thrive pretty well under trees, and are very hardy and floriferous. Light, rich, and deep grouud suits them best. Two rows of these Roses are generally plauted between Currant aud Gooseberry bushes, about 2 feet apart, but as suckers speedily make their appearance, all traces of rows become lost, and the result is a broad band of Roses, some 2\ or 3 feet wide, occupying the central space between the bush fruit. Under fruit trees where no fruit bushes exist, they are grown in lines 23- or 3 feet apart, and interspersed with sprouting Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Potatoes, or Shallots, aud they are also grown in the open ground, about the same distance apart. After they have done blooming, and have made good wood, they are layered on both sides of the rows, and in October, or any time between that and the following March, the layers are lifted, and after their roots have been dressed, and their tops shortened a little, they are planted out in permanent rows from 2 to 3 feet apart, or if space is scarce at the time, thickly in rows a foot or eighteen inches apart, where they re- main for twelve months before being finally planted out. They are pruned very closely in winter, and in spring they begin to form flower buds, almost as soon as the leaves make their appearance. It is the buds that are gathered for market, the blooms never being permitted to expand. In hot summers, and indeed, whenever conveni. ence permits, the space over their roots, 2 or 3 feet in width, is mulched with litter, which saves them from drought, and also acts as a stimulant. — F. NOTES AND QPESTIONS ON THE FLOWER GURDEN. Lilinm auratum.—Oae of our customers, writing on the 4th inst., says, " My plants of Liliura auratura have been very fine this year, having produced stems from 6 to 10 feat high aud blooms varying from twenty up to nearly a hundred on a root ; some blooms measuring nearly a yard in circumference." —A. W. Yuccas. — These have been particularly fine this year. A Y. recurva in my garden has been looking perfectly beautiful, its panicles of creamy-whito blossoms being unusually showy ; aud i am sure that ail passengers who have stopped at Liss station must have noticed some remarkable Yucca bloom in a small border adjoining the platform ; but, as you justly observe, Yuccas slionld be grouped to obtain the best effects which they are capable of producing.^ H. G. Watkby. Bravoa gemiuiflora. — You state (p. 92) that this plantsucceeds well treated as a half-hardy pot plant. Some of your readers, however, may have found, like myself, that success in making it flourish is far from easy. 1 would !uK*isc thcni to try it as a hardy plant. I have had it for some years, and never t-ould do anything with it in the greenhouse ; l)ut last autumn I planted it in the open ground, and this year it has come up very strong and healthy, and flowered well.— II. N. Kllacombe, Bitton Vicarage. Lastine^ Sweet Peas. — If projierly grown, Sweet Peas will bloom for nidntlis ; tuihiro arises from poor soil, sowing too thickly, and not allowing a well-developed growth. To keep up the bloom, theseed pods must bo promptly removed, as the growth and ripening of seeds would exhaust the strength of the plant. By this pmees'i they will bloom all summer aad until frost. The soil should be rich, deep, and moist. — Q. Great White Thrift (Armeria cephalotes alba),— This is now bloom- ing beKUtifally iu the Wellington liixtd Nurseries. It is a handsome robust- gi-owing perennial, which, when in llower, is very effective. The blossoms are pure white, and are borne in large roundish heads im erect stalks. It is a phinr, which will, doubtless, succeed well in warm positions on rock-work and in well-tlrained mixed borders in deep sandy loiuu.— M. Aug. 15, 1874] THE GARDEN. 147 THE FRUIT GARDEN. BUSH FRUITS IN MARKET GARDENS. In market gardens as iu nurseries, bush fruits are propagated by means of the finest of the prunings of the young wood saved at pruning time for that purpose. They are collected, tiedinto bundles, or laid in by the heels loosely in bundles until the Tvhole of the pruning has been finished. They are then lifted and made into cuttings about 10 inches or a foot in length. All buds on the lowermost half, or as far as they are intended to be inserted in the ground, are removed ; for if left untouched, they would produce suckers that would ultimately prove troublesome. The ground for their reception being trenched and manured, they are inserted firmly in lines about a foot apart, and '2 or 3 inches asunder in the rows. Some- times the cuttings are put in as the ground is being trenched. The first spring Lettuces are generally gi-own amongst them. In some instances, too, the cuttings are inserted in a line along the base of a wall, having an eastern or northern aspect, and about a foot from it. Both Gooseberry and Currant bushes are also increased by means of layers. In March, whole rows of bushes are layered, somewhat young and supple branches being selected for that purpose ; their points are cut off, and the branches are kept in the ground by means of wooden pegs, slightly covering the portion layered with soil. When they begin to grow, shoots push from every joint, and no sooner have these young shoots attained a length of 6 inches or thereabouts than they receive another good earthing up, which is done by loosening the soil in the alleys, cJne man making it quite fine with a spade and throwing it into the centres of the bushes and over the layered shoots, whilst another spreads it regularly with the hand, so as to cover the base of the shoots to the depth of a few inches. In this condi- tion they are allowed to remain throughout the summer, receiving no further attention beyond that of keeping them free from weeds. In October, or any time between that and the succeeding March, the layers are lifted, cut up into pieces, leaving two or three shoots on each, and transplanted in nursery lines, ia which they are allowed to remain for another year. They are then lifted and transplanted to their permanent quarters, and all sm-plus stock is sold. Market gardeners generally grow their fruit bushes under trees where they are liable to many disasters, such as becoming overrun with Lichens, broken, or choked, ou account of too much shade ; and the reason why plants having two or three branches springing directly from the root are best, is, that if they happen to loose a limb, still one or two sound ones remain ; while, had there been only one main stem, all would have been lost, and afresh plant would have been necessary. F. THE WILD PLUMS OF TEXAS. On reading Mr. Thompson's interesting letter (see p. 110) describing the wild Plums of the Kansas plains, I was reminded of the wild Plams of the Texas prairies, which, during a residence of ten years in that state, I had treqnent opportunities of observing. As in Kansas, so iu Texas, the favourite habitat of the wild Plums is at the head waters of the rivers; but I found them only in the most fertile soils, never in the sandy regions. I am of opinion that the Texan and Kansan Plums are of the same species, as I traced them through the Indian territory, close to the border of Kansas ; bnt I do not think, as Mr. Thompson would appear to indicate, that the dwarf and tall are the same, and that the difference of habit is attributable only to difference in fertility of the soil in which the plants happened'to be growing. I found the dense thickets of the dwarf or bush Plum (Hog Plum the Texans call it) invariably in the richest soil, and in moist localities of the open prairie, whilst the tree Plnm, attaining a height often of 20 feet, as invariably locates itself in the midst of a grove of other trees, affecting rather the outskirts than the interior of such grove, and of which, by its white blossoms iu spring, and its brilliantly-coloured fruit iu summer, it forms the chief adornment. But the fruit of the Texan Plum, whether tree or bush, is far below the Plnm of Kansas, as described by Mr. Thompson, in the important qualities of size and flavour. The fruit of the bush or Hog Plnm re- sembles a May Dnke Cherry in size, colour, and form, but in flavour it is not very much better than our common Bnllace. The fruit of the tree or grove Plum has great beauty of exterior, glowing in all the biightest hues of scarlet, orange, and yellow ; but in size it is not bigger than a good Gooseberry, and although not unpleasant to the taste, and largely used by the settlers in making preserves, has far too much acidity to bear comparison for a moment with cultivated English varieties. Assuming the dwarf species to be a bush, and to remain so under any circumstances of probable culture, there remains only the melioration and enlargement of its fruit by that process of careful selection so well understood by the painstaking pomologist, to make out of this now insignificant Plum, in a few years, a valuable contribution to our fruit gardens and orchard houses. The Torbay Nursery, Torquay. J. H. MoBGAN. FORCING STRAWBERRIES. The potting of Strawberry plants, and the size of the pots in which they are put, are important matters as regards forcing, and are, in fact, next to the securing of early runners, the points upon which success hinges. It should be known that the thorough maturation of the plants is essential to success. The runners should be potted in time to fill the pots with roots before the end of September. No plant can be depended upon to produce fruit that is not in this con- dition, for while they have room to grow they will not ripen their buds perfectly. I like to see the roots almost bursting the pots, and just in that matted condition that you might turn the plants out of the pots and pitch them about like a ball without breaking them. Different varieties, of course, require different sized pots; but on no account should (5 in. bo exceeded, and 5 in. will be found a proper size for general purposes. Six. inch pots should be used only for the strongest growing kinds, and for these only when they are potted early in the season — say between the middle and the end of July. The longer potting is delayed the smaller the pots should be. It must be remembered that a plant potted at the beginning of August has little more than six weeks to complete its growth and cram the pot with roots. I never reckon on any real growth after the middle of September. Chilly nights then begin to check their progress, and the leaves get less and less m size till growth ceases. The beginning of August sees all our plants into their fruiting pots from the Strawberry bed, for I always layer the plants in ridges of soil from which they are trans, ferred to the fruiting pots at once. For Black Prince 4J- in. and 5 in. pots are used, 5 in. pots for Prince of Wales and Haricart de Thnry, and others. Strawberries should always be potted as firmly as can be done with the fingers and thumbs. About i in. should be left for watering, and when newly potted they should be set closely together, to shade one another's roots until they are established and grown a bit, when they may have more room. I find a goodish sprinkling of Standen's manure (which is a kind of concentrated bone-dust) mixed with the soil, to be an excellent and immediate stimulant. Some of the best forcing Strawberries are so subject to mildew when forced, that many dare not grow them for forcing at all. Among these. Black Prince, acknowledged by all to be one of the earliest, most prolific, and easiest to force, is about the worst. I have so often heard of its being given up for that reason, that a word of advice at this season, when pot plants are being prepared, may be acceptable. I have forced Black Prince uow for ten years, and during that time, owing to the simple precautions I always take, mildew has never given me the least trouble, I should bo loth, indeed to give up this variety, for as a forcer it is a regular "fill basket;" never a single plant missing to fruit abundantly; and, though it is reckoned a small sort, the berries with me always run from about 1 inch to li inches in diameter from plants in 5-inch pots, and carrying each on an average from six to ten fruit It is known that sulphur will arrest the mildew, but in conse. quence of its being applied at the wrong time, or too often, it adheres in a hardened condition to the berries, and the cure ia about as bad as the disease. Now, it is rarely the plague appears on the plants to a serious extent before the berries are set ; but it never fails to come then, and its presence may be detected at once by the white powdery-looking patches upon the leaves, and on the foot-stalks of the berries. This is the time to attack it, or at least to apply the sulphur, whether it is visible or not. If it is applied sooner it begins to lose effect when the berries are about half ripe, and, as the sulphur cannot then be applied, it will ruin them. The first-set berries are of course always the largest and best, and as soon as six or ten are set on each plant, and just set, then apply the sulphur. I am, of course, presuming that the earliest set plants are gathered together on one shelf, or at one part of the house. There is no way of applying sulphur so effectively as by means of the syringe, but it should first he disintegrated by mixing it in skim milk. About one pound will do a great number of plants, and it will require about one pint of milk to that quantity. Stir it well in the milk till it is thoroughly broken up, and then pour it into the wnter jvith which the Strawberries are to be syringed, and kejp stirring 148 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 16. 1874. the water while syringing to prevent the sulphur settling to the bottom. Thorongbly deluge the plants right and left, till the Bulphnr can be observed on every part of them in minute particles. Smearing must be avoided, bat there is no danger of this it the snl. phnr has been well disintegrated in the milk before using. No further application will be required after this, and the berries will swell off clean and beautiful without a speck of sulphur being visible upon them. I seldom syringe the plants after sulphuring, as it would wash the sulphur off. If the plants are well watered at their roots, and the house damped on bright afternoons, syringing will not be necessary. J. S. W. THE GARDEN IN THE HOUSE. DINNER-TABLE DBCOEATION. Arches. There is no prettier way of decorating a diuner-table, if oval or circular, than ornamenting it with a handsome arch, which is, moreover, by no means difficult to arrange effectively. It should, liowever, be remembered that, as a rule, no well done or eJegant floral arrangement can be put together without a little trouble. The size of the arch itself must, as a matter of course, be proportionate to the size of the table on which it is to be placed ; and, the size having been determined, next comes the material of which the arch is to consist. This should be strong wire, stiff enough to keep its form without bending, and each end should be inserted in a piece of iron or lead in the form of a large fiat weight, which forms the stand. These supports should each be placed in a circular zinc pan, and packed in with damp silver-sand to keep them firm. Means ai-e thas provided for having a group of flowers at the base of each end of the arch, which, together with the zinc pans, should be painted green. The shade of green selected should be as near as possible that of the Ferns usually arranged round the edge. The next thing to be considered are the creepers with which the wire arch is to be covered. Of this class of plants there is such a variety (some hardy, others tender) that it would be impossible for me to enumerate all that are suitable for the purpose. I always use two plants of the Creeping Pern (Lygodium soandens) for arches. Each plant is turned out of the pot in which it is growing, the soil is shaken from the roots, and it is replanted in the zinc pans of sand. This is a better plan than cutting off the fronds and in- serting them in the sand, as, not being cut, they remain fresh for a much longer period than otherwise they would do. Through the Lygodium sprays of Lapageria rosea, or its white flowered variety, may be twined with good effect. On the centre of the table, under the arch, a pot plant is often placed, but I like best to see a small stand of flowers in that position ; it must, however, be small, or it will detract from the effect of the arch. For this purpose, a small-sized flat tazza, with a trumpet rising out of the centre is best. Were I about to arrange a table in this style, say in the month of June, I should select the following flowers : — Round the edge of the tazza I should arrange, lightly, fronds of Pteris serrulata, in the tazza itself some blooms, say two Pink Cactuses, the same number of Water Lilies, a few sprays of Pink and White Rhodauthe, and four fronds of Maiden-hair Fern. Down the trumpet I should twine a spray of Lygodium scandens, and in the trumpet itself I would put a plume of wild Grasses, Pthodantho, and a few fronds of Maiden-hair. The arch I should cover, as I said be- fore, with plants of Lygodium scandens. and in the pans, I should arrange some of the flowers just named, with the addition of a few half-open Rose buds, blue Forget-me-nots, or any other suitable flowers which may be at hand. Round the centre vase might be placed a few specimen glasses, each containing a Rose, bloom of Eucharis ainazonica, &c., each backed by a Fern frond. In some cases a plant is set under the arch, let through the centre of the table, and at the ends of the arch growing plants are often placed in the pans, instead of cut blooms. Those who do not have glass houses in which to grow Lygodium scandens or other creepers of that kind, might use in their places young shoots of Ivy, Japan Honey- suckle, or a spray of Passion-flower, and fill the pans or trays with whatever garden flowers are obtainable. It is useless for A to say to B, you should use so-and-so, and place this next to that, as perhaps B may not possess half of the plants named by A. What, therefore, I wish to describe is how this style of management would look best, should the flowers recommended be at command. Decoration Without Stands. This also deserves attention, as one gets tired of getting up the same stands day after day, and unless one has a very long purse, indeed, vases cannot be constantly dressed afresh with flowers ; I have therefore, had to manufacture (if I may so term it) stands of my own, the foundation of which is often a common soup plate, which if properly managed makes a charm- ing stand. If I have friends at dinner, I use tbree plates ; if for every day use only one. Let us first take three plates, which being obtained, the next important matter is to procure three nice plants to stand in them. That for the centre should be much taller than the others, say a nice Palm, the others being Adiantum cuneatum, one of which should be set at each end, an arrangement about as good as any that could be made. Having placed the pots in the plates, they should be packed in with damp silver-sand in the form of a mound, so as to hide the pot ; the surface of the sand should then be covered with fresh wood Moss, or better still, if you have it, growing Selaginella denticulata. This done, the next thing is the arranging of the flowers, which I have done myself as follows ; but it must be remembered that it was for a dinner by daylight, as many of the shades, if subjected to artificial light, would have lost their beauty. The pot plant which formed the centre piece, was a well grown Cocos Wed- delliana. Round the edge of the plate I had a wreath or fringe made of the fronds of Pteris serrulata, interspered with a few leaves of Cissus discolor. Round the base of the plant were then arranged Gloire de Dijon Roses, Christine Pelargoniums, Pink Rhodauthe, some sprays of Iresine, and a few fronds of Maiden- hair Fern. The two end plants consisted of Adiantum cuneatum, and round their base I had some more blooms of Gloire de Dijon Roses ; in place of the Pelargoniums, I had spraj-s of Bougain- villea, and I substituted some young brown shoots of Roses for the Iresine, finishing off round the edges with fronds of Pteris tremula. With reference to the single stand, it was dressed in March and was very effective by gas-light, to which, of course, at that season it was subjected. The pot plant which I employed on that occasion was Pteris tremula, and round its base I had white Primulas, scarlet Geraniums, and Begonias, Snowdrops, and Maiden-hair Fern, while round the edge were different varieties of Fern fi'onds. Sometimes the centre piece is a March stand, which, some think, looks better than the three alike ; at all events it forms a change, and, where this arrange- ment is adopted a quantity of wild Grasses and Horse-tails may be used in the centre piece, as well as in the end stands, with good effect. Nothing, indeed, tends to give such a light appearance to an arrangement of this kind, as plenty of wild Grasses intermixed with the flowers employed. In the end stands, Lily blooms take the places of the growing plants, and if the soil be kept damp, they will retain their freshness for a long period, Lilium lancifolium, both white and crimson- spotted varieties, are well suited for this purpose, the white more especially, a colour which does not interfere with any other with which it may be brought in contact : I have also seen Lilium auratum used for this purpose ; but, though good, so far as form is concerned, its perfume is much too powerful, and many blooms of it in a room are undesirable. As a rule, all very fragrant flowei's should either be avoided, or, at least, be used in small quantities. A. Hassard. BrOChea falcata. — This old and well-known succulent is now flowering freely in conservatories and window gardens. It has glaucous fleshy leaves, and great dense heads of bright scarlet flowers, which contrast well with the bright green foliage of Ferns and other foliage plants of that kind with which it mtE extensive plantatioua have recently been formed, both in England and Scotland, on barren tracts within the influence of the sea-breeze ; and our Continental neighbours have also taught us a great lesson in the indomitable perseverance with which they have overcome so many difficulties and succeeded in the planting of barren tracts and sandy wastes, where the soil was of the poorest description, and considered altogether unfit for the growth of any vegetable product. The providing of artificial shelter by forming screen-fences, sowing tree seeds, and then thatching the ground with branches ; or sowing Broom or Whin seeds along with the tree seeds, so as to shelter the seedling plants, have been some of the chief causes of success, especially where the soil was light and inclining to drift-sand. About five years ago, on the west coast of Ayrshire, I saw a plantation on soil of this description. It consisted chiefly of Scotch Pine ; where it was fully exposed to the blast there was not half a crop of trees on the ground, and these were either drifted up with sand, or their roots were left almost bare of soil. The trees appeared to be about ten years old, and what of them were gi-owing appeared to be in a healthy condition. Had screen. fences been erected on the exposed parts of this plantation, there is no doubt but they would have prevented the sand from drifting so much, and the plantation would by this time have been providing shelter to the adjacent lands, and forming a very prominent object in the landscape. The soils along some parts of the sea-coast are smnotimes found to be very suitable for the growth of trees and shrubs, and in such places there is little difficulty in growing any of the hardy trees, and even some varieties that do not stand the frost inland arc found to grow well along these favoured shores ; especially 13 this the case along the shores of Inverary, Lochgilphead, and Loch Fyne. This is principally owing to these places being sheltered from the cold western blasts of winter and spring by the range of hills lying between them and the main ocean. One of the "most difficult situations for the formation of a plantation on the sea-coast is to be found where the ground is low lying, or rising from the shore with a gentle slope, and at the same time exposed to the full force of the ocean breeze. The difficulty can only be overcome by erecting screen-fences at such distances as will eifectually break the storm and provide shelter for the young plants. These screen- fences sliould be erected with brushwood ; ( ho thinnings of young plantations. Broom, Furze, or anything of that description, that will make the fence open and allow the wind to pass through it, instead of passing over it, as in the case of turf or stone dykes! Some of the cheap and hardy varieties of underwood, snch as the common Elder, sea Buckthorn, Willows, Sloe, Thorn, common Whin, &c., should all be used. Of course, where these or any variety of underwood is found growing naturally, full advantage should bo taken of it ; but where there is none, it must be provided and planted at from 2 to 2i feet apart, so as to act as nurses to the young trees which may be planted at the ordinary distance apart. This underwood, though absolutely necessary for a number of years at the first outset, must be always kept in check, so that the trees may have full scope for the development of both root and branches. If the soil IS light, with a gravelly bottom (as is often to be found on the west coast of Scotland), or dry barren sand, the kinds of trees to be planted must be principally of the Pine tribe, such as the Pinus pinaster, I*, montana, P. austriaca, P. Laricio, and Scotch Pino. Where the soil is loam or peat, with a mixture of sand, and the sub- soil inclining to clay, the broad-leaved trees may be used, such as the Birch, Elm, Pine, Alder, and Norway Maple. All these varieties of trees mentioned have been thoroughly tested along the shores of the west of Scotland, and, if properly taken care of, they will in due time form valuable timber trees for which a ready market and a high price can at all times be had. In an exposed situation, such as has been described, where the trees are planted near to maritime residences, chiefly for ornament and shelter, besides the varieties mentioned, some of the ornamental trees and shrubs may be used, such as the Laburnum, Mountain Ash, Oak, Ash, and Beech ; and for shrubs, the Ribcs, Sea Tamarix, Hazel, Elder of sorts, Snowberry, Privet, and common Lilac. When these have succeeded so as to provide shelter, some of the evergreens and finer sorts may be introduced. To provide shelter for these maritime residences, hedges will be found to be better than stone and lime walls ; that is, unless the walls are higher than what it is intended for the trees or shrubs to grow. I have often observed that where the trees grow a few feet higher than the wall, the tops of them grow freely and are regularly furnished, while the branches parallel with the top of the wall appear as if a portion of them had been cut away. This is caused by the blast striking against the wall in full force, the wall being a resisting body through which wind cannot pass, it ascends to the top of the wall with incresed velocity, and the higher the wall the greater is the force at the top, and of course its influence on plants is the more destructive. Screen-fences, composed of Brushwood, near to a residence have a bad appearance, and at the best are only temporary ; but I have seen them used with good effect during the most severe winter and spring months. As before mentioned, the most effective shelter and fence for these residences is a good hedge, viz., a sunk wall or fence with the back sloping inwards, and a hedge on the top planted with Sea Buckthorn, Beech, Elder, or Blackthorn. These hedges do not altogether resist the sea-breeze, bat they tend to prevent it striking with so great force on a given point, and the salt spray is very much exhausted before it passes through a good hedge, and by that time will do no harm to any of the maritime plants. Where the elevation rises abruptly from the shore and ter. minates in flat or table land, even though the situation bo as fully exposed to the blast as the one previously described, there is little difficulty in forming plantations ; for as soon as the harder varieties of plants can be got to grow on the exposed side, so as to provide shelter, any sorts of trees that are suitable to the soil will grow, as the temperature is generally higher in these situations during the winter and spring mouths than it is in the inland districts. In regard to the exposure of trees to the influence of the sea-blast, I consider that it is not the blast or sea-breeze, but the sea-air that is so damag- ing to the trees during the winter and spring months. Climatic influence acts on the vegetable kingdom as well as on the animal, and it is no uncommon thing in exposed districts of the west coast, during the prevalence of westerly and south-westerly gales, to see the windows crusted with salt like frost. When salt is in the air in such quantities as to leave its impression on the windows, it must of necessity be very damaging to the constitution of trees and shrubs. It is well known that salt used in moderate quantities is a very efficient manure, but if overdone, nothing is more damaging to vegetable life. Causes of Failure. In speaking of the formation of plantations on the sea-coast, refer, ence has often been made to the failure of the plants that were planted by a very enterprising gentlemen on one of the islands of the Hebrides. But too much stress should not be laid upon the failure of that under. taking, as it was done under very adverse circumstances, and at a time when the formation of plantations was not so well understood as they are at present. The undertaking has been a success, in so far as it has proved that some trees will grow under the climatic infla. ence of the ocean ; and I have no doubt that, had the formation of this plantation been more judiciously and carefully done, it would by this time have been one of the monuments of arboricultural triumphs on the sea-coast. Some of the causes of failure may be here mentioned, such as the unsuitableness of the soil for the growth of any trees, a great part of it being deep Moss, combined with a humid atmosphere, which keeps the soil always in a damp and spongy state. Yet, in that soil and situation, Pinus Pinaster, niaritima, and montana, trees that are said to grow best in light sandy soil, not only kept in life, but for a number of years after being planted appeared to bo in good health. Of course none of the plants, except what arc on tlio sides uf ravines or some sheltered sjjots whero the soil is more congenial, will ever come to be timber trees ; but if they grow so as to provide shelter for the growth of timber trees, a great end will have been gained. Another cause of failure was Aug. 15, 1874.] THE GAEDBN. 155 tho extent of the undertaking for one season. The formation of the j:iIantation should have extended over a number of years, beginning with the most exposed parts, and planting such trees and shrubs only Eis would provide shelter. As soon as shelter was thus obtained, the remainder could be planted, and even some useful timber trees might be introduced into the exposed parts, as they would then be sheltered by the shrubby sorts that were formerly planted. In the absence of this system, screen-fences ought to have been adopted, irrespective of the extent of the plantation. The packing and shipment of tho plants in so large a quantity would also be against their future success ; for it is a well-known fact, that even in the most favourable districts for growing plants, the shorter time they are out of the nursery ground before planting the better. Acclima- tion also exercises a very great influence on plants, whether they be planted inland or along the shores ; but more especially would the influence of acclimation be felt on an exposed coast, or a bleak aud barren island, where the soil, even at the best, cannot be said to be suitable for the growth of trees. In such a situation, to be successful in the formation of plantations, a home nursery must be established, and the plants grown from seed. Best Sea-side Trees. In a report on sea-side planting, for which the Highland and Agricultural Society awarded their gold medal, special reference is made to plantations that have been formed on the northern extreQiity of the county of Norfolk, at an altitude of from 200 to 500 feet above the level of the sea. The surface is reported as generally being poor, and the sub-soil a hard ferruginous gravel. The plants used were Goat Willow, Alder, Birch, Sycamore, Scotch Elm, and two varieties of the Piuus Pinaster. The formation of the plantation, including planting and fencing, is reported as having cost upwards of £10 per acre. The success of the undertaking is attributed to the preparation of the ground by trenching 18 inches deep; erecting screen-fences of Brushwood, &c., 6 feet high ; carefully prepar-iug the plants, having them well furnished with fibrous roots before planting ; aud having the ground cleaned by hoeing for the first two years after planting. The cost of the formation of these plantations appears to be very high when compared with plantations formed on the north coast of Moray, shire by Mr. Grigor, and reported by him as having cost £232 ISs. 7d. for 298 acres ; or, on an average, rather less than 16s. per acre. The plants used were Scotch Pine and Larch. However, the writer states that the unusual small expense of these plantations was owing to "the ground being soft, with little or no surface herbage, rendered it suitable for small plants, which were planted by the hand-iron, by people in the vicinity much practised in the work, and who could plaut an acre each daily on such ground without diSiculty. The plantations were also made at a time when the price of nursery plants was under the usual rate," aud also that " the expense of fencing these plantations was very small." In specifying the kinds of trees and underwood best suited for planting within the inflaence of the sea-breeze, our remarks must be understood as being chiefly appli. cable to the west coast of Scotland, and none will be recommended but what have been thoroughly tested, either along the Ayrshire coast, the shores of Campbeltown, or on the islands of Arran and Bute ; and first amongst these, the palm of honour must be awarded to the Pinas Pinaster and its varieties. This tree was introduced in 1.596, and is common throughout Europe and the shores of tho Mediterra- nean. It is generally found in plains near to the sea, and on sandy soils of the poorest description. It has been successfully grown on the coast of Galloway, and on the northern coast of the county of Norfolk, where, as Mr. Grigor, in his "Arboriculture," states that " some of the best specimens of the tree in Britain are to be found standing nearly 80 feet high, with trunks 12 feet in girth. Many such trees stand at Westwick Park, where few other species of trees would become timber." It has also been most extensively used by our Continental neighbours in the successful formation of plantations on the sea-coast, and on large barren tracts of drift-sand, where, previous to its cultivation, scarcely any plants of a ligneous nature could be found to grow. Its accommodating nature in regard to soil and situation was also distinctly proved in the success that has attended its introduction to some of the islands of the Hebrides, where, under very adverse circumstances, and in soil entirely uncongenial to its nature, or, at best, very different from that of its native habitats, it has shown such symptoms of success as will ensure its further introduc- tion at no distant period. On the Continent of Europe its wood is principally used for the production of resin, tar, and turpentine, and for the ordinary kinds of carpentry and fuel. The Pinaster has a very strong tap-root, which, in loose, dry, sandy soils, descends perpendicu- larly into the ground, seeking its nourishment and fixing its anchor or stronghold in a strata that is not reached except by some of the broad- leaved trees. This is a peculiarity which makes it, unless frequently removed in the nursery lines, very difficult to transplant successfully ; but this very peculiarity is what makes it, above all others of the Piue tribe, a suitable plant for barren sands and sea-side planting. It grows very fast; but is rather loose in its habit, and is very often " kneed," or blown a little to the one side ; but it very rarely occurs that any of them are uprooted by the storm. One of the varieties of this tree — Pinus Pinaster minor, or P. p. maritima — is said to be h.ardier than the species. It is chiefly distinguished by the smallness of its cones and the shortness of its leaves, as compared with the other. It is found growing on the Continent along with the P. Pinaster. The next in order of rank amongst the Pine tribe are the Pinus montana or Pumilio, P. sylvestris, P. austriaca, and P. Laricio. The P. montana is of a low-spreading bushy habit; a native of Europe ; abounds on the Alps, Pyrenees, and other high mountains ; was introduced in 1779. It stands the exposure of the sea-breeze ; but is of little use except to cover the ground so as to produce shelter for the more useful plants. It prefers a dry soil and a high altitude, but will grow on Moss, or on calcareous or chalky soils, and at a higher and more exposed altitude than any of the other Pines. The Scotch Pine, P. sylvestris, is also very accommodating as to soil and altitude. The merits of the Scotch Pine are so well known amongst arboriculturists, that they do not require to be set forth in a paper of this kind. The P. austriaca, while growing freely on light sand or gravelly soils, will also gi'ow well on wet or heavier soils than either the Scotch Pine or the pinaster. However, it prefers a deep dry, calcareous sand and a southern exposure. The austriaca was introduced from the Bremia forest of Austria in 1835, and is a free-growing noble tree. It grows freely along the shores of the Firth of Clyde, and many noble specimens of it are to be seen throughout England. For producing shelter or forming a dark background in the landscape, it is unsur- passed. When allowed to grow in an open situation, its branches are wide-spreading and very picturesque. Its timber is strong, tough, and resiuous, and in its native country is said to be valuable for resisting the effects of change from moisture to dryness. If this characteristic holds good of its timber grown in this country, it may yet come to be valuable as material for railway sleepers, &o. But for this purpose it is said to be surpassed by the Pinus Laricio, one of the most valuable and fast-growing Pines that has yet been intro- duced. Although introduced in 1759, it has not been so throughly tested on the sea-coast as the other Pines we have already mentioned ; but wherever it has been carefully planted there it has given satis, faction. Being a native of the island of Corsica, where it frequently attains tho height of 140 feet, it will, in course of time, be regarded as one of our best maritime plants. It is very difficult to transplant, and requires a good, open, loamy soil to ensure success. Tho wood of it is soft and easily wrought, of a whitish colour ; the heart-wood is darker, and is found to be of very great duration. It is used by the French Government for ship building, and other favourable circum- stances, is fit for masts for the navy in thirty or forty years. I have not seen the Corsican Pine planted to any extent along the sea-coast ; but specimen plants of it are to be found growing within the influence of the aea-breeze in different parts of the Ayrshire and Wigtownshire coasts, aud also on the shores of Campbeltown. The Larch (Larix europasa), Silver Fir (Picea pectinata), and Norway Spruce (Abies excelsa), are sometimes found growing remarkably well within the influence of the sea-breeze, but they cannot be relied upon unless sheltered by other trees. In fact, the Spruce, though growing within the influEiuce of the sea in its native country, seldom attains even to mediocrity in the west of Scotland when exposed to the sea blast. The American Spruces, A. nigra and A. alba, are more to be depended on, but they do not come to be so useful timber trees. Where the soil is suitable for hard-woods, the Larch may be grown profitably amongst them ; but on exposed sandy soils it will not succeed. Tho same may be said of the Silver Fir ; but wherever a suitable situation for either of them can be got they should be introduced, as there are some fine specimens of them along the Firth of Clyde, aud they soon come to be profitable trees when grown in a suitable situation. We have given the preference to the Pines for planting within the influ- ence of the sea-breeze, both for shelter and profit ; but it cannot fail to be observed that the broad. leaved or hardwood varieties of trees form the greater part of the plantations along the west coast of Scot- land and the islands we have mentioned. Conspicuous amongst these, and growing where there roots are sometimes submerged in salt water, are the Sycamore (Acer pseudo-Platanus), a native of Switzerland, which withstands the sea-breeze better than most trees. It is rarely known to grow one-sided, even in the most exposed situa- tions, where it is often seen standing alone. The Norway Maple (A. platanoides) is a native of the west coast of Norway and the shores of the Baltic, where it attains largo dimensions, growing close to the sea-shore. The Scotch Elm (Ulmus montana), when exposed to the sea-breeze becomes a low-spreading tree, of little value for timber, but produces good shelter, aud will thrive in almost any sort of soil that is not water. logged. The Alder (Alnus glutinosa) is specially 156 I^HB GAEDBN. [Aug. 15, 1874. adapted for growing in the wet and marshy places along the shore. It stands the sea-breeze well, and has been nsed as a nurse in dry BituatiODS ; but for this purpose it is surpassed by A. incana, the hoary.Ieaved Alder, which forms a very handsome tree, and will grow in either dry or moist soils. The Birch (Betnla alba) is one of the most useful trees for growing in exposed situations ; but when gi-own fully exposed to the sea.breeze it seldom attains that graceful weeping form which makes it such a general favourite in landscape scenery. As a maritime plant it is most useful for jilanting in a dry peaty soil, with a rocky bottom. On the island of Scurba, Birches are growing out of the rocks, where they are fully exposed to the ocean blast. The fore- going (with the exception of A. incana, which has been recently intro. duced) are what we have found to be the healthiest and most suitable trees for growing on the west coast of Scotland, in situations where they are fully exposed to the influence of the sea-breeze ; but there are others that are found growing freely in some of the more sheltered nooks. Amongst these are the Beech (Fagus sylvatica), common Honibeam (Carpinus betulus), Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), and Oak (Quercus pedunculata and sessiliflora). The two former are well suited for planting in a mass, or forming hedges ; but I have not seen them succeed as timber trees when fully exposed to the sea-blast. They are, however, useful for planting as a mixture with other hard- wood trees for shelter, as they retain (when young) their leaves during winter. The Ash, when grown in good soil and a little sheltered, form good timber trees, and ought to be cultivated wherever the situation is suitable. The Oak will grow exposed to the sea- breeze ; but unless in very favourable situations, it becomes very " scraggy," and assumes a dwarf habit. If the soil is suitable, it may be cultivated protitably as copse-wood. The Willows also grow remarkably well on some parts of the sea-coast ; in fact, they are so tenacious of life that they will grow almost anywhere ; but they never succeed and become timber trees on the coast, except when grown in the hollow places by the side of the running water. These water " rills " are very common on some parts of the coast ; and where they occur, no better situation can be got for the Willows. The sorts best suited for timber trees near to the coast are the Bedford Willow (Salix Riisselliana), Huntingdon Willow (S. alba), and the Goat Willow (S. caprea). Besides these, a great many of the dwarf varieties of the Salix are saitable for growing as underwood. Some of the Poplars are said to grow well on the sea-coast, but I have not seen such success attend any of them as would warrant their being recommended as maritime plants ; however, if they are sheltered and the soil suitable, they will ultimately become profitable. Underwood. Amongst the underwood best suited for planting within the infliierce of the sea-breeze must be enumerated a number of the semi. dwarf trees. I will only give the names of these, dividing them into two classes, viz., those that are suited for the general formation of plantations, and those that, though equally hardy, are by the price that is still charged for them, only suitable for ornamental planting. In the first class may be included the Laburnums (Cytisus Laburnum and C. alpinus). Mountain Ash (Pyrus aucuparia) is one of the most admirable trees tor planting as a nurse in exposed plantations : it will grow in any soil and in the most exposed situations, is a free grower, and forms excellent copse-wood. Common Elder (Sambucus nigra), Black or Sloe-Thorn (Prunus spinosa), Sea Buckthora (Hippopha3a rhamnoides), which is the best of all deciduous shrubs for standing the sea breeze : it seems quite at home on the shore, and will grow in pure gravel, throwing out its branches to the sea; the Hazel (Corylus avellana), common Whin or Furze (Ulex europaja), and the Privet (Ligustrum vulgare). These, along with the dwarf Pines we have mentioned, will produce sufficient shelter and give a very pleasing ap. pcaranceto a plantation, as compared with the bare-stemmed stunted, looking trees that are so often to be seen along our shores. The orna- mental shrubs for sea-side planting are the Bird Cherry (Cerasus Mahalcb), the Tamarisk (Tamarix), French Tamarisk (T. gallica), common Lilac (Syringa vulgaris), evergreen Oak (Qnercnsilex), Snow.' berry (Symphoricarpus racemosus), common Holly (Ilex aquifolium), Laurustinus (Viburaum Tinus), red-flowering Currant (Ribes sangui. neum), the common Arbor-vita3 (Thuja occidentalis and T. Warreana). Besides these, specimens of the Araucaria imbricata, Cedrus Deodara, Wellingtonia gigantea, Cupressus Lawsoniana, and Nutkaensis, and others of the same class, are occasionally to be met with growing freely on the sea-coast; but they cannot be recommended excepl where shelter is provided, either natural or artificial. The Portugnl and Common Laurel, Rhododendron ponticnm and its varieties, are often planted^ but do not succeed unless sheltered. Preparation of the Ground. Before concluding this paper I would beg to offer a few general remarks regarding the cultivation of plantations on the sea-coast and islands; and, first, the preparation of the ground. If rank Whins or Heath are growing on the surface, they should be burnt down ; Whins one year before planting, and Heath at least two years. This is better than trenching, as the natural Whins and Heath provide shelter for the young plants ; only, the Whins must be kept in check, so as not to injure the young trees. Hard, "benty " ground on " links," with coarse herbage, ought to be trenched at least 18 inches deep, and the surface " sjiit " put into the bottom of the trench. This should also be done a considerable time previous to planting, so that the ground may have time to consolidate. Deep mossy or peat ground should also be trenched, and, if possible, some of the under strata (be it clay, sand, or gravel) brought to the surface. If this is not practicable, sand or gravelly soil should be got and added to the surface, so as to give the plauts a fair start. Where the ground is wet, it must be throughly drained before planting, as nothing is so injurious to plants as stagnant water. On drift sand or sloping banks, much exposed to the sea breeze, screen fences must be provided. The plants must be well rooted, hardy, healthy, and, if possible, reared in the neighbourhood, and kept as short a time out of the ground before planting as possible. Planting operations ought to be done in the months of October and November, or ilarch and April. In the case of Mossy ground it is absolutely necessary that the planting be not begun before the latter end of March. Where the situation is exposed, plant close and thin, early and often. Prune the hardwood trees when young, so that they may grow compact, and not be liable to have their side branches lashed or broken with the wind. Keep the young trees at all times clear of Brushwood or whatever tends to prevent a free current of air from passing through amongst them. The last is of the utmost importance, for unless trees are grown open and allowed to spread their branches, they will never spread their roots ; and when the storm comes in all its fury, they become an easy prey to its ruthless blast. — Transactions of the Scottish Arboricul. tural Society. Pines and Firs.- — 1. The Pine and Firs being so numerous, and the timbers of many being known in commerce by such a variety of names, it is difficult to ascertain the trees which yield them. 2. The Scotch Fir yields the red deal of Riga, called the yellow deal in London. Norway Spruce Fir yields white deal. 3. North American Pine, known as such here, as imported from America, has many names there. The North American Pine or Weymouth Pine is called white Pine in North America. Yellow Pine is chiefly employed in the States for house and ship building, and is considered to be next in durability to the southern Pine, which again is called Yellow Pine, Red Pine, and Pitch Pine, The American Pitch Pine or Red Pine, called Norway Pine in Canada and Yellow Pine in Nova Scotia, and many others, yields deals of various qualities more or less used in different districts. 4. The American Spruce Firs are the white, black, and red. The last is sometimes called Newfoundland Red Pine, and employed in ship building. Both it and the Black Pine are exported to England. — C. Holtzapfeii.. NOTES AND QUESTIONS ON TREES AND SHRUBS, The Eucalyptus at Balmuto.— I saw in The Gahdeit the other day (p. Vi) a notice of this Kncalyptus, which is growing against the wall of my house. It is, however, certainly not E. fflobulus, but apparently E. cordata.— J. Boswell Syme, B'tlmufo, KirkcnhJy, Fifemhire. The Japanese Quince as a Hedge Plant.— An ornamental hedge, formed of the Ijest scarlet form of Cydonia japonica, is very beautiful when in full bloom. Another excellent tiuality of this plant is lis defensive character. When properly trimmed, it forms a good hedge. Bignonia radicans grandiflora.— I recently saw in the old village of Mhistcr, about five raile.^ frnni either Margate or Ramsgate, a magnificent specimen of this Bignonia. It covered the south side of a house, and was full of blossom, the tlower-heads containing some eight or ten blooms of a hand- some orange-red colour. Anyone in that neighbourhood who cares about such things shoukl pay it a visit. — " Ramalho." The Barr Oak (Quercus macrocarpa).— This is perhaps the most orna- mental of American Oafcs. Nothing can exceed the graceful beauty of these trees, when not crowded or cramped in their growth, but left free to follow their own mode of development. Who has not admired these trees in American Burr Oak openings? Their large leaves are dark green above and a bright silvery white beneath, which gives the tree a singularly fine appearance when agitated by the wind. The wood is tough, close grained, and more dur- able than the White Oak, especially when exposed to frequent changes of moisture and drjtcss. The Duke of Edinburgh's Norfolk Island Pine at Malta.— In the ^ garden of the governor's town residence at Malta, which is surrounded un all sides by buildings, there is, we learn from the Farmer's Qozette^ a magnificent specimen of the .Norfolk Island Pine, Araucaria excelsa, to accommodate a specimen of which, as most of our readers are doubtless aware, the lofty octagon house at Glasncvin was originally built. The Malta specimen was planted in 185W by the Duke, then Prince Alfred, and at that time was only 7 feet high. In the brief space which has intervened its growth has been so rapid that it is now a flue specimen, at least 50 feet in height. Aug. 16, 1874.] THE GAEDEN. "LONG MOSS." (tillandsia usneoides.) To the traveller in the Southern States of America no natural object is likely to be more striking than the Long Moss, which, from North Carolina to Texas, drapes the trees of all kinds, but is espe- cially abundant upon those which grow in damp situations. This Moss is sometimes found only here and there in small tufts, but fre- quently it is in such quantities upon a tree as to appear to fill all the spaces between its branches, and from the lower limbs it hangs in pendent tufts several feet in length, which, as they are swayed by the wind, wave with a certain amount of grace. lu localities where the Moss is very abundant, its dull grey colour and general drooping habit produce a very sombre effect. As it grows most luxuriantly in situations, which, from being con- stantly moist, are unhealthy, it is easy to associate it with disease and death, and in some localities it bears the not very cheerful name of " Coffin Fringe." Though popularly called Moss, it does not belong to Mosses, properly so called, at all, but, strange as it may seem, to the Pine-apple family, the Bromeliacea;. Its botanical name is Tillandsia usueoides. The genus was named in honour of a Russian professor, Tillands, and it.s specific name means, resembling Usnea — a long drooping Lichen which hangs from northen trees in a similar manner. Including this, there are eight species of Tillandsia in the United States, this being the only slender pendulous one ; some of the others have broad Pine-apple-like leaves, 2 feet or more long, with their bases dilated so as to hold water. All the Tillandsias are epiphytes — i.e., they grow upon other plants, mostly upon the branches and trunks of trees, but they are not parasites, as they desire no nutriment from the plant to which they are attached ; this merely serves them as a resting place, and they are nourished entirely by what the air and the - rains bring to them. Some of the South American aud West Indian species are valued as ornamental hot-house plants, and are usually grown in pots of Sphagnum, a con- dition which approaches nearly to their natural one. Indeed, our southern species are some of them quite handsome, especially T. brac- teata, the bright red stems of which bear small purple flowers. The species under consideration, T. usueoides, is, as just stated, of a very different habit from the others. Its long branching stems are so slender as to be almost thread-like. They produce leaves at intervals of about ;5 inches, which are narrow, recurved, and from 2 to 3 inches long ; from the axil of each a branch is produced, which may be terminated by a flower or be much prolonged to form a part of the tangled mass of stems of which each plant 157 consists The plant presents one peculiarity, of which we find ^^.rf\T ? ''7.°^ ^^^ descriptions; each hiternode, or sp.ace of the stem betweeu two leaves, forms an open grackul spiral of about two turns, which adds much to the beauty of the plant, when Its stems are separated and allowed to grow singly. Both stem and loaves present a uniform grey colour, which, while the plant is growing, has a greenish tinge ; an examination with a glass shows the stems and leaves to be of a light apple green, but com- pletely covered with small, almost transparent, overlapping scales, which give the silvery-grey appear- ance. The epidermis is readily sepa- rated from the central portion of the stem, which is tough, and resembles horsehair in size and appearance. J he solitary flowers are borne at the ends of the branches ; they have a three-parted calyx and corolla of three petals, which, though not more than a fourth of an inch across, is ex- ceedingly interesting from being of bright gamboge-green colour. The pod is about an inch long, and splits up in such a manner as to look very much like a withered flower. Aside from forming a striking feature in the landscape, the Long Moss is of no little economical importance. The central portion, exceedingly tena- cious and elastic, has long been em- ployed as a substitute for hair. The plant is found in Central and South America and the West Indies, and has been put to so many uses by the Spanish Americans that m some localities it is known as _" Spanish Moss." The pri- mitive method of procuring the fibre is to place the Moss in shallow ponds exposed to the sun to rot the somewhat fleshy outer covering ; it is then taken out and allowed to°dry, after which a moderate beating re- moves the outer portion, and the fibre is left in a black tangled mass, which but for its branching charac- ter it would be difl3cult to distinguish from hair. We learn that since the war several establishments have been erected for the preparation of the Moss in a more rapid manner. The Moss is placed in large tanks, where it undergoes maceration by heat, and after drying is beaten by machinery ; this is said to afford "a superior product. By itself it forms an excellent stuffing for mattresses, chairs, and the like, and is probably largely used to mix with hair; it forms a considerable article of com- merce, and its domestic uses are numerous. In Texas we have seen it twisted and woven into coarse matting, and it is said to be capable of forming excellent ropes and cables. — American Agriculturist. [This Tillandsia may be seen growing in the succulent house at Kew,°on Cereus rostratus, a climbing species ot Cactus, and it is the opinion of many that it would succeed in the open air in Devonshire and in some of the other warmer parts of England, as in Texas it is often found coated with ice a ((uarter of an inch in thickness.— Ei>.] OSS (Tillandsia iisneoitles). 158 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 15, 1874. SQUILLS (SCILLA). (Conchided from p. 136.) Sub-genus II.— Ledebouria (Baker). Perianth, rosy-purple or greenish, with elrap-shaped Begments, joined together for a considerable length at the base, and forming a cup, falcate in the expanded npper half of the flower; filaments, nsually in one series, and inserted above the base of the segments ; fivary, globose, stalked, usnallyexpanded at the base into a disk; ovnles, collateral, always in pairs in the cells ; bracts, small, solitary, deltoid. 38. S. Sanderson! (Baker). — Leaves, produced along with the flowers, fleshy. herbaceous, ascending, ovate-oblong, sub-acute, nar. rowed abruptly at the base, 2 to 2i inches long, 9 to IS lines broad, with very numerous sunken veins ; flower.stems, 2 to 2i inches high ; racemes, roundish, somewhat dense, containing from twelve to twenty flowers each, and 9 or 10 lines in diameter ; most of the flowers are •abortive ; pedicels, .3 or 1 lines long, the lower ones nodding ; perianth, roundish bell-shaped, Ij lines long, of a deep rosy-purple colour, with strap-shaped segments, one-third of a line broad, distinctly streaked with green on the back, and falcate in the exjianded upper half of the flower ; filaments, thread-like, of a ro.sy- purple colour, and 1 line long; ovary, globose, stalked, with a discoid expansion at the base ; style, thread-like, half a line long, deeply coloured. Cape of Good Hope, in the Transvaal district. 39. S. revoluta (Baker).— Bulb, globose, multiplying abun- dantly ; leaves, five to nine in number, fleshy-herbaceous, spreading, produced along with the flowers, oblanceolate, spoon. shaped, acute, gradually narrowed at the base into a short channelled foot-stalk, 2i to 3 inches long, 6 to 8 lines broad, green and somewhat wrinkled on the upper surface ; flower-stem, central, very slender, flexuose, 3 to fi inches high, at first nodding at the apex, coloured at the base ; racemes, oblong lance-shaped, loose, containing from twelve to thirty flowers each, and, when fully expanded, 2 or 3 inches long, and 12 to 15 lines broad ; pedicels, patent, the lower ones 6 tu8 lines long ; flowers, nodding ; perianth, roundish, bell-shaped, li lines long, of a deep rosy-purple colour, with strap-shaped segments, half a line across, streaked with green on the back, falcate in the expanded npper half of the flower ; filaments, thread-like, rosy, purple, 1 line long ; style, thread-like, deeply coloured ; capsule, globose, stalked, with a discoid expansion at the base. Cape of Good Hope ; formerly much grown in European gardens, but now apparently lost. 40. S. minima (Baker). — Bulb, elongated-ovoid, 3 or 4 lines in diameter, the outer coats membranous and lengthened at the apex ; leaves, produced along with the flowers, fleshy-herbaceous, ascending, green, smooth, linear, acute, 12 to 18 lines long, 1 to 1^ lines broad ; flower-stems, one to two in number, very slender, flexuose, 1 or 2 inches long; raceme, oblong, somewhat dense, containing from twelve to thirty flowers, and, when fully expanded, 1 inch long and 5 or 6 lines in diameter; pedicels, 1^ to 2 lines long, sub-patent, the lower ones nodding; perianth, roundish, boll-shaped, 1 line long, of a deep rosy-purple colour, with segments Ij lines across, broadly streaked with green on the back, falcate in the expanded upper half of the flower; filaments, purplish, a little shorter than the seg- ments ; ovary, stalked, with a discoid expansion at the base. Cape of Good Hope. 41. S. exigua (Baker).— Leaves, fleshy-herbaceous, ascending, lance-shaped, IV to 2 inches long, 3 lines bi-oad, streaked and spotted with purple ; fiower-stem, straight, 2 or 3 inches high ; raceme, ■somewhat dense, containing from twelve to twenty flowers, and, when fully expanded, oblong, about 1 inch long, and 5 or 6 lines in diameter; pedicels, li to 2 lines long, the lowest ones nodding; perianth, roundish bell-shaped, li lines long, with Sv!gments of a deep rosy-purple, and green at the bottom outside ; filaments, thread, like, distinctly shorter than the segments ; ovary, shortly stalked, with a discoid expansion at the base. Natal. 42. S. Barberi (Baker). — Leaves, produced along with the flowers, floshy-herbaceons, linear, smooth, 2 to 2i inches long, li lines broad; flower-stem, 2 to 2^ inches high; raceme, loose, containing five or six flowers, and, when fully expanded, oblong, 12 to 15 lines long and 7 or 8 lines in diameter; pedicels, li to 2 lines long, sub-patent, the lower ones nodding; perianth, oblong bell-shaped, 2 lines long, of a deep rosy-purple colour, greenish at the bottom on the outside; ovary, distinctly stalked, with a discoid expansion at the base. Capo of Good Hope, on the banks of llio river Tsomo. 43. S. Cooperi (Hook. fil. " Bot. Mag." t. 5,580).— Bulb, sub- globose, purjiie, 1 inch in diamenter; leaves, four or five in number, sub. erect, fleshy-herbaceous, linear lance-shaped, gradually narrowed towards the pointed apex, 8 to 10 inches long, 6 to 9 lines bi'oad, green, streaked on the back and spotted at the base with pnrple ; tlower. stem, firm, flexuoso, 5 or fi inches high ; raceme, somewhat dense, containing from thirty to fifty flowers, and, when fully expanded, cylindrical in shape, 2 or 3 inches long and 1 inch broad ; pedicels, sub. patent, 4 to 6 lines long, the lower ones nodding ; perianth, globose bell-shaped, li lines long, with segments half-a-line broad, green on the back, and falcate in the expanded upper half of the flower; filaments, thread-like, 1 line long, of a deep purple colour; ovary, stalked, with a discoid expansion at the base ; style, purple, 1 lino long, finally projecting slightly. Cape of Good Hope. Grown in Kew Gardens in 18G3. 44. S. Zambesiaca (Baker). — Bulb, ovoid, 8 or 9 lines in diameter, the outer coats membranous, lengthened ; leaves, two or three in number, produced along with the flowers, fleshy. herbaceous, tender, acute, ovate-lance. shaped, 2 to 2i inches long, 9 or 10 lines broad, very much undulated at the edges, and narrowed at the base into a foot-stalk an inch long, embracing the stem; flower-stems, erect, very slender, 2 or 3 inches high ; racemes, somewhat loose, containing from thirty to forty flowers, and, when fully expanded, cylindrical in shape, 2 or 3 inches long, and 5 or 6 lines in diameter ; pedicels, patent, li to 2 lines long; flowers, nodding; perianth, roundish, bell-shaped, 1 line long, greenish on both sides, with segments one-third of a line broad, paler at the edges, and rcflexed in the expanded upper half of the flower ; filaments, whitish, a little shorter than the segments ; ovary, stalked, with no discoid expansion at the base. South-eastern tropical Africa, at Tette, on the banks of the Zambesi River. 45. S. Camerooniana (Baker). — Bulb, ovoid, 8 or 9 lines in diameter ; leaves, fleshy-herbaceous, produced along with the flowers, sub-erect, thong-like, 5 or G inches long, fi to 8 lines broad, bluntish and very shortly cuspidate at the apex, and gradually narrowed at the base into a foot-stalk, which embraces the stem; flower. stems, slender, flexuose, 4 to 6 inches high ; racemes, loose, containing from twenty to thirty flowers each, and, when fully expanded.of a cylin. drical lance-shape, 2 or 3 inches long, and 6 to 9 lines broad ; pedicels, sub-patent, 3 or 4 lines long, the lower ones nodding at the apex ; bracts, small, sometimes in pairs ; perianth, roundish-bell-shaped, greenish, with segments i line broad, falcate in the npper part of the flower; filaments, 1 line long, of a deep pnrple colour; ovary, stalked, with a discoid expansion of the base. Cape of Good Hope and Caffraria. Grown in Kew Gardens in 1862-3. 46. S. prasina (Baker). — Bulb, elongated, ovoid, 9 to 12 lines in diameter ; leaves, five or six in number, fleshy-herbaceous, spread- ing, oblong. lanceolate, 4 to 5 inches long, 12 to 15 lines broad in the middle, acute, lower third narrow, often spotted with purple ; stem, flexuose, deflexed, 3 to 4 inches long ; racemes, sub-dense, with thirty to fifty flowers, expanding, lanceolate, or sub-cylindrical, l^to 2 inches long, 6 to 10 lines broad ; pedicels, central, horizontal, spreading, li to 2i lines long, deflexed inferiorily ; perianth, rounded, bell-shaped, greenish ; segment i line broad, falcate above; filaments, 1 line long, stained with purple ; ovary, stipitate, producing discoids at the base. Cape of Good Hope. Grown in Kew Gardens in 1862-3. 47. S. Iiudwigii (Baker). — Bulb, ovoid, 8 or 9 lines in diameter ; outer coats membranous and lengthened at the apex ; leaves, five or six in number, ascending, fleshy-herbaceous, lance-shaped, 2 or 3 inches long, 5 or 6 lines broad, hardly narrowed at the base, gradually narrowed towards the acute apex ; flower-stem, 1 to 3 inches high ; racemes, dense, containing from twenty to forty flowers each, and, when fully exp.anded, of a cylindrical lance-shape, li to 2 inches long, and 4 or 5 lines broad; pedicels, li to 2 lines long, the lower ones nodding ; perianth, green, roundish-bell. shjvped, 1 line long ; filaments, purplish thread-like, a little shorter than the segments ; ovary, stalked, discoid at the base. Cape of Good Hope. 48. S. moesta (Baker). — Bulb, ovoid, 15 to 18 lines in diameter; leaves, five or six in number, produced along with the flowers, fleshy, herbaceous, lance-shaped, sub-erect, 5 or 6 inches long, 6 to 9 lines abroad, spotted with purple, slightly narrowed at the base and gradually narrowed in the upper half towards the acuminate apex ; flower-stems, two or three in number, flexuose, 3 or 4 inches long ; raceme, somewhat dense, containing from thirty to fifty flowers, and, when fully expanded, of a cylindrical shape, shape, li to 2 inches long, and 6 or 7 lines in diameter; pedicels, ascending, 3 or 4 lines along ; perianth, green, oblong-cylindrical, li lines long ; filaments, greenish, J line long, distinctly shorter than the segments ; ovary, stalked, with a discoid expansion at the base. South-eastern tropical Africa, near Luabo, at the delta of the Zambesi River. 49. S. undulata (B.akor). — Bulb, globose, li to 2 inches in diameter, scaly on the lower half, where it meets the soil ; leaves, produced after the flower-stem, five or six in number, firmish, lance, shaped, acute, glaucous, smooth, ascending, undulated, 4 or 5 inches long, 3 or 4 lines broad ; flower.stem, firm, tapering, li to 2 inches high; raceme, somewhat dense, containing from twenty to thirty Aug. 15, 1874] THE GARDEN. 159 flowers, and, when fully expanded, oblong in shape, li to 2 inches long, and 12 to 15 lines in diameter ; pedicels, horizontal, 3 to 5 lines long ; perianth, 3 or 4 lines long, oblong bell-shaped, greenish, slightly tinged with purple; filaments, whitish, a little shorter than the segments ; ovary, stalked. Cape of Good Hope. 50. S. Currori (Baker). — Leaves, produced along with the flowers, fleshy. herbaceous, rounded, cuspidate, 8 or 9 lines long, 7 or 8 lines broad, rounded or slightly heart-shaped at the base, with a distinct foot-stalk, 5 or 6 lines long, which embraces the flower, stem ; flower-stem, erect, straight, about 1 inch high ; I'aceme, some, what dense, containing ten or twelve flowers, and 9 or 10 lines in diameter; pedicels, straight, erect-patent, 5 or 6 lines long; perianth, tubular bell -shaped, 2i lines long, with strap-shaped purple segments, paler at the edges, and i line broad ; filaments, pale, thread-like, half the length of the segments ; ovary, sessile, top-shaped, with no discoid expansion of the base ; style, thread-like, pur]ile, as long as the ovary. Equinoctial parts of Guinea. 51. S. Richardiana (Buching). — Bulb, ovoid, 8 or 9 lines in diameter, and growing under the surface of the soil ; leaves, two in nnmber, opposite, fleshy-herbaceous, produced along with the flowers, oblong lance-shaped, smooth, sub. acute, sometimes bearing bulbils at the edges, 2 to 2i inches long, 8 to 12 lines broad, narrowed at the base into a foot-stalk an inch long, which embraces the stem ; flower.stems, one or two in nnmber, erect, 4 to 6 inches high ; racemes, somewhat loose, containing from ten to thirty flowers each, and, when fnlly expanded, oblong or cylindrical in shape, 1 to 3 inches long, and 9 to 12 lines in diameter ; pedicels, 3 or 4 lines long, at first nodding; perianth, oblong bell. shaped, 2 to 24 inches long, greenish, slightly tinged with purple, and with the segments falcate in the upper half of the flower ; filaments, pui-ple, a little shorter than the segments ; ovary, globose, sub. sessile, with no discoid expansion of the base. Abyssinia. 52. S. maoulata (Baker). — Bulb, ovoid, 8 or 9 lines in diameter, coated towards the apex, and growing under the surface of the soil ; leaves, three or four in number, produced along with the flowers, fleshy. herbaceous, oblong, obtuse, 2 or 3 inches long, 9 to 12 lines broad, spotted on the upper surface, never bearing bulbils at the edges, gradually narrowed at the base into a foot-stalk, which embraces the stem ; flower-stems, one or two in number, 4 to 8 inches high ; racemes, somewhat dense, containing from twenty to fifty flowers each, and, when fully expanded, 3 to 4 inches long, and 10 to 12 lines in diameter ; perianth, 2 lines long, of a greenish- purple colour ; filaments, of a deep purple, a little shorter than the segments ; ovary, distinctly stalked, with no discoid expansion of the base. The East Indies, everywhere in both the Concano districts. 53. S. indlca (Baker). — Bulb, ovoid, 1 to 2 inches in diameter, scaly at the top ; leaves, five or sis in number, produced along with the flowers, fleshy-herbaceous, oblong, or lance-shaped, acute, 3 to 6 inches long, 9 to 12 lines broad, often bearing bulbils at the edges, gradually narrowed at the base and embracing the bottom of the flower-stem ; flower-stems, one to three in number, flexuose, 2 to 6 inches high ; racemes, dense, containing from thirty to sixty flowers each, and, when fully expanded, of an oblong-cylindrical shape, 2 to 4 inches long, 9 to 12 lines in diameter ; pedicels sub-patent, 3 or 4 lines long ; perianth, IJ to 2 lines long, somewhat roundish, bell- shaped, of a greenish.purple colour, with segments falcate in the upper half of the flower; filaments, purple, a little shorter than the segments ; ovary, globose, distinctly stalked, with no discoid expan- sion of the base. The East Indian Peninsula and Ceylon. Also recorded from Abyssinia by Dr. Sohweinfarth, under the name of Drimia lilacina. 54. S. lilacina (Baker). — Bulb, ovoid, li to 2 inches in diameter, scaly at the top ; leaves, six to eight in number, produced along with the flowers, fleshy-herbaceous, sub-erect, oblong-lance-shaped, acnte, nndulated, 3 or 4 inches long, 12 to 15 lines broad, narrowed like a wedge at the base into a foot-stalk 1 or 2 inches long, and embracing the stem ; flower-stems, one to three in number, flexuose, slender, 4 to 6 inches high ; racemes, somewhat loose, containing from thirty to sixty flowers each, and, when fully expanded, cylindrical in shape, 3 to 5 inches long, and 12 to 15 lines in diameter ; lower pedicel', sub-patent, 3 to 5 lines long ; flowers nodding ; perianth, 3 to 3.i lines long, tubular bell-shaped, of a lilac-purple colour, with strap-shaped segments inflated at the side and apex, like those of a Drimia ; filaments, deeply coloured, 2 to 2J lines long ; ovary, top- shaped, sessile, with no discoid expansion of the base. Nnbia. 55. S. paucifolia (Baker). — Bulbs, gregarious, ovoid, 12 to 15 lines in diameter, with the top over-ground and scaly ; leaves, two in number (rarely three) , opposite, produced along with the flowers, jiatent, fleshy-herbaceous, oblong-lance-shaped, acute, undulated, 2i to 3 inches long, 9 or 10 lines broad, pale green on the upper surface, marked with darker spots, slightly narrowed at the base, and embracing the stem ; flower-stem, fii'm, not spotted, terete, 3 or 4 inches high ; raceme, loose, containing from twenty to thirty flowers, and, when fully expanded, oblong in shape, 3 or 4 inches long, and 15 to 18 lines in diameter; pedicels, 5 or 6 lines long, the lower ones nodding ; perianth, greenish, roundish bell-shaped, 2^ to 3 lines long, with segments falcate in the upper half of the flower ; filaments of a deep purple colour, a little shorter than the segments ; ovary, stalked, with a discoid expansion of the base. Cape of Good Hope. Grown in Mr. Wilson Saunders's garden. 56. S. socialis (Baker). — Bulbs, gregarious, ovoid, 15 to 18 lines in diameter, with the top over.ground and scaly; leaves, three or four in number, produced along with the flowers, fleshy-herbaceous, patent, oblong-lance. shaped, acute, 2 to 2i inches long, 9 to 12 lines broad below the middle, slightly narrowed at the base, of a pale glaucous green on the upper surface, marked with darker spots; flower.stem, firm, terete, not spotted, 2 or 3 inches high ; raceme, dense, containing from twenty to thirty flowers, and, when fully expanded, oblong in shape, 1^ to 2 inches long, and 1 inch in diameter ; pedicels, 1-^ to 2 lines long, the lower ones nodding ; perianth, greenish, roundish bell. shaped, 2 to 2.^^ lines long, with segments falcate in the upper part of tlie flower ; filaments, l-J- lines long, of a deep purple colour ; ovary, stalked, with a discoid expansion of the base. Gape of Good Hope. Grown in Mr. Wilson Saunders's garden. 57. S. lancesefolia (Baker). — Bulb, ovoid, IJ to 2 inches in diameter, with the top over.ground and scaly ; leaves, six to eight in number, produced along with the flowers, fleshy.herbaceous, sub- patent, oblong, acute, 4 to 6 inches long, IJ to 2 inches broad above the middle, narrowed for a short distance at the base, pale green on the upper surface, marked with darker spots ; flower-stems one to three in number, firm, terete, 2 to 4 inches long, often curved downwards; racemes, dense, containing from thirty to fifty flowers each, and when fully expanded, oblong in shape, 2 or 3 inches lono-, and 15 to 18 lines in diameter ; pedicels, 5 or 6 lines long, the lower ones bent downwards ; perianth, somewhat globose, bell-shaped, 2^- to 3 lines long, with strap-shaped lanceolate segments, which are purple on the inside and greenish on the back ; filaments, 2 lines long, of a deep purple colour ; ovary, stalked, with a discoid expansion of the base. — Cape of Good Hope, Caffraria, and Natal. Scilla maculata of Schrank, PI. var. Hort. Monac. t. 100, is a variety with flower-stems 6 inches high, and with leaves double the length. A variety, S. 1. ovatifoUa (Baker), has shorter and broadly ovate leaves, 2 or 3 inches long, and 18 to 24 lines broad above the middle. Cape of Good Hope. Grown in Mr. W. Saunders's garden. 58. S. concolor (Baker). — Bulb, ovoid, U to 2 inches in diameter, of an ash colour and scaly in the upper part ; leaves, 5 or six in number, produced along with the flowers, fleshy.herbaceous, falcate, strap-shaped lanceolate, 5 to 8 inches long, 15 to 18 lines broad in the middle, obtuse, or sub-acute, narrowed for a short distance at the base, of a deep green and unspotted ou both sides ; flower-stems, one to three in number, flexuose, green, 3 or 4 inches high ; racemes, dense, containing fron> thirty to fifty flowers each, and, when fully expanded, oblong. cylindrical in shape, 3 or 4 inches long, and 9 to 12 lines in diameter; pedicels, 2 to 4 lines long, the lower ones nodding ; perianth, greenish, roundish bell-shaped, 2^ lines long ; filaments, greenish, a little shorter than the segments ; ovary, stalked, with a discoid expansion of the base. Cape of Good Hope. Grown at Kew and in Mr. W. Saunders's garden. 59. S. linearifolia (Baker). — Bulb, ovoid, IJ to 2 inches in diameter, growing with the top under the surface of the soil ; leaves, four to six in number, fleshy-herbaceous, somewhat erect, linear, 9 to 12 inches long, 4 to 8 lines broad, acute, narrowed for a short distance at the base, of a pale green, and spotted with purple for a short distance down the back ; flower.stem, flexuose, 3 or 4 inches high ; raceme, somewhat dense, containing from thirty to forty flowers, and, when fully expanded, oblong in shape, 2 or 3 inches long, and 15 to 18 lines broad ; pedicels, 3 to 5 lines long, the lower ones nodding ; perianth, 2^ to 3 lines long, oblong bell-shaped, of a deep purple on the inside, greenish on the outside, with seg. ments falcate in the upper half of the expanded flower ; filaments, li to 2 lines long, deeply coloured; ovary, stalked, with a discoid expansion of the base. Cape of Good Hope and the Transvaal district. Grown in Mr. W. Saunders's garden. — Drimia angustifolia of Kunth is, from the description, probably, a form of this species with narrower leaves. They are said to bo Ij lines broad. 60. S. concinna (Baker). — Bulb, ovoid, growing under the surface of the soil ; leaves, three to four in number, produced alone with the flowers, fleshy.herbaceous, somewhat erect, linear, 8 or 9 lines broad, narrowed for a short distance at apex and base, of a deep glaucous green colour, marked on the back with purple spots ; flower- stem firm, erect, terete, 2 to G inches high; raceme, dense, con. talning from twenty to thirty flowers, and, when fully expanded, oblong in shape, li to 2 inches long, and 13 to 15 lines broad ; all 160 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 15, 1874. the pedicels erect.patent, the lowest ones 4 or 5 lines long ; perianth, oblong bell-shaped, 2i lines long, of a deep rosy-purple on the inside; filaments, li lines long, deeply coloured; ovary, stalked, with a discoid expansion ot the base. Cape of Good Hope. Grown in Mr. W. Saunders's garden. 61. S. subglauca (Baker).— Bulb, sub-globose, IJ to 2 inches in diameter, growing under the surface of the soil ; leaves, five or si.x in number, produced aloiif^ with the flowers, fleshy-herbaceous, Btrap-sliaped, lanceolate, 9 or 10 inches long, 1 inch broad in the middle, acute, distinctly narrowed at the base, pale glaucous green ou the upper surface, slightly spotted with purple on the back ; flower.stem, spotted, 3 or I- inches high ; racemes, somewhat loose, containing from thirty to forty iiowera each, and, when fully expanded, 3 or 4 inches long and 18 to 20 lines in diameter; pedicels, C or 7 lines long, the lower ones nodding; perianth, oblong bell- shaped, 3 lines long, greenish outside, purple within ; filaments, 2 lines long, of a deep purple colour ; ovary, stalked, and with a discoid expansion of the base. Cape of Good Hope. Grown in Mr. W. Saunders's garden. 62. S. lorata (Baker). — Bulb, ovoid, li to 2 inches in diameter, growing under the surface of the soil ; leaves, five or six in number, produced along with the flowers, fleshy-herbaceous, somewhat erect, thong-like, lance-shaped, 8 or 9 inches long, 10 to 12 lines broad in the middle, acute, narrowed for a short distance at the base, of a deep green colour, spotted with puiple downwards on the back ; flower-stem, terete, erect, 8 or 9 inches high, spotted on the lower half ; raceme, somewhat dense, containing from thirty to sixty flowers, and, when fully expanded, of an oblong-cylindrical shape, 3 or 4 inches long, and from 18 to 21 lines broad ; pedicels, 4 or 5 lines long, the lower ones nodding ; perianth, of a livid purple colour, the segments tinged with a greenish hue on the back and edges, 3 or 4 lines long, and oblong bell-shaped ; filaments, purple, shorter than the segments ; ovary, stalked, and with a discoid expansion of the base. Cape of Good Hope. Grown in Mr. W. Saunders's garden. 63. S- zebrina (Baker). — Bulb, li to 2 inches in diameter, growing almost beneath the surface of the soil ; leaves, five or six in number, produced along with the flowers, fleshy-herbaceous, strap, shaped lanceolate, somewhat erect, 8 to 12 inches long, 12 to 21 lines broad, acute, slightly narrowed at the base, of a pale glaucescent green on the upper surface, streaked with purple ou the back, and spotted with purple downwards ; racemes, dense, containing from thirty to forty flowers each, and, when fully expanded, of an oblong cylindrical shape, 3 or 4 inches long and 15 or 16 lines in diameter ; pedicels, 3 or 4 lines long, the lower ones nodding; perianth, roundish bell-shaped, 3 lines long, of a greenish. purple colour ; filaments, of a deep purple, distinctly shorter than the segments ; ovary, stalked, and with a discoid expansion of the base. Cape of Good Hope. Grown in Mr. W. Saunders's garden. 64. S. spathulata (Baker). — Bulb, ovoid, 2 to 2i inches in diameter, purple, the upper part over-ground and scaly, leaves, five or six in number, produced along with the flowers, fleshy-herbaceous, thong-like, spoon. shaped, 6 to 8 inches long, 18 to 21 lines broad, of a pale glaucous green colour, marked with darker and purple spots ; flower-stems, flexuose, 3 or 4 inches high ; racemes, dense, containing from thirty to forty flowers, and, when fully expanded, 3 or 4 inches long and 18 to 21 lines in diameter ; pedicels, 6 or 7 lines long, the lower ones nodding ; perianth, oblong bell-shaped, 3^- lines long, purple on the inside, greenish on the outside ; filaments, of a deep purple colour, a little shorter than the segments ; ovary, stalked, and with a discoid expansion of the base. Cape ot Good Hope. Grown in Mr. W. Saunders's gai-den. 65. S. Kirkii (Baker). — Leaves, produced along with the flowers, lleshy-herbaceous, thicker and firmer than those of any other species, oljlong lance-.shaped, acute, 6 to 8 inches long in the blade, li to 2 inches broad, narrowed at the base into a wedge-like, broad, channelled foot-stalk, 2 to 4 inches long ; flower.stem, stout, about a foot high ; r.aceuie, loose, containing from thirty to forty flowers, and, when fully expanded, 5 or G inches long, and IS to 20 lines in diameter ; pedicels, 2 to 5 lines long, the central ones sub-patent, lower flowers nodding ; perianth, 4i lines long, tubular bell-shaped, greenish outside, purple within, with narrow segments which are rolled inwards at the sides and apex, like those of a Drimia ; filaments, 3i lines long, of a deep purple colour ; ovary, stalked. Zanzibar. 66. S. lanceolata (Baker). — Bulb, snb-globose, 15 to 18 lines in diameter, and growing entirely under the surface of the soil ; leaves, five or six in number, produced along with the flowers, fleshy-herba- ceous, lance-shaped, acute, 3 or 4 inches long, 8 to 10 lines broad, green, without spots ; flower-stem, flexuose, 4 or 5 inches high ; raceme, very loose, containing from eight to twelve flowers, and, when fully expanded, li to 2 inches long, and li inches broad; pedicels, doited with red, sub-patent, the lower ones 5 or fi lines long ; perianth, tubular bell.shaped, 4 to 4i lines long, of a purplish. green colour ; filaments, deeply coloured, a little shorter than the segments ; ovary, stalked. Cape of Good Hope. 67. S. floribunda (Baker).— Bulb, sub-globose, 2 to 2i inches in diameter, growing almost entirely unfler the surface of the soil ; leaves, five or six in number, produced along with the flowers, fleshy- herbaceous, somewhat erect, thong-like, about a foot long, 21 to 24 lines broad in the middle, acute, hardly narrowed at the base, of a pale green colour, marked with deeper spots ; flower-stem, stout, erect, G to 9 inches high ; raceme, somewhat dense, containing from sixty to 100 flowers or more, with a thickened, furrowed axis, and when fully expanded, 6 to 8 inches long and 2 inches broad; pedicels, 6 to 8 lines long, the central ones patent, lower ones nodding; perianth, oblong bell-shaped, i^ to 5 lines long, greenish on the outside, and rosy-purple within; filaments, 3 lines long, deeply coloured ; ovary, stalked, and with a discoid expansion of the base. Cape of Good Hope. Grown in Mr. W. Saunders's garden. 68. S. pendula (Baker). — Leaves, produced along with the flowers, fleshy-herbaceous, thong-like, 12 to 15 inches long, 15 to IG lines broad in the middle, acute, slightly narrowed at the base, flatfish, of a pale green colour, very faintly spotted ; flower.stem, very slender, flexuose, 8 or 9 inches high ; racemes, somewhat dense, containing from thirty to sixty flowers each, and, when fully expanded, 3 to 6 inches long, and 2i to 3 inches in diameter; pedicels, very slender, 9 to 15 lines long, many of them nodding; perianth, 4 to 4i lines long, oblong bell-shaped, greenish on the outside, purple within ; filaments, of a deep purple colour, a little shorter than the segments ; ovary, stalked, and with a discoid expansion of the base. Cape of Good Hope. 69. S. princeps (Baker). — Bulb, globose, 21 to 3 inches in diameter, growing entirely under the surface of the soil ; leaves, five or six in number, produced along with the flowers, fleshy, herbaceous, thong-like, 18 to 24 inches long, 2 to 2\ inches broad, acute, narrowed at the base, of a pale green colour, marked with deeper spots; flowor-stems, two or three in number, stout, 7 to 9 inches high; raceme, dense, containing from 150 to 200 flowers, with a thickened furrowed axis, and, when fully expanded, a foot long, and from 3 to 3i inches in diameter; pedicels, 12 to 15 lines long, the central ones patent, the lower ones nodding ; perianth, oblong bell-shaped, 4i to 5 lines long, reddish-purple on the inside, and greenish without, with segments 1 line broad, reflexed in the upper half; filaments, 3 to 3i lines long, of a deep purple colour; ovary, stalked, and with a discoid expansion of the base. Cape of Good Hope. Grown at Kew and in Mr. W. Saunders's garden. Doubtful Species of this Sub-genus. 70. S. viridiflora (Baker) (Drimia viridiflora, Ecklon, Knnze, Linnaja, xx. 10). — Leaves, linear awl-shaped, channelled, shorter than the flower-stem; raceme, many-flowered; pedicels, patent, shorter than the flowers ; perianth, greenish on the outside, whitish within. Cape of Good Hope (Gueinzius). I have not seen a specimen. Sub-genus III — Endymion (Baker). Perianth, normally blue, but frequently varying to rosy-pnrple or whitish ; segments, remaining united for a considerable time in the lower half of the expanded flower ; filaments, in two distinct series, inserted above the base of the segments ; ovary, sessile, with numerous ovules in each cell ; bracts, linear, in pairs. 71. S. hispanica (Mill. Diet.). — Bulb, ovoid, 6 to 12 lines in diameter; leaves, five or six in number, produced along with the flowers, fleshy-herbaceous, smooth, ascending, linear thong-like, G to 9 (or, in cultivated specimens, 12) lines broad, bluntish, convex on the back ; flower-stem, G to 9 inches high ; raceme, equilateral, somewhat loose, containing from six to twelve flowers; bracts, linear, in pairs, G to 9 lines long ; lower pedicels, G to 12 lines long ; • flowers, more spreading than those of S. non.scripta; perianth, snb- globose, bell.shaped, G to 9 lines long, with segments 2 to 2.1 lines broad ; filaments inserted alternately above the base, and at the top of the upper third of the segments ; free part, 21 to 3 lines long; ovules, six to eight in each cell ; capsule, like that of S. non.scripta. Spain and Portugal. Frequently grown in gardens. S. canipiinu- lata (" Bot. Mag." t. 1102) is a form with spreading flower.s, a little smaller and more oblong boll-shaped, approaching S. non-scripta. It is also found in Southern France and in Italy. 72. S. non-scripta (Hoffm. ct Link. ; Hyacinthus non-ecriptns, Linn. ; Scilla nutans. Smith). — Bulb, ovoid, G to 9 lines in diameter; leaves, five or six in number, produced along with the flowers, fleshy, herbaceous, smooth, ascending, linear-thong-like, convex on the back, 8 to 12 inches long, 3 to G lines broad; flower.stem, G to 12 inches high ; raceme, nodding, containing from six to twelve flowers, some- w liat turned to one side of the stem ; pedicels, 4 to G lines long, nodding when in flower, but ascending when bearing fruit; bracts, linear, in pairs, G to 9 lines long; perianth, tubular, bell-shaped, G to 9 hues Aug. 15, 1874.] THE GARDEN. 161 long, with strap-shaped segments, IJ to 2 linos broad; filaments, alternately inserted in the middle of the segments (when the free part is IJ lines long), and alternately at the top of the lower fourth (when the free part is a little longer) ; ovules, six to ten in each cell ; capsule, sub. sessile, ovoid, 5 or 6 lines long ; seeds, globose, black, scarcely 1 line in diameter. — Britain, and extending to Spain, Italy, and Illyria. S. oernua (Hoff. et Link. ; Hyacinthus cernuus, Linn.), is a small Spanish and Portuguese form, with reddish flowers. There is a garden form called bracteata, distinguished by its elongated bracts, which are 2 inches or more in length. GARDENING FOR THE WEEK, AND AMATEUR'S CALENDAK. The Flower Garden and Pleasure Orounds. Continue to increase, by cuttings, the stock of bedding Pelargoniuma for next year's embellishment as fast as such cuttings can be obtained, although it will still bo unadvisable to, in any degree, despoil the flower beds for this purpose ; but, in the meantime, endeavour to make the most of any surplus stock which may have been left in pots at the time of bedding out, or which may have been planted in the reserve ground. Attend well to the watering, stopping, and pegging down, when required, of plants forming what are known as " carpet beds," as such beds will be found to be by no means the least attractive in the flower garden during the present season, being composed, in a great measure, of succulents and other plants upon which extreme drought has not so injurious effects as it has upon many other decorative plants. The brilliantly coloured foliage of the Alternantheras, Colenses, Golden-feather Pyrethrnm, &c., renders the use of flowering plants little, if at all, necessary in this style of planting. Still, a bright blue colour is a desideratum which is hardly secured in the glaucous hue of the foliage of the Echeveria secunda glauca or the Sedum glaucum ; but can, nevertheless, be obtained by using some of the dwarf blue Lobelias of the " pumila section," and of which the new double variety is decidedly the best, and appears to be less apt to die off in patches than some of its single flowering congeners. Beds of sub-tropical plants should still be abundantly supplied with water, as they are nearly all gross feeders ; and tall-growing species, such as the Castor-oil plants, should, if iu exposed situations, be securely staked to prevent injury from high winds. Very few annuals can be confidently recommended as bedding plants, on account of their short duration ; although such species as the blue Lobelias, the Perilla, and the Golden-feather Pyrethrum, generally succeed best when raised from seed every season. It is also found that the Abronia umbellata grandi- flora succeeds well when treated in this manner, and forms an exceedingly pretty and interesting bed, more particularly during such dry and hot seasons as the present has so far been, and as its native habitat is tho loose dry sands on the sea coast of tropical countries, it will naturally suffer little, if at all, from the heat and drought of this country. Its habit of growth is that of a trailing plant, which, with a very little training or regulating, soon com- pletely covers the surface of the soil, while its stout glossy dark green foliage is plentifully bespangled with sparkling trusses of bright pink white-eyed flowers, which do not rise above 6 inches from the surface of the soil. Plant out in properly prepared soil, in beds or patches, where they are intended to flower, rooted cuttings of Pinks and Picottees, also of Pansies and double-flowered Wallflowers, &c., and as it is advisable to perpetuate unusually fine varieties of Sweet Williams by cuttings, if these cuttings were inserted under hand, glasses when the plants were in flower, they will now be rooted, and may at once be planted in beds or borders, where they are intended to remain. Plant oat at the same time the various sorts of biennial and perennial hardy plants which have been raised from seed, includ- ing the German and other Wallflowers, the strain of which has of late years been so greatly improved, that such seed generally produces varieties nearly, it not altogether equal to the old double sorts, which can be perpetuated by cuttings only. Plant also Brompton and Queen Stocks in situations where they are intended to flower ; and where it is desired to have the Ten-week and Intermediate sorts in flower in spring, they should bo sown now, and a portion of them, at least, should be afterwards potted-up and kept in cold pits or frames during winter. Look frequently over beds of seedling Hollyhocks, and pull up at once all worthless varieties as soon as they flower, and increase promising seedlings and named sorts by cuttings or eyes. Attend also to the watering of Auriculas and Polyanthuses in pots, keeping them, as yet, in a somewhat shady situation, and free from weeds, Ac. — P. Geiev«, Cvl/ord, Bury St. Edmunds. Roses. Where pot Rosea are required for forcing, if not already done, no time should be lost in giving them a shift, and in seeing that the drainage is effective. Roses, to keep up a supply of bloom from December to March, should not, however, be shifted ; only see to the drainage, and top-dress with some nice fresh loam and rotten dung, as it is rather too late now to disturb the roots too much. Tho drainage of the pots sometimes gets filled up through worms ; and, in that case, water continually given sours the soil and rots the roots. When this occurs, I shake the plants out, wash their roots, and while wet, sprinkle them with sand and re-pot. In this way I have saved many a plant of some of the best varieties. The best compost for pot Roses is half loam, half good rotten dung, and plenty of sharp sand ; silver-sand is too fine. I have used for some time washed road grit, but river-sand, where it can be got, is best for Roses, which require to bo potted tolerably firm. Pick off all flower buds, and keep down mildew, to which pot Roses generally are subject this month. I have found syringing with soap-suds and sulphur a good preventive. It is, however, rather too unsightly to syringe planted-out Roses with this mixture, as it stains tho foliage. Cuttings may now bo made of the ripened shoots. They should be removed at the point from which they grow from the old wood, and a slip of this wood should be removed with them, forming "a heel." The cuttings, about 3 inches long, should be inserted to the depth of 1 inch, round the edge of a pot filled with a light rich soil of leaf-mould and loam, with au abundance of silver-sand; and being well pressed round the roots, and well watered through tho rose, should be put in a frame under a north wall until they have " callused." They should then be placed in bottom-heat under glass, and when rooted should be dignified with pots of their own, restored for a little while to heat, and then gradually inured to the air, grown on, and re-potted. — H. G. Indoor Plant Department. Although most kinds of indoor plants will now have completed their growth, they should nevertheless still receive abundance of water, be kept as far apart as possible, and have plenty of ventilation. Such as are in flower on front stages will still be benefited by a little shading. Introduce from frames, pits, and greenhouses successions of flowering and fine-leaved plants, and those turned out to accom. modato them, if annuals or biennials, and seed sowing is not an object, should be discarded at once; perennials should be retained, and have their flower-spikes cut off, and the plants placed on north borders, or if necessary potted and placed in frames. Greenfly, thrips, mealy bug, and scale must be vigilantly searched for and destroyed. Large plants of Camellias, now that their wood is pretty firm and their flower-buds well developed, should be placed out of doors in shady sheltered places, and their pots should be fixed in position by means of three or four stakes driven into the ground. Syringe every fine afternoon, so as to keep them fresh and clean. Such plants as are not placed out of doors should be kept in cool, light, airy houses, their leaves, if dirty, should be washed, and the plants should be kept well watered. Young growing plants, if necessary may be re. potted, and also spring grafted plants. The ligatures may in nearly all cases now be removed from tho latter ; lateral growths on the stocks rubbed off, and part of the points of the stocks cut off if the scions are making good progress. Proceed with the grafting of Camellias as previously directed, and propagate an additional quan- tity of stocks of C. japonica from cuttings. If a portion of a north wall in any cool house can be devoted to this sort, its young shoots may bo used every August for propagating for stocks. A close frame or a very gently heated bed is the most suitable place in which to strike them. If last year's cuttings, when rooted, have been potted singly and grown on favourably since, they may now be turned out into a cold pit, so as to get their young wood well ripened. They will then be in a good condition for "working" on next year. Pick decayed blooms off Heaths, and encourage the ripening of the wood by fully exposing the plants, either by plunging them out of doors in a bed of ashes, or by keeping them in pits or frames that are well ventilated night and day. No more pinching should be done now, unless it bo to remove any useless growths in the centre of large specimens, which growths are generally very weakly and subject to disease. Do not water the plants overhead, but supply them liberally at the root, and pour plenty of water about the flocrr of the house or on the beds. Any young plants that were pricked off three in a small pot in the spring may now be potted off singly and placed in a cool frame. The earliest Azaleas should now have completed their growth and formed well-developed flower.buds ; therefore remove them to cooler quarters that are light and well ventilated. Water Azaleas plentifully at the roots, but not over- head, and maintain a moist atmosphere by spilling plenty of water about the floor and on the stages. Indeed, towards the end of this 162 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 15, 1874. month all the plants, both early and late, should be transferred to cooler houses ; but on no account pat them out of doors. Pick off withered leaves, and destroy thrips, scale, and any other depredators that may make their appearance. No more pinching of the shoots should be done now ; on the contrary, tho maturation of the wood should bo the main object kept in view. It is a curious fact, how- ever, that young Azaleas may be treated for the first twelvo or eighteen months after being grafted and re-potted, as cool stove plants, with beneficial effects in the way of securing a strong and rapid growth; and, if properly attended to in the matter of pincb. ing, they will form excellent and stubby plants. Those plants that were grafted about the end of June and first of July, will now have taken well ; therefore the ligatures should be cut away, and the plants re-potted from thumb-pots — which are commonly used for stocks that are to be grafted — into GO-sized ones, and still kept moderately close. Proceed with the grafting of these plants, if not already finished, as recommended last month. Ke-pot and place in pits some Zonal Pelargoniums for late blooming, and pot off rooted cuttings of show varieties. Keep up a succession of Fuchsias. Soft-wooded Plants. Of Gomphrena globosa, have a good stock of plants, both in flower and coming forward ; they may be treated like Balsams, but less liberally, and should be protected from heavy rains. Preserve some of the best flowered Balsams for seeiling purposes; keep plants of them for late blooming gradually shifted as they require it, and keep the flower-buds picked off until a short time before they are re- quired to open. Balsams, as well as Cockscombs and other Celosias, should be grown in cool pits, with the sashes removed during the day, and replaced, but tilted up, at night. Sow Mignonette in pots ; thin out advancing plants, and shift them, it necessary, into larger pots without injuring their roots. Sow the latest batch of hybrid Calceo- larias, and prick off or pot singly plants from previous sowings. Cineraria seedlings or off-sets should be shifted when necessary, using a rich soil for the purpose, and place the plants on a layer of gravel or ashes, in a frame with a north aspect. Pot on Chinese Primroses, using a light rich soil, and pinch and grow on moderately Bouvardias for winter blooming. Keep hybrid herbaceous and other Begonias as near the glass as possible, and shade them a little from bright snnshine. B. Weltoniensis is one of the best compact autumn blooming plants which we possess. When Begonias become pot. bound give them a little manure.water occasionally. I'ropagate this class of plants by means of seed and cuttings, but be careful not to cover the cuttings with a bell or hand-light, as they strike better without such assistance. Young Hydrangeas for September blooming should be kept moderately close and well watered ; but old stocks that were potted in spring and since plunged out of doors, or which, having their roots cut round, are now lifted and placed in largo pots, will also yield a great quantity of late blooms. Pot a few plants of the common and larger-growing varieties of Mnsk in rich soil, and grow them against a wall with a north aspect, for blooming between September and Christ. mas. Keep tho different varieties of Monochajtum in a growing temperature, and pinch thorn in no longer. Give Chrysanthemums plenty of mannre-water, and take off and strike a few flowering points for dwarf plants. Tall plants produce tho best single Ijlooms, and pyramidal or mushroom trained ones the greatest pro. fusion of flowers. Nerines that have done blooming should bo kept moderately dry ; and Cyclamens should be examined and watered a littlo more liberally than they have been, Lantanas, particularly one-year old pl.ants, if kept pinched until now and grown on mode, rately, will have formed good plants that will continue flowering for a long time. Keep succession plants of Coleus in open frames, merely protecting them from wind and rain ; in this way they grow freely and stubbily, and seldom require pinching. A few Coleuses may bo propagated for keeping through the winter, as young well, hardened or half-starved plants keep better than old ones, and in spring under exciting treatment they readily take to growing and yield plenty of cuttings. The same remarks are equally applicable to Iresines, Centaurcas, and Alternanthcras. Lilies, as Boon as done flowering, should bo placed in a sheltered position out of doors, and watered a little until their stalks have withered, when the pots may be laid on their sides to prevent wet getting tb their bulbs. Treat succession plants liberally, as well as those of Campanula pyramidalis. Where Dahlia imperialis is grown, the plants should have been kept out of doors from June till now, and then introduced into a little heat, when they will soon expand their flowers. Salvias form excellent winter. flowering plants, and old plants may be started now for that purpose, and young ones for winter and early spring use. In stoves, as in other plant houses, our chief object should bo to get the wood well ripened. Ventilaia well in the first part of the day, close early, and shade moder ■'-.ely. Train out the shoots of Dipladenias along the roof. Store away in dry places Achimenes and Gloxinias that have flowered early, and grow on moderately Gesneras of the Exoniensis section. Transfer such Allamandas as have come well into bloom to the conservatory, where thoy continue longer in perfection than in warmer quarters. Thin out the shoots of Bougainvilleas as soon as the flowers are shed, preserving only such as are necessary for next year's work. Keep Aphelandra Roezlii in a growing condition; this is one of the best and most showy of winter-blooming plants. Some of the earliest started Caladiums may bo permitted to go to rest, as may also early, bloomed plants of Clerodendron squamatum. Plants of Euphorbia JacquiniasHora and Poinsettia pulcherrima should be encouraged to make growth, and should be kept near the glass. The general stock of young plants may be re-potted and kept growing a little through, out the whole year. Libonia floribunda and Sericographis Ghies. breghtiana should now be permitted to grow without further pinching ; they will form good blooming plants for winter use. Preserve a young stock of Torenias, Pentas, Scutellarias, Centra, denias, Thyrsacanthus, &c., as well as of fine-leaved plants for decorating the front stages, baskets, and apartments. Most of the stove plants may now bo increased by means of cuttings made of the half-ripe wood, as well as from seeds. Keep Gardenias in a vapour-ljath, a mode of treatment that applies equally well to the Eucharis amazonica, and to Marantas and Alocasias. Stove aquariums should bo kept clean from Confervas, as well .as from the decaying leaves and flowers of Nympha;as, Nelumbiums, and other aquatics. In the case of Ferns, while the weather is fine, fire-heat may almost be dispensed with, provided Ferneries contain, ing tender plants are shut up early. Shading should still bo used during strong sunshine, for the young fronds are yet tender, and the sun's rays powerful. Abundance of water must be given at the roots, and a gentle syringing overhead to Aspleniums, Polypodiums, &c. ; but Adiantums, Nothochlasnas, and Gymnogrammas prefer having their leaves kept dry. A moist atmosphere must be main, tained, especially in the tropical Fernery. Thick shading must be used in tho case of filmy Ferns, which, if in cases, may bo assisted by green gauze, in addition to the ordinary canvas outside, or a thick coating of paint may be rubbed over the glass outside. They must be kept cool and in a moist atmosphere, and_ gently dewed overhead daily. Take off and wipe the bell. glasses used for covering them every day, or wipe the glass inside the cases, so as to preserve a sweet and genial atmosphere. Greenhouse Ferns require to bo kept cool and in well ventilated houses or pits, and hardy Ferns in pots should be placed in frames having a northern aspect, or they may be set against a wall having a similar position. Seedling Ferns, which may now bo picked np on the surface of pots, damp walls, paths, old stages, and amongst Orchids, should be selected, potted, or inserted in wire baskets, or they may be left where they are, for yielding fronds for associating with cut flowers during winter and spring. Orchids. Less water and shading will now bo required in the case of such plants as have finished their season's growth, but Masdavallias, Odontoglossums, Oncidium macranthum, and many Dendrobes, which will now be growing freely, must have a copious supply, and as much light and air as possible during fino weathei'. Cyprlpediums should be syringed once or twice daily, and Cattleyas, Laelias, and other leathery-leaved species will be all tho better for occasional spougings with clean tepid water. The bare surfaces of the pots should be covered afresh with living Sphagnum Moss, and plants in baskets should be overhauled and examined every two or three days, while those on blocks will require attention oftener. A little fire heat will be needful for tho cool houses on cold nights, but air should still be left on night and day. Plants in flower, such as Odoutoglots, Den- drobes, Cattleyas, La)lia3, and Cypripediums, may be removed to a drier house or to the conservatory, where they will last much longer in perfection than in an atmosphere heavily charged with moisture. Cleanliness should prevail in every department, and all pipes, boilers, and other appliances should now be seen to before sharp weather seta in. Now is a good time tor carrying out any repairs not already attended to. Totting may still be done in the case of strong.growing species and imported plants. Now, too, is a good time to re.pot Disas that have finished blooming, using a fresh open compost of peat, leaf, mould, and living Sphagnum, with suificient coarse sand or grit to keep the whole open and porous.- — F. W. Burbidoe. Hardy Fruit. Tho gathering and storing of ripe fruit now claims considerable attention. The temptation is strong to gather fruit before it is ripe, as every day the nearer it approaches to perfect maturity, the dangers to which it is exposed increase. Insects lurk in hidden places to devour it, and hosts of hungry birds hover over it, but once safely Aug. 15, 1874.] THE GAEDBN. 163 atored it is secure. Still, it must not be gathered too soon. The last service the growing tree confers on fruits, is to fill them brimful of flavour, and if we sever the connection prematurely, this service cannot be rendered. The result is, the fruit becomes shrivelled, or preserves a tartness more sharp than agreeable. In no simple opera, tion is the skill of the cultivator more severely tested, than as regards the right time and mode of gathering fruit. Neither too soon nor too late must bo our rule. Each fruit has the right day, perhaps, its proper hour, to be gathered — a set time, in which it has reached the greatest perfection. If this be true, and it is, how often in our hap-hazard mode of harvesting, must we, as a matter of course, make mistakes. No doubt, as a rule, fruits arc gathered too soon ; still, it is possible, though less excusable, to err on the other side. There is hope of a fruit gathered too early. Many ripen more or less after being gathered, but a fruit once past perfection is comparativaly ruined. In general terms, it may be stated, that no fruit should be allowed to drop from the tree, certainly uo stone fruit. The experienced eye can readily detect the gathering signs ot maturity; and just as the fruits are about to fall, the cultivator's hand should be found waiting to receive them. A word as to the time of day to gather fruits ; this has often to be determined by convenience. But supposing a choice possible, early in the morn- ing is the best time, when the nourishing dews or quiet coolness, and darkness of the night will have given the last touch of quality to the fruit ; gather it before the sun warms or dissipates part of its luseiousness and flavour. The worst time to gather fruit is at noon, when the sun expends its maximum force upon it. No fruit should be gathered — none sent to the table — warm, nor must it be made cool by being iced ; a sudden chill as well as a fierce heat, drives the flavour out of it. Flavour is a more fugitive quality in fruits than many seem to think. Hence the importance of these minute instructions. Fruit should be gathered tenderly and touched gently ; the true cultivator is ever careful not to mar the beauty or blemish the flesh of his fruits, each bruise being a step towards decomposition. Gather the fruit for the day's consumption as early in the morning as possible, store it in single file in a cool place till wanted ; dish it up with a profusion of fresh green leaves, and arrange it with taste and judgment, and in quantity proportioned to the number of guests, and it will be sure to be appreciated and enjoyed. In gathering for storing in the fruit-room use shallow baskets padded with cotton wool, carry and store the fruit in single layers, and it will keep well and go to table in its season perfect alike in form, appearance, and flavour.— D. T. Pish. Kitchen Garden. Potatoes in many places, in consequence of the retarding influence of spring frosts and the subsequent check caused by drought, are small, and the crop therefore light. Super. tuberation also is taking place amongst later crops to a considerable extent ; and, in all cases where the skins of the tubers are suiSciently set, it would be advis. able to take up the crop, but not to store it in large heaps at present. Although the main crops of Broccoli and winter Greens should have been planted last month, there is yet time to make a farther planting for spring use, provided good plants can be obtained. They will not attain the same development as those planted earlier, but, wherever the Potato crop falls short, all vacant spots should be filled up, as the chances are, they will be found to be useful in spring. Make the last sowing of White Lisbon and Tripoli Onions ; sow thickly, as they may be transplanted in spring; in fact, in all places where the Onion maggot is troublesome, this may be looked upon as the most reliable time to sow, so as to escape its ravages. This is also a good time to sow prickly Spinach for spring use. It delights in deep, rich, well-manured land ; both this and previous sowings should be thinned out to about -1 or 5 inches apart, and, if necessary, the thinnings may be planted to furnish a succession. Wherever no provision has been made for a good supply of Parsley for use in bad weather, such should now be seen to ; plants from the main bed may be lifted, the larger leaves cut off, and the roots planted in some warm sheltered place, where they can easily be pro- tected by placing a frame over them. Hurdles thatched with straw form some of the most useful protections for this and other crops, and are usually available almost everywhere. A row of Parsley might also be planted at the foot of a south wall for the sake of early growth in spring. Late Peas now coming into bearing, considering the ordeal through which they have passed, are looking well, and are at present free from mildew. It is necessary that great care should be exercised in gathering the crop so as not to bi'eak any of the shoots or foliage. This has more significance now than early in the season, as upon its observance depends, in some measure, their continuous bearing. South borders will again prove useful for the purpose of sowing and transplanting such things as Endive, Lettuces, Radishes, &c. We have latterly had cooler weather, accompanied by mode, rate, but refreshing, rains, which have very much benefited every, thing, and the growth of recently planted crops will now be very much accelerated. Keep the Burfaoe stirred among growing crops ; never allow a weed to seed ; and thus weeds will soon cease to be trouble, some. Clear off all run-away crops the moment they are done with ; the proper place for such matters is the pigstye, where what is not con- sumed will be quickly converted into excellent manure. Any bad smell arising from the process of fermentation will be neutralised by a free nse of the long littery manure from the stables. In the same way any bad smells arising from the fermentation of short Grass, or other vegetable refuse, in the rubbish yard should be attended to with sprinklings ot lime ; burnt earth or dry earth of any kind is a capital deodoriser. If any symptoms of mildew should appear upon Cucum- bers in frames, or on ridges in the open air, sprinkle sulphur freely amongst them. — E. Hobday. How to Soften Hard Putty. — Amateurs who, for amuse- ment, make themselves " handy " about their premises, sometimes adopt modes of doing work that would be repudiated by professed workmen, either because it was not the custom of the trade or that the work was dispatched too quickly. My object is to assist those who may sometimes try their hands at glazing. Those who have ■ repaired broken glass in an old greenhouse or pit know well the labour of cutting out the hard putty without destroying the wood, work. After many trials, and with a variety of differently shaped tools with various success, I at last accomplished my end by the simple application of heat. My first experiment was with a soldering iron, when, to my great delight, I found the putty become so soft that the broken glass could be removed by the fingers and the putty be easily scraped away. All that is required is a block of iron about 2i inches long by 1^ inches square, flat at the bottom, and drawn out for a handle, with a wooden end like a soldering-iron. When hot (not red) place this iron against the putty or flat on the broken glass, if any, and pass it slowly round the sides of the square. The heat will so soften the putty that it will come away from the wood without difliculty. Some of it may be so hard as to require a second applica- tion of the hot iron, but one experiment will give sufficient instruc- tion to meet all difficulties. — C. J. C, Cat/ord Bridge. The Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution. — In refe- rence to a " Head Gardener's" observations upon^this institution (see p. 102), I should like to make one or two remarks. In the first place, the smallness of the pensions given deters gardeners from becoming subscribers, owing to the fact that they are not sufficient to exist upon now-a-days, whatever the original pensioners may have managed to do. Raise the pensions even at the cost of electing fewer pen. sioners at each half-yearly election, and as death makes vacancies, there will be fewer to pay until the requisite funds come in to give an increased sum per annum. By this means a greater inducement would be offered to gardeners to join the charity. I often peruse the reports of various benevolent societies, and I must confess that the gardeners' pensions are the lowest of any. Let each member put the question to himself — Is the miserable sum offered to live upon when old age comes, any enticement for the craft to give their guinea per annum ? Let the committee make it to a gardener's interest to subscribe, and they will soon have an increase of members. The majority of gardeners have but few friends left to give them a helping hand after they have reached sixty years of age, and I certainly do hope that some scheme may be introduced, by which the pensions may be increased. There are, doubtless, many large-hearted sub- scribers, who, if they knew that there was an endeavour being made to give poor gardeners a trifle more, would only be too happy, in some cases, to double their subscriptions, and in others, to give some three or four shillings more per annum. In the latter case subscribers would not miss the trifling sum, and they would have the satisfaction of knowing what an inestimable benefit it was to the recipients. — C. D., Chelsea, Darwinism Again. — A Darwin philosopher was brought before a justice on a charge of drunkenness. In defence, he said, " Your worship I am a Darwinian, and I have, I think, discovered the origin of my unfortunate tendency. One of my remotest grandfathers was an anthropoid of a curious turn of mind. One morning, about 4,391,633 B.C., he was looking over his store of Cocoanuts, when he picked up one for his breakfast in which the milk had fermented. He drank the liquor and got gloriously drunk, and ever after he always kept his Cocoanuts until fermentation took place. Judge, then, whether a tendency handed down through innumerable ancestors, should not be taken in my defence." Casting a sarcastic look at the prisoner, the justice said, " I am sorry that the peculiar arrangement of the atoms of star dust resulted in giving me a dispo- sition to sentence you to pay a fine of five shillings and costs." Large forests of the India-rubber tree have been recently discovered in Columbia, near the river Chuoumagne. 164 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 15, 1874 THE HOUSEHOLD. VARIOUS WAYS OF COOKING APPLES. There ia no article of food which can bo prepared in such varied ways, and in such palatable dishes, as Apples. Whether eaten raw or cooked, this fruit is generally popular, and is equally desirable and nutritious for yonng and old ; it may therefore be desirable to direct attention to some of the different ways in which it may be used. Apples that are to be employed for sauce should be pared, cored, and put into cold water unless cooked directly, to keep them from discolouring. Add a little water, cover closely, and cook gently, not stirring them until the whole are softened, or you will cook them in lumps ; when soft, stir and mash, add a little butter, sweeten and strain through a colander. Apple Souffle.— Stew the Apples as directed for sauce, adding a little grated Lemon peel and juice, and omitting the butter ; line the sides and bottom of a baking dish with them. Make a boiled custard with one pint of milk and two eggs, flavouring with lemon and sweetening it to taste. Lot it cool, and then pour into the centre of .the dish. Beat the whites of two eggs to a stiff froth (they can be left out of the custard), spread them over the top; sprinkle white sugar all oyer them, and brown in the oven. The stewed Apple should be about half an inch thick on the bottom and sides of the pudding dish. Apple and Tapioca Pudding. — Soak overnight a quarter of a pountl of Tapioca ; in the morning pour off the water, and add one quart and a gill of boiling water, sweeten, and flavour with grated Lemon peel and the juice of one Lemon. Take six or eight tart Ap. pies, pare, core, and place in a pudding dish ; fill the centre of each Apple with sugar ; then pour the liquid Tapioca over the Apples, filling the dish, and bake in a hot oven until tho Apples are perfectly soft. Serve cold with cream. 11 preferred, tho Apples can be sliced into the Tapioca. If one desires to prepare it in haste, turn cold water on to the Tapioca, let it soak for fifteen minutes, then pour boiling water on, and stir it nntil it looks like thin starch. Apple Meringue. — Pare, core, and stew ten good sized Apples in as little water as possible; sweeten and add a small piece of but- ter, put into a pudding dish, cover the top with the beaten whites of four eggs, sprinkle them thickly with powdered white sugar, and brown in the oven. Apple Dumpling. — Make a nice crust, line a quart bowl with it, battering it well ; fill up the bowl with sliced Apples, sugar, grated Lemon peel, and Lemon juice. Cover with the crust, pinching the edges close together, flour a thick cotton cloth, and tie it closely over the top of the bowl, and set it into boiling water, but not enough to cover the top of the bowl. Boil two hours, not letting the water go below the boiling point, and keeping it well filled in as it evaporates. Serve with a sugar and butter sauce, or with sugar and cream. Apple [Pudding. — Grate ten large Apples, paring them first ; add to them four table-spoonfuls of melted butter, eight of sugar, . grated peel and juice of one Lemon, and the'yolks and whites of six eggs beaten separately. Line a dish with puff paste, and bake like a custard pudding. Apple Cobbler. — Pare, core, and slice twelve large tart Apples, add to them tho juice of two Lemons, grated peel of one, sweeten to taste ; stew very slowly for two hours ; turn into a mould. When cold, serve with cream. Apple Float. — Take one pint of stewed Apples ; sweeten and fla- vour to taste. When cold, and just before you desire to serve, add the beaten whites of four eggs, stir thoroughly into the Apple; serve with cream and sponge cake. Apples and Rice.- — Core and pare as many Apples as will fill a pudding dish, stew them so that they are nearly soft. Boil half a teacup of Bice ; when nearly soft, add sugar, salt, and a pint of milk. Place the Apples in the pudding dish, turn tho Bice over them, filling up the core of each Apple with sugar before putting in the Bice. Bake until it is a nice brown. Serve with cream, or without any sauce. Another Rice and Apple Pudding. — Boil two large spoonfuls of well washed rice in a pint of new milk ; slice into it while boiling two or three Apples, pared, and a few currants or raisins. Simmer slowly until the rice is very soft, then add one well-beaten egg. Stir for a few minutes, and serve with cream and sugar, or a butter and sugar sauce. Apples in Imitation of Ginger. — To three pounds of very hard Apples, take two pounds of loaf sngar, and a quarter of a pound of best white ginger. Put these in layers (having first sliced the Apples in eight pieces and cored them) alternately in a wide-mouthed jar. Next day infuse an ounce of white ginger, well bruised, in abont a pint of boiling water ; let it stand till next day. Then put the Apples, that have been two days in the ginger, into a preserving kettle, and turn over them the water from the bruised ginger. Simmer slowly nntil the Apples look clear. Take great care not to break the pieces. If closely covered, over a slow fire, half an hour will cook them enough, without needing to stir them. Put into jars, and cover tightly while boiling hot. Let the bits of ginger remain in the syrup until it is served. Rice and Apple Souffle. — Boil two tablespoonfnla of rice in half a pint of milk ; add, when soft, the yolks of two eggs, and sugar to taste. Make a wall with it around the sides of the dish ; stew some pared and cored Apples until soft, fill the centre of the dish with them, fill up the apertures in the Apples with candied sweetmeats or jelly, and cover tho whole with tho whites of the eggs, beaten to a stiff froth, and sprinkled thick with white powdered sugar. Brown in the oven, and serve with cream. — Cultivatcyr. Fruit in Tin Cans. — An impression prevails among those who freely use fruit put up in tin cans, that it is injured thereby, and this impression is in many instances correct. We have long contended that all preserved fruits and vegetables should be stored in glass, and that no metal of any kind should be brought in contact with them. All fruits contain more or less vegetable acids, and others that are highly corrosive are often formed by fermentation, and metallic vessels are considerably acted upon. Tin cans are held together by solder, an alloy into which lead enters largely. This metal is easily corroded by vegetable acids, and poisonous salts are formed. Many persons (according to the Bo'iton Juurnalo/ Chcmistnj) are greatly injured by eating Tomatoes, Peaches, &c., which have been placed in tin cans. CuUnary Uses of the Papaw in Tropical Countries.— Tour description of the Papaw in a late number of The Garden', reminds me of what a treasure it is to the cuisine in a tropical climate, where meat cannot possibly be hung up to make it tender. In tho West India Islands, where the Papaw abounds, its leaf or its fruit (I am not sure which) is rubbed well into the meat about to be cooked, and tenderness, otherwise unattainable, is produced at once. The leaf of the Papaw has a curious kind of odour, reminding mo of our Fig-leaf's scent ; perhaps, therefore, an infusion made from Fig-leaves might be of similar eflicaoy. I certainly have heard in the County Wicklow, of a turkey having been rendered tender by suspension in a Fig tree. — A. L., Bala, North Wales. Fruit Eating. — A very mistaken idea found a lodgment in the minds of many, otherwise sensible persons, to wit, that summer complaints, the generic term under which the disorders peculiar to the season are known, are caused mainly by the use of fruit, and that the wise and safe plan is to prohibit its use altogether. This method, which neglects to take advantage of one of the most bene, ficient provisions for man's use, is detrimental to health. When fruit does harm, it is because it ia eaten at improper times, in improper quantities, or before it is ripened and fit for the human stomach. A distingnighed physician has said that if his patients would make a practice of eating a couple of good Oranges before breakfast, from February till June, his practice would be gone. The principal evil ia that we do not eat enough of fruit ; that we injure its finer qualities with sugar ; that we drown them in cream. We need the medicinal action of the pure fruit acids in our system, and their cooling, corrective influence. — II. NOTES AND QUESTIONS ON THE HOUSEHOLD. Carrot Jam. — Boil a few Carrots quite tender, rub them through a cullender, afterwards through a sieve, and to lib. of pulp add lib, of lump sugar, boil it to a jam, and when nearly cold add the juice of two Lemons (strained from tho seeds), and the rinf)0 feet above the level of the plain, and, at any rate, it could not be the cold that hurt them — it might be want of care in transplanting. But having no pretensions to practical knowledge of Vine- growing, I should be glad if any of the able Vine-growers, who from time to time impart their knowledge to us through the pages of your journal, would say (so far as the informa- tion given allows) to what they would ascribe Mr. Jen- nings's want of success. I should add that he had a Scotch gardener, that is to say, a Scotch labourer, who, at some former period of his life, had picked up some knowledge of gardening, and who kept the rest of the garden, especially the vegetable part, in very fair order. Gooseberry bushes seemed to thrive well enough; which,- perhaps, is not sur- prising, seeing that they grow wild in the Sierra Nevada, where Douglas found them. I found one in the Sierra Nevada in fruit in July ; the berry small but verj' hairy, and the hairs very long and very stiff, almost as long, indeed, as the diameter of the berry. I did not notice our Black, Red, and AVhite Currants, although I have little doubt they were there ; but the yellow- flowering Currant seemed a great favourite. Mr. Jennings's garden was surrounded by an excellent hedge of the Osage Orange, which was almost the only fence that could be called a hedge in all the City. The common Hawthorn will not grow there, the winter being too severe for it. I found the same thing even in Upper Canada. As to flowers, I saw nothing that is not common in England. In front of one or two of the best houses you might, in spring, see a few Hyacinths or Parrot Tulips planted out, and the usual common flowers, such as the purple Iris, Roses, &c. In Mr. Jennings's greenhouse were the usual Tom Thumb Geraniums, scarlet-flowered Pelargoniums, the variegated Coleus, and such like ; but I do not think that anything interested me or affected me more than to see in a little patch, not 12 feet square, in front of a small house, a few plants of the variegated Balm that you commonly see in the cottage gardens in Scotland. I could have wagered that the residents were, or had been, " cotters " from the old country, as I could that those in the next plot were not, who had, in the hot days of July, removed their double cooking-stove out of the house into their little plot, where I saw it standing busily at work in the open air. I cannot pretend to nominate all that I saw or missed ; it would serve no good purpose, and the cursory notes that I have given should be enough to enlighten anyone, that is interested in the subject, as to the true character of the climate and the great, but as yet undeveloped, horticultural capacities of Utah. Andrew Murray. Aug. 22, 1874] THE GARDEN. 173 THE FLOWER GARDEN. STRELITZIA NICOLAI. This plant is one of the most graceful members of the Musal alliance, and deserves to become popular in our gardens and conservatories as a striking and elegant decorative foliage plant. It is sufficiently hardy to withstand our climate during the summer months, and grows even more freely than most of the Musas when planted in a richly manured soil and in warm sheltered positions. In habit the plant is morn robust than any of its congeners, if we except S. augusta, which frequently attains a height of from 30 to 40 feet, treated as a warm con- servatory plant. Both the last-named plants are chiefly remarkable for their fine foli- age, but some of the smaller- growing kinds, as S. ovata and the even more beautiful S. regina3, are well-known flower- ing plants, generally grown in a warm conservatory or in a humid plant stove. These species will, however, both grow and flower well in warm sheltered positions out-of-doors, and form striking objects massed along with Musas, Palms, and the larger Arads. Our illustration gives an ex- cellent idea of the noble port assumed by well-grown speci- men s of StrelitziaNicolai, which, although common as a half- hardy foliage plant in many Continental gardens, is very rarely to be met with in this country. B. NEW DOUBLE-FLOWERED ZONAL PELARGONIUMS. SojiE months since, those of yonr readers who were inter- ested in the above class of decorative plants were much indebted to M. Jean Sisley for some very interesting informa- tion regarding the origin of these popular and really beauti- ful plants, and certainly no one could be found better qualified for the task he set himself, than M. Sisley, who has probably done more than any other culti- vator towards the improvement of this useful family of plants, and was the first, and, I believe, as yet, the only raiser who has succeeded in producing a double white variety. The improve- ment which has been efiected in this section of the Zonal Pelar- gonium during the last fifteen years, or since Triomphe de Gergovia was discovered in the Botanical Gardens of Clermont-Ferrand, Puy de Dome, in France, is some- thing very remarkable ; and this would, no doubt, be readily admitted were it possible to compare some of the more recent introductions with the above-named variety. On seeing the first blooms of some of the very fine sorts which were introduced last year, the production of English as well as of Continental raisers, I felt inclined to think that the double-flowering Pelargoniums, like their tricolored-lcaved congeners, had nearly, if not altogether arrived at their ultima tlude, and that the march of improve- ment could proceed little, if any, further. But on flowering three of M. Sisley's latest productions, which M. Alogatiere, of Lyon, is now distributing, I felt pleased to find what I, at least, considered a very decided advance on all previous introductions ; indeed, I think the variety named Franijois Pei-tusati must certainly be considered amongst the most unique and beautiful of all the double sorts which have, as yet, been introduced. The habit of the plant appears to be very good ; the foliage is slightly zoned, and it has the appear- ance of behig a very free-blooming variety ; but, as my plant is, as yet, small, I cannot, of course, speak with certainty as to this quality. The florets or individual blooms are large and loosely double, and appear to loose their entire individuality in the formation of a finely-shaped globular truss of immense size and of a richly-shaded salmon colour; the petals being long, become lighter in colour or nearly white towards the margins, which imparts to the well-formed truss a singularly beautiful appearaiice. George Sand is also a very remarkable and distinct variety of dwarf and compact habit of growth, the foliage being of a light green shade of colour and slightly zoned. The individual flowers are exceedingly large, with long and somewhat in-egu- lar petals ; forming, however, a finely-formed truss of large size. Under glass the flowers are almost pure white, but they assume in the open air, or even in a situation much ex- posed to the sun, a delicate rose-coloured tint,which renders the truss exceedingly beautiful. Carl Vogt is of a somewhat stronger habit of growth, with a well-defined zone upon dark green foliage. This is also a very striking and fine variety, the shade of colour being new and peculiar. P. Grieve. Gulford, Bury St. Edmunds. A noble Strelitzia. THE FLOWER-WALK IN REGENT'S PARK. The ornamental part of the Regent's Park, so tastefully laid out a few years ago by tbe late Mr. M. Nesfield, consists of two parts — one, an Italian flower gar- den, placed on each side of the fine Horse Chestnut avenue ; and the other, an open undulating space, laid out after the manner of an English pleasure ground, with serpentine walks and diiierent- shaped clumps, containing ae'ec- tions of the tiner kinds of flowering shrubs and evergreens. Of these, some of the more striking are also planted singly on the Grass, along with the original trees, which having now attained con. siderable size, form fine objects, and provide ample shade in summer. In the Italian garden are some handsome vases, judiciously placed, and which, when filled with Geraniums and other suitable plants, form striking objects. There are also a number of fine Yuccas, variegated Hollies, and other ever- green shrubs, planted singly on the Grass borders which surround the sunken beds in the central compartments. The flower-beds are edged with Box, the small walks gravelled, and the whole surrounded by an edging of Austin's stone, inside of which is a border of Ivy. Lombardy Poplars, supporting Grape Vines, which twine around their stems, are planted at regular distances on each side of the straight main walks. These, when regularly pruned, form a good substitute for the upright Cypress, which does not thrive about London. Some of the circular beds in this part, are filled with Bub-tropical plants, and are now very effective. What is called the Colosseum ground was originally quite flat, and, owing to the crowded state of the trees, in many places destitute o£ 174 THE GAEDBN. [Aug. 22, 1874 Graaa. The undulations consist chiefly of material supplied by the Umlorgmuiul llailway, surfacocl with the orifrinal soil. This garden is at present in full beauty. In the bods are Castor-oil plants, Dracicnas, Aralias, Aruudos, India Rubber plants, and tho old-fashioned Hollyhock, wlioso fine form is desirable fur the sake of variety. Notliiug very delicate or tender is introduced. It was llr. Nesfield's intention to have had, if possible, a lino entrance to the park from Portland Place, in a direct line with tho broad walk ; another wing added on tho west side, similar to that on the east ; and, on going nortli wards, three rows of Elms swept away to make room for a row of Limes, scarlet and white Chestnuts, and a few of tho larger Coniferaj planted on what might become a lawn, provided the idea was carried out. — I. SBDUM SPBCTABILB. Sedu.m .si'Ecr.\i!iLE — Pabaria of some, and roseum of others — is a most useful plant for flower-garden decoration. It flowers late iu the season, when most of tho sammer.blooniiug plants are losing their lustro. Previous to its coming into flower, the glaucous foliage of this Sedum tends to give a pleasant relief to any high coloured jilant which may be in conjunction with it. "Its fine heads of rosy. ])uiple flowers e.-jpand about the beginning of August, and it remains fur two months, and sometimes longer, in stately perfection. Planted in lines in ribbon.borders, it is particularly effective when placed in centres of beds, or in patches by itself it also looks well. Like others of its class, it withstands extreme cold, heat, or wet, with impunity. I saw it in quantity a few days ago, with Mr. Knight, at Floors Castle, Kelso, where it has been extensively used for years with telling effect. I remember seeing it in magnificent order at Hampton Court, some years ago, when the gardens theie wore under the control of Mr. Donald, at which place it was principally planted under and around the large spreading dense Yew trees in the flower garden. In this situation, as in the uusiiaded beds, the tine heads of flower, some of them a foot across, were fully developed, high in colour, and perfect in every way. Not a great many plants will grow, and fewer still will flower, in such shaded places, and this Sedum, doing both to perfection, should secure general cultivation in like situations. It is often grown on rock-work or elevated mounds, but, as it grows from 1 to 2 feet high, it is best suited for the lower flats and cavities, where the whole plant can be seen to advantage. A rich soil suits this Stonecrop best, but it thrives in nearly any compost. The stock may bo easily increased by dividing the old crowns. Unless where a change is desired, it is not necessary to remove it annually. Cultivated in pots for late summer or autumn decoratiau of the greenhouse, or wherever hardy plants in pots may be needed, this variety has no equal amongst Sedums or succulents generally. In an 8-inch pot it produces from si.^ to twelve spikes, and these, when furnished with their large heads, form a collective mass of bloom 3 and l feet iu circumference. J. Muir. Clovenfords. Sweet Peas and their Culture.— The Sweet Pea has improved in common with many other popular flowers, and there is reason to believe it is capable of a greater improvement than it has yet received. The recent introduction of two large-flowering varieties, the Scarlet Invincible and the Black Invincible, both very fine, show that valuable selections are being made. One of the best knowu varieties is the Painted Lady ; this has a pale rose standard, as the upper petal is termed, the wings (or side petals) and the keel being white. This is a very charming form, and it is a great favourite in our gardens. There is an improvement on this known as the IS'ew Painted Lady, in which the standard is of a deeper rose, and contrasts most effectively with the white wings. The Black Sweet Pea has a very dark purple standard, and deep rosy-red wings and keel. Then tho Purple comes in the same way, but with a paler standard ; the Purple Striped has tho wings and keel striped with white. One of the handsomest is the Scarlet Invincible, a fine largo variety, with the standard of a bright scarlet hue, and the wings of a clear rose. Tho Scarlet Sweet Pea is a smaller form of this, and the Scarlet Striped is the same, but prettily striped with white. Tho Blue-edged Sweet Pea is a form of the purple, with a margin of blue to the wings ; but its character is scarce fixed enough to be regarded as a permanent variety. The White Sweet Pea is wholly of this colour, and is very charming indeed where mi.xod with varieties of deeper tints. There are many ways ii\ which the Sweet Pea can bo turned to account in the adornment of a garden. A common method is to sow little patches in borders, the seed being generally that of mixed varieties, and then, by placing sumo stakes against them, secure pillars of flower. When it can be done, a hedge of Sweet Peas is au attractive sight, and sometimes it can be turned to account to hide an unsightly place during the summer. Many gardeners grow a hedge iu this way in order to yield a supply of cut flowers, which it always does in plenty. I once saw a charming com- bination at Muckross, Killarney, the seat of the Hon. Capt. Herbert, M.P. Across a portion of the kitcheu-gardeu were several hedges, made of the bright-coloured Scarlet Invincible Sweet Pea, and Tropsoulnm canarieuse, mingled together. In the soft moist climate of Killarney there was a profuse growth and an abundant bloom, tho (lowers of both being very fine. It is useless to grow tho Sweet Pea unless planted iu good soil. Many gardeners sow iu pots in the autumn or early spring, and place them under glass, so as to bring the plants in flower early in summer. — K. D. Flowers on Lawns. — We could do much better with a portion of our lawns than continually shaving them. Numbers of pretty Alpine and bulbous plants thrive freely and flower abundantly iu short Grass.ovenif occasionally mown. There is a little lawn at Worthing now dotted with the flowers of the Harebell. It seems to have been mowu several times during the season ; but the Harebells have come up again, the delicate blue bells being on stems 3 inches high instead of the usual height of the plant. Such a very attractive system is not in keeping on the more frequented parts of the lawn ; but there is in many gardens a good deal of mown surface which would look much better if adorned with such jewellery of plant life. — R. W. The New Rockery at Kew. — This, notwithstanding what has been said against it, is now looking better than any rockery I have seen this season, and, though I am afraid a good many of the plants on it will hardly stand a severe winter without protection, it has been a great success at present. Among the rarest and most interesting plants I noticed on it, most of which are now in flower, were : — • Spraguea umbellata, Saxifraga Straeheyi, Polygonum Brunonis, P. capitatum, Dianthus liburnicns, D. saxicola, Mazus bellidifolius, Hebenstreitia dentata. Astragalus sericeo-albus, Micro- meria piperella. Lobelia littoralis, Stobaaa purpurea, Corethogyne spathulata, Anchusa capensis, Stachys Corsica, Eustachys distichi- folia, and the finest plant of Omphalodes Luoilia; I have ever seen. Several of the half-hardy Begonias, as Sedeni, intermedia, Ac, were flowering freely at the same time. In the herbaceous ground I particularly noticed a very fine Datura (D. meteloides) in flower ; also, Aquilegia chrysantha, a splendid plant ; Nigella Fontanesiana, and Didiscus ctcruleus. — H. J. Elwes. NOTES AND QUESTIONS ON THE FLOWER GARDEN. Lilies in 1874. — I think the past dry season has licen pcculiai'ly well suitetl for Liliums. L. excelHum has bloomed strongly hero, the stems being more than 6 feet hi?h. I think I never before saw that glorious old plant, Lilium caudidum, so flue as it has been this season. Lilies are the easiest to grow and among the noblest of flowers. We shall, I believe, soon see them again in every garden. — J. W. Gaura Lindheiineri. — Thia graceful plant is now blooming beautifully here. It has attained the height of i feet, and when its slender branches are moved by a geuLic breeze, the beautiful white blossoms, seen at a distance, appear like so many butterflies dancing in the air. It is not quite hardy in this cold damp locality. It is best raised from cutLinga in autumn, which may be kept iu a cold fi'ame through the winter and planted out in May; rich loamy soU suits it well.— J. Whittakeb, Mjrhi/. Derbj/. Wintering the Spring Navel-wort (Umbilicasspinosus).— The striking resemblance this plant has to the hardv Sempeivivum^ is likely to lead anyone, who may have procured it through the summer, to suppose it is hardy, jini-l treat it accordingly. It should, ho\ve\'er, have the same protection and treatment during the' winter as Echeverias. We lost a very fine bit of it through its being iualvertently left out in the cold last winter, and I write this that others may not go and do hkewise.— J. Mcis. Hardy Plants for a Dry Soil. — I shall be greatly obliged by your informing me of some hardy plants suited for a very dry and rather poor soil.— Sep. [The following " plants will bo found to succeed:— Armoria in variety, Statice in variety, Vinca major and minor in variety, Pyrethram Tchiatchewii, Anthennis nobilis plena, Alyssum saxatilc, Arabis albida. Antirrhinum majus. Wallflowers, Centranthus ruber. Cerastiunis in variety. Pinks and Carnations, Campanula various, Lysimachia nummularia, Uudbeckia hirta. Solidagos, Asters, GypsopUila pauicnlata, Saxifraga in great variety, Sedums, Scmporvivums, Thymus in variety, and Corydahs lutea. l*ea-flowered plants generally thrive well in dry soils, so do many of the Composita;.— En.J Wilderness Roses-— For this idea, says Mr. Rivers in his "Amateur's Guide," I am indebted to Professor Owen, who, wishing to ornament a wild part of his ground full of Thorns, Grass, and weeds, adopted the following plan, which, I am inclined to think, is quite worthy of record. Large sewer- tubes, rejected on account of flaws in the enamel Uning, were sunk vertically in the pure gravelly soil to within an inch or so of the surface, and filled in with loam and maruu*e, and a Rose planted in the centre of each. The soil in the tube was kept free from weeds, aud the running Grass and other weeds outside were prevented making theii' way into such good quarters. To give the Roses extra vigour, some manure-water was given to them occasionally in the summer. The effect of Roses growing in tho highest state of lusurianco in a wilderness was most charming." The inside diameter of these tubes is IB inches, their length 30 inches, so that thoy go below the roots of weeds, which would otherwise soon devour tho rich compost iu which the Rosea dehght. Aug. ii, 1874.] THE GAEDEN. 175 THE SHAKESPEAREAN GARDEN. JLuNY o£ the allusions made by Shakespeare to plants aud their products, iuTolTe or seem to acknowledge the superstitions and credulities of former ages, especially as recorded in books. He tells us that Fern-seed has the power of rendering a person invisible ; that the use of Rosemary quickens the memory ; that the sudden perishing of the Bay-tree is ominous of evil ; that the use of Fennel improves the sight, and that when " torn out of the earth " the root of the Mandrake " shrieks," withresult s so terrible to the bystanders — That living mortals, hearing it, go mad. Shakespeare, of course, never believed these things ; ho knew the difference, as well as any man, aud better by far than thousands of men, between fact and fiction ; ho simply accepted the superstitions and the folk-lore that were current in his day, for what they might be worth, and left it to his readers to separate the veritable from the falmlous. So doing, he paid them the most graceful compliment that an author can render, ■which is to assume that his reader is sufficiently intelligent to distinguish at all times between the mythic and the genuine, and so well read iu the literature of all past ages that he will recognise every allusion, and never need to be told which is legend and which is history. A man of liberal education and well cultivated taste is at once differentiated from the vulgar aud the uninformed by the ease with which he separates the poetical ornament from the prosaic warp and woof. Shakespeare, more perhaps than any other man who ever lived, quickens our powers and aptitudes for so doing ; not by pi-ecept, but by that sweet magic of secret influence which always sinks so much deeper than didactics : hence he becomes our tutor, though we may not think it as we go along, in everything that makes intellect strong and beautiful. Where Shakespeare got all his information is a mystery. Of the extent and qualities of his education, conventionally so called, we have no exact aud minute records. It may reasonably be doubted if he was ever diligent at lessons. It is pleasanter, iu truth, to think of him as a man who, from his youth upwards, stood away and apart from mere book knowledge, since we then become more impressed with his originality. That which in Shakespeare was pre-eminently remarkable, and which stood with him in place of what iu modern days is called " information, "or ''a good education " was iusir/ht, the superb faculty by means of which the mental vision instantaneously co-ordinates itself with the breadth and altitude of things, the least as well as the greatest, and which, at the same time probes, without effort, to the innermost centre. Shakespeare had the felicitous power, most especially, of seeing things, not only as to their outsides, as most people are fain to content themselves with doing, thereby falling every day of their lives, into the most ridiculous and unfor- tunate mistakes, but as to their inmost substance and kernel. Whatever he looked at, he saw through it. With a mau who can do this, book-learning, despite its value to the mass of mankind, is intrinsically of slight importance. There is little need, therefore, to inquire who were his schoolmasters, or what was the range of his reading as a student by the "midnight oil." It would be interesting could we know authentically what books he was accus- tomed to resort to for his chief pastime in reading, when a lad ; but I question if it would throw much, or any, light upon the source of the grandeur of his utterances. Shakespeare was the representative of Power, rather than of knowledge, taking the latter in its accustomed arbitrary and technical sense of a heap of facts which too often — ■ Like Saul's plate-annour on the shepherd boy, serves less to arm than to encumber. He discerned the funda- mental and essential beauty of things, as it exists indepen- dently, of what man may do, or fancy he may do, to render it trim and tidy, penetrating through the apparel imposed by art, to the glorious first principles that endure unchanged for ever. How accurate his perception of what constitutes a garden! How charming the sentiment that pictm'es the " Woodbine coverture " ; the quick eye for The Marigold, that goes to bed with the sun. And with him rises weeping. And how exact his ideas of the rule, the design aud result of many a little detail of the gardener's art, that one would fancy belonged only to the professional. Take, for example, the refei'ence to grafting ; — You see, sweet maid, wo marry A gentler scion to the wildest stock ; Aud mttko conceive a bark of baser kiud By bud of nobler race. This is an art Which does mend N.iture : change it rather : but The art itself is Nature. I doubt if many of our cui'rent horticulturists, except those who are readers of Shakespeare, i-ecognise so perfectly in the worlv of their hands (the admirable practical work which helps to render our island so fair and fruitful), that when pure and noble art is wisely applied, instead of interfering with Nature, or superseding it, the act is really one of ministration to Nature. The gardeuers, more than any other men, are the trustees of living Nature ; it is theirs, not only to protect it, to eat of it, aud to supply the market-place with what it yields in the form of flowers and fruit, so that money shall flow to their pockets, all of which is extremely proper, aud exemplary, and hiudable ; it is theirs, at the same time, so to cherish and foster it that the world shall wax more lovely through their work. Magnificent, no doubt, are the uses to the world subserved by manufacturing, by commerce, and by literature ; but the beauty of the earth, as regards its cultui-ed vegetation, is to civilised mankind every bit as important. Beauty is quite as large a fact as utility ; ib is the happy function of the gardeners to sustain it ; no mau should presume to call himself a gardener who does not feel in his inmost heart a deep and reverent love of beauty, and that he is an enthusiast for life in its behalf. That Shakespeare's aquaintance with individual species of trees aud plants, iu the strict botanical sense, was scanty and casual, is likely enough. He had no occasion to possess the minute knowledge that we expect in the curator of a botanic garden. Sufficient for tis is it that his piercing eye saw in many a little flower what had never been detected by anyone else. I do not dispute the desirableness of knowing that the Campanula rotundifolia is distinguished by having the " lobes of the corolla considerably shorter than the tube," as taught in the floras ; but it seems to me quite as pleasant to be able to see without instruction, as Shakespeare did, that this darling of the ripened summer, the little Harebell, is " azured," and not simply blue, as a hundred other flowei's are. Of the two features in question, for my own part 1 think I would rather see, as the better, the one that Shakespeare saw ; and similarlj', at another season, that although the Daffodil is differentiated by its " elongated crown," it comes, not merely in spring, but " before the swallow dares." Bare facts, such as Shakespeare never rested iu, are but like " the letter which killeth," i.e., serves the intellect withoutever touching the heart ; contrariwise, the " spirit which giveth life," is found, as regards temporal things, iu the faculty, which, like the stream in the "Two Gentlemen of Verona," not only " makes sweet music vfith the enamelled stones," but giveth A gentle Idss to every Sedge, He overtaketh in his pilgrimage. A proper question at this point, as a first step iu the study of the Shakespearean garden, is what books the great dramatist may probably or possibly have been indebted to— - directly or indirectly — for the quaint credulities and supersti- tions above indicated. Books on Plants in Shakespeare's day. Fanciful properties existing iu plants formed a consider^ able portion of the herb-craft of the time; and, though amusing enough in our own enlightened age, from their very absurdity appear to have been implicitly believed iu by the mass of the people. Let us not forget that out of many of them have arisen the facts of the pharmacy of to-day. Falsehood there is iu the world, aud in abundance, no doubt, but there is not so much falsehood as misconception and misunderstanding. We may gather plentifully, from his own utterances, that, th,ough in a certain sense independent of books, he was by no means unacquainted with them. A man 176 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 22, 1874. insensible to the value of books could never have penned those Hoble words — My library Is dukedom large enough. So far from it, they could only have come from one who under- stood to the very core that, next to Nature, good books are our truest and most precious companions. " Wiien I come into my library," said Heinsius, " in the very lap of eternity, amidst so many divine souls, I take my seat with so lofty a spirit and such sweet content, that I pity all those great and rich, who know not this happiness." " These friends of mine," writes Petrarch, " regard the pleasures of the world as the supreme good ; they arc ignorant of my resources. I have friends whose society is delightful to me ; persons of all countries and all ages, distinguished in war, in council, and in letters. Easy to live with, always at my command, thej- come at my call, and return when I desire them ; they are never out of humour, and they answer all my questions with readiness. Some present before me, in review, the events of past ages ; others reveal to me the secrets of Nature ; these teach me how to live, and those how to die ; these dispel my melancholy by their mirth, and amuse me by their sallies of wit ; and some there are who prepare my soul to sufier everything, to desire nothing, and to become thoroughly acquainted with itself. As a reward of such services they require only a corner of my little house, where they may be safely sheltered from the depredations of their enemies." By the time of Shakespeare books were much more numerous than in the days of Petrarch, who died exactly 190 years before the former was born. Printing, moreover, was not invented for nearly a century after Petrarch breathed his last. Shakespeare stepped into a period when the truth of the immortal words just ([uoted was possible at least to every gentleman. When we ask what books he had, in other words, what was the composi- tion of his library, of course it does not imply that Shake- speare held one of his very own, a private possession, bought or inherited, and contained within his house. His library is to be thought of in the same sense as the public or semi-private collections of books accessible to men of culture in this existing nineteenth century, and which are virtually the property of everyone who uses and appreciates them. Men should remember at all times, when reckoning up their wealth or estimating the value and the area of their possessions, that, by the munificence of God, we are all of us far richer in regard to what is usually omitted from the catalogue, than what we may have legal control over. The best property is that to which no individual holds, or ever can hold, the title-deeds. I count it equivalent to a thousand a-year, to possess, as my own, originally and inalienably, the sunshine, the fresh breeze upon the mountains, the sea, the trees, the wild flowers, and the sweet spectacle of the green fields. I count it equivalent to another fortune that I have the command of all the books in the British Museum. They would embarrass me, were they mine to sell and to keep in order ; being mine to use, for solace and aliment, whenever I please, I am finally happy aud con- tent ; yea. I feel myself as rich as the ancient Ptolemies of Alexandria. Shakespeare, in this broad, and though external, thoroughly satisfying sense of ownership, had an enormous library. He was born, be it remembered, in 15(jl, and lived till lt)16. All the great authors of ancient Greece and Rome were his — Sophocles the pathetic, Horace the polished, Lucretius the philosophical. The Pha;don of Plato, the Poetics of Aristotle, Cicero upon " Friendship" and " Old Age," the pictures(|ue histories of Xenophon, entertaining Lucian, lively and romantic Ovid, were all at command. Virgil had been printed as early as 1469, and for those who could not read Homer in the original, by 1603 came the translation of the Iliad, by glorious old Chapman. Of the ancient writers upon plants and the Materia Mcdica, Thcophnistus had been printed in 14!>5, aud four years later Dioscorides, both by the celebrated Aldus. Of the polite literature of the two or three centuries preceding his own era, there had come from Italy, besides Petrarch, the tales of Boccacio, the poems of "D.ante, who died in 1321; of A.riosto, who died in 1533, and of Tasso, who lived into his own time, viz., till 1595. Cornaro, author of the most amusing little volume ever compiled upon the " Art of Prolonging Life," died in 1566. From France had been contri- buted the fun of Rabelais (ob. 1.533), and in 1.580, appeared the far-reaching and sprightly essays of Montaigne. Brantome, the very man to attract a dramatist, was outlived by Shakes- peare only two years ; aud it was upon the vei-y same day that Shakespeare closed his eyes that the most illustrious of Spanish writers, Cervantes, author of " Don Quixote," also expired. England had reason already to be proud of her Chaucer ; in Shakespeare's own time lived the author of the " Faerie Queene," Samuel Daniel also, who survived him three years, and the chivalrous and ill-fated Sir Walter Raleigh, author of that noble book, " The History of the World." To the English prose of this period belong likewise the writings of Lord Bacon, and of many another it is needless to specify. Enough has been mentioned to show that in the time of Shakespeare, the world already possessed some of the best books that give value to our own shelves. That Shakespeare had read them, or consulted them, or even a tithe of the number, of course, is not implied. Probably, he knew very little about any of them, except by hearsay ; nor is it probable that he had read much even of the curious herbals which relate the superstitions respecting Fern seed, &c. The argument is simply that, in the old writings upon plants, we find the tales and fables, which, creeping into the folk-lore of his time, he introduces so felicitously when occasion invites. The earliest of these old herbals appears to have been the curious volume compiled about 1360, by Bartholomew Glanville, an English Minorite or Franciscan, of the family of the Earls of Suffolk, and who appears to have been the Pliny of his time. The book, which was called " Bartholomseus de Proprietatibus Rerum," deals not only with plants, but like Pliny's great Cyclopaedia, with Nature in general. In 1398, an English version was made by a celebrated Cornishman, John Trevisa, included by Fuller in his " Worthies of England," and who, at the time of his work, resided at Berkley, in Gloucestershire. It was printed in London by Wynkyu de AVorde, and a second edition was issued in 1.535, or twenty- nine years before the birth of Shakespeare. Abroad ic was several times reprinted, not only in the original Latin, but translated into French, Dutch, and Spanish. In some degree contemporary with it was the famous Ortus, or Hortus, Sanitatis, the German version of which appeared in 1488. The " Historia Plantarum " of Fuchsius, with its hundreds of facetiously accurate and beautifully engraved drawings, was published in 1-542, and was followed by the writings of Gesner, obiit 1565; Matthiolus, ob. 1577; Cajsalpinus, ob. 1603; Clusius, ob. 1609, Lobel, ob. 1616; the two Bauhins, Dodonaeus, and several others well known to the archaeology of botany. The " Historia Stirpium " of the last-named was translated into Enghsh by Henry Lyte, who died 1607, the same year as the celebrated John Gerarde, constructor of the well-known massive folio, and owner of the thrice-famous garden in Holborn. The date of tlie catalogue of this garden, 1596, is the one so often quoted as the year of the introduction into England of various exotics, no doubt brought over, some of them, long before, but of which this is the earliest mention. Wm. Turner, Dean of Wells, published his " Herbal " at twice, viz., in 1551 and 1562. Lord Bacon's " Sylva Sylvarum " should not be forgotten ; a dozen other works, of more or less inferior note, might also be named. Pliii j' was translated into English by Philemon Holland, who was thirty-five when Shakespeare, at twenty-two, removed from Stratford-upon-Avon to the metropolis. .Such, according!}-, was the literature which Shakespeare had at command. Man}- things in his dramas are plainly illus- stratcd in it ; the best part of Shakespeare, nevertheless, is that which earlier authors do not illustrate, nor even antici- pate. His influence upon our hearts comes not of what he had studied aud learned, but of ) he richness of his insight. He was not a professed botanist, nor even an amateur florist, but we can always accept, vmhesitatiugly, whatever he has to say about simple Nature. G. Scios and cuttings of fruit trees have been worked with success niuo mouths after being severed from the parent stock. kvG. 22, 18:?4] 'Dhe garden. 177 WATER. Ix natural landscapes, grand and peaceful expanses of •water are always highly "beautiful. Even on the reduced scale of garden landscape it is almost always attractive, and even an essential feature, where there is sufficient space to develop it fitiingly. But where beauty is the object in small gardens, we must not meddle with water-features, which, if to be well carried out, require sufficient space. We must have no muddy duck ponds ; no mere frog pits. Where it is attempted to introduce water as a feature in garden land- scape, there must be ample room for the lakelet ; otherwise, it becomes a mere caricature. A hole fall of water covered from every important point, sufficiently distant for a slight blue veil of intervening ether to "lend enchantment to the view ; " or the distance must, at all events, be such as a man could not easilj' jump across, or else the so-called piece of water becomes a mere pond or ditch, and should be relegated to the poultry -3-ard as the muddy paradise of the water-fowl. It is not only for the sake of securing breadth and beauty in the water itself that makes it desirable to avoid artificial water in small gardens. A better reason is that water in such places must necessarily be brought much nearer the house th\n it ought to be. A filthy and formal piece of water is bad enough anywhere in a country place, but A piece o£ Artificial Water. either with Duckweed, or any other surface growth that so soon covers any small space of stagnant water, is in that state not beautiful — but the reverse. How many otherwise pretty places, all over the country, are spoiled by the attempts to introduce the effect of water — when there is not sufficient space for any- thing of the kiud ? A natural rivulet meandering through the grounds, be it only a mere thread of silver, is always a valuable addition, even in gardens of the most limited extent ; but to attempt the eilect of sparkle and repose, which is obtainable by the means of a sheet of clear water, is utterly futile unless the area at disposal be amply sufficient for its fitting display, and for sufficient breadth of water to enable the designer to make the opposite shore, as seen it is unendurably hideous when fully seen from the windows. In Warwickshire and many other parts of England we have frequently seen wretchedly formal ponds within a few perches of the house. Frequently, to place these ponds in such objectionable positions, they are bolstered up on levels where water would not naturally lie ; and, perhaps, when standing near them, one maj' see on the other side the tops of trees growing in the hollow where the water ought to have been— that is, if it were wanted at all. Very little con- sideration will suffice to point out that water should occupy what appears to be the lowest position, or, in other words, appear to be, as far as possible, in a valley. It need hardly be said that sanitary, as well as artistic, reasons point to the 178 THE GAKDBN. [Aug. 22, 1874. necessity for not placing water too near the house. An indispensable point in the disposition of artificial water is, that its terminations should be concealed. Many natural pieces of water would look poor indeed if their whole surface were as plainly visible to the eye as a basin, and unbroken by project- ing hills, trees, or the windings of the water itself. In the case ot the pieces of artificial water we have alluded to, the margin IS frequently as clearly defined as that of a fountain basin. It is quite easy, in forming a piece of artificial water, to conceal the terminations by planting, or by the placing small islands, so as to give It a very natural expression, and even to apparently add much to its real extent. In many cases, where the designer has neglected to veil the termination of the water so far as its plan is concerned, much may be done by J udicious planting ; but this should never interfere with the best aspects of the water, as it may bo seen from the most frequented points of view, and much of the ground near a piece ot artificial water should be devoted to gently-graded turf, ihe violent rail way-embankment-like slopes, so commonly seen where the landscape gardener has been at work, are hatelul. The pretty sheet of water devised in the accom- panying illustration is not intended, necessarily, to exceed an acre ; but, by concealing its real boundaries by means of promontories or islands, its extent has been made to appear much greater. Prom every important point of view a turn or slope should be made to appear as a channel leading on to other portions of the lakelet ; though, in fact, its absolute termination is only concealed behind a promontory. The points of view from which the greatest apparent extent of the water is visible may be forced upon the spectator by the direction and nature of the approaches— as shown in the pre- sent design— while those points from which its real termina- tion would be visible, must be rendered inaccessible by planta- tions and other natural devices. If the apparent cause of the lake or lakelet can be made to appear as a streamlet pourino- down in a series of small cascades, as in our illustration, so much the better, as the general illusion of Nature in the midst of art, is thus rendered more complete. Finally, the banks and beaches must be naturally designed ; there must be no regular or rigid outline, and the banks must occasionally sink mto low gravelly beaches, losing themselves in the water, and in other places they may rise as high as the situation will admit. These heights must be clothed with brushwood and shrubs, and in one or two places, but not more, a weeping tree may be planted, not omitting a Kilmarnock Willow. Reeds must be very sparsely introduced into the shallows, as they spread rapidly, and even Water Lilies, so beautiful when only one or two groups appear, must not be used too freely. Water Lilies, the white and yellow, if too protusely planted, and not sedulously kept down, will some- times entirely choke up a sheet of water in a very short time, and make its surface as green as a meadow. H. N. H. Peach Kernels Poisonous.— It is not generally known, as it ought to be iu gardens, that the kernels of some stone fruits, especially Teaches, contain prussic acid to an extent which may prove poisonous if a large number of the kernels be eaten. The following case, reported in the last number of the Auatmlian Medical Journal, by Dr. W. K. G. Samuels, ot Wanganui, New Zealand, should make parents cautious :—" I was sent for to attend a little boy, aged five years, the son of a carpenter of this town. On ray way I was informed that the little fellow had eaten something unknown to his parents, and was believed to have been poisoned. On my arrival, I found him lying on the sofa in a state ot partial coma. The pupils were dilated, the skin somewhat cold and clammy, the pulse feeble. He seemed, in short, to bo suffering from the effects of some narcotic poison. Upon making inquiries, I was informed that about half an hour previQus to my arrival he had been seized with dizziness, stupor, tainting, inability to stand without assistance— in fact, it was described to me as partial intoxication. He vomited 1 oz. or more of masticated Peach kernels. I at once administered an emetic, followed shortly by a full dose of castor oil, which soon acted on the bowels. I ordered him to be kept warm. After being placed in bed, he slept for about two hours, after which he awoke and seemed recovered. This was obviously a case of poisoning by hydro, cyanic acid (prussic acid) contained iu the Peach kernels, of which tho child had oaten a large tjuantity." THE FRUIT GARDEN. FINE CROrS FROM YOUNG VINES. The way in which Vinos arc cropped is an important matter, as regards successful cultivation ; over cropping is a great evil, and under cropping is equally injudicious. If over cropped, although free from insects, the bunches will bo found to bo deficient in colour and size, and comparatively destitute of flavour ; shanking, which yearly destroys so many Grapes, is often attributed to imperfect root-action, but I am persuaded that in many eases it is induced by over cropping. Some varieties suffer more from over cropping than others, a remark especially applicable to Muscats of all kinds, while a much heavier crop than any of tho Muscats could finish, is found to suit the Golden Champion, and other large-berried sorts, as in that case the excessive flow of sap is absorbed and the berries prevented from cracking. Under cropping is wasteful, as in that case the strength of the Vine is wrongly directed, and the crop is deficient. To allow only six bunches to remain ou a Vine when twelve equally good ones might have been obtained, betrays bad management. I have frequently heard of, and sometimes seen, light crops sanctioned for exhibition purposes, but the best prize Grapes I ever saw were cut from Vines that were bearing a full crop. No very coirect standard can be set up as to what constitutes a proper crop ; according to some, a bunch to every alternate shoot should be allowed ; this, however, depends on the size of the bunches ; others recommend a certain weight for every square foot of glass ; but what I consider the best guide is the strength of tho Vines. Some Vines would produce forty pounds of Grapes with ease, while others of the same dimensions and ago would fail to finish off properly twenty pounds. The capabilities of the Vine, therefore, whether great or small, should always be taken into consideration. This is the best of all tests, and one which, when applied with discretion, never fails to prove correct. Not a great many years ago, few Vines were allowed to bear fruit until they were three or more years old, and a full crop was not considered obtainable from them till they were more than double that age. Vine growers of the present day, however, find no difficulty in getting a full crop from Vines the third and fourth year after they have been struck from eyes, or in other words. Vines uow-a-days, are allowed to bear full crojjs at an age when formerly they were not allowed to produce a single bunch. I have never known any pre- mature failure or untimely end to result from early cropping. Indeed, I have seen better Grapes cut from Vines thi'ee years old, and which were continued to be produced for successive years, than over I have known to be taken from Vines which were denuded of their fruit, under the impression that that operation would have the eli'ect of husbanding their energies until they were six or seven years old. A Vine thus treated may make stronger wood than it otherwise would do, but strong wood is by no means the most fruitful or lasting. The best crops of Grapes I ever recollect having seen, were in two houses at Drumlanrig, in 1872. These were on Vines struck and plantediiily70,and wheni saw them they were not only bearing, but had superbly-finished, eight, ten, and twelve great clusters each. Unfortunately, these tine Vines, as has been stated in your columns, wore destroyed by Phylloxera, but they were imme- diately replaced by youug ones in 1870, and this season the latter are bearing crops equal to those on many four-year old Vines. When I first saw the Vines at Tweed Vineyard they were two j-ears old,and were bearing eight and ten bunches each, and any- one who saw these Vines then, or may have seen them since, will have little apprehension of untimely failui'e. The Grapes with which Mr. Hunter, of Lambton Castle, obtained the first prize at the great International fruit show in Glasgow in 1872, ■were cut from Vines raised from eyes in ISb;' ; and Grapes from the same Vuies carried off all the leading prizes at the grand International show in Jlanchester in 1873. I saw the Vines soon afterwards, and the crop was abundant and excel- lent. Tho Black Hamburgh Vine, from which the lo pound bunch was cut, had seven clusters hangmg on it, none of which were under 1 pounds, and some nearly as large as tho " big one." These cases do not relate to extraneous produce, but to that of permanent Vines, which will continue to perfect line crops for years. Still, notwithstanding the advantage of Aug. 22, 1874.] THE aAKDBN. 179 such management, early and full cropping is not carried out as it should or might be. Judging from what I read in a contemporary, six and seven bunches, on Vines struck from eyes in 1870 (nearly five years ago), is considered an exemplary crop in some quarters. If Vines are at all what they should be at that age, they are capable of bearing far more than that amount with impunity, especially such sorts as Golden Champion, Trebbiano, Lady Downes, and Black Alicante. Borders have always an intimate connection with the produc- tion of good, bad, and indifferent Grapes, and success in the cases just cited, are attributed to the borders. These were made in the simplest possible manner with turf, to wliich was added one handful of bones to the cartload. J. H. M. STONE FRUITS AND HARD SOIL. It has often occurred to me, while observing the fruit trees growing ou the walls of houses in many of the villages through- out England, especially in the southern districts, that the firmness of the soil has much to do with the longevity, hardi- ness, aud fruitfulness of these trees, which are generally loaded with fruit of very fair qviality. There is little atten- tion given in the way of cultivation ; all the training they get is a out here and there to prevent the young branches from pulling the old ones from their fastening. They must have grown apace at some period, as large breadths of mason- work are covered with single trees, such as are not met with in many gardens. In this locality (Oxford) Apricots have been famous for many years, aud great crops have been gathered ; and the indnstri'ous villagers have often been able to pay their rents from the old trees on the ends of their houses. It has appeared to me in most cases that these veterans have been planted with very little care — probably a hole had been made large enough to twist the roots into, and the soil replaced over them, and r.ammed down as if to form part of a floor. The hard-trodden gravel (in mauy cases causeway and pavement), would lead one to suppose that moisture could never reach the fibres, but I suppose the fibres must travel to the moisture ; a wide street is generally the space where the border should be. Other trees have the usual outhouses standing over the space where the roots are supposed to find their food. It is evideut there must be food, or where is such fine foliage and luscious fruit manufactured ? Vines are met with often growing under the same circumstances; one on a tradesman's house in a town not far from here, is something wonderful in its way — the kind is the black Esperione. I am told that it has produced heavy crops for many years past, and this year the bunches almost touch one another. There are only a few inches of open space between the pavement and base of the house front wall. The pavement and causesvay together, between the Vine and the street, may be 12 feet wide, yet this Vine luxuriates, and sup- plies its owner with plenty of fruit, which is used generally for wine-making. Without discussing the matter further, is there anything we can learn from these trees, which are more pro- ductive, of stronger constitution, and less liable to disease than the finest-trained trees under the care of some of our most distinguished gardeners ? From experience, I believe that the firmness of the soil prevents over-luxuriant growth, inducing the roots to become a mass of healthy fibre, instead of their sending out large soft feeders, drawing up large quantities of water, which remains in the branches till the short dark days of winter. No fruit-buds are matured ; the buds start early into growth long before they are safe from frost ; the sap, which has been flowing freely, receives a check ; nothing is seen at the time, but before summer has advanced very far, a large limb (perhaps the healthiest-looking in the tree), dies oil suddenly ; it is cut out, other branches die off in the same way, and the poor tree is sadly deformed. Cases similar to this are met with all over the country, and yet we have found no preventive. One thing I would suggest to young planters — that is, never accept a tree which has been often cut back in the nursery, or one which has not been properly cut. When pieces have been left, the branches are always liable to die back where these pieces have been attached. When the cut is clean and properly done, the bark will grow over, and the wound will heal up nicely. When planting is done, never use manure (except for mulching, to keep out frost or drought) ; let all the soil, after it has been prepared, be made as firm as a rammer can make it — if stones are plentiful, so much the better ; the soil may be placed over the. roots, and made only moderately firm. Endeavour to get the tree to start freely, and use the knife only where it cannot be avoided. When the roots have run a little, they will come in contact with the hard-rammed soil, and will throw out fibre in all directions, which will cause the tree to grow sturdy, and the young wood will become very hard. When any shoot takes the lead, and is likely to monopolise tho whole growth, take off a joint or two at the top, and a number of small shoots will spring up ; train them over the empty space, and the foundation of a sound tree will be formed. Avoid the use of the knife in winter, if possible, and, if^ root- pruning should become necessary, let it be done early in the autumn ; but examine the roots first at one side, taking off none except they may be going downwards, or away from heat and air; replace the soil, or fresh loam instead, ram it as hard as possible under the roots, lay every fibre care- fully in its place, and cover them over as before. A very small portion of the tree thus treated will be enough to check unnecessary growth, and large firm leaves, plenty of natural fruit-spurs, and a hardy tree, will be the reward. The cutting round the whole tree with a spade, as some have done, is reck- less and mischievous in the extreme. If too rich soil should be the cause of watery growth, lift the tree and mix some lime rubbish in the earth ; ram it down, lay out the roots over it, and place 6 inches of loam over them. This should be done in autumn, when the leaves are about to fall. We should never despise the lessons which old trees in cottagers' gardens teach us, but search out the cause of their success, and it will be found that the roots are in their natural element ; and the roots of our own trees, which are growing at railway speed, are in unusually rich quarters, where they will luxuriate till they bring about their own destruction. — Gardener. Fruit Crops in Koscommon. — Apples here are a very heavy crop, especially Hawthorndcn, Devonshire Qaarrentlen, Jaueatiag, Eibstou Pippin, Kerry Pippin, Lemon Pippin, aud King of the Pippins ; Pears are a light crop, as are also Plums, Damsons, Cherries, and Filberts; Peaches, Nectarines, and Apricots are not grown outside here, with the exception of one tree of the Moor- park Apricot in a very warm sheltered spot, and that is bearing a fall crop ; Raspberries are always good here— this year the second gathering was larger th.in the lirst ; of Strawberries, some sorts were very fine, iiml a heavy crop, more especially Eclipse, President, • British Queen, and Wizard of the North. From the latter I am now gathering (July 27) at the rate of 5 lbs. every day. It is, in my opinion, the best and most prolific Strawberry which we possess, Frogmore late Pine being over a fortnight ago, whereas the Wizard will run on until the middle of August. Gooseberries are a heavy crop, and tho fruit large ; Black Currants were an extraordinary crop, and the berries large ; Red and White Currants also a heavy crop, notwithstanding no manure has been applied to theai for five years. — Jajies Clews, Rodiirujham, Boyle. NOTES AND QUESTIONS ON THE FRUIT GARDEN. Rivers's Early Prolific Plum.— This Plum, to which such favourable reference has beea ma'le in our fruit reports of this disastrous seasnu, is very largely planted in the pyramidal form, so as to allow of good crops being gro\yn between, at the Sawbridgeworth Nurseries by Mr. Rivers, ]un. Large Apple Trees.— Can any reader give us the measurement of any very large Apple trees? Henry Ward Beecher describes a tree at PeekskiU as 1 1 teet 10 inches round at i feet from the ground. Have we larger specimens than this ? Golden Champion Vine.— Have any of your readers who fruit Tines in pots grovrn this variety ? I am told it succeeds in a very perfect way under this system. It would bo a noble looking Grape in a pot, as it is, indeed, anywhere. I should feel obliged to anyone who would kindly favour me with trustworthy information as to where it is grown well in pots. — J. M. Raising Apple and Pear Stocks mixed together.— f read in one of the last numbers o[ The GiRoErf a notice that, a kind of Sorbus will grow better mixed with other kinds of trees than by itself ; it was observed that this was even the case with seedlings. In the niirseries of Germany and Frautie, Peara and Apples sown for stock are mixed together , and everybody who tries it will find that both, but especially tho Pear stocks, grow much better and more vigorous that way thau b,y themselves. — G. Weemig. ISO THE GARDEN. [Aug. 22, 1874. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. VEGETABLE JIARROW CULTURE ROUND LONDON. Vegetable ]\Iarrows constitute one of the principal surnracr crops in the immediate neighbourhood of London, and, where soil and other conditions are favourable, they are very produc- tive. They require, however, a rich and substantial soil, liberally manured, and also one that does not readily become parched in summer ; therefore light and dry soils are not so suitable for them as such as are heavier. Mr. Poupart, a market gardener at Bermondsey, used to grow Vegetable Marrows there in great abundance, hue when he was obliged to move to the neighbourhood of Mortlake, in order to make way for bricks and mortar, he discontinued their culture owing to the expense incurred in watering them, the land being lighter and dryer. Their marketable value is various ; some- times they hardly pay the grower, whereas, at other times they are highly remunerative, much depending on the scarcity or abundance of Peas, French Beans, Cauliflowers, and other vegetables. Last year Mr. G. Steel's first crop became market- able about the first week in June, but he could not command any sale for them, and consequently had to cart the first gathering to the rubbish heap ; afterwards the demand became greater, and the price accordingly higher. Early in March liotbeds are erected for producing Vegetable Marrows, Cucumbers, Celery, and other plants from seeds, the Marrows being either sown thickly in pots or pans of common soil plunged in the beds, or broadcast on a bed with a few inches deep of soil placed over the fermenting material. As soon as the plants show two rough leaves, they are pricked into other beds or into pots. The usual method is to prepare a series of frames set on slightly heated hotbeds ; on the surface of these place a few inches deep of soil, into which plunge 6-incli pots, filled with common garden mould, to the brims, as thickly as they can be stowed together. Into each of these pots two Marrow plants should be dibbled, and here they should remain till planting time, hardening them off by gradual but increased exposure in fine weather. The first plantation is made out of doors during the first week in April, but the plants make little progress until the end of the month. The ground is marked oft' iu lines for them about 10 feet apart, and each plant is about i5 or 8 feet asunder in the row. Where each is to be planted, a hole about 20 inches deep, and 2 or 2^ feet wide, is dug out and filled with fermenting manure, which is covered over with the soil that has been thrown out in the excavation. Here the plants are planted, the contents of one pot being put in every ridge, and covered over with hand-lights or large cloches. A little earth is at first drawn around the base of the lights, so as to keep all close and free from cold currents of wind, and, in the event of frosty or cold windy weather setting in, mats or litter are also placed around and over the lighis. Excited by the heat from the fermenting manure beneath them, and protected from cold overhead, they are almost as snug as in a hotbed, and consequently they soon take kindly to their new quarters, form fresh roots, and begin to grow. AVhen this is the case, the lights are tilted up a little on the south side, by means of half bricks or small flower pots, during favourable opportuni- ties, but shut up at night. When growth, however, begins to make rapid progress, the lights are left a little tilted up at night, so as not to injure the shoots that are pushing forward, and require more room than is afforded under their little glass houses, until finally the lights are entirely removed, which will probablj' be in the latter half of May. This plantation, when it does begin to grown in earnest, grows most rapidly, and from it fruit is genei-ally cut in the first or second week in June — much certainly depending on the warmth of the season. Large growers have generally from four to six plantations of Marrows, each succeeding the other by a fortnight, so that the last planting is made late in June. The seedlings are all raised on hotbeds, as already descriljed; but I have known instances in which the seeds have been sown in June, in clumps of four, where they are intended to remain permanently in the open fields, and afterwards reduced to two ; this plan is, however, a very uncertain one. Until the middle of May the plants are planted out on the maniire pits, as in the case of the first sowing ; but less care is necessary for them. Where the supply of lights and cloches is deficient, round vegetable half-bushel baskets are used ; but, unless these are covered with mats or litter, in the case of frosty winds the plants beneath them often perish. After the middle of May, lines are drawn on the open fields at the required distances apart, and the Marrows are turned out of their pots and planted in the ground, which received no further preparation than that of a slight digging. If the weather be warm and genial, they generally do well, if cold and wet many of the plants frequently succumb ; but the blanks are made up from a reserve stock, which is always at hand to meet such emergencies. Although the distances apart of the first planting is 10 feet by 6 or 8 feet, that of the June plantations is lb feet by 10 or 12 feet, and the intervening crops are planted at con-esponding inter- mediate distances. The earliest crop is planted on ground just cleared of Radishes and Celery, or, if the Radishes be not cleared at the time of planting, the Marrows are planted in every alternate alley between the beds, thus permitting the Radish crop to be removed at convenience. For the later crops, ground occupied by spring Spinach, Radishes, autumn- sown Onions, Cabbages, or Cauliflowers, forms a good medium. The space between the rows is not. lost during the minority of the Marrows, but is cropped to within 2 feet of them with Lettuces, in addition to which there are generally three or four lines of Cabbages or Cauliflowers planted along the centre of the space. Turnips also sometimes form the inter-crop. When the Vegetable Marrows begin to grow, if the weather be dry, little basins of earth are drawn to them with a hole for the retention of water, of which they get a good supply until their foliage covers the ground, and thus prevents speedy evaporation from it. The plants begin to iruit when the vines are 3 feet or so in length, and continue growing and fruiting until frost, drought, or mildew renders them useless. In a dull rainy season, provided it is warm, they thrive apace and fruit heavily ; but in a hot and dry one they are short-lived and unprofitable. AVhen they are growing pieces of stone or brick are sometimes placed on the advancing vines or they are pegged to the ground, to cause them to root at the joints and thus afford themselves increased means of support. No care is, however, taken of them as regards thin- ning the overcrowded vines ; but sometimes the growers mulch the ground with litter, which not only enriches it, but preserves its moisture, prevents to some extent evaporation, and keeps the fruit clean from grit. As soon as the plants begin to bear, every fruit is gathered when it attains a marketable size, no matter whether they are sold or not, for if any were left too long it would tend to render the plant less fruitful. They are gathered three times a week, the gatherers being supplied with fruit-collecting baskets, a stick, and a knife. With the stick they turn aside the leaves of the plants in search for the Marrows, and they are thus ennbled to go over the ground quickly, and without much bending of the back. When each gatherer has filled a basket, it is carried to the outside of the plantation, and emptied into a heap, or into large baskets or a waggon stationed there to receive them. The trampling the Marrows seem to undergo in the process of gathering does not seem to injure them much. In August some good fruits are selected and marked by inserting an upright peg alongside of each, and these are allowed to remain untouched till ripe, when they are cut and placed within frames or in exposed situations before the sun, so as to become thoroughly ripened. They are afterwards placed in a corner in some of the sheds, to await a convenient season for extracting and washing the seeds. After the middle of September Vegetable Marrows are commonly useless, and the demand for them diminishes : consequently they are not after that time worth the ground they occupy. Sometimes they are cleared off the ground at once, and at other times they are left until frost completely kills them ; but in all cases the haulm is r.ikcd off and carted to the manure heap before manuring or digging the groimd, which is usually planted at once with Coleworts. Custard Marrows are grown out of doors on the same system as early Vegetable Marrows ; but, as they are weaker growers than the latter, they are only planted about 8 feet by 6 feet apart. The ground is also, as a rule, mulched all over, and in the event of dry weather they get occasional good waterings P- Aug 22, 1874] THE GARDEN. 181 THE ARBORETUM. SPIKE-FLOWERED BIRD CHERRY. (rADUS CORNUTA.) This species, the origin of which is unknown, has been grown for many years in the gardens of tlie Museum at Paris, wliere it first flowered in 1869. It forms a very robust and liardy shrub from 13 to 20 feet high, with exceedingly tbiclc, and comparatively short, erect branches, covered with a deep red, almost black, shining bark. The shoots, from their first appearance, are furnished at the base with long and broad stipules of a deep red colour, which continue for a considerable time. The leaves are oval-elliptical in shape, ending in a short point, undulated, a foot or more in length, and nearly 4' inches broad; at first of a rusty colour, but afterwards becoming green and shining on the upper surface, and glaucescent underneath. The flowers, which are white, are very numerous, and are disposed in dense erect spikes, as shown in our illus- tration. This shrub is very ornamental, both in habit and foliage, in which it somewhat resembles Syringa Bmodi (Wall.), that is, in its general aspect. It flowers in April and May, and is easily mnltiplied by grafting on the common Horned Bird Cherr.y. Padus (P. racemosa — Spaoh.), which itself is a very handsome shrub, and one that deserves more extensive cultivation. W. M. MISMANAGED TREES. In suggesting the necessity for uprooting a tree, however much misplaced it may be or injurious to other trees of greater im. portauce, we generally meet with as much repugnance as one would encounter in a proposition for removing a house, unless the individual happens to have some knowledge of arboriculture or is acquainted with the principles of landscape gardening. Hence may be seen in nineteen-twentiefchs of such places as those under con- sideration innumerable instances amongst the trees and shrubs of a struggle for life that goes on until a portion, and generally those of the greatest importance, die, leaving those behind half killed and in a condition from which they never recover, through the effects of the fight for food and air in which root and branch have so long been engafed. The fatal effects of this overcrowding are most apparent after seasons such as the present, when the comparative absence of water in the soil through the spring is followed by a hot, dry, rain, less summer. Throughout the country, in extensive tracts of land, resting on a sand or gravelly stratum, the soil at the present time in which the roots of the trees are placed is as dry almost as the dust on the surface, and which the ordinary rainfall of any single season will never moisten. Where trees are too much crowded in dry seasons their roots extract the moisture from the sub. soil to such an extent as almost topreclude the possibility of its afterwards becoming moistened deep down, where the principal feeding roots exist. Frequently in removing trees so placed even after very wet seasons, I have found that when the first 2 feet of the surface soil were removed the earth underneath was as dry as dust — the water evidently having found its way further out from an apparent inability to enter the dry impervious mass, which, in all probability, when once reduced to this state, never after gets sntticifutly moist- ened to be in a condition fit for the support of healthy vegetable life. Again, on the boundary line of places such as those under considera- tion, how often do we see good intentions defeated through mis- management. To secure the wanted privacy, or hide something objectionable, trees are planted with little or imperfect preparation of the ground, which just receives a shallow digging, after that they are planted as closely as possible, the intention being to accomplish the object in the least jjossible time, forgetting that, however good the land may be, there is still a limit to its capabilities in supporting vegetable life. In exposed situations sufficiently close planting is necessary, the hardier trees acting as nurses to such as are more tender ; but too often we see the nurses, instead of being removed when their services have ceased to be required, allowed to remain all intergrowu, until the under branches of the whole are destroyed, leaving the weakly attenuated stems standing like a planta- tion of clothes props, showing most objectionably their in. ability to fulfil the purpose for which they were planted. In all cases such as those in question the preparation of the land should be of a nature to give a reasonable chance for the well, doing of the trees after they have been planted. This cannot possibly be done unless the ground is trenched 2 feet deep, if its character is such as to admit of this depth. The trees should be judiciously selected with a view to their adaptability to the nature of soil and and locality, and not too closely planted ; as they grow up thinning should be carried out with judgment, and at the proper time. Where the treatment is in accordance with these simple rules, especially as to timely thinning, there need be little anxiety as to the result. I have frequently remarked that a great number of people in planting fcrget that the trees they plant will ever get any larger ; and that others appear to think that everything planted should be allowed to remain for time indefinite. In the inner or more central parts of suburban places, in addition to the mistaken management of the existent trees, any after-planting that is carried out is often of the most objectionable character, not only as to the description of the trees selected, but the position in which they are placed, and the preparation of the ground. In the selection preference is frequently given to Coniferous trees, the whole of our fine deciduous trees being excluded. A greater mistake than this cannot possibly be committed, if we think of the distant future; for the time will inevitably come when the existent deciduous trees will decay, leaving nothing to take their places except such of the Conifers as are ulti- mately found capable of withstanding the severest frosts experienced at long intervals. Then, as to position ; instead of leaving the all. essential open vistas, so indispensable to give breadth, repose, and impart general effect, the dotting system is perpetrated, having much the appearance of an orchard on a large scale, with the trees at more than ordinary, though regular, distances apart. This is a glaring mistake, and one that is much on the increase. If we come nearer the mansion how often do we see a Sequoia, or some other monarch of the forest, placed so near that by the time it has fairly begun to show its character it will become a matter of necessity to remove either the tree or the house. In the preirarations for planting these trees the common mistake is often made of digging the ground over a considerable depth without anything in the shape of a drain to carry off the water that is certain to accumulate in the newly- loosened soil, which acts as a receptacle for the water that drains into it from the surrounding ground, thus precluding the possibility of the tree so placed thriving as it should do. T. Baines. THE BAMBOO IN EGYPT. A PAMPHLET has been published at Cairo by the Agricultural Depart, ment of Egypt, on the Indian Bamboo, which it is said, is being acclimatised there with great success. We append a few notes therefrom ; — The gigantic Bamboo, which is of colossal dimensions, growing to the height of 20 metres, with a circumference of 40 or 50 centimetres at the base (say 65 feet high and 15 to 18 inches in circumference), from the joints of which, especially those of the middle and upper parts, grow numerous branches with long leaves, is the most vigorous species of this arborescent plant. It was intro- 182 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 22, 1874. (Inced some years ago into tlie gardens of the Khedive of Egypt, at Ghozireh, from whence it has been multiplied in two or three other gardens of Egypt. It was so much admired by the Emperor of Brazil, on his visit to the gardens of the Khedivo last antumn, that he expressed his determination to import it into Brazil, and to culti. vate it upon the Imperial estates as a shade for animals during the heat of summer. The gigantic Bamboo originates in India and China, and is highly appreciated wherever it is cultivated, being used tor posts in pavilions and the houses of tho inhabitants. The hollow joints are utilised for carrying liquids, for flower.vases, &c., and in China, and especially in India, for bottles and tobacco-boxes, highly wrought and polished and sold at great prices. The larger stalks are afso used for bridges, water pipes, and carts and other vehicles. In flue, the wood is employed in the arts, in a multitude of industries, and for implements of agriculture. This species of Bamboo vege- tales with such rapidity that it can almost be said that one can see it grow. Its progress may be seen from day to day, and at Ghozireh it has been known to grow 9 inches in a single night. A humid soil is congenial to the gigantic Bamboo, although it suffers under a prolonged inundation. It is proposed inEgygt to cultivate it upon the borders of the canals in the vast domains of the Khedive. There is also in tho gardens of Egypt another species of Bamboo, believed to be the Bambusa arundinacca of VVilldenow. It presents the follow- ing characteristics : — The stalks are smaller and shorter than the gigantic Bamboo of India; it attains about 12 metres (39 feet) in height ; it forms larger tufts or clusters than the great Bamboo, and throws'out a greater number of stalks, which are furnished with numerous slender and flexuous branches, bearing ordinarily tolerably large thorns, a little arched at tho joints or articulations, and the leaves are smaller than those of the gigantic species, being rounded at the base, lance.shaped, tapering to a point, and a little downy. There is another species of Bamboo which it is proposed to cultivate in Egypt. It attains a height of 5 or 6 metres, produces enormous clusters of canes, about the size of the finger, and makes excellent props for use in horticulture. A plant of two or three years' growth will fnmish a hundred stalks, forming a cluster of vast size. The species is the Bambusa ednlis, so called from the fact that its young shoots are edible, and in China regarded as very nourishing. There is still another species of Bamboo to which the attention of the cultivator in Egypt is called. It is the black Bamboo (Bambusa nigra). It is distinguished principally by its slender branches, which are of a fine black colour, and from which canes are manufactured extensively for exportation. Pens are made from the smaller stems, which are commonly used for writing in Egypt. THE SILVER FIR. (PICE.V PECTLNATA.) By C. T. MITCHIE. The common Silver Fir, Picea pectinata (Picea of Linnaeus, but Abies of some other writers), is one of the most picturesque and orna. mental of forest trees, and in some cases the most handsome of the ConiferEB. At times it diverges from the beautiful into picturesque and even grotesque. With all deference to Gilpin's admitted good taste, he has evidently tailed in displaying it here, when he speaks of the Silver Fir in the following strain :— " The Silver Fir has very little to boast in point of picturesque beauty. It has all the regularity of the Spruce, but without its floating foliage. There is a sort of harsh, stiif, unbending formality in the stem, the branches, and in the whole economy of the tree, which makes it disagreeable. Wo rarely see it, even in the happiest state, assume a picturesque shape. Assisted it may be in its form when broken and shattered ; but it will rarely get rid of its formality. In old age it stands the best chance of attaining beauty." The Silver Fir was inti-oduced from Germany or Switzer- land, by Sergeant Newdegate, in 1603, who planted some at his residence at "llarefield Park, Middlesex, and which, according to Evelyn's account, became very large trees. It is a tree that attains to an immense size, both in this and other countries, and grows to 150 vears of age under favourable circumstances. Wo are informed by those travellers who have seen it growing in Switzerland, Germany, and France, th,it it appears to luxuriate under circumstances similar to tho Larch, but prefers a rich dry soil, though at times it is found on ground rather poor, but not gravelly. The Silver Fir is propagated chiefly from seed, which is ripe in November; but it can also be readily propagated by cuttings and layers. Wo have also seen a considerable number of trees that had been blown down with tho wind at different periods, which had struck root in the ground all along that side resting upon it ; and this not only with young trees, but with others also exceeding forty years old. The roots also possess considerably more vitality than any others of the Coni. ferous common forest trees, and not only remain longer in a vital state after the tree is cut down, but make an effort to prolong life, as is seen in the exuding resinous matter around the top of the stool, between the bark and the sapwood. We never observed any tree actually produce shoots (termed stockshots) in the same manner as hard-wood trees do ; but in cases where the tree is cut over at such a height above the ground as to leave a few living branches upon tho stool, they often produce vertical shoots which would become trees. Another peculiarity of tho Silver Fir must be familiar to most foresters, in its proclivity to produce vertical shoots at any part where an accident or injury has occurred, or when the top or limb is broken off. It is in connection with this peculiarity of growth that double tops are produced, for it possesses, in common with hard-wood trees, the quality of producing shoots of two distinct kinds, viz., those that grow horizontally and spreading, termed branches, and those that grow upright, and which constitute the stem or trunk. Probably every other tree as well as that of the Silver Fir possesses that inherent power of producing both kinds of shoots, and only require to be placed under peculiar circumstances in order to develop them ; but the Silver Fir undoubtedly possesses it in a much higher degree, and different from all others of the Coniferous class of forest trees, at least the common Scotch Pine, Norway Spruce, and Larch ; though the Larch, it must be admitted, possesses it to an appreciable extent. So different, varied, and even conflicting are the accounts given of the culture and success of the Silver Fir, that many persons have been induced to plant it extensively to the exclusion of the Larch, Spruce, and Scotch Pine ; while others have been so far influenced on the other side as to have abandoned planting it alto- gether, each party believing they have sufficient grounds for acting as they do, and are justified in the course they pursue. Without arrogating too much, we shall endeavour to show at least some of the reasons for each party maintaining their own views and acting upon them, and how far each is right in going to the extreme to which they go in either direction. In almost every county of Scotland, very flne specimens of the Silver Fir are to be met with, growing upon a diversity of soils, and variously situated, both in regard to shelter and altitude. We have seen it grow well upon almost all soils, except gravel. On such gravel at least Scotch Pine, Birch, and Larch, will grow tolerably well upon, Silver Fir appears not to succeed. We have sometimes thought that we knew cases where this rnle was violated ; but on examining the soil, and especially the sub. soil, we found that although the surface presented gravel, the sub. soil was of clay or sandy loam. The counties of Moray and Inverness are proverbial for their extent of gravelly and sandy soils, and these counties generally are ill adapted for the growth of Silver Fir. In corroboration still of this opinion, we met with Lord L., of B Castle, a few months ago, and this nobleman, being eminently versed in forestry, entered into a conversation about the Silver Fir, and his lordship informed us that Silver Fir does not succeed upon his estates in Inverness-shire, but invariably lose their leading shoots at 10 to 20 feet high, and many fail long before that stage of growth. On further inquiry, we found that the soil, where the failures occurred, was of a gravelly and sandy description, which probably accounted for it. We know of some flne healthy growing Silver Firs situated upon very cold and wet clay, and upon such soils they are certainly the flnest specimens of any forest trees in their locality. The counties of Dumfries, Peebles, Selkirk, and Roxburgh, comprise soils at once the coldest and most claj-ey and wet of any in the country ; and yet in each of these counties are to be found splendid Silver Firs. Take for example those trees in Mainswood, near Durrisdeer, Dumfries, some of which contain 200 cubic feet ; or those at Cowhill, near Dumfries, of equal size ; on the roadside at Annan ; and also at Dnmcrieff, near Moffat, all of which are noble trees. Or again, look at those splendid specimens at Stobo Castle, and Dauwick House, Peeblesshire, or those at Oldhouse of Killearn, Riddell, and Borthwick Brae, and also at Stobs Castle, Branxholm, Wanchope, and many other places that might be named. We have remarked that soils, however cold or clayey, do not injuri- ously affect but rather favour its growth ; and we would next glance at the altitudes at which it is found to succeed. These as may be conceived cannot definitely bo ascertained ; but we know of lai'ge Silver Firs growing at altitudes over 1,000 feet, and we are informed by others that they know of them of immense size at nearly 1,200 feet altitude. Takiiig therefore the two circumstances together, coldness of soil, and the extreme altitude at which it grows luxuri. antly, there can be no doubt as to the hardiness of the tree in relation to those influences. In regard to situation, it appears very accom- modating, and is found growing well in any. But judging from the appearance of old trees, we are inclined to think it will attain the greatest age and largest dimensions in a northern aspect ; and in such, the trees appear less disjiosed to become forked or double topped, but prolong their upward growth with fewer interruptions ; hence becoming taller than iu southern exposures. Having stated several Aug. 22, 1874] THE GARDEN. 183 advantages of the Silver Fir, we shall state a few objeotiona to it. After a minute and cai'eful examination of all the various circum- stances connected with the culture of the Silver Fir, we are led to the conclusion that those influences which most injuriously affect it ai'e its liability to spring frosts injuring it, which occur after it has begun to grow, and being then exceedingly tender, it is very apt to be injured by the frost. In addition to frost, there are evidently other influences which injuriously affect the Silver Fir, it may be exposure to a low temperaturt"', or it may be easterly winds, or other atmos. pheric influences. This distinctive influence, be it what it may, so far affects the trees of all ages by causing them first to decay on the top, and ultimately causing the whole tree to perish, that the magnitude which it has assumed has caused no small alarm and loss to proprietors. This influence, which, in the writer's opinion, is different from frost, whose effects are visible to the eye, is succeeded by the insect popularly Icnown as the mealy bug. And with many it has long been the established opinion that it is the cause, and not the result or consequence of a predisposing cause. It is not, however, essential for our present pm-pose to know which is the primary and which the secondary cause ; but it is nevertheless, to be deplored that through this influence the culture of Silver Fir is rendered precarious and uncertain, so much so indeed that many persons have ceased to plant it. Many Silver Firs have doubtless been thrown into disease by being planted upon land in a state of cultivation, or in other words, by being manured. The effects of manure upon certain Coniferre is so hurtful, and often fatal within a very few years, that most people avoid it entirely ; but ground is often planted in which both sufficient manure and lime are present to prove hurtful without a ray of suspicion being awakened respecting them ; or of the future failure of the plantation, when it occurs, having even a remote connection with the lime and manure present in the soil when planted. Why one tree should decay and another close by it survive and flourish is a matter involved in mystery ; but if we consider that in a plantation of any description there are trees that come early into leaf, and others that are late, differing as much as twenty days or more between the earliest and the latest in foliating, we need not be surprised at the different results that take place throughout the whole period of the tree's existence. And in the event of frost being the sole influence which affects the Silver Fir injuriously it is easily discernible how the results are brought about. If, for example, a frost should occur a few days after the earliest plants have foliated, they would, of course, fall its victims, and those later of foliating for that season escape. And, on the other hand, should a frost occur twenty days after the first or earliest plants have unfolded their leaf, lets, the latest ones in leafing would suffer, while the earliest ones, being to some extent hardened in consequence of being so long in leaf, would, in like manner, escape. A repetition of frosts npou a certain plant may so weaken its constitution as to predispose it to disease; hence frost may produce diseases of which it was little suspected. So much in regard to the culture of Silver Fir ; we shall next state some of the uses to which it is put, and its general and comparative value as a timber tree : First, in the market for railway sleepers there is no difference or distinction made between those of Silver Fir, Norway Spruce, or Scotch Pine ; the general price for either in the Glasgow and Newcastle market is 2s. 6d. each, for what are termed 10 inch sleepers, that is sleepers 9 feet long, 10 by 5. They are seldom required to be die square, but must have a face upon the round side 5 inches broad for the chair to rest upon. When clean grown, it is sawn into staves and heading ; but as it is generally knotty, it is not fit for that or any other purpose when cut into thin deals, in consequence of the knots falling out, to the detriment of the articles into which it is manufactured. Boards cut out of old mature trees make excellent flooring, especially for bedrooms. If of heart-wood, and put down dry, nor once allowed to become wet after being laid, the seams or joints are not liable to open as is the case with Scotch Pine ; but the surface being partly very hard where the knots are, and partly soft where they are not, cause floors without carpets, or where much traversed over, to wear into holes. Boards or scantling of Silver Fir do not warp or twist as Larch or even Scotch Pine does ; hence, on that account it is vei'y serviceable for water spouts, troughs, cisterns and such like. It ia an excellent wood for any purpose connected with sluices, embankments, or canals, and is specially adapted for making coffer dams. For roofing purposes there is no home-grown wood better adapted, being equally suitable for rafters, joists, beams, and lintels ; but its greatest superiority is for soaking, as it does not warp or twist, or spring the nails at the ends or edges, which some other description of wood does; a circumstance which is very hurtful to the roof, as it causes the slates or tiles to get displaced. No wood is more suitable for parti, tions, especially to cover with paper, as it is not liable to crack and break as Scotch Pine does, nor is it so liable to worm eat as is the sap. wood of Scotch Pine. For roofing stables, breweries, dye-houses, and other buildings where the breath of animals or steam very shortly affects the wood with dry rot. Silver Fir possesses several peculiar advantages, and lasts twice as long or even longer than Scotch Pine does. It is very well adapted for fencing purposes, especially for posts, and in wet ground remains sound much longer than the sap. wood of Scotch Pine. It is not so suitable for rails (especially top ones) as for posts, as it is apt to break at the knots ; but whore the wood is clear of knots, and of moderately slow growth, it makes excellent rails for all except the top, which should be of Larch. In manufacturing Silver Fir, it is advisable, as far as practicable, to convert it into scantlings as large as possible, which avoids breakage at the knots. From all we have seen of the Silver Fir, we conclude, that as heavy a crop of it can be grown per acre as of any other description of wood. For example, we to-day examined a group of Silver Firs, and found them growing at an average distance apai-t of 12 feet, and each tree on an average, containing 30 cubic feet of timber, thus making the value of the crop at the following rate per acre : — 300 trees multiplied by 30 gives 9,000 cubic feet, which, at 6d. per foot, is £223. The age of the trees is about eighty years, and they appear to be quite sound and healthy. We know of no trees which, upon the same description of ground, and within the same period of time, would produce so many feet of timber, save perhaps, the black Italian Poplar, and the Austrian and Corsicau Firs • but the rapidity of its growth entails a great profusion of branches which as a consequence, produces coarse and knotty wood. A valuable crop, however, and probably the most so of any would be say 500 trees per acre, which would necessitate such proximity of the trees to each other as to prevent undue development of branches ■ hence wood of finer grain and smaller, if not fewer knots. The Norway white wood, which corresponds with our Spruce, ts, as may be seen in the boards, thickly but irregularly dotted all over with knots. Remarks. 1. The Silver Fir may be planted as a mixture amongst hard- wood trees, or rather in groups, or single trees at wide distances apart amongst them, to form a contrast, at once bold and striking, amidst the rounded cloudy tops of the hard-woods. 2. It is a tree very productive of branches if allowed room to develop them, and these in turn produce coarse grained and knotty wood. On the other hand if much confined, it is apt to contract certain diseases on the top, which dies down several feet, and sometimes causes death to ensue. 3. Its tendency and liability is to blow down with the wind, in con. sequence of the immense quantity of branches with which it is usually clothed. 4. The great expense of the plants compared with those of Scotch Pine, Larch, or Spruce, and tardiness of growth during the first eight or ten years. 5. The comparatively low prices derived for the wood in market, compared with many other trees that might grow upon the same soil, and occupy similar space. 6. Its liability to contract diseases, some known, others unknown, but all beyond con- trol, and some fatal. 7. Though personally the writer is a great admirer of the Silver Fir, yet, for general forest planting, he objects to it on the preceding and following considerations: — they are, when planting, if he finds soil adapted to the Silver Fir, he plants other trees upon it more certain to grow, and likely to pay better when grown. 8. One great objection to the Silver Fir in the present day is its great liability to be destroyed by rabbits and hares, which are exceedingly fond of its bark, and prefer it to Scotch Pine, Larch, and Spruce. We have seen the Silver Firs selected and destroyed in the midst of those above named without their being at all injured. 9. Another objection to the Silver Fir is, its tendency to become forked and divide into several stems, which the wind so acts upon as to break off. These must either be pruned off at a considerable expense, or left on to the injury of the tree. 10. The knots of the Silver Fir are so excessively hard as to injure almost any sort of tools, and carpen. tersobject to it on that account. The woodmen dread it for their axes, the sawyer for his saws, and the cax'penter for his planes and other tools. 11. The knots being so excessively hard, and the other part of the wood moderately soft, it on that account wears into holes which, in floors, are highly objectionable. 12. In consideration of all the objections to the Silver Fir (not ignoring its good qualities), we are personally in favour of planting in its stead Picea Nordmanniana, a tree much resembling the common Silver, possessing all its good qualities and avoiding its bad ones, save that its plants are for the present probably six times dearer, but will, it is anticipated, gradu. ally become cheaper. — Transactions of The Scottish Arboricrdtural Society . The Pottery Tree.— Among the many vegetable products of Brazil the Pottery tree of Para is not the least worthy of note. This tree, the Moqnilea utilis of botanists, attains a height of 100 feet up to the lowest branches. The stem is very slender, seldom much 184 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 22, 1874 exceeding 1 foot in diameter at the base. The wood is very hard, and contains a larf^o amount of silica — not so much, however, as the bark, which is largely employed as a source of silica in the manu- facture of pottery. In preparing the bark for the potter's use, it is first burned, and the residue is then pulverised and mixed with clay in varying proportions. With an equal quantity of the two ingredients a superior quality of ware is produced. It is very dnrable, and will bear almost any amount of heat. The natives employ it for all manner of culinary purposes. When fresh the bark cuts like soft sandstone, and the presence of the silex may be readily ascertained by grinding a piece of the bark between the teeth. When dry it is generally brittle, though sometimes hard to break. After being burned, if of good quality, it cannot be broken up between the fingers, a pestle and mortar being required to crush it. Gas Pipes fatal to Trees. — Cuttings of Willow, the lower ends of which were placed in flasks containing a little water and filled with coal gas, developed only short roots, and the buds on the nppor parts died shortly after unfolding in the air. Of ten plants in pots (varieties of Fuchsia and Salvia), among the I'oots of which coal g.as was conducted through openings in the bottom of the pots, seven died in four months. To show that the plants were killed, not by the direct action of the gas, but in consequence of the poisoning of the soil, several experiments were made with earth, through which coal gaa had passed for two or three hours daily for two and a half years. Tlio rootlets of seeds sown in this soil remained very short and soon rotted. A plant of Dracaena was re-potted in the soil; in ten days the leaves dried up and the roots died. These results sufli. ciently account for the fact, that trees planted near gas pipes in streets, so often die ; the enclosing of gas pipes iu wider tubes, having openings to the air, and through which currents could be maintained by artificial means, has, therefore, been recommended as a remedy. Such a plan is still more to be recommended on hygienic grounds, since it has been shown, than infiltrfition of coal gas through the soil, takes place even into houses not supplied with gas. — Scientific American. The Hatchet-leaved Thujopsis (T. dolobrata).— Indi. genous to high but sheltered valleys in Japan, and frequently met with in cultivation in that country as well as in China, both as an ornamental tree and for its timber, which, from its closeness of grain and durability, is highly valued, and used for a great variety of pur. poses. It is described as forming in Japan a lofty, handsome, conical tree, with vertical branches, gracefully drooping at the points; the branchlets numerous, much compressed, and abundantly clothed with flat scale-like leaves regularly imbricated, of a bright glossy green colour on the upper, and silvery on the under, surface. This grand species was first sent to Britain in 1854, having since been widely distributed, and exposed to the rigours of our winters in the open air without injury. It makes most progress in strong loamy or peaty soils, moderately moist, and prefers a shady situation. A fine variegated variety of this species was sent home from Yeddo, Japan, in 18G1, by Mr. Fortune, who found it cultivated in gardens. This pretty plant has the branchlets more or less freely tinted with pale yellow. It has proved to be equally hardy and of as free growth as the parent, and is well worthy of a place in the most select collection. — Qardener, NOTES AND QUESTIONS ON TREES AND SHRUBS. Branch-shedding in Trees. — The Aspen (Populns tremula) sheds its bnuiches in liot \w;ahor more suddenly and more lrc«iucntly tlian even the Khn. Lart,'i' liinlis ln-euk ofT without tlio sli^'htest warning. There ai'e some fine Aspens in this neiKliboiuhood. — H. G. W.vtnbt, Xw». Undergrowth in Woods.— How can I increase Elder and Dog-wood for Xlnderpiowtll in woods ? Should I take cuttinjjs or sow seed, as I want many thousands?— K. B. [The best way of increiisint: Elders and Dog-wood is by cuttinvrs, inserted in rows on well-dug ground in tbo autumn or spring, it would be best for you to obtain the advice of a practical nurseryman previous to conunenciug on such a huge scale ns that yon suggest. — Ed.] Extraordinary Growth of a Tree.— The following are the dimensions of a Fever tJuni tree, nine years old, grown on the grounds of Gen. Vallego, thirty-five miles north of San Francisco. The tree occupied a place among bis Orange and Olive trees, and approaclied too near his house. Not wishing to take the chance of having a seveie wind throw the sapling across his house, he proceeded Iv hiy the nine-year-old prostrate, and in that position a tape line determined it to be il6 feet from root to top, and a cut sawed off, 4 feet above the roots, showed the diameter to be 19 inches one way across the stump, and 17i inches at a right angle the other way. — CnHixmtor. Shrubs to Flower in Autumn.— I should like to have the names of a few flowering shiubs that would blossom iu the autumn, with hints about the kind of soil best suited for each. The bank where they are to be placed is partially shaded by Oak trees, and the climate so mild that asmall Camellia hns survived the winter w ithout jirotection. — M. L. W. [Japan Privet, Khus Cotinus, Spiraeas, and Hydrangeas in variety. Yuccas, Fuchsias, Menziesia cau-ulea, many hard,y Heaths, Clematis flammula, tubulosa, and others, Leycesteria formnsa, Kscallonias iu variety, and Calycanlhus occidentalis are all autumn- flowering shrubs which will succeed in ordinary soil, with the esceptiou of the hardy Heaths which succeed best iu peaty soil. — Ed.] THE MUSIC OF TREES. The sounds and motions of trees constitute subtle but important elements of pleasure. It is not enough that a tree have a comely form as a whole ; that it cast a dense shade in the sultry days of summer ; that, perhaps, it yield a nut or fruit ; and that, finally, when it gives np its life to the inevitable axe, its prostrate trunk shall furnish good timber. Besides these uses of comfort and of economy, a tree, like a rich-hearted person, has a hundred nameless ways which we hardly stop to analyse, but which, were they sud- denly taken away, we should miss. The murmuring of trees is pro- foundly affecting to a sensitive spirit. In some moods of imagination one cannot help feeling that trees have a low song, or a conversation of leaves. They whisper, or speak, or cry out, and even roar. No one knows this last quality so well as those who have been in old Oak forests in a storm, with violent wind. A dense forest opposes such a resistance to the free passage of the air, that the sound is much deadened. But in a park or Oak-opening, where spaces are left for the motion of the air, and among open-branched trees, a storm moves with such power and majesty, that not even the battles of thunder-clouds are more sublime, and, under certain circumstances, it becomes terrific. At the beginning of the tempest, the trees sway and toss as if seeking to escape ; as the violence increases, the branches bounce back, the leaves, turning their white undersides to the light, fairly scream. The huge boughs creak and strain like a ship in a storm. Now and then some branches which have grown across each other are drawn back and forth, as if demons were scraping infernal bass-viols. Occasionally a branch breaks with .a wild crash, or some infirm tree, caught unawares in a huge puil of the storm, goes down with a crashing fall, and with a thunder, stroke when it reaches the ground. I would go farther to hear a storm-concert in an old forest, than any music that man ever made. No one who is familiar with forest sounds but is sure, when he hears Beethoven's music, that much of it was inspired by the sounds of winds among trees. There are milder joys, however, in tree converse. Only this morning I awakened to hear it rain. That steady splash of drops which a north-east wind brings on is not easily mistaken. I flatter myself that my ear is too well trained to all the ordinary sounds of Nature to be easily deceived. I rise, and throw back the blinds, when lo ! not a drop is falling. It is the wind in my Maple trees. I had thought of that, and listened with the most discrimi- nating attention, and was sure that it was rain. Twice we lived iu houses built on the edge of the original forests. These had been thinned out, and recesses opened up. It happened in both cases that an Ash and a Hickory had been left, which shot up, without side branches, to a great height. The trunks were supple and tongh. Whenever the winds moved gently, these long and lithe trees moved with singular grace and beauty. As there was no perceptible wind along the ground, the movements seemed voluntary. And yet there was in it that kind of irresolution which one sees in sleep-walking. Bat as soon as the breath became a breeze, the wide circles through which these rooted gymnasts moved was wonderful. They seemed going forth in every direction, and yet surely and quickly springing back toposi. tion again. And in every motion, such was their elasticity, they mani- fested the utmost grace. The sighing of winds iu a Pine forest has no parallel sound except upon the sea-shore. Of all sounds of leaves it is the sweetest and saddest, to certain moods of summer leisure. The Pine sings, like the poet, with no every-day voice, but in a tone apart from all common sounds. It has the power to change the associations, and to quicken the poetic sensibility, as no other singing tree can do. Everyone should have this old harper, like a seer or a priest among trees, about his dwelling. Under an old Pine would naturally be found the young maiden, whose new lover was far across the seas. In the sounds that would descend she could not fail to hear the voices of the sea, — the roar of winds, the plash of waves running in upon the shore. Every country place should havethatvery coquette among trees, the Aspen. It seems never to sleep. Its twinkling fingers are playing in the air at some arch fantasy almost without pause. If you sit at a window with a book, it will wink and blink, and beckon, and coax, till you cannot help speaking to it ! That must be a still day that does not see the Aspen quiver ! A single leaf sometimes will begin to wag, and not another on the whole treo will move. Sometimes a hidden breath will catch at a lower branch, then, shifting, will leave that still, while it shakes a topmost twig. Though the air may move so gently that your cheek does not feel it, this sensitive tree will seem all a-shiver, and turn its leaves upward with shuddering chill. It is the daintiest fairy of all the trees. One should have an Aspen on every side of his house, that no window should bo without a chance to look upon it nods and becks, and to rejoice in its innocent witcheries. I have seen such fair sprites, too, in human form. But one does not get off so easily, if he sports too much with them. The Aspen leaf makes no wounds. Its frolics spin no silken threads which one cannot follow, and which will not break ! Adg. 22, 1874.] THE GARDEN. 185 Tho musical qualities of trees have not been considererd enough, in planting aronud our dwellings. The great-leaved Magnolias have no fine sound. Willows have bat littlo. Cedars, Yew-trees, and Lom- bardy Poplars are almost silent. It is said that tho Lombardy Poplar is the male tree, tho female having never come over. It is very likely. It is stiff enough to be an old bachelor. It spreads oat no side branches. Its top dies early. It casts a penurious shadow. H. W. Beecheu. T H E H QUSE HOLD. SCIENTIFIC TESTIMONY IN FAVOUa OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLE POOD. Professor Owex. — " The apes and the monkeys, which man nearly resembles in his dentition, derive their staple food from fruits, grain, the kernels of nuts, and other forms in which the most sapid and nutritious tissues of the vegetable kingdom are elaborated ; and tho close resemblance between the quadrumanous and human dentition shows that man was, from the beginning, adapted to eat the fruit of the trees of the garden." — " Odontography," p. 471. BarOiV Cuvier. — " The natural food of man, judging from his structure, appears to consist principally of the fruits, roots, and other succulent parts of vegetables."— " Animal Kingdom," p. 46 (Orr, London, 1810). M. Daubenton. — " It is, then, highly probable that man in a state of pure nature, living in a confined society, and in a genial climate — where the earth required but little culture to produce its fruits — did subsist upon these, without seeking to prey on animals." — " Observa- tions on Indigestion." LiNN.EUs. — " This species of food [trait] is that which is most suit- able to man; which is evinced by the series of quadrupeds ; analogy; wild men ; apes ; the structure of the mouth, of the stomach, and the hands." — "Linnroi Amoenitates Academica?," vol. x., p. 8. Bay. — " Certainly man by nature was never made to be a carnivorous animal, nor is he armed at all for prey or rapine, with jagged and pointed teeth, and crooked claws sharpened to rend and tear ; but with gentle hands to gather fruit and vegetables, and with teeth to chew and eat them." — " Evelyn's Acetaria," p. 170. Bell. — " It is, I think, not going too far to say, that every fact connected with the human organisation goes to prove that man was originally formed a frugivorous animal This opinion is prin- cipally derived from the formation of his teeth and digestive organs, as well as from the character of his skin ; and the general structure of his limbs." — "Anatomy, Physiology, and Diseases of the Teeth." Haller. — " This food, then, which I have hitherto described, and in which flesh has no part, is salutary ; insomuch that it fully nourishes a man, protracts lite to an advanced period, and prevents or cures such disorders as are attributable to the acrimony or grossness of the blood." — " Elements of Physiology," vol. vi., p. 199. HuFELAND. — " The more man follows Nature, and is obedient to her laws, the longer will he live ; the further he deviates from these, the shorter will be his existence. . . Plain, simple food only, promotes moderation and longevity ; while compounded and luxurious food shortens lite. . . Instances of the greatest longevity are to be found among men who, from their youth, lived principally on vegetables, and who, perhaps, never tasted flesh." LiEBiG. — " Grain, and othernntritions vegetables, yield us, not only in starch, sugar, and gum, the carbon which protects our organs from the action of oxygen, and produces in the organism the heat which is essential to life, but also in the form of vegetable flbrine, albumen, and caseine, [the elements of] our blood, from which the other parts of our body are developed. Vegetables produce, in their organism, tbe blood [matter] of all animals ; for the carnivora, in consuming the blood and flesh of the graminivora, consume, strictly speaking, only the vegetable principles which have served for the nutrition of the latter." Dr. Carpenter. — " We freely concede to the advocates of vege- tarianism that, as regards the endurance of physical labour, there is ample proof of the capacity of what is commonly called the vegetable regimen, that is, abstinence from flesh meat, to afford the requisite sustenance We are inclined, then, to believe that a purely vegetable diet, if it contains a due proportion of oleaginous matter, is capable of maintaining the physical powers of the body at their highest natural elevation, even under the exposure of the extreme of cold," &o. Dr. Cullen. — " I am firmly persuaded that any man who, early in life, will enter upon the constant practice of bodily labour and of abstinence from animal food, will be preserved entirely from gout. . . The cure [of rheumatism] requires, in the first place, an antiphlogistic regimen ; and particularly a total abstinence from animal food, and from all fermented and spirituous liquors." GARDENING FOR THE WEEK, AND AMATEUR'S CALENDAR. The Flower Garden and Pleasure Grounds. It is hardly necessary to say that the present season, on account of its great drought, has been by no means favourable for tho flower garden. The rainfall has been exceedingly partial as well as deficient; and many instances have occurred where, in certain locali- ties, considerable falls of rain have been experienced ; while in others, removed by a distance of only a mile or two, no fall has taken place. It may give an idea of the drought experienced in this part of the country to know that the rainfall of the first seven months of the preseni; year amounts to only 6-61 inches. The season, however, has afforded ample opportunities to judge of the great advantages to be derived from an extra depth of soil, and also of a system of mulch- ing wherever this is practicable, as, in too many instances, watering without this really avails but little. Notwithstanding the arid and ungenial character of the season, some varieties of bedding plants are succeeding even better than could have been expected, and notable among which are the Ivy-leaved and hybrid Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums, reference to which was made in a former calendar ; while the failure of the yellow bedding Calceolaria in many localities is a circumstance, however much it may be regretted, unlikely to cause much surprise ; indeed, the total e.xclasion of this plant from the parterre has almost become a settled question with many cultivators, and is only postponed from year to year on account of the difficulty of finding a suitable substitute, or one likely to supply the desired colour Many varieties of annuals and other plants have been recommended for this purpose, but none of them free from grave objections ; among the best are Tagetes signata, and some of the various sorts of dwarf French Marigolds, the Gaillardias, Calliopsis, or CEuothera Drummondi, all of which have, however, a more or less weedy appearance, and in all respects tall far short of the Calceolaria, when seen in a flourishing condition ; but, in the meantime, a fair trial might be given to the varieties of yellow bedding Pansies, Tropaaolum compaotnm, and some of the orange and yellow-flowering Lantanas. Though the flower-garden may be less attractive than it usually is at this season, the various routine operations must nevertheless be adhered to, and every effort should be made to make neatness and order compensate, as far as possible, for any deficiencies which there may be in floral display. Go over flower-beds daily, or as frequently as may be necessary, and pick off decayed flowers and leaves. Finish the clipping of Box and other edgings, it this is not already done, and sweep and roll Grass belts and gravel walks as often as is found necessary. Push on the propagation of bedding plants as fast as possible, wherever cuttings can be obtained. Put in cuttings also of various sorts of hardy herbaceous plants, wherever it may be considered necessary to increase the stock of the same — such as the various hybrid Phloxes (all of which are exceedingly beautiful), Pentstemons, and Mule Pinks, all of which may now be struck from cuttings in a close frame, along with Verbenas and other bedding plants ; and they may be wintered in the store pots, from which they can be transferred to beds or borders where they are intended to flower, in spring, or, to further forward them, they may be potted off singly in spring, and planted out about the beginning of May. Collections of valuable hybrid Phloxes, Pentstemons, Delphiniums, and Mule Pinks, should be cultivated in every garden, as they are all beautiful decorative plants, and always afford an abundant supply of cut flowers during a very considerable portion of the season ; and the improvement which has been effected in them of late years is very remarkable. — P. Grieve. Rosea. Marechal Niel is the flnest yellow Kose we have in cultivation, but beiug a free grower and bad one to flower in some localities, and having grown it in pots and out of doors on its own roots. Briar, Gloire de Dijon, and other stocks, a few remarks as to the best way, and the stocks I have flowered it on most successfully, may be useful to amateurs wishing to grow this fine Rose ; I will, therefore, commence by taking the Marechal on his own roots. I have a Rose-house, with the spans facing north and south, with a pit for fermenting materials, and bottom-heated by hot-water pipes. The paths and stages all round are 2 feet 6 inches wide. I took off a cutting from one of the grafted plants, which, when rooted, it was potted into a large 60-pot, in March, 1873, and then plunged in Cocoa fibre in the Rose-honse and grown on up to the middle of July, during which period it received several shifts, and at the end of July I gave it its last shift for the season. By this time the plant had two shoots 6 feet long. I had the pot placed near a south fence, and the shoots nailed to tha fence, in which position it remained 186 THE GARDEN. [Aus. 22, 1S71. till the beginning of November, receiving an occasional watering. It was then removed, with other Tea Roses, into cold pits. At the latter end of January, 1871, I had it removed to the Rose-house, and placed the pot on the south stage of the house, as near the front, lights as I could place it. I then had two lines stretched horizontally, about 1 foot apart, along tho front rafters, to which 1 tied the two shoots, without pruning them ; but previous to doing so, I had tho Roses washed with a solution of weak Gishurst compound. From that plant I have cut over one hundred fine blooms tin's season. It commenced flowering in March, and has had three or four successions of blooms up to the end of July, all of the blooms being fit to exhibit at any exhibition of Roses. (The Mai cchal docs not succeed so well on its own roots planted out, as in pots.) I also liad two plants, started in the spring of 1873, specially picked out, and worked on tho Briar stock ; one was budded, and tho other was grafted on the French system ; they both made excellent growth ; the grafted jilant seemed to do tho best for some time, but when removed from the house to the open air, by some means or other, tho graft was broken off, so I am qnite certain tho grafts do not succeed for such strong Roses, except they are potted deep. Tho budded plant made excellent growth, and it was quite as good as tho plant on its own roots, and one thing I must mention, that the Roses that were cut off the ]3riar were of a deeper colour. Tlie Rose was trained on front wires in the same way as the oneon its own roots, and received tho same treatment. Mareehal Niel succeeds well planted out worked on tho Briar, but I do not like grafted plants. I bought twelve grafted plants, and not Cne is alive now. Standards especially, bloom freely, and are very deeply coloured. I have dwarf ones worked for trellis-work. Care ought to be taken in selecting good healthy stocks, and do not prune too freely, only cut out weak shoots, leaving the strong growth to flower.— H. G. Indoor Plant Department. To soft- wooded conservatory plants in flower, pure water only should bo given ; but to such as are making growth, occasional applications of manure-water may bo given. Lap.agerias, both red and white, are now in great beauty, as are also Passion-flowers and Fuchsias on trellises. Lilies placed amongst the green masses of Camellias, Azaleas, Acacias, &c., have a pleasing effect, aud few plants can be more charming for fronts of borders than Hydrangea paniculata, Agapanthus umbellatus, Vallota purpurea, Trachelium caDruleura, and Plumbago capensis. Keep up a good succession of Gomphrena globosa. Balsams, Cockscombs and other Celosias, Ehodantho Manglesii, Begonias, Petunias, Heliotropes, Achimenes, Fuchsias, Pelargoniums, Asters, Schizanthusos, Zinnias, Colenses, and others. Remove plants, the beauty of which is over, to frames ; in the case of tall straggling plants, however, it may bo more desirable to save cuttings of them than to preserve the old plants through the winter. Annuals may be consigned to the rubbish.heap as soon as their flowers become faded, unless seed-saving is an object. See to repairs in the way of glazing and painting, aud put every- thing in good order before winter sets in. The general stock of hard-wooded plants in greenhouses, such as Coronillas, Cjtisuses, Heaths, and Azaleas, must bo freely exposed, if in frames, to atmospheric influences, but if out of doors they should be screened from strong sunshine by plunging the pots in Cocoa-nut fibre or ashes, aud by laying the pots on their sides in the event of heavy rain-falls. The earliest started Fuchsias if now cut back, rested, re-potted, and started into growth, make fine late-blooming plants, but young plants are preferable. Transfer a few Lilies to a house with a north and cold asijcct, so as to keep them as late as possible in coming into bloom. Tho earliest ones should now be kept quite dry and in a cool shady place, aud succession ones just moist enough to prevent the leaves from shrivelling until tho stalks turn yellow, when the bulbs may bo kept altogether dry. Of Amarantuses have a good stock, as they are very effective mixed amongst flowering or white-leaved foliage plants, such as Centaureaa. A. salicifolius will now be at its best, and in order to maintain a good brilliant colour in the leaves, keep the plants near the glass and in an airy position; a little peat put into the soil in which they are growing serves to increase brilliance of colour in Amarantuses, Coleuses, Iresines, Alter, nantheras, and similar plants. Be very careful in watering plants of Gomphrena globosa ; for they are apt to damp off quite suddenly at the neck, and to become useless ; a little charcoal dust placed around the base of tho stem has been found to bo a good preventive of this malady. Permit the earliest started hybrid Begonias to go gradually to rest, for although they might continue to flower for a short time, yet their habit would bo of such a loose and straggling character that young plants would be vastly superior to them. Sow Cyclamens in a very gentle temperature and light soil, for, by sowing now, excellent flowering plants will bo obtained when the seedlings are fifteen months old. Attend to the pricking off and potting of Calceo- larias, Cineraries, and Chinese Primulas, and pot Auriculas and place them in a frame with a northern aspect. Graft a few Epiphyllums on Pereskia stocks, and propagate a few of the latter by means of cuttings. Unfasten the ligatures of Camellia.^ and Azalras that have " taken," and re-pot the plants as soon as practicable, lu stoves fine foliago is now more predominant than flowers, therefore the plants should be arranged accordingly, giving a light and pro- minent position to highly-coloured plants. Syringe every fine daj', water plentifully but moderately, and shade thinly from strong sunshine. Pot singly young Gloxinias raised from cuttings made of the leaves, or seedlings, and gradually dry off those that have dono blooming. Snch plants of Achimenes as are exhausted place on a dry shelf, and keep them pretty dry. Some Eranthemums, Gymnos- tachyums, Souerilas, Cyrtodeiras, Bertolonias, &c., if rooted at their several joints, may be separated, and each division to which roots are attached, potted singly. Euphorbia jacquiniasflora and Poinsettia pulcherrima should have a position close to the glass in a moderately warm place. Encourage the growth of Gesneras of tho Exoniensis section ; they make fine blooming aud ornamental plants from October throughout the winter. Plants of Clerodendrons of the KiBmpferi and Fallax section must be stored away in some dry place. Orchids. Most of the work now to be done in tho Orchid-house consists in keeping plants, pots, and stages scrupulously clean aud sweet. Watering will require more care and attention as the dull foggy weather commences, especially such pseudo-bulbous kinds as have completed their season's growth. Others, as Vaudas, Aerides, Angraicums, Phala)nopsis, aud Cypripedinms, will always re(iuiro a liberal supply, even during the depth of winter, and the last-named, together with Disas, and such of the Deudrobes as are making their growth, should be gently dewed with the syringe in the middle of the day during bright mild weather. Loslias, on blocks, and Sophronitig will now require constant attention, and must be repeatedly plunged or dipped in tepid water, so as to thoroughly moisten tho Sphagnum, which will then continue in a genial state, and foster the increase of root-growth and the consequent vigour of the plants. Carefully renew the top growth of Sphagnum in all cases where it has failed since the general re-potting took place. The Moss used for this pui'pose should be carefully picked over, bit by bit, so as to remove all rubbish, insect pests, and slugs. Where Cattleyas have made their growth, every precaution should be adopted to prevent their again starting into growth before the turn of the year. This may be done by keeping them moderately cool and dry at the roots, and by admitting plenty of fresh air daily during fine weather. Tho bottom ventilators may be left open during mild nights, and this treatment conduces to pioduce a fresh and healthful appearance among the plants that cannot be attained in any other way. — P. W. BuiiBIDGE. Indoor Fruit Department. As soon as Pines are cut in any of the pits, get the latter thoroughly washed, cleaned, and repaired, the wood-work jiainted, and the walls lime-washed. The heating apparatus should likewise be seen to, and all got into good working order. Remove such suckers as are good and strong as soon as they are ready for separa- tion, with a heel of the old wood attached to them if practicable ; pot them at once, and start them in a kindly tempei-ature. Crowns, as a rule, should bo avoided unless for the perpetuation of new or scarce sorts, and then only those from first-class fruits ought to be chosen. No matter at what season suckers are ready, they should bo potted. Shift all plants that require it, shade them and keep them a little close for a time, and dew them overhead with tepid water through a fine rose or syringe at shutting-up time. Those intended for early summer fruiting should now jiave their pots well filled with roots, and should be kept moderately dry, but at no season of the year abso- lutely so. Such plants as are about to throw up their fruits enjoy a good growing temperature and a kindly bottom. heat, and for this purpose fresh linings and plunging may be necessary. Remove the lights if practicable from the earliest Vineries in which all the wood is thoroughly well ripened and the fruit cut, and paiut and repair the house. Where Grapes are ripe and lianging, precautions should be taken against the ravages of wasps and other depredators, either by placing the clusters in little muslin bags, or if convenient, covering over all openings for ventilation with sheets of tiffany, hexagon netting, or frigi domo. A somewhat dry atmosphere is necessary where Grapes are ripe and colouring, but still guard against too much aridity. In late Vineries where the berries are swelling, give air night and day, and maintain an equable temperature by means of a little fire. heat, which dispels stagnant damp in dull weather, and renders the atmosphere sweet and healthy ; give also abundance of water, and sometimes manure- water, to the borders, aud liberally damp all paths, walls, and floors during the day, otherwise shrivelling soon sets in, and red spider Aug. 22, 1874] THE GAEDEN. makes ita appearance. The earliest pot Vines will now have their canes well browned off and thoronghly matured, and aa soon as this is the case they may be inrned out of doors and set in well sheltered places where their rods can be kept erect. Turn the pots on their sides when it rains heavily. Other put Vines may bo kept in a growing condition until they are ripe, when they should be treated like the earliest ones. In order to give late Peaches and Nectarines every chance of ripening properly, fully expose them to the iuilnence of the sun. Trim out all shoots not required for next year's work, so as to thoroughly ripen those retained. Where tho fruit has been gathered, and the wood is well matured, ventilate the houses as much as possible night and day, and syringe with a solution of sulphur for the eradication of red spider, and use some dissolved soft-soap or Gishurst compound in the water when syringing for the destruction of scale. Keep the borders moderately moist, for drought under any circumstances is exceedingly deleterious to the trees. The second general crop of Pigs will now bo ripening, and consequently the atmosphere should be kept a little drier than usual, and the house more freely ventilated so as to improve the quality of tho Figs. Trees swelling their fruits must be liberally fed and syringed, and scale and other vermin eradicated. Prevent over-luxuriance in Melons by means of kindly treatment and a little ventilation at night as well as during the day, in preference to stinting the supply of moisture and pinching severely. However, their growth must be regulated and held in check, and attention must be paid to the fertilisation of the blooms. To those whose fruits aro swelling, give heavy applications of water, and occasionally some manure-water. If the plants for winter fruiting are not yet planted, no time should be lost, for late-planted ones seldom give much satisfaction. Seed of Cucumber plants for winter fruiting should now be sown, and cuttings struck from present fruiters to succeed them. Worn out plants may now bo cut in rather severely, the borders mulched and well watered, and the linings renewed ; the plants will then soon make a fresh start, and bear well for some time. Attend to the usual routine of thinning the leaves, shoots, and fruits whilst in a young state. Hardy Fruit. Each day now the sun begins to lose power, and we have only a few more weeks left of sunshine of suiEoient force to mature the wood of our fruit trees. This fact should now govern all our practice in the fruit garden. Each superfluous shoot, in the case of wall trees, should now be removed ; for, where the wood is laid in at all thickly, and the leaves are well developed, it is nearly all densely shaded. It continues green instead of brown ; now green wood means weak wood, with great buds and an excess of sap in them. The two together are capital food for the frost, and many a deep cut have I seen it make in such wood, producing running gum and cankered blotches innumerable. The best means of steering clear of such evils, and others that ai'e pretty sure to come, with the winter's cold and the erratic freaks of spring, is to see that the wood of all fruit trees is thoronghly and soundly ripened in the autumn. Ripe wood is well-nigh invul- nerable to cold ; its buds have gone safely to sleep, and they have thick, warm, hard nightcaps, in which they repose in safety. But green wood and watery buds are altogether different ; they have hardly gone to rest, when the spring flow of the sap begins to rise, and this early rising means sure destruction. That the early bii'd gathers the worms, is not more true than that early trees are blighted by frost. The fact is, those least matured in autumn are the first to move in spring, and the tenderest during winter. The fruits will mostly ripen without much of our help, but it is different with the wood. Even the colour and flavour of late Peaches, Plums, and Pears are often much improved by the removal of supurfluous branches. The wood is still more benefited. Occasionally strong growing fruit trees should be partially root-pruned this month. 'Nothing hastens maturity like the knife on a few leading roots; but such early root-pruning must not be carried to excess. If so, we would reap a harvest of shrivelled wood buds, and few fruit-bearing ones. A full crop of fruit I always look upon as the most satisfactory and effective wood ripener. — D. T. Fish. The Kitclien Garden. Cucumbers in pits or frames, that are expected to continue in a bearing condition till the end of October, should have the linings partially renewed to stimulate root action ; and, as the nights will soon be getting colder, mats should be resorted to to prevent radia. tion. Any plants that are showing symptoms of exhaustion should be top-dressed with rich soil, and be occasionally watered with liquid-manure, sprinkling them freely with clear soft water on the afternoons of fine days, and shutting up early. Where autumn and winter Cucumbers are in large demand, the first house should soon be planted. By planting early there is no oooasiou to push tho plants unduly with fire-heat, and they will attain to a^jjrength and firgj. r;- ness of growth that will stand them in good steaa^ when the shott dark days come. The best form of house for tho growth of mntec . Cucumbers is a low span-roofed structure running east and west) the sides of the span should be of unequal width, the wMcst facing the south, whilst the north side need not be iimro than 4 or 5 feet wide. This kind of house for winter work pos- sesses many of the advantages of the lean-to, with abundance of light, and docs not require so much fuel as the fuU.sized equal span-roof. There are one or two points on the heating of such houses, that I think ought to be briefly noticed and insisted upon. The first is — it is false economy to stint the number of pipes, the number of which of course must depend upon the size of the house. When hot- water pipes become very hot, a dry scorching heat is given off, that acts injuriously upon soft-leaved plants like Cucumbers, therefore, with a liberal allowance of piping, there will be less necessity to force the apparatus in cold weather, in order to maintain the requisite temperature. Another thing that is often forgotten at the timo when the pipes are fixed, is having separate valves to regulate tho bottom heat, so as to have it under thorough control ; I look upon this as an important matter, for an excess of bottom heat has been the cause of many failures. The question as to the best soil for winter Cucumbers, has often been discus ed, with the usual variations of opinion. I have at various times used almost all kinds of soil obtain- able, but there is nothing better than good turfy loam that has been laid up in a heap eight or ten months, in which layers of stable or cow-shed manure had alternated with layers of turf. This can be obtained on most estates ; and I think it is most unwise to go to a "great expense to build houses for wiuter forcing, and then deny a man the few loads of soil requisite for successfully carrying it out. Whatever soil is used, let it be free from wireworms ; and a sprinkling of soot will be useful, both for expelling insects and imparting vigour to the plants. Cardoons are not so much grown as they were twenty years ago ; perhaps they occupy too much space to be profitably grown in small gardens. In large places, however, where iii'st-class French cookery is appreciated, they will be in demand. There seems to be arising a demand for novelties in vegetables as well as in flowers; therefore, I think Cardoons should have more attention bestowed ou them, so as to anticipate the probable requirements of the kitchen. The first lot will soon require earthing up, having first gathered the leaves together and bound them round with hay or straw-bands ; hay is generally used, because it lies close. The whole row is then earthed up, packing the earth in firmly in the same way in which Celery is usually done. — E. Hobday. Cottagers' Gardens. Where Potatoes are making a second growth, no time should be lost in lifting them, as they would, if allowed to remain, soon be rendered worthless. The ground, if dug up directly, will be in good condition for the earliest Cabbage crop, the latest sowing of which may now be made. All hedges should be clipped, and ditches thoroughly cleansed while they are so dry ; all will then be in readiness for autumnal rains. Attention must still be given to watering many crops, as the slight showers we have had are very deceptive, and while the surface looks moist the roots may be suffering from drought. Any fruit trees that are heavily cropped will be greatly benefited by a good root watering. Window plants must be kept clear of decaying flowers and foliage, and some stimulant applied in a liquid state to continue the blooming period as long as possible. Leaves are falling early this year, and extra attention will be required to utilise these as manure, and to keep everything neat and tidy. — J. G. ^41 Pi'ogress of the New Potato Pest. — Colorado beetles (Doryphora decem-lineata) are working eastward. They were quite severe in Wayne, New York, but wero comparatively harmless in Wyoming. In Alleghany they were strenuously resisted with Paris- green ; they were also noted in Cattaraugus, Delaware, Madison, and Tioga. They were also operating in Burlington, New Jersey. In Butler, Pennsylvania, Paris-green is pronounced a failure ; resort was there had to patent preparations, but the most effective method of resistance was to shake the bugs into a bos and dispatch them. In Union, Paris-green and lime were also effective. In Adams and several other counties the virtues of Paris-green were utilised by a persistent and intelligent application. In Dauphin and Forest Counties the insects appeared to be departing, leaving no great damage behind them, especially upon late plantings. The Depart- ment of Agriculture has numerous reports recording the progress of the insect towards the Atlantic. In some counties it appears to be checked by other insects. Great good appears to have come from the prompt and energetic application of Paris-green and other 188 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 22, 1874. remedies. The plan of having a paid state entomologist, adopted by some of the American States, and the prompt information as to the enemy's movements, and the best modes of fighting him, supplied by the excellent American agricultural press, have been of great use in this case. The best remedy that can be recommended is pure Paris. green, mixed with ashes or flour, in the proportion of one part to twelve or fifteen. It should be dusted over the plants in the morning when the dew is on the foliage, and shoald always be repeated after rains. Three pounds of Paris-green to about 40 pounds of flour, ashes, or air.slaked lime, will answer for an acre of Potatoes. More London Improvements. — TVe are glad to learn that the Duke of Northumberland, in consideration of the large sum gener. ously paid to him, without a proper valuation, for his old palace in the Strand, has decided to follow the example of Baron Grant, and trans- form Trafalgar Square from its present stoney wilderness into a blooming garden. According to the plan submitted for our inspection, Landseer's lions will be surrounded with beds of green and protected by dwarf-railings. Now it is the Duke of Bedford's turn ; for such public spirit ought to be infectious. — Unmet. Not a Gardener's Paradise. — A cultivator in the Western United States can hardly be having a sweetly pastoral life of it. A newspaper there sketches his daily troubles : — " At daylight he investigates his corn-hills for cut-worms. Then he gets up an appetite for his breakfast by crushing codling-moth larva) with a hoe-handle. During the forenoon he indulges the Potato-bugs with a solution of Paris green. His post-prandial pleasure is to scald the chinch-bugs. His evening delight is to smudge Peach trees to keep down the curculio. "When he wakes to another day of toil, he hears fiesh grasshoppers tinkling against the pane." Middlesex Plants. — Numerous specimens of Sedum dasyphyl- lum, I am informed by Mr. W. G. Smith, have been sent him from Mr. J. T. Clarke, who writes that it grows on very old walls for about a mile round Hillingdon. There can be little doubt that it is planted there. Since the publication of the " Flora of Middlesex " this Sedum has also been found in abundance on the left hand wall of Sion Lane, Isleworth.— The Rev. Dr. Hind sends Mr. Trimen, editor of The Journal of Botany, specimens of Pyrola minor from the Grove, on the east side of Stanmore Htath. It occurs in considerable quantity, covering several square yards, under some venerable trees. He states that there appears to be no reason to suppose it introduced. Remedies for Stings. — Among the various cures recommended for bee slings are liquid potassas, olive oil, vitriol, laudanum, vinegar, honey, salaratus and water, salt and water, soft soap and salt, raw Onion, tobacco juice, a paste of clay or flour, the expressed juice of any green leaf, or of the ripe berries of the coral Honeysuckle. As animal poisons deoxydize the blood, their antidotes will be anything that contain much oxygen. The poison of a bee being acid, an alkali must be employed to neutralise it. If, therefore, we were selecting for trial any of the above so-called remedies, we should choose either soft soap or ammonia. But if the individual stung is not very nervous, cold water applied to the wound will be quite sufBcient, and it should not be rubbed. Que great essential is, if heated, to get cooled as soon as possible, and to avoid becoming heated again for at least two days. Nothing is so apt to make the poison active as heat, and nothing favours its activity less than cold. Let the body be kept cool and at rest, and the activity of the poison will be reduced to a minimum. Any active exertion, whereby the circulation is quickened, will increase both pain and swelling. Toads in the Garden.— Many persons have a loathing of this really intei'esting, but certainly not handsome, Bufo, the result of superstition or want of education. It is time wo learned that they cannot bite, and if they cmdd, that bite would bo harmless. We suppose the fiction that they carry a jewel in their head is no longer believed, Shakespeare to the contrary notwithstanding; yet the latter is more true than the former — indeed, it is half true. They carry two ; their eyes, at least, are as bright as any jewels that ever sparkled in a diadem. They are the most innocent of creatures that ever ate indiscriminately anything that had life that they could swallow that came within reach. They are worth more per head to the horticulturist than chickens, even allowing that chickens did not scratch ; and, to put our readers thoroughly in good humour, with these insect. devourers, we reproduce the following story by Dr. Harris : — He supposed the odour of the squash bug (Coreus tristis) would protect it from the toad; and, to test the matter, he offered one to a grave-looking Bufo, under a Cabbage. He seized it eagerly, but spit it out instantly, reared up on his hind legs and put his front feet on top of his head for an instant as if in pain, and then disap- peared across the garden in a series of the greatest leaps a toad ever made. Perhaps the bug bit the biter. Not satisfied with this Dr. Harris hunted up another toad which lived under the piazza, and always sunned himself in one place in the Grass, and offered him a squash bug, which ho took and swallowed, winking in a very satisfied manner. Twenty other fine bugs followed the first in a few moments, with no diflicuUy or hesitation in the taking or swallowing, though, from the wriggling and contortions, it appeared their comers did not fit well within. SOCIETIES AND EXHIBITIONS. EOYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. August 19th. One of the most curious plants brought before the floral committee on this occasion was Decabelone elegans, sent by Mr. J. T. Peacock, and splendid cut specimens of the gorgeous crimson-lipped Cattleya Dowiana came from Mr. Brockett's collection at Muswell Hill. A fine new seed- ling black Grape, having large well shouldered clusters, and oblong berries of a distinct Muscat flavour, came from Mr. Sweeting, gardener at Sneyd Park, near Bristol. Mr. James Groom, of Henham -Llall Gardens, Sulfolk, exhibited a large oblong Melon a foot and a half long by about half as much in diameter. It is of a rich deep yellow colour with white flesh. Notwithstanding its coarse appearance, it was found to be of excellent flavour, and is interesting as having been raised from seeds brought home from Africa by Sir Samuel Baker, the well known explorer. Miscellaneous. — Mr. W. Bull sent Weigela Lavallei, a new kind with dark rosy flowers ; Mr. Chambers, of the Westlake Nurseries, sent finely, flowered plants of the bright blue double-flowered Lobelia pumila grandi- flora, to which we have before alluded as excellent for carpet bedding and pot culture. With these came the Californian annual Diplacus califor- nicus, with orange or orange-yellow flowers, and specimens of a dwarf- growmg variety of the well-known Artillery plant (Bilea muscosa) ; Mr. J. Croucher brought Aloe Fraskii, having thick amplexicaulent leaves; Messrs. KoUisson & Sons, of Tooting, sent a splendid group of cut herbaceous Phloxes, the colours being very clear and distinct, and these were much admired ; Mr. J. Blackwood, gardener to W. Collinson, Esq., sent Bonatea speciosa, an old terrestrial Urchid from the Cape, having green and white flowers in terminal spikes. This plant is remarkable on account of the peculiar arrangement of the pollen masses, which are borne on long stalks similar to those of the large-flowered Disa. It is some- times known as Habenaria Sandersonii, and may bo seen at Kew. Mr. 11. Dean, of Ealing, sent a large white-flowered Phlox, named Miss llobertson; and Messrs. Hender ^fc Son, of Plymouth, sent an excellent strain of variegated Amarantus, having very brilliantly coloured foliage, the most distinct colours being rich orange, purplish-crimson, and creamy- yellow. Messrs. George Paul & Sons, of the Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, sent some nice stands of choice cut Roses, the blooms being of excellent quality for the season of the year. Fruit. — Messrs. Lane & Sons, Berkhampstead, sent a seedling Grape of excellent quality ; but not quite ripe ; the committee, therefore, deferred judgment until it can be shown in better condition. From Messrs. Dobson and Sons, Isleworth, came a brace of white-spined Cucumbers, named Prince of Wales; and Mr. Chambers, also of Isleworth, sent a seedling variety, named Westlake Rival ; but neither were considered sutflcieutly in advance of existing kinds to merit an award. Mr. Brown, gardener to Earl Howe, Gopsall Hall, sent some nice fruit gathered from trees which had been removed last season ; and Mr. F. Dancer, of Chis- wick, the eminent fruit grower, brought excellent specimens of the Souvenir du Cougres Pear. A new Bcarlet-ruuner Bean came from Mr. A. Henderson, of Shrublands ; but it was not thought distinct from other varieties. First-class Certificates were awarded to the following plants :— Cheilanthes Bergiana (Blackwood). — An elegant Fern, from the Cape of Good Hope. Well worth culture. Cerasus Mahaleb pendula (G. Paul). — A striking variety of a well-known ornamental tiowering tree, remarkable as having an elegant drooping habit. CornuB albaraarginata(G. Paul).— A pretty shrub of moderate growth, chiefly remarkable for the white marginal leaves. A nice addition to variegated deciduous shrubs. Black Muscat Grape " Sneyd Seedling" (Sweeting).— A new and desirable variety, having large and well shouldered clusters of oblong berries, the tlesh being tender, juicy, and of a very rich Muscat tlavour. Hollyhock, Mulberry Gem (\V. Chater). — A stout dense spike of deep rich blackish-purple Howcrs. Hollyhock, Rose Supreme (W. Chater). — A fine dense bright rosy flower, and a nice addition to these stately plants. A Botanical Certificate was awarded to Mr. J. Croucher, gardener to J. T. Peacock, Esq., for the curious Stapeha-likc Decabelone elegmis, having spinose erect angular stems of a glaucous green colour, and drooping longish bell- shaped tlowers of a greenish-yellow colour, profusely dotted and streaked with reddish-purplo. It is well figured in the last number of the Botanical Magazine, t. 6165. The Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution. — With reference to the articles recently published concerning this institution, a correspondent, who agrees with the inadequacy of the support, nevertheless, considers the payment of a guinea a year to the insti- tution as good an investment as a gardener can make, inasmuch as the payment of this for sixteen years secures his election. Aug. 29, 1874] THE GARDEN. 189 THE GARDEN. " Thi3 is an art Whioli do83 mend nature : ohanwe it rather : but The Art rrsELr is Nature." — Shakespeare. rLOWER-GARDENING IN HYDE PAEK. By AN ARTIST. Havlsg, in a recent number of The Gardex, read with much interest the remarks of " An Amateur " on the flower-gardening in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, " An Artist " ventures to communicate a few remai'ks on points npt touched upon by " An Amateur," and on some others on which his views slightly differ. On entering Kensington Gardens, and passiug the northern end of the Serpentine a welcome improvement iu the treatment of the bare ground in front of some of the shrub - berries is at once observable. The bareness has been partially clothed with flowers and leafage by means of a copious scatter- ing of mixed seed of the more popular annuals. Enough has been done to show that a thick sowing of mixed annuals along the front of irregular shrubberries will prove itself a successful innovation, as heightening the effect of such plantations without the drawback of a certain amount of formalism which neces- sarily accompanies the old system of distinct patches of herba- ceous plants introduced at regular, or nearly regular, distances from each other ; or, the still more objectionable system of "ribbon" bordering. On approaching " the cottage," with its rich and pleasing effect, so justly noticed by "An Amateur," it becomes a question, to one with an eye specially educated in art matters, to ascertain what are the principles which produce the undeniably pleasing effect of the whole ; and the result of artistic reasoning was this — that the success did not depend nearly so much upon the extremely perfect production of the pretty geo- metric mosaic of flowers, in set patterns, as upon the occasional introduction, here and there, without formality, of naturally graceful plants — and to the interruption of the architectural lines of the mass of plants rising high above the window sills, and the partial (not complete) covering of the building with Ivy, each of which features tend to break up gracefully the formality of the geometric system, but above all, it is the situation of this little oasis of brilliant flower-colour, in the midst of a wide expanse of undulating turf, and its embowered site, beneath clusters of great trees (which are among the finest in the gardens), that make it a highly-coloured spot, in the midst of the soft repose of far-spreading green, so universally attractive. On approaching the so-called rock-work, at the southern extremity of the Serpentine, one cannot but feel that our " Amateur " has been somewhat too tender in his otherwise just criticism. The " rock-work " is, indeed, only tolerable where entirely covered ; the brick-end and clinker work being lumped together, with unmeaning ups and downs, iu that truest type of Cockneyism which is so odious to artistic eyes. The interstices of this " ingenious " piece of work were originally filled with expensive plants, utterly unsuited to the situation, which must, in the aggregate, have cost a large sum of money ; and which, after making a very brief display, soon died out, as a matter of course. Their places have been usurped by a few rank-growing things, such as the wild hedge Clematis, stunted Periwinkle, and other things of the kind, assisted by mere weeds, which, however, perform the useful office of partially covering the ugly nakedness of the clinker heap. The irregularity of surface produced by the brick-ends being effected, it ought to be taken advantage of for the display of such sorts of hardy plants as are suited to that kind of situation ; and, with the better taste that is beginning to prevail in the decorative treatment of the Park, a great improvement in the aspect of the soi-disant rock- work may perhaps be expected. There is a long and important strip of gardening not far from the odious rock-work, which has been raised sufiiciently high to conceal the most offensive portion of the backs of a row of mean houses in Knightsbridge ; an addition which is certainly a vast improvement upon the former appearance of that portion of the park. Some of the slopes of this piece of raised land are very well managed, and produce a very pleasing effect ; but, in several places, a kind of blemish occurs, which is but too common in works of that kind. The defect alluded to, consists in the fabrication of mere hammocks by way of variety, which have generally somewhat the form of gigantic mole- hills ; and, as though to make the unnaturalness of this , tasteless device more palpable and call it into notice, there is, in almost every instance, a plant of some kind or other stuck on the apex, like a sprig of Holly in a Christmas pudding. The effect of this is sometimes ridiculous, and the nuisance ought to be abated as soon as possible, by reducing those turf puddings to gentle and natural undulations. Another defect is the spottiness with which the more conspicuous plants are introduced. One or two kinds of Banana, for instance, have been planted out for the summer with very good effect, as giving a semi-tropical aspect to some of the shrubby plantations ; but the otherwise successful attempt is marred by dotting these noble plants about in all directions, at about equal distances. Sir Fretful Plagiary, iu " The Critic," is represented as intro- ducing the boom of the " evening gun " at a special crisis of his drama, but to his horror, the manager, thinking the effect exceedingly good, determined to have half a dozen evening guns, one .after another. " Give them a good thing," said Sir Fretful, "and they ruu it to death;" and so it is with the Bananas, Palms, &c. Varied groups, or even single plants, in suitable companionship, would have been exceedingly success- ful, but they are sadly overdone, like the booms of the evening gun. No one can look at the slopes of turf in question, spotted all over with nearly equi-distant shrubs, as thick as plums in a pudding, without longing for some clear spaces of turf, to give repose, and something like the aspect of tasteful design. Another defect, from an artistic point of view, is the bordering of irregular shrubberies with set ribbon lines of flowers, in one, two, or three formal stripes of colour — the glaring border entirely destroying the repose and grace of the shrubs, which are, as it were, tied up in this tawdry cable. If we must have ribbon-borders, the fringe of an irregular shrubbery is not the place for them. The lines of Gnaphalium look bad iu the same positions. The forms of the detached flower-beds, again, are often ridiculously bad. The kidney- shape appears to be a great favourite, and so does the heart- shape, .and also the crescent-shape ; all of which, by abundant repetition, fatigue the eye, and call undue attention to this kind of torturing of flower-bed forms, which ought, ou the contrary, to be as simple as possible, when not forming part of a set design of geometric character. Detached beds should always be simple in form, in order that the hardness of their outline may not be brought into unnecessary prominence. The circle is the best of all forms for this purpose, and next comes the oval. So far from seeking to occupy the eye with the flowers themselves rather than by the shape of the compartment in which they are planted, the shape itself seems to have been the chief object of the designer of some of these flower patches. The best shapes for flower-beds are those so simple in outline that the attention is not attracted by the shape at all, but reserved wholly for the flowers and plants. Very objectionable features are the mud-wall edgings. The beds have been puddled round with ridges of earth and cow- dung, in which Echeverias, or Sempervivums, or Sedums have been stuck round, as regular as clock-work, just as children stick pebbles round their mud pies. This is the greatest blemish this year in the gardening of Hyde Park. Every- where, in looking closely at the beds, the wretched little earth- wall catches the eye. In scores of cases the plants have not fallen over so as to cover these edgings ; and, where no succu- lents were stuck in, they are quite bare. One is glad to see that this system is not spreading; at the Crystal Palace gardens, and elsewhere round London, where the old gently-rounded edge obtains, a much better effect results, and the plants look in better health than when raised by these ugly little banks. It is to be feared that neither our gardeners nor our public are at present prepared for such a sweeping innovation as " Amateur " suggests in the massing ; it is, however, already carried out to some extent in the case of the annuals that are so well employed to hide the bare earth in Kensington gardens. There is nothing more objectionable than the brown dug surfaces in our public gardens, and this attempt to cover them is a move in the right direction. 190 THE GARDEN. [Auo. 29, 1874. NOTES OP THE WEEK. A nuNCH of Black Hamburgh Grapes was shown tho other day at tlio Great International Ilorticultural Exhibition at Belfast, which weighed 20 lbs. 13 ozs. This was furnished by Mr. Hunter, of Lambton Castle, and exceeds the weight of Speechly's cluster of Syrian by about a pound ; setting aside the fact that the latter variety ia a much coarser Grape, bearing large clusters under the most ordinary cultivation, the analogy between the two Grapes in this case being similar to that existing between a Queen Pine and a Providence. This cluster is the largest as yet grown in Britain, and, like the celebrated 15 lbs. Providence Pine grown at Gunnersbury by Mills, will long be remembered as a triumph in the history of fruit culture. It will be remembered that Mr. Hunter exhibited a bunch of Black Ham- burgh last season, weighing 13 lbs. 4 ozs., a figure and description of which appeared in The Garden (see p. 514, Vol. IV.) at the time. SojrE of the papers allude to what they term a new kind of table decoration, and describe a recent instance of it in the honse of a Russian lady in London. The table was entirely covered with Moss —the Fern.like Moss which is plentiful in Covent Garden. There was the usual white cloth, but the only evidence of it was seen in that portion which hangs at the sides of the table. Flowers were profusely introduced, and the effect was altogether unique. This is said to be one of the most ordinary kinds of table decoration in the artistocratic houses of Russia. We have seen much the same idnd of decoration carried out by Mr. Wills. An appeal recently made through tbe press for the preserva- tion, as an open space, of a small piece of land in the east of London, abutting on Victoria Park, has met with success. The Commissioners of Woods had stated that they would accept the sum of £900 for the fee simple of this land, if secured for the public as a part of Victoria Park. Mr. Bryant,of the firm of Bryant & Maj', has now come forward and has offered to hand over to the Committee of the Park Preserva- tion Society the sum of £900 for the ground in question, in order that it may be purchased from the Commissioners of Woods, and preserved as an open space for ever. It is further stated, that the piece of laud thus generously given to the public by Mr. Bryant, would be admirably adapted for a site for the Temple Bar Gateway. We are pleased to note the great abundance of fruit now to be seen daily in Covent Garden Market, and even that of the street barrows ia of far better quality than has usually been the case in former years. Pears and Apples are alike of excellent quality, and extremely moderate in price. Grapes of home growth are now augmented by supplies from the Continent (Lisbon). The trade in imported fruit is as yet in its infancy, and ia evidently destined, ere long, to influence the prices of home-grown produce in a remarkable degi-ee. When we see that it is remunerative to import fruit from America and the Continent at considerable expense and trouble, the thought naturally suggests itself that it would pay us in more ways than one to grow fruit more abundantly at home. Conspicuous among plants in bloom on the rock-work at Kew, is a small example of Rhexia virginica, a hardy Melastonad, which bears bright rosy-purple flowers in tolerable abundance. This, by no means common plant, may also be found associated with various hardy Ericaceous plants in Messrs. Osbom's nursery at Fulham. Another desirable plant now in flower on the rock-work at Kew. is Micromeria piperella, a member of the Sago family, dwarf and spreading, and bearing a profusion of pretty pink or pale rose- coloured flowers. In the herbaceous grounds a plant of Clematis tethuBEofolia is likewise flowering nicely. Its blooms are of a creamy white colour, and although not of a striking character, are borne somewhat freely, and the plant is, moreover, desirable on account of its distinctly cut foliage. On Monday next, and the succeeding Mondays throughout September, the beautiful gardens at Heckfield Place, the seat of Lord Everslsy, are, by his lordship's kind permission, thrown open to the public on the presentation of tickets of admission, which may be obtained at Mr. Wiklsmith's cottage on the common close by. Heckfield is charmingly situated on the highlands of North Hants, five miles from Winchfield Station, on the South-Western Railway, and is surrounded by a finely wooded country and much picturesque scenery. It lies in the centre of such fine places as Bearwood, Strath- fieldsayo, Elvetham, and Dogmersfield Park, and, although not so palatial in character as either of these residences, is yet the most beau- tiful in all that relates to gardenesque effects. Just now the flower beds are at their best, and there is also a beautiful piece of decorative bordering in the kitchen garden, and something very diverse, but equally pleasing, in the sub-tropical bedding around the lakes. The fruit houses, and plant houses, too, have their attractions ; one has but to glance within the doors of that fine spau.roofed Vinery on the west side of the kitchen garden to see that Grapes can be grown here in perfection. This house is wholly devoted to Lady Downea, the crop of which is faultless, both as regards bunch and berry. In all departments the utmost neatness prevails, and those, therefore who may be induced to pay Heckfield an early visit may be assured of a genuine treat. The grounds surrounding the East London Museam are being converted into an ornamental garden, under the superintendence of Mr. Mclntyre, the chief gardener of Victoria Park. Wasps this year abound in the north of Scotland and in Wales. No one ever remembers having seen so many in one season and they are at present making themselves very troublesome in every household. Several hives of the honey bee have been killed with them, and in almost every garden the fruit has been destroyed and eaten by them. OuE attention has been called to the numerous new forma of the tuberous rooted ' hybrid Begonias, so admirably adapted for rock-work and border culture. Messrs. Veitch & Sons have many fine varieties planted out on their rockery, a position in which they grow vigorously. One plant has stood out for the last three winters, and is now a great mass, a yard through and 'about 2 feet high, and as it bears a profusion of bright scarlet flowers, it is a very attractive obj cot. Gkowers of what are called Dutch bulbs will be glad to know that the supplies imported this season are unusually fine in quality, being even superior in that respect to those imported last year. Hyacinths, Tulips, and Narcissus, are said to be considerably above the average in weight. This is all the more satisfactory, inasmuch as the quality of nearly all Dutch bulbs, especially Hyacinths, has been on the decline for several years past. Next year we may, therefore, expect our spring exhibitions to be auuaually brilliant. The authorities of Paris set up recently a large steam-engine at Clichy to supply the sandy plain of Gennevilliers, on the opposite side of the Seine, with sewage-water. The experiment has proved successful. The Journal of the Society of Arts says that the market gardeners are now asking for a fuller supply, and the machinery is not powerful enough for the extension of the service. A good supply of sewage-water is air advantage likely to be fully used by the Paris market gardeners, who, unlike our own, have long been accustomed to water profusely with ordinary water. Immense quantities of Plums, Apples, Pears, and other fruit, are being brought to the Tyne by the General Navigation boata from Hamburgh, Rotterdam, and Antwerp. Contrary to expectations, the Continental fruit crop is a large and bountiful one, and many thousands of baskets of Plums and Apples, brought thence by steamer to Newcastle Quay within the past ten days, have been sent into the mining and manufacturing districts of Northumberland and Durham for sale. The fruit ia fine in quality, and ia sold retail at a very moderate price. Mr. Grooii has sent us from Henham Hall Gardens, Suffolk, a very remarkable Melon, of which the seed was brought from Africa, by Sir Samuel Baker. This Melon is wholly distinct from anything we have seen cultivated in Europe or America. In size it ia more like a large Gourd than a Melon, yet is has the true Melon skin, and is beautifully netted on a deep golden ground. Large fruits are not usually distinguished for superiority of flavour, and wo were suprised to find on cutting up the fruit in question, that the flavour was of the finest possible quality. Mr. Taylor, of Covent Garden, who, as a judge of fruit, is second to none, also examined the Melon and pronounced its flavour to be of the finest kind ; such as he had only previously experienced in jVsia Minor and North Africa. We hope that Mr. Groom may be enabled to preservesuch a valuable variety true, as it ia sure to deteriorate if grown near the kinds commonly cultivated. AVo hope to say more of this fine fruit and its culture on another occasion. At Anner Mills, the residence of Mr. Clibborn, near Clonmel, the gardener lately found a strange-looking object suspended from a slender branch of an Apple tree. It waa nearly spherical, about as large as an ordinary-sized cannon ball, and was streaked all over with the brightest colours. He soon discovered that it was a wasps' neat, but for some time was puzzled to account for its varied tints and singular formation. At lengh the problem was solved. Mr. Clibborn had, some time before, procured a quantity of long paper " shavings " of different colours — red, blue, green, yellow, and white, which he flung over hia Strawberry beds, to protect the fruit from the attacks of birds and insects. A colony of wasps, instead of being " warned off," made frequent visits to these coloured streamers, and, with sincnlar ingenuity, reducing the paper to pulp, soon carried it away for the construction of their nest, which quickly grew under the united efforts of quite an army of these little busy artists. The most wonderful part of their work is the regularity of those undulating lines of colour as they were carried around from side to side. This curious nest has been preserved intact, and it is now an object of much interest to visitors at Anner Mills. Au&. 29, 1874.] THE GARDEN. 191 HAEDT PLANTS OF THE HIMALAYAS. Though a good many fine plants from the Himalaya Mountains are tolerably well known in English gardens, yet few, except botanists and travellers, have any idea of the number which still remain to be introduced. With a view of calling the attention of those who have friends in India, and who might easily get seeds and roots from them if they took a little trouble, I should like to mention a few of the most beautiful and curious plants I know of. Some of these I have seen myself, but most are unknown to me, except from the figures and descriptions uf Wallich. Rovle, Baker, and others. As these works* are to be found in most public libraries, it is unnecessary to give more than an idea of the plants, with their localities, as far as at present known. When it is considered that the whole of Nepaul, except the environs of Kathmandu, which wei-e explored by Wallich and his native collectors, and almost the whole of Bhotan and the hills east of it, are still quite unknown to travellers or naturalists, some notion may be formed of the wonderful wealth of the flora of these moun- tains. It must also be borne in mind that the plants here mentioned, which are hkely to prove hardy in England, are only found in the temperate and Arctic zones of the mountains, and that the plants of the sub-tropical and tropical zones are probably three or four times as numerous. It must also be observed, that though a number of plants are common to the whole range, from Kumaon to Sikkim, a larger part of them are more restricted in their range, which may be attri- buted in a great measure to the difference between the climate of Sikkim and the north-west Himalayas. In the former the rainy season commences in April, and continues until the end of October, almost without intermission, whereas in Kumaon and the hills above Simla, the heavy rains do not begin until June, and though the rainfall is not much, if at all, less than in Sikkim, the winter is colder, and the summer, or at any rate the early part of it, dryer and hotter. Of course the climate, temperature, and rainfall vary immensely in different parts of the mountains, but, as a rule, it may be said that the mean temperature of the [region, 8-11,000 feet in Sikkim, and 5-9,000 feet in the north-west, approaches pretty closely the average mean temperature of Great Britain. Most Himalayan trees and plants, especially those of Sikkim, which suffer in this country more from spring frosts and dry summers, than any- thing else, would probably thrive better in an unheated house, where they could be shaded and syringed constantly during summer. I will commence with a few of the Monocotyle- donous plants, as being those in which I am most interested, and also because several of the principal genera have been so well worked up by Mr. Baker, in those able and careful revi- sions of Liliacese and Iridaceaj, which have appeared (and which I hope will continue to appear) from time to time in the Journal . of the Llnnean Society and elsewhere. AmDng Lilies, we have already introduced L. giganteum, polyphyllam, and Wallichianum, the latter of which, though possibly hardy in mild localities, is, I have no doubt, much better suited for greenhouse cultivation. Besides these, I gather from Mr. Baker's last paper that there are two species not yet introduced, viz., L. nepalense (Don) figured by Wallich in his " Plante Asiaticaj Rariores," iii., p. 267, belonging to the Eulirion group, and found in the west central Himalaya from Nepal to Kumaon ; and L. oxypetalum (Baker), figured in Bot. Mag. 4731, as a Fritillaria, but now, I fear, quite lost in Europe, which grows in Kumaon up to an elevation of 12,000 feet. Of Tulips, only one is known, namely, Tulipa stellata, a species resembling T. Clusiana, but with larger flowers, and all the segments obtuse. It is found in the north-west at from 5,000 to 8,000 feet elevation, and also in southern Persia. This Tulip is included in Messrs. A. Eoozens bulb list this year, but whether they have the true species or not I cannot say. Among Fritillarias we have the well-known F. rosea or Thompsoniana, \ usually classed with the Lilies, the right name of which, however, is Fritillaria macrophylla (Don), and a nearly allied species, F. Hookeri (Baker), from Sikkim, where it was discovered by Dr. Hooker at an elevation of 9,000 to 10,000 feet. Then there is F. Roylei (Hook.) figured in " Royle's Illustrations," p, 92, a handsome species with tessel- • Wallich's "Plantse Asiaticse Hariores," Royle's "IllustrationB of Hima- layan Plants," Baker's " Bevision.ot Tulips," in JTourn, Lin. Soc, 1871, p. 211. lated flowers, ranging from Kumaon to Ladak, at high eleva- tions. Also F. cirrhoaa (Don), a species with numerous narrow leaves curled at the tip ; it grows in Nepaul and Sikkim up to 10,000 feet elevation. F. Gardneriana (Wall.), is a one- flowered species found in the same districts as the last, but at a lower elevation. Of Crocus, one species only is at present known from Cashmere, which is referred by Mr. Baker to C. sativus. Other species will, no doubt, be discovered ere long in the mountains of AfEghanistan and Central Asia. Among Irises I know the following : — Iris decora (Wall.), from Nepaul and Sikkim, at about 8 to 10,000 feet elevation. This is the plant figured by Sweet, Ser. II, vol. i, pi. 1, as Iris nepalensis (Don), and was introduced by means of seed many years ago, but is, I am afraid, quite lost now. It is said by Sweet, to have fleshy roots resembling those of a Hemero- callis ; the flowers are pale blue, streaked with white, and very pretty. Sweet mentions another very dwarf species from Nepaul, somewhat resembling I. ruthenica, but I can find no such plant in the Kew herbarium from the Himalayas. Iris fragrans is a species from Sikkim of which I know nothing ; I have a species under the name from Mr. Wilson Saunders's garden, but have not yet flowered it. Iris kumaonensis (Wall.), longifolia (Royle 111. Him. pl.j, a species which appears from the plate to resemble decora. It is found in the north-west up to 11,000 feet. Iris sulcata (fasciculata of Jacquemont)?, found from the Khasia hills up to the north-west. Iris aurea (Lind.) from Cashmere, a plant which resembles and is very likely the same as I. ochroleuca of Europe. I have seedlings of two of these, and possibly of another species from Tarkand, but they have not yet flowered. Of Polygonatums we have a large number of species, only one "of which, as far as I am aware, is now grown in Europe, viz., P. oppositifolium (Wall.), a very fine plant with large clusters of white flowers, streaked red, and succeeded by bright red berries. Polygonatum Hookeri (Baker) is a very minute plant, not more than 2 or 3 inches high, but having purple flowers as large, if not larger, than any species of the genus. It is found in the interior of Sikkim at 10,000 to 12,000 feet elevation. P. cirrhifolium (Royle) is a curious and pretty species, with small axillary flowers, and narrow leaves, much curled at the tip ; it is probably the same as P. sibiricum, and is found in the Himalaya from 7,000 to 12,000 feet high, also in Chinaand Siberia. P.punctatum(Royle,Bot.Mag. 5061) andP. roseum (Bot. Mag.) are, I am afraid, not now in cultivation, though both pretty species.* P. peristylum (Baker), from Sikkim, has yellow flowers, but is not so fine a plant as some of the others; and P. graminifolium (Hook.), though a very graceful little plant, is not showy. It grows in the north- west at 10,000 to 11,000 feet. Nearly allied to the Polygonatums are the Smilacinas, of which there are several sorts. First and finest is S. oleracea, a most striking plant, which is found in the tempe- rate region of Sikkim ; it grows to a height of 5 or 6 feet, and produces a large terminal panicle of purple flowers. The young shoots of this plant, which somewhat resemble Aspa- . ragus, are eaten by the natives of Sikkim under the name of Chokli-bi, as related by Dr. Hooker, who was himself, during his arduous and adventurous explorations in that country, reduced to eking out his scanty store of provisions with such herbs as he could get. Let me recommend any gardener who has not read this charming and most valuable work — " Hooker's Himalayan Journals "—to take the flrst opportunity of doing so. It is one of the best and most interesting books I know. Another very pretty Smilacina, from Sikkim, is S. oligophylla (Baker), a small plant with four Cypripedium-like leaves, and a raceme of pink flowers resembling those of Convallaria majalis. S. purpurea (Wall.), from Kumaon and Nepaul, is a pretty plant, in the style of S. stellata, but with_ purple flowers. There is a white variety or species called pallida, also from the north-west. In the genus Fluggea, which comes near Smilacina, we have one or two fine plants, especially F. Wallichiana (Kunth), which grows near Darjeeling, at 8,000 feet elevation. It resembles Ophiopogon in habit, but has a spike of Convallaria-like flowers of a purple colour. The roots are curious, forming many tubers like those of Apios • I see a Polygonatum roseum in Messrs. Backhouse's catalogue, from Siberia, which may very likely he the same. 192 THE GAEDBN. [Aug. 20, 1874. tuberosa. F. dracfeuoides (Baker) is a plant more curious than pretty, the stem of which is covered with sheathiuj^ bracts or loaves of a darlj purple colour. It is also found near Darjecling. H. J. Elwjes. (To ie continued.) THE GARDEN IN THE HOUSE. DINNER-TABLE DECORATION. Arrangement of Fruit for Dessert. In the case of all handsome dessert services, six dishes are generally devoted to fruit, the highest being intended for the top and bottom of the table ; and, where additional dishes are wanted for mixing in amongst china stands, none are more suitable than gracefully-shaped glass baskets, oval- shaped glass dishes, which lay flat on the table, and small groups of Parian figures supporting dishes made of the same material. Monotony or sameness in the character of the stands should always be avoided ; therefore they should be of different heights and shapes, the tallest being placed, as has just been stated, at the top and bottom of the table. The fruits generally selected for these end stands, when in season, arc a Pine and Melon, and they look best resting on a mat formed of Vme leaves, which, in autumn, when a little tinted, have a pretty appearance ; and,iu addition to the leaves, a wreath of Maiden-hair fern may be arranged round the base of each fruit. Next in importance are Grapes, which, when Pines and Melons are unattainable, take their place ; but, at other times, I like to see them arranged in the glass baskets already referred to. The white and black may be mixed, but if the baskets be small (which look much the best), I like one bunch of each colour in each basket. The baskets should be lined, if possible, with fresh green Vine leaves. Round the handles should be twisted a spray of Lygodium scandeus, and among the fruit itself should be inserted a few fronds of Maiden- hair and some Vine tendrils. Along with the white Grapes might be put a few tinted leaves of Virginian Creeper, and among the black a few variegated Maple leaves. These also associate well with Plums of the same colours, which look best grouped in flat oval dishes, and may be treated much in the same manner as Grapes ; both Plums and Grapes must be carefully handled, or their delicate bloom becomes destroyed, and then much of their beauty is lost. Peaches and Apricots look handsomest in the Parian stands, resting on a mat of bright green Moss, and decorated only with a spray of Lygodium twined through them, so as just to tone down their bright colours, but nothing more, their individual beauty being too great to be hid. Strawberries and Cherries also look well in these stands, and should be grouped in the form of pyra- mids (the stems being turned inwards), with leaves of the latter built up amongst them, the whole being decorated with fronds of Maiden-hair Fern. Greater variety may still be created, if re(iuired, by using some of the tropical fruits which are generally on sale in Covent Garden, such as Bananas, Figs, and Dates ; Nuts also come in usefully for such purposes. Then there are Apples and Pears, a few handsome fruits of which look well on an oval glass dish decorated tastefully with Ferns, or other foliage of a similar kind. Where fruit dishes are used on the breakfast-table, I like them to be of china, as I think glass there looks out of place. The fruits used for this purpose consisting, as they do mostly, of Strawberries and Currants, should be merely decorated with their own leaves. Where baskets of fruit are employed on the dinner-table, they look best arranged around the centre piece. Stiffness and formality, as regards the position of fruit dishes, should be avoided as much as possible ; for instance, a straight hue of dishes, running the length of a table, gives it a heavy look. The only fruit which I dislike to see on a table are Oranges ; not that 1 have any dislike to their taste, for nothing IS more refreshing on a hot July day, after dinner, than a well kept Orange. It is the colour to which I object, and which does the damage. It kills other fruit, flowers, and even the chma, if the latter has any shade of yellow in it; and no amount of foliage seems to tone it down. The only fruit with which they at all associate well are purple Grapes, and Plums of the same colour. I have found the effect of my table so often spoiled by having Oranges on it, that now, when I want it to look particularly well, I make it a rule not to have them placed amongst other fruits, but handed round with others different from what are already on the table. Many place flowers through their stands of fruit, and in some few cases the mixture looks well; but it will be found a good plan, where this is done, to insert the stems of the flowers in small glass tubes, such as are sold for coat flowers, filled with water — a ])lan which also answers for keeping the Fern fronds fresh, if required for any lengthened period. A. Hassard. Barrelier's Bell-flower (Campanula Barrelieri) as a Window Plant. — I consider this to be one of the finest of all dwarf growing BeU-flowers for window culture, and after trying many other kinds, inclading C. pulla, C. turbinata, C. fragilis, and others, I have given this the preference. Grown in a pot of rich sandy earth it forms a bushy little plant in the spring, while a month or two later its branohe.9 elongate until they hang gracefully over the pot sides covered with pale purplish. blue salver. shaped flowers. One of my plants looks splendidly just now, being a perfect mass of flowers. A good potful of this plant makes a capital substitute for a hanging, basket, and the flowers show to better advantage when the plant is suspended in the window or on the balcony outside. It is also a capital bracket plant, or it looks well on the window-sill, where the shoots can hang down freely. The two beat Campanulas for the window gardener are, undoubtedly, this and C. pyramidalis, which are very distinct from each other in habit of growth, and both perfect in their way. — B. COTTAGE GARDEN SOCIETIES. I.v the following remarks on these societies, which are so useful in spreading a taste for gardening amongst the working classes, I wish to direct special attention to a system that is found to answer admirably here, viz., that of offcriug prizes for the best kept and cropped gardens and allotments, and for the best specimens of window gardening. These are annually inspected during the summer months, generally in June, and from several years' observation, as one of the judges, I can confidently state that for a very trifling cost a great amount of good may be effected, not only as regards advancing the art of gardening, but in helping those who strive to help them, selves. In fact, the competitors are sure of a reward, either in the shape of a prize or in the form of increased production, and, conse- quently, an increased amount of food for themselves and families. In looking over a number of gardens lately, situated in different parishes, I was agreeably surprised to find the crops in them most luxuriant, and that after one of the most persistent droughts that wo have experienced for years. In fact, the difference between garden and field crops, or, in other words, between deep cultivation and shallow, was more marked than I ever remember to have seen it, giving substantial proof that in deep culture and thin seeding lie the chief elements of success. Many of our principal prize winners for Potatoes trench their ground three spades deep, and plant the sets 3 feet apart each way. The gardens, too, were one and all profitably stored with a good stock of plants ready to succeed crops that are early cleared off ; and, although many of them are large, scarcely a piece of vacant ground was to bo seen in the whole number, as I need scarcely remark that fallow ground is not considered profitable gardening. The alloiments do not, as a rale, present much variety, being mostly occupied with root crops for the winter consumption ; but all of them are most excellently cultivated. Window gardening was also well represented, considering the means at the disposal of the competitors. Some of the old-fashioned cottages, overhung with sweet-scented climbers and the window aglow with flowers, presented quite a picturesque appearance. The favourite window plants seemed to be Calceolarias, Fuchsias, Geraniums, and a few fine foliagod plants, such as Tricolor Geraniums and Coleus. As regards the little flower gardens in front of some of the cottages, they, likewise, bore evidence of the effect of example being more powerful than precept. I have often observed, indeed, that in the neighbourhood of large public gardens, or of large private estabhsh. ments, that, through the liberality of their owners, are opeu to tho public, the system of flower gardening adopted in such places is reflected, as it were, in the smaller gardens around. Therefore, whether in the case of the scarlet and gold of geometrical gardens, or that of mixed borders of herbaceous plants, or the thousand lovely forms of foliage plants, let us at all times be careful to set up such examples as will be worthy of imitation. James Guoom. Aug. 20, 1874] THE GARDEN. 193 THE FLOWER GARDEN. AN ORNAMENTAL MINIATURE GOURD. (bryanopsis laclniosa.) The pretty illustration of the Gooseberry Gourd, iu the first number of the present volume of The Garden (see p. 3), has induced me to bring under the notice of your readers another pretty variety of that interesting family of plants. The plant from which the ac- companying sketch was taken was raised from seeds brought from Africa last year by Sir Samuel Baker, and presented by him to my employer last winter. It is, there- fore, looked upon as a sort of souvenir from a comparatively unknown land. Sir S. Baker informed me that, in its wild state, this variety covers dwarf trees and shrubs with its slender climbing shoots, which are loaded at every joint with pretty little fruits, which, in a young state, are bright green, striped and spotted with white, but which, when ripe, change to scarlet, a colourwhich sets off the white spots and pencillings to increased advan- tage. The fruits, as will be seen, are borne in clusters of from three to four to- gether. The foliage, being of a distinct shade of green, ren- ders the plant effec- tive, even when not in fruit. It has been growing in our Melon -house,in which it quickly covered a large trellis, and is loaded with fruits which, were it not for their white mar- blings, might easily be mistaken for those of Solauum Capsicas- trum. I was told that some of the African tribes use the long slender shoots of this Gourd for garlands and head dresses, purposes for which its habit of growth eminently fits it. Long festoons of it, laden with fruit, might be usefully employed for garnishing our desserts and for twining round stems of March stands on the dinner-table, or the sprays of crimson fruit might be allowed to hang naturally and grace- fully from the margins of ornamental vases. Gourds of this description well deserve more attention than they have hitherto had. James GROOii, Gardener to Earl StradhroTce. Henham Hall, Wangford. Fruit-bearing sprays of Bryauopsis laciniosa. INDIAN GARLAND FLOWER. (HEDYCUIUM gardnerianum). This truly beautiful and Oriental flowering plant, was intro- duoed into our gardens as far back as the year 1819, and, being a native of the East Indies, has generally been considered and treated as a stove-plant, where it grows and flowers profusely. Dui'ing 1868, I first saw this species cultivated and freely flowered (under cool treatment), iu the conservatory belonging to William Craven, Esq., of Brunniugton House, Corstorphine, near Edinburgh, in which it is kept all the year round. I was not aware till I saw it at Brunniug- ton House, that it could be so treated. It is frequently grown in warm-houses and removed to the green- house or conservatory during the flowering period, and whc'U past, again returned to warm quarters, and is now very generally seen in many of the cool conservatories and greenhouses around Edinburgh, where it presents rather a tropical ap- pearance amongst the ordinary greenhouse plants. Havingascer- tained that it thrives so well in a cool greenhouse, I planted some strong roots in the open border during the spring of 1873,where they grew well but did not pro- duce flower-spikes. Late in autumn the surface of the ground over the roots was covered with some stable litter, which was afterwards dug in. During the spring of ISyi, numerous stems were produced, but none of them strong enough to carry flower-heads, evidently from the want of climate, but I have great hopes that it will suceeed when planted at the base of a wall with a south aspect, where it is but natural to suppose that the growth should be nearly as well matured as in a cool conservatory. In the climate of London it ought to produce flowers in many gardens under border-cultivation, particularly iu the so-called sub-tropical ones. If it is cultivated in the open air round London, which I have not been fortunate enough to observe, it is cer- tainly not to such an extent as it is justly entitled to from its stately appearance. As soon as the blooming is over in the conservatory, the early flower-stems ought to be cut down, so as to strengthen the later-blooming ones. A few of the un- 194 THE GAKDBN. [Aug. 29, 1874. flowered stems may safely romaiu on througbout the winter, and, if strong enough, will bloom early. During spring the plants can be re-potted, and, if necessary, divided, a-s the rhizome or surface roots are capable of Ijcing separated into numerous plants. If specimens are wanted to flower early, the pots or tub containing them should be placed in flats ofwater, some may be put in the conservatory, and treated in the ordinary way without water flats, some could be put in heat, while others, after their flower-stems are matured, can be placed in sheltered situations in the open air and taken. in when required ; by these various moans, a succession of flower- ing plants may be obtained during eight or nine months in the year. The Hedychiums thrive well when planted in soil mixed with a little old manure and sand, while, liquid manure, occa- sionally applied during the growing season, will strengthen the plants and increase the richness of the flower-spikes. Plants in pots or tubs about 14 or 15 inches in diameter, frequently have from eight to ten blooming heads at one time, while larger pots or tubs may have double that number; many of the heads being 14 inches long and 18 inches in circum- ference ; a succession of flower-spikes is often got on the same plant. For exhibition or competition purposes, flowering Hedychiums would prove most interesting subjects. Numerous species are now in cultivation, in colours red, yellow, orange, and white. It is, therefore, quite possible to conceive, that in the hands of a skilful hybridiser, a series of crosses may be produced, which, some day or other, may prove interesting objects for the conservatory. James M'Nab. THE FRENCH MARIGOLD. " Handsome, but unsavoury," is the claaracter truth compels me to give to the French Marigold. Still, its peculiarity of perfume is not discernable uutil it is handled, and, perchance, that should be to many gardeners a good reason why they should largely use this flower to decorate their borders, as nothing can be more annoying than to see the members of the household traversing the flower-borders and beds, day after day, with basket and shears, and sweeping off all that is gay and beautiful amongst the flowers. But this Marigold has other claims than this upon our notice. As a decorative plant it is one of the most effective of all tender annuals, and none gives such a continuity of bloom ; as, did not the frosts interfere, it seems doubtful whether it would ever die, and certainly as long as there was life there would be flowers. Our knowledge of the French Mari- gold has hitherto been chiefly linked with a tall branching and strair- gling habit of growth, and flowers of medium size and indifferent quality, and chiefly dark-coloured. In the south the French Marigold has rarely, if ever, been elevated into the position of an exhibition flower, ,aud in this respect, there has been but little stimulus given to its improvement. In the northern por. tiong of the kingdom, however, it is much cultivated for show purposes, but the striped flowers are only favoured, and as these have generally been found on the strongest. growing plants, there has been no inducement to improve the habit of the plant for border or bedding purposes. Two things, however, have assisted to promote that object, quietly, but surely ; first, the failure of the yellow Calceolaria as a bedding plant ; and, second, the introduction from the Continent of single and doiible forms of the Tagetos, whiqh drew attention towards the French Marigold as a proper substitute. It may be that a dwarfer habit of growth sported out from the taller kinds, natui'ally, but it is certain that several years since, when I took these Marigolds in hand, I selected some that displayed a more compact form of growth, and these were lifted from the others and set aside to seed, without being impregnated with the pollen of the tall kinds. Thus, in a few years a distinct dwarf compact. growing strain was obtained, having flowers of good quality and of several hues of colour. From among these again I commenced to select colours that would make effective bedding varieties, securing first the form known as Aurea floribunda, which received a first-class certificate at South Kensington, and which promises to make the best yellow summer bedding plant in cultivation. Its habit is exceedingly dwarf and compact, being, when in full bloom, about 10 inches in height, and covering a square foot of ground. Tho flowers are very double, of good size, golden, yellow in colour, and borne most profusely. Allied to this is another selection that is just a trifle taller in growth, the flowers being equally double, but of a rich orange. And still another selection has an exactly dnplioate habit and quality of bloom, tho flowers being chestnut and edged with gold. Either of these varieties will make very effective beds, and when once established, are quite independent of climate, flowering freely whether it be hot or cold, wet or dry. As I grow a large quantity of these Marigolds, I simply transfer them from the seed bed to the open ground, dibbling them in about 12 inches apart, but, if used for bedding and treated in this way, it would be well to have some plants in reserve potted off singly, as in the finest strain there will always be some flowers that would be better out, and, with plants in reserve, the vacancies are soon filled up. It is a curious fact in relation to these dwarf kinds, that while some of the plants produce semi. double flowers, none of them produce single ones. In the finest of the tall strains some single flowers will always result. In addition to these selected bedding forms, I am trying to secure on tho dwarf habit of growth, not only good shaped flowers, but also some of increased size, and am this year rewarded by having some self-coloured blooms on plants 12 inches in height, as large as are the best flowers of the lemon-coloured African Marigold. Striped flowers are also showing profusely on plants 9 and 10 inches in height ; and I am hopeful that, in a very few years, the tall branching kinds may here be looked on as things of the past. During the past week or two the wind has been blowing with great force, and now and then a largo branch of the tall kind is twisted off with ease ; the dwarf kinds are, however, quite uninjured, as they are so stiff and strong that the wind exercises no injurious influence over them. The mixed strain com. prises striped, yellow, orange, chestnut, brown, and many vari. coloured flowers, and furnishes most admirable plants for border decoration. Seed should be sown, in boxes or pans, at the end of March ; and, if placed on the shelf of a cool house or in a frame, will speedily germinate. When the plants are 3 inches in height, it will be better for them to be pricked out from 2 to 3 inches apart in a cool frame, giving plenty of air, and then they will plant out safely, and with nice balls of earth attached, as soon as all danger from frost is over ; and, as I have before mentioned, if a few plants of the bedding kinds be kept in reserve, then tho beds may be filled to tho best advantage, and all the flowers prove of the best quality and true to colour. Alex. Dfan. Bedfoiit. CBNTAUREA RAGUSINA. Foe toning down glaring colours, nothing could possibly be finer than this. Solitary plants of it placed in the centres of small circles, and surrounded with any bright colour, look grand. Long lines of it, backed and fronted with any dark-foliaged plant or glowing flowers, give a very pleasing and harmonious relief. Where large ground- works of scarlet, purple, or blue are made, an elevated plant of this, placed here and there, break up the monotony which would other- wise exist, and enhances the appearance of the outlying colours in a very marked degree. Wherever any vivid or intense colour appears, this plant should never be far from it. The pale silvery foliage of isolated plants judiciously dotted on lawns on the bright green Grass, and amongst dwarf dusky. leaved shrubs, has also a good effect. When used for this purpose, the plants may either be planted out or plunged in their pots, as many of the sub-tropicals are. It is never injured by wet, and its robust compact-growing habit prevents the wind from having any tarnishing influence on it. It thrives in the coldest sitiia- tions throughout the summer. The propagating of Centaurea ragusina is a matter often attended with very indifferent results. It is, however, as easily, and may bo as successfully, rooted as Zonal Pelargoninms. When taking cuttings from the old plant, they should not be cut away ; but pulled off with a heel, so that they may have a hard base. The small firm shoots should be chosen in preference to large soft ones. In making, the knife should be used as little as possible. Each cutting should be put singly into a small thumb-pot filled with a mixture of loam, leaf -mould, and sand, and set in a cold frame. One good water. ing is sufficient until they are rooted ; and, if the weather is exces- sively damp, the lights may be drawn over them, and tilted up in back and front ; otherwise, they may remain fully exposed. Treated in this manner, I have rooted a batch of 2,000, without losing twenty out of the lot. Autumn is the best time to propagate them. They will fill their pots with roots in three weeks ; and, if plenty of winter, ing accommodation exists, they make all the better plants by being shifted into -l-inch pots, where they will grow a little this autumn, and make nice strong material for bedding out next year. A cold frame, from which frost can be excluded, is a suitable place for their winter quarters. Tho leaves should be kept dry, as they are rather liable to damp during the short days. Every favourable opportunity should be embraced for liberal air-giving; they also winter well in an airy Vinery or greenhouse. Old plants are sometimes lifted and kept over the winter. Where large plants are required, this is a sure means of obtaining them ; but, for ordinary bedding purposes, antumn-struck cuttings are the best. J. MuiB. Aug. 29, 1874.] THE GAEDBN. 195 BEARDED IRIS (I. BARBATA), COMMONLY CALLED GERMAN IRIS. My collection of this section of Iris has been pronounced to be very complete. It numbers upwards of 200 varieties, from which I have selected those enumerated. The better to understand my descriptions, I furnish a wood- cvit, by which ib will be observed that one half of the petals are erect — these are called standards; the other half droop — these are called falls, while the small tongued parts of the flower are called petioloid stigmas, under which run the "beards." The flowers in this section are all large and handsome, and more or less beautifully mottled in the standards and reticu- lated in the falls, the beards ranging from delicate primrose to orange, and the petioloid stigmas frequently materially enhancing the general effect by colour and contrast. I mention this, as in my descriptions I have not attempted to take in all these points, but deal with the colours which strike the eye on first looking at the flower. There is no flower, however, that so improves by examination. At first sight its beauty is equal to that of an Orchid, but, on closer examination, I have no hesitation in saying it possesses points of interest surpassing those of the finest epiphyte. In colours there are the richest yellows, the intensest purples, the most delicate blues, the softest mauves, and the most beautiful claret-reds. There are whites and primroses, and bronzes of every imaginable shade ; indeed, language fails Ii'is iberica. to picture the beauties of this flower ; and, consequently, my descriptions fall far short of the reality. And this will be readily understood when I state that there may be found in almost any one of the flowers from ten to thirty different shades, all harmonising and blending in the most perfect manner imaginable. Those who have not used this Iris for surrounding artificial lakes and ponds, or for growth in the flower borders, shrubberies, and woodland walks, should do so ; for, wherever a large quantity of cut flowers is i-eqnired from May to July, these plants, when established, will yield them bountifully ; as, with good cultivation, they increase in size annually till they attain large proportions, each plant yielding from fifty to a hundred spikes of bloom. I. germanica (Reich.). — Standards, blue; falls, purple. „ violacea. — Standards, purple ; falls, dark purple. „ alba (Florentiua). — Standards and falls, white. The above are the first of the barbata section to flower, and, being distinct from each other in colour, and flowering at the same time, produce a fine effect early in May, and furnish a striking contrast. The following species and vai'ieties come into flower as the above are going out of bloom ; and it may be worthy of notice that Aphylla embraces the species plicata and Swertii, and the section is remarkable for the flowers having a frill-like appearance — an effect arising from the multitude of coloured transverse lines running round the margin of the standards. Porms of I. aphylla (Bot. Mag.). — Standards, creamy white, margined with dull lilac ; falls, white, margined with lilac. „ Beauty. — Standards, white, margined with Ulac; falls, white, the upper part reddish-lilac. „ Bridesmaid. — Standards, very pale lavender; falls, white, margined with lavender. „ ccelestina. — Standards, lavender-blue, mottled with deeper lavender ; falls, white, margined with lavender-blue. „ Gazella. — Standards, red-lavender, mottled with white ; falls, white, edged with pui-ple. „ Madame Chereau. — Standards, white, mai'giued with blue ; falls, white, margined with blue. ,, sti-iata. — Standards, white, margined with lavender ; falls, "white and lavender. I. amoena (Sweet). — Standards, white, tinged with lavender; falls, white, sHghtly margined with lilac. „ Alice Barr. — Standards, white ; falls, white, tinged with lilac. „ Ariadne. — Standards, white, mottled with purple ; falls, crimson, reticulated with white. ,, Alvarez. — Standards, white, mottled with purple; falls, crimson, reticulated with white. ,, Calypso. — Standards, white ; falls, mottled with pui'ple and white. ,, Comte de St. Clair. — Standards, white ; falls, crimson- purple, reticulated with white. ,, Clio. — Standards, white ; falls, crimson-purple. ,, Donna Maria. — Standards, white; falls, white, tinged with lilac. ,, Duchess de Nemours. — Standards, white ; falls, purple, mottled with white. ,, Duchess d'Orleans. — Standards, white; falls, crimson. purple, mottled with white. „ Glorietta. — Standards, white, slightly tinged with Ulao ; falls, white, heavily tinged with crimson. „ Incomparable. — Standards, pure white; falls, crimson- purple, reticulated with white. „ Juliette. — Standards, white, tinged with lavender ; falls, violet-blue, tinged with white. ,, Morpheus. — -Standards, white, tinged with lavender; falls, violet, heavily mottled with white. „ Poiteau. — Standards, white, tinged with lavender ; falls, very rich velvety-crimson. „ reticulata alba. — • Standards, white ; falls, pm-ple-crimson, reticulated with white. „ Sir Garnet Wolseley. — Standards, pure white, slightly margined or flaked with purple ; falls, velvety-crimson, very heavily reticulated with white. ,, Unicxue. — Standards, white ; falls, violet-purple, reticulated with white. ,, Unique Surpassed. — Standards, white, tinged with lavender ; falls, deep crimson, edged and reticulated with white. I. negleeta (Bot. Mag.), — Standards, lavender ; falls, upper part red- lUac. ,, Agathe. — Standards, white, margined and mottled with lavender ; falls, white, margined with lavender. ,, Alice. — Standards, pale lavender ; falls, rich purple, mottled with white. ,, Alonzo. — Standards, lavender ; falls, purple-crimson. „ amabilis. — Standards, lavender-purple ; falls, rich deep crimson. ,, Aspasia. — Standards, white ; falls, purple-crimson, mottled with white. ,, Aspasia Variety. — Standards, white ; falls, dark purpUsh crimson, mottled with white. ,, Atropos. — Standards, lavender-blue; falls, rich velvety crim- son, upper part mottled with white. ,, atro-purpm-ea. — Standards, deep purple ; falls, very deep purple. ,, Bocaze. — Standards, decided lavender; falls, purple, mWtled with dark Hnes. ,, Cameleon. — Standards, rich blue ; falls, light crimson. ,, Clara. — Standards, lavender ; falls, rich purple-crimson, reticu- lated with white. ,, Clarissima. — Standards, purple, shading to blue; falls, ricli crimson, mottled with white. „ Cleopatra. — Standards, light lavender; falls, velvety purple- crimson, reticulated \vith white. ,, De Bois de jtfilan. — Standards, light lavender; falls, rich crimson. ,, Fairy Queen. — Standards, white, flaked with pui-ple-blue ; falls, purple-blue, heavily reticulated with white. ,, Fantasie. — Standards, lavender-blue ; falls, purple, mottled with dark lines. „ Florence Barr. — Standards and falls, delicate lavender. „ halophylla. — Standards, lavender-blue ; falls, red-lavender. ,, Harlequin jMilanais. — Standards, white, tinged with lavender; falls, rich crimson-purple. ,, Indigo. — Standards, purple ; falls, deep velvety purple. „ Irma. — Standards, lavender; falls, crimson-purple, heavily mottled with white. „ Monsieur de Seble. — Standards, deep lavender-blue ; falls, lavender-purple. 196 THE GAEDEN. [Aug. 29, 1874. 1. neglecta.—Nationale.— Standards, parple-blae; falls, ricb velvety cirmson. „ Penelope.— Standards, white, variegated with lavender; falls, white and lilac, reticulated. ,, purpurea. — Standards, purple ; falls, dark purple. „ reticulata. — Standards, pale lavender ; falls, rich velvety crimson, reticulated with white. „ Rowlandiana. — Standards, lavender-blue ; falls, Ught purple, upper part reticulated with white. ,, ruberissima. — Standards, red-purple; falls, claret. ,, Sultan. — Standards, lavender-blue; falls, very rich velvety crimson-black. ,, Tatie Barr. — Standards, lavender-primrose ; falls, pale purple. „ Victorine. — Standards, white, mottled with blue ; falls, rich violet-blue, upper part mottled with white. ,, Virgmie. — Standards, lavender; falls, rich velvety crimson, lined with white. I. pallida {Reicli.). — Standards, dark lavender, passing to light lavender ; falls, purple, passing to light purple. „ Assaurez. — Standards, rich red-purple ; falls, claret. ,, Astarte. — Standards, purple-lilac ; falls, rich crimson-purple. „ azurea. — Standards, azure-blue ; falls, violet-blue. „ Daimatica;. — Standards, lavender-blue ; falls, lavender, tinged with purple. „ Duke of York. — Standards, light claret ; falls, dark claret. „ Gtaribaldi. — Standards, rose-lilac ; falls, rose-purple. ,, Maerisart. — Standards, mauve ; falls, purple-crimson. ,, Madame Pacquitte. — Standards, rich claret-red ; falls a deeper shade of claret-red. ,, Queen of May. — Standards and falls, rose-lilac. „ Raphael. — Standards and falls, deep lavender-blue. ,, Rowlandiana purpurea. — Standards, deep lavender; falls, purple. ,, rubella. — Standards, red-purple ; falls, deep red-purple. ,, speeiosa. — Standards, red purple ; falls, rich crimson-purple. ,, variablis. — Standards, light purple; falls, deep pui'ple, both fading off to slate-lavender. ,, Waluer. — Standards, deep Lavender-blue; falls, purple, mottled with white. I. squalens (Rcic/i.).— Standards, primrose-bronze; falls, crirason- pui'ple, reticulated with white. „ Arnols. — Standards, bronze-purple ; falls, rich velvety crimson. „ Bossuet. — Standards, sulphur-bronze ; falls, crimson, heavily reticulated with white. „ Cerbere. — Standards, lavender-bronze ; falls, crimson-purple, reticulated with white. ,, Dr. Bernice. — Standards, coppery-bronze ; falls, very rich velvety crimson. „ Folgerie. — Standards, yellow-bronze ; falls, crimson-brown, reticulated with white. „ Hericart de Thury. — Standards, bronze-primrose ; falls, red- brown, reticulated with white. ,, Hugh Block. — Standards, primrose-bronze; falls, reticulated with light purple, white and brown. ,, Icarus. — Standards, primrose-bronze; falls, puq^le-crimson, reticulated with white. ,, Innocenza. — Standards, blue-lavender, tinged with primrose ; falls, decided lavender. ,, Judith. — Standards, bronze-primrose ; falls, dark crimson- purple, reticulated with white. „ Julius Ca?sar. — Standards, yellow-bronze ; falls, rich velvety- crimson. ,, Lady Jane. — Standards, brown-bronze ; falls, crimson-bronze. ,, Lady Seymour. — Standards, lavender; falls, white and purple mottled. ,, Lady Stanhope. — Standards, bronze -primrose ; falls, rich velvety crimson, nan-owly margined with yellow and reticulated with white. ,, La Prestiose. — Standards, i^ditteriug bronze ; falls, rich velvety- crimson, reticulated with white. ,, latifolia. — Standards, primrose-bronze ; falls, purple, mottled with white. ,, lavendulacea. — Standards, lavender, tinged with primrose ; falls, decided lavender. „ La Vesuve. — Standards, blue, mottled with bronze ; falls, rich purple. crimson. ,, Lord Grey. — Standards, copperyrose; falls, deeper coppery rose. ,, Monsieur Cherion. — Standards, sulphur-bronze ; falls, crimson- velvet, mottled with white. ,, Monsieur Fries. — Standards, primrose-bronze; falls, light purple. ,, Mozart. — Standards, brown-bronze ; falls, purple-bronze and white mottled „ Mrs. Meston. — Standards, bronze-purple ; falls, rich purple. ,, Pancratius. — Standards, primrose-bronze ; falls, pale purple. ,, Pbydias. — Standards, brown-brouze ; falls, rich deep crimson. ,, Racine. — Standards, Ught bronze-purple ; falls, rich purple. „ Rebecca. — Standards, primrose-bronze ; falls, intense crimson. ,, Rigolette. — Standards, bronze-yellow; falls, crimson, reticulated with white. „ Solomon. — Standards, browu-bronze ; falls, rich crimson, heavily reticulated. „ Van Geertii. — Standards, purple. bronze ; fall, rich crimson, reticulated with white. I. squalens. — venQ8ta.—_Standards, bronze-primrose j falls, rich crimson, reticulated with white. ,, ^Valneriana. — Standards, bronze-purple ; falls, purple, upper part reticulated white and bronze. ,, Walter Scott. — Standards, bronze-yellow ; falls, rich brown- crimson. I. variegata(Bof. ilaij.). — Standards, rich yellow ; falls, rich crimson- brown. ,, Abon Uassan. — Standards, tine clear rich yellow ; falls, yellow, mottled with crimson -brown. „ Adonis. — Standards, chrome - yellow ; falls, crimson-brown, reticulated with white. ,, Alcibiades. — Standards, yellow ; falls, velvety crimson. ,, angustissimus. — Standards, rich golden yellow ; falls, velvety crimson-brown. ,, Bergiana. — Standards, rich yellow ; fails, very rich crimson- brown. „ Chelles. — Standards, rich yellow ; falls, crimson-brown, heavily reticulated with white and yellow. „ Czarewitch. — Standards, fine chrome-yellow; falls, crimson- purple. ,, De Bergii. — Standards, sulphur-bronze ; falls, velvety crimson, mottled with white. ,, Dr. Bersine. — .Standards, chrome-yellow ; falls, white and crimson mottled. ,, Honourable. — Stindards, deep yellow; falls, crimson -brown, reticulated with yellow. ,, Humboldtii. — Standards, yellow ; falls, velvety crimson-brown. ,, Louis de Cerise. — Standards, light yellow ; falls, crimson-purple, reticulated with yellow and white. ,, major. — Standards, rich deep yellow ; fulls, crimson-brown, reticulated with white. ,, Malvina. — Standards, yellow, tinged with bronze ; falls, brown and white, mottled. „ Mexicana. — Standards, fine chrome-yellow ; falls, crimson, reticiUated with white. „ Mimico. — Standards, rich yellow ; falls, rich crimson-brown. ,, Minnie. — Standards, orange-yellow; falls, crimson-brown, reticulated with white. ,, multicolor. — Standards, rich deep yellow; falls, crimson-brown, mottled with yellow. ,, Orphee. — Standards, rich yellow ; falls, white and crimson reticulated. ,, Prince of Orange. — Standards, orange; falls, crimson-brown, mottled with white. ,, Samson. — Standards, yellow ; falls, crimson, mottled with white. ,, Sans Souci. — Standards, orange-yellow; falls, crimson, reticu- lated with yellow and white. ,, spectabilis. — Standards, yellow ; falls, rich velvety crimson. I. aurea (Rob. ijciye!).— Standards and falls, rich yellow. I. flaveseens (Su-eet). — Standards, primrose ; falls, light primrose. „ Munite. — Standards, primrose ; falls, primrose, reticulated with lavender. I. florentlna (Reicli.). — Standards, white; falls, white. I. lurida {Reich). — Standards, bronze-purple; falls, rich purple- crimson, richly scented like elder. I. sulsiflora (Bot. Ma