\-i^ W- Q/y K ■ •«*. ( Mfc/ K^^^i ■/'\M ^nq^ S:^;^ ^^/^/. ^'~\a ^^^ .^.^.^. '/1/*1/^' :^^ '>r *-*^a r^->^i ^n^. ;'^'^,^r ^ '-^ m^m^^^ sV^^^' ■f^- ^^M r r^f^. July 4, 1866. ] JOURNAL OP HOETICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB. WEEKLY CALENDAR. Month "17 ■Week. JULY 4^-10, 1865. .tvcraKe Tomporuluro noar LuniloD. Rain Id la»t se ycara. Sun KiBCB. Sun Sets. Moon RinoB. Moon Sots. Moon'B Anc. Clock bofnre Sun. y«cur. Diiv. NiRht. Mean. Days. m. h. m. h. ni. h. m. )i. Day«. ni. B. t 5 t) 7 a 9 10 Tn W Tu K S T»)n(lflax flowers. 7S.8 50.8 68.2 IS 51at» 17 at 8 69 at B 42 at 0 ll 4 0 185 77.4 61.0 64.2 16 62 8 16 8 1 6 16 1 12 4 15 188 7i;.2 51.3 6S.B 18 5S 8 16 8 68 6 67 1 IK 4 25 1H7 St. .lolin'K WAY AKTEU TkINITV. 74.0 49.6 61.8 17 66 8 14 8 17 8 48 4 16 4 63 190 M Willi Carrot flowcvtJ. 74.7 50.5 62.6 16 67 8 13 8 63 8 0 6 17 5 2 191 From obsorvatjoiij takuu neaj Loudou iluriug the livst thirty-oigbt yuarn , the averBgo day temperature of the wcel ia 75.1' and its ui^'ht 1 temporatiiro M.S'. The grcatoBt heat was 97°, ou the 5th, 1862; and the lowest cold, a;)", on the ath, IWiU . The greatest laU ol | mill waB 0.82 inch. 1 LIBRARN NEW YOk BOTANICa, UAKbEN. GLEANINCIS FROM ROCK AND FIELD TOW.UtDS ROME.— No. 1. LEFT Eugluuil in Februaiy, but before my departuie tlie Editors of The Journai. of HoimcuLTL'itE kiiidly pro- mi.sed me space, on my re- turn, for the account of any Ferus or plants I mi^;lit meet witli ; and thougli I fear my success viiM not be deemed very gi'eat, I ventiu'e once more to \\Tite of what it han been, as I have journeyed to and ii'om Rome, witli eyes always tm-ued lonj^dngly to rock. bank, and watercourse, seelung for the tufts of bright waving green, wliich ever and anon would call forth a cry of " Bcstdte !" and a plunge from the carriage, trowel in hand, to dig up the treasm-e and transfer it to the tomist's bag, whicli I carried on my shoulder, or, rather, rovmd my neck, at the umuinent peril of sulfocatiou when the booty was large and heavy. I left England on February •22nd, in bitter cold, with snow many inches deep on the gi'ound. We left snow at Lyons on February "23, and as we neared Marseilles we were told that the '" mistral " was l)lo\viiig there : and blow it did ! The OUve trees bent tliek supple Umbs to it — tlie fan- pink bloom of the Almond trees fled before it ; women did fierce battle with crinoline, and men di'ew theii' long cloaks about them, and all the time the sky looked intensely blue and innocent of the riot, and the sim shone brightly, and Ids rays bimit Ulvo fii'e. Happy England 1 happier English- men, to whom •■ misti'al," " tramontana," and " sirocco " are unmeaning words. iVlas ! for those who shudder at thek names, as tliey bring back to memoiy the blasthig, blight- ing efi'ect of tiiese terrible seom-ges. An east wind is bad enough, with the dust and the cliill it brings with it ; hut what of a scorching hot east %vind that seems to biu-n up and shrivel all life m man and natm-e, and to blow Cayenne pepper and Cliili vinegar down your throat ? Yet in spite of the " misti'al " we saw tokens of coming spring e^-ery- where. Vine-di-essers were busy ui the vineyards pruning every spare branch, Olive trees were being banked up — the whole creation seemed watclung and waitmg for the rcsiu-- rection so sm-ely coming from the winter's gi-ave. In the market we found Violets, Camellias, Carnations, Anemones, Daflbdils, Narcissus, Koses (Cliiua and red), and large beautiful Heailspase. The flower market of MarseOles is very curious and pretty, each market-woman iiaving a stall covered with a huge imibrella under the sliadow of a tree. In one of these stalls I saw a woman maldng a large flat bouquet of dark Violets as a cross with white flowers roiuid. I asked, "Is that for a church'.'" ^_"0h no," she replied; "it is for a lady who is dead." 22 No. 223 -Vol.. rx., New Series. These large bouquets arc placeil ou the liicr when the body is carried to its last resting-place, and left on tlie grave, as gentle witnesses of the fleeting nature of all that is most fair on earth. Sometimes the grave is entu'ely bordered with flowers : sometimes there are only vases of flowers decked with ribbons and beads. The vegetables were such as we shoidd see ui a south-country market in England, with the exception that in Marseilles the first crop of Peas was being gathered, and we had some for dinner boUcd and sweetened to (French) taste. The first Fern I saw was at Nice : on my way to the English church I passed a cart filled with blocks of stone, and peeping at me from their crevices I saw Ceterach and Trichomanes. The churchywd was full of Roses in bloom (red and wldte). and the scent of Oranges and Lemons tilled the au\ Summer seemed at hand, and we bought dust-coloiu-ed pai'asols and overcoats in expectation of its near presence. En ronte fi'om Nice to Mentone wc saw by the wayside hedges of Roses, the pink wild Anemone (Anemone liortensis ; the nemorosa I have seen but very rarely in Italy), SciQas, -Tonquils. and I believe the pint Cyclamen, witli many other common flowers ; there were also huge Aloes, Cactus, and Palms, with Orange, Citron, and Lemon trees loaded with flowers and fruit. Often when the road was liigh up ou the rock we looked down on precipices made golden with the Orange boughs, and as we tU'Ove on om- glorious w-ay little black-eyed children tlirew branches of Orange trees, covered with li'uit and flowers, into the caniage windows. It was Shrove Tuesday, and the villages we drove throng were alive with groups of merrj- laughmg peasants gaping at the processions of mummers, who, in every sort of gro- tesque costimie, paraded the streets. Enteiing Mentone we heard voices singnig a chant. " Oh," said I, " here is a chm'ch procession. Let us wait." Presently we saw a party of men in wliite (in unitation of piiests'>, beaiing aloft a man. who spread out his hands as if blessmg the people. ■' Pio Nono ! Pio Nono ! " shouted the crowd as they rushed headlong on in their mad gaiety. To an English eye the Carnival must ever seem a strange vestibule to Lent. Cheilanthcs odora is to be foimd at ^Mentone, lint it was too early to hope to find the small fragi'aut fronds on the steep moimtain sides, wiiere later in the year it grows. Tlie flora of Mentone is a very beautiful one : m April the hedges and rocks are a mass of gay and varied bli lora ; but there are few weeks dm-ing the winter mouths wlieu the botanist may not find ample material for his tui and book. Shortly after leaving Mentone I noticed the first tuft of .\iUantum capUlus-Vcueris, and as the luncstone rock and triclding water increitsed, the little tufts became vast masses ; clefts hi the rock, lUie miinatm-e caverns, were covered with the fau'y-like foliage, which in some places seemed to line the entire face of the rock. At rare intervals I found the Ceterach also, hut no other Fern. Cmeraria maiitima gi-ew in great quantities, its soft gi"ey leaves waving to tlie sea breeze, wiiich blew upon them over one of the i'.m-est scenes to be met with on this most beautifid earth. Yet even the exceeding beauty hardly repaid me for the more exceeding frigJit the pass of the Cornice always ^ives me. No. 675.— Vol. XXXI v.. Old fEIimS. o -2 JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEK. C July 4, 1866. The road in many places is hewn ou the face of the living lock, which stands in grand defiance, fro-sniing on steep preci- pices going down, down, oh ! so very far down into the surging billows beneath. For a great part of the way there is no pro- tection — literally none ; and eveiy now and then you are greeted with pleasant remarks from the outside, such as — " Dear me ! we were all but over when that carriage passed ; the horses jibbed, or swei-ved, or something, and we were just over." Or, perhaps, it would be, " We had better wait a few minutes ; they are blasting the rock ahead, and if a thundering piece came down the horses might take fright." Whatever the courage of the horses might be, I knew of one trembUng passenger who [ was ever and anon reduced to study the geology of the steep ! rook rather than the botany of the precipice. Yet what a : glorious sight it was ! as we wound along our perilous way. | On one side the blasting of the rocks showed all their gi-and colouring and veining, and the sunlight seemed to glint them with a thousand rich and varied hues. Beneath lay the deep blue Mediterranean, with white and red-sailed vessels here and there ; wliile, stretching far away, before us and behind, lay ioH blue distances with picturesque villages ; now high upon some momitaiu side, now peacefully lining the shore, where fishermen in red caps and jackets stood about mending their nets, and little childj-en played in and out amongst the boats. ■Every few miles we made perilous descents into these sea-side towns, and while the horses were rested we walked, gathering wild flowers, about the neighbouring poilerr, the contadino, priming the Olives or Vines, only looking up to give a friendly glance at the stranger. On March 1, beneath the Olives or by the wayside, we gathered Daisies, Thyme, Wood Buttercups, 'Pellitory, Wood MercuriaUa, purple and scarlet Anemones, Narcissus tazetta, Hawkweed, Rosemary, and Celandine ; also very fine specimens of Polygala vulgaris, much finer than the Engli.sh Milkworts. The weather was so genial we required no fire, and at San Eemo we sat with windows open to the sea. To engineers, the Cornice is just now specially interesting, fi-om the magnificent line of railway they are making from Nice to Genoa. It seems almost too gi-and to be a himian under- taking, chasms of such a tremendous depth have to be spanned over with giant viaducts, and rocks of such enormous pro- portions have to be bored through, rocks ending in precipices, ■A-ith rocks again beyond. Everything seems to fall before the magic of the railway, or rather before the vast intelligence it embodies ; old customs, old prejudices, old faiths are uprooted with the uprooted trees, and pass onwards and away with the sdvancing line. It is a strange thing to note the change a rail- way mSikes in an old Italian town. Life, energ;^-, and purpose, side by side with inertness and decay, vast heaps of iron rails lying on beds of Myrtle and Lavender, causing the crushed and broken boughs to give out a delicious perfume ; groups of peaceful-looking nuns passing quickly by where rough-looking and rougher-spoken "navvies" are at work. A mass of blasted rock lying by the roadside with Maideu-hair Fern trailing over it ; smart Parisian bonnets, worn by the smart wives of the railway contractors passing down narrow streets, with none but Italian peasants in their fanciful costume to look upon and envy (?) them ! Everything has a disjointed, out-of-place look, and it will be many years before the graceful pleasure-loving Italy of old will be able to adapt herself to the requirements of her more active and useful step-children, for born Italians the new generation does not seem to be. Ou March 3rd, I found between Savona and (ieuoa, what I believed to be the Dunraven variety of Adiantum capillus- Veneris ; the rachis is of stiffer growth, and the pinnules smaller tlian they are in the ordinary form. I also found what I believe to be a variety of Aspleuium adiantum-nigrum, the form of fronds is more obtuse than in acutum, and the pinnas more di- vided than in simple nigrum ; but I grieve to own tliat one of our best Fern authorities has only dubbed it with the name A. adi- antum-nigrum. I, however, venture to enter a trembling pro- test against this ignominious treatment. We were detained at Genoa by snow, and this on the 7th of March. It came steal- LTig on the earth at nightfall, and, lo ! in the morning every laonntain lay ghttering like diamonds beneath the rising sun, every vessel, every house, each bye-way, and marble path wore alike the same pure covering, beneath wliich poor Italy trembled aud shivered as we never shiver in England. At night there was a sunset ! our room looked over the noble white marble terrace, upon the harbour of Genoa, bristling with a thousand masts, a resting-place for vessels of every nation upon earth ; the setting sun glorified the mountain tops, and hght, fleecy clouds hung like lamps of fire above the gorgeous scene. Yet, like all of earth, how fleeting was the glory ! A moment and the fading light fell like a meteor on the lower banks of cloud another instant and the tall masts rise hke gloomy spectres against the clouds, the waters lie calm and silvery beneath, and here and there a quiet star looks down.— Filix-f(emina. LIQUID MANURES. Liquid manure enters largely into the art of plant and fruit- tree culture in pots and borders where the amount of root- action is limited to a small space. That which I have chiefly used has been the drainings of a dunghill, not necessarily what might accimiulate from the washing of the manure heap by the ordinary rainfall, but it was our practice to have the fresh litter, during the siunmer particularly, thrown up every ten days or fortnight, either preparatory to the formation of hotbeds or for manure, into a square heap, which was after- wards well satmated with water and covered with a layer of soil or road-scrapings, if not wanted for hotbeds. In this way the litter was more readily converted into manure, and the manure tank was never long empty. These washings, whether artificial or natural, were the kind used, being the washings of horse, cow, and pig's dung in about equal quantities, for the horse droppings were mostly collected for Mushroom-growing. This liquid being used up, is made fresh every fortnight ; it never had a noxious smell, aud never, to my knowledge, fermented, consequently it was never very putrescent. The liquid was used for watering, and sprinkling the waUs, paths, ic, of the houses ; for watering, it was diluted with an equal volume of hot water, so as to make the temperature of the liquid equal to 90°. It was given to aU plants after growth recommenced, always making sure that the drainage was good, and that there was an abundance of roots to absorb the food thus furnished. No plant was watered with the Uquid unless the soil was full of healthy roots, nor whilst in a state of rest ; and if fresh potted or top-dressed it was not watered until new and healthy roots and new growth had been made and were a little advanced. For instance : Calceolarias and Cinerarias, were not watered so long as they remained out of their blooming-pots, and not then imtil the roots reached the sides of the pots, but aftenvards at every alternate watering n\> to the time of their blooming. Geraniums were treated in like manner. Pelargoniums were not watered so long as they grew sufficiently strong, for ajiplications before the bloom shows or trusses form have a tendeucy to encourage growth at the expense of the bloom. On the other hand, when the growth was weak, the plants still having healthy roots, they were watered with the liquid diluted with four times its volume of water. After the trusses were visible, the plants were watered at every alternate watering with liquid manure up to the time of their coming into bloom generally. This was the treatment pursued with aU kinds of soft-wooded plants, no liquid being given so long as they grew sufficiently well without it, for I am persuaded that soils are, or ought to be, made sufficiently rich to maintain the plant uj) to its showing its trusses or bloom-stems ; the liquid given after this goes to strengthen the flower-stalks, contributing to the size, not number, of the blooms of the flower-head ; whereas, when it is given at an earlier stage gross or strong growths are often formed, and these are often produced at the expense of the bloom, for a gross plant is seldom prolific of flowers. I make it a rule to water no soft-wooded plant miti! it has been long enough in its blooming-pot to fill it with roots, that being the only time when I have found watering with manure water of any advantage. To all bulbs after the spike appears or the foliage attains its full size, it is given to strengthen the truss, aud increase the size of the flower. Such, however, as have the pots full of roots may be watered whilst the foliage is forming, which will improve in size, and then it is only reasonable to hope for finer flowers, to say nothing of the bulb becoming stronger by higher feeding. It verj- often happens that highly fed plants, and those of a bulbous nature are no exception, do not flower so finely as those not so strong ; but this is only due to the extra feeding retarding the ripening process. Bulbs that are highly fed must be very well ripeued, otherwise they will not flower satisfactorily. I may note in passing that plants highly fed require more light, at least a longer continuance of light and heat, to perfect or ripen the growth made, whether it be eyes or buda on a plant or the concentration of the current year's growth in a bulb for another year. Jaly 4, 1866. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. There are certain cases in which it is desirable to further Rrowth by copious manure waterint^s, and particularly iloos this apply to fine-foliaj;oil plants. CaladiuniK would, I bi'licvc, live with their roots in a manure tank : I liavc known Caladium argjTites treated as an aquatic, planted in water fully 3 inches deejp, and it throve amazingly. All tlie Caladiums like liipiid manure, and a brisk heat, with slight sluide. .Mocasins revel in moisture and liquid manure when growing. JIarantas, aiul all that have thick and fleshy roots, as Dracaenas, the I'alnis generally, .\ralias, Kieuses, Coleus, Uillbergia (though half epiphytal, some quite so), .Echmens, I'andanus, Sic, though many have fibrous roots, are improved in foliage by hquid manure when growing. There are indeed few plants to which it may not be given with advantage, but they must be in a healthy state — not necessarily vigorous, for then it is not needed, but having henltby roots. It benetits those most, however, that form thick roots, and those especially that require a loamy soil wholly or in jiart. Those jilants that never form such roots, as Heaths, I'imeleas, Leschenaultias, Eriostemons, Correas, .\zaleas, and Uhododendrons, it does not seem to improve n)uch if at all, and unless given very weak, it is certain destruction to many of them if jiersistently applied, and that even wlien weak. I fancied Azaleas had finer flowers, and made finer wood with a little weak hquid manure than others supi)lied with water only, but I am not certain, and would therefore advise others to be cautious in applying licpiid manure to any plant that requires peat soil for its successful growth. Their roots are so very delicate as to be soon destroyed ; Camellias, how(^ver, care nothing about it, except when healthy, they like it botli when the buds are swelling in winter or si)ring, and again when making their wood. It is necessary, however, that the soil be well drained and porous, and the roots healthy. It is useless giving strong food to a sickly person without an appetite, and so with plants. Weak but uoiirishing food is required by sickly plants ; a sweet soil and atmosjihere, and thorough cleauhness, are what they require until tliey gain strength, and are able to take and make the most of stronger food. Annual plants as Balsams and Cockscombs, succeed better with liquid mamu'e than with very rich soil, and so do Gloxinias, Gesneras, Achimenes, &c., from the time of their first showing their buds to that of their coming into bloom. I have an impression that Ferns, Mosses, and the lower orders of plants are no finer in consequence of the application of liqmd manure, or indeed manure in any form. Though many of them will grow and appear none the worse of weak doses, not too frequently given, say once a-week, they do not seem to grow any better, and they are not improved, nor can I say injured in a " manured atmosphere," whilst Orchids become more luxuriant, aiul have healthier and better-coloured foliage in such an atmosphere. Now draiuings of the dunghill will do wonders in a garden during a dry season. The Roses will bloom finer in consequence of watering them with it, from the time of the buds forming to that of the flowers expanding, applying it cool, though it would be none the worse of being boiled to destroy the eggs and larvaj of insects, even if allowed to cool afterwards. Roses in hot weather hke the liquid cool, and so do all plants that are required to grow slowly and remain long in bloom. It may not be generally known that cold pump water will cause a plant to continue longer in bloom than were it watered with water exposed to the air. It is best, therefore, to use the liquid at 90' when we wish to forward, and cool when we desire to retard the flowei-ing, fniiting, or perfection of vegetables. The liquid may be given to all out-door plants when diluted with an equal quantity of water. Whether is hard or rain water the better ? This is a question well worth considering. We frequently see rain water recom- mended as the best for watering. I have known a large establishment successfully managed with no water except pump water, and no matter how dry the summer there never was any scarcity of water. I think a pump and a deep well capital things in a garden. Spring water is the best of agents for keeping the roots of plants cool, and, much as I like soft water, it is a fact that plants in a hot summer do better with pump than with warm or aired soft water, particularly those dehghting in coolness and moisture, as Roses, Calceolarias, and any others of which we wish to prolong the blooming. It is also good for Strawberries in hot seasons. I may add that pump water is soon aired by pumping it into an open cistern, and if this be elevated the water can be run where wanted by means of pipes, and hose to distribute it \vill obviate much of the drudgery of watering. For tender plants pump water is not good, or rather rain water is better. To return. The drainings of a dunghill may be given to all out-door plants that are healthy, though weak, whilst growing, which it is desired to invigorate ; the Uquid being diluted with an eipial (juantity of water for the strong, and with four times- that ([uantity for the less-growing kinds of plants, except such as KhodoiU'ndrons, A/aleas, Kalniias, Andromedas, Ericas, &e. There nvv. otlur exceptions, as the majority of the Conifers. Of all plants to which I have used li(iuid manure, tree I'scouies are those wliich show the beneficial elTects perhaps more than any other, an application being afforded twice a-week from the time the buds are first visible up to flowering. Passing on to fruits, I may say they all like copious water- ings with licpiid manure. I water Pines regularly with it, from the time that the suckers become well rooted up to fruiting — in fact from March to October. We water them with half drainings of the dunghill and half soft water, at a temperature of from DO*-' to 10(1". During the winter months they are watered sebhun, aiul with aired soft water only. To Vines in pots the liipiid numure is given at every alternate watering, from the time of the buds breaking uj> to that of the fruit riiieniug ; to Figs in pots, fi'om the leaves appearing till these change colour — but it should be borne in mind that our Figs are always under-potted, for if Figs are liberally treated with pot room they grow too freely, and cast their fruit ; and aU stone fruits, from their setting up to ripening, are freely supplied with liquid manure. Musas in pots and tubs may have li(iuid manure every day when growing freely ; Oranges too, may receive it when making new wood, and throughout the summer once or twice a-week. There is not a fruit tree grown in pots that is not benefited by frequent and copious waterings of liquid manure whilst in active growth, always excepting those of which the gi'owths are already too luxuriant, or gross to an extent that interferes with their bearing. Pines in beds are watered with liquid mamu-e the same as those in pots ; Figs, also, if the borders are filled with roots, and other fruit trees in borders, at every alternate watering. It ought to be borne in mind that, so long as the border is sufficiently rich to furnish strong wood and good crops of fruit, liquid manure is not likely to improve ; for, though it might render the crop larger, it might produce rank growth, and im- perfectly ripened wood. On the other hand, it may safely be given to trees whose growths are fruitful, the wood strong and close-jointed ; and it may be given advantageously to those that are weak from want of nourishment in the soil, always making sure that the roots are in a healthy state. I was formerly of opinion that roots were more freely formed, and ran more readily through poor soil than rich. This, I find, is only in part correct ; for, if we plant a tree m rich soil, roots will not be so readily emitted as when it is planted in poor ground ; but when once emitted they ramify and extend more rapidly in rich than in poor soil. It is really astonishing how the roots will rise in pots surface-dressed with rich soil, even up into the top-di-essiug itself. I have nothing to urge against liquid manure, but I very much question whether it is as safe as top-tlressings of manm-e. After the fruit has set, top-dress a fruit tree — say a Peach in a 1,5-iuch pot — with an inch of fi'esh cowdung, so as to form a depression to hold water, and fill this with about two quarts of water every day, and renew the dressing of cowdung, an inch each time, at iuten'als of six weeks, up to the fruit taking its last swelling ; give another tree an equal quantity of liquid maniue daily, up to the same period, and which will be the healthier tree, and yield the finer fruit ? Of other liquids, I have used guano, at the rate of 2 ozs. to a gallon of water, for plants in the open air, and not frequently watered, or, if in pots, at the rate of 1 oz. to the gallon ; and this last is the strength used for all plants of Umited root- action in pots, tubs, and borders. The guano is best dissolved in a wooden tub, pouring the water upon it the night before using it. If pl.aced in a watering-pot it quickly brings the paint oft', and corrodes the iron. A peck of fresh sheep's-dung, mixed with forty gallons of water, was a favomite Uquid with the man in charge of the houses where fruit and vegetable forcing was carried on, whilst cowdung — a peck to twenty gallons of water — was much valued by the flower gardener. Horse- droppings, in the same proportion, were not thought much of^ Soot-water, made by pouring, or rather pumping — for all the tubs were in a shed at the back of the forcing-houses, and a pump in the rain-water tank enabled all the barrels to be filled by the simple turning and shutting on or off of the water — forty gallons of water over a peck of soot, was much used.. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTCEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. C Julj 4, 1865. In conclusion, I may state that I have used several chemical manures in a sohible form, but I never found cue of them of tcay use, except to bring the leaves of the plants down. Re- Hismber, I do not include, in this condemnation, some of the sulphates, mniiates, and phosphates, which are manurial agents, but concentrated liipiids, which are said to answer the same end as the pills of the Scythians, which would answer for food during a six -mouths campaign. The gluten of a bread loaf, brought into the compass of a pea, will no more satisfy and feed a hungi'y man than will a drop of the manurial constituents of a cartload of dung, condensed into an ounce phial, added to a bucket of water, be beneficial to plants, — G. Abeev. CONIFEK.E rRODUCING CONES AT LINTON PARK. TuE tine dry autumn of last year seems to have exerted a fruitful influence on some of our trees, which this season have produced cones, and possibly Bome of these may arrive at ma- tuiity. I must, however, remark that the blooming of ordi- nary forest trees and shrubs was not so abundant as last year, and some of them have not the appearance of being loaded with their usual heavy crop of seeds. Walnuts will be thin, and the common Hawthorn will bear anv-tliing but a hea\-y crop. These things are, however, of little importance com- pared with the crops of eiUble fruits which form so important a feature in the general cultivation of the district, and which in most cases fall short of the expectation once entertained. My ptirpose, however, is to point o)it some Conifers which have here this geason produced cones for the first time. Might I ask if they have done so elsewhere, and with what result ? AK.vrc.iRU iMERic.iT.i. — A fine tree of Araucaria imbricata has this season produced three large cones, which, from their manner of growth, pi-omise to arrive at a size hitherto unknown amongst specimens furnished by other trees ; the tree is Jip- wards of 30 feet in height, and in outline more cylindrical than conical, the diameter of its branches at the height of 25 feet being about the same as at bottom. The top is gi-acefnlly roonded, and though the bottom branches for about 3 feet are gone, the next tier sweep the ground, so as to give that imiform outline so much admired in trees of this and similar species. The cones are near the top, are globular in form, and, as a lady justly ohsen-ed a few days ago, are like hedgehogs in size and the bristly manner in which they are set with leaves, or rather spines, on all sides. Their size is quite equal to that of a full-grown heilgehog. From these cones appearing so early in the season there is reason to hope that they may amve at perfection, the situation of the tree being favmrraWe for ma- tiu-ing them, being dry, sunny, and sheltered. Indeed we have long thought the site drier than is wanted for a tree of this kind, but not having a tree of equal size growing on a situation of opposite character, although we have several smaller ones, it is, perhaps, premature to condemn the site, especially when it is known that the tree has never suffered from the severest winter, and promises so well. PirEA NOBiLis. — A specimen of tliis fine Conifer which had lost its leader some fifteen years ago, and remained without one for several years, growing slowly in a lateral direction, at length sent np two leaders ; and one being taken off, the other has pushed on as straight as a gun-barrel, and for the last four or five years the gi-owth has averaged fully 3 feet. The tree is now upwards of 20 feet high, and as healthy-looting as could be desired, presenting that rich glaucous hue so much admired in this genus. This season several cones have been formed, and they promise to arrive at perfection. They are now np- wards of 7 inches long, of a pale gi-een colour, and to all appear- ance look as if they would attain a large size. The tree is on a dry stony situation, well sheltered from the north .and east, and I hope the cones, from showing themselves thus early, may ripen. PiCE.\ CEPH-VLONICA. — A Specimen of this has also shown cones this season in numbers. I am not certain whether it has done so before or not ; they are, however, short and small compared with those of P. nobilis. The tree is more bushy, and has not the tall upright foi-m of the last-named. An accident deprived it of its leader about twelve months ago, but it is making an effort to replace it by another, which will give the tree that conical form of which it is so good a representative. Besides the above, Pinus insignis is this season loaded with a more than usual number of cones, it having borne a quantity for several years in succession. It is too earlv vet for those of Cedrus deodara to show themselves, but abortive ones have for some years been produced on our largest specimens. Mote perfect ones, black as Sloes, or rather of a beautiful purple black, have here been produced by Picea Webbiaua each year, and this year is no exception to tlie rule. Some other Piiiuses have also jiroduced cones ; but I have not seen any indication of "Wellmgtonias becoming fruitful, neither is such a state of things to be wished for, it being in some degree the precursor of disease and a premature death. I belie\e, however, it has .shown fruit in some places, but I have not seen it. Some of the Thujas are also bearing eones, I am told, in places, but I have not perceived in that state any of those introduced within the last twelve years ; but a second hot smumcr following on the diy autumn of last year may, jjerhaps, throw into a hearing condition some of those which have not hitherto pro- duced cones ; but there are many things more desirable than a young tree doing so. — J. Eor.sox. DINEKS A LA EUSSE, AND THEIR EXEMPLAIRES AT KEN.S1XGT0N. What is a "diner il la Russe?" Tliis would seem to be a question as yet undecided, if one may judge from the character of the tables set out at Kensington on Saturday week. Is it a dinner for the advertising of china and glass ?' Is it a slice of a bad ribbon-border cut out and laid on a white cloth ? or what is it ? My incUnations do not lead me into society much. I do sometimes, it is true, diue with friends who, I believe, know what is correct ; and I must say it seems to me that there was in many of the tables laid out on Saturday the 24th iust. a want of taste, a vulgarity and inappropriateness, that none of my friends would have tolerated at their houses. What is a diner a la Russe ? then. I repeat. My idea of it is, as compared with the old style of dinner parties, that it con- sists in this — that the dessert is laid upon the table at once, that the old epergnes and candelabra give place to a lighter and more elegant ornamentation in the shape of flowers, and that the dinner is cut up at the side table and handed round. If I am correct in my ideas, then, I should have disqnaUfied some of the tables, and certainly not have judged them as they were judged ; and without wishing to say one word of dispa- ragement either of the ladies who undertook the arduous task or the Aeadt'niicians who assisted them, I cannot think they have tended to increase good taste amongst our dinner-giWng friends. It must have been no slight matter to judge, for in defiance of all ideas of comfort and convenience, the tables were laid, some on one side, some on the other of the conser- vatory ; so that, having decided on the merits of one half of the tables, the Judges had to cross the whole length of the con- servator>', keep in their minds what they had seen, and compare them with the other half. AVhen we remember that even in judging a few boxes of Roses yon have often to take one stand and put it alongside of another, and that even then it is often a difficult matter, one can estimate what a task this must have been. It only illustrates what many besides myself think — that a really effective show of any kind can never be held under the present state of things at Kensington. And now to the prizes. " Surely," I said to a friend as I approached the table that took first prize. " this must be a china dealer's," little thinking how near the truth I was. My objections to this are — First, that I think white china is a decided mistake. It may do all very well for a warmer climate, but in ours it is cold and chilly -looking ; and as winter is the cliief season for dinner parties, that ought to be considered. Second, The table was overloaded : it matters not whether this be with silver or china, it is conh'arv to the elegance that belongs to this new style of dinner table. Third, The dessert was not well arranged. The double butter-boats in which the fruit was placed, -whUe ])retty in themselves, were awkward. I do not know how Cherries were to be got ont of them except by one's hands ; and Strawbeiries must have been inevitably smashed before they found their way to one's plate. And then there was an absence of those pretty nhicc fruits and fanciful ])rtitx foiirx which are indispensalile to a handsome dessert. Then, fourth. It was a decided mistake to put the dessert plates on the table. While the centre of the table is laid out for .a dessert, the covers should be an-anged for the dinner itself — knives, forks, spoons, bnt no plates. And what can be more babyish than to have holes in the rims of the plates for water and flowers V July t, 1865. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. vSo fiu- for the first. Aa to the second, fair ladies ! what could have porsuaderl you so to honour it ? There was neither tasto nor beauty Mat as a Cliiililcau plain. .Viid then the lines of yellow, blue, red, and white! It is (luito true there wiw no obstiuetion ; but pooplo do not ^;euerally talk across the table, and now that the old fashion of lU-iukiu;; wino toKether faas gone out there is no need of this ttatness ; so that I do not see the force of the objection which this table aiijiarently was intended to meet— that the view is generally too much ob- structed. There is a medium in ;U1 things, but the extremes of flatness and overcrowding were to be seen in the second and first prizes. As to the thiid, the elaborateness of the design and the minuteness of tho details were contrary to that simple elegance in which true, genuine, refined taste so much consists. A mirror set in a gilt frame with glass stands placed on it, and crowded with Fenis, Stephanotis, and Orchids, is not to my mind the sort of thing one wants to see. Indeed, amongst the unsuccessful tables were many which in my poor opinion were far beyond those which were honoured ; and were I asked to sit down at one of them I should most fervently hope that the taste of tho die/ was better than that of the dresser of the table, for if not. I should look for a fit of iudigcBtion. It some- times happens that when people iniiigiue that there is some- thing extra reipiirod of them, that they fail through excess oi painstaking. I have Imown preachers to whom one has listened often with pleasure, when called upon for some special occasion become so imuatural, so imlike themselves, that one could only regret they had ever been called upon to undertake tho sermon. The young lady whom you have listened to with such pleasure as she perfonued her morning's practice, when called upon before a large uimiber surprises you not so much by the briUiancy of lier singing as by the unnatural and stilted cha- racter of her performance. And so the other day in Paa-is at Lady 's, the dinner table, arranged doubtless in its ordi- nary method for a diner a la Russe, was far more effective and elegant than anything I saw at South Kensington. In these observations I am only uttering my omi individual opinion. My canons of taste may be wrong, but judged by them I say that all the tables exhibited were defective. — D., Deal. HOSES -VNr> strawberuies. Roses. — The Editors and •' D.," of Deal, are right about Duchesse de Caylus. It is a splendid first-class Rose, of great substance, beautiful clear colour, and excellent outline and folding. It bloomed on Sunday, the 25tli of .luue, and has stood the broiling sim for three days without impression. Its colom' is rich brilliant scarlet crimson. Its declining colour is rich clear pink. Mr. Adolphus Kent is hurc, and we cut up the plant and budded it on briars. Ilushton Radclyfi'e is a fine, well-formed, full Rose, a strong grower, with good foliage, and an abundant bloomer, opening easily. These are very beautiful Roses : Lords Herbert, Maoaulay, and Clyde. The first is full and beautifully folded, aud of correct outline. The last two are of greater substance, and very beautiful and good. Lefebvre, Lords ilacaulay and Clyde, Senateur Vaisse, and Gloire dc Santenay are of great substance, and resist the sun well. The above five new Roses may be added safely to the five previously recommended. The next best and good are Alpaide de Rotalier, a larger and improved " old Cabbage " Rose, Leopold I., George Prince, and Madame Derreulx DouviUe. I should hke to see them bloom once more before confidently recommending them. All that I have named in this paper are good growers. I cut twenty-four trebles to please Mr. Kent on Tuesday morning at .5 a.m. ; they were good. The trebles of Charles Lefebvre, Gloire de Santenay, aud Senateur Vaisse were fine. Stiuwbekbies. — As regards Lord Clyde, I had only two plants of it, and being under a hot south wall, the blooms happened to come out early, and were destroyed by a very severe frost. I was amused at M. Van Houtte's very ftattering notice of me in his catalogue. He says of me, '• He is the most experienced and best judge of Strawberries in England." " He is the most caustic and picturesque WTiter, sparing no one ; neither in prose nor in verse." "Till this great judge says, ' To be, or not to be,' raisers are in a state of the greatest anxiety." I can only say that " from the sublime to the ridiculous there is but a step." What I said of Lord Clyde and John Powell was this : — " They were the best novelties here, and were rich aud good." Of John Powell I have about forty plants, and ca:i now speak of it confidently. The form of plant is excellent; it has set its fruit well. The berries are of good size, beautiful clear crim- son, and of deliciims flavour. It has cropped well. In a few days, after I have tasted Mr. Ingram's No. 10, I will send to 171, Fleet Street, a short StrawbeiTy treatise, as rc- (piested by a clergyman. — W. F. IUjjclyife, Tarrant RwshUm, ISlandford. W.VTEUING .MELONS TO AVOID THEIR DECAY. My Melons have hitherto succeeded excellently and are now ripening; but instead of ripening all over at one time, ; they decay at one end before the other end is ripe, so that the fruit are scarcely fit ior table. — P. D. [In watcrnggive water to the roots without poming it on the surface, and even then if the weather continues cquaUy sunny place a piece of thin paper over the Melons during the hottefjt hoiurs of the day.] THE laTCHEN GARDEN. I'EBnrAUY. This, if the weather is r.t all favourable, will be a busy month, but it is bail practice to work the groimd when enow or rain has made it sloppy. During frosty weather, should it occur, the mauure can be wheeled without injury to the walks, and the Pea-rods all pointed and stored separately in their different lengths. The priming of the fruit trees, if it has not been done before, should also be performed, and when all are pnined I generally paint them over with a mixture of lime, sulphur, and soot, of a very thin consistency, in order to keep down the moss, and to act as a preventive against the ravages of the small birds on the fruit-buds. A handy man with an ordinary- whitewash brush will soon go over a great number of bushes, after which, the ground between them being forked, all wUl look neat and clean. During vei-y bad weather one can get the labels made, painted, and written to each separate packet of seed, which ought to be in by this time. I generally obtain mine from an old-estabhshed firm a good distance off, where I know most of the seeds aie home- grown, and all to be depended on, as I consider it is a very good plan to prociu'e them fi-om a distance, for the change of sou and cUmate is beneficial. I seldom attempt to save seed of any kind myself, except a few Potatoes, which it is almost impossible to buy properly matm-ed and greened ready for planting for an early crop. Everything must now come up that can possibly be spared, such as Turnips, .Colewort stomps. Savoys, &c., and the groimd be manured and trenched, or dug, ready for the main crops, not forgetting when clearing off the Turnip bed to lay a few in some sheltered corner, where, with a little protection, they mil yield a good dish or two of Turnip gi-eens, which will afford an acceptable variety in the vegetable supply at this season. Savoys, too, may be kept on some time longer with a little management. A very good plan with them is to place two rows of Pea-rods opposite to each other, at an angle of 45° ; throwing over them a little rough litter, and placing more sticks crossways to keep on the protecting material. As the Winter Spinach bed will now be the mainstay, it must be well looked after by loosening the gromi was lirst, Mr. Marlow .s.-iond, and Mr. H.'.i.^U'.v, TwWord Abhin-, third, Isoli'iiis Rracilis beiui; employed by the last named in the top dish. In six bouimuts of as many kinds.' Mr. Keynes was first. Mr. E. 1*. Fnineis seeond, Mr. HedRc, third; and for Moss llosos, Messrs. Paul it Son were first, with, among others, the White Bath and the Crested v.'rj- good. Roses in pots were not in good eoudition. Me,ssr!(. Paul took Mr. Kelk's prize for those in sis-inch pots. Of niiseellaneous objoets Mr. VV. Paul sent a collection of Roses raised by bin) from sied, or introduced by bini. consisting of Olorj- and Beauty of Waltham. Ca>ur de I.ion. Lord Herbert, Prince de Joinv-ille, Princess of Wales. Dr. Limlley. and Lord Mncanlay. all different shades of crimson and scarlet ; (^ueen Victoria, delicate pink ; Madame Emile Boyan, a very promising light Hybrid Perpetual ; and Elizabctli Vigiuroii. lihiesbaded rose. Many of the above require no counnent. their nierits being already ri'tognised. Messrs. .Taeluuan sent uamcrous Mooms of their beautiful ik-w Clematises ; and Messrs. Nnylor, glass and table ornaments. SYRINGING GRAPES. I r.EG leave to ilifl'or very much from your correspondent, Mr. Whittle, le.specting the "syriugiug of fruiting Vines, unless ualled for by some unusual occurrence, as red spiiler, making its appearance : then Isay bynllmeansu.se the syringe freely for a few days until it is all" washed off. Jly principal reason for not syringing is, that it is impossible to do so without leaving a mai-k on the ben-ies from a deposit in the water, wliicli quite ^^poils their appearance for exliibitiou or table, where it is necessary they should be perfection, not that it injures the Vines in anyway, or does them any good, as is proved by the fine Grapes exhibited at cnu- Loudon shows, without ever hav- ing a drop of water throwai on them. I quite agree with his remai-ks on stopping. — N. W. D. P. I'OLOUR AND SOUND. In all specimens of good colouring there is a key colour, and that colom- predominates. In the histcu-ie pictures of the old masters that colour is usually crimson or violet, and these answer to G .and B, root notes, especially C, in the musical scale. It is curious that Professor Saunderson, who was bom blind, and had no conception of colour, said that he thought i-ed must be like the sound of a trumpet. On this connection of music and colour a well-known man of science some years ago wrote to us as follows : — " Takuig the seven colours of the rainbow as equivalent to the seven notes of the natural musical scale, the order will stand thus : — Red. Orange. Yellow. Green. Blue. Indigo. Violet. C. D. E. F. G. A. B. The red here sounds the key colour of the prismatic series, and corresponds to C, the root note of the musical scale in the natural key. and both would of course be again repeated as the octave or eighth degree of the gamut. Bed, then, must be just as prominent in well-conceived pictiires as C in musical pieces composed in that key ; and the remaining sounds and colours have corresponding fiinctions in the two sciences. " Every oni' knows that, for the convenience of nuisicians, the notes of the scale are both numbered and lettered — the first seven letters of the alphabet and cardinal numbers being used. Thus, in the key of A, the scale is numbered and lettered as follows : — A. B. C. D. E. F. G. 1. 2. a. 4. .5. 6. 7. Now, it does not signify what note we may start from, for the constitution of every key is the same, and only tlitfering in the pitch being high or low, as the case may be. The key of C, however, is chosen by musical men as a standard, and hence called the natiual key. As such I shall adopt it in the present notice. The order will then be as in tlie following table, to which I also add the equivalent colours : — C. D. E. F. (t. a. B. C. (octave*) 1. 2. 3. i. :,. fi. 7. 8. Ked. Orange. Yellow, tircen. Blue. Indigo. Violet. Red. " Now, in harmonising times composed in this key, four grand chords are employed — that is, four combinations are chosen out of these seven notes, and severally used when they • The first note, in effect, is repeated eight not'-'s higher, and hence railed the octave. will apply as accompaniments to the notes of the subject or air. These chords, then, in letters, numbers, and colours being known, the scientific or artistic gardener may modify them, invert them or change tlu'ir position, and alter the arrange- ment of their fundamental constituents at his own pleasure. The chords are as follows in their natural position : — I. THE COMMON CHOKU OF C I, llED. Natnrftl position. 5. G, blue 3. E, vellow 1. C, ied II.- Salural position. 1. C, red t). A, indigo 4. F, green IIL- Natural position. 2. D, orange 7. B, violet 5. G, blue ' First change. 1 1. C, red I 5. G, blue I 3. E, yellow THE COMMOX CHOnD OM First change, ■t. F, green 1. C, red 6. A, indigo Second change. 3. E, vellow 1. C, red 5. G, blue F. Second chance. G. A, indigo 4. P, green 1. C, red BLrE. I Seeond change. 7. B, violet 5. G, blue 2. D, orange COMMON CHORD ON G, I First change. 5. G, blue 2. D, orange 7. B, violet The fourth table may in the same manner be constructed en the key of F, grecu." Now" all this was brought to memory by the wonderful Handel Festival just concluded at tlie Crystal Palace. It was objected that this Palace is not an appropriate place for oratorios, but the retort was a silencer — "Music and flowers are associated with our ideas of Pai-adise," and a lady added, " I never hear the trumpet notes in ' Let the bright Seraphim," with- out my eye resting unconsciously on some very bright colour." There is, therefore, in cidtivated minds an association of colom- with sound — a harmony between certain tints and certain notes ; they may be, and are enjoyed together at the musical celebration's in the Crystal Palace ; and the combina- tion is not without applicability even to the gardener. " Optics associated with Acoustics." might form the theme for an additional chapter in " The Connection of the Physical Sciences." VINE CULTURE. (Contiimed from Vol. VIII., pane 411.) If all has gone on well, the Grapes will be done stoning by this time ; all berries that are not likely to swell off kindly should be cut away at once ; the temperatiu-e may be increased a little, and a moist atmosphere maintained by frequently syring- ing the floor and paths of the house. If the stopping of the Vines has been carried out according to the directions given at page 410, there will be suflicient leaves left on the Vine for all purposes. All laterals that make their appearance should, therefore, be pinched out as soon as they are produced, in order that the whole force of the roots may be directed towards the Vine for the purpose of giving it sufficient strength to mature its present crop, and to provide for the crop of the following year. If the laterals are allowed to extend beyond the limits "before described, much of the strength of the Vine will be wasted. From the time the Grapes have finished stoning till they begin to colour, they should be well suppUed with water twoor three times a-weeli, in such a dry season as the present, and when water is given it shoidd not be with a sparing hand. To give a Vine-border a small quantity of water is worse than useless, better withhold it entirely. My plan is to sprinkle a Utile guano over the border, on this the water is pom-ed, not by scores of potfuls at a time, but by hundreds. I generallv put" five or six men on with two pots each at one watering, for a border Ho feet by 10 or 1.5 feet wide I use a tank of water hokling about four thousand gallons. Between the time of stoning and colouring I generally give my borders about four such soakiugs as this, using a little guano each time. Besides this, they are watered two or thi-ee times weekly, as stated above. " From the time of stoning tiU the Grapes begin to colour, avoid sudden changes of atmosphere as much as possible. Give air as early in the morning .as possible, by opening the top lights a Uttle to allow the foul air to escape, and to diT the condensed steam that settles on the fohage during the iiight. If this is neglected the foliage is often bumed up by the sun. As a preventive is always better than a cure, paint the whole of the hot-water pipes over with a thick coating of sulphur. If this is mixed with a Uttle soft soap it will stick to the pipes JOUENAL OF HOETICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. 1 Jnly 4, 1865. better, and will not be so easily washed off by the syriuge. Smear the walls and every available place in the house with the sulphur brush ; this will prevent the appearance of two of the Grape-gi-ower's worst enemies — namely, mildew and red spider. As soon as the gi-eater part of the berries have partly changed colour give all the air [lossible night and day, this ■will help to impart a i3ne flavour, and assist the colouring process very muoh. Fire heat should not be dispensed with until the Grapes have finished colouring, and in damp or dull weather they should have the benefit when ripe of a little arti- ficial warmth to keep them dry, and to cause them to retain a sweet and brisk flavour. After the crop of fruit has been all gathered give the borders another good soaking with water, using a little guano as before. Give abundance of air by open- ing aU the lights as wide as possible, hut by no means take off the top of the house. I mention this particularly, as I know it is often done with the idea of ripening the wood. If the top lights are taken off the foliage cannot possibly be preseiTed, it is blown about against the wires by the wind, and by that means becomes very much mutilated. Its decay is, therefore, brought on much earlier than it ought to be, and the Vine suffers very much in consequence of losing a large portion of its foliage before its proper time, or before it has fulfilled its natural functions of storing the Vine with food as long as the sap was in circulation. I am very glad my previous article is likely to provoke a little discussion on the cultivation of the Vine. This is what I was anxious to promote. I did not wish it to appear that the plan described and adopted by me was better than that of any other Grape-gi'ower, personally knowing as I do many of our celebrated Grape-growers. I was in hopes that a description of the simple plan pursued with a fair share of success by my- self, would be the means of inducing some of the more suc- cessful growers to favour the numerous readers of The .Journal OF HoRTicuLTCEE w'ith their system of cultivating the Vine. The Editors would, I am sure, gladly open these pages to all who would communicate their ideas on the cirltivation of the Vine, or any other subject connected with practical gardening. Mr. Wliittle is quite right in thiniing that I did not allude to the cultivation of Vines in pots in my last article ; that will form the subject of another communication. I fear Mr. Whittle's views will not be very well received with regard to stopping the Vine. In the first place, Mr. Whittle says he would not stop at all until the fi-uit were set. The evil to be expected in this case would be this : By the time the frait had set the shoot would have, perhaps, six or more leaves above the frait-joint, and would have gi-own 18 inches or 2 feet above that joint. This being the case, it is natural to suppose that it will have very much exliausted the Vine, and a gi'eat portion of the Strength of the Vine, which would have been directed into the bunches had the shoot been stopped at the proper time is thereby lost, and the size of biinch and berry very much reduced. Then, again, to cut off a strong shoot when it is nearly the size of one's finger just above the bunch, must cause a very sudden check to the whole system of the Vine ; and I must, until I am further convinced, beg most respectfully to differ in opinion from Mr. Whittle with regard to stopping. I consider that when the .shoot is stopped at the joint from which the bunch gi'ows, and that when the bunch is just formed, a greater quantity of sap flows to the point than the bunch and one leaf can make use of. In mv opinion the two leaves above the bunch are necessary to absorb the supei-fluity of sap until the fruit is set, when the bimch can take without injury all the sap that can be spared by the Vine, and the atmospheric food supplied by the foUage above the bunch as well. Mr. 'Whittle says he differs with me ?'». toto, as to sjTinging after the Grapes are set, and that no one would think of syring- ing whilst they were in flower. Mr. "Whittle may, perhaps, think me mad when I tell him that for many kinds of Grapes that is the most proper time to syringe them for thepuirpose of causing them to -set freely, espiecially in the case of Lady Downe's and Muscat of Alexandria. I admit the treatment adopted by Jlr. Wiittle was quite right with regard to the Vines he described the first year he midertook the management of them ; but if he would subject them to the same treatment on the two following seasons — namely, to syringe the Vines, fruit and all, up to the time of the berries changing colour, the water he is using must be clear indeed. Lastly. Mr. Whittle must allow me to differ very much in opinion from him with respect to aiding fertilisation. He may have been fortunate this season, and nature may have done much for him without his aid, but he may find another time, when other natural agencies are not at work in his favour, that nature could be very much assisted by art; but more of this anon. In the meantime I hope Mr. Whittle will favom- us more fully with his %'iews on the cultivation of the Vine. — J. Wills. (To be continued.) PASSION-FLOWERS NOT BLOOMING. " E. M." has two Passion-Flowers (P. ccernlea) trained against a south wall. They have grown about 20 feet, and were shifted last year into tubs 15 inches in diameter. Should '• E. M." give liquid manure to induce them to bloom wbich hitherto they have not done, or what treatment would be most likely to lead to that result ? [You may" give mannre water and plenty of it with great pro- priety. If the wood of last year was well ripened, almo.st every shoot that comes fi-om it this season, will give you plenty of bloom. Nothing is easier managed afteraards, you have only to cut back these flowering shoots in spring to two or three buds, and these will throw out the summer flowering-shcota next year.] PEACHES AND GPaPES SWELLING SLOWLY. The Peaches in my orchard-house are at a stand-stiU, they are now just the size they were a month or five weeks ago. They appear to be quite hidebound and do not swell at all. The stone is getting quite hard, the kenial looks perfect, and the trees are quite healthy. I tm-ned one out of the pot to see if anything was amiss with the roots, they were looking weU and not at aU dry. I also have a house of Muscat Grapes that do not stone as they ought.— F. K. [The Peaches are most likely all right, you must give them time, they stand still a long while at the stoning period. As with the Grapes you must either have too many on the Vines, or the roots are in a soil they do not like.] NEW BOOK. Hardy Farm: linw I collected and ciillivati'd them. By Nona Bellaies. London : Smith, Elder cfc Co. " One of Nature's simplest pages — I had almost said one of its prettiest — is that which I have made the subject of this small volume. •' The common hedge-row, the old waU, the rock by the sea- coast, and the wild moor, provide for us the little kingdom of Ferns, whose peculiar habits of life and growth form a pleasant study for our hom-s of recreation. " We shoiUd begin our collection from those which grow near our own homes, bringing first one root, then another, finding out to what family they belong, what soil suits them, and their distinctive characters and habits. " The cottage garden may always have room for its fernery ; a few plants by the old well, by the wicket-gate, will supply subjects for thought and study ; helping to tm-n the child's heart to the love oJE the pure and beaxxtiful instead of the vile and the debasing." To lead to and to aid in eft'ecting the good thus depicted, the authoress has labom-cd attractively and ably. Our readers will recognise in the voliime contributions that have been admired in our pages, but they are now collected iu a form so tasteful that no lover of Ferns but will be glad to possess the volume. KOYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY— JtraE -^7. FLon.u. Committee. — Although the subjects for examination were not quite so numerous on this occasion, there were several noTelties and plants of considerable interest. Mr. Kust. gardener to the Earl of Abergavenny, sent a collection of cut Antin-hinuma of no merit ; also ft seedling Myosotis, with dark bine flowers. Mr. Herbst, Kew, sent a seedling Amarv'llis grandis, with dark scarlet flowei-s. of good substance, but wanting iu form — not nearly equal to Amarjilis Unique. Mr. WiUiams. Holloway. sent Statice pulverula. also a nice specimen of the beautiful New Zealand Fern, Todea superba, which had received a tirst-class certificate at a former meeting ; Lilium species from Japan, small bright yellow spotted flowers — second-class certificate ; Tricho- pilia picta — secoud-class certificate ; Lilium species, serai-double, dull red, spotted flowers ; Phalfenopsis amethystiua, very small and insig- nificant ; a cut specimen of Odontoglossum lt»Ye, the flowers with remarkably narrow segments. Jnly 4. 1666. ] JOURNAL OK HORTIO0I/nrBE AND COTTAGE GAUDENER. Mr. Uill, Hnulfifhl. «*\liibit«l a white seydlinR Verhoim Beauty of I'-ut^lauJ, u phmt of ^Tt-iit luerit ; thr Ifdhh vfrv Iiir-^'e, tlie Howofh flat and smootb, very jmn- whiU^ ; n. lirst-ratt* Verbeiiii. It was awarded a tirst-«'Li«« i'*'rtifi(ul4-. .1. Diiy. Krti|.. Tuttt-uhain. rvliilnttHl a iit'W Oivhid, rftliiml-iiia laiididii. This curiouw plant Kt'emeJ murh to iutwrent Or-IhiI iiriiutfui-s. It was uwunled a rtr^^t-class curtificutH. Also, Airiiii'K Liiull* yiiuii, very beautiful — tii"st-< liis< ccrtitioati' ; I'olv- chilut; oomu-rtrvi, well nuiiu'il from the tlower-spiliO whil« in bud ve- sombliuy a staji'H horn— tir.st-cluss t-ertitk-att; ; i'ronuim'ii citriua, whh uwardod ii tirHt-UiwH certifn-uto iu May: C_^"itript'diiuii, new spiH-ioH. A special certilit-at*^ was awurdt-d to Mr. IJay ^ 1,'tiit-r.il jiiid beuutifiil coHectiou. Me.ssrs. Jackmau, Wokuij;. sint thn-t:' sv.'dliiif,' Clymaiiscs. Tht'v wore rrinue of WiJys, a very tine, largH, dark pnr]>le Hower, the p^'trtls striped with red, vei-y distinct — first-class tertiticate ; C. vu- Li'Ua, smaJier rinwer. but eiiuaily trood iu form, with more red mixed witli the parple, distinct and bcantifnl — first -class cui-tificate ; C. IViuct-ss of WalcH, a puler-colonrt'd flower, not so perfect in form uor so full. H. WaJk«r, EtM].. Hornsey, sent Phyumtodts glauca. a new. distinct, :uid handnom** Fcni — tii-st-dass certitic»t« ; and Polystirhuni sp., a half-bardy Fern — tirst-elass certiticate. Mr. Winsor exhibited seed- ling Zonale Ptdiu'j^onmm Pink Pei-fyctiuu. Mr. George Smith. Honisey, showed seedlinj^ ZonaJe Pelargonium ChieEaiu, a vcn- bright orange Krarlet tJowir, of e\(f Uent form and good truss — tirst-class certificate ; Zonale Pelargonium Cbristabcl. pure white, with small salmon cci\tre — thi« will probably improve as tlie season advances : Zonule Pwlar- goniniu AIplui., something like the tir**t in colour, but not so gnod in form: Zoualc Pelargouium iNosegay) La Gramlo, a veiy fine truss, distinct iu colour — carmine crimson ; this will be a very useful plant for bedding, both on account of its bright flowers and general habit. Mj-. TownKcnd. Hornsey, sent four soudliug Clomatifiey. Lady Georgina Fuller was the best, a large pule lilac llower. vorj' .similar to Clematis lanngiuoBft. for which it was taken ; Souvenir de Cardinal Wiseman, dork purple flowers ; Ilev. Canon Oakley, paler in colour ; and C. Hollaudii. These were deficient in form, and not ei|unl to the hybrids lately sent out. He also sent Thujopsis dolabrata vanegata — thia plant was awarded the silver Banksinn medal iu 18G1 ; and Convallaria variegatn, an old and well-known plant. Mf. Veitch exhibited another of Mr. Domiuy's hybrid Orchids, Cattleya quimiuecolor ; the parents were L'. Acklau.liie and Forbesii ; a very handsome vaiiety. It was awarded a first-class certificate. Mr. Mackiutosh sent Solauum vescum ; as an out-of-door oruameutal plant very useful — second-class certiJicate. Mr. Holland, gardener to K. W. Peake. Esq., sent seedling Zonale Pelnrgonium, a vanegated form, not equal to the Countess of Wanviek ; Asplenium trichomaues Harovii, a very beautiful dwarf-habited Fern — first-class certificate ; Cyclamen Peakiauum, a very useful plant, an evergreeii, and continuing to pro- duce its rosy pink flowers all the year through : one of the plants exhibited was brought before the Committee three years ago, aud has continued in flower ever since — nrst-class certificate. Mr. Wills, gardener to Sir P. De Grey Egerton, Bai-t., sent Mimulus cuprous improved, hut the improvement was not discovered by the Committee. The Rev. W. H. Girdlestone, Kyde, Isle of Wight, sent Athyrinm Filix-fiemina lissidens ii-reguhire, a variety discovered last year in the Highlanch*, a verc distinct aud beautiful Fei*u — first- class cei-tiflcate. Mr. Batlcy, Rugby, contributed twelve seedling Verbenas, some of them pretty flowers, hut not distinct or new. Mr. Fleming, Cliveden, sent cut specimens of several very beautiful seedling Zonale Pelargoniums, Nosegays and otheis. It was requested that these should be seen again : when iu better condition some of tham wiil takt- a good positiou. Mr. Wm. Paul, Waltham Cross, sent Zonale Pelargoniums (Nosegays), Duchess, light scarlet, dwiu-f, com- pact habit, large truss, wUieh was awarded a first-class certificate ; Mrs. VV«i. Paul, not a Nosegay, pale rose, good trass, butuot equal to Beaute deSarenues ; lUso, Imlian Yellow Nosegay, distinct iu colour, vei^ useful — first-class certificate ; also, Donald Beaton, too coarse for a Nosegay, aud not poesessiug the good qualities of the other section of Zouales ; and Nosegay Walthum Seedlijig. Mr. W. Paul also sent four boxes of cut Roses, consisting chiefly of his own seodliugs, wliieh have all been noticed, before. Lord Maeatilay appeai-s to be the best, but this Rose too much resembles Charles Lefeb\Te, they are both vei-^' fiue Roses. Mi'. Eyles sent from the Society's Gardeur.. a seedling Glailiolus. col- lected by Mr. Cooper ; also a ven,- amall LiUiuu, from seod, fi"om Dr. Regel, aud a cut specimeu of Amai^llis reticulata. Fruit Committee. — Mr. John Lee, iu the chair. Mr. Tillery, of W'elbeck, seut a tray of magnificent British Queen Stiawl^erries, the last of the forced Strawbemes of the season. They were the ad- miration of the Committee, and of all who saw them, both for their splendid appearance aud their rich flavour, which was, indeed, that of a Pine. Mr. .lohn Wills. p\rdeuerto Sir Philip M. De Grey Egerton. Bart., Oultipu Piu-k, sent a seedling Melon, which the Committee named Oultou Park Hybiid. It is of mediuui size, round, and with a salmou-eoluured flesh, not quite a scarlet flesh. The flesh is wonder- fully tender aud melting, aud very rich iu tiavoiu'. This was con- sidered a great acquisition, and received a fii-st-class certificate. Mr. Thomas lugram, of Frogmore, sent a seedling Cherry, called Frog- more Early Higarrcau. It is of large size, almost white whore shaded, aad with a brilliant crimsou cheek where exposed to the sun. The flesh is remarkably tender and richly flavoured. This also received a first-class certificate. Mr. Cutbush, of Highgate, seut a branch of a seedling Strawberrj-, remarkable for its lateness, the fruit being not pe. more than the size of peas, while the Pi-jnce of Wales wan fully ri Mr. Cutbush iutimatod Iuh intention uf bringing it forward whon npo at a HubiMqueat meetiug. Scikstikk; Micktimi, Lord Henry Gordou Leunox, M.P., in tbo chair. — The Chairman anjioiuiind that J. M. Strachan, JOsq., hud made a pii-st-nt of a long list of valuable buuks for the library, which the Soci«;ty was trying to collect, and added that further donations wr)uld be very acceptable. A betjuest of books had likewise been made by one whose name commanded their respect and esteem^ Sir .loseph Paxton, who had slood Ijy the Society through good report, and, it might almost be said, through evil report, and he the Chairman asked the meeting to express in their vote of thauka to Lady Paxton, the deep regi-et wbiidi they felt for the loss which slie and the Society had sustained. Tlie vote luiviug been unanimouily passed, the Rev. Mr. Di\, and Mr. G. F. Wilson, the Chairmen of the Floral and Fmit Committees, read over the list of awards, and briefly commented on some of the objects exhibited, Mr. Bateman. iu the unavoidable absence of the Rev. Mr. Berkeley, offered some observations on the plants exhibited. Among those which came under notice were Clematises, especially those raised by Mesars. -laclanan, of Woking, offering iu the flowers pui-plish metallic tints like those of some Iponneas. and being quite a new race, and the best fur out-door pui-jioses. A plant of Jackmanni on a south wall Iu hia own garden in Norih Staffordshire, was growing vigorously, aud he had no doubt would soon cover the wall, which was G feet high, with an in- definite number of tiov/ers, quite as fine as those exliibited. Between Messrs. Jackmau's varieties and tlioso from another exhibitor, there was no discoverable differeiue. Clematis lanuginosa, another hardy Idud, would have a tine effect when planted aloug with Jackmajjni, so as to combiue the blue of the former with the de* p pui-jjle tints of the latter. A Viburnum iliseovered by Mi'. Fortune was i;tated to be per- fectly distinct from the common Snowball Tree (Viburnum opulus), the leaves being entire and the flowers of a purer white. It was found to be perfectly hardy in the climate of Noiih Staffordshire, but would, doubtless, be finer iu more favoured localities. Mr. Bateman next introduced to the meeting specimens of purple and golden foliage. The puqile foliage was that of three hardy trees, the Pur|)le Nut, the Purple Beech, aud the Black Maple, which, he said, deserved to be well kuo\s'U. It was iutroduced by some foreign nurseryman from Japan, and has small, cut, reddish purjjie leaves, transparent when seen with their proper background the sun. Contrasting the richer tints with light ones, what could be better than Golden Yew? Other plants offering such tuits were the Golden Holly, Golden Ivy, Louicera anreo- reticulata, aud one of the most effective of all, the Golden Bramble. The variegated Acer ueguudo, aud many more, might be employed, and these, be it remembered, were not hothouse plants, but hardy trees, which all might enjoy. Doubtless, if attention were tnnied iu that direction, there would be no lack of suitable materials. Mr. Bateman theu pointed out Kalmias as suitable plants for enduring the heated atmosphere of crowded rooms at this season, and related an anecdote of Linnieus being cured of au attack of the gout on the return of his jmpil Kalm, after whom the genus was named, with a rich collection of Kalmias, and so-called American plants. Attention was then directed to a singular plant, namevl by Professor Reichenbach, Luisia Psyche, having the flowers close to the stems, and presenting a striMng smiilarity to some insects. It was mentioned because the genus had been said to consist of none but uninteresting plants. Mr. Bateman exhibiting a Trichopilia, which he had bought at one of Stevens's sales, and stated it had been named by Professor Reiehenbach T. tnrre- alba, being found at the foot of a liigh mountain capped with snow, so as to resemble a white tower ; but sijice he (Mr. Bateman) had come into the room he had seen another aud better variety of the same Trichopilia. shown by Mr. Williams, called picta, under which name it had been figured in " LTllustration Horticole," by M. Lemaire. A summer-flowering variety of Lycaste Skinueri, exhibited by Mr. Veitch, was stated to have smaller and neater flowers tlian that commonly cul- tivated, and Goveniji liliacea (?) was pointed out as beiug useful for liouquets. Iu reference to Dendrobium Pierardi, which was exhibited by Mr. Stone, gardener to Mr. Day, Mr. Bateman remarketl that though it had been known for fifty years, it still held its ground, and no collection was complete without it. Major R. Trevor Clarke then offered some observations on the ob- jects which he had brought to the meeting. Among them was a tall stem of Lilium testaceum, othenvise excelsum, from his garden in Northamptjnshii'e, where he had cultivated it for years as a perfectly hardy plant, hardier than the common Lily. It had the unjust re- putation of being somewhat tender. There was also a specimen of a climbing parasitical Aroid of the tropics, of which he did not recoUect the tririal name, but the plant was figured by Dr. Wallich. For its generic name the choice lay between Philodendrou, Scindapsus, Pothos, aud Moustera. Its curious ripe fruits were on the table, and were said to be eatable, particularly that of the larger sort, called deliciosa, and to be convertible into a cooling drink. It had au ancient jungle-like tropical smell, and would probably give to cream ice a sensational thivour. The species now exhibited had a qualify which would prevent it from beiug a practicable fruit fur European palates, beiug flUed with the same ii-ritating spiculic which existed iu the hep of the Briar. He had also brought two iiu onspicuons objects — a shabby -lookiug garden Stock, aud a spike of Gladiolus in a bottle, with its three poor 10 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. C July 4, 186* termmal flowers left blooming alone. The one was a seedling from a cnriouB old plant, Mathiola feuestralis, crossed with the common •garden Stock, il. iucana, but it had uot yet flowered ; the other was the produce of one of the handsome rose-coloured Gladioli, croseed with the brilliuut scarlet African upcciea, Gladiolus cardinalis. It was interesting in this case to be able to coutirm an obsf nation made by the late Dean of Manchester, to the effect that the splendid colours of cardinalis were not fully transmitted to the offspring, which the Dean attributed to the interbreeding having taken place in a cooler climate. The influence of cardinalis, however, had produced a favour- able effect in the present instance. The seedlings appeared to be early .summer flowers, with the large and handsome habit of the autunmals. The two objects in question were authentic hybrids between two known plants, and he (Major Clarke) urged his horticultural brethren to lose no opportunity of bringing such instances to the Tuesduv meetings. No person who had not really worked at seientilie subjects enuld have a notion how valuable such contributions were — valuable becuuse they were facts. A cross which might seem comparatively unimportant, being authentic, might supply a link in the chain of the evidences in an important investigation. "I call upon you," said Major Clarke, *' to bring to these meetings objects of scientific interest of every land, whether the results of individual experiment, or gleanings from' hill or valley, river or forest, illustrations of nature's -wild and wondrous changes. Such objects are too rarely seen on the tables of the Horti- cultural Society. Why is this ? I believe because the horticultural mind, improved as it is in the present day, has not been sufficiently turned in this dii-ection. In the early part of the season the obser- vation was made by my friend, Mr. Ba'teman, that there was a lack of horticulturists at the present day. Now, this remark was, I believe, ntterly misunderstood by some of his auditors or readers. We have clever gardeners, both in the nurserj- profession, and in the gardens of our country gentlemen, so clever that no couutiy on tlie face of the earth can find their equal ; but the mau who will devote time and money during a lifetime to legitimate hortienltnral experiment, both within and without this Society, who will from time to time take the trouble to produce hit- results in this room, who will initiate imd perfect revolutions in our art, who will raise generation after generatiou of the fruits of the earth, Beaaou by season, improving and improving — thin man will have deserved well of his fellowH. These are the men alluded to by my friend, Mr. Batemau, und I believe with him that they are rare. But such men are rising, must be rising, in this almost over- intellectual age. " Mr. Bateman prefaced his lecture on Eafilesia AmohU, by remark- ing that when any one gave a lecture, or put his name to a paper read before any learned bociety, it was generally supposed that there wan some fresh information to communicate, or progress to report, but he had nothing to add to what had been previously known ; his object was simply to recall attention to what was the wouder of bo- tanists— a plant of which an account was published in the *" Trans- actions " of the Linnean Society, in 1820. and which was called Rafflesia Amoldi. The generic name was given in compliment to Sii Stamford Raffles, and the specific mime was in honour of its discoverer. Dr. Arnold, who was attached to Sir Stamford Kuflless mission to Sumatra, and who. about a fortnight after its discoven-, fell a victim to fever caught in the woods where it gi-ew. The biogi-apher of this plant, the celebrated Brown, who wrote an accoimt of it in the "Lin- nean Transactions," had also piissed away. It appears that after having resided awhile in Sumatra. Dr. Arnold had ventured some way into the woods, when one of the Maliiy senants came running to him with wonder in his eyes, and siiid, " Come with me, Sir, come, ;i flower, very large, beautiful ! wonderful ! " He immediately went with the man about 100 yards into the jungle. The rest of the party hastened on, and here, growing apparently on a stem, was a flower a yard across. The whole flower was of veiT thick substance, the petals and neetaiy being in but few places less than a quarter of an inch thick, and in some places three-quarters of an inch ; the substance of \th)K«i! 'mj^ u^ldi '.\ith bud, growing on the stem ol a Cissus. it was very succulent. When Dr. Arnold fii"st saw it, a swarm of flies was hovering over the mouth of the nectary, and apparently laying their eggs in the substance of it. It had precisely the smell of tainted beef. The centi-e of the nectarium gave rise to a large pistil, at the top of which were about twenty processes, somewhat cnn'ed and sharp at the end, resembling a cow's bom. Now for the dimensions, which are the most astonishing part of the flower. It measured a full yard across ; the petals which were sub-rotund, being 12 inches from the base to the apex, and it being about a foot from the insertion of the one petal to the opposite one. The nectarium was estimated to hold twelve pints, and the weight was about 15 lbs. In order to ensure the size being accm*ately taken, four large sheets of paper were pinned together, and cut to the precise size of the flower. The soil whei'e it was found was veiy rich, and covered with the excrements of animals. A guide from the interior of the connti-y iufonned Dr. Araold that such flowers were rare, but that he had seen several, and that the natives called them Krubiit. What was this wonderful plant ? Was it a fungus or an ordinary fioweiing plant ? Brown with his usual sagacity decided that it was not a fungus but a true root parasite ; and Mr. Bateman then explained at some length the distinction between parasites and epi- phytes. Dr. Arnold had thought that the stem on which the flower was produced, was the root or stem of the Rafflesia, but it was the stem of a Cissus or Vine which wound round the trunk of a tropical tree. According to Brown, it takes three months from the first appear- ance of the bud to the full expansion of the flower, and the latter appears but once a-year, at the conclusion of the niiny season. The plant " has no stem of its own, but is parasitic on the roots and stems of a ligneous species of Cissus where it appeal's to take its origin in some crack or hollow of the stem, and soon shows itself in the form of a round knob," at first like an egg, then resembling a Drumhead Cabbage, and finally becoming a flower such as represented and de- scribed. It was not enough, ailded Mr. Bateman, to see a flower represented in that room, but it was an object of natural ambition to have the plant. Mr. Loudon, when he diew a phiu for the Birming- ham Botanic Garden, had a tropical -house in the middle of the garden in which he hoped Rafflesia Amoldi would succeed, but thirty years had elapsed and it was not yet in the country, though it ought to be in the stoves of Kew. He had no doubt it would be flowered in this country, but whether such a result would be obtained in the lifetime of the present generation of horticulturists he could not venture to say, unless the Chairman would use his parliameutaiy influence to induce the Government to take some steps in the matter. It appeared from an article in a Belgian periodical, that Rafflesia had been flowered in Java. The article stated that the Rafflesia Amoldi " is parasitic on the roots of certain species of Cissus in the isles near the Suuda Strait, especially those of Cissus scariosa. M. Teysmaun has tried, in the garden of Buitenzorg, in the isle of Java, to sow the plant which pro- duces these gigantic flowers on the roots of Cissus, after ha\'ing made an incision to dinde the bark. The experiment has been perfectly successful, and at the end of eighteen months, M. Teysmann has had the satisfaction of seeing many flower-buds of Rafflesia burst from the roots, whose size varied from that of a Pea to that of a middle-sized Apple. From the obsen-ations which the Dutch gardener has had an opportunity of maldug on spontaneous Rafflesiic. these buds ^^ill require a year or more before expanding the flowers, which are frequently not less than a metre in diameter. It has also established this singular fact, that the parasites spring some distance above or below the ]>oint at which the seeds were inserted. We may then hope to obtain in a cultivated state this remai-kable vegetable."' Mr. Bateman concluded by urging all who hud friends in Java, to take steps to send home this remarkable plant ; and moved a vote of thanks to the Chairman, who in returning thanks expressed the gratification which he felt in attending the Society's meetings whenever it was pos^iible for him to do so. Jnly 4, 1865. :i JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. n THE MODERN PEACH-PllUNEK I,()N(i PKUNINW. -No. lu TnnnK are various methods of pruning tlu; I'i'acli wliicli can ho c:las.se(l iinilnr tho head of "lou;;;" but it is iimiecessary )ioro to ilhistrate more than one, which may Iji^ taken as a Rood specimen of tliis method. It is not more eomiilicated iu prac- tice than the otlicrs, which are founded on tlie annual supply of youuR liranchos. In tliis method the shoots spring! from spurs which are cal- culated to last several years, and which are renewed whenever a new shoot spriuRs conveniently from the base of the spur. A Rood succession of younR wood is obtainable in this way. All modern experience tends to show that systems founded on any considerable annual cutting-out of branches, however small those branches, must end in causing disease in the Peach tree. There is not, in reality, any good reason for this dan- gerous practice, which has already caused so much loss ; far frum this, the day seems nt liauci wlien b luling branches will not be shortened at all, and the chief pnmint; of the tree will bo effected by the summer-stoppini; of the shoots, iiUowinga comparatively small amount of rej^ulutinii for the winter season, \Vhcu these ideas are fully carried out, the clitlionlty of Peach pruning will become small, -nd theory iPiid practice will agree more fully together. It is necessary now to go back a little, and renjember that our young tree is su;iposed to have made a certain growth during the summer next after its being planted. Man> pruners, at the winter season, shorten this growth inndi' by the leading branches by one-third ; the reason they give is, that the lowest third part of each branch frequently fails to develope its buds. This is, however, but a vtsionnvy fear, if the roots do their duty. Fiji. 11. — Tliu'tl Summer Pruniug. The next summer all the branches will extend freely, and tlie buds upon them will begin to develope themselves. The buds situated on the lowest third portion of each leading Ijraneh not receiving, especially if placed on the under side, much sap, will generally not extend much, and if the season be very favourable, some will become converted into cluster-spurs (class 5). These must, therefore, be retained untouched. Their character is discernible by May. Shoitld they extend more freely they will pass out of class 5, and become rather slender shoots, and should not be stopped at all, not being iua position to become gross shoots (class 4). The buds situated on the central third portion of each branch will extend freely, and be ri^'. 1"J. — Winter Pruning'. the principal fruit-bearers of classes 2 and 3. They should be stopped at 12 inches as soon as they have made 1,5 inches of growth, and be lightly tied-in during the season of growth, at regular intervals, and at nearly the same angle as the branch. The buds situated on the upper third portion of the branch should be treated in the same manner ; and should any exhibit the appearance of becoming gross shoots, of class 4, thej should be cut down at once to two eyes, from which one new shoot is to be selected (the l>est-placed, and the weakest) to fill up the vacant place. This will be a shoot of a valueless character, long between the joints, and of class 1 ; but it cannot be avoided. Fig. 13. — Fuurlli Summer Pruning. The extension, or new growth, of each leading branch must be allowed to develope freely. Care must be taken to guide these branches in the proper direction, by means of light rods, and none of them should ever be lowered into the place it is destined eventually to fill, until it be well constituted, and iu good balance with the corresponding branch of the other side. This is done by raising or depressing, according to circum- stances. As no fruit is expected at this stage, blossom-buds may be rubbed off. Should any of the wood-buds be seen to be double, and to put forth two shoots, some little discernment may here be required to select the proper one, and to do so at the right time. Passing over the shoots of the lowest third of each branch, which are not troublesome, of those placed higher up the shoots nearest to the wall must be selected, and the outer ones removed, whether on the upper or lower sides of the branch. But, on the upper third portion, which receives abimdant sap, all the weaker shoots should be selected for fruit-bearers, no matter where placed. At the winter pruning of this the second year, should any cluster-spurs appear, one or two may be selected to bear the third season's fruit — that is, if it be so desired, because the 1 i^'. 14, — Fourth Winter Pruuiug. tree is yet very young to bear. All the other .shoots should now be cut back to two good eyes. The leading branches in this style of pruning are now shortened by, say, one-fifth. To shorten more would be to throw the tree into inconveniently long lateral growth, requiring much interval between the branches. Of course, this interval varies with the style of ])runing. Twenty inches is considered a moderate interval. At the spring of the ensuing, or third season, the tree will have acquired certain proportions and form, and the shoots shortened last winter to two eyes will each speedily develope two new shoots, which shoots must now be carefully attended to, as destined to bear a moderate croji of fruit in the fourth season. We come thus to consider the branches and shoots as they appear at the third season. The two shoots during this summer will gradually assnme the appearance indicated in «;/. 11. They are there named re- spectively A and !!, as being the two original shoots proceeding from the spur k. If we keep to this nomenclature it will avoid confusion. No doubt the term " spur "' is the most appro- priate here, and has been received as such before by reviewers of cordon training. Spur is the correct rendering of the 12 JOURNAL OF HOBTICULXUBE AND COTTAGE GAfiDENEB. [ Juljr 4, 186§. synonymous continental word, and it certainly is produced by manipulation. Both shoots will be allowed to extend to 15 inches, and be stopped back to about 12 inches. At Mon- treuil about 14 inches is the general rule. Many prmiers abjure summer stopping altogether, which is a great error, and the cause of overgi-owth and weakness iu the tree. The winter shortening is immense and needless, because it is well known that the buds of the lower portion of each shoot can be reaililj distinguished in .June, and a good guess then made as to their (juality. If the lower buds be then pro- minent, and well established, what need can there be for any superfluous length of shoot beyond them? But, let us sup- pose A and I) to make a good summer growth, and to have been stopped at 12 inches, as seen in Jiji. 11, and then to have made an additional second growth, which is only of use so far as it occupies the supernbundixut sap. During the season they will have been secured to the wall, avoiding enclosing any leaves, at the proper angle, and if weak it is proper to raise them some- what more. At the winter pruning, when the leaves have dropped, they will look much like //;/. 11. e Eepresents the original shoot, now called a spur. It will now be proper to consider which shoot should be pre- served long for fniit, and which cut back for a replacing-shoot. In Jiff. 12 it is supposed that b has been found, by reason of its groups of triple buds, to be the best, and therefore it is cut down to above the second group of triple buds. Many primers, however, would have left it half as long again. Some retain thereby space for a couple of fruit. This may be done when there is generally little fruit on the tree, or if the tree have few- shoots. A Is cut down to two good wood-buds for a succession ; the long shoot n is attached closely to the waD at rather an acute angle w ith the branch. The spur e continues to preserve its original form. These simple operations complete the year's work ; great care having been taken, by syiinging copiously, &c., the leaves during the summer, so as to keep down insects and favour growth. Practical Peaeh-pruners, such as Mr. Kad- clyffe, continually tell us this. At the fourth summer, in firj. 13 we see that the original shoots A and ii are still the basis of the work in hand, a From its two wood-bnds puts forth two summer shoots c and d, which are likewise stopped at 12 inches, and make a second growth. B Now- bears a fruit at v, and the wood-bud accom- panying the fniit extends a little, and is pinched in at three or four leaves. The terminal group sends forth another shoot from its central bud, and this is also pinched to three leaves. These two small shoots are amply sufficient to attract sap to the fruit below them, and this is their use. It will be observed that the fruit grow-s in this case on the lowest triple group, which is always the best to select. Should the shoot b have been laid in at much greater length than here shown, and dis- budding the intervening buds be practised (as so many do, some leaving only the bud accompanying the fruit, and another at the base to succeed), then it can only be considered an un- natural and useless custom. Moreover, some of the very best practical pruners agi-ee that it is not proper to depend on the same shoot to bear fruit and to produce a replacing-shoot for the next season. It cannot be depended on, and requires far more attention iu bending the shoot at just the proper time than the present plan. If this bending down of the shoot is omitted it will be blind the following year. The new shoots c and D are treated as before described, and if neatly secured to the wall will not present any confused or crowded appear- ance. At the fourth winter pnining either of the shoots c and n are selected according to their character. Supposing d, the lower shoot, to be selected as the fruit-bearer, it is cut above the second or thh-d group of buds as before ; c, the npper shoot, then becomes that destined to produce the two new succession- shoots, and is accordingly cut back to two wood-buds. The upper portion of the original spur E, together with the whole of the shoot B, are now- cut away as smoothly as pos.sible, leaving the whole as it appears in ft'f/. 14. By this time one or more buds will have appeared at the base of original spur e, and these it developed will form the basis of future work. Should several appear, one at least should be closely pinched iu, so as to form a cluster-spur, and thereby increase the chance of fruit. There arc several other ways of managing the shoots, but none better than this one, nor in reality more simple. Some manage to work with altei-nate shoots. Others dispense even with this, and are content mth single ones. Much overlying of ahoot and branch and considerable winter amputations are the consequences. Long pruning on the whole wastes the vitality of the tree by producing much needless wood. All recent experience points to a modification of this system, which shall form my next subject. — T. Brehaut, Richmond House, Guenuiey. THE I^TE DUKI': OF DEVONSHIPiE AND SLR JOSEl'H PAXTON. Asorr twenty years ago, by the direction of the late Duke of Devonshire, I copied the following fi-om the original in his Grace's handwriting : — " Joseph Paxton was boi-n the 3rd of August, 1803. I made his acquaintance at the Horticultural Society's Garden at Chis- wick, where he was placed in 1823. He was chiefly employed then in training the creepers and newly introduced plants on the walls there, which first excited my attention ; and being in want of a gardener at Chatsworth, I .'isked Mr. Sabine, who was then at the head of the establishment, whether he thought that yoimg man would do ? He said, ' Young and untried,' but spoke so favourably that I had no doubt. " The yoimg man had made a large lake in 1822 at Sir Gregory Page Turner's place near Woburu. He came to Chats- w-orth in 1826. You shall have it in liis own words : ' I left Loudon by the Comet coach for Chesterfield, and arrived at Chatsworth at half-past four o'clock in the morning of the 9th of May, 1820. As no person was to be seen at that early hour I got over the greenhouse gate by the old covered way, explored the pleasiu'e-grounds, and looked round the outside of the house. I then went down to the kitchen gai-don, scaled the outside wall, and saw the whole of the place, set the men to work there at six o'clock ; then returned to Chatsworth, and got Thomas Weldon to play me the waterworks, and afterwards went to breakfast with poor dear Mrs. Gregory and her niece : the latter fell in love with me, and I w-ith her, and thu.s com- pleted my first morning's work, at Chatsworth, before nine o'clock.' " He man-ied Miss Sarah Bow-n in 1827. In a very short time a great change appeared in pleasure-ground and garden : vegetables of which there had been none, fruit in perfection, and flowers. Twelve men with brooms in their hands on the lawn began to sweep, the labourers to work with activity. The kitchen garden was so low and exposed to floods from the river, that I supposed the first wish of the new gardener would be to remove it to some other place, but he made it answ-er. In 1829 the management of the woods w-as entrusted to him, and gradually they were rescued from a prospect of destruction. Not till 1832 did I take to caring for my plants in earnest. The old greenhouse was converted into a stove, the greenhouse at the garden.s was built, the Arboretum was invented and formed. Then started up Orchidace», and three successive houses were built to receive the increasing niunbers. " In 183.5 the intelligent gardener John Gibson was despatched to India to obtain the Amherstia nobihs and other treasures of the East. The colossal new Conser\'atory was invented and begim in 1836 ; the following year Baron Ludwig was so charmed with its conception, that he stripped his garden at the Cape of the rarest produce of Afi-ica. Paxton had now been employed in the superintendence and foi-mation of my roads : he made one tour with me to the West of England, and in 1838 contrived to accompany me for an enth-e year abroad, iu which time, having gone through Switzerland and Italy, he trod iu Greece, Turkey. Asia Minor, Malta, Spain, and Portugal. In absence he managed that no progress should be checked at home. A great calamity ruined the expedition he had set on foot to California ; the unfortunate Wallace and Banks, young gardeners from Chatsw-oi-th, having been drowned in Columbia river. He went with me in 1840 to Lismore, and in that year the Conservatory w-as finished. The vUlage of Edousor was new-modelled and rebuilt between 1839 and 1841, and the crowning works have been the fountains and the rock-garden." After I had copied what precedes. I inquired of the Duke if he knew the amount of wages Paxton was receiv-ing from the Hoi-ticultiu-al Society in 1823 ? the answer was, " Only 18.<;. a-week, as I was informed by Mr. Sabine." As I knew that the Duke of Devonshire (by whom I had been most kindly aided for the last eighteen years) would not be offended by the question, I asked what wages he had liimself given the "young and untried " gardener in the first instance ? and his reply was, " I think 25.S. a-week, and a cottage." Of com-se, his Grace afterwards rapidly advanced Paxton's wages ; and eight or ten July i, 1865. 1 JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GABDKNEB. 13 years siibscquently, the young labourer of 18s. a-wcek, and the now gardener of 25.<. a-week, was often seen dining at tiic Duke's table. — (J. Payne Colliek, in Notes and Qufyien.) NEW KAllLY PEAS. On the 7th of Fcbniiiry I sowed the following varieties : — Dickson's First and Best Early, Sutton's Rinslender, Dilli- . stone's Early Prolific, Sangster's No. 1, Daniel O'Koiirko, and Maclean's Princess Koyal, and on the follnwiug day Dickson's Early Favourite, Wonderful, and Maclean's Dwarf Prolific. In consequence of a long period of severe weather which set iu just after they were sown, it was at least seven weeks before any of them appeared above gi-ound. and then iu the follow- ing order : — 1st, Sutton's Ringleader, and Carter's First Crop ; 2nd, Dickson's First and Best, and Dillistone's Early ProUtic ; 3rd, Daniel O'Konrke ; 4th, Sangster's No. 1 ; the other three Idnds coming through together a little after the last named. The time occupied iu the Peas appearing above gi-ound was from ten to twelve days. On the .5th of May, I noted that Carter's First Crop, and Sutton's Kiugleader, were in full bloom ; Dickson's First and Best Early was four days later jjwhile Sangster's No. 1, and Daniel O'Roiirke, bloomed to- gether about two days later tlian Dickson's. Dillistone's Early, the seed of which was had direct from Mr. Dillistoue, of Sible Hedingham, started off into a strong growth just as it was coming into bloom, a very heavy rain having fallen a few days previously. It reached the height of between 5 aud 6 feet, came into bearing the last of all the early kinds, and produced a good crop, but the pods were rather small, and as I grew it, did not seem to present any special claims to favour. On the 1st of June, I gathered a good dish of Peas, the ma- jority from Carter's Fii-st Crop, and Sutton's Ringleader, and some from Dickson's First and Best Early ; from the last, two days later, I was enabled to gather an abundant dish. Some time after the Peas had been sown, I was informed by Messrs. F. and A. Dickson & Sons, of Chester, that the seed of their First and Best Early Pea, was of the crop of 1863 ; in fact, that all they sent out, in the past spring, was of that harvest. I am, therefore, of opinion, that when new seed of the First and Best Pea can be sown against Cai'ter's and Sutton's, it will be found quite as early, aud a much better cropper, as it really is. 1 fully believe that the First Crop, aud Ringleader, are iden- tical in every respect, and this is not only my own opinion, but also that of aU others who saw them, and it was noticeable that whereas Dickson's Pea was entirely free from " rogues," or " stragglers," there was a number of them amongst the other two vaineties. The three were grown in a good deep loam, well manured last year for Onions, the average height being from 2 to 2i feet. Sangster's No. 1, and Daniel O'Rourke, were ready for gathering about a week later, and their good quahties are too well known to need conuneut here. In succession to these came Dickson's Favourite, Princess Koyal, Wonderful, and Maclean's Dwarf Prolific, all were in bearing at the same time. Dickson's Favourite is a weU-known tariety, an abimdant bearer, with long well-fiUed pods. It will grow from 5 to 6 feet high. Princess Royal is a large, white, lonnd, Marrow Pea, gi'owing about 3J feet in height, and an abundant cropper, having large pods filled with fine Peas of good flavour. Wonderful is similar to Princess Royal, excepting that it is a white wrinkled Marrow, and scarcely so robust a grower. Both of these are first-class Peas, and they deserve to rank Al. in the seed catalogues. Maclean's Dwarf Prolific grows about 2i feet high, is an abundant cropper, rather smaller in the pod than the other two, and not quite so hardy. I may mention, that I grew Maclean's Advancer last year, and that I have this season seen it growing in the garden of Sir W. Heathcote, Bart., M.P., at Hursley, Hants, and while I admit its claims as a very early wrinkled Man-ow, yet I find, tliat in southern localities at least, it grows so dwarf, and crops so sparely, that I do not think it can long hold its own. I am also gi-owing 'Veiteh's Perfection, Yorkshire Hero, Hairs' Dwarf Mammoth, Prince of Wales, aud Lord Raglan, but they are not yet sufiSciently advanced to make notes of at present. I know from last year's trial that they are all ex- cellent varieties. I should like to recommend, as best dwarf Peas for succession, Diek.son's "First and Best Early,'' Sangster's No. 1, Princess Boyal, Wonderful, Veitch's Perfection, and Lord Raglan. — Alex. Sean, Maybush, Shirley, Sonthampton. WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCnEN OAUnEN. TiiK weather during the past few days has in many parts of tlic country been particularly favourable for planting out the autunni and winter crops, which may have been delayed in consequence (jf the pre\ious dry weather. Ili-iin.s, some Maza- gans may yet )}C ]>ul in, which will produce late in the season if the weather jirove favourable. Brlants would bo rather thin, finished all our bedding-out last week. All the earlier-planted will now pretty well look after themselves. The Calceolarias are jjroducing Inige cauli- flower-like heads of bloom, but where uuich exposed, as on raised beds, they are not making such gi'owth for succession as we would like in this dry weather, and with the ability to give them none but a minimum of water. Mulchinii. — For these and (jeraniums not covering the ground, and indeed for things in general, and as the ground is warm enough for anything, we have proceeded to mulch to keep the ground cooler and moister about the roots. We are not well off for materials this season, and have been obliged to use it rougher this season. For the centre of large beds we have used half-rotten leaves from the Vine-border, breaking them well up with the jioints of a five-tined fork, until they are pretty well as loose and flossy as the hair that is jjrepared for hair mortar. Even then this would be tempting for the birds, if placed near the sides of the beds, as 'they woidd soon pick it over the lawn. They have little chance of doing it from the middle of the beds, in consequence of the thickness of the plants, and the twigs to keep them all right and safe from winds. The front of the beds and borders will be slightly mulched, as far as the material goes, with from half iin inch to an inch thick of a mixture of leaf mould and old Mushroom dimg, passed through a sieve with openings an inch wide. This makes a nice finish, and is a gi'eat help every way, rendering much watering unnecessary, and economising what is used, and, in raised beds, preventing the nmuiug of the soil when watering is resorted to ; whilst, if rain comes, the nourishment in the material is washed down to the roots. A little soot and lime, in the outside mixture, would help to keep the bills of the birds from it. But for scarcity of the material we would have used this riddled mixture alone, for the sake of neatness, and for most of the beds in this dry weather. By promoting surface-rooting it also promotes free flowering, instead of extra luxuriance, which much manme dug into the beds is apt to do. Moss is also a capital mulching, and gives a nice gi-oimd colour, if kept green, until the leaves hide it ; and so is the cocoa-nut fibre. Some of our amateur friends write of it to us in ecstacies, and ask why we do not commend it for general use for this mulching process. Well, we agi'ee in much of their enthusiasm ; but then the expense of so mulching a large garden ! Lau-m. — In such weather, the less mowing and gi'ass-cutting with the machine the better, so long as neatness is secm-ed. A deep cut with the mowing machine is sure to promote brown- ness and a rusty appearance. If the lawn looks flossy and a little rough, and pieces are long, especially round the sides of beds, a man who takes a pride in his work will so hold and regulate the machine as to knife the long points, and will soon, with a 14 or Ki-inch machine, go over a large space of ground. When a few Bents, Plantains, and Daisies appear, the daisy- knife is the tool to remove them with, and the sun will make short work in sending them out of sight. The beautiful low yellow Lotus corniculatus, which would make a capital yellow bed, has been rather prominent on the lawn here this year, and the extreme dryness is also giving us lots of white flowers of the Dutch Clover ; and the yellow and the white are apt to stud the green of the grass, and yet be so low that neither knife nor scythe can get hold of them ; but as soon as they rise the least above the level of the short grass the knife soon settles them. A visitor told us, some time ago, that in a public garden he saw seven men toiling .away with daisy-rakes on a lawn, and that they did not do half as much work as one man was doing easily with the daisy-knife. As yet our lawns are pretty green, but a good cutting with the machine, without rain, would make them brown enough. Flnri.iti' Flmcers. — Auriculas, Polyanthuses, and Pansies will now do best in a shady place. The last two may be diWded and ])lanted out or potted. Pansies, to be kept good, should have a shady place, plenty of rich top-dressing, and abundance of water to keep them moist and cool. Cuttings of favourite kinds may now be inserted in sandy soil in a shady place ; 16 .TOUENAL OP HORTICULTUEe AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. [ July 4, 1865. seeds be collected, and those used for flower-beds in spring be divided and grown on in beds for next season. Daisies we will divide as we get time. Piiil;s and Carnations need supporting, and gi-een tly should be brushed off if it make its appearance. A fine brush and weak quassia water are better than using the fingers and thumb. Pricked out seedling Cinerarias. Planted out a lot of these done flowering to yield suckers. Put a tew branches over them. Herbaceous Calceolarias done blooming should be placed out in a shady place to form suckers and shoots. One of these shoots rooted or struck as a cutting in the autumn will make a better plant than could be made of the old plant by any coddling whatever. These are invaluable for display chiefly in April and May. After that the air is too dry and hot except they are kept in a cool place. Tidips, cut oif flower-stems, and the roots of fine ones should be taken up as soon as the leaves decay. Lachenalias and many early bulbs should be now in a state of rest, and may remain in the re- versed pots, or be taken out and be iilaced in saueers covered with dry sand. Went on potting stove and gi-eenhouse plants. Cockscombs, especially feathered ones which promise to be fine, and Ba - sams, giving the latter mostly rotten dung and loam in equal proportions. Some of the Balsams had a little fly, and the tops of the plants were, therefore, dipped before shifting into a liquid of soft soap and quassia water, but not so strong as that recommended by Mr. Eivers. Even in r.ather small pots they promise to be strong and fine. The pots are plunged but the heads receive plenty of air. jUl our large Chrysanthemums are plunged to save water chiefly, but the plants are more easily kept in a uniform comfortable state. Dipped baskets of Stan- hopeas in manure water, and kept all plant-houses in a moist state by damping the floors and stages. Clear weak manure water suits almost every thing now, if the drainage is all right. — E. F. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— July 1. The market is now well supplied with everything. The late \vanii weather haviiiji driven all kinds of fruit funvard, prices have consequently fallen considerably. Some good Apricots and Plums are now arrivint; from the continent. The first cai-go of West ludiau Pines has ai-rived, bat the froit is not very good. ERUIT. Apples \ sieve Apricots pottle Cherries lb. Chestnuts bush. Ctirrants, Red A sieve Black do. Figs doz. Filberts 100 lbs. Cobs do. Gooseberries, . ^ sieve Grapes, Hambro.. . lb. Muscats lb. Lemons 100 Artichokes each Asparagus bundle Beans Broad. . ^ sieve Kidney 100 Beet, Red doz. Broccoli bundle Brus. Sprouts. .^ sieve Cabbage doz. Capsicums 100 Carrots bunch Cauliflower doz. Celery bundle Cucumbers each pickling doz. Endive scorce Fennel buuch Garlic and Shallots, lb. Herbs bunch Horseradish . . bundle H. d. s. d 2 Otol 0 0 0 0 n 0 9 1 B 0 0 0 0 4 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 12 0 0 0 0 0 fiO 0 60 0 2 0 a 0 X n H 0 H 0 12 0 5 0 10 0 s. d. 8. d Melons each 8 Oto 8 0 Mulberries punnet 0 0 0 0 Nectarines doz. 12 0 24 0 Oranges 100 6 0 14 0 Peaches doz. 18 0 36 0 Pears (kitchen) . . doz. 0 0 dessert doz. 0 0 Pine Apples lb. 4 0 Plums i sieve 0 0 Quinces | sieve 0 0 Raspberries lb. 1 S Strawberries lb. 0 6 2 0 Walnuts bu.sh 14 0 2U 0 0 0 0 0 « 0 0 0 0 0 1 6 VEGETABLES. s. d. 8. A 0 4to0 6 3 0 5 0 2 D 3 0 0 G 1 0 S 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 U 7 4 0 2 0 0 6 0 0 2 6 0 3 0 8 0 3 2 6 0 0 1 6 0 10 8 0 0 0 0 0 Leeks bunch Lettuce per score Mushrooms. . . . pottle Mustd. A Cress, punnet Onions bushel pickling quart Parsley ^ sieve Parsnips '. doz. Peas quart Potatoes bushel New.. per doz. lbs. Radishes doz. bunches Rhubarb bundle Savoys doz. Sea-kale basket Spinach bushel Tomatoes doz. Turnips bunch Vegetable Marrows dz. s. d. 9. d U 3 to 0 6 1 6 0 1 0 5 0 1 1 0 2 1 0 6 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 1 2 1 4 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 4 0 0 6 2 0 TIUDE CATALOGUE RECEIVED. Osbom & Sons, Fulham. — Catalogtte of Hardy Trers ami Shrubs. TO CORRESPONDENTS. Plants Suitable for the Wall of a Stove (J. Bayley). — Wistaria chinensis; Virginian Creeper; Lonicera flexnosa, L, aureo-reticolata ; Clematis montaua, C. flamniula; Ai-istoloehia sipho; Bignouia radicans major ; Hedera (the Iv}'), Gold-blotched Irish, maculata, palmata, Silver- striped. Climbing Roses Ruga (this will grow in the coldest situation), Amandis, Grevillii, Felicite perpetuelle. Prize Melon.— The scarlet-fleshed Melon with which I took first prize at the Royal Botanic Society's Exhibition should have been named Mounsden's Moreton Hall instead of Malvem Hall.— Thos. Patoh, CfutTle- cote Park. Stopping Vine Laterals- Buds Bursting (W. D.J utu). —The cansu of the buds bursting prematm-ely on your young Vine is very luxuriant growth and rapid root-action. We had a young cane of Duche^riS of Buc- cleuch this season that burst in a similar way. It is unfortunate when this happens, as the Vine will have to be cut back at the pruning season to the firbt good eye below the tir.st primitive bud. If this is not done the Vine will always look very imsightly, as the spurs will I)e obliged to be left long, and ^s-ill go on increasing in length each rear; but if the Vine is strong and can be well ripened, the best way would be to take five or six good bunches of fruit fi-om it next year, and encoiu-age a young can& up from the base of the Vine for the following season. Muscat Vine Leaves Turning Buown (A Y'oiuig Gard-:^nci\ Lincoln- 8kire).~Yoiir Vines are very likely infested with the red spider. If so, keep the atmosphere moist, and put a thick coat of sulphur on the pipes, walls, or any other available pai-t of the house. Azalea Leaves Infested \\^TH Brown Thrips (X. Sidm6uth).~T:be foliage of your Azaleas is very badly infested \vith brown thrips. Dip them two or three times in a mixture of Gishurst compound .ind water; put about two ounces of Gishurst to one gallon of water, and syringe the plants two or three times daily with clean water. This will soon, clear them. Grapes Diseased iJ. B.I.— The berries of the Lady Downe's Grape arc very severely affected with what gardeners call *• spot." It is an idcera- tion caused usually by the roots not obtaining a sufficient nutriment from the soil, owing to their descending too deeply or into an uugenial subsoil. We would remove the surface down to the flr.st roots, put over them a little rich compost, and water with tepid water, at the same time venti- lating night and day freely. Iron Greenhouse (P.). — Any of the hothouse manufacturers who ad- vertise in our columns could supply what you require. A similar struc- ture might be made of wood, equally removeablo and cheaper. Garden Turf Weedy (M. E. H.).~The Plantain and the Milfoil (Achillea), which you enclose can only be eradicated by uprooting with a chisel or knife. Then sift over the whole a mixture of thoroughly decom- posed stable manure and earth to the depth of a quarter of an inch ; then sow it with Suckling seed (Trifolium minus), and pass the roller over. Applying Salt to Asparagus-beds {W, E.).— We apply it at the rate offour ounces to the gallon, dissolved in house sewage, by means of shallow trenches made between the rows of plants. We apply it once a-week throughout the gi-owing season — from April to October. We cover the surface of the beds with about an inch in thickness of thoroughly decayed stable manure. ^ Calceolaria Seedlings iKtioimthorpr, Lecdit). — Yom- seedling Calceo- larias are some of them of first-rate quality. Those with a light cream- coloiu-ed ground are especially good, the circular markings distinct and novel. We should much like to see the plants. The dark flowers, though of good form, are nut new in colour. Some of them are very i>romiiiiiig, and of fine fonn. Mildewed Pear IjEaves \Chtliuorth). — The leaves so severely visited by patches ai fungi, tm-ning black eventually and falling, indicate the border requires manure, mulching on the surface, and abundance of moisture. We should sjxinge copiously the leaves and the wall every evening during dry hot weather. Cucumbers Deformed — Vegetable Marrows Falling iProspera).' — Cucumbers have large stalk ends, and dwindle towards the other ex- tremity, usually because the roots are defective m action, o^ving to too little or too much bottom heat, or because there has been an irregular or deficient supply of water. The Vegetable Mai-row fi-uit would fall from gimilar causes, or from air not being admitted suflBcieutly fretly. An Ornamental Conifer — Propagating Flowering Thorns {P. -B.). — You may take your choice for your moimd and screen of Wellingtonia gigautea. Abies Douglasii. and Pinus insignis. The latter makes a noble tree, but you had better inquire whether it is perfectly hardy in yonr neighbourhood before you decide. Abies Douglasii is sure to be hardy. Flowering Thorns are best from buds, which may be put in during August and September. Placing Vallota purpurea in Water (P. P.I.— We have not tried this Amaryllid in the open air. placed 2 or 3 inches in a shallow reservoir of water, hut have repeatedly had it in a taucer of water from April to September, and it seemed none the worso of this semi-aquatic treatment. We have kept it in the open air plimged in a sunny place ; and we doubt not it woTtld do with the pots jilaccd 2 or 3 inches deep in water in a large shallow reservoir, very raucli exposed to the sun, as you propose, takiiiR in the pots the end of Heptejnber. If you try the experiment we should be obliged by your stating the result. Melons Turning Yellow (B. Allen), — Tlie usual reason is that not giving air early destroys the pollen, and the Melons consequently do not set. Another cause is too much moisture, which destroys or hinders the distribution of the pollen, and prevents the stigma recei\-in4» it in a fit state for fructification. The fruit sometimes turns yellow from a defi- ciency of bottom heat preventing a supply of sap sufiirient to insure the swelling of the fruit, and at times through a deflcien(\v of moisture in the soil. Keep the shoots thin, so as to admit light and air; giv* air early, and keep the surface of the soil rather dry at the time of setting^ still quite moist beneath the surface ; impregnate the flower, and stop above the fruit at the second joint; maintain a brisk bottom heat, and then keep the atmosphere drj-. Avoid watering or wetting the surface whilst in bloom, and, if necessary to give water at that time, do so through drain-tiles inserted in the soil, or make holes, and pour the water into them. Cutting Asparagus. — At page 468, second colnmn, line 19, for " finer,'* read " fewer." RosF, News. — I cannot this week give the gossip that I gathered upon my late visit to Paris, but I may give all Rose-growers a good bit of news — "that Lacharmc, the well-known raiser of Charles Lefeb\Te, LouiPC Darzins. and other excellent Roses, has a genuine yellow Hybrid Per* petual, of the Centifolia type, to be let out in 1866.— D., Deal. July 4, lS«fi. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUIIE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 17 Uahauing a Newly-i'Lantid Thork and Beb(ih Hrikie (An AmUtur (fanUn<-r).—Yua diil qiuti) right iu cuttinK the Thorn iir Quick plants Iauted close t'>getlier, so as to require thiuuing in M.arch ; but the safest plan is to pot them in small pots, and place in a frame on a dry bottom on tlic approach of frost, plunging the pots iu coal ashes, and giving air in mild weather, and planting out witli the balls entire in March. Kaulv Peas.— We have received (.June 30th). from Messrs. Carter & Co- a sample of their variety, "First Crop." The Peas nro an excellent sample, dry and hard— evidence that the harvesting was not hurried. Woums in ViNE-BonDER {Witten Lorl^et—The earth worms were at- tracted to the border by the manure. They will be heuelicial rather than otherwise by making perfonitions in the soil. Air. IN Vinery (.( Huhtcribcri.— It requires to be kept well supplied with moisture by pouring water on the paths, &c., freely ; but the venti- lation must be good also by night and day, for stagimnt damp air induces mildew. A dry hot atmosphere insures the introduction of red spider. Seedlinc. Carnations {Eatun M. D.i.— There is nothing remarkable in yonr seedling Carnation but its size; it is what is termed iu floral lan- guage a monster. It is not unusual for seedlings when they first come into Bower to produce these gigantic forms. The flowers are totally useless ; the superabundance of petals always causes the pods to burst, which is very objectionable. Doi-BLE FccHsiA (.4. R. MeGuire.i.—Yonr seedling double Fuchsia is not at all new, the bright colour of the sepals is a great recommendation, but it is not lietter than Hercules, rniversal. and many others. The value of the seedling would depend on the habit of the plant. We have no recollection of receiving an Anemone flower from you in the spring. iNARonnia Vines (An AvMteur, Southampton). Unite green wood of the scion to greon wood ot the stock when the shoots of each arc a or a feet long. Select Carnations, Picotees, and Pnms (A. T. C.I. —The tastes of northern and southern growers difTor, hut the fcdlowlug nro good and suit- able for the northern and tnidland (^oimtiesr—funirtfiuTM.- Admiral Curzon,LordKaneliffe,KUek Diiimruid, Lord Milton, Kauny, Sarah Payne, Priimier, Squire Meynell, Firebraml. Siiortsinan, .\riel, Friar Lawrence. Pir'itr,:< : Mrs. Norman, Isabella, Amy Rohsart, Lord Nelson, Mrs. Dod- well, Robin Hr>od, Mrs. May, Finis, Mrs. JJaniard, Venus, Bortha, Mrs. Msher. Pinkt : Beauty, Catlicrine, Climax. .lohu Bull, Lord Chancellor, Lucknow. Lucy, New Criterion, Mrs, Enfield, Mary Ann, Puri>lo Perfec- tion, Purple Gem. What Caisks tuf. Winds (Eir,-n.i.— Wo cannot reply better than by the following ciuotution from one of the beat of our magai-.inos :— " Regard- ing thorn in the simplest way, thev are evidently produced by the succes- sive heating of those parts of the earth most directly ex})osedto the sun's rays, the consequent expansion of those heateil portions i-( the atmosphere in contact with the warm earth, ami the repliiei-in.Mil of these warmed and expanded portions by cooler air from north and south. The operation going on incessantly, a steady curr.Mit would he produced at all times from both poles to the equator. This, indo'ed, soim ceases to be a north and south cuiTent from the poles to tlie eqiuitor, for the heated air rising aiul passing to the poles is moving ivitli the velocity of the earth's surface at the equator-ora thousand miles per hour— while tho air starting from the poles has no initial vciooity. Thus each hot current as it advances northwards or southwards passes beyond the longitude of the place from which it started, and each cold current as it travels toward tlie polo lag,s behind the parts of the earth over which it auecessivc-ly travels. The north and south winds thus become at length east winds at tho equator. While approaching the equator they are north-east and simth-eaat winda for a considerable distance, and in this state, within certain latitudes, are called trade-winds, from their usefulness in navigation."— (Tftf English- inait'^ Majazint! for Juli/.) Vinery (P. O. l»')iiti';o'-riunidatum ; 5, Lastrea Filix-mas paleacea ; ei AthjTium FiUx-foemina. "iH. T. K.).~\. Pedicularis sylvatica; 2, Gil- lenia tiifoliata ; 3, Polygonum .aviculare ; 4, Nepeta Mussinii. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS in the Suburbs of London for the Week endins July 1st. Sim. . . Mon. . . Tues. . Wed. . Thura. Fri. .. Sat. .. barometeb. THEKUoaiETER Air. Earth. Wind. inches. Mux. Min. THozL. Min. 1 ft. dp. 2 ft dp. 80.153 80.0-24 78 47 64 62 S.W. .00 30.050 30.081 68 48 64 61* E. .00 ■»vni 30.112 77 39 68 6aS W. .00 80.055 29.1E2 78 50 63 60J E. .01 29.64fi 29.362 64 62 62 60 W. .42 29.876 2;) .262 66 50 62 59J w. .43 1 29.872 29.605 73 39 61 60 N.E. .00 1 ■29.909 29.749 72.00 45.31 6-2.71 60.57 0.86 GENER.iL ReMARK.S. Very fine Overcast Overcast Overcast Overcast Overcast overcast ; very fine at ni^ii. drj- haze ; overcast ; finest night. very fine ; fine at iiipht. cloudy antl fine ; slight shower ; very fine ; overcast. rain ; cloudy ; rain. warm and hesTT,- rain at Tii^ht. Cloudy; fine; very fine tliroughout ; cuol at niKht. POTJLTEY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHEONICLE. FACTS ABOUT EGGS. It is tLought by aaturalLsts, that the eggs of our domestic hen of the present day are, on an average, very nearly a third larger and hearier than those of the hens of the ancients. The proportions of the yolk to the white of the egg are very nearly the same iu each of the different races ; bnt in propor- tion as the egg diminishes in size, does the relative proportion of the white to the yellow of the egg duuinish — that is, small eggs have more yellow than large ones in proportion to their size, hut the weight of their shell is also greater in jiroportion. Eggs wliich contain the largest yolk or yellow, like those of the Brahma and Cochin-China hens, produce the largest chickens. The weight of sterile, or uufecundated eggs, is less than that of those that have been fecundated ; and their nutritive qua- lities are less. The eggs of the wild hen have a superior flavour. The proportion of the yellow in them is greater than in the eggs of ordinary domestic fowls ; they have a higher colour, also, and cooks esteem them on this account, for the preparation of certain sauces in the proportion of one to three. Barlev is said to increase the proportion of tlie yeUow of the egg, and rye is said to favour the development of the white. ^Eggs lose a slight portion of their weight day by day, when left to themselves, the contents becoming (hied up gradually, and reduced, so that there is left a solid residmun withdrawn towards the small end of the egg, the opposite end being filled with air. Eggs which weighed 25 ozs. when fresh, weighed but a very small fraction over 1 oz. at the end of two years. Dm-ing incubation the dimiuutio;i of weight is pretty rapid. Aristotle taught that round eggs contained male chickens, and elongated eggs females. Scientific men have both combatted and sustained this opinion, but the general opinion of natural- ists at the present day is, that both males and females come fi-om both round and elongated eggs. Fecundation exercises no control over the figure or foi-m of the egg. The most exact and scientific experiments upon these points, conducted recently at the .Jardin d'Acchmatation at Paris, have led to these conclusions. — (Massachwsettx Pluwman.) \1SRY LIKE SWINDLING. Can any of " Our Journal " readers give me ,iny information respecting a person who advertised in your columns for good poultry in exchange for foreign birds ? Having many of the 18 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 4, 1865. former, and being fond of the latter, I was induced to answer the ailvertisement. This led to a correspondence, in which the advertiser undertook to send me some Califomian Quails and other Australian birds (sic), on my sending her a pen of Buff Cochins which I had mentioned. My birds were sent to the address named, and after some delay I was iufomied that the lady had moved from Croydon to Brompton. The result is that I have never recovered bu'ds, price, or equivalent ; and after repeated threats at length I instructed my solicitor to IJroceed against the person, but this was too late, as we find the bird has flown and cannot be heard of. Perhaps some one else has been victimised in the same way ; and if so, you may he doing a kindness to our poulti-y fraternity by stating that the name of this "lady" is Mrs. Firebrace, late of Croydon, since of Ovingtou Square, Brompton. — T. C. H. THE FIFTH TOE OF DORKING FOWLS. Is this really an essential? Mr. Baily, in his little book entitled "Fowls," when speaking (pp. 112, 113), of the points required in exhibition birds says nothing about it. The largest and most symmetrical birds I ever saw had all the Dorking characteristics except the lifth toe. I am further inclined to believe that it is not an essential, because you see it of all kinds of shapes, pointing in different directions, and even nailless, without having any influence over the awards of the judges. — Newpoet. [Tliis is one of the most heretical letters we ever read, and if Mr. Bailj- knew the writer we are quite sure he would excom- mimii^ate him. The fine birds alluded to by "Newport," are known as " Sussex " fowls. They are thus mentioned in " The Poultry Book " — " The breed now known as the Sii.tsex fowl, lias only four claws, and is a less compact though larger bird than the true Dorking, which it otherwise much resembles." In fact, the fifth toe is an essential characteristic, and can no more be disregarded than can the white face in the Spanish, or blue legs in Hamburghs. It is quite true that a dis- tortion of the fifth toe is not held to be a disqualification any more than a dis- tortion of one of the other toes, and would only be taken into account in case it was the only inferiorityapparent in two otherwise-equally- excelleut competiug pens. At the same time there is no doubt that there is a form and jiosition of the fifth claw, which is the most desirable, and it is as thus represented by M. Jacques. " The claws," he says, " should be strong, cleau-jointed, five in number; " and " The Poultry Book " says, in detailing the characteristics of exceUeuc«, "Claws five in number on each foot, and well defined."] BEE-KEEPING IN DEVON.— No. XXFV'. A PROSPEKOUS .VPI-IBT. When publishing to the world the misfortune which over- took me in 1863,* and relating my experience of that terrible ilisease foul brood, which had caused my hapless apiary to dwindle to the very verge of extinction, it was not a little amusing to observe how many were prone to attribute my ill- success to the adoption of a scientific and experimental system of bee-mauagement. "An Old-F.\shioxed Bee-M.\ster" of Finchley, openly rejoiced over my discomfiture ; Mr. Lowe authoritatively pronounced that " an experimental apiary can never be a thoroughly prosperous one," and published an amusing article wliich riled me not a little at the time, and in which he appeared to hold up to ridicule all that he either knew or imagined of my apiarian proceetUngs ; whilst Jonas Jackson attributed my downfall to the neglect of certain popular superstitions. These Job's comforters were, however, vastly out-numbered by the multitude of correspondents who aided and cheered me by their sympathy and advice, and even in one instance (that of " J. E. B.," whose personal acquaint- ance I have recently had the pleasure of making), presented me ♦ Vide Journal of Horticulture, Vol. V., page 59. with a strong colony of bees in the hope that it might aid in stemming the torrent of destruction which, at that time, threatened to ovenvhchn my entire apiary. Nor were there wanting those who, while giving expression to their kind sympathy, did not hesitate to express their conviction that I should in the end triumph over all my difficulties, and ultimately re-establish my apiary, and perchance raise it to a higher state of prosperity than before. To all such I may now return my warmest thanks, and I feel sure they will participate in the pleasure I have in infonning them that their kind anticipations have been more than realised. Never since I first commenced bee-keeping (now just a quarter of a century ago), have apiarian matters progressed so pleasantly and pros- perously with me as during the glorious siunmer of this year of gi-ace 1865. It may be remembered that last autumn I possessed twenty stocks ; of these I unfortimately allowed one to starve by an oversight for which I can now scarcely account. The whole of the nineteen remaining stocks survived the winter, albeit some were much weakened from loss of bees during their protracted confinement, and breeding was also much delayed by the cold and late spring. Notwithstanding these drawbacks my account now {29th Jmie) stands as under : — PARTED WITH. Stocks 14 Swarms 3 Queens 4 Total parted with 21 REMAINING IN MV APIARY. Stocks 11 Nuclei with imprepnated queens 4 „ „ unimpregnated „ 1 „ „ royal cells 9 Total remaining '!:> Total parted nitb 21 Grand total 46 As nearly all the stocks which I have sent out were despatched during the spring, they have, of course, been of little or no assistance in multiplying those that remained, so that in point of fact almost all this increase has arisen from the five remain- ing old stocks, aided by combs and brood from three purchased black swarms, which swarms were allowed to remain undis- turbed in tlie country for about a month after hiring, and then plundered of nearly all the combs which they had constructed. I esteem myself particularly fortunate in having had but one natural swarm, which issued on the flth of Jime, settled in a pear tree' and was soon safely hived ; but as it it were impossible for a natural swann to issue in my apiary without being the harbinger of some mishap, the only young queen I have lost this season happens to be the one which just five days after- wards emerged from one of the only two royal cells which existed at the time of the departure of the swarm. Her death occuiTed in this wise : On June 17th, I was looking over, and rectifying, as is my wont, any irregularities in the formation of the new combs of the swarm, upon one of which I had just seen the queen, when I was hoiTor-stricken by (hscovering, as I supposed, the beautiful matron I had seen in full liealth not a minute before l.ving hfeless, and evidently stimg to death on the floor-board. Bitter was my mortification at believing that some inexplicable clumsiness in my manipiilatious had resulted in the premature decease of what was certainly my most beau- tiful and favourite queen — a mortification mitigated only by the reflection that she had attained the mature age of three years, and, although evincing as yet no sign of waning fecimdity or decrepitude, not likely much longer to continue capable of maintaining the population of a strong and flourishing colony. Having accordingly allowed three days of mom-ning over my defunct favourite to elapse, I reflected that it was of no use to- waste the time and energies of so large a multitude of bees in raising a young queen and waiting her impregnation, when I had it in my power at once to place a competent sovereign at their head, and therefore proceeded again to examine the combs with the view of taking preliminary" steps by eradicating such royal cells as might have been started in the interim. Judge, then, what must have been my joyful surprise at discovering my pet queen perambulating the combs in the enjo.^Tnent of full health and vigour, and perceiving that she had evidently "not been dead at all," although I had mourned her as such. I was for some days much puzzled to accoimt for the presence of the dead queen on the floor-board, and although this mystery ultimately received a partial elucidation by the discovery of the loss of the young queen from the old stock, I am still unable satisfactorily to account for her straying into the hive contain- ing the swarm, especially as a third colony intervened between the two. I may here say a few words with regard to the supposed Jaly 4, 1865. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTT \0E GARDENER. 19 inferiority of what arc called " artifltial " queeus, wliicli are by iomo suppospil to bo so dcticient in instinct as to be more prone to go astray than natural queens, to which, indeed, it is ima- >;iued they are also inferior in fecundity. My experience, \yliich is now a pretty extensive one, satisfies mo that there is no fonndation wliatever for this belief. " Artificial " queens, so oalled, are really as natural as what are genernlly denoniinated •' natural " ones, from which they do not, moreover, differ in the sliKhtest respect. Their fecundity is the same and their instinct by no means inferior. It will be observed that the only "natural" queen that has been produced in my apiary during this season was also the only one to go astray. So abundant has been tlie honey harvest that one of my old stocks compelled me, rather late in May, to put on a super. Notwithstanding; repeated deprivations of bees and brood for the pui-pose of stocking " nuclei," honey poured in so rapidly that the breeding sjiacc was fast reaching the vanishing point when I tardily afforded tliem the much-required accommoda- tion. This was at once taken possession of, and all went well until the 13th of .June when a swann emerged, but did not cluster, and presently returned to the parent hive. Knowing that the queen was disabled in one wing through ill-treatment liy a swai-m of black bees wliich were united to her subjects in tiie autuimi, I instituted a diligent search ; but failing in finding her, hoped she had not attempted to take wing, and turned my attention to the old hive, which I examined likewise witliout success, but from which I excised every royal cell I could find. On the 19th of .June I repeated my examination, again excised whatever royal cells I could discover, and introduced a young queen hatched on the 11th and which hail exhibited signs of fecundation. A subsequent examination, five days aftenvards, revealing huncU-eds of eggs in the first coml) lifted out was so satisfactory that it was not further proceeded with, and the stock working vigorously has now nearly completed its super, tlie nett contents of which when filled will not be much under iO lbs. and which I hope to he able to allow Messrs. Neighbour to exhibit at Phnuouth during the forthcoming show of the Royal Agricultural Society. in conclusion I would invite such of the readers of " Our .Tourual" as may be disposed to doubt the possibilityi of an experimental apiary being also a thoroughly prosperous one to pay a visit to that of — A Devonshire Bee-keeper. BEES IN YORKSHIRE. As reports from this district are very rare in the .Journal, it may interest your apiarian readers to know that the season so far has been a favourable one for bee-keepers. Swarms have been nrmierous, and there is no lack of honey. We have had more than five weeks of fine weather, interrupted only by three days rain ; and although the excessive heat and drought are uot very favoiu'able to honey-gathering, yet the continuance of so many fine days without a break, adds continually to the .-tores of the hive. The cold nights also have induced frequent hea\'y dews, which always tell well. The hives here stand rather thick on the ground, there being upwards of forty within the radius of a mile ; but I believe all are doing well. As soon as our chickens ai'e hatched and may be safely counted, I hope to give some account of my own pro- ceedings and those of one or two of my neighljours. Mean- while, for the sake of comparing with other districts, I note the large nmnber of double swarms which have occurred this season, the union taking place without fighting, except in the case of the queens ; al.so, the prevalence of drone-comb in the supers. .Vm I right in attributing this to an iibmidance of honey, which can be stored more rapidly in this way than in worker cells ? — F. H. West, Fotternewton, nrar Leeds. [We shall be obliged by reports of the results of the honey harvest from different localities. The ingathering from the lime-tree blossoms is now at its height near London. — Eds.] THE MASON WASP. On the front of the gentleman's house where I reside _ as gardener, I was staking some sweet peas, when my attention was drawn to something like earth on the ledge outside the window, but upon closer examination it prtjved to be a nest of larv.T, like little catterpillars. There were four closed tubes rather larger than tobacco pipes, one of which I broke off to see what it was like. I took the top off one of the other tubes anil stood looking at the minute grubs. In a few minutes a large wasp cau.e humming up and alighted on the top where I had made the hole. It looked very closely at the hole which I had made, then tlewaway, and I thought no more of it till looking on the gravel there was the wasp. Up it flew to the tidies and deposited some very fine dust or sand, and then fonned it mto a puddle, and filled the little hole up wliich I had made, and then flew away. — J. B. [The wasp which formed the mud cells described above, is one of the Solitary Mason wasps (Odyuerus), of which there is a considerable niimber of British species. We shall be glad to see a specimen of the wasp itself, as the cells were rather imusual in form. — W.] The To-iD a Bee-eater. — I have heard that our common toad would devour bees, but I would not believe the assertion until last week. I was then watching my bees as they were '•oiuing in and out of the hive, and to my surprise I saw a large toad in front of the bees, in a bed of cabbages, devouring them as fast as they flew down or near where he was. Will you inform me whether this is a usual occurrence ? — James N . [It is well known, and has been long known, that the toad is a most determined apicide. — Eds.] BEES IN NEW BURLINGTON STREET. The Times of Friday last says :— " On Wednesday after- noon, about five o'clock, not a little excitement and astonish- ment was caused in New Burlington Street by the circumstance of a swarm of bees alighting on a cab wliich had just drawn up at a restaurant. A man having procured a hive, set to work, and with assistance succeeded in securing the whole of the unexpected visitors, and took them away. A swarm of bees is rarely if ever seen in the streets of London, but it is not an uncommon occurrence for a swarm to stray considerable dis- tances." Referring to the foregoing paragraph, Mr. Alfred Neighbour writes us as foUows :— " The bees were ours. A swarm, being ordered to be sent into the country the following morning, was placed temporarily on the leads at the back of this house (149, Regent Street). The sun shining hot on the hive, or some other cause, induced them to decamp. Some one told us that the bees had arrested the progress of a cab, and we sent our man to bring the truants back, which he suc- ceeded in doing, followed by a crowd to this door, who were evidently amazed at the sight of the " 'oney bees," as the cockney' lads called them. Cabby had to be compensated for the loss of his fare, and so you may imagine that not a little commotion was caused. I thought that from the cireumstHUce of the paragraph appearing in the ' leading joiu-nal' you might make an extract for The Journal of Horticulture, and that it might be as well to put you in possession of the real facts. New Burlington Street is the next street to this going towards Oxford Street." CAUTION. The following advertisement has appeared in several recent Numbers of the Times : — " How to Take the Honey out of the Hive without Destroying the Bees. Full particulars will be sent to any part of the United Kingdom on the receipt of 12 postage stamps and a directed stamped envelope. Apply, &c. Warranted perfectly safe." Lest any of our apiarian readers should be induced by the above to part with a shilling in the hope of learning " some- thing to their advantage," we may state that the operation prescribed by the advertiser is neither more nor less than that of stupefying bees by means of chloroform, a process which has already been fully tested and most emphatically condemned by several of our ablest apiarian contributors. OBTAINING AN ARTIFICIAL SWARM. I purchased a swarm of Ligurian bees on the 5th of last month, and put them into a full-sized Woodbury bar and frame hive. As far as I can see, the hive appears to be fuU of cr mb ; I would like to have an artificial swarm from it. I 'ntend taking the swarm off in the following manner, which ha lieiu recommended in the Journal— viz., by taking a brood comb out of tlie hive, and putting it into a smaller hive, and placing the empty hive with the brood comb in it on the place where the other hive stands. I suppose I must do this in the middle of a 20 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ .Tilly 4, 1866. fine daj. Will yon inform me what the brood is like at two days old, as I never saw a brood comb ? I suppose the bees can form a queen if they have brood of that age. — A Novice. [In choosing a comb for the purpose of rearing a queen you should select one containing brood in all stages, from the newly laid egg to the sealed grub, and take also the bees that adhere to the comb. An egg two days hatched becomes a minute white worm, which lies at the bottom of the ceU surrounded by a miliy-looking fluid.] WEIGHT AND PROBABLE UNION OF SWARMS. The other day my bees swarmed in my absence, and on my return my ueighbour had had a swarm, and mine had vanished. With his permission I weighed my neighbour's liive aud found the swarm alone weighed 7i lbs. Both my neighbour and self are young beginners, and wish for your opinion as to whether they have iinited. The hives were about 12 yards apart. — Herbert Landon. [7J lbs. is a very unusual weight, aud we should, tlierefore, be incUned to believe that the two swarms have united. There is, however, a well-authenticated instance of a swann of Li- gurians weighing 8 lbs., but the heaviest that ever came under our own immediate observation was at Edgbaston, and weighed 6 lbs.] CAPRICIOUSNESS OF BEES. Bees are very uncertain in their behaviour, as sometimes a peaceful union is accompUshed without any trouble or prepara- tion, and again when circumstances are apparently exactly similar a deal of fighting aud disturbauce takes place. I stocked my unieomb-hive this summer with a second swarm made by di-iviug, and secured a moderate-sized swarm and a fine young queen only just at liberty. She turned out a drone- breeder, no doubt owing to the difficulties experienced in find- ing her way out of the hive. I returned home early one day when she was about sixteen days old — i. c, about 3.30 (the morn- ing had been very fine aud bright), and on looking into the hive failed to find the queen. It occurred to me that she might be absent in quest of the drones, and shortly afterwards a scud came on, which caused the bees to retm-n home in vast num- bers, and on looking on the alighting-board there stood the queen, sunrounded by a few of her subjects ; she remained almost motionless for some time pluming herself, and then very deliberately marched into the hive. I could see no marks of fecundation, but thought she might possibly have been more fortunate in a previous excursion. The next day proved cloudy, and the day after she began to lay. I soon noticed that she was imusually tardy in laying, remaining a long time in a cell, and on inspection found that she constantly deposited two, three, or more eggs in single cells, and this convinced me that I again had before me a case of parthenogenesis. As the sunmierwore on the population not being replenished with workers, rapidly diminished, and although I furnished them with a fertUe queen, for a short time I feared they would fall a prey to robbers, and so, on leaving home for a fortnight, removed the queen, a valuable one, and left them to rear a successor fi-om her brood. On my return the young queen, a small dark- coloured one, was at liberty with a small pojiulation ; but as the cottagers were taking down their bees, I (h-ove a hive, and brought the natives home to strengthen the waning colony. I sprinkled the strangers with peppermint-syrup, and also anointed the aborigines with the same compound, aud as I was quite indifferent to the fate of the queen I knocked the bees out in a mass in front of the hive, having secured the queen and placed her in limbo, and left them, making sure that they would make good an entrance ; but on my returning home, to my astonishment, I found that my bees, relying on their strong iutrenchments, had compelled the strangers to beat a retreat, leaving a vast number of their comrades dead in front of the stronghold. But where had they retired to ? I supposed they had returned home, but on inqniiy found not one had been seen at the accustomed stand, and on examining a bar and frame hive, containing previously a strong population, I was satisfied that the exiles had joined the community, and this had been effected without the slightest opposition from its inhabitants. I afterwards di-ove another cottager's hive, and proceeded in exactly the same manner, hut before knocking out the bees in front of the unicomb-hive compelled the sentinels to retire fi'om the entrance by giving them a few good puffs of tobacco smoke ; the strangers marrched to the entrance with great alacrity, gained possession of the entrance, and very soon entered the hive en nuiiise. No fighting too place. The bees were in a great state of agitation all night, as the strangers were evidently searching for their queen, and in the morning I found that the yoimg Italian monarch was under arrest, she was not, however, very closely confined, and would, I doubt not, have soon been set at liberty. To hasten her liberation I dispersed her persecutors with a whiff or two from the pipe ; the bees stiU continued to search for their own queen, but did not again molest the Italian princess, who was pro- claimed monarch bv universal suffrage before evening set in. — ■ J. E. B. BEES IN A CHIMNEY. A swARii of bees have settled in an unused chimney in a large stack in my house. The chimney is a great height from the ground, the house being too storeys high, aud the swarm is some distance down the inside. 'VV'hat means would you advise me to adopt in order to captm-e the colony ? — T. H. F. [We confess ourselves puzzled, and should be obliged if any of our correspondents who have had experieuce in the capturing of errant swaj-ms would advise •' T. H. F." in his difficulty.] BEES FIGHTING IN A COLLATERAL. A SMALL straw hive being crowded, I added a collateral box. After about a week the bees entered it, but only to fight furiously, so that the ground in front of the hive is strewed with dead bodies. I cannot tell what they were doing in the hive, but they worked very peaceably in a super. — H. [We cannot tell why your bees fought in the side box. Are you sure they did so ? We have known bees die in great numbers owing to being unable to find their way out. In this case a small aperture allowing the bees to escape into the open air is all that is necessary to set matters right.] DRrV^NG BEES, AND TAKING THEIR HONEY. This is the second year I have had them, and I have been most successful this year in driving them. I drove a hive last week, which swanned May tnelvemonth, and obtained 40 lbs. of tine honey, and did not lose one bee. They are all working away merrily now in another hive. In the case of a swarm of bees which I took on the 2nd of June, finding the hive so full of comb, I drove the bees on the 22nd. and have 10 lbs. of beautiful white honey. I mention this hoping it nvill encourage yoimg bee keepers, and save the bees from the painful death of suffocation. — Prospera. OUR LETTER BOX. Cochin-China Chicken Dying Suddenly {Eboracum) —Sl&iXgerint* after feeding, and falling dead, demonstrates that the chicken died of apoi)lesy. A blood-vessel i-nptiired on the brain. Cocbin-Chinas are voracious feeders, and excess of food is one of the most common causes of apoplexy both in man and animals. Less food both in quantity and at any one time is the be.st preservative. Fattening Chickens ildfin). — We cannot reply better than by this quotation from our - I*oiiltry Book for the IVI:'ny." Oatmeal and barley- meal alternately, mixed «ith milk, and occasionally with a little di-iiipin(?, is good food. The feeding-troughs, which must be kept constantly scoured, should be placed before the birds at regular intervals, and when they have eaten sufficient it is better to remove them, placing a little gravel i^-ithin reach of the coop to assist digestion. Keeping the birds without food for some hours after they are put up frequentlyindnces them to take it more readily afterwards, but sufficient attention is rarely bestowed on the various details of preparation and supplying the food ; hence complaints of the fowls deteriorating in the fattiug-pen are far from uncommon. Access to water should be allowed at all times. Fatten- ing must be completed in ten days, for after that period they begin to lose weight. The best age for table birds is when they are from four to six months old. The coop should be 3 feet high, 2 feet wide, and 4 feet long. This will admit from six to eight birds, according to their size. The bottom and front should be of bai-s 3 inches apart. A board outside the bars in front. 6 inches wide, will sei-ve as a stand for the food and water-troughs. The coop should be in a warm, well-venti- lated outhouse, and if kept dark between the times of feeding all the better. Sleep and warmth promote fattening. .Java Sparrows (B. B.). — It is a very usual thing for birds, although not paired, to lay eggs and sit on them for a short, time, and such was the case with your Canary. A Java Sparrow will not pair with a Canaiy, as the former bird will not breed in this country. We do not know of any distinctive marks between the sexes of the birds. Stocking a Hia-e. (R. W.). — The best mode of stocking your improved hive is with a swarm from the old colony. Transferring a stock of bees from a common to a moveable comb hive is by no means a simple opera- t:'on, and one which should only be undertaken by a skilled bee-master. Jiily II, 1865. j JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE (iAEDENER. at WEEKLY CALENDAR. Month Week. JULY 11—17, 1865. ATcrogo Temperatnra Dear LoacLoQ. Itain In lust 38 years. Sun UisoH. Sun Sets. Moon IliseB. Moon Sets. Moon's Age. Clock Day before of Sun. 1 Yeai; 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Tu W Th P s Sun M IJueliwheat flowers. Traveller's .Toy flowers. Evoiiastini; Pea (lowers. WUd Basil tluwcTb. Tree rriiiiro^c |]o^^■crs. 5 SiTNiiAv Ai-TEK TRramr. White Popiiy flowers. Day. 74 .H 75.1! 74.0 76.4 76.2 75.7 75.9 NlKbt. 5(1.8 B0.7 51.4 61.1 50.3 49.7 51.S Mean. 6'2.8 03.1 62.7 63.8 C8.2 62.7 68.7 Days. 10 12 13 14 20 15 IS m. h. 6«af 3 59 3 0 4 1 4 2 4 8 4 5 4 in. h. 13 af 8 12 8 11 8 10 8 9 8 8 8 7 8 in. h. 23 tt£ 9 50 9 17 10 47 U 10 11 48 11 mom. wi. h. 14aI7 82 8 49 9 7 11 after. 88 1 68 2 Days. 18 19 20 21 < 23 24 m. 8. : 5 10 1 192 5 18 19S 5 25 194 ' 5 82 195 5 SS 198 5 44 , 197 5 49 198 From observutions takon near Liiudoii liurinf- the last thirtv-eiRbt yoars, the averape day tcmperntOTo of tlin week is 7.1.5", and its night temperature 5(I.S . The gi-catest heat was 94^, ou tlie 17tk, 1834; and the lowest eold, 34 , on the lUth, 1863. The greatest fall of miu wuB l.GO iiieh. TUEES POTS. regards J'"is troc-'S for put oulture tlu'si! may be of tw(i kinds — d\v'arfs, and bushes on sliort stoius. The former have the shoots (dose to the soil, and very olteu sprm<;- ing from tlie stem beneatli it, and are readily obtained. These liave from tlu"ee to five shoots fi'enerally, and are gi'own on the system of never stoppiiifj tlie slioots, but the wood done bearing is annually cut out, and the young shoots that spring from the base of the plants are retained, thus keeping the tree fiu-nished with bearing and ymmg wood witliout encumbering it with tliat which is old and useless. The hush ti-ees have sti'aight stems !) inches or a foot lugh, ■ndth a hush-lilie head above that. Trees, to form these, should have a single or straight stem, cutting oft' the side shoots, and that must he cut down in the spring to within 9 inches or a foot of its base, disbudding the shoots to tliree or five shoots, according to their strength, allow- ing tliree to a weak and five to a strong plant. When they have made five full-sized leaves pinch out the points of the side shoots, allowing the upper one to gi'ow three weeks longer, then pinch out its point in like maimer, and the tree is formed ; but it will not fruit that season, unless it be gro«-n in a forcing-house, when the spring shoots may give fruit in autmnn, still it is as well not to allow them to do this, but rub oft' the fruit if any be showii. so as to throw more vigom" into the second or midsiuumer shoots on wliich the first crop is produced ui the ensuing season. We have now provided Fig trees of two Idnds — one in which the shoots ai"e never shortened, but when the old shoots become too long young shoots from the base arc prepared to take their place and the old cut clean out. by which system we keep up a succession of yoiuig hearing wood, and dispense with the old. These are the kind of trees to be selected for forcing. In those of the second description the shoots are systematically shortened to five joints whenever that numlier of leaves is made, the shoots being disbudded so as to prevent crowiling, notwithstanthng wliich the shoots will become too much crowded in a few years, rendering it absolutely necessary to thin-out the shoots ^\ith a shiu-p luiife many that are not wanted. If any shoots have a tendency to become over-vigorous tie them down, wliich will lessen the crowding considerably, arrest the rapid flow of the sap, and conduce to increased productiveness. Stopping tlie wood when the trees are lealless is not only useless but is detrimental to hearing. Any knife-shortening of Fig trees is bad : when the knife is used for shortening it should be , to cut off the branch altog-otlier. Li fact, we only want a ! knife once a-year, in spiing, to cut out any old branch long No. 37(?.— Vol. XXXIV., Old Seiuks. 22 JOUBNAL OF HOETICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. [ July 11, lees. aud destitute of bearing wood, for Figs never bear on spurs. Disbud during the growing season instead of permitting a shoot to grow in order to cut it out, aud use the nails of the fiuger and thumb for piuchiug out the points of the shoots. The most suitable soil is hazel or yellow loam, from turf 3 inches thick, cut up roughly, and one year old. To this it is hardly possible to add anything that would improve it, unless the loam is very strong, when the addition of sand would be good, an lif light, strong loam aud weU-rotted manure would be an improvement. Drain the pots effectually. No plant will do well in a badly-drained soil, neither will the Fig. Fig trees may be fruited in six or seven-inch pots, and though the fruit is small it is much superior in flavour to that produced where circumstances are more favourable to growth. Six-iuch pots are only suitable for very small plants, aud at the best afford but a scanty supply of fruit. They will, however, do in the second year for those raised from eyes, when they will give two crops. Deep pots are to be prefen-ed, and the Fig should always be kept imder rather than overpotted. If treated to " plenty of pot-room " the trees acquire an excess of vigour prejudicial to their fruiting with certainty, aud are more apt to cast their fruit than plants which grow but Uttle and are pot-bound. Nine and ten-inch pots are very convenient sizes for trees intended for forcing, eleven and thirteen-inch pots for those intended for gi-owing in vineries and comparatively cool houses. Larger pots may be employed, but they are inconvenient. The time of potting ia a matter of some nicety. If the trees are potted in winter, or a short time before forcing or growth commences, most, if not all, the fruit will fall, and, if potted whilst in active growth, in all probabUity a plentiful supply of wood, and the fall of the second crop prematurely will be the | results. It is, indeed, hardly possible to pot theFig mthout losing a part, if not all, of the succeeding crop. One exception is when the pots are plunged in a bed of leaves or other j fermenting materials, so as to get the roots to the sides of the pots before any leaf growth of moment takes place ; aud the other exception is when the trees are potted immediately after i the last crop of fruit has been gathered, and the leaves are assuming their autumn tints, for the fibrous roots are sure to be emitted rapidly in spring, aud the succeeding crop will seldom fall in consequence of the shift. It is a good practice to pot ; Figs seldom, but to top-dress with rich compost, removing the i old every year just when the leaves begin to fall, and to keep ; the pots half plunged in leaves, or standing on a bed into which the trees can root through the holes in the pots. The j roots in this case should be cut off annually at the time of top- dressing. In a klition to top-dressing, the trees may be fed with liquid manure, weak applications once or twice a-week being of great service dm-ing the swelling of the fruit. I have occasionally covered the surface of the soil \vith a layer of fresh eowdung about 3 inches thick, so as to form a basin round the stem, and into this the water was poured ; a healthy tree in full growth would require this basin to be filled twice a-day in hot weather, and once daily in duU periods. I may veuture to state that there is not a fruit tree in a pot that will not d|0 well with a top-dressing of fresh cowdimg, and the roots come up into it. Among the trees that like it best, the Bananas or Musas are conspicuous ; they will take three di-essings of the fresh dung in a season, and eveiT time the roots will come through begging for more. The Vine, Peach, Nectarine, and all stone fruits, and the Fig, flourish in it. As to water, the Fig requires a good supply, but the soil should never be deluged, nor allowed to become dry, or the fruit will fall. It is a nice point neither to under nor overdo the watering of Fig trees ; they should be kept well and regularly sujiplied. The Fig seems to be very impatient of changes, fori have found that a change of the waterer would be sufiicient to cause the fruit to fall. I never could understand this, but such is the fact ; only one person, when it is jn-ac- ticable, should water Figs. Wlieu the fruit is ripening the soil should then be kept rather di-ier, stiU well supplied with water, but when the second crop is ripened off the water should be given sparingly, aud altogether discontinued after the leaves iiave fallen. After bearing, the trees may be kept iu any cool house or she:!, aud the cooler the better, if only secure from frost. Though the soil iu the pots is usually allowed to remain dry from ihe time of the leaves falling to that of the trees being placed in heat or in the house where they are iutended to ixuii, I an certain that this drying process may be earned to extremes. The soil should be dry, no doubt, to a certain extent, but there is a difference between keeping it dry to guard against frost, and so dry as to cause the roots to shrivel. The soil should be so moist as to maintain the roots in a healthy state ; dry, but with a certain amount of moistm-e, though dry to all outward appearance. During the seasons of growth (the Fig having two), the foliage should be syringed forcibly on the under side to keep down red spider, its greatest enemy, twice daily from first to last, except when the first crop swells for ripening, when the air must be dry, otherwise the fruit will crack and split before fully ripe, and after the second crop begins to ripen no more syringing will be needed, in fact, syringing should then be discontinued, the atmosphere kept dry, aud well ventilated. The Vine is not imlike the Fig iii the treatment which it requires as to temperature, and Fig trees in pots may be successfully grown in vineries, whether forced or not, and wiU succeed in a common greenhouse ; but to secure two crops it is necessary to grow the Fig in a heated structure. Fig trees will also succeed in a slightly shaded position, but when too much in the dark, though they grow well, they fruit but little. I shall have occasion to write of temperature, and other matters relating to Fig culture, iu treating of the tree iu Fig- houses, and on garden walls. — G. Abbey. GOSSIP ABOUT ROSES. Although my recent run through Belgium brought before me many subjects of interest, which I shoidd be glad to intro- duce to the readers of The Journal of Horticdltuhe, yet as we are now in the very height of the Eose season, and so many and so widely distributed are the subjects of the queen of flowers, I cannot do better, I think, than just have a httle quiet loyal chat with them on the matter of our common sove- reign ; and while the " free and independent " all through the couutrj' are discussing the relative merits of blue and orange, pink and purjjle, we can, without the excitement, the cold braudy and water, aud pots of beer, which seem, alas ! inti- mately connected with political strife, decide as to the merits of the candidates for our constituency ; and as it seems to me that the measure of a candidate's suitabiUty is what can be got out of him, so, I think, we have something of the same standard to go by. If we cannot get out of our new Eose en- joyment from its personal appearance (a point in whicli, by- the-by, many woidd-be M.P.'s are singularly defective), plea- sure iu seeing its fine foliage and steady grovi-th, and comfort in its ha\nng a good constitution, we at once say it wo'n't do for us. It may represent other constituencies — it may do for the suburban porch of our friend Tomkins or the wilderness gardens of Sawkins, but it will not do for our more fastidious eye ; so that after all, though we talk very loudly, I am afraid that we are actuated by something of the same spirit as the free and independent electors who have the prospect of a good berth or so for Master Tom or Harry in their minds before they give their votes. Any one who goes to Paris in the expectation of seeing first- rate Eoses will be disappointed. I had a good walk through several of their grounds, and I feel confident that neither Margot- tin, Verdier, nor Levesque could put up such boxes of Eoses as we are wont to see at our shows. Nor is it diflicult to see that this must be so. The great heat and dryness of the soil is injurious to good blooming, while the absence of that stimulus that a good prize gives with us makes itself felt. Again : Any one who has tried knows the difficulty of seeing the new Eoses. You are either too soon or too late : so that, although I have gone over at various times in June, yet I have never seen many. I do not say that this is intentional — far from it ; I believe the growers wished to let me see their Eoses ; but as the new varieties are cut up so much for propagation they are always a good deal later than the established plants, and thus until the end of June you woiJd hardly see the new Eoses there ; and at that time all the Lyons Eoses, some of our very best, will have passed. Indeed,. Lacharme told me that the best time to see the Eoses of the South of France is September ; and the mention of his name induces me to notice what per- haps many of your readers may have omitted to see last week, as it was amongst the notices to correspondents — that he has been fortunate enough to obtain a genuine yellow Hybrid Per- petual Eose. I had best give his own description of it : — " C'est un Hybride tres remontant, arbustu vigoureux ; fieurs de la forme la plus parfaite dea centfeuillcs (Centifolia), tres July 11, 1865. 1 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 23 beau jaune." He eays, moreover, that ho has others with yellow flowers, which he is propagating. This is great news for ms, ami opens out the prospect of other accessions. He has also a very pure white in the style of Louise Darzins. These are not for next autumn. He intends to send out four ■varieties in the autumn of the present year, one of which I have seen, the other I hope to see before then. The one he did send me was a very tine flower of the Senateur Vaisse and Due de Rohan type. It is called Alfred Colonib. The flowers are large, full, and well-shaped ; the colour, a lovely scarlet crim- son, not shaded. He says he is very rich in seedling Roses, and he is no mean judge, although lie has made a sad blunder in one matter. I heard the story in Paris, and also from several the other day at the Crystal Palace ; and as I knew it was incorrect I determined to sift the matter to the bottom, and I believe every Rose-gi'ower will acknowledge the correctness of the view I have taken. It is this : Lacharnie was walking in the garden of Mons. , a celebrated Rose-grower at Paris, and, seeing a Rose in bloom, asked what it was. He was told John Hopper. " Ah !" said he, " that is one of my seedlings. The year that Charles Lefebvre was sent out this Rose was growing alongside of it, and in executing an order for England my man took it up by mistake and sent it over." Now, I know Mr. Ward. I know him to be too honest a man to have acted such a lie ; and I at once said, " This cannot be true, for I saw John Hopper before Charles Lefebvre had left Lacharme's nursery, for I well recollect Mr. Ward sending it up to the Floral Committee in 1860, and how disappointed he was at its non-recognition by them. I then told him that I was con- vinced it was a first-rate Rose, and to keep it and show it again. This he did, and with what result the world of rosarians knows full well." On my return to Eugkind, finding that the statement was being disseminated, I \STote to Mr. Ward, and his answer, which I have now the pleasure of placing before Kose-lovers, completely settles the matter. It will be seen that I sought the fullest information on the subject. " I do not wish to be robbed of the honour of raising John Hopper, and I much feel the position such a statement would place me in with the public if not contradicted. I shall be very glad to show any one the original seedling plant and parent of every John Hopper in existence, and my own production. I will now answer aU the questions you have kindly put, and shall be glad to answer or prove any other any one may feel respect- ing the original of the plant. " 1. I raised the plant from seed in 1859. "2. You saw the first blooms in September, 18C0. " 3. I sent it out in the autumn of 18(12. " 4. At the time I let it out my stock consisted of six thou- sand saleable plants and several thousands in a dormant state. " 5. I never in my life received a plant of any description from Lachai-me or any other raiser or individual in France. " Charles Lefebvre came out in 1862, at which time I had six thousand plants blooming of my John Hopper. I should have shown my Rose again in 1861, most likely liave sent it out in the autumn of 1861 or spring of 1862 ; but I had a long illness — for four months in bed, which prevented it." I think that this is quite overwhelming evidence, and I have every reason to think that when Lacharme knows it he will be quite ready to say he is wrong. I felt that our poor fame is injured by such misrepresentations, and hence my desire to sift it to the bottom. I have no doubt that, to my mind, the tmwise custom of buying the stock of a Rose in France, and then sending it out here with an English raiser's name attached to it, leads the French Rose-growers to believe all our new Boses are of the same character : it is a very misleading prac- tioe.,5-D., Deal. EARLY PEAS. Some of your readers have, I see, favoui-ed you with the results of their experience concerning different sorts of early Peas, and therefore it may not be out of place to give you mine also. I sowed early in Mai'ch last, within the same half hour and on the same ground, six rows of early Peas, each row 9 yards long, three rows of Carter's First Crop, two of Sangster's No. 1, and one of Dillistone's Early Prolific. The Early Prolific seemed to be more affected than the others by the cold winds of our late and lingering spring, and did not thrive nor do well. I do not think we gathered from it a quart of pods, and I shall not grow it again. It was per- haps a couple of days earUer than Carter's First Crop. Carter's .Kjst Crop yielded also very badly, scarcely more than the Prolific. These also I shall grow no more. They were ready, I think, two or three days before Sangster's No. 1. A curious circumstance attending their culture was that after a time their first growth made no further progress, but a fresh growth took place from the roots, reaching to be a foot high, but result- ing in small blossoms and insignificant pods. The two rows of Sangster's No. 1 yielded five or six times more than all the other four, and were very little behind them iu time. Mine is a garden of good soil, entirely unshaded by trees or buildings, wholly open to the south, east, and west, but shel- tered by a high bank of fully 20 feet high from the north. Last year I grew for the early crop only Sangster's No. 1. Half of the seed I steeped as recommended by one of your correspondents, the other half I did not. The steeped Peas were ready for gathering fully a week before the others. I may add that with this year's crop no sticks were used. — Theta. PROPAGATING STAUNTONLV LATIFOLL^. We have a beautiful evergreen creeper, the Stauntonia lati- foUa, which seems to be little known, at least neither we nor our friends can procure any plants. Our plant nearly covers the front of our house, has had blossoms during the last three springs smelling deliciously like Orange flowers. In vain we have tried to give our friends cuttings. We have pegged down suckers near the root which we are told may in two or three years produce plants ! We are trying also to bend some of the shoots into pots on a balcony, but these all wither away, so do the wooden branches which we try to bend down into the earth in the pots ; yet every gardener who hears of this creeper and wishes to have some of it, says nothing is easier than to propagate it in this way. Can j'ou give us anj- more instructions ? This season for the first time, some little green pods like short caterpillars have appeared, but they seem to fall off without ripening. — A. A. Y. [Select some of the finest flowers and disperse the pollen about the pistil. This is best done with a small eamel's-hair brush. If the blooms are carefully fertilised they will readily produce seed, which is the surest way of propagating it, and the way is to select half-ripened shoots, cut a small nick just where the shoot is bent, then peg it firmly into the ground using plenty of sand about it. This will cause the roots to work freely. In fertilising the blooms select a day when there is plenty of electricity in the air. ] MY PLANTS, AND HOW AND WHERE I FOUND THEM.— No. 6. I HAVE always combined a slight accoimt of natiu'al history with my botanical rambles, and the description of the knight in the " lugoldsby Legends " would equally apply to myself. My delight as a girl was to pore over some unknown chrysalis, with two or three works upon butterflies and moths by my side ; to bind up the broken limb of some unfortunate fowl ; to refresh the leeches, newts, and beetles in a large wooden tub (in which I had made an imaginary island), with a shower of water from a large garden pot ; or to watch the change of the tadpole into a frog, the same tadpole being kept for closer inspection in a water-bottle upon my dressing-table. I was up at six o'clock in the morning after the various kinds of cabbage butterfly, through the woods in the heat of the day for the highflyers, and out after dusk in the evenings with a lantern in search of moths. Cats, dogs, dormice, and hawks completed my small menagerie. These latter were the aversion of a favoxu-ite sister, and often would she laughingly prognosticate for me the ignoble fate of " Sir Thomas the good," who, " Be it -wfll uiidorstood. Was a man of a very conteiiipltitivr mood. He would pore Iiy the hour O'er a weed or a flower, Or the kIues that came crawling out after a shower. Black beetles and humble bees, bluebottle flies, .\nd moths, were of no small account in his eyes; An 'industrious flea' he'd by no means despise, While an old ' daddy longlegs ' whose long legs and thighs Pass'd the common in shape, or in colour, or size. He was wont to consider an absolute prize. Nay, a hornet or wasp he could scarce 'keep his paws Oef.' He Gave up, in short. Both business and sport. And abandon'd himself, tout enticTy to philosophy."' Now having introduced you to the daily life of the " good n JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AN35 COTTAGE GABDENEB. [ July 11, 1865. Sir Thomas," allow me for one moment to put before you the ignoble closing of his philosophical career, and also the moral, or a part of it, with which Thomas Ingoldsby dismisses his story. After waiting for " a fortnight or more " for her spouse, who had gone out upon one of his exploring expeditions, the Lady Jane's serving men discovered Sir Thomas's dead body in the adjacaut pond. *' 'Twos e'en so, poor dear knipht, with his * specs * and Mk hat He'd gone poking Ills nose into this and to that; When close by the side Of the bank he espied An * uncommon fine' tadpole remarkably fat I He stoope^l ; and he thought her His own — he had caught her ! — Got hold of her tail, and to land abnost brought her, ■\Vhen — he plump'd head and heels into fifteen-feet water I" MOR.\L. '* All middle-aged gentlemen let me ad^ise, If you're married, and have not got very good eyes, Don't go poking about after bluebottle "flies ! If you've spectacles, don't have u toi-toi6.eshell rim ; And don't go near the w.ater unless you can swim ! " There is no doubt that natural history and botany are most absorbing subjects to those who delight in them, and that we have a world of interest which is not enjoyed by mankind at large. I was foreibly reminded oi this the other day when seeking of a bookseller a small work upon Ferns and Grasses. In ansv.-er to my inquiries I was informed that " the subject was so unpopular it was useless to keep such books in stock, but that with pleasure he would order the work for me." AVho does not know how the charm and freedom of some long- looked-for expedition have been marred by the presence of some uninterested individual, who, always forebodmg evil in some forai or other, becomes at length a perfect Jonah in the vessel, until he or she is got rid of '? — not exactly by pitching the said personage out of the vehicle, because the finale might not be so satisfactory as it was in the case of the prophet of old, and to be indicted for manslaughter would be a sad termination to even such unsatisfactory' beings as monomaniacal botanists — but by the quiet dispersion of detachments of the party to some devoted spot, leaving the aristocratic individual who eschews dirty hands, hard names, and uneomfoitable-looldng caterpillars and Hies to the charity of some kind-hearted friend, jUid to lemon-coloured kid gloves and B}Ton. Strangers iu Jersey, nothing of this kind troubled us. Inde- pendent of everybody, we daily took some new walk, either in the interior of the island, through the lanes with their Ivy-clad banks, or towards the seacoast. The sea-weed is so ibmidaut on the rocks around Jersey, that the inhabitants at certain times collect it for manure and fuel ; and " vraicking," as it is Cidled, is quite a gala time, men, women, and children all being engaged iu it. I have seen whole families returning home late and wearied ■with their carts laden with sea-weed or " Traick." No hay -making scene in England can be more picturesque. Fish is exceedingly plentiful. Congers of diffe- rent species abound amongst the rocks, some of them of an immense size and strength. A shell-fish, the Auris marina, or " Ormer," as it is called by the natives, is considered a great treat, although I think we did not .appreciate it as much as our Jersey neighbours. The Aldeniey cows, of wliich we hear so much in England, are chiefly sent from this island ; these with a few slieep and gnats appear to comprise the short list of domestic animals of which the place can boast. We found it most difficult to obtain good EngUsh miitton whilst we were residing iu St. Saviour's ; and I feel sure tliat a good deal of tliat which was brought to us had more jiroperly been desig- nated " goat," the flavour was so strong and tlie meat so impalatable. There is one plant which immediately catches the eye of the newly-arrived visitor to Jersey. It is called the Jersey Cab- bage. The plant grows to the height of 6 or 7 feet, and upon the top of this high stem is the Cabbage. A garden planted with these vegetables has the appearance of a miniature grove of trees. I believe they use the stems of the trees as walking- sticks. A most detestable combination which rejoices in the cognomen of " Jersey soup," was pressed upon us one d.ay by our voluble French hostess. We politely refused the proffered luxm\y, as from the details of the ingredients therein used, we were more disposed to take her word for its merits than to try it; but she would take no nay. It was " (rt's (iohjic" "Mais, Madame ! You Englesh are so much for dee rosbif ! Every day it is meat of some kind. If I have the soupe I am con- tent." I conclude it is the •' soupe maigre " of the continent ; and soupe maicjrr it certainly is, being nothing but the water in wliich a piece of fat bacon and a Cabbage have been boiled. One morning in stroUing about the garden I saw what I considered was a humming moth flitting from flower to flower. It eluded all my attempts to catch it, and finally I lost sight of it altogether. I have since my return to England read of an insect which is peculiar to Jersey, and which " resembles a humming bird so much in its habits that it is considered of the same species. Its size is that of a laige hiunble bee. It does not light on any plant, but continually fluttering with a loud hummmg noise, it introduces a long pi-oboscis into the cup of a flower, and thus sucks out the moisture." I still am inclined to think that it is the same moth which goes under the name of " Humming Moth " in England, and which we see occasionally in our gardens flitting and dancing over the flower-beds like a fairy thing. Whilst speaking of beautiful things I must not forget to mention the lizards which are found upon the simny banks of Jersey. I am just now alluding to that bright green kind which one sees, with its piercing eyes, peering out from between the stones, or lying basking at full length in the sun. They are exceedingly vigilant, and disap- pear upon the slightest approach of danger. They are, how- ever, to be bought of boys, who stealthily lie in wait for them, and secirre these pretty creatures. The tremendous size of the toads in the island is, I suppose, well known : the size of a breakfast saucer is about the usual circumference. I could even excuse the lady in the light kid gloves if she fainted at the sight of these hideous monstrosities. I would go even farther, and bathe her face with eau de Cologne, and read Byron to her du-ring the process. — Alice. ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY S SHOW. JtJLT 5th. This was the last of the Society's Shows for this season, ajid despite of the hot weather of the previous fortnight, the tiowering plants were still in good bloom, though not looking so fresh as they did in May. Ferns and other omamental-foliaged plants were in tine condition, wliilst of fruit there was a very extensive and excellent display. The day being line theTe was a large attendance of visitors. Stove and Gtrkenhouse Plants. — Although several very good collections were shown, the plants of which they were composed were nearly the same as at former shows. Of Ixora saUcifolia, Mr. Whit- hreud exhibited a remarkably tine specimen covered from the base to the top with large heads of orange flowers ; and a veiy good specimen also came from IVIr. Peed. Tlie white-flowered Ixora alba was likewise well represented in several collections, as well as Ixora coccinea and javanica. AUainandas consisted of grancUfiora, Schottii, and cathar- tica in good bloom ; and a Stephanotis from Mr. Fraser was covered with a profusion of its white blooms. Among other plants we noticed Dipladeuift splendens, and D. acuminata with numerous flowers of a deeper rose ; Mussffindii frondosa, Kalosanthes, Haemauthus punicens, with sixteen of its showy orange scarlet heads ; Cyrtoceras reflexum, Statices, Heaths, Aphelexes, Pleroma elegans, Vincas, and Draco- phyllum gracile. Awards. — For sixteen : lirst, Mr. Peed, gardener to Mrs. TredweU ; second, Mr. "SSTiitbread, gitrdeuer to H. Collyer, Esq., Dartt'ord ; fourth, Mr. Kaile, gardener to Earl Lovelace. For ten (Nurserymen) : tirst, Mr. Fraser ; second. Mr. Ilhodes ; third, Messrs. Lee ; fotu-th, Messrs. A. Henderson & Co. For ten (Amateurs) : first, Mr. Chilman, gardener to Mrs. Smith, Pipsom : second, Mr. A. Ingram, gardener to J. J. Blandy. Esq., Reading ; thii-d, Mr. Pai^e, gardener to W. Leaf, Esq. ; foiu-tii, Mr. Wheeler, gardener to Su- F. Goldsmidt, Bart., Regent's Park. For six : first, Mr. "VVheeler, gardener to J. PhiUpot, Esq., Stamford Hill ; second. Mi*. Kemp, gardener to Earl Percy, Albnry Park ; third, jlr. Smith, gardener to A. Anderson, Esq. Frs'E-FOLLiGED PLANTS AND Feuns. — Foremost among the former was a collection from Mr. "S^eitch, of Chelsea, containing a magnificent specimen of Alocasia zebrina, the dark green sagittate leaves about a yard in length, and the stalks beautifuUy marbled ; also, two Crotons of' large size and ■\nth the foliage beautifnlly coloured, the golden colour predominating in C. variegatum, whilst in pictum the red varie- gation was conspicuous, especially round the margin. Among the others were the variegated Pandanns javanicns with the leaves beauti- fully striped ; the graceful P. reflexus, a noble Dicksonia antarctica, Cyathea dealbata, Theophrasta imperiaUs, Chamx-rops excelsa, and Liitania borbonica. I'rom Messrs. A. Henderson &, Co. also cama Alocasia zebrina, and their fine -Mocasia macrorhiza variegata, Ma- ranta Portcaua, the leaves jircttily marked with white ; Anthuritini leuconeunim, with deep green leaves veined with white ; Croton an- gnstifolium, verj- ornamental from the weeping appearance which ia offered bv the narrow pendulous leaves ; and a fine variety of Cala- dinm hicolor. Mr. Bull likewise contributed a good collection, con- sisting of Fema, Dracasnas, and Palms. In the Amateurs' Class, Mr. July 11, 1865. J JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 25 Riimos flxliibitod a nsmiirkably fiuo collection in which Caladium Lo\vii, Alocasia metallicii;i.ufl macvorhiza vai-iefnita, and the variegated CrotoM were the most strildug. Dirksonia anturt'tii-a had a stem 8 or 9 inches in diaiimtur, Iho head forming an unihifUa; Gleichenia wpeluuciB was also very fine. Coneetious containing' hirq;e woll-f;i"own .specimens wc.vo likowiae exhibited hy Mr. Taylor and Mr. A. Intjram, and smaller ones eanio from Messrs. Young and C'arr. Among them, besides several species already noticed, were Nepentlms Uafllesiana with several pitchers, and a very good pan of the red- veined Gymnostachyum Verstdiaffelti, fi-om Mr. A. Ingi'am. Of Kxotie Ferns, excellent collections of healthy well-grown plants came from Mr. Barnard and Me.ssrs. Young, among Amateurs ; and Messrs. Bull, Williams, and A. Henderson, among Nurseiymen. Of British Ferns, interesting collections were o^chiliited by Messrs. Ivery, containing many curious forms, especially of tlie Lady Fern and Hart's Tongue ; two pretty varieties of the former being Athyrium f. f. diffisHo-multitidum and A. f. f. Parsonaia'. Awards. — For ten Fiue-foHaged Plants (Nurserymen) : first, Mr. Veitch ; second, Messrs. A. Hendorsou ; third, Mr.'BuU; fourth, Mr. Rhodes. For ten fAmatenrs) ; first, Mr. Baines, gardener to H. Sficbolls, Ksq,, Bo-.vdon ; second, Mr. Taylor, gardener to J. Yates, Esq., Highgate ; third. Mr. A. Ingi-am ; fourtii, Mr. Young, gardener to K. Barclay, Esq., Higbgate ; fifth. Mr. CaiT, gardener to P. Hinds, Ksq., Byll.'t't. For twelve Exotic Ferns (Amateurs) : first, Mr. Bar- nard, gardener to J. Taylor, Esq., Woodbury Down ; second. Mi". Young, gardener to W. Stone, Esq., Leigh Park; third, Ml-. Young, gardener to R. Barclay, Esq. ; fourth. Mi*. Taylor, gardener to J. Yates, Esq. For twelve (Nursery-men) : first. Mr. Bull ; second, Mr. Williams; third, Messrs. A. Hendorsou. For twelve Bi-itish Ferns: first, Messrs. Iveiy ; second, Mr. Holland, gardener to K. Peake, Esq., Isleworth. Heaths were well groi,vn and bloomed, hut little can he added as regards the varieties to what has appeared in former reports. Of Pai-mentieriana rosea, Massoui, Shaimonia, Huvilleana, ohbata, exi- mia, and others, very good specimens were shown. Awards. — For ten : first, Mr. Rhodes ; second, Messrs. Jackson ; thii-d, Messrs. Lee ; fourth, Messrs. F. & A. Smith ; fifth, Mr. Baxen- dine. For eight : first, Mr. Peed ; second, Mr. Wliecler, gardener to J. Phillpot. Esq. ; third, Mr. A. Ingram ; fourth. Mr. Chilman. Orchids were not so nmnerously shown as on the Last occasion, nor, indeed, in such perfection. In collections of twenty, Mr. Bullen a^ain sent Brassia Henchmanni in good bloom, several Cattleyas and Aerides, there being among the latter a very good Acrides Lobhi, Oueidium ampUatum majus and Lauceauum. Cypripedium harbatum majus, I,yca-;te Skinneri, Lielia elegans, Trichopilia crispa. in fine bloom ; and Uropedimn Lindeuii, with two llowers. one of which had a tail 9 inches long. From Mr. Page came Cyjiripedinm Stonei, with two of its hand-some flowers : Saccolabium Blumci, with a tine spike of flowers ; good Phala?nopses, including a small plant of P. rosea ; Vandas, bearded Cv^jripeiliums, and Ai-rides. Mr. Penny had in his coUeetion of twelve, Cattleya Mossife, in tine bloom ; Auguloa Ruckeri ; Aerides Lolibi. fine ; Trichopilia picta ; tine varieties of Cypripedium harbatum supcrbum and Saccolabium guttatum ; the rich-coloured Oncidium Lanceanura ; and Aerides Liiidleyauum. In Mr. Wilson's collection, which was also excellent, Trichopilia picta was blooming ^^*^^-}^' 1*^^"^*^^ which there were Cattleya snperba, brilliant in colour ; C. Schilleriaua and C. Leopold!, both beautiful in colour ; the hi-illiant Disa gi-andiflora. Aerides odoratum, &c. Calanthe veratrifolia, and Renanthera coccinea, in fine bloom, came from Mr. Hill. Awards — For twenty: first, Mr. BuUcn, gardener to A. Turner, Esq.. Leicester; .second, Mr. Page; third, Mr. Peed. For twelve: first. Mr. Penny, gardener to H. Gibbs, Esq.; second, Mr. Wilson, gardener to W. 'Marshall. Esq.; third, Mr. Wiggins, gardener to W. Reck, Esq., Isleworth ; fourth, Mr. Young, Leigh Park ; fifth, Mr. Chilmaai. For six (Nurserymen): first, Messrs. Jackson. For six (Amateurs) : first, Mr. Hill, gardener to R. Hanburv, Esq. ; second, Mr. A. Ligram ; third. Mr. Whitbread ; foui-th, Mr. Wheeler, gar- dener to J. PhUlpot, Esq. Pelakgontums were good, considering the heat and the period of the season. Mr. Eraser had Pericles, Bacchus. Lord Clyde, Bessie, Royal Albert, Pi-ince of Prussia. Laudseer. Perflita, Festus, Regina fcamiosa, Marabout, and De?;dpmona in good bloom ; and in the Amateurs' class. Mr. Bailey had by far the best. They consisted of Gmllaume Severyns, Desdemoua, *Beacon. Rovalty, Etna, Pericles, Mademoiselle Patti, Scarlet Florihunda, Regiiia i'ormosa, and Con- flagration. In Faueies. Mr. Fraser was the only exhibitor. His Tarietios were Cloth of Silver, Madame Sainton Dolby, Miss-in-her- Teens, Bridesmaid, and Roi des Fantaisies. Mr. Catlin exhibited some very good Scarlets. Awards.— For twelve : first, Mr. Fraser. For ten : first, Mr. Bailey ; third. Mr. Wiggins. For six Fancies : first, Mr. Fraser, For six Scai-let : first. Mr. Catlin, gardener to Mrs. Lennitte. Finchley ; second, Ml-. Pettit, gardener to G. Powney Esq. ; third. Mr. Hawcs, gardener to J. Noble, Esq., Fortis Green ; fourth, Mr. Weir ; fifth. Mi-. J. Lc^au. FxTCnsiAs. — The plants of these were not large, nor was the bloom first-rate. Among the best of the white-sepaled varieties were Rose of Castille, and Minnie Banks ; of those with white corollas, Madame Comelissen ; and of dark lands Sir Robert Peel. Messrs. E. G. Hen- derscm exhibited several of Mr. Banlcs'a varietie;-., as Puritani, white corolla, Charming, a fine dark kind; Lucrozia Borgia, vei-y large tlowei's ; La Favorita, and Sunshine. Awards. — Second, Mr. J. Weston, gardener to D. Martiueau, Esq., Clapham Park; third, Mr. Gardiner, gardener to J. Stutter, Esq.; fourth, Mr. Green, I'last Greenwich. KosKS. — There was a good display of cut blooms, among which were Konn! of the new Tea Marcchal Niel. Of others there were very good examjiles of Charles Lefobvi*e, Gloire de Santenay, Fram,'ois Louvat, Ma(bini(! Charles Wood, aud Isabella Gray. Awards.^For fifty : first, Mr. Turner, and Messrs. Paul & Son ; second, Mr. Fraser. For twenty-five ; first, Mr. Exell, gardener to J. llollingworth, Esq. ; second, *Mr. Ingle, gardener to G. Round, Esq., and Mr. W^-ight, Twickenham. For twenty-four: first, Mi-. Turner ; second, Messrs. Panl & Son ; third, Mr. Fraser. New Plants. — Interesting gi-oups of these wore furnished by Mr. Voitch, aud Mr. Bull. Mr. Veitch had his new Rhododendrons — Princess Royal, a)ul Princess Alexandra, both of which are very fine ; Lepfcopteris superha, verj^ beautiful ; Bertolonias, IJrceolina aurea, Cattleya quincolor, noticed last week ; Osmanthus ilici- folius ; Seiadopitys verticillata, a handsome plant ; AntUurium Scher- :ieriaiium, Calathea Yeitchii, aud some others. Mr. Bull bad a sin- gular plant, stated to ho an Indian Radish, with eilihle pods having the same flavour as a Radish. These, it is stated, gi'ow 3 inches in a night, and attain the length of 3 feet or more. Globba radicans varie- gata, the leaves screaked with yellow ; Sphturogj-ne ciniiamomea, Cycas Rominiana, Bertolonia margaritacea, variegated Verbenas, and Chrysanthemums, as well as several Fenis, and a pretty Lobelia called Silver Gem, -with white and blue flowers, the wliite largely pre- dominating, came from the same exhibitor. New Clematiies were shown by Messrs. Jackman, and Mr. To^vnsend ; and Trichinium Manglesii, a pretty Swan-River plant by Mr. Thompson, of Ipswich. This was described in these columns f^ome time ago, and a re- presentation of it was given in the "Florist" of October. Mr Thompson stjxtes that it will succeed out of doors. Messrs. E. G. Henderson sent Fuchsia Enoch Arden, with a large dark corolla, and bright scarlet sepals, aud Gardenia florida variegata ; Mr. Smith, Homsey Road, La Grande Pelargonium, a promising scarlet Nosegay ; Messrs. F. & A. Smith, Orion Zonale Pelargonium, with salmon flowers ; Mr. Morse, Epsom, Scolopendrium vulgare Coppardi, a fine crested variety ; Messrs. Ivoi-y, Athyi'ium f. f. diffissum, Lastrea f. m. gi-andiccps, and Polystichum proliferam Holeije, aU of which are desirable additions ; aud Mr. Williams, a fiuie DracEcna liueata, Ferns, and Aloes. MiscELLANEOTTs. — Mr. W. Paul scut his new Nosegay Pelargoniums in fiuo bloom ; Messrs. Saltmarsh, some of the tricolor- foli aged class ; Mr. Fraser, Kalosauthes, in fine bloom ; Messrs. F. & A. Smith, a sho\vy collection of Balsams ; Mr. Baines, gardener to H. Micholls, Esq., Sarracenias Drummondi, pur][nirea, flava, and variolaris, fine AnjEctoehils, and the curious Dionam muscipula. Caraatious and Picotees from Mr. Turner were vci-y fine ; Messrs. Do^vnie, & Co., had line Hollyhocks ; and Mr. Perry, seedling Verbenas, of which Charles Tumor. Mazeppa, Cleopatra, and Glowwoinn, were excellent. Cala- diums, and hanging baskets, neatly filled, came fi-om Messrs. A. Hen- dci'son A; Co. ; aud from Mr. Barnes. Bicton. a fine collection of cones, produced this year at Bicton, including those of Araucaria imbricata, Picea Nordmanniana, Abies duciosa, and many others. FHUIT. The display of Fruit was very large, and most of the objects were characterised by gi'cat excellence. It was, to a large number of visitors, the most attractive feature of the Show ; the plants, many of them, Iiad been seen before, but such fine fruit, aud in such quantity, has rarely been seen. In collections, Mr. Sage, gardener to Earl Brownlow, Ashridge, was first with fine bunches of Black Hamburgh and Muscat Grapes, the latter well ripened, a good Queen Pine, a Melon, Royal George Peaches, Elruge Nectarines, Brown Turkey Figs, aud British Queen Strawbenies. Mr. Miller, gardener to Earl Craven. Combe Abbey, sent two fine Queen Pines, Black Hamburgh and Trentham Black Grapes, Canon Hall, not sufficiently ripe ; a large Melon, fine Peaches, and British Queen Strawben-ies. Mr. EuSett, gardener to Lord Palmerston, had a tine Providence and two Queen Pines, excellent Peaches, and Black Tartarian Cherries. Good collections likewise came from Mr. Baunerman, Mr. Dawson, and Mr. Lynn. Hedsor. Awards. — First, Mr. Sage; second, Mr. Miller; third, Mr. Ban- nerman, gardener to Lord Bagot, Rugelcy ; fourth, Mr. Dawson, gar- dener to Earl Co^v]ler, Panshanger. Pines v/ere not very numerous, but some good fi'uits were shown. For a collection of four Mr. Barnes was first with a fine Providence, a Prickly Cayenne, Queen, aud Ripley Queen ; Mr. Y'ouug. Leigh Park, was second with two Providence, a Queen, and an En\'ille ; Mr. Dawson third, Mr. Barnes sent, in addition, a collection of Pines ripened in the op^n air, and, to all outward appearance, well rijKmL'd. They consisted of Brown Antigua, Enville, Queen, and Lemon Queen. Though the climate of Devonshire is doubtless favourable to such an attempt, and so excellent a Pine-grower as Mr. Barnes is well Iniown to be the most liliely to achieve success, it would be interesting to know the mode of culture which he adapted in this particular case. Some very good Queens, upwards of 4 lbs. in weight, were shown. Mr. Young, gardener to Crawshay Bailey. Esq., was first with a large and fine fruit ; Mr. Davis, gardener to W. Booker,. 26 JOUKNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEK. [ July 11, 1865. Esq., Car(liif, second with one of 4 lbs. 3 ozs. ; and Mr. Kemp, gar- dener to E. Bentall, Esq., Maldon, third. Good fruit were also shown b}- Mr. Carr, Mr. Barnes, and Mr. Bailey. Providence, though of good size, were not handsome. Mr. Young and Mr. De\-ille were equal first; Mr. Allen, gardener to .J. B. Glegg, Esq., second with a cocks- eomb-crowned fruit ; Mr. Dawson third. In the class for Any other Tariety the first prize was withheld ; the second went to Mr. Bailey for a Priddy Cayenne ; the thii-d to Mr. Godfrey, gardener to H. Chuck, Esq.. Ware. Grapes. — Rarely, if ever, have finer bunches than those shown been collected together at any one exhibition. The Black Hamburghs were magnificent. Mr. Sage, gardener to Earl Howe, was first with large beautifully finished bunches with very large berries of a jet black ; Mr. Meredith second, with magnificent bunches, the centre one in particular, the three weighing 8 lbs., but a still more extraordinaiT exhibition was that which was put up by the same celebrated giower in the Miscellaneous class, being a single bunch with six shooldcrs, each as la:-ge as an ordinarj' bunch, finely coloured, and weighing 9* lbs. Such a weight in a single bunch of this variety has never, to our knowledge, been recorded before, and the Judges awarded it the highest prize which it was in their power to bestow. Third prizes were awarded to Mr. Wallis, gardener to J. Dixon Esq., Astle Park; to Mr. Henderson, gardener to Sir G. Beaumont Bart., Cole Oi-ton HaU ; and Mr. Speed, gardener to Sir E. Walker Bart. ; and fourth prizes to Mr. Sawkius, Mr. .Jackson, and Mr. O. Goldsmith, aU of whom had good well ripened bunches. Mr. Rawbone, gardener to C. Campbell Esq., Ashbourne, had three very fine bunches weighing 9 lbs. .5 ozs., but they were unripe. A splendid basket of the same Grape, also from Mr. Meredith, had a first prize, and one of 14 lbs. from Mr. M. Henderson a second, and the third was taken by Mr. Wallis. Muscats were not suHiciently ripe ; the best were fine large-berried bunches from Mr. Turner, who received a second prize. There were, however, several good bunches from other exhibitors. In Three dishes of different varieties there were several fine exhibitions. Mr. Meredith was first with Trentham Black, Black Hamburgh, and Black Prince, magnificent bunches of the largest size and beautifully coloured. A second prize was given to Mr. Hill, Keele Hall, for Black Prince, fine, the three weighing S lbs. 2 ozs. ; Black Hamburgh, 5 lbs. 7 ozs. ; and Black Alicante (Meredith's variety), 5 lbs. 12 ozs., one of the bunches remarkably fine. Another second prize was awarded to Mr. Osborne, Finchley, for Black Hamburgh ; Bucldand Sweetwater, finely ripened ; and Muscat Hamburgh, very tine. Mr. Peachey, gardener to R. Hole, Esq., Loughborough,' was third with Red Frontiguan, Golden Ham- bm-gh, and Black Hamburgh ; and Mr. WaUis, fourth, with Black and White Frontignans, and Black Hamburghs. Several other good dishes were set up by other exhibitors. Of other kinds, fine bunches of Black Pi-ince were shown by Mr. Allen, Mr. Sage, Mr. Pottle, and Mr. Hill, those from Mr. Pottle weighed 9 lbs. ,'> ozs., but were not sufiiciently ripe. Mr. Allport, gardener to H. .^kn-oyd, Esq., Doddington Hall, had Ingram's Prolific Muscat and Black Frontiguan, very good ; and of Buckland Sweet- water remarkably fine bunches were"shown by Mr. Meredith, but they were apparently not ripe enough. From Messrs. Lane came good bunches of Chavoush and Royal Muscadine. For the above the following awards were made ;— For Black Prince : first, Mr. AUeu, gardener to E. Hopwood, Esq. ; equal third, Mr. WaUis and Mr. Sage. For other kinds ; first. Mr. Allport ; second, Mr. Hyde ; third, Mr. Goldsmith ; fourth, Mr. Peachey ; fifth, Mr. M. Henderson. Pe.iches and Nectarines consisted of Royal George, BeUegai-de, and Violette Hative Peaches, and Elruge and Violette Hative Nec- tarines. Several of those to which prizes were awarded were large and highly coloured. Awards.— For four dishes: first, Mr. Allen, gardener to J. B. Glegg, Esq. ; second, Mr. Hill. Keele Hall ; third, Mr. Rawbone ; fourth, Mr. Enstone. For two dishes : first, Mr. Carr ; second, Mr. Sawkius ; Mr. Roberts, gardener to Hon. A. BaiTv, Tullamore ; and Mr. Sage, gardener to Earl Brownlow ; third. Mr. Ward, gardener to F. Martin, Esq., and Mr. Ruffett ; fourth, Mr. Ford, gardener to Rev. T. Hudson, Watton ; Mr. Young, Leigh Park ; Mr. Enstone ; and Mr. Budd, gar- dener to the Earl of Daruley. Melons. — There was a good show of these, and they were for the most part well grown, but many of them we are informed were rather inferior in flavour. Gem was the principal variety shown in the Scarlet-fleshed class. Awards.— For Green-fleshed: first, Mr. Enstone, gardener to Sir J. Ductivorth, Bart. ; second, Mr. Earley, Digswell. For Scarlet- fleshed : first, Mr. Gadd, Dorldng ; second, Mr. Weir, gardener to Mrs. Hodgson, Hampstead. Cherries. — Several excellent dishes of Bigarreau and Elton were shown, and of the Black Tartarian or Cii-cassian, beautiful examples came from Mr. Turner and Mr. Ruffett. Awards.— For Blaik : first. Mr. Tunier and Mr. Eaftett ; second, Mr. Pottle, Mr. Carr, Mr. Marcham, and Mr. Sawkins. For White : first. Ml-. Enstone and Mr. Widdowson ; second, Mr. Turner, Mr. Perkins, Mr. Ross, Mr. Sage, and Mr. Marcham. MiscELLAXEOUS. — Figs consisted of good dishes of Brown Turkey and White Ischia ; Plnms, of .Jefferson and Victoria. Of Straw- ben-ies, Sir Charles Napier, Filbert Pine, Admiral Dundas, British Queen, Bicton White, and some others were very good. Ra.spberries came from Mr. Young and Mr. Cutbush, of Highgate, the latter showing Prince of Wales and Princess Alice ; excellent baskets ot Peaches from Mr. Osborne, Finchlev ; and some fine Nectarmes from Mr. Henderson, and Mr. Masters, gardener to the Earl of Macclesfield. Messrs. Lane had a good coUection of fruit trees m pots, and Mr. Tunier contributed a seedling Strawberrj- caUed Dr. Hogg, f or whicli a first-class certificate was awarded. , Awards.— For Figs: first, Mr. Orman, gardener to R HoUand, Esq. ; second, Mr. Sage, gardener to Earl Howe ; and Mr. Hutt. If or Plums : first, Mr. Robins, gardener to Sir G. Kerrison, Bart. ; second, Mr. A. Ingram. For Strawberries : first, Mr. Bailey ; second, Mr. Widdowson ; third, Mr. Budd ; fourth, Mr. Kaile. THE GARDENERS- ROYAL BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. The Anniversarv Meeting was held at the London Tavern on Friday the 7th inst., J. R." Jeffen-, Esip, of Woolton Hall, Liverpool, m the chair. Among those present were Mr. Serjeant Atkinson, Colonel Scott, R.E., Colonel Bui-nabv, Grenadier Guards, Donald NicoU, Esq., Colonel Jeakes, Captain Fox, G. F. WUson, Esq., G. Child, Esq., R. Wrench, Esq. ; Messrs. J. & C. Lee, Fraser, Williams, Inmer, Gray, Omison, and Taylor. , Tiie Ch.urman said that he proposed, with much pleasure and heartfelt sinceritv. the health of the Queen. The next toasts were the Prince and Piincess of Wales, and the rest of the Royal Family ; and the Army, Navy, Volunteers, and Naval Reserve, coupled with the name of Colonel Bumabv. . , ^ -x Coloxel Bcrnaey, in returning thanks for the Army, said that it had been the custom of his regiment for two hundred years to have a dinner once a-vear, and His Royal Highness the Commander-in-chief had then said "that the •efficiency of the Army was aU that he conld dosii-e. Mr. Cutler, the Secretarv, returned thanks for the Navy, in which he had sei-ved when a youth ; Col. Jeakes and Captain 1' ox tor the Voluuteers ; Captain Shaw for the Naval Reserve. , , , . - The CHAlRM.iN then proposed the health of the Patron of the Insti- tution, the Duke of Buccleuch. obsen-ing that nothing could be more encouraging than to have among the promoters of the Institntion gentlemen of such extensive landed possessions. The Ch.uioi.in said he had next to propose to them the toast ot the evenin", " Prosperity to the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution, but before proceeding to do so he had to apologise for having left at Liveniool a large per-ceutage of his voice, but what was left was at their serrice. The Institution was one of an unpretending character and had not to contend with poverty, nor was it embanassed with too much riches. It was blessed with one of the most persevenng and in- dustrious of Secretaries. When Mr. Cutler called on him ithe Chair- mani his dittidence and modesty induced him to decline the honour of filling the position which he held that evening, bnt such were the Secretary's persuasive powers and perseverance, that he (the Chairman), at length accepted the post, believing that the duties he would have to perform would be light. On second consideration he found that the task he had undertaken was by no means so easy, for he found he waa called on to strike with Aaron's rod that hard rock their pockets, to cause them to flow in a refreshing steam to those who were dependant on the Institution. He was given to understand that there were fifty- seven of these, of whom thirty were females, and that they averaged the great age of seventy-six. I! those present, or, indeed, the most wealthy in the kingdom' were asked to forego indulgence in the mi6 arts or 'in the pleasures of a garden, there were few who would not prefer to give up the former in preference to the latter ; and if so, was it not a duty, was it not necessary and desirable, to make the latter days of those' who so ministered to our enjoj-ments happy ? The Institution was, 2>a'' ercrllence, a benevolent institntion, not one of those of which there were too many instances m which the sober man was chamed to the drunkard, the frugal to the improvident, and he urged its claims to support. Each person present could contribute one stone to the edifice. The stone might be called by any name they choose, a coin of the realm if they liked, and each would have the satisfaction of con- tributing to the support of an institution which did a great amount of good. He found that the annual expenses were £800, and though the balance sheet was i'316 in favour of the Institution, £.300 of that sum must be forthwith dispensed to those who were dependant on the funds. The Institution was established in 18:^8, bnt scarcely came into life tiU 1842, when the present Secretary came into office. He (the Chairman) was surprised to find the large amount which had been distributed in that time, some £12,700, and yet there was a reserve in the Stocks of £5,700. He believed those present would agree with him in the hope that this sum would be doubled m half the period to come. He commended most ardently, most sincerely, the claims of the Institution to support. , , , ~ , nr The healths of the Chairman, Mr. Wrench (the Treasurer), Mr. Cutler (the Secretary), were then drunk; and among other toasts given were the Nursery and Seed Trade, the Stewards, and the Ladies. The amount coUected was about £380, of which the Chairman and his friends contributed £80. The proceedings were enUvened by some good music from Miss Poole and Mr. Perren. There was a handsome dessert, and a variety of ornamental plants for the decoration of the room, these last coming from Messrs. Leo and Smith. July 11, IHfiS. ] JOURNAL OF HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 27 EOYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. July H. Tun SIuiw ol' (>i iiainrntal aud Vtirieti(ittul-foliii^(ul Plants iind S('arli*t l\'liii>;tniimii-^. nil Siiturdtiy last, wa;i prohiiltly tlm iiio^it tJxtenHivu ami imst of tin- 1I1IM..1 showB held this year. thon;^h, doiihtlusH, tho general t'ffoct wouhl have been improved by the iiitrodiu'tion litsro nud thuro of flowering phuits, to relievo tho monotouy of so niuoli j^roeu foliage. lu Class I., twelve stove aud greeuliouse plants with ornunicntal foliaj^tS Mr. Kaiufs, gardener to H. Mit-iiolls. Ks5, consisting of Father Ignatius, J'inocli Arden. ltoderi<'k Dhu, and War Eagle, all having violet purple coroUas anr the vegetalile. The Chinese usually cook it in a frying-pan after cutting it into small pieces. WHieu it has been so boiled for a sliort tinnv -no cover being put over the vessel — the water is partially strained off, and some oil or pork fat added ; piroljably to most tastes, except tliOBo of Chinameu, butter would be preferable. So prepared, the China Cabbage would please tlie most fastidious i/ouniiet. Tlie China Pea is another excellent vegetable, btiiug remarkable for the great length of tlie pods and its proliti(- crops. The Chinese use the Pea before the pods are thoroughly tilled, as they cook the Peas in the pod and eat l)oth, in the same wily as French Beans are used. Probably the eliief secret of the success of the Chinese gar- dener, in addition to the liberal manuring, is that the vegetables are kept constantly sup)died with water. They are watered three times a-day — -in tht! morning, about midday, and in the evening. A large number of barrels, sunk in the ground at the end of the plots, are distributed throughmit the garden. These are tilled from the weUs or creek during the intei-vals between the hours for watering, by the partner whose duty it is to iici-torm this work. Prom there the watering-pails ai'e filled at tlie proper time, and the liquid poured eo)nously over the vegetables, for they consider it most essential to water the plant as well as the soil, although English gaidpiiers will frequently be seen pouring in only a little water at the roots of a flower or other plant. The plots are likewise frequently and regularly saturated with the liquid manure. English gardeners think it injurious to water any kind of plants during the day while the sun is shining; and so, indeed, it 'S, if the watering be not continued regularly. A Chinaman's vegetables are kept constantly moist, and he would water them at the apjiointed hour, although it were evident that a perfect torrent of rain would descend in a few minutes. The Chinese are quite as diligent in weeding as in watering, and the former is carried on as constantly as the latter, for they will not allow their manure to be exhausted by a profitless crop. No trifle is considered beneath notice, and a gfutler and more careful crdtivator than the Chinese gardener it would he difficult to imagine. He seems to be passionately fond of his plants, and nurses them most .affectionately. For a picture of patience, nothing could surpass a Chinese gardener washing blight from the blades of his Cabbage. With a keg of soapy water, and a piece of stick with a rag tied to the end of it, he moves slowly along the side of the plot, tenderly lays hold of one blade after another, and carefully rubs otf the bliglit with the cloth after he has dipped it in the water. To wash many hundreds of Calibages in this fashion seems an extraordinary undertaking, but the Cliinaman thinks it the most natural thing in the world, and, persistently persevering, it is astonishing what rapid progress he makes. In no respect are the wisdom, foresight, and accurate calcula- tion of the Chinese gardener more wonderfully displayed than in his arr,augement of his crops, so that he has always some description ready for sale, and yet never has a glut ; or is com- pelled to sell immature vegetables, or allow them to become overgrown. He sows and reaps something every day all the year round ; -with him it is always seed time and always harvest. In the garden are to he seen vegetables in all stages of develop- ment ; and as soon as one plant is taken from the ground new seed is put in its place. The soil is never allowed to remain a day irlle, but it is too liberally treated ever to get exhausted. It ought not to bo omitted to mention, before closing, as many may be ignorant of the fact, that Chinese gardeners .alwavs steep the seeds they are about to sow in liquid manure, until they are considerably swollen and have begun to germinate. The elJeet of this is that they spring up very rapidly, and escape the ravages of insects to which seeds and tender blades are so liabli'. Our best horticulturists and agricidturists could learn many a valuable lesson from the Chinese gardener. — (Australian Xmcs.) ST1^A^VBERRY CULTURE. TnEEE seems to be a prevailing opinion that the Strawberry crc^) this year is a failure. I never had a better, and I think if my system were carried out there would be no complaijit.H. My ground is well dug and heavily manured, the Strawberry plants dug up and ]mt in with a trowel in July, 2 feet every way from plant to ])lanl, the surface of the ground covered with manure in the end of JIarch, no sjiade or fcu'k ever allowed near the beds after they are made till they are destroyed, the weeds hand-|)icked, the roots kept single instead of being allowed to run one into another, and the barbarous mowing the leaves off strictly ])rohibited. I have Iiad as many as .seventeen clusters of fruit on a root tlie hrst .lune after jilauting. After the second year they are dug up and a fresh piece of ground planted. — J. W. Chalonei'., Ncwtuii Kyme, Xudcaiter. CUTTING ROSES AND TAKING THEM TO A DISTANT EXHIIJITION. Woin.n one of your contributors, skilled in preparing Roses for exhibition, give a few hints as to the best means of con- veying them to the place of exhibition ? Should they be ar- ranged beforehand in the boxes as they are to be exhibited ? I mean in case of having to convey them c^ne hundred miles or more. Or, if carried to the place of exhibition and arranged there, would a basket or close-fitting box be the best in which to convey them ? Now that this flower is becoming so gene- rally exhibited at our horticultural shows, a few hints on this subject will, I have no doubt, be acceptable to many of your readers, and especially so to — A Country Curate. [In answer to the above two questions I reply, that I live more than one hundred miles from London, and that, by care- ful attention to blooms, I have carried them sutBcieutly fresh to win two hrst prizes against the amateurs, and a second prize against the nurserymen. The distance of one himdi-ed miles entails night travelling. I, therefore, cut from 5 to 7 p.m., and leave the box sufficiently open to take in the moist evening air from 7 to 9. J^t that hour I start for Wimborne Station, seven miles distant, ,and travel about three miles and a half an hour, ])ulling up at every dip, and driving in the centre of the road to keep the box level. At Wimborne I water the Roses, haWng a quarter of an hour to do so. I an-ive at Waterloo Station at 4.30 A.M. They are then watered .igain and hoisted .as level as possible on to the cab. Having arrived at Kensington I water them again and shut the box as close as I can to keep out heat and prevent evaporation. In this case I place over the box a wet cloth to prevent the action of heat on the box. I have always arranged them beforehand, but I also take a number of supernumeraries. I may say, that as decay is sometimes rapid, Roses just relaxing their petals will oftentimes be better next morning than Roses that left home fully expanded. It is best to take both, but futile to take blooms that have been wetted. The stems cannot be kept too wet, nor the blooms too di-y, as heat and wet are the elements of decay. It is a great help to Roses that are to travel to keep the plants watered pre-vionsly. Before putting the blooms into tlie box dip the stalk into water and sponge the leaves, but do not wet the blooms. On arrival at the exhibition cut off a small slice at the bottom of the stem, as they wiU suck the better for it. This is my reply to the first question. In answer to the second question, I have an opinion that the following would be the best way of all for cut flowers to travel : — Tlie mischief, of course, is evaporation. When a bloom is open it is at its zenith. It must, therefore, more or less decline. Our jiainted boxes draw the heat. The top, therefore, of the show-box should not be painted. Mine is painted ; but to counteract heat I travel with a wet sack over the box. I have never travelled with cut flowers in a box, or basket, but I imagine that a box lined with lead, and having ice at the bottom, witli a newspaper between the ice and the flowers, would be the best way of all. The flowers should be laid thinly in layers, with w-etted grass, or moss, over their stems, and a bit of paper between the blooms. I have often sent Roses to London in linendraper's boxes without ice, but treated as above, vnth success. The great point is to prevent evaporation or the action of heat. Camphor is a very cooling thing, and, therefore, if travelled with water-cups a little spirit of camphor would help to keep the water-cool. Finally, having put your Roses on the stand and having removed the cover, keep your eye on the box as long as you can, and, above all, keep your temper. As Mr. W. Paid justly observes in his admirable book on Roses, page 177 : — " Let us ask ourselves again, if there is any disgrace in being beaten? " Certainly none. Every place here is honourable. If our plants JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB. [ Julf 11, 1863. (or blooms), be good, never mind those of our cotemporary being better. I recommend to " Country Curate " an admirable article printed in the " Gardeners' Annual," which contains ten excellent rules to guide the Eose exhibitor. The direction given in one of those rules — namely, to cut the Eoses in the morning with the dew on them is a good direction for Eoses grown on the hills where the dew is moderate ; but in valleys the dew in summer, which is in the same ratio as the solar heat, is so copious that it is very little short of rain. It pene- trates into interstices between the petals, and when the Roses are exposed to the heat of exhibition the colours fly. %\'hether, therefore, I exhibit far or near, I cut overnight as late as I can, and leave the lid of the box trigged open, but sufficiently close to prevent the dew from falling on the blooms. They will thus absorb quite sufficient moisture. I have always ob- served at shows that my Eoses stand the heat and keep their colours better than those of many others. — W. F. Radclyffe, Tairant linsIUon.] CUTTING ASPARAGUS. I WILL reply to yonr correspondent, " J. K.," page 488, from a totally diiierent point of view. When a garden is much in- fested by the Asparagus beetle, it is obWous that by cutting off all the sprouts, you deprive them of a place to lay their eggs, and thus diminish them. On this principle I cut my beds clean, but find great difficulty in forming a new bed, from the impossibility of cutting, and the trouble of hunting after the grubs, which become beetles. — G. S. FROGMORE EARLY BIGARREAU CHERRY. This production of the Royal Gardens is one of Mr. Ingram's most successful efforts in raising new fruits, and will prove a great addition to our varieties of early Cherries. The original tree is gi-owing against a north-east wall, and the fruit was ripe this season on the 17th of June. Unlike the class to which it properly belongs, it has a tender melting flesh, and furnishes another instance of Nature rebelling against the devices and systems of men. In eveiy respect this is a Bigarreau in habit, leaf, and appearance of the fruit, and must be classified along with these varieties ; but as if to set at nought all human arrangements, it persists in having a delicious melting flesh instead of one that is hard and crackling. Frogmore Early Bigarreau Cherrj-. The fruit is large, obtuse heart-shaped, with a very shallow suture. Skin with a brUliaut red cheek, dotted with minute yellow points, and of a remarkably pale almost pure ■white where shaded — so susceptible is it of shade that the point of a leaf or the shadow of a twig would be photographed on this brilliant red. Stulk 2 inches long with a very small receptacle, and set in a shallow and narrow cavity. Flesh very delicate and translucent, perfectly tender, melting, and veiy juicy, with a rich sweet flavour. Stone small. The tree is a great bearer ; clusters of a dozen and a half to two dozen large handsome Cherries being produced on a small spray. AUCUBA JAPONICA. Now that in our gardens this Aucuba perfects its brilliant berries, or drupes, to speak botanically correctly, it has acquired a very great additional interest, and, indeed, when loaded with its coral fruit it has such a novel aspect, that we heard a lady inquire "where this new species came from? "and, as this query led to others, and as the information eUcited ia not devoid of interest, we will arrange and detail it. There is no doubt that Ka>mpfer was the first European to see it, describe it, and pourtray it. In his " Amoenitates exotica>," published in 171'2, he describes the " Aiikuba " very accurately as having " red oblong fruit, rather larger than that of the Laurel ; flesh slight, white, slightly sweet ; nut inclosed, rather hard and harshly flavoured." More than half a century later, Thuuberg also noticed it when in Japan. He says, in his " Travels," that in 1776, when travelling near the Japanese town called Kokura, " I foimd near the bath at an inn a tree which is called Aiikuha, and another called Nandina, both of which were supposed to bring good fortune to the house." That benign influence did not extend to its European dis- coverers and the introducer to our gardens. Kiempfer returned from Japan with shattered health, and died four years after he had published his description of the Aucuba ; Thunberg lingered for years suffering from accidental poisoning; and John Grffifer, who first cultivated it in Europe, was murdered. This last-named botanist is so Uttle known that a few relative particulars deserve recording. He was a native of Germany, and came to England about the year 1760, to be a pupil of Philip Miller, by whose recommendation he was advanced to be gardener to Mr. James Vere, of Kensington Gore, one of the originators of the Eoyal Horticultural Society. After a few years he became a partner with Messrs. Thompson and Gordon in the Mile End Nursery, but he left the concern when Mr. Gordon died, and accepted a high appointment in Italy. On the title page of the only book he pubhshed he is designated " Botanic Gardener to the King of Naples," and to this he was appointed at the recommendation of Sir J. Banks. In the preface to the same work, published in 1789, he is mentioned as favourably laiown to our Admiralty for his " invention of prepared vegetables." This, and perhaps the influence of Lady Hamilton, who had a taste for gardening, and whose husband was then our ambassador at Naples, obtained for Mr. Grfefer the superintendency of Lord Nelson's Sicilian Estate at Bronte. Then came the Neapolitan revolution ; the Royal family were driven from the throne, and Murat became King of Naples. Unluckily for himself Gra>fer still retained his appointment, for he was assassinated near his residence at Caserta in 1816. Mr. Aiton in his " Hortus Kewensis," states that the Aucuba was introduced by Mr. Grafer in 1783. For some years, with praiseworthy care, our gardeners preserved it in the stove, whence, says Mr. Cm'tis, it was removed to the greenhouse or eonser\'atory, and is now (1809) found to be as hardy as the Laurel or Laurustinus. The drawing of it in the " Botanical Magazine " for that year is excellent. Unfortunately only a female plant was introduced, and no one had the good thought to strive for the acquisition of a male plant, until Mr. Fortune visited Japan in 1861. He sent it with other valuable acquisi- tions to Mr. Standish, and it was thus noticed by our reporter soon after its arrival in 1862 : — " There is a plant — familiar even to those least versed in plant-leaniing, which is to be seen in the smoky squares in London, or breathing the clear air of the country ; dingy it may be in the first case, and showing a fresh morning face in the other ; which is to be found in every garden, and which succeeds well in all, alike resisting cold and heat, wet and di-j-nesB. This is the Aucuba japonica, or rather a variegated variety of that plant, for that which has been so long known under this name is merely one of many such varieties only now brought to light. Jnly 11, 1865. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 31 ,.,", 1^0 tnio Aucuba japonica is not varioKated, but has bean- I briKhtest colour ; and when the female plants are imnreimated tiful shimng greeu leaves, which, when young, are of the | it will possess an adcUtioual charm in being covered with its Aucuba japonica. iMge fed berries. It may safely he predicted of this new intro- 1 shrubbery, where it will be quite as valuable as the common duetion, that in a few years it will be planted in every | Laurel, and, Uke it, will form admirable hedges. For plantiDg JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. t July 11, 1885. near Loudon and other large towns it will prove invaluable, for the leaves will not look dirty so soon as those of the blotched- leaved sort. " Sueli a shnib as this is alone an ample recompense for Mr. Fortune's journey, being, as it undoubtedly is, one of the greatest aequisitious among hardy shrubs that has been made in our time. " The male Aucuba, which is also in Mr.Standish's possession, IS, as far as its general appearance is concerned, but little if at all different from the female. Its gi-eat value lies in its pro- ducing flowers, by means of -whieli the female plants may be fertihsed and enabled to produce their beautiful berries. It is veiy scarce even in Japan, where it is only pro])agated for this pm-pose." We recommend purchasers of berried plants to sow the berries, for the chance of having, among the plants so raised, one that has male flowers. Those plants now bearing berries will not, of coni-se, bear them next year, unless male flowers are close by during the blooming season. PORTKAITS OF PLANTS, FLOAVERS. AND FRUITS. FoDRCROYA LoxG.EVA (Long-enduring Fom-croya). Wat. ord., Amaryllidaeie. I, inn., Hexandria Monogj-nia. — " The stately plant here represented is Fourcrm/a Ungava, one of the most marvellous productions of the vegetable world. It belongs to the family of .iman/Hitlaccte, and has the habit of a gigantic Yucca, its stem being frequently 50 feet high, and its flcjwer- spike 40 more ! It was origiu.al'ly discovered on Mount Tauga, m Oaxaca, at an elevation of 10,000 feet above the level of the sea. Mr. Skinner has also met with it on the high mountain- ndges m the interior of Guatemala. Plants of the species exist in our nurseries, but, contrary to expectation, it seems to suffer severely from the cold and changes of our climate. With us and in the Eegent's Park garden, the temperature of a common greenhouse is sufficient for it ; but the largest of our plants in cultivation are, of course, but pigmies in comparison with its height on its native moimtains." — (Bot. Mail., t. 5.519.) Deniihoeium senile frtlnte-hairedDen(lri)bium). Nat. ord., OrchidacejE. Linn., Gynaudria Monandria.— Native of Moul- mem. Flowers yellow and long-lasting.— i/fc/J., (. nrjiO.) ^JLvEiANTHUS DiunnioNDiANus (Drummond's JIariauthus). Nat. ouL, Pi-ttosporaeefe. Lirm., Penlandria Mouogj-nla. — Native of AVesteru Australia. Flowered in May at Messrs. Yeitch's. Flowers blue. — (Und., t. .5521.) Deimia aetissima (Lofty Drimia). Nat. m-d., Asphodelea;. Limi., Hexandria MonogMiia.— The finest of all the Drimias. Native of Natal. Flowers green, anthers yellow on puriile filaments.— (/;);•(?., t. .5522.) PHAL.ESOPSIS LriJEEMANKiANA (Luddemanu's Phahenopsis). Nat. ord.. Orchidaceic. Linn., Gj-uandria Mouandria.— Native of the Philippine Islands. Introduced by Messrs. Hugh Low and Co., Clapton. Flowers white barred transversely with Ulac at the base, .ind cinnamon on the upper parts. — (Ihid., t. 5523.) Primula cortcsoides i-ar. am^t and Pojnologist, iv., 137.) WORK FOR THE "W'EEK. _ KliCHEN GARDEN. The principal business here for the next three weeks must be the introduction of the various winter and spring Greens, and the thorough cleaning of the kitchen garden. Indeed, those who do not or cannot make eai'uest war against all weeds at this period must not look for abiuidant produce through the autumn aud winter. Artichitkes, when the heads are used the stems should be cut off close to the roots, clean the stools of decayed leaves, and loosen the surface of the soil about them with the hoe. Bi-ussels S2)routs, let every nook be now filled with these and Green Kale, Savoys, Cabbages, and, of course, with a due supply of Broccolis. The Wilcove, the Somers', particularly Late White, the old Sulphur, aud Snow's Winter should be got out immediately. The middle season, as the Grange's Impregnated, the Protecting, the Walcheren, and the Cauliflower must speedUy follow, aud these again followed by the Capes and some more Cauliflowers on a warm border for heading until Christmas. Celery, the beds should be planted speedily, as fast as land comes to hand. If the plants get gross when they are " pricked-out " they will run to seed if the weather is sunny. Cucumbers, keep the linings of the frames made up, so as to transmit a gentle warmth through the bed ; for how ever warm the weather may be, this is neces- sary to procure tine handsome fruit. Garlic and Shallots, as soon as the tops begin to fade pull up the roots ; after allowing them to remain on the ground a daj' or two to dr^', tie them up in bunches, and hang them in a di-y place. Lettuce, another sowing may be made in drills where the plants are to remain ; a little of the Paris and Bath Cos may be sown at the same time. Mu.fhroows, save and prepare horse-droppiugs for beds to produce through the autumn and winter. Take care that newly-made spawn-bricks are thoroughly dry before being stored away. Spinach, sow a few rows to keep up a succession, thin the preceding crop, and keep it watered in dry weather. Tvr- uips, thin-out the last sowing to a foot or 15 inches apart, and as the weather is now favourable the main autumn crop may be sown. Where the Broccolis are planted between Peas a uarrow sjiace should be dug for them if the ground is very hard, the nst of it can be dug and the intermediate rows of plants got in when the Peas are off. Do not forget a good breadth of Leeks immediately, aud I may add, do not forget to put plenty of manure to them. FRUIT GAEDEN. Proceed with nailing the young wood of wall trees, and see that they are perfectly clear of insects, also stop any gross shoot, aud endeavour to secure a fair supply of bearing wood all over the tree. Gross shoots that were stopped early in the season should be divested of all the laterals except one, or if it can be spared, remove it altogether. Keep the breastwood on Pear and other wall and espalier trees closely stopped in, and attend to thinning the fruit where the crop is too heavy for the streugth of the tree. Look to preparing Strawbeny rimners for forcing next spring. Prepare ground for fresh plantations by heavily manuring and trenching it, or if land cannot be obtained at once, select the strongest runners aud plant them on a shady border in rich soil, to be transplanted with balls next mouth. TLOWEK GARDEN. Go over the beds frequently, and keep the young shoots of Verbenas, &c., nicely regulated and pegged down imtil the gi'OTind has got fairly covered, after which greater freedom of growth may be permitted. On light drj' soils two or three applications of weak manure water, given at inteiwals of a few days, aud when the ground is moist, will greatly assist in getting the beds covered without loss of time. See that Dahlias, Hollyhocks, &c., are securely staked aud kept properly tied. Eemove decayed flowers and seeds from Eoses, and give autumn- flowering varieties plenty of manure water in order to keep them in vigoroxis health and to secure plenty of blooming wood. Such as are budded on the Dog Eose must be kept clear of suckers. Budding may be proceeded with when the weather is cloudy. Give plants infested with gi'een fly a liberal wash- ing with the engine, or sj-riuge them with tobacco water. Mil- dew sometimes becomes troublesome after this season ; it may, however, be kept in check by applying sulphur to the parts affected the moment it makes its appearance, first wetting them with water, iu order that the siilphur may stick. Where required proceed with propagating herbaceous plants, selecting for the purpose the small shoots not furnished with bloom. A north border is a suitable place to strike them, and a hand- glass will facilitate their rooting quicldy. Pansies for autumn blooming may be treated in the same way. Climbers generally should be looked to. Eussian Violets may be separated, and fresh plantations made. Tulips may now be taken up, allow the skin and roots, after carefully removing the soil, to tgnnin, July 11, 1865. 1 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTUnE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. tlieae can be better talten off when the bulb is drj". Push DaJilias on by watei-iug freely when the weatlier ia dry, also assist them by mulching the gi-ound with decayed stable-ma- nure ; take carp that the plants do not chalo where attached to the bloomiiij^'-sticks. Trap earwigs and other destructive in- sects. Miiw and roll grass. Trim edgings. Attend to the walks, the weather at present encouraging the growth of weeds. OKEENUOnSE AND CONSKUVATOnY. During the time when the creepers are in an active state make it u rule to go over them frequently, that they may not grow confused. The same may be said of creepers in pots which require attention, for the same reason, every few days. Any shoots which have done fluwering to be cut back, and a crowded gi-owth avoided. A number of hardwooded plants which were cut back some weeks since will now have recovered themselves and be commencing a fresh gi-owth. This is the proper time to shift into larger pots any plants requiring it. Carefully loosen the outside roots. After jiotting, keep the plants close for a few days, and syringe them daily, but avoid giving any more water to the roots than ia sullicient to preserve the old ball moist. Stock for autumn and winter flowering will now requii-e some care to get it sufficiently for- ward to be useful at the proper time. Chinese Primulas, espe- cially the double varieties, if at all backward, may now bo placed in a close frame and shaded from the sun, when they will bo found to m.ike satisfactory progress. Cinerarias for early flowering should also be potted and started at once, choosing the strongest suckers for the purpose, and placing them in a close shaded frame until they have become rooted. STOVE. The stock here will now be growing rapidly, and must be allowed sufficient space to permit the perfect development of the foliage and the formation of compact handsome specimens. The atmosphere of this house can hardly be kept too moist, and the plants should be sprinlded overhead morning and evening, and every available sui-face kept constantly moist. Plants that arc known to suffer from the direct action of the sun's rays should be placed in a shady part of the house, or kept together at one end where they can be shaded without interfering with plants that require plenty of light. If pre%dous instructions have been properly attended to there will be little to do to the Orchids, besides attending to the ordinai-y routine of affording them a thoroughly moist atmosphere, repotting any specimen that may require it, and sponging the foliage as may be necessary to keep it perfectly clean. COLD PITS. The stock here will now be growing freely, and should be examined frequently in order to see that all is right, for plants growing rapidly speedily suffer from neglect in watering. — W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST AMCEK. The rain which we anticipated last week came, greatly en- livening the appearance of vegetation wherever it fell, and fall- ing more freely, we believe, in the southern and eastern counties thiin with ub. As a general rule, however, what are gi-eat general advantages to the many are often obtained at the expense of the inconvenience and discomfort of the few. The weather pro- phet was no fool who kept a weU-lincd pocket, and a successful popularity, by assuring his dupes he could send them rain at any time, whenever they were all agi-eed as to the propriety of having it on a certain day. This agreement was never realised — one wished dry weather for hay, another a fine day for pleasm-e, another fair weather imtil he returned from a journey, and so on ; and, from the want of unanimity in his supjiorters, the prophet maintained his ascendancy and repu- tatittn. Few could deny the advantages of the downpour on the 30th ultimo, but thousands wished that it had been on some other day than that set apart for a great out-of-door horticul- tural fete, which had been eagerly looked forward to, especially by the youth of both sexes. Of this we shall have something to say, if we can find time and space. Meanwhile, it was higlily gratLf,\-ing to find even so many braving the discomforts of the deluging rains, and the long wet grass, to see the flowers, and to listen to the strains of the best music. They must have felt that " music has charms," even when given in a tent, along with the heavy, discordant, pattering of the rain. Gn Thursday, the 6th, we had a delightful rain, attended with thunder, which is likely to lessen the great amount of heat, which has lately been making labour very trying to some of us, and attempting to take things a little easy more trying still. We can feel sympathy for a man who is working shaqjly in one of these broiling days, with l\w, thermometer close on 90° in the shade ; but wo can feci the sinccrest pity for the man who crawls about at work, or otherwise, on such a day. The active workman will get ease from perspiration, and the breezes which his own active motions make ; whilst the lethargic man will feel as it he were going to be choked up in his own laziness and immobility. KITCHEN OABDEN. Proceeded with getting in winter crops of Savoys, Brussels Sprouts, Scotch Kale, Broccoli, &c.. after the rains. Those pricked-out were lifted with balls, and planted in trenches with the spade. Those from seed-beds were planted with the dibber. See directions for dibbling last season. Transplanted Beetroot which has come badly, have a lot coming on under protection, hardly large enough to transplant yet ; wiU so sow and transplant in future, as even under nets the birds nip them up as soon as the red seed-leaves appear. Sowed a few- more Beans, Kidney Beans, in the open ah-, and a few Dwarf Fan Beans to come in in October, if the weather is fine. We often succeed better with good rows of early Beans, cutting them over when pretty well gathered about 3 inches above the ground, and the shoots that are thrown out from below often fruit better than those sown in .June or the beginning of .July. Sowed aimost the last Peas, as Dickson's Favourite and Songster's No. 1. Will most likely sow some early dwarf kinds about the middle of the mouth, in a warm sheltered border. Will proceed with winter stuff, as soon as we clear Potatoes, and early Peas. Watered the Peas in full bearing with sewage water, and mulched with short grass and Utter. Mulching we find a great advantage, even if we could water more than we do. Sowed Carrots and Onions for thawing young, and planted out Leeks, giving them some good stuff to grow in, as Leeks when well cooked are a dish for a prince. They are also said by some of our learned medical men to be as cooUng for the system as Onions are generally heating. FECIT DEPAETITEST. Much the same as in previous weeks. Gathered Raspberries, Strawberries, and Currants for' preserving. Have as yet been unable to plant out the .spring-forced Strawberry plants, or to do much in preparing for next year's forcing. After this rain, will proceed with both operations. A little spider having appeared in the Peach-house, smeared the pipes with siJphur and put a brisk fire on for two or three hours, and then gave air, as a continuance would have been apt to throw off the ripening fruit before they w-ere perfectly matured, and much sulphm- fumes in a close house with heat would tell upon the flavour. There is so little spider, and so Utile chance of its increasing much before the fniit is all gathered, that unless care is used, it would be better to dispense with fire heat and sulphur on the pipes when the fruit is so far advanced. In answer to an inquiry we would here state that we know of no better plan for sending Peaches long distances safely, than to gather before they are over-ripe, and pack in boxes divided into partitions of 3i inches square, wrapping each Peach in stout silk paper, placing bran below it, and bran all round it and above it — shaldng a little to keep all firm. Vinery Bordvi-x. — We have only been able to remove ourthin covering of tree leaves ; this season we wish it had been done a fortnight ago to have gained the advantage of the strong sun heat, in general, for early Grapes, and the roots outside, and the border covered so as to keep heat in and frost out, even if Uttle heat is thrown in, we think it safer and better every way to remove the covering in the end of .June, instead of, as is often advised, in the beginning and middle of May. If the days are warm in the end of May the nights are generally coid enough, and the soU parts with its heat so rapidly by radiation as to cool the roots and check them if near the surface. If cold weather should succeed this thunder, it would be good policy to throw some litter or other protecting material over the border, as soon as the sun left it. Wliat we and others have said r.bout Vine-borders is all right enough, and it is well to use such precautions for success ; but, since we mentioned the fine Vines in Mr. Lane's orchard-house, we have been told of some dozen of instances of great success where no border-making had been resorted to, but the Vines were planted at once in the natural soil. A gentleman, or an amateur, may well do such a thing, and risk the consequences ; 3i JOUBNAL OP HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEB. [ July 11, 1866. but a gardener, whose liTing and character depend on success, can scarcely risk such a primitive way of doing work. Not seldom, however, have we seen a great hole made, by taking away excellent soU, and the place filled up with a heterogeneous mixture of road scrapings, pond mud, and all sorts of rubbish, in which the Vines could not be made to flom'ish. If drj-ness is secm-cd at the root by drainage, it would often be a rational plan to let well alone. Young Vines are much more ofteu ruined by excessive early cropping than by bad soil or un- suitable borders. Of course the one influence will act and re- act on the other. No Vines will flourish in stagnant moisture ; and we were going to say that they will not flourish with their roots deep ; but we have known eases of fine Grapes — not early, but ripening well in July — where the bulk of the roots were some 20 inches below the surface, with fine open soil about 15 inches below that. For extreme fertility it is better to have them within a few inches of the surface. OnSAMENTAL DEPAETMENT. Here our work has chiefly been a repetition of that of last week. We are glad we covered a good portion of the beds with a little mulching of rotten dung before the rains came. The most of the beds will now look after themselves, with but little care except tying, regiilating, and pegging. We have several times described om- wholesale way of doing the latter with little sticks, or prunings, cracked in the middle, and then both ends inserted in the ground, just as we might do with long hairpins of the ladies. The lawns are now getting nice and green, so as to give a good contrast to the flowers. We will, however, use the mowing machine but lightly until the vigour is regularly restored, as a brown lawn is a great disfigurement, and only less trying to the gardener than a withered grass field is to the farmer. From the heat and drought many grass fields never helped to blunt the scythe this season. Proceeded with potting all kinds of plants, and the cold pits now emptied of bedding plants are capital places for new-potted things, as, merely by the difference in air-giving and shading, we can make every two or three lights into a hot-plant stove, a cool-plant stove, a greenhouse, a wai-m pit, or a cold pit, at will. Placinri Plants Out of Doors in Summer. — There are few plants that are the better of this process. We adopt it with Azaleas, Camellias, New Holland plants. Pelargoniums when done blooming, &c., but just because we can find no room for them under glass. With light houses, and abimdance of air, or, rather, part of the glass removed, we have no doubt all would be as well, or better, if kept under glass. When set out temporarily there is always danger from storms, from soaking rains, and the chance of leaiing them a night too long, or taking them out too soon ; but the practice is general, and we must make the most of it. The position should be sheltered, but not too much shaded, and, provided the heads are inured gradually to the sun, they will seldom suffer from all that this country can give them. It is from the roots that injiu'y pro- ceeds, especially when the roots are matted at the sides of the pot, and the pot is exposed to the force of a powerful sun. Plunging the pots, or surrounding them with some substance, to break the force of the sun's raj's, is of great benefit to the plants, besides securing economy in attendance and watering. Plants Drawn from Shade. — We have had numerous com- plaints that Geraniums, Fuchsias, &c., well grown, were, on account of their being drawn — that is, lengthened out by shade — thrown back in the prize Usts at some country exhi- bitions. The gardeners say what is perfectly true, that it was impossible to have them othei-wise in the only place they had to grow them in — und.'r the shade of Vines, etc. Some have asked if that circuiu ,tance should not be taken into considera- tion by the judges in awarding the prizes. We do not see how that could be well done, unless all who grew in similar cir- cmustances were to compete with each other. As a rule, judges never trouble themselves as to how the articles are pro- duced ; their work, for the time, is to single out what they consider the best — a not-very-easy task frequently — and, in the matter of plants, other things being equal, they will give the preference to stiff stubby plants over those that are weak and drawn. We quite sympathise with one gardener, who says his master is dissatisfied that his plants, di'awn from shade, do not take the first place, because the disadvantageous position ought to be taken into account. It would be better every way not to grow such plants for exhibition in such a place at all. The gardener should explain the matter courteously to his em- ployer, and either give over showing against more favoured competitors, or obtain from his employer equal facilities for growing them well. Even then every one cannot take the first place ; and there are many instances of fine culture that do not appear in the prize list. As our opinion is asked, we do not hesitate to say that, though the samples of plant culture turned out of fruit-houses are often wonderfully good, such plants as Pelargoniums, Fuchsias, &c., where much depends on the compactness of the plants and the richness of the colour, can never be made to equal those grown in light open houses, where the plants are the chief or only thing to bo attended to. One amateur, who year after year failed with Geraniiims from this cause, has taken to grow Ferns and Mosses with great success, and here, in his own neighbourhood, stands pretty well alone. Is not this much better than vainly striving to beat or equal a neighbour with so many advantages over him- self ? The gardener who competes will act wisely if he show what his circumstances wQl enable him to give every justice to. In the show alluded to we saw some wonderful Pelargoniums, to which we will refer at a future time, and we were informed that these plants did not even stand on a stage or a shelf, but that every plant had a pedestal for itself, with plenty of room all round it, and the light striking every part without obstruc- tion. We also noticed some Pelargoniums and Petunias un- rivalled for the brilliancy of their colouring ; and we ascertained that they came from a gentleman who has taken out a patent or patents for glass-house building. We had the privilege of examining the houses and manufactory, and wiU give a short description ere long. Meantime, if the matter of expense at first can be properly got over, there can be no question of the great improvements. The houses are entirely of iron and glass, the iron either enamelled or galvanised, so as to dispense with painting — at least it wiU seldom need to be resorted to. Large squares of glass are used — no rebates, no laps, no putty, no bother ; but the house can soon be put up, and soon taken down, and the squares packed again in crates ; and yet so securely is the glass fixed that no wind or change of weather will cause it to move or rattle, and so loosely that there can be no breakage from expansion, as we some time ago mentioned took jjlace here, when glass was put edge to edge without a lap. Except the small bars that are used to keep the glass down, the whole surface is a plane of glass, and, though the squares are joined to each other in the same plane, without lap or anything between them, there is no di'ip. Of course ventilation is duly secured. — E. F. COVT^NT GARDEN MARKET— Joly 8. The late refresliiiig rains have improved both the quantity and qnality of the supplies to our market, which comprise ali the articles usually to he had at this season. Among the foreign imports are Green Gage and from France, and Pine Apples from the West other Plums, Indies. Apricots Apples i sieve Apricots doz. Cherries lb. Chestnuts bush. Currants, Red i sieve Black do. FiRs doz. 8 Filberts 100 lbs. 0 Cobs do. 50 Gooseberries. . ^ sieve 2 Grapes, Hambro.. . lb. 3 Muscats lb. 5 Lemons 100 5 d. s, 0to2 4 3 FRDIT. . d 8. d. s. d 2 0to6 0 0 0 Melons each Mulberries. . . . punnet 0 Nectarines doz. 10 0 15 Oranges 100 10 0 20 Peaches doz. 15 0 24 Pears (kitchen). . doz. 0 0 0 dessert doz. 0 0 0 Pine Apples lb. 4 0 8 Plums ^ sieve 0 0 0 Quinces | sieve 0 0 0 Raspberries lb. 0 6 0 Strawberries lb. 0 6 2 Wahiuts bush U 0 20 Artichokes each Asparagus bundle Beans Broad. . A sieve Kidney ". . 100 Beet, Red doz. Broccoli bundle Brus. Sprouts. .A sieve Cabbage doz. Capsicums 100 Carrots bunch Cauliflower doz. Celery bundle Cucumbers each pickling .... doz. Endive scorce Fennel bunch Garlic and Shallots, lb. Herbs bunch Horseradish . . bundle s. d. s 0 4toO 5 0 8 0 VEGETABLES, d Leeks bunch Lettuce .... per score Mushrooms.... pottle Mustd. & Cress,punnet Onions bushel pickling .. . .quart Parsley ^ sieve Parsnips doz. Peas quart Potatoes bushel New. .per doz. lbs. Radishes doz. bunches Rhubarb bundle Savoys doz. Sea-kale basket Spinach bushel Tomatoes doz. Turnips bunch Vegetable Morrows ds. d. s. d 8 too 6 9 1 July 11, 1865. J JOURNAL OF HOBTICUIiTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 85 TllADK CATALOGUE IIECEI\T?:D. William Dillistone, Munro Nursery, Sible Hediugham, Essex. — Cataloiftw of Chvice Neiv Plants of 18G5. TO CORRESPONDENTS. ••* We request that no one will write privuti-ly to the dojiart- niental writers of tlie "Jdurnal of liorticulturo, Cottage Garilener, and Country (it-ntleinan." By so doing they are subjected to vinjustitiablo trouble and expense. All communiciitions should therefore be addressed snlebj to The Editors of the Journal of Horticulture, hiy(il liy any txcfpt practical men. Youraayapply the slup-^ (ut'abbages, Rhubarb, Scu-kale, and AspuraKus i\-ithout fear of iujuriu^' thum. Ro^E Cuttings in Cold Fkame (J5.). — They are best put in singly in small, two-and-a-half or three-ineh, pots, in light sandy Inam, plunj^ing them in anhes, sslmttiufT up close, and shading fnnn bright sun, never opening the frame fur the first six weeks, except to sjirinkle them with water every morning during bright weather. In Septi-iiiber admit air by tilting the lights at back, and during the winter protect from severe frost, admitting air in mild weather. The cuttings should be from wood of the cmTcnt year, and are best taken just after the bloom is past. They should have three joints, one being inserted in the soil, and the others left with their leaves entire. Pansies and Pinks Propagating (Afjues). — Your plan is the right one. Keep close and shaded for a fortnight or so, or until the cuttings begin to frrow, showing i)laiuly they have struck root ; then admit air and sun by degiees. gi'adually inuring them to full light and plenty of air. They like plenty of air after they have struck root, and that they usually do in a fortnight to three weeks or a month, during which interval they require no air. Shade from strong light and sun, and sprinkle with water now and then, to keep the air and soil sufficiently moist, hut not wet or saturated. We have no knowledge of covering the cuttings with a box for weeks during the day, taking it off at night only. We have long ago struck them by the hundred in a shady border, covering with mats during the day, and only then during sunshine or hot dry weather, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.ii. Wo think the covering with boxes is simply a modification of this — shade from sun, and protection from drought. We do not know of any difference in the Xosegay from other Geraniums, except in the petals, they having three broad and pointed and two narrow and toothed ; but Nosegays are now so crossed with others of the Zonale section as to have lost much of theii- oi'iginal character. Nosegay Stella is one of the best bedding Geraniums. We have more than twenty kinds bedded out, and it surpasses all the others in colour. It is decidedly worth having; and, though Mr. Beaton, its raiser, thought little of it, it rivals all others that we have tried in the profusion and continuance of its bloom. The old Monthly Rose will gi'ow freely in warm situations, but is usually cut down to the ground by frost in open exposed phices. Cut out the old wood, and manure like other Roses. Prune in March. We have beds of them, which are cut to the ground ever>' year. They are now, and all summer, masses of bloom. Seedling Pelargoniums (A. It. 3f 'Gruirc ).— Your seedling Pelargoniums are of no use ; they did not arrive in a condition for judgment ; the hot weather had caused the petals to fall. They may bo pretty varieties, but not of first-rate quality. Plant Boxeh pou Window Sills {F. A. Forhen). — Hayinan is the namo of tho maker, hut wu do nut know his dlruutiuu. He should advertise them, lor thoy aru of very good design. Figs kallinii (-1. li., Wallinpton).~Doca your Fig troo havo plenty of light? Want of light is a fruitful source of failure. If yonr troo has enough of light, and pluuty of air, wu can attribute the mischance either to dryness at the extrismo roots, stagnant water there, or too groat luxu- riance. If very luxuriant try a little ringing now. Wo havo had tho points suffer in dull weather from defluiency of air. IjILIum AUUATiiM CULTURE {O. S.V— SouLul loaui and a Uttlo peat and leaf mould suit till these Lilies. Wo would givo little water after the leaves decay, but we would keep the roots active by just kcoi)ing them moist. If you set the pot on a moist floor, and cover the top with '.1 or U inches of moss that will do. The moss if the pot was set on the ground would save all yoiu* Lilies in tho orchard-house. Cactus Pkoi'Agating {T. Har7ics).—ln the short article on the Cactus to which you refer, Mr. Fish forgot to state that it was an answer to a correspondent, and, therefore, no more was alluded to than merely met his case. He would feel a pleasure in helping you to increase your stock, and he would do this better if hf knew what kind you have. Most of tho singular Echiuocacti and M;umiiill;iria, &c., are increased by division, and taking off suckers, and little tul)erculed offsets. We suspect, however, that yours is one of the Epiphyllum or Coreus breed, as these are what are niDst generally grown in house windows, and the easiest and best way to increase them is to take off a piece or pieces as cuttings, and place the cut end among rough gravel and a little leaf mould, damping the inixtnro a little occasionally. All of these Itinds will soon root under this treat- ment, and then you may pot and gi-ow on. This is a more certain and easy way than putting the cutting in a pot. We are glad you took so many prizes at the flower show out of your spare rot)m, and regret you have no kitchen garden to take your Calceolarias and Cinerarias to to give them rest. When cut down they would do in tho back part of tho room, and might remain there until thev made fresh shoots and suckers, and needed potting. Thev would do better, however, out of doors, and any shady place by the side of the house or the yard, would suit them as well as tho kitchen garden. A common little yard can hold very many things ia the rest period, as vou term it. If even such advantages are denied you, and Tou object to having such faded plants in your room, we would advise you to depend on a pinch of good seed instead of the old plants. The old plants would give something more certain. If such plants are put in the yard, though they would do well enough in the pots, they would do better if those pots were plunged in ashes. As soon as the suckers were big enough divide and pot into small pots, and then into larger, and get them into the room before frost comes. Wintering Bedding Plants (.4 Reir. Subacriber).~'In your lean-to house 16 feet long and 9 feet wide, you may keep a great many things. The best aiTangement would be to have a walk in the middle, and a plat- form on each side, and then beneath the platform you can keep many things in winter that do not need much light. To make sure in such a house you would need from 43 to 60 feet of three-inch piping for the hot water. Ailanthus glandolosa (A. R.). — lt is not unusual for this tree to flower in England. It has ripened its fruit here, which is like that of the Ash, but much smaller. Various (E. J.).— Dactylis glomerata variegata is a hardy perennial grass, and may be propagated bv division. Roinekia iSanseviera) carnea is a hardv bulb, if gi-own in well-drained light soil, with a little protection over the' bulbs in winter. Of the daisy-knife, mentioned by Mr. Fish, there is a drawing in our Nc, 113, which you can have by post, if yoa enclose four postage-stamps with your direction. Arranging Gardens, *tc. {J. D.,Bri8toli.—lt you write to Mr. Chapman, Hermitage Road, Richmond, Suney, he will furnish you with the information you need. Names of Plants (.( Kent Subscnhcr).— It is quite impossible for us to spare the time which would be required to determine the names of the trees from which your bundle of leaves was taken. Two or three speci- mens of plants in flower we readily name. Your Grape appears to l>e Marchioness of Hastings, but it is so unripe we cannot say confidently. iA Subscriber, Wigan).—Wo cannot name tho scrap sent. The trueBread- fruit tree is not a Musa, but Artocarpus incisa. {A Younrister).—!, Gaul- theria shaUon ; 2, Calceolaria (dried upj ; 3, Galega officinalis alba ; Spira;a salicifolia. METEOROLOGICAI, OBSERVATIONS in the Suburbs of London for the Week ending July Sth. San. . . Mon.. . Tnes. . Wed. . Thurs. Fri. .. Sat. .. Mean.. BAROMETER. Max. Sim, 30.0.52 30.073 29.969 80.016 29.940 29.781 29.893 29.960 80.007 30.000 29.942 80.011 29.700 29.687 29.761 THERMOMETER. Max. Mm. 81 84 81 84 73 74 29.872 79.57 60.57 41 54 68 69 64 50 1 ft. dp. 2 n. dp. 61 64i 66 66 65 63.93 60 60J 61 62 6S 6SJ 63 S.W. S.W. S. S. s. s. S.W. Rain in inches. .00 .00 .00 .00 .48 .01 .00 0.49 General Remabk3. Vei-y fine ; hot and dry ; cool at nifiht. [ wy fl°e. Veryiine; some low white clouds in clear blue sky; hot and dry; Very fine ; hot and dry, with brisht sun ; cloudy ; fine at night. Light clouds and fine ; exceedingly fine throui;hnut ; rain at night. Very fine, nith slight haze; overcast and very hot; heavy ram at Fine, with low white clouds ; fine throughout. ,^"!^'?;" Slight shower ; dusky white clouds ; boisterous ; very fine at night. POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. PETERBOROUGH EXHIBITION OF POULTRY AND PIGEONS. No donbt the Show held on Wednesday and Tharsdaj' last at Peter- borough was quite equal to auy of those of former years held in oou- uection with this agricultural Society. The proposed arrangements of the managing Committee, had they been fulfilled, would ccrtamly have proved as near perfection as possible ; but, on the contrarj-, the neglect of the contractors well nigh upset the exhibition altogether. So far as we could glean the circumstances, by inquiries made on the spot, it appears that the well-lmown exhibition pens of Messrs. Tunier, of Sheffield, were engaged a month prior to the time of holding the show, and it is but justice to state that so far as that firm was concerned 36 JOURNAL 05" HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 11, 1855. all the pens were ready on the gronnd folly forty-eight hours prior to the time of wanting tbem. Another local contract entered into by the Peterborongh Committee, was for a sufficient snpply of timber to form a basement for the pens to stand npon. and also for the sapport of an awning, to provide against the vieissitndes of weather during the time the Show remained open to public in5pection. In this depart- ment of the contracts it was that the shortcoming arose, to the pre- vention of going on with the erection of the pens, and thus entailing an amount of dUScuItj few persons inexperienced in such matters would accredit. For this no excuse can be deemed sufficient, as the contract had been signed fully a month previously, and we will, as briefly as possible, give the results consequent on its non-fulfilment. The Committee had to pay away ten carpenters, actually " waiting (from time to timel for the timbers." Comparatively a very few of the pens were erected at the time of opening the Show to the public ; and even the whole of them were not finished at 3.0 p.m. of the tirst day. Besides the annoyance to all parties concerned, the absolute loss to the Peterborough Committee must have been considerable ; and numbers of the exhibitors, who had been waiting in the broiling sun for hours to pen tht-ir poultry, were by no means particular in the expression of their individual opinions on the subject, ^e would here suggest to all committees the absolutely imperative necessity, in 3Qch contracts, to insert a clause entailing a heavy fine in all cases of non-completion. It would be justice to all parties concerned, and would more surely enforce promptitude and compliance than the united remonstrances of a committee, though persisted in for hours. Luckily the weather was favourable during the time the pens remained un- finished, and, consequently, as the poultry in the meantime were care- fuBy and sufficiently supplied with food and water in their travelling packages, we hope no injury may arise to any of them. The Grey DorhnffS were classes of considerable merit, though the majority of the birds exhibited were suffering materially in appearance from being now in the midst of their annual moult. We exceedingly regretted that decidedly two of the best pens shown of this valuable breed, were disqualified altogether from the fact of the birds being marked with tape sown round the legs. It leaves no alternative to a Judge but to djsquali^. and two first prizes were lost entirelv from this cause only. for. as the Judge stated at the time, "the marked birds were infinitely superior to the winning ones." Some very good Spanish fowls were exhibited, but the number of entries was few.. The Gam^ classes were very good, and the class for Cochins was also praiseworthy. We had almost supposed the day far gone, however, when any exhibitor would have hoped to gain prizes bv sending a Buff Cochin cock mated to a pair of excellent dark Partridge-coloured hens in the same pen, yet such was the case at Peterborough. The show of Hambttrfjhs was a poor one, though an open class to all varieties. The Golden -spangled were the best, and Silver-pencilled next in order of merit. Some very excellently feathered Silver- spangled Ham burghs were also shown, but the hens possessed combs as pen- dant as Spanish fowls — a defect rendering success an impossibility. The class for Any other distinct breed was very good, and the com- mendations numerous. In Geese and Dufl.s, both Aylesbury and Ronens, and again in Turket/s, Mr. Fowler, of Aylesbury, fairly ran away w^ith the premiums, with birds such as would support the credit of even that gentleman's far-famed selection at any show, whilst many of the agricultural visitors at Peterborough seemed scarcely able to believe the evidence of eyesight, that they could be bred to such perfection. The Fifjeans were not numerous, being shown in pens of three Tarieties, for a sweepstakes only — a plan but ill-calculated to promote a ^irited competition. Notwithstanding the " disheartening " effect on the Committee of the pens not being ready until so long after the time of public admission, those gentlemen struggled diligently when the time came that they could pen the poultry, but we fear as so many exhibitors were then Euddenly called into requisition as assistants, at the last moment, mistakes in penning may have arisen, particularly as several pens ■were *' disqualified " as being wrongly entered. DoBKEJGS (Cock and Two Hen's). — First. T. Tatham, Kingsthorpe. Second, R- Wood, Clapton. Thrapstone. Third. J. K. Fowler. Aylesbury. Fourth, T. Rushin, Ravensthorpe. Highly Commended. R. Wood ; T. Tatham ; J. Archer, Heminglord, St. Ives. Commended, J. K. Fowler. (Two Hens). — First, J.Jjongland. Grendon. Second, J. K. Fowler. Ayles- bury, Bucks. Highly Commended. T. Tatham. Kingsthorpe Norths ; T. Bnsbin. Ravensthorpe. Norths : T. Hardy. Postland. ChickeTis (Cock and Two Pullet.-; I. — ^First, T. Tatham, Kingsthorpe. Second, R. Wood, Clapton. Third, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. BisquaUfied. Marchioness of Exeter, Sorghlev House, Stamford. iTwo Pullets). — First. J. Longland, Grendon. Second,' T. Hardy, Postland. Highly Commended, J. K. Fowler. Dis- qualified, Marchioness of Exeter, Burghley House, Stamford. SPA^'ISH (Cock and Two Hens). — First. J. Biggar. Northampton. Second, C. Wright, Northampton. Third. J. W. Smith. Oundle. Commended, X-Y. Z., Peterborough. (Two Hens). — First, J. Biggar, Northampton. Second, C. Wright. North:^mpton. Highly Commended, J. W, Smith, Oundle. Chickicns iCockand Two Pullets). — First, J. Biggar, Northampton. Secmtd, C. Wright. Northampton. Gake (Cock and Two Hens). — First, J. N. Beasley, Chapel Brampton. Second and Third, H. Siiield, Northampton. Highly Commended, J. H. Smith, Horton. Commended. S. Deacon, Polebrook HalL Oundle ; Capt. T. Wetherall, Loddington. Kettering. Cochts'-China (Cock and Two Hens). — First, T. Tatham, Kinj^thorpe. Second, J. K. Fowler. Aylesbury. Bucks. Third, Marchioness of Exeter, Bncphley House, Stamford. Highly Commended, Capt. T. Wetherall, Joddington. Kettering. Commended, Rev. R. Montgomery, Holcot Rectory ; T. Tatham. Kingsthorpe. CkteJcetK fCock nnd Two Pullets).— First, Rev. L. H. Gandy, Stanwick Rectorv. Second. T. Hardv. Postland. Hambcrhs (any variety).— First. T. C. Matmsell. Thorpe Malsor. Ketter- ing (Golden-spantrledl; Second. T. Dance, Peterborouffh. Commended, J. Barber. Millfield, Peterborough. Ant other i>isTr>-CT breed (Cock and Two Hens).— Fii-st. Capt. T. Wetherall. Loddington, Kettering. (Black-breasted Red Game Bantams); Second. .\. Storar. Peterborough (Duekwinc Game Bantams |. Third. Rev. R. Montgomery. Holcot Rectory (White Japanes Silk Fowls). Highlv Commended. Capt. T. Wetherall. Loddintrton. Ket*ering (Black-breasted Red Game Brintamsi; H. B. Spurgin. Northampton (Brahma Pootra) ; J. Hill, Oundle iBr.ihma Pootra). Commended. Rev. R. Montgomery, Holcot Eecton-: H. Sbefld. Northampton (Blnek-breasted Red Game); E. Fullord, Abbey Farm. Crowland (Silver Polandsc H. B. Sptirgin, Northampton (Black Bantams); J. K. Fowler. Prebendal Farm, Aylesbury; (Brahmas) : J. Lound. Peterborough; (Black-breasted Red Game). SINGLE COCKS. Spantsh.— First, J. Biggar, Northampton. Second, C. Wright, North- ampton. GA3IE.— First and Commended, H. Sheild, Northampton. Second and Third. J. H. Smith, Horton. DoR£iXG.— Fir-rt, R. Wood, Clapton. Second. T. T.itham. Kingsthorpe. Third, J. Longland. Grendon. Highly Commended, The Ladies Went- worth Fitzwilliam, Harrowden House. Commended, J. Longland. Grendon. Geese.— First. J. K. Fowler, Aylesburv. Second, W. Hettev, Orton, LongueviUe. Peterboroueh. DccKS f.\ylesbnry). — First and Second, J. K. Fowler, Prebendal Farm, .\ylesbury. Highly Commended. The Marquis of Huntley, Orton, Peter- borough. Commended, J. Craig. Fotherinshay. DrcES (Rouen I. —First. J. K. Fowler. Aylesbury. Second, The Marquis of Huntley. Orton, Peterboroueh. DccKS (Any other variety f.— First, J. Beasoley. Bramnton, Northrmpton (Buenos Ayreani; Second. S. Shaw. Peterborou(;h (Muscoviesi. Highly Commended. S. De'.con. Polebrook Hall. OnndTe rEast Indian). Turkeys (Cock and Two Hens).— First. J. K. Fowler, .■\vleshnrv. Second, J. Beasley. Brampton, Northampton. Highly Commended. W. Brown, Thomey. Conmiended. E. Fullard, Abbey Farm. Crowland. Pigeons. — Prize, T. Adiims, Northampton i Carriers, Tumblers. Bald- heads. Highly Commended, A. Patson. Peterborough (Red Mottled Tumblers) ; A. Storar, Peterborongh (Dun Carriers. Croppers Magpies). Mr. Edward Hewitt, of Eden Cottage, Sparkbrook, Birmingham, ofBciated as Arbitrator. SXAITH (YORKSHIKE) POULTRY SHOW. {From a Correspondents) Ofr annual meeting for the exhibition of poultry, &c., was held this day, July 6th, and was one of the most successful hitherto held ; the several pens contained some really superior birds, and there was an increase in the number of entries. The cock and hen Game fowls shown by Mr. F. Sales were universally admired for their symmetry and colours. The following are the several awards made bv J. Klchardson, Esq., Thome :— Best Cock ast> He:^ nr the Show, a Silver Cup. 'First, F. Saleff, Crowle. Second. C. Brierley. Roads House. Middleton. Best Gaste Cock, a Silveb Cup. — First. E. Aykroyd, Bradford. Second, F. Sales. Crowle. Golden- Pheasant. —First, Messrs. R. & C. Burch & Bolton, Sheffield. Se'-^nd. R. Tate. Leeds. Third, H. C. G. Holmes, Driffield. SitvER Pheasants. — First. J. B. Hepworth, Bears Wood Green. Second, Miss Caw^ome. Spanish. — First, — Robson, Brotherton, Second. J. Mann, Howden. Game. — First. F. Sales. Crowle. Second, G. Morley. Barlow. Dorking. — First, Lord Hawke, Wormersley Park. Second, A. Young, Driffield. HAirBUBGH (Silver-pencilled). — ^First, G. Holmes, Driffield. Seccoid, — Halliwell, Sheffield. HAiTBURGH (Golden -pencilled). — ^First. O. A. Young, Driffield. Second, Messrs. Burch & Bolton, Sheffield. Cochin-China. — First, R. J. Wood, Browscalc Hall. Second, H.Merkin, Driffield. Bantams.— First. R. Tate, Leeds. Second, W. Brierly, Roads House, Middleton. (A severe contest.) Ant Breed. — First, W. Brierlev. Roads House, Middleton. Second, A. Young, Driffield. PJPON AND CLARO POULTRY SHOW. {F\-om a Correspottdent,) The fifth annual Show, in connection with this Society, took placd on the 4th inst., in a field at Bishopton. The entries were not quite so numerous as those of the preceding year, owing, probably, to the prizes being reduced in value ; but the birds exhibited were equal to, if not better than, those shown on anv former occasion, and the com- petition very close in some of the classes. In the Gfwie there were manv entries, hut manv of the birds were very inferior. Of Spanish both first and second were very loose in feather. Dorkittfts were very poor. Cochins, shown by Mr, Joseph "Walker, of Hay-a-Park, were verv good. The show of Hamhttrffhs was good, especially the Spangled birds ; Mr. Walker held his usual place in Silvers. BnTttams we expected to see muster in good force. There was a very good show of Pigeons. Game.— First, T. Hen^, Bedale. Second. W. Elliott, Thirsk. Spanish. — First, W.Jud3on,Ripon. Second, Bown and Greenwood, Har* rowgate. July n, 1865. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE G.UIDENER. 37 DonKlVB.— PriM, .1. Bell, Thorntonle-Moor. , „ ,. ,„ . , , PoLiND.— First, BowTiand Greonwood. Second, J. Diilton, Sleiungtoru OncHix-C«raA.— First, Bown and Greenwood. Second, J. Walker, Hay- ""GoL^SJSiAKoLED.-Fixst, J. Walker. Second, J. B. Topham, Borough- SiLVEK-srAXoi.ED.— First, J. Walker. Seeond, T. Heim'h. Gou>EN-PENCii.LED.-Fir9t, G. Cr.ver, Hartirith, Ripley. Seooud, Bon u and Greenwood. ^ „• .. , ti. Golden-laced Bastam.— Prize, G. Nicholson, Shiirow. Gaub Bantam.— Prize, Bown and Greenwood. Airr OTHER VAMETV OP BAXTAil.— First, Bown and Greenwood, bocona. Turkeys.— First, J. Greaves, Clothcrhobne. Second, S. Gothorp, Xun- Geese.— First. .T. Hatlersley. .\bel GranRc, Thirsk. Second, S. Gothorp. DCCKS (.4ylcshnr>).— Prize.'ll. Walker, South Stainley. DccKS (Koueu).— Prize, .T. Greaves. Ducks (.'Iny breed or cross).— Prize, T. Renton, Ox Close House, Bipon. PIOEOSS.— rnrri.is (of any colonr).— Prize, J. Hattcrsley. Ttmhiers (Almondl.— Priac, R. Gmv, Eorobridae. TumbhrH ( Any other variety ).— Mrst R. Gray. Second, T. H,immond, North Stainley. Pou-(fr,<.— Prize, J. Hntterslev. JacoLiiw.- First, .J. Hattcrsley. Second, G. Petty Boro- bridKc. Fa'ntaiU.— first and Second, J. Hattcrsley. Oirh and TmmpeJers. —Prize, J. Hatterslev. Barl«.— First and Second. U. Gray. TurbtU.— First and Second, J. Hatterslcv. Ih-o.oooas.- First, .1. H:ittersley. Sccoml G Petty. Bai.i« 01- B.-ariJi.-First, T. Hammond, Second, J. W. Wood Ripon. Anil new or distinH variety.— Sin^, J. Hatlersley. Second, J, Malthouse, lUpon. IT.UJAN MODE OF FATTENING ORTOLANS. Sir Hugh Lyos Playfair, in his lectures ou the application of physiologT to the rearing of cattle, gives a very remarkable illnstration of the influence of rapid alternations of light and darkness, without reference to the diurnal revolutions of the earth, in inducing sleep and inclination for food, in the Italian mode of rapidly fattening Ortolans. '■ .\t a certain hour in the morning the keeper of the birds places a lantern in the orifice of the wall, made for the special purjiose of dai-kening and illuminating the room. The dim light thrown by the lantern on the floor of the apartment induces the Ortolans to believe that the stm is about to rise, and they awake and greedOy consume the food upon the floor. The lantern is witbth-awn, and the succeeding darkness acting as an actual night, the Ortolans fall asleep. During sleep, little of the food being expended in the production of force, most of it goes to the formation of flesh and fat. After the birds have been allowed to repose for one or two hours to can-y on digestion and assimilation, the keeper again exhibits the lantern through the aperture. The mimic daylight awakes the birds again ; again they rise and feed; again darlmess ensues, and again they sleep. The representatlTe snnshine is made to shed its rays foiu' or five times every day, and as many nights follow its transitoi-y beams. The Ortolans thus treated become like balls of fat in a few days." [It is not improbable that chickens and other poultry might be similarly deluded into frequent voluntary feeding when put np for fattening. If they conld be so induced to feed, it would be far better than cramming, so often and cruelly adopted. —Eds.] THE STORIFYING SYSTEISI. Your esteemed correspondent " J. E. B." asks me in No.213. to detail my mode of procedure with storitied luTes, and I append the following remarks in the hope they may prove alike useful to him and the brotherhood generally. First, then, as to hives. From a lengthened ex])erience of square and octagon hives kept side by side, I have no hesita- tion in giving a decided preference to the latter. I invariably find, should hives be at all weakly in spring, that the bees congregate in one side of square hives, gradually but slowly extending as they increase in strength to the otier ; wliile in octagon hives they stick to the centre, increase in numbers, and ■go ahead much more rapidly — easily accounted for by the better concentration of heat in the octagon form. At the same time I by no means disparage square hives for other purposes ; lliese during the working season retain no insignificant place in my apiary, and, from the greater number of frames they contain, possess advantages to the scientific apiarian clearly apparent ; still I seldom employ them as storifiers, e5Lcept when I mn short of an octagon box, and for which rea-son I take care to bave both sorts of uniform width — viz., 1-4 inches, and, that I may transfer a frame or bar handily from one to the other, have them also of the uniform depth of 7 inches. The usual depth of Stewarton hives is 6 inches. Tlie enlarged size I find advantageous, enabling me to employ them singly for second swarms, or for beat-out bees at the end of the season. Tliey also afford space for a larger window for observation, ;") inches from top to bottom, -1 inches across ; the glass is let in from the inner side of the box, bedded in putty or sunk to the flush, secured in addition with a few small sprigs ; the outside edge of the cut is bevelled off in imitation of putty externally. I adopted this plan of fixing wmdows, from finding frames catch on the edge of the cut when letting Jowti into the hive, and also combs, when frames were not employed, being carried out into the window space, and of course broken when the bar was raised. Each hive contains eight bars with the usual 7-lGths slides, the six central bars are IJ, and the two end ones 14 inch broad- The four central bars carry frames ; all are kept in their place by means of half-inch brass screws ; the entrance full width to dovetails, half inch deep, with the usual moveable door. So much for the hives, now for their management. Two of the deep or breeiling-boxes are fii-mly tied together with cord attached to the little weighing-hooks, the slides withdrawn from the lower, and the little pegs inserted ; then hive the earliest and lar-gest prime swann to be had ; so soon as the two boxes are filled, nadir with a third breeding box. A swarm so treated in the north is not expected generally to yield any honey harvest the first season, it being more important to the storiiier for the following season's procedure if pos.sible to get the lower box combed. From the greater earliness of swarms and richer pastm-age of the south, glasses or, a small super might possibly be taken in addition. To ensure honey the first season here, the following plan is almost invariably adopted. Eight or ten days after the first swarm is hived in the boxes as above mentioned, a second good prime swarm is secured in a single breeding-box, and set down close to the other. At dusk the same evening the swann in the two boxes is raised, and the new swarm in its box placed under the slides of the lower, which are then drawn, and the morning reveals a peaceful tmion, with the lower box empty, which had better be at once removed, and a super placed on above for access thereto, drawing only one sHde on either side, the outer- most of course. The pressure of the combined force has generaly the effect of compelling a detachment to be told off to take possession of the super. So soon as comb can be seen therein through the windows, the third or lowest breeding-box, formerlv withdrawn, is now reinstated ; as the snper gets well fiUed, place a second empty one above the first, at the same time withdrawing all the slides of the lower so as to afiord free access between the two. The first super can be removed com- plete, when the cells of the central combs are observed to be aU sealed ; the upper super then takes the place of the imder, and in Uke manner a fresh one takes the place of the upper. AU supers mtist be well wrapped up with old woollen or other warm material. Meantime, the population may have increased to such an extent as to require a fom-th breeding-box added below to avoid the escape of a swarm. " J. E. B." wiU find as he becomes more experienced in this system, that a little nadir space afforded a fuU hive, instead of diverting attention from the super, will on the contrary only stimulate to greater activity, while withholding it, "in all probabihty, forces a swarm" to the desertion of one or more supers, possibly for the season. In young hives standing in three breeding-boxes at the end of the season, so soon as it is observed that the bees have vacated the lowest, it had better be removed, the slides run in, and after wrapping it up in paper, it can be hung up in a dry loft or garret, and in its room a shallow eke for ventilation inserted, that eke to be removed so soon as breeding fairly sets in in spiing. After work has been fairly stai-ted in a super, or even earlier, the lower combed box can be looked out and once more set beneath the hive. As a rule bees in these hives are generally wintered in two boxes set on a shallow eke. Older hives in four or five breeding-boxes, during the working season, wUl generally in addition to the removal of supers and the lowest box empty of comb, be able to spare, should the season bo favourable, the upper breeding-box fiUed with honey. As in the case of my friend " B. B.," alluded to at page 478, a hive overloaded with honey, particularly at the beginning of the gathering season, is a decided disadvantage. Sometimes, should the second prime swarm intended to be added be available sooner than the prescribed eight or ten days, it may be advisable to retain it for a few days in the box before imiting it to the other, so as to gain the advantage for that 38 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. [ July 11, 1885. time of the breedinp of both queens. This, the timeous supply of space, and many little points of management too numerous to go OTer here in detail, will suggest themselves as the operator becomes experienced. I cannot draw these observations to a close »-ithout attending to the remarks of Mr. S. Bevan Fox at page 391. Tliat excellent contributor, I am afraid, rather misunderstood me when he con- cludes I reprobate the principle of his plan of placing shallow ekes between the super and stock hive. Were I to do so I would reprobate the very mode by which in days gone by I have taken my largest hauls of honey. On the contrary, I am thoroughly convinced that by no device can bees be induced to store up a greater weight of honey than by a gradual enlargement of one honey-storing compartment as in the adjuster hive, or by very shallow ekes ; or by a similar enlargement, by deeper ekes, of one breeding-space, the queen's production is greatly Btimulated, as has been already pointed out in the adai)ter hive, described by me in one of the early Numbers of the new series ; each plan aUke offering a strong temptation to increased storing and breeding, and avoiding altogether the hesitation often observable in taking possession of a fresh separate adjunct. Still, if we except some rare stupendous supers for ornamental purposes, the honey-dealer is ready to offer a pro- jjortionately larger price for the smallest and most completely sealed packages ; and breeding in separate compartments offers considerable inducements for a more ready lightening of stocks overburdened with honey, besides emploj-iug such separated portions with facility for other colonies. Then again the recent improvements of the Woodbury bar and embossed wax sheets do much to overcome now-a-days twisted combs, and the consequent blocldng up a free communication between the several portions of hives. What I did deprecate in " J. E. B.'s" practice was the very limited fixed breeding-space (a too-common error, I am afraid, in the south, where the storifying system is not so generally adopted), and extended ekeiug of unfjlled supers, manifestly tending to force the queen to ascend and convert such enlarged supers into second breeding-boxes or lead off a swarm. Mr. Fox might find it worth his while giving the plan of placing an empty super above an all-but-fiUed one a second trial. Both points may be well illustrated by a case from my own apiary. I had this spring a Ligurian colony in two seven-inch- deep breeding-boxes ; when the honey season set in put on a full-sized super ; as comb-building progi'essed therein, nadired vrith a third breeding-box (empty, I was sorry to have no combed one to supply) ; as the super got well filled, put on a second above, drawing all the slides between the two. Shortly thereafter the first super was completed and taken off ; the second, by this time well combed, was set down on the stock in its stead, and a third empty super put on above as before ; the second now only wants a few cells to be completed, and the third is fully combed. I have to-day (3rd July) given a fourth empty super above all ; yet, notwithstanding, should the present heat continue, I must nadir with a fourth breeding-box below to avoid swarming, as a yellow mass of idlers he upon the board and crowd up into the cover-porch. To nathr a hive now 34 inches deep requires a little management. For any one person to attempt to raise it, besides the weight, from its top- heaviness there is a great risk of its toppling over. Such is best effected by securing the boxes together with stout cord passed round the weighing-hooks, and a strong pole shpped through them on top, borne on the shoulders of two men. With the air afforded by this additional breeding-box, to see the immense body of workers contained in a hive, then 41 inches deep, in full work is a treat of no mean order anticipated bj' — A Ren- FEEWSHiRE Bee-keeper. [In conclusion our Renfrewshire friend refers for further details to his reply to "J. E. B." which appears in another column.] THIS YEAR'S HONEY HARVEST. After twenty years' experience as an apiarian, I have no hesitation in stating this to be a most extraordinary year both for honey and swarms. Owing to the late swarming of last year I succeeded, by feeding liberally, to commence this spring with nineteen hives, many of them, of course, very hght, whereas now they are all full of honey to the bottom, notwithstanding the glasses, boxes, and caps I have obtained. Fourteen hives have thrown off twenty-seven swarms, five of which went together, the remainder I put into ten hives by imiting, in which I succeeded in all cases but one, when by neglecting to put perforated zinc over the top in lieu of the cork, they were all smothered. My first swarm was on the 10th of June, but, late as it is, many hives are full of honey, all will live. The five swarms that went together were the best-behaved mob I ever saw, no riot, none wounded, none kiUed. — T. W. Cualoneb, Newton Kyme, Yorkshire. A A B B C C D B D B THE MANAGEMENT OF STEWARTON HI-VES. I SHALL be glad of your opinion on my management, and the present position, of my two Stewarton hives. The annexed rough outlines will ^ ■*■ help you to understand me the better. g g In the early spring they stood thus — ■ — As the season advanced I inserted a box between each of the above, and then they stood thus — I was afterwards told I ought to have put c A A at the bottom, and was advised to remove it. — ~ — — ~ — I did so, and now they stand as on the left. To give more room, I after- B B wards placed a top box on each, and this became the position of them — The first of these swarmed (I beUeve) last Saturday week, unobserved by any one. The second showed signs of swarming, and, to prevent it, I added, yesterday, a fifth box from below, and beneath is now the position of affairs with regard to this one. I did not remove either c or d, because neither of them seemed to be filled with honey, although in both the bees were working well. Have I done right in the past ? and what do you advise as to the futiu'e ? I have two large square glazed supers very nearly filled. The cells are sealed over, with the exception of a very small space at one end of the comb — the outer comb, I mean, as I caunot see the inner ones. Would you advise my ekeing these now, or waiting till completely sealed over ? An answer in the next Journal will much obhge— T. B. D. [Your letter has been submitted to " A Renfrewshire Bee- KEEPEE," who, in reply, says : — " The management, on the whole, was not amiss, excepting the blunder of placing an empty between his stock-boxes. That, as a rule, causing a vacancy to any extent between the portions of storified hives, is bad practice — all additional breeiUng-space should be given below, all honey room above. His further procedure will, in a great measure, depend on the strength of his stocks. If the first swarmed, it has, in all probability, room enough for this season ; if they come to sufficient force to afford a prospect of their completing the super, then a second might be tried above. The other stock should have a second super on at once, in like manner. One can form little opinion of such storified hives without seeing them."] D B E BEES IN LINCOLNSHIRE. I BEGAN the season this year with five stocks, one pure Lign- rian (which I have multiphed into four as pure as the parent, and three others that I cannot at preseut tell the purity of), one hybrid Ligurian, the queen of which was kindly sent me by " J. E. B." last year, and three black stocks, one of which, a very old one in a cottage hive, being rather weak to begin with, has afforded me no assistance in forming swarms. On transfen-ing it into a bar and frame hive on May 20th I was sur- prised to find the queen to be a well-marked Ligurian, and the progeny are decidedly hybrids. Being ouly weak, possibly I had noticed it but little, for certainly before the transfer I had not observed a trace of Ligurian blood about it. The stock has now, however, become very strong. I have gone entirely upon artificial swarming this year, anel have thus increased my five stocks into fourteen, all strong and thriving, and, including four absolutely pure Ligurians, all but one having more or less of Ligurian blood in them. I hope yet to increase the purity of the hybrid stocks. I have also abandoned the use of aU hives not fitted with frames, a» I find the command this gives over the stocks is very great. The season here has been a very good one thus far, but natural swarming has been imusually late and slow. In an average of July 11, 1865. ] JOUENAL OF HOKTICULTUliE AND COTTAGE GABDENEK. 39 miiarioB in tliis iioighbourhood not 15 per cent, (if tho HtoekM have Bwiirmcil id all. I had a capital natural swarm last Tliurs- day (2ytli of .Time), from a hylirid stock, from wlilcli I had [M-OTiously taken two artificial swarms, tho last of which was during tho preceding week. This is tho only natural swarm I have had. A curious aherration of nature has taken place with the first pure Ligurian artificial swarm, and which for some time puzzled me exceedingly. It was made on May 'iOth, and is as strong u swarm as ever I saw. Somehow they seemed to work vei-y hard, hut yet make very slow progress in tilling the box. Li ahout three weeks I examined them, and found the (jueeii to be a beauty, and breeding well (I might say that in forming the swarm the queen escaped into the parent stock again during the transfer of combs, so that tho swarm formed the nucleus and raised nine royal cells, six of which I excised when sealed for other stocks) ; but on examining the combs them- selves I discovered that all the new ones were constructed with circular cells instead of hexagonal ones, and I ccmsider that this requires fully four times the quantity of botli wax and labour. On June'iOtli, a remarkably hot day, two small combs iu this hive fell, having been partially melteil at top, this caused a great commotion. Of course I replaced them when I got home, and was surprised to find that after this hexagiraal cells have been constructed for a few days, but now again they have gone back to circular ones. I have never heard of a similar instance. Is it a common occurrence ? The above may, perhaps, tend to strengthen the faith of some of your readers in the superiority of so-called " artificial " swarming, though it really seems to me a perfectly natural operation. — G. F. B., Sjxihlinrj. p.S. — I should have had one more swarm, but in removing the stock I stumbled, and down came self, and bees, and all. This caused a great commotion, and the greater portion followed the parent, so of course I sacrificed the swarm. [Combs with circular cells are a phenomenon I never met with, and I should therefore be greatly obliged by a specimen of this description of abnormal comb being forwarded to — A Devonshike Bee-keeper.] DISSECTION OF A DRONE-BREEDING QUEEN. About the middle of August last year, I reared, artificially, a queen, which with a numerous colony of bees was put into a Woodbury frame-hive containing combs partially furnished with honey. On the 24th of the same month I joined to this virgin queen and colony a swarm headed by a fertile queen. The queens fought ; one fell, to all appearance the fertile one, but not having marked her I cannot be certain. The hive, however, seemed to prosper, and but for drones continuing to be sent forth from it late in autumn might have been pro- nounced the most flourishing in my apiary. It got through the winter beautifully, kept up its large population till the arrival of spring, and showed gi-eat activity on fine days by diligently eoUectiug pollen. On March 24th, lively drones issued from it, but being of a small size I at once concluded all was not right. However, I determined to leave matters alone for the present, fanej-ing that if the weather proved favourable, my virgin queen, if still a virgin, might incline to take an airing in the company of the drones. Some of the days that followed were warm and sum- mer-like, the drone population increased, but no young workers appeared. On April 6th, I made an inspection of the combs (whicli, by- the-wfty, did not contain a drone cell originally), and found the central ones filled with drone-brood, all in worker cells, which the bees had been at some pains to enlarge and elongate. In some cells two and three eggs were laid, and placed at random in the apex or on the sides. Replacing the combs, I allowed matters to remain as I foimdthem till the 7th of June, when about three-fourths of the population would be drones, the working part having sadly decreased. The result that would follow was sufficiently obvious. So without loss of time I removed the unprofitable queen and despatched her to Mr. Woodbury for dissection, requesting him to tell me whether or not she had made a successful wedding trip. I told him not one word regarding her age or history, my object being to test as far as possible the truth of parthenogenesis. On June lOtli, Mr. Woodbni'y replied as follows : — "I have dissected out the spetmatheca of the queen sent by you, and find it destitute of ■ tho slightest trace of spermatozoa. If a young queen, she has, therefore, never been impregnated ; if an old one, she has be- come completely exhausted, and if she laid eggs they would (like those of a virgin queen), jiroduce drones only." I have thus stated a few simple facts, and I leave tho apiarian readers of the Journal to draw their own inferences. Tho hive though destitute of a ipieen still survives, and as none of tho bees were hatched subsequent to the 22nd of .\ugust, the youngest of them is rather more than ten months old. They are all black, but I have a few Liguriaus wluch I know, certainly to be still older. From several circumstances I am led to tliink the average age of bees is six months. Those hatched in spring dying off late in autumn, and those hatched from about July keejiing in vigour till spring is a little advanced. — K. b. VOLUNTARY UNION OF SWARMS. I MENTIONED in my note at page 19, the frequent occurrence of double swarms iu this neighbourhood, or, more properly speaking, of swarms that voluntarily unite, either from both coming off at the same time, or the noise and excitement of a subsequent swarm rousing the new settlers to turn out again and join their fortunes with those on the wing. I am now able to record the case of a triple swarm, which may serve as a pen- dent to that of Mr. Stuttle, recorded in the Journal of Juno 13th. On the 14th of June my neighbour, Mr. S., had an after- swarm from one of his hives, which was secured about noon. Very shortly afterwards a prime swarm from another hive joined it, but some little fighting must have taken place, as a hundred or two of dead bees were found stre^vn in front of the hive. The double swarm worked briskly, for on the 2.5th the hive was quite fuU of comb, and four large glass supers were progressing fast. The hive was already inconveniently crowded, but on the 27th an after-swarm from a hive which had been removed to a little distance, joined it at 8.45 a.m. Both the fact itself, the long interval that had elapsed since the second imion, and the hour at whicli the third union was effected, are, I think, somewhat remarkable. The bees for the last three or four days have been hanging out in a great mass, looking more like swarming than a swanu. I shall be glad to take note of the proceedings of this colony, but thus far no such iU-luck has befallen it as in the instance recorded by " T. G.," and it seems now beyond the reach of harm. — F. H. West, FoUer- newton, Leeds. DYSENTERY IN BEES. This complaint has been very prevalent this last winter in all sorts of hives, and as some of the books say it is caused by dampness and some by feeding on certain flowers, &c, I should be glad to hear from your correspondents what they consider is the cause, as I cannot tliink dampness has to do with it, although it may help to cause it, as most of my bees were in straw skeps. A hive of common bees that I had joined a small Ligurian swai-m and 'queen to had it very bad, and I thought it would have died out, and had it not been for the Ligurians being stronger, it certainly would, as the black bees died out at least a month before the Liguriaus or some hybrids that I joined at the same time. If the " Devonshiue Bee-keepek," "B. &W.," and some of your able Scotch correspondents would be so kind as give your readers their opinion on this complaint, we might find out some preventive or remedy. — A. W. ADDING A LIGURIAN QUEEN. Having examined the hive into which I put a Ligurian queen and finding her safe and healthy, with larva in abimdaute in the cells, I need not say that I am well satisfied at the result. They travelled to me from Devon remarkably safe, as there were only two dead bees, ^\^len I ventured to allow the bees to get beside the queen, I uncovered the box and opened the hole at the top of the hive, when they immediately crowded into the little box, amalgamating with the Italians and queen in a very friendly manner, with that immistakeable hiuu when they discover what they are in search of — a sovereign. I thought all was now quite safe and just placed it mouth down on the top of the hive to allow them to go down at their leisure during the night. However, contrary to my antici- 40 JOUBNAL OP HOBTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. [ Julr 11, 1865. pations, in the morning I found a severe internal warfare, and a great number of bees stung and cast out, and still evidently at war amongst themselves. At first I could scarcely judge of the cause of the contest, but it had originated in the main Isody of the bees in the hive not tollo\ving up those which went up into the box ; and, consequently, aSter being separated for a short time, apparently those that were in the box with the qneen were attacking everj- one that attempted to go in from beneath. I immediately iised smoke thinking that this would at once put an end to the contest, but found it only had the effect of a cessation for a short time ; and although I repeatedly used it throughout the day. they stung a considerable number, and in ease war should continue during the follo\ving night, I forced those in the box to go down into the hive, and kept them running together in the hive among a slight smoke until they got completely mixed together and the quarrel was then at an end ; but they were a few days before tbey were quite satis- fied. Although there were not a few bees killed, I think there would be fully 4 lbs. weight left, so that there is no fear of them as to strength. — S. THE PREVENTION OF EXCESSrVTS SWARMING. I AND others would be glad to have a little more information from " B. & W." on preventing excessive swarming, and the best plan of preventing it, as giving them room will not always EuflSce. I have adopted the plan of returning the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth swann to the stock in the evening ; but I should be glad to have his idea on this plan — that is, to take the queen and a few bees from the swarm, and in the evening join her and the few bees to the parent hive, and, as soon as the bees find their queen gone, they would return to the hive again. This, I think, will be less trouble than returning the swarm in the evening, as they sometimes enter very slowly when there is a number. I also find, when hives are close together, that, putting the swarm in the stock'3 place, the bees wiU not enter and stay, but go to the next nearest hive or stock, and stay there. This I have had them do twice this season ; but I should like to have " B. fr W.'s " opinion a little fully on this subject ; and would he also say how he uses the brown paper in expelling bees from the hollow trees ? as the paper will not smoke unless dipped in nitre. — ^A. W. BEES IN THE HOLLOW TRUNK OF A TREE. Havixg derived much information from the several articles of late in your Journal on the subject of bees, I am induced to send you some notes I have made on points lately discussed in your paper, and also to request your kindly answering one or two queries. Precisely a similar ease occurred to me as to " B. B." On the 7th of June a very fine swarm settled on the bough of a beech tree, at a fnrm which I hold some tour miles from my apiary ; but whilst I was maldng preparations for their capture they again took i!ight, and finally chose the hoUow of an ash tree for their permanent abode. I saw at once that there was nothing for it but to fell the tree, which I set to at once, having at hand the valuable assistance of a man who had spent seven years in the backwoods of America, and whose skill in handling the axe stood me in good stead. I found, when the tree was down, that the bees had ascended at least 3 feet, and that it would be necessary to channel out the tree for that length. This we finally accomplished late in the evening, and secured one of the finest swarms I have ever seen. I conveyed them home, a distance of four miles, in a common straw skep, and transferred them the next day to one of Neighbour's Scotch hives, in which they have since worked so -vigorously that on the 18th of June I put on a glass top, which is now more than half full cf pure virgin honey. Curious to say, in the very next tree to which I have alluded above, there has been established a colony of bees for the last fifteen years. How can I secure the honey from them? The tree is too ornamental to admit of being cut down, and the entrance is about 20 feet from the ground. Of com-se the bees would have to be smothered. From a stock hive I this year had two swarms, the second in my absence and much against my will. I afterwards put on the stock hive a large bell-glass 10 inches in diameter, which is now literslly packed with the finest honey. What is the best way of removing this ? and would it be advisable to put on another glass at this period ? \Miftt is your opinion cf Nutt's collateral box-hive as compared with the super system ? Could not bees hived in an old single straw hive he made to work on this principle by placing another hive or box on the table by the side of the hive, and establishing a commimication by means of a groove in the table covered with glass, and the passage to which could be commanded by a zinc sUde ? — Squib. rWe know of no means of secm-ing the honey without injur- ing the tree by laying bare the ca\-ity occupied by the bees. Insert an empty box between the super and the stock hive. The former will be found comparatively deserted the next day, when it may be taken off, conveyed to a little distance, and the remaining bees permitted to return home, a bright look-out being kept in the meantime to guard against robbers. Putting on another glass can at any rate do no hann, but take care that the stock hive is sufficiently well stored to stand the winter. We prefer the storifving to the collateral system. You will find several modes of adapting the latter to common straw hives described in Taylor's "Bee-keeper's Manual."] OUR LETTER BOX. Gapes ix Youxg Pori.TKV (Loosi' Box).— Give those affected a pDl.of cimphor. the size of a small pea, daily until cured. Keep a piece of camphor in their water-trough. JiABKrSGS OF CoCHCs {Coloured China).— li is common for Partridge Cochin cocks to have coloured breasts, but it is by no means desirable. Our experience is, that it is hardly possible to breed them all with purely black breast^, even fi-om the best strains. Some should, however, have them. Where the chickens have only a few brown feathers, we should decidedly keep them till they attained their adult plumage, in the hope they would moult them out : but where it is a decidedly variegated breast, black ■ and hrowu, we should get rid of the bird. The work you naiiie will have coloured plates, but we do not place implicit dependauce on such plates. You will see that the classes at most shows are for " Buff and Cinnamon." This has caused a laxity in lotting and matching which would not have been allowed formerly. There were originally three clas.^es of Coebiu.s, which are now intermixed: — the Bull, whieh should be uniform in colour; the Cinnamon, the cock of whieh was the colour of wetted cinnamon, the hens' bodies a lighter shade of the same, with very dark hackle ; the Silver Cinnamon, the cock with a very light body. whUe the taUand hackle were of very pale red brown. The hens of this breed, when they were kept pure, were among the most beautiful of the tribe, the whole body was a most beautiful French white, giving a soft silky appearance to the feathers, and which was not belied on handling. The only variety of colour was a lemon-shaded hackle. These have all inter-bretC and have originated the colours you describe. The third bird you describe, being all Buff, seems to ns the best coloured ; but the others would pass with well-matched Buff hens. Game Fowl Motion-less (af. P. C.l. — Your fowl had a cramp or a temporary vertigo from blood to the bend, or some injurj- to the back. In either case your treatment was the right one. We have known a slight blow or a fall to injme the spine, and cause the apparent paralysis you mention for a few minutes, or sometimes for a longer time, and a perfect ctu"e has been effected by the struggling of the fowl when caught. Diseases of Pigeon's (D. O.). — Ai-eyou sure that there is not something unwholesome in their food ? Has any of the com ergot, or has it been otherwise damaged ? Peas are not good for la>ing-Pigeons ; they are apt to lay soft eggs on them. Hcmpseed is too exciting. They should have access to chalk or old mortar. Or does their weakness arise from diarrhcea ? You may try pills containing one grain of calomel, oue-twelth of a grain of tatar emetic, and follow it bv pellets of cod liver oil and fiour. — B. P. B. Notes of Bbitish Birds arranged rs Music (E. M.). — ^We do not know of any book in which such music is noted. Hives (An Amateur). — We consider Neighbour's improved cottage hive rather too small, but it is unquestionably large enough for sustaining a swarm through the winter. Zinc ventilators are not essential to the suc- cessful working of bell-glasses as supers. It i- better to remove one of the queens in uniting, but the bees wiU generally do thi-s for themselves. We have, however, known instances in which both queens have been sacrificed, and stock lost in consequence. HoN'EY l.'f Biteks Bce-k^'epcr). — Apply to Mes.<-TS. Neighbour, 127, High Holbom, and 149, Regent Street, London. Payne's Improved Cottage-hive (F. H.). — We do not know where this can be obtained, if not of Messrs, Neighbour. "RTiy not buy our "Bee-keeping for the Many?" You can have it free by post from our ofiice for five postage stamps. In that there is a di-awing of Mr. Payne's hive, and any maker of the common straw hive could malie one from that drawing. LONDON MARKETS.— July 10. POULTRY. The supply increases, and the trade declines earlier than usnal on account of the dissolution of Parliament. We may look for low prices, if t'je heat of the weather moderate. If it remain ns it is now, a few- fresh goods will every day mate good prices, while there will be loss on the bulk of poultry sent. . s. d. to g. d. Large Fowls . . . Smaller do. . . Chickens .... Ducklinii's . . . . Guinea Fowls Goslings 8. d. b: S 6 to 4 2 0 ., 4 Grouse 0 0 „ 0 0 Partridses 0 0 „ 0 0 Hares T 0 0 „ 0 0 Rabbits 1 4 „ 1 5 WUd do 0 8 „ 0 9 Pigeons 0 8 „ 0 9 July 18, 1865. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 41 WEEKtY CALENDAR. Day Month Dny of Week. JULY 18—24, 1865. AvcrnKO Temiiernturo near Loudon. Uiiin in lust J8 years. Sun Rises. Sun Sets. Moon Kises. Moon Sets. Moon's Ago. Clock Day before of Snn. Year. IH 19 20 21 22 23 24 Til W Th K S Sun M Cutton Thistlo (lowcrg. Oninh flowovM. St'il Er\ai(;o Mowers. Sun's dwlinution 20''26'N. Ciirri)t flowt'i'w. (i Susn.^v AfTEK Trinity. Corn Parsley flowers. Day. 71.6 72.8 72.5 78.2 73.1 78.8 72.5 Ni«ht. 60.4 60.7 60.U 60.G ,11.6 52.1 52.0 JI.nxn. 62.5 Gl.H 61 .G 01.9 62..') G3.0 62.2 Days. 18 21 23 17 22 19 14 m. li. 6tt(4 7 4 8 4 10 4 11 4 12 4 14 4 m. li. 6nf8 6 8 4 8 2 8 1 8 0 8 58 7 m. h. 26 at 0 12 1 5 2 3 3 G 4 14 5 20 C m. h. laf 4 8 5 58 5 •18 G 22 7 5a 7 19 8 Days. 25 26 27 2H o ] 2 m. s. ' 5 64 199 5 58 200 6 2 I 2(11 6 5 202 G 8 : 203 6 10 204 6 12 ] 205 rain was 1.37 iiuli. SELECTION OF STUAWBF-URrES CL'LTUUIi. AND THEIR UT a fcfl' (lays ago I met at Blaiidford the Rev. .Tosepli Mansfield, Rector ofBlaml- fonl St. Mary's, who occa- sionally visits my garden. Ho said, " I wish you would UTite a treatise oii Stiavvborry culture, and' also give a selection of Strawberries that are good and easy of culti- vation in lands generally." I assured liirn that Mr. Undor- liill's and Mr. Cuthill's treatises were excellent and amply sufficient. StUl, as these maj- not be generally kno^\^l, it may not be amiss to say a fe* words through a periodical of wide cii'cidation. It is difficult to make a suit of clothes to fit the whole species of man ; and it is not less so to select Strawberries to siut every man's taste aaid mdely difi'erent circiuustanoes. As regards tastes — one man lilces the Hautbois flavour ; another Ukes a vinous juicy Strawberry ; anotlier prefers an acidulated flavour ; another Ukes the Pine flavoiu' ; another does not care what the flavoiu' is as long as he eaji get quantity, plenty of sugar, and Alderney cream. My taste is set to Hautbois, Piiie, and Alpine flavour. As regai'ds soils, there is a great difl'erence between clay or deep loams, and sandy or challg' soils like mine. Jlore- over, as regards some sorts, aspect and situation (high or low) make a tUfferencc. You vrHl see, then, by these cir- cumstances and considerations what a difficult task lies before me to make a suit of clothes wliich is to fit every- body. I will, however, do my best. I •s\'ill coiumcnce by naming Strawberries of great excel- lence, suitable only to first-class lands and painstaldng cultivators. I doubt whether tlu;y can be depended upon year after year in any land. 'When they succeed, you hear of it : when they fail, people hold their tongues ! 1, Brit- ish Queen and her synonjTnes, respectively in shape and flavoiu', or both, Magnvrra Bonmn and La Chalonnaise ; a, Carolina Superba ; :(, Filbert Pine : 4, La Constante ; 5, Myatt's Pine A|)ple ; 6, Crimson Queen. The last is late, good, and the sm'est. I now come to Strawberries that do well for me and are excellent for the piu'poses for which they are designed. 1, Sii' J. Paxton, the earliest that is good, a hardy plant, great cropper, and handsome show fiiiit. 2, Eclipse, the best early sort. 3. Rivers's EUza, delicious, and lasts a whole season ; I never knew it fail fi'om any cause. 4, Tlie Royal Hautliois, cropping well for the third season. 5, Scar- let Pine, the liighcst-flavourod and most pined sort that has ever been here ; the plants are stalwart, and resist fi-ost and drought. 0, Johu Powell, good plant, good cropper, good colour and fonn, and delicious, 7, Wonder- No. 225.— Vol. IX., New Series. fill, a heavy cropper and very good ; it requii'es plenty of water in a torrid summer, or it would become hard. 8, Era- press Eugenie, large, handsome, a heavy cropper, and of fair flavour, but not equal in flavour to some of the above. i), JUcton White Pine, the best white : it is not ripe till it is yellowish. 10, The Frogmore Late Pine, a noble late sin-t, and liked here by aU. 11, The old Red and Wliite iVlpiucs. These eleven sorts are on the whole the best out of more than 1:J0 sorts that have been sent here for trial. They seem to combine all that we want. If we can get better of coiu'se we shall be glad, but in tlieii' dili'erent liucs and seasons they '\\dll take some beating. If more than these are desu-ed, these are good and good croppers, but not equal to some of the above ; — President, Alice Maude, Trollope's Victoria, Marquise de la Tour Mau- bom'g. Marguerite, Ingram's Prince of Wales, and Sans- pareil. The following arc on trial, planted late in the spring. Of coiu-se, some allowance must be made. They were Idndly sent by Mi'. Ingi'am, Her Majesty's gardener. The Faii'y Queen is nicely coned, hanclsome, sweet, and de- licious. The plants have stood the heat very well. More I cannot say at present. It is a great favourite at Frog- more. No. 10 is a strong and quick-gi'owing plant and runs ii'eely. It -w'as pegged June U4th. Tlie berries are coned, large, and handsome. It is late. jNIr. Ingram says it vdil be superior to the Frogmore Late Pines. Its seeds are prominent. I have a hea\w crop of noble Frogmore Pines, by which I have tested it. It is delicious, and though it is not so large or highly pined as the Frogmore Pines it is sweeter. John Powell, the Frogmore Pines, the Fau'y Queen, and No. 10 do gi'eat credit to the raiser. I should, however, lilie to see the last two go through a severe winter — a severer spring they could not encounter. To the two former I wiil give a first-class certificate, as I have had them here in scorching siunmers and severe winters, and, what is ■\vorse, in a severe spring. I have tills morning (July 5), received a land and complimentary letter from Mr. Ingram, asking me to name it, and expres- sing a wish to call it after me. I have no objection to its bemg called ''Mr. Radclyfte," or " Rushtou Radclyfte " if he like it better. The Rose called after me does mo great honom', and this Strawberry wiU do no less. The.y are both a credit to the raisers. I tlmik it safer to caU it the above name than on limited trial to call it " Frogmore Pine Improved." Time wiU prove tins. I beg to thank Mon- sieur Verdier and Mr. Ingi'am for this liigli compliment. I now come to cultivation. There are very few culti- vators of Roses and Strawberries in the kingdom. Even those who manure them do little or nothing towards water- ing them. 1. Preparation of the Soil. — Whether land be light or strong it should be trenched. Though Strawberries like great moistm-e and heat they also like free drainage. If water lies on the siu'face, and zero bites, the roots ^\■ill be injured : and though the plants may flower well and set theii' fruit, they will not complete their crop. Mter trench- ing, the land should subside. Mine is light laud : and if the land is di'y I beat it dov\'n with a spade to prevent No. 877.— Vol. XXXTV., Old Series. 42 JOURNAIi OF HOETICULTUKH AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. Joiy-l«(,'l865; its subsiiUng from the plaut. Strong land does uot require so mucli prepai-atiou previous to jilunting on account of its gi'avit.v. 2. Plantinri.- — ^The plants should be planted tbi itheii' base, or collar, and no deeper. The roots should be spread out oil all sides like a dtiok's foot. The soil should bo moderately pressed down on the roots and watered, and if the weather is hot, a ildwer-pot should be put over the plants by day, and removed at toiglit. If they are planted from pots, the pot-soil should be slaekened with the hand. If the roots are matted round the ball of ( iirtb, they should either be cut off with a sharp knife or carefully ppriahino de Beauharnais, and is ilescribed to me as of a very beautiful delicate rose, witli sUveiy white edge to the petals, a seedling of Louise Peyronuy, of which it retains the cha- racter, both in wood and foliag?. He has also another wliich seems to bear a striking analogy- to the second Hose of M. Eiigene Verdier, as it, too, is a soedLiug of Triomphe de I'Expositian, very well fomied, superb velvety red, shaded with violet. A third Rose is Pline, a seedling of Jloro de St. Louis, of which it is said to have retained the character in nearly every particiUar. Besides, he lias a seedling Bourbon from Louise Otlier — Madame J. Gay — I should imagine, from the description, very similar to Emotion and Louise Margottin. Of the four, one would have little hesitation in adopting M. Guillot's own view — that .Tosephine de Beauharnais and President Mas will be the best. From neither M. Charles Verdier nor M. Levesqne did I obtain any information. Of course I paid my old friend Margottin a visit, and, as usual, obtained a great de.al of interesting Rose information from him ; and, although his Roses (of which, I believe, he has a couple), to be let out this season were not in bloom, yet I had a long and broiling walk through his grounds on one of the hottest days I experienced during my trip. He has a )daut of .Jules Margottin this year which has come all marliled ; a curious state is that marbling, for it seem?i, in nearly every instance, to affect the style of the flower, as well as its colour. I have myself this year a plant of Anna de Diosbach so marbled, and I can see that the style of the blooms is evidently altering. Whether it will be permanent I cannot yet decide ; the autumn will teU whether these marbled flowers will remain true to their character. As a general rule. Margottin considers that the shaded Roses come better in France, and tlie bright ones in England. Certainly those \-iolet-tinted and ardoisi' flowers are not general favourites on this side of the channel. In spealdng of white Roses he said that he believed that Made- moiselle Bounaire was a seedling of General .Jacqueminot, and that he had had numbers of white Roses from that most pro- lific pai'ent, but none of tliem worth retaining. I endeavom'ed to obtain from M. Margottin and other French Rose-growers their opinion of the Roses of last season, and I think that they have ai-rived pretty much at the same conclu- sion that we have. Thus Duehesse de Caylus was by all acknowledged to be a Rose of great merit, as was also Rush- ton Radclyfte, both of which I anticipated would prove to be gems. Of Duehesse de Medina Co?li the opinion was not so favourable, and as I have seen but oue flower of it this year I cannot say whether they are correct. Of Charles Mar- gottin, I saw hundreds of blooms at the raiser's, and a very remarkable Rose for brilliancy of colour and substance of petal it is, in the style of Count Cavour, but brighter still ; it is most certainly one of the brightest Roses out. At Lovesque's I saw large quantities of Madame Eliza Vilmoriu, but although brilliant in colour, it is wanting in that neatness of form and smoothness of petal we look for. Denis Helve is a vers' tine and Large flower in the style of Anna de Diesbach, but deeper in colour. Xavier Olibo was also considered to be a good Rose. It is some\vhat difficult to keep in one's mind the Roses of the different seasons, as they come so rapidly one on the other ; and in the metropolis, at any rate, one is struck with the few Boses of the present season that one sees. In the class for new Roses you get the Roses of three or four different years, and rarely more than five or six of the present season. Of those flowers which were distributed to the great bulk of Rose- growers in the antnmn of last year I have noticed, as especially good, the following : — Pierre Nottiiip, a deep violet burgundy- pnrple rose, of good form and substance ; iladama Victor Verdier, a fine deep rose, of exquisite build, and great depth ; Duchesso de Morny, a sweetly-coloured rose ; Baron Pelletan do Kinkelin, piurpliah crimson ; Kjito Hausburg, bvight rose, and iirettily-cupiicd llower : Madame Derreulx Donville, rich ileep pink;' ani)oii .7C hm..' DINERS A LA''liu'^SE ']^0r' Wfe' tttlttSN'.' " Wiivr isndineralaRusse?" asks your correspondent VD." of Deal. " D." answers his question, at least so it seems to me, verv correctly. exco]rt in saying that the (dd epergnes and candelabra must give place to a iighter and more elegant orua- raentaticm in the shape of flowers. Now I dine very constantly, and I think very prettily a la Russe, with an (''pergne of ancient date and pattern in the centre of the table. This epergne is composed of silver, it has a bowl for flowers raised conaiderably above the table in tJje middle ; while lower down eight silver branches spring out, each holding a small vase. When tastefully ornamented with flowers and Ferns, few things could look more graceful and light thou this old epergne with the dessert arranged in plates of valuable china around it..- • i:-'TjjjJ ■_,■! m.'.' '■■ ':i-:;! :■ .i - ;!i j):"J J!J';''J But many people may not possesBian old fipergne, ax^a,sy^^ one having a tolerably well stocked giudeu may enjoy this prettiest and most economical way of dining. I will suppose, that besides my garden I have a small -farm with a trout streixm running through it ; I wish to have a few friends to ilinner without much expense in this month of .July. I have in common with most farm-houses, a few t>ld chma plates, that belonged to my gi-amhnother, and a small stock of glass. I place a small saucer topsy-tur-\T- on a soup plate, on the saucer I put a tumbler, and in the tumbler a champagne ghiss or old-fashioned rummer. Round the soup plate I dispose the fresh gi-een fronds of the Polystichum angnlare, or aculeaturn ; thev should be aU of the s.am'e size, so as tfl lie down evenly in a circle on the fair white tablecloth. I dispose smaller Fems so as entirely to hide the saucer and tumbler, and then I fiU up the soup plate with a wreath of white Roses and blue Corn- flowers, or the Verbenas Purple King and Suowflixke. From the tumbler I depend mv flnejit Fuchsias, white Calceolarias, Jasmine, and bhie Salvia, with a few fronds of Polypodium dryopteris. My best Ferns and Pelargoniums I keep for the champagne glass. ,::i .'■ : -. . •-.■ '■ \ . This arrangement can be viiried .in a , huadred ways-r-Spi* ra!a aria?folia, mixed with Humea elegans and' a few^ Fern fronds, has a very good effect. I place this bouquet in the centre of the table, bending the circle of Ferns to make them lie on the tablecloth— then I put specimens of aU my best Roses with fronds of Ferns in six rummers, and dispose them between the outer circle of fronds. My dessert of Cherries, StrawbeiTies, Raspberries, Gooseberries, with Currants, white and red, I put in six of my old china idates, with a delicate frond of some of my favorvrite Ferns here and there. The trout stream fiirnishes the tish, which my husband gets up an hour earlier in the morning to catch, and is rewarded with one fried for his breakfast, which I need hardly say puts him into a good temper till the hour for company smiles arrives. I can spare this delicacy with the gi-eater ease because I need only have just enough 'fish to satisfy my friends ; dining a la Russe saves much waste, and my fish is brought iu hot from the kitchen, instead of waiting on the table to get cold while the company seat themselves. If the fish is preceded by soup. 44 JOUENAL OF HOKTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GABDENEE. [ July 18, 1865. I would have the latter made of green Peas, for which I have an excellent leceipt, requiring no meat. Being an early riser, I should make this soup while my husband was catching the fish, but I would take care and be tidy by the hour for break- last. The farm would provide a couple of chickens and a leg of lamb. My second course should ibe toasted cheese — that is, cheese boiled with a little cream, put on toast, and sent to table very hot. This disii insures good temper for the rest of the evening. The .sweets — Malvern pudding (fruit boiled, sweet- ened and put in a bisiu lined with slices of thin bread — to be eaten cold with thick cream poured over it), and a baked plum pudding ; this is good both hot and cold, and therefore more economical than a boili;iI plum pudding. The vegetables should be early Droccoli and hrst-rate Potatoes. Strictly speaking, none of these things, with the exception of the friiit and flowers, (some people only have flowers) should be put upon my table, but they might all appear there, and yet the dinner not have the appearance of a cannibal feast. The expense of this little dinner would be small, very small, and its festal appearance would show my friends that I esteemed their company an honour, and that it did not require any great outlay to dine a la llusse, and bring to a homely life some of the elegancies of society, supposed, erroneously, to belong only to the rich. ' In a churchyard hear my old home, there is an epitaph recording that — amongst other virtues, supposed to be a sort of passport to heaven — the lady whose remains rested beneath "contrived to make a very good appearance on a smaU income." I always felt quite hot when I read that epitaph, in sympathising with the great exertions of the poor lady, but it ■was no small praise after all ; I know something of that lady's life, and the trying to make a good appearance is an amiable as well as a very pleasurable excitement, and causes me often- times to forget that I am (what the "Wiltshire Eectok" declares I am not) — An Oveewokked Wife. STOCKS AND THEIR INFLUENCE. Where the soil and climate are suitable for the gi-owth, the perfection of bloom, and for the maturity of the seed or fruit of any tree, there can be no doubt that the organs, uaturallj- provided for the supply of sap. Will afford it of proper quality and sufficient quantitj' tor every want of the tree. Then, if trees and shrubs succeed best, are more productive, and freer from disease, when supplied -with sap from then- own roots and passing through a stem of their own pecuUar kind, why do we graft or bud on a stock of another species or variety ? We do bud and graft, however — 1st, For the increase of a particular Icind of tree, and on stocks of a different species or variety, because they are the more readily obtained ; 2nd, To fit the kind for some particular soil ; 3rd, To produce some alteration in the habit of the tree or shrub. There is a prevailing im- pression among gardeners that the stock communicates to the species or variety of tree or shrub grafted upon it a portion of its own power to bear cold without injury. This idea, however, is wholly erroneous, as is amply proved by the tender kinds of Koses on the Briar being destroyed by severe frost, and also by the circumstance that the branches of every variety or species of tree are much more easily destroyed by frost than its roots. Physiologists agree in their views as to our grafting on stocks which are of less growth than the scion, and consider the practice wrong where extensive growth and dm-abUity is wanted, but eligible whenever it is desirable to diminish the vigom- and growth of the tree. iUr. Knight draws these conclusions from his experience—" That the stock of a species or genus different fi-om that of the fruit to be grafted upon it can be used rarely with advantage, unless where the object of the planter is to restrain and debilitate ; and that v.-here stocis of the same species with the bud or graft are used, it will be found ad- vantageous generally to select such as approximate in their habits and state of chiinge, or improvement from cultivation, to those of the variety of friut which thev are intended to support." Mr. Johnson, in the " Science and Practice of Gar- dening," p. 200, states—" The only situation in which we can beheve that the stock of another can be advantageously em- ployed, is wliere the soil happens to be unfriendly to the species from which the bud or graft is taken." I have 'no doubt as to the general conclusions of Jlr. Knight being correct so far as the health of the tree is concerned ; but I find him all at sea as to grafting or budding on a different species or genus restrain- ing the vigour of the scion. I find the Apricot much less vigorous grafted on a stock of its own species than on the Pliun, it being a well-known fact that all varieties or species take much more tardily from buds or grafts on stocks from stones or seeds of their pecuhar kind, than on those of a different species or genus nearly enough allied to permit of the operation succeeding. It is also remarkable that the scion or bud of any tree will take much more readily on another part of the same tree, the tree itself being budded or grafted on a stock of another species or variety, than when budded or grafted on a stock of the same variety. Generally all trees and shrubs seem to take better on a stock of a different species or variety than on one of their own peculiar kind. Now, by budding or grafting on a stock of less or slower growth than the bud or graft, as in the case of the Peach and Nectarine on the Plum, the aim seems to be to restrain vigour, and render the tree more productive. Apart from any in- fluence of the stock, grafting alone has a tendency to increase fertility and lessen the vigour of the tree. It acts in the same manner as ringing, or removing a ring of bark from a branch or stem of a tree ; both act by arresting the downward flow of the sap. Mr. Knight writes on this point — " When the course of the descending current " (elaborated juice or sap), " is intercepted, that necessarily stagnates and accumulates about the decorticated part, whence it passes into the alburnum, is carried upwards, and expended in an increased production of blossom and fruit." Though this was written with reference to ringing, yet it may be taken as having the same bearing on grafting; for Mr. Johnson, in "Science and Practice of Gar- dening," page 195, when writing of the influence of the stock, states that " the sap becomes more rich, indicated by its acquiring a greater specific gi-avity in some stocks than in others," instancing a Black Cluster Vine stock on which a Black Hamburgh had been grafted. According to this dictum we ought to find the Pear on the quince more jiroUfic, and giving larger fruit, of better flavour, than on the pear stock ; and the same results should attend aU gi-afthig or budding on a stock of less gi-owth, and of a different species or genus. It is, indeed, verified by j^ractice ; the Pear on the quince, the Peach and Apricct on the Plum, arrive at a fruiting state earlier, iruit-buds are more abimdantly formed, the blossoms set better, the wood and fi-uit ripen earher (simply from the more abundant deposition of cambium, which we term the ripening of the wood), and the fruit is larger, higher-coloured, and richer-flavoured than when on their own stocks. Grafting or budding, therefore, on stocks of less vigorous growth than the scion or bud, restrains the growth, rendering it more productive, though it may endure for a short time only ere disease commence, and the parts decay ; or it may be perma- nent, and of this I only laiow one instance — the Pear on the quince. The reason, in this case, is not because the quince docs not restrain the growth of the scion, but because the head or tree is kejit close-prmied or stojjped, the growth of stock and graft being made culturally corresponding. It is a common error to conclude that, because Peaches on the Mussel Plum are short- lived. Pears on the quince must be short-lived also. Nothing can be brought to bear showing the parallel in these cases. No doubt the Pear on the quince is short-lived when it is allowed to outgrow its stock, as the Peach on the Plum always does, in consequence of being allowed to make shoots a yard long, to be cut down at the winter pruning to 9 inches or a foot. Were close-primiog or stopping practised on the Peach, I have every reason to believe it would be as long-lived as the Peai' on the quince, of which I know trees as dwarfs, close-pruned or stopped, upwards of half a century old, which annually ijroduce good crops of large, fine-coloured, fuU-ttavom-ed fruit. Now that we have Peaches on the Plum producing their fruit on spurs, I have every reason to think that they wiU prove as healthy, as fruitful, and as long-Uved as the Pear on the quince, "close-pinched" so that the growth of stock and bud, or graft, correspond. Perhaps Mr. Eivers may have some of his original Peaches on the Plum elose-stoijped so as to produce their fruit on spurs that even yet produce crops of large-sized aud good-flavoured fruit ? If it be so it would go a great way to prove that fruit trees on stocks of slower or less growth are only short-hved when the scion is allowed annually to outstrip its stock in the growth made. Further, in budding or grafting on a species or genus different from that worked upon it, we find that the bud or scions take much more freely, aud make stronger growth for a few years (the Peach on the Plum losing its vigour through the formation of fruit-buds at the third season of growth), than on a -stock of JiUy 18, 1865. ] JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 45 its own from seeds. Peachea when budded in the latter way take badly compared with those on the Plnm, make less growth, and never outgrow the stock, both thickening alike ; and, unlike the former, the trees annually become stronger, the sap flowing more freely into the sm;ill or lateral shoots, and are in every way more healthy, less fruitful, and the fruit deficient in size and flavour. I am persuaded that, hov/ever wrong grafting on a stock of a different species or genus may be physiologically, it yet serves our purpose better than when a stock of the game kind is em- ployed— we obtain an earlier and larger produce of finer fruit. in a shorter period of time ; the question of longevity being of secondary importance when trees are so easily replaced by Others equally productive with their i)redecessors. The greatest evil of grafting on a stock of a different species or genus is that disease is likely to ensue. I think it is in some measure owing to the increased specific gravity which the Bap of au Apricot on the Mussel Plum acquires, that the disease called gum, which so disfigures the Moorpark by the dynig of the main branches, is brought on. It is certain that working on a stock from a stone of the same Apricot renders the tree free from this disagreeable malady. The buds, however, take very unkindly, and grow much more slowly for the first year or two, and seldom attain so vigorous a growth as when on the Plmn. The Peach, too, on the Plum is liable, like the Apricot, to gum on light loams on gravel, and on all soils the sap does not flow so freely into the lateral shoots : lience an old shoot does not continue either healthy or vigorous for any length of time, but requires to be renewed with a younger shoot or branch. Peaches on the Almond stock succeed better than those on the Plum in soUs free of stagnant water ; whilst on a very hght loose gravelly soil I am inclined to think they would do admirably on the Apricot stock. I am not certain whether the drain on the resources of the Plum stock, by our present system of growing Peaches on what I may term the "long- rod" system, is not jtltogether at variance with the natm'e of both stock and scion. The nature of evety tree is to grow freely whilst young, and afterwai-ds to grow less and fruit more. By reducing the branches of any tree Considerably at the winter pruning we obtain more vigorous growth, but it is certain that this does not contribute to increased productiveness, the tree frequently remaining improductivc until the balance between the head and roots is restored. Whatever may be the result of the Peach producing its fruit on spurs, I am led to think highly of the Apricot stock for the Peach, though it is of another genus ; whereas the Plum is perhaps only another species of the same genus as the Apricot. I am also certain that the Apricot would do better on a stock of another genus if one could be foimd that would act in the same beneficial manner as the quince for the Pear. I have aheady alluded to the fact that grafting in itself directly checks the growth and vigour of a tree. This is strikingly apparent with seedling trees, which, when allowed to gi-ow at their free wUl, require a lengthened period before they arrive at a flowering or fruiting state. I find them flower sooner even when a scion is worked on its own stock annually, repeating the operation ou the last-budded or grafted part with a scion or bud from that inserted in the previous year, and this continued wiU bring the most refractory seedling into a flowering and fruiting state ; and the object in view is obtained sooner by grafting or budding on a stock of slower grovrth. Thus, seedling Roses bloom the third or fourth year when budded on the Dog Rose, but not luitil the fifth or sixth year when budded on their own stock, or on a stock improved by cultivation. A knowledge of these jjecuharities suggests to us that many trees valuable on account of their flowers or fi'uit, but which are shy in producing these, might be so far changed, by grafting or budding successively twice or thrice, or oftener, as to produce their flowers and fruit abundantly. I have often thought it something strange to see a Pear ou the Pear stock strong and healthy, but devoid, for the most part, of fruit, though covering many square yards of wall ; whilst a very small tree, not one-twentieth the size, gave double the quantity of fruit, in an open border, close by, on the quince stock. The Easter BemTc, BeiuTe de Ranee, Beiu're Bosc, Gansel's Bergamot, Gensel's Late, Broom Park, Aston Town, Marie Louise, Eyewood, and other Pears, are all too vigorous to fruit on the quince profusely, but they are most prolific when double-worked on it. Whilst the repetition of grafting or budding conduces to the early production of blossoms and fruit, the stock in the first instance having a tendency to increase the specific grarity of the sap impelled into the scion, and the gi-afting hindering or restraining the downward flow of the elaborated juice, and rendering the sap twice as rich as it would be uattu-ally, stiH wo find productiveness and early bearing soonest attained by working ou a stock of another genus less closely aJlied than tlie quince to the Pear, as, for instance, the Pear on the Haw- thorn. This, truly, is grafting on a stock of less and slower growth than tlie scion, and yet it is attended with the beat results as regards the early production of blossoms and fruit. I think many lands of Pears that grow too vigorously on the quince, or so much so i>a to requiro«biennial removal, might be so far restrained in growth by double or treble working as to bear annually without removal. Though the quince is a.n admirable stock for Pears generally, it restrains the gi'owth of some so much as to render them imhealthy. Thompson's, even, when double-worked, is not healthy on the quince ; Knight's Monarch (one of the very finest of Pears, of peculiar flavour), is neither healthy nor fruitful ou it; nor are the Seckle and Ne Plus Meuris at all benefited by working on the quince. They jirobably require a stock of slower — certainly one of corresponding growth. I would observe, further, in relation to working on stocks of slower or less growth than the species or variety to be increased, that the fi-uit produced is not only larger, but higher-coloured, and of better flavour. This is strikingly apparent, in addition to the examples already namaj, in Bigajrreau and Heart Cherries ou the common Cherx-y stock. On stocks of their own kind from the stone they are not nearly so productive, nor so fine either in size or flavour. Dukes and Moi-ellos on the Cheiry stock are e.xtremely aci-.i, but romiirkably improved in flavour on the Mahaleb. With regard to the 'healthiness of Cherries ou stocks of either sliwsr or inferior growth, we know that working on such has a tendency to induce gum, but not of so virulent a nature as in the case of the Apricot on the Plum. No one wi'J doubt, that the f wther we remove anything from its own natural course the more susceptible it will be of disease ; at the same time w-e cannot but see that budding or grafting on a stock of another genus or species, nearly enough allied to maintain, productiveness, and, the existence, of the tree for an average lifetime, does away with large annual growths and planting an orchard for another geueratioji ; and that by this practice the largest produce, of the finest quality, is obtained in the shortest time. i- It has beon suggested that, by working trees below the surface, the evils of grafting on a stock of another genus, species, or variety of slower or less growth, would be obviated by having the tree on its own roots. Now, this is something very ab- siu-d. If the soil is suitable for that particular variety, well, even then a stock is of no use ; for, whilst planting, we might as well plant a tree ou its own roots in the first instance. If the soU is the reverse of natural to the plant, then common sense would tcU us ■ to aUow no i-oots except that of the stock to find their waj- into it. If we eotdd give eveiy tree the soil and cUmate natui'al to it, then we might safely adhere to the fact that every tree is best nourished by its own roots, and grow them on their own stock, approximating as nearly as possible to a natural state of things. Notwithstanding, seed- lings of even herbaceous plants are finer whfcn continued by cuttings — less vigorous as a plant, but having finer flowers, or it may be fruit. In like manner the seedling Pear, -4.pple, Plum, Peach, &e., are seldom so fine on the original as on a stock of another genus, species, or variety ; and all this goes to show that grafting or budding on stocks of slower and less growth furnishes food that becomes richer in the scion, tends to productiveness and quality, but renders the subject more Uable to — nay, induces — disease, ijesulting in early maturity and death. — Cr. Aubey. '■-'''. (To be continued.) DICKSON'S EARLY PEA, FIRST ANI)' BEST. In Messrs. A. Henderson's report on early Peas, in No. 221 of your .Jonrnil, they make a statement to the effect that Dickson's First and Best and Saugster's No. 1 Peas are iden- tical in aU respec-ts excepting a slight difference in the colovur of the flowers. That statement is so contrary to my experience of those kinds this season, that I am tempted to ^end you the f oUowiug as the result with me. "'^'T^. Both kinds were sown in boxes oh the same date (first week in March), placed in heat until they came up, then hardened off, and finally planted out in rows, across a south border, on the 29th of March. Dickson's was gathered from on the 1st of Jun2 in good condition, Sangster's No. 1 not until the 13tb, 4e JOURXAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE G.ASDEKER. Jtdjr I^, 1865. and tJien .not in so good condition as the fonner was on the lat. Dickson's was also a fortnight earlier in coming into bloom, and did not grow so high as SaugsterVby a foot. . I consider Dickson's First and Best Pea an excellent early variety, being a good cropper, bearing good- sized, well-tilled pods, and one from which several gatherings can be made. I am not iu a position to speak of its qualities iis an early Pea, as compared with some of the other early kinds, snch as Carter's First Crop, DiUistone's Eai'ly Prolific, &c., not having grown those varieties. Prgbably some of them are as early, or perhaps earlier, and another season I may test them. Dickson's First and Best is decidedly the, best early Pea I have yet gi-own, and I consider S,auggter|s , a good variety to succeed it when sown at the same tinieir^rJi,H. MiSOK,.Sti Castie Gardens, S la ft'ordshire.' ■....:, .a •'!/ ..^jr-iln'J .. .; >" THE POTATO SCAB— YOUXG- TOTATl lES r -ik-.l-jll.:') !■ SPROUTING. I SHALL feel glad if you can give me any information respect- ing Potatoes being scabby. I have, growingin a garden, Rivers's Eoyal Ashleaf liidney, which are splendid croppers, and now quite ripe, also Dnintree's Seedling, which are the size of a Walnut, but so scabby that a few that I took up for trial had to be peeled. White Kemps are similar. The Kidneys are not so much scabbed ; but I am afraid the scab coming on the Daintree's and Kemp's whilst they.flJey.sc^.Jiqningi^YffiiPip'^^t their attaining their full gi'owth. •,,,,• ,,iv>-. .if'i '< ■ - ■ I have also some Lapstone Kidneys which are now in flower. I found, when looking at them to-day, that the yoimg tubers are glowing, one I found with a sprout above an inch long, and roots starting from the base of it. Can you give any reason for their doing so ? Perhaps it is a peculiarity of the Lapstone, as I have found none of the others doing so. — J. W. [The origin of the scab in the Potato is imdetermined. It is merely an eruption, confined almost entirely to the skin of the tubers, and. probably, is occasioned by hme. or some other ingredient in the soil which causes decomposition in the tissue of the Potato's skin. Hcils manured with coal aslies have been obsen-ed particularly hable to cause tlie scab iu the tubers. We shall be obliged by any of our readers sending us the results of their experience relative to this disease. The cau,se of the yoimg tubers sprouting is more easily accounted for. When checked in growth and prematiu-ely rijjened by long-continued di-ought, when rain occurs they vegetate instead of increasing in size. They usually emit fresh nmners, and produce on them fresh tuber';, which has been called sitper-tviberatiqti.'— Ens.] EOYAL HOETICULTUEAL SOCIETT. JCLY 11. SciEXTiric MEExrNo.— W. 'Wilson SamiJeis. Esq.. in tlie chair. The Eev. Josbna Dix. after reading tlje listof the awards of the Floral Committee, and briofiy commenting on r.omo of the oljjects for which they were given, called attention to the Pelargoniums and other bed- ding plants at Chiswiek, and particnlarly tbose of Mr. Bull : and the collection of Larkspui-s and Poppies, he said, would aho well repay a visit. Mr. G. F. Wilson, F.R.S., 8t:ited that uo oeititicates had been awarded by the Fruit Committee ; but mentioned the fruit of Dion edule from Mr. Taylor, gardener to J. Yates, Esq., of Highgnte, Messrs. Catbush's liaspbeny, and a new Pea from Mr. Graham of Crauford. The Eev. Ml. Berkeley said, that before remoi'ldng on the objects before the Meeting he wished to draw attention to a pamphlet by M. Boucbet, of MontpeUier, giving an aceoaut of the results of experi- ments in crossing Vines, and the substance of which had ap]ieared in the •* Comptes Rendns " of tin; Academy of Sciences. With one Vine in particnliLr, Le Teinturier, which was used for colounng wine, some di&culty had been esperieuced in crossing, on account of its flowering eight or ten days earhertban the kinds which were employed as the female parents ; but this dilhcuhy having been overcome, several varieties had been the result, some of which bad coloiu'less, others coloured juice like the male parent ; and some were so early that it would be possible to have the vintage in the South of France in August. It bad been doubted whether cross-breethng affected the character of the fruit or seed of a plant the same year : bnt Mr. Standish, who had made numerous curious experiments in cross- breeding Viaes and other plants, bad iufoiTiied him I Mr. Berkeley"), that be b.id noticed a change of foim in Grapes which had l>eeu crossed in the first year ; and Mr. .Standish laid promised to give the Society some observations on this poiut. Mr. Berkeley then read a letter from Mr. F. P. Moore, enclosing two leaves of Vines which had been raised from the seeds of Malaga raisins purchased seven or eight yeai"s ago for making wine. The raisins bad been boiled, the juice pi-eased out, and the residue thrown on the garden, and iu a short time hundreds of young Vines bad come up, some of which were now 4 feet high. In reference to this, Mr. Berkeley remarked that the same thing had happened to himself, with this tUfference — that the maj-c Inid not been boded for some hours, but treated with boiling water, and from the refuse thousands of plants had come up. Mr. Berkeley then proceeded to reriew the jdauts, &c., exhibited. A double variety of Geranium sylvaticum was said to be an ornamental plant for .shrubberies; and General Grant Pelargonium, from Mr. Ueid of Sydenham, to be a cross betweeu a zouate raiiety and some Cape species, and therefore never likely to be n;seful for bedding. Ebzabeth Vigneron Rose, from Mr. W. Paul, was described as a most exquisite variety, and even finer than its parent Louise Pevi'omiy. Of Podophyllum Emodi an arcoimt would be given by.Mr. Short, who had sae'ceeded in making the plant produce fruit. Tbei-e was also a species, the M:iy -•Vpple, P.pcltiitum, cultivated in America,wbcre it was known as the \Vild Lemon en account of the fruit being acid. The leaves were said to be poisonous, but the plant possessed valuable medicinal propeiiies, the rhizome being much u.sed in America in the shape of a powder for fevei-s and affections of the hver. In reference to the Castle Kennedy Fi^' he had omitted to remaik at a former meeting that he believed that a gi-cat many valuable fniits that were probably unknown in this couuti-y might be found in old gardens in Scotland ; for in former days the intercourse between Scotland and France and Fhiuders, was closer than between these countries and En.gland. In confirmation of this, Mr. Berkeley observed that when at the Marquis of Huntley's in Aberdeenshu-e, be had noticed magni- I ficeut Gean Cbeny trees scattered over the country, aud which i had probably been imported fi'om France, as tbey were certainly not indigenous. 'They attained the size of Oaks, and bad a very pictoreaqne api>earance. A huge Puff Ball which bad been exliibited at one of the shows tt'as stated to be Lycoperdon bovista. and, remarked Mr. Berkeley, though almost every one seemed prejudiced agiunst Fungi, some of them bad curious properties. This one for instance was excelleut for taking bees, had powertul aua-stbeiic properties, aud when young the iiesb looked bio bread, and was most excellent when properly dressed, being more tender than any sweetbread. In It.aly, where it grows abun- dantly, it was kept in a cellar and a sUce cut off' when wanted, but here it soon changed colour, and when it had an unpleasant smell i£ became uutit for human food. Mr. Short, having been called upon to give an account of bis mode of cultivating Podophyllum Emodi, said that it was by no means a new I plant, but he believed that bo now exhibited it for the first time in 1 fi-uit. He had turned his attention to its cultivation for the last ten years, and no plant that he knew was so impatient of removal aud disturbance as it ; if only a small piece were separated, the plant would be three or fom- years before it anived at the same stage agaui. The tlower to a casual obsen'er appeared like that of the Black HeUcbore. but was more lil;e that of one of the Npnpbacese ; the plant, however, belonged to an order of its onu — Podopbyllacea;. It did not remain in tiower more thaji two days, and if the flower were not unpregnated within the first few houi-s idl chance of fruit was hopeless. Having removed some scedlinss he foimd tliat some of them had oulv two tbre:ld-like roots 2 or 3 yards long. The plant was difficult to propagate— the best way to grow it was to let it alone. He thought that the froit would be either intensely acid or intensely bitter. " The Ilev. Mr. Berkeley having tasted the fi-uit declai-cd it to be not at all acid, but insipid, aud not particularly nice. • Mr. Wilson Saunders begged to direct attention to what gome of Ms friends called ugly-looking plants. They were the next relatives to Figs, and were called Dorstenias iifter Dorsten, aud through them the fructification of a Fig could lie better explained than by the Fig itself. Eveiy one know what is commonly termed the Fig, but that was not really the fruit, but merely a hollow fleshy receptacle beoj-ing the true fruit' on its inner surface in the shape of numerous small seeds. Taking one of the Dorstenias it would be found to possess a square flat receptacle set with mrmerons insignific;int green flowers, each of which became a fruit. Now a Fig was nothing more than this roUed into a bag or turned outside iu, with an aperture at top through which the air passes, aud causes the poUen to fall ou the stigma. The Dorstenias b.-id been long in the country, but had not received the attention which they deseived. The foi-ms which the receptacle assnmed in some of the species were vciy curious, as would be per- ceived by the examples which be had brought. One species was said to possess veiy acthe properties as an antidote to the poison of snakes, bnt the princijde, whatever it was, ceased to be active in tbe dried state of tbe plant. Passing from the Dorstenias. Mr. Saunders differed from Mr. Berkeley as to crosses of the Cape Geraniums being too tender to be used for bedding. Some of the Cape species there were that would only do iu a greenhouse, but there were others, pai-ticularly the hard-wooded kinds, that in hot seasons like the present might be expected to stand out of doors when the temperature was not under 4U.° Mr. Saunders then adverted to tbe important influence of fnonnd temperatnre on the giowth cf plants taken in conjimction with the heat of the atmosphere, the latter being too frequently considered without anv reference to the former. A Brassavola sent home by the July 18, 1866. 1 JOUBXAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAHDENEE. 'iU^ Soc'ioty's collector Mr. Weir wtisthon noticed, aiul Mr. Saaiidtirs Btatcd tliat it (lid uot dilTur much from H. iiodtisa ; uud in (^ouimoudinK thv. ciiai'inijif,' Bi^uunius I'lvai Mr. l-'Kuiiuu; tu tbu uotini of the mn-tiiif^, ill'. Suuudcrii stiuii^ly rucoiaun'itdud tlu-m for (loverilij^ tliu voofs of gvuui^liousDK ami c(»ii.-iorvutorioa. Tu tlowtr wtill, bowevery the plants should bo old, iiud bu.vu pleuty of room. Floral Commttter. — The entries were not rerj- numerons, aUhrtU(»b sevt-riil VL'iy iutevostiuff plants were brought bi'foro the Committee. Mr. Flfiniutf. CUvi'den, exhibited somi; of hii^ se«fdlinK Nost'Kay and Zoualc Pelargoniums, which were of ii very promising ohiiracter. No-ictiny Dowiii^er Diicht-ss of Sutlit^vland. huvin<; n line largo truss of deep carmine tiowers. very distinrt and bnuitit'ul. had a hrst-claiiH curtiticato ; also Nosegay Lad\ Coustauce. brilliant scarbit, largu shoH-y trnss, loaves deoply zonnto. Mr. Fleming nlfio brought cut specimuns of sevei'al other seedlings of good (juality and new in colour. Mr. Stone, gardener to J. I)ay. Esq., brought s.venil Orchids, among which wen; a tine specinun of Cypriiiedimn Sli>uei, with three riowei-3 in jjerfection, for which a special cortihriite \\as awarded ; and EriopsiH rntidobnlbou, a vci-y beautiful Orchid, with spikes of brown flowers, with n delirately-maikcd light rosy-nmttled lip. A lirst-class certiticato was a\^arded for this; and Rolbophyllum jisittacoglossum had one of tlie Rccoiid-olass. riiaheonojisis Wighti, « vi-iy small -flowering apceios, very nnlilce some of its mngiiiticent relatives, was also shown by Mr. Stone. Mossrs. Osbom. of Fnlham, exhibited a pbmt of Podo- piiyllum I'.modi. which had never fruited in Kngbmd liefore ; the tiowerii are produced singly, resembling those of Helleborus viridis, and the fruit resembles that of the common Passiou-Flower in form uud colour. It is a hardy plant, difficult ot cultivation, and when once planted should not be removed. Oeranium sylvaticnm duplex, h'om the sume linn, is a useful and ornamental plant, gi-owing where fuw other jdants will succeed — under the shade of trees ; the flowers were too much faded to judge of its merits. Mr. Bull sent a plant of Staurnnthera granditiora ; Phegopteris saneta. a small and pretty stove Fern — second-class certificate ; Lo'belia Silver (^ueen, which was veiy similar to Lobelia speciosa alba ; Pandanus oniatus, reijuested to bo seen again ; Dicksouia cinnamomea, a line tree Fexii. the stems clothed with a rnsty bro\vn wool-like substance — first-class certificate ; Cissus amazouica, not nearly so good as C discolor ; Costus zebrinus ; Aspidinm sp., a stove Fern ; and cut specimens of a striped Verbena (.jem, the colours not distinct, and sj^>oiled by the gicen centre. Mr. Thompson, Ipswich, exhibited a \er\ pretty gi-eeubonse perennial, Trichiuium Mauglesii, with tufts of pm-j)le flowers, growing on feather- like footstalks, which give the plant an elegant appearance. It was much admired, and will, doubtless, become quite a lady's plant, and be in great request. It is nearly allied to the Amaranths and Celosias. This received a first-class certiticate. From Mr. Williams, HoUoway, caniti Cfleichenia sp., probably a glaucous variety of G. macrophylla — lirst-clftss certiticate ; Gi,Tnnogi-amma sp., to be seen again, as it much re.sombles G. Parsousia- ; Anwctochilus Tumeri, a veiy fine iorm of this genus — first-class certificate ; Lilium sp. from Japan, the yellow- spotted variety, exhibited before, and a small collection of Lilium auratum. Mr. Wilson Saunders sent a collection of very curious j.lants — nine distinct varieties of Dorstenia, with varied and singular form of inflorescence. A special certificate was awarded for them ; also a spedal certificate for the general collection. Mr. Keid, Syden- ham, exhibited a seedling Pelargonium of the Nosegay section. General Grant, hybriilised with a Cape variety ; the plant produced a ti-uss of bright red flowers, and the foliage, instead of being circular, was much lobed, and without any zone. Messrs. Downie, Laird, & Laing had, for a collection of cut Hollyhocks, a special certificate. Mr. Ausell, Kentish Town, exhibited a collection of cut Antinhinums, the usual vaiieties which are produced from packets of seed which may be pur- clmsed anywhere ; aud Mr. Smith. Honisuy lload, a seeiUing Zouale Pelargonium Mrs. Box, pale salmon and white flowers, of which we have already too many. Mr. Brown, Sudburj'. sent specimens of his new scarlet Sweet Pea, called Invincible Scarlet, adveitised by him in tJie spring. This is a very fine and distinct variety, really worth gi-owing ; colour deep scarlet, blended with carmine, flowers large, and ver>' liighly scented. It received a first-class certificate. Mr. Wm. Paul «ent specimens of new Hybrid Pei-petual lioses Dr. Lindley, Elizabeth Vignerou, Madame Kmile Boyau ; and JVIi'. Fleming, cut specimens of two superb Biguonias, B. giandifiora aud B. chirere. The plants were growing in a conservatory at Cliveden, fonuing ex- tremely ornamental specimens. Mr. Eyles jilaced before the Com- mittee an Orchid sent home by Mr. Weir, a v;u*ietj- of Brassavola nodosa, to be called B. nodosa graudiflora. There appeared to be two distinct varieties on the stump on which the plants were giowing and wore sent home. A first-class certificate was awarded. A collection of Sweet Peas was sent from the gardens, many good aud distinct varieties, but not one equal to the In\Tncible Scarlet, which is a great acquisition to its family. Fruit Committee :"]Mr. G. F. Wilson, F.E.S., in the chair. — Mr. Ciitbush, of Highgate, again brought fonvard his seedling liaspberrj- Pi-inceas Alice, a lato variety, which was then just coming into nse. The flavour is more brisk than in the Prince of Wales, fruit of which was sho^^^l along with it. Mr. Heming. of Cliveden, brought a bunch of a seedling muse at -flavoured Gnipe, raised from a cross between White Frontiguan and Royal Muscadine. The hunch was of good size long, and well set ; the berries as large as those of the White Frontiguan, and thn flaTOur was decidedly good, notwithstanding the fruit was far from being ripu. Mr. iiradley, of i^lton Manor Gardens, scut a soedling Strawberry named *' i>r. lloj^g," a tino Imndsomcj fruit, in tlic way of Briti^^h (^uceu, but higlUy coloured, aud giving iiidica- tion of being a highly-flavoured ^ud uxcelleut variety ; but the fruit had suffered so much by (carriage that the flavour was damaged, and Mr. BraiUey was asked to send it again. Mr. Myatt, of r)epffvrd, brought samples of early Potatoes — viz., Myatt's Profiflc Milky White, aud Mona's Pride. Of th^so Mr. Myatt gave the preference to Mona's Pride, as b&iug'ihe bbsi early Pbtato- be' Uak mfetwitti^lA his experience. '. t. 'i'.- /mImI^'i' > ,n-,vn:/ .^oiiJ itwoig Sii'ow OP LiLLACE.iE, .Tilly 15th. — This was chiefly confined to the different varieties of Lilium lancifolium, of which some well-grown beautifully -flowered spccimenB were shown by Messrs. Cutbush and Young, of Highgate. We noticed the names of speciosum, rnbnim, rosenm, cruentum, and album, which were the only lance-leaved kinds shown on this occasion. Others consisted ()f Lilium auratum, among which was a pretty variety with reddish bands from Messrs. E. G. Hendereon. This was named rubeacena. The others camo' from Messrs. Bartlett, Cutbush, Bull, Young, and Catleugh. The only other LUies shown were the Tiger, b>ugifloi'um, ami martagon, of which there was a pretty dark variet;^- under tho name of umbellatum. Vallota pnrj)iu-ea aud Auiaryllu aulica ignesceus came from Messi*^. E. G. Henderson; aud Vallota eximia from Mr. Bull. MiscellajieonB subjects consisted of six stands of Hollyhocks from Messrs. Downie, Laird, & Laing, together with a spike of a delicate pink seedling, called Mrs. Laing. Kosuscame from Mr. Clarke, of Brixton; hanging baskets, Achimenes, and variegated-leaved Begonias from Mr. Voung; Cockscombs from Mr. Taylor, gardener to J. Yates, Esq., Highgate; and a beautiful plant of Adiantum cuneatum from Mr. Baiilett. Cones of Pinus excelsa were contributed by Mr. Carson, gardener to W. F. G. Farmer, Esq., Nonsuch Park, Cheani ; and Figs and a Queen Pine Apple by Mr. Ford, gardener to W. Hubbard, Esq., Horsham. ,- ,.>*./ ^il.^ THE UNITED HORTieULTUEAL SOCIETY, i^ This Society agaiii held a show in the garden of Fiiisburj' Circus ou WeiluesJay the 12th inst., and as a whole for the season there was a good lUsplay. The centre of the principal tent was devoted to flowering and ornamental-foliated plants, ti'ce Ferns being placed along the centre and two fine Draca-nas from Mr. "Williams one at each end. Of Heaths some excellent specimens were exhibited by Mr. Rhodes, who has been veiy successful with them at different exhibitions this Tear ; and other plants from Messrs. Page. Rhodes, Fraser, Williams, Wheeler of Stamford Hill, and ChUman, consisted of Ixoras, Dipla- denia splendens, Lescheuaultia foraiosa, CjTtoceras reflexum. Statices, Pleroma elegans, Tillandsia splondeug, SoUya linearis, Kolosanthes, Fuchsias, and scarlet aud variegated Pelargoniums. j i';r[ Fiue-foliaged plants comprised Dicltsonias and other Ferns, Dra- csenas, Caladiums, Maranta zebrina, and Warczewizii, a few Palms, a variegated Ananassa in fruit, aud a collection of Caunas ; the exhibitors being Mr. 'VViUiams, Messrs. Low, Mr. Wheeler, Mr. 'Wilson, gardener to W. Marshall Esq. Some good Orchids from Messrs. Wilson, Page, and Bater, occupied a small tent bv themselves, along with a collection of hardy Ferns from Sir. HoUiind, gardener to R.Peake, Esq.. Isleworth. We noticed good examples of Cy-i)ripedium barbatum, aud superbum, Auguloa Clowesii in good bloom, Phalfenopsis, Vandas, Aerides, Cattleyas Leopoldi and superba, Oncidium Lauceanum, and the biilliaut Disa granditiora. Of other plants tricolor-leaved aud other bedding Geraniums came from Mr. Aldi-ed. Kilburn, Messrs. Smith of Dulwich, Buxton, Waudsworth Road, aud Williams of HoUoway ; the last named having among others Annie Williams aud Golden Nugget, tw-o pleasing varieties. Mr. Smith of ToUiugton Nursery sent Zonale Pelargoniums Chieftain, aud La Grande, both of which have been certificated by the Floral Committee aud described at p. M : likewise Petunias, and Fuchsias. Lilium auratum was shown in good bloom by Messrs. Cai-ter & Co. aud Mr. Williams, who had also the beautiful Todea superba ; Auiectochils, by Mr. Ahb-ed ; Balsams, by Messrs. F. & A. Smith ; Aurea floribunda Calceolarias in excellent bloom, by Mr. Forsyth of Stoke Newingtou ; dwarf Tropieolums for bedding, by Mr. George ; aud seedling Sweet Williams by Mr. Wiltshire. Foremost among cut flowers were twelve boxes of beautiful Roses from Messre. Paul & Son ; and six from Mr. Turner of Slough, who also had large aud beautiful Camation and Pieotee blooms. Mr. Holbaud likewise contributed pood boxes of Roses. From Messrs. Paul & Sou, aud Messrs. Downie & Co., came excellent stands of Holly- hocks ; Verbenas and Roses, from Mr. Vocldns ; aud cut Fuehsiaa from Mr. Crute. FiTiit consisted of Peaches, Ncctai-ines, and Strawbenics from Mr. TUlery, Welbeck, and Mr. Young, gardener to W. Stone lisq., who also had two Pines ; some excellent Currants aud GoosebeiTies, from Mr. Newton, gardener to G. .T. Graham Esq.. Entield Chase, and Mr. Mortimore, gardener to W.Pott, Esq., C'arshalton, who also sent a good Queen Pine and two Melons ; Black Hamburgh Grapes from Mr. Lewis, Stamford Hill ; and fruit trees in pots from Messrs. Lane. 48 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. f July 18, 1865. Some good Cttcnmbers were shown, also herbaceous plants from Eallymouough» Ireland ; and we noticed a pretty Cape Heath, called Exquisita, exhibited by Messrs. Low. TODMORDEN EOTAJS'ICAL SOCIETY.— July :Jrd. De. W. p. H. Schtupee, G. ct M. Pr.. Ac. Sc. J. G. M. C, &c., *'Bryolog. Europ. Auctor.'" was admitted an associate member. In pi"opo£iiig the above-named gentleman the Cbaii-man took occasion to pay a high compliment to Ibe character and abilities of Dr. Scbimpcr, remarking that he bad a world-wide and also a well-earned reputation, and that the Todmcrden Botanical SocietT, in confeiing an associnte- membership on such an indi\-idnal received a far greater honour than it conferred. "VN'e noticed on the table a plant of a splendidly ramulose var. of Polystichuni acnle.ltnm. AVe nnderstood the plant in question, along with some twenty others equallv chai-acteristic. liiid been collected in Dcvonsbiie w-ithia "the last few days by Mrs. Thornton, of Holds- worthy rectory. Noith Devon, anil lately"of Eawtenstall, Rossendale. Mr. H. Halstead contributed a frcnd of a new Athyrinm, with curiously-ovate pinnules, and which, if quite pei-manent, promises to be a valuable acquisition. The plant in question had been gathered near to Castle-Carr, in Yorkshire ; several very rare and curious plants and tlowers were sent from other sources. The Hon. Sec. read a communication from Mr. Fielden Hartley, Alton, Illinois, N.A., report- ing the discoveiy of Botrychium virginicum and other rare plants, and enclosing a fine specimen of the one first-named. The Vice-President (Mr. Nowell) having accompanied Drs. Schimper and Wood to Snowden, reported the discovery of the following rarities, none of which had ever before been seen in a gi-owing state by the celebrated Schimper; Arctoa fnlvella, linely in fruit; (Edipodinm Griiiithianum, splendidly in fruit : Kacomitrium ellipticmn, do ; Bartramia arcuata, this is altogether unknown on the continent ; Andrara alpina, abundantly in fruit. WORKING-CLASS FL0AM3R SHOWS. We visitecl, diu-iiig the past week, one of the.se iu Blooms- htuy Square, and another in the Royal Horticultural Society's Garden at South Kensington, and well gratified were we to find the competitors so numerous. Great excellence is not to be expected, but there were many specimens very creditable to the growers, and CTideuce luimistakeable of an increasing fondness and seeking after these beautiful adornments of a house. The Earl of Shaftesbury, who distributed the prizes at the Bloomsbury Show — and let us add that the Bloomsbtuy window gardeners keep ahead in this race which they originated — ob- Kerred that he was glad that the movement, originating as it did in Bloomsbtuy, and so well carried otit by the Bev. E. Eayley assisted by Jlr. Bosanquet and others, had now spread all over London. He thought, also, they ought not to forget the inventor of the movement, the Eev. H. Parkes. He held that a man who invented a movement like that, which was accomplishing so vast an amount of moral good, was a bene- factor of the age. He went much about ths town, and he saw the good effect of such shows amongst the people. The Bloomsbury folk ought to be very proud of originating a move- ment which was spreading all over Loudon. He had three flower shows to attend that week; last year there were not above two such flower shows iu the metropolis, this year there were twenty o? thirty, and next year he hoped there would he a hundred. There are a lew minor points about these exhibitions which deserve alteration. We think, for instance, that a little more regard should be had to neatness ; and if two plants showed equal good cultivation, and one was exhibited iu a pot rendered inoffensive to the eye by being enclosed in a piece of crenulated green paper,, we would give its opponent in a bare stained pot the second place in the award. Labels or patches of white paper, even if all of a size and well-written upon, we would banish from the sides of the pots. Then we would have distinct prizes for treUised plants and plants imtreUised. A Fuchsia, we think, looks best tr.iined as a pyramid rather than as a fan. A Gerauiimi we consider more difficult than a Fuchsia to grow meritoriously. Lastly, a plant taken out of a border or a large pot, cut down, and then grown 5n a small pot in a window for next year's exhibition, is not " a plant raised and flowered within twelve months." A plant to come within this definition should be raised from the cut- ting iu one year and exhibited before the close of the next. These concluding notes aie in answer to some queries we have received. BEGMUS SCHECEDERI-ZIZ.VXIA AQUATICA. I SEE that Messrs. Carter advertise this Grass amongst their novelties, and give a glowing description of it in the adver- tising columns of yom- Number of Apiil 11th. I have known and had it for some time, but never sowed any tiU this spring. Having just returned from London, I am glad to find a fine bunch of it about a yard high and in fxil! ear. It was sown long after the general com crop, so that Messrs. Carters' remark as to its pecuharity in sending up seed at a veiy early stage of its growth seems to be conect. Probably, if I had been at home and pushed it on with hquid manure during the late impre- cedented hot weather, it might have been higher, but "the Derby," and such like, must be seen — " mat ecelum.'' Being a member of Council of the AecUmatisation Society, I have devoted much time and attention towards introducing such hardy shrubs and Grasses as will afford food for game ; and my respected fi-iends, P. Lawson & Son of Edinburgh, who in the kindest manner iilwavs send me anything they meet with tending to that object, forwarded me, some time ago, a spike of this Brome Grass. I distributed it among a few members of our Society, and a fine head of it was shown at the council meeting last Thursday. I believe Messrs. Lawson had it long since from Berhn, but I think it is a native of Virginia. There is no doubt it will be excellent food for game or poultry, but I doubt its perennial character, as well as its hardiness, as it grows so fast. Kespecttng the Zizania aquatica. or Wild Bice of Canada, with the re-introduction of which my name has been so much coupled, I am soriy to state that we have tttterly failed in raising it. Mi\ Thomas Moore of Chelsea and I have tried it all ends up without gettingit to show the least vitahty. I have gallons of it left, but it is no good giring it to any one. We are goiug to try to get yoimg plants of it over. — Jackson GiLLBA^KS, Cutuherlaitd. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. MAKCH. This, the busiest month of the twelve in the kitchen garden, must be made the best use of if the weather is at all propitious : but in the last .season or two, owing to the inclemency of the weather, it has been impossible to keep to any method as to time of sowing, &c. ; hut on the proper use of any opportuni- ties occurring during the month, will, in a great measure, depend the vegetable supply for summer, autumn, and winter. The first day the ground is in a proper state for sowing, which may be ascertained by its crumbling beneath the tread, the main crop of Onions should be sown in diiUs 9 inches apart, the earth being well trodden and neatly raked after sowing. I lay great stress on getting them iu as early as possible in the month, as they will be fit for drawing yotmg sooner, and the main crop will be superior in every respect to those later sown, with the additional advantage of being ready to be taken off earlier in the season, thus leaving the ground at liberty for Winter Spinach,- Cabbage, iSrc. Mine were sown this year on the 3rd of March, after which time, if I remember aright, we had some rather severe weather, and they are now looking first-rate, owing, I beUeve, in a great measm-e to their having had a good start before the dry weather set in. The Cauliflowers, too, should receive immediate attention. Presuming that the trenches are thrown out between the Peas for Celery, these can be used for the reception of the surplus stock from the hand-lights, which will be off by the timfe the trenches are wanted for Celery. As regards those that are to remain under the hand-hghts, of com'se, selecting the most forward, they should be watered, earthed-up, and the Ughts raised by placing bricks under them, but by no means coddle the plants too much, or they will ultimately assume too much the appearance of a flower. Next to the Cauliflowers, the Asparagus-beds should receive attention. I generally cover mine all over with about 6 inches of manui-e the first brosty day in the autumn or winter, and let it remain on till this month when the littery portion is forked off and the rotten part is merely loosened with a fork, digging the alleys to make all look neat and clean ; but I never earth it up any more than I have now stated. The main crop of Carrots and Beet should now be sown in the same way as advised for Onions, but before sowing be sure to make up your mind what crop is to foUow ; by so doing you wiU be better able to determine how much ground you Jnly 18, 1865. ] JOUBNAL OP HOKTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 49 can spare for each crop, and prevent much confusion aftor- warda. It will bo as well to sow ft very nmall bed of Early Horn Carrots for sununcr uso, as they often stop a gap, especi- ally in such dry suniuicrs nn it appears we aro doomed to have. In fact, there are so many thinfis to sow this month that it is uo easy tasi; to enumerate them all with remarks; but as one generally has to (jive up a frame or pit to half-hardy annuals, a partof it can be devoted to sowings of Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli, Lettuce, and Celery, not forgetting to prick the first sowing out as soon as largo enough to handle, and again place some- where under glass. Where Dwarf Kidney Beans are grown under glass now is the time to work them, as with ordinary at- tention they will repay the labovir and come in now very useful. Besides these the supply will be much the same as last mouth, with the addition of the tliinnings of the autumn-planted Cab- bages, 03 I generally jJant them so thickly in the rows that I am able to cut at every other one for greens, and the Eadislies from the pit will make a nice addition to the .salad for the mouth, with Cucumbers if you have them. In this month I sow two rows each of Yorkshire Hero and Veitch's Perfection Peas, sowing Radishes between the rows and rolling all over to protect the seeds from the birds, after which I sow no more long Radishes but rely chiefly on Turnip Radishes, of which I make a sowing before the month is out. In addition to the above, sowings should be made of Vegetable Marrows, Tomatoes, Leeks, springer summer Spinach, Turnips, and herbs. Plant Potatoes, and gravel the walks if necessary.— BUBNTWOOD, P. I>. ^To be continued.) MY ORCHARD-HOUSE ON MIDSUMMER DAY. The late dry weather severely taxed our tanks. Getting-in the luxuriant hay crop, and watering the flower-beds, prevented due attention, to our Strawberry-beds and Peaches in-doors .and out. Out of doors I never saw them so spidered ; anything more abnormal than the leaves one could not conceive ; also, mildew on the young shoots, and remains of spring-blistered leaves. All this arose from neglect of syringing and appli- cations, but it was out of our power. Guernsey is the land of monopoly, close borough, and dissent ! Thus, at times there is much" inconvenience in the labour market. The clergy, if not actually reduced to " di-ive cabs," must work their garden engines themselves if they wish to conquer the aphis tribe. In- doors, Uttle spider, less mildew, but a great amount of brown aphis. If overlooked for a day the leaves curl up and defy all syringing. After many appUcations which injured the tender leaves, I decided on the " very close pruning " ofJ of the diseased shoots, but there is little danger, for the buds for next year's crop .are now plainly prominent and abundance of "May clusters " are visible, only in the case of an extension of a branch it is very trying to see it curled up and crooked. How- ever, they are all cut off, being second growths. Mr. Rivers presented me last year with about three dozen new trees, many unnamed seedlings. These with other new sorts make up about one hundred splendid varieties, and, I believe, my good friend alone could show choicer sorts. The interest created by watching them, noting their blossoms, habit of growth, and fruit, as yet unnamed, is unbounded. Among newer sorts Mexina Chaupin is a remarkably dark Peach, darker than any Bellegarde. The shoots are of a dark purple. Heath's Northern Tree, an American Peach, is very prolific, and seems good. Bergen's YeUow, said to be a shy bearer, is doing well. ■Then there are a number of seedlings all to be tried. Of the Victoria Nectarine I have two trees both bearing. The fruit is the largest Nectarine in the house after Chauvifire. The Princess of Wales Peach is truly fine. Another unnamed seedling white Nectarine will be first-rate. Of older sorts. Early York is still a very great favourite ; so are the American varieties, Canary, Stump the World, and Golden Purple, all free-setting and good. No Peach is more prolific than Stump the World. Teeiimseh, a new Georgian Peach, said to be veiy late, has also fruit. Pool's Late Y'ellow is finer this year. The Comet Peach is promising well. My Apricots have not done much this year ; why, I cannot say. Neither have they succeeded in a friend's house who has wonderfiU Plums, and such Apples and Pe.ars ! My Figs I have removed from pots and planted against the wall inside the house. They require too much attention to watering. — any neglect and the crop is in danger ; but trained en cordon, as diagonals, and closely, very closely indeed, pinohed- in, they make a goodly show. Some are nearly ripe, others of the size of a Pea, and many between these sizes. Let me re- commend close pinching-in for Fig trees. We aw coming to this style for everything. As to the general crop, it is about 1.500, as last year, besidog plenty of Grapes along the rafters ; but wo are fatally crowded owing to my gooil friend's liberality, and as this is a common fault with bpgiiniers, let me say here how dangerous it is. The shifts we are ])ut to to save room, the way we turn the jjUints to the light, the accidents from crinoline, the injurious com- ments of our many %isitors, irritating to a degree to our self- respect, and the consciousness that our best trees are becoming fast out of ))roj)orti<)ns, all these and other good reasons induce mo to reconimend amateurs to construct their houses with a good width, and plenty of ventilation and means of irrigation. On the subji;ct of \'i8itors and their remarks, some curious chapters might, indeed, be written. — T. C. Br^haui, Itichmond lloiisry (lufritufy. IDIOT GARDENERS. A STitANGE title ! — yet fully justified by the truths leading to its adoption. Who has not Imown a family with an idiot member ? — some- times an idiot filthy in its habits ; resolute not to use njuscular exertion ; drivelling sometimes ; sometimes uncontrcjllably violent ; voracious in .appetite, and careless of the quality of food partaken ; without discernment of good from evil, and in fact loathsome, and a total sorrow, and an incubus upon the family ? We have known many such — na}-, more, we have known a family with all the children iiliots — and we, in common with the parents, and, probably, in common with a majority of our readers, looked upon them as incurables, and tliought that Luther was not far wrong in concluding they should not be allowed to live. Yet, how totally this is at variance with the path that should be pursued, and how totally incorrect the conclusion that such imbeciles are incurables ! We ask of our readers, emphatically and urgently, to read a contribution to the just-published " Edinburgh Review," entitled " Idiot Asylums," and they wOl marvel to find that all icUots are teachable, all may be rendered happy and useful, and " that some actually possess special powers, above the com- mon standard as relates to music, the art of drawing or modelling, and in powers of memory and arithmetic, and instead of dulness, imperfection, and deprivation, have in some direction or other a strange exaltation." It is the mode of treatment — the adapting the teaching to the deficient powers of the mind, the associating with minds on a level with each other, and gradually leading each other on, that effects such a wondrous change. All the details are interesting, but we can afford space only for one extract — many trades are successfully taught — but we must confine our notice to the idiot cultivators of the soil. " No idiot asylum should be without a farm and a garden, and if the number of pupils is large they should be of con- siderable extent. There are between twenty and thirty farmers and gardeners at Earlswood, while at Essex Hall the employ- ment of pupils able to do the work assigned to them in the garden has long been found most attractive and beneficial. In the first-named place the garden consists of about 8 acres, and is admirably kept by the young gardeners imder snperinten dence. The vegetables required in the establishment are well and abundantly grown, and in the flower borders, which are in excellent taste, it is almost impossible to find a weed. There is a greenhouse, and also there are some frames for preserving the plants to be bedded out in the summer, and every part of them has been made in the place in a workmanUke maimer. Now and then at Ijoth the asylums just named, prizes have been gained for Cucumbers, Celery, and other produce, at the neighbouring horticultural shows, to the great joy and triumph of their growers. Such an occupation has a most happy influence on the imbeciles employed in it, while it secui'es abundance of excellent fresh vegetables and summer and winter fruits for their use, a part of their diet of great impor- tance. " To see the poor fellows watching their plants and trees, and in summer parading near the Peas and Currants, with their clackers to frighten the birds, is a most exhilaratiiig spectacle when contrasted with the uselessness and wretchedness of their previous lives. The great object of ambition, however, is to be 50 JOTJENMi OF HOKTIOULTCEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. [ July Ig, 1868. a farmf r. ' I am a farmer now,' is tbf proudest boast of some poor fallow promoted to that post. The attention paid to the liTU animals of the faa'm is unfaUing; whate-ver danger of iicRlect keepers of cows mi^ht fear from the bo}-s who tend theui, there is none from the idiots. The cows are the special object of their lenarA, and when a calf comes, or a litter of pigs, they are welcomed and oared for with enthusiasm, and they will run eaperly to the hoase to tell of the addition to the stouk ; only perhaps in mistaken terms, as one hoy did out of breath—' Sir, sir, the pig has calved.' All the hay of a large acreage is easily made by the idiots, only they would fail with- out guidance in constructing the ricks. Idiot haymakers are a joyous company, and the hay-field is a source of pleasure to those too feeble to do any work in it. Nor is this labour with- out profit, for the farm produce has been sold at Earlswood for more than £1,000 in one year. Some boys are trusted with miliung, and nothing in the way of pleasiu-e would keep them from this duty, to which they go just before the tea is ready. Somebody asked one of them who sat tugging at a cow's dug after all the milk seemed to have been exhausted, ' Huw do you know when to leave off ?' ' Oh,' said he, ' when the tea-heO rings.' It is a pleasant sight to see them come in fi'om the farm to a meal ; how carefitUy they wash their hands, and dean their shoes, and taJie off their working clothes to go into the common eating-room neat and with all propriety. It would have been considered as utterly impossible to have achieved such order and decorum with pupils whose previous habits tended to the reverse, but it may be witnessed daily. " Indeed the sight of a large company of well-trained idiots at table is most remarkable, and none are allowed to dine in the principal dining-ball. till they have achieved all the acts of feeding and sitting at their meals with due decorum. \Vhen they.&st coiae into Ibe establiskmeut, unless they belong to r '! aWctriid^/;! viov hnu ,-'.'i:ruiU!-. i.'A .-.•Mi'-r j: 'i ti i:f< ■ i ■■■•'•■ i.i the class who mope and are sluggish, they are as greeily and ravenous as wild beasts, seizing and bolting everything brought near them in the way of food, with a tendency, if not cheeked, tu gorge themselves to excess. In time, however, they are brought to enter the apartment in regular order, the females arranging themselves on one side, and the males on the other. By means of apparatus tor the purpose, the room being close to and upon the level with the kitchen, the dinner with the portion of each on a separate plate is served- in a veiy short time. No one begins till all are served, when they sing under the leadership of their master, a short griice, and then commeuce. There is no apparent greediness, no un- seemly feeding, but they form a cheerful and well-conducted company, much gratified by the notice of visitors. The dinner concludes, as it began, with another grace, and the room is quitted in a quiet and orderly manner. Some of the pay cases- at Earlswood have a dining-room apart, where the meal is served as nearly as possible in the way they would have it at home, and thus when restored to' their friends they are not exchided from the family dinner because of any impro- prieties. The preparation for ilinuer in the kitchen is a lively scene at Earlswood, for there are about a dozen of the pupils engaged as cooks in a subordinate capacity, and they are dressed in white with the usual caps, looking the perfection of cleanhness and neatness. They work with tlie greatest delight in this employment, and are very fond of it. This occupation does not interfere with the work at any trade, and it is one of those beneficial changes in the daily routine which are found so desirable. One boy has extreme pleasure in washing the plates and dishes, doing it well. So absorbed is he in this undertaking, that it is his principal thought ; and when asked which he liked best, his present or former rChidence, he replied 'Oh, this, because there is a better sink here.' " 'I POCKET FERN TROWEL. Yotin fair correspondent " Alice's " remark, in a late Num ber of the Journal that she found a common screwdi-iver £ tTsef 111 accessory to licr botanisiiig knapsack', ' Has indiiped me to forward a sketch of a vei'y useful form of trowel, well adapted for the re- moval of tenacious-rooted pkauts, Ferns, itc, from ————■■ -■r-,r,..,r<-.-yj|-ni-^.»-»3^»q.yag walls. Indeed it will be , . fomid a very useful im- .'_..'. ;. ' ' |^ _ plement wherever the Coiimiori trowel miglit pe required, by any one of our hotanising friends to whom unnecessary kiggage woiild prove a gi-eat drawback in their customary rambles. Pocket Fern Trowel. The pocket Fern trowel is made wholly of steel, tbe who^e, being polished, with the exception of the sm'face portion oif the handle, which for greater ease to the hand in working, has affixed a piece of leather. With this exception the handle is identical -with the blade rumiiug the whole length of the same, which gives it greater strength. The trowel is enclosed in a neat leather sheath, and the whole being only 6i inches in length, can readily be carried in the pocket. They are manufactured by Messrs. Nunn & Sou of Hertford. — Wu.llu4-, Eaeley, DigxiccU. GLEANINGS FROM ROCK AND FIELD TOWARDS ROINIE.— No. i. '.■VVe .left- Genoa on March 8th, passing through snow, which was lying thickly on the gi'ound, and which gave to mountain and valley a character of almost imearthly lovehness. The road continued for the most part on the edge of a precipice overhanging the sea, from which you looked upon the fair villa^tes, stretching as far as the eye could reach, along the sea- coast, and uesthug in groves of Oranges and Lemons, with Olive-crowned hiUs at the back. Through all the towns we passed there were such signs of life as I had hartlly hoped to see in Italy,: in many places the seashore was lined with vessels in every stage of progi-ess and completion ; there seemed to be quite a swarm of men, women, and cbilth-eu around these sliips, some working, others talking, while the little cliddreu played in and out, making labour appear a very holiday task in these beautiful regions. In several of the towns there were large potteries, the sides of the houses being stuck all over with pots and pans of clay, drying and hardening in the sun: I could fancy that the captivity of the " Sleeping Beauty " was over, and tlie Prince airived at last. We rested in the midtUe of the day at Kuta, a very fair type of these Cornice towns. The inn was built on a terrace, mth vineyards and oUveyards in terraces sloping down to the sea. From the stone walls of these divisions I gathered Ceterach and Aspienium ruta-muraria, -with Polyiiodium vulgare, in large quantities. I fancied that the Ceterach was more di^^ded than is usually the case in England, but not so mucli,so as to make it worth while to bring away any roots. tJnder the Ohve trees I gathered large and beautiful Violets, which I took back with me to adorn the dinner-table. Befiire the inn door there was an alcove with stone seats, and wooden treUis adorned with the leafless tendrils of Vines woven in and out like lace- work ; sitting in the alcove were men — working men and beg- gars— women and chilcb'en; these all gather round, a new arrival, talking, and watching, and begging. The tUning-room of the inn was at the head of a flight of rambUng stoue stairs ; beyond the dining-room, opening from it, was a bedroom, and opening from the bedroom a large arbor-Uke room, roofed only ■with a trellis-work of Vines, and commanding a magnificent view of earth and sea ; from the arbor you could descend by wooden steps to a garden, and such a garden ! — Olives, Vines, chickens, children, flowers, and weeds all mingled together in hopeless confusion, and yet amidst all the untidiness and ruin, preserv- ing its own wild luxuriance of beauty — a be.auty that in sum- mer and winter is ulike there. On the 'Jth of March we left Sestri de Levaute with six horses for the ascent of the Bracco Pass, which is even more terrible in its unprotectedness than the Cornice. There is, indeed, no railway, and there is plenty of room — mountain seems piled on mountain, with every shade of colouring adorning them, up to the very heavens. The different stages of vegetation on the July 18, 1866. ] JOURNAL OF HOUTIOULTUBE AND: COTTAGE GABDENER. 51 BnioTO iti most iiitcvestiug. MyrtleH, ArbutuH, AJiautiim ciipil- lus-VmmriB Kive plixoe to Ericas of several lioautiful kiiKl», Aspk'uiura acii(intum-jiigrim\, nnd PolysticJium aiiniilin'n (Keen to-drty lor the first tirao), ami thf-'ne are chiDiKcd into I'iiKiH and tli^ Heatljei" of our jiativs land; but after a wUilo all vu(;i.'ta- t^QU Oflftses, and you are aa it wore alouu on tho bluak ruj^i^od mouutaiii, with such blasts blowing round you as nialio you shiver and tremble lest carriafio and horses and you slionld be blown down the two thousand feet that are betweeu you ani And now I must give a double invitation, should it be required, for Mr.Wills's visit. Whatever his experience le.ads him to follow, I adhere in every resjject not only as to two follo~n-ing seasons, but two multiplied by ten, to my system of syringing. I have now a house, that named in my former communication, two years planted out ; the syringe has not been stayed more than three weeks, there are bunches hanging from the top to the bottom of the house nicely colouring, and not a stain or discoloration to be seen on any of the berries (Muscats and Black Hambirrghs). The pot Vines I treat, so far as regards the syringing, exactly in the same w.ay, and the bloom that is upon the Black Gr.apes" cannot be surpassed. But it appears that your correspondent and myself have disagreed to agree ; for most assuredly I perfectly agi-ee with him in reference to the water being clean. Undoubtedly the water must be perfectly clean, or the Grape will be (Uscoloured. I can speak to this from 52 JOTJENAL OP HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. C July 18, 1885. experience, for when I was at Bangor Castle, Co. Down, Ii'eland, I commenced my old practice of syringing, as I have done in England. I remember one morning, just as the Grapes began to coloxir, going through the houses I observed, as I thought, an appearance of mildew ; I called the young man who had chai'ge , of them, and told him to smear the pipes over with an admix- ture of black sulphur and milk, but to my surprise I saw the discoloration continue. I then had the water with which they had been syringed analysed, and was told it was chalky water; this caused the bunches to have an appearance of mildew, but otherwise they coloured very well, and when on the table in the evening the defect was not discovered. The following year I had the water brought more than two miles to syi-inge with, but the same thing occm-red again ; and from firrtiier inquiry, I was informed that no water coiJd be obtained in the county of Down without an admixture of chalk ; and there, from sheer necessity, I was obhged to discontinue my favourite practice of syringing the Vines whilst fruiting. I must say that many-years experience indorses the statement that where the syringe can be applied, it is followed by the Vines being more healthy, and consequently the Grapes in eveiy respect better and free from that horrid pest red spider. I cannot leave this subject without making a fm-ther obseiwatiou on Mr. WUls's recommendation, and to me very remarkable — namely, using the syringe when the Grapes are setting, not but that I perfectly agree with him that it assists setting (but no one but an experienced Grape- grower can say this). I leave off, not from being afraid, as just said, of the berries setting, but from fear of causing discoloura- tion. The yoimg Grapes when setting are very susceptible of being injured. I believe, I will not say positively, if the person who thins the Grapes shoiild at the time have a nauseous breath, it will cause the rust ; the touch of the hand, or the hair coming in contact with the berries, is also, in my opinion, more or less injurious. Having seen the berries nicely set, the bunches thinned, the syringe immediately commences its work, and continues till I see the first appearance of colour. In respect to fertilisation, I wiU not disturb Mr. Wills in his opinion, but this much I will say, I never missed setting a Yine yet, neither Muscat nor any other ; therefore having done well by nature having its coiu-se, I will not, for my part, attempt to disturb her, and I feel very thankful she so kindly favoirrs me with her assistance, and whilst she does so I will in no wise interfere. In conclusion I wiU just state that I gi-ow and propagate oiar own pot Vines, this year about 150, all from eyes, with the exception of about thii-ty cut-doT^Ti ones, which are now ripening their wood, to be ready to commence forcing with in October or November. I am glad to see Mr. Wills is going to favour us with his system of pot cultm'e, I shall read his articles I trust with interest, but somehow I am vain enough to fancy if he saw ours at Bush Hall, he would be pleased with them. I have given a challenge to gi-ow six of my own Vines against any six in the kingdom, placing them in the hands of some good disinterested Vine-grower, and letting him have the fruit for his trouble. — A. Whittle. APPLES— THE DEMOCRATIC FRUIT. " PoruLAii" is a word which is much despised, but may be made respectable. In this country wealth is obliged to pay respect to popular opinion, and of all fruits the Apple is the most de- mocratic— the true democratic — for some democracy that we are acquainted with sprung from the first Apple. This popular favour of the Apple arises fi-om the nature of the tree and the fruit. Any man who can gi-ow corn can raise Aj^ples. In evei-y soil, and under the most discoiu-aging circumstances, the Apple tree lives and thrives. It can bear high or low cultivation. It is not dyspeptic like the Peach, or apoplectic Bke the Pear, or scrofulous like the Plum. Tlie Apple is among the fruits like the cow among animals, like the camel, and like aU good things, uncomely — for beaiity is only the mask which covers ever^^;hing that is evil. In the beautiful, evil has struck in and affects the whole vital organism, whDe in homely women it is on the surface. Have you never seen the maiden who, in a whole family of girls, remains unmarried, so homely that the lovers have all passed by her, who was the nurse, the mother, the stoi-y-teUer, to a generation of little ones — the Virgin Mary of the house- hold— the mother of God to little souls, in teaching them the better life — who was more fruitful in all except chUdreu, than any of her kindred ? My perfect idea of woman is my dear old aunt Esther, who wiU spend ages in heaven wondering how she ever got there, and the angels will wonder why she was not always there. Wliat such a one is to the household is the Apple among fruits. Not the least among its excellences is its hardiness. We should as soon think of coddling om- forest trees as the Apple tree. It will thrive in the stony lot too steep for the plough, or grow in the meadow, and repay us for the more .abundant nutrition. Wliere a Mullen stalk or a hill of corn will grow, the Apple will continue to secure an existence. It can be plain or ornate, always able to take care of itself — what I call democratic. It is emphatically the people's tree. In Florida or Canada it is equally at home, and equally good ; while on the Pacific slopes it is portentous in size. Newton's Apple, which originated in his brain the science of gi'avitation, had it grown in California would have for ever put an end to his discoveries, and have opened the heavens to his gaze. The health and longevity of the Apple tree are unsmi^assed. Healthier than the Pear, no blight or disease affects it ; worms and insects may lodge upon it, but unbuckhug its bark, it exposes them to the wind and storm. An acre of Potatoes will not produce as much as the same area in orchard, with five times the labour. The grub only is a fonnid.able enemy, but is so easily exterminated by a flexible wire, that if you have borers you deserve to be bored. Fanners never think of nursing their orchards. And as for longevity, I have a tree now growing on my farm at least five hundred years old. Two ladies, now eighty years of age, say that in their clrildhood it was called the old Apple tree. At 12 feet from the groimd it is 14 feet 10 inches in circumference ; the fruit sweet and pleasant, though not large. I do not expect to live to see my young trees reach that size. I cannot resist a feeling of respect and awe when I stand in the presence of this gigantic tree, which heard the cannonading of the revolu- tion ; underneath whose branches Washington may have walked, musing upon the great task to which he was devoted. The wood of the Apple tree has uses which we are not accus- tomed to credit it with. For firewood it is equal to Hickory, and for cabinet work it is imsurpassed in beauty by any other wood. My best bureau is made of the Apple wood, and resembles Cherry. In Europe the roads are bordered with Apple trees, and the fruit is fi'ee to the public, except where wisps of 'straw fastened to a tree indi- cate that the fruit is reserved for the owner, of the land. How adapted to such a use is the upright Apple tree ; planted along our roads, there would be no temptation for those juvenile saints to rob oirr orchards. Of all the contrivances to prevent stealing this is the most certain and easy. The origin of the cultivated Apple is still uncertain; the wnd-crab theory is unsettled, for no one has evidence that the seed of the Crab Apple ever produced an improved fruit. No Van Mens ever did for the Apple what has been accomplished for the Pear. Although prob.able, the theory must remain rmcertain untn, if by some horticrdtural Sunday school the Crab Apple has been converted into a good Christian tree. No other fruit has such a range of ripening and of use. In good cellars it is kept from JiJy to .July. Kinds so deUcate — and as the General Grant of the Vine would say, " so refreshing," even the Pear cannot rival, not even (he Peach can sui-pass. The various culinary uses of the Apple, its value in raising and fattening stock, were touched by the reverend lecturer with great humour, and for an hour he held the audience delighted with his picture of coimtiy life, interposed with wit and pathos, until he closed with, " And let me not omit to speak of cider. Temperance has banished it from the table, but it is creeping back again, not in its own old homely name, but imder the guise of champagne. As a temperance man I cannot advise you to make cider, but I can say that if you will make cider, I hope you will make it good. I will not consume more of your time with those eloquent periods with which I intended to close this addi-ess, for two reasons — first, it is aheady too long, and second, because I do not have them at hand. — (Beechek in Prairie Farmer.) Preserving Flowers bt Glycerine. — Mr. C. E. Tichbome states, in the Artizan, that, being desirous of preserving a vegetable Ivsus naturee for some time, he submerged it in some weak glycerine, considering that that fluid would be less July 18, 18C5. ] JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTUHE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. lis likely to destroy the tender organism, and also remembering that it hud been found most efficient in the preseiTatiou of animal tissues. The glycerine answered its purpose most admirably, presen-ing the delicate parts of the plant and pre- venting deeouiposition. He immediately saw that the property of glycerine might be made available for certain iiharmaceutieal purposes, where it was desired to preserve or extra<'t the aroma of vegetalile products, such as Elder, Orange, or Rose flowers, and also might be substituted for the oils and fats used in the purest process termed enileurage. The glycerine need not be especially jnire, but should be devoid of odour. The Elder flowers should be t;a up assiduously the exth-pation of weeds. ■iijr/i'ffq J/. lnLii.'j::; GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. Hardwooded plants, including most of the genera from New Holland which bloom early in the spring, and which after blooming received the neeessai-y pruning, &c., will now he so far advanced in their new gi-o\vth that any requiring to be potted shoixld at once have a shift. After turning them out loosen the outside roots before placing them in their new pots, to enable them to take to the fresh soil more readily. Keep them close for a few days, especially if the roots have been much disturbed, and damp once or twice daily overhead, water carefully at first, taking jiains to insure the old ball haring its proper share until the roots get established in the new soil. Continue Epacrises under glass till their gi-o\vth is complete, but more air and light should be allowed, then increasing it as the wood gets firmer. In the beginning of next month they may be placed out of doors in an open situation where they can be protected from heavy rains. Some of the stove plants Joly 18, 186S. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE ©ARIVENER. 5ff that biivo recently bi'pn brouidit into the couservatciry will reqtiirt attoution to prevunt thrir bfiun injured by daiii)) cluriu^ floudy weatlier, and it will probably bo nuceMMiiry to use HliRht fires oecasiojially (or thu luirpose of dryiji;^ tlio atmosphere of tho house. Coi'iliime to carefully regulate the tjrowtU of the twiners, but uvoiil tyiiin thorn too ulose, and allow them to Krow according to their natural habits as nuudi as cueiuiistances will admit. STOVIi. The plants that are inti'uded for the decoration of the con- servatory in uutuniu sdiould now be earefnlly looked over, Hhift- iug sucli as are likely to want more potrooni, with a view of getting the pots weli tilled with roots before the plants are requii'ed to bo in bloom. Keep, also, the shoots tied-out rather thiuly and e.\pose the plants to as much .sunshine as they will bear without scorching their fiiliage in order to keep them low and bushy. Give clear weak manure water to young growing specimens, and repot any that are intended to have another shift this season, so as to have the pots well tilled with roots before winter. JIaintain a moist growing atmosphere, and syringe vigorously any plant at all infested with red spider. Growing Orchids should be encoui-agcd with plenty of heat and moisture while that can be done .safely. See that plants on blocks and in baskets arcs properly supplied with moistiu'e at the roots. To prevent any mistake in this matter caref idly examine every plant at least once a-wcek, and immerse any fomid to be dry in tepid water until the materiid about the roots shall have become well soaked. Syringe lightly morning and evening, and spriulde floors, &c., in order to keep the atmosphere thoroughly moist. — W. Ke.vne. . i . 'Il ■l'.|;,:,,'l M.i) -Ju i,^.i. DOIN'GS OF THE LAST WEEK. Os Saturday, tho 8th inst., we had a severe storm of thunder and hail, which riddled a good many broad-leaved plants. AVe notice it in order to record the fact, that large squares of 16-oz. glass were uucrackedand xuibroken, but we observed that many of the hailstones rebounded fi'om the glass fully 3 feet in height, and that the glass waved and bent considerably. There would be less risk of bre;ikage with stouter glass, but then it would bend and cui-ve less to the stroke of the hail- stones. On Sunday, the 9th, we had some three and a half lioursin the afternoon of continuous thunder and down-pourhig rain, "which seems to have well so.aked the ground, and has laid the best fields of Barley considerably, but several cattle and sheep were killed. No ordinary spouting could accommodate such down-pouiing, and, therefore, we received much less in oiu- tanks than we expected. The heavy rains shot quite over the spouts. There is now in this neighbourhood little UkeU- hood of being so daned up as we were last season. Wednes- day, the 12th, was a beautiful di-y day, and even the flowers with a httle cleaning were opening freely to look as bright gems over the now fine green of the foliage and lawns, but the weather became wet again on Thursday, and if it continue the very best flower-beds will have a wobegoue appearance. When the beds are full of leaf and bloom at this season, it tries the patience and equanimity of the gardener to find the results of his skill and imwearied care, little better to look at by visitors of the family than so many mounds of drowned mice. Who will have the honour of being the first to cover an acre, or even half an acre of the finest modern flower garden with glass, so ventilated by leverage power that even the rains and dews can be admitted at will, and rains and Ijoisterous winds also be excluded at pleasure ? We venture to say that such a garden would yield more continuous satisfaction than a dozen acres of flower garden in our imcertain climate. Probably, however, there may be a bewitching chanu in the very uncertainty of being able to see such modern flower gardens at their best on a certain day, just as there is, at least, some test to the depth of that love which is not jiermitted to develope itself in the smoothest of chamiels. Well, there is no accounting for tastes, but we would be quite willing to make a present of our share of the pleasm'e arising from the thorough uncertainty of having a flower garden brilliant against a certain day, with the likeli- hood of our changeable climate marring all our expectations. In one thing we must rejoice, the beautiful luxmiance that is now spreading over, the brown parched pastiu-es. KITCHEN- G.iBDEN. Proceeded with planting out Winter Greens as we could get gromid cleared for them. Planted more Cauliflower, Lettuce, &c., these being always indispensable. Staked late Peas, the medium crops being richly flavoured after' the rain. In some hot days gave the slightest shading to (.'iicaniheru to keep them sweet, hi such weather us we have lately hod, CucuuiberK, fuUy oxposed out of doors, or even with air on under glass, are apt to bo a little bitter, tliough in some seuMons where they had unobstructed sunliglit they were always crisp lUid sweet. The bitterness, we consider, is not ho much owing to unob- strncteil sun as to the tiercu siui and dryness combined. In many cases the comphvints of Cueuraber-oaters arise from having thu fruit sent to them when it is too large and old. If sent in the young state there would be fewer complaints. The mistake has arisen from country societies too generally patnmising length and size. Some time, ago wo heard au exhibitor very wroth because his Cucumbers, were passed by. The judge, tii silence him, took hold of the Cucumber by one end, and the other end at once jiretty well joined it, the body of the Cucumber making a beautiful are of a circle. There was no reply to tins question, " how long sucli specimens h.-id been cut and kept in the cellar." The person who would venture to eat such Cucumbers, after a due allowance of salt, viuegar, oil, and even young Onions, might as well have pre- sented so much leather to the organs of digestion. Even Cucumber-eatei-s would bo wise if, after attending to all the usual preliminai'ies, they sent such huge specimens of growth to be duly digested in the; rubbish-heap, or followed the receipt of Dr. Johnson, and pitched them out of the window. Cucumbers grown in frames will now also bo better of a little bottom heat from linings. A strong sun heat and a cold wet soil will be next to certain to make the fruit hard and bitter, and to mili- tate against healthy luxuriance. We are short of material for this purpose, but anything that will keep cold out and send a little heat in, as a mixture of short grass and litter, will be of use, and will add to the future manure-heap. Tomatoes. — Mulched, and fastened these against fences, walls, &0. They do pretty well, if well thinned, on sloping banks. They are but little used in this country in the green state as salads ; but they are largely used in this way in America. Some time ago, an Euglishman who became, as he said, a thorough Yaaikee told us that when green and small. Toma- toes made an excellent ingrecUent in salads, along with gi-een Ca))sicums, Cucumbers, .tc, and ended with telling us that " You old-country folk do not know how to use the blessings that Providence gives yon." ".i s jui. -v.h .mi Jliishiuums. — Earthed up a piece of the bed .Jn>;»hea..',iiThfe first part is now coming in. Will clear the house as soon as jiossible, as the decayed dung wiU do when riddled for mulching the remainder of tlie flower-beds. When cleaned out, we will smoke well with burning sidphur and a httle turpentine to kill all insects, and woodlice in particular. We generally in this lean-to house to the noi-th, get on very well during the winter— but as the warmth of the end of spring comes, so do the shoals of woodlice \-isit us ; though we trap and kill mjTiads, we can never clear the place of them entirely until we take away the beds and burn sulphur as stated above, with all crevices shut up. It would never do to adopt such a system with the beds in bearing. Sulphur, as well as lime, is a great enemy to the vrhole, or nearly the whole of the fungus family. We" believe we get the woodlice intruders in spring from talring them in with the dung for the beds, and in old gardens it is scarcely possible to find a place completely free from them. They nuiltiply also very fast in a warm place. In some cases we have seen inyilads of them when they seemed to care nothing for anything' but warmth and drv-nesa, never touching a Mushroom at all. In other cases we have known them assail every Mushroom that came when not much larger than pin heads, and in other cases we have found them roost- ing and eating among the laminje of a large specimen, like bees clustering among their combs. One advantage of beds in open sheds, or even out of doors in siunmer, is that there is little temptation for such intruders to go there. AVarmth and dryness are what they chiefly like— so much so, that one wholesale way of getting rid of them, is to water the surface of a bed, and place a httle (b-y hay along the back and fi-ont. la a few hoirrs every one of the woodlice wiU liave taken refuge under the thin liixer of hay, and boiling water poiu-ed on with one hand whilst the hay is" gently hfted with the other, will make short work of them ; and as death must be next to instantaneous, there can be no great charge of cruelty, when once we have resolved to destroy if we can. We often think that the whole practice of snaring and trapping larger animals well deserves legislative consideration. The amount of torture thus inflicted is next to incalculable, and has a tendency to 56 JOUflNAL OP nOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 18, 1865. deaden hnman sympathy and feeling. There was much humane appositeness, though blended somewhat with the paradoxical, in the exclamation of the young lady when fright- ened with a sight of what she deemed a loathsome reptile," Oh, kill it, but do not hurt it." If we claim the right to kill, we have no right to cause unnecessary pain to any li-sing thing. FHUIT GARDEN. Proceeded with gathering small fruit in fine days. Unless people particularly wish it, there is little economy in preserving Gooseberries, CuiTants, or even Morello Cherries to the latest possible ijeriod on the bushes and trees.. We have had Goose- berries pretty good in the end of October, and Cm-rants and Cherries until long after Christmas ; but we rarely found such froit, especially of the last two, sufficiently used and partaken of either for dessert or for puddings, tarts, &c., to compensate for the covering, (Sre. They might as well have been bottled, or presei-ved, or brandied at once when ripe, and thus saved all the attacks of l)irds, and the trouble and expense of protecting them. If they are to be kept, we and others have already stated how it may be done most economically with straw bands and matting, and most efficiently with waterproof tops and air at the sides. A bush may be well protected with a cover like a huge hand-light ; the top, tin or zinc, and the sides galvanised iron pierced with holes, or even of stout book muslin, or some- thing like thin tifi'anj'. Some of these modes we advise for j those who pride themselves on having fresh-gathered Currants at Christmas. The Morello Cherries are just beginning to ripen — ^just soft enough for the birds to begin to nibble them. All the best Cherries have been xmusually early this season. | With the exception of the Florence and other late ones, few will hang much longer on the trees to please us. IVnll Trees. — Went over Apricots, shortening in the breast- ! wood of that which had been shortened previously, and eased i the fruit where too thick or too firmly set between wood to swell freely. Did the same to Peaches and Nectarines. In the first and subsequent thinning of such friut preference should be given to those which stand on the front of the shoot instead of those on the side ; but even then some fruit on the side and sometimes on the back of the shoot may be left, and unless these are eased, and kept from the wall or trellis, they will be injured as they approach maturity. The dry sum- mer hitherto has given us but few strong shoots on Peaches out of doors ; but where these have been stopped early to equalise the strength of the shoots, it will be desirable to choose one or two of the lateral shoots produced for the perma- nent ones, according as there is room for them, not forgetting that one shoot of medium strength — that is, about the thick- ness of a quill — well ripened by exposure to sun and air, is better than half a dozen similar shoots crowded up into a bundle, so that they cannot possibly get enough of either sun or air. There is scarcely one of us that has not too much yoimg wood on his tTces in summer. Apples and Pears, dwarf standards and pyramids out of doors. — Went on shortening the points of the young shoots as we could find an opportunity. lu many cases nipphig out the point is better than cutting well back just now. The latter mode tends to make a fresh outburst of young shoots that will not ripen before v,-inter. The foi-mer mode arrests mere growth, and even if a few woi d-buds break the backward buds on the shoot are almost sure to be changed into fruit-buds for the following year. As the autumn approaches we must be thinking more of ripening wood than of increased and prolonged growth. What applies to fruit trees on walls and borders outside, applies still more to trees in cool and forcing-houses. Strawberries, com- menced taking good runners for next year's forcing. The drought and httle growth prevented us doing so sooner. We shall, therefore, for our first crop, use a few of the plants that were forced this spring. Peach-house, Fig-pit, ami Vinery. — Gave a good manure- watering to the first two, and having removed all the shallow litter covering from the last as respects the outside border, threw a dusting of soot and lime over it, expecting it to be washed in by the rains that did come. We observed some worms near the surface of the border from the fresh cowdung that had beSn applied last autumn, but the lime and soot would soon make short work with them, though in moderation they are good cultivators, instead of doing much harm. Probably it was the worms that enticed some moles that have rather troubled us in the garden, to make their runs all through the surface of the "Vine-border. We had no fancy for them driving their timnels among the Vine-roots, and we hope we have stopped them. The roots are so near the surface that we found we coiUd not plant a row of different kinds of Scarlet Gera- niums along the front of the border without injuring the roots. To trap the mole successfully, a little spud of wood should lie used, and even the trap should be set with a gloved hand, and if the glove has been rubbed with the skin of a dead mole all the better. The animal, if somewhat deficient in sight, is so powerfully gifted with smeU, that the scent of the hand about the trap will generally cause him to avoid it. either by retreating, shoving more earth against it, or dinring a tmmel underneath it. But for the injury it might do in such places, and the uusightliness of the mounds in dressed gi'ounds, we incline to think that as respects cultivation, the mole, like worms, does more good than harm. Melons that had no shade, except a little given to the chang- ing fruit on the very hot sunny days, have been rijiening very kindly. If this wet weather should continue, and the atmo- sphere become and continue colder, linings round frames will be desirable, and the surface of the bed must be kept dry, though moisture bo communicated to the roots, other\vise there will be danger of cracking, bursting, and rotting. The fniit in no case should he on the soil, and if moved frequently as it approaches maturity, it will be more regularly ripened aU over. The last crops for frames and even for hot-water pits should now be planted. The advantage of the latter is, that you can obtain dry heat in autumn. For the generality of om- summers, nothing beats a good dung-bed and frame for summer Melons, and they generally give less trouble than when in pits. Oxa- own opinion is, that for weight and flavour in proijortion to size, the best results are obtained from Melons, when the head is trained to a trellis, and the fruit is suspended mitU it begins to reach maturity, when it must be supported by a net I or otherwise. i ORXAMENTAL DEPARTMENT. Here the work was much as last week. Mowing, machining, ! rolling walks and lawns, pegging Verbenas, tying herbaceous plants, regiUating flower-beds, trimming broad rows of Ceras- tium so as to make them uniform, potting, and preparing cut- tings of Pinks, Wallflowers. Cloves, &c. We have, however, filled our space, and must be content with noticing that this 1 season as yet we are disappointed with j Cloth of Gold Geranium. — We tiu-ned oiit fine, strong, young plants, and on the whole they seem to have become less. Simi- larly treated on a contiguous border in a similar' hue we turned ■ out young plants of Golden Chain, and they have done beauti- fidly. Cloth of Gold did well with us last year, but this season : where it does well is iu a place protected from much wind, and also from the afternoon sun. We thought last year that we would dispense with Golden Chain, but we must give it a higher I place in our regard. We would be glad to know how Cloth of Gold has done in other places, and as tar as possible the cir- cumstances under which it does well. Two little beds of Mrs. I Pollock, with an edging of Baron Hugel, have as yet done well, although quite as nraeh exposed as Cloth of Gold. It strikes us that the latter is tenderer than we thought, as, vdih the exception of the sheltered place referred to, it has not as yet done first-rate with us in any other iiosifion. AVe .shall be able to- dispense with it when once we get plenty of Miss Wat- son (Mr. Watson, of St. Albans), Lady Cullum, Lucy Grieves, and other fine seedlings of Mr. Grieves's th.at as much excel Mrs. Pollock as that pretty kind excels Golden Chiiin and Cloth of Gold.— E. F. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— July 15. Lahge importations continue to an-ive from abroad, couiii'^.ting of Greeu Ga'.;e and other PLims, and Apricots. Of home-grown fr:ait there is a heavy supply of Grapes and Peaches and Nectnrines, pni-ticularly the last two. For Pines of English growth the demand is not brisk, owing to large ciunptities. of very good quality, ha^ng come iu from the West Indies. Vegetables of all lands are fully etiual to the demand, and of new Potatoes there is an abundant supply. Apples i sieve 1 Apricots doz. 1 Cherries lb. 0 Chestnuts bush. 0 Gurrr.nts, Red h sieve 3 Black .....'... do. 4 Figs doz. 8 Filberts 100 lbs. 0 Cobs do. 50 Gooseberries. . ^ sieve 2 Grapes, Hambro.. . lb. 3 Muscats lb. 4 Lemons 100 5 a. s, 0to2 4 3 FRUIT, d Melons each 2 MulbeiTies iiunnet 0 Nectarines doz. 10 Oranges 100 10 Peaches doz. l"! Pears (kitchen). . doz. 0 dessert doz. 0 Pine Apples lb. 3 Plums ?; sieve 0 Quinces ^ sieve 0 Raspberries lb; 0 Strawberries lb. 0 Walnuts bush 14 d. a. 0to6 0 0 0 15 n 20 n 24 0 0 n (1 fl 6 0 0 (I () B 1) fi 2 0 20 July 18, 1855. J JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 67 VEGETABLES. Articiioltos each AHpaniKtiR. . - . Imndlo Ii«iuiH Broftd.. biishrl Kidnoy do. Boet, Red doz. Broccoli (uiiidle Brus. Sprouts. . ^ hIovo CrtlduiKe doz. Capsicums lOl) Ciirrot-s l)unch Cftuliflowor doz. Celery bundle Cucumbortj oacli pickling doz. Endive Hcorco Fennel bunch Garlic and Shallots, lb. Herbs bunch Horseradish . . bundle a. iL a. il (1 4to0 ft 0 0 0 (1 !l ft ft U S 0 D ft » 0 '1 U 0 0 ft 0 n II ft () n 1) 1 1! 0 ft ft II 0 -1 ft H s n fi ft 2 ft a ft 0 B 1 ft 0 ft ft ft (1 ft ft II ft .s ft ft () R ft II ft S (1 ft 2 6 ■4 0 Leoks ,.. buitnh Lettuce .... per hc^jvo l\In!*brooni8 pultlo Mustd. &. Cress, punnet Ouiouri. .doz. bunebos piclUiug . . . .quart Ptirsley ^ siovo Piirsuips dOK. Poas quart Potatoes bushel Now bushel Radishes doz. bunches Rhubarb bundle Savoys doz. Sca-kitle basket Spinach bushel Tomiitoea doz. Turnips bunch Vc;jetublo Marrows dz. ft y toft C 0 9 1 (i 2 ft » 0 II a ft II B ft U 0 11 i> II H 1 0 1 « 1 0 i! 0 ft !) 1 6 a (1 4 U 4 ft r II ft « 1 11 0 2 II 4 ft II II ft ft 0 ft ft 4 ft 5 0 a ft 4 0 ft 4 II i; 1 U 2 0 TO CORRESPONDENTS. ••* We request that uo onr will write privately to the depart- mcutal writers of the ''Journal of Hortieiilture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doinj^' they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications should therefore be addressed solcbj to The Editors of the Juunml of IXorticultare^ neral Jacqueminot, Jules Margottin, Madame Rivers. Anna Alcxicff", Caroline de Sansal, Eugene Appert. Geant des BataUles, Mndamo Domage, Maurice Beruardin. Louise Odier, Catherine Guillot. All the above may bo had as standards. Oroweng-Potatoes SpROUThiG (3. L.y O.ron). — It is very usual for Potatoes in the ground to sprout (chit or sprit, as some term this gi'owth), when rain occurs after long-continued drought. As the tubers of youi- crop are a good size, we should take them up at once and sell them. We should try phiuting again, if we needed Potatoes, and could obtain some of last year's Potatoes for sets. We have known a July-planted crop very productive, I'.nd ready for taking up in October. We would even try, as seta, some of the sprouted tubers of your crop, taking care not to rub off the sprouts, or allow them to wither,. Name of Cherry, &c. (An Old Suhscrihcr). — It is the Roy^l Duke. Hedera Rfegneriana is an imjustified name for Hodera colcliis, discovered more than a century and a half since in Japan, by Kipmpfcr, the discoverer, as we mentioned last w^ek, of the Aucuba. Mr. W. Paul, who has paid mnch successful attention to the genus, describes it as having its upper leaves narrow -elliptic ; flowers in sinix)le racemes ; pedicels and calyx covered with yellowish scales. It is found in the Himalaya, Northern China, Loochoo Islands, &c. See " Names of Plants." Varfegated Plants — Fctchsias and Ger^vniums (Miss H.). — Bambusa Fortuui variegata, Arundo donax variegata, Draciena australis. YucO!i filamentosa variegata, Aralia Sieboldi variegata, and llhopala corcova- densis — these are good greenhouse variegated plants. Fuchsias: Comet. Emperor of the Fuchsias, Henry Abts, Minnie Banks, Universal, and Rose of Caatillc. Giraniuins: Ariel. Excelsior. Symmetry, Modesty, Con- flagration, and King of Scirlets. Now is a good time to obtain them to grow into specimens for exhibition next year. Mildew ok Grapes iT*. H.).— Have a souji-plato full of flowers of sulphur; dip each bunch into the sulphur, so that every berry may be dusted all over. Leave the sulphur on for a week, and then sjiinge. If mildew still appear apply the sulphiu- again. Admit air freely; this and the 9\Tiuging vnll ilrive away the spiders. -*' Brain coral" may ho got at any shell siiop. " E. 13." got hia petrified mosH from a brook near Tenbury, torshiro. '* O. G." fiays, '* They are to be in-ocured at Buxton and Brain Coral— Petrified Mohh (J. L.). ly shell Worce:^to Matlofk. If your corrospondont has any fi'ionds in that locality notlxlng is oasior to obtain." Nardoo Sowino (St. JJo'rUitr).— We had this germinating in 'a pan fillad to within half an inch of the rim with peat, and cliopped ntoH», tho nporos l)eiug sown on tho surface, and covered with about a quarter of an inch of wator, and ki'pt so for six mfmth«i after sowiug in a close moist stove. Tho next six months tho pan was kopt sprinkled with water every morn- ing; tho pan stood in another pau of water, but not do as to keep the surface covered. Hero our experience ends. Wc should be obliged by any of our correspondents stating their experience of the successfol culture of this plant. Managing Caladiums (B^-asih).— Pot them in March in turfy peat, loam and leaf mould, in equal parts, with a free admixture of silver sand Water sparingly at first, aud plunge the pots in a mild hotbed. When growing freely water copiously, and shulo from very bright sun. Give plenty of pot room, free drainage, and liquid manure at every alternate watering. They like a brisk moist heat of Go- to H5' when growing, and the heat of a stove in winter. When the leaves begin to turn yellow, diminish the supply of water, aud stand tho pots on a damp floor, so that the soil may not become dust dry during tno winter — that is, after tho plants go to rest, which will be in October. Thoy should have a tempera- ture of from tiO' to 70" in winter. Budding Roses (S. D. /V.).—- After inserting the hud you may cut the shoot down to 6 inches above the bud, and as much nearer as you please, only leave a gi'owing point above tho bud. Tho part left should not be removed or cut down to tho eye or bud until the latter commences to grow in the ensuing spring. When tho bud makes a fihoot the same season as budded, that shoot should not be i)runed until the beginning of the following March. When they push in tho spring they should be allowed to gi-ow until July, when they will mostly flower, and after blooming thoy may be cut-in to six or eight eyes, or, if no flower-buds form, stopped at the sixth bud for a weak, aud at the eighth for a etong shoot. It is best to bud on the main stem of the Manetti, removing the soil so as to bud about an inch below the surface. Yon may bud on the side-shoots, and when the bud grows place earth against them, so as to cover the union ; but tbi.s is a ready mode of obtaining suckers. The shoots, after budding, should be sbortcjucd to thrt'e or four joints above the bud. After the bud grows replace the soil, covering both stocit and bud, and cut down tho bud in March. Managing Vines (A. M. T.). — We think the course pursued by yotir gardener is quite right. No harm can come of syringing the Grapes with soft water up to their colouring; and bis thinning them three weeks ago, and again now, shows they were too thick. Provided the thinning is not done so as to make the bunches too loose and open, you will have finer hemes, and they will keep much longer. There is uo fear of the berries bmrsting, and, if there were, thinning would only aggravate an evil of that kind. If there bo any sign of mildew, it is altogether iivrong to continue ^^jTinging. They should have a drier atmosphere, and be dusted with sulphur at the infested parts. We suppose they are infested with red spider, and that is why the gardener syringes them. Syringing with soft water, accompanied with fresh air early, can do no harm, but is often necessary to keep down attacks of red spider, which is this year unusually troublesome. Plants for Stove and Greenhouse (A Constant Reader). — Aphelandra cristata and A. Leopoldi, BurehelUa capensis, Ardisia crenulata and A fructu-alba, Eranthemum rubrovenium, Franciscea confertiflora and F. Hopeana. Meyenia erecta and M. erecta albi, Poinsettia pulehen-ima, Sonerila margaritacea splendens, Thyrsacauthus rutilans, Rondeletia speciosa major, Medinilla magnifica, Luculia gratissima, Ixora acuminata, I. coccinea, aud I. javanica; Hebecliuium atrorubens, H. ani-antiacum, and H. iauthinum ; GraptophyUum pictum, Gardenia Stanleyana, G. radi- cans, and G. citriodoi-a ; Euphorbia jacquinin?fiora, C>Ttoceras reflexum, Clerodendron Fallas and C. Krempferi, Centradenia grandiflora ; to which may be added, of chmbers suitable for training on wires, Stephanotis floribunda, Cissus discolor, Clerodendron Thomsoniso, Echites splendens, E. crassinoda, and E. magnifica; Hoya holla, H. camosa. H. camosa variegata, and Schubertia gi-aveolens. The above are all free-flowering or ornamental stove plants. There are many others equally, or more so, but we give these as i-easonable in price for you to clioose ft^om. Green- house Plants : Chorozema cordata splendens, Boronia Drunimondi, Cassia coi-ymbosa, Aphelexis macrantha purpurea and A. prolifera BarnesU, Acacia Brummondi, A. armata, and A. grandis : Abutilon venosnm, CorouOla glauca, Crowea saligna, Cytisus Atlceana and C. racemosa ele- gans, Erioste^non intermedium and E. buxifolium, IMonochirtum ensi- ferum, Indigofera decora, Rliododendi'on jasminifl,orum. Swninsonia Ferrandi, and Tremandr^ ericoides. Camellias, Azaleas, Ecaths. and Epacrises we omit, as they are well-known plants, though quite indis- pensable. Vises for Early and Late Vc^-ery (Iilnv).-—Five for early vinery: One Foster's AVhite Seedling, one Buckland Sweet\vatcr, two Black Ham- burgh, and one Pope's Hamburgh. Fimr for late vinery: One Lady Downe's, one Alicante, one Bowood Muscat, and one Royal Vineyard. Vine Culture— Gp.ee n house (M. H. C. A\).— " The Vine Manual," 23.6rf., and " Greenhouses for the Many," fiti., may be had free by post from our office, if you enclose Ss. 2(L in postage stamps with your address. Hybridising (H. T. A.).—Vi'e know of no publication confined to this subject. Johnson's " Science and Practice of Gardening" contains much upon the subject. You can haVe it free by post from our office for 3s. 4d. in postage-stamps. Orange Tribe (S. r.,jim.).~In the " Cottngo Gai-dencr"s Dictionary," under the head " Citrus," there are full dii'ections. Cranston's is a good system of ventilation. Early Peas.— .1 SutscrificT- has m-itten to us about Dickson's "First and Best." If he will furnish us confidentially with his name, we will publish his commmiication. Such commnni cations from anonymous writers are of no authority. Mowing Machines ( W.). — We cannot recommend one in preference to others. They all do then- work weU if properly managed, and taken care of. No specimens arrived in your letter. 58 JOURNAL '0:Pltf6MICULWRE'AKD COTTAGE GAEDENEB. [JiJ^Visfe^'' Eakwios (J. B", H,). — We know of no mode of desttorlng them except by inducing them^to conceal themselves in inverted, pots containing moss, hollow stalfo, Ac. Are there ajiy flowers whicJa e^trwigs would prefer to Dahliu?, if grown in their vicinity ? Na!iie<; of PLA>rrs (Matilhi).—!, Starved completely ont of character- perhaps Lastrea elabella; '2. Platyloma roinndifoliiim. fJohn Boyd).— 1, Pterin" aquilina; 2. Nephrodium moUe. IH. L.f. — Wretched specimetuj. some of which appear to be— 3, SelajjiBcUa ^Inrtensii ; 4, S. aucinata; 5, S, cordifolift: fi, S. flenticiUata. {H. L., L>'rla1itoUus ; 4. M;iguolia tripetaUi ; r.,P:seaIlonia rubra ; 6, Xanthoxylnm speciosum. iOhJ Suh^rrihi:r).—l, La^nrus orata^; 2, Clematis erecta. t »»•'. fiar^^/l.—Epipactispurlmnita* (J^. Rl— l.Oaal- theria shalloa ; :i, G, procumbens; 3, Vincetoxicum^; officinale; 4, Anigo- zanthos coccinea. tJ. M.).~l, Mllart-ia uymphaoidos ; 2, Digitalis Xntea ; 8, Pernettya mucronata ; 4, Echinnps ritro. {Orchidophiluai—O^L^Ms cemuBi The Orchid wiis entirely crushed. 10 . ,i3iiEXEiQE0L.0G$CAI, iOBSERVATIONa t ip^iiihe btr. fSuburbs of rliondon fur the Week ending Jxdy XOUi» Max. Snn. .. Mon... Tue3. . We.I. . Thurs. Fri. .. Sat. .. MeBn. 29.942 29.814 39.744 30.065 29.943 29.921 29.882 llin. ,^|^ j , THF.yMOMEIEIL J LO.^J >, Earii.' Mai. I Min. i 1 ft. dp. I 2 ft. dj). 29.792 29.700 29.708 S0.007 29.849 29.856 29.885 74 [ 70 I n 68 77 29.890 t 29.823 74.71 48 48 40 43 49 40 58 46.57 66 64* 63{ 63" 63 68 68i' 62 61J 61 601 «2 : 63.78 I 61.78' S.w. s.w. TV. w. s.w; .1 a., J Rain in ijlthes. .10 .06 .00 .04 .07 XO .00 0.27 Cloudy and fine ■; verj'fiiic; tliander in aftemoon^ raii.' ''• ^^"-'' Fine ; ciondy : iine throughont ; cloudy at night. ■ < ■■f'^n Cloudy ; tine thronghont. * !;;..>,. Clear ; deep bine sky ; white clouds, and dusky ; rain at nigllt. Rain; densely clouded ; showery. Very fine, with white clouds; cool at night. Ivety fine. Verj- tine, with light clouda; clear; quite cloudless, with hot sun; POULTRY. BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. nil ■ benraae ijii.i - DUGK-FOOTED GAME FO^^XS.•'V ' Seeixg in your Journal that a pen of Game fowls',' offii meritorious, lost all chance in competition from the " fatal defect " of being " duck-footed," or duck-heeled," may I ask you to teU me -srhat the defect is ? — vrhether there is too much web between the toes, as " duck-footed " would seem to imply, or whether the hinder toe is inclined too much downwai'ds and forwards (as I have seen it in some Game fowls), instead of being set on well behind the foot, and projecting straight and flat, as the tei-m "duck-heeled" would. lead one to infer, and whether either or both of these conditions of the foot in Game fowls are fatal to success in competition ? These ai-e niceties which are not mentioned in books ; neither Mr. Baily nor the " Poultry Book," mentions the term, and yet fr-om such defects a pen is often passed over at shows, much to the disapipoint- ment of tlieir owners, wlio being young hands like myself, or " exliihitors in a small way," begin to question the hpnesty of the judges. I keep a few fowls and like to encoui'age shows by exhibiting occasionally, but one tires of sending them, where the item of carnage is a considerable one, unless having some prospect of success. My own time is too much occupied to allow me to get far from home to gain practical knowledge at shows by scanning the winners, there being no shows or next to none near London, nor have I any neighbours learned in poultry, nor a ""Wiltshire Kector" near me, who seems al^vays ready to impart knowledge on his favourite subject. Having neither of these helps near me I am obliged to fly to books, and " Our .Journal," and the latter, I think, does not quite sniRcieutly consider the class of poultry amateurs of which I am one, for in its articles on the points of excellence in fowls, the exhibitors of Game fowls are generally thought to "possess all the knowledge that is required, and are usually dismissed with some such generality as the following: — " Ex- hibitors of Game fowls have nothing to leam." Granted : as a body they send their stock to exhibition as perfect as can be, but we must all have a beginning, and we can only arrive at that knowledge which many have attained by degrees ; and if you do not assist the beginner, where is he to look for infor- mation ? and I am satisfied the more you tell us of the way to try to attain excellence, and of the points of excellence in poultry, the more will amateurs ijossess themselves of good specimens, and the more will poultiy shows flourish. I have several times hesitated about sending fowls to exhibitions, and I have known several other amateurs similarly unwilling to exhibit, because I did not know whether they were good enough to stand any chance of success. I trust I have written in no complaining spirit, but have only expressed what I have felt as a want, and I am siu*e I am not singular. — M.vs of Kent. [We never expected to be charged with giving curt rejJies, for we fully appreciate the good effected by full and correct answers, and spare neither expense nor effort to obtain them. We sent your letter to Mr. Hewitt, and this is his reply : — " I have taken the enclosed drawing of the leg and foot of an otheiTvise excellent young Giime cockerel ; but, unfortunately, labouring under this fatal defect in the right foot only, Tetnaei- ing him as useless for fighting as he is for exhibition. ■ •' " Of course, this is a great annoyance to the owner of the bird, as imdoubtedly in aU other respects, as to feather and also in hand, he is "one of the best cockerels I have met with of this season, being hatched as early as Jannarj". A. bird thus faulty, more particularly where the malformation exists in both feet, if closely and quickly pressed when fighting, inTariably falls backwards, having no support from the back toe — a position highly favourable to his antagonist, and a most critical moment for himself. I may add, that a cock only partially ' duck- footed,' if greatly excited «ide.xhaflated,.ll?oo?ae3 even more so as weakness steals on. ,f. .,.,,1 ., . ,r ,,,- ,,,..,.,■,. r, .,♦..' 1^7 "The plain outline shows the foot as it should be, the dotted one the defect known as ' duck-footed,' or 'duck-heeled.' 0£ course it is not intended to represent two toes, but the same single toe in the two different positions, ' right and wrong.' "] AMONXJ.THE >rEXBlPS AA^TH JIR. RqDB,AIip, '-"' ' ■(. " No. 1. • *;'vr' "Ticket for Yatton, please?" "All right, thank yon. Now, then, au insurance ticket?" " Soi-ry to say we have none left." "Indeed! why, then, I must go without one, W. K. will be as valuable to his family while ;\live as ever, but not so valuable to them as he might have been should the Great Western kill liim." Ticket for Yatton ! It is twenty- three years since I took a similar ticket. I remember the httle station well, the scent of flowers hung about it from the pretty beds among the gravel. I arrived there even before my college days — it was my first start in life — the first leaving the parental Jnly^^S. ps. ) 30X}n^A^ OF HOBTICULTUBB AND COTXA,QE GABDENEB, 59 nest, when tbe fond aii'l fiiiuilv christian imiuo was up more beard by mo, aud the lu.ld Mr. was iu ita pliice. Full (if tlieso tliniiKlitH 1 pass Bath thu lipaiitifnl, and then, not vcrj' long afterwards, Bristol the bustling. ('iitcbinR a glimpse, aftor Bristtd tiiiolie (nbokiua. liorriblu it is), Uns been passed, of that fairy-liko work, the Clifton Husponsion Bridge, if not the finest bridge in the world, its situation is certainly Be^'gml to nouo. Soon I arrived at Yaltou, aud there on tbe same side, iu the same jilacu where I bad been met twenty- three years ago, sat my friend Jlr. Itoilbard. After a hearty greeting, we are soon driving through Yatton village, with its old church and stiunp towert a sort of miniature St. Mary's Bedclifife. We diverge to tlie left to visit, on our way to Ald- wick Court, some chickens which are being brought up at a CDttage. AVe tuni do\vn a narrow lane, with those large orchards here and there, which make one feel at once to be iu Somerset- shire. By-the-way, an oreliard country is a good one for poultry, as orchards give both grass runs, always available, not being mown, and also abiuulance of shade. Somerselshire cottages are still, as of yore, poor places, though oceasionally pic- tures(iue-ldoking. We pull up at one, and a girl ■nith a wcst-of- Euglnud face comes to hold our horse, but back she starts, as if afraid. On seeing her fear, her mother, with true motherly feeling, took the reins from her hand. We enter an odd place — ^the roof of the cottage had been lengthened, aud a slight edifice added on, o]>en, however, at the gable. This afforded a space light and dry for tbe chickens to run into in ease of wet, and it was a good place for feeding. There sat the hens, and in, upon hearing our footsteps, scrambled, as if to show tliem- seives, a number of Partridge Cocliiu chicks of various ages. But let me not forget the old lady who was their care-taker, and very careful she seemed of them, and not a little jjroud of them, pointing out eagerly the best birds according to her judgment. Poor old woman ! once she was tall and straight, perhaps she had been upright as a wUlow wand, and graceful too ; but now she was bent double, though, happily, there was little trace of feebleness in her countenance. Poor thing ! she reminded nie of Wordsworth's " Cumberland Beggar," for *' On the groimd Her eyes ftre turned, and, as she moves along, Tk'iy move uloun the ground. One little span of earth I^ ail her prospect. ThlLS from day to day. Bow-bent, her eyes for ever on the gromid." Yet let me waste no pity upon her, she seemed happy enough, and the Providence that tempers the wind to the shorn lamb gave her pleasures all her own, in spite of bodily infirmity. Passing through this elongated cottage, we entered tbe old body's orchard, and I atbnired, with admiration mifeigned, many promising Partridge cockerels and pullets. A fine strain, a very fine strain, is yours, Mr. Rodbard. We take oiu- leave of the old woman. By-the-way, many such an old body has reason to bless the love of poultry which prevails now-a-days in Euglaud, as it adds many a comfort to their slender s-tores. Again we are thi-eading the narrow lane, and now we rettu-n to the main road. On our right, Congersbui-y s))ire, in the heart of the rich valley, gUtters through the trees. Now, straight on for Wrington. i cannot forbear turning my eyes westward, for there. across the valley stand the beautifiU Meudip HUls, not bleak aud bare as are northern hills, but their sides covered with verdure, and in some instances the enclosures run almost to the top. Beautiful Mendips ! the- first hiDs I ever saw ! for I came straight from flat Cambridgeshire, when a mere youth, to Somerset, and my eyes were enchanted with the Mendips. I reooUect scarce being able to dress the first morning (at any rate it was a lengthened toilet), from the admiration with which I paused and gazed upon the gently swelling hills, those lines of beauty ; and although, since those days. I have looked upon the Grampians year after year, and gazed upon our lake mountains week after week, yet my first bill love is the strongest. I compare all hills with tlie Mendips. But, we are at Wrington, which is a kind of village metropolis to the sur- rounding district. Here was horn .John Locke the philosopher, and a tablet marks the spot, while a monument in the chiu'ch perpetuates his memory. Nor is this the only literary bonom' of which Wrington has to boast, for close by lived for many years Hannah More, a good woman who did a noble work in her day and generation. There to the left was her residence. Barley Wood by name. Bishops, nobles, statesmen (among them good Mr. Wilberforce), clergymen, ladies iunimiei'able here visited Mrs. More in her thatch-covered picturesque cottage. We drive on, chatting pleasantly, albeit the dnst is terrible ; I feel to be taking snull upon oompulsiou every minute, and that nut of the hcHt kind. A pull on for two miloH or so, and Aldw'ick Conrt is before us, standing on tbe sptirof a hill pared flat to receive it. Uy the way, that sniuU tljatched Cottage to our right was nannah .Moro's home before she«ruvv rich enough to tenant Barley Wood. Pi-etty Cowslip IjO(lg:e ! here the authoress planned many of her w'orks, and, hnUHx still, carried out her pbuis. From yonder gate she sallied, witk thick shoos on, to pereuado tbe thicker heads of the poor to let her have their children on a Sunday to teach. A little further on, a gate, a lodge to tbe left of it, a short avenue, then ivy-covered stables to the left, then A Bi/uare of bright gravel, aud we are iu front of the pretty mansion, - yclept Aldwick Court. ' One side of the house looks up the I valley aud takes in a view of the sea, breaking on the coastat Weston, and on a clear day the Stee]> Holmes island is visible, ] and also tbe Welsh hills. The other side takes in the Mendip ', range. Behind is a thick wood, coming up to tlie very house without even a dividing fence. Sunny, airy, bright, jileasaut Aldwick ! and better than all, it has such an English-home look about it. Tci-morrow morning I am to see the renowiied poultry, so let me enter the hosjritable door in haste, lor iu ' half an Iioin- dinner will be ready. The hall is filled with cases of stuffed bird.s and smaller animals, some iu pairs, others iu groups. Surely these and old oak furniture are a hall's best ornaments. I linger roiiml tlii' c;ises, noting this bird and thatT'f'aTn' then show^n a painting in oils .rf th,' Trsf ' Spanish coo^i possessed, by Mr. Kodbard— his first priiie-takefcl'' ancestor of_aJine.and.fort.uuatg_raCB._ The di-gssing-bell rings,-, and I obey its summons, and I more gladly obeyed the sum- mons of that eatiug-aml-drinking-invdting bell which rang twenty minutes later. Dinner ! how welcome after hoiu-s of dusty travelling — wel- come cool dining-room, welcome the pleasant talk, and welcome ' Somersetshire cider. Now, during dinner, in spite of the fair '.' ladies, in spite of interesting talk, in spite of the good pictures on tbe waUs, iu spite of all and everything, my eyes uoiild ',. wander to the sideboard, on which stood an almost innmnerabl^' ''. host of silver cups of various sizes and shapes, not one alike,'- What was going to happen ? Were the haymakers coming in to ,.' quaff cider from out of these cups ? AVas it the Queen's'. ' birthday? No. AVas some bacchanalian Somersetshire festival', to be celebrated ? AA'ell, I knew not. I was sirre in that well- bred household nothing wi'ong could occiu: — that was my com-r fort. But, oh ! those cups. Time proceeded, the ladies retired, the cool claret was moistening my lips, but curiosity was up- "_ pennost, aud I approached that glittering sideboard. " AAtat- ever are those?" said I. " Only my poultry prizes," was the reply. " Poidtry prizes ! why here are tbe contents of a Mil- som Street silversmith's shop!" I counted the prizes, they numbered about fifty. Silver salvers at the back, then cups o.f..;' all kinds and grades — tail cups, shoi-t cups, slender cups, fai,'' ' cups, plain cups, embossed cups, Grecian-shaped, lioman,'.' mediajval, all shapes ; cups with covers, tankard-likc, cups ' without, and with inscriptions on each and all. Then there was a grand muffineer (that bird was not a muff that won it), also' silver asparagus tongs, cream jug, and — and I know not what '; else. As the new servant girl, a very yovmg one, said to hepr.' mother, after seeing the dinner-table laid out in the dining- ^ room the first day of her service, "Lor me! mother, my eyes'' ' was right daz2led." Among the cups lay also, like nest eggs, a ' number of medals from Birmingham and other shows. AVell, poultry' fanciers, if successful, have something to exhibit to their friends worth showing. , ' .11 ^ ^^i After a pleasant evening ^(rbU ' ainong' the hayrii'ak^rs, anid.' ' raising my eyes ever and anon to watch the shadows on tli'e", lovely Jleudips, I retired to rest, and dreamed I was a Spanish' don, with something odd about my ears, which were very wMte — then tliat a great number of medals were htm'g on my breast for distijiguished service — then that I was keeping a silver- smith's shop — then I was bm-ing cases of stuffed birds — theii' I was reading Hannah More's "Life" and tracts — .and then' I di-e;uned that I was the real shepherd of Salisbiuy Plain — and then I awoke and found that I was the real — Wiltshiee PiECTOE. (To be contiiined.) BELFAST POULTEY SHOW. (From a Con-cspond^it.) Thb flboT6 Show took plaoe on the 6th and 7th inst. and met with more thau usnal success. The breather with the e:;c«ption of a l^-v,- JOURNAL OP HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. [ July 18, 188S. smart showers was all tliat could be deBired. The Belfast Committee give ft ten-gniuea challLUge cup to the exhibitor who obtains the greatest nnmbor of first prizes, the cup having to bo won three years in snccession before it becomes the property of the winner. This cup has proved finch an inducement that it brouglit the best collection of poTlltry together that has ever been witnessed in Ireland. Last year the cup was won by Mr. Beldon, of Yorkahii-e, who beat Mr. Boyle of Dublin, by a single point, and the same two exhibitors again tried their Btcength this year, but the Yorkshireman proved too much for his opponent, being the winner by two points ; but it certainly is highly creditable to Mr. Boylo when it is considered that he only exhibited fifteen pens to his opponent's twenty-live. Mr. Beldon has but to be once more successful to win the cup. Of the various breeds fir.?t on the list came Dorhin'js, all the pi-izes going to Silvcr-Greys. The cock in the first-prize pen was a really fino bird. In Dorldng chickens there was only a moderate display. In single Dorking cocks the iinality was only moderate. Next came the Spanish. Here Mr. Beldon was an easy first with a pen shown in beautiful condition, and with fine pnre faces ; but they should have been larger. Mr. Boyle's thii-d-prizo pen, I thought, was much better than the second. In Spanish chickens Mr. Boyle was first with the best pen of youngsters that I have seen this season. In .single Spanish cocks Mr. Beldon was again successful with a very fair specimen. In Span- ish hens Mr. Boyle won with a really fine pair. , , . Next came the r'ocA7n-r'/i('»n.s, in which all coloiirs competed to- gether ; the first prize went to a pen of Partridge-coloured, the second prize went to a middling pen of BniFs, the third went to a splendid pen of Whites. The Bnthnws afforded another triumph to Mi-. Boyle'syard, this gentleman winning both fii-st prizes with splendid birds. His'first- prize pen contained the best pair of hens I remember to have seen. The shape was equal to the best Cochins, and the pencUUng the best I ever saw, the cock was a beautiful bird in size, purity of feather, and magnificent condition ; the bud was perfection. Then came that beautiful variety the Ilamhurghs, these classes afforded easy triumphs for Mr. Beldon, that gentleman taking all the prizes. The Game was very indifferent ; the class in my opinion did not contain a single good pen ; the same may be said of the single cock class. In Game Bantams Mr. Boyle was first with a remarkably small pen. In Bantams, any other variety, Gold and Silver Sebnghts took first and second. There wore three classes of Polnnds : here again Mr. Beldon ■won the first in a veiy easy manner. There was also a class for tl'o best six chickens for the table, Mr. E. P. Williams took first wiih Dorkings. Next on the list came Turlccys ; here Mr. Znrhorst was more fortu- nate, wiiniing the first prize with large good birds. In dfcse Mr. Boyle was unapproachable, winning first and second with bii-ds of large size. In Aylesbury nmls Mr. Boyle was first, hard pressed by Mr. Williams ; the latter gentleman, however, made up for it in young" Aylesburys. DoEKrNGS.— First. F. H. Lewis, Nettlefleld, Belfast. Second and Thu-d, Col. Leslie, Glasslongb. Highly Commended, W. C. Seymoiu--HiU, Dun- mor>-. CViicJYn-s.— First, W. C. Seymour-Hill. Second and Third. Col. Leslie. Coci.— First, J. Borthwicii, Prospect, Can-ickfergus. Second, F. H. Lewis. Highly Commended, R. P. '(Villiams, Clontart, Dublin. Bew!.— First and Second, F. H. Lewis. Highly Commended, Col. Leslie. Spanish.— First, H. Beldon, Giistend, Bingley, York. Second, C. E. McCUntock. Third. P.. 'W. Boyle. Gnltrim House, Bray. Highly Com- mended, R. P. Williams. C/iicttiis.— First, R.W.Boyle. Second, C. E. McCUntock. Thud, R. P. WiOiams. Coct.— Fii-st. H. Beldon. Second, E. W. Boyle. JTfBs.— First, R. W. Boyle. Second, F. Lewis. CoCHlK-CHrNA (Any colour).— Fli'st, F. Lewis. Second, H. Beldon. Third and Highly Commended. F. W. Zurhorst. Belville. Donnvhrook. ffciw.— First and Second, F. Lewis. Highly Commended, P. W. Zurhorst. Bbahma Pootra.— First and Third, R. W. Boyle. Second, H. Beldon. Highly Commended, H. Hawkins, Sydenham, Belfast. Hens.— First, R. W. Boyle. Second, F. Lewis. Hakbukoh (Silver-spangled).— First and Second, H. Beldon. Third, R. W. Boyle. Highly Commended, F. Lewis. Hamedegh (SUver-penciUed).— Fust and Second, H. Beldon. Third F. Lewis. Highly Commended, H. Hawkins. Hambuegh (Golden-spangled).— First and Second, H. Beldon. Third F. Lewis. HAMBtTRGH (Goldcn-pencilled).— FiTst aud Second, H. Beldon. Third and Commended, F. Lewis. Game (Any colour).— First, H. Beldon. Second, F. Lewis. Third, C. E. McCUntock. Commended, C. Peacock. Game (Single cock).— First, C. Peacock. Second, H. Beldon. Com- mended, F. Lewis. Game Bantams.— iPirst, E. W. Boyle. Second, H. Beldon. Commended F. Lewis. Bantams (Any other breed). — Fii'st and Second, F. Lewis. POLANDS (White-breasted),— First, H. Beldon. Second, F. Lewis. Third, G. Martin, Glenview, Belfast. PoLANDS (Silver-spangled).- First and Highly Commended, H. Beldon. Second, F. Lewis. Third, B. P. WUliams. Rolands (Golden-spangled i.— First and Third, H. Beldon. Second, F. Lewis. Highly Commended, R. P. Williams. Best six Chickens Suitable tor the Table.— First, R. P. Williams. Second, C. E. McClintock. ,_ TnBKEYS.— First, F. W. Zurhorst. Second, R. Mohaffy. Geese.— First and Second, R. W. Boyle. Docks (Aylesbury).— Fust, R. W. Boyle. Second, R. P. WUUams. Third. J. Wilson. Ducklings (Aylesbury).- First, R. P. WilUams. Second. R. W. Boyle. Thud, W. 0. Seymour. Ducks (Rouen).— First, G. Martin. Second, E. W. Boyle. Third, H. Beldon. Commended, J. Dickson. Ducklings (Rouen).— First, R. W. Boyle. Second, R. P. Williams. The names 'o^the Judges did not transpire. [We are obliged to our correspondent for his commnnication ; but we have omitted all the laudation and vituperation, because too apparently coming from friendly Ijias towaids one of the exhibi- tors.— Eds.1 BEE-HOUSE— APIARIANS VEIL. AssivERs to the following questions in The Jouenai. of Hor- ticulture will obUge. My bee-shed is 6 feet 8 inches high at b.ick, and 5 feet in front, with a width of 5 feet from fi-ont to back, and G yards long. I want more room : will it be better to double the length of the shed, or have outer covers made for the hives ? The latter will be by far the most expensive plan. My present shed is closed only at the back, and in hot weather I have an opening of a foot the whole length. If the shed be best, should there be any partition between the hives, such as a thin board on edge '? What distance shoidd there he between the hives ? In the case of nucleus-boxes would it be desirable to place some distinguishing mark in fi-ont, say some decided colour, imtil the queen is fecundated ? If my hives are all brought to one form there will be much sameness for returning bees. How do you prepare rags or paper for smoking bees? I have used brown paper steeped in a weak solution of salt- petre. Do you usually take advantage of a guard for the face ? What is best ! I do not care much about my hands, cats in gloves, (tc. Hitherto I have used nothing. In looking for queens I want to have a'clear -vision. — E. B. [We think you cannot do better than double the length of your present bee-house. At the same time it wiU be well to keep the hives as fiu- apart as possible (s,ay, if practic.ible, not less than 3 feet), and it will also be advisable to vary the appearance of neighboiu-ing entrances as much as you can by diversifying them both in shape and colour. We do not deem it necessary to interpose any pai-titiou between the hive's unless the bees themselves should prove it to be so by travelling from one hive to another. Whenever we find it convenient to use a little smoke we charge oiu- fumigator with cellar fimgus, and protect our face when necessary by means of a bag of black net, of a taper form, put on over the hat, and buttoned under the coat. Gloves we very seldom require, but photographer's indiarubber ones are by far the best.] FORMING STOCKS FR03M CONDEMNED BEES. A BEE-KEEPER iu my neighbom-hood who keeps to the old- fashioned mode of destroying the bees for the honey, has offered me the bees this autumn if I can take them by any other process, he being the recipient of the honey of course. Would you kindly teU me in yom- next impression how to go about it, whether, should I succeed, it would answer my pur- pose, and what food to give them during winter ? I am think- ing of biulding a house of my own after the fashion of a successful apiarian here, with Ijoxes attached to one another, but with commimications between them to allow of artificial swarming, &c., and supers or beU-glasses to each, &c. Can the bees be at once placed in them ? They will be perfectly protected from frost and cold. Can the old combs be saved in the abstraction of honey, and will Ihey be useful in the boxes ? Or, again, bad I better winter this lot in straw hives, and wait until the spring before I put them in the box-house ? WTiose is the best book for a bee-keeper who wants to study the art deeply ? — W. C. D., Calverton. [We drive condemned bees into common hives in the way described by Mr. Woodbury, in page 423, of Vol. V., bring them liome in the same, and transfer them to frame-hives the next morning by knocking them out on the top of the exposed frames, having previously removed the crowTi-board and deepened the hive about an inch by a square frame of that depth and the same diameter as the hive laid on the top. This prevents crushing the bees when the crown-board is replaced, which should be done almost instantaneously after the cluster is knocked out and before it has time to spread. One or two more swarms should be added to each hive in the same way a few days aftenvards, and the stocks fed* up to from 16 lbs. to * Lump sugar and water in the proportion of 3 lbs. of sugar to 2 lbs. of water, is a cheap food and will answer the purpose. July 18, 1865. ] JOUBNAi OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. 61 20 lbs. nett weight eacli before winter sets in, at a cost of about 10s. to 12s. a-piecc for sugar. Any portions of worker comb which are found empty and in good condition may, probably, be purchased for a trillo if not given to you, and will be a great assistance to the bei's if attaclied to tlie bars in the way de- scribed in page 18, of the fifth edition of " liee-lioopiug for tlie Many" (price id., or free by post from this ollice for five stamps). If the combs be new, all artificial supports may be removed within two days ; if old, a day or two longer will be required. The best bce-houso for one who wishes to study the subject deeply, is either a verandah or a similar construction built against a wall, eitlier perfectly open or merely closed with pheasant wire (in which is a good-si?.t«l a]>erture opposite the entrance to each hivc|, in ti'onl, and with sufficient height and room to operate behind ; whilst the best liives are those which have been named after Mr. Woodbury, and which are fully described in page 11 of the same edition, of " Bee-keeping for the Many." Wo prefer them made of straw, in which material Messrs. Neighbour, 149, Regent Street, and 127, Hol- bora, tLu:n them out in first-rate style. These gentlemen will also supply you with Mr. liaugstroth's book, which is the best work we are acquainted with for the purpose you require.] FERTILE WORKERS. YocB correspondent Mr. AVm. Carr need not be at all scep- tical as to the existence of fertUe workers, neither do I believe are they of such rare occurrence as our Editors would seem to suppose, having met with three separate instances this summer, and had them under my observation at the same time. I must say I rather entertain the idea that at certain seasons, and luider particular circumstances, workers may be induced to become fertile as a matter of course, and I have no doubt that many cases of drone -production ascribed to vu'gin queens are all the while due to fertile workers. The first case was that of a queenless stock presented me by a fi-icnd, and, on brealdng it up, I discovered di'one brood in worker cells, and in all stages of development, and which I have not a doubt was produced by workers. The other instances occurred in two of my earliest batch of nuclei — these failed to raise royal cells. In tlie one instance within a fortnight, before a queen could have been raised, or indeed ere the latest brood were much more than half matured, I was struck at noticing a good many eggs deposited in the cells, and rather hastily concluded that my assistant, to whom I had entrusted the peopling of the bo.'c, had stupidly run off the queen along with the workers at the out-lying apiary. A thorough search failed to show her, while a subsequent examination of the stock afforded ample proof of her most productive jiresence — whence the eggs ? A subsequent minute examination not only revealed eggs in the cells, but many, even up to six, deposited in a single cell. By way of experiment I allowed matters to take their course, and the other day along with a most experienced apiarian friend, took a survey of the box — foimd egg-lajnng going on and a good many di'ones at liberty ; it was most interesting to note, that both the older blacks, as well as their more youthful Italian sisters, had alike the power to produce the males of their distinct varieties. The brood in the other nucleus, above referred to, was all hatched out and yet no fertile workers. Feeling confident from what I had seen in the other case, that I had merely to withhold the material to raise another monarch, and I could as it were compel them to become fertile, it was even so, and the drones have since been duly hatched. I may here relate, as not altogether foreign to the subject, a ciurious coincidence which I met with in the early part of the present season — viz., the simultaneous issue in every flight of young bees from a stock possessing a black queen, not only attendance of her sable progeny, but a goodly proportion of splendidly marked Italians. Tliere was no mistaking it, there they were rotating side by side on the landing-board, and com- mingling in theii' merry gambols, marking the site on their first flight of their common home. How could this be ? I put forth my riddle to many apiarian friends, and was not a little tickled at the many "guesses at truth" which came to hand. To appreciate my riddle, I must go more into detaO. The hive was a common straw one. a " second " of last season, from which I had expeUed the black bees to make way for my old Devon queen and her train, after having been pui'ified from foul brood through the double " purgatorial process." What black brood existed in the hive at the transference was duly hatched, followed by lota of young Italians. Winter came ; it was half over, when one day I had the mortification to find my valued monarch lying dead upon the laudiug-board. It was the 8th of March before I met with a spare black ([ueen to take her place. In the interim, during raild days, when airing, the bees got into no agitation, as I had auticipated, on missiug their queen. Pollen was carried liberally, and young Italians issued till I at last began to suppose, like Jonas Jackson, that I had taken a distended defunct worker for n\y valued monarch ; this could not be, I knew lier too well. By-and-by the offspring of the black queen emerged in abundance, invariably escorted iu eveiy instance by their glittering ItaUan sisters. I was non- plussed and sought advice. A valued contributor of this Journal suggested a strain of Ligm-ian blood iu the black queen. This could not be : her pro- geny in the stranger hive from which I removed her were, equally with her more youthful offspring, free from the slightest tinge, indeed as thoroughly lilaok bees as I had ever seen. The " old-fashioned bee master" from whom I procured her prided himself on tl"' blackness of his stock; besides, these fine- marked yello , jackets were emerging regularly before she was introduced. /. .ither correspondent suggested they were late- bred bees, wkuc I was sure they were fresh from the ceU; and another was confident they were young ItaUans from an adjoining stock, or eggs carried from such — I know I saw them take their first flight ; besides, unfortunately for me , I had no stock in my apiary capable of producing young bees at all up to the brilliancy of my old queens. I puzzled my correspon- dents— I equally puzzled myself. Latterly, every other explanation failing, could it be possible they owed theii' origin to the existence of fertile workers? but then I was reminded tJtey only produce males. Natui'e had endowed them with this power surely as a preliminary to a higher end, otherwise their drone-production could in no wise save their extinction. Might it not be that the long confine- ment of their queen had induced some of her progeny, as in the above cases, to become fertile, and on a par with virgin queens ? that the performance of the maternal duties so far might incite the desire to go forth to seek the di-ones, who at that period abounded, thereby becoming converted into worker queens and save stocks so situated from impending ruin ? In a spirit of rivalry might they not have risen in rebellion and destroyed the old queen, their new powers satisfactorily accounting for their strange quiesence ? My pretty Uttle theory was gradually abandoned with the decreasing numbers of the young Itahaiis, till the new hypothesis was forced upon me as the only solution of the mystery, that the extreme fertUity of my old queen had so far overshot the number of her followers, that she had dropped eggs into cells far in advance of their ability to attend to, that these had been preserved from chill by the genial warmth of the hive, and with the increasing temperature of the advancing season were gradually overtaken and hatched out. Possibly some reader may be able to afford a clue to the better elucidation of what for many weeks proved to be one of the most singular and striking phenomena ever met with by — A EENFBEWsniKE Bee-keepeb. EXPERIMENTING WITH LIGURIANS. The following is extracted from the apiarian joirrnal of a clergyman in one of the northern counties of England : — June 3rd. — Received a stock of Ligurians from the apiary of Mr. Woodbury. Took out all the frames in order to remove the strips of wood. Succeeded well until I came to the last frame, \vhicli slipped to the gi-ound ; soon re-adjusted without much damage ; did not get a sting worth mentioning, and sav7 the queen. Saw a Ligurian on the aUghting-lioard of unicomb hive dressing a yoimg bee ; both went into the hive quite pleasantly. June 14th. — Beautiful hot day. Examined my Ligurian hive, and was much pleased to find that the bees had filled the two empty frames in a few days. Found the queen on the first fi-ame I lifted out, and at once resolved to form an artificial swarm. I did so by putting two frames from the middle of the hive into the nucleus box. Removed Ligmian hive for fifteen minutes and put nucleus box in its place. At night placed nucleus box in apiary next to the Ligm-ian stock. They had been in the dark several hoiu's. Supplied empty space iu Ligmian by a brood comb from a Taylor's bar hive. It did not 62 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTTJEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ JiUy 18, 1865. seem to have much sealed brood, but there were several drone cells. Gross weight of Ligurian stock after the above opera- tion, including floor-board, 36 lbs. June 1.5th. — 8 a.m. — Went to see my nucleus box place d yard from Ligurian stock, The bees did not seem in any hurry to leave the box, but, as I had feared, scarcely one of those leaving returned up to 1 p.m. ; doubtless they would return to parent hive. Towards noon could see a difference in their conduct. The bees ran up to and touched each other, as if t<:i communicate something. Could not resist a peep into the box, and foimd a busy scene. The bees were busy and had built four small pieces of comb. Daring the afternoon swept the bees from another brood comb into the nucleus box. Saw common drones in the Ligurian, probably from the comb put in yesterday. They had already begun to work well from the empty frame put in yesterday. June 17th. — Hottest day we have had ; temperature 80° in apiary. Examined nucleus, and hardly fancied there were sufficient bees. Could find no signs of prejiaration for a queen. Began to he dubious. Determined to add another brood comb. Found the queen on the sixth frame with eggs ; remove her \vith a feather, and place comb in box. Also brush bees from another comb into box. Feel more comfortable after. This makes three frames taken from the Ligurian stock, besides the young bees swept from two other combs. Notwithstanding this rough treatment the Ligurian stock weighs 42 lbs. — viz., 6 lbs. increase in three days. Find the handling of frames rather dehcate work, and calculated to make one nervous ; the very slightest breathing excites the bees. June 19th, Monday. — Ligurian stock 47 lbs. — viz., 11 lbs. increase in five days. Nucleus box, found two (jueen cells, but not yet sealed. They were on the frames first put in. This the sixth day. Felt some measure of satisfaction. Jime 21st, Wednesday. — Nucleus-box : Put in a brood comb from a Taylor's bar, the result of an accident. How con- venient these compound Woodbury frames are ! June 22nd, Thursday. — Nucleus-box: One queen-cell ap- proaching completion ; the other the same as before. The third frame, )iut in im the 17th, does not contain so many eggs as I had thought. Begin to doubt the desirabiUty of putting in any fresh frames until full preparation had been made for the queen. Jime 24th, Saturday. — Examine box, and find royal cell quite sealed and beautiful : only one, however, as no further progress has been made with the second. Form another nucleus-box. Commenced at 2 p.5i., and found that I had this time caught a Tartai-. Day rather gloomy, and a little wind from the north. The hive was one moving mass. For better light took the frames outside, and fancy the wind blowing on them must have excited them. Detei-mine to proceed, although it is Saturday. Found my lady on the eighth frame, and felt thankfij. All doubt about Ligurian s stinging is now at an end, as I had half a dozen stings on my head and face. Put two weU-fiUed frames in box No. 2 ; also a third frame with a httlc comb. Took a third frame from Ligurian stock beautifully filled with honey — 5 lbs. Nett weight taken away, 10 lbs. W'eight before operations, 62 lbs. — i. e., 16 lbs. increase in ten days, besides losing a brood-comb on the 17th. Weight after " operation, 41 lbs. June 2.5th, Sunday Evening. — Put box No. 2 in apiaiy, having had it in the dark since yesterday evening. June 26th, Monday. — Ligurian, 43 lbs. June 27th, Tuesday. — To my utter astonishment the Ligu- rians swarmed. Weight of swarm, 3 lbs. Weighed Ligurian stock at once, and found it to be 40 lbs. — ;'. e., just 3 lbs. lighter. Nucleus-box No. 1 : Fouud a queen-cell on the comb last put in on the 17th. Tried bottle-feeder, made out of a pickle-jar, on box No. 2 ; answers well. Jime 29th, Thursday. — Gross weiizht of Ligurian swarm, 20 lbs. June 30th, Friday. — Examine box 1, and find the first queen- cell just vacated ; the queen quite close to cell, and her wings not yet expanded well. Will there be piping ? listened at night, but heard none. The other cell sealed sixteenth day. Ligu- rian stock, 42 lbs. July 1st. — Got severely stung by Ligurians by removing cover too soon after unscrewing it. The hive had not been steady, so that they had been shaken. How interesting always to get stung on a Saturday ! — nice preparation for Sunday ! Box No. 1 : Found second queen-cell empty ; she must have been disposed of by her rival. For first time examined box No. 2. Three queen-cells sealed seventh day. •July 3rd, Monday. — Nucleus-box No. 2 : Saw queen-cells all right. July 4th, Tuesday. — Ligurian stock, 48 lbs. July 5th, Wednesday. — Took about one-third of bees and frames, with one queen-cell, from Ligurian stock. Only one queen-cell left in the hive. Neither of them sealed eighth day from swarming. Examined natural swarm from Ligurian ; found (jueen on the very last frame. Eighth day swarm weighed 20 lbs., as against 20 lbs. six days since. Took queen from a second cast of black bees, -ivith a view to putting in one of the sealed queens out of box No. 2. Put the captive queen, after much consideration, into the Taylor's bar-hive, which swarmed on Saturday last. ""VTif July 6th, Thursday. — Transferred a comb from the deprived hive to box No. 2, with a view to putting in a sealed queen. To my great gi-ief and astonishment found all the cells open ! only the twelfth day from the forming of the nucleus box : Cannot understand it. Thimderstorm with rain in the evening. July 7th, Friday. — Dull rainy day for the most pai-t. July 8th, Saturday. — Morning duU, but bees flying much in the afternoon. The weather cooler, and do not deem it expe- dient to examine hives. Still feel anxious about my queen cells being open so soon. Querj', Is it possible that the queen from box No. 1 can have mistaken her home, got into box No. 2, and rifled the queen cells ? The boxes are exactly alike in all respects, and present the same outward appearance, but they are at least 3 yards asunder. — E. B. [We never heard queens pipe in a nucleus, owing, probably, to no opposition being made under these circumstances to their destroying the remaining royal cells, which they proceed to do in an incredibly short time after they are themselves hatched. We consider one brood-comb » sufficient in each nucleus box at first. When this has hatched oiit, and before the young queen has commenced egg-laying, then, and not till then, a second may be advantageously introduced. The population at the outset is usually far too scanty to cover more than one brood-comb properly. Siiperfluous royal cells should be utilised by being transferred to other nuclei ou the ninth or tenth day, as they sometimes hatch out so early as the eleventh, although we have known them delayed until the twentieth day. The young black queen transferred on the .5th of July would, if unimpregnated, be very Ukely to return to her old liive, and would in this case at once destroy the inserted royal cell.] FLOOR-BOARDS— FEEDING-HOLE. The floor-board three-quarter-inch thick, under a hive was firmly nailed to a pedestal. The floor-board is now beginning to warp and crack. Wlien wiU be the best time to put a new one in the place of it ? and how must I ])roceed ? Would it be a good plan to cut a hole in the top of the hive through which to feed the bees with a bottle or pan in the autumn and spring, and to let out the moisture ? If so, would it not be best done soon, and what size should the hole be ? — A. R. [Your new floor-board should be IJ-inch thick, and keyed to prevent warping. As soon as it is finished let some one raise the hive gently at dusk some cool evening and slip the new board under it. A hole of from 2 to 3 inches diameter for feeding, &c., may be cut at once.] * This brood-comb should, however, have either au'empty comb or a honeycomb on each aide of it. OUll LETTER BOX. Aylesbury Ducks (J. C. Hose). — We hiive made inqiiiries; and think that yoxi will be quite safe in breeding from the Ducks, though one of the eleven has a dark patch of In-own feathers, for this proves no more than that some generations ago there may have been a Kouen cross. Do not breed frtim the Duck ba^-ing the brown patch. Pay'ne's Cottager's IIi\'t: {M. A. Williamson). — Your Payne's hive will not require the straw cap if stocked so late in the season as this. The hole in the top should be closed by laying on it the loose round straw mat, without inteniosing an adapter, which should be used only when a super Is put on; the bees will fasten the cover in their ovra way. Bees fre- quently appear unwilling to work in glasses; there is, therefore, nothing extraonlinarj' in one of your stocks refusing to do so. The glass should be taken off when seen to be filled, and the combs severed by means of a fine wire drawn across under the glass, or under the adapter if there be one. The bees may be got rid of in the manner described in our reply to " SguiE " in p:igc 40. " ~ ' Jnl; 26, 1866. -] JOURNAL OP HOBTICUta:URB A^D COT'IIWJE ,GA|i;)^NBP- 63 WEEKLY CALENDAR. fi / (iif ••>> Duy or VIvck. To W Til P 8 Sun 5t nOVIiTl as^Sl) 1B66. St. Jas, Dccsess of Ca»b. Bohn, rtiinyrnyal flownrs. [1797. Wntcr Dropwnrt flnwors. Willi Toiisel flinvoi'S. Keuutjl flowers. 7 Sl'NU.iV AFTER TBUIJTV. IHas flowers. A,venu;Q Temperature '^ dear LonAon. liiiin in luot 38 years. Day. 73.8 73.5 7-1.0 7(i.2 75.8 7-,.\ 75.0 NiRht. «.4 60.6 51.3 61.4 50.8 50.4' 60.S Mean. 61.0 62.1) 02.1) o:i.8 011.3 62.7 62.8 l>llVfl. 10 18 17 M 10 , 16 14 Sun . nieeg. Snn Moon ■iHisesI n^i, r ra. h. IDafi 17 ■ 4 IS 4 20 i 4 21, .1 57nf7 24' '51J iBt: :,7' ;51, 50 ni.I h. 26af7 ;>o ■ « 34/ 9 M M 41) 11 after. ^4 1' f 80'' 9 i'43"io I 14 .11 Moons Age:' DtvySi "1$ ■ .A'B t lit ■ I 'Olatfc' I Sun. . Day I Year. 6 13] 6 n '« ! 1»- i-fl ;W '6''' 6 2P6, •207 •208 • •M) r 2W., 212 From obflcrvHtions taken near London during the last tbjrty-eigljt years, the avera*?e day teniner'aiure of the we'ek'i's 74.i)', and it^ niuht teiuperatiirc SO.O". The gtoatest ' heat w& 9!°, on the 23th, 1844; and^tha Wwesli cMd, flS^Joil! tlie 30tlljiie69. ' ' Thegrfeattet faU of rain was 1.89 inch. :■"■' ': . '1 >-■•■■ .• ' k i- i ■ v /i :•■.■■ J ,ii mM vl.i /-iI;. i,t,A / .ilT vjiI'-dV ^ i: PROPAOATING ANB lAFTER-MANAGElVrENT OF ;^j^:pi;>pjG ^akd other plants, (Continni'd from page as.) V Irosine Herbstii I stated iu my last article that it was likel)' to prove ono of our Tciy best bedding plants, but I must now retract what I said ill its praise. It had then all the appearance of being a really good plant for bedding ])urposes, and promised to IVii- smiiass the Ama- rantlms, but the excessively hot and dry weather wo have had since hits proved it to be qiuto unfit for the decoration of the flower garden. The beautiftd crunson appearance it hadiu tlio spring has given place to a dii-ty brown, whilst the Amaranthus is one of the mosb beautifol objects' we have here tins season. ' '■'■"'■" ■' .- ' ; -^ y;:!^.K! i . If managed iii the following way the Amnrnnthis mehni- choHciis niher cannot fail to give every satisfaction. The seed should be so\ni about tlie third week in ApiH on a moderate hotbed, and as soon as the young plants liave made the second set of leaves, they should be pricked off jnto boxes filled -(rith a good rich soil. They may be ■pricked out in the boxes nearly as thicldy as they can stand •together : then place them hi a close frame for a few days, when they wQl soon emit fresh roots and .start gro^^•iug veiy ■freely. They should then have the benefit of all the air that can be given them for the piu'pose of hardening them off. By this time there ■nill be spare fi-ames, into whicli they shoidd be pricked out ; about r! mclies of good soil should bo placed in these, and the plants should then be carefully turned out ' of the boxes, tal-cing care to disentangle the roots without injiuy. The plants should then be pricked out into the fi-ames about 2 or :) mches apart. If there is plenty of partly decayed leaves at hand, put 0 or 8 inches of them into the bottom of the fi-ames before putting the soil in. Tlus -nill give a little heat to start tliem info gro-n-th. As each light is filled water with a fine rose and shut them up : they should be kept close for a few days. and if the weather is bright must be shaded. Sji-inge them evei-y afternoon just before the sun is off the frames, and shut them up closely. Contuiue tlus treatment for ten days or a fortnight, by which time the plants will be well es- tablished, when they should be gi-aduaUy hardened off, leaving the lights off them altogether about the tliird week in ]\[ay. By the fir.st week in June they -v^-ill be sufficiently hardened ami may be planted out where they are wanted. They shoidd not be planted out earlier than the first week in .June, unless the weather is very favourable and the situation where they arc to be planted is a sheltered one. Here a lai-ge.bei of Amarajitliuii, with au. edging of --■ ' Sd.'Sa&^VbtVlX'.J'lirEW Series. '" ''" "'i '■' }!:"j/:''''- ^:. A'iola coninta,'is ohcVbf tWe fiiiest'obji5ct's't'hayy 'eVdt'''Sben; it lights up every b(-iT rit'ai- it; aiid'. ■li'hen seeii at a distance, ■sylien tbte sun is sJiiniug on il, the effect is gi-and in the e;iftreine, Tliis Yjolct i^ pi-:if(;(;ily hai-dy, and will, I lliinlf, pi-pve, one of the , most ,Ufiefu|l plant^; foy edging we have ; it is of a shade of coloW: we i]U'e r^'ery short of am(.)ugst tlie ntunerous plants suitable for bedcting pm-poses— it is a beautiful violCt-shadod luau^'c. It iloMers very freely all through tlie summer and autunmi montlis^-^in fact it is siddoiu out of bloom summer or winter. In damp soils it grows very fi'ecly ; it will, therefore, want frerjuently pegging down, and pOltte of the young gi-owths will have to lie pinched out. Tlie phinfs slionlil be fUvidcd in the spring, and pricked out in beds ; or they may be planted out at once aroiuid the margins of the be;lB whoi'e they.E^re intended to remain during tlie followmg suinmer. ■ ,,,.,i, Varhonii i'dncl L'i(s}u or () inches lugh, and produces immense trasses of bright scarlet iloA-ers, of wtmderful substance for so small' a plant. These varieties v.'i!l become great favom-ites vd\\\ the public as soon as tliey become better kno-v^Ti. and the treat- ment they reqiui'e luidei'stood. as they are such small- growing plants. Till; soil most fdiitable for them is a very rich one. When the beds or borders in wluch they are to lie planted are prepared in the, .spring-., a tliick eoat of well- decomposed manure .should bo ."jpread over the beds, wliich should be dug two spits deep; and tlie maniu'e placed in the bottom. Tliis wtilL encoiu-age thei-oots to go do-wn in search of the manure. ■ The smi does not tltirt affect them; and, as they are free-roofing plaii'ts. it Causes them to throw up a constant succession tif young gro^vths frota the base of the plant all through the' siri'iimer, and up to the latest period in the autumn. They. do not trail , along; the ground like the gardeii varieties : 'neither do (hey emit roots as the yoiuig,sd,ioots ,?pijie,i,i^.,c0ntact Tsithjlhe gi'oivnd. (Me of the greatest adyantijges which they have over tlie other varieties, is that they vetain theii- perfect, .symmetrical form all tlu-ough the season ; whereas the otliers, by their habit of rooting as each joint comes hi contact witli the ground, are <;onRtaiitly;,spi-efl4ingU'm'ther from wlier-e the plant was first i'>laiited,' leaving the 'centre cpiitc bare. Tliis propensity of the'|llant for rambling occasions con- stant trouble, and the iTse of almost nimuperahlc pegs, where a large miantify (if Verlveiias 'are gi'o^m. The Cushion nt I know very well that the removal of trees does make vege- iation later, and exposes it to the wind to such a degree that ■we are not able to view it after strong winds with that satisfac- fion i-hich wo always feel in the case of gardens protected by telts of trees and walls. " I am surprised to find how little daraage had been done by the late high wind, which shook the buildings to their- foundations ! " is by no means an uncommon exclamaiion ; " but the tre»s in the plantation are torn and Ixattered, some have lost large arms, comidetcly disfiguring ihem, others uprooted, &c." Hills .and trees are Nature's shel- teis. The liills protect the valleys, the trees protect the shrubs, ihe slindjs th.e plants ; the gi'ass even shields the lovely Lilies, and the Fera the moss at its foot. " Trees create a confined atmosphere, harbour insects, and interfere with the growth of ■crops." Granted — what of the crops in a cold winter and j^pring ? what of the fruit of trees in a windy season ? Those who advocate open exposed situations for the growth of fi'uit and vegetable crops, only aim at cidtivating the commoner kinds. I agree with them so far, but no farther. The ])lants which we cluefly cultivate in gardens are exotics, or, it not, are j'cudered so tender by improvement as to be ciiually or nearly as much in need of protection as if they were. More than this : we want crops early and late, we want to catch the sunbeams, and to retain them when we get them. In short, we want light, air, and warmth in gardens, but we want these without confinement, and e(iually without exposure. Shelter ■with openness is very lUfferent from shelter with overshadow- iag. Isolated trees, as hedgerow timber, are almost valueless, cud are frequently situated where they will not give shelter but •divert the force of the current ■ in the direction of the point exposed. Were they planted in masses opposite the part ifiought to be sheltered it is certain they would serve the object in view, and become profitable after a while, which they rarely do wiien isolated. Besides, they are more ornamental in a mass, grow more rapidly, and consequently make a shelter sooner. Few will deny that our climate is too cold for the majority of irnits to be grown in open situations ; all agi'ee that we need something to aid us in retaining the solar heat, and this, what- ever it be, must absorb heat, and radiate it when the atmo- Gphere becomes cold. Wails of brick have long been erected for 4his purpose, and they become heated sooner than stone, and aiso radiate the heat more rapidly. They have their evils, JiOTsevcr, the chief one being that they do not constitute a euffieient protection against occasional severe spring frosts, and in very inclement seasons the fruit does not ripen well upon them. To remedy this defect glass coverings h.ave been ■ej-ected over the trees in some cases, and with good residts, and latterly glass houses have been employed. I do not think that itjither walls, or glass houses without walls, fiilly answer the Tpnrpose for ■which they are intended, but both are good aids ; the glaes sti-uctaire having the advantage over a wall in ripening the fruit and wood during a wet season. A wall is certainly necessary to secure fruit of some kinds in our climate, whilst for others it must be covered with glass, or a glass house must be provided in order to have them in perfection, whilst some require not only glass structures, but artificial heat. It is foreign to my purpose, however, to enter into the merits of detached glass houses. A garden walled all round, and having one face to any cardinal point, whatever it be, and all the others at right angles to it,mll have four aspects — east.west, north, and south ; it may also happen that the waUs may not directly face any of the principal points of the compass, they may then be north- east, north-west, south-east, and south-west. I w ill take it for granted, however, that the position of the walls is met by one or other of the above cases, and will first deal with that in which the aspects are north, south, east, and west. A south asjiect is that wall on which, if you turn yom- back to it, the sun will be fidl in your face at twelve o'clock at noon. The other side of that wall is a north aspect, and so with an east and west aspect. An aspect is that side of a wall facing the point of the compass from which it derives its name. The south wall or aspect receives the most light, absorbs the greatest heat, and is the best for the more tender fruit trees, and those required earlier than on aspects where they would otherwise do well. This wall is the only one suitable for Peaches, Nectarines, and also Apricots, to have them plenti- fully and with certainty. Apricots on east walls sometimes do fairly, but though the trees grow freely they are not to be depended on for a crop. A south wall enables the trees against it to ripen their fruit about a fortnight earlier than on an east wall. For earliness a tree or two of the early Cherries, as Early Purple Gean, and one or two of the May Duke, may be planted against south walls. For the same reason some early Plums may also be planted, as the Pr.'coce de Tours now superseded by Early Favourite (Elvers), decidedly the best of the early Plums, July Green Gage or Reine Claude Hiitive, and ( jreen Gage ; likewise some of the early Pears, as Doyenne d'Ete. Unless the walls are extensive it is not worth while occupjing south walls with Pears, Plums, and Chen'ies. It is worthy of note that fruit grown on south walls is much earlier than that produced on any of the other aspects, and the juices being more highly elaborated the fruit is better flavoured though less juicy. The fruit on south waUs comes in a fortnight earlier than that on east and west walls, and it is on this account that it is desirable to have fruit trees upon them that would do well on other aspects. Generally, liowever, south walls should be occupied by Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots, and Figs, which last are a precarious crop, and are best gi'own imder glass. They do, however, sometimes bear well. Where there is much wall it is worthy of consideration whether a part might not be advantageously covered with glass on all the aspects, covering alike the wall and border, and growing bushes or pyramids in the borders, so that they may not interfere with the trees on the wall. There would not only be more iruit, but a larger continuance of it. It is also worthy of consideration, whether we now make the most of walls — I mean devote them to that most likely to pay. For instance, a south walll'2 feet high, now exclusively devoted to Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots, and occasionally Figs (which is the greatest waste of space that I know of), might, together with from 1'2 to 18 feet of border, be covered with glass at a cost of £1 per foot run ; and if planted with Vines would it not make an excellent and profitable vinery, and be a good sub- stantial structure equal to any used for horticidtural purposes :' Vines at 3 feet apart woidd certainly pay a good per-centage for the outlay. It the length were 300 feet, 100 Vines might be planted, and they would be poor indeed if they did not each give £1 worth of Grapes after the second year, which, taking first cost and wear and tear into consideration, would be at least equal to 25 per cent, profit. Another part of the wall covered in like manner with glass for Peaches, Nectarines, and Figs, would surely pay, in consequence of something like double the amount of fruit being obtaiued from the space, besides being fully a fortnight earlier. I have seen this idea practicaUy ean-ied out, and with great residts. The trees did quite as well on the wall as when exposed, and derived more fuUy its benefit, whilst the radiated heat was not lost as before in s'p.ice, but expended on the trees that occupied the border. Glass coverings ivpplied to the other walls woidd simply make an east wall suitable for Apricots, Plums, and Cherries ; the west being iised for the same, tor those Pears that are so •liable to crack through the hun idity and cold of our chmate. July as, 1865. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUIIE AND COTTAGE GAKDENER. f55 and for tlio better kinJH of Api)lefi. Thore iw a f,'r(Mit advantiiRO in tliPKP loan-to limisi'S with walls — viz., that thii fruit on the walls conu'S into uso oarlior than that on trees in the bonlers. I am certain that oovoriufi; wkUh with f^lasx is one of the very boHt syateniH that can he ailojitecl in any garilen, in order to ensure certainty of crop, eiirliness, ami the cultivation of fruits that do not ripen well on open walls. I am equally certain that such coverings need not he eonsfructiid as a matter of necessity ; for the fruit trees which I have mentioned for .south walls, and shall name for the other asjxu'ts, have been, and can be, successfully grown on walls now as in days of yore. Tliere should, however, be some limit as to latitude and ele- vation : I may, therefore, observe that these rennirks are based on observations made between 52' and 'A" of north latitude!. To resume. A south wall receives and absorbs the greatest amount of lieat, it is, cousecpiently, the warmest. Fruits ripened on it are sweeter, more sugary, of whatever description they may be, including those that grow on the other aspects — as Plums, Cherries, Pears, and bush fruit as Currants and (ioose- berries. The heat absorbed by day is radiated during the night, and a thermometer with its bulb exposed towards the wall indicates a temperature of from ti' to 10° higher than one in the open ground at the same distance from the ground. I have found that the blossoms (never so tender as the young fruit), are uninjured by 6" of frost when unprotected on a south wall. In addition to this, the ground and air foi- some distance in front of the wall are warmer than in an oiicn situation, and the crop close by it is a fortnight earlier, whilst that on the rest of the border for a distance equal to the height of the wall is earlier by ten days. The evils of a south wall, like the benefits, are great. The bricks absorb the sun's heat so ra]udly as to become quite warm during winter, and this warmth excites the bloom-buds to swell and flower too early in the spring, and there is then a danger of the fiuit suffering from spring frosts : hence it has been found necessary to protect the trees with nets, branches of trees, &c., by day, to prevent the bloom-buds swelling during any bright weather that may happen in early spring ; and after the blooms expand to protect them at night from frost until the foliage becomes large enough to shield the fruit, or until frosts are past. The first of these evils — namely, the too early swelling of the bloom-buds, may he prevented to a considerable extent by having wires to train the trees to at about IJ inch from the wall, this being the only form of trellis to be recommended. When fastened to the wall with shreds and nails the trees are literally roasted at noon, the buds swell much too early in spring, and the iniiling destroys the face of the wall in a few years. Another evil is, that the wall is exceedingly hot in summer, but the heat is lessened, however, and does no great harm when the trees cover the wall. The bricks, too, are continually absorbing and giving out moisture. In di-y weather they rob the trees of moisture, for they have a greater absorbing power than the leaves, and attacks of red spider are encouraged, whilst in wet weather they add to the wetness by remaining saturated, consequently we )iave attacks of mildew. Bricks absorb heat and moisture more rapidly than stone does. A dry brick w-ill take up a pint of water, and be apparently dry, whilst from the surface of stone moisture hangs in drojjs. Bricks, I may remark, do not heat so quickly when covered with moss as when the surface is clean, and stone is influenced in a like manner. I may state that Peaches against a brick wall are some days earlier in ripening than against a stone v.'all, and Apricots are earlier still. Some- times walls are painted with boiling coal tar, which closes the pores of the bricks, renders the wall hotter, and prevents the absorption of moisture. I cannot aSinn that any benefit arises from this, from a coating of tar painted white or stone colour when dry, nor from whitewashing. There may be, but I have not experienced any difference worth mention. There cainiot be a doubt that washing walls with lime, soot, and sulphur, mixed to the consistency of paint with boiling stale urine, de- stroys the eggs of insects. I have always been puzzled to find that Peach trees are the most infested with insects at the lower parts of the walls, whilst at the upper part they are free, not thr jugh the season, but at the first attacks. Green fly and red spider always begin at the lower branches, and extend upwards. Thus I have often noticed that the dwarfs were severely at- tacked, whilst the standards or riders were free, and this more especially for the first three or four years after planting. East walls are chiefly employed for Cherries and Plums. In some instances I have known .\pricots answer pretty fairly, but they are not to be depended upon. Cherries succeed fairly on east walls, better even than on western aspects. AVitli regaril to Plums I I'annot say that they do well on east walls, but fairly, tliough not so well as on a west wall. I'ears, too, da not do so well on tliis as on a western aspect. A west wall is th-r in ri]Hning, ant half-nu.'aHurcH. I am jierKuaded that those wlio have gardens, wliether pro- prietors or those in charge, would confer a henelit on tJu;m- gelvcK and offer a gn^at stimulUH to fruit culture if they were to keep a register of the fruit trees in cool houses or those without artificial lieat, on walls, anfl in the open ground, be- ginning Ist, with the soil ; 2nd, description of tree and how traini^d — busli, jiyramid, or standard ; ;ird, age of trees where practicable; 4tl], time of flowering, noting whether injured or not by frost; .Ith, tlie time of the fruit being ripe — Pears, ■when gathered and (it for tahle, and the same of Apples, with the continuance (»f their season ; Olh, size, obtained by mea- Buring rou7jd the middle of the fruit and also round by the eye and stalk, also weight of a single fruit, and half a dozen of a fair canijjie. ]f grown on walls, the asjiect and other ]>arti- culars should be named, and the wliolo tabulated like a meteor- ological table, tliere lieing a column for gc.-neral remarks not coming within the range of the separate iicadings. It would add njuch to the vidue of tlie observations if the highest and lowest daily trmiperatures were registered with the rainfall and hygrom<'tricaI cruidition of tlie atmosjihere. 1 think these observations would hi! highly interesting and valuable to all growers of fruit, and Ihe mutual exchange of observations could Tiot fail to be of considerable advantage. A few sliillings annual »ubscri])tion would be all that would be needed to carry the j)roje(^t into (effect — to defray the exjieniies of forma and the publication of annual reports. I have already done a little in this way, and gleaned a few facts whi<^h memory fails to furnish when wanted accurately and ))rou]ptly. — G. Aiujky. Till', 1!KI)])1NG-0UI'1X KENSINGTON GAl'.DENS ANJJ IIYDK ]'A1!K. Kknsinoton Palacts is an irregular jiile, chiefly liuilt by William III., but considerably alteied and enlarged by suc- ceeding rrionarchs. The struitttire is composed of brick, and the principal division inclines in shape towards a sijuarc, and shows tljree fronts on the garden side. The ollices attached to the main building aio very extensive. Only the south front is favoun^d with (lower-beds, which are planted in the following order in jiairs to match at each side of a bro.ad walk heading uji to the j'alace. The first, third, (iftlj, and seventh are jilanteil alike with three rows of Stella Geranium in the centre, then two rows of Flower of tlie Day Geranium, then a row of Lnbfclia speciosa, edged with (innjilialium lanatuin. The second bed, a circle, is planted with (Christine Geranium in the c ntre, then bliu! Tjobelia, edgi-d with Cerastium tomentosum. The fourth, also a circle, is jiliintcd willi Miiiliinie Viiucber Gera- nium in the centre, then blue Lobelia, edged willi Cerastium tomentosum ; and the sixth bed the same as the second. \Vb(Oi T say that the Pabice has no hall or front door, iiiul that t)ie walk is at the east oiul of t,)ui jsirtion of lawn devoted to (lowers, I am sure that this will appear inctjiigruous to the eye of taste. Tlu; ribbon-border is composed of Lady I'lymoutli and blue fjobeliii alternately, then Jenny lutid Heliotrope, Perilla nankinensis, a row of I'lowcr of (lie Day (ieranium, and yellow Calceolaria planted alternately in the row, then a row of Punch Geranium, and tlicn a row of white Feverfew, backed liy Monkshood and Chiyfianthemums. On the west Hide, in front of the offices, the beds around tlie (Kiuare piece of lawn look gay, but there seems a want nl balance and some- thing of a framework to Bejtarate it from the broad expanse ol tlje |):irk scenery. Having passed along tlie broad avenue of Elms we enter what is called the fjong Walk on the sriuth side of Kensington Gar- dens ; it is jilanted ribbon-fahbiproach*;d through the jiarks and its own grounds by beautiful walks it is a sjiot visited by all for its own sake, and to which we would with pride and pl( asure con- duct the footsteps of a stranger. Tlie air of trani|uillity which reigns around the S)iot itself, embraced as it is within the circle f)f the most populous capital in Europe, is almost marvellous. 'The trees in some parts of the grounds have been planted in masses of u sort, in other parts they arc gathered into thick groves of mixed kinds, and intersect by long avenues from diffei-cnt jioints. An I'llm tree that I measiin^d was 1.5J feet, a Horse-Chestnut 12j feet, a Hornbeam 7 feet H indies, and a Spanish Chestnut IS feet 8 inches in girth 3 feet from the ground. On a narrow strip of ground, about 150 yards long, running parallel with liotten How from Hyde Park Comer, I n^>ticed sfune mounds and clumps that liav<; lately been made and ]ilanted there. It is the first instalment of an im)irove- nient which I hojie to see extended along the now-neglected site of the ever-memorable Fjxhibition of 1831. F'rom Stanhojie Gate to (irosvenor Gate, beside Park Lane, the beds ami borders are jdanted in the following order: — 1st bed: centre, Stella (ieranium, then Pul^lle King Verbena. The opposite bod : centre, C(immander-)n-(!liief (ieranium, with two rings of variegated Mint and blue Lobelia planted triangu- larly. '2nd bed : centre, (jhristine (ieranium, tlien White Ivy- leaved (Jeraniiim. 0|i]ioBite lied : centre, Commander-in-Chief Geranium, then I'lirjile King Verbena. Hrd bed : centre, Tren- tham Hose Geranium, then Mangles' Variegiiled Geranium. Opposite bed : centre, Punch Geranium, then Purple King Ver- bena. 4tli bed : centre, Tom Thumb (ieranium, then Flower of the Day Geranium. ()p|iosite bed : Tom 'I'liumb Geranium centnj, then Purple King Verbena. .5th bed : centre, Stella Ge- ranium, thin Miidiime Vaucher (ieranium. Opposite bed: centre, Prince of Orange Calceolaria, then Verbena Purple King. Oth bed : centre, Stella (ieranium, then Bijou Geranium. Opposite bod: centre, yellow Calceolaria, then Purple King Verbena. 7th bed, centre, Tom Thumb (ieranium, then Ma- dame Vaucher (ieranium. Opposite bed ; centre, Horsoshoo Geranium, then Purple King Verbena. 8th bed : centre, Tren- July 16, 1886. ] JOUUNALi 01'' HOKTICULTURE ANU COTTAGE GAUDKNEll. (17 tliam lUiHO ficraniiim, tlion Fluwm- of tlji' Hiiy (idmiiiuiii. OppiiKild l>(!il : centre, Stella (leraiiiuiii, tlicn l'iii|ile Kiiin ViT- lieim. '.Itlilied: eent.i-e, Cliristiiui {liMiiriiiiiii, then Iv^-leaved While (ienmiuHi. ()l>|lllHiU^ lieil : eentn', ('.niiTiiMtKlei- in-C'liief (ieraiiiuiii, tluM I'urple KinK Verlieiia. Kith IjciI : ceiilre, 'I'lUii Thlinili (ieraniiuii, then I'liriile KiiiK' Verlieiia. OppdHito bed ; contro, Oiiiiiinaiuler-in-Cluef (iiTanimii, then Iwn riiiKH of varie- gated Mint anil blue Iiohelia iilanteil triangularly. AH thi' beilH are chIki'iI with two r\ui!.^ "f (/erastiiini lonientoHUUi. The ni'\t ciiinpartnient contains a rihiion hnriler at each siile, planteil with two rown ot Tropn'oluni [.ohhianuni elcKann, then Heliotrope .li^iuiy Lind, I'lnii-li (leraniuni, then white Kcverfew, haekeil with Khriihs. Opponito : an eclginK ot variegated Mint, then I'lirple King Verhena, I'lineh deraninni, yellow (!aleoo. laria, then I'erilla nankinensis, hiu-ked hy shrnbrt. Tho next compartment from the Oak tree is iilanted with Tropaioliim Iiobbi.-inum eh'gans, then scarlet (liTiinimn, backed with Age- rntum. (Ipposite : Kohinson'H lleliMncc Vcrben;! and variegateil Mint alti'rnately, then Stella (ieraninm, Agcratnni, and I'erilla, backed by Aneiihas. Tho next compartment is also planted rihhon-Ktylo with Gazania KidcMidens as edging, then Madame Van to be this — on a warui dry soil docH n Vine-border covered with litter early in autunjn get so cidd during winter and early spring as to be unlit to alToi'd nourish- nient to growing ViiU'S? If this can be proved to be gemniUy the case, which I much duid>t, I would jiut another i|Uestiou- — Is the heating by artilitMal means of a soil intended to grow X'iiies the best anil cheapest mode of keeping such a soil at a proper temperature'.' Before answ<'ring this question I think the elTect prodnc'oil by (uivering a largo surfiu^e of ground with glass ought to be investigated. 1 hav(^ a bouse, lIH) feot by 'il, ke|it warm all suunuer and most of the winter for tho growth ot Vines in pots; under tho (loor of this house is a large soft-water cistern, and though of course the rain cjuiglit during winter and melted snow are cold enough, I believo water was nevi'r pnmpeil out for use during the coldest weather at h^ss than 7(1". How can a large surface of land covered by a liothi>uso get cold? Sujijiosi^ vineries were built !ill feet wide and the trees planted inside, wm heavy rains, and thus save them from gangrene. Many dispense with tho glasses altogether after June, but in wet districts wo deem them useful for tho above purpose. In all such cases, the Cucumbers will thrive better if tho vinos are Bto)i|ied, and tlio laterals stopped hack, and not too many fruit allowed to remain, just as tluiso in frames are generally ma- naged. Where grown on a large scali^ in a Held, tho constant gathering rendeis sucli care h:n» necessary, as llu^ gathering every other morning or so prevents the plants being exhausted prematurely. Even in cold places wo have fjrown CueumbcrH very huccobs- fully, and long kinds, too, by training tliem to a couplo of stems against a wall or paling facing tlie K(uitli. In this caHO a hole was dug, a lilllo )u>t manure given, and fresh rich soil added to the natural soil ; good strong plants wcmv linmght fnmi a cold pit. These jilants had the point nijiped (uit at the third rough leaf. Two slioots were- allowed to come, all otliers wore nippc.l out, and these shoots were trained up the fence about ■.: feet apart, and were not stojiped until they were from .') to 4 feot ,u length, or sometimes longer, the object being to have a strong plant before tho CucuniherH aiijieared. After Htojiping almoBt every side shoot woubl tlien fruit at the second and third joint, these side shoots were stojiped the joint beyond the fruit, and thinning tho fruit and this slopping was almost all that was re- quired, with good warm waterings in hot weather, to insure continuous hearing until the weatiier got too cold. I'roteetod thus by a fence the plants will hear long(!r than when on tho ground in tho oiien air. This will bo Esjiecially the case if a niat or a piece of calico is suspended over the plants during a cold night. Beds in the open air will also continue bearing longer C8 JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. I July 25, 1865. if .the lateral slioots are kept thin, aud the hed is covered with fiat red tiles placed tirmly on the ground. We prefer the eom- inon red, as having a medium capacity for the absorption, and the radiation of heat. I'ainting the tUes in smumer with sul- phur paint, made of sulphur water and a little soft soap, ^^•ill ieep off mildew and red spider. — R. F. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETYS FRUIT AND VEGETABLE SHOW— July 2-i. Although the classes in which competition was invited were veiy numerous, the number of exhibitors in each was rather small ; the show consequently was not so extensive as the amount offered in prizes ought to have brought forth ; and of the productions themselves it may be stated that whilst on the one hand tliey offered no extraoriliuary ex- cellence, they did not on the other exhibit any considerable falHnjj off irom an average degree of merit. The attendance of visitors, although the day was tine, was verv' small. Only one collection of fruit was exhibited, by Mr. CaiT, gardener to P. ii. Hinds, Esq., Bylleet Lodge. It consisted of a Queen Pine, "legg'a Scarlet-fleshed Melon, Sweetwater Grapes, Mooi-park Apricots, Gooseberries, aud fniit of JIusa Cavendishii, aud the I'apaw. Piues •ft-ere not numerous ; Mr. Young, gardener to Crawshay Bailey, Esq., Aberdare, sent two fine Queens, au EnvUle, and Black .Jamaica ; Mr. Standish, eight well gi-owu fruit ; aud Mr. W. Thomson, gardener to the Dnke of Bucclench, Dalkeith Palace, a veiT fine Euville, Lord John Manners, and a Smooth Cayenne. A Providence of 11 lbs. 4 ozs. came irom Mr. Allen, gardener to J. B. Glegg, Esq., Withington Hall, and excellent Queens from Mr. Grant, Fiuchley, and Mr. Young. The only two prizes given in the class for any sort went to excellent ^nvUlcs from Mr. Thomson and Mr. Young. Awards. — For three Iduds : First, Mr. Y'oung ; second, Mr. \V. Thomson; third, Mr. Standish. For Providence; Fu-st, Mr. Allen. ]?or Qneens : First, Mr. A. Grant ; second, Mr. Young ; third, Mr. M. Higgs, gardener to Mrs. B.archard, Putney Heath. For Any sort : First. Mj". W. Thomson : second, Mr. Young. Only two collections of Grapes were brought forward. That from Mr. Hill, gardener to K. Sneyd, Esq., Keele Hall, consisted of veiy good Black Hamburghs. Black Prince, not equal to what he usually trings ; Black .\licante (Meredith's) ; Koyal Muscadine ; Lady Downe's. very good ; Buckland Sweetwater, finely ripeni'd ; excellent bunches of Ingram's Hardy ProUtic Muscat, aud Black Morocco, under the name of Horstorth SeeiUing. The other competitor had Black Hamburgh, Cajion Hall, aud Muscat of Alexandria. Of Black Hamburgh ex- cellent bunches, with large well-coloured benies, came from Mr. Sage, "Mr. M. Henderson, and Mr. WalUs ; and Mr. Brown, gardener to the Earl of Chesterfield, aud Mr. Cruickshank, gardener to W. J. Loyd, Esq., Watford, also sent good bunches. Other Black Grapes consisted of Muscat Hamburgh, from Mr. Osborae, Fiuchley ; Mill Hill Ham- burgh, with tine large berries, but redcUsh in colour, as this variety is ■apt to come, from Mr. M. Heudei-sou ; excellent Block Prince, from Mr. HiU, the three bunches weighing 7 lbs. 1'2 ozs. ; Treutham Black, rery good, weight 4 lbs. 2 ozs., from Mr. WaUis ; and Black F'rontignan "from Mr. Squibbs. Muscats .as usual were generaUy too green, but those from Mr. Sage were beautifully ripened. Mr. Tyler sent veiy large bunches of Bowood Muscat, weight 9 lbs. 3 ozs. ; and fine bunches came from Mr. Standish. Of Canon Hall good bunches were shown by Mr. Budd, gardener to Earl Damley. Cobham Hall ; whilst Golden Hamburgh ■was also well represented. Duchess of Buccleuch. a variety raised by Mr. \V. Thomson, Dallveith, and possessing a Muscat flavour-, was also rji'iown. Awai-ds. — For a collection : First, Mr. Hill ; second, withheld ; third, Mr. Tansley, gardener to Mr. Moss, Chadwell Heath. For Black Handiurghs : First, Mr. Sage, gardener to Earl Bro^-nlow, Ashridge ; second. jMr. M. Henderson, gardener to Su- G. Beaumont, Bart., Cole Ortou Hall ; third, IVL-. Wallls, gardener to J. Dixon, Esq., Astle Park, Congleton. For Muscat Hamburgh : First, Mr. G. Osborne. For Mill Hill Hamburgh : First, Mr. M. Henderson. For Black, any kind : First, Mr. Hill ; second, Mr. 'W^allis ; cqu.al fhird, Mr. Squibbs and Mr. Brown. For Muscats : Equal first, Mr. Sage and Mr Tyler ; second, Mr. .■Stonihsh ; third, Mr. Tausley. For Canon Hall : First, Mr. Bu.ld. For "White, any kind ; Fii-st, Mr. W. Thomson ; equal second, Mr. Beasley and Mr. Cross ; third, Mr. Busby. Peaches were not numerous, but we remarked some beautiful dishes .of Gi-osse Mignoune, Bellegarde, aud Violette Hative ; also a seedling from Mr. Ligram, ver^- beautiful m colour, rich orange yellow where -shaded, dark ci-imson next the sun ; fruit i-ather small, and with a shallow suture. Of Nectarines but few dishes were shown, and of these the best were Elrnge and Violette Hative. A^irards. — For Peaches, two dishes : Fii-st, Mr. Tilleiy, gardener to the Duke of Portland, iVelbeck ; second, Mr. Osborne : thii'd, Mr. Bain aud Mr. H. Whiting. For single dish : First, Mi". Tiller)' and Mr. WaUis ; second, JSIi-. Osboi-ne ; third, Mr. W. Lane, gardener to J.. Miles, Esq., Fryem, Barnet. For Nectarines: First, Mr. Sage; second, Mr. Lane : third, Mr. Eogerson, gardener to E. Brown, Esq., Actou, and Mr. Tillerv. Ll Figs an excellent dish of Bro\ra Turkey, from Mr. Whiting, The Deepdcne, had a first prize ; tlie same kind," from Mr. Eogerson, was second ; and White Marseilles, from Mr. Cross, gardener to the Dowager Lady Ashburton, Romsey. had a first prize in the White class. Cherries consisted of veiT good dishes of Morello, from Mr. Marcham, Mr. Squibbs, and others ; Black Tartarian, very fine, from Mr. Whiting ; Florence, from Mr. Higgs ; Bigarreau Napoleon, from Mr. Tillery ; Elton, and Mav Duke. Awards.— Fot Black : First. Mr. Marcham. For White: Fu-st, Mr. Cruickshanks : second, Mr. Higgs ; tliird, Mr. M. Henderson. For a siugle dish : First, Mr. Tilleiy and Mr. .J. B. Whiting ; second, Mr. K. Marcham ; third, Mr. Squibbs. Of Plums onlv a few dishes were shown. Mr. Squibbs was first with Black Morocco ; Mr. Beasley, gardener to T. Wood, Esq., Acton, second ; Mr. Whiting third. At this late period of the season Strawberries could not be expected in quantity. The only exhibitor in the class for four dishes was Mr. TiUeiy, who had a first prize for Empress Eugenie, Welbeck Seedling, Rifleman, and Frogmore Pine. Mr. Earley, gardener to F. Pryor, Esq., Digswell, had a second prize for Elton ; and a third was awarded to Mr. Phipps. Of other subjects, some good Gooseberries were shown by Mr. Carr, and Mr. Y'oung, gardener to E. Barclay, Esq., Highgate ; some of those from the former were vei-j- large. The first prize was awarded to Mr. Can-, the second to Mr. Young. Of Currants. Bed, White, and Black, excellent dishes were shown by Mr. Can-, Mr. Ford, gardener to W. Hubbard, Esq., Horsham, aiid Mr. Beasley, Twyford .\bbey, who had prizes in the order in which they are ' named. Raspberries were chiefly coufined to the Fastolff; Mr. Moffat, gardener to Viscount Mayuard, was first, and Mr. Clarke, gardener to Colonel Long, second, both exhibiting that kind. In Green-fleshed Melons the fii-st prize went to Mr. Wright, gardener to the Earl of Nonnanton. Ringwood, for Sir John Sebright's, and the second to Mr. Squibbs, for Hybrid Perfection, prettily netted. In Scarlet-fleshed Windsor Prize from Mr. Weir, gardener to Mrs. Hodgson, Hampstead, took the first prize. Mr. Standish exhibited Vines in pots, each beai-ing from five to nine good bunches ; the kinds were Black Hamburgh, Golden Lady Dowue's, and two seed- liugs, one from Chasselas Masque, but with black berries, and the other called CitroneUe, a white kind. Mr. Eraser, Lea Bridge Eoad, sent orchard-hou.se trees ; Mr. Carr, Peaches ; and Mr. Eogerson, Figs in pots ; Mr. Carr, fruit of the long Mango Papaw, somewhat resem- bHug a Vegetable Man-ow, gi-een changing to yellow ; some good .^.pncots came from Mr. Whiting and others ; Apples from Mr. Young ; Muscat Champion Grape, an excellent variety, raised by Mr. Melville, Dalmitny Park, from Canon HaU aud Muscat Haiiiburgh, from Mr. Veitch;'au excellent basket of Golden Hamburgh Grapes from Mr. Cross, aud a wevy good one of Black Hamburgh from Mr. M. Hen- derson. ^-EGET.1BLES. The show of vegetables had a much better .appearance on this oc- casion than such shows usually present ; and most classes of vegetables were well represented. In collections of not less than eight kinds, Mr. Budd, gardener to Earl Damlcv, was first with Globe Artichokes, Parsley, Onions, Veitch's Pei-fection Peas, ICidney aud Broad Beans, Dawe's Kidney Potatoes, Cabbage. Vegetable MaiTov.-s, Cabbage Lettuce, Cucumbein, Mushrooms, Beet and Carrots. Mr. Eariey, Digswell, was second; and Mr. Whiting and Mr. Exell, gardener to Mrs. Sweetlove, thu-d. A good collectiou also came from Mr. Veitch. In collections of not less than six kinds, Mr. Exell, gardener to .1. Hollingwoith, Esq., Maidstone, was first with Carrots, Potatoes, Broad aud Kidney Beans, Peas. Oniims, Lettuce, Globe Artichokes, Rhubarb, Cabbage, Herbs, aud Horseradish ; Mr. Hill, Highgate, was second. For four kinds of Peas, Messrs. Hooper & Co., Covent Garden, were first with Hooper's Incomparable, King of Manows, Veitch's Per- fection, and Imperial Wonder, with beautifully tilled pods ; Mr. Veitch, second, with Veitch's Perfection, Mammoth Uwaif Green Marrow, Earlv Emperor, and Noupareil Wiinkled MaiTow. The best single dish was Veitch's Perfection, from Mr. CaiT. Of Potatoes, both Kichiev and Round, excellent, sound, clean tubers were shown by most of tbe'exhil itors. For four kinds of Kidney, Mr. Whiting was first with Suttou's Early Racehorse, Rivers's Royal Adl- leaf, Jackson's Ashleaf, and Eugenie, white flushed with red. Sir. Moffatt, gardener to Viscount Maynard, was second. In Round kinds, Ml- Whitiu" was again first, with Napoleon, Early Shaw, Dalmahoy, and a laroe" kind unknown. The best twelve Kidneys were Edgcott Second Early, from Mr. Neale ; the best twelve Round, TranseUs Seedling, from Mr. Moffatt. Among Can-ots some beautiful roots of the lutci-mcdiate were sent by Mr. Exell, gardener to Mrs. Sweetlove ; also good Early Short Horn, from Mr. ExeU, gardener to J. HoUingworth, Esq., and Mr. Whitinn. Tui-nips, Beet, Shallots, Onions, Cabbage, Cauliflowers, Lettuce's, Kidney and Broad Beans, were also well represented ; and there were exhi'bitious of Rhuljarb, Mushrooms, Celer>-, but smaU; Potherbs ; a collection of cUfferent forms of Vegetable MaiTows, from ' Mr. Veitch, and of edible Gourds, from Mr. Young, Highgate. lor July 2r., 18li5. ] JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GABDENER. 69 • he prizes ivwivrfcil to the above subjoctn wo must refer tlie render to iiur advertisiuK eolmmis. Hollyhoclilinms also remained, the whole forming a tolerably good lloral display. TlIK lUmilNGIIAM nOSE SHOW. TnK fonith of these interesting gatherings tool: plaee on Thnrsday and Friday the litli and "lli inst. at ilie Town Hall ; and in every point of new, exeept the tinaiu ial one, it was a deeided sueeess. 'i'he entries were unmerows — much more so than last year — and the quality of the lloml display fully realised the expeetations whieh we ventured to indulge respeeting'it. In the opinion of the most competent authori- lies, professional as well as amateur, it was quite ecjual to the best of the metropolitan shows. Evciy rosarian knows how trying has been the present season, more especiallv the heat of the hist few weeks, to his favourites; and. taking the "weather into a -eount, the blooms generally, both in substanee and colour, were sui-jirisingly good. As a matter of eonrse, those viivielies which are the most deficient in the former propertr snrtered the most. The arriiiigements, too, were pniiseworihy ; the ornuuieutal-foliaged plants and garden ornaments being so disposed as to produce ;in admirable effect. The elements, how- ever, were unpropitinus ; and if anything could demonstrate the strength of the allegiiince to the queeii of flowers which pervades the community in and around Birmingham, it assuredly was the consider- able muster of visitors whose zeal to render her " suit and service" was not to he overcome by the almost incessant rain which fell throughout Thursday. One of the features on this occasion was the quantity of new Roses ill many of the collections, where they were better represented than in the divisions which were exclusively devoted to them. At their head we should, without scruple, place Mareebal Niel, which deservedly attracted much attention. It was sent out during the past spring ; nnd is said to be one of the hardiest of the Noisettes, and a free bloomer. Of a rich golden yellow colour, with stout petals, and tine contour, it is altogether a splendid flower, bidding fair to supersede Cloth of Gold. It was seen to great advantage in the stand with which Messrs. Paul & Son took first honours for ninety-six varieties, which also contained Fram^ois Louvat, crimson, shaded with lilac, hardy in constitution, and a tree bloomer ; Leopold Premier, a bright deep red, large and double ; Eugene Verdior, a rich violet, large, full, globular, -.1 strong grower, and not liable to *' bum " as some of the dark-coloured kinds ; Lielia, silveiy shaded, a fine double Kose ; Lord Herbert, bright rosy carmine ; Senateur Favre, n deep crimson, grand in shape, with a thick petal ; and Emotion, a large white, beautifully tinted with rose colour. This, although catalogued as a Bourbon, is, we understand, a cross between a Hybrid Per]tetual and a Bourbon, and the exhibitors propose that, with other.- of the same origin, it shall be relegated to a distinct class, to be denominated Hybrid Bourbons. Among later acquisitions, the most notewoi-thy were Alphonse Damaizin, a weak grower, which, under favourable conditions, is magnificent ; Mareebal VaiUant ; Pierre Notting : Due de Rohan ; General Jacqueminot ; and Madame Victor Verdier. The following is the entire list : — Anna de Die.sbacli, Madame "William Paul, General Bisson, Maurice Bemardiii, Louise de Savoie, Triomphe de Caen, (^ueeu Victoria, Madame Boutin, Vii-ginal, Lord Clyde, La Ville de St. Denis, Lord Herbert. Lnmanjue. Senateur Vaissc, Baronne Goiiella, Lord Raglan, President, Alpliouse Damaizin, Madame William Paul, Eugene Verdier, Emotion, Madamt- Furtado. Souvenir d'Elise. Madame Valembourg, Madame Victor Verdier, Xipbetos, Alphonse Karr, Maxime, La Dnchesse de Morny, Comtesse de Kergolay, Victor Verdier, Narcisse, Alfred de Rougemont. La Rhone, Madame de Cambaci'-res, Clement Marot, Mareebal Xiel, Louis Van Houtte, Piiucess Mary of Cambridge, Paul de la Meilleray, Madame Willermoz. Rev. H. Dombrain. Comte tie Nantenil. Olivier DeUiomme, Celine Forestier, Mareebal Soucbet, hn Standisli. Madame Vigneron. La Vill» de St. "Denis. Laurent Desc.urt. Madame Charles Wood, Clement Marot, Triomiihe de Renues, Praire de Terre Noir, I^a Brillante, Centifolia Rosea, So-ur des Anges, Baronne Pelletan de Ixinkelin, Due de Rohan. .lohn Hopper. Ducbesse de Morny. Baronne Adolphe de liothsebild. Louis Van lloutt(^ Francois Laidiarme. Baronne Gonella. Monsieur de Montigny, Celine Forestier, tiloire de Sanleniiy, General .Jacqueminot, Comtes'se Ouvaroff, Alpaide de Rotalier, Sonvenir de Charles Montault, Mareebal Vaillant, Lays. La Reine. La Phocenne, Devoniensis, Madame Furtado, Anna de Diesbach, Victor Verdier, Gloire de Dijon, Louise Margottin, DcUo de Hourg-la-Reine, Alfred de Rougemont.Piince Henri de Pays Bas, Madrmuiselle Bonnaire, Sonvenir de la Mahnaison, Beauty of Waltliam, Charles licfebvre, Louis Pey- ronny. The second prize went to Messrs. Paul & Son, of whose collection we may specify Mareebal Niel ; Leopold Premier ; Baronne Adolphe de Rothschild'; Souvenir d'Eliso Vardon, a white, with a yellowish centre, and one of the finest Tea varieties in cultivation ; Celine Forestier, the best hardv yellow, perhaps, with the exception of Mareebal Neil ; Aries Dnfour, a most desirable dark purple ; and Madame Emain, one of the Hybrid Bourbons to which we have already referred. Awa"rds. — First, Mr. Kevnes ; second, Messrs. Paul & Son. For stands of tweuty-'four varieties (three trusses). Mr. Keynes again stood first, with 'superior blooms of .J.ihn Standish. Due de Rohan, Gloire de Vitry, Frani,-ois Lacharme, Prince Henri de Pays Bas, and Beauty of Waltham. Of Mr. Cranston's stand, we may par- ticularise Due de Rohan, Souvenir de Malmaison. Gloire de Dijon, Comtesse de Chabrillaut, nnd Charles Lefebvre. The premiums for stands of twenty-four singles were smartly contested. Mr. Keynes being first with, among others. La Reims Virginal, Lord Macaulay, Poui-pre d'Orleans, a noble reddisb-puqile imbricated flower. In Mr. Batley's collection were Auguste Mie, Madame Pierson. Mdlle. Bonnaire, and Mere de St. Louis, which seems to be replacing Virginal. Awards.— Twenty-four varieties, three trusses :— First, Mr. J. Keynes ; second, Mr. .J. Cranston ; third, Mr. G. Batley, Rugby ; fourth, Mr. R. Smith, Worcester. Twenty-four varieties, single trusses :— First, Mr. .J. Keynes ; second. Mr. G. Batley ; third, Mr. R. H. Vertegans, Edgbaston; fourth. Mr. T. W. Coudry. In the classes limited to nursen-men resident in the counties of Warwick. Stafford, and Worcester, the contributions were highly creditable to the gi-oweis. Among the best flowers were DeuU de Prince Albert, Madame William Paul— a purplish crimson and a iirst- class Rose, Comtesse de Chabrillant, Senateur Vaisse, and Madame Damaizin. Messrs. Perkins showed Souvenir de Charles Montault, Madame Furtado, Madame W. Paul. Madame Meter Verdier. Joseph Fiala. Gloiie de Dijon. Doetiur Spitzer, Madamo Caillat, President Lincoln, Charles Lefebvre, Prince Camille de Rohan. John Hopper, Beauty of Waltham, Madame \'idot, tieneral Washington, Victor Verdier, Senateur ReveU, Comtesse de Chabrillant. Joan Bart, Madame Boll, Louis XIV., Lrfia, Deuil de Prince Albert. MiUle. Bonnaire. In the stand of Mr. Hewitt, which obtained the first prize for twelve varieties, three trusses each, the most commendable were Comtesse de ChabriUant. Madame Charies Wood. General Washington, General Jacqueminot, La Reine. and Madame Vidot; and in that of Mr. Vertegans. who was second, John Hopper, Triomphe d'.\ngers (a lovely carmine), Charles Lefebvre, and Prince Camille de Rohan. Awards.— Twentv-four varieties, single trusses :—Fir.st. Messrs. T. Perkins & Sous. Coventry; second, Mr. J. Parker, Rugby; third, Mr. G. Batley ; fourth, Mr. T. Hewitt, Solihull ; extra, Mr. R. H. Vertegans. Twelve varieties, three trusses :—Fiist Mr. T. Hewitt; second. Mr. R. H. Vertegans ; third, Mr. J. Parker ; fourth, Messrs. T. Perkins & Sons. . , The Amateurs mustered in great force, and the competition for pre- cedence was veiy strongly maintained. The awards are appended ; and we select from "the principal exhibits the blooms most worthy of mention. . Forty-eight varieties— Rev. S. R. Hole :— .Andic Desportes, which resembles in style Victor Verdier ; Triomphe de Reunes, which was better on the second day than the first, hnviug developed more fuUy lu the interval ; Souvenir d'un Ami (very fine) ; C^oire de Sautenay ; and Plince Camille de Rohan. Mr. Evans showed Anna de Diesbach, Comtesse de Chabrillant. and Vicomte Vigier. Mr. Hole's stand contained— .John Hopper, Turenne. Alphonse Karr, Gloire de Santenay Victor Verdier, Princess of Wales. Madame Vidot. Prince Camille de Rohan, Sojiliie de Coquerelle. Madame Furtado. Gloire de Dijon, Le Rbane,*CaroUue de Sansal. Maurice Bemardin, Coupe d'Hcbe, Olivier Delhomme, Madame Bi-a\7. Louise Maguan, Celine I'orestier, Jules Margottin, General Washington, Madame C. Wood, Gloire de Vitiy, 70 JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 25, 18G5. ■Wilheim Pfitzer, Duchesse d'Orleans. Souvenir d'un Ami, Professor Koch, Pierre Netting. Auguste Mie, Marcchal VaiUant, Baronne de Heckeren, Charles Lefebvre, Triomiihede Reuues, Francois Lacharme, Lielia, Robert Fortune, America, La Erillante, Rubens, Barou tionella, Senatenr Vaisse, Vicomte Vigier, Devouiensis. Comtesse Cecile de Chabrillant, Madame Clemeuce Joigneaux, Andre Desportes, Madame Charles Crapelct. Of the twenty-four varieties, the tinest were—Rev. S. R. Hole :~Gloire de Vitry, Souvenir de Comte Cavour, Gloire de Dijon, Juno. John Hopper. ' Mr. Hunt : — Baron Gonella, Comte de Nauteuil, Madame Crapelet. Eightecns (thi-ee trusses), Mr. Evans : — Niphetos, Madame Victor Verdier, and Queen Victoria. The stands of Mr. Perry were of uniform merit, though it was evident the show •would have suited him better had it been held earlier in the season. Through a mistake. Mr. Brown, of Elmdou, had entered eighteen single trusses for this section, and although they were necessarily dis- qualified, they desei-ved and received great commendation. Twenty- four varieties, single trusses, open only to amateurs resident within fifteen miles of Birmingham. The Rev. P. M. Sniythe : — Victor Venlier, Charles Lefebvi-e, Marechal Vaillant, Madame Kuorr, Franvois La- charme. The flowers iu this stand were — Comte de Nanteuil, Baronne de Heckeren, Triomphe de Renues, Marcchal Vaillant, Vauqueur de Goliath, Maurice Benioidiu, Anna de Diesbach, Madame KnoiT, Charles Lefebvre, Celine Forestier. Louis XIV'., Baronne Gonella, Jules Margottin, Beauty of Waltham, Acidalic, L'Eblouissante, Madame Clemence Joigneaux. Louis Margottin, John Hopper, Francois Lacharme, Victor Verdier, Senateur Vaisse, Vicomte Vigier. Mr. Brown showed Gloire de Sautenay, (vei^ line) ; and Coupe d'Hebe. Twelve varieties — single trusses, open to amatuers within fifteen miles of Bii-mingham — Mr. Brown: — Madame Caillat. (fine); Gloii-e de Santenay, Louise Magnan, and LaReine, (finej. Rev. P. M. Smyth : — Anna de Diesbach, Vicomte Vigier, and Baron, de Noirmout. Mr. Brown's stand contained — La Reine, General Jacqueminot, Comtesse de Chabrillant, Duchess of Norfolk, Madame Vidot, Beauty of Waltham, Anna de Diesbach, Gloii'e de Sautenay, Louise Magnan, Madame Caillat, Triomphe de Renues, Senateur Vaisse. Awards. — Forty-eight varieties, single trusses : First, Rev.S.R.Hole, Newark; second, Mr. S. Evans, Arbury, Nuneaton; third, Mr. C. J. Perry, Castle Bromwich. Twenty-foiu" varieties, single trusses : First, Rev.S. R. Hole ; second, Mr. Ebenezer Hunt, Leicester; third, Mr. E. Sage, Gopsall Hall, Atherstoue ; equal fourth, Rev. P. M. Smythe, Solihull, and Mr. S. Evans. Arbury, Nuneaton. Eighteen varieties, three trusses: First, Mr. S. Evans; second, Mr. C. J. PeiTy, Castle Bromwich ; thii-d, Mr. E. Hunt. Twelve varieties, single trusses : First, Mr. E. Hunt ; second, Rev. S. R. Hole, Newark ; third, Mr. E. Sage ; fomth, Rev. P. M. Smvthe, SolihuU. Twenty-four varieties, .single trusses (open to amateurs resident -within fifteen miles cf Birmingham only) : First, Rev. P. M. Sm^ihe, Solihull ; second, Mr. William Bro^\Ti, Elmdou Hall, near Birming- ham ; third. Mr. C. J. Pen-y, Castle Bromwich ; foui-th, Robert Garnett, Esq., Moore Hall, Sutton Coldfield. Twelve varieties, single trtisses (open to amateurs within fifteen mUesof Birmingham): Fii-st, Mr. W. Brown ; second, Rev.P.M. Smythe ; third, Mr. C. J. Perrj- ; fourth, Robert Gaiuett, Esq. ; extra, Mr. T. B. "Wright, Perry BaiT, and Mr. John Moor, Sparkhill. No class was more satisfactory than the couti-ibutions of amateurs resident within four miles of Stephenson Place, Birmingham, as it afforded an illusti"ation of the extent to which Rose cultivation is spreading in the neighbourhood, and the judgment by which it is directed. The stands, as a whole, would have been excellent for any locality, but they were still more extraordinary when it is remem- bered that some which took prizes (as for instance those of Mr. Field) ■were gi-own at Balsall Heath. In the fiist-prize stand of Mr. Cooper was the magnificent Tea-scented variety, Madame Willeiinoz, a white with salmon-coloured centre. It also comprised — Gloire de Dijon. Le Rhone. Madame Willermoz, Jules Margottin, Comtesse de Chabrillant, La Reine, General Jacqueminot, Francois Lacharme, Madame Vidot, La Ville de St. Denis, Louise de Savoie, Madame H. Jacquin. In the successful collections for six varieties. Ml". Cooper had La Ville de St. Denis, and C^ueen Victoria ; Mr. Mapplebeck, Senateur Vaisse, La Reine, Madame Wm. Paul, and John Hopper ; Mr. Sansome, Celine Forestier and Gloire de Dijon ; and Mr. Lloyd, Mdlle. Bonnaii-e, Duchess of Orleans, and Senateur Vaisse. Awards. — Twelve varieties, single trusses : First, Mr. C. Cooper, Mosely Wake Green ; second, Mr. G. Dymond, Kings Heath ; thii'd. Mr. E. W. Field, Balsall Heath ; fourth, Mr. G. Sansome, Moseley ; extra, Mr. W. B. Mapplel)eck. Woodfield, Moseley. Six varieties, single trusses: First, Mr. C. Cooper; second, Mr. W. B. Mapplebeck ; thii'd. Kr. G. T. Sansome, Moseley; fourth, Mr. John I\Ioore, gardener to Thomas Lloyd, Esq., Sparkhill. The offer of special premiums for Moss Roses brought only a small collection of very moderate pretensions, the single award being given to Messrs. Paul dz Son, for the subjoined collection, of which Cristata, a good white Perpetual with a cluster of buds, was the most conspi- cuous : — Cellina, Gloire des Mousseuses, Bath White, Cristata, Ba- ronne de Wassanaer, Pei-petual White, Prolific, Aristide, Captain Ingram, Hortense Vemet, and Eugene de Savoie. The new Roses were as usual interesting ; but owing to most of the impoi-tcd ones being over they did not include many of the present year. The stand of twenty-four varieties with which Mr. Ke\'iies gained the first prize iucluded the following varieties : — Souvenir de Charles MontauU, Madame Victor Verdier, La Phocenne, Sa^ur des Anges, George Prince, Lord Herbert, Paul Desgrand, Joseph Fiala, Alfred de Rougemont, Laurent Descourt, Leopold Premier, Vicomtesse Douglas, Ceutifolia Rosea, Prince Henri de Pays Bas, Barou Adolphe de Rotlischild, Alphonse Belin, Claude Million, Doetenr Spitzer, Alpaide de Rotalier, Bernard PaUissy, Madame de Stella, Pierre Notting, Duchts^e de Momy, Louise van Houtte. Souvenir de Charles Mon- tauU is a vivid and showy garden flower ; and both Paul Desgrand, a dazzling red variety, and Centifolia Rosea, a bright clear rose, will no doubt be seen to better effect in a less dry season. Soeur des Anges is a bad opener, but fine when it does open. George Prince is a good- shaped, free -blooming, and effective Rose ; and Lord Herbert has gained for itself a good character this season. Piene Notting, a blacliish red with a violet tint, and Vicomtesse Douglas, a lilac, are both fine ; while Docteur Spitzer presents a distinct shade of crimson, and is good in form. The following -were iucluded in the collection of Messrs. Paul & Son, who were second : — Louis van Houtte, Duchesse de Moruy, Madame de Stella, Eugene Verdier, Madame Freeman, Baron Pelletan de Kinkelin, Emotion, Lord Macaulay, Jaune d'Or, Bernard PaUissy, Pavilion de Pregny, Claude Million, Alpaide de Rotalier, Madame Valembourg, Duchesse de Caylus, Alphonse Belin, Alba Rosea, Triomphe de Villecresnes. Lord Clyde, Marcchal Niel, Madame Boutin, Senateur ReveU, Seedling No. 11, Leojiold Premier. Of Marcchal Niel we have already spoken in terms of eulogy. Alba Rosea, with a rose centre, full and fine in form, is a splended Tea- scented sort, useful for pot culture ; and Claude Million, a deep dark vennilion, is also pleasing. Duchesse de Caylus, a vivid carmine, introduced dui-ing the present year, is a rigorous grower and excellent in foiTu. Jaune d'Or, as its name impoi"ts, is an addition to the yellows ; and Duchesse de Moruy, a clear rose colovu', with silvery under petals, though a little thin, may be expected to take a j)rominent position ; and Pavilion de Pregny, a dark violet crimson, with white under petals, is verj' distinct. Mr. Batley of Rugbj- was third ; Messrs. Perkins fourth. The first prize for six tnisses of a new Rose sent out in 1863-4 or 5 was adjudged to Mr. Keynes, for six blooms of Piince Hemi de Pays Bas, a vei-y bright crimsou. full and globular in fomi, and Duchesse de Moruy ; the second to Mr. Cranston, for Madame Boutin ; and the thii'd to Messrs. Paul & Son, for Madame Victor Verdier, a vivid cai'mine, and reckoned one of the finest Roses of last year. The designs for dinner table decorations fomied a new feature ; and we hope in future years to see a considerable increase in the number of competitors. Those sent on this occasion were arranged with ad- mirable taste. The bouquets were an improvement on what we have hitherto seen, but tlid not quite come up to our expectations. Awards. — Best basket or vase of Roses and Rose foliage : First, Miss Cole, Birchfields ; second. Mr. Evans, Arbui^ ; third, Mr. Parker, Rugby ; extra, Mr. R. H. Veiiegans. Best bouquets for the hand, entii-ely of Roses and Rose foliage : First, Mr. J.Cranston, Hereford ; second, Mr. J. Parker, Rugby ; third, Mr. R. H. Vertegans ; fourth, Messrs. Paul & Son. Best design for dinner-table decoration (open to ladies only). Roses to be the only flowers used. Foliage not restricted to that of Roses, but left to the taste of the designer. First, Mrs. Brewer, Broad Street ; second. Miss Cole ; extra, Miss Garnett, Moor Hall, Sutton. A number of ornamental plants for the decoration of the Hall were kindly lent by Mr. E. Wright, Mr. Bent, and Mr. Job Cole ; and, in addition. Mr.'E. W. Field, of Balsall Heath, lent a very praiseworthy stand of Verbenas, for which no other rcward.was available than the favom-able notice they obtained. The decorations were arranged by Mr. Cole and Mr. Tye, and were all that the most fastidious cooM desire. — [Midland Counties Herald.) DICKSON'S "FIRST AND BEST" TEA. W'lTH refereuce to oiir new early Pea First and Best, it is due to the numerous fi-iends who last season spoke so highly of it iu their published testimonials, as ^Yell as to oiu'selves, that we should endeavour to remove the incorrect impression regarding its character, which Messrs. A. Henderson & Co., of Pine Apple Place, London, have unwittingly created by their published report on the new early Peas. \\'e obtained our First and Best Pea some six years ago from a gardener in this neighbom-hood, and in successive trials season after season we foimd it some days earlier than the earliest known Pea. In 1863 we grew it extensively for the purpose of sale, hut afterwards hesitated to send it out until we had subjected it to a scrutinising and decisive trial. We therefore sent a package to some fifty of the leading gardeners and others throughout the comitry, and from all of these the most unequivocal testimonies to its earliness and excellence were received, many of which were published in our seed cata- logue for the cm-rent year. These testimonies were so satis- factory and decisive, that we resolved to send it out last spring, but as the seed had been held over a year, for the reason July as, 1865. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 71 before Btated, this circumstance wiU to a Rrcat extent account foi' its not having cxlubited still earlier characteristics than it has already done. In our own trial grounds, in two different localities near Chester, the one sheltered, warm, and early, the other exposed, cold, and late, our First and JJcst I'ea was in each case about two days later in bloominp and coming into bearing than its two rivals, but the crop Avas much heavier, and the pods larger and better tilled. We found Sutton's King- leader and <.'ai"ter's First Crop to be identical in every respect, and inclined freely to sport, whereas our own was very true. First and liest is also a little taller, and a more vigorous grower ; and while it yielded three and four copious gatherings, but barely two pickings could be obtained from the two former. Dillistone's Early was some days later than ours, and Sangster's No. 1 and Daniel O'Rourke later than Dillistone's. Carpenter's Express we were unable to obtain ; Eley's Essex Rival appears to be a good second early Pea, coming into bearing between our Early Favourite and Champion of England. We are growing our First and Best Pea very extensively this season, as we are certain it will be found and pronounced to be the best early Pea in cultivation. — Fiuncis & Akthdb Dickson & Sons, lOG, F,(utgatc Street, Chester. GOLDEN VARIEGATED BAI.M. By what means can the golden blotches in Golden Balm be preserved ? In my borders it looked jiromisiug when first put out, but now it is quite green. — Disapi'Oiniment. [The Golden Balm preserves its colour best in poor un- manured soil. Rich loamy soil is almost sure to send it back to the original green. There is always a tendency to this when much transplanted. This and golden-striped Mint alwaj's look best in spring. We have given them up as ornaments, because towards auturmi in heavy ground they either became green or had a dirty variegation worse than green. In light jioor soils they do better.] NEW ROSES OF 1865. I AM always delighted with a "Rose gossip" from " D." of Deal. I agree with him it takes time to find out really good Roses, especially if you are to speak of endurance and general good manners under adverse circumstances. Let it be under- stood that Roses are sent from France to England upon suffer- ance. Roses are, more or less, volatile things. It takes years to find out Roses that are good at all points, and good under adverse circumstances. To those previously recommended by me, I now beg to add Leopold the 1st, a fine, full, and weU- shaped red Rose ; also Due de Wellington (Granger), a most beautiful Rose. It is thus rightly described : "Very vigorous, large, vivid velvety red, dark shaded, fiery to the centre." I have two blooms out. They are very beautiful. Duchesse de Caylus, Rushton Radclj-ffe, and Due de WeUington, are the three best of ISUS as yet, and I can conscientiously recommend them. As you may have new subscribers, and as memories are frail, I repeat the names of those I have recommended lately in the .Journ.al : — Madame V.Verdier, Pierre Notting, Lord Macaulay, Lord Herbert, Lord Clyde, Rushton Radclyffe, Duchesse de CayUis, Duchesse de Morny, Eugene Verdier, and Baronne Pelletan de Kinkeliu, to wliieh may now be added Leopold the 1st and Due de WeUington. You cannot burn your fingers with the above. I must, however, make one obseiTafion with regard to Lord Clyde — namely, sometimes it is rough at its edges. To-day I have sent a lot of Roses to Mr. Kent for his Bleeh- ingly Cottagers' Allotment Exhibition. I was much tempted to send two blooms of the Due de Wellington ; but I resolved at last to chop up the plant, and bud briars with it. I have two very healthy plants, and good growers, about to bloom — namely. King's Acre and Achille Gonod ; of these more in a few days. I have had one very nice bloom of King's Acre, but wish to see it once more. The last two are of excellent growth and habit. The last is evidently a seedling from Jules Margottin. As yet, not one of its chikten is equal to it, neither Victor Verdier, L'Esmeralda, or Bernard Pahssy. Phoo ! •' Jewels," as we call him, is not going to the rear yet awhile ! I have many infants yet to introduce to your readers. I will never tell you what Rose is bad, but if I say it is good you may buy. I never knew Roses sport so as they have done this year. Had i the blooms been bad, " abu(jrmity " would not have surprised nie. I never had such a good season. Prince Leon and Lord Macaulay have occasionally been striped exactly like Triomphe d'Amieus. Alfred de Kougemont has been brilliant crimson and dee]) purple on the same plant. One of the blooms of Triomphe dp Rennes was deeply red-tinted. I have read what is said of Mdlle. Bonnaire. It is not a good grower, Ijut no white Rose is ecpuil to it. Its being a sport from (icneral Jacqueminot has much amused me. If a man marries a white woman, and she produces a " little black boy with curly hair," I fancy that he would hardly be satisfied with the exi)lanation that it was " a sport ! " Excepting Senateur Vaisse, ihere has not been one Rose raised from this old spiirtinij General that has been worth a " stump ! " — W. F. Radclyite, Tarrant llwih- toii, Bhiiulford . SOFTENraG HiVRD WATER. Mr. Robsos has called attention to the unsnitableness of hard water for plants ; and, doubtless, almost all spring waters possess in a greater or less degree the property termed hardness — a property which depends chiefly ujjon the presence of super- carbonate of lime, or of sulphate of lime, or both ; and the quantity of these earthy salts varies very considerably in dif- ferent instances. Mr. Dalton long since demonstrated that one grain of sulphate of hme contained in two thousand grains of water converts it into the hardest sju'ing water that is com- monly met with. If about twenty drops of a solution of oxalate of ammonia added to half a wine-glass of water causes a white precipitate we conclude that the water contains lime. By means of this test one grain of lime may be detected in 24,250 of water. If this test occasions a white precipitate in water taken from the pump or spring, and not after the water has been boiled and suffered to grow cold, the lime is dissolved in the water by an excess of carbonic acid ; and if it continues to produce a precipitate in the water which has been concentrated by boiling, we then are sure that the lime is combined with a fixed acid. Hard waters may in general be ciu'ed in part by dropping into them a solution of sub-carbonate of potash. I£ the hardness of water be owing to the super-carbonate of lime only, mere boiling will greatly remedy the defect ; but if the hardness be owing in part to sulphate of lime, boiling does not soften it at all. When spring water is left exposed in shallow reservoirs for some time, part of the carbonic acid becomes dissipated, and part of the carbonate of lime falls to the bottom. Such resei-voirs, however, should not be constructed with bricks, unless covered nvith cement, as they render soft water hard. The question of soft or hard water probably affects some of your worthy contributors much more than others. For in- stance : Mr. Fish, having a rather stiff retentive soil, would not require a tithe of the water for out-door purposes that Mr. Robson would with a light soil and chalk subsoil ; but, of course, the houses would all require the same amount of water- ing. I therefore think that any information on the subject would be acceptable to a large number of your readers. I should much like to know whether the sub-carbonate of potash is at all injurious to Pears when used in sufficient quan- tity to soften hard water, or to any class of Pears, and whether the water would not require modifpng in temperatiu'e after being rendered soft by a solution of sub-carbonate of potash. — • F. Feitton. WHAT IS A TRUSS OF FLO^MSRS'? Will you exjilaiu what is meant by a " truss of Roses, three blooms on a truss ? " The Glasgow and West of Scotland Hor- ticultui-al Society offered prizes for a certain number of trusses of Roses. For one of the prizes I competed, exhibiting three blooms growing from the one shoot. The prizes were in every instance awarded to bunches of three separate blooms tied to- gether. Was this correct ? — A. Roeehtson. [In the prize list quoted from by our correspondent, the words are, '• Six Roses, distinct varieties, to be shown in trusses of thi'ee blooms each." To satisfy this condition the three Roses of each variety exhibited ought to have been in a truss. " Truss " is the florists' name for what botanists call an umbel, in which several flowers have their stalks united at one common centre, or, as in Roses, from one common stalk. Three separate Roses tied together are not a truss, but a bunch. —Eds.] 72 JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTCRE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July as, 1865. MINIATUKE ORCHARD-HOUSE. With this yi>u will receive the framework necessary in the erection of ii miniature orchard-house, sufficiently large to give you a general idea of the principle of construction. The framework consists of four straight galvanised-iron rods 3 feet in length, and ten of slighter thickness licut at a right angle, about 2 feet from one end. I shall suppose you are about to erect a house of which the slope of the roof from gioimd to apex shall be 24 inches. To do this, I shall presiune you have at hand six sheets of glass 24 inches long by as great a breadth as you have a choice of, not exceeding 30 inches, and of a weight per squiue foot of not less than 21 ounces. If the sheets are as large as 30 by 24, a weight of 25 ounces will be preferable. The slope of the roof required I shall suppose to be an angle of 45', and the house a span roof, covering therefore a base of about 34 inches (see Jig. 1). If the erection is to be a very lengthy one you are not Fig. 1. a, a, Glass, 24 inche? ; b. b, 17 inches = total base, &1 mches. c, Perpendicular = 17 inches. necessarily confined to a flat surface ; some of mine run up and down a sUght fall in the ground, "and would equally suit a hill- side. For the experiment try a flat surface. Suppose A B c D [Jig. 2), to be the plot of ground to be covered, the lines a c and e d being each 34 inches, and the dotted line but by taking the following variable properties into accoimt you may make your wire suit its pm^posc : — 1. Thickness aud elasticity of wire. 2. Angle at which wire is bent. 3. Depth to which the wire is sunk iu the soil. 4. Tenacity of the soil. 5. Angle of the slope of the roof. No. 2, the angle of the wire is the most readily convenient if you find your power of pressure either too weak or too strong. Your wires fixed on the side c i), you can now proceed to lay your sheets on the other side. I could have done all the fore- going four or five times over whilst I have been telling you how to do it. As for the gables, the most elegant are triangles of glass shghtly larger than the opening at the ends, but this is not needful, save that it is also cheaper tlnm most other plans. I shall suppose that in yom- experiment yo>i use a square sheet, as in fill. 3. The odd comers can be trimmed off with the diamond, and the pieces a b used as gables for smaller houses for Radishes, Carrots, ttc, or for cuttings or seedlings. I have all sizes, from Pea and Potato houses down to Tom Thumb size, with a slope of roof of only 4 inches. In fixing the gables use the remainiug two wires, one to each, using the wires as before, but in the case of the gables insert- ing them not quite perpendicularly, or else at the distance of a few inches from the glass. At each of the points o, H, K, L, (rij. 2), push one of the straight iron rods perpendicularly into the gi-ound about half its length. Take now one of your- sheets of glass, aud standing in Fig. 4. a. Glass. '24 iuchcs. b. Grouud, 17 incbes. f , Iron rod. to represent an imaginary line drawn from end to end equidis- tant from the sides. 4 inches or so from the Une A c, and 5 inches or so from the line e f. fix the point g. 10 inches to the right of g. and at the same distance from e f, fix the point H. I say 16 inches on the supposition that your sheets are 24 by 24. If the second dimension is not 24, then iJter the distance between g and H to the length of yonr sheet less 8 inches. Now, beginning at the other end of your plot, measuring 6 feet or so. fix two other points, K and l, on hke principle to g and h. Fix a wire similarly about opposite n, say at the point N, taking care that before raising the longer half of the vrire, it shall be so inserted as to point tow.irds c. This wire of comse must be raised so as to press upon the central sheet at the overlap. A few minutes' practice will tell you more of the fixing of these wires than I can in an hour. The wires I send are un- fortunately too powerful jind therefore needlessly expensive, front of the plot put one end at the point c, {lifl. 2.) and the- edge along the line c n, with a hammer or mallet in your right hand gently tapping the tops of the rods g aud u till such time as by resting the sheet against them you get the slope of 45° or any other required angle. (See_rf(7. 4.) Repeat this by laying Fig. 5. another sheet against the iron rods at K aud l. Take sow sheet No. 3. and place it so that it shall overlap .sheet 1 and 2 about an inch and be supported by them. (Sfe/i.i;. 5.) Jrty 26, J866. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTtinE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 7■^ So much for oue aide of tbo house. You will rpp that no iron rods are required for the other siiie, on wliich the BheetK have simply to he pliieed iikin^ the line a b, their upper BideH resting upon the edge of the nheetB of the other side of the house, leaving ahout un inch overlap as under. (Ste_/i(;. li.J a. Glass. Fig 8. b, Ground. However, before meddling with the side a b, wc must first properly fix the side c i) as follows : — At the point m {fii/. 2.) about opposite the iron rod c, and close to the edge where the glass meets the ground, insert perpendicularly into the soil the smaller half of one of the bent wires in such a position that by pressing it down to the angle the longer half shall lie close along the lower edge of the glass pointing in the direction of D iriy. 7.) Fig. 7. Now gently raise the longer end of the wire w till you get it in the position of the dotted line x. For ventilation I have nearly a dozen modes all in use to-day, within view of my desk, and, except in large houses, none of them adding one penny to the expense. When you recognise the immense power of the bent wires, some of these modes will at once occur to you. Meanwhile spare me the naming of them till I hear your opinion of the main plan of erection. I may say in advance of objections that I have never lost a sheet of glass from wind or frost, my only loss occurring from incautiously liandling the wires before I knew their power. It properly fixed they never slip. Of course the overlap at the ridge should, in windy situations, face the mildest quarter. I have given measurements, but after a little practice they are very immaterial. I stick my rods and wires in any way to a few inches, and make them accommodate each other by raising or lowering as seems required. The fixing of the gables will best illustrate what I meant in a former letter by metallic reflectors. The backs of my lean-to are sheets of glass, upright, with the metallic reflector (of which further if you wish it) coating the surface. This acts as a substitute for a low brick wall, and I have a theory that solar hgbt has properties iu relation to vegetation when reflected «.s lii/lit very different from those of solar heat ra- diated from substances that have absorbed it. I feel quite sure that using four-feet brick walls as a back, cheap sheets of very large glass might be specially made to render Peaches frostproof, hut this is travelling a little out of the region of my own practice. — \Vm. McGowas. A NEW HEATING APPARATUS. During our brief visit to Washington, we stopped for a few minutes at the garden of the Agricultural Department, which is in charge of Wm. Saunders, Esq., one of the most accom- plished of American horticulturists. Since our last visit here, a new propagating-house has been erected, combining advantages in the way of heating desired by Mr. Saimders, that are at once efficient and economical. It is well known that the old mode of flue-heating has been iu a great measure superseded by the hot water system. One great drawback against its more general introduction, is its ex- in'iisc. Boilers and pipes an! c(>stly. particularly so since the advance in the price of iron ; frequently it costs more to procure and (it uji the apparatus, than it does to build the houses, and, after all, there is a great waste of heat passing off at the chimney. For producing what is technically known as bottoni-heat in a )>ropagating-ljed, there is no way of distributing wiirmth over tt large surface so equally and economically as through water. The conducting power of water gives it the superiority in this respect, while it must be admitted that so far as economy of fuel is concerned, the old flue has the advantage. To combine the two modes has long been considered a desideratum, and this seems to be done in a very effectual manner in the house alluded to. The house is about 80 feet in length, divided by a partition across the middle. In one end is a ]m>pagating-bed, '3!> feet by 8} feet. The other end is fitted up with staging for pots, the object being to heat the bed without heating the atmosphere further than will be provided by radiation from the surface of the bed, while the atmosphere of the other portion is lieatcd by a flue. The furnace is placed opposite the middle of the house, and has also some peculiarities of construction, which we did not have fully explained, but our attention was attracted to the simple mode of heating the water in the tank wliich underlies the bed. Within a few feet of the furnace, a small piece of bent four-inch )iipe is inserted with two arms, one of which is the How and the other the return. This ])ipe altogether is about 1.5 feet iu length, 9 feet of which lies in the flue ; and the heat, as it passes this pipe, is Bufficient to maintain an average temperature of 110° in the water, with moderate fire. If required, we understood that it could be raised to 120° with ease. Th<' shape of the pipe is as shown in this sketch, the bent portion being in the flue, which is represented by the horizontal lines. The simplicity and cheapness of this arrangement is manifest. Any plumber can make the boiler (for such it really is), and any labourer can fix it in its place. Its cost can always be readily ascertained, being little more than tlie cost of so many feet of three or four-inch pipe. It can also he extended, and several tanks heated from the same fire. A side tank 40 feet by 2 feet is iu this case warmed by a small piece of two-inch pipe, let down through the top of the same flue that contains the four-inch pipe above DIustrated. — (Surgo Journal.) VINES FAILING— RED SPIDER. We have an old vinery heated by flues. We formerly had pro- digious crops of Grapes from a double set of Vines, half planted outside, and half in, those inside against the back wall. Some time ago we changed our gardener, and as the old Vines were in a bad state, and had not home well lately, we thought it right to replant the house, which was done, putting double the number of Vines in the outside border, and leaving the old ones inside, to continue bearing until the young Vines were strong enough to fruit. Last year we had a very good crop on the old Vines, but this year all the Vines had the red spider, and the young ones much the worst. Our new gardener says it was owing to the flues being so close to the openings where the Vine.s come in, and wants to have the flues lowered a foot all round the front of the house ; but before we have this done, I thought I would ask your advice, as the old gardener always obtained as good Grapes as to size and quality as any iu the neighbour- hood. The Vines come into the house just 10 inches above the flue. The Grapes were started last year the middle of .January.— F. W. S. [It is just possible that were you to lower the flue you might much iujm-e the draught. The hot weather has been much in favour of the red spider this season, and it will easily obtain the mastery if not combated with a little sulphur, and plenty of moisture. Ten inches is a good distance for the Grape 74 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEK. [ Jnly 25, 1866. Vines when they enter the house to be from the flue. Were we in your ease, we would let the flue alone, but we would have a dozen of evaporating-pans, zinc or earthenware, placed on the flue, and these we would keep filled with water, and a handful of sulphur in each, renewinR it now and then, until the Grapes approached matm-ity, when little fire heat was necessaiy. We would have more faith in this than merely lowering the flues a foot. That, however, would secure a more uniform heat to the Vines. On a flue within 2 inches of the Vine stems we placed a sheet of zinc, separated from the flue by half an inch, and coated the upper part of the zinc with sulphur. This divided the heat better, and the zinc was never too hot for the sulphur fimnes. We have then no olijection to the sinliiug of the flue, but we would try the evaporating-pans.] MEN AND MANURE REQUIRED FOR A GARDEN. Do you consider the winter dung of eight horses, from No- vember to April, sulficient for a kitchen garden of an acre, two Melon lights, a hotbed for cuttings, and two lights for Potatoes ? Also, how many men would he required for a garden of same extent— a vinerj' 35 by 16 feet, a small Heath-house 16 by 10 feet, a conservatoiy 40 by 18 feet, two terrace gardens 90 by 30 feet, kept with bedding plants ? The garden has no wali. — H. B. ~[We consider the dung amply sufficient, but most likely care will be needed to prevent the later-made dimg from fermenting, in order that it may come in when required for linings after April. Placing it thin will secure that object, and then it may be placed together to heat when required. Instead of five we do a score or two of lights with half the quantity, but, then, much care and economy of material are required. Roughly we should estimate your place requires about thi'ee men ; but that will much depend on the way your terraces are kept or planted. As there are no waUs there will not be much to do in winter. We have a great dislike to take men on for the summer ; but there are cases in which men can obtain regular work in winter and can turn out in simimer, and they just suit many gardens where there is less to do in winter. We have kno^vn places about your size tiilily done by two men, and we have laiown four and five employed, and plenty to do. It so much depends on the plants grov.Ti and the finish of the keeping. For instance : in a ten-ace garden we know a border of Cerastium has been passable for some three years, and but little touched, but it has no artistic finish in comparison with another border planted every season, and nipped and clipped some half a dozen times duiing the summer.] BEOMUS SCHRCEDERI, alias ANTHISTIRLV SPECIES. As I have had some experience with this species of Grass, permit me to occupy a small portion of your columns in giving it. In .January, 1864, I was in New South Wales, and had the pleasure of meeting with a large landed proprietor Uviug near Sydney, who is not only an extensive cultivator, but has much of the energy of the " old coimtiy " in his experiments. He has cultivated this Grass extensively for several years, and has found it in his hot and diy neighbom-hood a most valuable forage Grass, cutting heavj- crops twice a-year. I saw one enclosure cropped with it, and was much struck with its vigorous growth. On making inquiries about it, I fojind its popular name at Sydney was " Califomian Prairie Grass." I happened to meet with an old Califomian digger who assured me that it was very common on the hOls of Cohfoi-nia, and was not injm-ed by the severest frosts. A botanist friend at Sydney said that it was a species of Anthistiria (\^'ildenow), and recognised as such by Leichardt. I did not hear of it in Queensland or at Melbourne. My English experience of it has gone thus far — I retui-ned from Australia in the autumn of 1864, and brought with me a quantity of seed, which I sowed in October, the plants came iip in November, and although so young and tender, they stood through the rather severe winter of 1864-5 well. I had early in the present summer a good crop of its Oat-like seed, anil after cutting it when thoroughly ripe, the roots have put forth a promising crop of forage. I have read the advertisements of the *' Bromus " (which I believe to be the same as my Anthis- tiria), at Is. a-packet with some amusement, for I could have reaped a tolerable harvest of shillings had I not thought it more prudent to _see how it suits oiir climate before offeiing it for sale. I may add, that in New South Wales it seemed to give abunilant forage, for the cro]is I saw were, as far as my memory serves me, 2 feet high, and very succulent. The pro« prietor above mentioned is a large dairy farmer, makes much cheese, ajid finds this Grass very nutritious for his stock. It seems to be much earlier than Italian Eye Grass, and may prove a very valuable addition to our early-spring fodder. I almost fear those people who disbelieve the Cambridge- shire transformation of Oats into Barley wiU smile when I state the fact, that some roots of this Oiit-Grass, the flower- stems of which I cut off to observe the effect on the forage, if thus treated have thrown up ears of Barley — odd, but true, for the roots were taken up, washed, and found intact, not being wedded to a stem of Barley, which I at first suspected. As to its perennial character, I can testify as to the variety I possess being so in New South Wales, foi- I saw one enclosure which had been laid down with it five years. The crop was abundant. From this scource my seeds were gathered. — John Eivers, Sawlritlffiru'ortli. Your corres]iondent doubts the hardiness of this forage plant. A gentleman who imported it from South America to Australia some yeaj-s since, lately informed me that its being hardy was to him one of its greatest recommendations ; and added, as the result of his experience, that spring sowing cUd not prove its utility, but that he had been in the habit of sowing in the autumn for winter food for stock, and, notwithstanding the cold at that season, it proved perfectly hardy — indeed, of rapid growth ; and coming into use when there is no other green food attainable, he considers it one of his most valuable plants for winter forage. — C. H. S. THRITS ON PEACH TREE LEAVES- PRESERVING FINE NET. Be so good as to inform me in your next Number what causes the Peach and Nectarine leaves which I now enclose to look so silvery. The leaves are not at all curled, and the trees are healthy in other respects. They are growing in an orchard- house, and are regularly sjTinged. I have noticed on the leaves many insects such as I now enclose. Do they injure the trees ? If so, what is the best way to get rid of them ? Can you inform me the best way to treat Nottingham cotton net, not stiffened, one-sixth-of-au-inch mesh, so as to preserve it from the effects of the weather ? What process does net go through that is tanned ? — E. [The insects on your Peach trees are the thrips, but not the worst kind to eradicate. Two tolerable smokings with tobacco and a good sjiinging would most likely vanquish them. These little insects give the silvery appearance to the leaves, increased a httle by water resting on them when the sun is powerful. If you dislike smoking, wash the leaves with quassia water of the strength frequently mentioned, or with gum or glue water sufficiently strong, and yet weak — just enough that when you dip the finger and thumb in it there will be felt the least stickiness as you pull them asunder when the liquid is cool. For this pm-])Ose glue or gum water fastens and kills the insects, and a good s^Tiuging in a day or two removes them all, We have heard people complaining about insects, and submitting to gieat annoyance, when a small painter's brush and a little gum or glue water would have enabled them to go over every leaf of the i)lant. The same principle is illustrated every day in a garden, such as when a man plods and treads backwards and forwards for a fork or a hoe, when, if he had vised the natural tools with which Providence had gifted him, he might have done all the work and saved much shoe-leather. A gentleman told us the other day, that if a job required three tools to do it nicely in his place, it required three joumies to the tool-house. .Just so with insects. A brush and the fingers used in time might dispense altogether with a number of apjihcations. A vast improvement would be effected if it were once estabUshed as a cardinal truth, that if once insects obtain the mastery it is lost laboiu-, lost time, and lost money to attempt to clear them away. The best remedy is burning the whole lot. We think a little tobacco or a httle gimi water will make our cor- respondent's trees all right. We are very doubtful of the success of any means of render- ing Nottingham netting more enduring. Tanning it would be attained by placing it in a tanpit like netting. Steeping in oil with a httle sugar of lead is advocated by some persons ; July 25, 1865. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 75 ))nt after somo experience with this netting, with calico, and other materials, we have come to the conclusion that all at- temptcil means of preservation are only so much labour and money thrown awiiy. All such preparations render the mate- ria! more brittle and hable to crack ; and we do believe tliat if kept as it comes from the manufactory, and put away in a nice dry state, it will last longer than when treated with pre- ser\-ing li(puds, ,tc. That is our candid opinion after consider- able experience.] MILDEWED SEEDLING TINUSES. I nAVK had somo hea\'y losses this year among my seedling Pinuses, from what appears to me to be a kind of fmigus attack- ing the young growth. 1 have tried various means to prevent it, such as keeping dry, giving plenty of air, itc, but to no purpose. Perhaps some of your readers can give me informa- tion how to remedy the ei-il. — T. W. W. [Our ad\-ice is to prick them off as soon as they appear above ground, and use piu'e loam that has no streaks of fungus in it. Probably the seedlings, too, are growing rather crowded. Dust- ing them with (lowers of sulphur from a large pepper-box may do good. Your chief remedy will be pricking-off as soon as yon can handle them, and giving plenty of air after they begin to root freely.] NEW EARLY PEAS. I BEG to give you my experience of one of the new early Peas sent out last spi-iug. I sowed this season Dickson's First and Best, DiUistone's Early, and Sangster's No. 1, and found the first fully nine days oai-her than either of the others ; the quality is excellent, and it is a most prolific bearer, very hardy, a strong grower, and pods from top to bottom. I gathered a much larger crop from Dickson's First and Best than I did from either of the others, and for the future I shall sow only this for my first crop. — W. Kindon, Doicnton Castle Gardens, Ludlow. Being much interested in the discussion on early Peas, which has appeared in your columns for the past few weeks, I may, perhaps, be ;illowed to say that I sowed Dickson's Fh'st and Best on the last day in February on a south border, and that I gathered the first dish on the 6th of June, and dishes on every subsequent day during the week. The crop was most prolific, the quaUty excellent, and the period they continued in a bearing state was much longer than any early Pea I have yet grown. I therefore do not hesitate to affirm that it is the earliest and best Pea in cultivation. — E. Eobektsos, Stuke Edith Park, Ledbury. Several communications having already appeared in your columns respecting early Peas, and much difference of opinion seeming to exist among gardeners as to what I'ea ought to be styled the earliest, I ventiue to give my experience this season. On the 8th of February I sowed Paul's Tom Thumb, which Pea I had hitherto found to be the earliest, on a south border. Dickson's First and Best was sown at the same time on an open flat, and I gathered Peas from that variety on the 3rd of June, Tom Thumb not being ready for several days, although accommodated with so favom-able a situation. I have never gathered so many Peas and so early from a single row as I have done this year, and I can confidently recommend those who have not tried this valuable new Pea to do so, as, in my opinion, it is very properly named the " First and Best." — G. PovEY, Doveridgc Gardens, Uttoxeter. TOMATOES. A GOOD metlical authority ascribes to the Tomato the follow- ing very important medical quahties : — 1st, That the Tomato is one of- the most powerful aperients of the hver and other organs ; where calomel is indicated, it is one of the most effective and the least hurtful medical agents kno^Ti to the profession. 2nd, That a chemical extract wUl be obtained from it that wiU supersede the use of calomel in the cure of disease. 3rd, That he has successfully treated diarrhcea with this article alone. 4th, That when used as an article of diet, it is almost sove- reign for dyspepsia and indigestion. ,')th. That it should be constantly used for daily food ; either cooked or raw, or in the form of catsup, it is the most healthy article now in use. To Preserve Tomatoes. — Professor Mapes says : — "If Toma- toes are slightly scalded and skinned, and put into bottles, and those set in ln'iiling water for a few minutes, and corked and sealed, the fruit will keep as long as desired, and if eaten when first opened will have the same taste as when just picked from the \-ines." Probably a better way ia to peel the Tomatoes and hoil slightly so as to expel the air, then put in heated bottles and cork at once. All depends on the exclusion of the air. The more perfectly this is done the longer fruit may be preserved. WORK FOR THE ^^'EEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. ER.iDiCATE all weeds before they shed their seed ; puU them up by hand, as cutting them up with tlie hoe and allowing them to remain on the ground is nearly as bad as letting them stand ; for although the seed may not be ripe at the time, the sun will soon ripen it. We allude particularly to Groundsel, Shepherd's-piu-se, and Sow Thistle. Cauliflowers, the main crop for autumn use should be immediately planted on a rich piece of ground. This vegetable, when planted at this season, becomes very useful after the Peas are over. Cucumbers, if they are required through the winter, seed should be sown, so as to have strong plants by the beginning of September. Carefully attend to those in frames, remove decayed leaves from the plants, and about twice a-week, in warm weather, give them a liberal supply of water. Herb-beds, where new ones are required may now be "made ; the groimd to be previously manured and dug, sUps of some sorts and rooted plants of others should be immethately planted in them. Lettuce, thin and transplant a sufficient quantity for use ; keep them watered during the continuance of dry 'weather. Onions, the early-planted ones from the autumn sowing will probably be fit to pull up ; if the weather is fine let them he on the ground a day or two before they are housed, but if showery, they had better be laid in an open shed. Parsley, let a sowing be made immediately, if it was not done at the beginning of the month. If any has_ been left for seed let it be gathered as it ripens, or the best of it will be lost. Peas, earth-up and stick the advancing crops ; the sticks from the early crops will now be out of use. Potatoes, plant some that have been saved from last year to produce new ones in the autiunn ; the rows may be closer together than for spring planting. Radishes, the Black and White Spanish should now be sown for winter use ; also sow the common kinds_ for successional crops. Spinach, continue to keep up a succession, a larger space of groimd may now be devoted to it, as it will not now so soon rim to seed. FKUIT GAKDEN. A systematic application of the principles of pruning should be continued to fruit trees diu-ing the summer months. The tendency to excessive luxuriance fi-equently exhibited by espa- lier trees renders the operation of disbudding, stopping, and shortening shoots more particularly essential. The whole principle of pinching is merely this — in the first place, to pinch all young shoots not necessary for the framework of the tree ; secondly, to stop those shoots which threaten to overgi-ow their neighbours, by which means a due equilibrium of the branches wiU be maintained ; and finally, having commenced a system of repression, to continue it in regard to lateral shoots which are developed by this system of stopping. Keep the Vines carefully tacked in, and the laterals constantly stopped ; both branch and stem will be benefited by sharing abundantly the advantages of a free exposiu-e. Let the free-gi-owing shoots of Plums be regularly laid in, as they are apt to become awkward in training if left too long. The sooner the gi-ound is prepared for Strawberries the better, let it be weU maum-ed and trenched to the depth of 3 feet. FLOWER GARDEN. Cuttings of Roses may now be taken and planted in a close frame in a northern aspect. In about a month they will have shown a disposition to strike root, when they may be taken up carefully, potted and plunged in a sUght bottom lieat. Treated thus they will make nice plants in a short time, and if kept under a slight protection during winter wiU fill their pots with 76 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. L July 25, 1865. roots ami be ready for planting out next May. Pink pipings put in early will now be ready for transplanting, and if so, this should be done at once, as they will require time to establish themselves so us to prevent frost from injui'ing them. If the situation ultimately intended for them is vacant, they may be planted there at once, but if occu])ied at present by something else, let the young Pinks be planted 4 inches apart on reserved beds in an open situation, the soil of which should consist chiefly of light loam. Climbers on walls must be attended to as they advance in growth, keeping the young shoots neatly laid-in. The climbing Roses will also require to be gone over occasionally for the purpose of cutting off decayed blooms, and any wealdy old wood should bo cut out at the same time to allow of laying-in the strong young shoots, which will bloom much finer next season than the old wood woiild. Any of the Perpetual-blooming Roses that have flowered very freely should be assisted by a liberal watering with manure water from the stable or farmyard tank ; indeed, too much of this can hardly be given to any of the autumn-flowering varieties. Keep them free from insects, and have the budding finished as soon as possible. Also have Carnations and Picotees layered without loss of time. These are exceedingly usefid border flowers, being so much prized for cutting ; therefore, see that a good stock of them is prepared for next season. GHEKNHOnSE AND CO NSEKVATORT. Specimens that have matured their season's growth should now be more sparingly supplied with water at the root in order to promote the ripening of the wood. Some of the larger speci- mens will soon become exhausted, aud preparations having been made securing a good reserve stock, such should be well attended to in regard to timely shifting, watering, &c. If such a course is duly followed up good specimens will always be at hand to fill up blanks occasioned by declining stock. Let young-rooted Pelargoniimis be potted olj in due time and pro- tected. Cinerarias, too, whether seedlings or suckers, should have regular attention ; those intended for autumn work should be potted forthwith. The forward Achimenes will have pro- duced abundance of suckers, these taken off and encouraged in a propagatiug-frame will produce a very late display. Now, that Camellias, Azaleas, and other ])lauts wilj be removed to their summer quarters out of doors, painting or other repairs required by any of the plant-houses will be more conveniently done than at any other season. .STOVE. Let shading be used with caution. As plants should now or soon be ripening their young wood they want as much light, and even moderate sunshine as possible. In the case of Orchids this is especially necessary, in order that the young leaves and pseudo- bulbs may be thoroughly ripened. Plants already in this con- dition, or nearly so, should be removed forthwith to a cool- house, and care taken not to induce them at jn-esont to ])ush again, as a fresh start would interfere with tlieir flowering next year. Dendrobium nobile, and others of that class sufficiently advanced in growth, should also be moved to a house where they could have a moderate and steady temperature, abundance of air, and little water till their stems are ripe, and their flower- buds formed. Those Orchids which are still in a growing state should be placed in the most favourable positions, and encouraged by a nice growing temperature while the weather continues favourable for ripening and hardening any growths ■which they may yet make. Afterwards let them be put gra- dually to rest. COLD PITS. _ The stock here will probably require re-arrangement at this time, as some of the specimens having completed their season's growth will be liett(>r in a shady situation out of doors. Cut down Pelargoniums as soon as the wood is properly hardened, and keep them very sparingly supplied with water "at the root until they start into growth, but sprinkle them overhead fre- quently, which will cause them to break more strouf'lv. — W. IiE.iNK. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GAr.DEN. Peas BUfihtril. — Proceeded in dry days with removing stakes from the most forward Peas, and staking the later aud latest- Kown ones. A heavy fog a few mornings back was attended with a blight on the Peas. Many of the just-formed pods on the top, which would have come in for succession, l)ecame mottled and black, so as never to recover. We have suffered a little on the height, but the crops have been next to destroyed in several gardens in the valleys. Some of the Potato haidm was also changed iu colour. The fog was not at all cold, but there was something in it that thus injuriously affected vege- tation. The soil was, perhaps, more than usually wet owing to the rains, but a short check to free evaporation could hardly have i)roduced such a result. The pods seem much more affected than the haulm or foliage. A few fine rows of our favourite Pea, .T eyes' Conqueror, or Ne Plus Ultra, will be stopped iu succession, but we have forked the ground, and as soon as drier will give a good soaking of sewage water to induce them to break afresli. Such blights derange our calculations as to autumn Peas for the table. Has the like happened in other neighbourhoods ? liarbj Peas. — ^We hope the trials on this subject will be pro- ductive of good. We want not an increase but a reduction of the number of varieties. The earliest with us tins season is one obtained from an old gardener mider the name of Sebasto- jjol. We have already stated that we judged it to be the same as Dillistone's Early, but though sown the same day, aud the appearance of both was much alike, we found we could gather a good dish of the Sebastopol some five days before we could gather one from Dillistone's, whilst the latter was fiUly eight days in advance of Sangster's No. 1. The last with us, however, is a wonderful cropper, and we use it, therefore, for our main early crop, following with that wonderful crop])er, Dickson's Favourite, and the also fine cropper and sweet, though small. Pea, Harrison's Perfection. This last is a fine Pea for those who prefer flavour to size. In the latter respect it is nothing to Veitch's Perfection, Mammoth, and Ne Plus Ultra. Of a lot of others we have tried, we find nothing in the new in advance of the old. A few of the now earliest we have not tried, and, therefore, like many more, will note the results stated by so many correspondents. One fact we may mention, Dillistone's Early does well with glass laid over it, as in a cold earth-pit, or an open orchard-house. Sangster's aud others do not come kindly. Tom Thumb as a dwarf does pretty well. From Dillis- tone's v,'e had some nice early gatherings from a rov? sowti near the front of an orchard-house, and allowed to spread to the front without stakes or suiqiort of any kind, pulling them up as sooir as the crop was plentiful out of doors. A few days difference iu the time of gathering is, therefore, a great point in early Peas, and well- authenticated statements of kinds sown near each other on the same day, and in similar circumstances, are very valuable. A few in an orchard-house do little harm, aud they gr.atify the craving for this vegetable when they could not be had for two or three weeks out of doors. A good spoonful early is more thought of than a huge dish at a later time. C'elenj. — Planted out as we got the trenches cleared of bed- ding plants. Turnips, Potatoes, itc. Plant as soon as we will, unless we give shade in bright weather, the Celery will not grow freely until helped by the cool nights of autumn. Our most forward Celery has been cleared of suckers at the roots, but has not needed tying as yet. With the exception of a si^rinkling of dry earth from the sides after watering, w-e shall not do much, or rather nothing, in the way of earthiug-up, until some three weeks before we wish to take it up for use, aud even then will only do a little piece at a time, according to what we judge will be wanted. As stated some time ago, the bit-by-bit earthing-up is the fruitful source of bolted and run plants. We had not a single run plant last year, thougli we had it in use much earlier than we shall have this season. One word more. Those who grow for shows m.ay feed it as much as they like to grow it of a huge size ; but those v, ho wish for sweet crisp Ccleiy, and that which will stand good in the beds, or rows, until they want it, will be satisfied with smaller heads. With- out a protecting awning it is scarcely possible to keep large beads when earthed and blanched from rotting in the centre. The most careful tying aud banking-up wiU not prevent the rain and heavy dews trickling down into the centre of the plant, and then the size and the many layers of the footstalks of the leaves keep the water iu the centre without allowing it to escape, and there iu time it putrifies aud rots the centre. Pricked-out more Lettuces and Endive, and sowed suc- cessions of these. Onions, and Cabbage, the latter for the second spring crop. In a fortnight will sow again. Planted out Greens, Coleworts, and Broccoli, as we could find room, also a good breadth of Cauliflower for autumn use. Wh.at we plant afterwards will chiefly be taken up for winter use. The rains have done good to aU these things, and those planted a week or July 25, 18G5. ] JOUBNAL OF HOKTICULTUBE AND COTTAGB GARDENER. 77 a fortiiiKlit )uivo been Rreatly benefited by stirring the ground all over with a fork in a dry day. Ciiciiiiili,'!:-!. — Those on ridges and on beds witli little or no protection, having' now had tho soil well heated, will be licrie- tited by beins nuilelied with litter, or some hay j^-rass, whic^h will keep tlie fruit cleaner, luid jireserve a nKn'e ei|nal eondition of tempcratiue and moistnre about the roots. When nice (,'u- cumbcrs, however, are wanted for the table, it is advisable to keep some in beds, pits, or frames, with glass over them, and where the soil can bo kept warm. It is often advisable to (jive regular Cucumber-houses a rest dm-in^ the summer. One of our most successful growers in a span-roofed house in winter and spring, allows his house to stand eni)ity ihiring sunnner, so as to be tlioroughly sweetened and cleaned before he jilants again in autumn. Few of us can thus spare glass ; but even a few pot i)lants in such a place would be better than coutinuint; on the Cucumbers, when they can be had very good in frames, &c. A few weeks ago we found traces of the disease in a two- light box, and as we had plenty more %ve cleared out and destroyed the plants, remuved the soil, washed the fianie, and planted again. It will bo recollected that this spot and gum disease troubled us some years. In honesty we must add, that wo do not know what brought it, or occasioned it, or what has happily kept it away. Nothing would conquer it when once it appeared. Fresh soil, frequent planting, and plenty of heat and air, just enabled us to get on. This season with the above exception we have seen nothing of it, but our treatment has not a]ipreciably varied. AVe should be glad if some one would do what we are unable to do, after numerous experiments and much jiatient watching and noting — tell us the cause of, and the remedy for this disease, or these diseases. The spot on tho leaf is worse than gum on the fruit. For Mushrooms, Tomatoes, etc., see previous Numbers. FRUIT GARDEN. Proceeded with stopping and shoot-removing as we could find time. Some Plums would be benefited by thinning if we could get at them. The dry weather kept the Strawberry runners back, and now they come freely. \Ve have taken a lot with little roots and potted them singly in small pots at once ; others we shall layer in small pots, both to be potted afterwards. As .stated the other week, we will also repot a few of those fruited last in iiots, to come in the earliest ; we shall sliake the most of the earth awaj-, and repot firmly in six-inch pots, and give all the sun possible after they begin to grow. We are now planting out the first-forced, and expect a crop in the autumn. Many are showing bloom freely now. Our crop in the open air though tolerable, has not been at all up to the mark. We believe the fruit-buds were starved by dryness last autumn, and, therefore, the bloom was not sufficient this summer. We were, however, much better off than some of our neighbours. We beUeve the shortness of the crop was more owing in such circumstances to the peculiarities of the last summer and au- tumn, than to anything connected with the sterility of the plants. Even then, however, it would be advisable to take nmners from fruitful plants, rather than barren ones, and those who wish to be extra careful and sure of fruit, may as well choose the second layer that comes fri>m the plant, in- stead of the first. We can scarcely get such minutia> attendeil to, but a number of experiments years ago convinced us, tliat though the plants from such layers were less vigorous in growth, they were on the whole more distinguished for fertility. V'ini'-bonlfrs. — In addition to the sprinkling of lime and soot alluded to the other week, threw a sprinkling of superjihos- phate of lime over them to be washed in by tlie rains, as the crops aie as usual too heavy. All Vines like a little of this applicatio 1 of bones, and a good dose will not bo so liable to injure as g.iano, and other concentrated manures. Mcl/jii.i. — In addition to what has lately been stated, tho chief points to be attended to now are — setting the fruit on young plants, keeping swelling fruit from contact with the soil, thinning the laterals and leaves sufficiently so that what is left may have plenty of light ; and for fruit advancing to ripeness, making sure that the roots shall be moist, and tlie surface and the atmosphere dr^. If we would have a first-rate Persian Melon, we must imitate the Persian atmosphere. The very heat and dryness of the air there give an extra relish and sweetness to the juicy Melon. A travelled gentleman said of a reahy good Melon, " Ah ! to make it perfect it should be par- taken uff under a broiling sun in Persia." No doulit this lends a charm to the Water Melons, which after many attempts have scarcely become at all rehshed in this country. OUNAJIUNTAl, KKr.VllTMB.ST. .Tolls hero too numerous to mention, in cliangiug plants, potting plants, training, Ac. Stanhopi^as have llowered all the stronger and better from having been dipped several times in manure water, and strongisli nuinnre water being poured gently on thi' baskets. In smallish baskets, tigrina and others have been large and fine. Our little plant-stove is becoming too cold for the Caladiums. They made the most splendid leaves when they wore treated to a little bottom heat. No plants enjoy that privilege more, (iivo iilenty of heat and moisture anil'a subdued shaded light, and fine foliage must lie the residt. The same mav be said of the fine-foliaged varieties of (Jesnera zebrina, though less heat suits them. For hardwooded plants see previous weeks, and for sonu! time back. The most forward Pelargoniums may now be cut back for making shoots. For early-blooming Cinerarias and Calceolarias see former directions and practice. Cliri/miilheiimms now require plenty of manm-e water, and the tops must never be allowed to shrivel or flag. Every time a iilant becomes so, a layer of leaves will fade next the base of the stem, and thus make the jdants Ijare at tlio bottom. Now is a good time to layer young shoots into small pots for flower- ing in a small dwarf state. If the toi) of tho shoot is twisted before laying in the small three or four-inch pot, it will soon strike root. Tongneing in the usual way can scarcely be re- sorted to, tho shoots are so apt to snap ; but a good plan is to run a sharp penknife along the middle of a shoot for 2 inches in length, and then put in a small bit of pebble or a little chip of wood to keep the sides of the cut separate from each other. The exposm-e of the bark and alburnum soon secures plenty of roots, and when the pot is thus tilled the connecting shoot can be cut off. Such dwarf little plants are useful for filling small flat vases. A vase of Chrysanthemums m.ay thus be obtained of any conceivable height. The large pots and large specimens should now have pleutv of mainn-e water. Out of doors the chief work has been mowing, machining, rolling, sweeping, i'C. Two things may be worth special notice. The first is, the necessity from the rains, of training, and re- moving many leaves from llon^er-beds, so as to give more light to flowers and flower-beds. This w:is especially the case with strong-growing Scarlet ■ Geranium-beds trained in tho pyra- midaf form. These, though not e(iual to those at Bentley Priory last year, are still very fair, and all the ground com- pleteiy covered. The removing of a few prominent leaves near the points of the shoots does not interfere with the clothing of the beds, whilst greater strength is thrown into the flower- stems. Of course, it must not bo overdone, as the flower-stems, even, would be starved for want of correlative action. ^ The second has reference to the treatment of several lines of Ceras- tium in front of ribbon-borders. We lately cut a long one rather wide, but as it was then only 1! inch from the grass, we could do nothing but leave it straight. The others had been I>lanted in Mav, and required some pegging and cutting to make it uniform and straight from end to end. When thus nicely finished, the Cerastium would be about (i inches from the grasa verge. We have already stated how nicely a row of Cerastium looked at Trentham, w'ith rather more than that distance of black-coloured earth between it and the grass. Our soil is not black enough for the purpose, but we ihd not like to give up the idea of a contrasting colour between the gi-eeu gi-ass and the whitish Cerastium. We, therefore, had some dust coal passed through a sieve to get rid of a lot of the dust and the largish pieces, and by a little breaking and then washing all well in a fine sieve in" a tub of water, much in the same way as the best sand is washed for cement, we obtained a lot of coal shingle ranging in size from that of small peas to that of fair- sized horse beans. The narrow strip of ground was levelled and beaten firm, and then the coal grit was laid thinly and evenly over it. At a little distance you might easily mistake the deep bluish-black for a narrow row of the darkest Lobelia speciosa. It certainlv makes a better figm-e than the mere bare earth. We should I'iko to see aU flower-beds nicely bordered, and with something better than coal grit. Disapproving o£ mixing flowers and coloured earths or minerals in one uniform combination, there is not the same objection as to sun-ounding one figure, or group, or border, with some coloured earth, not much beneath the height of the row of plants next to them. In our case the bluish sparkling black diamonds come in as a narrow line between the green and the white. If not liked it could easilv be put out of sight. The washing is essential, for, othervrise, 'rains would splash, and wmds di'ive the black dust. — li. F. 78 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEK. [ July 25, 1865. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— July 22. Market well Buppliod. Soft frnit in excellent condition. Striiwherries nearly over, Elton Pine lieing the only variety. English and West Indian Pines are both on hnnd in large quantities. Inferior samples of the former quite unsaleable except at a very low rate. Vegetables good and abundant, comprising the usual varieties; good Peas, however, are moi'e inquired for, the sorts most in demand being Ne Plus Ultra and Champion. Apples ^ sieve 1 Apricots doz. 1 Cherries lb. u Chestnuts bush. 0 Currants, Red ^ sieve 3 Black do. 4 Figs doz. 4 Filberts 100 lbs. 0 Cobs do. 50 Gooseberries. . i sieve 2 Grapes, Hnmbro. . . lb. 2 Muscats lb. 4 Lemons 100 5 (1. s. d 0to2 II 4 3 (1 H 1 « n n 0 0 4 (1 u 5 0 (1 K 0 n 0 n 0 (in n 0 3 0 0 S 0 (1 « (1 0 10 0 s. d. s. d Melons each 2 Oto6 0 Mulberries punnet 0 0 0 0 Nectarines doz. 10 0 15 0 Oranpes 100 10 0 20 0 Peaches doz. 12 0 24 0 Pears (kitchen)., doz. 0 0 0 0 dessert doz. 10 2 0 Pine Apples lb. 3 0 Plums 4 sieve 0 0 0 0 0 2 Walnuts bush 14 0 20 Quinces J sieve 0 0 Raspberries lb. 0 6 Sti-awberries lb. 0 6 VEGETABLES. Artichokes each Asparagus bundle Beans Broad, . bushel Kiilney do. Beet, Red doz. Broccoli bundle BruB. Sprouts. .^ sieve Cabbage doz. Capsicums 100 CaiTots bunch Cauliflower doz. Celery bundle Cucumbers cnch pickling doz. Endive score Fennel bunch Garlic and Shallots, lb. Herbs bunch Horseradish . . bundle E. d. s. d 0 4to 0 6 0 0 3 0 3 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 4 3 0 2 0 0 G 2 0 2 0 0 3 0 8 0 3 0 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 Leeks bunch Lettuce per score Mushrooms. . . . pottle Mustd. & Cress.punnet Onions, .doz. bimches pickling quart Parsley A sieve Parsnii)S '. doz. Peas quni't Potatoes bushel New bushel Radishes doz. bunches Rhubarb bundle Savoys doz. Sea-liale basket Spinach bushel Tomatoes doz. TiUTiips bunch Vegetable MaiTows dz. s. d. s. d 0 3 too G 0 9 16 3 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 9 2 6 3 0 0 G 0 2 0 0 0 0 6 0 G 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 TO CORRESPONDENTS. *** We request tluit no one will write privately to the depart- mental writers of the '* Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. AU communications should therefore be adikessed solely to The Editoj-s of the Journal of Jlortlculture, (Oc, 171, Fleet Street, London, E.G, We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them an- swered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or thr(;e questions at once. N.B. — Many questions must remain unanswered until next week. Vine Leaves I^ullated (J. Stcvens\~T\ie warts on the back of the leaves are produced by rich feeding at the roots, with too much moisture, and closeness in the atmosphere of the house. Give more air, and more dry heat, and make yom- Grapes, and not the plants in pots, the chief object of your cultivation. Vine and Melon Leaves Mildewed iA Conxtant Subscriber).— There is a sh^'ht appearance of mildew on the Vines. Use a little flowers of sulphur. Give di-y heat in moist weather, and plenty of air. Air and dry heat will, we hope, make all right. Use lime water in watering the Melons. You might strew some lime on the bed with advantage. Give also plenty of air, and paint the back of the pit or frame with sulphur and lime, r.nd if that is too white add a little soot. It was a pity to use soil so full of fungus. Animated Oats (Jf. N. ^.).— These are the seeds of Avena sterilis, and commonly called the "Animal Oat" and the "Lively Oat."' It is a native of Barbury, but was introduced here more than two centuries Since. Of coui'se you are aware that the cause of these seeds moving about hke a mass of insects is the extreme sensitiveness of their awns to dryness and moisture. We do not know the Clematises you mention, but they probably require greenhouse culture. Names of Roses (E. S.).— The white Rose is Noisette Grandiflora, hut the other was too decayed to be recognised. Transplanting Gooseberry and Currant Trees {A Subscriber).— With care you can reaiUly transplant these when six or seven years old. Prune the bushes as soon as the fruit -bearing is over— that is, cut away a good deal of the branches which will not be wanted. As soon as the leaves bepin to change colour a little, open a trench some 3 or i feet from the bole of each shrub, and then pick away the earth, but carefully saving the roots. If you can seciu-e to each a ball of earth all well, if not it matters but little. Spread out the roots nicely in the new soil, and stake the trees, and mulch the surface before frost comes. The shi-ubs will make good roots before spring. Stove Plants for DRAWiNO-nooM (An Old Snhscribcr).~'Fhis subject will be discussed fully in the course of a week or two. Pelargoniums Done Blooming (PT.B. IT.).— After bloomingthey should be rested for a period of six weeks, by thorough exposure, and withholding water, or, if rainy weather, by turning the pots on their sides. When the plants ai-e cut down it is not necessary to jilnnge the pots, but stand them on a hard floor or boards. They should be repotted after the new shoots are half an inch in length, removing most of the old soil, and potting into smaller-sized pots. After potting place in a cold frame, shading from bright sun, and keeping close for a few days; then give all the air possible, and protect from heavy rains. Plants for Wall of Stove (J. Baiilcy).—'Wc presume your wall is shaded. In that case you could not do better than have a trellis made for it, and cover that with Cissus discolor, and thus have a tapestry of the richest and most beautiful kind. In case you wish for flowering plants, Hoya carnosa and its vars. pitta and variegata, Slikania scandens, Manettia bicolor, and Bignonia venusta. If there is no trellis, then Cereus grandiflorus, C. Macdonaldi, and C. flagelliformis. Our choice would be two plants of Cissus discolor, and a Sphffimstemma marmorata in the centre, with suspended baskets, from the upper part of the wall, of Pothos argjTjea. If the wall is not shaded, then Passiflora quadran- gularis, edulis, racemosa, and alata, or Ficus barbata, Vanilla aromatica, and Reuanthera coccinea. Scale on Peach Trees (Inquircr).~lt is difficult to tell what causes trees to be attacked by insects. Yom* trees on the gi-eenhouse back wall do not, probably, receive suflicient air, and that may render the leaves f;;vourable to attacks of scale. As the fruit is ripening, you can only pick off the scale with the point of a knife, which certainly 'is a slow but sm-e method of clearing ofl" the pest. After the fruit has been gathered, syi'inge the trees with water, at a temperature of 160'^, in which softsoap or Gishurst compound has been dissolved at the rate of 4 ozs. to the gallon. Allow this to dry, then wash it ofl" ^^ith water at 140-. After the leaves have fallen (cleai- them away immediately they faU). wash the trees with a composition which we have" used for the last twenty years, without any appearance of scale afterwards. It is made as follows":— Take 7 lbs. sulphur vivum,and 7 lbs. quick lime, and boil for fifteen minutes in thi'ee gallons of soft water ; then add 2 lbs. softsoap, and 1 lb. of the strongest tobacco, continuing the boihng half an hour longer. Strain, and apply whilst hot (140 ) to the trees \\ith a brush, taking care not to injure the buds, and yet to go into every hole and crevice. Keep in a close-stoppered bottle for future use, and in case of attacks of red spider, thrips. and preen fly, in summer, put a pint in three gallons of water, and syi-inge the trees -with it. We know this old remedy, for the ailments of the Poach, to have been in use for three-quarters of a century with the best results. The trees should be washed before the buds begin to swell. Himalayan Cedar and Cypress Seeds {Dorm't.). — Sow the seeds next March in a cold frame, in light good loam, or sow in pans, keeping moist, and rather close, until the seedlings appear; theu give aii* day and night in mild weather, protecting only from deluging rains and severe frost. Water freely, but never sodden the soil ; and in winter give Air daily, protecting with mats in r^evere weather. When the seedlings are a year old, prick themofi'in the frame in rows G inches apart, and S apart in the lines. They may be potted, and gi'own in an airy greenhouse, if sovm in heat, and hardened-ofT after the yoimg pbmts appear. In the spring of the second year from sowing they may be transplanted into a sheltered situa- tion, yet open, in lines a foot apart, and 6 inches in the lines. Two years from this they may be planted out in their final positions. We suppose that the " Gigantic C>'press" sent to you from the Himalaya is Cupressus torrulosa. What is the " Rayen Cedar," or the " Blue Cedar," we do not know. Peach Trees Over-luxuiuant — Fruit Falling (if. C). — ^We should think that yoiu- Peach-border is very rich and deep. If not deeper than 24 inches, and the roots cannot get below that, we should not mind how rich the border was ; biit disbud the young sappy shoots, so as to leave them 9 inches asunder, thereby allowing them light and air, in order to get the wood well ripened. When the wood is so ripe as to perfect the fniit-buds for blossoming and setting, it is hard to tell how the falling of the fruit afterwards can be attributed to the imperfect ripening of the wood. Your fruit falls when undergoing the stoning process, and it faUs to do this generally — 1st. When the trees have been too heavily cropped ; 2nd, When there is not sufficient moisture in the soil ; 3rd, When there is not sufficient air or ventilation ; 4th. Wlien the atmosphere is too dry, and there is too much heat at that period ; 5th, When there are sudden changes of temperature, and alternations from little to much air, coupled with extremes of drjiiess and moisture. Providing the border is not deep, we would not root-prune or take up the trees, but disbud to shoots at every 9 inches distance along the main branches, and have them at that distance from each other. We would shorten the leading shoots but little at the winter pruning, and leave the bearing shoots longer than usual— say 1 foot. From the first swelling of the buds give air day and night, lessening it, of course, by night, and continuing this until the leaves fall. Peaches like plenty of an-. After setting syi-inge the trees raominp and evening, up to the time of the fruit ripening, when a little fire heat will do all that is necessai-y for ripening the fruit and wood. From first to lost the border should" be well supplied with water, par- ticularly when the fruit is stoning; and for want of this, and sufficient ventilation, we think your Peaches fall without stoning. We presume your trees are young, and that they will lose their luxuiiance when they commence bearing. If the border is rich and deep, then we would re- commend lifting the trees in preference to root-pruning, reducing the border to 20 inches deep, and planting rather near the surface, just covering the roots. We have some that would not set their bloom, and we took them up last November, and found the roots lilie so many bare sticks at a depth of 2 feet or more. They were planted nearer the surface, and are now loaded with fruit. They were in a rich deep border. The trees are best lifted and transplanted when the leaves are falling, No- vember and December being the best months. Gebaniums (S. S. S.).— Mrs. Pollock, Sunset. Italia Unita, Lucy Grieve, Mrs. Benyon, and Countess were raised, we believe, by Mr. Grieves. The others were also sent out by Messrs. E. G. Henderson, to whom you had better apply for information as to when the variety which you name will be sent out. Azalea Stocks (J. P. F.I.— Verschafielti, caUed by some persona rho- dodendroides : this is without doubt by far the best stock kno^vn. If sufficient quantity of the above is not to be had use the following: — Holfordii, Marie Louise, and Phoenicia. July 25, 1865.1 JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. 79 House for Plants (7'. 0.].—Jf wo uinlL-istaiul you nripbt, your house is to be more of ix iihiiit-stuvii, or iilfnit-forcinR-house, tbiiu i\ ^rropnhnuso. We sboulJ. thc'iefoif, advise you to buvu your pit for pot-plnuts, iustoud of Bpt'ciineus pbmtutl out. Vou vill thus seruro your object bettor. Pasdiflorii princcps and I', kcrmesiua would suit tbi; doiue part of llio house. For twenty cliniluTs tbo following would be ^ood:— Combrctum purpurcuni, .laMninnm siinilmc fl^rL- pleno, Ceropcgia olegauH, Bigiioiiiii vonusta. Qiiisqtiths indica, I'assitlcra ubita and P. Buouapartea, Ipoma'a Learii and 1. HorsfjiUia-, I'L'r^,'ublria udorntissima, Hnya (miitios:!, Thun- berffia fra^aus, T. uocciuea, and T. HaiTisii ; Allanianibi ciitbartifa and A. Schottii, Torenift awiatica, Echites of sorts, Bauliinia st-andens, Suiau- dra graudiflora. These are recommouded ou the prc^umptiou that the house is not to bo below 6U^ iu temperature; if a uulder huube othci'ti must be used. Seedling ANTiRniiiNUMa IBarr iC- Snti^Jm). —There is a pi'oat variety nmouj,' your seedling' Antirrliijiuuis, nniny nf tbt-ni good varieties, though nothing now. and wc have siiuu many st^rdlings this year as good; yet no one can be disappointi'd wlio pureha"s(;sseedsa%nd from them. (T.Atm-U). —Your soodliugs are Uke many others wo have had sent to us this season. Wiiilst writing wo have three or four dozens quite as good before us. There is nothing now in colour or form ; and though some of them are pretty varieties, they are only such as wo should expect to bo produced from any packet of good seed. IlosE Treeh Dying (Lct). — Your Koso trees have died off from some other cause than the insects you have seen at work, which are a sprcies of bee belonging to the genus Ohmia. They only burrow in tlie pith of the dead dry snags, and not into the living part, and the injury they commit extends no further down. -W. I*i,ANTiNc; Strawberrikk (^yacs).— I presume when Mr. Chalonerflpoaka of taking up and putting in with a trowel in July, he moans runners ot the year. It is not a good i)lau to remove old plants. I do not keep tho lilark Prince, ho cannot compare it with Sir J. Paxton and Eclipse. An esulicr Strawberry than Sir J. Paxton would probably not be good out of doors unless covered with ridge-vineries' glass. It was ripe hero this year on Whitsunday. Eclipse is not quite so early. When I said tho planting season is from January to July, of course I presumed tho January planting of rimncrs is of runners supposed to bo kept over tho winter and planted the spring previously. The July runners of courea arc to be had from one's own plants. The nurserjTnen cannot supply them so early. All my new phintations are now made, July 21. The fault of the Black Prince is that in mild winters it goes into flower, and its blooms are killed. It is otherwise a sweet, hardy, and good early Straw- berry.— W. F.,Uadclyffe, Tarrant Itu8hto?i. Names of Plants (M.D.). — Mosembryunthemum sessilifolium. {Lady King). — A Cucurbitaceous plant; send it again when it tlowera. iA.J. T.), —1, Auchusa italica ; 2, Sedum soxanguhire ; S, Mesembryauthemum forficatum (?) ; 4, M. vlrens ; 5, Sedum dasypbyllum ; G, unrecognisable. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS in the Suburbs of London for tbe Week ending July 22nd. Date. THERMOMETEB. Wind. Ruin in intbcB. General Remarks. Air. Earth. Max. Min. Max. Min. 1 ft. dp. 2 ft. dp. Sun. . . 16 Mon... 17 Tues. . 18 Wod. . 19 Thurs. 20 Fri. .. 21 Sat. .. 22 Mean.. 29.995 29.981 29.870 29.S04 29.833 29.811 29.745 29.990 29.809 29.676 29.742 29.669 29.704 29.679 82 81 69 72 75 78 79 56 60 48 44 48 56 64 65 65i 66 64 64' 68 6.S* 63 62+ 61? 62 62i S.W. S.W. S. S. S. E. S.W. .04 .20 .04 .00 .20 .00 .00 Very flue, with liyht clouds ; thunder shower at niRht. Very close and hot ; ver>- fine ; overcast ; rain at night. Very clear ; light showers ; very fine ; showery at night. Ligiit clouds, and very tine ; overcast ; very fine. Very tine, with some clouds ; rain at night ; cool. I Very fine ; overcast ; warm at night. Uniformly overcast ; cloudy and fine ; very fine ; cloudy. 29.856 1 29.761 76.57 60.07 64.60 62.67 .... 1 0.48 POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. DISEASES OF FOWLS. We have had many queries about maladies and ailments among chickens that pass our philosophy. Prevention being better than cure, v,-e can only tell our readers that which we do with uniform success. If the chickens are well, we let well alone ; but if there appears a listlessuess and discontent among them, a contempt for food, and an apparent inclination to go what our man calls " the wrong way," we give them wormwood and camphor in their water, not mixed, but each iu a separate vessel. Both are very valuable. Our man gives them " nettle tea." because he finds it good for his children. We have no faith iu it. We are becoming sceptical about tainted ground for chickens ; we have reared on six acres hundreds for twelve years, and have no taint. We change the spot for the hens nuder the rips with the chickens evei-yyear, so far as the space will admit, and we allow the chickens to roost out and aliout till the long cold nights come, when they all go into an old bam. Every rip is shifted every day, and when the grass is laid up for mowing, each spot shows by its redundant crop where one has been. We share in the old superstition about June chickens — " Chicks that arc hatched, when there's malting of hay. Will never gi-ow np— they pine away." It may be that while haymaking is about the chickens miss some of the care they require, and therefore dechue ; be that as it may, ours have always done badly in .Jime, and we have, therefore, timed them this year to come out in July ; they are doing gloriously. The rain has freshened the newly-mo\vn land, and we know no ruu better for the young broods. Of course we are not speaking of exliibition birds, but good fowls are handy in the winter, and the July chicks will prove it. THE POULTRY CLUB'S PROPOSED ANNUiVL SHOW. The Poultry Club having at its last general meeting decided on holding an annual show, moveable year by year, on the princq.le of tho Eoyal Agricultural Society, the Stewards in-\ ite the co-oi.«ration of all exhibitors (whether members or not) in fiu-therance of this object. The prize list is guaranteed by a fimd subscribed to by indi- vidual members of the Club, and the Stewards propose to hold the show in one of the leading towns of the northern or midland counties. They now request suggestions from exhibitors, as to which town would be most ehgible and offer the greatest faci- lities. It would be necessai-y to form a local Committee, and obtain the services of a good local Secretary. If arrangements can be made in sufficient time, it is pro- posed that the Show be a chicken show, that being the want which the Stewards conceive to be most felt. The prize list will be liberal, increasing with the amount of guarantees re- ceived from members, and will include Pigeons. Two silver cups have been promised, and more are anticipated. All communications or suggestions addressed to the Hon. Sec. of the Club will be thankfully received, and any local Committee formed in any eligible place can be at once arranged with. Signed by order, — F. W. Zuuhoest, Hon. Sec, Danny- hrook, Dublin. SULTAN FOWLS. A FEIEXD sent me three fowls to take care of during his absence from home, as he dreaded a want of care on the part of his man-servant. He calls them " Bashi-Bazouks." Tome they appear to be neither more nor less than bearded White Poland fowls. They are quite white, with large topknots, a sort of beard under the throat, a small horned comb close on the upper portion of the beak, legs greenish yellow, or willow as it is called ; good layers of average-sized eggs. They are cer- tainly curious in appearance. Can you from my description tell to what class they belong ? I am very desirous of the in- formation, as he gave a very high price for them. — A Vert Old Poultry Fancier. [We should be disposed to believe the birds you name are the " Serai-ta-ooks," or " Sultan Fowls," imported some years since by Miss Watts. They were much hke what you describe, very good layers, and most pleasing as tame and familiar pets. We can hardly name their value, as we were not aware there were any left, on accoimt of the difficulty of procuring fresh blood. A cock and two puUets of last year should be worth from £5 to £6.] Electioneeking Intelligence. — The Light Brahmas have been elected to separate classes at Bingley Hall, Bu-mingham 80 JOUKNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ( July 25, 1866. by a large majority. We trust at the meeting the last week in November, they will by their presence justify the preference shown to them. PLYMOUTH POULTRY. SHOW. This was held on Monday, the 17th, and four following days. The entries were not very numerons (15(i), but the quality of the birds suffi- ciently compensated tor any deficiency in quantity. The Show has teen well visited, the weather beins brilliant. The following were the awards of the Judge, R. Teebay, Esq., Ful- •ffood, Preston : — Dorking (Any colour).— First, W. R. Peaeey. Chelworth, Gloucester- shire. Second, F. T. Parker, Rosewarne. Camliomc. Tljird and Fourth, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Commended, E. Burton. Truro. Chtckijiti. — First, Miss J. Bartar, Plymouth. Second, Rev. P. \V. Storj', Charwelton "House, Daventry. Commended, J. K. Fowler. Dorkings (White). — First nud Second, H. Linpwood, Ncedham Market, Suffolk. ■ CocHiN-Chinft f Any colour). — First. H. Tomlinson, Birmingham. Second and Third, F. W, Zurhorst, Donnybrnok, Dublin. Fourth, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Chickens. — First, R. Rodbard, Aldwick Court, near Bristol. Second, Rev. S. Taylor. Keastwick. Kirkby Lonsdale. CocHiN-CniNA (White).— First and Second, F. W. Zurhorst, Donny- brook, Dublin, Game (Black-breasted and other Reds). — First, Rev. G. S. Cruwj's, Mor- cbard Court. Tiverton. Se<-ond,E. Eui-ton, Truro. Third, J. Barter. Totnes. Commended, J. Collacott, Tavistock ; Miss S. Northcotc, Upton Pynes, near Exeter. Game (Any other variety). — First, S. Dupe, Evercreeeb, Somerset. Seeend, Rev.'G. S. Crnwj'^* Morchnrd Court. Tiverton. Third, J. Barter, Totnes. Chickem.— First, H. Doney, Mntley. Phmouth. Second. H. Ailney, Remberton, Collumpton. Tliird, Rev. G. S. Cruwys. Morchnrd Court, Tiverton. Hif^hly Commended. H. Doney. Commended, H. Adney. Spanish. — First, J. R. Rodbard, Aldwick Court, near Bristol. Second, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. PoLANDS (Any variety). — First. J. Hinton, Hiiiton, near Bath. Second, D. Dobrie, Forest Rectory, Guernsey. Brahma Pootra.— First, R. W. Boyle. Dundrum. Dublin. Second, H. Hinton, Hinton, near Bath. Third, E. Pigeon. Lympstone. near Exeter. Highly Commended, E. Pigeon ; J. Pares, Childown Hall, Chertsey. Hajubcrgh iGolden-pencilled). — First, B. Mills. Mannamend, Plymouth. Second, J. Dunstan, Wendron, Cornwall. Third. N. Barter, Plymouth. Highly Commended, N. Bsirter. Commended, T. Edwards. Hamburgh (Silver-pencilled). — First, A. K. Wood, Burneside, Kendal, Westmoreland. Second, Miss J. Barter, Plymouth. Hamburgh (Golden-spangled).- First. A." K. Wood, Burneside. Kendal, Westmoreland. Second, J. Roe, Hadfield, near Manchester. Third, C. Benwell. Bayswatcr, London. Commended. R. Tate, Leeds. Hamburgh (Silver-spangled). — ^First, A. K. Wood, Burneside, Kendal. Second. G. Miller. Third, W. Miller. Sherborne, Dorset. Game Bantams (Any varietvl.^First. J. K. Fowler. .\vlefiburv. Second, "W. H. Oxland, Ph-mouth. Third, Rev. G. Raynor. Rectory, near Brent- wood. Highly Commended, G. Manning. Springtield. Essex. Gold and Silver-laced.— First, Kev. G. S.Cruw>-s, Tiverton. Second, G. Manning. Springfield. Selling Class. ^First, D. Dobrie, Fores t Rectorj', Guernsey (Creve- <;cEur). Second and Third, R.H. Nicholas. Malpas. Newport (Spanish and Silver-spnngled Humburgh). Highly Coniniended. Miss S. Northcotc, XIpton PjTies. near Exeter (White Game). Commended, Rev. P. W. Storey, Daventry (White Bantams); G. Manning, Springfield (Brown Red). Single Cocks. — Game (Any variety).— First. G. S. Cruwys, Tiverton. Second, R, Rodbard, Aldwick Court, nenr Bristol. Bantam (Any variety). — First, Rev. G. Raynor, Rectory, near Brentwood. Second, E. Cambridge, Bristol. Highly Commended, S. Lacy. Ducks (Rouen). — First and Commended, E. Burton, Truro. Second, J. K. Fowler, Ayle^burj'. Pigeons.— Cnn-(Vrs. — First. E. E. M. Rnyds, Ashby-de-In-Zouch. Second, H. Doney, Plymouth. Highly Commended, C. Cole. Bradford ; H. Yardley. Birmingham ; C. Bulpin, Bridgewatcr. Commended. C. Bulpiu. Poivttrf. -First and Second, C. Cole. Highly Commended. E. E. M. R<^)yds ; H. Yardley ; C. Bulpin. Fantaih. — Second. H. Yardlev. Highlv Commended, C. Bulpin. ^l^)Ht^r^■.— First, H. Yiirdley. Second, C. Cole. Turbitn.— First, C. Bulpin. Second, E. Pigeon, Lympstone. Highly Commended, H. Yardley. An}i other variety. —Y'lr^U E. E. M. Royds. Second. E. Pigeon (Magpies). Highly Commended, E. Pigeon (Hyacinths); H. YarcUey. Commended, H. Yardley ; C. Bulpin. prize, and were immediately sold at the price pat upon them in tho catalogue — f'2 KKv. Mr. Henrj- Lingwood came into competition witb Mr. Hust and Mr. Rodbard in the Cochin-Chiua classes. Mr. Rod- bard's pen, which took the second prize for Cochin-China chickens, was a remarkably good one. This gentleman had also a fine pen of Spanish, beating Mr. R. Postans. The Spanish are a new feature in the Stowmarket show, and four finer pens than those sent on the 14th can srarcely ha hoj>ed for at any show. The Judges commended the two pens which did not take the prizes. Mr. Jeremiah Wright, as usual, took the first prize for linmnurs, but the class was not quite so good as in some shows. The Ilonibun/hs were represented in all the varieties, but not numerously. The Spangled were very good, and the pen of Black Hamburghs shown by Mr. Jeremiah Wright, and whicli obtained a first prize, were verj' fine birds. Bantams were in great force. Mr. Heniy Paj-ue again can-yin^ off a first piize for Game Bantams. In Duclcs there were some of the finest, or, at any rate, the largest Aylesburjs that we have seen at any local show, and the Geese were equally meritorious, being large, handsomely made, and in beautiful plumage. Pif/eons were shown in great numbers and variety, and so good that the Judges highly commended every pair that they could not award a prize to. They were in a similar position with regard to the Rabbits. The following were the awards : — Spanish. — First. J. R. Rodbard. Second, R. B. Postans. Commended, W. Hewitt, jun.; E. D. Mills. Dorkings (Coloured or White). — First, J. Frost, Parhnm. Second and Highly Commended, H. Lingwood, Needham. Chickenn. — First, H. Payne, Stowmarket. Second, R. B. Postans, Brentwood. Highly Commended, H. Li^g^vood. Cochin-China (.\ny variety). — First, F. W. Rust, Hastings (Bufl'l. Second and Highly Commended, H. Lingwood. Chiekeitx. — First, F. W. Rust (Buff). Second. J. R. Rodbard. Highly Commended, H. Lingwood. Commended, Mrs. M. Seamons. Brahma. — First, J. "Wright, Woodbridge. Second. Mrs. M. Seamons. Game (Black-breasted and other Red>). — First and Highly Commended, S. Matthew, Stowmarket. Second, Sir St. G. Gore. Bart. Game (Duckwings and other Greys and Blues).- First and Highly Com- mended, S. j\Iatthew. Second. Sir G. Gore, Bart. Game (White and Piles, Blacks and Brassy-winged). — First, Rev. F. Watson. Second and Highlv Commended, S. Matthew. Game (Chickens).— First, E. Pettit, Colchester. Second, S. 3Iatthew. Hamburghs (Golden-pencilled).— First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Second, W. B. Webb. Hamburghs (Silver-pencilled).— First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart.' Second, yV. B. Webb. Hamburghs (Golden-spangled).— First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Second, Mrs. Pattison. Hamburghs (Silver-spangled).- Prize, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Game Bantams (Black-breasted and other Red>;).— First, R. B- Postans, Second, Sir St. G. Goi-c. Bart. Game Bantams.— First, H. Payne. Second, R. E. Postans. Bantams (Anv other variety).--Firfit. G. Manning I Golden Sebright). Second. Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Commended. F. Ellis ; H. Riley. Any other variety.— First, J. Wright (Black Hamburghs). Second, J. Pares (Andalusian), Ducks (Aylesbury). — First and Second, Mrs. Seamons. Ducks (Rouen). — Prize, C. Punchard. Haverhill. Ducks (Any other varietv).— First, T. C. Harrison, Hull (Brown Call). Second. W. Hewitt, jun. (White Decoy). Commended, H. A. Oakea (White Teal). Geese.— First, Mrs. M. Seamons. Second, W. B. Webb. Commended, Mrs. E. Roe. Turkeys.— First, Miss J. Millward, Cambridge. Second, T. Taylor, Combs. ^ ^ , Pigeons.— First, H. A. Onkcs (Carriers). Second. G. E. C. Poyd Powters). Extra Second. D. Greengrass (Carriers). Third, H. A. Onfees Carriers). Extra Third. D. H. Feltham. Highly Commended, F. Disney ; J. W. Pountny ; E. E. M. Royd ; J. J. Hazell ; D. H. Feltham ; AV. B. Webb ; — Wiggins ; W. Feltham. PvABBiTS.—First, E. E. M. Royd. Second. W. Howell. Highly Com- mended, H. Welham; G. Mann; G. Gudgeon; G. Jones; C. W. Pettit; F. Roper ; G. Stedman ; Miss N. Hamilton. Judges.— The Rev. Thomas Lyon Fellowes, Beighton Rectory, Norfolk, and Mr. James Monsey, Norwich. — {I^jsvich Joun/al.) stow:market toultry show. Tms Exliibition was held on the 1-lth inst., and was remarkable for Ihe fine collection of Game fowls, tliere being no less than twenty-nine pens exbibited. The number of entries, 140, was greater than last year, and there was also a marked improvement in the quality of the birds exhibited. The Society is evidently becoming better known to the best breeders of fancy fowls and more appreciated by them. The Society is fortunate in having so celebrated a breeder of Game fowls as Mr. Samuel Matthew near at hand, and his yards alone would be sufficient at any time to furnish a good show of Game birds. He was beaten in Piles by the Rev. F. Watson, and the competition between him, Mr. Fletcher, and Sir St. George Gore was very sharp. _ Mr. Heason. GoodA\-jTi had also two or three pens of fine Game fowls in the show. Mr. Lmgwood, a well-known breeder of iJorkinr/s, is another near neighbour, and he sent birds of a quality to run the most cele- brated breeders of the county veiy close, Mr. James Frost's pen only winning the first pi-ize through being in somewhat better condition of ■plumage. Mr. Henry Payne, another local Dorking breeder, had a pen of beautiful chickens, cock and two pullets, which took the first RIGHT AND WRONG. An acivertiseraent appeared iu yonr paper a short time since offering for sale a pen of birds -ftLich had gained a certain distinction at a certain show. I wrote to have them sent to me on approval. They came. The cock had lost half his tail, and the whole pen looked as if it could not, in any show, have gained the distinction named. The sender informed me by letter, marking under the words, tliat he was seUhifi for a friend. I returned the birds, carriage paid, on the same day, tele- graphing their departiu-e, and asldng for an animal, included in the advertisement, to be sent on approval. It came, backed with a pedigree, and a description of the purity of its breed, which showed that the advertiser was either a knave or a foo?. Disgusted at my second disappointment, I returned the animal carriage paid, stating my objections, and remonstratins vntli the sender for putting me to expense and trouble b;- his mis- representations. July 25, 1885. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 81 Cetweeu throe weuks aiul a ranntli since, tlip nbovn-mentioneil uclvcrtiscr wrote to nio for a (iaino Bantam cock at a small price. I sent him one from a counnonded ix'ii for Via. i'xl. He had i)rolial)ly scon my birds at a show licld in his neigh- bourhood. Tlio cock being of the same strain as the hens I did not care to kcui) him. I forwardi'd thi^ liird instantly, according to rciiuest, as it was to be seen and approved of by some person who was to leave the advertiser's house on that day. The bird was carefully packed in a lined poultry basket. For nearly a fortnight I heard nothing of the bird. I wrote to this effect. A. letter, purporting to be the co)iy of a letter written ten days before, then came. This inadvertently ad- mitted that, as a cojiy, it was a falsehood, or else it was so clumsil}' put together as to make it appear like one. The letter contained an abuse of the bird, and an oifer of 7i. ful. for it. This I declined, stating that, even after so long a delay, the bird might be returned at once carriage paid. No notice was taken of my letter, neither did any bird arrive. In the mean- time I wroti' to the exhibitor of a jien which gained the dis- tinction said to belong to the pen advertised, and sent to mo ou approval, offering to buy his pen if still for sale, and asking if it were the same pen which had been advertised by my coi'respondent. With much incivility, or with some knavery, I have not received any answer ; therefore I conclude that two persons, mrdiles (uiihu, were concerned in the advertisement. Wien I answered this advertisement, I wished to possess the pen that I might put the cock bird into my own pen. When I wrote to the supposed owner of the advertised ))en, I wished to possess it for other and obvious reasons. After waiting another week without receiving auj- answer from either the advertiser or his friend, and without receiving my bird, I directed my man to write for payment of the price. He did so. In two days after this I received the bird, packed, not in my own lined poultry basket, but in a broken fruit basket, without lining, and ill-secured. In consequence of this care- lessness, to use the mildest term, the bird's tail feathers are so damaged that he will be useless until after the moult. In mentioning this matter to a friend, I found that the same person wlio has victimised me obtained from him a pair of hens on ap])roval, which he unwarrantably kept during the time of, and until after, a certain show, when they W'ere returned with a string of unreasonable objections. ■\\Tjo can have done this ? Can this be right ? many will exclaim. I know who has done it, and I will not say that it is right. Truth is a libel if damage can be shown ; but I shall be glad to know by what means, not actionable, the unwary can be put upon their guard against advertisers of this stamp. The person in (juestiou is a tradesman, who deals in other things, probably, as he deals in birds. — Egomet. DYSENTERY IN BEES— PREMSNTING EXCESSIVE SWARMING, &c. Dysentery in bees appears to me to be owing rather to the want of pure air in the hive than to dampness, although I think the combination of both evils aggravates the mischief greatly. Not seldom it arises from the entrance becoming accidentally choked up with dead bees during a long con- tinuance of cold or bad weather, when the living insects have been unable to can-y off the corpses. Depend upon it, that in roomy hives (if not quite full of comb so much the better), with good-sized entrances, and containing plenty of wholesome food stored up in good time, there will be little experience of this complaint. It is important to avoid all feeding from October to Februai-j- or March. A neighbour of mine suffered greatly last winter from this disease, owing to the constant ih-ip of liquid food into his hives from the inverted bottles at the top. " Damp " certainly " helps to cause it." Some persons re- commend that a em-rtut of air be made to pass through the hives all the winter, by leaving a hole open at the top of the hive. I have tried this plan myself with good result, but the hives ought not in this case to face any quarter whence cold winds blow prevalently. I would recommend the excision of a comb or two at the close of the houey season, w hich would make the hive more airj\ With regard to the prevention of excessive swarming, it is so^.uetimes impossible to avoid it, but it may be much checked l>y tte plan I recommended at page 407, No. 2'22. I am quite aware iVat up to the time that au artificially-formed swarm is placed in 'ilcu of the daiven parent stock, there will be more or less secession to the neighbouring stocks, if near at hand, in which case, however, they will mostly return the same, or tho next day ; but X cannot iuuigine the bees thus seceeding in the case of a natural swarm, when substituted for tho parent stock. I presume that tlie swarm is immediately placed where it is to remain, fi>r when the swarm has had time to establish its distinct individuality, tho bees of the two families will often not i)ea('eably unite. The following recent experience of mine may not come amiss in this place. I was much vexed to see a swarm issue on the 2:2nd of ,)une last from one of my Tasmanian hives, which I had considered out of danger of such calamity. Although it was a very large swarm, it was too late in tlie season to do anything for itself. I, therefore, retin-ned it after cutting out of the parent hive every royal cell I could see. I also gave the bees abundant room in a large straw super, besides cutting out some honeycomb from the hive itself. This answered perfectly, but I do not think it a good plan to '■ join tho queen and a few bees taken from the swarm to th<^ parent hive in the evening." How much Ijetter and simi>ler to jnit the whole swarm, queeu and all, in the old stock's |)lace at once. The brown paper I use for smoldng bees is the same as that in which my seeds come to me from the Messrs. Sutton and Sons. It smokes very freely without being dipped in nitre. — 13. ,t W. ENTRANCE TO .JOINED HFV'ES. We have a hive of bees in a common straw hive that seemed too full. Lots of bees hung outside, so we put a piece of wood on the top, with a hole cut in the middle, and another hive with a hole cut in the bottom. Now the bees are working in both with two outlets — one as usual at the bottom of the low hive, and one at tho bottom of the top hive on the wood plat- form. Some of my friends who profess " bee-ologv"," adWse me to stop up the top hole, and let all the bees go in at the bottom and work upwards. I think the two holes are best, ventilate the hives, and save the top workers lots of trouble in getting all through the bottom hive to the top. — An Amatece. 'We should close the upper hole, leaving the bees but one entrance, and that at the bottom.] CONSEQUENCES of DEFECTR^ VENTILATION. Havixg obtained a Woodbury straw hive I screwed fore and aft a flange with a groove in it, so that a square of glass was kept firm, but not tight, on the top of the hive, and on Monday June .5th I hived a swarm in it. On the 2Cth (three weeks after), the bees had filled eight of the frames, or nearly so, and had begun on the 9th and 10th, ou which day I took out a maiden swarm, consisting of the two outside combs on the left hand as the bees enter, for they had begun upon the outside, not the middle, combs. I was lucky enough to find the queen on the first (the outermost) comb ; so I had no difficulty, and did not disturb more than the two I removed. They were put into a bar-and-frame hive of native make, of which more anon, and were placed on their original site, and began to work vigorously, seeming scarcely disturbed. The Woodbuiy-hive was then placed about 2 yards from its old position, but facing south-west instead of south-east, with two spare frames in the vacant notches, and the entrance closed with perforated zinc. Relying somewhat upon the Woodbury-hive being specially adapted to the making of artificial swarms, and also that the glass cover admitted air on both sides at the top, I concluded that there would be ventilation enough ; and wishing that the bees should commence royal cells and settle down sufficiently before they were hberated (see answer to my letter in your Jom-nal of April 18, page 315), I did not remove the zinc tiE 9 P.M. on Tuesday, thirty-two hours from having made the transfer. ^Vllen I did so there was a rush of bees about the entrance, and they were active under the glass at the top. Judge, then, my surprise when at G.30 ou Wednesday morn- ing I foimd the entrance choked up with dead bees, and I scooped out about half a pint before there was a passage for any living bees, which, when they did come, only for a moment hovered around, and then returned to their original home. This went on till at 1 p.m. I became alanned. The ))arent hive with its six full frames had scarcely a bee in it, while the maiden swarm in the original position had all the bees. To remedy this I changed the position of the hives : the conse- quence was that there was a second desertion from the maiden swann back to the original stock, which set to work on the S2 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AKD COTTAGE GARDENER. t July 23, 1865. whole well, yet showing a disturbance from the want of a queen. But I was again alarmed, for the second desertion was carried further than seemed fair ; and as two rainy days followed I gave them a quarter of a pint of syrup each night for four nights, and they did very well, as the young bees from the two frames were then beginning to come out, and they repulsed robbers which were beginning to take advantage of their weak- ness. One point I have purposely omitted. A great many of the bees that first deserted from the original hive to the maiden swarm died, and were carried out by the other bees ; this hap- pened before the exchange on Wednesday at mid-day, and I would ask. Why did they die ? Surely not for want of food, for there were plenty of sealed cells of honey, which they never touched, and I had sjTinged about a quarter of a pint of syrup among them during the day. Would partial suffocation act fatally some hours after their liberation ? My bees are on a shelf about 4 feet above the groxmd, under a roof, but open to weather on all sides ; now in inspecting the frames, taking them out to see how royal cells are progressing, &c., is it better to remove the hive or manipulate as it stands ? I should also be obliged if you would inform me if a nucleus hive is a Woodbury with fewer bars, or is it a smaller hive on the same plan ? or what ?— M.D. [The great mortaUty among yoiir imprisoned bees was owing to the non-observance of our caution regarding the necessity of ample ventilation. Had the crown-board been re- moved, and a square of perforated zinc been substituted for the glass on the top of the hive, all would doubtless have gone right. The bees which first returned to the old hive had pro- bably acquired some distinctive characteristic during their absence which caused their brethren to destroy and expel them as strangers. Partial suffocation would certainly not be attended with fatal results some hours afterwards. As there appears to be plenty of room for bees that take wing to escape into the open air, it will be much more convenient to them as weU as to yourself if you manipulate the hive in situ. A nucleus-box should accommodate four full-sized Woodbury frames, and measure 14j inches long by 6J inches wide, and 9 inches deep inside.] BEES FORMING COMBS OUTSIDE THEIR HWE. A NEIGHBOUR of mine has a hive of bees which he placed, when swarmed, upon a shelf in a dark room, with the entrance of the hive against a hole in the wall ; and as soon as the hive was full, the bees commenced building combs imderneath the shelf, and now there is a nice lot of combs and bees. Will you infoi-m me how I may drive the bees up into the hive ? as I contemplate purchasing them, and fixing some of the combs, which are under the shelf, in a frame-hive, into which I intend to put the condemned bees of two or three hives. I may add that the bees do not get underneath from the inside of the hive, which is a common straw one. — A. E. [Commence by affording more room by raising the hive on a nadir, sUghtly wedged up on one side. Then puff a httle smoke among the combs attached to the shelf, and, having donned a bee-dress, cut them off one by one, and sweep the bees off each comb with a feather on to the shelf close to the wedged-up side of the nadir, which they wiU rapidly enter with vibrating wings. The nadir had, perhaps, better remain imtil autimin, when it may be removed, as the diminished popula- lation will then find ample accommodation within the hive itself.] BEES IN A CHIMNEY. As no answer appeared in your last Number to an application made the previous week by " T. H. F." for information as to how he might secure a swarm of bees which had settled in a chimney in his house, I think I may not yet be too late in rendering him assistance by giving him my experience of a method which I have known to be adopted with success in a similar difficulty. The mode of procedure on the occasion to which I allude was as follows : — A rope, with a light weight attached, was let down very gently from the top of the flue in which the bees had settled, and when this made its appearance at the bottom of the chimney, a bundle of fresh grass well damped and as nearly as possible the size of the flue, was attached to it, and the whole was then drawn gently to the top of the chimney, upon which an empty hive had been already properly placed ; into this the bees at once ascended, and were removed to their destination without further difficulty. 'So doubt " T. H. F.'s " bees, if he has not already secured them, have before this formed no inconsiderable quantity of comb, but although this may cause the loss of a few bees, they may still lay up a suffi- cient store for the winter. At all events he might unite them to another swarm. On the 10th of .Tune I was presented by a kind neighbour with a magnificent first swarm, which had unfortimately hived in " an old straw " ten days previously. As I was anxious to try one of Nutt's hives I undertook the removal of them, and although they had an immense quantity of young comb formed, I conveyed them safely a distance of two mUes, and transferred them with very little loss. They have ever since flourished apace. The very sudden change in the weather which we have lately had here, has given a gi'eat check to one of the finest honey seasons ever known. On examining my cap-glasses yesterday I found nearly all the bees had forsaken them and retreated to the body of the hive ; I attributed this to cold at night, and immediately covered each of them with wool, closely wrapt round between the glass and super. To-day, although very cold, on peeping in I found them working away in the glasses as busily as ever. — Squib, County Kildare. A FEW weeks since a swarm of bees settled in my next- door neighbour's chimney (a very high one), and after having been there two days, my imskUled friend, without any pre- paration in the way of dress, took a long fishing-rod and .agi- tated them with it. About half of the bees came Aovrn the chimney into the attic, and my fi-iend swept them up with a hand-brush and dust-pan, shovelled them into a hive, and placed them in the garden, where they are now working well, although few in number. The remaining half settled on the roof over the engine boiler, and we placed a hive over them, but when the engineer lowered the damper the sulphur from the flue lolled them. — A.E. [Agitation by means of a fishing-rod might of course disturb a swarm of bees, and cause them to forsake a chimney m which they had just taken refuge, but would be worse than use- less, if not absolutely fatal in its effects, if resorted to after combs had been built and stored.] OUR LETTER BOX. Game Fowls (Man of ffr ji().— Very glad are wo that we met yonr wishes satisfactorily. We did not feel aggrieved by what we considered intended as an awakener. Editors, lUie policemen, require inspectors to keep them alei-t when on duty. Leg Weakness (W. H. JP".-!!).— Your Cochin-China cockerel resting on his hocks is suffering from leg weakness, caused by over-rapidity of growth. It is ft common occurrence. Feed him on bruised oats, bread and beer once daily, .and plenty of green food. Give him also, daily, two grains of sulphate'of iion mixed up with his bread and ale, until he is stronger. Chicken Featheeless and Blistered (r. S.).— We are afraid there is no cure for the case you mention, but we have knov.-n adult fowls uve for a long time in a similar condition. Try the effect of pricking one or two of the bladders, closing the opening with any sort of omtment as soon as the air is expelled. Cock's Feet and Legs Swelling (H. B. IF.).— You would materially assist us in answering if you would describe the breed of the bird. Dorkings are very subject to' it. whileit is rarelymctwith in other breeds. If it belong to the breed named, there is no cure, the great weight of the body resting on the feet keeps up the inflammation. If the bird is an old tme, the best adi-ico we can give you is to kiU it. If a yonng one it arises from wealmcss— perhaps from over-growth. Feed very generously; give cooked meat, ground oats slaked with milli, and boiled egg. Keep the bird in confinement, with hay to tread upon. Let it h.ave a large sod of growing grass every day. If the swelling extends above the knee-jomt, and the flesh of the thigh, close to the knee, is uneven on the surface, and feels to the touch as if filled with small air-cells, you may kiU it at once. It wiU be a loss in evei-y way, even if it live. Lice on Poultry IW. B. A.).—Yo\\ have two bad things— first, instead of being cleaned once per week, the houses should be cleaned every morning. If the floor is, as it should be. of loose gravel, a birch broom, drawn over the sm-face, under the perches, and the places, comers, Ac, where the birds congregate every morning, will entirely remove all thp". is. or can be, in any way offensive. It is a great mistake to have sitlj^g hens in a roosting-'house. We believe attention to this will remo'e tne nuisance. Ligdrian Bees ( !7im).— Write to T. Woodbury, Esq., Moo^t Radford- Exeter. AnguBt l,ie«5. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTOBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. 83 WEEKLY CALENDAR. of Month ''or Week. AUGUST 1-7, 1865. AveniKe Temperature near London. San Sets. Moon Bisee. Moon Sets. Moon's Age. Clock before Sun. Day of Year. ^,s\- Niuht. 5(7.9 Aleiui. Da.vs. m. h. m. h. m. h. m. li. Days. m. 8. 1 Tu Earlv Poaches ripe. 03.6 18 2flaf4 46at7 45af2 51a(ll 10 B 2 218 •J W Mugworl tlowers. 76.1) 52.(1 M.O 18 27 4 45 7 44 8 morn 11 5 68 214 a ■In Sow Thistle flowers. 74.9 6(1.9 62.9 19 28 4 44 7 S9 4 S6 0 12 6 5-1 215 4 P Yellow Succory llowers. 7fi.7 51.8 6S.5 17 30 4 42 7 27 6 28 1 18 B 49 210 ;-, s Honevsuckle bon-ies ripe. 74.1) 51.4 62.7 18 81 4 40 7 11 6 80 2 14 5 48 217 fi SlTN 8 Sl-N. AKTKK TlUKITY. I'll. Al.rHKD 72.9 51.1 62.0 18 S3 4 88 7 49 8 89 8 15 r, 40 218 7 M SaintJoin flowers. [BonN, 1844. 74.4 60.8 62.6 18 35 4 87 7 22 7 58 4 O 5 29 219 From oI)^rr%-ation'» tnken nenr liOndon duriuK tlio last thirtv-night years the average day temperature of the week is 74.9°, and its nlKht tfmpiTiitiirt) 61.2 . TLo greatest heat was 92", on the 2ud, 1856; and the lowest cold, S&, on tho Ist, 1862. The greatest tall oJ | miu was l.'JS inch. THE GREAT INTEIIN.VTIONAL HORTICULTURAL KXHIIUTION OF lf^(Ui. HE Belgian liorticiiltiu-ists have for a nuiribei- of years lielclatriemiial Iiitdniutioiial Exliibitioii of Horticiiltiu'e ami a liolanical Coiifjress to wldch the most eminent lior- tieiilturists and botanists of Europe are iimted. Last rear we reported in the pages of this Joni-nal wliat took pbice at one of those meetings held at Biiissols, where there was such a gatliering of horticulturists and botanists as had not been u-itnessed, perhaps, in Europe l)efore. With laudable rivalry and noble iKjspitality Holland stojiped forward, and tliis j"ear gave a welcome to the nationalities, who flocked to jVmsterdam to assist at a similar ovation tliere ; and it was at this last meeting that the British representatives were good-humoiu'edl.y reminded that they had not yet lield out the hand of hosjiitality to their con- tinental brethren, and invited them to a great exliibition in their metropolis. At the great meeting held at Brussels last year the proposal was made among some of tlie British representa- tives to give a return invitation, and they opened a snb- scripti(m among themselves for the piu-jiose of carrjdng out that idea ; but it remamed an idea, and it was not till the return of those who attended the Amsterdam meeting this year that a Great Exliibition of Horticulture in London, to be held in the year ls(i(i, was determinedly resolved upon. That there will be such an exhibition in London next year there can be no doubt. Already a committee has been formed which has held munerous sittings, and at whicli 7iot only a general progi'amme has been formed, but an exhibition schedule (hawn out ofleiing piTzes amounting to i':i.500. In tliis schedule every class of hor- ticultural skill is represented, and is encouraged on a scale which has never yet been acted upon in this coimtry. The Committee will be composed of all the leading amateur and professional horticultm-ists in the United ffingdom, and already the list of Vice-Presidents bears sucli names as those of the Dukes of Buccleuch, Rutland, Marlborough, and Newcastle ; tho Marquis of Exeter ; Earls GraiuaUe, Vane, Cowper, Craven, Ducie, Grosvenor, Manvers ; Lord Henry Gordon Lennox : the Bishops of Winchester Oxford, and Batlv and Wells (Lord Aucldand) ; Hon. William Cowiier; J. Jackson Blandv, Esc].: W Wilson Sannders, Esq.: Hon. and Rev. — Ciu-zon, &c. The Executive Committee is composed of some of the leading hortii-.ultimsts about London, ob\-iously with the \iew o1' securing efficient aid on the spot in such an arduous under- taking. The Secretary to the Exliibition is :Mi-. Moore, of No. 227.— Vol. IX., New Series. Chelsea, Dr. Berthold Seeman takes the Congi-ess, and Dr. H(jgg is General Secretary. Up to the jirescnt time, without any eftbrt on tho part of the Committee and ^^^th- out any apparent publicity being given to tho movement, the suni of ;!;4200 has lieen subscribe' and guaranteed. The intention is to obtaui, if possible, ' o co-operation of the Hortic(ilt(n'al Society of Ijondon a> ;)eing the metro-- politan representative of national horficulliire, and to hold tho Exhibition somewhere in tlie region of South Ken- sington in a stiiicture to be erected for the puipose, and wliich will occupy an area of fi'om an acre and a half to two acres. Failing negociations in this dii'eetion the Committee will then tm-n their attention in some other direction, wherever they may tind it convenient to cany out theit arrangements. Oiu' object in directing the attention of om- readers to this great national movement, which is to show the nations of Europe the combined horticultural sldll for wliich tliis coimtiy has as yet no equal, is that they may each and all imite ui promoting tliis desirable undertaking, and if there are any who arc desirous of rendering local services we shall be glad- to be fimiishcd with then- names, so that the Secretaries maj' be placed in communication with them. Copies of the progranuue, with lists of the supporters and subscribers, are now ready, and are being distributed mth all expedition, and those who arc wiUmg to receive them may obtain them by applying to the Secretaries. A great undertaldng of tliis kind cannot be canied out without funds, and we trust that all who have the welfare of hor- ticulture at heart will ccmie forward and contribute, ae- coi-ding to then- abilify, in furthering this very laudable and important national movement. VISITS TO GARDENS PUBLIC AND PRIVATE BATTERSEA PARK. For once in my life I am a radical reformer ; and although I showed my devotion to the old orange and purple by travelling neaily a thousand miles to record my vote in its favour, I now beg to propose, as a representative of the horticultm-al interest, the most out-and-out radical I know — Mr, Gibson of Battersea Park ; not that I have the pleasui'e of knowing him personall}-. for unfortunately he was out when I paid my visit there, but, judgmg of a man by liis fruits, I hesitate not to say he is that. Farewell to j'our flauutuig reds and yellows, a long adieu to your three or foui' lands of flowers to produce elfect ; here is a gar- ' dener wlio lays hold of everrthing lie can that wiU be eftective, who ransacks the stove and the warm gi'eenliouse for plants to produce the most be:iutifnl combinations, and ' who has. moreover, succeeded d mcri-eille in bt doing. I daresay there are some who say, " All this is very fine ; but you know we have been accustomed to see such tilings done on the continent, and this is no novelty to us. ' My good hdhituc of the Champs Elysi'cs or the Pare de ilonceaux at Paris, of the Com'sal at Homburg or the Caseino at Florence there is not one of these that can for a moment cojnpare with the sub-tropical garden at Battersea ; and Iihue as one is No. 879.— Vol. XXXTV., Old Sbeies. 84 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 1, 1866. with garden sights, here is the man to whom Alexander might have given his prize, for he has invented a new pleasure for gardeners, the surprises of which are not exhausted, but, on the contrary, ivill every day he increasing as new plants are brought into notice and experimented upon for out-of-door purposes. I had travelled all night from Dublin, and having a few hom-s to spare before going south, I bethought me of Battersea ; and taking a boat up to Chelsea was enabled, through the kindness of Mr. Bull (to whom and to Mr. Veitch I paid a flying idsit and saw, as one always does, much in both places of novelty and interest), to spend a short time there. As I drove along through the Park I could see that the ordinary bedding-out Style was carefully attended to, and hundreds of thousands of plants arranged in the most effective manner ; but it was to the sub-tropical garden I was bound, and these were, therefore, but sUghtly noticed, and, indeed, so hiu-ried was my visit, that I can only briefly tell of what I saw. And I would here say that, beautiful as this now is, in a very short time another and a larger piece, including some water, will be added to it— a portion I did not see, but which I hope some day to ask Mr. Gibson to show me. On first entering there was before me a long oblong bed of Mrs. PoUock, winch effectually answers the question often put as to whether it is a good bedtUug plant or not. Here it was most beautiful. It was arranged in bands lengthwise in the bed w-ith Lithospermum frutieosum. This latter, I think, might be improved upon. It was, I dare say, when in full flower a beautiful contrast ; but that was over, and I have no doubt something will be found by Mr. Gibson, if his opinion agrees with mine, to take its place. On the other side of the walk was a bed of the variegated-leaved Vine, edged mth a basketwork in which the golden-leaved Japan Honeysuckle (Lomeera), was trained. Then one came to beds and borders of Cannas of various sorts ; of Caladiiuns, especially the fine large-leaved esculentum ; Solanums looking bristly and for- midable, especially citrullifoUum and robustum, but producing a grand effect. But wliat is that bed in the distance shining with the most resplendent fiery crimson, almost dazzling one's eyes— a bed which I hesitate not to say it is worth going a hundred miles to see ? Coleus Verschaff'elti, about which many have doubted as to whether it was of any use at all. Here it is the finest thing one can imagine. How it ia done I know not ; but I looked over the whole bed, and chd not see one green spot on any of the leaves. Entering into conversation with one of the gardeners, he told me that it was watered care- fully every night overiiead, but I rather opine it must have some other treatment to come out as it does here. The bed was e Iged with Centaurea gymnocarpa. The contrast between the brUhant crimson of the Colens and the pure white of the Centaurea was admirable. There was another bed of it on the other side equally good, but the effect of which had been, I think, spoiled by placing a row of Coleus atropuqiurea, a coppery-looking one, between the centre and the edging. Pas- sing along, one came to a large border in which were plants of various kinds — Senecio Ghiesbreghtii, Cannas, Wigandia caracasana, edged \vith a border of the Louicera mentioned above. Here again was another bed with a long row of the Indiarubber tree, Ficus elastiea, ivith its bright glossy leaves and the purplish red of its young growth. Now one came on a, row of Canna purpurea, very striking : and I would remark of these and other large-foliaged plants growTi here that the shelter for them has been so admirably" managed that they have not that torn and tattered appearance they sometimes have even abroad, but are all beautifully fresh and green. The border was edged with along row of'iresiue Herbstii, a plant which I think will be found effective, and indeed is more so in another part of the Park than here, as it seems to do better in the shade, and in a bed, than in the sunny aspect it had here. Another small bed was filled with Centaurea in the (OJntre, edged with Mrs. PoUock Geranium; in fact there was no end to the combinations, while single plants of Dracasnas, Wigandia, and other plants of a similar character were intro- duced wherever practicable to produce effect. My object in givuig this short notice ia not to describe the sub-tropical garden, for I should be ashamed to attempt that after so short a visit to it, but just to give my impressions of it as one of the most successful pieces of modem gardening that I know, and to induce any of the country subscribers to The Journal of Hokticulture who feel an interest in such things to lay out for one of their davs of sight-seeing Battersea Park; and I am sure that they will, when they see in the estimates a roimd sum for Battersea Park, say, " And never was money better laid out than it is there. Vote it by all means, and add another hundred if you can to increase Mr. Gibson's stipend." — D., Deal. STOCKS, AND THEIR INFLUENCE. (Ccmtimied from page 45.) Stocks of slow and small growth, also those of a different species or genus from the kind which is to be worked on them, furnish richer saj) than a stock of the same kind as the scion, and in such cases a swelling is formed at the point of union, which arrests the sap, and this is then exjjended in an in- creased production of blossom and fruit. Thus the scion receives a greater amount of sap than would be supplied by its own roots. Moreover, we may safely conclude that the deposition of cambium ia also gixater, and this secures the ripening of the wood : hence we find such trees have a ten- dency to make little wood, the sap being expended in the production of blossom and fruit. Whilst stocks of restricted and slow gi-owth, and those of a different species or genus, add to the production of blossom and the size of the fruit, as well as its qiiality, it is certain that the increased productiveness is permanent; indeed, the crops annually increase, the greatest care being needed to prevent overcropping, and hastening the death of the trees. 'The in- creased productiveness is so permanent, indeed, that when the tree ceases to be productive it dies. It has been contended that trees so worked are short-lived ; this is, undoubtedly, the case when they are compared with those on stocks of their own kind, still I think that in most cases they wiU be found equally durable as fruit-bearing trees, if we consider that they arrive at a fruiting state earlier, and continue in bearing whilst those worked on stocks of their own kind are only undergoing a preparatory process. We may conclude that such trees are only short-lived when the stock grows in rich soil, and the priming is too severe. An excessive use of the primirig-knife, especially for the reduction of parts not wanted to produce fruit, generally causes disease, which is one of the greatest ob- jections raised against stocks of slow or less gi'owth, and of a different species from that worked on them. I shall not con- test the point that they debilitate, but will admit the sound- ness of this view of Mr. Knight and all physiologists since his time. Granted that such unions do debilitate, we have to inquire into the cause of the debility or premature decay of the tree, or a part of it. Now, the ascending sap being richer, and the descending cmTent arrested, it follows that there will, to a marked degree, be a greater de])osition of matter in the scion than in tlie stock. This matter, from the increased quantity of blossom and fruit, is certainly cambium, which will be either gummy or mucilaginous ; gummy in stone fniits, as the Apricot, Peach, l^lum, and Cherry ; and mucilaginous in the Pear and Apple. Any addition to the natural deposition of this matter must necessarily lead to a closing of the ascending and descending channels of the sap. Hence the sap will flow less abundantly into the old shoots than in new wood, and they will in time have the sap-vessels so small as to cause the total exclusion of the sap from that part, resulting in its death, or becoming so weak as to be incapable of jiroducing fruit of^ the usual size and flavour. Of fruits exhibiting this disease in a marked degree, the Apricot affords an example ; tlie Peach also, but to a less extent ; and they are on stocks of another genus. Next in order come the Cherry on the common Cherry stock, and the Plum on its Brussels stock. With the Apricot there is an exudation, sometimes also in the case of the Peach, but in the latter it is more confined to the wearing out of the shoots, and on this account we have the bearing-wood of Peach trees annually replaced, though this is by no means necessaiy to obtain fruit, as such is readily produced on spurs. The Plum and Cherry occasionally lose their branches, and those ot the first remain weak and unfruitful in consequence of a de- ficiency of food, rather than from any debility of 'he tree arising from the stock. There seems to be no pormanent re- medy for this evil other than working the Pium on a stock of its own i^eculiar kind. From some experience, I am led to draw the following con- clusions in respect to stocks of smaller and slower growth than the trees grafted or budded upon them. 1st, They are de- sirable for eariy-producing trees, and when the space for their heads is limited. 2nd, The trees grow more freely on them than on stocks of their own kind, but such growth is of short AuKQHt 1, 1865. ] JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 85 dnratioQ, and can only I>e maintained liy rich noil, and con- siderable reductions of the annual growths, which arc a fertile source of disease and early death. 3rd, Any great reduction of the head at the winter [jruuing causes increase of wood, ex- hauats the energies of the stock, and is obtained at the expense of a plentiful crop of fruit; it also indniv-s disease and early death. 4th, The grafting or budding on stocks of slower and less growth, and also on those of a ditTereut species or genus, though it renders trees very fruitful, may be carried too far, as, for instance, in the case of the Ajiplo on the Pear, ."ith. The trees should not be induced to make; large annual growths to be cut away or reduced considerably at the winter pruning, growtli only being needed until the allotted space is covered, after which the vegetation of the stock and scioii should be balanced by judicious summer pruning. 0th, The trees worked on them produce fruit or Howors at an earlier age, but not at an earlier season, and the fruit is more abundant, larger, and of higher flavour than on stocks of their own kind. Now as to budding or grafting on stocks of a gi-owth approxi- mating to that of the scion, it is certain that we follow a more natural process ; liut then we must provide for each kind space for the full develojiment of its head, otherwise it will prove unfruitful. We must give the Apple and Pear their place in the orchard, and have walls and houses sufficiently large for the full development of all trees requiring protection in our chmate. We must be content to see trees growing, but seldom fruiting or hlooming ; to ]ilant an orchard for another genera- tion, and to plant a vineyard and let another eat of the fruit thereof. It really seems contrary to the order of cultivation itself. We invariably like the animal with small bones and abundance of fat, and we of the sister art surely do not want largo boughs without flowers, long branches without fruit. I am not prepared to state that this is the result of grafting or budding on stocks apjiroximating in growth to the variety worked, for I know the best results attend such a union of favourable influences ; Init we must not limit the ultimate growth of the kind to one-third or one-half the space that it would recjuire when it arrives at a state of matm-ity. When we employ a stock for gi-afting or budding upon approximat- ing in growth to the scion, we must provide space for it the same as if it were growing in a state of nature, annually increas- ing until the natural size be attained. I think the prevailing opinion that the "graft overruleth the stock quite " is an ab- surdity, for it is pretty certain that the stock will continue to grow u]) to the age natural to it, and then it will take a down- ward course irrespective of any influence of the scion. We see the Pear on the quince luxuriant for a time and requiring biennial or triennial removal to keep it in a fruitful state, but after a time the Pear does not need this removal, the gi-owth being small and the tree very productive. If the graft over- ruled the stock, the Pear would go on growing until it became a tree -tO feet in height, yet it remains a fruitful tree at the height of a quince. The Apple on the Paradise is generally a productive tree, but when it is limited to a small space it is for the most part unfruitful after that space becomes covered ; in a word when we employ stocks of approximate growth with the scion we must provide space for the full development of their heads or restrict the root-action in a corresponding degree with the limits of the branches. Such stocks are then injiu-ious, inasmuch as they supply more nutriment than can be expended in the production of blossom and fruit, and the consequence is abundance of sap wood in the place of either. The main characteristics of a stock approximating in growth to the scion are, that the stock and scion remain nearly of the same size at the point of imion, the sap flows more freely, both ascending and descending, consequently the trees have a tendency to grow upwards, leaving the lower parts of the tree weak and bare, to which I may add that the trees are remarkably healthy, but are more impatient of the knife than those on slower and smaller-growing stocks. From a tendency to grow upwards we tflquently find the Apple on the Paradise losing its branches when trained horizontally, and shooting strongly from the upper part of the trimk and espalier. So long as there is space for the annual increase in size, the growth of stock and scion correspond, but after the space becomes occupied it is no un- usual occm-rence for the scion to grow in advance of its stock, and exhibit all the evil of a tree on a stock of stronger growth, the tendency to make wood instead of fruit. Grafting or budding on stocks of stronger gi-owth is rarely practised, and only in cases where it is desirable to give increased vigour ; the stock in this case grows in advance of the scion, but the tree is no stronger after all, and its fruit is not increased in size, and is less plentiful. It is in truth )ilanting a tree with its roots upwards, for the scion having smaller sap- vessels the sap docs not flow freely into it, and the result is an abundance of suckers from the stock ; tho scion receives no more sap tlia7i its vessels will admit of, and that of the thinnest and poorest description. Then the descending sap is not arrested, but Hows downwards freely into the stock, causing a gieater depositicm of cambium in it than in the scion. The tree, it is true, is for a time rendered more ju-oductive, but its fertility is of short duration, and tlie branches in a short time beconu.' decorticated as if ringed, and roots are emitted from these parts if they are covered with moss and kept moist, or placed in the soil, just as if nature sought to i)rovidc what is necessai"j' for the existence of the tree. Finally, if wc wish for healthy trees, long-lived and continu- ously |)roductive, wc must select stocks of similar liabit, and earliness of growth, and not prune or hmit the annual growths much at the winter priming. When stocks of slower and smaller growth, or of a different species or genus, are em- ployed we must keep up an abundant supply of sap by high feeding or manuring, and not prune excessively if long-lived trees are wanted, pruning having a tendency to cause the pro- duction of young wood and finer fruit for a time, but its effects are temporary and end in early debility and death. — d Abbey. THE MODERN PEACH-PRUNER.— No, 1.3. THKORY OF CLOSE PRUNING. The history of this part of our subject is somewhat obscure, and though interesting in itself, a brief notice will suflEice. The present style is, no doubt, only a revival of what had been touched upon by Keith in this country, and De La Quintinie in France, nearly at the same time — that is, about 150 years ago. For a certain period no progi'ess seems to have been made, though the matter was freely discussed in both countries. We may, therefore, take the late Mr. Knight, a vei-y competent authority, as a fair exponent of closer pruning in more recent times. The passage is quoted by Mcintosh, and is as follows : — " Instead of taking off so large a portion of the young shoots, and training-in a few only to a considerable length, as is usually done, as I should myself do in every favourable situation, I preserve a large number of young shoots which are emitted in the early spring by the yearhng wood, shortening each where necessary by pinching off the succulent points, generaUy to the length of 2 or 3 inches. Spurs, which he close to the wall, are thus made, upon which numerous blossom-buds form very early in the ensuing summer ; and, upon which, after most unfavourable seasons, and in situations so high and cold, that the Peach tree in the most favoui'able seasons had usually pro- duced only a few feeble blossoms, I observed as strong and vigorous blossoms as I usually have seen in the best situa- tions and seasons, and I am quite confident that had the Peach. trees in gardens round the metropolis been pruned in the manner above described — that is, upon spurs, in the last season, abundant and vigorous blossoms would have appeared in the spring." Mr. Knight then proceeds to recommend a mixed system of long and close pruning, which when judiciously carried out is very successful. It indeed requires some experience in the selection of the )iroper class of shoot. Mr. Knight seems to be disposed, however, not to trust the whole crop on spurs formed by close summer pruning. In " warm situations," the ordinary long pruning, he says, may answer ; but " in cold and late situations then try the spur method. A mixture of both modes, in every situation, will generally be found to multiply the chances of success, and, therefore, neither ought to be exclusively adopted nor rejected in any situation." This ia sound and practical counsel, and comes from an excellent authority ; and Mcintosh, alluding to these remarks, says of them, that they are " weU worthy of the attention of Peach- gi'owers in all situations, even in favourable localities, but especially so in cold and late ones." Since these opinions were published. Peach-pruning has con- siderably advanced, and it is not too much to assert that orcliard-houses have revolutionised the whole system. A similar change seems to be imminent in France and elsewhere. In France, especially, close pruning has at present numerous advocates. Though, as we have seen, this system is only a, revival, there is no doubt that the Imperial Society of Horti- culture of France is justified, in its report of 18G2, in speaking, as follows : — " We must leave to M. Grin, of Chartres, the 86 JOURNAL OF HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. [ August 1, 1865. lionom- of having at least popularised the original idea; a fact which has the real merit of a veritable initiative." Speaking of close pruning, Professor Dnbreuil says — '• I saw in M. Grin's gardens such excellent results from this method, that I hesi- tate not at present to recommend it to the exchision of every other." In Professor Gressent's late work (which has the sanction of the Minister of Agriculture and Commerce), it is stated that M. Cirin, being convinced of the many disad- yantages resulting from the old system of long-pruning, ap- plied himself for a lifetime to work out a newer and more profitable way, and finished by obtaining a complete success. The shoots, he says, being so short the branches may be double in number, and each of the closely-pinched-in shoots bears at least as many Peaches as the coursonm-s de MorAreuil. Pro- fessor Gressent than adds, that the complete success which attended M. Crrin's laljours, cau.sed him much envy and resist- ance in liis native country, but that having, like M. Dubreuil, ■visited Chartres, he was so convinced of the advantages of the new style that he has ever since adopted it. In his work of 1863 he describes it, and says that he has followed it on a very large scale, and introduced some important modifications, which, being similar to some tried in my own garden, shall be noticed ])resently. M. Grin has laboured under some disadvantage in having his ideas first presented to the world in the works of others. Though fairly enough described, the actual experience gained is not represented, nor his latest ideas, and it is with a certain pleasure that I am able to state, that these lines are the only authorised exposition of the whole system in its latest develop- ment, and that by them alone the originator wishes English gaxdeners to learn it. Having myself followed the system for ten years with some success on the open wall (the first occasion on any scale in which it has been thus tried in this coimtry), and having applied it to the back wall of an orchard-liouse, with diagonal cordons (also a novelty, as described in a former work), a certain experience has been gained not witlioiit value. On the practical advantages to be derived from close pruning, M. Grin thus speaks — " Wiutever form may be selected for the trees (his were horizontal cordons with a single central stem, and single diagonal cordons), first establish well your princiiml branches. On these, by close pruning to two leaves, short Spurs are formed which bear fruits of equal size in every part of the tree year after year. It is true that M. Lepere by a iHf- fereut system (long pruning), produces good crops, but nine out of ten fail because they do not possess the constant practice and special science required for such a style of priming. Some eight or ten successive operations are required in long pruning, all requiring an exact appreciation which does not belong to the generality of gardeners. On the other hand, close pruning has the immense advantages of simplicity and economy of time and money. There are no tedious tjiings-in of the summer or winter wood. The main branches are only 10 inches apart (and here let me obsei-ve that 6 inches woiild be better), there- fore, without a given amount of w.aU space we can obtain a double amount of crop. Lastly, Tliere are few or no ampu- tations of important branches, and this alone constitutes an appreciable gain, even to suppress ' gourmands ' (gross shoots of Class 4), or to shorten extensions where needed. Every amputation however well performed causes a perturbation in the economy of the tree. Why not anticipate the causes which necessitate amputations, rather than have the merit of curing them ? Besides this, even clever gardeners cannot always succeed in remedying the evil effects of wounds on the Iflree." The above are the chief reasons given by M. Grin for adopt- ing very close pruning or summer-stopping of the shoots. In fact, there seems no reason whatever why a well-furnished main branch shoiUd ever be shortened at all. If the shoots are kept regularly and closely summer-pruned, the prolongations of the branches may, with the exception of equalising them, be left to themselves. How simple would Peach-pruning become muler these new forms ! Plant the tree carefully in a weU-choseu and weU-di-ained spot, allow it to gi'ow, only balanc- ing it, keep the summer wood short, thin out in winter a little ; this, with shelter and destroying insects, &c., is really all. We '■'' '1.5 perceive how really simple and easy to perform Pcucli-i.tming is. Good pruning should not differ much in principle whether in the open air or under glass. In either case if we take care of the shoots the branches will t.ake care of themselves. The exigencies of space, of course, require that we should direct the gi'ow*ibs in the most convenient manner ; but a branch 20 feet long in the open air can be made to form a compact spiral cordon, occupying little space, roimd three vertical wires, and no style of training is more beautiful or more productive. To the above cited well-known names, which are now con- nected with the success of close pruning, I may add that of Mr. Elvers. Orchard-houses have, indeed, done much for the Peach. ^ Their uiultipUcation induced corresponding develop- ments in training. The great object was, of course, to econo- mise the valuable space, and to do this close pruning was required ; and, in consequence, we find the principles of close pruning well described in Mr. Eivers's works on the manage- ment of these houses. There need, therefore, be little doubt as to the solidity of the foundation of these truths. As was stated at first, the chief object of these papers was to poioit out the utiUty of a system which should serve, with obvious changes, both for the house and for the open wall, and each succeeding season has proved that this is possible.-— T. BiiiiH.vuT, lUcliinoiul House, Gnermey. ONION GRUBS. Veey often it is easy to prevent the occurrence of a mischief, whereas to remedy it is very difficult. The Onion grub is a case in point, if the iufonnation just imparted to us be correct. When the grub has begun to eat the bulb, no remedy is avail- able ; the bulb had better be pulled up and burnt, thus immo- lating the marauder. The parent of these grubs begins to deposit her eggs just within the sheath of the young Onion plants early in May. A preventive of this, we are told, is to sprinkle frrsli pine or deal sawdust all over the surface of the Onion-bed, as soon as the Onions are well above the soil. The sawdust need not be put on thicjdy ; but a little fresh might be sprinkled on once a-week until the bulbs are safe. We have faith in this preventive, because the turpentine fumes emitted by the sawdust are obnoxious to all insects, and might keep away the flies. BEARDS PATENT METALLIC GLASS HOUSES. AVhen I wrote the hurried note at page 34, I had just been visiting the excellent Bury St. Edmunds Horticultm-al Show, held by the land permission of Lady Cullmn in the grounds of Hardwicke House. Without saying anything at present of the fine subjects exhibited, I would merely mention that I was much struck, as already stated, by the rich bright colouring of some Pelargoniums and Petunias, and on inquiry ascertained that they were exhibited by Mr. Beard, a retired tradesman of Bury St. Edmmids, and came from houses of his own design- ing and constructing, for the peculiarities of which he had duly i^rotected himself by several patents. Of the patents and the chief particulars patented, I can do and say nothing. I had previously seen several houses put up without putty, and but little jiainting, but had failed to see any improvement in them, or that they had much except novelty to recommend them. I had heard these houses of Mr. Beard spoken about, as pre- senting a sheet of light to the plants inside ; but I knew that some of oirr modern orchard-houses admitted rather too much light, in connection with the heat [from the sim's rays — at least for the amount of ventilation that could be given. I was also well aware that light was the first essential, provided the ventilation was ample, and that that ventilation did not unduly (h'y up and parch the plants under the glass. I, no doubt, seemed a retrogressionist to some keen go-fonvard gardeners, when I said that fine plants coiUd be grown in lean-to and span-rooted houses, built with large squares in the usual modem manner, and that the want of high colouring and robustness in plants was more owing to crowding and gi'owing under the shade of creepers. Vines, &c., than from any defi- ciency of hght transmitted by the glass. I make these state- ments merely to show that I was not predisposed to approve of these new houses, and now, in reply to a number of in- quiries, I would repeat, after having more time to thiui over the matter, just what was stated at page 34, that ihe matter of first expense got over, there can be no question of the great improvements. Through a friend, I was introduced to Mr. Beard, who kiodly showed us his different houses, and introduced me to his rela- tive, Mr. E. J. Sanders, of the Victoria Works, Bm-y St. Ed- munds, who manufactm-es the houses in question, and he took us over the works here. Several houses, lean-to and span-roof, were in the jjrocess of building. AngnBt 1, 188S. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICTJLTUEE AND COTTAGE GABDENER. 87 I need not at present say anything of the old, heavy, wooden bouses tli;il kept out more than a fourtli of the h(,'ht, and en- tailed a constant expense to keep them sif;h(ly and in repair. 1 need not Ciileulate what even the cheapest modern orchard- houses will cost for glazing and painting after the few first years' wear. I need not speak of the objections to iron liouses glazed in the visuiJ way, fnnu the expansion and contraction of the metal, glass, &c. I need not tell of the breakage by ex- pansion, when glass was placed-edgo to edge witliimt laps, from the putty becoming too hard to permit of expansion. I need not describe how, when large scjuares were fastened without putty by means of screws and elastic bedding beneath the screws, the glass rattled in a windy day as if it resolved to dance merrily to the inspiring music of the gale ; but I must add, that all these dra\Wjacks seemed to be avoided by the simple plans ado])ted by Mr. Beard. Light and elegance are secured by maldng the house an almost continuous plane of glass from the top to the ground level, whether the house be lean-to or span, the sash-bars being strong, elegant, but light, and without any rebates. Ventila- tion is secured by openings at top by various modes — as lever, rod, itc, and in the front close to the groimd, which might be modified in i)eculiar circumstances. No lap with its accu- mulation of filth is seen, as the large squares are cut to butt close agniust each other. No putty is used, and here, I think, will bo found the great feature of the plan. A strip of non- conducting elastic material, as asphalt, is placed on the flat upper side of the bar and as wide as the bar, these bars being generally 2 feet apart. The glass squares rest by their edges on this asphalt, another strip is placed over the glass, and then a neat thin iron rod, flat below and rounded above, is laid on the top of the upper strip over the glass, and is con- nected with tlio bar with screws, holding all firmly in their place, and yet the elastic material prevents all injiuy from ex- pansion and contraction. If the glass were fitted edge to edge crosswise, and glazed with hard putty at the sides, there would be danger of cracking by expansion. I should be afraid of the same thing hajipening if the glass were placed edge to edge crosswise, and the end of one square came close to the end of the other squire on the midtUe of the bar, without rebates, even with the assistance of the elastic material below and above, as the glass could neither expand laterally nor longitudinally. But, now, in Jlr. Beard's plan, is a simple but distinct featm-e. The ends of the large squares do not incH on the middlr of the har, but about a quarter of an inch or so is left between them, and this room for lateral expansion is found so efficient that I was assured that not a single square had been cracked for three years, and that even the lowest squares that abutted over the water-trough passed through the winters unharmed. It will be seen that tlie system not only does away with putt\-ing at first, but it does away with all chipping and hacking when a square IS broken. The thin rod that secures the glass and its bed;ling to the bar is in several pieces in a roof at all wide, and when a square is broken the two opposite pieces of rod are unscrewed, the damaged square removed, and a fresh one slipped in and screwed down. No glass is proposed to be used under 21-oz. per foot. Painting, one of the most expensive operations connected with the building and keeping up of glass houses, it is hoped w-Ul be avoided — first, by the use of galvanised iron. It would he well to obtain evidence as to how long the galvanising would last when exposed to the atmosphere. Even if it proved pretty lasting, the dark dingy colour might be unacceptable to many people, as it will get darker as it becomes older. To remedy this drawback, I was shown iron undergoing a process of enamelling. The pular.s, bars, &c., are first painted with red lead and undergo a process of baking, are then several times painted with peculiar white paint, and baked or roasted in a high tem))erature. Some sash-bars shown me were as hard and bright as white china. Of course, it will have to be proved how long this enamelling will last. And, lastly, the first inspection showed me that such houses would be valuable for tenants who did not wish to put up what they could not take away. The houses, whether le:in-to or span, are supported at the sides by neat iron columns of any requisite height. Each of these columns is hollow, and not only supports the roof and water-spout, but takes the water into 'a. di'ain or other means below, or a number of the hollow tubes may be stopped if tlie water is to be taken to either or both ends. Everything is made to tit, and screwed neatly together. 30 that when all is in readiness a house is soon put up and soon taken down. I may add, tliat I luiow nothing more than what I saw in a short visit, that I did not take a single note, and merely write from memory, that I never heard of the patentees before, that I write this without their knowledge, and having no other object than to make a novelty in the right direction generally known, convinced, if the system answer, it will lie used for many pur- poses besides houseii for growing plants, aiul other horticultural uses. Perhaps, as already hinted at, the best practical idea involved, is not only the elastic substance beneath and above the glass but more )iartieularly the open space between the squares on the sash-bars. No doubt that looks a very simple matter, and so it is when we see it. Anything is simple only when under- stood. We neglect too often to make valuable discoveries because we look beyond simplicity. Intending builders may now con- sider and make inquiries for themselves. 1 have stated all I know at present. — K. Fish. MY PLANTS, AND HOW AND WHERE I I'OUND THEM.— Xo. 7. Bcr shall I ever be forgiven for wandering so long from my subject of " Plants," to toy amongst the animals and fish of Jersey ? Let me at once refer to my notes and Imrtus siccm, and see what were the results of a day spent at Greve de Lecq, in June, 1860. We had long heard of the charms of this beautiful little bay, and determined upon judging for ourselveiJ of the same, and we looked forward with much pleasure to our trip from St. Saviour's to the north-western coast of the island. Rising early and pacldng up our basket of provisions for the day's need, we started off in a small pony carriage, which had been kindly lent us for the occasion. The sun was shining brightly jWlideed, it was one of those gorgeous mornings which, all radiant with the sun's smiles at their birth, so often ere half his race be run, leave us in soitow and tears. Foreseeing i what was likely to occur, we fully provided for the impending rain, and safely packed our waterproofs and umbrellas at the bottom of the conveyance, forming impromptu seats for the two children, very unaristocratic no doubt, and quite uncon- ventional ! But bear with us awhile, good reader, for we are unconventional people, and ours are unconventional children, and I may state, that during our return home the horse became unconventional enough to run away. Our drive was chiefly through narrow lanes, for we were travelling li-om east to west, and the principal roads in the island run from south to north. The orchards were white with blossoms, fainting in the heat of the mid-day, soon a breeze sprang up, and like a shower of suow in summer, the petals fell thickly upon the green gi-ass. Enjoying the iucreaB- ing coolness of the air, and pleased that the beautiful blossoms we were watching, and the lowly flowers by the wayside, would alike soon be equally refreshed, we urged our pony forward at a quick pace. Large and heavily fell the tardy rain-di-ops, the branches of the trees waved to and fro in grateful acknowledge- ment of the coming benefits ; all nature seemed stirred, like children who. having received a promise of some long-looked- for gift from a parent, are now about to realise the fulfilment of their wishes. Passing St. John's Church we were not long in arriving at St. Mary's. As we did so, the rain poured down in torrents, and continued all the time we were descending the lovely valley which leads to the b.ay. Much to our disappoint- ment, we scarcely saw anything of the banks on either side of us ; therefore, an old lustorian shall take you through the defile. He says — " On quitting St. Mary's Church we soon enter a romantic valley, serpentining between lofty swelling hills richly clothed with Fern and other wild shrubs, that, if less profitable to the owners of the gritty soil than the golden treasm-es of Ceres or the juicy gifts of Pomona, display a lively verdure on which the eye rests with pleasure. The vaUey is likewise shaded in different parts with gi-oves of Oak and Fir. At length the winding path descends rapidly to a beautiful I cove called Greve de Lecq. This inlet in its fuU compass may : be said to reach from the promontory of Sorel to that of Ple- mout." Just as we reached the bottom of the valley the rain ceased, and closing our umbrellas the ftill beauty of the little bay stood out in the simshine ; I thought it one of the most lovely spots we had visited. Putting up oiu- horse at the hotel, and drying ourselves and the children, we started off to the beach. My husband cUmbed ! the almost perpendicular cUffs to obtain a good view seaward, j whilst I was searching the sands for Grasses. I had no sea- 88 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEB. 1. August 1, 1865. side Grasses in my collection, and my delight was great when I came upon the Elymus arenarius, Upright Sea Lyme Grass ; also, the Triticum jimceum, Sea Wheat Grass ; and the T. cris- tatum. A little further inland I found the Lepturus incur- vatus, Hard Grass of Sowerby, or the Eottboellia incun-ata of "Withering. There also, was the Poa lohacea, and close to it the Carex intermedia. Soft Brown Sedge ; and Carex am- puUacea, Slender-beaked Bladder Sedge ; mth some poor starved specimens of a Bromus and Hordeum, the latter, probably, the H. maritimum, and the former, I believe, was the Soft Brome Grass, and I do not know how many kinds of Festucas, but I have marked the F. imiglumis ; and beside it are several others the names of which I am fairly puzzled to decide. In the same sheet also are two dilapidated specimens of Bromus maximus, peculiar, I believe, to Jersey, and rather celebrated from the extreme length of the awns. Nearer the road, about halfway .'between the beach and the hotel, we come upon the Poa mari- tima. Sea Meadow Grass ; and the Glyceria maritima. Creeping Sea Sweet Grass ; also, some good roots of the Hordeum mari- timum, better nourished than those growing entirely in the sand and closer to the sea. I considered myself very fortmiate in securing so many varieties of my favourites. Saving the falling of my little boy into a guUy formed in the sands, which immersed him above the waist in salt water, and the restive- ness of our borrowed pony on our return, we met with no very tmtoward event. Another day we started on foot to witness a review of the militia belonging to the island. They comprise both artillery and infantry ; they are clothed by Government, but receive no pay. Being drilled very frequently they have become a very efficient body of men. There is, also, a juvenile corps, the boys of which are exercised weeldy in summer time. It was a pretty sight to see the men collecting from all parts of the island, St. Helier's being their rendezvous. From the top of " Gallows HiU," or Le Mont Patibulaire, which rises above the sandy plain on which the town of St. HeUer's stands, we had a fine view of their evolutions. Weaiying after a time of gazing down upon the beach in the full blaze of a scorching sun, I turned my attention to a low wall which was running along the top of the hill at my back, and extracted from it roots of Festuca rubra. Creeping Fescue Grass ; and F. ovina. Sheep's Fescue ; aud lower down amongst the light sandy soils, the Poa loliacea. The damp air of even- ing was slowly rising ere we tm-ned our steps, tired and fagged as we were, to descend the hill towards St. Helier's, but I was not too tired to notice a, to me, new Grass gi-owing xmder the ■wall on the eastern side of the town. I sought for it subse- quently in several botanical works, and have considered it the Festuca myurus. Wall Fescue Grass ; I wUl not be certain that I am correct, it is a slender Grass with smooth shining stems of about 2 feet in height, rather roughish leaves, the panicle from about 6 to 7 inches in length, unilateral ; flowers verj- small and shorter very much than their long awns ; spikelets contain- ing about six flowers. The general appearance of this Grass has something extremely elegant about it ; the root, leaves, awns, and flowers, all being exceedingly fine and delicate. ■RTiilst writing of strolls about this island, my mind again sees a picturesque group by the wayside. A donkey, goats of all ages and sizes, from the ancient, important, aud grey-bearded jiaterfamilias, upon the rock above, to the ten- der kid quietly cropping the sw^ard below, perhaps thirty in all._ And whose keen eye and quick voice reigned over this united family ? Who so hastily chid the straying kid, or if ■wearied took it up in her arms with the affection of a mother '! In the midst of her pets stood, with all the authority of a queen, a dark-haired, strange-looking woman. That her eye was wild, her hair undi-essed, but beautiful ; that her manners ■were those of a lady, aU this was seen at a glance, aud one was fairly puzzled to guess what delight she could have in passing days, and ■vveeks, aud months in the society of creatures of in- stinct, rather than -with rational beings ; seldom noticing the passers-by, or if she did so, merely giving an uninterested or cursory glance, she busied herself with her pets, or sat quietly ■upon a stone, or portion of rock, knitting. Her handsome face ■was bronzed with exposure to the sun, aud rendered coarse ■with years of battling against the wind and rain. Kind friends there were at home, a room prepared, and affectionate welcome, but seldom did she return thither. Wandering ! ever wandering ! night and day o'er rock and hill, or do-svn the deep and silent •valley midst the roar of the tempest, through the drenching rain, those poor feet, so small, so pretty, so well fitted for the dazzUng ball-room, and the comforts of home, foot-sore and weary, plodded their restless way. Hair falling straight and long from beneath her brown hat, dress bedabbled, jaded as she was, on she went ; beneath the parching sun of mid-day, or the chills of night, it was always the same ; the moiiiiug dew and the evening mist alike saw her pressing on and on mto an un- seen future, ever striving and never attaining that object of affection, whom years long back (so told the cottagers), some suddeu and fearful calamity had torn from her. It was a sight to make all those who saw her, with tearful eyes offer up a prayer that her wandering spirit might, ere long, leaving behind it this unsatisfying earth, with its soitows aud un- quiet, attain mito that never-ending " rest which remaineth for the people of God." Nothing would give me purer or more saddened pleasure than to smooth the piUow aud comfort the last hours of that most afflicted of birth's children. " God rest thee ! We shall go about to-day In our festal garlands gay ; AVhatsoever robes we wear, Not a trace of black be there. ■Well, what matter ? None is seen On thy daisied-covering gi"een. Or thy maiden pillows, hid Undei-neath a coiiin lid. God rest thee ! " God take thee I Ay! no other. Sleeps beneath. One who died a virgin's death ; Died so slowly, day by day, That it scarcely was decay. Till this English churchyard kind Opened, and we leave behind Nothing but a little dust. God is tender. God is just. God take thee I '* God keep thee ! Nevermore above the ground Be there relics of thee found : Lay the turf so smooth, we crave, None w ould guess it was a grave. Save for grass that greener grows, Or for wind that gentlier blows. All the earth o'er, from this spot ANTiere thou wert, and thou art not. God keep thee ! " — Alice. THE GENERAL REJECTION OF TOADSTOOLS. I FEAE my letter on that species of Agarics called commonly "Toadstools" must have escaped your attention, being satis- fied that the importance of the subject has not been under- rated by me. I believe this is the only ci^vUised cotmtry in Europe where Toadstools are not eaten ■nith relish both by rich and poor, more especially the latter, for whose especial benefit the Eev. Mr. Badham, in his excellent book on " English Fungi," seems to think a kind Providence intended them, spreading them out in waste places, by roadsides, in forest nooks and corners where the poor might gather them without tres- pass. Mr. Badham, too, gives in his book excellent recipes for cooking the different species of these Toadstools, and in lan- guage graphic enough to make the mouth of a London alder- man water for a taste. This, too, and August and September, is about the season for these Toadstools ; not above one in a himdred being poisonous in England, whilst in the vicinity of Borne, where a much larger per-centage is poisonous, many huntlredweights are sold daily in the markets at about 3(7. per lb., and bought aUke by rich and poor, and eaten as nutritious and jmlatable food. Surely it would be a gi'eat boon to the poor of this country if the fooUsh prejudice against these Fungi could be got rid of. In September, after the harvest had been secm'ed and work became slack, the labourer might with little trouble gather a plentiful meal for his family, which would, weU cooked, de- light the palate of an epicm^e in Paris. Mr. Badham tells us the clergy of Confucius in China have published a book enumerating over fom- hundred vegetable articles of food that the poor might have recoirrse to in times of dearth — such as the inner bark of certain trees and shrub.s, and various leaves, berries, roots, &c., of weeds aud plants that grow wild in the fields. Why should not your .Joui-nal open the campaign against the fooUsh prejudice relative to Toad- stools and all the Agaric tribe save Slushrooms ? — Wason. [We are doing the utmost that we can by publishing, for Is. monthly, four coloured di-a^wings of the "Eatable Fiuiguses;" but we cannot recommend the indiscriminate constimption of " Toadstools." Orfila's " Toxicology," the " Transactions of the London College of Physicians," the " London and Medical Aagnet 1, 1865.] JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTUKK AND COTTAGK GABDENEE. 89 Physicul Journal," and other works contain too many pain- ful records of poisoning by Funfji to justify any one in pulilisli- inp an imliscriniinate use of them as fooil. Wu pnblislicd moru than twelve months since (No. 138, )ia«e 311.5), thR details of a family beiuK poisoned by eating the Agaricua fortilis, and gave a drawing of the species.] ROYAL HOKTICULTUKAL SOCIETY. Floral Committki:, .July 2.5. — But few plants wero sent on this occftsiou, anil none of any particular interest. Messrs. K. G. lleudor- 8on, of Wellinj^ou Koad, sent their collection of new Fuchsias, two of which received first-class certificates — viz., Enoch Ardeu and Father IjniatiuB, the former a neat compact tlowcr, bright crimson sepals, re- flexed, large deep purple corolla ; the latter with a much lighter corolla. The others consisted of Itose of Denmark, a pale colourless variety ; Bhodoriek Dhu, dark purple corolla ; War Eagle, Village Pet. and Lucy Mills. There was no advance or improvement iu many of the older varieties, and it will ho long before a more elegant or freer llower. ing variety is exhibited than Souvenir de Chiswick. Mr. Salter, Versailles Nursery, sent a seedling Nosegay Pelargonium, Impcratrice des Nosegays, bright red flowers forming a large globular truss. The merits of this seedling will bo better known when it is seen bedded out. The plant exhibited had evidently been grown under glass. Messrs. Smith, of Duhvich, sent a pale light blue Delphinium, Madame H. Jacotot ; a small collection of Balsams ; seedling Phloxes, Chancellor, a dark red, and Beauty of Dulwich, pale lilac with dark centre ; Fuchsia Eva, with a double white corolla; Fuchsia L'Africaino ; Fuchsia multiflora, a good market variety ; and Fuchsia I-'.noch Arden, which must not be mistaken for Messrs. Henderson's vaiiety bearing the same name. Zonalc Pelargoniums, Golden Dwarf, Aureum, and Bronze Shield, also came from the same firm. Mr. Towusend, Homsey, 8ent two .Japanese Liliums, the flowers were faded and appeared to have been a dark chocolate, the other a tawny yellow. Mr. E. Davis sent four single flowers of Lady Sherborne, double white Fuchsia. As no plants were sent, notice could not be taken of them. Mr. Cox, gardener to Earl Beauchamp, exhibited a white seedling Lobelia, probably of L. ramosa. If suited for bedding pui-jioses it will be a de- sirable plant — lirst-class eertilicate. Messrs. Veitch exhibited Demlro- bium species, from Australia, sent homo by Mr. .John Veitch. The same Dendrobium was exhibited by Mr. Wilcox, gardener to Dr. PattisoD, of St. John's Wood. Mr. Bull exhibited Allamanda Hender- sooii, a very fine free-flowering plant with large yellow flowers — first- class certificate ; also Bignouia argyTjea violescens with beautifully marked foUage ; the plants were exhibited under glass — first-class certificate. Mr. Cross, gardener to the Dow.ager Lady Ashburton, sent a Pol\-podinm vnlgare with forked fronds, or the fronds iu pairs on one footstalli. Mr. G. Smith, Hoi-nsey Koad, sent two seedling Fuchsias with double white coi-ollas, the sepals pale and deficient in colour, and not attractive. Mr. Smith's single white-corolla Fuchsia Cou- spicua is far superior to these pale varieties. Mr. Kivers sent a speci- men of the Climbing Devoniensis Rose, with a shoot more than 10 feet long. Mr. Kivers kindly explained how this vigorous growth was obtained. A drawing of a fine variety of Lilium auratum with dark red leaves, grown by Messrs. Cutbush, Highgate, was exhibited by the Chairman, and was much admired. Scientific Meeting — J. J. Blandy, Esq., in the chair. The Rev. Joshua Dix, the chaii-man of the Floral Committee, read over the list of the awards made by that Committee, and pointed out some of the subjects exhibited. Amongst others he drew special attention to the Climbing Devoniensis Rose sent by Mr. Kivers, who made the Devoniensis assume that form by bndiling a strong growing Per- petaal on the Manetti stock, and then budding the Perpetual with Devoniensis. It was also found that buds from Devoniensis thus treated, when single-worked in the usual way, did not differ in habit from the ordinary form of Devoniensis. Next year Mr. Kivers hoped to apply a similar process to other Tea Roses with the like result. Dr. Hogg, the Honorary Secretary to the Fruit Committee, said that before proceeding to consider the subjects brought before that Committee, he would call attention to the report on the early Peas grown this year at Chiswick. It was the practice of the Committee to obtain seeds from the parties who send out the varieties, if pos- sible. Dillistone's Early ProUfic, Carter's First Crop, Dickson's Fu'st and Best, and Sutton's Ringleader, were so procured. They were all sown in the same piece of ground and on the same day ; they all came np on the same day ; they all flowered on the same day ; they all podded on the same day ; they all were fit for table on the" same day, and the result of the experiment was, that they must be considered Identical. The variety which had the priority of name was Dillis- tone's Early Prolific. Those who are accustomed to study Peas con- sider a good sample of DiUistone's nothing but a pure stock of the old Early Keut, a variety vei^ diflicult to obtain and to keep true. Of Other Peas tried, Laxton's Seedling was very similar to the Auvergne and Dickson's Favourite, whilst Carpenter's Express proved to be none other than gangster's No. 1. Princess Koyal was thought to be an improvement on the old Dwarf Marrow. Blue Excelsior struck the Coouaittee aa being a remarkably distinct Pea. A Dumber of others were found to be exactly synonymous with Veitch's Perfection. Passing on to the subjects submitted to tlie committee, Mr. Kivers had sent a collection of White Grapes, all of them belonging to what the French call " Muscats " and the English Frontignans, as they have round berries, whilst iu what are called Muscats in this country the berries are oval. The Froutigmms possessed a Muscat flavour, a quality which was highly developed in Chasselas Musqur ; the great advantage of this Chasselas was its being earlier than the true Muscats, and ripening iu a cooler temperature ; it had, however, the evil quality of cracking, but within the last few yitars a new race had been iutroduced which did not offer this drawback, and of such Mr. Kivers's Grapes consisted. Of Muscat Salonwn of the French, or Early Golden Fron- tignan, the great reconmnindation was that it was three weeks earlier than the Black Hamburgh, and producid bunches from 1'2 to 18 inches long. The colour, as he cuubl alllrm, was much more golden, in fact he had seen it deep amber. Early Smyrna, Muscat de Smynio of the French, was also a form of White Frontigimn, not so early as the pre- ceding but hardier, and would probably succeed out of doors, at all events it would ripen well in an ordinary greenhouse. Early Silver Frontignan bad a larger berrj*, a vi-n,- thin skin, and was eight or ten days later than Early Golden Frontignan and the same number of days earlier than the Black Hamburgh. The Black Bordeaux, re- ceived by Mr. Kivers under the name of Muscat a gros grains, was much more sugai-y than the Black Hamburgh, and a month earlier. Muscat Champion, sent by Mr. Veitch, was stated to be a most valuable acquisition, possessing berries as largo as those of the Mill-Hill Hamburgh, with a strong admixture of the Muscat flavour, the latter quality in particular rendering it highly desirable. A Rasp- berry from Mr. Graham, of Cranford. was remarkable for its large size, but as it had not as yet been snlijiitcd to careful cultivation the Com- mittee wished to see it again before deciding on its merits. There was also a Black Currant from Mr. Ford which was stated to hang a month later than any other kind, but the berries were small and acid. A Rasp- berry came from Messrs. Cutbush, of Highgate, the merit of which con- sisted in its coming into bearing after all the other red summer Rasp- berries were past, but as regards flavour it was not considered lit for table, and seeing that autumn-bearing varieties of better flavour already existed, no award was made. Some Cherries were also exhibited by Mr. Rivers. Of these the Large Pui-ple Gean came in after all the Bigarreans were over ; and the Love Apple Cherry belonging to the Late Duke class was very large, being an inch across, had a colourless juice, and was furrowed Uke a Tomato. Mr. Ingram exhibited a seedling Peach called Frogmore Golden, but it was not so large as Crawford's Early, which was a freestone, and it was not so delicious as that and some others- It was therefore doubtful whether the variety in question was required. In conclusion Dr. Hogg directed attention to two .\pricot trees m pots which Mr. Rivers had sent, first to show that fruit trees in pots bearing ripe fruit can be transmitted to a distance, and second to prove that Apricots can be grown in pots. The whole secret of their culture in that way was very simple — it simply consisted in giving them plenty of ventilation whilst in bloom, even 3" or 4° of frost would not injure them then. The rationale of this was, that when the orchard-house is kept close whilst the trees are in bloom there is such an amount of moisture in the air that fertilisation cannot take place. Mr. Rivers stated in a commnnication addressed to him (Dr. Hogg) that chalk existed in the soil which was nsed for potting, but in what proportion he (Mr. Rivers) did not know, as he had sent the soil to be analysed ; but one-twelfth or one-tenth would not be too much. The Kev. M. J. Berkeley said there were not many plants to com- ment upon, bnt he had an interesting fact to communicate in reference to hybrid Ferns. Every one know that in cultivating Ferns vast num hers of Gymnogi-ammas — golden, silver, and grey — were freely pro- duced in the same house, and they were believed to be hybrids, but no one had proved them to be so. He had now, however, a veritable case of a hybrid Fem. Mr. Robinson Scott enclosed a frond of an Asple- nium which he had found in a rock-y place about eight miles from Philadelphia, on the banks of the SehuyUdU river. It was surrounded by Camptosorus rbizophyllns and Asplenium ebeneum, had some of the characteristics of both, and was distinct from anything described by Dr. Asa Gray, in his " Floraof the Northern United States." Sir Wm. Hooker had declared it to be new. Mr. Berkeley then described the leading eharaoteiistics of Camptosorus rhizophyllus, Aspleninm ebe- neum, and the hybrid. The pr.idii. tiou of such a hybrid was not of botanical interest only, but of hortiiultural importance ; for if any hor- ticulturist could obtain hybrid forms, there was no doubt that it would prove very profitable. He had prepared a set of drawings to show that; it was possible to do so. The spore of a Fem consisted of an outer and an inner case, and if placed in proper circumstances of moisture, &c., the envelope would split and a rootlet bo throim down. Every healthy spore produced antheridia containing a slender filament, which, on the antheridium bursting, floats about ; and on coming in contact with the embryo sac containing the ovule, it penetrates the sac and the development of a fresh plant commences. Impregnation between two different Fems, therefore, could not taie jdace unless there was a drop of water present by which these filamentous bodies could be canned to the embryo sac ; and by a little delicate manipu- lation it might, therefore, be possible to bring the contents of the antheridia of one Fem in contact with the ovules of another, and so produce a hybrid. After briefly noticing a few of the plants, and two monstrous forms of Plautago major, Mx. Berkeley observed, that from 90 JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE A^D COTTAGE GARDENER. L August 1, 1865. SGTeral quarters he had received mildewed Peas and Beans, and that there was a great probability of the Wheat crop being attacked this autumn, though it might escape if the weather were fine. Show of Feens axd theik Allies, July 29th. — This, the last of the special shows for the season, was rather extensive, and had a pleasing effect, though, from the absence of plants with coloured foliage, the Ferns, graceful as they were, did not appear to such ad- vantage as they othei-wise would have done. Large masses of bright colour unrelieved by green foliage are wearisome, almost paiufnl. to the eye ; and foliage of the same hue and general character in like manner becomes monotonous. In natural scenes, indeed, green foliage predominates, but it is varying in tint, in outline, and in size, is exposed to the play of light and shadow, and is seldom entirelv motionless. A long stretch of level green pasture without a flower, or tree, or animal upon it, however beautiful the green, if viewed apart from surrounding objects would not be pleasing, and even the wide £elds of golden grain soon cease to please if dissociated from surround- ing objects and from the ideas of peace and plenty to which they give rise. The great fault of the Show was, that when viewed as a whole there was too much sameness in colour and general character, but this was a fault inherent to the very nature of the Show and not to Mr. Eyles's arrangement, for he produced the best effect which it was possible to obtain from the materials at his command. Class I. was for twelve exotic species. Here ilr. Bull took the first prize with weU-grown plants of Marattia elegans ; Dicksonias culcita, antarctica. and cinnamomea ; Gleichenias fiabellata, microphvlla, hecistophylla, and dichotoma ; Cyathea medullaris ; Alsophila aus- tialis ; Blechnum corcovadense. and Platycerium alcicome. In Class n., nine exotic kinds, IMr. Cross, gardener to the Dowager Lady Ashburton. was first with good examples of the Bird's- nest Fern, Dicksonias, the pretty Cheilanthes lendigera, Cvathea Smithii. Cibotinm Schiedei, and Lygodium scandeus. Mr. Barnard, gardener to J. Taylor, Esq., was second, and 3Ir. Young third. In Class 111., for six kinds. 31r. Young was first with fine plants of "Woodwardia radicans, Phlebodinm aoreum, Adiantum formosum, Stenochhena scandens, Blechnum brasiliense, and Platycerium alci- come. Mr. Bull was second, having ajuong others the beautiful Glei- chenia speluncae. Cibotium princeps, and Alsoplula australis ; and Mr, Samard. third. Variegated exotic Ferns, shown under Class IT., were confined in ihe three successful collections to Pteris argyrsea. tricolor, and cretica albo-lineata, of which good plants were exhibited. Mr. Bull had in addition, Pteris nemoralis variegata. serrulata variegata, and ar^vrsea snblubata. Mr. Barnard was first ; Mr. Weston, gardener to D. Mar- tineau, Esq., second ; and Mr. Young third. | In three tree Ferns tliere were only two competitors, Mr. Bull and Mr. Young, who were first and second ; those from Mr. Ball consisted of Cyatheas medullaris and dealbata, and Dicksonia antarctica. Mr. Bull likewise exhibited Hymenophyllums, and Golden Ferns. The hest of the latter, however, came from Mr. Young, and consisted of Gymnogrammas chrysophylla, ochracea. and Laucheana. Of British Ferns very excellent collections were shown by Messrs. Ivery A: Son. and Messrs. A. Stansfield & Sons of the Vale Nurseries, Todimorden. who had equal first prizes for twelve. Messrs. Ivery had Athyrimn Filix-foemina Fieldite difiissum, Frizellia nanum, plumo- Eum, ramo-cristatnm, Lastrea Filix-masBollandia. cristata,the crested Royal Fern, Limestone and Welsh Polypody. Polystichum angulare decurrens, proliferum Wollastonii, and Scolopendrium vulgare crispum. Messrs. Stansfield had Asplenium marinum, Athyriuui Filix-foemina Fieldise, plumosum. Vemoni*, Lastrea Filix-mas Bamesii, Lastrea montana Xowelliana. the crested Royal Fern, Polystichum angulare "Wollastonii. contriictum. lineare. oxyphyllum, andpliunasnm. Exten- sive and excellent collections containing many rare and curious forms ■were shown by the same exhibitors, Messrs. Ivery receiving a first and Messrs. Stansfield a second prize. Mr. Bull and Mr. Kilmister like- ■wise exhibited British Ferns. The latter was first for six, Mr. Toung heing second, Mr. Earley, DigsweU. third. "Of Lyeopods, numerous fine pans of the nsaal kinds were shown by Mr. Higgs. Mr. Yotmg, and Mr. Barnard. For nine. Mr. Hi^:s was first, and Mr. Barnard second. For six, Mr. Young was first with large pans, and Mr. Hi^:^ second. Other subjects consisted of some moderate- sized Fuchsias in very good bloom, from Mr. Weston, gardener to D. Martineau, Esq. : Petunias, from Mr. Macintosh, Hammersmith ; Acrides odoratum, grown in an average winter temperature of 45^, and the brilliant .^chmea fnlgens. from Mr. Earley ; a fine plant of Caladiom argy- rites from ifr. Young ; and Liiium auratum, fine pots of Adiantum cnneatum, Leptopteris superba, and a beautiful example of Todea pellacida, from Mr. Bartlett, of Hammersmith. Some good Holly- hock bloom.3 were shown by Mr. Portt-r, gardener to the Hon. A. Ashley, Epping: cut Roses by Mr. Clarke. Brixton ; a collection of oiaiamentai Grasses by Mr. Turner, Xotting Hill ; and the beautiful new Geranium, Dowager Duchess of Sutherland, noticed at page 47, and several unnamed seedlings, by Mr. Fleming, of Clivt^den. who also sent flower? of Bignonia chirere, excellent Black Ham- turgh Grapes, Peaches, and Kectarines. Mr. Merrett, gardener to H. Whiting Esq., Battei-=ea, also exhibited excellent Peaches, and Mr. Earley good Apricots. Adiantum Farleyanum, a handsome new Fern, iad a first class certificate. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETYS MEETING. The July Meeting of this Society was held on the 3rd nit., the President, F. P. Pascoe, Esq., being in the chair. Fourteen new members and four annual subscribers were elected into the Society. The Secretary annoimced that a new part of the Society's " Transac- tions," consisting entirely of the commencement of Mr. Baly's de- scriptions of the plant-feeding species of Beetles captured in the islands of the Eastern Archipelago by Mr. A. R. Wallace, was ready for distribution among the members. A vote of thanks was unanimously passed to W. Wilson Saunders, Esq.. for the handsome entertainment given by him to the members of the Society at Keigate. Mr. Frederick Bond exhibited specimens of Toxacampa CraccK, bred by Dr. Knaggs; also, of Eupethecia pulchellata. reared from the Fox- glove ; and E . campanulata, a new species bred by the Kev. H. Harper Crewe, from larvte found in a Bee(^ vood near Tring, feeding on the flowers of CampantUa traehelium. Mr. Stainton exhibited the curious broad and flattened cocoons of Pyralis glancinalis, bred by Mr. Edwin Brown, of Burton-on-Trent ; also, the very minute larvfe of Cemiostoma Lotella, found feeding within the leaves of Lotus major, near Scarborough, by Mr. Wilkinson. Dr. Armitage exhibited specimens of both sexes of a remarkable Moth, allied to Oifceticus Kirbii, from Monte Video, the female of which is destitute of rudiments of legs and win^, and never quits the cocoon or even the chrysalis skin. The Rev. Hamlet Clark read a letter from the Cetflon Examiner, respecting a remarkable species of Firefly, having a considerable number of luminous patches on each side of the body, and referring to the simultaneous flashing and extinction of the light by numerous Fireflies, as alleged by him at a former meeting, but which had been, opposed by several entomol<^sts who had been in fropical countries — ■ namely. Messrs. Sallt', W. W. Saunders, A. E. Wallace, and Bates- Mr. Clark read the following letter from Mr. Alexander Fry : — " I can confirm your observations, that the Fireflies of the genus Aspisoma of Castelnau (corrected into Aspidosoma by Lacordaire), flit at night in great numbers over low-lying damp fields, chiefly near water, emitting light by short flashes, at intei-vals of three or four seconds, the majority keeping time with each other, as if in obedience to the baton of a leader. I think it is only the Fireflies of that genus which practise it, the ntmierous Fireflies common in Mexico and North America, belonging chiefly to the genera Ellichma and Photuris, whose habits are different, so far as I have had opportunity to observe thefr con- geners in Brazil." Mr. Clark also exhibited a considerable number of minute insects collected in central India, by Lieut. Hobson, traus> mitted by post in small tubes to this country. A note was read from the Rev. Douglas Timmins, containing an account of a month's collecting of Lepidopterous insects in the spring, in the neighbourhood of Cannes. A note was communicated by Mr. W. F. Evans, relative to the lu- minosity of the genus Fnlgora, confirmatory of the statement of Madame Merian. which had been opposed by Mr. W. S. McLeary, and others. Mr. Evans had sent a figure of the F. latemaria to his son, who is in the commissariat department in British Honduras, and received in due time the following statement from him : — '' Belize, May 17. ISGo. — I have succeeded in my entomological researches about the Lantern Fly. I had one given me, caught here, alive, and I saw it myself giving light. I kept it under a tumbler for about a day, and it sometimes did not give it, but at others it did." The Secretary read a notice containing tiie statistics of " la Gatine," a disease to which Silkworms are subject in the great silk- producing establishments in the south of France. Mr. Pascoe stated, that e^s deposited by some of the female Dog Ticks, exhibited at one of the spring meetings of the Society, by Capt. Cox, had recently hatched. GREAT KOSE SHOW AT BRIE-C0:MTE-R0BERT. On the Oth of July, for the first time in France, we had the treat of admiring a special Eose Show. It took place at the small town of Brie-Comte-Kobert, the centre of the fertile Brie, where Roses are so extensively grown in fields by about eighty cultivators. It was apprehended after such an imusnally dxj and hot season, that the day appointed for the Show would be rather late, but thanks to the efforts of the principal growers, and to the skilful management of more than a million of trees, the exhibition was a decided success. "Whoever has not had the good fortune to witness this most gorgeous display of the *• queen of flowers,"* cannot form an idea of its grandeur. TTie Show was held under a vast tent of about 150 feet long by 50, in the middle of which were large beds, and aU around, upon stages.were set the various collections. Imagine the effect thas produced by upwards of 60,000 Roses. There was one bed consisting of about 5000 blooms of that old but still much- valued Rose dn Roi. and a show it was of itself, well deserving the gold medal awarded. The finest collections were shown by Mons. Granger, at Suisnes, near Brie-Comte-Robert, consisting of 3S0 splendid August 1, ISOS. ] JOUENA.L OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE (lARDENEK. varieties ; by M. Soipion Cochet, of the same place, ;-S75 varieties; aiid by M. Aubiu Cochet, of Grisy, Siiisues, 220 varieties. Of smaller coUectians, not le^s ailinireil, there was M. Gau- troau, \>!'rc, and M. Cochet, poiv. both of lirie Conite llnbort, 120 varietic-i, aiul M. LaJechaux, of Villecresnes, ISO va- rieties. Of scodUnss, JI. Granger, liaJ Exposition do Brie-Comte- Kobert ; and M. Gautrean. pf-re, Camillc Bornardin, both very flue Koses, universally admired, and which will, no doubt, be welcomed on the other side of the water wlipu sent out. For bouquets and table decorations, several prizes were given, as well as for smaller collections of Roses, which, though snnill, were not without interest. I subjoin a list of some of those which may bo considered the cream of the exhibition, '-rbpy were all represented in beautiful specimens. MarCchal Niol, Anna de Diesbach, Kate Hausburg, IJaronue Pelletan de Kin- kelin, Maurice Beruardin. President Lincoln, Impi'ratrico Eugenie, John Appert, Senateur Vaise, Duchess of Norfolk, Madame Purtado, Comtesse Cecile de Chabrillant, Madame Victor Venlier, General AVashington, Madame J'Uiza Vilmorin, Souvenir do la Beine de I'Angleterre, Eugene Appert, Madame Eugene Vordier. Cliarlos Lefebvrc, M. Alphonso Bolin, Dgnis Helve, Madame la Baroune de Lassus St. Genies, Madame Boutin, Charles and Louise Margottin, MaiOchal N'aillant, Monte Christo, Prince Camille de Kohan, Deuil do I'rince Albert, Victor Verdier, Ecine des Violettes, Madame Boll, Empereur de Maroc, Francois Lacbarme, Vicomte Vigier, M. Charles Orapelet, Scenr des Anges, Baron Piothschild, Bernard Palissy, MarCchal Souchet, Duchesse de Morny, &c. The Censors were the following highly respectable gentle- men :^M. Charles Baltet, of Troyes ; Guillot, pere. of Lyons ; Eugene Verdier; Dupuy-Jamain, and Levesque, tils, of Paris; Desfosses-Thuillier, of Orleans ; and Safl'ray, of Rouen. I understand that henceforth an annual show of Roses will bo held at Brie, and I, therefore, earnestly advise British rosariaus to come next year and see for themselves such a sight as they will never see at home. Those who call from time to time upon the Parisian Rose merchants, have no idea of the extensive cultures of the real gi-owcrs at Brie. — Fek- DrsAKD Gloede, Les Sablons, Seine et Marne. PRESENTATION TO TilR. INGRA;M OF FROGMORE. Fob some months past a movement lias been in progress among the friends of Mr. Ingram, at Frogmore, to raise a sub- scription for the purpose of presenting the respected gardener to Her Majesty, with a tribute of their affection and esteem on this the liftieth anniversary that be has presided over the Royal gardens at Windsor and Frogmore. The subscription list having been closed, the Committee of Management appointed a deputation of their number to proceed to Frogmore on Satur- day last, and present the testimonial. The deputation con- sisted of Dr. Hogg. Chairman of the Committee ; Mr. .John Lee, of Hammersmith ; Mr. Edward Brown, of Slough, Sec- retary to the Committee ; Mr. Charles Turner, of Slough ; Mr. Stains, of Harewood Square ; and Mr. .John Fleming, of Cliveden. The testimonial was presented by Dr. Hogg, in the name of the subscribers, and consisted of a handsome silver tea and coffee service, manufactured by Messrs. Gan-ard, the Crown jewellers of the Haymarket ; a gold watch made by Frodsham, of the Strand ; and a purse containing 150 guineas. The watch bore the following inscription : — Presented to Tnojus iNaRAii, Esquire, by his friends on the 50th anniversa;'y of his services in the Royal Gardens, Windsor, July 18G5." Accompanying the presentation was a list of the subscribers neatly engrossed on a roll of vellum. Dr. Hogg, in presenting the testimonial, said : — " Jlr. Ingram, — It would be afEectation on my part if I were to assume that you were unaware of the object of our visit to you to-day. I have reason to beUeve that you are not ignorant of the fact that for some months past a number of your friends have entertauied the idea of presenting you, on this, the fiftieth anniversary of j'our services at the Royal Gardens at Windsor and Frogmore, with a substantial testimonial of their esteem for your personal worth, and their appreciation of your pro- fessional abihty. That idea has become a reality, and we are here to-day — a deputation from the subscribers to that testi- monial— to perform the pleasing duty of presenting it to you. " I am flattered, sir, that it has fallen to me to perform this jileasing act ; but I feel, also, that there are others to whose iiands the work might have been more advantageously com- mitt stable-manure, again covered with soil, and again by manure, and so on till the heap is finished. The heap is turned several times during tv.elve months, and always comes in useful whenever soil is required for potting. Ha-\-ing removed the soil of the bed intended to be planted with Variegated Gera- niums a good spade's depth, an equal quantity of compost was prepared by mixing a little white sand and cocoa-nut fibre with the soil of the heap before mentioned, and with this the bed was fiUed. A variety of Geraniums, amongst which are a good number of Mrs. Pollock and Sunset, are growing in this bed almost as freely as Tom Thumb. Some few older varieties, planted with them for contrast, are twice as effective as those planted on common soil. It appears as if a rich open soil is what these new Geraniums require. Perhaps those who have tried cocoa-nut fibre, and been dissatisfied with it, have for- gotten that its effect is merely mechanical, and if added to a poor soil, it of course makes it still poorer. My bed is so beau- tiful I feel quite proud of it, and seeing what can be done with these new Geraniums, am anxious others should grow them successfully. — J. K. Peakson, Chilwell, Notts. POTATO SCAB. I HA%'E grown a large number of unusually fine Ashleaf Kidneys on some new ground this season. The tubers are very large, and excellent when cooked, but they are so scabby as to be quite disagreeable to look at when dug. My gardener tells me it is caused by the little thread worms which abound in the soil, owing to its having been manured with some rotten stuff from an old Cucumber-frame. I should be very glad to know the real cause of this scab, which is, as you say, only skin deep.— T. C. H. I QUITE agree with the Editors in their answer to the query of " J. W." as regards lime causing the scab in Potatoes. Some years ago, in the vale of the Humber, we had very fine Potatoes manured with farmyard dung, and generally free from scab. Leading into our fields was a long lane always repaired with limestone, the scrapings from which one winter were spread over about an acre and a half, and ploughed in ; the foDowing season was rather dry, and the Regents and other rough- skinned kinds were scabbed very much, but we thought they were no worse in quality, and not much less than usual. The Kidneys and other smooth kinds were very little scabbed. We thought, but might be wrong, that the lime passed into the rough parts of the skin and caused the eruption. I would ad- vise " J. W." to obtain a change of seed from, a distance, aiid from a different soil from his own, to manure moderately with farmyard dung, and perhaps a little guano, but to use no ashes nor Ume. — W. C. 94 JOUENAL OF HOKTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. [ August 1, 1865. CLIMBING DEVONIENSIS ROSE. Mr. Ei\-ers states, " This was originated from budding a strong-growing shoot, what is called a ' sjxirt,' and thns con- tinuing the iuchnatiou to a vigorous habit. Such sports are not nncornmon with Roses ; the climbing Geant des Batailles, and the chmbing Aimee Vibert, are Eoses in point. The climbing Deyoniensis reverts to its normal condition if buds or cuttings are taken from the blooming shoots. The specimen sent to the Floral Committee of the 25th of July would, if not con- fined in so small a pot, have doubtless put forth blossoming- spui-s from its stem, as is the case with plants in the open ground. The extraordinaiy vigour of the specimen exliibited was probably owing to its culture. It is double-budded, after the floweriug method. A stroug-gi-owing Hybrid China Eose, Madame Pisaroni, was budded on the Mauetti Eose stock, and the fohomng August a bud of the cUmbing Devoniensis was budded on the young shoot of Madame Pisaroni. This method of cultme gives most remarkable vigour to Tea-scented Eoses, the Eose Gloire de Dijon making shoots from the buds thus inserted of from 8 to 10 feet in length. It is also highly suc- cessful with delicate-gi-owuig varieties of Hybiid Peiijetuals." Eose-growers will have much cause to thank Mr. Elvers for his valuable remarks on this subject. — X. EARLY PEAS. Having heard a good deal in favour of Messrs. F. & A. Dick- son & Son's First and Best Pea, I purchased some of the seed, in order to give it a trial and prove its merits, and I now give the results of my experience. I have been in the habit of growing for my first crop Dillistone's Early, Daniel O'Eonrke, and Saugster's No. 1, but having this year added to my hst Dickson's First and Best, I am happy to sav that I have not been disappointed mth the high character I had with it. I selected an open and early quarter in the Icitchen garden, which had been previously trenched, and v.as in capital heart. The sofl is a good, deep, and rather stiff loam, the verj- soil to withstand the great droughts which we have experienced for he last two seasons, and which, in my opinion, greatly affects success in growing the Pea. The four varieties named above were sown on the 3rd of Febmary in rows about 6 yards apart, so that they would have the benefit of the sun on either side. I grow all my Peas in single rows ; I always think they crop better, and I fancy that it is a saving of ground, as you only lose a row of the crop gi-owing between. I gathered the first dish from Dickson's First and Best on the 30th of May, and from Dillistone's Early on the 1st of .June. Daniel O'Eourke and Sangster's No. 1 were a few days later. Dickson's Fii-st and Best is not only a better cropper, but continues much longer in bearing, is very superior in quality, and is in evtry respect a very valuable early Pea — indeed, the earhest with which I am acquainted. I have made up my mind to grow for my first crop no other Peas than Dickson's First and Best, and Sang- ster's No. 1, and for succession Dickson's Early Favourite, Veitch's Perfection, Lord Eaglau, and Hairs' Dwarf Mammoth. To grow the Pea successfully you must '■ rench deeply, ma- nure well, and have the groimd in good '.,der before sowing ; for no crop suffers more than the Pea from a long continuance of dry weather, and in doing as I have described, it wiU be found that the trouble will be weU repaid by the increased production.— W. Davidsox, The Gardens, Beiihigton, Leominster. Mt belief is, that the seasons exercise a gi-eat influence on the earliuess of Peas, as in the case of frait and flowers. Some of your correspondents assume that Dickson's is in reality the earhest and best Pea, but how can they fairly make such an assumption, when we find that two or three other early sorts have not been put to the test ? My exijerience proves that their conclusions are rather premature, inasmuch as Carter's First Crop produced me Peas on Saturday, the 3rd of Jime, in the open ground, and under no peculiar advantages. I woidd further assert, that had IheeU'h-s-ing on the spot instead of in London, Peas might have been gathered at least three or four days earlier than I received them, and, fiu-thei-more, a neigh- bour of mine, expecting great results from his Pea — Dickson's First and Best, made careful observations, and on comparing his with mine (Carter's First Crop), it was proved that his Pea was more backward, and the pods much smaller. I, therefore, do not achnit that Dickson's First and Best has proved itself worthy of that cognomen, and from what I have read, and my own experience, I should certainly give preference to Carter's First Crop. — Josi.ah Lo\-ell, Oeertun, Hants. My experience is confined to three varieties only (as early ones) which I have grown here — namely, Dickson's First and Best, DiUistone's, and Sangster's No. 1. All were sown on the same day on a border due south. Dickson's First and Best came into bloom ten days before the last-named varieties, which bloomed together, and kept the lead, giving me a crop in every way satisfactory, fully ten days earher than either of the others. For the future I intend growing Dickson's First and Best as a principal first crop, as I find it here does admirably. — J. Gardner, The Gardens, Little Aston Hall, Sutton Coldfield. [We have inserted the above and other commimications respecting early Peas in order that the opinions and practice of coiTespondents in different parts of the coimtry might be made known ; but on reference to the report of the meeting of the Eoyal Horticultural Society it will be found that three of the so-caUed new Peas are not distinct from DiUistone's Early Prolific, and that that kind is nothing but a pure stock of the Early Kent. This, the residt of careful trial, is con- firmatoiy of the conclusions anived at by Messrs. A. Hender- son, and stated by them at page 467 of our last Volimie.] MR. TERRY'S SEEDLING %T3RBENAS. Mr. C. J. Perry is now well known as the raiser of some of the finest Verbenas yet sent out, all of which have been intro- duced by Mr. C. Turner, of Slough. Taking advantage of my visit to the gi'eat Kose Show at BiiTuingham, I visited Mr. Perry's garden at Castle Bromwich to see what seedUng Ver- benas he had for next year, and I am siu-e the follomng will be haUed as great acquisitions, but of coiu-se they will not be sent out until next spring. Charles Perry. — This is an improvement on Charles Turner, and a decided improvement on L'Avenu- de BaUant'and any others of the same class. Very fine pip and truss. CleoiMtra. — Eich deep rose, with clear lemon eye, beating Eosy Morn and all of thai class. Verj' fine truss. Mazeppa. — A decided improvement on Lord Leigh and all of that class, having a white instead of a yellow eye, and very fine pip and truss. ITilliani Dean. — A great improvement on Black Prince, Lord Elgin, and others. Vei-y rich shaded purple, with clear white eye ; fine truss. Harry Turner. — Shaded lilac ; very fine pip and tnjss. An improvement on Magnificens. Mrs. Dean. — Blush, with pale crimson centre, the centre being more clearly defined than Madame Herman Stenger. Fine pip and good truss. Admiral of the Blue. — Distinct lilac blue, with large white centre. A great improvement on all of this colour. James Walton — Bright rosy carmine, with darker shade to- wards the centre ; light eye. Very fine pip and truss. — W. D. WORK FOR THE \VEEK. KITCHEX GARDEN. Atter the first shower of rain earth-up Brussels Sprouts, Savoys, BroccoU, and whatever requires it. Keep the ground free from weeds, remove the crops that are dune with, and prepare it for winter crops. We strongly recommend mulch- ings to be applied between the rows of vegetables ; for wherever the ground is at all stiff and exposed at this season to the powerful action of the sim, it is apt to crack or rend in several directions, by which the roots of vegetables are, in very many instances, destroyed. Broccoli, any now planted out should have the roots dipped in puddle of soot, earth, and w.iter, and immediately after planting should be again watered. The Cape and Grange's intended for use in the autumn shordd also be watered. Cabbage, the principal sowing for spring use should now be made, if not already done ; Barnes' Early Dwarf and the Vanack are the best sorts for private gardeners. Carrots, some of the Horn may now be sown to stand the winter, but another sowing should also be made towards the end of the month. Celery, abundance of water should be given to that newly planted, and also to the earliest crop, which, if watered early, should be earthed up. Continue to plant out, observing to take up the plants with as much soil about their Angnst 1, 1865. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE aAEDENER. 9.- roots as possible. Lettuce, mako a sowing of Cos and OabbaRi! for Into use. Oniom, a few may now bo Bown to draw yonnf; for winter use, or to stand the wintor for trannplantinf; in tlic spriiiR. Turnips, as ground becomea vaeiint iinotlicr Bowitit; may bo made ; if the weather continue dry water the gi'ound after the seed is sown, and cover with mats. FRUIT OAKPEX. Water trees not fully established if the weather is ver\' dry. Remove badly placed or crowded shoots. Take suckers and weak shoots from Currants and Gooseberries ; cuttings of hsdf- ripened wood strike readily in a shady place. Remove suckers and weak laterals from Figs. Water Peaches and Nectarines freely in Ary weather, thin the leaves, and exit out all coarse growth. Tiiin weak Raspberry suckers, leaving only the num- ber wanted ; stake them dear of the bearing rods. Keep Vines free from useless wood, and allow plenty of air to the fruit, but do not expose it too much. TLOWEB GARDEN. The rockery, a valuable adjunct to the flower garden, should now have a thorough cleaning, clear away all decayed flower- stems and dead leaves. A few stones had better be placed in front of the tender-rooted species to afford a little shade and protection fi-om the powerful rays of the smi. Half-hardy plants put out here in .Tune should have their shoots spread out and pegged down. Nail the shoots of Fuchsias and Pe- tunias to old stumps or roots that may have been introduced among the rockwork. Managed in this way they produce a gay and pleasing effect during the autumn months. Top-dress Auricidas. Layer Carnations and Picotees. This is performed by cutting through the second or third joint, bringing the knife about half an inch up the centre of the slioot, making " a tongue," the small portion of stem beyond the joint is cut back to it, and when pegged down in the soil, which should be fine and Hght, it will soon emit roots. The Dahlias to be looked over, and if any of the ties are too tight for the shoots, to be removed and retied. The old-fashioned plan of placing small pots, with a little moss in the bottom, on the top of stakes to trap earwigs, should not be forgotten. Seedling Pansies put out now in a moist rich soil in a shady situation will flower freely. The seed-pods on the old plants to be gathered as they ripen, and dried in a shady ]ilace ; seed only to be saved from flowers of good form and stout petals. Holly- hock seed to be sown in an open border, and the stock increased by cuttings. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. This is generally a critical month with greenhouse plants out of doors. The heat is sometimes so great as to produce the tropical winter of vegetation, when the parching heat of the sun acts upon and produces in some degree a dormancy in the system of plants ; and at other times when occasional showers fall, and we see the surface of the soil in the pots moist, we are satisfied until the drooping or withering foUage shows oui- neglect, and perhaps with Heaths, New Holland, and similar plants it is noticed when too late to save them. The ill-effects may be avoided by phmging the pots in coal ashes, and by sjTinging the plants overhead of an evening, and, when doubtfid of the ball being moist, by gently turning one or two plants out of their pots to see the state of the ball, as it requii'es some experience to distinguish whether a plant wants water or not from the ring produced by rapping the knuckles against the side of the pot. Azaleas and Camellias that have done growing may be placed out in a di-y aiiy place to rest and harden their wood. Calceolarias and Cinerarias should be shifted as they require, and kept cool. Pelargoniums that were cut down some time since, and have been standing dry, shoidd be shaken out of the soil, their roots trimmed, potted m small pots in sandy loam, kept close for a week or so, and watered sparingly. Polygala and other such hardwooded plants which have done blooming to be primed pretty closely, and placed in a cool situa- tion to start again. The consei-vatory will now be gay with Bal- sams, Globe Amaranths, Fuchsias, Pelargoniums, Cockscombs, Thunbergias, JapanLilies of sorts, and the creepers on the rafters and treUises arranged in festoons or in any other manner to give a pleasing effect to the whole. Grow on the late Achimenes, Gcsneras, &c., fi'eely. Keep the succulents exposed to light, with plenty of heat and air, but gradually reduce the supply of moi.sture, so as to get the growth fii'm and ripe. Leave plenty of air all night to the greenhouse ; all houses should be freely ventilated, especially early in the day. Regularly train, water, and syringe window plants, and protect the pots from the scorching rays of the sun. PITS AND FRAMES. All tlie cuttings of Geraniums that can now bo obtained should be put in, they will make fine strong plants for keeping over tlie winter. They will succeed vei-y well in a bed of light soil in the open ground, but we prefer to strike them in good light soil in a frame, where they can be protected from heavy falls of rain or thunder showers. Sow Chinese Primrose seed in light free soil, and [dace in a pit or frame ; water sparingly. Propagate largely from those half-hardy plants which cannot bo ijuiekly struck in the spring. Bow Mignonette and a few showy annuals for decorating the conservatory during the autumn and mnter. — W. Ke.vne. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Never had warmer weather, and the showers did good to everything, except some of the most forward grain. Everything promises a good harvest time. Went through most of our kitchen garden where we coidd use the Dutch hoe, as where no wt'cth were to be seen a short time ago, these appeared to be coming up in myriads. When cut u]) young a few hours of bright sun will thoroughly settle them. This refers even to such succulents as Groundsel, Sow Thistle, &c., and such bad root weeds as Dandelions and Convolvulus. Cut the latter often enough, and the roots will die. Of course, it is more effectual to get the roots up, but then the labour ! A good plan with Dandelions on carriage roads, walks, &c., is to cut the root below the surface as deep as possible, and then put a pinch of salt on the top of the root. The drier the weather is afterwards the better, and the more destructively the salt will act, as it is absorbed more gradually into the system of the root. Groimdsel and things of that kind in bloom, and seeding commenced, it is of no use to cut and leave, as the juice in the stems will be sufficient to ripen the seeds, unless the sun is vei-y scorching. Such should be pulled up by hand, placed in a basket, and safely transferred to quarters where they cannot seed, or do in- jmy. The best plan, however, if we could always do it in time, is to cut up all weeds before they are an inch high. The ne- cessity of pulling makes weeding a nice process only when e gardener does not know what to set his men to. There may be a few such places, but the generality of us have to rack our brains as to what must be done first, and to contrive that no second step shall be taken by a man, where one can be made to do. The Dutch hoe in time is the gi-eat weed-eradicator. Well-kept walks must be weeded, but many walks when very green may be hoed, raked several times, and then levelled and rolled with advantage. Salt is the most ready agent for clean- ing walks, but then if the walks are fine on the surface, it will make them soft and damp in winter, so that weeding after all is the best plan ; but after such warm rains the labour is apt to be excessive. With walks and borders clean and in good order the garden will always have a neat appearance. Care must be exercised in such ilripping we.ither that men do not walk from quarters on to walks with shoes imcleaned or hanging with mnd and soft earth. No walks can be tidy under such treatment. We lately alluded to a neglected garden so ovemm with Groundsel that it would have been a little fortune to those who sell green food for "dickey" birds in London. We passed it lately again, and there were second and third crops seeding, old and younger plants, forming a dense carpet. One year's neglect will, we are confident, give pretty good work for twenty or thirty years to come. The seed of the Groundsel is very tenacious of life, but it wiU vegetate oidy when brought near the surface in contact with air. In fact, it never seeds more freely than when it is permitted to sow itself on the surface. Every fi-esh digging for many years will bring a number of these hardy seeds near enough the surface to vegetate, and when these are early destroyed, the garden m.ay be pretty free for that season ; but the fi-esh digging of the next year brings another lot of seeds nearer the surface, and another cai'pet of weeds, and then having seen no plants seeding, some friends just beginning to thread the enticing labyrinths of science, take up all sorts of notions about spuntiineous generations, and other wild ideas of what can be accomplished in fonning organised existence out of peculiar combinations of matter. True, in the Groundsel, the Thistle, and the Dandelion, seeds can be wafted to great distances by their downy wing-hke appendages. Two years ago in a windy day, we were enveloped by a clothing of Thistle down, and found no Tliistles nearer than a mile, where they formed a perfect chcvaux de frise in a hedgerow. Making 96 JOUENAL OF HOBTICVLTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENER. r Angast 1, 1865. all Buch allowances, there can be no question that the seeds of such plants as Groundsel dug down into the ground, retain their vitality for a long period, and will vegetate whenever they are placed in suitable conditions, especially as to air, as most other conditions the earth freely supplies to them. In connectiou witli this subject, we lately met with a striking example of the tardiness with which in general we prosecute any pursuit closely allied to that which engrosses our attention as a matter of business. In walking through the fields of a young scientific farmer, and admiring his fine crops of Barley a little laid by the rains, Oats, and Wheat witli splendid heads, and Swedish Turnips pretty well covering the ground, Mangold with the leaves meeting, and all so nicely hoed and cleaned that we failed to find a single weed even an inch in height ; — we observed a wonderful contrast when we entered the garden and found Cabbages, Strawberries, &c., almost concealed by masses of seeding Groundsel and Sow Thistle. Our young friend agreed with us that the vegetable garden was too near aldn to field culture to exercise much of a fascinating interest over him, and hence the neglect. It brought to our mind a rule in some country societies as to cotta/jtrs' prize/:, by which those who work as labomers in a garden are excluded from competing with those engaged in other handicraft operations. We have always looked on the propriety of such a rule as doubtful. True, tlie garden labourer has some advantages ; but then there is tlie great counterbalancing disadvantage, that working for himself of an evening in his garden presents nothing to him of the charms of change and variety. It is the same thing from morning to night, and he can feel little of that buoyancy that the tailor, the shoemaker, the carpenter, and bricklayer experience in their gardens of an evening merely from the change of occupation. If we are physically tired we feel a sort of pleasure in writing these notes" of an evening, when a couple of hours at the hoe or the spade would be irk- some and wearing-out. Hence the proverbs about the slovenli- ness of the good farmer's garden, the bad state of the shoes of the shoemaker's wife and of the blacksmith's nag. There are reason and nature for the foimdation of the proverbs, from the simple fact that we work most heartily for ourselves when the work is most dilferent from that by which we gain a liveli- hood. Hence our best florists have generally been men engaged during the day in sedentary pm-suits. Hence in villages the best gardens more frequently belong to shoemakers, black- smiths, and other tradesmen and mechanics than to garden and farm labourers. Hence, too, in farmers' gardens you will generally find, that if enthusiastic in p irdening at all, "it is the flowers and fruit, and not the vegetabl. , with which the farmer troubles himself. Of course there are ceptions. Many farm and garden labourers have gardens ol ^iieir own worthy of all commendation, and farmers' gardens i..e frequently to be met mth models of neatness and of good culture. In the latter case, however, the result is often less owing to the zeal of the farmer than to the energy and determination of his partner in life, who, if a prudent woman, will generally gain her purpose, though there may be a Uttle grumbling about labourers going too often to the garden, and too frequently to the dungheap ; but the good man of the house never turus'his head away from a dish of gi-een Peas or a plate of Strawberries. ■We allude to the matter thus prominentlv because, though behevmg that gardens have a good influence on garden and farm labourers, we also believe that they have still a greater and more elevating effect on mechanics,' artizans, and other labourers, on the simple principle that every human being has a longing for variety, and that, as a general rule, that change is most pleasing that is farthest removed from our usual daily avocations. Kept remo^•ing first Peas, staking late ones, planting out more Celery, also Coleworts, Cauliflowers, Lettuces, and Endive, and planted about eight days ago a lot of Potatoes in our beddmg earth-pits, to come in late for very earlv Potatoes for those who may like them. All these things fresh planted wanted a good watering in this warm weather, in additiou to the warm showers. Here we may note a particular fact with respect to the wire- warm. In an earth-pit or bed that had gi-o^vn well temporarily lots of Calceolarias, Geraniums, &c., we planted a lot of Let- tuces, &c. In the neighbouring bed notliing could have answered better, but in this bed more than half the plants were eaten up with wireworm. In tlie roots and underground stems of some Lettuces we found fully half a dozen of these hard- skmned insects. How came they there? might be a moot question, as we noticed not a single specimen in lifting the Cal- ceolarias. We have found baits of Potatoes, Turnips, or even leaves of vegetables of no use in the present case, as the Let- tuce stems and roots proved the most enticing. They, how- ever, formed good baits, and evei-y unhealthy or dying one being examined, the place could soon be cleared of them. " Catch and kill," is the best remedy. Tar water, and tar itself sprinkled on the soil may make it impleasant for them, but it will not kiU them. We recollect reading in some old book that the wire- worm was the larvaa state of Elater obscurus, and that it gene- rally remained in the larva state for five years. Would that some one learned in these matters would give us the whole history of the wireworm. In some popular works it is not even mentioned. We once kept wireworms in a box of earth for three years and a half, giWng them roots of vegetables to feed on, and there was no change in them in that time. By an accident the experiment was ended, the box being cleared out when we were absent. Sent some boys with a branch in their hands in pursuit of white butterflies, that have come in a cloud since the warm rains. If not struck down, every time they alight and rest on Cabbages and Cauliflower they wiU deposit eggs that will soon be hatched into hungry caterpillars. Dusting vegetables with soot and lime will keep them from inserting their eggs in them, but the dusting will be almost as disagreeable as the cater- pillar. A clever boy that takes the matter easily — that is, does not become flurried, will soon knock down a hundred of such gay visitants. But for the shoals of caterpillars that succeed them, the butterflies would be ornamental in the garden rather than otherwise. Deodorisinrj sen-age. — More than a twelvemonth ago a little box of whitish brown powder was sent to us from the office of The Journal of Horticulture, with a request to try it. Iguorantly we supposed it was a kind of manure, and tried it on Strawberries, Vines, and various vegetables, but foimd the effect was nil, the application producing no result beyond that of common water. Some time ago we saw the same powder, we suspect, alluded to by our valuable coadjutor, " Upwaeds and Onwards," and the benefit he derived from it in deodorising sewage water. We tried what little we had left in the same way, and found it very effectual, even in small quantities, in re- moving unpleasant smells. Even now we do not know what the powder is named, or who is the manufacturer, or who sent it to the office. We have no doubt that many would be glad to put a little in their cesspools, house sewage, &c., before using the hquids on their gardens. We fully believe that porous earth wUI soon deodorise all liquids committed to its care ; but all of us have not noses so suited to ammonia, ifec, as those who are nearly constantly employed in throwing up and work- ing dunghills, and to some of us the application even of sewage water is distressing before the smeU goes off. On this account nothing hut the gi'eat drought of last season would have re- conciled us to using such sewage to flower-beds near a mansion, or to plants, or fruit-pots imder glass. In many cases we would decidedly prefer the sewage to pond or river water, if the scent were removed before using. The smell is apt to make some men iU, and it would be advantageous every way if the odour were removed by throwing a little of the powder into the re- servoir. Something of this land would be simpler and safer than trusting to acids, gypsum, &c. If some such powder easily applied, and cheap withal, cannot be applied, most of us, notwithstanding our knowledge, will go on applying sewage and dunghill drainings in their unpleasant natural condition. FRUIT GARDEN. Went on with Strawberrj- plants as detailed last week. Cxathered most of the small fruit needed for preserving, the birds after aU having left us a pretty good share, for which we should thank them, if we thought our thanks would reach them and make them better-behaved in future. We fear their moral sense of meum and tuum, would scarcely be so fine as that of a man, who was the terror of all the gardens in the neighbour- hood. One morning a quaint old gentleman met him, thanked him for taking only a portion of his .^ppl'es and Plums, and sftid very good-naturedly, that whenever he wanted any more, he would have no more to do than ask for them as long as they lasted. This quite took the man by storm, he could have stood any amount of scolding and browbeating, for he was used to it, but the words of kindness went home, and from that day he turned his naturally good abilities into the laudable pursuits of honest industry. We fear our feathered friends would not be quite so amenable to kindness, and their troubling us less may be owing to the warm showers bringing snails and worms to the surface. Ini the dry weather it was pitiable to see tha AuguHt 1, 1866. ] JOUBNAL OF HOKTICULTURE AKD COTTAGE OABDENER. 97 blackbirds and thruBhea reduced to skeletons. However, they liave had more of their own way, as for several reasons tins season wo have firiul no shots at tlicm, but instead sent a boy with {»ood lun(,'s and a rattle niuoiiK the bushes, to keep them moderate in their meals, and, perljaps, the absence of the [^un has made them more moderate, from a jirineiiile of j;ratitude. Unless very secure, netting is no avail, llie l)inls will actually from mere curiosity find their way under the netting to see what is tliere. We have had ample proof this season, that the tomtit is a great enemy to buds in the spring, he is a great inaect-devourer all the rest of the season. Ho is pretty well as active now in ni])iiing up insects from bushes and trees, as the swallows are in their w.iy anmng the flies in our atmosphere. Wiut over the trees on walls and orcliard-liouses, thinning later fruit, which after all we constantly manage to leave too thick. Some time ago we grumbled that a few trees on the back wall of an orchard-house did not set thick enough to please us, but tlie trees acted more wisely than we would have advised them to do, as wo have had to thin considerably what we thought would be a thin crop. Went over the ripening Peaches, removing shading leaves, shortening laterals, and seeing if the fruit had full room to swell. It is very annoying when a fine fruit is mature, to lind that one side is marked or cut into by ligature, wire, or wood trellis. Trees from which all the fruit was gathered, we syringed forcibly with soap water and clear water alternately, and gave the driest a good watering. Gave also a good watering to Peaches swelling freely. Too much water whenever they begin to ripen spoils the flavour, but they need a good watering iu general at the second swelling, to give plumpness and size. Thinned the shoots of Fig trees in low house, and in pots, and gave plenty of water and air to those ripening freely. None but a Fig-grower can have the satisfaction of eating ripe Figs in perfection, as when at their best it is next to impossible to pack them so as to take them safely for long distances. Plenty of air is necessary to prevent them cracking prematurely, and in diUi, moist, muggy weather, a little fire heat is useful to prevent them ripening on one side before they become soft on the other. Plants in pots must never now be th'y, and they must never be water-logged. In very bright days, such tender- skinned ones as the best White Marseilles are all the better of the slightest shade. Looked after a few damped berries among Grapes, and gave a little tire heat to the late house, shutting it up early. A little extra heat now will do more good than in September or October. Melons have been all that could be wished in such bright weather. Without sun and at all shaded much imder glass, they are apt to be little better than large ripe Cucum- bers. We presume that in such matters people change, but we find once regular Melon-eaters at all meals of the day now scarcely touch them at any time. Several gardeners have lately told us that they have given up gi'owing them, as they were never used. The glass iu many places could well be used for other purposes. It often happens, however, that fruit and vegetables neglected for a time are again taken into favour, and we cannot produce too much of them. We notice to-day, that a heavy crop of Apricots, swelling freely, are being marked already on the most forward parts, which marking we attribute to ants and earwigs, both of which are more nmnerous than usual this season. We shall take an early opportunity of lashing the trees and fruit with clear lime and soot water, which is not liked by these pests, so as to bring them to the ground, and then we shall paint the wall at the bottom with a mixture of tar, grease, and oil, the latter ingredients prevent- ing the tar drying, and, therefore, keeping the intruders from passing over. A small space as to width would do — say three- fourths of an inch. The syringing is essential, as what insects are left on the trees will be apt to remain there. ORN.VSIENTAL DEPARTMENT. Potting, staking, mowing, regulating, much the same as last week. The heavy rains have rendered it necessary to remove many leaves of Scarlet Geraniums from the flower-beds, to give more room and light to the flower-trusses. Picking decayed flowers g.ave also more occupation than we wanted. In fine settled weather this is less needed, as the flowers decay, and the receptacle ih-ops oft' and is lost sight of ; but in such warm weather with frequent heavy rains, if there are a few decayed blooms iu a large truss the rains wash the colour out, and spoil the rest of the truss and other trusses near it. Borderings of Nasturtiums have been freely disleafed. Hollyhocks have been seemed by taking stout string from stake to stake — say 6 feet apart, and then the individual stems were secured to the string. Rows of Gladiolus were secured in the same way, which is a much neater and more oconomii^al jilan than a more general staking. Hows of Ageratum, Purple Verbenas, &c.,in borders, were secured in their places by very snniU string or thread, strained lietwiien stout little sticks, neither sticks nor string being seen a few days after being used. — B. F. COMiNT GAKDEN MARK15T.— .July 2!). Supi>LiKS of mo.^l iloscriptioiis of fruit and vi'Rp.taliles are very heavy Pc«ichos and Nerlnriniis are not so pluutiflll, but rjuito sufllciollt tor tho demand, l-lu^'lisli ['iuc.s realiae vory low prices, iar^o importations ol Wust Indian Piiuis cniitinuinf?. Currants are Rood, and in proat request; Strawberries are not yet over, soino good Eltons boinK still to be had. Spinach ehielly consists of the New Zealand, ( r Totr,igonia expansa, which is found very useful. The host Peas at present at market are the Nc Plus Ultra and Champion of Kn^land. FUDIT. d. s. d s. d. S. d Apples . A Biovo 1 0 to2 0 Melons each 2 0to6 U Apricots .. . doz. lb 1 0 n 0 6 n s 0 c 0 Midborries.. . pvmuet U 10 6 0 1 IS U 0 Chestnuts . . bush. 0 Oranges 100 10 0 20 0 Currants, Uo( A sieve s n 4 1) Peaches . . . doz. 10 0 20 U Black . . . ....do. 4 n B n Pears (kitchen)., doz. 0 0 0 U FiRs 4 () H n dessert . loz. 1 (1 2 U Filberts .... lb. n 9 1 0 Pine Apples lb. 3 u « U Cobs .... .... do. 0 0 n 0 I'lums . h sieve 2 (! 4 U Gooseberries. . A sieve a n » () Quinces . -i sieve 0 0 0 U Grapes, Hambro.. . lb. 2 () r> () Raspberries lb. 0 (! 0 0 Muscats.. .... lb. ;t 0 IS 0 Strawberries lb. 0 B 2 0 Lemons . ... 100 a 0 14 0 Walnuts.... . . . bush 14 0 20 U VEGETABLES. s d. s. d s. d. g d Artichokes.. . . . . each n 4to0 R Leeks . bunch 0 3 too 6 Asi)araffus. . . bundle 0 0 0 0 Lettuce per score 0 9 1 « Be;uis Broad. bushel .s n !i 0 Mushrooms. . . pottle 2 0 3 0 Kidney... do. 3 0 R 0 Musta. & Cress.punnct 0 2 0 U Beet, Red . . . ?. n 3 (1 Onions., doz bunches b 0 0 0 Broccoli bundle 0 n 0 0 pickling . . . quai-t (1 S 0 » Brufl. Sprouts. ■ i sieve 0 0 0 U Parsley . .A sieve 1 U i 6 Cabbage . .. doz. 0 9 1 ti Parsnips ... doz. 1 U 2 U Capsicums... ....100 0 0 0 0 Peas . . quart 0 9 X tt CaiTots . bunch 0 4 n a Potatoes . bushel 2 B 4 U Cauliflower. . . s n fi 0 New .... . bushel 8 U 4 U Celery bundle 9. n 3 0 Radishes doz. bmiches 0 G 1 U n fi 1 0 Rhubarb . bundle 0 2 0 4 picklinR . . . . doz. 2 0 4 0 Savoys doz. 0 0 0 U 2 n 0 3 3 0 0 0 Sea-kale Spinach . basket . bushel 0 4 0 0 0 5 0 Fennel bunch 0 G;irUc and Shallots, lb. 0 H 0 0 Tomatoes . . , . . doz. 2 U 8 U Herbs bunch 0 » 0 (1 Turnips . bunch 0 4 0 ti Horseradish . bundle 2 6 4 0 Vegetable Marrows dz. 1 U 2 u TO CORRESPONDENTS. • We request that no one will write privately to the depart- mental WTiters of the " Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Countiy Gentleman." By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All commimications should therefore be addressed sold]/ to The Editors of the Journal of Horticulture, d-c, 171, Fled Street, London, E.C. We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them an- swered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. N.B. — Many questions must remain unanswered until next week. Peaches and Nectarines Fruiting on Spdrs iAn Old Suh^rTther). — Peaches and Nectarines do not generally produce fruit on spurs, in con- soqueuee of their being disbudded to a' single shoot to replace that pro- ducing fruit during the current season, &nO the formation of spurs is therefore prevented. They bear fruit on spurs, commonly on the Plum stock when disbudding is confined to removing the shoots not wanted for extension, and those which would crowd the trees if allowed to remain stopping tho shoots taking the place of general disliudding, the side, shoots being close-pinched throughout, in the first instance to three and at the most five joints, and ever afterw.Trds that season at the next joint. On the Peach stock the trees are as much given to produce their fruit on spurs as when on tho Mussel Plum, if not more so; the main causeof their bearing on shoots of the previous year is their being made to do so by an excessive use of the pruning-knife. We apprehend there will be less on- fruitful trees when all pruning of fruiting trees or of an age fit for bearing is confined to summer pruning. .\NTS ON Wall Trees (Mem).— Smear the inside of a flower-pot with honey, and place it near the ants' nests and haunts, and when crowded with them put pot and all in boiling water. The most effectual remedy, however, is to mix arsenic with honey in equal parts, place in a saucer with two thin sticks across, inverting' another saucer over it resting on the sticks, so that tho ants can get iu but other animals be kept fiom it. We had some fly-destroyer, or fly-paper, from a chemist, and we found it of great service in thinning them. 98 JOTJBNAL OF nOETICTlXTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. [ August 1, 1865. Potato Scab (ilf.).— When manure is largely mixed ^ith either lime ur ashes we find the Potatoes liable to scab. It is also prevalent where the sets and tubers are in contact with the manure. AVe find Potatoes less liable to scab on newly-brokeu-ui) land than on that which has been long cropped, and that the'y are never so much afl'ccted in gi-onnd where the manure is applied some time previous to plnutin?^ nnd well mixed with the soil, as where it is applied immediately under or upon the sets. Taking up Potatoes (J./ffH).— Potatoes are ready tn take up— 1st. when the tubers have attained their full size. 2nd, when the leaves begin to fall and the haulms turn brown. 3rd, when the tubers oome freely from the vines without having to jerk them ofl" violently. 4th, when the skins are firm and will not come off ensily when rubbed. Yoiu- Potatoesare not fit to take up whilst gi'owing and blossoming. They will be best left alone until done gi-owing. Last year Dalmahoys and many others ripened earlier than usual in consequence of the unprecedented di-jTiess of the season. Judging by the appearance of our second early Potatoes wo think they will not be ready to take up for storing before the end of August, and the main crops not until the middle or end of September. They promise a good crop. Cropping a Garden (Jrffm).— Generally two crops are as much as can be taken from the same gi'ound in one season, because they take up a certain time from sowing or planting to arriving at maturity. Your being informed by a gardener of high standing that a garden ought to have five crops in a season may be coiTect as to Lettuce, Spinach, and similar crops that are frequently sown, and soon come into use. The assertion does not hold good as regards CaiTots, and Onions, to say nothing of Peas, and all the Cabbage tribe. Manure after every crop;'never leave anything on the groimd a single day after it ceases to be of use ; plant or BOW something upon it the same day; never let it be idle, and you will then obtain all that can be had from the gi-ound in a season. The papers now appearing by " Burntwood P.D." contain much relating to crox>ping a kitchen garden. Apricots rotting (Marston). — ^We have not experienced any annoyance from Apricots rotting off as they ripen. In the absenceof anyparticulars of the disease we are tmable to assign a reason or point out a remedy. Verbena Pegs (Idem).— They may be obtained from the pi-incipal London seedsmen, but we can tell you how to make them cheaply and expeditiously by the thousand. Pi-ocure some thick bamboo canes. Saw them into six-inch lengths. Split these into thin shps about the eighth of an inch thick, and place in water for a few days. When thoroughly wet split with a knife to the thi<^tneBS of lucifer matches, and they are then ready for use, still keeping in water to render them pliant. In using them the ends are brought nearly together and thrust into the gi-oimd, with the shoot to be pegged between them. In this way they form so many wood-like haii-pius, and are much cheaper. An expert hand can make several thousands in a day. Banksian Roses not blooming (E. Bids).— The reason these Roses bloom so seldom is that people cut away the small twiggy shoots on which thej' ftn* the mostpart bloom. Such shoots shouldnot he shortened, and but little pruning is required in any pari until the wall be covered. Banksinn Roses flower more freely in dry soils than in those which are wet and retentive. If the branches he shortened they put forth a profu- sion of strong shoots and do not bloom. Old plants towards the end of summer often produce immensely thick and strong shoots. Early in autumn these should be removed, that the flowering twigs may not he ex- hausted by them. Apples, Plums, and Peaks for a Korth-western Aspect [T.) — The fruits you wish to grow on an aspect which is uorth-west by north do not generally succeed well there. They would do fairly, but would not be equal to those on more favourable aspects. The fruits which you do not ^ish to grow — viz.. Cm-rants. Gooseberries, and Morello Cherries, would be more profitable than Apples, Plums, and Pears. The kinds of Plums most likely to bear moderately, are Pond's Seedling, Kirke's, Coc's GoUlen Drop, and Guthrie's Late Green. These at 20 feet apart, the first at 10 feet from the end of the wall, will occupy 80 feet of the wall, and if more Plums are wanted Green Gage and Jefferson maybe added. Apples— Hawthomden. Manx Codlin, Keswick Codlin. Norfolk Bearer, Blenheim Orange, and Scaiiet Nonpariel. Pears — Louise Bonne of Jersey, Bergamot, Gansel's Late. Colmar d'Ete, Alexandi-e Lambrf , Beurre Superfin, and TliorapsonV. The Apples on the Paradise should be 15 feet apart, and the Pears on the quince at 12 feet apart. Constructing Rockwork (L. J. B.). — Some notes on the subject will be found at pages 383 and S72 of the last volume. The construction of rock- work is a matter of tnste; keep in view boldness of teatme and distinct- ness, and rugged outline. In forming those rocks on the islands you will make a footing for them below the level of the water so that they may appear to rise from it. On these the remainder of the rockwork may be constructed. It is not necessary to cement the stones together unless small, when doing so would impart massiveness to fragments. The whole of one or more of the islands may be converted into rockwork with green patches here and there. In others it should be confined to the water's edge with atones jutting out in places, forming ledges level with or a little below the water, others rising abruptly from it in parts, and to some height, whilst at the other side they may rise little, and be confined to the edge of the water. The stones will hold together without any cement, only make every stone firm before placing another upon it. Use few and large stones, and aim at a natm-al effect. Seedling Hollyhocks (M. Smith). — The flowers are good, but there are many like them, and many better. No judgment can be formed of the merit of a HoUyhock unless a whole spike can be seen. Crickets (.7. Acton).~ln No. 222. pulilished June 27th last, we gave all the information we possess relative to destroying crickets. Varied forms of Conifer Leaves IMaji of Kent). — We consider the specimens you enclosed are from a Juniperus chinensis, or Chinese Juni- per. The prickly leaves will cease to appear as the tree becomes older. The others are only the mature leaves of different ages. Cucumbers Out of Doors {Pea^r. Hill). — We refer you to page 67, but will see what more can be done. Very con-ect information, however, is not so easily obtained, unless you are on the spot and can see for your- self. The Sandy growers have hmg been the eailieat in the country, but that holds true also iu general of Peas and Potatoes, except those brought from Cornwall and Devon. The hght warm soil is the chief cause of ihe Cirly success. Flowf.r-beds not thriving (An Old Subscriher).—The remains of an old Melon-bed will be good for manuring flower-beds next season, after it is well rotted and sweetened by expusiu-e to the air, and several turnings. The exposure and the turning lUssipate a portion of the manuring prin- ciples, but this is more tban compensated liy the sweetness and friabiUty obtained. Beds can only be over-manured when the plants giow too much to leaf and too little to bloom, and beds that would scarcely be rich enough in a hot dry summer, will be much too rich in a wet moist season. We often must make a risk in these matters, as we cannot know what the season will be before it comes. We are, however, just a little iu doubt whether what you call your failure is owing to the manuring, or to the winter planting of your flower garden. If you had a good show from bulbs, annuals, &c., in spring, you must not expectthatthe bedding plants wiU answer first-rate, imless you can give them extra attention, and have the ground well stin-ed before planting them out. Some of our own beds that had some old hotbed dung tm-ued into them looked better three weeks ago, before the heavy rains came. If a dry autumn come they will be fine again. If it should be dull and wet we shall have too much foliage, and the leaves will be so large that a portion of them mU have to be removed. But, on the whole, exti-a growth is more pleasant to look at than extra stuntedncss. On light poor soil, all the twelve plants you mention *would be the better of a little sweet rotted manm-e. In soil moderately rich, and where the climate is at all moist, we would give manure, as above, to Calceolaiias. Vei'benas. Lobelias, Linum, and Ga- zania, but we would give httle or none to Phlox Di-ummondi. Saponaria, Amarauthus melanchuhcus, Petunias, Scarlet Geraniums, Tropieolums, and 3Iesembr>^anthemums. In rich soil aU the latter will gi-ow too much to leaf. Mesembryanthenjums, Portulacaa, &c., and things of that kind, do best in poor sandy t;oil, and better still if the rows are planted on little hillocks so as to escape damp. Thi-ee weeks ago we h.ad a beautiful Petunia-bed allied to the old Shrubland Rose. The bed was raised in the basket style, and the outsides were bordered with a blue Nolana. The soil having become exhausted, fresh and richer soil was given, and nothing could have looked more lovely and compact than these Petunias. The hea\'y warm rains have left abundance of bloom, but it has more than doubled the length of the plants, and to prevent their falling or being swept by the wind into unseemly bundles, we have had to stick the bed all over with branches some 80 inches in length. Could we have been sure of such heavj' wann showers, and the gi-ound hotter than we have ever experienced, the poorest fresh soil would have been the best for these Petunias. As it is. it required some hours' labom* to make and keep the bed handsome. We may mention that the plants had been at first pegged down regulaiiy, and then, as the plants gi-ew, the bed was stuck all over with twigs some 14 inches in height, that being thought sufficient ; and it would have Ijeen so in a dry season Ukc the last. We would wish to obhge "An Old Subscriber" more definitely if we could, but the season makes such a difference in gi-owth, that an unvaiied rule of mauiuiug or not manuring can scarcely be given. Grapes not colouring (J. H.). — We are no gi-eat advocates for dulled plate glass for forcing-houses, though we have not met with any want of colouring in the fi'uit gi'own under it, when, as in your case, i>lenty of air and heat were given, and the roots kept in such a nice condition. We in- cline to think that the very heaviness of the crop and the size of the berries have been too rntu'h for the colouring matter. Here we may re- mark that lately in a meeting of gardenei-s, and with specimens of Grapes before them, alike well gi-own, but some imperfectly and others i)orfectly coloured, it was agi-eed by a majority that the somewhat reddish Black Hamburghs were sweeter and more luscious than the black ones. There is a secret about colouring besides heaviness of crop. We have had very heavy crops well coloured, and a few bunches on a Vine that yet never became black. Strawberry culture. — In answer to an "Obiginai Subscriber," I reply that if a plant, being either pistillate or hermaphrodite, does not frxiit the first season, it will fruit the more abundantly the next in conseqvience of having a year's gi-ace. I frequeutly disfi-uit weak plantations and de- prive them of runners, and always find that they well repay me the next season. I have received the thanks of Mr, C. Turner for the StrawbeiTy article, and I beg to acknowledge the thanks of an " Original Suescrieer."' The season lasted here from Whitsunday till July 16th. I ended well with the Frogmore Pines and John Powell, two admirable late sorts ; they are both long in bearing. The former has a nice briskness, not amounting to acidity ; the latter is sweet, rich, and delicious. Both are handsome. — W. F. Rajjclyffe, Tarrant liushton. Propagating Ltcopods— Everg^heen CltmbePv for. a Porch {Peepy).^ Most Lycopods may ho propagated by cuttingB and divisions. The smallest bit \vill grow iu a moist warm place. We do not think there is any little work on the subject. The British Lycopods and Mosses would be the best in a closed porch. Such kinds as the Swiss denticulatofii which creeps very freely, would stand well on such a closed porch when the adjoining hall had a fire in winter. The North American apodum, and rupestre we think would also do. if kept moist and often moved, as the first is apt to give way in the middle. Such British kinds as alpinum, cla- vatum, and selaginoides are veiy interesting, but they will uot spread, nor look so green as denticulatum. For covering a dark back wall nothing is better than Cissus antarctica. You do not give us so definite a statement about the porch as to enable us to state whether a Vine would do in it, or what other evergreen creepers woirid be most suitable. You speak of a wiudow south-west. Well, has it a roof of glass with merely a window or two? Unless large, you could not do much with evergreen creepers, except the variegated Ivy perhaps, but if you will give us the width, length, and height of the ijorch, and whether it has a glass or an ojiaque roof, we will do what we can to meet your case. Heating a Greenhouse and Detached Houses (J. P. Liverpool), — If you can go low enough, we would recommend a conical boiler oi middle size, say 2 feet in height ; if uot, a saddle-back of similar size. Thefe will ho no difficulty in heating the two houses, though the one is 25 yards apart from the other — that is, if the level admits of it, but you will be able we presume to make little use of the 50 yards of piping which will be re- quired between the two houses. The heating of each house may be quite iudependeut of the other, and but for the connecting-pipes, there need be no difficulty if the gi-ound from the tii'st to the distant house rises a Uttle aU the way. The pipes of connection may he packed in sawdust in a dry drain ; or better still iu an open drain, with an open end into tho house, and the heat will thus be conveyed from the pipes. If yon gave us more definite particulars we should be happy to help you all we can. Wo '' are sm-prised at the flue not an-iwering. Aagiiit 1 , 1S05. 3 JOUENAL OF HOBTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEIl. 99 Heatini; a GuEKNiimsK, Vineuv, and Stove (.in (Hil Subncriber). — To boat tbn-e huuNCK HI fnut by Vi you wnuld roquiru a builur fibout 2 feet iu Ifn^tb, 1111(1 (limi'iisioiisof tiropla(.'t>,13iiK.'lius wUlcimU thu sainu in beigUt. A tfiKldlu-btick of 'Mi inches In loDt^b would do, but very hiiiall boilurs urn OGOuoiiiit'u) only iit Ibi- lirst piu-clmHci. You do not tull uh whether your houses lire to hv li'jiii-tcj's, or spmi-rdofrd, or wliotluT tbe viin>ry is to bo forced eurly. For a Icuii-to houso you would ueisd from 121) to 130 toot of four-inch iiipt*. I"or iv vinurj' to couuuoiioi^ in Kovciubcr or Docombur you would ruiiuiro ns much. To bcniu in tbo oud of February, souio 90 foot \voulast would ho roquirud to kcrp out frost, imd from UU foot if you wishud tlio Iiousl- to bo from 45 to M' in wiator. Vou Iiiul bettor err on thu safe sido and have moro Instead of less, as tbo It^ss boat tht>re is in tho individual pipe, to keep a reummto temperature, tbo better it will bo for all things gi'owii iu the house. The positiim of tho boibn- is also a matter of importance; sup- potting the stove to be iu tho couti'o, thu boiler huU beat be phiocd near that bouse. Warted Vine Leavks (Wvt. /.^tnI.— Tbo warts ou tho back of thelcavoa nrc! prodxioed partly by a damp border, hut cbietly by n oloso moist atmo- splieve. N'otbiiii; wilt remove those affected tbih scusou. More air and boat may prevout anything of tho kind next year. The spider huH no- thing to do with it. FiNTOjioLooicAii WoiiK (d. O.). — Humphroy's and Wostwood's " British Moths and thoir Transformations" given all the IJritish Hpocies known nt i tlip time of puhli('ation. with the caturi)illars ; also JIumphrey'K *' Britiuh Moths" and Morris's "British Moths." hut all those works contain tho 5Ii(rrolcpidoptora, none being restricted to the families you name. — W. Names of Plants, &c. {Hyuon Green). — Erodiuui moschatimi ; Excelsior Marrow Pea. (.S. T.). — Wo are son"y to trouble you again, but your letter ilid not reach us along with tho truit, and the connection between tho two was consequently lost. (('. P.).— 1, Galoopsis ladannm ; 2, Galeopsis tetrahit. (G. W. J.).— Vlmmora alba. (.S. -ff.).— 1, Galium verum ; 2, Por- tulaca oleracea. METEOROLOGICiVL OBSERVATIONS in the Suburbs of Loudon for the Week ending July 2nth. Date. Sun. . . 23 Mon... 24 Taes. . 25 Wura(70on8.— Prize, T. C. Taylor, Middlesborough. Tumblers f Almond).— Prize, J. Wetherell. Hartlepool. Oich.— Prize, T. Rodham, Guisborough. Any other New or Dintinct Variety.— Prize, A. Donaldson, Lackenby, Redcar. Uabbits.— Length of Ears.— Prize, O. A. Young, Driffield. Coloured, — Prize, O. A. Young. Foreign or any other Variety. — Pi-ize, W. Lawrenson, Eaglcschffe, Yarm. BELFAST POULTRY SHOW. Being oue of those wlio strove to ^yiu the cup, hut did not> lam afraid of being mistaken for your "vituperative" corre- spondent, and beg to state that I had nothing whatever to do with the report of the Belfast Show published in your Number of the 18th ult. It is impossible for the Judges to please everybody, and I would like better proof of their incompetence than the mere assertion of a disappointed exhibitor. Mr. Beldon was fairly entitled to the cup, having had the greatest number of first prizes ; still the Nettlelield birds require no " laudation " from me, having carried off a greater number of prizes of all sorts at this Show than those of any other exhibitor, except Mr. Beldon, and only for him would have won as many first prizes as any two of their ojnionents put together, the gross munbers being — H. Eeldou — 19 p.-izea of all classes, and 1 Commended. F. H. Lewis . . IS Ditto. 4 Do. K. Boylo 15 Ditto. Still I hope Mr. Beldon and other English exhibitors will continue to compete at our Shows. I will give them a hearty welcome, and eveiy assistance in my power, and if I cannot beat them I will do the best I can. — Fbedekick H. Lewis, Nettlefidd, Belfoit. August 1, 1886. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 101 CANKi;i; IN J'IC.E(1NS— COLOril OF EYKS. Al'uiEON of mine liiul, hh I siipjioso, ciiiikor just above the beak, u tumour opoiiiiig into a very unpluasftiit-lookin;,' darlt yellow ciivity. For this comiilaint Mooro advison the apiili- catiuu of liiiriit aliiiii, ami Koiiian vitriol. Mr. JJrout suggests caustic, and siTiijiing with a spatula shajii'd tor the inirposo from a bit of wood. For the benolit of tlu>sr who do not hajipen to have Koman vitriol in store, and have, perhaps, an inadequate notiou of a si)atulu, I can reeommeud a third process — viz., iettiug the bird aloue, which nioile of treatment resulted in a complete euro. I was led to this discovery by having in- variably failed in doctoring all previous ailments in my colum- barium. I saw the other day a curious sport from a pair of Archangels of an inferior colour throughout, which the dealer called yellow, but which I regarded as red. The regular form was preserveil, but not the glossy lustre that sliould belong to that variety. It seems a pity that Pigeon-fiiuciers' standards of taste are so conventional. The brilliant red andyeUow iri^t is ignominiously described as " gravel," while the pinky white passes for "pearl." Now, the former colour harmonises exactly with a bluo-necked bird, and is a relief to a black or white one. On the other hand, I cannot concur with the author of a paper on the .•Vrcbangel, v'lo jnefers a " rich golden eye " for that bird. Tlie gold, 1 imagir.e, kills the orange hues of the neck, and would be well replaced by as pure a white as might be attain- able.—T. Trit.\i;n. REJIOVAL OP SUrElXS. H.^viNO seen occasional inriuiries in the " Journal," as to the best way to take off supers and to expel the bees, and also having frequent applications made to me personally for information on this point, perhaps it may not be amiss, now that the time for the removal of supers generally has come, or is at any rate drawing near, to give the results of my own experience. It used formerly to be with me a task of very great difficulty, and as my time for these and most other manipulations connected with my apiaries is almost entirely confined to the mornings and evenings, I have often dreaded the commencement of the operation, fearing lest there should be insulficient time for eft'ect- ing it thoroughly before the " shades of evening " should close over us, or the usual business hour of the morning api:iroach ere the stubborn bees were induced to leave their own well- filled storehouse. Occasionally it has been necessary to con- fine the bees in the sujier for the day or night, or until a fm-ther opportunity presented itself. The plan usually recommended, is to remove the super with its adaptor as gently as possible to a distant part of the garden, or to a room partially darkened, having one ajierture only for the admission of light, and to afford exit for the bees. The super is then to be tilted on edge, and the bees allowed to find their way out gradually ; then flying to the light they are supposed to go quietly home. This is a plan I have adopted with success in many iust.ances, but occasionally the bees would not go ; then various means had to be resorted to to make them. Patience at length would be- come exhausted, and as the bees came to the surface of the combs, or wherever they could be reached with a feather, they were remorselessly brushed off on the floor. The majority would fly or crawl towards the light, but a great number would fail to reach their homes, from having filled themselves to repletion with honey filched chiefly from the unsealed cells. I also foimd that this plan was certain to attract robber bees, and that, notwithstanding the darkened room, hundreds would enter to endeavour to share the spoil. I have found when bees were unwilling to leave a super, that shutting them closely in until they became reaUy inconvenienced from the coutined air, and then affording them means of exit, they would tumble out with a great rush ; this repeated several times would at length prove successful in nearly clearing the combs. Still there were a few that would stick to their colours, nailing them closely to the mast, resolved never to yield. To get rid of these was often a work requiring great time and trial of patience. The most difficult cases are those of bell-glasses, when it is desirable that the bottom of the combs should not be severed from their attachments to the adapters. The small central aperture affords a verj- contracted space for the de- parture of the inmates. A considerable amount of time is usually reqixisite imder such circumstances. The glass must be wrapped up, so as to show but one aperture (that by which the bees ascended for work) whereby light can be seen. Gradu- ally, provided it is not assailed by robbers, the bees will leave it, and it is desirable that no shaking of the super, or brushing of bees, bo resorted to. I have, when the communication with box-supers couM be shut off by slides, occasionally had them completely cleared of bees in a few minutes without removing the supers from their stocks. Having pushed in the slides, the bees are allowed to remain undisturbed until they begin toshowunmistakeable signs of ex- citement ; the sujier is then gently raised in front about half an inch, or an entrance aperture is opened, a stream of bees will pour out and descend the front to the entrance of the stock- hive. Tlie owner must watch, and if a cessation occurs before all the bees have left, he must again confine them for a bit, carrying off the super so soon as he thinks it tolerably cleared of tliem. I have taken away well-filled straw hives worked on Taylor's doubliug-board plan, perftK'tly cleared of bees in two or three minutes, by pushing in a zinc slide between the two boards and opening an unused entrance in the hive to be ap- propriated. As slides are almost entirely abolished iu my apiary (one good hive only is retained, which is so worked). This last plan is now very seldom resorted to by me. Of late years I have adopted the use of large-sized supers, caijablo of containing from 35 lbs. to 7.5 lbs. of lioney, of which some are of glass, some almost entirely of glass, being framed glass octagons, and others simple wooden boxes, ilj- apiary having largely increased, and the time at my disposal for at- tending to the requirements of the bees having become more and more limited, I was at length led to adopt a far more sum- mary method of dislodging bees from the supers, and this was the all-powerful persuasion of drivinp, which up to this date I have never found to fail in effecting the desired end in an in- credibly short space of time. At first it was tried on wooden supers only, as I thought it would be almost a matter of im- possiljility to handle glass supers iu a manner sufficiently rough for the purpose. But finding that the bees coiUd be so readily induced to ascend into an empty hive from the ordinary box supers, I was not long in making the attempt with a large ma- hogany-framed glass octagon. I choose a hollow-sounding de.al table, or fix a board with its ends resting on two hives or similar support. The glass super is removed as gently as possible, and immediately inverted on this table or board. A straw hive is placed over the combs, and without tying round with a cloth, a gentle drumming is kept up on the board or talde, the super itself not being touched except to steady the straw hive. As the bees ascend I usually tilt the straw hive on edge, watching them as they go up. If the straw hive is larger than the super, I hold it on with one hand, so that, perhaps, only one part of its edge comes iu con- tact with that of the latter. It seems to have no eft'ect in pre- venting the ascent of the bees. It is advisable to select a hive that is free from tUrt, which may be shaken down with the ■s-ibrations, otherwise the appearance of the combs may be sadly marred. Wlien all, or nearly all the bees, have been forced to ascend into the receiving-hive, I remove them at once. A cloth is fastened so as to rest partly on the floor-board in front of the entrance of the old stock ; the other end is secur-ed to the ground. The cluster of bees is shaken out with a few smart concussions between the open hands ; falling in front of their proper home they rapidly crowd into it. With a frame-hive the cover can be removed, and the cluster knocked out on the top of the frames ; but I usually adopt the plan first described. When supers are too small to allow of a receiving-hive rest- ing over them, I fix up a temporary stand close to the parent stock, of such a height as to allow the edge of the inverted su])er to be on a level, and to come in contact with the floor- board. I then drum gently on this stand, endeavouring not to shake the stock-hive, and usually find the bees rmi up and into their proper entrance in one continuous stream. If they do not all go at first, it may be advisable to remove the surer to a darkened room for a little time, or there may be some difficulty in keeping off an attack on its contents by the bees which may pour out from the stock. Still, with a little management, I have found this plan answer very well. In about an hour and a half of one evening dm'ir.g llie summer of last year, I succeeded in dislodging the bees from four large supers, varying in size from 73 lbs. to 20 lbs. In the largest of these, an octagonal glass box, there remained after the operation one soUtary drone, which was liberated subse- quently. The others were cleared in an equally effective manner, and in addition to this, the adapters were all removed from the stock-hives, the proper tops put on, and all made snug for the 162 JOUENAL OF HOETICULTTJEE AND COTTAGE G.UIDENEE. [ August 1, 1865. autnnm and winter. About the middle of June this year, I took off a beautiful glass-box super of 3.5 lbs. cari'j'iug it into a rather dark arbour. At first I tried whether the bees would leave without my having resort to driving, but after waiting an hour, and finding the bees apparently almost as niunerous as at the commencement, I proceeded to drum them out, and in five minutes the majority of the bees had ascended into the upper receptacle. I think, then, that enough has been said to demonstrate the fact that di-iviiig can be safely resorted to for the puqiose of freeing supers from the bees, xiro'sided due care and pi'ecaution be taken, that much needless waste of time may be saved, and the operator be preserved from all appeheusions of the coveted stores being appropriated by the bees instead of by himself. I shall be pleased if the foregoing hints be of use to other apiarians. — S. Bevan Fox, Exeter. BEES IN 1865. I COMMENCED bee-keepiug about the 20th March last, Avhen I purchased a hive of bees, a last year's swarm, and at that time very hght, but \vith plenty of bees, and half full of comb. I fed them for a short time and soon they began to work. As in May they increased very fast, I wi-ote to ask you how to make an artificial swaim in order to stock a set of Nutt's boxes, when you replied that it was too difficult a task for an inexperienced bee-keeper. My bees, as I stated, were so situated at a distance that I could not watch them, so that if they swarmed I should be very likely to lose them. I, therefore, resolved to make the attempt. May 25th, between one and three o'clock, I took the old stock off the stand placing an empty hive in its stead. The full hive or stock I can-ied some distance off, then tui-ued it upside down in a bucket, placing the pavilion over it, first securing the zinc slides and covering them witli straw. I then tied a cloth round where the hives met iind began tajipiug the old one. They buzzed awhile and then began to march up the sides of the pavihou and clustered at the top. I tUted the hive and saw the combs were quite deserted. I then placed the pavilion on a cloth and took the old hive back to its stand. The bees that had mustered, laden with pollen, &c., rushed in. They seemed disturbed for a time and searched the hive all over. The swarm I took a mile and a half off and left it. The old stock went on well, all busy carrying honey but very few pollen. They each day increased in numbers and soon showed signs of swarming by hanging out, so I tried again on June 20th, and drove the bees in a flat-topped empty hive, but in turning the old hive down on the stand I dropped a large piece of comb filled with honey ; I took it away, but the sun being so hot caused more to drop, so that the bees could not get either in or out. I then thought it would be best to take the old hive away and put the di-iven bees back on their old stand. They have now quite fiUed the empty hive with comb. I strained 20 lbs. of beautiful honey from the old hive, but found no brood. The swarm went on increasing in numbers and stores, soon filling the pavihon with comb and honey. I went to see them on the 2nd of July, when I found them hanging out in a gi-eat cluster at the front ; so on July 3rd, I smoked them in, but during the day they had coimnenced ■working in two glasses that I put on, and at night I brought them home and put the hive together, opening one of the end boxes which they soon took possession of, and commenced comb-building. I then perceived a quantity of dead bees in the side box and several bees fighting, and as I had just read an answer given by you in a similar case, advising an opening in the end box for the exit of the bees, I made one three-quai-ters of an inch-long by three-eighths of an inch high, but that night turned out cold and wet. The wind from the south-west so blew through the opening I had made that next day there were not so many bees in the side box, but they had cleared all the dead out, and have since quite deserted it. ' I have stopped the hole with a cork. The weather is stiU cold and showery, so I suppose it is too cold in the box, but they have almost if not quite filled two of Neighbour's beU-glasses, so I should Uke to hear if I have done right. I should also like to know the best way to join bees to others, if by fumigating and securing the queen, or driving ; and whether it matters securing the queen, and how, if di'iven ; and what respecting queen encase- ment, tor I cannot see the inside of my hives as if they were bar-hives. — A New Beginner. [Your question and auswerfreferred to transferring an old Btock of bees to a Nutt'a hive, not to stocking it with an arti- ficial swarm, in which you appear to have succeeded admirably, where a beginner might well have failed. Your attempt to force a second swarm on the 20th Jime, was a mistake. As you found no brood in the old hive on that occasion, the pro- bability is that the young queen had not begun egg-laying, so that the falling of the combs was very likely the best thing that could have happened, as without eggs or brood no queen could have been reared. Unfavourable weather was, probably, the sole reason of your bees deserting the side box. The best mode of effecting autumnal unions is by chiving, as recommended in page 59 of the fifth edition of '"Bee-keeping for the Many." We always remove one of the queens, but it does not appear to be very essential, as it is only in comparatively rare cases that we have found both sacrificed.] NUTT'S COLLATERiVL BOX-HrS'E versus STORIFYING. H.wiNG read at page 40 of " our Journal '' " Squib's " letter asking your opinion respecting " Nutt's collateral boxes " as compared with the storifying system, I may perhaps be allowed to make one or two remarks respecting both methods as they have answered with me. I have three stocks in three differ- ent kinds of hives. No. 1 is in a set of Nutt's collateral boxes. Last season I took about 20 lbs. of pure honey from one box, and 15 lbs. from the other box, leaving the breeding-box un- touched, and I shaU obtain as much from it this season. No. 2, is on the storifying principle, in a square box 16 inches square by 10 inches deep. I have given both the same atten- tion in every respect, and as far as the season has passed I feel sure I shall not have half so much honey from No. 2 as from No. 1, for at present they have not quite filled a glass super of 8 inches diameter. No. 3 is a hive I had sent me from Ger- many in a straw skep last February, and when it reached me it was in a sad state, suffering fi'om dysentery ; but following yoiu- directions, for which I beg to thanli you, and keeping the floor-board scrubbed eveiy morning with boiling water and soda, they recovered, and increased so rapidly that at the end of May they were stronger than No. 1, which is thi'ee years old ; and I was compelled to place a frame-hive alongside of the straw skep, and so let them pass through the latter to prevent their swarming. I tried to drive them in the spring, as directed by Mr. Woodbury, but failed, and I find they are more reluctant in leaving a straw for a box-hive. This German hive is also placed in a collateral position with the frame-hive, which last they are also fiUing, and from them I shall not have much less than 40 lbs. of honey. But much depends on the management, and I admit I am not so well versed in the piling system as in the collateral ; but what may answer with one person may be a total failm'e with another. All I can add is, that I find the bees prefer working on a level in pre- ference to carrj-ing their stores up two hives ; and therefore I world recommend "Squib" to try both ways, as being the best advice of one who uses Nutt's hives. — T. S. [We are very glad to " hear both sides ;"' but in order to give the storifying system a fair chance you should try it with a stock-hive of reasonable size. A box 16 inches squai'e by 10 inches deep is much too large for the purpose.] OUR LETTER BOX. BuTTERFirEs andMoths IT. R. ilrdSv).— Stainton'8 "Manual of British Butterflies and Moths," in two small volumes, will suit your young friend- It is pubUsbed hy Van Voorst, and is cheap. Stewakton Hive (Yorkshire] — Mr. Eaglesbam, we believe .is dead- Apply to Mr. Paton, Joiner, Stewarton, Ayrshire. We are informed that more than two hundi-ed sets of these hives have heen sent from Stewarton this year. Unfertii,e Queen {A Eeadcr). — An examination of the spermatheca of the queen bee which accompanied your letter, proves it to be. like that oj the queen submitted to me by " R. S.," destitute of the slightest trace of spermatozoa. She may, of course, be either a young qiieen or a very old one. If a young queen she has certainly not been impregnated — if an old one she has become completely exhausted, and if she laid eggs they would (like those of a virgin queen I prodtiee drones only. A few lines stating how far the actual historj- of the defunct queen either con'oborates or contradicts the conclusion at which I have arrived will greatly oblige — .A Devonshire Bee-keeper. Dimensions of Woodbury FRA3iE-Hi\-ES(J.Coirfl?70.- Woodbiuy frame- hives are 14J inches square by 9 inches deep inside. Full directions for constructing them, from the pen of llr. Woodbuiy himself, are given in the fifth edition of "Bee-keeping for the Many" which you cau obtain from this office by sending five postage-stamps. Uniting Bees (R. C.).— The best mode of condensing yom* ten stocks into five is by driving and uniting adjoining stocks as recommended and described in page 59 of the lifth edition of "Bee-keeping for the Many." August 8, 1865. j JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 103 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Month Week. Tv W Th F S Sun M AUGUST 8—14, 1865. Pm-plo Melic Grnss flowers-. Sir J. E. Smith Imrn, 1759- Ciiliimiut flowers. Arlielioko flowers. Mifhfielmas Dixisy flowerfl. 9 Sunday avteu Tiunitv. Meadow Siifl"rou flowers. AvoHiRO Temperature ueur LouUoD. Buy. NiKht. 7-i.r, 4a.7 74.i; 60.2 7r,..s na.H Tr^B 51.!1 75.'2 BII.S 74.2 5U.a 72.5 60.8 Mean. (12.1 (12.4 04.0 f\:i.r< oa.o 02.2 01 .1) Koiii in lust 18 years. DayH. 16 14 17 17 14 17 16 San lUnefl. h. SCaf 4 Snn Sets. Moon HiHC'H. m. 1). m. h 3.5 aJ 7 54nf7 83 7 22 8 81 7 .•il 8 29 7 20 i) 27 7 52 !) 25 7 SH 10 28 7 12 11 Moon Sets. m. h. llnf « 31 7 61 8 10 10 27 11 after. 61 1 Moon's Afc'c. Days. 17 18 19 2(1 21 ( 23 Clock 1 before Sun. j Day of Year. 23 14 6 5.5 40 35 220 221 222 2S:3 22.1 225 226 From ollscr^•nlions taken near London durins the last thirtveifjlit years, tlio average day temperature of the week is 74.0", and its nigbt temperature 50.8'. ,Tbo greatest beat was 92^, on tbe lOtb, 1842; and the lowest cold, 82% on tbo IStb, 1839. The greatest fall of miu was 1.14 inch. ON AND ABOUT THE ROCKS AND SANDS OF TENBY.— No. 1. T will be a comfort to many to read, as most comforting is it to me to be able to i\-rite, that there is one ciijciyablc seaside town — thdUfjh railways have done all they can — still very difficult to be arrived at. This difficulty of access keeps away those ])leasiu-e-and-easc- (lestroyers — stuck-up personages, who tliink the coat makes the gentleman, and expensive di'essing the lady. There are none of these at Tenby : hut every one owns Common Sense as the ruler of the place, and lives, and journies about, and wears costumes conducive to mental relaxation and liodily in\-igoration. They come to obtaui these rc- unimators. and are wise enough to pui'sue them without needless encumbrances and hindrances. No place was ever better described by its name, for Tenby (WTitten Dinbych in old MSS.), is only a southern mode of pronouncing Denbigh, meaning a little fortress on a hill ; and such it always was from the earliest record when the Danes were here, just one tliousaud years since, until its fortifications wei-e tinally shattered by the Crom- wellian camion in l(i4s. Tlie hill is of mountain limestone, and is a long narrow peninsula — so narrow, that the houses on one side its mam street loolc over the southern sands, and the liouses on the other side similarly look across the northern. Those sands and their enclosing rocks yield a rich ingatheruig to the naturalist. Geology- is not among the special objects of this Journal, yet I will crib a little of its space to tattle a few sentences about the fossil plants of the Tenb}' geology. The moun- tain limestone on wliich Tenby rests passes inland, and that limestone supports all the coal strata of Wales. Some of those strata, or " coal measures," are of anthracite coal : those not antluacite are rich in fossil Ferns, Equiseta, and even of those princes of the vegetable kii^.gdom, the Palms. Near Hean Castle is that veui of black clay fi'om which is formed tlie best of firebricks. In that clay are found tbe roots of I'alms. telling of an ago before the Flood, when our climate must have b^en trojiical. Passing along the coast towards Tenby a portion of tlie rocky strata is passed, so i-ic.li in some fossil cryptogamia as to be knowni as Fern clift'. In the opposite du'ection is Saundersfoot, where on the sliore are found the " beetle stones " polished at Tenby for orna- mental pui-poses. They are black nodules of clay iron- stone, havmg in their centres white vegetable petrifactions, the sections of which sometimes approach an insect form. There are evidences that the sea is receduig from some parts of the adjacent coast, and that it has encroached Ko. 228.-V0L. IX., New Series. upon tlic coast in other neighbouring parts. Tims, oppo- site to Amroth Castle, about six miles to the mn-tli-east of Tenby, visible at low tides, are the remains of the forest known in the days of the bards as Coed Traeth. The wood of tlie submerged trees for the most part is decayed and crumbles when pressed between the iingers, but s(«ne of it is quite sound. Four miles to the west of Tenby the sea has receded. Tliere is the Vale of St. I'lorence — a name bestowed by the earliest Flemish settlers in oiu' island, but known to tbe Britons as Tregyor ; and those are still living who remember when boats rowed to the village, which is now more tlian three miles from the sea. Its waters, liowevcr, liave left one evidence of theii- former presence, for the Sainplure (Crithmum maritunimi), still grows near a bridge not far frcnn the village. The soil in every direction is extremely Ught, and I am struck by the evidences of tbe prevalence of deep tUlago and liberal surface-stirring both in the fields and the gardens. Such good cultivation has been tauglit to the farmer and gardener by practice alone : but it is perfectly consonant with tlie suggestions of science, and has long been advocated in this Journal. Last year Professor Churcli carried on a series of experiments instituted spe- cially to prove or disprove the benefits alleged to be tlio result of deep tillage and frequent surface-stirring. After long-continued diwight he ascertained the quantity of water retamcd in the thirteenth inch of soil, measuring from the surface. In one case, where the soil had been deeply cul- tivated during the previous autumn, no less than 2H.() per cent, of tbe apparently dry layer exammed was water. In another, where the subsoil was taken from uncultivated land, wliich had not been disturbed within memory, the per-centage of water was V.>:>. In a tliird case, the subsoil of a kitchen garden, whicli had been deeply trenched in autumn, yielded 2(1.2 per cent, of water. In a fourth, tlie subsoil ill the same garden, where the bed had only been half dug, yielded 20.5 per cent. There had been no rain to speak of since the spring, and yet these enormous quan- tities of water still remained m the subsoil. The soil experimented on is " a light caleai-ooiis clay loam, resting on the forest marble." Wliilst wTiting the concluding word I was summoned from my desk to see the imcoveriug of the statue of " iVlbert the Good," in the presence of his youthful son Piince Artliur. I shall not pause to detail the ceremony, nor dwell on this evidence of how thm-ouglily, even to its furthest verge, loyalty pervades our Queen's home islands : but I will give expressicni to my oft-recurruig thought — What a testimony it is to the mirivalled beauty of tbe olijects of the gardener's art, that they alone are selected as tbe best decorations on all festal occasions. Nay, more : no artist designs, or could design, an ornament without copying some vegetable form, and that no such ornament was ever suggested of which the t>lie and the superior could not be gathered from among om- plants. It is tnic that the yachts and even the very smallest Tenby lishing- boat is decorated with flags of bright and many colours : but how poor and monotonous are they compared to the No. 880.— Vol. XXXTV., Old Series, 104 JOUENAIi OP HOBTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Augusts, 1865. flower-decorated windows and arches which edge and span the street of Tenby this day ! The cUniate, like that of the Channel Islands, is so tempered by the surrovmding sea, and the gardens on the sonth-western slope of the hmestone hUls are so shel- tered, that the Fuchsias, Hydrangeas, and other plants of simUar nativity and habit are ahnost trees instead of being the potted pets they are in colder districts. Hence branches of these, with their floral honours thick upon them, hare been sacrificed to do honoiu- to this day with a liberality that would appal a more inland gardener. This floral decoration carries me away to notes on the use in this ucighboiuhood of particular plants on particular days ; and the first among those notes is of a custom — rude and bar- barous, but now abandoned — for the men and boys on St. Ste- phen's day, to cany twigs of HoUy, and to beat with them the bare arms of the women whom they could find thus unpro- tected ! What could be the origin of this misuse of the ever- green which but the very previous day had been used to do honour to Christ's natirity ? Was it intended by our fore- fathers to prefigure that that birth, though a subject of rejoicing, caused suii'ering to the jubilant as it did to the proto-martjT ? New Year's-day had, and still has, a more grateful custom ; for boys and girls, bearing a cup of spring water, chp into it a sprig of evergreen, and sprinkle with it the inmates of the houses where they caU. This may well be accepted as a gentle monition to pm'ity during the newly -born year ; but how shall ■we explain aU the details of these verses they chaimt during the sprinkling ? — " Here we bring new water from the well so clear. For to worsliii) God with, this happy new year ; Sing levy dew, sin^ levy dew — the water and the wine. With seven bright gold wires, and bugles that do shine. Sing reign of the fair maid with gold upon her toe ; Open you the west door, and turn the old year go. Sing reipi of the fair maid with gold upon her chin ; Open you the east door, and let the new year in." There is no reason for doubting that "levy dew" is really the Welsh "Lief i DIam," a cry to Ciod. The first " fan- maid" we may accept as intending the last day of the old year, which departed amid the usual rejoicing over its last ioiu:, or " gold upon her toe ;" and the other " fair maid " we may similarly accept as the tiist day of the new year, the very commencement of which was welcomed, or had " gold upon her chin." " Turn the old year go," is a Welsh form of speech ; for when the field-gate is opened for any animal to enter, that animal is "turned go," according to the farming man's voca- bulary. But who wiU explain the gold wires and bugles ? — G. SH.VDE, WHAT IS IT? AND THE THERMOMETER. Although this question may appear very simple, yet there is a wide diversity of opinion as to what constitutes shade in the case on which the present article is intended to dwell ; and even in the more general sense in which the term is used in gardening shade ilifl'ers more or less in degi'ee ; at the same time its influence on vegetation entitles it to most earefid attention. It is not, however, my intention to enter upon that part of the subject, but to speak of what is commonly called shade in describing the heat of any particular day. There is evidently much diversity of opinion on this point; consequently, the registers of those who take meteorological notes lose much of their value from their not being conducted according to one imiform rule. As matters of this land have of late been considered of more importance than heretofore, and as some of the most eminent men in the kingdom have given their attention to meteorology, something like a uniform rule as to what constitutes shade, when this term is used in describing the heat of a summer day, ought to be settled by general consent. As we possess no other means of registering the various amounts of heat in our atmosphere than by instruments more or less correct, let us at least try to avoid giving a wi-ong figm-e by adopting a imiversal rule as to liow and where that figure has to be denoted. Taking for granted that thermometers are the only instru- ments for measuring the variations of heat in the atmosphere, where ought these instruments to be placed so as to simply give atrue index of that heat ? " In the shade," is generally the answer at once. But what is meant by shade puzzles many, and the different records of extreme heat given by those who now and then report in the public prints certaiidy indicate that the observations are taken under different circumstances. Heat, unlike water, is not distributed alike in all places to which it has access ; certainly its tendency is to rise upwards instead of to descend as the header fluid does, but even then it does so in waves that do not penetrate everywhere in the same degree, even though acting on one level. Many upstair rooms that are lofty and allow of a large hourly influx of external air never become heated to the same degree as the air out of doors, but this is probably due to the walls and various articles of fm'niture abstracting heat from the atmosphere; and until they have acquired the same temperature as the external air (which doubtless requires longer than the twelve or fourteen hours' heat of our siunmer day.s) the atmosiDhere of the room must be colder. When the earth has become to a certain degree warmed by the bright sunshine of preceding days, and the evenings pro- bably seldom offer a lower temperature than 55°, we may look for the hottest d.ay in the year somewhere between the 20th of June and 20th of July. Not that the period here stated always presents the highest temperature, for I have knovm this occur in May, and on one occasion in September, but such cases are unusual, the period above given being usually the warmest ; and as comiiarison with the heat of former years is always interesting, those having the means usually endea- ^■om• to ascertain the degree of heat, and if their instruments be correct, and the mode of using them the same each year, the difference, if any, will be easily seen. It is, however, not so easy to compare notes with others who may take their obser- vations under widely different circumstances, and, consequently, comparison in such a case is useless, for A perhaps keeps his thermometer in an upstair window facing the north, where perhaps some overhanging trees assist in completing the shade and encourage the eddying wind to jilay on the instrument, reducing the reading much below what it ought to be ; wliile B, anxious to have his readings correct, runs into much the same error by boxing his instrument up from almost aU connection with the extei-nal air, giving it in fact a case all rormd or nearly so of some non-conducting material, and thereby pre- venting that access of external air which ought certainly to be allowed if anything like the true indication be wanted. C, again, places his instrument in the open, or I might almost say in the fidl sun, and, consequently, falls into an opposite error by recording too high a temperature, and seems surprised on looldng at the published returns in the daily papers to find his district so much hotter than any other recorded. In fact, so vague is the term "shade "that unless some explanation be given of what is meant by it we must exjject to grojje in the dark. I therefore venture to give my views as to what I think we ought to regard as the day and night temperature, or in other words the maximum and minimum of the thermometer. Assuming that the object is to ascertain the precise tempera- ture of the external air where not acted upon by the direct rays of the sim, the least possible amoimt of shadow that intervenes between the sun and the instrument woiJd seem to be all that is wanted. At the same time such intervening object ought to be of a non-conducting m.aterial, and for general appUcation I know of nothing better than a plain timber post set perpendicularly' in the gi'ound in a jjerfectly open situation ; this post ought to have a flat side to the north considerably wider than the instrmnent that is to hang against it on that side, whether horizontally or vertically, the former way being on the whole preferable. Against such a post, and say at 4 feet from the gi-ound, hang up one of the best maximum registering thermometers, and about a foot from the groimd you may hang up the minimirm one in the same way ; care being taken that nothing like shelter intervenes to prevent the cool air of the night acting upon this instrument. A more open exposure may be made if necessary for the latter, but this is sufficient for most purposes, and the convenience of having the two instrmnents together is an object when only ordinary observa- tions are required. I ju'efer having the two instruments separate, as the double ones are so liable to become deranged, and when th<^ maximum and minimum thermometers are separate there is no more trouble in taking notes of them than if only one were in use. Tolerably good instruments can now be had at a reasonable rate, although I by no means afiirm that perfection has been arrived at ; on the contrary, I would like to call the attention of makers of such instruments to the fact that bubbles of air or some other foreign fluid often pass into the quicksilver or spirit, and thereby render the reading incorrect. This misfortune is by no means confined to low- priced thermometers, for I have had two or three thermometers from a celebrated London fiiin which cost 21.s. each, and they August 8, 1866. ] JOURNAL OF HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGR GARDEXER. 105 all went wrong in about a mouth, while a common ono of simpler construction has been in uso for some years. In fact I hope to see a preat imiirovement in thorniomelors and other meteorological instruments, and until s\Kh is really the case, the public can hardly bo expected to buy the expensive article when its merits are only in its outward adornment. Notwithstanding the heat of the present season, the ther- mometer has not yet reached the maximum of IH.'id, 1H57, and 18.'J8, as will be seen by the figures below, which iuilieato_ the hottest days in each year, ns taken in the manner described above : — 1854. July 2.'>th thermometer S7° 1855. .Tune29th „ 9:i IB.W. July :ilst and Ani^st 1st „ 95 1857. Jnuo '2(ith and 2Sth, aud Aug. 23rd „ 95 185H. Junu 15tli aud llith „ 97 1S59. July 12th „ 92 1860. July 2nd „ 78 1861. August 12tli „ 88 1862. Mav 6th „ 86 1863. August 9th „ 87 1864. Jidy 20th 87 1865. Juue 2l8t and 23rd „ 92 It is somewhat remarkable, that the heat attained on the 21st and 2;ird of Jvme in the present year was not approached by 8° in any of the days before or after these dates, and up to the time I write, July 28th, the thermometer has only once reached 86°, aud that was on the 15th of JiJy ; but a long period of dry hot weather may occur without any extreme being ap- proached, and it is questionable whether an unusually hot day amongst others of medium character is beneficial. One of the most remarkable instances of this kind occurred on May 6th, 1862, which, as shown above, was the hottest that season. I may, however, remark, that the present season has presented a longer period without rain than any previous one, for none fell here (Staplehm-st), for twenty-six consecutive days in June. The rainfall, however, of the six months ending the 30th of that month is a full average. The early months were wet, and during July nearly 3{ inches of rain have fallen. — J. Robson. MILDEW ON ROSES. Judging from what I have seen, as well as from complaints I have heard from others, this pest to Rose-gi'owers seems to be unusually prevalent this season ; and from recent inquiries in The Jodrnaij of Hoiiticulture I conclude that some in- formation on the subject will be acceptable to many of your readers. Though I may not be able to advance anything in my present communication that is not known to most Rose- growers of experience, I may be able to convey some useful information to such of your readers as are, like myself, begin- ners in this most pleasurable branch of floriculture, by select- ing aud condensing what has been advanced by some of our best writers and most experienced Rose-growers. With regard to the cause of this disease, we find that, as with diseases affecting the human frame, " doctors sometimes disagree ;" and the fact seems to be that, as to this part of the subject, we are very much in want of certain and reliable information. Mr. William Paul, in his " Rose Garden," does not venture to allude to any positive cause of the disease, but Kays negatively, page 118, " If the situation (of the roseiy) bo airy and suimy, there is little to fear on account of this dis- ease." Mr. Cranston, in his " Cultm'al Directions for the Rose," quotes the late Mr. Knight as saying, " The secondary and immethate cause of this disease has long appeai'ed to me to be the want of sufiieient moisture from the soil, and excess of humidity in the air, particularly if the plants be exposed to a temperature below that to which they have been accustomed." This, I conclude, refers to Roses in pots, or newly planted out from a frame or some such sheltered situation. An anonymous writer in your Journal of March 28th, page 243, says, " Mildew is seen under extremely diiJereut cireumst.ances, but 1 think is generally caused by defective root-action, the roots not being able to supply the sap fast enough to the leaves, or sometimes from the leaves being in a higher temperature than the roots ; and it would seem as though mildew, attacking healthy young Rose shoots exjjosed to sun and air in the open ground, must differ vei-y much from the mildew which attacks plants in cold damp houses in the winter, aud yet I am still inchued to think the cause is much the same." The Rev. Mr. Eadclyfle, perhaps our highest authority on Rose-culture, seems, indirectly at least, to ascribe its prevalence to extremely high culture, or, in other words, to gross feeding ; for in an article on the Manetti stock ho says (see Joubnal op Hohticultuee for April 22ud, 1862, page 03), " It carmot be denied that Manetti Roses, as a class, are more subject to white mUdew than Briar Roses, and that the higher you cultivate the more you will be subject to it." To this latter remark I can fuUy subscribe ; for while I confess myself unable to assign any certain cause of the existence of the disease, I believe it may always he developed by high or gross feeding. The soil iu which I cultivate my Roses consists to a great extent of de- cayed turf from an old pasture mixed with the soil on the spot, which is moderately heavy and well drained ; it is also well maum-ed with decayed stable dung, and 1 find that the appear- ance of mildew always follows a liberal api)lication of strong liquid manure. This consists of house-sewage, by which I mean the whole liquid refuse from the house, consisting o£ kitchen and chamber washings, soapsuds, &c. This, in wet weather, is diluted with an eipial ([uantity of pure water, and in continued dry weather with dcuihle that quantity, and is applied iu the proportion of a gallon to each tree on an average of once a-fortnight from May to September. Wliatever may be the cause of mildew, as regards its existence in the rosery it is, I believe, developed or increased very much by circumstances over which we have no control — I mean, by atmospheric causes, as the existence of long-continued seasonB of drought, or of dull, cloudy, wet weather. But while we can, perhaps, do little to prevent the existence of the evU altogether, we may do much to remedy it where it does exist. The reme- dies recommended for this disease are indeed ma)iifold, and one or other within the reach of every Rose-grower. Mr. W. Paul, in the " Rose Garden," page 118, says, " Dusting the leaves with sulphur is the best remedy. Watering with a solu- tion of nitre is also said to destroy it." Mr. Rivers, in the " Rose Amateur's Guide," recommends the same remedy — " sprinldiug with sulphur." Both these instances, however, refer to Roses in pots. Mr. 'Cranston, iu his "Cultural Di- rections for the Rose," recommends the same remedy, giving the preference to black sulphur over yellow ; but adds, "AVhere sulphur has failed to arrest its progress, Gishurst compoimd has been applied, and with wonderfully good effect. The quan- tity used has been from 24 to 3 ozs. to the gallon of water. The plants affected are syringed or well wetted with the mix- ture, and if the shoots are at all tender they must be syringed over with clear water in a few hours afterwards, otherwise the young buds which are formed at the cuds of the shoots may be destroyed ; also, when allowed to dry upon the foUage it has a disagreeable appearance. One or two applications ia most instances will be sufficient ; but when the disease hag been allowed to establish itself it must he applied weekly until it is cured." The Bev. W. F. Radclyffe, in his lecture on, Roses, delivered before the Royal Horticultural Society (see Journal of HoETicoLinnE of July 2Gth, 1804, page 07), gives, as the most effectual remedy Iluowu to him, " 2 ozs. of blue vitriol, dissolved in a little hot water, and then mixed with a stable-bucket of cold water, aud poured from a watering-pot with the top (rose ?) on over the leaves." Your correspondent •' X. Y. Z.," before referred to, writing in the Journal of March 28th, says, " There is no more certain cure for mildew on Roses in summer than a thorough soaking of water at a temperature of 80° or 90°." " Upw'ards and Onwards," I think, speaks of liquid manure heated to 140° ; and iu your answers to corre- spondents in the Jom-nal of July 18th, you recommend syring- ing the plants with lime water to destroy the fungus, and then to water the roots copiously, mulching the surface, and to continue watering abundantly during dry weather ; and you add that " weak liquid mauiu'e once a-week will benefit the Ir.'ss." Here, then, we have plenty of remedies to choose from. The two which I have tried myself are the Gishurst compound and the solution of blue vitriol, and I can answer for timt efficacy of both. Of the two I give the preference to the Gishurst com- jround, and this I never tise stronger than 2 ozs. to the gallon. My reason for the preference is, that while it is as efBcacions as the blue vitriol, I find it does not mark the foliage so much. Indeed I find iu applying the latter that any Roses wholly or partly expanded, but especially those which are white or light- coloured, become so covered with black spots that they have to be destroyed. The foliage also becomes spotted, thotigh not to such an extent. In applying the Gishurst compound I mis it, if possible, two days or more before using it, and. choosing a didl day, syringe the plants about the middle of the day. I then syringe them over, about six or seven o'clock the some 106 JOUENAL OF IIOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB. [ Aoffust 8, 1865. evemng, with clean water, which removes any deposit of the Gishurst compouncl, and leaves the foliage l)ut little marked by the deposit. I am convinced that any remedy to ke at all effectual should he applied immediately a trace of the disease ii> discovered. Tlie old saying is emphatically true in this case — " A stitch in time saves nine ;" and not only must some remedy be applied at once, but it must also be persevered in from time to time as the disease re-appears during the season. The remethes recommended are ine.\pensive and easy of appli- cation, and he who does not make use of them in case of their being required does not deserve to possess a good collection of the queen of flowers. My remarks, although I fear already too long, will not be complete without mentioning what sorts I have found most subject to mildew. Out of a collection of about one humb-ed different sorts, chiefly Hybrid Perpetuals, I find none so sub- ject to the pest with me as Gc-ant des BataUles : I have three or four plants of it in different situations all on Manetti, and they suffer more than any others. Blarii No. 2 and Prince CamUle de Eohan are also much infected with the pest ; but ia these cases I am not sure that it may not be something in the situa- tion, rather than any predisiiositiou to this disease, that makes them worse than others. I must not close this communi- cation OTthout expressing a hope that the readers of it will contribute so far as they can to the elucidation of the subject discussed, especially by furnishing information as to the pre- valence of the Kose mildew in their own locality, the remedies used for its removal, and the kinds of Eoses most subject to the disease. Such information I cannot but think will be most interesting and valuable to many of your readf rs, and especially to- -A COHNTKY CUEATE. TLAXTS FOR ROOMS. IT The atmosphere of halls and ante-rooms is so variable — sometimes close and stifling, often subject to draughts, and always much drier than plant-houses generally — tliat plants cannot be placed in such situations without sustaining a certain amount of injury, especially as there is usually a great deficiency of light. Drawing and sitting-rooms, likewise, are but ill-adapted for jJants ; for, though there is not so much danger of currents of air, the air is drier, the rooms are equaUy dark, and often so warm, especially in winter, that the plants begin to grow, become unhealthy, and flower badly. However desirable plants may be for the decoration of rooms, I can only regard growing them for this pui"pose as preventing the production of fine specimens, and taxing the patience and energies of the gardener to the utmost, particularly if he is at all proud of his plants, and grows them year after year fi'om cuttings up to handsome specimens. It is, indeed, rare to meet with an estabUshment remarkable for its specimens, where plants are largely employed for in-door decoration. There is, notwithstanding, an increased demand for decorative plants for rooms, that demand being generally greater where there is no cousei-vatorj- or greenhouse that can be entered or seen fi-om the mansion. .fl>a«w- It is by no means unusual for plants to be most in i-equest where the conveniences for growing them are none of the best. Many structures are so ill-contrived for the growth of plants that an exhibitor would not know how to proceed in order to grow a plant worth looking at. Justice compels me to note the impracticability of growing fine specimens where the means ;;re limited to ^-Lneries and stoves, the proper occupants of which require different treatment from the plants. More credit is due where good Grapes are grown in vineries in which every nook and corner is occupied with plants, than where every structure is used for its proper purpose ; for plants and Vines may be grown well together at certain times, whilst at others the %eatment which will suit one wiU not suit the other, and in the endeavoiu- to grow both neither obtain justice. There may be no lack of skill, perseverance, and de.sire to make the most of the means at command, and yet the plants will never be so fine as those grown in light and proper plant- houses. Fruit-houses are the worst of plant-houses, for their occupants are so different from plants in their requirements that the cultivator, seeing that he can grow only one tiling well, tries to do that, and makes the other a secondary con- sideration. Take, for instance, plants in a vinery. Up to May the plants may be grown without any great detriment, either to themselves or the Vines, but by that time the Vines wUl shade the roof too much for flowering-plants, which will, consequently, be drawn up weak, producing plenty of leaves but few flowers. The plants must, therefore, be moved to more suitable quarters, and their place occupied by others requiring a certain amoimt of shade. After a time the Grapes wUl change colour, and the plants must then suffer, or the Grapes be defective in their colouring. I am perfectly aware that sometimes, and under certain conditions, plants can be grown fairly in vineries, and yet Grapes of average excellence be produced ; but my experience leads me to doubt whether excellence in fruit and plants can be attained in the same structures. To have fine jjlants structures entirely devoted to them are necessary, and to obtain fine fruit nothing should interfere mth it. 'Whatever, therefore, is grown in vineries, in addition to the Vines, should not remain there a day after they interfere with the Grapes, or are interfered \vith. I will assume that the correspondent for whom these remarks are chiefly intended wishes to have Grapes of average merit in addition to plants, and, bearing this in mind, I will proceed with the answer, led only by my own experience of plants in vineries where Grapes are the principal object, and of those plants suitable for or which have been employed for room decoration. I confess that I have no luiowledge of gi'owing plants in vineries, making the Vines a secondary considera- tion. The correspondent to whom I reply " has a stove and vinerie.', but no greenhouse." I wiU assume that he has two vineries, and pits or fi'amcs. In jAxn.iT.Y we may expect in bloom from the stove — Eran- themum pukhellum, and E. strictum ; Poinsettia pulcherrima ; Euphorbia jacquiniieflora ; Justicia speciosa ; Begonias nitida, insignis, lucida, and some of the variegated kinds, as B. grandis, andMarshaUi; Torenia pulcherrima; Gardenia citriodora; Epi- phyllums tnmcatiim vars. magnificum, purpiu-eum, salmoneum, cruentum, and violaceum ; Thyrsacanthus rutdans ; Ardisia crenulata, for its red berries, and its white-aud-yellow-bemed varieties ; Aphelandi-a aurautiaca ; Hebeclinium atrorubens, and H. ianthemum ; Gesnera zebriua splendens, and G. cinna- barina splendens. From vineries — CameUias ; Primulas ; Cy- clamens coum, Atkinsi, persicum vars. ; Coronilla glauca ; Daphne odorata rubra, and its sub-variety alba ; Acacias hybrida, rotimdifolia, oleifoUa elegans, and longiflora magnifica : and in addition Snowdrops, Scilla brevifoUa, and S. bifolia ; last, but not least, LiUes of the Valley brought into flower in a cool part of the stove, along %vith the two preceding, all on a shelf near the glass, and from the same a few Hyacinths, Narcissus, and Crocus, and a few pots of Tulips ; nor must I omit Andro- meda floribimda, and Lamustinus on short stems, that come fi'om the rineries without any forcing. In this month it is to be expected that one of the vineries will be thoroughly cleaned (this we shall term the early vinery), and forcing commenced so as to have Grapes in Jime. Such being the case, we may introduce plants of the dwarf Ehodo- dencirons, as K. caucasicum album, dauricum atro's'irens, ciha- tuni, gemmiferum, varieties of Nobleannm, and other hybrids, nice dwarf plants well set with bloom-buds ; common sweet- scented I'.ardy Azalea ; Kalmia glauca and latifolia ; Deutzia graciUs ; Dielytra spectabiUs ; Weigela rosea ; Sweet Briar ; Eoses (assigning them the lightest and airiest situation) ; also Lilies of the Valley, Hyacinths, Tulips, Narcissus, Crocus, Seillas, and a few pots of tree and Neapolitan Violets. Plants of the old Hydrangea will bloom the earher if afl'orded a Uttle heat, and it is one of the best plants for rooms. To the above we may add some of the most forward Pelargoniums, Cinerarias, Cal- ceolarias, a few Fuchsias, Salvia splendens, varieties of Azalea indica, especially amceua, and a few pots of LUium lancifohum speciosum. A few Gloxinias and Achimenes may be potted and introduced into the stove, and also a few more bulbs to keep up a succession mitU those in the early vinery come in. If tbei-e is convenience, a bed of leaves or tan may be made in the early vineiy, and this will be useful for the deciduous plants introduced for forcing, of which I find that I have omitted Primus triloba flore pleno, Ehodora canadensis, standard and dwarf Eibes, and Lilacs, and the double-blossomed Peach ; also, Daphne cneorum and Berberis Darwinii, which are evergreens. It wiU also be of semce for forwarding Begonias Evansiana, manicata, coccinea, Prestoniensis auperbn. Sauudersi, and JMar- . tiniana, and a few of the variegated-leaved varieties. Feekuabv. — In adtUtion to the plants already mentioned for January, and they may be expected more or less up to March and April, from vineries we may expect Solanum capsicas- trum, for its red berries all the winter; Magnoha fuscata; Lachenalias quadricolor, pustulata ; OxaUs fulgida, and 0. tri- color ; Linum trigynum ; Hovea Celsi ; Mouochajtiim ensiferum ; August 8, 1865. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 107 Daphne Fortuni ; Cyclnmens Atkinsi and persicum, in great Viirioty ; Mignouetto ; iind towardn tUo end of tlie month from the early viuery, Epi])hyllum lUisMelliiinum ; Cytisus Atleeaua, rauemosa elegans, and raeeniusa suporba ; Acai'ia umiata, and Drummoudi, and some of the forced plants. Tlie stiive may furnish Fraueiseea coufertiflora, and exiniia ; Gardenia Furtnni and rtoridi ; Jasminum graiile ; Centradenia granditiora, and ro.sea; Rogiera cordata; J'liicliaris amazoniea ; Pancratium speciosum ; Imantophyllum miuiatum ; Pyenostauhy.s urtiei- folia; Amaryllis auliea, vara, croeata, Johusoui priecox ; iEclimea fulgens, and Stenogastra eoueinna. Cuttings of Poinsettia and Euidun-bia should be inserted, and of Luculia gratissima in the stove, for early blooming. Start more Achimencs and Gloxinias, silso Gesucras of sorts, especially gloxiniiuflora, splendens, zobrina spleudens, and Donckelaari ; .ind Culadiums to be potted forthwith. Cuttings of all winter-blooming plants should be inserted if the stock is short, and also to obtain small jilants. A tew cuttings of C'oleus Verschaffolti put in now will prove useful. Pot Tube- roses, and place iu the early vinery in a little bottom heat. Amaryllis formosissima with others of the Amaryllids now showing for bloom, will do admirably plunged in the bed of the early vinery. Pot a few Ferns, they will come iu useful through (he summer; and'some Lycoiiods, Otaheite Orange, Azaleas, Rhododendrons, 'Wcigela rosea, Deutzias, Dielytra S|)ectabilis, and more bulbs to be introduced. Datm-a humilis and ehlorantha (young plants kept over the winter), to bo potted, and encouraged. Sow Celosia pyramidalis. Cockscomb, and Globe Amaranths, also Amarauthus bicolor aud tricolor towards the end of the month, or early iu next. Makcu. — From the early vinery many of the plants placed there to force will be coming into bloom, and these will in themselves be amply sufficient for frequent changes of the plants in the rooms during this and next month. We may, iu addition, calculate on Tropieolum tricolor, .Jarratti, aud brachy- ceras, which are handsome on trellises, and so is T. azureum ; also, Lithospermum fruticosum ; Acacias gi-andis, eriocarpa, and juniperina ; and Chorozemas. Kennedyas, too, bloom finely ou trellises at this season, and we may expect some this mouth from cool houses. The stove will afford a few forced plants, and the other wintcr-iloweriug plants will come in or continue in bloom until this period, it being understood that the stove is not so much occupied with siunmer as with winter-blooming plants. AH plants coming from the rooms should be again placed iu the structure they were taken from. If from the stove, they should be rested for about a month, and may then be cut in, aud have the pots plunged in the early vinery, which will set them going. Camellias and Azaleas done blooming to be placed in the early vinery to make wood for next year's early blooming, which, as regards the first, will, in the current year, occur in October and onwards. The first lot of Gloxinias, Achimenes, and Gesneras will be forward, and be placed in their bloommg- pots, more being introduced for succession. Pot variegated Begonias and the better kinds of hardy Ferns ; they are charming for in-door decoration in summer. A few mure plants for forcing may be introduced to fill up blanks in the early vinery. Sow Primrdas and Cinerarias for an early bloom. See that Aphelandra cristata, Porteana, Leopoldi, and other winter or autumn-blooming plants are cut in, aud cuttings made of all winter-blooming plants if still delayed. Pot those previously struck, and grow them on ; many of them will do well in the early -i-iuery. Pot more Fuchsias, aud put iu cuttings of the early plants for autumn blooming. Impatiens JerdoniiB is a good stove plant for autumn work ; plants now potted and gi-own iu the stove will be found useful. Select a few of the better kinds of bedding plants, as the different variegated and Zouale Geraniums, and especially Nosegays ; also Verbenas, Petunias, &c., potting and growing them on in the cool vinery. They will be usefid when the Pelargoniums are over. A few plants of Pinks and Carnations, potted now, wiU, though they come in little earlier than those in the open ground, be none the less sweet in vases in the house. Epacrises to be cut and placed in a cold frame. Cuttings of Heliotrope, to furnish plants for winter aial spring blooming, to be inserted forthwith ; also of tree Carnations. Sow more Cockscombs, Celosia pyramidalis, the first Balsams, and Thunbergia alata, for training to sticks iu the form of pyramids, or any other shape. They will do now in the early vinery. Encourage plants of Sericograpliis Ghiesbreghtiana in a cool house. Let them grow freely until .June ; then stop the shoots, repot, and grow on imtil October ; then place iu the 'stove. They will bloom in November. Fuchsia serrulata and its varieties flori- bunda and alba are valuable winter-blooming plants. Cuttings jiut in lujw, in a little heat, soon strike root ; grow on until .July, place out of doors, then take up in Seiitember, and place in the early vinery, which will by that timi! be cool enough for anything. Sow Mignonette in pots, fijr autumn blooming, in a cold frame ; it will require to bo jiotted when the plants are large enough to handle, and grown on in a frame until June, to be then jilaced outside in an open, but not vei-y sunny, ])lacc. Remove to the frame in September, keeping stopped and potted through the summer as the plants grow, llhodanthe Maiiglesii and Acroclinium roseum, are nice Everlastings for jjots ; seed may now be sown in a little heat. Cypripedium insigne and venustum are of the best of winter-flowering plants ; jilants of them should be potted and enccuiraged in the stove or vinery 1U)W at work. The old I'hajus granditiorus is a glorious plant for blooming in early spring; it should have sweet soil, plenty of drainage, aud a place iu the stove to make growtli, with abuiuhuico of water and moisture. The very best of I'oom- plants, Eichardia a'thiopica, should be potted, and increased, if practicable, by dividing the roots. It does well in a cool vinery. Cuttings of Chrysanthemums to be put in ; they make nice plants for autumn. Inga pulcherrima to be cut-in, and grown in a frame ; endeavour to have the shoots well ripened before or by autimiu. It will recpiire potting after it breaks. Hoitzia coccinea to be cut-in, and potted after the new growths are an inch long ; it is a stove plant. — Ci. Abbey. (To be contiuued.) NORTHWICII GOOSEBERRY SHOW. The following are the weights of the prize bei-ries at the Show held at the Aiigcl Inu, Korthwich, Cheshire, ou July '29th. dwts. grs. Tbos. Lanceley . , .Toseph Jones .Tohn .Tobnsou Chas. Leicester . . .Toseph AVj-nue . . F. .Jamesou George AValler . . Thomas Ball Premium prize . Steward's prize . ditto ditto ditto ditto ditto ditto London 28 London *2.S Leveller '2ii Surjirise 2;> Antagonist .... '2-i Dan's Mistake . . '24 StockweU 21 Careless '22 RED CLASS. C. Leicester Plonghboy . . G. Wilkinson London C. Leicester lean's Mistake T. Lanceley Cluytou 1st 2ud .nrd 4th 5th J. Wynne (ith F. Jamesou 7th Thomas Ball 8tb F. .Tameson '.)th T. NichoUs 10th Joseph Jones Slaughterman YELLOW CLASS. 1st T. Lanceley Leader 2ud John Johnson Leveller .... iJrd T. Lanceley Catliaiina 4th C. Leicester 5th .T. Wj-nne SefiUiug Macaroni . . Duke of Suthin-land Flixtonia Beauty Lord Liverpool .... 23 Gth T. Lanceley 7th J. Johnson 8th J. Wynne 9th C. Leicester High Sheriff Cramp T.'nknown Drill Oldham Criterion . . . . loth T. Lar.celey Oakmere 1st 2nd Hrd 4th 5th (Uh 7 th 8th ',)th Idth T. Lanceley T. Lanceley .1. .Johnson T. Lanceley T. Lanceley C. Leicester F. Jameson F. Jameson GREEN CLASS. Plunder Shiner Telegraph StociweU Thumper Sir G. Brown . . . . (^ueeu Victoria . . Green Wonderfnl Joseph .Jones Seedling . . . . G. Waller London City 24 24 24 23 23 24 23 22 21 21 '20 20 '20 20 1st J. '2nd T. 3rd T. 4tU G, 5th J. m\ C. 7th 12 O 0 13 15 0 ,i< ■1 9 .5 0 17 12 9 17 tj 12 12 O 22 17 15 12 20 14 12 10 '20 19 12 10 8 Wilkinson Jenny Lind 20 108 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. L Ai.gHBt 8, 1806. GLEANINGS FROM ROCK AND FIELD TOWARDS ROME.— No. 3. Leavinc; Siena by railway for Fioiille, we passed through many miles of country so desert-like, so bleak and bare of vegetation, that it looked as if just emerging from a second deluge whicli had left but few of the inhabitants, and they with the marks of sin and liorror still upon their brow. We rejoiced when the railway journey gave place to a comfortable carriage drawn by four horses and two white bullocks with large, gazeUe-lilce eyes, and we were once more ascending a mountain's steep side, where we could revel in nature with the breath of Violets scenting the air around us. We saw few habitations, but here and there peasant women in scarlet hoods, distaff in hand, were carding what seemed to be flax, as they minded flocks of sheep and pigs, wandering amidst the flowery wilderness of Myrtle and white Ericas. On this mountain I saw, for the first time in Italj-, the Pteris aquihna. I also found Polystichum angulare and Asplenium trichomanes. I looked in vain for some form or variety imknown to me ; and yet I had plenty of time to look, for we were upwards of five hovirs th'iving the twenty-one miles that divided the FicuUe station from Orvieto, which appeared before us on its grand elevation of rock, like the huge battlements of some giant castle ; now close to us, now far away, as we wound round and round the glorious hill. As we entered the town, daylight faded, and the dimly-lighted houses showed us parties of men drinking at long tables such as one sees in Dutch pictures. The next day was market-day, and the streets were filled with i^arties of peasants, gaily dressed in various costumes, driving in mules laden with wood and other commodities. The peasant women wore many-coloured and richly-embroidered stays, with white or coloured chemisettes and sleeves ; the petticoat was short, and of some striped material ; some wore on their heads Hat towels, folded square, and others red hoods ; while the men were attired in velvet jackets, made very fan- cifully, knee-breeches, bright stockings, and steeple-crowned hats. The bright and varied streets were a fitting introduction to the wonderful cathedral, the facade of which is a mass of richly inlaid mosaics, and basso-relievos in wliite marble or alabaster ; these latter were in compartments, each relating some Bible story. The interior is rich with treasures, amongst them some beautiful frescoes of Fra Angehco's. All the pictures and frescoes were photographed, and the priests sell copies of them in the cathedral, before the very altars, where a short time before the mass was celebrated. It is a long time before a Protestant travelling in a Roman catholic country can rm- derstand what is considered sacred in their churches. Not the church itself, for it is desecrated in evei-y way — not the altars, for no knee bends before an empty shrine. As far as I have been able to break through the outer crust of much seeming irreverence, and to look beneath the surface, I should say that respect is alone paid to the blessed Sacrament and to statues or, so-eaUed, miraculous pictures. We left Orvieto for Viterbo on the 14th of March, driving through a very cold hailstorm. On our way we found the Anemone apennina (the only wild specimen I have ever met with), Scilla obtusifoha, Violets of several shades of colour, Pteris aquihna, Pulypodium vulgare, AcUantum nigrum, Poly- stichum angulare, Asplenium trichomanes, Ceterach, &c. The drive had but little of beauty to recommend it, though here and there a lovely scene of lake and tree, mountain and sky, would call forth an exclamation of delight ; but the per- vading atmosjihere was wretchedness. The cottages — as I write the word, the dear whitewashed cottages of England contrast themselves with the miserable huts I saw on this route — huts in which no chimney was visible, no outlet for the smoke of the scant fire, save the hole of the uuglazed window, or the door, from which a herd of half-naked children rushed at the carriage wailing piteously. I was divicUng some bread amongst a group of three of these beggars — one a Uttle child of three jears old — there was but bread enough for two, the httle child saw this at a glance, and gave a cry of such wild terror and hunger, that it pierced my very heart. Is there any cry on earth like that of a little child for bread ? Its intense plead- ingness haunted me into Viterbo. I shiver when I think of Viterbo, and of the scowling hand- some faces of its people, that seemed to demand of me as I walked along, " Your money or yoiu- life." " Of twenty brigands taken in the last two years," said a friend to me, " seventeen were from Viterbo." I had read of brigands all my Ufe, but now I was, as it were, face to face with them, for the road from Viterbo to Rome is a part of their most con- venient hunting-ground, its numerous windings and abrupt turnings giving ample opportunity for concealment and escape. Whether we should meet the brigands or whether we should escape them ; who should be the spokesman of the occasion ; who would give up jewels, and who would hide them, were the questions to be decided while pressing the wild-flower specimens or encom-aging wet logs of wood to give a friendly blaze. By seven o'clock on March 15th we left Viterbo by a dreary ascent up steep hills covered with snow, protected at intervals by gens d'armes, who looked so lonely and miserable in their wretched huts that I fancied a brigand's friendly greeting would have been better than none. We lunched at Monterose. The inn is worth a visit on its own account. From a courtyard, filled with horses and carriages, you ascend a broad flight of dirty stone steps, and putting aside a dingy cotton curtain at the top, you find yom-self in a large chamber, with a wide open fireplace at the end, and several dining-tables spread around. Congregated in this chamber is a miscellaneous company of wayfarers de- vouring as best they can tough cocks and hens, accompanied to the death by a band of fleas that hop about without cere- mony or constraint. Different parties of travellers keep putting aside the curtain and entering on the scene, Uke players on a stage, save that the acting is to the very life. There is the Englishman, silent and reserved, melting, if ever he does melt, under a smile of protest, as though he should say, " Take notice, I give way under the exigencies of travel ;" there is the American loudly " guessing " and " calculating " as only Ame- ricans can ; there is but no, I will not ilraw on my ima- gination, for I saw only English and Americans at Monterose. "I guess," said one, en route from Rome, "you'll find the Eternal City about as unpleasant for climate as any place iu the world ; fix it how you will, you must always wear two coats, and then I calculate you '11 have bronchitis if you walk in the shade, and fever if you walk in the sun." " iiVhere then," I asked, " is the ' unchanging blue ' of the Roman sky ? " " Well," was the reply, " I guess you '11 about have left that at Torquay." Not being able to eat the chickens, and wishing to escape being eaten myself, I set off to walk in advance of the carriage. The keen piercing wind came raving to meet me : the peasants, clothed in sheep skins and goat skins, looked out at me from miserable huts, roofed only with mud and leaves ; there were very few wild flowers, only here and there a straggling Rose, doing its cheerful best to adorn the rough masonry of the bridges, which crossed the swamp-like road. On every side there appeared evidences of poverty, degradation, and misery. Hanging in festoons about one old bridge I found what I be- lieved— from its long tendril-like branches of dark shining leaves, and clusters of pointed buds — to be the Banksian Rose : this seemed the more likely, as I aftenvards found the Bank- sian growing all but wild in the hedges about Florence and Rome. Entering Rome by this route, I can imagine nothing more desolate : there were few crosses, and very few churches. " Verily," said I, " the shoemaker's children are the worst shod." Entering Rome ! Can any one enter Rome as they enter any other place on earth ? What is it that gives to every tra- veller Romewards that intensity of anticipation that keeps the eye straining on the far distance for the first speck on the horizon that conveys the certainty of Rome '.' The air around one seems to vibrate to the echo of the old heroic deeds that make the schoolboy's veins tingle with enthusiasm ; the wind that blows upon one's brow seems yet wailing with the last cry of agony \vrung from the martyr's heart ; your whole intelligence is wrought to the highest point as you wait in almost breathless silence for the first cry of — Rome ! In a few minutes a cry came, but it was not Rome : only a poor man lying by the way- side, dead, in a pool of blood. Whether he had been gored to death by one of the wild bullocks that abound in the Campagna, or whether he had been murdered, we never discovered : the prelude to our entrance to Rome, as it has been to that of thousands, was blood. A few minutes more and another cry came, but it was not Rome, it was — St. Peter's ! Yes, there was St. Peter's ! and forthwith the old grand thoughts of ancient Rome melted away, and in their place came the Triple Crown. How woiJd it look near at hand ? Were the jewels that adorned it diamonds, or only gUttering paste ? There, however, is St. Peter's, square, and squat, and roimd about the dome ; there is the Vatican, looking, with its many rows of square windows, like MOlbank Penitentiary ; there is the Tiber, trailing its thick clammy waters along, not yellow nor yet brown, but very uncomfortable-looking in their Aniriist 8, 1865. ] JOURNAL OF nORTICDLTUnE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 109 greyish brownish Rarb ; there is the Porta del Popolo, through which a strcnm of fair-fiiced meu and women are passing from the daily ovoninK service of tlio Euglisli Cliiirch, held outside the walls ; and here is — Rome. — FiLi.\-Fa;MiN.v. CLOTH OF GOLD GERANIUM— SPARKLER CALCl'IOLARLV. " R. F." has told us how Cloth of Gold Geranium stands with him, and solicits information as to the success or the contrary of others. I have two circular beds of this variety edged with gi-een foliage ; the plants were all young and healthy when planted out, now, all that is left of them is about half a dozen leaves on each about the size of a shilling, and I have during the last week seen several almost as badly off as ourselves. I may add that the beds are fully exposed to sunshine, but sheltered from all wind excejjt the south-west. Cloth of Gold will do very well in favoured situations in a soil composed of fine mellow loam and peat. Such, at least, is my expe- rience. I would like to say a word about Calceolaria Sparkler. It has the best habit of any bedding Calceolaria I have ever seen. Neither sun, wind, nor rain, has any effect upon it. Some small plants in thumb-pots were planted out, and are doing re- markably well. They are thoroughly shrubby ; the colour is scarlet brown, with bright yellow caps. As so many of the bedding Calceolarias now grown have so much of the herbaceous strain in their constitution, I shoiild like to hear how Sparkler is liked, and to be informed of any other variety of the same habit. In my letter on softening hard water, page 71, the word " Pears " in the third and fourth line from the bottom should read " plants." — F. Flitton. VISITS TO GARDENS PUBLIC AND PRIVATE. M. LOUIS VAN HOUTTE's, GHENT,* BELGIUM. The travellers who enter Ghent for the first time are no doubt moved, as in all such cases, by very various feelings. To one man it is the city of commerce, of linens and of calicoes, stuffs and cloths ; and its taU chimnies and large factories are indications that his journey wiU not be in rain. To another man it is the city dear to him in its historv-, its achievements, and its sufferings — the city of .Jacques and Philip Van Arte- velde ; the scene of Alba's brutalities, and of Egmout and Horn's sorrows and death ; the city of turbulent burghers and sturdy citizens, whose ideas of liberty were too often that of some of our modern friends — full liberty and thought, provided you agree with them. They rejoice to see the towers their heroes gazed on, and the places where they met and harangued their fellow citizens, places from which Henry Taylor drew his inspiration in his noble poem of " Philip Van Artevelde." To the horticulturist it is the city of uiuserymen jx'f rxceUence; the city of CamelUas and Azaleas ; the home of Van Houtte, and Verschaffelt, and \'au Geert, and the many others who have made a name for themselves throughout Europe and the world at large. Let me say that when I entered it it was with mingled feelings. In a former run through Belgium thirty years ago I had been obliged to pass Ghent by. There were no railways then, and I -was hun-ying home ; but I had stUI enough of feehng to be moved by the story of Ghent, and its eventful histories and noble-hearted men ; and though I bad no calicoes to buy and cotton to seU, yet I did hope to see as a horticul- turist much that might gratify my tastes and satisfy my curi- osity ; and it is a httle of what I then saw that I now wish to lay before the readers of The Journal of Horticulture. I labour under one great disadvantage, for not long ago one of its Editors recorded his impressions of the same place ; but as we -iiew oftentimes in the same pursuit things from a different stand-point, I may perhaps notice some new point, or the same in a different manner, so as to give some fresh notions. I found M. Van Houtte crippled m body by an attack of gout, but active enough in mind, and. as far as a brief inter- view would enable me to form an opinion, fully bearing out _ • I have used the names by which these places are known in England in preference to their true ones, although we lose much by substituting our anglicised terms. How few remember that ''Old John of Gaunt, time-houour'd Lancaster" was so called because he came from Qand, which we corrupted into Gaunt, and then to Ghent. the character given him by "G." Hia establishment is a vast one ; but it must be borne in mind that it is not in a pecuniary point of view resting on his shoulders. The royal arms over the gateway are emblematic, not, as with us, that the esta- blishment serves royalty, but that royalty serves it. In what way I do not exactly know ; but it is, I was infonned, con- sidered as a Government establishment, and not at all corre- sponding to those great estabUshmeuts in our own land which rest solely on the resources of the person or family whoso name they bear. In my tour romid the garden I could not but be struck with the sandy and ajiparently barren character of the soil. Or e would hardly imagine how plants could grow in it ; yet by careful management not only bulbs, but Conifers, Roses, and the like seemed to be doing well. The greenhouses are very numerous, and, generally speaking, low-pitched and very dark, the importance of keeping off the glaring suu in summer leading to the necessity of great shad- ing. The quantity of glass is enormous, and the stock propa- gated and contained in them very large. Thus, there were at least 40,000 Camellias of various sizes, and of all the valuable kinds, as well as the older sorts. 8000 Imbricata and 7000 Fimbriata will show on which kinds the run is mainly made for decorative purposes ; but there were quantities of such fine kinds as Lavinia Maggi, Auguste Desfosses, and Duchesse de Berri, and I must say in a very excellent state of cleanliness and health, affording a remarkable contrast to the French nurseries in this respect. The manner in which the various markets were catered for is somewhat curious. Here were large quantities of Pandanus, Dracsnas, Cycas, and Palms of various kinds : most of these were for the Paris market, where, as every one knows, so much is done in the way of decorating houses, hotels, 0 4 (i « n 4 0 8 II 0 :i 1 II II n n n •2 II » 0 2 (1 i) 0 a 0 1! II s 0 14 0 s. d. d 0 0 13 0 Melons each 2 Oto 5 Mulberries punnet 0 6 1 Nectarines doz. 8 0 Oranges 100 10 0 20 0 Poaches doz. 10 0 20 0 Pears (kitchen)., doz. 0 0 0 0 dessert doz. 10 2 0 Pine Apples lb. 3 0 6 0 Plums A sieve 2 6 4 0 Quinces j sieve 0 0 0 0 Raspberries ...'... lb. 0 6 0 0 Strawberries lb. 0 0 0 0 ^'alnuts bush li 0 20 0 TO CORRESPONDENTS. *** ^N't3 request that no oue ^vill write privately to the depart- mental writers of the "Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, aud Country Gentleman." By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. AU communications should therefore be addressed solely to The Editors of the Juunial of Horticulture ^ <£*c., 171, Fleet Street, London, E.C. Time Requiiied by Peas to Come into Bearing. — I wish to give you my experience of Veitch's Perfection and Hairs' Dwarf Mammoth, which, in a late Number, were stated to require fourteen or sixteen weeks to bo ready for picking. I planted Veitch's Perfection on May 9th, and they were fit for picking on July 22nd — ten weeks and 4 days. Again, I planted Hairs' Dwarf Mammoth May '20th, and have to-day (August 1st) gathered a good crop from them— 10 weeks 3 days. I should have preferred their coming in later, as, since the lattL'r pai-t of May, although my kitchen garden is only 84 feet by 42, and well stocked with other vegetables, i have had more Peas than my family could consume. — Rowland Wheeleb, Veninor. Mrs Pollock Geranium ( W. P. Si8singhur8t).—T:he difficulty of growing this well is more imaginaiy than real. The secret lies in giving it very rich soil, and such can hardly be too rich. See also Mr. Pearson's remarks last week. Insects (A. E. E.). — The caterpillars sent are young ones of one of the species of Agrotis (probably the Heart -and -Dart Moth, A. segetum), which last year did so much mischief all over the eouutrj'. There is no other remedy \vith which we are acquainted to prevent their pre^^ent attacks than that of laying traps of shced vegetables, or Cabbage or Lettuce leaves, just below the suiface, and examining them every other morning. The cater- pillars are produced from eggs, deposited in June by the parent moths, which were, of course, numerous this year; and if we do not have a con- siderable quantity of wet the caterpillars will be agiiin very injurious. — W. Apricots Decaying (John Richards). — ^ From your description, and without seeing them, we should think that the fruit had not ripened from a deficiency of nutriment, and that is most likely occasioned by the branches gumming. We notice that ants and earwigs have this year eaten holes in the fruit before it was ripe, and the rain penetrating into the holes has caused the fruit to rot in that part before the other was ripe. Perhaps your fruit is similarly affected. We have not seen a mildewed fruit during our practice. Surely your mildew is only the mould found on all decayed and decaying fruits. Rose Celine Forestiek not Flowep.ino {G. C. A.). — We would tr>- removing or hfting, aud root-i)runing. Do not prune much, and always to a good eye at the top of the matiu-ed shoots. It requires very little pruning, and never flowers much agaiust a wall, or if it do the flowers do not open well. Club in Cabbages, &c. (Siinbjini). — Before planting your Cabbages, Brussels Spouts, &c., tread or roll the ground so as to make it solid, then with a dibber make good-sized holes ; fill these up with a mixture of burnt soil and rubbish from the rubbish-heap, then put out your plants, and if the weather continues dry give them an abundant supply of water. We have often found this treatment succeed when every other stratagem has failed. Making Rhododendbon-eeds {Drina). — You will best make the bed by digging out the liglit sandy soil, where the bed is to be formed, to tha depth of 2 feet, and then filling in to the depth of a foot with your not-very- heavy clay. On this place a foot of peat, and then plant the Rhododen- di'ons in it. The soil most suitable for Rhododendrons is bog soil, or black fibry peat. Your sandy peat will do, unless very sandy, when one- thkd clay mixed with it would vastly improve it. The best position for Rhododendrons is an open situation, sheltered by trees at a distance, so as not to shade the bed, and yet protect it from strong winds, which I'uin the foliage. Books (J. W. M.). — We do not know when a new edition will be issued, or even that such is in contemplation. Vou might, perhaps, pick up a copy cheaper at some of the bookstalls. You will find nearly all the new plants which have been recently introduced fully described in the several issues of the '* Gardeners' Year-Book," which is pubUshed at this ofiice. Propagating Bedding Plants {G. Z.). — Verbenas, Heliotropes, Age- ratums, Petunias, Cupheas, Fuchsias, and. indeed, all kinds of bedding plants may now be propagated so as to have them well established before winter. "They will all readily strike without artificial he.it. Keep the cuttings shut up close during the day, and pull the lights off early in the morning for a short time, also in the evening for an houi' or two if tho air is uot too dry. AuRUSt 8, 1805. 1 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 115 rRnp,u;ATiNr. Wi-l(n:i.A it.wKA AND IvY {J. H. H.).-TnUo cntt nRS of tho liiUt-ripcned »lu.nts of tUo WciKulii, thoBO tlmt iiro flrin jinil brown ; cut tbcm bclnw tho li.wost joint trnnsvcrscly ; rcmovo llm l.nivoH from thiit nml tho joint above ; lonvo two joints, or at most tlnvc, iibovn tliom. with the loaves onliro, anil insert tho outtinRs, in a col.l friuno, n]. to tho lowest pair of leaves, about ii inches apart every way, usini,' li«ia loam mixed witli about one-half sand. Put on tlio lights after wuteriut', and do not open tb,-ni for tlie next month except to uivo water, sprmlilint,' tliem slit'litlv with water every morninR in briKht weather, an.l KeopniK shaded from' briulit sun. In six weelis they will lie lit tor potting, and should lie kept in a frame iluriuK tho winter ; or they may remain where inserted, and be planted in spring either in pots or open borders. II it is the comm.in Ivv vou wish to propagate, cuttings may now bo placed in a moist shadv border, selecting those cuttings that are shm-t, and have a few roots alre.idv in eourso of fiu-mation upiui tliem ; but it variegatcH thev should be iiiieiled in a eolrt frame, and he kept eloso imd shaded as lor 'the Weigela cuttings. The cuttings should bo slipped oir, and bo insorled about half way in the soil. Raising BElinKKls Darwinii kroji Seed (rfirm).— Place tho hemes in Invers in dry sand, in a box, with sand between each, and sow them next March in light sandy soil, with a littlo peat or loaf mould intermixed. Distribute the seeds in rows. 3 inches apart, or broadcast, and cover with half an inch of light soil. Water copiously diuing dry weather. Potato Scau (.7. r. B.).— Wo can give you no information as to tho cause bevond what was stated in last week's and previous Numbers. In your case, from the limed portion being scabbed, and the tubers in the nnlimed ground sound, tho disease is no doubt attributable to the use of lime, especially as tho ground is hght and sandy. Forming a Croquet Ground (L. /. B.).— The gi-eatest fault of all croquet grounds that wo have seen is that thoy are too small— not too small, perhaps, for the game to be properly played, but too small to allow of a change of ground ; tho eonsoqucneo is, that when the ground is much used, it is soon worn bare, and too short of gi-ass for playing tho game well. Tho smallest we linvo seen was 12 yards square ; this was too small for anything, ami a mere mimicry of a croquet ground. We have seen lawns for croquet of all sizes, from tho eighth of an acre to an acre in extent ; but. from what we know of tho game, we should not think of having one of less than a quarter of an acre or 35 or 86 yards s(|uare— certainly not less than SO yards every way ; and wo would not have it larger unless we expected large parties, and the gi-ound to bo in constant use ; for with such an area we could change the starting and ending posts. For instance, if the sticks were north and south, we would change them, when the grass began to be worn, to east and west, and thus give it a chance to gi-ow by the time the other piece became worn. If the gi'ouud permitted, wo would have the croquet lawn sunk about a foot or ;I3 juches, and form a terrace all round, with a slope of 2 feel to the croquet ground. This terr.a'cc to he 36 feet wide : 15 feet of gi-ass from the slope, then a six-foot waUi, and 15 feet of gi-ass on tho other .side, and bounded by a Yew hedge. On the teiTaeewe would plant ilifferent kinds of close-growing shrubs, anil iipiight-growing Coniferjc, exactly in the centre, on each side, and along tlie ends. Steps of stone at each end, or on all four sides, should lead to the terrace walks ; and on tho terrace, at these points, we would have vases on each side of the walk, and either vases or statuai-y on hiill-teiTnces at all the corners, the latter being rounded for thnt'purposo, and also at the corners of the outside, or on both sides of the waUss. wliero the walks crossed at right angles. Between the shrubs there would bo beds of circular form for bedding and other plants. This might be carried out either on a lal-ge or small scale. In forming the gi-ound. make it level, and allow it to settle and become firm before turflng. When there are many depressions to fill up, and heights to take down, hollows are apt to be formed, in consequence of tho soil sinking. II the subsoil is of a strong tenacious nature, tho turf should bo laid on an inch or so of ashes, which will help to render it drier in damp weather. Some say the gi-ass conies finer, but the reverse is often the case on dry subsoils. Form the ground so as to lay the turf by the beginning of October, and, when laid evenly, gently beat as the w-ork proceeds ; sprinkle a little soil on the turf « Iter laying, but not much ; audit tho soil is at all poor give a t o.id dressing of leaf mould and well-rotted manure in the following Marcli. Let the grass grow up to May, or even June, before mowing, in order that it may form good roots, and then mow and roll regularlv to bring it into order. It wiU require a year to do this, even if good turf be laid. Use it very carefully the first year, for if it become bare nt the commencement it will show the etfects for a long time. If grass seeds are to be sown the ground may be pre- pared during the w-iuter, and the seed sown in .^pril ; let the gi-ass grow until July, then mow, and mow regularly every fortnight afterwards, and manure, "if necessary, in order to obtain a good turf earlier ; this you will do in a year by sowing seed, and the same year by laying turf ; hut you must not expect to use tlie ground the same year, for gi-ass requires time to make a bottom. Of course if it be merely taking up and relaying a lawn that has been some time under the scythe or machine, then the tnrf may be used in the following year, if laid in autumn, or in the same season, if laid in spring; still it will not endm-e dry weather so well as a lawn with the roots deep. The main points are — to make the ground large enough, to level a good depth of soil beneath the tm-f, have a good sward before using it much, and then not to play too long on one place. Heating a Cuccmber Pit '(J. L. Slackhou^f). — Your Cucumber pit will answer very well. You will have enough of heating if you sun-ound the bottom-heat pipes with pebbles. It would be well to place a layer of clean-washed gravel over all. and that will always give a nice bottom for the soil, and prevent any tendency of the roots to go down to the pipes. It will also be advisableto have a few upright drain-tiles communicating \vith the rubble round the pipes, through which you can pour water to give a moist bottom heat. The three-feet bed will do for the Cucumbers, but we would have made path and bed of equal width. Such a house, to have Cucumbers in January-, should have a bottom heat ranging from 75* to 80-', and the top heat without sun should range from GO to 65" for short kinds, and a little more, say from 65 ' to 70 \ for very long Idnds. In dull weather more fire will be necessary so as to permit of air to keep all sweet. Evaporating-pans would be useful on one of the top pipes. Strawberries will swell very well in such a house, after they are set. You must have a cooler place to bring them on in, until the fruit is set. The shelf against the back wall should be from 16 to 18 inches from the glass, according to the size of the pot and the thickness of the turf used. Propaoatino Cerastiom tomentokcm, Pinkh, and Carnationk (A. A. .V.).— Tho Ccrastium will live out of doors, it is perfectly hardy, Put in at once all the cuttings of it you can take off. in a sandy soil on a shady border. Early in the spring propagate from these agnin. In thin wav from a few plants you may obtain a large stoiOl by next year. I inks and Carnations are perfectly hardy ; they iiro best luopagatod by layers. To do this make a slit in the bottom side of tho pilling, at n couvoiiient distance from the plant, so that you may bo able t.) bend tho shoot dowu to the ground without breakiug, taslt^n it with n small hook firmly into the ground just above whcri^ thrslit pas been made; then Bpriiikle a littlo sand around the layers and scriipc a little soil about them, and if all go on well thev win havo'taken root by tho cud of October, when thoy should bo taken frcmi the parent plants and planted in beds of rich soil ratlier elevated. Let them remain in this position till tho spring, when they should bo placed in their hlooming-beds. Tho soil for them should bo good, having a liberal supply of woll-decoinposed cow manure m it. Destroying Ants (.1. ii.).— Wo can only repeat what wo have already stated in answer to other inquirers. To kill ants smear the inside of ii flower-pot with honey ; invert this over their nests, and when tho POt >» crowded with thoui plunge it in boiling water. Repeat this until tho colony is destroved. Another mode consists in placing a 24-sizcd flower- pot over tho nest ; the ants work no into it, and may bo removed with a shovel, and thrown into a bucket of boiling water. The hole m tho pot should be stopped up. Coiling water poured on tho nests 18 a third mode ; and the fourth is to mix arseiib: with honey, or sugar and water, and place in saucers, covering with an inverted one or slate, and placing a stone on the top, and two thin pieces of wood between the saucers or shite, to admit tho ants to the repast, which they will sometimes devour greedily, and at others not touch. To drive away ants pour strong hmo water into their nests several times, and freely. Guano sprmlded over the nest largely, and the appUcation repeated, will also sometimes drive them away; and so will a strong decoction of bruised Laurel leaves poured over tho nest at night. Sometimes a decoction of Elder loaves will answer the same purpose. A line of gas tar near tho base of the wall, and on the stem of the trees, prevents their ascending. Wool they will seldom cross, more especially when it is dipped in oil; oil, especially train oil, and tmiientine, they greotly dislike. Preventing Ants and Earwigs attacking Apricots {B. B.).— For driving aw.av and destroying ants, see reply to " A. R." in the present Number, anil Mr. Fish's remarks last week. Earwigs are best trapped ; tho tr.aps may be had of any seedsman. Broad Bean-stalks cut into six-inch lengths, tho stems of Sunflowers, Jerusalem Artichokes, and of the Giant Cow-parsnips, or Heracleum giganteum, are good for the pur- pose of trapping them. These hollow stems should be placed horizontally in different parts of the trees, and examined every day or every other day, and the earwigs blown or shaken out into scalding water. A bttle drv moss placed at" the bottom of a small flower-pot, and stuck on a stick or spin- of the tree, will induce many to congregate in the moss, they may then be shaken out into scalding water or otherwise destroyed, the pois being frequently examined for that pni-pose. Vine Leaves and Grapes shrivelled (fi. A. M.).— Tho most likely cause of tho leaves turning brown and shrivelling up before the Grapes are ripe, is red spider. Another probable cause is not giving air early; moisture is consequently deposited on the leaves, and the sun acting powerfully upon the cb-ops scorches tho leaves. It may also proceed from the 'bad quality of the glass, some glass burning the loaves very much. The Grapes 'shrivel through shanking, and it is caused by a de- fective root-actiou at the second swelling of the berries. The house not being shaded has nothing to do with it. It is not customary to shade vineries. Daisies and Dandelions on Lawn (Mem).— Grub up the Daisies by the root and the Dandelions also, with as much of the thick tap root as possible, dropping a littlo salt into the hole. It is best done in showery weather. Fill the holes with fresh soil, and slightly scratch the bare places, or level them if necessary with fresh soil, and sow lawn grass seed from now up to the middle of September during showery weather. RoU well after sowing, but not when the soil is so wet as to adhere to the roller. It is best sown a short time before rain, FcNGi DESTROYING Ferns {M. IK.).— We imagine that your rockery is constructed of roots and stumps of trees, or that there is a quantity of wood in the compost, which c.iuses tho fungus. In that case your only method of getting rid of the fungus would be to remove the pieces ot wood, to reconstruct the rockery of stone only, and to replant the Ferns in compost free from sticks aud pieces of wood. Tho present, however, is not a proper time to do this kind of work, the best time is spring; besides it may be impracticable from the absence of stone, and we may be altogether' wrong in judging your rockery to he of stumps and roots of trees. We have always found that fungi were caused by wood either m the soil or in close proximity to the roots of tho Ferns. Stir the soil, remove that where the fungus most abounds, and dust fresh limo wher- ever tho fungus e:dsts, replacing the soil removed with fresh compost. Whenever the fungus re-appears stir tho soil frequently, and sprinkle with fresh lime, which is disliked by all fungi, and the only effectual mode ot keeping them in cheek without seriously injm-ing the plants. Beech Le.ites of different kinds on the same Tree {E. S.)-— The cut leaves are those of Fagus svlvatica heterophylla, which are sometimes in narrow shreds and at other times broader. This variety is very apt to return to its normal form, the common Beech, as in the present instance —hence the supposed Oak and Beech leaves on the same tree. Colouring Brickwork (B. 11'. C.).— The best plan you can adopt with your flue that is so exposed, is to colour it in tho usual way with lime wash, and then place a wire guard along the exposed side to keep it froni the clothes of visitors. This wlU be better than colourmg that will not rub off. Fuchsia blooms prematurely falling ( , NoHhaVeHo7i).—We founil no trace of insects on yom- Fuchsia blooms. We behove that the loll- ing of the bloom is owing to one of two causes— the heart of the ball "' oanu isdrv, notwithstanding your regular watering— and, if you suspect this, make holes with wires, or set tho pot in a tub ot water- or the hecs^ have access to your flowers and fecundate them, aud then tho bloss^om drops. Many are obliged to use gnuze coverings over the open ventilators to keep bees from Fuchsias. From this cause we have seen hundreds or blooms drop on a morning. Let us know what you think. Vie are obli"ed for the information about the Chrysanthemums and the Lonicera. 116 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 8, 1865. Red Spider and Mildew on Vine Leatks (B. W. Stnnnu»).—Yo\iT Vines are very much infested with mildew and red spider. Procure some qnasKia chips, boil them for fifteen minutes, about 3 ozs. to two gallons of water. After it is cold syringo the Vines well with this two or three times. If the house is heated by hot-water pipes, give these a good coatiDR over with sulphur mixed with softsoap. give all the air possible, and sonk the Vines well atthe roots. We suspect they have suffered from want of water. The border is too shallow. Place 8 or 10 inches of fresh Boil on the top of the border at once, but first give a liberal sprinlding of bones all over the border. See that it is well soaked i^ith water before you do VrAs. Destboving Tdrips on Cucumber Leaves iA Subscriber). —The insect is the c()mmon thrips — it changes colour as it becomes older. If the bulk of the leaves are as bad as those seut. the best plan is to smoke the house with sulphur and kill plants as well as insects, clean the place, and begin anew. If those sent are the worst, and there is a good deal of healthy foliage, we would cut off all the worst carefully and burn them, then Kmoke with shag tobacco when the leaves are dry ; next day keep shaded and close, sjTinge with quassia water or weak glue water, and repeat the dose. If the plants are as bad as the leaves sent, we would not waste the tobacco on them. Once we had a bed very much attacked and we cut off all the leaves, washed with glue water, and let the plants break afresh, but this only answers with strong healthy plants. Verdena Velvet Cushion, &c. {E. P. ; G. L.).~For plants of these apply to Messrs. E. G. Henderson & 8ou, of the Wellington Kuad Nursery, bt. John's Wood, London. They will also supply the Viola cornuta in any quantity. It is not the common garden variety. Names of Plants (JV. i?.).— Hollyhock apparently worthless, but im- possible to judge of certainly in the stage at which it was sent. The labels of both your Fuchsias were detached. {A. K.).—l, Do not recognise this leaf ; 2, Gasteria verrucosa ; 3, Aloe serra. {ChcuUrnore, Waterford).^ Encephalartos pungens. [East Sussex).—!, Muhlenbeckia cornplexa 2. Cyrtanthera Pohliana ; 3, Begonia ; 4, Begonia discolor ; 5, Lastrea decurrcns ; 6, Convolvulus mauritanicus ; 7, Asclepias curassavica. (Z>. Davis).—! and 2. (young), vars. of Athyrium Filix-fo-mina ; 8, appears to be Hj-polepis distans ; 4, Nephrolepis tuberosa ; 5, Scolopendrium vulgare crenatolobatnm ; 6 to 9, vars of Scolopendrium vulgare, not determinable without better fronds. (T. W., A Subscriber).— SoUdngo virgaurea and Hemerocallis coerulea. The Pelargonium not determin- able. {New Forest).— IliQ smaller is Cystopteiis biill)ifera; the larger, Lastrea spluulosa. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS in the Subm-bs of London for the Week endins Aiijmst 5tli. Date. TEERUOUETER. Wind. Rain in inches. Genehai. REMAass. Air. Earth. Max. Min. Max. Mln. 1 ft. dp. 2 ft. dp. San. . . 30 Mon... 31 Tnes. . 1 Wed. . 2 Thurs . 8 Fri. .. 4 Sat. .. 5 Mean.. 29.975 29.779 29.804 29.734 29.745 30.02G 80.063 29.944 29.573 29.747 29.318 29.677 29.871 30.030 78 76 65 63 65 70 73 42 49 87 37 45 85 43 65i 641 64 63 61 60 60 63i 63 62 61 694 59 69 N.E. S.W. W. S.W. w. N.W. W. .00 .85 .00 .49 .42 .00 .00 Fine ; very fine ; with some clouds ; cool at nij^ht. Very fine ; overcast and iiue ; heavy rain at night. Cloudy throuRhout ; cold at night. [at night. SUght rain, showery: thunder; heavy showers ; cold; nearly freeaiug Rain ; showery ; heavy rain at night. Partially overcast ; fine with clouds ; very iine ; cold at night. Heavy dew, with slight fog; exceedingly fine throughout. 29.875 29.937 70.00 41.14 62.71 61.00 1.76 POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. AMONG THE MENDIPS WITH MR. RODBARD. No. 2. On looldng out from my window I foimd the morning was most brilliant. There had been rain during the night, and now it was " the clear shining after rain " mentioned in the Bible. On such occasions tbe state of the atmosphere is grateful to the senses of sight, and smell, and taste. Break- fast having been dispatched, Mr. Eodbard proposed a walk to inspect the poultry. I am, perhaps most of us are, fond of imagining before I see it what a place will be like, and then comparing the reality with the imagination. I thought that the poulti-y would be in specially built houses ; I thought of the various contrivances to keep the breeds separate ; what sort of laying-places ; I thought of an infinite outlay of painted ■wood, wire-netting, newly invented food-pans, and water- bottles. All my thoughts and imaginings were quite unneces- sary, and qmte incorrect. The ground in the park around Aldwick Court was of the most undulatory description possible. I use the word " undulatory " in its original meaning " wave- like." A high mass of hill, then a valley, deep but not wide, then another wave of hill, then another valley, and so on. Now the consequence of this was that within what was really a short distance there might be two distinct walks for poidtrj-, and the two lots of birds never met ; then on further, other walks. Bearing this in mind, a great deal of trouble was spared. Then all being grass runs and such splendid air no wonder that I did not see one sickly bird. As to houses, Mr. Eodbard informed me that he had not built one. There happened to be a number of old buildings scattered here and there on the estate before it became his, some for cattle, others for tool- houses, &c., and these, without even much alteration, became his poultry-houses. But now tor our walk. Passing through a building filled with aU manner of baskets which had been sent to many shows, and whose inhabitants had never been overcrowded, I come to walk No. 1, where were some Spanish fowls just returned from a show, having won a prize of coiuse. We ascend a hiU, but in ascending I stop to admire some Eouen Ducks whose marvellous length seemed to require that they should have an additional pair of legs. I throw out this hint to com- mittees, " Rouen Ducks to take prizes are expected to have four legs, those having but the ordinary two will be cUsqualified." Doubtless fom--legged ones would appear ! We can breed to feather, why not to a foot? Up the hill^that wicked " B." who said I was fat would have heard me pant at any rate, though I am not fat, I beg to state. We come to an aged tree round which a seat had been made; this is called " Hannah More's tree," and it is said the authoress loved to climb the hill and enjoy the prospect. " But what is this somewhat ecclesiastical building in the trees?" "Only my private chapel," said Mr. E. We enter the gate of the — is it a church- yard? Yes — no — yes — no — I think not, for I see no grave- stones, only fowls. It does look like a church of church- warden-gotbic, tower and all. On going round to the south door I find it is not a chmeh, but built to look like one at a distance. It was erected for the accommodation of cattle. Had I pre.ached there, my text would have been "Whatmeaneth this lowing of oxen that I hear ? " But the cattle had given place to Partridge Cochins — I caught a cockerel, and a big baby he was — I then caught a hen, the largest I think I had ever seen. Unless I greatly mistake, Mr. Eodbard will do wonders with his breed of Cochins — other exhibitors, look out; cross your strains, hatch early, feed well, or you will be beaten. Nay, you must be beaten tmless you have as large birds. Leaving the church with its congregation of sleepy (sitting) hens, and the larger congi-egation of lads and lasses (cockerels and pullets) walking about the chm'chyard — idle creatines, where is the churchwarden ? — we dip down a valley, and come upon a tool- house divided by wire, with a most hopeful-looking lot of Spanish inside. Then on to a walled garden, in the corner of which was a gardener's cottage converted into a poultry estabhshment for early Spanish chickens. In a good-sized room, eeUed and with glazed windows, were a vast number of birds. Imagine three counters from drapers' shops running round the room, with upright boards nailed on the edges, thus turning the counters into troughs, and in each trough a quan- tity of chopped straw to keep the chickens wann. The said chickens when I saw them were advanced in chickenhood, and even sporting in an enclosed space, hiding beneath artichoke and rhubarb plants ; they aU seemed healthy. I stroll on and come to a farmyard, where I find some Game fowls ; these gave me a heartache, as I always want to keep them, but am unable. Further on, past a lodge, we came to the coachman's cottage, where, in the yard, we found a number of Spanish cocks hving together in single blessedness, yet happy bachelors, neither moping nor pugnacious. A Uttle fm'ther, and I am in front of Aldwick Court, and my ramble is done. Now for a few reflections. Mr. Eodbard has singular facili- ties for keeping his birds — the groimd, the air, everything in their favour. Then he thoroughly imderstands poultry, and most thoroughly enjoys the pastime. I have never seen such good Spanish, and never better Bouen Ducks ; the Cochins and August 8, 1865. ] JOUUNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 117 (liuno wore alfio excellent. A lunch formed a natural conclusion to my walk, then, for 'tis Satunhiy, I must away. Wo drive back to "i'atton, and in the railway I mcdiliito upon the pleasant visit 1 liave had. This second paper would have appeared earlier hut for tho illness of tho writer; and now, if my memory lias failed mo and I have not noted nn_\"tliin^ that was notrwortliy at Aldwick, tho plea of an aching head and yhaky hand must be given. — "WiLTsniiiE Rector. LUTTERWOKTH POULTRY EXHIBITION. Thk miralier of entries for this Show were beyond quostiou mnch curtailed, from the fact that the nearest railway station to Luttonvoi'th is fully three and a hnlf luilcs from the place of exhibition, neverthe- less there were suffiiieut liirds npon tlie f^round to make a f^ood show. It is certain, liowever, that had the Lutterworth nieetint; heen of easy aceess by railway, the number of pens would have been doubled. The poulti-y were exhibited under a tent pcrl'ertly wateqiroof, a fact that ■was unfoi-tnnately tested during the whole of the iirst morning the Show wat! ojieii by cxceediujily heavy occasional downfalls of rain. In Grey Dorkiiiffs the classes were veiy good, Henry Warner, Esq., of The Kims, Loughborough, exhibiting excellent adults, hut at present in deep moult ; and he gained the lirst pri^e also in Dorlring chickens with a pen that proved a complete " walk over " to his apponents. The .S';»ff///*s7( fowls were good likewise, but much out of condition. In C^or/(('«.s- (any colour eonipetinjj). Buffs alone were the prize take is, for though some excellent Partridge-coloured ones were shown, eveiy cock proved defective. The White Cochins were well shown, and proved one of the bcst-lilled classes in the Show. Some White Cochin chickens competing with quite hrt'/Iit ;iirni huja were of course inad- missible, iriimr fowls during moult always show to gi'eat disadvantage, but some excellent birds were entered. With the exception of the (ToIden-sp.angled Htiniburghs, the Hambnrghs were perhaps one of the very worst classes in the Show. Some pretty Gold-laced Bantams were exhibited, and some very fair White ones also. The Game Bantams were superior, but moulting. The Aylesbury Duels were one of the best classes in the show ; but, strange to say. not a single eutnr was made for Rouens. The Turl-eys were really capital, but there was no entry whatever of Geese. Tho Fiffcons were few in numbers, but the prize Carriers, Turbits, Powters, Runts, Jacobins, and Fantails, were decidedly better than heretofore at this Society's meetings. It is a pleasure to record the fact, that everj- arrangement was not only perfectly fulfilled, but also completed long prior to the time appointed for opening. The fowls were liberally fed, and the pens used were the wcU-lmown exhibition pens of Mr. Turner of Sheffield. Had tho weather been propitious, instead of the most disheartenmg that could be imagined at the break of day, the attendance of visitors would doubtless have been far gi-eater, but hea^-j- showers prevented numbers from taldng tickets who actually had pm-posely attended at the various outlying railway stations to do so. Some of the more daring visitors, beguiled by an occasional gleam of sunshine, ventured even to walk from the TJUersthoi-pe station to receive, in many instances, a thorough wettiug through in return. Dorkings. — First, H. Warner, Lougbboroutjh. Second, M. Brown, Ab- Kettleby. Commended. H. Bond, Luttcrwortli.' 0/nVAvHs.^First, H. W'arner. Second, M. Brown. Conunended, H. Bond ; W. T. Everard, Alton Grange. Spanish. — First and Second, M. Brown, Ab-Kettlehy. Commended, E. Morley, Sapcote. Chicknift, — Prize, W. T. Everard, Alton Grange. Cochin-Chixa (Any colour). — First, J. Buckley, Dosford. Second. H. Warner. The Elms. ('hick'in.—Fiist, H. Warner. Second, J. Buckley. Highly Commended, A. Guv. Eaton. CockiN-CHiNA (White).— First, F. F. Foster. Eii-mincham. Second, M. Bro^vn, Ab-Kettleby. ChiH-cns.—Vrize, J. Pratt, Whetstone. G.iME (Black-breasted and other Reds).~First, K. Sansome, Lutterworth. Second, W. S. Ivens, Lutterworth. Chickens.— Fh-at, H. Warner, The Elms. Second, W. T. Everard. Alton Grange. Game (White, Piles, or any other Colour).— First, W. T. Everard, Alton Grange. Second, A. Guy. Eaton. Highly Commended, W. S. Ivens, Lutterworth. Chickens. — First, W. T. Everard, Second, H. Warner." Hambi:rgh (Golden-spangled). — First. H. E. Emberlin, Humberstone. Second, W. Dravcott, Humber'^tone. Commended, J. Buckley, Desford. Chickem.—Firai. H. E. Emberlin. Second W. Braycott. Hamburgh (Silver-spangled). — First, withheld. Second, J. Bucldey, Be s ford. Bantams (Gold-laced). — First, W. Draycott, Humberstone. Second, Lady Bcrners. Ke>'thorpe Hall. Bantams (Clean-legged). — First, W. Draycott, Humberstone. Second, H. E. Emberlin. Humberstone. Bantams (Black Clean -legged). — Pi-ize W. Draycott, Humberstone. Bantams (Game, Black-breasted and other Reds).— First, W. S. Ivens, Lutterworth. Second, A. Guy, Eaton. Highly Commended, H. Warner, The Elms. Ducks (Aylesbury).— First. H. E. Emberlin, Humberstone. Second, W. A. Kendall, Humberstone. Highlv Commended, F. Gill, Narborough. Turkeys.— First, A. Guy, Eaton. Second and Highly Commended, J. Johnson, Braunstone. Pigeons.— CnmVrs.— First, F. F. Foster, Birmingham. Second, W. Draycott, Humberstone. Highly Commended, F. W. Montgomery, Wals- gravo. !r«rbi(«.— First, F. F. Foster, Binninghnm. Second, II. E. Rmlierlin, numberstonc. Commended, F. F. Kostor. PowtrTH. — First, H. E. Emberlin, Humberstone. Second, F.F. Foster, Birmingham. Com» mended, F. W. Montgomery, Walsgravo. liunU. — Firnt, H. E. Kndiorlin- Humbcrstune. Second, W. Iteed. Jnrolniis. — First, F. F. Foster, Birm- inghnm. Second, H. Emlierliu, Hund)erstone. Ftmtnih. — First, W, Draycott, Humberstone. Second, K. !•'. Foster, BirminRham. Commended, C. li. Gates, Lutterworth. Mam>icH.—Vri-/.t.\ H. E. Enit)crlin, Humberstone, Antj other jurrir-Zt/-— First, H. F,. Endierlin, Humberstnne. Second, F. W. Mniit'.'nuu'rv. Walsgriivc. Iligldy Commended, F. W. Montgomerj', Com- niriitl.d ('. il. Gates, Lutterworth. Umuuts.— (r././Zi^. — First, W. Draycott, Humbersiono. Second, F. W. Miintginacry, Wulsgrave. Length o/ £(ir«.— First, F. W. Montgomery, Walsgravo. ' Second W. Read. Any other kind.—'Prizo, W. Draycott, Humberstone. SwEKi'STAKEti (Gamo Gockl.— Prize, H. Warner, The Elms. Highly Commended, W. T. Everard, Alton Grange. Kdward Hewitt, Esq., of Eden Cotta ge, "Sparkbrook, Binningham, ofliciated as Judge* BUDE HAPTEN POULTRY SHOW.— Jur.Y SRth. This was the ninth annual Show, aiul thcro were sixty entries mora than last year, the I'unils too are still increasing. The afternoon of tho day of exhilntion was very fine, thouf^h tlie moniing was by no means promising, and tho visitors, eonsequontly, were very numerous. Darkitigs took tho leail for entries, and many of them were purchased from fii-st-elass yards. Tho first-prize White Dorldngs were a beautiful pen, so too were the first-prizi! Golden-pencilled llainhvrrihli. In Game there were twelve entries of first-class birds. |The chichms were rather too young but very handsome. Black Cornish were beautifal birds. Dark-pencilled Brahma chickens from H. Loworthy, Esq., bat not entered for competition, were mnch admired. The Difclcs, Ouiiwa, J'owl/i, and 2'urkeys were also very good. Dorkings (Colom-ed).— First and Second. Rev. G. De C. Guille. Third- Rev. A. C. Thynne. Fourth, Rev. J. R. Whvte. C/iict^iw.— First, RaT G. De C. Guille. Second, J. Brock. Simjle C'ocJ:.— First, J. Galsworthj' Second, J. Dinner. Dorkings fWhite).— First, W. Picknrd. Second, J. M. Braund." Spanish.— Fiist, R. Hoskin. Second, J. .Joce. Third, W. Leach. Chickens. — Fu-st. R. Hnskin. Second, J. Slumau. MiNQRcAS.— Prize, W. Shearm. Game.— First, J. Joce. Second, H. M. Bazlcy, Third, H. '.Parsons. Chickcnii. — First and Second, S. Picl-nrd. Cochin-china. — First and Second. W. L. Trewin. Malays.— First, and Second, H. Dareh. Cornish (Black).— First, D. Maynard. Second. W. Bromell. Hamburgh (Golden-pencilledl.— First, J. F. Dehnar. Second, Mrs., lungdon. Hamburgh (Golden-spangled),— First, .J. F. Delmar. Second, J. Banbury. Hamburgh (Silver-pencilled). -First, J. M. Braund. Second, T. Legg. Hamburgh (Silver-spangled).- First and Second, W. M. Lancaster. Poland (Golden-spangled).— First, F. Glo-y-no. Second, W. Hore. Poland (Black, White-topped),— First and Second. W. L. Trewin. Barndoor.— First, J. B. Lyle. Second, —Barrett. Thiid, U. Francig. Fourth, J. Francis. Fifth, a! Seldou. EXTRA PRIZES. Cock and two Hens. — First and Second, E. Hockin. Bantams (Black).— First and Second, W. Bromell. Guinea Fowls. — Prize, Rev. G. De C. Guille. Ducks (Aylesbm-y).- First, J. Bines. Second and Tliird, T. Barrett. Ducklinffs.— First, J. Bines. Second, W. Bines. Ducks (Common).— First, J. Cotton. Second, T. Trewin. Third, S. T. Pickard. Fourth, L. Coham. Ducklings.— First, W. Bines. Second, J. Wood. Third, J. Goard. Docks (Rouen).— First, Rev. G. De C. Guille. Second, G. P. H. Paty. Geese.— First, J. Heal. Second. W. Brock. Third, J. Woodley. TURKEVS.— First, Eev. G. De C. Gmlle. Second, J. Heal. Third, G. Risdon. Pigeons (Common).— Prize, J. H. Cotton. Jacohim, Truvipeters, Tuvi- blir^. — Prize, .1. M. Braund. Rabbits (Lop-eared).— First. .T. Cory. Second, F. Gloyne. Rabbits (Common). — First, J. Brimacombe. Second, P. W. Bray. Extra Prizes giten by Willlam Maskell. Esq.— Docks.— Prize, H. Brimacomlie. .Judges. — Dr. Scott, Esetcr, and H. Leworthy, Esq., Newport Barnstaple. NEWMILLERDAM POULTRY SHOW. Tins Show was held on Tuesday, August 1st, on the usual site in Chevit Park, kindly lent for the occasion by Sir Lionel PUkington, Barf., and although the weather was rather unfavourable yet there was a large attendance of visitors. The show of poultry was not so lai-ge as on some previous occasions, yet the quality of the birds shown was decidedly superior. The first prize for Black Red Game was won by Mr. T. J. Charlton, with per- haps the best pen Yorkshire can boast of ; the first in Dnck-wings by Mr. W. H. Briggs: and the first f»r chickens. Brown Reds, by Mr. Avkroyd, with a pen of very extraordiuai*y merit. The Coctiins, fiurk-iiit/.t, Sjialush, Polanih, ' Ilamhvnili.-i, Dvcks, &c., were all o£ first-class character. The following are the awards : — Game (Black Red).— First, T. J. Charlton. Second, F. Vickerman. Any other rarietii.— First, W. H. Briggs. Second, F. Vickei-man. Cliickem.— First, E. .\ykrovd. Second, F. Vickennan. Cochins (Buff).— First, W. Dawson. Second, H. Beldou. Any other rnriXv.- First, E. .T. Wood. Second, W. Dawson. Chickens.— Fiiat, W. H. Briggs. Second, H. Beldon. IIS JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 8, 1865. ri?=".'^"!?'*T^'^'*'' ^- Himsworth. Second, H. Belcion. Chickem.- First, J. Hu-st. Second, H. Himsworth. hPANiRH.— Ph-st, H. Beldon. Second, W. Whitclcy. aAMBDRGHS (Golden-sranKlod).— Prize. H. Beldon. KAMBCKMS (Silver-spunKledl.— First and Second, H. Beldon, Binclev H BeMoiT ^' ■^'''''"'- -^"•'' <"'""■ """rty.-First and Second, sS^"'^,*:^'' ''''"* "■■ ^Tiitc)--First, T. J. Chnrlton. Second, S. Schole- neia. faamf.— First. F. Vickerman, Second. S. Scholefleld. TN„7'^?''J?°;"""--^'''^'- H. Beldon. Second, J. Hirst. Aulesiury.- First, .J. Hirst. Second, H, Beldon. The Judge was Mr. Thompson, HASLINGDEN POULTRY SHOW. The exhibition was held on the 2Sth of July in a larpe meadow, about five minutes' walk from the Town HaU ; and though the rain had the effect of deterring many persons from risiting the show in the forenoon, before one o'clock the snu dispelled the watery clouds and shone forth with the heat and brightness usual to July. Visitors then began to amve in large numbers, and during the afternoon the show gi-OTnd was thronged with persons from all the adjacent townships. The stock of poultiy exhibited was not large, but included many excellent birds. The Gmiif were in good feather and looked well. Many excellent single cocks were shown, and the chief prizes were won by Mr. C. 'W. Brierley, of Middleton. Mrs. F. M. HintUe, of Haslingden, took the first prize for Single mck belonging to the district, and Mr. W. 'Westwcll. of Baxenden, the second. Darldiu/s were a capital show, and Mr. D. Parsons, of Cnerden, near Prestoii, took the chief prize, with a splendid pen. rochiii-CIunn.t were also a capital show, and the pen of Black Spanish belonging to Mr. Henry Beldon, of Bmgley. near Leeds, were first-class, while those belonging to Messrs. Burch & Boulter, of Sheflield, which had the second prize, were really fine. A few good pullets were also shown. Pjiahma Pootms were m good feather, and some fine birds were shown. JJamlwrrfJis were veiy numerous, and the Golden-spangled ones shown were beauti- ful and well bred. In the SilTer-pencilled class there were also some . wjpital birds exhibited. The chief prize for Any yariety?was given to Mr. H. Beldon, for a pen of Polaiitls, splendid" biids. " The show of (jame and other Bantams was far above the average in number and ■ breed. Tiirkei/s, Geese and DucJ.s were also of a very good class. The show of Pigeons was very variecf ; Carriers were a very good class. The fancy classes were well represented, and attracted much : attention. Mr. Yardley, of Binningham, Mr. Cole, of Bradford, and Mr. Brown, of Sheflield, took the chief prizes. Four pens of Ilahhits were also shown, two of which were of the Long-eared class belonging to Mr. W. J. Corbridge, of BlackbniTi. For other varieties prizes were won by Mr. 'W. Graham, of Accrington, and Mr. Corbridge, The following is the list of awards : — Game (Single Cock).— First and Second, C. W. Brierley. Middleton. Highly Commended, ■»'. Gamen, Chester. Commended, J. S. Butler, Poulton-le-Fyldc. Game (Single Cock. Umited to district).— First, F. M. Hindle. Hasling- den. Second, W. We^itwell. Baxenden. Commended. .J. Piatt, Haslingden Game.— First. 0. \V. Brierley. Second, 'W. Gamen. Dorking.— First. D. Parsons, Cuerden. Second. 'W. Gamen. CMckcns.— First and Second, D. Parsons. Commended, J. Stott, Rochdale. Cochin-China.— First and Highly Commended, R. ,T. Wood, Brinscall Hall. Second, T. Stretch, Ormskirk. Commended. H. Beldon, Bingley. C/ticfcens.- First, C. Sedgwick, Keighlev. Second, T. Stretch. Highly Commended. \\'. Bamford, Harpurley. Commended, E. Smith, Middle- ton; W. Bamford. Spanish (Black).— First. H. Beldon. Second, Messrs. Burch & Boulter. Sheffield. Commended. J. Wood. C/iiciens.— First, Messrs. Bm-ch and Boulter. Second, W. Nicklin. Walsal.. Bkahma Pootba.— First. R. W. Bovle, Brav, Ireland. Second. Vf. JIargreaves, Bacup. Hishly Commended, J. Wood. Chickem.— Virst, R. W. Boyle. Second, M. Searaons. Ayleshmy. Highly Commended, J. Statter, Stand Hill ; W. Hargreaves. Hambdugh (Golden-pencilled).- First, H. Beldon. Second. Messrs. Bm-ch ,4 Boulter. Hidilj- Commended. . I. Roliiuson, Gnrstang. Chickens.— First, H. Crossley. Halifax. Second, J. Robinson. Highly Commended. C. TattersaU. Waterfoot. Hamborgh (Silver-pencilled).— First, J. Robinson. Second, Messrs. Hindle' & Pickles. Accrington. C/itcfcfju.- First, H. Smith. Second, H. Beldon. Commended, A. Nuttall, Newchurch. Hamburgh (Golden-spangledl.— First, W. Driver, Keighlev. Second, .7. Robirson. Highly Commended. J.Newton, Silsden. C/ii'c'fon*-.— First, J. Roc, Hadicld. Second. .T. Andicw. Hamburgh (Silver-spangled).- First and Second. H. Beldon. Highly Commended, E. Collinge, Middleton. tVucfcens.— First and Commended, J. Fielding. Second. E. CoUinge. Any other v,irietv.— First, H. Beldon. Second, H. Carter, Holmfirth. Highly Commended, C. W. Brierley; C. Sedgwick. Selling Class (Anv variety).— Prize J. Marehant. Halifax. Bantam (Game).— First. D. P.irsons. Second. C. W. Brierley. Kinrilr Cocfc.— Fii-st. G. Maples, Wavertree. Second, C. ■«'. Brierley. Highly Commended T. Holt. Liuehokne ; T. Eastham, Preston. Bantams (Anv other variety).— Fii-st, S. & R. Ashton, Roe Cross. Second, R. Tate, Leeds. Turkeys.— First, E. Leach, Rochdale. Second, T. Honlker. Blackburn. Geese.— First. R. W. Boyle. Second, M. Seamons. Highly Commended, B.Baxter; E. Leech. Ducks (Aylesbmy).— First, E. Leech. Second and Highly Commended Mrs. M. Seamons. Docks (Rouen).— First and Second, E. Leech. Highly Commended, Mrs. M. Seamons. Ducks (Any other variety).- First. .T. R. .lessop, Hull. Second, T. C. Hamson, Hull. Highly Commended. E. Leech. PlOEONS.-Onm'crs.— First. C. Cole, Bradford. Second.'S. S. Stott, Has- lingden. Highly Commended, W. J. Corbridge, Blackburn. Tumhlen.— First. H. Yardley. Binningham. Second. J. Fielding, jun., Rochdale. Highly Commended, C. M. Royds, Green Hill. -Burls.- Firat, E. Brown. Second. J. Fielding, jun. Highly Commended, C. Cole. Oirla.- First, H. Yardley. Second. J. Fielding, jun. Highlv Commended, C. M. Royds ; J. Fielding, jun. Cropjicrs.- First and Second, C. Cole. Highly Com- mended. E. Brown, Sheffield. Fan(rti;s.— First and Second, H. Yardley. TurKfs.— First. H. Yardley. Second, E. Brown. Dro/joiis.- First and Second. H. Y'ardley. Highly Commended, S. S. Stott. rj-aui))cfP7».— First H. Yardley. Second, F. key, Beverley. Jnfucrps.— First and Second, H. Yardley. Commended, W. J. Corbridge; W. Hill, Littleborough. Anil ntlier varietij.— First. H. Yardlev. Second. W. J. Corbridge. Highly Commended, C. W. Royds ; W. Markland, Dean. Judges — Mr. R. Teebay, Preston, and Mr. K. Sergencson, Liver- pool.— {Ahriilijal from Preston, Guardian.) ROSSENDALE POULTRY EXHIBITION. This was held on the 4th inst., when the following awards were made : — Hamburghs (Silver-pencilled). — First, Hindle & Pickles, Wood Xook, Acerincton. Second. J. Robinson, Vale House, Garstang. Commended, A. K. Wood, Burnside, Kendal. HAilBURGHs (Golden-pencilled) — First. S.Smith. Northowrnm, Halifax, Second, J. Robinson, Vale House, Garstang. Highly Commended, B. Thomas, Sheffield. HA^rBT-RGH Chickens (Golden or Silver-pencilled). — First and Second, A. Nuttall. Mill End (Silver-penciUed). Commended S. Smith. Northo\vi-ani. Hamburghs (Silver-spangledl.— First. A. K. Wood. Bm-nside, Kendal. Second, J. Fielding. Newchurch. Highly Commended, J. Fielding. Hamburghs (Golden-spangled). — First, A. K. Wood, Burnside, Kendal. Second. .J. Roe. Hadfield, near Manchester. Hamburgh Chickens (Golden or Silver-spangled). — First, J. Roe, Hadfield, near Manchester. Second and Highly Commended, J. Fielding, Newchurch. Gajie.— First and Second. C. W. Brierley, Rhode House, Middleton. Highly Commended, T. Dyson, Pellon Litne, Halifax. Chickens.— Tirst, J. Tumer, Pjidcliffe. Seco'nd, A. Nuttall. 5Iill End. Hen or Pullet.— Fiist and Second, C. W. Brierley, Rhodes House, Dliddleton. Highly Com- mended. W. Hargreaves, Bacup. Commended, T. Dyson, Halifax; A. Nuttal. Mill End. Cochins.— First. J. Wood, Brinscall HaU, Chorlcy. Second, J. Nelson, Heatou Mersev. Manchester. Brahmas.— First. W. Hargreaves, Bacup. Second, R. 'W. Boyle, Galtrin House. Bray. Co. Wieklow. Ireland. Bantams (Game).— First, D. Ashworih. Halifax. Second. C. W. Brierley, Rhodes House, Middleton. Highly Commended, R. Tate, Green Road, Leeds. Bantams (Any other variety).— First, C. W. Brierley, Rhodes House, Middleton. Master C. H. Hutton. Pudsey. near Leeds. Any other variety. — First, H. Carter, Upper Thong, Holmfirth. Second. R. Tate. Green Road. Leeds (Black HamburKhs). Hiahly Com- mended. C. W. Brierley. Rhodes House, Middleton (Silver Polauds) ; J. Stott, Healy, near Rochdale (Grey Dorkings). Cock (Game).— First and Second, C. Wf. Brierley, Rhodes House, Middleton. Cock (Game Bantam).— First, C. W. Brierley, Rhodes House Middleton. Second, T. C. Hamson. Hull. Ducks (Aylesbury and Rouen). — First, E. Leach, Greave House. Roch- dale (Aylcsburj'). Second. J. Nelson, Heaton Mersey, Manchester (Rouen). Highly Commended, E. Leach (Rouen). Ducks (A nv other variety).— First and Second, J. R. Jessop. Hull ('V\'inter Teal and Wild Ducks), c'ommeudcd. T. C. Harrison, Hull i Brown Call). Turkeys. — First, J. Wood, Brinscall HaU, Chorley. Highly Commended, E. Leech, Greaves House. Rochdale. Geese.— First. E. Vi'. Boyle, Galtrin House, Bray, Ireland. Highly Commended, E. Leech, Greaves House, Rochdale. E. Hewitt, Esq., of Sparkbrook, Birmingham, officiated as Judge, SULTAN FOWLS. Noticing a query respecting Sultan Fowls or Serai Taooks in yoiir Number of July 25th, I venture to trouble you yyith a few line>^, which may be interesting to the querist. The original pen imported by Miss Watts was sold to, or ex- changed with Mr. Dawsou, of Hopton Mirlield, by that lady some years ago. Mr. Dawson bred them and exhibited them with gi-eat success. After a while Mr. Dawson finding a diffi- culty in keeping up without fresh blood, and wishing to give more room to his favourite Wliite Cochins, by a friendly ar- rangement his entire stock, consisting of an old cock, a younger one, thi-ee hens, and three chickens, came into my hands. I was successful in exhibiting them at Islington, Newport, and Brighton, and two pens were claimed at high prices. This left me with only the young cockerel and one superb old hen, when fortune threw in my way a gentleman from the south of Ireland, who consulted me as to the name of a breed of which he had two liens given him by a lady who had them from a ship from the Mediterranean which put into Queensto\yu. "White- crested, feathered legs, bearded, larger than Bantams." The August S, 1865. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 119 iloscriptiou rang music in my ear. " Sultans for a thousand," I thought, '• now for the much-\yanteil change of blood." My informant wanted lUilT Cochins, and an arrauKOinont was soon etTocted for an uxchanKO ; but, alas ! I ccniUl nut only one, my friend iuforinini.; me that the other having become tho intimate friend and associate of the motlier of certain puppies, and sharing in tlio maternal cares, his dangliter would not part with her at any jirice. My prize arrived, yellow with Shannon clay, with oidy lialf a crest, and generally dehipidatod, but healtliy, and an unmistakeably pure Sultan, not a long-legged, taper-bodicil White-I'oland-looking bird, in- a I'tarmigan, by courtesy a Sultan, but the short legs, curiously square body, upright and abundant tail, and five claws of tlie genuine Sultan — a breed as distinct from White Polauds as Game from Dorking. Tho peculiar hoji in tho gait of these birds is most striking, and their legs are tho shortest in proiiortiou I ever saw. I have twenty-five strong ami lii'ultliy chickens running about fledged, and I hope to introduce some of them to notice as winners in the Variety class before Christmas has turned. — F. W. ZuiuioKST, llcli'illc, Vonnijbrook, Co. Dublin. A PATEKNAL BRAHMA. Many years ago, when I was in conversation with the Rev. G. F. Hodgson, lie told me that a Partridge Cochin cock, which be had imported, would undertake the charge of a batch of ehickeus. I liad never known any of my Brahmas thus anxious to show their paternal affections ; on the contrai-y, if they take notice of the chicken it has been rather by an application of the beak, whicli tender mercy never appeared to be appre- ciated by the recipient. This year, however, my old bird had been placed in a yard, where some three or four hens were tiuisliing their maternal duties. To mr extreme surprise I foimd, after a short time, that when feeding was going on he would allow the chicks to take the food out of his beak. I imagine this commenced by his calling the hens, but it has been fully carried out since they have left the yard ; and it is decidedly amusing to see him. surrounded by thirty or forty chickens, now picking up a grain for this one and now for another. Not satisfied, however, with this part of the per- formance, ho first allowed the chicks to come against him for ■wannth, and ixltimately to get under his wings — in fact, treat him as their mother. At night the same duty is thoroughly carried out, the united families making him the centre of attraction, some resting on his broad back, heads peeping out frJim under his wings, and a motley group around him. I had ne\'er, as I Inivo already said, noticed this before, either in this cock or in any other, and the tinestion in my mind is, "Why is it so? Is old age affecting him? Well, he was hatched in 18S2, and is, therefore, now in his fourth year. I am disposed to think this rather old either for a Cochin or Brahma, and had almost at the beginning of this year made up my mind that the present should be his last year for the stud. His Idndness to the chickens has made me waver. He crows as well as ever, is as attentive to any of his ladies admitted to the j-ard as of yore, and appears every feather to be " monarch of all he surveys," and I am, therefore, disposed still to retain liim for another season. Should any of the readers of " our Jom'nal " have had a similar instance I should like to know what they think. His history during the last few months may offer some solution. Could an old habitue of the exhibition tent, as he was, toll whether or no the judge appreciated him, and whether his pen was or was not decorated as it should be ? I will not decide this knotty point ; but suffice it to say that at the close of the past year he was, for the first time in his life when shown, in first-rate condition, with two si)lend:d partners, unnoticed. Why so I cannot tell. My man Friday ' ' couldn't see the rights on it," and evidently thought it foul play. Friday never pei-jietrates a pun, so he meant it seriously. I will con- fess that with all my admiration for judges in general, and this identical judge in particular, I felt a shade of dissatisfaction, and can only suppose that his spectacles, if he wore any, dropped off just as he came to my pen ; for I hold to this opinion, that though beaten, a thoroughly good pen of birds ought to be commended or more, even if there are a hundred. Tho next week I sent the same pen somewhat doubtfully to a largo show, saw them there myself placed in the worst light of the whole class, still indubitably the best, and the coveted first- lu-ize was there too, with good names not unknown at Birming- ham following me. Since then by some accident, he and another of my birds met on common ground, and, as often hapi)ena, ago and worth had to succumb to youth and power, and 1 found my ]ionr old pet crouched under some wood, looking the jjicluro of abject misery, with his rival carrying plenty of marks of tho fray, crowing trinmiihantly alongside. He never recovered his condition as to feather, yet was highly commended at a grand show soon after, where, however, in repacking, he and one of the hens were so roughly hantUcd that a broad bare ])atch could be easily seen on tlio back of either, utterly devoid of feathers ; so that until moulting is over his chances of prizes are at an end. To-day I introduced some cockerels four or five months old into the yard, but their intrusion he does not tolerate ; so that, although he patronises cockerels of two months old, he does not admire strangers of older growth. — Y, B. A. Z, LIGURL\N BEES. Thk following is a brief account of what various writers havo stated respecting the Ligurian bee : — Aristotle speaks of threo different species of the honcjy bee as well known in his time ; the best variety he describes as small in size, nnnul in shape, and variegated in colour. Virgil speaks of two kinds, the better variety ho states to he spotted or variegated, and of a beautiful golden colour. Mr. Langstroth gives tho opinion of Captain Baldenstein, as observed in their own country, that they differ from the common kind and seem to be more industrious, and among the points which he considered as definitely established by his obsciTations on the Ligurian bee are these — 1st, the queen, if healthy, retains her proper fertility at least three or four years. 2nd, the Ligurian bee is more in- dustrious and the queen more prolific than the common bee, because in a most unfavourable year when other colonies pro- duced few swarms and little honey, his Ligurians produced three swarms which filled three hives with corah, and together with the parent hive laid u)) ample stores for winter, the latter yielding, besides, a box well filled with honey, and the three colonies were among the best in his apiary. The workers do not Uve at most longer tfcan one year ; they do not sting so much as the common bee ; they are more prolific, and con- sequently gather more honey ; they are hardier, as many of the common bees under more favourable circumstances died out this last winter, and the Ligurians lived and did well. Ton can go among the Ligurians without being stung, as they seldom attempt to do so if not disturbed, and many of your correspon- dents who have procured them would not now be without Ligurians on account of their superior qualities. — J. Elko. AUTUMNAL UNIONS. Will you kindly inform me how soon it is prudent to unite stocks, so as not to needlessly sacrifice brood ? I observe in " Bee-keeping for the Many " that it is spoken of in the calen- der under the head of August as well as September. My wish is to effect several unions as early as may be consistent with a due regard to the saving of brood, but I have not had sufii- cient experience to be competent to judge when this may best he done. May I further ask your kind advice as to the desira- bility or otherwise of sprinkling bees to be united with sugared beer? Taylor recommends it. " Bee-keeping for the Many " makes no mention of it, but says (I quote from memory), that after knocking the driven bees out and placing the stock hive to which they are to be united gently over them, they will quicldy ascend, and all will be jieaee and harmony. If the sprinlding process may be safely dispensed with I should prefer it.— G. S. C. [Unless you defer the operation until very late in the season you must expect to find more or less brood. We, therefore, never hesitate, but always utilise what bvood-eomb we find by giving it to some of our stocks to hatch out. In moveable comb-hives this is readily done by attaching it to bars in the manner described in page 18 of the fifth edition of "Bee- keeping for the Many," and placing it within the hive itself. Where there are no bars but merely a hole in the top, the brood may be placed in its natural position in a bell-glass or other super, and this being put over the aperture in the top of a strong colony, sufficient bees will usually ascend to hatch out the whole. Sprinkling with syrup is not always essential to a successful union, but we do nut deem it advisable to neglect i'. Simple syrup scented with a little peppermint water is, hov. - ever, much better for this purpose than sugared b;er.] 120 JOUENAIi OF HOETICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. [ Angusl 8, 1865. THE MASSACRE OP THE DRONES. [From the Qerman of Karl Enslin.] By '■ A Devonshibe Bee-keepek." The insect monarch thus commands,* (Herself such idlers scorning), " Let ev'ry drone at once depart. Nor look for further warning." Her warlike amazons prepare. And from their tents proceeding, With lances keen the mclfc join. No second order needing. " Turn out, turn out, ye idlers aU ! We feed you now no longer. The lazy ask in vain for food. Unless they be the stronger." The sturdy di-ones themselves defend. Their heavy weight opposing ; But yield at length to arms and skill. And numbers round them closing ; Whilst those who on the battle field Their latest breath are sighing, Are by the victors dragg'd away. The dead as well as dying. The remnant at the frontier wait. In vain imploring pity, Eemorselessly they're left to starve. And die without the city. Now in the hive is sloth unknown. Of labour none are sparing ; Some guard their home, some range the fields. Honey and wax preparing. T. W. Woodbury. Mcmnt Badford, Exeter, 3rd Avgust, 1866. BEE-KEEPING IN SOUTH LANCASHIRE. I HAVE nothing new to tell my felloiy bee-keepers. I simply write because it may be interesting to some of your readers to know how " the busy bee " fares in South Lancashire, and be- cause I want to ask you a question or two respecting the future management of my hives. First, I ought to remind your readers that we are less happily situated as bee-keepers hi this neighbourhood than our friends in agricultural districts. Within a circuit of ten or twelve miles five or six large manufacturing towns are included, of which Manchester is one ; and then, also, our climate here in the north-west is very much less favourable than in the south or midland districts ; though this year I must own we have had but little to complain of the rain, and fog, and dampness for which Lancashire is famous. My apiary consisted at the beginning of the year of no more than three hives, of which two (swarms of last year) seemed pretty strong, the third, an old stock, quite weak. I intended to allow the stronger hives to swai'm, and prevent the weaker one, in which plan I did not siicceed. My first swarm, which weighed upwards of 4 lbs., was hived on the 23rd of May, and was the first of which I have heard in this neighbourhood. I placed it in one of Neighbour's common cottage hives, and it has twice fiUed the straw super with beautiful virgin honey, and has made some comb therein, and stored a httle honey a third time. The second swarm from No. 1 issued .June 7th, and was given away. I hear that it has filled a good-sized hive, and begun to work in a bell-glass. Hive No. '2, threw a swarm of 4 lbs. qn June 6th, which I placed in a wooden-frame hive. They have stored a good deal of honey in their hive, and I have taken in bell-glasses aboxit 6 lbs. A second swarm from No. 2, weighing 3 lbs., was hived June 20th, and I think has done fairly, increasing in weight some 8 or 9 lbs. I put bell-glasses on No. 3, to prevent swarming, but imfortunately without success. They stored 3 or 4 lbs. in the glasses, and then on July Brd threw a swarm of 4i lbs. Happily bad weather prevented a second swarm issuing. You wiU see that I have increased my stock from three to seven hives, besides giving away a swarm, and have taken 18 or 20 lbs. of honey. Do you advise me to be greedy, and try for some more, by sending my hives to the heather ? I have done so three years in succession, and each year have * ThiB ie, of coarse, mere poetical license ; most persons are now aware thil the queen or ratter iLOther-lee never really "commands" the woriierB. received my hives no heavier than when I sent them, and this has disposed me to keep them at home this year. Again, I have been accustomed to drive two hives together on receiving them from the moors. Can I do this if I keep them at home? Will not the bees which have been di-iven retiun to the place where their hive used to stand, instead of to their new hive? My last question is on a point on which I should like to hear the opinion of some of your readers. We have had some very hot weather this mouth, and, consequently, a good deal of honeydew. Do the bees work on this ? Books tell us they do, but I have never seen them do so, though I have watched pretty closely the trees where there seemed most. I am anxious to know if any bee-master has seen that which I have been unable to see. — A South Lancashire Bee-keepee. [We can scarcely advise you with regard to sending your hives to the heather, but after failing three years in succession we should be rather inclined to give it up. You need not hesitate about uniting your stocks by driving, merely taking care to " mari-y " those that are nearest to each other. Hives increase very rapidly in weight during honeydews, but bees are so seldom seen collecting the sweet deposit or exudation, that we ourselves have witnessed the fact but once.] Unpleasajjt NEiGHBonRS. — In the garden of the Rev. Arthur Roberts, Eector of Barkham, Berkshire, is a rustic and move- able dovecot, in which are domiciled a considerable family of beautiful white Fantail Pigeons. In one of its compartments may be seen a hen Pigeon sitting eloselj' on her eggs, and in the compartment, immediately beneath her, a large swarm of hornets busily engaged from morning till night constructing their nest or comb. — {The Age Tl'e Live In.) OUR LETTER BOX. Leg Weakn-ess (W. B. FeU).~ln addition to the treatment so jndi- eiously recommended by " our Editor," I would advise yon to mix with the soft food, two or three times a-day, five or six grains of phosphate of liine, which you can obtain at any chemist's. — Y. B. A. Z. Age at which Hens Cease to be Profitable (7.m). — By laying, we miderstand the production of eegs iiTespective of breed. For such a pur- pose we would not licep hens after their tiiird season, but if the hen were valuable on account of her breed or beauty, or if she always bred good chickens, we would not hesitate to lieep her for five or six years. DORKJNGS Dying Suddenly (IT. W.). — If this is a common occurrence, you will, we think, find there is something poisonous about the place. If it has only occun-ed to two or tlu-ee. it is merely one of those curious things we cannot explain. Your feeding is judicious and cannot cause it. Put some lumps of camphor in the water they have to drink. Points of Kocen Docks (E. M. Z>.). — Size is a most essential point in Rouen Ducks ; and they must be as nearly as possible the wild Duck in plumage of both sexes. The points in which exhibitors fail most, is in the colours of the biUs. Blue, leaden, and green are disquaUlications in the Ducks. That of the drake must be a mistiure, as though the foundation were gamboge washed over with a light tea-green so lightly as to show the yeUow through the green. PoLANDS Losing their Topknots (G. J. N.]. — It is more than probable the birds pick the young feathers out of each othei-"s topltnots. They commonly do so, and the patient seems to like the operation. Rub the heads with compound sulphur ointment. If that does no good, you must separate them till the feathers are sufficiently gi-own to hide the skin, you will have little difficulty afterwards. When the topknots are very large, and in damp and dirty weather, it is a good plan to confine them with an elastic band. Colour of Dorkings' Eggs (/'. If.). — In a yard full of the purest Dork- ings in England, we find every shade from dark cream, almost br cwn, t dazzling white. We know not the cause. The condition of the shell is entirely subject to the state of body and health of the bird. The same hen mil sometimes lay soft eggs, and at others good hard shells. Golden-spangled Hahburghs iScotchmon), — A Golden-spnngledHam- burgh to have any pretensions to be a prizetaker. must have a white deaf-ear. There are aU sorts of fowls in Yorkshire and Lancashire, offshoots of Hamburghs, that are called by all sorts of names ; but if a man advertises " Golden-spangled Hamburghs," he is bound to sell them, and not " Moonies." Treatment op Fowls Before Exhibition (Eboracum). — Fowls for exhibition should, with the exception of Spanish, be allowed to run. They should be well fed on gi'ouud oats slaked with milk, whole com occasionally, scraps of bread, refuse of cooked meat from the table, &c. Spanish should be shut up in a pailially darkened place for a week before being exhibited. AU birds should be scrupulously clean when they are exhibited. The basket iu which they are packed should be large enough to prevent the feathers from being broken. The light Cinnamon cock would not spoil the chickens for cTdiibition. Taking Bees from a Roof (Bolton). — Yours is just one of those cases reiiuiring the services of a sldlled bee-master fertUe in resources, who would modify and adapt his proceedings to the exigencies of the moment. Speaking generally, we should say that the best plan would be to use only sufficient smoke to intimidate the bees, and then cut o'.it and remove the combs one by one with the bees adheiing to them. If, however, the queen should escape and the Bw.ann return to the old s^ot in conse- quence, they might possibly be induced to take possession of a box or small hive that would enter the aperture and might then be removed iu the evening. Average proddce of a Condemned Stock and Swarm (B. B.).—1S they average "21) lbs. of honey from each we think they will do vei*y well. Augnst 15, 1885. ] JOURN.Ui OF HOBTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. 121 WEEKLY CALENDAR. "o7 Month "„7 Week. AUGUST 15—21, 1865. AvoriiRe Temperature near London. Rain in last 88 years. Sun Rises. Sun Sets. Moon Hises. Moon Sots. Moon's Age. Clock before Sun. Day of Year. PllV. Niaht. Mean. Days. m. h. m. h. m. h. Dl. .ll. Days. m. fi. 15 Tc Sea Holly flowoi-s. W.O 50.1 01.6 15 47af4 1 21af7 mom. 57 af 2 24 4 13 227 1« W (lohU'n Oat (Jrass ripe. 73.2 51.5 62..1 18 49 4)1!) 7 1 0 58 3 25 4 1 228 17 Th Thistle ilown floats. 7S.1 60.4 61.7 21 50 4 1 17 7 57 0 40 4 26 3 49 229 18 F Krai'ts of liimo tree fall. 7S.8 51.6 62.5 14 62 4 15 7 67 1 21 5 27 !i 36 280 19 s Fuinitorv flowers. 7.S.0 51.6 63.3 18 63 4 IS 7 2 3 68 5 28 8 22 281 20 10 Sdndav after TRryiTY. 72.5 50.8 62.6 17 .55 4 11 7 7 4 28 6 29 3 8 232 ai M Suu's declination 12 ' S'. X. 72.4 49.7 61.0 14 67 4 9 7 13 5 48 6 • 2 54 233 From observHlioiia takon near London clurins the last thirtv-cight years , the average day temperature of the week is 72.9', and its night temperiiture 50.8'. The gi'eatest heat was 92', ou the 18th, 1842; and the lowest cold, 82", on the 2lBt, 1850. The gi-eatest fall of | mill was 1.12 inch. 1 THE CUTTT'RE OF THE STU.VWnEP.RY. HROUGHOUT the land, ex- cept ill a few places, the ciy has been, " Tlie Strawberry crop is a complete i'ailure." Witli me it has been quite tlie reverse, for I never had, and never saw, such an ex- traordinary crop as my beds liave produced tills season. The kinds I grow are Sii- Hany, Sir Charles Napier, Comtc de Paris, Keens' Seedling, Reeves' EeHpse, Caro- lina Supcrba. and Cuthill's Black I'l-inoc ; these have all done equally well. I think the cause of the failiu'e may, in many instances, be attiibuted to two cu'curastances, each of them most unportant in the successfid cultivation of the StrawbeiTv. Tlie tirst is, that in preparing the ground the soU has not been trenclied sufficiently deep, and the manure, instead of being put into the bottom of the trenches, has been mixed with the soU. near the surface. When this is the case most of the I'oots remain near the surface, and the consequence is they are soon dried up by the snn m a hot and dry season lilce the present. To prevent this, mv mode of prc- paiing the ground for the Strawberr}- is as foUows, and I adopt the same piinciple with most kinds of vegetables, and for flower-beds as well. In the first place I trench the soil as deeply as possible : if I can go to a depth of 2 feet (■) inches or -3 feet without bringing any cla}-, sand, or other bad soil to the smface I do so. For Strawl)emes I put 2 inches of good rotten mamu'e in the bottom of every trench, and tliis is rlone with the whole of the jiiece of gi'Oimd intended for the Strawberry plantation. Tho manm-e being placed m the bottom of the ti'ench the sun, however hot and dry the weather may be, cannot injiu'e the Strawbeny plants, for the roots -n-ill natm-ally go do\vii m search of the food. They are therefore seem-e fi'om injuiy ; and the amoimt of moistm'e tliey receive witli their food enables them to ^■^■itll- staud any amount of dry weather, if the next important operation ui connection witli their successful cultivation has been properly attended to, wliich is mulcliing them m autiunii to prevent injmy from frost, and early ui spiing to prevent evaporation dining siuniner. I find the best material for tins pm-pose, is partly decomposed leaves at the autumn mulchmg. and for the spring di'essmg slate marl. I know this is not to be obtamed m many pai'ts of the Idngdom, but where it can be had it is the finest substance possible for them, especially if the soU is light ; it keeps the groimd cool and moist, and if the liunps are put pretty thickly between the rows early in February or March they will become pulverised before the plants come into flower, when the small pieces of marl should be spread evenly all over the surface of the beds, taking care No. 229.-V0L. IX., New Series. tliat the gi'ound is nicely covered all round the plants. Tliis is best done by going over tiie beds after the marl has been spread, and liolding the leaves of the plant in one Ijand, and scraping llie small pieces round the plant with the other. Where marl cannot be had. use the same material for the spring mulching as that recommended for tlie autumn. Now is the proper time to prepare the runners ; these should be taken ofl', and piiekod-out ui beds of good rich soil, about 3 niches apart, in rows fi or S inches asunder. They should remain in their nm-sery-beds till about the end of February or beghming of March, wlien they should bo planted in the permanent beds. ]^y tliis time they will have made good strong plants, and if enough young plants have been pricked-out in the autumn none hni those really good and healthy need be put in the permanent beds. AVlien the beds are planted pei'manently m the autumn the young plants are not sufficiently developed : hence it often happens that many bhaid plants are seen m the beds, which makes these appear unsightly, besides causing a waste of space. In preparing the young plants it is a good plan to leave an uich or two of the rmmer attached to them. If tliey have not good roots wlien fliey are taken ofl' tliis helps to keep tlic plants firm in tlie gromid. if the soil is nicely pressed about them when they are pricked-out. I lilie spring planting too, for this reason — tlie slight check the plants receive does them good, and the number of roots which they emit after the second planting is double that of ]ilants put in permanently in autumn. Nearly all the pomts of the roots are broken off in removal, so that the plant has double and treble the number of mam roots to establish itself with when it is finally planted in the permanent bed. I consider fresh beds should be made every year. I never allow a bed to remain after the thii-d year. I arrange my Strawberry gi-ound so that I can destroy two or three beds, and make the same number each year. Under this system the beds are always m the best possible condition. In order to keep the fruit clean, instead of using straw or litter for the berries to lie on. I have a lot of sticks pre- pared ; these are stuck in around the plants soon after they have done blooming, and some small twine is then wi-apped around them in two places, of which one is about o niches fi-om the gi'ound, and the other at .5 mches. This plan, although it is rather more troublesome at first, saves time in the end, and it has many advanta,E;es over the old system. 1st, It saves the fruit from bemg spoilt by Ijing on the damp straw, and the fruit will also hang longer on the plant because the air can circulate more fi'eely amongst them, and hi damp weather it prevents then- tastmg of the straw ; :>ndly, the Sti'awberry season is prolonged ten days or more, because the ripe fruit can be gathered more readily without injury to the young gxeen fruit when they are resting on the strings in the manner described above ; and 'irdly, a bed of Strawberries wiien tied-up ui this way presents a most beautiful appearance. I shoidd mention tliat in putting tho string avoimd the sticks it shoidd be hitched once round each stick, and about five or six sticks are required for each plant. I use Willow twigs after they have been cut a few months, as they are more easily cut out, No. 881.— yoL. XXXrV., Old Series. 122 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. L August 15, 1865. and present a neater appearance. Another year I shall have the sticks and strings placed around the plants before they open their blossoms, for the scapes -will the more readily take their proper positions, and the operation can be performed with greater care and with less injvu-y to the scapes and young fruit. Carolina Superba and Sir Harry are, in my opinion, the best two Strawberries at present in cultivation. The former far surpasses the old British Queen in point of flavour, and for the foiu' years that I have gi-own it the plants have done well and cropped veiy abundantly. Sir Harry is the next best, it continues fruiting about ten days longer than Carolina. We have had very fine fruit of Sir Harry tUl very recently. The last dish was gathered only a week ago (end of .Tuly). From two-year-old plants of Eclipse we have gathered wonderful quantities of fniit. On many of the plants there were as many as thii-ty-seven fruit-stems. — J. Wills. AWARDS AT DONCASTER HORTICULTURiU. SHOW. I enclose you a schedule of the Doncaster Show, and will be inueh obliged for your opinion or that of any of your coiTe- spondents as to what the class forhandsome-foliaged Geraniums should be. The words of the schedule are " a premier prize for the best twelve distinct varieties of handsome-foliaged Geraniums." I exhibited the following twelve sorts : — Roi d'ltalie, ills. Kingsbury, llrs. PoUock, Italia Unita, Fontain- bleau. Glowworm, Countess, Adonis, St. Fiacre, Eugene Ne- grier, Picturata, and Simset. These were disqualified for not being according to schedule, and I have not yet had anything like an explanation why. — G. Edw.ikd, York. [Om- opinion is, that if the line is correct " a premier prize for the twelve best distinct varieties of handsome-foUaged Geraniums," and there is nothing else in the schedtde to render that statement more definite, then there could be no reason for disqualifying the varieties sent, though there might be reason for not giving them the prize. The words " distinct " and "handsome "leave a wide margin, and much to the taste of the exhibitor. We meet with people who prefer the bold horseshoe leaf of Village Maid, and the small dark leaf of Baron Hugel, to Mrs. PoUock, Italia Unita, and Golden Chain. The Judges might have good reasons for passing by a collec- tion ; but, without more than we know from the above line, we do not see the reasons for the disqualification.] OX AND .\BOITT THE ROCKS AND SANDS OF TENBY.— No. 2. OxE more note in addition to those I gave last week, and then I will pass to other topics from the still-retained con- nection of plants with old British customs, and this last note is on the old Oak which stands on Penallt Common, far away on the banks of the Wye. It is a noble specimen of our repre- sentative tree, on a well-wooded eminence in the rear of the church. Beneath that Oak is a stone seat, and every corpse on its way to buri.al is set down on that stone whilst the mom-ners sing a psalm, significant that their dead friend has triumphed over man's last enemy. I have no doubt that this practice is a remnant of that wise accommodation of Christian to Druidical practices which teU of the earnest good sense which characterised the first promulgers of our faith in these islands. Let me now jot down some notes on the climate of Tenby and its consequences. Lj-ing high and extending out into the sea, Tenby has a more than average amount of wind ; yet a good observer, and not locally interested, remarks, that being more exposed than Torquay to the influence of the gulf stream, Tenby has a sHghtly warmer midwinter, whilst from its high and more northern locality its summers are rather less hot. The differences between the day and night temperatures are also somewhat less. The mildness of the winters is sufficiently testified by the Hydrangeas, Fuchsias, Myrtles, and Verbenas, remaining in the borders uninjui-ed throughout the year. The geniality of the whole year's climate is told by the general luxmiance of vegetation, and the numerous native plants not found where our winters are felt more severely. The Ferns are particularly fine and abundant, and searching for these I wandered on, diu-iug the first day of my sojourn, through deep narrow lanes with luxuriantly- clothed banks, until I came to a residence where surely dwells some banished one, or some modem Timon, some misanthrope, some one disgusted with a world that has played bim false. At the bottom of a deep declivity I saw a stream rippling along ; a little lower down it was crossable by a rustic bridge ; but this was so tastefully constructed that I could not reconcile it with rusticity. On I went, and every step showed more and more of civility, a good well-kept road, mo%vn banks, Fuchsias, evergi'eens, and then an immistakeable evidence that an Englishman was lord-paramount there, for on a board with bulldog brevity was inscribed, "Pbivate." Thus brought to a standstill I sought and found a path permitted to be trodden, and this, one of the narrowest and deepest, I traversed until, jiassing imder an old Ivy-clad arch, I emerged upon the sands of a little rock-enclasped bay. At the head of this, by the side of a M'aterfall, stood the cottage villa, none other near, and looking as if "Welcome," ought to be a more desirable word than '■ Private," to inscribe over its entrance-gate. It is a henuitage without the name, for it is kno^vn as Waterwinch. With rocks around and the sea in front, I had forced upon my memory the poet's querj* — " Does here some gloomy outcast sleep ? " But the owner was saved from a totally unfavourable estimate (and " Y. B. A. Z." \vill say I am right), by my seeing on the grass plat a group of good dark Brahma Pootras. Then there is another pleasing association with the place, for Blechnum boreale, or Northern Hard Fern, is found in its hedgerows. I never saw finer specimens, and I never gathered any before, for it is not now as it was in Gerarde's time, when, he records, " on a heath by London, called Hampstead Heath, it groweth in great abimdauce." The fertile fronds of the specimens I gathered are 2 feet high, and the baiTcn fronds 18 inches. Let me here record, with commendable self-complacency, that there were twelve fertile fronds and ten barren fronds, and that I took only two of each. If collectors would remem- ber that there are others having a similar need, we should not hear such complaints of species no longer to be found in certam locaUties, nor have to hsten to such speeches as — " I dare not tell where I foimd it, for if I did it would soon be extinct there." Contrasts are often as pleasing as hannonies, especially when you pass from the beautiful wild to the beaiititul cultivated ; and such I found the transition from the Watenvinch to Pe- nally. This is a dot of a village of wide-apart cottages aii'l residences scattered among many old trees on a steep declivity facing the south, open to the sea, and sheltered behind by the high limestone fonnation. What a place for blooming CameUias in the open air, one would think ; but, strange to say, I could not discover one. Yet good gardening guided by good taste is there. I was told that a fernery in this village was worth seeing, nor was the information deceptive. The gardener was not to be seen, but a young lady ceased from flower-gathering, and advanced and otfered to be my guide with that sunny look and kindly speech which make the stranger feel he is not intruding. We passed up a slope, skirted a well-kept geometric flower- garden, by a small vinery and melonry, caught a ghmpse fil some more than ordinary standard Fuchsias, and araved at the entrance of the remains of an old chapel. Near it stands a portion of a ruin siuTuounted by one of those round chimnies, now mantled with I^w, so numerous in Pembrokeshire, testi- fying of the architectm'e prevalent in the middle ages. The chapel is known as St. Daniel's. I hope that that Saint pre- sided over Ferns — and I think he must, for never were they more luxm-iant or better-gro-ning than those now within his sanctuary. I would only take a huiTied glance at them, for my obliging guide was interrupted m arranging bouquets to decorate the inaugui-atiou ceremony I mentioned in my commencing notes ; so I soon made my best bow of withdiawal, and begged my thanks and card might be presented to the proprietor. That proprietor, Miss Robson, most kindly incited me and mine to repeat the visit ; and then I had fuU leism-e to inspect not only the fernery, but the garden, and to search among the wild plants of the vicinity. The walls of the old chapel are perfect — even the tracery of its east window remains, and that window with good taste is now partly filled with stained glass. No vestige of the old roof remains, and Miss Robson has had it replaced by one of glass. In the centre is a tank of water, around which is rock- work, between which and other rockwcrk and the border adioin- AagSEt 15, 1865. 2 JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 123 ing the \vall» is the path. Without a single exceiiticn the Ferns in tank, roekwork, border, and walls are more vigorous, and grow more as if thoy enjoyed growing, than in any other fernery I ever visited. Tho Ferns on the walls are the liest evidences of this, for they are tliu progeny of the species cultivated in the border and roekwork. These have all riiienud their spores, and wherever these are dispersed, there they vegetate ; and the moist air, the sulidued light, the genhil temperature, and the good cultivation, make them flourish as well as they could flourish in their fathorliiud. They arc not merely Ferns of everyday occurrence, but many of them of the rarer and less easily cultivated species._ How- ever, that my readers may judge for themselves, here is a list of them : — Ac'vophorus liispiilus Gymno(,Tftinnia chrysoiiliylla .iOiuntum capUlus- Veneris licmviiuuv, imr. argyropliylliv cultriitum Wetonhalliivnii cunfiitum Ilymenodium crinitum c'urvatura Liistrea Filix-iuas, far. cristata laacrophyllnm ^'labella peilatum Lygcidiuni jaixinicum pube^oelis volnbile rlinmhoidomn Ncphriuliuiil cxaltatum trapi'zifovmc Onyohiiim japnnicum variuiu Phlebodiiun sporodncarpum .\nKiopteris i-vc^c-ta Platyloma t-ordatum .\splenitun bnlbiterum Pleopcltis leiorhiza diinorphiuu Polystichum annulare, mr. n ol- flacciduin lastoui racbirhizi.il Pteris arguta Cheil mthos dealbata ai-gjTica clogans cretica C\Ttomiura falcatuin erotica albo-liiieata Davallia dissecta lonsafolii pi-ntnphvlla trcmiila tciiiiifolia tricolor Gleiciienia microphylla Stenocbljeua teniiifolia, var. na- Goniopblehium appeudiculatum talensis subauriciUatum Woodwardia radicans Of Lycopods there are — Sela(?inella ciesia Selaginella obtusa densa stolouifera delicatissiiiia ^Vildenovii lepidophyUa What else I saw and gained must be left untold until I can again sit down to make farther jottings. — G. MILDEW ON KOSES. I UAVE reaJ " A. Couxtky Curate's " article at page 105. Mildew, or more properly white fungus, has affected my Roses this season but little, and that chiefly under hot walls. My Koses in both my gardens, respectively with west and north- east aspects, on the briar, on their own roots, and on the Manetti, have suffered immensely from orange fungus, which, as the nucleus is formed on the under side of the leaf, is more difficult to cm-e than white fimgus, known as mildew — literally honeydew — which occurs chiefly on a new branchlet and foliage, on the upper sides of the leaves. As regards orange fungus, I at first attempted to stop it by the removal of the diseased leaf: but ou examination of my plants I found it so abundant and umvjjrsal that I gave it up. It ran its course ; and though I had a magnificent first bloom, the fungus spread so tho- roughly over the leaves as to destroy them in detail. The plants aiv now new-foliaged and doing well, and I expect good and continuous full bftom. The Manetti Roses only ceased blooming about one week. I pass from orange fungus, skipping over " black patch," of which I have had none this year, to speak of mildew. Mildew is called the " daughter of di-ought." Why so ? Not because drouglit ss a " creator ef the fungus,'' Init an assistant to its rooting .and development. If Rose plants were always suffi- ciently supplied with water at the roots, and the spores con- tinually washed off the leaves, the fungus could not talie root. For lack of these two conditions mildew has been called the " daiigliter of di'ought." .4.s well may we say it was the daujfuter of " the fortuitous concuiTence of atoms." Drought predisposes or prepares the tree for its rooting ; and the atmo- sphere, such as would be suitable for Mushrooms, aids its development. '^Tion the roots are not suificiently supplied with water, the juices of the tree eliminated at the leaves (new leaves), become sticky., and cause the fungus to adhere ; and in due time, the tender leaves being spongy, and not firm and close ia texture, the fungus roots into the leaves. This is the xeal reason why mili'tew should be called the " daughter of flioaglfi-" The leawet of some sortf are closer than others. The glazed or semi-glazed leaves, such as Duchess of Norfolk, Solfaterre, and Triomphe de Rennes, have suffered nothing from any kind of fimg\is. In both my gardens the hard-leaved Duchess has retained the beauty of her foliage. I cannot re- member ever seeing her with lilighl or fungus of any kind. The Itoses most subject to mildew of any here are the Gcant and Baronne Hallez. Still, if the fungus is about or floating in the air, it will, if it pitches on the tender and sticky follicles of any Rose, abide there, unless washed off, till the atmosphere favours its rooting and develojiment. Prevention is better than cure : therefore keep the plantg watered at the root and syringed over the leaves. ^ I may say, in passing, that tho miseries of trees or plants, whether out of doors or under glass, arise greatly from not keeping the foliage dean. Where people have only a few Roses to attend to, the best way to stop it is to rub it off with the thumb in its early stage before it has rooted deeply into the leaves. Even then you can destroy it by so doing, or it might be sponged off. Young pot plants reared imder glass usually come with fungoid cUsease, imperceptible to the eye, about them. These should be kept well syringed, and should not be jdanted under hot walls, or in situations that are not airy. Sulphur, I see, is re- commended ; but sulphur, unless quicldy washed off, will do tho same mischief as the fungus : it will stop the pores of the leaves, and, if the weather is very hot, it will burn the foliage. _ An alistergent lotion is best. The two ounces of blue vitriol should be thoroughly dissolved with hot water, and then added to the cold. I never knew it afl'ect the leaves, as stated by " A Country Cur.vte." Gishurst compound I liave never tried. I have seen high testimonials in favour of Toogood's hquid, but this I have never used. As regards stocks, I imagine that there is but little difference. I have a lot of fine plants of Souvenir de ^lalmaison on their own roots, and also on Manetti, under my south wall. They suffered much and alike ; I could see no difference. It de- pends, I beUeve, chiefly on the state of the plant, its foliage, and atmospherical circumstances. In the human body we know there are at times predisposing causes to fungoid diseases. In conclusion, if " A Country Curate " had not speedily washed off Gishurst compound he would probably have had to make a complaint ; and had he thoroughly dissolved the %-itriol with hot water, so as to leave no grit, he would not have had to complain of a simple, safe, and efficacious cure. — W. E. R.u)CLYTrE, Tarrant liuslitun. BEDDING ANNUALS. In seedsmen's catalogues, and in your advertising columns, I have often seen annuals recommended for bediling purposes, but with the exception of one or two kinds, I myself have never been able to obtain satisfactory results with them. It was, therefore, with considerable anticipation of pleasure that I resolved to visit the coUectiou of annuals which Messrs. Hooper advertise to be seen in " the gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society, South Kensington, where their beauty and adaptabihty as bedding plants is successfully Ulustrated." I have paid' my visit, and return appreciating more than ever the force of that unrecorded beatitude, which blesses him " who expecteth little, for he shall not be disappointed." I doubt if there are many lovers of the well-abused bedding system who would be pleased with that modicum of success which satisfies the Messrs. Hooper ; and yet I fear that as a rule greater success is not to be attained with annuals .alone. There is, however, among Messrs. Hooper's beds one filled with Linimi grauthflorum rubrum, which, from its mode of cultivation, presents an undeservedly shabby appearance. The Liuum appears to have been treated as a half-hardy annual, sown under protection, and planted out ; it was planted too thinly at first, and it shows this all the more where plants have died too late in the season to be replaced. I find this Linum does best treated as a hardy annual ; I sow in rows 1-2 inches apart, and if the seed does not germinate regularly, take plants from where they have come up thicldy to where the rows are thin. Early in the summer, before the Geranium and Verbena beds are well filled up, the rows in my bed of Linum have ceased to be visible, and tho plants are a mass of bloom ; and late in the autumn, Avhen other beds are bare, the Linum still sends out fresh crops of blossoms whenever the frosts permit. I know nothing more gorgeous than this plant on a bright sunny morning when it is properly massed, and it would, I am sure,' be much more extensively used if it were only 124 JOUBNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAKDENER. [ August 15, 1865. customary to treat it as hardy, and to give it a chance of filling its bed. I have, probably, ten plants on the same space of ground that is occupied by only one of Messrs. Hooper's ; but I can assure your readers that they will be well repaid their outlay of an extra shilling for seed by the difference of result ■which such an outlay vnil jjroduce. — Monticola. BATTERSEA PAPJv, Great credit is due to the First Commissioner of Her Ma- jesty's Works, &c., for the manner in which he has beautified the naturally low and swampy ground of Battersea Park. It is only a few years since it was the resort of wild fowl, and only celebrated as a shooting grormd, with a traj) at one end of a string, and a sportsman at the other ready with his gun to shoot the bewDdered pigeon when it issued from its prison. Thauks to the ruling powers and to Mr. Gibson for the change that has taken place, we now see more intellectual recreations for all classes than the Eed House provided. Having entered the Park at the west gate we find seven long beds like the spokes of the half of a wheel, the centre being a circle representing the nut of the wheel. It is edged with Stachys lanata, then come two circles of yellow Calceolarias, and two circles of Moimtfordii Geranium, with a dot of Cen- taurea candidissima in the centre. Two beds at opposite sides, to match, are edged with Stachys lanata ; then there are two rows of Scarlet Geraniums at each side ; and at the broad end, in the middle, variegated Veronica Andersoni. Two beds have two rows of Coleus Verschaft'elti at each side, next Flower of the Day Geranium, and then Mouritfordii (ierauium ; and then there are two beds edged with white Centaurea, and then comes Trentham Eose Geranium. The centre bed is edged with Daybreak Geranium, and consists of Coleus Verschaft'elti, then Magenta Geranium, with two or three rows of variegated Ve- ronica Andersoni in the centre. On the left is a spleudid circle composed of Iresine Herbstii edged with white Centam-ea. On the south side of the refreshment-room is a fine display ; standing in the centre on each side are match beds in tliis crescent-shaped parterre. The first two beds are planted with an edging of Golden Harkaway Geranium, then come a row of Daybreak Geranium, and foru' rows of Lady Middleton Gera- nium. The next are circles edged with Bijou Geraniiun, with the centre of Scarlet Globe Geranium. The next are two rows of Mrs. Milford Geranium, with four rows of Lord Paknerstou Geranium in the centre. The circular beds have Gold-leaf Gera- nium as an edging, and Lobelia speciosa in the centre. The next consist of two rows of Cloth of Gold as an edging, two rows of Coleus A erschaffeltii, aud foiu' rows of Cliristiue Geranium in the centre. Again, we have circular beds with a row of Mrs. Milford Geranium as an edging, and four rows of Madame Vaucher Geranium in the centre. The end beds are edged with Lady Plymouth and Oriana Cieraniums, aud have four rows of Cybister Geranimn in the centre. The borders that surround this crescent, and at each side of the broad waUv leading south- wards, are planted ribbon-fashion with three rows of Lobelia speciosa, and three rows of Daybreak Geranium iutennixed, then two rows of Christine Geranium, two rows of yellow Cal- ceolaria, two rows of Lady Middleton Geranium, and two rows of Stella Geranium, backed by Chrysanthemum piuuatum. The golden foliage of the Geraniums, the taste displayed in the arrangement of the colours, and the correct Imowledge as to the probable heights of the ilauts, have contributed to produce a gorgeous effect. On the right is a bank planted with a serpentine border of Cerastium tomentosum, about 2 feet wide, with small circular and semicircular beds running thi-ough it in the middle planted with Harkaway and Pink Geraniums, aud others. It is a new- idea for bordering, which I have no doubt will be extended and improved upon. Mr. Gibson, although the last to enter the field, is the first to lead the fashion ; his gold and silver leaves give to his beds and borders an oriental richness not to be found elsewhere. I recollect having seen at Chiswick (then under the superintendence of the late Mr. McEwen), a border of annuals in which the circles along the centre were planted with difl'ereut sorts, aud around the circles were squares of other colours. Mr. Miller was carrying out the same system last year on a border at Coombe Abbey. I will now proceed on the broad walk leading south to the sub-tropical garden, but lea\ing its details to other hands, my remarks on this part of the grounds will be brief. There you see the Banana or Plantain, the Indiaurubber, and the Brazilian Dragon Tree, the Eice-paper Plant of China, aud a host of other plants belonging to warmer climes than oiu' own, but on these I will not dwell. In a long narrow- bed I noticed several of Beaton's seedhng Geraniums sent out this season by Mr. W. Paul, and among others Black Dwarf, flowers crimson scarlet, a true Nosegay, usefid for small beds on account of its close, dwarf habit ; Duchess, flow-ers rosy lake, of dwarf habit , Donald Beaton, flowers orange scarlet, a good variety ; Amy Hogg, flowers bright pm-plish rose, a strong, free-growing Hybrid Nosegay, the leaves slightlj' zonate, verj' distinct, and attractive ; and Scarlet Gem, flowers bright orange scarlet with white eye, dark horseshoe leaves, valuable for the mass of colour it produces. The triangular-.shaped portions were ])lanted with Queen of Queens Geranium, scarlet flowers with white margin ; Sulphurea marginata. Variegated Beauty, Nymph, and Glo-svworm, the latter has fiery scarlet top petals, lower petals magenta, flushed with crimson. To my fancy the handsomest bed in the place is a small circle planted with the Dragon Tree of Australia in the centre, then Begonias, four or five plants of Draca;na ferrea variegata and Cooperi, edged with white Centaurea, and carpeted with Selaginella denticulata. It is deUghtful to see the interest the people take in the plants here, many with pencil and paper noting down the names. Mr. Gibson originated the happy idea of planting a sub-tropical garden in the open air, and the people flock to the liark to see these inhabitants of foreign climes as, for a similar reason, they go to the zoological gardens to see the speci- mens there exlubited from all parts of the world. All tends to the euhghtenment of the jirosent generation. Many tropical plants, which at their first introduction were kept entirely in stoves, are now- planted out w-ithout any abatement of growth or diminution of beauty ; and from this we may reasonably hope that some tropical fruits may in time be so far assimi- lated to our climate as to ripen in om- ordinary summers. Mr. Nickson, when at Pepper Harrow, tm-ned out of pots in June some fruiting Pine plants into a prepared border of loam and leaf mould, aud in Sejitember they were ripe. Although the weather that summer was unfavourable for the experiment, the flavour of the friut was pronounced by competent judges to be considerably superior to any fruit grown rmdcr glass. Oiu- hope now rests with Mr. Gibson, if sirfficient means be afforded him, of seeing Sir- Joseph Banks's prophecy fulfilled, that " ere long the Akee and the Avocado Pear of the West Indies ; the Flat Peach, the Mandarine Orange, and the Litchi of China ; the Mango, the Mangosteen, and the Diuion of the East Indies, and possibly other valuable tropical fruits, will be frequent at the tables of opulent persons, and some of them, perhaps, be offered for sale on every market day in Covent Garden." I hojie to see the day when it will be considered safe to remove the iron hurdles in the sub-tropical and other depart- ments of the Park, and allow the public to saunter aronud the beds and borders. To judge from what I see, I think the people seem to be so grateful for what has been done for their recreation, delight, aud instruction, that they would ijrotect the flowers and shrubs from damage in their own parks. The danger of mischief would arise more from the large circum- ference and sweeping trains of the ladies' dresses than from any other cause. I am glad to see the names attached to the plants in the sub-tropical department, but some are so far fi'om the walks that it is almost impossible to read them. — Wm. Reane. Although the general features of tlutsub-tropical department have been ably depicted by "D., Ucal," at page 83 — so well indeed that little more is left now but to describe the details ; yet these may not be without a certain degree of interest as showing more fully the plants which Mr. CHbson employs, and the way in which they are arranged. The effect produced by hundreds of Indiaurubber trees, Caladiums, and Caunas, by noble-leaved AVigandias, Solauums, Aralias, and Tobaccos, with tree Fei-ns, Draca-uas, and many other exotic plants, is so different from that produced by ordiuary bedding, so dif- ferent from the garden scenes to which an English eye is accustomed, that any mere description must fail to give an adequate idea of the reality. Starting from the entrance of the sub-tropical garden on the north, or river, side, aud passing circles in which are Bambusa graciUs, a plant of graceful habit and so hardy that it has stood out of doors for two w-inters, and some other plants for trial ; next comes a group of Cannas in a circular bed, Canna discolor, a noble kind with the amjile gi-een foliage barred with a dark copper colour approaching the hue of the Purple Beech, being in the centre, with Canna floribunda for an edging. Adjoining Aiieiist 13, 186B. ] JOURNAL OF HOUTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENEi;. 125 this gronp is a bed of Loraatia ferraginen, a ProteacBoua plant ■with very handsome bipinnatifid loaves of rusty or ferruginons hue, whence the specific name. Tlie centre plants were 4 feet high, tlioso at tlic outside about a foot less. Turning along the walk to the riglit and passing the varie- gated Bambnsa metako planted out for trial, and Strelitzia angusfa displaying a noble expanse of foliage, we come to a half-moon bodof I)racn>na tcrminalis, backed with Hibiscus rosa sinensis splcndens, and edged with Centaui'oa ragusina. In a gi'oup on the opposite or loft hand side are Ai'alia macro- phylla with large leaves with a yellowish tinge, Alsophila anstralis, Imantoiihyllum miniatum, and Draci«na rubra, which is readily propagated and very useful. A crescent-shaped bed at the foot of a moimd is eai-peted with the purple and green Tradescantia zebrina and planted with Indianrubber trees, AraUa papyrifera. Drac:ena brasiliensis, D. longifolia, with long gi-acefiil leaves, D. arborea, Grovillea robnsta, most elegant in its foliage and growing freely, variegated Oleander, very handsome, and variegated Veronica at the back ; the whole edged ^vith Golden-variegated Ivy. In a group on the right, jilants of Araliapapyi-ifera from 5 to 6 feet high, with leaves 2 feet across, form the most conspicuous objects, and are now making good strong growth, so that by autumn thoy will have attained much greater dimensions. Mr. Gibson has found no plant enual to this in the effect v;hich its magnificent foliage produces. In the same bed are fino plants of Draciena, and the ground is covered with Trades- cantia edged with Gnaphalium lanatum. Near the Aralias is another line bed of Cannas, C. nigrescens with dark copper- coloured leaves occupying the centre, C. zebrina olegantissima one end, and C. hybrida grandifiora the other. This is sur- rounded by Fuchsia Tom Thumb, a very dwarf free-flowering kind, wlaich, when planted closely, makes quite a hedge, and produces its pretty little red flowers throughout the season. Next, there is a long oblong bed divided into lozenges along the centre, with triangles in the intervals at the sides, and edged with Sempervivum montauum. The triangles at each end are planted with (kilden Harkaway Geranium; the central lozenges with Mr. \V. Paul's new Nosegay Geraniums, Black Dwarf, Duchess, Donald Beaton, Amy Hogg, and Scarlet Gem ; whilst the ti'iangles at the side consist of Veronica incana, and Geraniums Variegated Beauty, Fairy, Nj-mph, Bival Nosegay, Glowworm, Queen of Queens, Bonnie Dundee, Katazzi, ami Snlphurea marginata. The principal object of this bed is to show that many different varieties of the same plant can be in- troduced into a single bed and yet produce an agreeable diversity without sacrificing the general effect. Beyond this bed, and further to the back, is one of Epilobium hirsutum, the variety witli oi-earay white variegations, and which, being easily propagated liy the roots, is, hke the common Willow Herb, very useful for damp situations. The next bed to the oblong is filled with Cannas Anurei and edulis, and Hedychium coro- narium. On the opposite side there is a crescent-shaped bed facing the south-west with Centauiea gymnocarpa in the centre, edged with Coleus Verschaffelti. which makes a beautiful edging to the white, and this again with the Califomian Houseleek the leaves of which, being tipped with dark purple, give the whole a novel Init pleasing appearance. Near this is a bed of the Laurel-leaved Coral Tree, interspersed with Cannas, and edged with Plumbago capensis ; and then the Ijeautiful long oval bed of Jlrs. I'oUock Geranium noticed by " I)., Deal," at page Hi. This is .30 feet long and about 9 feet across, and is planted :vith a triple row of Mrs. Pollock along the centre and double rows at each side, divided longitudinally by bands of Lithospermum fruticosum. The colour of the foliage was beautifully developed, and had the Lithospermum been in full flower would have shone to even greater advantage, for Mr. Gibson finds nothing brings out the eolom' better than blue or a soft green. A circular bed adjoining consists of Daphne pontica purjiurea, surrounded by a broad circle of the vaiiegated Cock's-foot (irass, one of the most beautiful and effective of broadly white-striped Grasses, and edged with yellow Calceo- laria, Scarlet Geraniums, and Convolvulus maiuritanicus. This cii-cle is very pretty. Opposite the Jlrs. Pollock bed is a large bed of Canna zebrina, backed with Castor-oU plants, the front row being the dull orange-flowered Canna crocea ; and in a small circular bed close by the golden Japanese Honeysuclde prettily clothes the stem of a tree. The same beairtiful plant is emploj-ed as an edging to an elegant gronp of Vitis heterophylla variegata, the leaves of which are much cut, and prettily variegated with pink and white, and sometimes pui-plo. Near the end of this bed is a very fine specimen of the Bird's-nest Fern ; tlien follows a noble bed of Cannas 52 feet long by 8 feet wide. The centre is Canna discolor, with C. crenulata at back and C. Scllowii in front ; and the whole is backed with a mass of Ferdinanda eminens G feet high, with magnificent leaves nearly 2 feet across. In front of this bed is a long oval ]>lanted with seven rows of Jlrs. Pollock Geranium, edged with one of Christine. This bed is 27 feet long and 6 feet across, and adjoining it is a circle of Caladium cucullatum, the centre plant in particular being remarkable for the gre.at size of its foliage, one leaf made out of doors measuring 2 feet 11 inches long and 2 feet across. On the opposite or left-hand side of the same walk is another bed, -18 feet long, ])lanted with Canna Annaji in the centre, 5 feet high, and C. discolor all round, with Hedera multi- maculata as an edging. In other beds on this side are Eicinus variabilis splendens, a Castor-oU Plant of vigorous growth, having Acanthus mollis planted underneath, and Cineraria jjlatanifolia and the variegated Cock's-foot iis an edging ; the variegated Speedwell, edged with Smith's Excellent Geranium, not a good bedder, but a first-rate kind for pof culture ; and in a crescent-shaped bed Canna Liervalli, a free-growing dark- stemmed kind, and C. musiefolia, with a pale stem and leaves. On the right, again, is a mixed bed of Solanmns, with some plants of Canna rubricaulis, which grows '> feet high, and has very dark reddish purple stems and dark bronzy leaves. Other groups of Cannas consist of C. discolor lloribunda, much darker than discolor, as robust, and said to be more free-flowering ; C. Annsei rosea, with warm orange-scarlet flowers ; and C. musae- foUa hybrida, with leaves 2 feet 4 inches long and nearly a foot across ; and dividing these are Solanum Balbesi, a wliite-llowered kind, having leaves 16 inches long, with white midribs, and set with ochreous spines ; and Solanum citruUifolium, with deeply sinuated pinnate leaves and pale blue flowers, the whole plant covered with spines. It may here be remarked, that the Sola- nums are planted a good distance apart, for if this is not done the spines tear the leaves of neighbouring plants and spoil their appearance to a very considerable extent. Single plants of Wigandia caracasana with magnificent leaves, Japanese Bamboo, Saccharum perenne. New Ze.aland Flax, and Black Bamboo are dotted about at this point ; also Trepidanthus calyptratus, the leaves of which reflect the light falling on ! them. Again, we find another tine group of C.muas on the \ left, and then on the right a bed of Caladium eseulentmn 45 feet long and 10 feet wide ; the Caladiums were about 4 feet high, and their wide expanse of foliage gave the bed a noble appearance. Funlda undulata variegata is here employed as an edgmg. Behind, sheltered by a Willow tree, are two fine speci- mens of Alsophila austrahs with fronds at least fi feet across ; and close by a fine group of Seaforthia elegans, with Dracsna j brasiliensis in front, and Funkia subcordata as an under- covering to the soil. I On the left is a series of serpentine beds worked as a chain i round circles of Ivy, with Euonj-mus radicaus variegata, and j Golden Fleece Geranium as an edging, and SteUa in the centre. Interspersed among these beds are fine specimens of Dicksonia antarctica, Astrapsea Wallichi. and variegated Yuccas ; and behind is a scroll bed 100 feet in length, for the most part planted with a double row of Indianrubber trees 8 feet high, Hibiscus sinensis cocciuea, and a handsome double buff variety, and edged with Centaurea ragusina.- Each end is planted mth variegated Crotons and Dracenas. The vigour o£ the Indianrubber plants is most remarkable, and from the way in which the roots are running in the soil, it is evident that they are as much at home at Battereea as in the troi)ics. On the opposite side, at the back of the Caladiums, and sheltered by an elevated hank, are Dracaena congesta, Monstera delioiosa, Grevillea robusta, and Polymnia grandis, the last 10 feet high, though only struck from a cutting last year, and which when taken up in autumn had made a gi-owth of between 6 and 7 feet. A- short oval, 15 feet long, planted with Coleus Ver- schaffelti, and edged with the silvery Centaurea gymnocarj'a, is here one of the most glorious sights that can well be imagined, the Coleus being a richer and more beautiful brownish crimson than we have ever seen it before, and, withal, even in height, and not a plant faulty. As " D." remarked, it is well "worth going a hundi-ed miles to see." A raised semich'cle at the back is planted with Eucalyptus globosus, one of the Aus- tralian Gum-trees, the timber of which was shown at the Inter- national Exhibition of 1802, but though it is not grown here for timber, it bids fair to attain the dimensions of a tree, for it has made a gi'owth of 3 feet this season, and in the pubhc 126 JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTUEH AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ( August 16, 1865. gardens fiud parks of Paris, where it is largely used by M. Ba- rillet, it grows 10 or 12 feet iu one season. Here, also, occur Ficus imperialis, with magnificent leaves a foot long ; Dra- Ciena Ghiesbreghtii, and seedling Dicksonias. Next the Coleus bed is a fine circle of Mrs. Pollock Geranium set off by a broad edging of blue Lobelia ; then a bed 48 feet long of dwarf Caunas. The front is planted with expansa, one of the most useful of dwarf dark varieties, and the remainder with dwarf indica, lutea picta, leptochila, and Warsczewiczii. Near this group is an elevated bed of Seaforthea elegans, and in front a beautiful circular bed 8 feet in diameter. In the centre of this is Dracaena australis, surrounded by Begonia parviflora, with pink and white flowers, then by a row of Dractena Cooperi and D. ferrea variegata alternately, with single plants of the pure white Centaurea ragusiua compacta between eacli ; and the ■whole, except the central portion covered by the Begonias, is caiiietcd with Selaginella denticulata, and this is edged with a narrow line of Saxifraga pectinata. By means of slight shatling ■when the sun is strong this extremely beautiful group is pre- sei-ved in all its freshness. In another circle is Aralia Sieboldi, Burrounded by Carmas ; this Aralia has \vithstood two winters without protection. Next this, again, is another very beautiful circular-bed, and so fresh and bright in its colours that wlien first seen it seems more the creation of the imagination than not a stem hut lovely reality. The centre is Dracitna ferrea, Bm-rounded by three rows of D. terminalis, all of which are planted out in the soil, not plunged. Covering the ground in the centre is Ficus repens, and the whole is edged with Cen- taurea and Tradescantia zebrina. On the opposite side to these beds, which are the gems of the place, is a mixed iiTegular bed at the junction with the r/alk leading southwards ; it is edged with the Japanese Honey- suckle, and planted with Coral Trees, Cassia corymbosa, Saccha- rum Maddeui, variegated Anindo donax, Amicia zygomeris, Wigandia caracasana, Solanums macranthum, giganteum (a yery taU-growing species), macrophyllum, japonicimi, pyracau- thum, glutiuosum, and ■^'iolaceum, the last having the under sides of the leaves of a violet purple colour. Tm-ning the corner, a little further on is a round bed of Aralia papjTifera, with Farfugium grande beneath, and edged with Fuchsia Tom Thumb. Another bed is filled with Solanum citrullifolium, with a flat-growing variegated Cock's-foot Grass as an under- growth, and Salvia argentea as an edging ; and a sunk bed in a low position is filled with Cyperus papyiiis and altemifolius, Gunnera scabra. Hibiscus palustris. the Bull-rush of the Nile, variegated Arundo donax, and other marsh plants. Other beds near this point consist of one, 60 feet long, of Canna discolor, edged with C. floribunda ; one of Canna er-ecta hybrida, with Castor-oil plants at the back, and Cassia floriljunda iu front, edged with Golden I\7-leaved Geranium ; a circle of Canna rubra superbissima, Funkia undulata variegata, and Golden Ivy- leaf ; and a splendid bed 30 feet long, planted with Wigandias and Canna metallica, one of the finest and most rapid-growing kinds, attaining a height of 8 feet. We also noticed a noble plant of Ferdinanda eminens in a circle, and a bed 30 feet long of Polymuia grandis, the stems of which are 3 feet high, and fluted like architectural columns, and the leaves bear a strong resemblance to those of the Bread-fruit tree. Yerbesina gigantea, Solanum robustum, and Sonchns laciniatus. the last with a pretty Fern-like leaf, occupy another long bed ; and in front of a semicircle about < 21 22 22 19 20 1 22 O . 28 . 27 . 24 . 25 Rough Red 24 AVonderful .... Red Robin .... 23 23 23 23 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, KHh, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, Bth, 7th, 8th, 9th, EXTRA PRIZE. Peter Daine Green .... Shiner. OREEN CLASS. Moses .\insworth Sir George Brown . Thomas Pilldngton Souter Johnny . . . William MidiUehurst Telegraph Thomas Pilkingtou Green London . . . Francis Soars Stockwell William Saunders London City .John Henshaw Shiner Faithful Jameson Matchless Charles Leicester Galloper John Torkingtou General WHITE CLASS. Thomas Pilkington Careless Thomas Argill Antagonist Nathaniel Ashton Hero of the Nile . Moses Ainsworth Peto Francis Oldfield Weasel William MidiUehurst King of Trumps . HeuiT Garside Freedom John Henshaw Overseer Faithful Jameson Lady Leicester . . . 27 26 24 25 24 24 24 26 25 24 24 24 21 20 20 26 26 24 24 21 20 1st, 2ud, 3rd, 4th, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 1st, 2ud, 3rd, 4th, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, SEEDLINGS. RED. .John Orchard Bob Clifton Thomas Ball Major Townseud . Charles Leicester Falstaff Joseph Bass Gladstone YELLOW. William Lowe Lady Houghton . . . Francis Soars Sir Robert Clil'tou . -James Boardman Ely James Fisher Old Man OREEX. Samnel Bird Gladiator George Waller Honesty ^. Charles Leicester Ranger Joseph Nuttall Cripple WHITE. Thomas Pilkington Success Charles Leicester Regent Francis Oldfield Charley Charles Leicester Succeed 18 6 H 19 18 16 15 5 18 13 11 13 H 18 18 13 18 15 20 15 7 17 1 16 20 19 14 13 19 12 19 12 6 10 31 19 21 10 .).j 6 21 22 21 10 21 6 19 16 19 7 19 2 19 2:» 17 12 17 0 17 8 oo 12 21 7 19 19 17 o GROUND VINERIES. It appears to me that in the construction of these there is a slight mistake in not providing ventilation, however small the 128 JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. C August 15, 1865. amount, at the top of the case. I would suggest a small louwe hoard, say 4 inches wide, hung on a jjivot in the centre, auj running the entire length of the case. If it opened an inch at the top and bottom that would be quite sufficient, and the top part of the louvre board should butt up underneath a lap in order that the wet may he carried off. I am induced to send you these remarks fi-om having visited the excellent kitchen garden of Mr. Heywood at South Norwood, who takes great interest in ground vineries ; hut although he has followed out youi' instructions as given in No. 28, the whole of his Grapes inside these cases are scorched. This result I attribute to the moisture arising from the earth condensing on the berries, and in diUl mornings the sun biu'sting out with sudden force upon the glass and stagnant air inside. The pigeon-holes in the bricks upon which the case is placed receive ah- that has passed along the ground only, and therefore laden with mois- ture, but ventilation at the top would create a current and diy the berries before the sun's rays struck directly on them. We Imow how beneficial this is for large vineries. A little air should be given at six o'clock in the morning, and the cases t:.keu off at mid-day. For my own part I consider it a mistake to place the cases so low, they should be raised upon some dry material that would filter the air before it reached the inside of the case. There can be no doubt that cordon training of the Vine is a great success, in this instance there were several cordon Vines not imder cases completely covered with bunches, some of which, if they come to perfection, may average from 2 to 3 lbs. I forgot to inquire of Mr. Heywood if the Grapes ripened last season, but I have no doubt he will readily answer that, or any other inquii-y yovir readers may wish to make through yom- Journal. — F. ROY.VL HORTICULTUEAL SOCIETY. AnorsT 8th. Floral Comotttee. — Tlie meeting held this ed with a darker shade ; Miss Powell, a striped crimson or red variety ; John Powell, a deep yellow, a promising fiower ; and Carnation. In the report of the Floral Committee, July *25th, in speaking of a drawing of Mr. Cutbusb's Ldium auratum which was exhibited, it is described as having dark red Inars, it should have been dark red bmuh. tei-minating in yellow. Frcit Committee. — Mr. G. F. Wilsou, F.R.S., in the chair. Mr. Rivers sent an interesting collection of miscellaneous varieties of fruit, consisting of Jitjij Green G(if;c Plum, a vei-y early variety of Green Gage ripening in .luly. It is in eveiy respect similar to a good, medium-sized, and highly coloured Green Gage, very richly flavoured, and the flesh separating from the stone ; a veiy valuable early Plum. Baroijs Early Gage, another form of the Green Gage, a shade larger than .luly Green Gage, but not so early nor so highly coloured. It is a most delicious Plum, and is distinguished from the former by its flesh adhering very closely to the stone. Bfiine ChmtJe tk IJciycr is not a Gage Plum at all, but synonymous with the Peach Plum, for the confiimation of which Mr. Rivers scut both these varieties to compare. Jlr./sffnrorth Plitiii is a variety much grown about Minstenvorth, near tTloucester, and appears to be synonymous with Damas Violet. It is a gi-eat hearer and a good, early, black, market Plum. Chister Damson is a very prolific form of the English Damsou gi'Own about Stroud. It was of course still unripe, and was sent to show the great fertility of the sort. Di't fians Ycllofr L/t/anrnn Cheny is a fine large Bigarreau of clear sulplnr yellow colour, far superior in size and flavour to August 15, 1805. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 129 Biittiior's ycUow or Ijady Sontbaiuptoirs. liirni is a valuabln late blttclc Bigarreau of meiUum size, somowhat larger than lioUo Agatht', with which in its latonoss it forms a j^ooil t'i)in|iauioii. It hangs till tho oud of August and bcgiuuiug of St-jitf mber, is a profuso bearer, and a fiuo bitu Cherry. This was awiirdetl a tirst-i-lasa certiiieate. Late M'hitc Jfvarf is also a small lato liigarreau of a pale colour. about tho same sizu as Rival and BtUo Agatho, but iiifurior in flavour to both. Mr. Rivers also sent a poi-tiou of a bunch of Duchess of Buccloneh (irapc to show, as Mr. Rivers stated in his coiuniuuieatiou, that the Iitirnos of this variety are subject to crauk and rot, wliilu the White Froutigau iu tho sumo house exhibits no such tendency. Mr. Rivers sent, also, fruit of Williams's Favourite Apple, an American variety. Messrs. Garaway & Sous, Bristol, oxhibitod a seedling Ridgo Cu- cumber, which received a first-class certificate. The fniit "was from 16 to 18 inches long, and were remark .'bly tine specimens of out-door culture. Messrs. Osboru it Son, of Fulham, sent branches of Prunu-i padus fructu-rubro in fruit, and Uaultheria ybalion in fruit. THE RIPENING OF OUT-DOOR FIGS. The ripp Pig noticed by " H." (page 91), is thus explained. In the axil of each leaf is fovmeil a fruit. As winter approaches these fruits are seen of various sizes, from nearly full-grown specimens on the lower part of the shoot, to the size of a pin's point at tho upper extremity. The more advanced are lulled by the frost. The smaller survive. It is generally said that if under the size of a hazel nut they are secure — i.e., with moderate protection. It win thus be seen that the security with which an embryo Fig passes through the winter is inversely as its size. If, under favourable circumstances, one a little larger than usual passes through the winter unscathed, of course it ripens earlier. Such was the Fig noticed by " H." In my garden, far north of Undercliff, I had a similar Fig on the Ist of August, and in a previous year had one on the 31st of July. I was at Bonchurch last June, but had not the entree of Dr. Leeson's grounds. Those Fig trees, however, which I saw in the Undercliff, were remarkably void of fruit. With natural advantages apparently" far superior to Tarring, I was surprised to find the produce so inferior in quantity. — (i. S. Seeing it stated at page 91, that " H., Ventmr,'' had on the 21th ult., gathered and eaten a fully ripe Fig from a tree in the grounds of Dr. Leeson, at Bonchurch, as fine as he or she had oaten iu Jersey at the end of August, I may mention that I had sent me on the '26th ult. (two days later than the above d.ate), a pair of ripe Figs as fine and luscious as ever were eaten. They came with the dairy produce which is sent every morning from the farm of our worthy manor bailiff, and on Saturday the 29tli, they were followed by a basket of the same — splen- did, bursting, pm-ple fellows, " a b.aniiuet for the gods." Not taking notes of these things, I was not aware that it was at all out of the usual course. If earlier than usual it is probably owing to the very fine summer we have had. At all events we have not had to wait until the end of August for our ripe Figs this year. I know the tree well from which these Figs were gathered, and I believe all the care that is taken of it is to prop up the branches. — A. T., Noirmont, Jersci/. HEATING AND VENTILATING A GREENHOUSE. In my former home I used to look after the garden, but we had a gardener who, of course, took his own way ; now, I find myself with a large vegetable garden, a lawn, and flower-beds, I have made a porch, and have a greenhouse in course of construction. The garden is all in my own hands, with a boy for constant work, an itinerant gardener occasionallj", and the men from my husband's farm when I w-aut them. What I particularly want to know is, how to heat the green- house':' It measures 18 feet by 12, adjoins the house, faces the west, and has a south end, but that is rather blocked up by farm buildings within 20 feet or more. It is span-roofed, iwith fixed sashes and rather slight rafters, as described iu " Green- houses for the Many," the door is iu the middle of the front, and thei'c arc three sashes on each side of it, all of which open, being hinged from the top. The-re is a potting-room at the back of the greenhouse, but not high enough I imagine to have ventilators into it, as the wall only rises as far as the beginning of the span-roof of the greenhouse. A door opens from the greenhouse into this potting-room, which door is at the back, close to the south end. Shall I jmt ventilators in the south end at the top of it ? The roof, south cud, and west ti'ont are all glass except the 2* -feet brick wall. My second question is about heatiug. I was going to have a portable stove ; but as the north end adjoins the house, and has at its back a fireplace where a fire is ke]>t almost constantly, even iu siunmcr, it would bo easy to put in a boiler and hot- water pipes, and it seems to me that it would be a good plan to run these pipes only round <)ne end — that is to say, from the boiler under a corner stage at the west, and along the front shelf as far as the door, and back again to the boiler, then again from the boiler to the east corner, perhaps in a rockery for stove Ferns, and along half the east side under a shelf, and back to the boiler. It appears to me that over my boiler I could have a place for propagating, that my warmed front shelf, which I could make a box or tray, would do for Gardenias, C'rloxinias. &c., and the other and darker side would grow Ferns, &c. Then, I think, the centre stand, south shelf, and half the western shelf would grow Geraniums, &c., and I have an idea that I might by moving them have Vines in pots. Being an invalid and not able to drive or go about, I can give more attention to my plants than other people, and I also turn my maids into under-gardeuers ! I should say, that I mean to have against tho 2 j -feet brick wall of the south end of the greenhouse, a cold pit for storing bedding plants, &c. Will it do in that position ? — 0. D. [We can well enter into all your little troubles and diffi- culties, as, independently of the extra claims to notice, as being somewhat of an invalid, you occupy just one of those posi- tions in which we would wish to be serviceable if we could. We are certain that aU your attempts to improve yom- garden, if you prudently do not overwork yourself, wiU not only im- Ijrove your health, but vastly increase the comforts of yom* home. We have known men of rather sedentary habits, hard- thinking, intellectual men, who lived and procured the means for their family to live, by the hard work of the brain, who, after suffering dreadfully from neuralgia and various nervous affections, that made them appear iu their studies as if they had taken farewell of their senses, after trying everything else, found complete relief and freedom from distracting pains through working in the garden. One of these gentlemen told us that his garden had been his great physician. " Whenever I feel the least signs of the hyps, the sure forerumier of the tic, neuralgia, &e., I shut up books and papers and off to my gar- den, and delve, hoe, rake, &c., as if my living depended on it ; and now, since I have taken a regular spell night and morning, I have been able to say adieu to my kind worthy physician. I am sure there is a fund of health in the fresh-turned earth, and the balmy air of early morn." We have told and told of such cases, until many friends, male and female, have had reason to tell us since, " Ah ! the garden was our best doctor." So may it prove to our correspondent. Only the other w^eek we discanted on the causes that natu- rally rendered so many of our farmers careless about their gardens, especiaUy the ornamental department, and that where appearances were very different, these appearances generally might be traced to ovu: best friends the ladies. Now, here, as if to corroborate our words, is a lady, a wife of only five months' standing, keenly attentive no doubt to her household duties, and yet resolved to make use of her newly-acquired powers and opportunities tb manage her large garden herself, w-ith the help of a boy constantly, a jobbing gardener at times, and men from her husband's farm when she wants them. Now to the questions. 1. As to ventilatiny the house. As all the front sashes are made to move, we would, as you propose, have a part of the south end made to open — say a triangle of some 2 feet at base, and the same in height to the apex, and just beneath that point two or three small squares made to move would have the same eft'ect. These in a common greenhouse might be fastened open night and day from the middle of May to the middle of October. Between these two periods they would have to be regulated according to the heat of the weather, keeping in mind that in cold weather iu winter the ventilation would be safer by such openings than by the front sashes, and especially in the south part of the house, where you propose having no heating medium. So much for the south end. Now, if you had a space to open on the north end of 3-our span, though not 130 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 15, 1865. more than 18 inches sqiiare, in such a short )iouse of 18 feet, and exeu if in cold weather you opened each of these merely a few inches, you would secure at all times a sweet atmosphere, and prevent anything like scorching or burning from accumu- lated vapour. As already stated, they might stand open all the summer, and very little air given early in the day in cold weather, would prevent aUke the erils arising from a stagnant or a moisture-laden atmosphere, and those different evils which come from allowing great draughts of cold air to pass at once among somewhat tender plants, which would he apt to be the case from a free use of the front sashes in winter. If not convenient to make this opening at the apex of the north end, the next best plan would be to have .in opening 2 feet by 1 foot at the top of the waU and the north-east corner of it, which separates the greenhouse from the potting-shed. If there were any objection to the ventilation in the south end, we would fix just such another near the doorway at the south- east corner. With the door or the window of the potting-room open in summer, and a little open, except in cold nights, in winter, the ventilators at the top of the back wall where the span springs from would be quite enough for ventilation, whether formed of hinged board, or swung on pivots, or of glass in a frame. These, too, we would leave open all the stim- mer, and in winter, though less would be required, more air could be given than if the opening went at once into the open air, as the air in the potting-room in winter will be more mild, though, if the place is kept clean, it may be equally jnire with that of the open atmosphere. Such ventilation into such places has much to recommend it in the case of beginners, as more air may be given and still less danger be incurred fi-om cold di'y draughts in winter. Ji2ud, Heathit/. — The ease and propriet}- with which you may manage to heat the house, from a fireplace in the room at the north end of it, will depend on the relative heights of the floor of the greenhouse and the floor of the sitting-room, or rather, more correctly, on the height of the Uttle boiler around the fireplace, and the height of the pipes inside. Sad errors have been made in this respect — no doctoring or management can make the water that is heated in the boiler descend and circulate in pipes below the level of the boiler, unless, indeed, in some peculiar cases, when pipes at some distance rise to a much higher elevation than the boiler. If the boiler has an open Ud, the upper pipes should be on the same level as the top of the water in the boiler ; the pipes must not be higher, or the boiler will overflow. If the boUer is close on the top, and is either fed by an elevated cistern, or by a cistern placed on the highest point of the pipes, then the pipes may run in the house at any reasonable height above the boiler, provided no part is higher than the supply-cistem — in fact the action will be all the better if all the heating pipes, flows and returns, are on a level above the toj) of the boiler, unless at that point where the return joins the bottom of the boiler. Vk'e are all the more particular on these simple points, because the neglect of attending to them often results in dis- appointment, and the blame is not always placed on the right person, as we sometimes know to our cost. Not so long ago we were told somewhat bluntly by a gentleman that he got into a scrape through us, when he did not succeed satisfactorily because he totally neglected these simple matters as to levels. A gentleman, partly by our advice, heated his neat conserva- tory adjoining the drawing or sitting-room fi'om his Idtchen boiler. The kitchen floor was at least 12 feet lower than the consei-vatory floor. The Idtchen boiler was close on the top, supplied by a cistern and ball-cock higher than the floor of the cousci-vatory. The connecting pipes from boiler to conservatory were of IJ-inch lead, and packed mostly in sawdust, in a neat wooden trough against the wall. The floor of the consenatorj- (span-roofed) was 4 inches lower than the floor of the drawing- room, and the same depth lower than the sill of the door that opened out on the little garden. We do not advocate this lowering of the floor in general circumstances ; but here it answered by simplifying the heating, which was done by three- inch pipes, three in the front, and two at the back, going all round the house .on the same level, and close together, and a neat piece of iron gi-ating going over the pipes at the doorways, thus forming a step-down of 4 inches in depth. The other gentleman resolved to do the same thing from his kitchen boiler; but then the kitchen boiler was soma 5 J feet above the floor of the consei-vatoi-y, and, after a deal of worry and trouble, they found that all would be unavaiUng unless they fixed the pipes at that height against the walls of the house, where they not only looked ugly, but did the work wanted very imperfectly, making the floor of the house too damp and cold, and the toj), near the apex of the lean-to house, far too hot in general. Let the heating mediiun be low enough, and stagna- tion of air in a house is next to impossible. We have not the same faith in the applications of heat where the heating medimn is as high as our heads. The last accounts we heard of this mishap, or next to it, because the owner wanted a pro- pagating-bed from a part of the pipes, was to the effect that the pipes were to be taken down, and to be connected with a small boiler in a lean-to-shed putting-house, where at first we would have advised its being placed. This leads us to say that, if, from the position of the Are in the room, there should be the above difliculty as to level, it would be the safest plan, if the floor of the potting-room was all that lower than the conservatory, or if it was easily prac- ticable, to sink a stokehole deep enough ; then pipes could be taken all round the house, stopping at the two doorways, and be placed on the floor, if deemed necessary ; or, what we con- eider woidd be the most economical in such a house, a small five or six-inch shallow flue could be carried round below the tiles of the floor, if such a floor were resorted to. The advantage of having a fire here would be the independence of the lad that Ughted the fire of all house servants, aud theu' systems of man- agement, which, somehow, do not often square well together. This last matter would be got over if the boiler would be suit- able in the room at the north end ; all that will be required will be to keep the boiler supplied with water, and a tap in the greenhouse to let the heat on when desirable. Unless you place more than two four-inch pipes at the north end, and for less than a half along each side, we fear you will not have heat enough to keep out much frost at the south end, though, perhaps, quite enough to meet all that is generally prevalent near Cork in winter. in such a short house as 18 feet in length, you will, we fear, fail to keep one end as a warm house for tropical and sub- tropical plants, whilst the uuheated end would be devoted to the hardier gi-eenhouse i)lants, requiring more air and a colder atmosphere. In such a space the heat would be apt to become imiform, unless, indeed, you made a ilivision in the house, and theu nothing would be more easy. Without that division you would find it equally difticult to make a propagating-box or pit over the pipes at the heated end, or to grow Gloxinias, etc., unless you shut in part of these places with cases covered with glass. With such contrivances as shallow boxes, covered with a pane or panes of glass, and moveable at jileasure, set on a bed formed over the pipes, the pipes being placed in a chamber, or packed round with stones, brickbats, &c., you might grow in them, and do in them, anything that could be done by more expensive cases. You could likewise readily harden- off gradually by giving more and more air to the cuttings, plants, &c., in these little cases, hand-lights, and theu place them in the colder end of the house. Moreover, by having three pijies instead of two, where j-ou would want most heat, you could have a few openings at the side to let the heat out, and then, whilst securing heat to your more tender favoui'ites, you could also borrow enough from the pipes beneath, by slide or otherwise, to keep frost and extra cold from the unheated part of the house ; but, without such contrivances to keep in the heat about your tender plants, we have no faith in j'our keeping distinct atmospheres in such a small house. A few simple wooden bottomless boxes, with a large square of glass at the top, would enable yoti to do wonders. Were the glass top, whether a simple square or a pane, moveable, you could then turn it in an instant — a matter of moment with yoimg seedhngs and cuttings. 3rd, As respects your Vines in ]iots, we are of those who believe that there are ladies by whom the word "impossible" is thoroughly xmrecognised. Meanwhile, we would say, " Let well alone ; " and if you would entice your spouse by a cluster of Grapes as he sits under his own Vine, we would advise you to plant two or three at the west front of the house, close to the flower-borders ; they will give you less trouble, on the whole do better, and, if only two or three, will j-ield a nice shade to the house in summer. Too much, of course, would spoil and draw aU plants beneath them. We shall never forget when, in our young days, we had Cucumbers. Melons, stove plants. Vines, Figs, and Peaches in one house, and that a steep lean-to, the late Joseph Knight, Esq., the predecessor of the present Mr. Veitch, looking very comically at us, and saying, "Why, you will beat nurserymen in cramming." We have always had enough of cramming much in little space ; but here we advise no one to follow our example. — K. Fish. Aagnbt 16, 1805. ] JOUKNAL OF HOKTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. in RUSSIAN VIOLET THE CZAR. nificent flowers and foliase, tho plants exhibited being growu ill imrc loam without liiiuid manure. The flower is of a deep blue colour, of great substance, at- TuiB fine flower was raised by F. .J. Graham, Esq., of Crau- ford, and obtained lirst-elass certilicates in ISC') from tho lloyal Horticultural and Koyal Botanic Societies for its mag- taining 1} inch in depth, and on very- stout footstalks 9 inches of the plants in pots produced 130 flowers to a root, and others long. One of our highest authorities has publicly said of it, " The Violet is evidently a genuine seeilling, and not only is the plant remarkable for its extreme luxm-iance, but the smell BUrpasses that of any other Violet I have ever met with." Bome had two flowers on one stalk. The accompanying engraving of the flower was measured by compasses. The leaf is accurately copied from a tracing from life. 132 JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. r August 15, 1865. WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Cleaeing off all crops as soon as they are exhausted, and the destruction of weeds, tend not only to improve the appear- ance of the garden but are actually, vrith reference to the soil, of economical importance. Broccoli, the latest crops should now be planted out, if not yet done. Cahhane, another sowing may be made in the end of the week to remain in the seed-bed during the winter. A late sowing sometimes comes in rery useful ; also, make a sowing of Eed Dutch for summer use. Caulijioicci; make a sowing in the end of the week, for plants to stand the winter. The Asiatic is a large and excellent sort for this purpose. Celery, previous to earthiug-up the first time give the trenches a thorough watering, as the plants v,-iU not receive much benefit from waterings afterwards. The earth- ing-up should be carefully done, the whole of the leaves being kept close together at the time. Cticumhcr^. the lights may be drawn off those that are in frames during gentle showers of rain, but not when it is sufficiently heavy to injm-e the leaves. Gather Gherkins for pickling. Dwarf Ki,hic:/ Beaux, keep the crop closely gathered, for if allowed to remain until they are too old for use they cease to bear as they otherwise would do. Lettuce, sow largely for standing thi-ough the winter. The Brown Cos, Black-seeded Bath Cos, and Hardy Hammer- smith, and Bro-rni Dutch are the best sorts for sowing at this season. Plant out from the late sowings for autumn use. As regards prescribed periods of sowing, it is advisable to study both the soil and locality of a garden, that its advantages and disadvantages may be imderstood. There are locaUties where it is necessary to deviate considerably from ordinary practice to meet peculiarities. Onions, pull up and house tliose that have done gi-owing. If the main crops have long necks the tops may be broken down ; if not, there is no advantage in doing so. LadisJies, make another sowing of Black and \ATute Spanish, and also of the Turnip-rooted sorts. Tomatoes, let the most forward of the fruit be fully exposed to the sun. Eemove some of the leaves which shade it. Keep all the shoots Stopped immediately there is sufficient voung fruit on the plants. FKUIT GARDES. The preservation of waD friut from birds and insects should receive attention. The bean-stalk eamng-traps should be fre- quently examined. Worsted or other small-meshed netting may be employed with advantage to protect Green Gage or other Plums. Look carefully over Peach and Nectarine trees, and remove nails that are too close to the swelling fruit. In Stopping and arranging the wood let only as much as can be conveniently laid in be allowed to remain, "and the quantity laid in should also be gr-eatly regulated by due consideration for the perfection of the fruit and the proper ripening of the wood, which only the influences of sim and air can accomplish. It is also an error in another respect to i-etain a large amount of wood to be removed in the winter pruning, as imdue excite- ment and extension is given to the roots, which, with a super- abundant supply of sap, induces in the spring the growth of rank and unmanageable wood. Pear shoots which have been left or only partially shortened, should now be pruned back to three or four eyes. Proceed with Strawberry planting. Eemove rnimers from established plants to relieve and strengthen them. FLOWER GARDEN. Hollyhocks, Dahlias, and herbaceous jilants must be made safe from the effects of high winds, by secru'ely fastening them to their supports. The like attention should be paid to climb- ing plants against walls and trellises, standard Eoses, &c. There is an appearance of negligence when plants are blown about by the w-ind, which should by all means be avoided. Eemove daily dead leaves, bloom, and litter of all kinds, and frequently sweep and mow grass to give a clean well-kept ap- pearance. Gravel walks should be frequently rolled dm-ing heavy rains to keep them finu. The general pruning of ever- green shr-ubs should now take place, reducing straggling growths within proper limits, biit avoiding giiiug them anvthing of a formal character. The object is to assist, not deform, natm-e. By this the general characteristics of each plant will be as much as possible preserved. The case is different in pnming shrubs used as architectural embelhshmeuts, which will require trim- ming into the precise figure wanted. Cutting hedges should now be finished, using the knife for large-leaved plants. Keep the shi-ubbery borders clean by frequent dressings. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. Should the weather continue unsettled it will be an advantage to many dehcate plants to introduce them early into the greenhouse. It is better always to anticipate an evil by pre- caution, than to supinely await its arrival. We shall soon have short, sunless, damp days, and long nights, therefore look over the stock of pot-plants, and see that none of them are suffering for want of pot-room, or other attention necessarj' to assist them to make young wood for flowering next season ; also see that proper care is afforded any late-gi-owing plants in the borders, for while in active gi-owth much more water will be necessary. Large old specimens of CamelUas should not be allowed to become too dry- at the root after they have set their buds, for this is what generally causes them to di'op theii- buds — a som-ce of frequent complaint. Yoimg vigorous plants, how- ever, frequently require to be watered rather sparingly at this period, to prevent then- making a second growth. Cinerarias for early flowering should now be growing freely ; attend to these with shifting, &c. STOVE. Many of the hardwooded spring-flowering specimens, when kept growing late in the autimin, when there is not sufficient simshine to properly ripen the wood, seldom flower strongly ; therefore give every encom-agement to such as have not made their growth, and use the shading very sparingly after this time. The twiners here will now be in their glory. Keep them weU supplied with water at the root, and give frequent attention to regulating the shoots and disposing the blooms in the most effective manner. Allamandas are fine plants for pot culture, but to have them in perfection they must be planted out in the border of the stove, and ti-aiued to the pillars or back wall, where they flower magnificently during a great part of the year. The briUiant Clerodendi'on splendens, the Combretums, Echites suberecta and splendens, Stephanotis floribunda, and many other first-rate plants, do splendidly when treated in the same manner, and trained near the glass. PITS AND FRAMES. Propagation of stock for next season must be commenced and carried on with expedition, so as to secure well-est.iblished plants before winter, and without the necessity of keeping them so close or warm as to induce weakly growth. It cannot be too often repeated that, to be able to winter bedding stock safely with ordinary care, the cuttings should be put in suffi- ciently early in the autumn to allow of their being well esta- blished, and fit to be exposed to the open air by the end of next mouth. Begin with variegated Geraniums, and such plants as are found to be most tedious to propagate and pre- pare for winter. — W. Keane. DOIXGS OF THE LAST "WTSEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Have been busy taking up Potatoes, and jjutting in strong plants of winter greens in their place. The Potatoes in open ground, and imtrodden on in secui'iug plants between the rows, have been an extraordinary crop, literally covering the ground with tubers. W^e have tried nearly all plans with Potatoes and winter greens, and now chiefly approve of the system of pricking out the greens in an intermediate-bed. and taking up the Potatoes before cropping the ground. When gi-eens of any sort are planted between the rows the ground is trodden in planting and watering, and it is rarely that the crop comes so nice and regular afterwards as it does on cleai'ed groimd. Of course such observations do not apply to those large gardens where gardeners can keep quarters in fallow until they turn out their winter vegetables. In few gentlemen's gardens can this be done, the demand being so much gi'eater than the groimd allotted for the supply ; iu no cottager's garden would it be ad^dsable to pursue the fallowing system. Treat the ground Idndly. Stir it well. Give the crops when growing all diluted slops and sewage, and it v,-ili scarcely ever say, " Hold, enough." In market gardens it is generally most profitable to have quick-rotation crops, and only one crop on the ground at a time ; but then a piece can there be cleared at once and sent off to market. The gardener, on the other hand, must have a regular daUy supply. A cartload, or even a barrowload, of any one vegetable at one time is rather a misfortune than otherwise, imless the establishment is so large as to need it all on one day, or the material wiD kec]) like Potatoes or Carrots. One of tlie best growers of Broccoli in this neighbourhood, and who fiuds that its culture pays liim well, gives each plant a yard of gi-ound — that is, they stand a yard apart each way, and little else is taken from the ground for the season. August 15, 1865. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENE! 13:j This is aiiothev proof that plenty of space is, instead of waste- ful, the most economical in the end. The labour now spent so often in niovin;,' jilants from house to house and place to place before they reach their final resting-place would soon put up separate houses for such purposes, and the labour of fre- quent moving thus bo saved. As we are on I'otatoes, we may mention that in our limited room we find it most economical to grow Ash-lciived and its sevo-al improvements, as Early May, a beautiful Potato, Early Ernmes, Early Hhaws, &c., chiefly because they make small to))s in comparison with their tubering below ground. In some cottage gardens wo noticed lately some lands of Rough Keds, and other sorts, with the haulm fully 5 feet in height ; and the drawback to these is that generally they are so long in ripening that the winter greens are l;ito in being put out, and planting between the rows is out of the question. Except in a frame, where the soil was too sandy and light, we have as yet met with no trace of the disease. Cahbaijes. — The first sowings, owing to (he rains, are be- coming quite strong enough to stand well through the winter. The second sowing, though protected with a mnt and net to keep out all marauders, came veiy thin, and we were half inclined to think there must have been something wroirg in tlie seed; but to teach us charity as respects our seedsmen friends, we rind a succession is now coming np quite thickly, and it will answer our purpose better than if all had come together. We shall sow a pinch more for spring planting if we do not plant them in autumn. It is now a good time to sow Red Dutch, for next year's pickling, in cold fitB soils. Savoys and Srolcli Knlr may also be sown to come in early next season ; these, especially on north aspects, will be much earlier and yield a heavier produce than those sown in spring, in April and May. Scotch Kales are sown largely in Scotland for this purpose, and they are used there in early summer in a way they are rarely used in England. As the plants grow freely, even when they are of no great si^e the cottage housewife goes into her garden a,nd cuts away about the half of the largest leaves, leaving the other half on the plant, so that but little check to growth is given. These parts of leaves are then divided into several pieces, and when placed in boiling broth, of which b.nrley dressed and meat form a portion, the mess of savoury food turned out is what a king might well admire. These cut leaves are very tender, come in before the early Cabbages, and are popularly teiined " stewiugs." These greens are little used n England until they have a little frost, but the stewings need no frost. The Scotch cottager has much to learn in gardening and cooking matters from his neighbours south of the Border; but in this one respect we think the southerns may take a lesson. There is just this to be suggested, that in the warmer climate such Borecoles if sown too early would be apt to run to seed early in Summer, instead of continuing to grow on in bulk. Catdijioioer. — Sowed a little seed, but for next year's first crop prefer sowing in September, as then tliere is little chance cf the plants bolting in winter or early spring before they come to any size. For general cropping nothing we have found beats the London Market. The Frogmore Forcing and some others are more compact, and stand a little forcing better, and are therefore better for pots. Kept planting out on spare ground, and will do so for the month, the latest to be taken U]) and protected. Spinach. — Sowed the main winter crop on open gi'ound well stirred and enriched, in rows 15 and 18 inches ap.irt. In shady places, and confined for air, it is apt to damp off and become diseased in winter. "Where it is much in demand the surface of the gi'onnrl if at all stiff must be well stirred in winter. The surface-stirring is the great and simple safeguard against the evils arising from damp and also from frosty weather. The Prickly Spinach is the hardiest. Sowed successions of Turnips, Radishes, and Lettuces, Onions for standing the ^^Tnter ; and planted out successions of Lettuces, Endive, &c. A good plan for late Emiire is to throw the gr'onnd into broad ridges a yard or 4 feet from furrow to fmTOw, and then plant on the sides of the ridge, about an equal distance from the apex and the furrow. In such positions the plants often stand all the winter with but little protection, though it is safest to have a good lot set thickly imder glass, giving them plenty of air. The evils that menace them there are damp in bad weather and attacks by mice and rats when frost sets in. Air for the' first, and traps and poison for the last are the best antidotes. On uncovering a piece of Endive protected, after a severe frost, we have had the mortification to find the greater part of the centres eaten out, and therefore rendered next to useless tor salading. Lettuces will Ije attacked in the same way, but the mice are scarcely so fond of them as of Endive. One slight pnitection from them is afforded by letting the plants be frosted a little before covering them i p. The mouse cares less for them when the leaves are hard. It is the heart or centre to which mice invariably go. Any one may have the outside leaves for what they care. CiifiiinlKi-t!. — Sowed some for a late and winter crop, if they should be desired ; planted out more to keej) on in the autumn, and put linings of grass and litter rt>und frames where the plants are still bearing freely. In the few cold nights we have had put on a mat over the glass at night. Gathered Gherkins and short Cucum.bers for pickling ; if the weather be surmy as well as warm there v/ill bo plenty more. Mmlirooiiix. — Prepared for anotlier small bed in the shed ; the first bearing heavily, and the second piece just appearing. Now is a good time for putting np a first-rate general bed, and also for making Mushroom spawn. The several modes of doing so we have frequently alluded to. FRCTT gabuf.x. Proceeded much the same as noticed in previous weeks, thinning, shortening, and pinching the points out of shoots, gathering ripe fruit, and so as to prevent it falling. Plums, Morello Cherries. &c., are ripening very soon this season, and Gooseberries look as if thoy could not be kept long. Straw- berries will want dressing as soon as we can find time, and the weaker summer shoots of Raspberries will want removing, to give more light and air to those remaining. Not a d.ay but we see many things that want doing, which we cannot do so soon as we would like. Much, however, may be managed by system, and without the qualms that attend over-working. A gentleman from the manufacturing districts lately ex- pressed his surprise that the general run of labourers inthis district did not seem to go at their work in the same spirit as they did in his neighbourhood. He alluded chiefly to agricul- tural labourers. We thought there was a reason patent on the surface. The labourers where he came from had some two, or three, or four shillings per week more as wages. To get the most out of a man, even as a mere physical machine, therfnachine must be kept up, and all its gearings Avell hibricated and in working order. Good food must be supplied as the fuel to make and keep up the working steam. It is worse than in- fatuation to expect that the Irishman will do the same amount of work in his own land for l.s-. or l.s-. M. per day as he woidd heartily do in some more favoured locality and circumstances where his wages would be from 2s. (id. to 3.<. Od. per day. An Englishman cannot continue to do the work on lOs. per week which he could easily do, and also be fairly expected to do, on from 12.S'. to 15.s. per week. Low wages will generally be found a great mistake for all parties concerned. One good effect of the new Union Chargeability BiU will be the greater equalising of wages over large districts, and a more general recognition of the simple principle, that before a man can do his best at even the simplest labour he must have a sufficiency of nourishing food. When first we came in contact with regidar railway navvies we were astonished at two things — first, the amount of hard work they performed, and secondly, the quan- tity of good nourishing food they managed to put out of sight. No man could sustain such arduous continuous labour without being well fed. Without the fuel the fire must either go out, or merely maintain existence like a gathering coal smothered with ashes. The times are fast approaching when even the energies of the mere physical machine of humanity w-ill have to be made the most of, and kept in first-rate working order. Without such care the employment of such energies will entail loss rather than profit. 0BNA3IENTAL DEPAKTMENT. Went over stove, so as to relieve the shade, which was be- coming too dense. Find w-e can grow but few plants in oUr limited room. Removed the decaying flowers from Stanhopeas and other Orchids, and gave abundance of water to Ferns. Plenty of ilrainage. good, sweet, well-aired, rough loam and peat, and plenty of water, so as never to allow the roots to become dry, are' the chief points to be attended to in the suc- cessful culture of house Ferns. Justicias, Eranthemums, Euphorbias, Poinsettias, &c., to bloom freely in winter, should now be exposed to more light and air. The larger kinds of Cactus, as Cereus, Epiphyllum, &c., should now have all the sunlight possible, and no more water given than will keep them from showing signs of distress. Few of the larger kinds 134 JOUENAIi OF HOBTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Augnst 15, 1865. will need much water after Angiist. An inquiry has been made as to where Eehinocacti, Mammillariae, &c., are to be bad for a small unique collection. No doubt there are many other places, but the chief place we recollect at present, where a nice select stock is for sale, is at the Bury St. Edmunds Botanic Garden. We often wonder why some of eur amateurs, with but little room, and little time to spare, do not take more to this tribe of plants. Potted Cinerarias, Primulas, &c., for winter and spring, and commenced propagating for the flower garden next season. Nipped off the flowers from Geraniums intended for winter blooming. Gave more room to feathered Cockscombs, Balsams, and Chrysanthemums. Looked after the watering of the latter, as the rains are deceitful, the massive foliage throwing it past the pots, instead of into them. The chief work, however, has been mowing, machining, and rolling lawns, and cleaning and regulating the l)eds in the flower gardens after the hea\T rains. This work consisted chiefly in piclcing out decayed petals and blooms, picking out points of shoots in front of bloom-buds of Geranimns, and a plentiful disleafing of the larger-leaved Geraniums, which, owing to the wet, had become rather massive for the size of the flower-trusses, and keeping the plants in their right places by twigs and bands of fine string, which are generally concealed in the course of a day or two. This and lowering some buds which had grown rather high for the group, took up more of our time then we wished, and the result on the whole was very satisfactory as to appearances, the few days' sim having re- moved, with such picking, &c., all the effects of the pelting rains. But now, on the Thursday evening on which this is written, after being pretty well pleased with everything this afternoon, the barometer is falling rapidly, the lightning is flashing, and the thunder rolling as if presaging another storm, and if it C(.)me the beauty of the beds will be again impaired, aU helping to give strength to the idea of ha%'ing flower gardens under glass, as several times lately alluded to. At any rate whenever we have the chance, we would lessen rather than extend the space devoted to the grouping system of flower gardening out of doors. Perhaps it is only fair that we should have the right of some- what modifying our opinions as to the relative first expense of Beard's metallic houses, and a cheap, rough, btit serviceable orchard-'house, as we have it now on indisputable authority, that the patentees intend putting up such elegant houses at the expense of from Is. 9(/. to 2s. per squai'e foot. — E. F. COVENT GARDEN MARKET— August 12. Increabing supplies and decreasing prices are tte rule now, for such large quantities of Plums, and other fruit, have rarely been seen even here, the great emporium. s. d. s. d Apples i sieve 1 0to2 0 Apricots doz. 10 3 0 CiieiTies lb. 0 6 16 Chestnuts bush. 0 0 0 0 Currants, Red ^ sieve 3 6 5' 0 Black do. 4 6 6 0 Figs doz. 2 0 4 0 Filberts lb. 0 9 1 0 Cobs do. 0 0 0 0 Gooseberrie.s. . 4 sieve 2 0 3 0 Grapes, Hambro.. .lb. 2 0 5 0 Muscats lb. 3 0 6 0 Lemons 100 8 0 14 0 s. d. d 0 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 0 0 0 0to5 6 1 0 Melons each 2 Mulberries. . . . punnet 0 Nectarines doz. 4 Oranges 100 10 0 20 Peaches doz. Pears (kitchen)., doz. dessert doz. 10 2 0 Pine Apples lb. 3 0 6 0 Plums i sieve 2 6 4 0 Quinces } sieve 0 0 0 0 Raspberries lb. 0 6 0 0 Strawberries lb. 0 0 0 0 Walnuts bush 14 0 20 0 VEGETABLES. Artichokes each Asparagus.... bundle Beans Broad. . bushel Kidney do Beet, Red doz. Broccoli bundle Brus. Sprouts, -i sieve Cabbage doz. Capsicums 100 Carrots bunch Cauliflower doz. Celery bundle Cucumbers each pickling doz. Endive score Fennel bunch Garlic and Shallots, lb. Herbs bunch Horseradish . . bundle d. 8. 0 4 too 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 9 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 6 0 0 0 8 6 0 3 0 1 0 4 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 Leeks bunch Lettuce per score Mushrooms. . . . pottle Mustd. & Cres3,punnet Onions, .doz. bunches pickling . . , .quart Parsley ^ sieve Parsnips doz. Peas quart Potatoes bushel Kidney do. Radishes doz. bunches Rhubarb bundle Savoys doz. Sea-kale basket Spinach bushel Tomatoes doz. Turnips bunch Vegetable Marrows dz. s. d. 0 31 0 9 2 6 0 2 3 0 0 6 1 0 1 0 0 9 2 6 3 0 0 6 0 2 0 0 0 0 3 0 2 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 0 8 1 TO CORRESPONDENTS. *** "We request that no one will write privately to the depart- mental writers of the "Journal of Horticulture, Cottaga Gardener, and Countrj' Gentleman.*' By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications sliould therefore be addressed solely to The Editors of the Journal of Horticulture^ d'C^ 171, FUet Street, London, E.G. We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them an- swered ])romptly and conveniently, but wiite them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. N.B. — Many questions must remain unanswered until next week. Various (Martf C). — Add salt and pounded allspice to your dried Rose leaves before putting them in the vases. (Tj/roj.— We would not advise you to cover your Vine border with glass for propagating bedding plants. The Currant is the Green-fruited Black ; the blue-flowered plaut is a variety of Galega officinalis. Apricots Attacked by Earwigs (An Old Subncriber).—'The rotting of the fruit is evidently the result of the earwigs making holes, and wet lodging in these causes rottenness. Adopt the means recommended in similar cases in last week's Journal. PROPA.GATiiiG-POT (T. Barnes). — If you send us one of your pots, carriage paid, and it appears to us to be an improvement on those already in use, we i\'ill give pubUcity to it. Kew Gahdens (J. B., lu-ar HiiU).—By all means embrace the oppor- tunity. With care you can Hve on the sum you name. Hail-stones (TT. Gerrard). — We have seen much larger pieces of ice jail in storms, if the sketch sent represents the natural size. Auricula Culture (W. E.). — " Florists' Flowers for the Many," which you can have free by post from our office for five postage stamps, gives all the infoi-mation which you require. We never recommend dealers. Mrs. Pollock Geraniusi (One Not Used to Plants). — The mould from rotten sticks is decidedly bad, and so, too, was cutting off nearly all the leaves. Under these circumstances success in striking the cuttings is very questionable. Try what you can do by potting in sandy loam, leaf mould, and silver sand, in equal parts, with a little silver sand at top; then water gently, cover with the bell-glass, and it may yet succeed. Glazing Without Putty (.S. J., Salop). — We are unable to understand your mode of glazing from the photograph alone, and shall be glad to have further particulars. Fungus on Lawn (T. S. B., Streatham). — To kill the fungus give a sprinkling of salt. The ground is probably worn ont; if so, an applica- tion of guano will make the grass grow stronger, and the fungus will then probably cease to trouble you. Trop.eolum Sports (Ttuhy). — We sowed tbe seeds sent us last year, as we were desirous to learn whether the seedlings would inherit the pecu- liarities of their parent. The plants have nothing to distinguish them from the varieties of T. Lobbianum, and the flowers are inferior and very different from the leaves and flowers sent us last season. Six seeds vegetated, and no two of them were alike. AcHiMENES and GLOXINIAS IN A CoOL GREENHOUSE {Ehoraevm).~-Yon may flower them in a greenhouse if the roots are forwarded in a hotbed, and kept there until well advanced for bloom. They cannot be grown well in a cool gi-eenhouse, though they will flcwer well there, and may be kept in winter in the warmest part of the house with the soil dry. A dozen good Achimenes are Dazzle, Ambroise Verschaffelt, Longiflora major, Carl Wolfarth, Bnumanni hirsuta, Mauve Queen, Sir Treheme j Thomas, Margaretta, Camiinata elegans. WilUam MuUer. Meteor, and Sceptrum. Gloxinias: Sir Hugo, Angelina, Duke of Wellington, Most ! Beautiful, Lady Emily Villiers, Wilsoni, Georgiana, Princess Alice, j Evelina. Raphael, Tisona, and Lady Victoria Howard. Plants for Rocework (L. T. .B.).— Rhododendrons hirsutum and I feiTUgineum ; Silene acauUs. S. Schafta, Cistus formosus, algarviensis, 1 roseus, and pmimreus ; Cerastium tomentosum, Cineraria naritima, Alys- ' sum saxatile, AcJena Xovje-Zealandis, Aquilegia alpina, Arabis albida, A. bellidifoUa, Bryanthus ereetus, Coraus suecica. Campanula garganica, Linaria cymbalaria variegata, Lithospennmu fruticosum, Iberis saxatilis, Lotus coruiculatus fiore pleno, Saxifraga oppositifolia, S. caryophylla, S. palmata. andS. affinis; Sedum pallidum roseum, S. sempeiTivoides, S. grandiflornm. and S. altaicum ; Vinca major elegantissima, Statice alpina, and OxaUs tropaoloides. Carnations Changing Colour (Felixstowe). — We have never known this to be the case as you say from dark to light. Light flowers fre- quently run and become dark, but we do not remember ever hearing of the reverse taking place. Purple Spinach. — We have not observed this at the Royal Horticul- tural Gardens and in the parks. Is it not either Amaranthus melancho- licus ruber or Iresiue Herbstii to which you refer? International Horticultural Exhibition and Congress (Arffm).— You may rest assured that no indi\'idual, or body of individuals, will be permitted to interfere with the management, except the Executive Com- mittee which has already been appointed. Cottagers* AxLOTaiENT Societies. — A society of this description being in contemplation at Penzance, oiu" assistance has been asked in procuring the rules of similar associations ; we shall therefore be glad if any of om* correspondents can help us in the matter. Seedling Geranium (F. J).).— It appears to possess some good proper- ties, but to form a correct judgment of it the plant should be seen. We would advise you to submit it to the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society. Augu.t 15, 1865.1 JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 13,'; Names of Fruit (ir. Wilson).— Tha FIk is tlip Brown TurUoy. Tho rcnsmi of itH riponinK enrllpr than tlie othom iii well oxpliiinod by " fa. b, in ftnotlicr column. Names he Plants (J. S. W., Worksop). — \. F.nonjnnus europrcna ; •2, KbuB totinua. {A Young BfjiniuT).— 1, AUauiandtt Aubletii; S, Kuyu- cosponnum JBHininoidcs. It is impossible to namo plants from morn sirups of leaves. {C. P.).— 1, Athyrinm Fllix-fremina; 2 and 3, forms of Cvntiiptorisfi-auilis; 4, Adiantinn setulosuni. (T. o//l.).— Ptcrisserrulata. {.in OIil .Siiliicribtr. iVrtal— Cletlira acuminata. IJ. II. H.).— Lycopsia arvuu>Is. (C. F.).— Bogouia ^jraeilis var.; (iaillardia bicolor. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS in the Suburbs of London for tlia Week oiuling August l:nh. Sun. . . G Mon... 7 Tues. . 8 Wed. . 9 Thurs. 10 Fri. .. 11 Sat. .. li Mean.. DAnoUETBR. Max. Min. 80,030 20.892 29,(147 29.939 29.8(if> i 29.063 i 29.791 29.985 29.774 29.876 29.912 29.071 29.52(i 29.724 THBHMOMBTBR. 29.781 76.28 42 47 40 43 55 48 50 45.71 1 ft. dp. CI 03 G4 G4 G4 G-1 2 ft. dp. 69* GIJ G2 62 62i 61.78 S.W. W. N.W. S.W. S. S. S.E. Rain in inchea. .04 .05 .00 .00 1.08 .05 .02 1.2: Genekai. Remarks. Very fine ; cloudy ; fine ; slight rain. Cloudy ; Blight rain ; heaYj' shower ; cloudy and fine. Very line ; overcast ; line throughout. Very line, with soft wind ; very lino; hot sun; fine at night. Fine with soft wind; very fine ; thunder, Ughtning, and very hcaw Overcast ; densely clouded ; rain. [rain at night. Fine ; rain ; cloudy, overcast at night. POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE, SELECTING FOWLS FOR IJHEEDING. That like begets like is a proverb as tilil as the bills. As poultry breeders of old standing we know it, yet we are some- times foolish enough to think we may now and then deviate from an established rule without penalty. It may not be. We have tried it this year to our cost. At a walk we placed a cock, such a beauty ; but he bad one fault, we tried to per- suade ourselves it was a very trivial one, and might not be hereditary ; but now, when the time is come for weeding the difleront runs, for consigning to the market or to tho kitchen .nil that offend grievously, or that will not pay to keep, we find there is no exception in our favour, and that one fault is faith- fully transmitted. We Imew we were doing wrong, because the same result has happened before; but there is, we suppose, at times an inclination to forget experience and to try again. We know not what Darwin would say on the subject. A Goldfinch mated to a Goldfinch always produces a Goldfinch, but in many breeds of fowls it is tlifficult to breed chickens exactly like their parents. Take, for instance, Silver-Grey Dorkings — we have seen yards where every bh'd was the coiuiterpart of his fellow, and where the uniformity was both marvellous and beautiful. Tlie tie of Beau Brummel's neckcloth was the wonder and envy of all his admirers. A friend going to see him one day at his "lever "met the valet bringing down a large tray of neckcloths, little tmnbled and quite unsoiled. " Wliat are these? " said he to the valet. " Our failures, sir," replied the man, " My Lord," said a brother sportsman to Lord Rivers, " liow is it, all your greyhounds are good ones ? " "Because," answered his lordship, " I breed weU, and hang well," Now, when we see these perfect yards, we want to meet the failures, and to see the kitchen account. We also find it much easier to hand down defects than virtues, A single comb in a Hamburgh or a Bantam is sure to be reproduced, a faulty toe in a Dorking or spikes in a Poland ; liut the great points and qualities appear only in some of the progeny. We can only learn from these rather unprofitable facts that even from perfect birds we obtain only a proportion, and often a small one, of perfect chickens. It is, therefore, of paramount importance that in selecting om- stock, we should take, if possible, perfect birds, and be inexorai)le if any one would have us overlook a real fault. Seeing also that where such is plainly to be perceived the bird is not a profitable one for stock, he should at once be got rid of. We say ho because it is possible eggs may be wanted, and pullets kejit for the purpose. The food consumed by useless mouths often makes the difference between profit and loss at the end of the year. ORMSiaRK AND SOUTHPORT POULTRY SHOW. The ninth annual meeting of this Society was held on the 0th inst., at Ormskirk. It was decidedly the best and most successful Exhibition which the .\ssoeiation has ever had. The entries were more numerous than upon any previous occasion, and the weather having proved tine there was a vei"y numerous and respectable company upon the ground during the day. The collection of poultry was such as would have done credit to exhibitions of far greater pretensions. There was a very numerous assoi-tment of Piijnm.i, comprising nearly tho whole of the' well-known Idnds. The pens of Dm-l-M. tlersr, and 7'h ,•/,■-■?/,«, were also well iiUed. A vei-y good pen of Spmii.^h belnuging to Mr. Kodljard was not deliveredat tho sho\vj-ard until aftertlie .Judge (Mr. .J. Hiudson). had given in his awards, which were as follow : — DonKlNG.— First, Admiral Hornby, Knowsley. Second, .T. Ulundell, Burscough. Chickeju.— First, J. Holme, Knowsley. Second, Admiral "c:™''HiN-CHraA(Buff).-Fir9t and Second, T. Stretch. Ormskirk. Chickcm —First, T. Stretch. Second, C. Sidgwich, Riddlesden, York. Highly Commended, T. Stretch. „ „, „, j ,-,1, i .. Cochin-China (Partridge or Grouse).— First, R. T. Wood, near thoilej. Second, T. Stretch, Onusldrk. (•/.iVAc/w.- First and Second, T; Stretch. Spanish.— First, R. Teebay, Fulwood, Second, J. Holme, Knowsley. Chickens.— Virat. R. Teebay. Second, J. Holme. ,„„,„. , . Game.— First, J.Wood, Haigh, Lancaster, Second, C. W. Bnerley, Middloton, C/i.<-fcf>ii!.— First, J, Wood, Second, .J. Eaves, Knowsley, Highly Commended, J. Eaves. Commended, T. Bell, Bickerstaffe ; A. Nuttai, Newchurch. „ , „., , t „...i« Hamburgh (Golden-spangled).— Second, ,T. Newton, Silsden, Leeds. Highly Commended, A. K. Wood, Bui-nside, Kendal, HA3IBDROH (SUver-spauglrdl.- First, R. Teebay, Fulwood. Second, J. Newton. Silsden. Leeds. Hi._']i)v Commended, R. Birch (executors of), Aintree. Commended, J. Foster, lii.iaksden, near Keighley. HAnrenROH (Golden-penciUodj.— First, S. Smith, Hahfax. Second, K. H.tMBCKOH (Silver-pencilled).— Second, A. Nuttall,Newchurch. Highly Commended, J. Piatt, Dean, near Bolton. ^ . ,„• „, Bantams (Any variety).— First, T. Eastham, Pi-eston. Second, Admiral ANVoTHER'msTiNCT VARIETY.— First, R. W. Boylc, Wicldow. Second, C. W. Brierley, Middleton. Highly Commended, J. Heath, Nantwich, Cheshire, „ , „ ., /-, tx.- Cock (Game),— Fii-st, Admiral Hornliy, Knowsley. Second, C, V*. Brierlev, Middleton. Highlv Commended, J. Holme. Knowsley. BANTAM (Game Cock).- First, G, Maples, jiiu., Wavertrce. Second, C. W. Brierlev, Middleton. Ducks (Aylesbm-v).— Prize, R. W. Boyle, Wicklow. , . , „ , Ducks (Rouen).— First, R. W. Bovle, Wicklow. Second, Admiral Hornby, Knowsley. Highly Commended, H, Prince, Nantwich. Commended, P. RvIbv f>cRris"hrick. Geese (Any varietv).— First, Admiral Hornby, Knowsley. Second, E. W. Bovle. Highly Commended. .1. Bryers, Ormsldrk. Turkeys (Any variety).— Second, Admiral Hornby, Knowsley. Highly Commended, C. W. Brierlev, Middleton ; J. Bryers, Onnskirk, Pigeons (Any distinct »arietv).— First and Second, C. Cole, Bradford. Highly Commended, C. M. Royds, Rochdale ; Countess of Derby. Com- mended, T. Stretch, Ormskh-k. WOLVERHAMPTON POULTRY SHOW. Some years ago a Society was formed at Wolverhampton called the St. .John's Working Men's Cdub, and annual meetings have takeu place for the exhibition of fruit, flowers, and vegetables. This year, however, is the first at which prizes have hieu offered for poultiy. Pigeons, and singing birds. The promoters have evidently had stead- fastly in view not only tho encouragement among local working men of a"taste for the breeding of poultry and Pigeons, hut also actually extended their premiums to the jiest of many varieties of wild animals that had been domesticated and made pets of. Such meet- ings must always have a beginning ; and when it is taken into con- sideration that' competition in all cases was absolutely restricted to residents within five miles of Wolverhampton, it cannot be denied that, for a first attempt, it was a most successful one. At break of day the weather foreboded a series of heavy storms ; the rain fell in torrents, and eveiything seemed to augur disappoint- ment. About eight or nine o'clock, however, the sun broke out, and, luckily for the Show, a most favourable day ensued, .\nother year no doiiht a more correct method of penning the birds will l)e carried out ; for, on the present occasion, there were many iiTCgularities, arising, most probably, from the hnnied manner in which exliihitors brought their specimens to the show tent. 136 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Angust 15, 18G5. Among the pens shown were many of great merit. Some very good Brahma pullets, both dark and light-coloured, were exhibited, and some very nice Grey Game Bantams^ and Ducks of unusual merit for table birds. A singular feature of the Show arose from the fact that, although two sets of prizes were offered for Dorhinf/s (any variety), not a single sxiecimen was shown. The district around Wolverhampton does not by any means seem favourable for Spanish fowls, if we are to judge those shown as a fair sample. The Ham- hiirf/Jis, on the contrai-y, proved not only a numerous entry, but also really good; some very early chickens were especially worth notice. It is a singularity of this Show that not a single specimen of either variety of Pencilled Hamburghs was entered. It is proved by ex- perience that, they not being so hardy as the Spangled breeds, the district around Wolverhampton does not suit them. Some vei^ fail- specimens of Cochins were sho'wn ; and the Eahhits and Ginnea Pifjs proved so numerous an entn- that they were quite a leading feature of the Show. The Pit/rons were many of them good, but matched with great irregularity. To give evei-j- worldng man a chance of exhibiting his " hobby," prizes were offered for an indis- criminate class of what might fairly be called oddities. Among the more singular of these was a Badger, that seemed ill at ease under the inquisitiveness of the many risitors, though a broken fang, and other blemishes, told but too plainly that be had experienced far rougher treatment since leaving his natural wilds. A tame Hawk was esliibited among the Pigeons ; the oivner also sent a pair of Doves, with young ones veiy recently hatched out, and for which, in spite of the number of people crowding around, the old birds displayed the most careful solicitude. The Society of the St. John's Working I^Ien's Club at Wolver- hampton now embraces more than four hundred members, and we are told that additions are of daily occuiTence. As, by the aid of multi- tudes of banners, triumphal arches, bands of music, itc, the day proved quite a /rtc at Wolverhamj^ton, and the Show a pecuniaiy success, there cannot be a doubt the exhibition now instituted will prove an annually increasing one. The foUomng is the list of the awards : — Spanish. — First, J. Malkin. Second and Third no competition. Chickens.— Firfit, A. Picken. Second and Third no competition. Cochins. — First. T. Brvan. Second and Third no competition. Chickens. —First, W. Catstree. Second and Third. R. AVilev. Hamburghs.— Fir.st. J. Boucher. Second and Third, T. May. Com- mended. W. Eslev; R. Wilev. Chickens.— First, R. Wiley. Second, T. May. Third. G. Shingler. Highly Commended, G. Shingler. PuUctt.— First, T. Blakemau. Second, J. RidRe. Extra Variety of Poultry. — Fir?t, W. Johnson (Light Bx-abma Pullets). Second, E. Williams (Grey Gnme Bantamsj. Third, G. Shingler (Dark Brahma Pullets). Commended. C. Taylor (Game Bantams.) Ducks (Whitei.— Fii-st, J. Tudge. Second, T. Brj"an. Third, no com- petition. DccKS.— First, J. Davies (Black and White). Second, E. Painter (Mus- covies). Third, no competition. Pigeons. —CcrrfVrs.— First, E. Williams. Second and Third. W. Smith. Commended, W. Walker; B. Walford. Fantaih.— First, T. Ward. Second, J. Burgess. . Third, T. Ward. Commended. W. Smith. Any varietif of Pigeons or Doves. — First, W. Smith (Antwerps). Second, R. Ling (Blue Owls). Thii-d. W. Smith (Doves). Rabbits.— First, E. Butler. Second, W. Webb. Third, J. Lowe. Fourth, W. Webb. Fifth, J. Lowe. Hiphly Commended, Mrs. Carter ; W. Andrews ; J. Lowe. Commended, T. Slunner ; J. Lowe. Guinea Pigs.— First. C. Sage. Second, J. Causer. Third, J. Campbell. Hawk.— Prize, W. Smith. Badger.— Prize W. Jenkins. Mr. Edward Hewitt, of Eden Cottage, Sparkbrook, Birmingham, kindly gave bis sen-ices as Arbitrator on the occasion. THE YORKSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY" S POULTRY SHOW. The above Society hehl their annual exhibition of poultiy at Don- caster on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th inst., and although in quality it was perhaps the best the Society has ever brought together, yet we think the prize list capable of considerable improvement so as to include classes for Golden-pencilled Hamburghs, Brahmas, Polauds, &c., for there being no class for "any other variety," these kinds were ex- cluded from competition. The weather was vei-y unsettled, with frequent showers, during the three days, and as the bu'ds were unpro- tected in open pens we fear some of them would suffer severely. Spanish headed the list, and fomied a good class, the first-pi*ize pen being especially worthy of notice. Dorhiufis mustered strongly, but, with the exception of the prize pens, more particularly the first pen of chickens belonging to the Hon. H. W. Fitz^villiam, they were only an average lot. Cochins were weak in the adult class, but in chickeus the competition was better, the prize being awarded to good Buffs. The Game classes were a disappointment, as, with the exception of a few pens, they were a vei-y indiflerent lot. There was a good show of SaniburffhSy the adult Silver- spangled deserving most praise, the tirst- prize pen in that class we never saw excelled. Ban taws were poor. In Single Game Cocks the cup was carried off by a splendid Black Red ; a well known Brown Red, distinguished at many shows, here showed unmistakeable evidence of "the white feather,'' by cowei-ing in a comer and throwing up the feathers at the back of the head at sight of a competitor, in fact, as a bystander observed, he evinced con- siderable anxiety to be moving. Gee^e and Turkeys were good, and the Duel's formed a splendid collection, Mr. Fowler figuring very conspicuously in nearly every class with birds of gi-eat merit. K'-'y,' The Fii/eon show as regards entries was a failure, the prize of 5^. to each class not being a sufficient inducement to exhibitors to send their specimens, br.'., although small in number, some good birds were shown. liahhits were a nice lot. Spanish.— First. H. Beldon, Goitstock,nearBiuglev.Yorkshu-e. Second, J. G. Park, Hifjh Low Hall, uear \Vhitehaven. Highlv Commended, W. Massey. Fulford. York. Chicliens.-Firii and Second, T. Greenwood, Dewsburj-. Dorkings.- First, J. White, Warlabv, Noi-thnllertou. Second, H. Beldon, Goitstock. HipMy Commended, J.- Hatfield, jim.. CottiuKham. Hull. Cft/('fcc7is.— Fii'st.Hon.H.W.Fitzi\iIliam.Wcntworth Woodhouse. Second, H. Savile. Manor Farm, Rufibrd. Ollerton, Notts. Highly Commended, J. K. Fowler, Prebendal Farm, Avlesbui-y. Cochin-Chixa.— First, H. Beldon. Goitstock. Second, W. Dawson, Hopton, Airfield. Chickens.— Fiist, W. H. Briggs, Bradford. Second, C. Sedgwich,Ivaddlesden Hall, Keighley. Highly Commended, H. Merkin, Driffield, Yorkshii-e. Game (Black-breasted and other Reds).— Fu-st, H. M. Julian, Hull. Second. M. W. Stobart, Darlington. Hifjbly Commended, J. Cross, Hodsock, near Worksop, Notts ; C. Chaloner,' Steetley, Worksop, Notts. Commended, J. Pearce, Sturton, Retford. Notts. Chickens.— Fir&i, F. Sales, Crowle, Bawtry. Second, W. Bentley, SchoIes-in-Cleckheaton. Highly Commended. T. Gi-eenwood, Dewsbury. Game (AVhites and Piles).— First, M. W^ Stobart, Darlington. Second, W. Sutcliffe, Throstle Bower, Mythoimrovd, near Manchester. Game (Duckwings and other Greys aud Blues).— First, F. Sales, Crowle, Ea^vtry. Second, W. Warbm-tnn, Sturton, near RetfoKl. Nott^^. Highly Commended. M. W. Stobart, Darlington. Chickc)v».—Fxr^iy W. Bentley, Scboles-in-Chccltheaton. Second, G. Hartley. Gomersal. near Leeds. Hamburgh (Golden-spangled).— First, H. "Beldon, Goitstock, Bingley. Second, Messrs. Burch & Boulter. Sheffield. Hit?hly Commended, J. Newton. SUsden. near Leeds. C/t(c /.cm.— First, R. Ellis, Uuderbank, Holmfirtb. Second, Messrs. Bm-ch & Eoultcv. HAjreuRGH I Silver-spangled).— Fii-st and Second, H. Beldon, Goitstock. Highly Commended, J. Newton, Silsden. near Leeds. Chickens.— Fii^i, H. Beldon. Second, J. G. Paj'k. High Low Hall. Hajiburgh fSilver-pencilledi.— H. Beldon, Goitstock. Second, H SavUe, Manor Farm, Rufford. C/nVtcji.?.- First, H. Beldon. Second, J. G. Park, High Low Hall. Commended, J. Pi-cstoH, Allerton. near Bradford. Bantams iGold and Silver-lrtced).—First, J.Preston. Allerton. Second, Right Hon. Lady Londeisbomugh, Grimston Park, Tadcaster. Bantams (Game of itny colourj.— First. R. J. Bentley, Finningley Park. Second. G. Hustler. Stillinctfleet, near York. Highly Commended', J. G. Park. High Low Hall, near Whitehaven; Hon. W.'Eden, Cautley Hall, Don caster. Bantams (Black or White).— First, H. Beldon, Goitstock. Second, H. E. Emberliu, Humberstone, near Leicestei*. Bantams (Any other distinct breed). — First, W. J. Cope. Bamsley. Second, H. Beldon. Goitstock, Bingley. Cock (Game).— Cup, W. H. Eriggs, Bradford. Highly Commended, M. W. Stobart, Darlington ; F. Sales. Crowle. Commended, R. T. Bentley, Finningley Park ; C. Chaloner, Steetley, Worksop. Notts. Geese.— First, J. K. Fowler. Pi-ebendnl Farm. Second, O. A. Young, Driffield, Yorkshire. Highly Commended, Lord Hawke, Womersley Park, Pontefract; J. K. Fowler. Ducks (Aylesbui-ji.— First and Second, J. K. Fowler. Pi-ebendal Farm. Ducklhifjs. — Prize, J. K. Fowler, Prebendal Farm, Aylesbury. Ducks (Rouen).— First, A. Cattley, York. Second, *H. Beldon, Goitstock. Ducklings.— 'Prize. J. K. Fowler. Ducks (Any other variety). — First, J. K. Fowler, Prebendal Farm, Ayle-^bnry. Second. H. Beldon, Goitstock. Ducklings. — First, J. K, Fowler. Second. J. R. Jessop, Hull. Turkeys. — First, Lord Hawke. Womersley Park, Pontefract. Second, J. K. Fowler, Prebendal Fai-m, Aylesbury. Pigeons.— Cor;fVr:*.— Pi'izc, E". E. M. Pioyds, Greenhill, Rochdale. BeuciUcd (chickens) were the best sijecimous exJiiliited. The Game fowls generally were fast losing their feathers, for it is well known that all fowls are in hea\-iest moult this season fully three weeks or a montli earlier than onstomury. Mr. Brierloy. of Middleton. exhibited several pens of tho.4e breeds, which will prove very difficult to heat some two months hence ; this goutleinan seemed detenuined to sweep the prize list, aud so he did effectually. The Cuchiiis and linihmiia were iu very rude feather, partiinlarly the latter variety. The 9ecoud-])rize pen of Mr. Boyle's, from Ireland, should now have a few weeks entire rest, for they well deserve it, having been so pre-eminently successful the whole season. At this moment, however, the hens are entirely with- out tail feathers, and we regretted to see them fast eating away the exposed pen-feathers, at present only partially developed over the whole frame, a depraved habit that once fairly aecjuired is most difK- cnlt to cure. Wo never have seen this season so good a display of Eonen diich- Uni/g, as at Waterfoot. The Aylesbury young birds were but little in- ferior ; whilst the O'ccjic were prodigies of careful management. Some very beautiful domesticated 7'(Y/? were shown, and proved an object of general interest throughout the day. Some good specimens of the common \vild Duck, hatched this season from eggs procured from a ^vild bird's nest, were very good, hut, most strange to say, one of the Dneks had a singularly faulty-colom-ed hill, a feature which we never before saw among huudi-eds of eggs thus treated, variations of colour-, or " spoiis " as they are commonly called, being of very rai'e oc- currence amoug wild birds. It is with unfeigned pleasui-e that we record the success of the Show just held, and under the improvements of trade, we do not doubt that public support will be freely accorded to the future annual meetings of the Rossendale Committee. A list of the awards made will be found in 'our last week's im- pression. TAKEN TO MALAYS. Our. frieud, "Wiltshire Rector," \vrites that lie lias "taken to Cochins." I had hoped it would have heen his ex- perience of " taking to Brahinas " that he -would have given, and I am sure he would be able to say more for them than for Cochins ; but then we see there was our " maister's mon " in the way. He, good soul, was satisfied with the quiescence of the Cochin, his lack of curiosity, &c., and so as the Cochin " kips hisself to his own place, maister's mon have made up his moind that maister better not kip any other zort, that's all," and "'Wiltshire Rector," kind-hearted soul, as we all know him to be, gives in for the sake of peace and quietness. I can only recommend " oiu' Chaplain " to take refuge under the 'wings of " our Editors," and introduce Brahmas to his " mon " as a new sort of Cochin. I do not think he will be soiTy for the exchange. But I forget myself. I meant to write about "taking to Malays." but the old hobby-horse ran off with me. I can hardly say revcnons a iios moutonx, seeing that it was feathers and not wool I intended to dwell on. Taken to Malays, indeed ! " Aud what if you have ? " possibly some may say. Well, gentle reader, I beg pardon. My mission, self-imposed, a criticiser of schedules, as our friend " Wilt- shire Rector " called me, is over, at least for the present, I am disposed to think satisfactorily. I have seen several schedules with a light aud dark Brahma class. Even at Birmingham it has been found wise to throw aside the " rest and be thankful " theory, and adopt this division, whilst aU shows of any stamp have offered fair premiums to my pets : and so my mission thus far, is, I fancy, accniiiplished. Let me now turn to Malays, and give my experience of them. They appear rapidly going down the hill, and I would fain lend a hand to put the drag on. Soon, I fear, that this old breed, formerly so much thought of, must show up only in the " Any variety class," where too frequently the Judge " hates the Malays," and accordingly liigh commendations reward them instead of prizes ; the latter by far the most pleasant ; the former always provoking my man I'l'iday, he always declaring " he can't zee no good in recommending 'era." Malays are certainly peculiar. Under certain conditions I call them shy birds. If they have the run of a field, and you take some friends to see them, ten chances to one they bolt like lightning through the outlet, and off. Shut them up in a few yards square with railing and they will allow you to examine them, looking you fearlessly in the face with somewhat an air of impudence, as if asking, " Wliat do you think of me ? " while the bright, intelligent, yet restless eye keeps you ever in sight. They have a peculiar knowing way of throwing their heads on one "side, and taking a sight at you, as though they would return yoiu' searching glance. A good cock is a s])lendid bird. I think I have seen them brighter-coloured than the Game, with the metallic lustre of the black feathers more marked, while the hardness of feather cannot well be surpassed. Am I right in thinking they talk more to each other than other breeds ? Certainly, if I am within hearing distance, he appears to me always to be saying something ; and when at one time he was kept by himself, and the hens in an adjoining run, they would try every inch of the fencing to get through to him, and Friday persists " he would call them through anything." Both seem restless apart, nor does the presence of other ladies com- jjeusate for the loss of his own. So far as I have noticed, he will not tolerate a Brahma or Polish hen. If the cock wUl not tolerate other hens, his ladies are perfect vixens to the Brahmas ; they drive them all over the run, gradually getting rid of the poll feathers from their pecks. This applies only to the Brahmas, for, strange to say. they never attempt to peck the Polish ; whether alarmed by the imusual appearance, or what, I cannot say, but they give in at once. I have noticed the sauie amongst the yoimg chickens. If there is this apparent pusil- lanimity as regards the Polish, this does not apply to the chickens amongst themselves. A lot of Malay cockerels have their set-to as tierce and as protracted as do Game cockerels, and the adult will take any amount of fighting before he 'will cry " enough." There is much ii- the chickens that grows upon you. They are the first to nm towards you in greeting, and though, perhaps, somewhat gawky, if good coloured they have a beauty of theu' own, and now that I have taken to them I should not like to be without them. Malays require high fences, for though hea-vy, with the ^vings short compared to Ciame and Polish, they have far greater powers of flight than the Cochin or Brahma. To many this is a disadvantage. I do not think they show to perfection in the exhibition pen. The hens are too restless, too intent on escape from their prison, and the cock's flowing and somewhat di'oop- ing taU is apt to suffer ; moreover, they want freedom to re- move the leggy appearance ; added to this the hens may not be over-pleasant to each other. On this account I rejoice that Birmingham has decided to treat them as Game, and show cock and one hen. When " Wiltshire Rector " paid me a visit, he jokingly said that .1/nlays were Naylays. Well, mine have behaved verj- creditably in this way, and I have heard no com- plaint of paucity of eggs. Some of the eggs are above the average size, others again are very small ; the coloiu', too, varies considerably. On the table I have ah-eady said, I think the Malay Al, both as to flavour and appearance. On the latter point I have yet to convert " our Chaplain." and I trust this year I may do it. The chickens are certainly hardy. — Y. B.'A. Z. BEE-ICEEPINCt in DEVON.— No. XXV. the seaside — TRUE HEROINES — HIVES IVITH ENTRANCES AT TOP EEMO-VING A SUPER — CHILLED BROOD NOT IDENTICAL WITH FOUL BROOD — A DRONE BRED IN A ROYAL CELL ! I've once more been by the seaside, but not again to my favourite little hamlet in the wilds of North Devon, nor have I any apiarian adventures to recoimt. This time my fortnight's sojourn has been at one of our South Devon watering-places, within easy distance by rail of the " ever faithful " city, and to which, indeed, I was once recalled by the necessities of dis- tant friends who were impatient for Ligm-iaus. During this fortnight's trip I think I saw but one bee, and that a black one, in the act of investigating a blackberry blossom. I im- mecUately caught the little forager and conveyed it a short dis- tance imprisoned iu my bare hand, from which when opened it escaped right joj-fully and flew merrily away, probably some- 138 JOUENAL OF HOKTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEE. [ August 15, 1866. what puzzled to account for its unusual adventure. AH this was matter of intense astonishment to a juvenile relative who happened to accompany me, and who seemed to deem my explanation that bees were most inoffensive creatures when at a distance from their hives, a rather lame intei-pretation of what appe:ired to him so remarkable a phenomenon. But, (fear me ! what am I saying ? That I never saw but one bee ? What a mistake ! How could I forget that I paid a visit to two excellent maiden ladies (sisters), residing near a neighbouring village who, to their eternal honom- be it spoken, devote the whole of their time and otherwise ample means to the gratuitous maintenance and education of a number of de- stitute orphan girls, childen of officers who, haiing spent them- selves in the service of their country, had been unable to provide for those dear ones that remained behind them. All honour, indeed, to these admirable women, before whose hfe- loug labour and glorious self-abnegation, deeds of what the world is accustomed to call heroism appear but as pimy and dwarfed abortions. By one of these estimable ladies was I escorted over the apiary, which I foimd to consist of about a dozen hives of various descriptions scattered about the garden — some swarms, some old stocks, some working-supers, and all doing well. But what most forcibly engaged my attention was two or three hives with entrances at the top, after the fashion 1 advocated by Messrs. WiUiams and Stuttle, and one of which j was working a couple of good supers. This my conductress informed me had been for some years a very favourite and i successful plan of hers ; and on my inquiring what became of i dead bees and other refuse, she replied that she supposed they must be di'agged out at the top, for there was no other means of egress. Having returned from my fourteen-days holiday in the evening of the 13th July, my first care was to insert an empty box under the super adverted to in page 19, which was by this time well filled, with the exception of the outside of the two side-combs which the bees had not been able to seal completely over, but which, nevertheless, contained in the whole about 3.5 lbs. of beautifully white honeycomb. Most of the bees had deserted it by the next morning, when I took it off, permitted the stragglers to escape, and had it all ready for Mr. A. Neighbour, who made his appearance about one o'clock in order to convey it to Ply- mouth in time to be exhibited duiing the following week, at his stall in the show-yard of the Eoyal Agricultural Society. The afternoon was devoted by Mr. Neighbour and myself to | a trip to the residence of the clerical friend whose " mistakes" weie related in No. 221 of " our- Journal." Here we inspected his apiary, minutely examining the hive mentioned in page 477 1 of the last volume, and which at that time contained so large a 1 quantity of chilled brood in all stages of decomposition. We found tiiat the great bulk of this abortive brood had been re- moved by the bees, whilst that which remained appeared to have dried into a perfectly innocuous condition, nor was there the slightest trace of that fell disease, foul brood, with whose appearance I have unfortimately been so familiar that I could not fail to recognise it almost at a glance. The result of this " mistake," therefore, proves as conclusively as a somewhat similar experiment purposely instituted by myself, and fre- quently referred to dm-ing my discussion with Mr. Lowe on the subject, that chilled brood and foul brood are by no means identical. Eeturning in the evening, I saw my friend and his weighty glass box off on their way to Plymouth, where I doubt not his stand has proved one of the most attractive features of the show. Those who are familiar with the writings of the illus- trious Huber may, perhaps, remember that during his ex- periments with drone-breeding queens, whose abnonnal con- dition, erroneously attributed by him to retarded impreg- nation, has since been proved to be owing to parthenogenesis, since di-oue-breeding queens are imdoubtedly virgio queens ; he remarked the singular fact, that these defective mother- bees sometimes lay the eggs of males in queen cells, and was astonished at finding that the workers took exactly the same care of drone eggs deposited in royal cells, as of those that would really become queens. More than once, in the fii-m per- suasion of finding royal nymphs, he opened these royal cells after they had been sealed, yet the nymph of a drone always appeared. I am not, however, aware that any instance has yet been re- corded in which bees, with the full opportunity of selecting from hundreds of worker eggs and young worms, have yet committed the mistake of choosing a male egg, giving to it a royal cratUe, and nursing it to maturity. It will, I think, be admitted that such an aberration in the instinct of the bee is extremely unusual, and I for one should be very slow to be- lieve it, unless occun-ing. as in the instance which I am about to relate, under circumstances that preclude the possibility of either doubt or mistake. It may be remembered that on the 19th of June, I introduced a young queen that had exhibiteil signs of fecundation, to a stock which, as related in page 19, had lost its queen in an attempt to swarm six days before. This introduction having been successfully effected, I supplied the " nucleus " from which the young matron had been abstracted with a suitable brood-comb on the 25th of June. This comb contained worker- brood in all stages, from the egg to the sealed nymph, as well as a patch of drone-brood at one end. Only one royal cell was, however, formed, and this, as is very frequently tlie case, was situated near the bottom of the comb, and just at the point of junction between the worker and drone brood. After vainly watching day after day for the expected appearance of a queen, and finding the royal cell apparently neglected by the workers, who, having denuded its apex of wax, seemed to jjay no further attention to it, I cut it open on the 23rd day, and was at first quite confounded at fincliug that it contained a living inha- bitant. My momentary impression that I had prematurely destroyed a queen nearly ready to emerge from' her cell was, however, speedily dissipated on a more minute examination, which proved the individual thiis reared "in the purple" to be neither more nor less thaii a full-grown and well-developed drone, which would probably have made a natural exit during the next (the 24th) day. I should be glad if any of the apiarian readers of " our Journal " would state whether a similar instance to that last related has ever come under their observation. — A Devonshirb BEE-KEIirEIl. BJiJRS AND SLIDES OF STEWARTON HIVES. M.\Y I trouble you or "A EEXFREWsnir.E Bee-keeper" for a minute description of the bars and shdes used with the Stewarton hives ? A section, such as was given of the Wood- bury bars and frames, would, I think, be valuable to many of your apiarian readers in common with myself. — W. J. [The six central bars in Stewarton hives are IJ inch wide, the outer two are IJ by j inch thick. If frames are intended to be attached, to make a more secure job, the thickness had better be increased one-eighth of an inch. On each side of the bar, one-eighth of an inch from the top, is run a groove, one- eighth square, to receive the feather of the slide ; the lower corners are roimded off to the Woodbury rib. The slides are five-eighths of an inch wide on the imder and three-eighths of an inch on the upper side, and a quarter of an inch thick, the upper side of the slide worlcing flush with the top of the bar. The accompanying sketch, showing an end view of the bar and sUde, may aid the description. J h The sUdes are left IJ inch longer than the bars, to diaw by, and should be slightly roimded on the lower edge that they may work very easily at the start. An obdiu-ate shde or over- thick comb I can easily remove from one of my hives by simply bringing the others a little closer ; this advantage is attainable by placing the bars on the top of the hive, a portion of their under side being removed to lower the edge of the groove equal in extent to the thickness of the hive ; whereas in those hives in which are bars or frames sunk into notches, the bars do not offer the same facility, but are in a gi-eat measure fixtures. When frames are attached to bars the notches are carried further on, so as to leave a quarter-of-inch passage between the end of the frames and the hive. The ends of the frames are of the same breadth as the bars, fully one-eighth of an inch thick when di-essed, the lower corners are rounded off in imi- tation of combs, and kept together at bottom by a narrow strip of wood seven-sixteenths of an inch broad by a quarter of an inch thick. Frames so made are an improvement on those in which the bottoms are of the same width as the sides, such AuKust 15, 180r.. ] .lOUKNAL OF nORTICULTUKK AND COTTAGE GARDKNER. 139 keeping tlie liivo much closer and inipoding the progress of the beos. Your correspondent's best plan would be to order direct from any of the Stewarton makers a sinj^lo hive as a jiattorn (should hciiot reiiuirt^ more), and if he wish to uda))t bars and slides to the hives ho at present employs, he could add to his order a quantity of bars and slides in length pieces, and these ho could easily cut up to suit his purpose. These hives can ho procured from Stewarton at a price at which no local tradesman will undertake to furnisli them. .Tames .\llan, caliinct-maker there, supplies me. — A Eenfrewshike Cek-kkki'Kh.J FECUNDITY OP LIGURIAN QUEENS. Mv apiary is looking more flourishin;,' than before in conse- quence of tiie wonderful bi'eeding powers of the Liginian queen, daughter of one received from Mr. Woodbury. I made the first swarm from this hive by removal on the Gth of May ; on the 9th of .Tunc a very large swarm was thrown off, which has tilled a lar^je super; on the 19th a good second swarm issued, and a large poiiulation was left beliiiid, besides which I robbed it of two brood-combs to strengthen other swarms, and a great nimiber well laiown. Let me obser\"o, in passing, that the original arrange- No. 230.— Vol. IX., New St'OES. ment of the hoops is the best — two, and then tlu'ee on each side, and two agam. The bird-cage is one of your too- clcver-by-half contrivances. There is only one plan occa- sionally adopted wliich ever_y master or mistress of a garden, and every gardener must protest against, and not allow for a single moment — viz., the third stick, or one placed in the centre space which every player is obliged to hit wdth his ball after he has gone through each quarter of the game — that is, hit it eight times during the whole game. Tliis is difficult, and there arc often six misses to one hit: hence the grass around tliis stick becomes worn Ao\y\\ to bare earth very quickly. This third stick cannot be tolerated ; every other part of the game may be allowed to pass, but this never. Croquet is to us in the country a necessity. Londoners tallv of theu- Crystal Palace, and say they could not do mthout it, and cannot imagine a tune in London's history when there was not such a buildmg, so available for all pm-poses and all weathers. Nay, it is said some Londoners aver that there always was a Crystal Palace, that it is all nonsense to say otherwise, at any rate that the first was not built in 1851, but rather in 1581, if not earlier. Now, I say, I cannot imagine the country without croquet, it must have always been played, or how could there have been any summer sociality '.' Besides, we loiow there have always been weddmgs going on, and how without croquet could the young people have met, and we loiow they must have met before they were married'.' Hence it follows there always was croquet. Two bachelors each of forty- five years fell before croquet- "Poor fellows!" exclaimed another bachelor, the last left of the set, " they played each once too often at (hat foolish game." Even supposing the bachelor correct in charging croquet with spreading the fatal snare, still, perhaps. Ids friends did right in choosing wives at croquet, surel}' it is a better plan than tlie old and somewhat vulgar cheese-paring one. 'VVatch a lady at croquet, if slie be persevering, if she play steadily, if slie play- peri'ectly fairly, not traOingher dress across her ball, of course quite accidentally, but somehow the ball is put into a better position, if she play in perfect good luunour, not losing her temper whatever happens, not stamping her pretty foot, and this, above all, if she be obedient to her captain, it is only fair to presume that she will make a good wife. In a too artificial age, croquet brings out the natm-al character, tliis surely is well : besides, it affords exercise without fatigue, and all can play from seven years old to seventy. One only fault is to be guarded against, croquet is apt to become a ruinous rimner-away of tune. Tins I endeavour to avoid by never allowing a mallet to be touched in the morning. Tune for exercise, time for amuse- ment (all the better if both are to be had together), there must be, but a game must not take the place of the serious, earnest busmess of Ufe. Permit, fan- yoimg fiiends, tins word of caution, and do not play morning, noon, afternoon, and even by moonlight. If the Great Master asked yon, "Wiath.ast thou been doing'.'" and the only answer you could truthfully give, was, ' I have been playing croquet," that woidd be a poor replj' indeed. Some of our readers, perhaps, occasionally give, or wish No. tS-:.— Vol. XXXIV., Old Series. l^S JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGK GARDENER. C Auguat 22, 18u5. to give " a croquet," that in the ladies' short for a croquet party ; but as all such thiugs are not equally well m-.iuaged, hit me describe one at which I was, hajipily for myself, present ». short time since. Suppose a lawn on which were placed S:ov5^s for three games to be played at the same time ; the »fiailets and balls were tastefiilh' arranged at each starting point. In order to know one ground from another, and to prevent any dispute in the games, each ground had been clearly marked out fcy a narrow line of scattered bran rim round the edge. On a S.ible were laid the prizes, these are frequently flower-vases, photographic albums, or anything elegant and durable. The p-arly liad been planned for some weeks, there were to be players and lookers-on. Three sets of eight had been chosen by one T-ell laiowiug the play of all. Each captain of a side was pre- .•i?ntcd with a paper, upon which the names of his jmrty, and Hiteir opponents were written. A little time is consumed in Retting the players togetlier, at last a dilatory gentleman who ejraes panting in at half-past three, instead of three, has arrived, and then the lawn is alive with players. Gay silks and jjlack coats are intermingled, happily those odious tlress coats are not required to be worn. Dress coats, the horrors ! making «]erg.ymeu look like footmen in moumiug. To return, the games proceed merrily. I thought I noticed a little flirting, and somebody looking across at another set, and wishing somebody had been |)la.iing in her set. Still all went on pretty well, and as each game nears its end, and that end is often long in coming, spectators gather round the stick almost as . -eager and as excited as the players themselves. The glorious tmeertainty of croquet is now seen, for the skill that had been fcehind all the time now makes a spui't. .A. good hit follows, by which the best player of the hitherto successful side is knocked out of the game. All is excitement, and, lo ! the lately de- a;jonding ones win. So the eight are reduced to four. But just at this jimcture dinner is announced, and here a croquet party is again seen to advantage. It is a cold dinner, and what so suitable in summer time ? Long naiTow tables extemporii^ed for the day by the carpenter, run along the sides of the room, leaving a hollow square in the centre, and making a small dining-room a large one, or at least capable of containing a great number of gue.sts, which is just the same. Brightly S"iis'i,en the viands, being for the most jiart glazed marvellously, . tiierc arc the substantial viands, there are the lighter viands, with dif.hes of juicy fruit iutersocrsed. semi-transparent (h-apes, fclooming Plums, and downy Peaches. But commend me (after I have dined) to the iiower decorations, shapely Ferns in rustic- looking pots. Fuchsias with Chinese-lantern-like flowers, with the earth hidden by m^any a rare device ; then the cut flowers, to Rrrange wliich employed the morning of the young ladies ; .care and time well spent, for the result was giving happiness to all who Ijehcld them. (Jh ! the exquisite taste shown in £rra:;giug the colours, and the dainty sprays of Variegated Ivy made to climb the narrow stems ! Man ! man ! thou ^ art a very bungler in such matters ! I could only look on and wonder at what the slender fingers bad wrought. " WTiat ^o:ild any entertainment be without flowers?" Granted, bnt what would the flowers be without woman's arranging iiaud? The dinner is over, that portly old gentleman has Huished at last. How some old gentlemen do enjoy their ■riinnere ! Back to crocjuet ; the games of four, two on each fiide, are soon over; then come the duels, when the two firm friends all tb.rough, who have adrised each other in soft accents, now become deadly enemies. Now they are at it, the hiiy is croqueted, but she does not despair ; up she comes jigiiiu. The gentleman bungles at the first stick, the lady ^advances ; be is after her. Another miss — ah ! but she has lirtfully wired herself. "He will win." "No, she wiU." "Hurrah! the lady has it." The other games are advanc- . •sag to their end. Mammas sip their tea, and hope the grass is not damp; the daughters say, "Oh dear no," but it is, though the young ladies are incredulous. The last game is over, the heroes cjf the day are congratulated, and advance for diieir i^rizes. They draw lots for the best, and receive them in order, with a heightened cheek, and a tremulous hand. Even- .ing is now advancing rapitUy, and all praise to health-giving croquet, its parties end when others begin. Croquet causes 11 5 late hours, an I bangs no headaches. The groups are thin- . ■ling, ; nd soon the Ust carriage wheels out of the gate. One final remark. I think it is a mistake to give prizes at croquet parties. Like chess, croquet should stand as a game on its own merits. The pleasant gathering, the Idnd hospi- >-'^ality, the good g.ame are enough. Prizes make feelings too kf ea, And a little mar the general pleasure. Human nature is human nature, even when dressed in crinolines, or black frock coats. Dear me ! how I have run away from my text, which on turning back I see, for I had forgotten it, is, " How to make a croquet ground a garden ornament." Well, I am not the first clergyman who has run away from his text, that's a comfort ; besides, does not Miss Augu.sta Gushington declare that such run-off sermons (I have not rim off the line, I hope) are freer, more natural, more inartistic ? &e. But now to my text in all earnestness. A croquet ground with the earth at the edges running any way, is ugly — it is no ornament, that is certain. The prettiest I know is oval, this shape suits the game, it opens out beyond a small geometric garden, and has a grass bank all round save at the entrance and e.xit, this bank varies in height, but the average is 2 feet, then on either bank is a flower-border planted with standard Eoses, Geraniums, Asters, A-c, the side near the road has at the back a thick row of Convolvulus major, neatly trained as a screen. Some one asked a few weeks since, " How to make a croquet ground," but I purposely did not read the reply, and so speak simply my own ideas. The bank aroimd is a gi'eat feature, the oval shape meets the eye pleasantly. Be- sides the bank prevents the balls rolling too far, and as ground has usually to be levelled, the spare earth is used on the spot. If flowers are not thought advisable, there are flowering shrubs in abundance for choice, or have old-fashioned border plants, why not ? Croquet cannot be allowed to become a garden de- stroyer, and little square fields with nothing round them are very objectionable. — Wiltshire Eectok. DESTROYING MILDEW— PREVENTING THE SPREiM) OF THE POTATO DISEASE. The article of "A CotixxKY Curate," at page 105, appears to call for some remarks from myself. One side of this house is covered with Esperione Viues, of which I am excusably proud, and I have never allowed other hands than my own to interfere with their management, excepting once last year when I had nearly blinded myself by the frequent application of flowers of sulphur. In 18C"2, 18G3, and 1864, these Vines were very sulqect to the mildew. In the first year of their being attacked, a muslin bag was made to do duty as a sulphur- duster ; but in the spring of 18BH, jiassing through the Pan- theon, in Oxford Street, I stopped short at a stall to examine a sort of little mop with a cotton-wool head that caught my eye, and which was called a bottle-cleaner. I thought that it would do to dust flowers of sulphur over my Vines, and bought it. The bottle-cleaner answered the purpose, but it was so tire- some to be constantly clinging to a ladder by one's legs, with a soup-plate in one hand and flourishing the little mop about and under the fruit and leaves with the other, that it made me determine to carry out a threat I made against the Vine mildew, in Vol. XrX.. page 3(i8. In the beginning of July I filled the washing-copper with pure sewage from the tank and heated it, between nine and ten o'clock at night, to a temperature of more than Uif, and with this heateil sewage I syringed the Vines most thoroughly without any dilution at quite 140'. I dislike a bad smell quite as much as our good friend Mr. Fish himself, and the heating process did bring out the fumes. I was awake by daybreak next morning, and eager to witness the effect. The blue mildew had turned quite black, and so it re- mained to the last on both the fruit and the foliage. The hot syringing with the sewage had entirely killed it, and what is better, not one particle of the disease has been seen upon the Vines this season. As regards Roses, whenever I see a leaf disposed to mildew, and my Eoses have been several times threatened with it this season, I place on the kitchen fire in the evening my special saucepan, which holds about a gallon of sewage, and when this becomes heated to 140°, I take the pot to the bush or tree affected, and syringe from it at once without any dilu- tion of the sewage, which is the same as that mentioned by "A Country Cckate," at page 105, and then I can, in nine cases out of ten, say good-bye to the mildew. I do not usually now, and I did not in the case of the Vines, syringe with clean water afterwards, as the fine glaze of health on the foliage, after the overhead liquid manuring, seemed to indicate that tU'h a course was unnecessary. It is, I conceive, the ammonia abiiut the plant that benefits it and renders it distasteful to mildew and insects. I have only used an ounce of tobacco this season for fumi- gating for brown aphis, which had attacked some Nectarines Angnst m, 1866. ] JOUllNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 14d in pots, and Peach trees against the wall of a lean-to orchard- liousc, when the leaves were very tender in the spring. The hot sewage is with me a reintdj- for all evils ; hnt for dip- ping tender shoots in 125' is us hot as it should he. To dip or to syrin^'i! makes all the dilTcniiee. I en<'lose you three spcciniens of Hose foliano wliiih have undergone the operation that yi>u may be enaliled to judge with a powerful glass, how thorouglily the mildew has done its work on the cuticle of the leaves, and also how thoroughly the former has met with its death. No. 1. Leaves of Empereur de Maroc, syringed sixteen days ago. No. 2. Caroline de Saiisal, syringed eight days ago. The most determined subject I have met with. No. 3. Francois Laeharme, shoot diiijied three days ago in sewage at a temperature of 1*25°. I syringed this bush also at a heat of 110°, and I cannot i>erceive that it lias in the least injured some very fine blooms which it has upon it, and which J piu'posely allowed the liijuid to come in contact with. [On No. 1 the mildew was quite destroyed, but on Nos. 2 and 3 there were still traces of the mycelium.] 125° would be quite hot enough for syringing young tender shoots in spring in a gi-eenhouse or vinery, and for that pur- purpose care must bo taken that the sewage is diluted with half its bulk of plain water. For in:itance, ns I could not wash the walls or clean the glass of my small vinery last autumn so us to protect myself from the evils that Vines are heir to, I resolved to syringe the house and Vines with sewage, just as tlie infant clusters were showing this spring. I employed the above dilution at a temperature of 130°, in the evening, and shut up close. Early next morning I perceived from the drooping appearance of the foliage that it did not Like it, so before the sun could shine upon the house, I shaded the glass over com- pletely with a sort of cheese-straining cloth which I have nailed to thin der.l parallelogi-aras, the size of Cucumber-frame lights. These were kept on till the sun ceased to strike on the house, and then I syringed the Vines well with clean lukewarm water. The foliage was all right next day, and I have never syringed the Vines but once since, and tliat was just as tlie (irapes had linished setting. Last year I kept on syringing the Vines till the Grapes began to colour, but they tUd not show the nice evenness of bloom that thcv do now from not syringing. Both mildew and red spider have left the place in disgust. Hot sewage is certain death to the mildew and insect trilie, when used in time ; in fact, I have purposely allowed a Hacon's Incomparable Pear tree to become as badly attacked with red spider as it could possibly be, and two syringings at 140° have nearly destroyed the whole of the insects, and l>y constantly syringing the trees right and left of it on the wall, these have been imtouched. I am certain that if we are content to suffer alittle from the disagreeable smell, sya-inging with sewage is one of the most beneficial and eoonomiciil operations that can he performed for the health of our trees. Mentioning the hot syringing to Mr. Murray, of the royal forcing department at Frogmore, as we were walking through the houses there last September, in connection with tlie subject he pointed out to me a pair of sulphur bellows invented by Mr. J. Lipscomb, Thames Street, Windsor, and capital they are tor the purpose, casting the boitf a liotipi' (juite into the shade. I procured a pair, costing 8.1. fid., this spring, but I am happy to find that I do not require to use the apparatus. It is excellent for distributing soot as well as sulphur, either of which is all the better for use it previously passed through a hair or finely- perforated zinc sieve. I am in great anxiety just now about my Potatoes. The leaves became spotted three weeks ago, and the electrical state of the atmosphere since that time, along with prevailing rnins, have kept me haymaking at the haulm at every opportunity — yes, hajinaking, for I could not stand still and allow my Po- tato patches to become like a blackened, fcptid dung-heap, which they presently would have done ; and as to cutting away the haulm entirely that does more harm to the tubers than letting it alone, on account of the exuding sap from the close- severed stems running down and perpetually moistening the ground, and thus inevitably causing disease. Well, I cut away with the garden shears all ccunmunication between the foliage of the separate ridges, and cleared away the severed leaves ; then with a Parkes' fork I turned and bore all tlie growing tops to the right-hand sides of the ridges, and with the fork shghtly scratched the bare or left-hand sides, as well as the bottoms of the trendies. When the sun had dried the surface of the ground, and the uppermost side of the haulm, I imme- diately turned the haulm over to the left-hand side of the ridB«!> and again scratched tlie surface of the soil laid liare. After- wards I took the opportunity whenever the mm had again ilricJ the surface of the soil and the foliage to turn the haulm cveiv I believe that 1 shall save my crop from becoming diseased by the above method, and it makes me more in favour of the ridgt?- and-trench plan than ever. I could never have thouglit thaj' Potato tops would have borne so much knocking about v.ith im- ])unity ; and the sun soon converts the mildew-affected leave*-,, when these are turned over to meet its scorcliing rays, into tinder before the disease can be communicated to the stem-. This rough mode of procedure, as regards the top, will, liow- ever, upset some nice calculations I was in hopes of being aiJa to make this season to satisfy Mr. Abbey. I have this instant come in from probing some roots on iha ridges containing Fortyfolds, Lapstone Kidneys, Hogg's Cold- stream, la ntrec's Seedling, and Daintree's Newest SeedlzBK^ Tlie last I can speak of with umpialiiicd praise this year, having grown it more largely. It is an iiujiroved early dwaii Lapstone Kidney, and it is entirely owing to the trcalmt-ni' that the original Potato suffered in the post-otlice three years ago, that I have been unable to fully learn its qualities till now; I cannot find a diseased Potato on those roots which I tried. They are all quite ready to ho taken up. In fact, Hogg's am) Dainlree's Newest were ready to dig for store more than it fortnight ago had the weather peimitted, and as soon as it pro\es propitious up they all come. The scali or rupture o? the tissue of the skins of Potatoes which was the subject of in- quiry lately from two or three correspondents, is, I conceive, brought on simply by the wetness of the soil, caused by tb the four cardinal points, and the longest sides are the north and south, which are walled. It slopes somewhat abruptly from east to west ; the east side is bounded by the house and offices, and is partly overhung by some fine specimens of th-i Horse-Cheetnut ; hence that portion of the garden is deprived of the morning sun. These Horse-Chestnuts, I may remark, having been planted on the most elevated and driest part i>i the premises, have a remarkable growth and vigour, the foliago being particularly fine, and larger than I have ever befoiu noticed. The west side of the garden, many feet lower tbii» the opposite end, is guarded by a Thorn hedge about 3 £ssi Ui JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEK. [ August 22, 1865. liigli. Close to it, on the other side, is a wide stream of water from the neighbouring mill, which in wet seasons overflows the adjoining meadows, and renders them httle tetter than a swamp. All who have had any experience in gardening are aware how injurious and disappointing are the spring frosts which occur in our chmate, to the detriment, and verj- often the total destruction of the tender shoots of our favourites ; more especiaUy do these frosts occur in damp and low i)laces, and then- efl'ects are there more destructive. Owing, then, to the proximity of this swamp, the spring fi-osts in the garden at Eushtou are an enoiinous difficulty to fight against. The soil is light, with little depth, and naturally poor, and requires constant feeding with the best manures to enable it to produce a crop. Such is the jjlaee in which, in one of his quaint, good-humoiu'ed articles, Mr. Eadelyfle tells your readers that he determined some \tars ago '• to have a go at gardening." (JouKXAL OF Horticulture, August 23rd, 1864.) The subjects to which Mr. Eadclyffe has devoted his attention are few — namely, Eoses, Strawberries, and Peaches, to which may be added Easpberries, and latterly, chiefiy, I believe, at the instance of Mr. Eivers, of Sawbridgeworth, Pears on the quince stock. His principle is, " keep a few things in your garden, and have them all weU done." Keeping this simple axiom steadily in view he has brought to bear on the subjects he has raidertaken an indomitable perseverance, an earnest search after the truth in connection v.ith them, and an im- deviating consistency in the maintenance of it. No horticul- tuT'al %^Titer on these subjects enjoys a gi'eater share of the con- fidence of cultivators. No one is more looked to as a guide and instructor in the selection of kinds, and the management of them. No one has done more to raise the pubUc taste for good Eoses, or to select with greater accmacy the best kinds of Strawberries out of the host of varieties continually sent out to tempt the unwaiy. I propose to review each briefly as I found them on my late visit to Eushton. Eoses. — Owing to vai-ious circumstances I was unable to visit Dorsetshire in time to see them at the zenith of their first bloom ; nevertheless, the evidence of what had been, from the quantity of flower-stalks left, and the excellence of the blooms remaining, ] was unmistakeable. I was informed by Mr. Ford, rt respected friend and neighbour of Mr. Eadclyffe, that he had never seen [ such a mass of Eose blooms upon living plants concentrated in | one spot before, a result the more to be admired from the [ great difficulties to be contended against in order to produce j them. Mr. Eadclyffe has made no secret of this success, the course pursued has been regularly and constanth' imparted to the public. He may say of Eoses and Strawberries as Franldin did of wealth — the way to obtain them is "as plain as the way to market," and others may have them as well, if they will but follow up the simple dii-ections he has jirescribed in his various articles. The most important pomt connected with the Koses at Eushton. is the use of the Manetti stock, of which Mr. Ead- clyffe has for several years past been an unflinching ch.impion. Having now seen them there three times in very different seasons, 1 can fully corroborate all that Mi-. Eadclyii'e has said about it ; and u.-ped and trained, after shifting into their bloom- ing jiots. Witsenia corymbosa will do ailmirably in a cold frame or ]iit at this season, and liloom finely in August. Uhododen- drou jasniinillorum will also do well in a frame in summer, aud should now bo ])ottcd. It will bloom next April in a cool vinery, and is one of the sweetest and handsomest plants wo have, the flowers being of so juire a white, (iesneras cinnaba- rina, and zebrina splendens, to be started for winter blooming ; continue to pot off and forward Gloxinias, .\chimenes, aud Gesneras as tliey require it. For autumn bloom, seciUmg Glox- inias do best ; tliey are now to be potted. Cactus speciosissimus placed in the cool vinery now and kept there until August, then placed out of doors close to a south wall for a cou])Ie of months, will bloom next May. It is inferior io no plant at that season for the fine display which it makes. Cuttings of Torenia asiatica inserted in March will need iiotting into their bloom- ing pots ; elevate the pot and allow the shoots to hang over it. This ])lant will look well hanging over the sides of a vase when covered with its porcelain flowers in September and October. Pot Statice brassiciufolia now, and grow iu a cold frame ; it may throw out its spikes in September and be in bloom all tho winter in a vinery. Young plants of Statice irabricata, profusa, propiuqua, and foliosa should bo encouraged with liberal pot room and a place near tho glass in a cool vinei"y. Myrtles, common and doubled-flowered, nice compact dwarf plants, may now be potted, and encouraged with moisture in a cold frame. Pot, train and encourage young stock, keeping the plants dear of insects. July. — The most forward Balsams, Cockscombs, and Globe Amaranths will be in flower, and the Celosias towards the end of the month, as well as Rhodanthe Manglesii and Thunbcrgias, (iloxinias and Achimenes being plentiful, aud the summer- flowering Begonias in perfection. Zonale and \ariegated Gera- niums, with Verbenas and Petunias, wiU supply the place of florists' Pelargoniums. Tliere will also be Fuchsias, Ferns, Lycopods, and variegated Begonias. The majority of winter- blooming plants, such as Erantliemums, Thyrsacantlius, &c., young stock of Poinsettia and Euphorbia, will now require to 'be shitted into blooming-pots. Camellias, Azaleas, and tho whole of the winter and spring-flowering greenhouse plants may be placed outside in an open situation, aud if protected from the midday sun all the better. This should be done early in the month, or, if the plants are forward, a fortnight or three weeks earlier. Correas aiul Epacrises should, however, still 1)6 kept in frames for protection from heavy rains, giving all the air possible. Pot the most forward Primulas iu six-mch pots, and keep near the glass in'a frame. Cyclamen coum and Violets to be potted at once in six-inch pots, keeping cool and moist. Pot Calceolarias into their blooming-pots, as ihey will soon shov; for bloom. Cyclamen europreum to be accommo- dated with a place in a frame ; and C. neapolitanmn, both red and white, to be potted if still delayed, and accommodated in like manner towards the end of the month, at which time stop some of the Chrysanthemums for a late bloom. Put-off Pri- mulas for spring blooming, also Cinerarias ; the latter, if for autumn display, to be put in their blooming-pots at ouce. Now is the time to fill a frame with Tea-scented Roses that have been disbudded up to this ; allow them plenty of air, using the lights only iu very wet weather. This is also the time, and only time, to stop No.segay Geraniums for an autumn bloom, and after they have made new shoots pot, and after- wards grow them iu a frame. Pelargoniums to be cut in. Mignonette for winter bloom to be sown. Intermediate Stocks to bo sown the first week iu an open situatiou, there to remain until October, when they may be potted in small pots, aud kept over the winter iu a cold frame, potting in March into 2i's for blooming iu April and May. Ciesnera jjurpurea ma- crautha to be potted and i)laced on a shelf iu the stove. It will come in for winter and spring blooming. Tuberoses wiU now come in. Tritonia aurea will be in fine bloom, aud the Liliums in pits will soon follow. Continue to pay attentiou to late plants of Gloxinias, Achimenes, and Gesneras, they will do well in the cool vinery, which towards the end of the month must be cleared of all plants requiring much moisture. It will answer admirably for any plants which have made their gi-owth, and require their wood to be hardened. Ciesneras cinnabarina and zebrina for winter bloom to be potted off, and grown on iu tlie stove. Put in cuttings of Coleus Verschaffelti in the tttove, and pot-off wlien rooted, growing on until October, then shift into six-inch pots. It is one of the finest plants for 148 JOTJBNAl OF HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. [ Aupist 22, 1865. winter decoration, and requires to be kept gi-owing all the winter in the stove. AnccsT. — Much the same as last month as to the materials at command for decoration, which it would he needless to recapitulate. Pot Cyclamen vernum. and place in a frame, also varieties of C. Atkinsi. Cinerarias and Calceolarias for autumn bloom should be placed in a frame where they can be protected from excessive rains, and do not allow them to suffer from drought. Pot a few Chrysanthemums for a late bloom, stojiping them at latest by the middle of the mouth. Examine the state of the roots of the winter-blooming plants, and if any are inclined to become pot-bound give a shift : they will make a succession to the others, and be finer. The winter- flowering Begonias that have been re.=ted to beshalien out. pot- ted in smaller pots, and encouraged in the stove. In addition to those named already, I may note B. ])restoniensis as a fine kind for winter. Plants kept gi-owing slowly imtQ this period and then placed in the stove make fine growth, and bloom a long time. B. fuchsioides and its variety miniata having now their old flowering shoots cut away, fresh-potted, and placed in the stove, will make handsome plants after awhile. B. Dregei potted now, and the old wood cut out, makes a fine plant for late autumn blooming. Deutzias, Weigelas, l^runus, and other plants intended for forcing to h.ave fuU and free exposure to ripen their flower-buds. Pelargoniums headed i back last month to be potted, and placed in a frame.. Pot i suckers of Cinerarias, and place in a frame, and continue to encom'age Primulas by potting. Celosias and Balsams will do 1 much better in frames than in vineries at this season. Im- i patiens .Jerdoniai will be coming into bloom, give it an airy light i situation in the stove. Sow Mignonette for spring, and Cine- rarias for a late spring bloom. — G. Abbey. (To be continued.) THE BEDDING-OUT AT ICEW GARDENS. On entering the gardens the first object worthy of notice is a pattern of scrollwork on grass in front of the Grecian conser- vatoiy. It is planted alternately with Sweet Alyssum and Lobelia speciosa as an edging ; then two rows of Punch Gera- nium, and two rows of Calceolaria amplexicaulis in the centre. The next is a crescent-shaped bed planted with Rhododendrons, edged with Purple King Verbena ; then Bijou and Christine Geraniums. This edging reminded me of two beds at Cremome Gardens planted with Bijou Variegated Geranium mixed with Purple King Verbena, and edged with Perilla nankinensis — the best beds in that place. By the long walk leading to the Palm-house the beds are circles and oblongs, match pairs at each side, and planted similarly. The first circles are planted with Lobelia speciosa edged with Sweet .Vlyssum. Next come beds planted with Purple King Verbena, edged with Tropjeoluni elegans ; then beds divided into four parts diagonally by single rows of Bijou Ge- ranium— the two sections east and west contain Tom Thumb Geraniirm, and the sections north and south Cerise Unique Geranium. Then come circles of Coleus Verschaffelti edged with Gnaphalium lanatum, and beds of Calceolaria amplexi- caulis edged with Brilliant Geranium ; and then beds of Roses, which would look better as dwarfs pegged down to correspond with the other beds. Next come cii-cles composed of Lobelia speciosa edged with Arabis lucida variegata ; then beds of Cybister Nosegay Geranium edged with white Centaurea : beds divided into four parts by Tom Thumb (ieranium, the east and west sections being Bijou Geranium, and the north and south Golden Chain Geranium, edged with Lobelia speciosa ; circles of Gnaphalium lanatum edged with Amaranthus me- lancholicus ruber ; beds of Pmple King Verbena edged with two rows of Christine Geranium ; circles of Cybister Nosegay Geranium edged with white Centaurea ; and then beds of Flower of the Day Geranium in the centre, then a row of Bril- liant Geranium edged with two rows of Purple King Verbena. At the cross walks are match beds of Ageratum mexicanum edged with Lord Pabnerston Nosegay Geranium ; then follow circles of C+naphaliiun lanatum edged with two rows of Coleus Verschafielti ; beds of Purple King Verbena edged with Victoria Geranium, a good pint, larger and better than Christine ; beds divided into four parts by Little David Geranium, the east' and west parts being Bijou Geranium, the north and south Golden Chain Geranium, edged with Lobelia speciosa ; circles of Lobelia speciosa edged with Arabis lucida variegata ; beds of Cybister Geranium, edged with white Centaurea ; circles of Iresine Herbstii edged with Variegated Mint (the Iresine Herbstii looks well* here) ; beds of Calceolaria amplexicaulis and C. Westwood edged with two rows of BriUi.ant Geranium ; beds divided into four parts by Flower of the Day Geranium, Cerise Unique Geranium being in the north and south divisions, and in the east and west ones Tom Thumb Geranium, edged with a row of Bijou Geiianium ; circles of Sweet Alyssum, edged with Lobelia speciosa ; and lastly, beds of Puiiile King Verbena edged with Tropajolum elegans. At the end of the long walk is a magnificent circle. It is .Sfi feet in diameter, and has a rich, massive, moulded edging of terra cotta 15 or 18 inches high. The bed is raised up as a pjTamid, and in the centre is a very handsome flower-vase with pedestal and plinth. This bed is divided into four sections by Coleus Verschaffelti, and planted -n-ith white Centaiu-ea ; then a broad band of scarlet Geranium, edged with Lobeha speciosa. On both sides are beds parallel with the walks, leading to the museum on one side, and to the Pahn-house on the other. These very effective beds are divided into chain- like compartments by Puiijle King Verbena ; the centre. Bril- liant Geranium ; and the sides fiUed up with Rose Queen Geranium edged with GnaphaUum lanatum. Then come circles of Purple Iving Verbena edged with Golden Chain Geraniirm ; beds of Calceolaria amplexicauhs and C. Westwood edged with two rows of Brilliant Geranium ; circles of GnaphaUxim lanatum edged with Coleus Verschaffelti ; and crescent-shaped beds with Perilla nankinensis in the ceuti'e, then Pimch Geranium edged with A'ariegated Mint. Standing in front of the Palm-house the terrace garden is seen to great advantage. Two vases in front and other vases at the head of the lake are all filled with scarlet and Nosegay Geraniums. The two large circular beds in the middle compart- ments are dii-ided into eight sections, four of scarlet Geraniums, four of Flower of the Day Geranium, there being in addition a circle of Lobelia speciosa, and a broad baud of Gazania splen- dens, with vases in the centre filled with Cj-bister Nosegay Gera- nium. The patterns at each side are duplicates and planted alike. The centre beds in the middle of the figures are planted with Bijou Geranium, with an edging of Lady Plj-mouth Gera- nium, and patches of Coleus Verschaffelti aroimd the pedestals of vases filled with Scarlet Geraniums. The crozier-shaped beds are planted with Lord Raglan Verbena, then Calceolaria amplexicaulis, finisliing with Iresine Herbstii. The saddle- shaped beds are planted with Christine Geranium ; the pentagon beds with Puri)!e King Verbena ; the triangular beds with Lobelia speciosa, and the end circles with Cloth of Gold Gera- nium. The comer beds at the angles are planted with Tom Thumb Geraniiun. This pattern is tastefully arranged, well balanced, and not overloaded with scarlet, which is the pre- vailing colour in most places. I was glad to see the bedding-out plants named. The large tallies and the beautiful wi-iting of my friend, Mr. Greenhead, in the beds on the south side of the main walk, and in the ten-ace garden, were so conspicuous that 3-ou could " run and read," and at the same time they did not mar the general effect, but contributed to the information of the thousands of visitors who loitered about these lovelv beds. — Wh-liam Keane. LILIUJNI AURATUM. Having seen at ^Mr. Veitch's nurseiy the jilaut with twenty- nine flowers, submitted to the Floral Committee of the Eoyal Horticultural Society on the 8th inst. as an extraordinary spe- cimen of cultivation, I submit the following account of a plant of this Lily imder my charge. The flowers, it will be obseived, are not so numerous, but are nearly double the size of those on Mr. Mills' plant. One bulb has this year produced two stems, each 2* inches in cir- cumference at 6 inches from the surface of the soil, the highest stem measures 8 feet, the other 7 feet 9 inches, with a total of 185 perfect leaves and 20 flowers ; this is one of the finest varieties I have seen. The first and strongest offset I had fi-om the above has this year produced three flowers, each 13 inches in diameter. Allow me to add that I shall feel pleasm-e in showing the above to any one interested who may favour Bow Bridge with a visit. — E. Bullex, Gardener to A. Turner, Esq., Bow Bridge, Leicester. Seedling Pelaegoxiums Flowehing the First Yeah. — At page 128, a doubt is expressed as to the possibihty of a Pelar- gonium raised from seed in March, being in flower in August. Ancust -H, 186S. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. Mi) I last yoai raised about a huudrod seodliugs, the seed boiug sown in February. Two of these seedlings tluwercd iu the autumn, but I do not remember the exact dute. Tljey were raised in heat, but as soon as they were potted off they had only gi-eenhouso treatment. — 1'. MY PL^VNTS, .\ND now AXD ^VHF.UE I FOUND THEM.— No. 8. Is tlie spring and summer of 1BG2 we were sojourning iu the proud old county of Norfolk, that county of noble families of '■ laug pedigree," and of broad and well-cultivated lauds. It is not, however, of these that 1 am going to write, but of one small portion of that coimty iu the ueighliourhood of East Dereham. I daresay many in that locality thinlc of it simply as a bog — a thing to be avoided on dark uiglits, especially when returning from the alehouse at midnight, for, I regret to say that, noble as this coimty is, it is by no means free from those ignoble pests of our English towns and villages, the pubUc-house and low boershop. It is impossible to say how many aching hearts now at rest in that silent churchyard close by have lain them downi out-wearied with the care, and anxiety, and grief brought to tiiem on the wings of that unhallowed laughter and witless jesting within those curtained rooms at the village alehouse ! A line and handsome face is shadowed on the bliud; laugliter, songs, and swearing are witliin. A thin, anxious, and careworn form is watching from without ; tears hot and fast fall down her cheeks. She lasses that small bundle within her shawl, and bitterly retraces her steps. Many a time she pauses and listens, listens for that one loved foot- fall— for him who is still her idol, though so ill deserving of her love. Late on in the night he stumbles home, falls across the bed, from whence proceed the infant's wakened cries and the mother's stifled sobs. In the morning he knows nought of the night's anguish, and, whistUng, leaves his home and mixes \vith his fellow men. In the evening he "seeks it yet again." She, with a heavy heart, coldly and slowly labom's out her day ; and in due time, when grief has done its work, she, too, lies her down with her sorrow-laden sisters to await that last awaking and final reckoning which must come both to husband and wife alike. But let me quit this sad subject tor hours of happy memories, of pm-e delight amongst those much-neglected children of the water and the fen — beauties overlooked by the casual passer-by, but which had accidentally been mentioned to me. Hours and hours of the long summer days I spent in Seaming Fen, until it became quite a byeword amongst some friends of mine. "Seaming Fen again?"' Yes! I was mad about the place, for the time being there was no doubt of it. The heat of the morning certainly did not find me there ; but still I was gene- rally employed at home in drying and arranging specimens collected on the previous day. An early dinner, and off again ; through the town, down a passage to yom- right, across the railway and some fields, and you are soon and almost imper- ceptibly upon the spot ! I can scarcely describe the deUght with which I always crossed the style separating the fields and the Fen. The moment you were over, had the fields been ever so dusty, you came at once upon the most beautiful wet moss and the charming Sundew. A carpet of moss and Sun- dew ! — could anything be more luxuriously and botanically romantic ? A pool of water stretched away to the right, eou- taining that vestal queen of aquatic plant's, the white Water Lily, in garments of green ; and close by, its sisters with the golden hair and green drapeiy all floating on the water. Rushes and Sedges, handmaidens to the Lilies, waved then- adulations, or whispered love songs to the winds which played between the leaves. Many a lecture did my prudent medical husband give me ; and, must I confess it '?— they fell unheeded. ^\'hat was it that I retiu-ned home with wet feet ? Had I not been to the shrine of the goddess of water flowers, and should I return with no sign of my mission ? The moment I entered that Fen I forgot the world around. An ignis-fatuus seemed to be before me. From one spot to another I stepped, occa- sionally choosing an unsafe tuft and getting ankle deep in mud, but generally keeping pretty close to the pool in which were the yellow and white Lilies. Beyond the water, towards the Seaming side of the Fen, lay a large piece of tm-fy grass, and there, upon some of the little hillocks, we would rest for a while to look over our gathered treasures. Ling and the Erica tetralix were grouped around us, and the pretty Piu- guicula vulgaris, or Butterwort, with its tuft of bright green leaves lying close to the ground, from the centre of which rise its delicate pin-ple flowers. I think this Fen contains a greater variety of really beautiful flowers than any jdace of the same size which I have ever visited. The Menyanthes trifoliata, Bog Bean, hero flourishes in all its luxuriance ; and Ix'ucath it the pretty ]iink Anagallis tenelia. Bog l'im)]ernel. In another part of the Fen grew the Tarnassia palustris, with its delii-ately white petals ; and there also the common Cotton Grass waved its silky flowers. The gorgeous Marsh Marigold and sweet blue Forget-me-not ran riot amongst the reeds and rushoa. The pretty little Neottia spiralis with its twisted spike, from which conies its name of Lady's Tresses, I gathered here for the first time, and also the Marsh Helleborine. Ragged Robin and Willow Herbs, striving and pushing their way through this mass of vegetation, assert their claims to a conspicuous place. The only plant which would not verify this description was the dwarf Red Rattle. Always stunted, and looking like a badly nursiid child, this plant arouses somewhat of a feeling of sympathy in our hearts for its apparently neglected condition. Spealcing of the Heath beyond the ponil, 1 must not forget to mention the discover}' of a very slender plant with a round stem and one spike at the top. I never found another root of the same, though I frequently returned to the spot. I believe it was the Sciii^us Savii, Savis' Club Rush. It was the most slender and smallest Rush I have yet met with. The thick mist which gathered so quickly over the Fen in the evening sent me homewards much sooner than I otherwise should have returned ; and I own it was with something of the saddened tone of feeling with which one quits a dear friend that I took leave of my favourite haimt. The last train has whistled past, this last noisy sign of a bustling troublous world without has died away in the distance, and now I would fain remain here with the newly risen moon and the quiet shadows for my com- panions. The evening star is shining above the pool, and the Lilies gently stir with love as they turn their meek eyes upwards in answer to the starhght from above. And now the elves, " Who slept in buds the day. And many a npuph who wi-eathes her brows with Sedge, -Ajid sheds the freshenin^' dew ; and lovelier still, The pensive Pleasures sweet, Prepare Eve's shadowy car." The children who have been playing at a distance on the heath, like the wearied birds have sought their beds. A httle under- song of settling warblers, and the solemn croak of the toad close by, are all the sounds which come to me as I take a part- ing look before I cross the style. Farewell, Scarning Fen ! Yom- treasures I leave for other and more able botanists to search out and to possess. As I look back, it is strange to think that I have dabbled amongst the Sundew in goloshes and a watei-))roof, the rain falling so slowly, so miserably, and so small ! It soimds very absurd, no doubt, but so it was. Perhaps just then my heart was " cold, and dark, and dreaiy ;" and is it not better to arouse oneself to some study in which you delight than to sit with yom- hands before you brooding over some trouble at home ? At least, this is my peculiar theoiy. Again, I remember days which I have spent on the Fen, when the sun was burning, no air stirred, and the leaves of the pretty Butterwort were shiivelled and yellow. My heart was light enough then, and as cheery and glad as a fainting flower after the summer shower. The only remark which I remember hearing about the Fen was from a neighbour, who casually mentioned that " some gentle- man had been from London to botanise in the Fen, that he had made as much fuss about it as I had, that he had found a very rare plant there which he prized verv- much." My in- formant believed the flower of it was green,' and that it came in the month of September : however, of this latter fact he seemed uncertain. Often and often I hunted for the said " green flower,"' but ineffectually. Perhaps as we left East Dereham about the end of August we thereby lost the acqui- sition of some very rare addition to our hortus siccus. I feel that my accoimt of this small spot has not done it justice, but I must now leave it for a stroU in quite a tlifferent part of England— namely. North Staffordshire. But before I quit Norfolk entirely I must jot do-wu a fact with regard to the Scolopendrilim vulgare : in no other locahty have I seen the Hart's-tongue so fine as on the banks at GressenhaU, Scarning, and Hoe. They are quite a contrast to the meagre specimens I have met with in Staffordshire. — Alice. L.ip.GE Hibiscus. — Perhaps you may be able to afford space to chronicle the fact that at "Wiarf Bridge, "tt'lnchester, there is now in full bloom (a mass of rich rose tints), a fine, and 150 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ( August 22, 1865. I believe in England unequalled, specimen of an HibiBCUs, the trunk of which cannot be less than 8 inches in diameter. I have often observed the finest solitary specimens of rare plants in places where they might be least expected — amongst the cottages and gardens of the poor. — L. A. EATABLE FUNGI. YoDR correspondent " Waron " (page 88), is quite right as to the esculent qualities of many of our Fungi. I had the plea- sure of Dr. Badhara's acquaintance, and many dishes of the various Fungi from his table have I tasted. It is vain to try to uproot prejutlice, especially where there "is poison in the pot;" but those who love a botine hnitche should purchase a work on the subject, and try for themselves. I would cspeciaDy recommend to notice the Puff-ball — when the interior is per- fectly white, stewed or fried, it is food fit for the gods ; when the centre has a greenish hue it disagrees — only then. It would be worth "Wason's" while to write to the Ecv. — Berney, Bracon Ashe, near Norwich, who fought information from me about three years ago, as he had commenced growing the various edible Fungi. He invited me the following year to go and see liis progress, but other duties or laziness prevented. I do not know what success he met with, but fear that the ex- cessive dryness of the jiast two seasons may have disheartened him. Dr. Badham was much pleased iu cousequeuce of my succeeding in preserving many specimens, some in Goadby's solutions, some iu turps. I made an exquisite sauce of Cham- pignons with sherry, if I remember rightly, and a quantity of catsup from Agaricus rubescens. — J. Fisok, Banuni/liam, Suffolk. THE MODERN PEACH-PRUNER.— No. U. THE MlEMATUnE L.VfEKAL. As some of the most successful gi-owers have devoted con- siderable attention to the proper treatment of this summer lateral (a«(/ci;)»; of the French), it would be improper here to pass it over; and, indeed, it constitutes a certain basis in veiy close or in-door pruning whereon to establish much after- work. In the open air it is also important, as helping much to keep the fruit nearer to the wall, and closer to the main branch when properly treated. The premature lateral springs directly from the wood of the year whenever that wood is of a cartaiu strength. The gross shoot (class 4). with these summer laterals springing from it, has been already depicted. As an extension of a J'oung and healthy tree it frequently attains a considerable size, and, provided due attention could bo given to directing and controlling its growth, we should be glad to see it ; but the laterals which spring from it, when so placed as to receive a great volume of ascending sap, are apt to be trouble- some to manage. The hotirtieon anticipr is naively called by M. Grin "the enemy of gardeners, and is either of a good or of an evil nature." In the first case it is known by the principal leaf bein.r; considerably longer and broader than the others. This is when it is quite j'omig and manageable, for it very soon becomes vigorous, and is then easily recognised by its erect habit and darker colour. During the months of June and July, especially after a favourable May, the gi-owth of the Peach is considerable. The trees reqnh-e constant attention and regulation of the summer shoots, for upon the exact performance of this dejjeuds the future appearance of the tree ; but the growth of summer laterals, when placed on the upper side of the extension, is such that it is not easy to regulate it. The consequence of a neglect is, that the strong flow of sap will develope these laterals so fast as to caiTy away the first pair of well-formed leaves to a distance of 2 or 3 inches from the base in a very short time. This is evidently a defect, and if it should occur in many places must cause the loss of valuable space, and also of radiation of heat. On the other hand, to arrest unskilfully the growth of these laterals iu a young and vigorous tree must check its progress and injure it. In the case of an est:iblished tree, to remove too great a portion of the laterals on the under side of an extension may end in their da-ying up entirely by the end of the season. It requires, therefore, both experience and attention to trans- form these laterals into close-lying, and, at the same time, vigorous spurs for future bearing and growth. The general habit of the tree operated on must also be carefully considered. Some sorts of Peaches and Nectarines are naturally of weak growth, and such should not be severely treated, but be allowed more freedom of growth, and to become well established before bearing regularly. Indeed the skill and attention required to manage successfully these laterals are such that Professor Du- breuil says, " This is the only portion of M. Grin's method which really presents any difficulty." The object which we have in view is to avoid a blank space of more than an inch between the first pair of fuU-sized leaves (which have the bearing-buds with them), and the base of the lateral, for the reasons before stated. Passing over other ex- pedients to check the growth of a too-vigorous lateral on the upper side of an extension, M. Grin's method may be recom- mended here. It consists in the suppression of one-third of the two small leaves which spring immediately from the base of the larger leaf. In fig. 15 these small leaves are marked A, Fig. 15. and the line of suppression is shown by b. This operation is considered to be alwavs successful provided — and here ia the only difficulty — it be done at the proper moment. This is known by the relative sizes of the leaves as seen in the engraving. There is no doubt that in the case of an orchard-house cordon, which is more easy to watch, the sudden arresting of the sap wiU produce two or more buds, which will constitute a good basis for next year's work. Should, however, the lateral have made its growth imcheeked, and have carried oS in its progress the leaves and buds to a distance of several inches, we may be induced to ti-y Professor Gressent's remedy, which he highly recommends, for it is easy to ]ierform, and the defect in our tree is conspicuous. The object in this instance is to cause the production of a cluster- shoot or spur (" May cluster "), at the base of the offending lateral. He proceeds in the following manner. By means of a sharp-pointed instrument or lancet he jjierces the base of the already-developed lateral and the dormant bud near it, so as to produce a deviation of the vessels of the medullary canal, without, however, injuring the ligneous formation. The vessels being cut, a tem]>orary concentration of the cambium is in- duced ; a mass of cellular tissue results, and ends in the pro- duction of a group of flower-buds. By the next spring this group is well constituted, and the lateral may then be sup- pressed, leaving in its stead a group of buds as delineated in tig- 5. in fig. 16, A represents the point of section ; c, is the me- dullary canal, composed of the primitive cellular tissue en- closed within the wall- like formation of the vascular tissue, c, c ; AngttBt 83, 1866. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 151 I) i« till' inner epidermis of the preen shoot, tlirougli whicli tlie cambium ileseenilK ; and e is Ihu thin outer epidermis not yet become hard. The linneoiis formatimi is seen lietween i) and c- and ¥ rejiresentb the blank portion of tlie ]iremHtiu'0 hitenil. The metliod here described may I") tried witli advantase in certain cases, care boijig taken not to jiiercu beyond the point intlicated. I liave tlius endeavoured to point out how to recognise the character of a hvteriJ which seems Hkely to become '^rosn, and shown when and )iow to arrest its progress. In the next in- stance a remedy has Ijcen pointed out in tlie case of a lateral liavinj! been neglected or overlooked. It remains, then, only to describe tlie treatment of such laterals as are of fair growth and promise. In the case of maiden or young trees it is good practice not to check their growth, but only to direct it a little. \Vc shall, however, suppose the tree to be somewhat esta- blished and formed. In this case the laterals on the summer extensions m.iy be stopped to G inches to strengthen the buds at the base, of which, at the winter pruning, there will bo left only two good buds. When these have pushed in the following year, in order to induce them to be fruitful, they should be stopped at four leaves as soon as they have made six full-sized ones. The second growths may be stopped at two leaves more, aud the third growth may be stopped at one leaf, or allowed to extend during the autumn, according to the state of the buds at the base. If all go well, by August we may confidently exjiect to find the lowest two buds full aud well established. Possibly another pair besides these may be developed nearer to the base of the lateral. The two upper buds will have extended, and on these the second and third gi-owths will have been already stopped respectively at two leaves, and one leaf, as before said. It is my practice in this case to allow the tree to make some more growth, unless the autumn be wet and sunless ; if, how- ever, the two lowest buds of the lateral are not satisfactory, then but very httle second growth is permitted, and frequently it is good practice to cut back below the first stop])ing, and by a new check and concentration of the sap and diminution of the shade produced by the leaves, to endeavour to ripen these lowest buds. Some of the finest fruit is produced in the ensuing season on the extensions. When, however, the tree hears freely, the laterals should be rather devoted to form new spurs for future use, and, if possible, they should be transformed into a group of two or three shoots. In the case of very old trees no rules can be given, as these require less severe pruning, and vary considerably. in fiff. 17, we have a prematiu'e lateral drawn by myself from Fig. 17. nature early in August. The leaves are omitted. We notice the pair of buds at the veiy base of this lateral ; they are pro- minent, dark in colour, and triple, which is not alw.ays the case. The lateral had been stopped at the fourth leaf, when it had made some six fuU-sized leaves, and two of these four buds have extended. That marked b has been stopped at the second growth, and has formed at that point a group of flower-buds vrliich would ripen in an orchard-house ; the other bud, marked c, has also extended, but it has not produced flower-buds. It would have grown freely, and so has been stopped at about two leaves beyond the first stopping, and, again, for the third time at one leaf ; still it is growing, and it is no matter, for our lower bnds are well constituted. The tree suffered also from insects, and will benefit by more growth during the rest of the autumn. Probably M. Grin would cut back, at the winter pruning, to the first pair of buds at the base ; but I have found it well to have plenty of shoots to select from. I should, therefore, cut back only to A, above the beautiful triple group there. This group having a central leaf-bud will bo sure to extend. Should any fruit appear on this group it might be left on, if so desired, and the leaves beyond the fruit reduced to two or three. The pair of buds at the base m.\v become " May dusters " by this process, which, indeed, is the principal aim of very close pruning. Nothing can be more successful than the production of this class of shoot, especially in pairs. Should, however, these buds at the base extend, they will very likely become fruit-bearers of class 2. As soon as the group at a has borne its fruit, it should be completely cut out. By this time the eyes at the base will have become strong, and will be ready to take the place, in some shape or other, of the group removed, At D, we see a group of buds on the other side of the extension, K. This group will be of service hereafter, probably as a May cluster. The lateral represented is a fair specimen. Others more striking could as easily have be^'U 8ho\vn ; some which by stopping have forked and become double shoots, which^can be left as such, and others equ;dly useful. Of course, the double shoot is nearer perfection provided it divide very near the base. In M. Grin's practice he does not, however, attach so much importance to having more than one shoot frimi the same base, but it multiplies the chance of fruit, especially in the open air. — T. BiiEHAUT, Richmond Houne, Guernsey. CLOTH OF GOLD AND MRS. I'OLLOCK GERANIUMS. MANAtiK.MENT OF AMAUAXTHUS .MKLANCHOLICUS IIUHER. With me for the last four years Cloth of Gold has put all other golden varieties into the shade. It both grows and flowers well. This year I have two large beds of it, with a groimd-covering of Verbena venosa, struck from root-cuttings in January last. This I find a better plan than planting out seeiUings, as the plants so propagated come into flower much sooner. The soil in the beds is a sort of chalky loam, and a little manure is annually given, but no peat. The beds are exposed to wind on all sides but the north. Cloth of Gold requires plenty of water when first planted out, especially in such dry weather as that which prevailed in the early part of the present season. Some plants used as edgings have not done so well; this I consider is owing to shallow soil and want of moistui-e. Golden Chain does very well with me as au edging plant, but is useless for the centre of a bed on account of its poor flower, while Cloth of ttold has a good bright scarlet flower, combined with a larger and better coloured leaf than the former. Amaranthus melancholicus ruber has grown with me as strongly as PeriUa. I sow in heat at the end of March, and as soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle, I prick them out into small pots, and when these are pretty well filled with roots turn the plants out in a cold frame, in a mixture of leaf soil aud ashes. Afterwards I keep close for a time vmtil they start into growth and then give all the air possible. I think the main cause of failure at, some places with this and miiny of our bedding plants, is keeping them in small pots until planting-out time comes, then m.any of them grow less. I plant out some thousands of bedding plants every year, and find that nearly all of them are benefited, if they are well rooted, by being turned out of the pots into leaf or any soU out of which they can he well lifted. With Verbenas I find coal ashes answer well. I can highly recommend tui-f pots for spring-struck Gera- niiuns, but spring-struck Verbenas, Variegated Alyssum, Agera- tums. Heliotropes, Gazanias, and Petunias, grow quite as well, if not better, tied up in soil and moss, and jdaced in a little heat until they start into growth; when, they may be shifted where you hke. It is the way to grow a great quantity. Centaiuea ragusina has turned green with me this year and keeps running to seed. Calceolaria Sparkler does not keep its bright colour with me, it turns a dirty brown after being out a few days. — Bailey Wadds, Raiju-ell, Brour/h. As Mr. Fish asks for a report of the above Geraniums, I may state that I have a bed edged with the former, which has always been a favourite of mine, and it does not seem to have grown at all this year. Last year in another bed it grew well, and was everything I could desire as an edging. I have come to 152 JOUBNAL OF HOETICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. [ August 22, 1865. the couolusion that Golden Fleece is the best of that class. It is a good grower, and the foliage is of a bright good colour. Mrs. Pollock has gi-own remarkably well with me. I treat it as follows : — At bedding-out time I pot the plants in good rich loam, with a liberal dash of good rotten manure in it, in 32-sized pots, without any crocks in them. I plunge the pots in the beds, placing about half a foot in depth of the same soil the plants have been potted in for them to rest on. The effect -ing agent confined to this situation, it passed over to other places, con- ducting its operations much in the same way. Now it is some- what remarkable that plants of the same species, possibly seedhngs of the same tree, and reared under the same treat- ment, should differ so greatly in resistive power. I beheve the difference to be unexplainab'le, vegetable physiology refuses to answer the question — tlie subject is just as subtle as the doctrine of metaphysics. Conjectures irmumerablo might be offered, but they can be of no real value. The WelUngtonia gigantea has beyond all cavil established for itself a position and reputation for hardihood ; more than this too, it is the most ornamental Conifer ever brought from CaUfomia. What renders it so much more acceptable, arises from the fact that it does not refuse to grow in any kind of soil, so long as it does not contain an excess of water, nor does it object to a dry situation. Our largest specimen was planted eleven years ago, and it is now 18 feet high, densely covered from the apex to the base with healthy foliage ; the lower branches sweep the gi-oimd, and measure 14 feet in diameter. It is some- what singiiiar that it should gi-ow so vigorously, as the depth of soil does not exceed 1.5 inches, overlying the mountain Ume- stone, but no doubt the roots are creeping down between the cre\-ices of the rock, secure against sudden and continued drought, such as we experienced last summer. We have also the WeUingtonia gi-owing on the red sandstone quite as freely. Some years ago we planted a young seedUng in a deep and rather -tenacious loam on the border of a marsh, where the soil is rather wet than otheinvise, which is, unquestionably, the most appropriate situation, as it will ere long leave the others fcr behind, judging by present progress. Torreya myristica has proved to be quite hardy with us, having passed through our severest winters without the slightest injury. Being so distinct from the generaUty of Coniferous plants, it is found to be no inconsiderable acquisition. The rate of growth is by no means rapid, so it will be a good number of years before we can expect to have even a moderate-sized tree. On the Sien-a Nevada mountains it does not exceed 40 feet in height, so there is but Uttle hope of it ever gi-owing to half that height in this country. The long peculiaiiy-foi-med leaves of a yellowish green colom* give it an interesting appear- ance. Ton-eya grandis will not submit to a British chmate ; in the truest sense it is a greenhouse plant, where it is not worthy of the space. We had it planted in the open air for three years, and I do no wrong in saying that it did not, during that time, grow more than an incli, although every possible care was taken as regards soil and situation. Pseudolarix Kwmpferi has withstood the frost of our severest winters, and may tiiereforo be catalogued as quite hardy ; but its dwarf Inishy liabit will, I fear, prevent it growing larger than a good-sized shrub ; still in China it is said to attain the height of 100 feet. This dense low form is greatly to be regretted, nor have I been able to produce a free centre by keeinng aB contending side branches constantly shortened, (.'ould we by some means cause it to produce an active leader, it would be a great acquisition, as no tree with which I am acquainted offers such a display of golden-coloured loaves during autumn. — (A. Ciia:mi!, Torticorth Court, in Scottinh Gardener.) THE ROMANCE OF THE VEGETABLE KINGDOM. No very limited field of literature this, and if I, an old gleaner in the field, were to throw down my sheaf bcfcne yon, many Journals would appear, each with a handful of the gleanings before the entire were gathered up. Tlie " Book of Books," the mj-thology and the poetry of the Greeks and Romans, the tales of the Persians and Arabs, tlie Hindoos, the Chinese, nay, the .American Indians, have all episodes and narratives iii which flowers and trees occupy a conspicuous position. I could buzz about and among these flowers like an old " dnmble-dore," and add many a modem instance, such as " The Rose in January," that tale in the old " London Ma- gazine," in Tom Hood's time, a tale that fascinated me in youth, and fascinates me now, for the frost though on my hair has not got to my heart. Then there was the Fuchsia of her " boy Ben," fomid in the old woman's window in Wapping ; and the Mignonette in the Saxon coat of arms ; and that lovely " Picciola, or the Prison Plant ; " and the Plauta genista of the Plantaganets ; and the Eoses of York and Lancaster. Put on the cockle-shell, take up your staff, and see how many years would pass before you could visit the Gospel Oaks, and other historic and romance-associated trees in our own land. Pass on to Germany, France, and Italy, and life must be protracted to a length equal to that of the wandering Jew before you could exhaust the legend-lore and historic events associated with members of the vegetable world. I named Italy last, and from that laud, to which God, not man, has been so bounteous, my last gleaning was collected. The Jasmine was introduced from India into Europe early in the sixteenth century, and a duke of Tuscany was one of its first possessors. He was so jealously fearful lest others should enjoy what he alone wished to possess, that strict injunctions were given to his gardener not to part with a slip, not so much as a single flower, to any person. To this command the gar- dener would have been faithful, but for a fair but poi-tionless peasant, whose want of a dowry and his own poverty kept them from becoming husband and wife. On the birthday of her he loved, the gardener presented her with a nosegay, and to render that nosegay more acceptable, he added to it a blossomed spray of the Jasmine. The " povera figlia," wish- ing to preserve the bloom of this " new flower," put it into the earth, and the spray remained green all the year. In the following spring it grew. It flourished and multiplied so much that the bride elect was able to amass a little fortune from the sale of the precious gift which love had made her. With a sprig of Jasmine in her breast, she gave her hand and wealth to the happy gardener of her heart. This may be only a legend, but it is certain that the Tuscan girls to this time preserve the remembrance of this event by invariably wearing a nosegay of Jasmine on their wedcUng-day, and they have a proverb which says a young girl wearing this nosegay is rich enough to make the foiiime of a good husband. — G. NEW ZEALAND. A BDTANIC.^I, EA.MBLE IN HOON HAY AND OTHER BUSIFES. Geologists tell us that the body of the earth was once in a state of fusion — that is, it was once aU in a melted state, glow- ing, burning, flaming, and that it gi-aduaUy cooled uutU it became covered with a hardened surface. These bushes, in the convulsions of nature, seem to have been tossed up into aU sorts of forms, and are now clothed with noble trees of the forest ; some appearing in fuU view, others half-concealed behind the rocks and crags, and others with their rounded heads appearing above the summit of one range, as if they were 154 JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 22, 1865. clumps of shrubs seated on tlie slopes of the more distant mountains. Sucli extent of ground as there is in these places ; such variety in the disposition of it ; objects of vegetation so interesting in themselves and ennobled by their situation ; each contrasted to each ; every one distinct, and all seemingly happily united ; the scenery so beautiful, of a whole so great — compose altogether a landscape of some magnificence, and of great beauty, which it would be well for our landscape gardeners to try and imitate. These were my thoughts when looking around and entering a New Zealand Bush for the first time. The indigenous timber, at any rate, at first sight appears to be grown to a towering height, and in a perfection, I think I may say, equalled by that of few other countries. Vegetation runs riot. Perpetual verdure and freshness is to be seen all the year round, which is very lUft'erent to plantations and forests in the old country, which become deciduous one part of the year. No fall of tlie leaf, but varied and beautiful scenery. By- the-hy, where nature has done the planting, it would be very difficult to find any straight lines or trees in rows. If our bushes contained any prickly plants like our briars and brambles at home, or the prickly Melocactus of Mexico, they would be a jungle physically impenetrable ; and even as it is, they present many obstacles to free steps and movements. Here we experience "Supple-jack" snares; and travelling inside is a very slow process, not without two or three falls at most. Such is the closeness of growth, the luxuriance of foliage, that sun and air, in some places, can scarce penetrate. The birds seem to enjoy your company, for in whatever w'ay you wend your steps they follow, and warble melodious notes. In addition to this, r;ee the stumps of cylindrical boles of trees which have been left after the havoc of the axe, some of them measuring 20 to 30 feet in circumference, which once reared their majestic heads in gi'audeur. As I have already mentioned Supple-jack, I may state that whoever undertakes a ramble in the bush will find that the first plant to be met with is tlio one which I will now say a little about. It is a species of Smilax of enormous size. I found it both in flower and fruit ; flowers white, and hanging in ra- cemes, afterwards followed by red berries, which hang waving in the air. It is a gigantic climber, and most troublesome because most abundant. Its stems are amazingly strong and tough, and well known among us by the name of Supple-jack. There is another Smilax, which accompanies this, twining itself romid tlie trees, which I will name S. aspera, or Rough Bind- weed. I am glad to see two indigenous plants amongst us, belonging to the natural order of Sarsaparillas. DdcnjtUnin cuprexxinnm. — This beautiful tree seems to love to grow in the shade. Its branches are more spreading, and begin at a less height from the ground, than tliose of the other New Zealand Pines. Its foliage is remarkably graceful and elegant. Tlie leaves are only like small needles, and very thick on the shoots, and their united weight causes the branches to hang like the 'Weeping Willow. Its beauty is heightened by the liveliness of the colour and denseness of foliage, in com- parison with the sombre hue of most of the other evergreens in the bush. It is in every respect in character like WelUng- tonia gigantea, and its head in sliape like an umbrella. It will be as v/ell here to state the difference between our New Zealand Pine trees and coniferous trees belonging to other parts of the world. Cm- Pines here are separated by their fruits not being collected in cones, each growing singly, unpro- tected by hardened scales ; and nothing can equal the elegant apjiearance of their friut, especially the fruit of the Podocarp, of which, when fully ri])e, the drupes are carmine-coloured. In the natural order Taxads, to which our Pine trees belong, there are only nine genera, and two of them are indigenous to the Cape of Good Hope. Out of these nine genera only fifty distinct species have been discovered as yet. Man is, however, the most active agent in the dispersion of plants, and we must not overlook the important consequences. Sometimes, indeed, the causes are accidental, but more fre- quently intentional, as we have witnessed of late during the last two or three years in the numberless accessions to our gardens of coniferous plants from other countries. I fear that the timber trees in New Zealand are by no means so abundant as to justify our regarding the supply inexhaustible, for I am sure it must be incredible the quantity of trees which fall beneath tlie axe at the present time. Cahbnqe Trcr. — A more approjiriate name would be Dragon Tree. From a dry fruit which I found and examined, it was very clear to me that it belonged to the natural order Lilyworts. It attains a great height in the bush, more so than in a solitary state on the plains. The beautiful creations which constitute the order of Lilies woidd seem to be well-known to all the world, for what have been so long admired and universally cultivated as they ? Nevertheless, in my opinion, there are few great groups of plants which have been more neglected by the exact botanist, or which stand more in need of his patient attention. Even Phormium, our celebrated Flax, with its perennial leaves and panicles of flowers, belongs to this interest- ing natural order. For a certainty, our familiar Cabbage Tree, all over the plains, belongs to the genus Dracrena. Edwarikia mirropliylUi. — I notice very fine troes of this, towering up much higher than the rest. The thousands of small pinnated leaves and wiry twigs contrast beautifully with the surrounding evergi'eens. Here it does not become deciduous, as in the old coimtry. Stems equal in circumference any of the other large Pine trees. It belongs to the natural order Fabacere, or leguminous plants. The Locust Trees of the west belong to this order, and have long been celebrated for their gigantic stature ; and other species are the colossi of South American forests. Martens represents a scene in Brazil where some trees of this kind occurred of such enormous di- mensions that fifteen Indians, with outstretched arms, could only just embrace one of them. At the bottom they were 84 feet in circumference, and 60 feet where the bole became cylindrical. The tree mentioned is supposed to be older than the era of our Saviour. By coimting the concentric rings of such parts as were accessible, he arrived at this conclusion. Fuchsia e.rcorticata — better known by the name of Native Fuchsia. This tree, for so it must be called, seems to shed its leaves ; but stiU I could perceive a great number of leaves push- ing forth, which looked as if when one leaf drops another comes. The tree I saw had three forked strong limbs, and spreading branches in proportion. The bole was 5 or B feet iu circumference, and the three limbs were about 20 or 30 feet high. It was not in flower or fruit. There is a great difference between this dwarf monarch of the forest, as I will term it, and the little pets gro\ni in pots by florists. One can hardly judge which state of growth is to be hked better — a Fuchsia plant in a pot, or a Fuclisia tree in a state of wildness in the bush. This wild species of Fuchsia is more of a botanical curiosity at home than anything else, and is grown in collections for that pur- pose.— WiLLiAii Swale, Avomidc Botanic Garden. — (Lytth'lnn Times). WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GAEDEN. GnT, all possible encouragement to advancing crops by stir- ring the surface of the soil, and earthing-up such as require it, and keep a sharp look-out for seed weeds of every description iu order to remove them before shedding their seed : care in this respect will save much weeding and hoeing next season. Basil, to be cut and dried just as it is coming into flower. Carrots, make a sowing for early spring use on a light, dry piece of gromid that is only moderately rich. Caiditioifcrs, if seed was not sowni last week, it should now be done, and another sowing should also be made in about a week ; in favourable situations the latter sowing will be quite early enough, no advantage being gained by having the plants very fonvard before winter. Celery, plant some of the last sowing for spring use. As it wiU not be necessary to earth it up, the plants may be a foot apart. Cuei(inhir.lirlias, dwarf Aguratums. and the more tender varie- gated (levimiums, as wo wish cuttings and plants that will stand in Uttlo room all the winter. For most of these wo select four, five, and six-incli jiots. The pots are filled to about a quarter of their height witli drainage. The first crock is placed with its convex .side downwards, so as to prevent worms enter- ing, the other draiua^e is i)liiccd in an open manner over it, the smallest di'aina!;e biin;^' ut the top. Through this the water percolates freely, and escapes, though nothing, unless it be very small and slimy, can gel in. On the top of the drain- age is placed either a slight sprinkling of moss, or of the roughest riddlings of comjiost, and in the first, and generally in both cases, a slight sprinkling of soot is placed over this bottom. The pots are then filled to within an inch of the top with soil that has been passed through a half-inch or three-quar- ter-inch sieve, consisting of four parts loam, one of leaf mould, and one of rough cb-ift-saud, such as may be picked iip by the sides of a highway after a heavy rain, the sand consisting of a mixture of soil and gi'omid flints. If the soil is dry, these matters are pressed down, and then watered, and allowed to stand a day for use. If somewhat damp nothing in the way of watering is required; but the mixture is pressed down so as to be moderately tirni, and some quarter of an inch of fine road- drift or other sand — silver sand is the best — is placed on the top ready for the cuttings to be dibbled in. Now, suppose we take cuttings of Verbenas. We have no notion of having a barrowload from the beds brought in to the shed to select cuttings from, to the danger of hm-ting the ap- pearance of the bed, and the as great danger of puzzling the cutting-maker as to whence he shall select his cuttings from the mass of branches. Cuttings cannot be taken without selection, and as a general rule we wish the selection to be made on the growing plants instead of in the shed. For this purpose small shoots, side shoots generally they are called, are selected, and these are slipped off with a sharp knife close to the main stem, and if nut more than 2 or 3 inches in length, we like them all the better. These are more robust and more likely to make stiff stubby plants than mere points of long shoots. These are generally taken off and placed in flower- pots or Uttle baskets, so that there shall be no danger of flagging, it being one of our rules that no cutting at any time should have the chance of flagging if we can prevent its doing so. Let beginners ever bear in mind, that though a cutting may revive after flagging, yet that the time it requires to do so is just so much time lost as to its becoming a plant on its own account. We, of course, except some succulents full of sa]), which are often the better of a little drying, though even in their case they would ofttn strike root sooner when no such drying was resorted to. With Verbenas, Lobelias, Petxmias, &c., it is always best when there is no flagging. Now, here comes a matter of importance. Verbenas seem as yet quite clean this season, aud so we have not done much to insure their cleanliness, but if we have a month of diy weather, thrips, &c., wiU be almost sure to assail them. It is a good plan, therefore, if thrips or fly be suspected, to di'aw all these little cuttings through weak tobacco water, or quassia and soft- soap water, as recommended by Mr. Kivers. The simple way of doing this is not without its importance. The small slipped- off pieces may be washed through the water and laid out on the board to soak aud dry, or the cuttings may be made first by ontting off the lower leaves, cutting straight through at a joint, and shortening the other leaves a little ; and then, holding some dozen or score by the bottom ends, swinge the cuttings through the prepared water, and lay them down before inserting them. The object in either case is the same — to wash all the parts of the cutting in the mixture, except the lovrer end, which is held in the hand. We have long since proved that certain mixtures, asthe above, will kill all insects on a leaf, joint, &c. ; but similar mixtures absorbed by the root, or the cut end of a shoot, be- come prejudicial to the health of that shoot, cutting, or plant. The only care necessary is, that little or none of such Uquid should be absorbed by the cutting. Some things are hardy enough to resist even this, but it is weU to work on the safe '' side, as even the filling of these pots involves considerable time and labour. The cuttings, being thus prepared, may be inserted, in two rows, roimd or all across the pot, giving them from a half to 1 inch each, be fairly watered with a rose, and the water allowed to settle, the sand clinging to tlie base of the cutting, and pre- venting air entering to rob it of its moisture there. The next consideration is the position for the cuttings ; anywhere under glass will do, or even under calico or jjaper, where you can maintain a rather close atmo8i)here, aud prevent, by moisture in that atmosphere, aud shading from bright sun, the tiny little bits being scorched or withered up. Nothing is better than a cold frame or pit, which can be shaded and kept close in sunshine, and a little air given at all other times, when the cuttings will bear it without tlinching. Every bit of shade more than the cutting needs to prevent it flagging, is just so far an inducement for it to elongate itself upwards, and therefore to weaken it, instead of inducing it to throw roots downwards, and thus secure robustness by correlative action between the buds and roots. Sun that scorches and withers, or flags, is either to be kept out, or neutralised by moisture and syringing. Provided the cuttings can be made to liold their heads erect, the loss shade they have from the sun the more quickly wiU tiiey root, and the more healthy will the young cuttings be. The cuttings will give less trouble still if they are placed in the cold pit or frame, some 15 or IH inches from the glass, as at that distance they wiU need but little shade, and that in the hottest part of the day. In one word, place pots of cuttings of Verbenas in such a position now, for all artificial heat will bo injurious to them ; if on rough coal cinders all the better. Keep the lights close for twenty-foui- hoiu-s, which wiU secure a damp atmosjihcre, aud force the cuttings to absorb as much as they perspire. After the second night give about half an inch of air, by raising thus much the top of the sash of the fi-ame ; shut close down about 8 a.m. If the sun is strong and clear, give a dewing from the syringe about ten, as soon as the cuttings show the least sign of flagging ; repeat, if necessary, again ; and if that is not sufficient give a Uttle shade for two or three hours, but no shade at aU if the plants wiU do without it ; and remove the shade as soon as the force of the sim is past. Give air again at night ; shut up during the day, until the roots are formed ; then give more air night and day, by degrees, and expose the plants ultimately to sun and air, to harden them oft' ; and either keep in the pots, or pot off, according to yoiu- system of management. We generally keep om-s as store pots, for cuttings next season. Some pot them off singly ; in the latter case they should be established in the pots before winter. The chief point is to use as little forcing as possible, and to keep them as hardy as possible before winter. For summer planting we prefer spring propagating, but then, by some means, we must have the plants to propagate from. We may say the same of the blue LobeUas, Petunias, &c. ; but if you manage Verbenas, you wiU have no trouble with other bedding plants. To beginners we would say again, Eecollect what has been stated about the shading ; give as little as possible, and, when given, do not let it remain on all the after- noon and evening. We have seen a mat put on for shade, but, ten to one, it remained on to six o'clock, seven, or later, when it was cloudy after 1 p.m., and that made the cuttings weak and di'awu. — E. F. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— Aogust 19. Supplies continue verj- hea^T ; and the demand at this season bemg far from brisk, the market would bo completely glutted were it not for the large quantities of fruit and vegetables required by the northern towns. Good dessert Apples chiefly consist of Kerry Pippin, Nonesuch, aud Red A.strachan ; and Pears of Jargonelle, Williams's Bon Chretien, Lammas, and other common sorts. Peaches and Nectarines from open walls are very plentiful but small. Apples V. . 4 sieve Apricots doz. Cherries lb. Chestnuts bash. Cmi-ants, Fied i sieve Black do. Fifis doz. Filberts lb. Cobs do. Gooseberries. . ^ sieve Grapes, Hambro.. . lb. Muscats lb. Lemons 100 FKUIT, d. s. d 0to2 0 0 3 0 6 16 0 0 5 0 fi 0 0 0 1 6 0 0 0 0 0 s. a. s. a Melons each 2 Oto 5 0 MulbeiTies punnet 0 6 10 Nectarines doz. 16 6 0 Oranges 100 10 0 20 0 Peaches doz. 4 0 8 " Pears (kitchen)., doz. 0 0 0 dessert doz. 10 2 Pine Apples lb. 3 0 6 Plums A sieve 2 6 4 Quinces | sieve 0 0 0 Raspberries lb. 0 6 0 6 0 i Strawberries lb. 0 0 0 14 0 I Wahiuts bush 14 0 20 0 158 JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. I August 22, 1805. VEGETABLES. Artichokes each Asparagns.... bundle Seans Broad. . bushel Kidney do Beet, Red doz. Broccoli bundle Brus. Sprouts. .^ sieve Cabbage doz. Capsicums 100 Carrots bunch Cauliflower doz. Celery bundle Cucumbers each pickling .... doz. Endive ecorc Fennel bunch Garlic and Shallots, lb. Herbs bunch Horseradish . . bimdle s. d. 8. d 0 4 too 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 9 2 0 Leeks bnnch Lettuce per score Mushrooms pottle Mustd. & Cress, punnet Onions, .doc. bunches pickling quart Parsley ^ sieve Parsnips doz. Peas quart Potatoes bushol Kidney do. Radishes doz. bunches Rhubarb bundle Savoys doz. Sea-kale basket Spinach bushel Tomatoes doz. Turnips bunrh Vegetable Marrows dz. B. d. R d (1 8 too H n 9 1 6 2 6 4 0 0 li 0 0 » (> (1 n 0 ti n 8 1 (1 1 R 1 (1 a n 0 fl 1 fi a (1 H 0 8 0 4 0 (i « I (1 1) (1 0 0 0 n n 0 0 () 0 0 K (1 4 0 2 0 8 n () 4 (1 6 1 0 1! 0 TO CORRESPONDENTS. *•• We request that no one will write privately to the depart- mental wi-iters of the "Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they are subjected to mijustifiable trouble and expense. All communications should therefore he addressed aolAy to The Editors of thn Joiumal of Horticulture, dc, 171, Fleet Street, London, E.G. We also request that correspondents ■s\iU not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to f,'et them an- swered promptly and conveniently, hut write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. N.B. — Many questions must remain imanswered until next week. Vines in Pots (C. T. Culver).~The "Vine Manual." published at our office, and the pages of thi« .Toumal, will supply vou with the information which you require. Mr. Whittle's address is Bu'^ili Hall, Hatfield, Herts. Seedling Petunias (C. C. Malton).~Your seedling Petunias are verv pretty, the white ground pure, and the stripes distinct. If they are free from the usual fault of most striped varieties, which is that df losing the stripes, and becoming selfs. they will be very valuable. It is not likely that they will remain ti-ue to their present condition; we do not know of any variety that can be depended upon. DRAiNixr, AND Raishs-o A EoRDER [Caltyi} Ml.— After you have dug out the soil to the refjuirod depth, make a proper drain in the bottom. On this place the brick rubbish, cinders, or any other rubbish you may have. You may cut the soil straight down in front of the Ivy, lea'iing 18 inches or 2 feet next the wall. After you have made vonr drain secure, put the soil back again. In doin;,' this shake some 'light rnbblv stuff, such as small lime rubbish, in about the stems of the Ivy. The plants will not sustain any injury if their ; tems are covered up 2 feet or more with any porous substance, if there is plenty of drainage below, so that the water may pass away quickly from their roots. Fruit-uoom SriELVES—LANCAsmiiE GoosEBEHniES {Rector, Kent).—'Wc should decidedly give the preference to the open spars, as they permit a better cii-culation of air about the fruit, and for the same reason, and to prevent the spread of mould, we would use no straw. Mr. Charles Leicester, of Crompton Road, Macclesfield, Cheshire, can supply the Lancashire prize Gooseberries true. ScAiiLET Runners not Setting {W. B.).— Pvapid growth, rain, and cold nights are most likely the cause. The bees, we think, would promote rather than hinder fertilisation. Bedding Geranium (A Subscriber). —We do not recollect of any one that meets your requirements as to shade, &c. Rubens has some of the properties you want, but the shade is very different, and the habit more vigorous. Flower-garden Plan (S. B.).— We think vour plan and planting for a simple, regular group will answer verv well. If vou put Centaurea round the dial it will give you more varietv. We prefer the Cineraria for the centre or edging of bed^. rather than filling beds chiefly with it. We think, also, it contrasts better with purjile and scarlet, as Purple King Verbena, and Scarlet Geranium, than with blue Lobelia. Fairy Rings on Lawns (A Suburribcr).— Water the rings copiously with lime water made by placing 14 lbs. of fresh lime in a hogshead or tub, pour over it 40 gallons of water and stir well up. Allow the whole to stand for two or thi-ee days, and then water with the clear liquid ; if when the ground is di-y so much the better. Two or three thorough soakings at intervals of four or five days will generally be sufficient to destroy the myceliimi of the fimgus. The whole lawn we should think poor, and would be much improved by a dressing of well-rotted manure in autumn or eai'ly in spring. Ejection {A. J5.).— No one without being informed upon what terms you took your house can say whether you can be ejected after a month's notice; but if you are discharged from the landlord's service ns gardener, you cannot be so unwise, we hope, as to wish to retain possession of the house required for your successor. Emigration {A Young Gardener).— We readily insert all the communi- cations we receive from our colonies, or elsewhere, if they give informa- tion at all relative to gardening. If we intended to seek for employment as a gardener away from our native land we should go to some of the older of our Bettlements, such as Tasmania or New Zealand. Pbopaoatino Cineraria maritima, Centaurea, and Cerastium (C. P. P.).— Take up the best of the old plants of Cineraria maritima, and winter them in a dry cool greenhouse, and the Centaiu-eas in like manner. In February place tbem in a house with a temperature of from 50' to 60' to make new growth, and when this is a few inches long take off the shoots of the Cineraria with two joints and the growing-point, cutting transversely below the lowest joint; remove the two lowest leaves, and the cutting is ready for ins^ertion in pans half full of two-thii-ds sandy loam and one-third well-reduced leaf mould, then fill to the rim with silver sand. The Centaurea cuttings nre to be taken off close to the stem of the plant with a short heel, the side leaves neatly trimmed off to the extent of an inch or two, leading the growing-point with its leaves un- touched. Insert these like the Cineraria cuttings with their bases just resting on the soil, the dibber taking a little sand down with it if it pene- trates beyond the thickness of the sand. Put them in so as not to touch each other to any great extent. Water lightly to settle the sand about the cuttings, and place in a bottom heat of 75". and a top heat of from 65^ to 75 , T\ith a close moist atmosphere and slight shade from very bright sun ; water sparingly, still keeping just moist, but by uo means wet, otherwise the cuttings will damp off. in a fortnight or three weeks they will be well rooted, and maybe removed to acook-r house, and when a little hardened potted off. The old plants if continued in heat will afford three or more lots of cuttings for strikiug in the same manner as the first, all making good plants for planting out in the first week in June. Cuttings of Cineraria maritima and Centaurea taken at this time of year root with much less certainty than in spring, but will strike in a mild hotbed. For this purpose take the growing shoots of the Cineraria with the base of the cuttingn a little hardened, and the side shoots of the Centaurea with a short heel. Cerastium will strike from March up to September in an open border, taking off shoots 3 inches or so in length, and dibbling them in in lines 3 inches apart in sandy soil, and to about half the length of the cuttings. We put our cuttings iu in April where we wish to have an edging, line, or band of it, taldngthe cuttiugs off with a knife by the huntb-ed, and without trimming insert them liiilf way iu the soil at 3 inches apart in double lines, and all they fuither need is a good watering should the weather prove dry. These are what we preft r for lines a foot wide to look well by July; but for panel work we prcft r small di\-isions of the roots at 6 inches apart in single lines for a widtli of 1 foot, but double and treble lines in quincunx aiTangeraent tor wider bands or lines. Cerastium tomentosum does very well in this way, but C. Biebersteinii does not make a line so soon nor hO good if the cuttings are inserted where they are to remain, and divisions of the root are better. These if put in during April or May itill make a splendid line by the end of June. Cuttings of Biebersteinii strike less freely than those of C. tomentosum, but take a longer time to form as good an edging. Cuttings of both strike freely in light soil in a gentle heat, as well as in the open ground or in a frame. Calceolaria Lea-^-es turning Yellow (G. .4.).— The nsual cause of the leaves of the herbaceous kinds turning yellow is a warm, close, and dry atmosphere, and the evil sometimes arises from defective drainage, or using verj* rich decomposing vegetable soil, which destroys the roots. Keeping the plants dry and warm during winter is a common cause ; they should be kept as cool as possible, merely excluding frost. When their blooming pots become tilled with roots weak applications of liquid manure will assist in keeping the fiiliage healthy up to the time of bloom- ing ; and a cool, moist, airy, and light situation at all times will also pro- mote the same result. Sowing Mimulus maculosus {hlem). — Plants from seed sown now will bloom next June. When the seedlings are large enough to handle they should be potted off into small pots, and be placed on shelves near the glass in a cool aii-y gi'eonhouse from which fror-,t is excluded, iisingacom- post of turfy loam two-thirds, and one-third leaf mould, with a little sand intermixed. They may remain in the small pots luitil March when they should be shifted* into larger pots, and as soon as these arc filled with roots shift again, and so on imtil in the size in whicli you wish tbem to bloom. They like moisture when growintr, and require the s^ime treat- ment as Calceolarias. If for bedding stop them iu April, and harden off in a frame for planting out in May. Destroying Cockkoaches (.7. 3f. TCi.— A hedgehog kept in the green- house will make quick work of all that come within his reach. They may be trapped by placing a basin, half full of water sweetened with a tea- spoonful or two of hviuey, on the floor at night, with a few sticks half an inch or so wide resting on the edges of the basin for the beetles to walk upon. These tumble into the liquid and are drowned. The basin may be sunk to the rim in soil, and is then an excellent trap. Aj-senic mixed in the proportion of one-fourth with boiled Potatoes, and laid on pieces of paper at night, will certainly kill all that partake of it, and to prevent dogs touching it invert over each paper a box on pieces of wood so as to allow of the beetles entering, a hea\-5- weight being placed upon the box. Arsenic and honey iu equal parts if laid on scraps of paper at night will also destroy the beetles. Phosphoric paste spread on thin sUcesof bread is as good a poison as any, and not so dangerous as arsenic, which should never be used where it can be avoided. Ferns eaten by Insects (J. fi".).— Most likely snails or slugs eat yom- Fern fronds. You may ascertain whether this is the case or not by look- ing out for them after dark with a lantern. If fresh Cabbage leaves are laid down at night, and examined in the morning, the .--nails or slugs wUl be foundbeneath them and may then be destroyed. Asphalting a Wooden Vinery (Tr. .S. TI^.).— We say decidedly that painting the boards so shrunk with gas tar would be injurious to every thing inside, unless you previously filled all the shrunk parts. When the joints from shrinking are some way apart, a good plan is to fasten along the joints shps of wood, say half-inch and 2 inches v,ide and bevelled at the sides, which keep all secure whilst the shrinking goes on as it may. This might dispense with your proposed plan of covering the outside of the boards as you propose with asphalt roofing. If you do use the asphalt you might tar that outside, and whilst wet throw on ns much sawdust or road drift as it would take in. This ^vill also cause it to dry sooner, and it will make it more lasting. No air should be given in front until the smell has gone off. We have met with several instances in which bulbs and tubers will retain their \itahty and gi-ow, though kept out of the ground, and at rest for twelve months. There are some tubers, such as Tropseolumf.-, very singular in this respect. They vrill rest sometimes for a year or two, and then grow strongly. Augnat 22, 186;. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 159 PnoPAr.ATlvc. PllLOX Dni:iraoNDl (7\ f. W.).— Huvn llio need from the dnoKt flowers. They will give ii liirifo piT-oiiutiiKo ot tlnw.irs iMiuill lu tin' pari'nlB, uud mimy \vu di.iibt not HUliorior lu tlioni, lLi.ui;li tli.-y luny not be u( the same culour. CutliiiKa of the Ki-owiiiK purts iiiit iii now will strike root freelv in Kentle heiit, anil nmy be iiotlecl off when rooted into sninll pots, und ^Town iu ml airy purt ot tlie Kreeuhouse m every wnv the same as Petmiiar.. CiittinKs nniy bo taken in »prin« troia tlie plantB struck iu lUltnmu, and tlioy nmke Kood plants for bedd.ni? out m May. Wo were in the habit .4 ijrowinK PLlol Criterion for beddiii),' oul, and wo treated it like the Petunia; but it (.'railiially wore out. and lor this reason wo strongly advise vou to save seed from your present strain, and troin none but extra tine 'floworH. propauatiug by cuttinn whou the colours iiro re.iulred separately and with e.Ttainty. Plnut iu beds of rich soil, other- wise the bkauu will uot bo gooil. SnEi.TErax'o a Oauuen (.1 .SiiJxeriftrr).— With so small a garden wo should think a wall 8 or 10 feet hiwh would be suMeient protection. Trec'S shade so much (jround and occupy so mui:h with then- roots, tliat room ciiiuiot well be nfforded them in a small pardon. Poplars woulil Krow the fastest, und the Lombardv V<:\)li\t would take up ttie least room. Next to that tho Black Italian and Ontario are rapid ^Towers, and would do better iu stroiiK' soil than the Loiubiu'dy, though they all like moisture. The Wliitc or .\bclc Poplar is worthless for shelter, and equally so is tho Aspen. Poplars are tho worst of trees to be near a garden, their roots run 30 fai- und so near the surlnce. Deeeh is tho best; and ymi may cut it into a hedge, and thus prevent tho tops overshadowing or the roots extending too far. The growth, however, is much slower than that of Poplars ; but Hecch or Hombciui, which will bear any amount of cutting, is to bo prefeiTcd to Poplars. SCPPLVLNG A Fountain i-ostinuousi.v with the same Watf.h (H. J. H.). -There are miniature fountains a good deal on this iirinciple, but they are chiefly toys, and would not be of auy use for a fomitain iu a garden. For such 'we know ot no plan by which you can uso the same water over ng.lin, except collecting it iu a tauk or reservoir, and then pumping it up into a roservoir suflleiently elevated, from which it sliouU again flow to tho fountain. Thu toy fountains are nnnle on the principle of those of llcro, of ,\lexandria. two air-tight vessels lieiug coMuected by tubes, and the upper vessel tilled with water ; and water p(mring down through a tube into tho lower vessel so compresses the air that tho water iu the upper vessel is thrown up through the jet ; this continuing only so long as the water in tlie vessel lasts, und the pressure is kept up. For practioul puri*oses, we know of no plan better than the force pump, however that may Ixi applied. Names of Insects (O. SA. — W'o cannot undertake to name outomo1ogi< ral specimens, except when they directly relate to gardening. {¥. Z.). — Tho insects oro .slimy grubs, Selandriu lethiops, and are killed by dustini; with lime. {A. M. A'.). — The caterpillars are those of tho Goat Moth (Cossus lignijierda), \*hich ore very destructive to trees, attaclting even those which are hard-wooded as tho Kim uud Oak, but preferriug fruit trees and tlinse with softer w.ioil. Thrusting a wire into lluiir holes would pro- bably kill them, uud the French have used chloroform with a like object. Nami;s of Fkuit (.1 Htihscrihcr). — Tho Apple is Kerry Pippin. Plums — 1, Nectarine ; 2, uot known ; 3, Oisboriie's; -1, Pond's Seedling; G, Standard of England. Na-viks op Pl.vnts (.7. .1/.). — Tho glob:ilar fungus is Solorodomia vulgare, cimimon in woods, and <)f no value as an article of food; tho other, an Agaric, but not iu a state Ht for dotermiuaticui. [Alphn, Actfin). — 1, Nephrolopis tuberosa ; 2, Pteris hastata macrophylla. Tlio Oak Fern is Polypodiiiiu dryopteris ; the Parsley Fern Allosorus crispus. [Inquirer). — The Caladium is Calftdium bicolor; tho Begonia, B. frigida? \(Ht can obtain No. 187 from our office by sending your address and four postage stamps. (G. B. li.). — It is impossible to name plants vdth certainty from mere leaves. (A. .7. T.}. — 1, Veratrum nigrum ; 2, Ksehscholtzia califor- nica ; 3, Tradeseantia virgiuic'i ; 4. Calendula officinalis; .5, Gentiana aselopiadea ; 6, Veronica spieata, var. ; 7, Veronica spicata. {Old S\ib. and 86, if we could obtain the necessary funds. If Cochin fanciers can raise £2.5 I think we ought to be able to get £15 together. I shall be glad to give a guinea, and to receive 160 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTDEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. r August 22, 1865. the names of gentlemen willing to subscribe to a fund for the purpose. If preferred the amount might be divided into say three prizes, to be added to the Birmingham Council prizes, or competition for the cup or cups might be limited to the birds belonging to subscribers to the fund. — R. B. Postans, Brent- wood, Essex, DURHAM POULTEY SHOW.— August 8th. The following ai*c the awards made on this occasion ; — ■ Spanish. — First, J. Shorthose, Newcastle-on-Tyne. Second, .T. Rickerby, Dm-ham. Chickens, — First, R. Tate, Leeds. Second and HighJy Com- mended, J. Shorthose, Dorking, — First, J, Gimson, Whitehaven. Second, Mrs. Clark, Chester- le-Strcet. Chicktn.-i. — J, Bell. Thornton-le-Moors, Northallerton. Second and Highly Commended, Mrs. Clark. Bbahma Pootra. — First, F. Powell, Knaresborough. Second, Rev, A, D. Shafto, Braucepeth, Durham. Highly Commended, H. Marshall, Durham. Chickem. — First and Second, H. Lacy, Hebden Bridge, CocHrN-CniNA, — First, Rev, A, D, Shafto, Brancepeth, Second, J, Short- hose, Newcastle, Chickens. — First, Rev. A. D. Shafto. Second, Rev. J. G. MUner, Bellerby. Game.— First, J. Wilson, Tndhoe. Second, J. Sutton, Draham (Brown- breasted). Hambttr gh (Gold or Silver-pencilled, or Spangled).— First, Second, and Highly Commended, A. R. Woods, Em-nside, Kendal (Golden-spangled, Silver-pencilled, and Silver-spangled), Commended, T. Fail-burn, Dun- wellpit, East Rainton (Golden), ChickcTi^. — First, A, R, Woods (Silver- Bpangled), Second, R, Tate, Leeds, Commended, T. Faii-bum (Golden- spangled). Eantajsis.— Fii'st and Second, J, Shoi-those, Newcastle-on-Tyne. Highly Commended. T. C. Harrison, HuU, Ducks (Aylesbm-y). — Prize, Mrs, Clark, Ducklings. — Prize, Mrs. Clark. Ducks (Rouen), — Prize, O, A, Young, Driffield, Ducklimis. — First, H, Marshall, Durham. Second, Miss Robinson, Pittington Haligai-th, Geese, — Prize, O. A. Young, Driffield. Peacock. — Prize, H. Marshall, Durham, twenty years of age. Pigeons. — Carriers. — Prize, J. Emmerson, Durham, Tumblers {XlmonA). — Prize, G, Procter and T. Pringle, Durham. Commended, T. Rule. Tumblers (Any other variety). — Prize, T. Rule. Commended, H. Y'ardley, Birmingham. Fetntails. — Prize, H. Yardley. Commended, T. Rule. Trumpeters. — Prize, T. Rule. Commended, H. Y'ardley. Barbs. — Prize, H. Yardlev. Commended, T, Rule, Jacobins. — Piize, T. Rule. Com- mended, H, Yardley. Tiirbits.~Vri7.e, T. Rule, Commended, R, Tate, Leeds. Ou'ls. — Prize, R, Thompson, Sunnybrow, Willington, Commended, T. Rule. Powters. — Prize, .T. J, Wilson, Darlington, Rabbits (Best pair of any breed), — Pi-ize, O. \. Young. Driffield. Highly Commended, J. Reed, Suniiybrow, WiUiugton. Commended, H. Marshall, Durham ; G. Moffatt, Dvuha'm. NORTH LANCASHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY'S POULTRY SHOW. A pouiTRY Show was held on the 10th inst,, in connection with the annual meeting of this Society, at Acci-ington. The Dorkineis were, as a class, very good. Of Spanish the show was very small in numbers, but all exhibited were of a high quahty ; and the same might he said of the Game fowl. The Golden-spangled and the Silver-spangled Hamhm-glis were amongst the most attractive features of the Show, their excellence being indisputable. The following were the awards : — Dorking (Grey). — Piize, J. Robinson, Garstang. Chickens. — Prize, D Parsons, Cuerden. Dorking (White).— Prize, D. Parsons, Cuerden. Chickens,— Tiize, D. Parsons. Spanish.— Prize, R. Teebay, Fulwood. Chickens.— 'Prize, R. Teebay. Gabie. — Prize, J. Wood, Haigh, near Wigan. Chickem. — Prize, .1. Wood. Hamburgh (Golden-pencilled). — Prize, T. Wareing, Preston. Chickens. — Prize, W. Bee, Goosnargh. Hamburgh (Silver-pencilled). — Prize, J. Robinson. Hasieurgh (Golden-spangled). — Prize. J. Robinson. Habiburgh (Silver-spangled). — Prize, R. Teebay, Fulwood. Chickens. — Prize, J. Robinson, Poland. — Prize, C. W. Brierlev, Middleton. Bantams.— Prize, C. W, Brierl'ey. CfcicJ-c us.- Prize, D. Parsons. Cochin-China (Chickens). — Prize, C. Sidgwick. Keighley. Geese, — Prize, T, Houlker, Rividge, Qoslinqs. — Prize, T, Houlker, Ducks (.\ylesbury). — Prize, E. Leech, Rochdale. Ducklings, — Prize, E. Leech. Ducks (Rouen).— Prize, T. Houlker. Ducklings, — Prize, T. Wareing, Preston. Ducks (Any other vaiiety), — Prize, D. Parsons, Cuerden. Ducklings. — Pi'ize, D. Parsons. TuRKEVs.- Prize, E. Leech. BEES AND BEE-HIVES AT THE HOYAL AGEICULTUP..U:, SOCIETY'S JIEETING AT PLYJIOUTH. Living bees at work are always attractive, not only to bee- keepers but to the general public ; Messrs. Neighbour & Sons' exhibition formed no exception to this general ru]e, for their stand was at all times densely crowded. The thief object of interest was the Woodbmy imicomb obserTatoi'y-hi\<>, in vhich was a stock of Ligurian bees, with a very fine queen sun-oun^led by her yellow Italian subjects. Messrs. Neighbour also ex- hibited a square Woodbury glass hive stocked with English bees, in which the position of the bars and frames, with bees and combs, could be very distinctly seen. Both these colonies were brought fi'om Jli-. A. Neighbom''s apiai-y near London.. The bees obt.ained egi'css and ingress by means of a covered way nearly 3 feet long, which appeared but little to inconvenience them, whilst, being covered with glass, it added not a little to the interest with which they were observed. In the waU of the shed were small apertures, with alighting-boards fixed on the outside, and although the public passed in crowds before these unprotected entrances, no one was stung, nor were the bees themselves interfered with or molested — a warning notice appended to the outside being universally attended to, and a respectful distance maintained. Amongst Messrs. Neighbour's collection were the Woodbury straw bar-and-frame, Neighbour's improved cottage, the ladies' observatoi-y, cottagers', and many low-priced straw hives on the improved system. The impressed wax sheets, with specimens of combs partially worked therefrom, were interesting and curious. The bottle-feeder, bee-di'esses, Indian-rubber gloves, and other apiarian appliances also received, and were worthy of, much attention. By way of illustrating the fruits of the honey hai-vest of the present year, Messrs. Neighbour had a square super of fine white honeycomb from the apiary of oiu- esteemed correspondent Mr. Woodbury, and an octagon glass super from our valued contributor Mr. S. Bevan Fox, both of which admirable speci- mens were most highly commended. BEES CARRYING OUT YOUNG BROOD. Can you explain the reason why bees in a remarkably fine strong May swarm should, on the 3rd inst., have carried out of their hive at least one hundred bees fully formed with legs and wings, but all quite white ? For two days they continued to remove them. The hive is straw, -with a small hive on the top, which is covered by another straw hive, all fresh, clean, and fi'ee from vermin. The bees have always been busy and healthy.— K, S. [This may arise either from the brood becoming chilled by a sudden fall in temperattu'e, or from the bees themselves being near staiwation. We should advise an immediate and liberal supply of food.] BEES IN STAFFORDSHIRE. CONDITION OP HIVES ON APKIL 9tH, 1865. A B Swarm Mav 15th, 186i Hybrid Swarm May 19th, 1862. Storified in queen .Jiily 2nd, 1862. Very 1863 and 1864. Very weak, strong. C D Swai-m Juno 1st, 1862. Storified Swarm May 16th, 1864. Pm-e Italian in 1864. Very weak. queen introduced October, 1864. Strong, E Swaim of Mav 18tb, 1864. Strong, C and E were united, and the queen but" no queen. of C kiUed, AprU 10th, 1865. April 9th was a splendid day, and I closely observed the pro- ceedings of the different hives. A gi'catmany beautiful Italians issued forth from d, proving that the pui'e Italian queen was safe ; but a few of Mr. Lowe's puny di-oues were also visible. A considerable number of drones, the majority hhputians, were issuing from E, but I could not discern a single .young worker, and this excited gi'avc apprehensions, so on the follow- ing day, Monday, I overhaided the combs, and found, as ex- pected, a sprinkling of drone brood, not compactly an-anged, but a few here and there, in different parts of two or three combs, chiefly in worker cells. After a long and rigid scrutiny, tailing to detect a queen, and concluding that the brood pro- ceeded from fertile workers, I determined to unite this hive to c, and thus form a strong colony. The union was successful as far as the bees were concerned, and only a little fighting occurred ; but on the following day the fertile queen of c was cast out dead. The bees completed several royal cells, and a queen was hatched on the 24th ; but as she had not commenced laying upon the 1.5th of May, I killed her, and on the following day gave the bees two frames of brood wi+h the adliermg bees from p, to enable them to raise a queei^ from pu.-e Itahan brood, and also to re."'niit their diminishing uivt'ibers. Three royal cells were completed, but only one quetn arrived at ma- August 22, 1865. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAJBDENEB. 101 tiirity, and slie emerged from her crndlo upou the ;i()th, aud has I'lruvt'd amazingly in-olifio. May Itli a nucleus waK formed by taking tkrt'o combs with the adhering bees fioiu i), lUid placing them wilh a frame of sealed henoycomb in a four-frame box. The bees were coutiiied, but witii nniple ventilation, until dusk. When set at Uberty upon the following day a great number of the bees returned to the parent hive, but .sufficient remained to construct three royal cells ; in three or four days, as the colony was very weak, a fourth frame of brood aud bees was substituted [or the frame of honeycomb, aud most of the bees remained with the juvenile colony, and when a young queen emerged upon the 18th, the hive had become quite populous. Only one royal cell was fully completed. On the 7th of June I found that the hive already contained a good deal of sealed brood from eggs laid by the yoimg queen, so I at once removed the bees into a fidl-sized ten- frame hive. Two frames of ripe brood from A were added to them, but all the adult bees were first swept off to prevent any chance of casuality to theyoimg queen. This hive soon became very strong, aud was fidly occupied by the end of June. May 20th d was completely sub-divided. In the first place the queen (pure Italian), with oue comb of brood, was put into a new hive (u| with several frames of empty comb, and this hive was then located on the site of the old stock. Two frames of bees and brood were then jdaced in another hive (n) con- taining six frames of empty comb, and the hive was then put upon the stand of a very strong stock (a), which was removed to another part of the garden. The remaining frames of brood from D (.5j were then replaced with the aiUiering bees in the original hive, with two or thi-ee additional frames of comb, aud were located upon a stand about a yard to oue side of the one they previously occupied. The majority of the adult population rctmued to their queen in o ; but a cousiderable number, re- cognising their old habitation, joined the queeuless stock. The bees in n made a great nmnber of royal cells upon the two fi'omes of brood with which they were suppUed (three upon one, and ten at least upon the other). On the 30th of May I killed the black queen in a, and gave the bees one of the frames from n, containing three royal cells, two qiieens were ejected, and the third now reigns monarch of the hive. Five cells were then excised fi-om the other comb in h, and three brood combs having previously been removed from a, which had again be- come veiy populous after its removal on the ^Oth, these cells were inserted in one of them, and the three frames of brood, with a frame of scaled honeycomb were placed in a four-frame uueleus-box, which was then put on the stand previously occu- pied by A, which was again removed to a new situation. From some cause or other, thrs nucleus failed to rear a qiieen, but on the 5th of June h sent out, as I anticipated, a maiden swarm under oue of the yoimg queens. They were hived in an ordi- nai-y straw hive fuU of comb, and containing also a good deal of honey, and promise to do well. On my retiu-u home linding that piping in both keys was still going on in H, I opened the hive, and, leaving the queen already at hbeny mistress of the hive , removed the remaining royal cells. A queen emerged immediately from one of them, aud was at once put imder a tiuubler. The royal cells were then inserted in oue of the combs in the nucleus. I then took the captive queen out of durance, and placed her ujjon one of the combs which I held in my hands, and watched to see the result. One of the bees came up, seized the tip of the queen's wings, and gave Several hard tugs, but then quitted her without inflicting any injury; other bees subseqxxeutly came up aud she imderwent a severe scrutiuy, which made her very nervous, but no further violence was offered to her, and in half an hour afterwards, upon again inspecting the hive, I saw the queen quite at ease, pacing the combs, and she was. piping in the evening. The royal cells were destroyed, and their inmates ejected. By these operations, with only two hives in a position to give me any assistance, five good swaims have been estabhshed, a drone-breeding stock has been reserved from destructiou, andB, which contained a yoimg but very indifferent queen, has been supplied with a monarch reared from the brood of a pure Italian mother. I have now nine flourishing colonies, seven of which ai'e headed by fertila yoimg queens reared from the brood of the pm-e queen received from Mr. Woodbm\v last autumn. This queen is monarch of the eighth hive, and the ninth is, I believe, under the guidance of a queeu nearly three years old, sole surviving daughter of the original Italian queen received fi'om Exeter in 18G1. All the qucona raised this eeasou commenced to lay within a few days of the time of their emerging from their cells, and have demouHtrated by their amazing fecundity, that what are technically called artilicial queens, are in all respects equal to thos(! originully laid in royal cradles; and I doubt not that Mr. Lowe will liud that artilicial queens raised in favourable seasons prove (piito as fertile as those reared naturally by the bees, without iuterfereuce from the bee-master. Since IS'M, I have raised a great number of artificial queens, and only two out of the (mtire uumlier have proved themselves th'ono breeders. A third, though kejit a considerable time, did not lay, and would, 1 believe, have turned out the same ; but all these queens were raised in a unicomb hive, from which the exit was rather complicated and contracted. All those produced in ordinary hives or boxes have in every case proved perfectly fertile. — J. E. B. THE OLD BKE. [From the German of Johann Baumakn.] By " A Dkvonsiiibe Bee-kekpek." How many jouruies hast thou travell'd To distant hiUs — to distant vales ? — How oft the leafy maze imravell'd Where dayUght into twilight pales ; With W'ing untii'ing day by day. From morning's dawn tUl ev'ning gray ? With honey or with pollen freighted Often and often cam'st thou home ; Brief was thy rest when overweighted. But prompt to fill the waxen comb ; Sole end and aim of all thy zeal The progress of the common weal. If when on guard before the city Thy post were tlu'eateu'd by the foe. Then undeterr'd by ruth or pity All hostile schemes thou'dst overtlu'ow. He who attack'd whilst thou hadst breath Trod but the path that led to death. To build the combs thy aid was given. To feed the brood, to rear the yoimg ; With willing mind and temper even. With active limb aud pliant tongue ; By day or night no rest for thee : Say, if ou earth thy equal be ? Laboiu- and toil thy portion ever. Thou faithful, clever, noble thing ! What thy reward for such eudeavoiu' — Wliat crowning blessing doth it bring ? — Without remorse, wheu old and gray. To staiTe and die thou'i't tmn'd away. Thy wings that erst were full and rounded. By willing toil are chafed and worn ; Yet with submission still imboimded Thou tak'st thy last sad flight forlorn. And slowly flutt'riug to the earth Forsak'st the home that gave thee birth. T. W. Woodbury. Mount Rad/ord, Exeter, IGth August, 1865. BEES DYING— UNPRODUCTrVTS STOCKS. I H.U) a flight of bees on June 18th, but another issuing on the same day I joined them, aud they progressed well until the 14th, when I noticed several dead bees on the ahghting-board. Having swept them off I left them till evening, when I found the board again covered. I determined to take up the hive immediately ; it weighed 31 lbs., but the hive-board was covered with dead bees to from 1 to 2 inches deep. I had never noticed any fighting. The hive was on a po.st .5 yards fi-om a weaker stock, and 50 yards from two others, all flights of this year. Can you give any reason for the death of so many bees ? Honey is good, and everything seemed satisfactory ? I have also been unable to obtain a glass fi'om a single old stock this year. I have a beautiful glass taken off July Sth from a swann only hived ou the 9th of June of this year. The glasses were put ou principally on May 1st, the others on May ■ 8th. There was a little comb in some, but they all sent out 162 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. r August 22, 1865. Btrong swarms. Why do I not succeed ? How large ought the supers to be ? — Mintlyn. [Suffocation or dysentery are the only causes which appear likely to have produced such a catastrophe. If the entrance to the hive be very narrow, the accidental obstruction caused by the presence of a few dead bees may possibly have caused the former, whilst the latter would be indicated by the dead bodies being swollen to an luiusual size. The want of decoy combs in your glasses would be a probable reason for your iU-suceess. Supers may be of any size from 3 or 4 lbs. up to 50, or even more.] NOTES AND QUERIES TOUCHING BEE-IvEEriNG. 1. I CAN quite corroborate what Mr. Bevan Fox says in favour of the plan of getting rid of the bees from supers by driving. I have not had many glasses to deal with, the bulk of my honey baring been taken from duplicate bar-frame-hives used as supers ; but on taking off the last glass, being pressed for time, I bethought mo to try the effect of di-iving ; tlierefore, keeping the whole glass carefully covered, I turned it bottom upwards, tapping the edge of the adapter against a doorpost. In about five minutes there was the usual hubbub among the bees, and out they rushed in a steady stream, and I had no difficulty whatever. I had made a memorandum to try the plan more fully next season, and am glad to find my experience is correct so far as it goes. 2. Can any one explain how it is that one particular hive in a neighbouring apiary has not swarmed for six years ? It is a good-sized hexagon, rather large certainly, but, I think, not sufficiently so to account for the fact. The hive has always been strong, and has worked well in glasses. The reason gene- rally given — namely, that the queen is from some cause imable to fly — win hartUy hold good here, as the hive is now six years old, and this exceeds the highest estimate of the age of a queen. My neighbour, who is a most successful apiarian, and generally contrives to have both honey and swarms, proposes to drive it, and add the bees to a swarm of this year. 3. In removing a double hive (one placed above the other), to or from the moors, it would be much more convenient to sepa- rate them, and pack each by itself with perforated zinc ; but will the bees in the super travel safely for twelve hours if separated from the queen, and having no young brood with them ? Notwithstanding every care, many deaths occur in the removal of a single hive, and I imagine that the agitation and excitement of the bees in the case supposed might produce much mischief. I ask the question, because it is a serious matter to remove a hive of 70 or 80 lbs. to any distance, and especially with new combs in the super. There are far more bees than the lower liive alone will contain. 4. Being inchned to experiment a little in various materials for hives, I should feel much obliged by any information as to similar trials. As between wood and straw, it seems to be now generally admitted that straw has the preference. The difficulty is, that while it is easy to have wooden hives made to any pattern, a square straw hive is beyond the skill of a country workman. Has cedar been fairly tried against Ameri- can pine ? The former seems to be a more porous and spongy wood, but the only plea which I have seen urged in its favour does not seem a somid one — namely, that the odom- is grateful to the bees, but distasteful to the moths. Is this a fact ? be- cause, ordinarily speaking, what is favom-able to the one insect is also favourable to the other, and vice versr'i. Also, has paper or millboard, 1 or 1 J inch thick, been tried ? Many years ago hives seem to have been made of this material, and at a very cheap rate, but I have never heard how they answered ; and there is tan, respecting which your valued correspondent Mr. George Fox has spoken most highly. May I ask if his hives stand well, and if he still thinks as highly of the material as he did at first ? — F. H. West, Pottenifwtor'i, near Leak. [Your neighbour's stock having worked well in glasses appears a sufficient reason for its not swarming. Bees shut up in a super would certainly not be likely to travel safely for twelve hours. We shall be glad to receive information in reply to our correspondent's last query.] with honey-box the usual depth ; each box is fitted with four frames in the centre of the windows, .5 by 'S\ inches. The hive is of superior finish, and is altogether the best idea (after using them largely for the last twenty years), I have yet seen of the Stewarton hive s. The directions for managing these, with the aid of the diagram sent along with them by Mr. Eaglesham, are so simple and explicit, that the merest tyro in bee-culture could have no difficulty in working them witli suscess. — Urbanus. [We are very glad to find from the above, and from Mr. Eaglesham himself, that he is 7iot dead.] Stewakton Hives. — Referring to the notice regarding Stew- arton hives from " Yorkshire," at page 102, allow me to state that I have recently had a complete octagon hive from Mr. Eaglesham, Stewarton, coneisting of two boxes 9 inches deep, Wasps. — Has anybody seen a wasp since May? In April the queens were so numerous that it was supposed we should have in the autiunn an overwhehning supply of these troublesome and destructive insects, and it is recorded that one gentleman paid more than £6 for the destruction of queens in Ins gardens and grounds during that month. He might have saved his money. The sharp frost of the 1st of iUay appears to have done its work iu destroying these insects, scarcely one having been seeu since ; so that the swarms wliicli have in some years infested our houses, eaten oiu- fruit, and given animation to the grocers' windows, are this year nowhere to be found. The com- plaint this year is of earwigs, which infest every house iu the outskirts of the town and in the country. — {Davcntnj Exjireas.) OUR LETTER BOX. Chickens Dtihg (Two Dans).— We are at. a loss to account for the death of your chickens, unless they find something poisonous about the premises. This, however, would liot be the case ever>T\'here. If you were to open one you would probably find the cause. We know nothing that would attack them at that age that would not do so earlier. Feed them generously on bread and ale, and put CTiupbor in their water. I Distinguishing the Sexes of Guinea Fowls (Gf/nifn).— The reason why you get no produce from the eggs is because they are both hens. It is difficult to tell the sex, but the cock has longer wattles, aud a larger coronet ou his head. The hen only calls '■ Come b;tck;" tbe cock utters a kind of wail. They pair as strictly as Partridges ; and, unless an equal number of each sex be kept, there will always be many bad eggs. It is easy to tell the age. In the young bird the coronet or lump on the top of the head is covered with soft skin ; in the old one the skin has become a hard broTVTi crust. Foists OF GoLDES-svAtiGLEiyliATaBVRGHii {Erh ihitor of Gohlrn-itpangled Hambiuffh.i). — The distinction in question was in answer to a ai>ecial case, ill which a man justified a Golden-spangled Hamburgh with red ears by calling it a Moonoy. We have always said, and we repeat, the white deaf ear is indispensable — one of the most positive and important points of the breed. Those who recollect the beautiful birds bred and shown by the late Mr. W. W^orrall will at once admit that, although there may be difficulty in getting this, as there is all other marks of perfection, yet that gentleman never showed a pen in which the hen'ri cars were not the size, shajie. and colour of a new fourpenny-piece. Wo have often heard Moonies and Spangled Hamburghs called the same breed, and we have agreed with those who thought so ; but these birds are the old Jloutagues and Capulets— Yorkshire wanted black breasts, Lancashire would have them spangled. Yenrs before this controversy some contended forhenny tails, others for full tails. Now this present question arises from the distinction dra^ii by an amateur or a denier between Mooney and Golden- spangle. The local Yorkt^hire Red-cap, a Golden-spangle, with exaggerated comb and gills, should have a red deaf ear. Indeed tliere is Uttle doubt that they acquired their name from the redness of all the flesh that con- stitutes part of head and face ; also that they are ofifshoots from the Spangled Hamburghs; but we do not tolerato a red car in a Spangled Hamburgh, nor, in our opinion, should such ever have a prize — certainly not a first one. Continuous tse of Poultry Yard (C. ^.).— There is no objection to your keeping fowls in the same yard for a succession of years, more especially as they have a three-acre orchard to run in. With a ^iew to profit solely, keep Cochin-China or Brahma Pootra pullets and a Dorking cock. Have the floor of the hen-house covered with loose sand, rake off the dung ever>' morning, and whitewash the interior once or twice annually with a creamy mixture of chloride of lime and water. Clitheroe Poultry Show. — " I sent a i)en of Silver-laced Bantams to CUtheroe Show, and received back a pen of Brown Red Game Bantams, and would be glad if any one having received my Silver-laced instead of his Game Bantams will \vrite to my address, or send them, when I will retiuTi the birds which I have received in mistake.— S. J. Ashton Mottram, CJwshirc." ' Ormskirk and Southport Poultry Show.— In the list of awards pub- lished last week Mr. A. K. Wocjd, Bumside, Kendal, informs us that his name is omitted as having taken the first prizes in the Golden-spangled and Silver-pencillod Hamburgh classes, and a higli commendation in the latter. The oniisoiun is that of the list which was forwarded to us. Beeb goisg Daily to the Sea (Husticus). -This superstition is wholly without foundation. It is, however, very generally diffused throughout the West of England. Draining Honey fro?i Cosib— Preparation of Wax {A New Bee-keeper and nut a Farmer). — Full directions for draining the honey from combs, and for rendering the latter into wax, are given in pages 28 and 29 of the fifth eilitiun of " Bee-keeping for the Many," which may be obtained free from tliis office for five stamps. Stewarton Hives— Mr. Eaglesham.— " In replying to a question about Stewarton hives, in No. 2^7, you say, ' We have reason to beUeve that Mr. Eaglesham is dead.' a statement which may do me considerable injury, as I never, in any season, sent more hives to England than I have done in tliis. It is only about three months since 1 advertised in The Journal of Horticulture, and am at a loss to ku^w how you oame to believe I was dead.— Willi aji Eaglesham." Angnst 29, 18C5. ] JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 1C3 WEEKLY CALENDAR. '„7 Month Week. Tc W Tn F S Sun M AUG. 29— SEPT. 4, 1866. Red Bryony bemOR ripe. Moiulow Saffrcin flowers. Kleriimpaue flowers. Piirti'iilt,'!' nhootiliK boRins. Autumn Geuliau flowers. 12 SUNHAV AFTEK TuimXY. Bcrben'ies ripo. AveriiKD Tompcratnro ueur Loudon. Kain in laRt 88 yeai'fl. Bay. 71.(i 72.0 71.1 70.5 7U.« 70.S 70.4 NiKht. 48.U 4S.li 47.2 47.6 47.6 47.6 46.2 Mean. 59.8 60.1 69.1 59.0 69.1 68.9 68.3 Days. 14 9 16 19 16 16 16 Snn Riues. m. h. 9af 6 11 6 Snn m. h. 62af 6 60 48 44 4U 6 41 6 89 6 Moon niueB. Moon SotH. m. b. 29aflO 16 11 mom. 1.S 0 17 1 28 ft 46 8 Moon'B Aue. Days. }) 9 1(1 11 12 18 14 Clock Day before of Sun. Year. 0 44 0 20 0 7 after 0 SO 0 60 1 9 241 242 243 244 ■Mr> 246 247 From observations taken near London durinR tlio last thirty-eight years, the averoge day temporatnre of the week is 70.9°, and its night temperature 47.5'. The greatest heat was 85', on the let, 1843; and the lowest cold, 82', on .the 29th, 1860. The greatest laU ol rain was 1.50 inch. ^^^ THE SEASON AND ITS RESULTS. Y many it is remarked, that if tlicy had been acquainted ■vvitli the character of the coming season, they would liave acted differently ; as, fen- instance, if they had been certain of a hot period, many tender plants would have been trusted init of doors, or if the contrary, more liardy ones would have been brought into use.' Unfortunately, or rather, perhaps, for- tunately for us. om- insight into futurity in this direction is very limited, notwitlistaniUng that weather-prophets arc numerous enougli, and eacli prognosticating sometliing dif- ferent, one amongst them has a chance to be riglit, and is by no means slow in taldng credit for it ; but I am not awai'e of ajiy one telling us iu the early part of the season that we were to have such an exceedingly dry period in June, and that tlie latter part of July and early part of August would prove so wet. However, so it has happened : therefore, let us see how the season has affected the various products of the earth, more especially those we are most interested in. At the same time let us call to mind what were our expectations at its commencement, how far these expectations have been fultiUed, and what more we might have done had we Imo^vn how it would turn out. Before we condemn oui'selves, let us recall the disappointments of former years, and though we may regret not having risked more plants out of doors tliis year, the sad realities of 1H(J0 are still fresh iu oiu- memory. The three hot summers preceding tluit year favoiu-cd the idea tliat om- climate was approacliing somewhat nearer that of the tropics : but the cold, wet, dull year wliich followed more I'esembled a pro- longed autumn tlian a summer, and our fanners, whose gi-ass and hay crops had threatened to fail, had recom-se to a substitute, semi-tropical iu its habitats, which had done good service in the few places in \\hich it was tried in 1858 and 1S.5'.», and was, consequently, rather extensively planted in IRfiO ; but the Asiatic summer had a poor re- presentative here, and the plant lias been heard of very little since, otherwise I have no doubt that it would liave done good service in other years. I fear it has been pre- maturely condemned from its failiu'e at a time when success was impossible. As already remarked, we must plod on in uncertainty as to the probable character of the seasons, and expect to meet 'witli varied successes and reverses ; but as the present one is not witliout interest, let us investigate in what way it has been favom-able to the various crops wliich we wish to prosper. In the first place, the past winter was shorter than usual ; for, instead of dragging i.m through the month of Ajiril with frosts more or less severe, M"e scarcely ever had the ther- No. 231.— Vol. IX., New Sebies, mometer down to the freezing-point in the whole month, while, strange to say, it was thn;e times at that point in May. The spring, therefore, might bo regarded as a favourable, and certainly an early one ; May bcuig on the whole a growing month for most vegetation, excepting grass, wliich, as a liay crop, was lighter than for many years. The blossoming of fruit trees was, on the whole, favoured -with lino weather, yet all did not aUko benefit by it. Apples, though not deficient in bloom, are not by any means a generally good crop ; but I'cars and Pliuns are, in most cases, abundant. One gi-owcr only half a mile from where I write, calculates his crop of Phuns at 15rif) bushels, although the proportion gi-owm by lum of that fruit is com- paratively small. Cherries have also been plentiful. The greatest 'falling off among small fmits was noticeable in the case of Black Currants and Strawberries ; the latter being soon over in consequence of the hot dry weather we had at the time of ripening, but the early fruit was not amiss, and the crop was a fair average. The forcing weather hunied thera on so fast that they might be said to have ripened before swelling. Of the plants most generally cultivated in the garden, there are some whose origin most likely has been in a cool, or, perhaps, moist climate or situation, and these plants cannot withstand the parching heat of such a period as we had m June, consecpiently their progi-ess is slow, or, per- haps, retrogi-ade, and I am not certain but that the Straw- berry requu-es a muc'li cooler situation than those m which we are often obliged to plant it. Certainly it grows in the far north as wcU as near Loudon. Celeiy, too, grows better when the long dewy nights of autumn set in. Such plants, it is scarcely necessary to remark, made little pro- gress in Jmie, except whore moisture was supplied by arti- ficial means. On the other hand, by far the gi-eater pro- portion of vegetables make most gi-owth in warm weather, more especially those imported from warmer coimtries than our own. liitiney Beans will ilomish in the hottest and driest season, and the same may be said of Cucumbers, Onions, Shallots, some sweet Herbs, &c., and for which om- hottest summers are never too wann. The crops, I believe, have this season been generally good, especially Onions. Lettuces have also been quite as good as usual, and Peas certakdy better. On the other hand, I'otatoes, wliich in June promised to be small, took a second gi-owth in July, and in the early part of August exliibited unmistakcable signs of disease in its worst form, and wiiich tlu-eatens to be as bad as in any season we have yet had. The Brassica tribe has been about as usual. On the whole, in the out- door department of the Idtchen garden, the summer of 180.5 m,ay be pronounced favourable. Enemies to the well- doing of different Idnds of produce, however, have not been wanting, and foremost amongst those now annoying us are earwigs, which prey on wall fniit to a most destructive extent, and red spider has also been abundant enougli, both under glass and elsewhere, but wasps liitherto liavo not made then- appearance in anything approacliing tlie numbers that were expected in the early part of the season. The other plagues of the garden may be regarded us exist- ing to about the average extent. No. 8S3.— Vol. XXXIV., Old JtSRlES. 164 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Augnst 29, 1865. In the ornamental department the season has been the tneans of restoring some plants to favour that have been going ont for some years. Verbenas have, in general, done well, ■and She same may be said of Petunias where they are grown. Calceolarias have also been pretty good, and there is a good prospect of their improving to the end of the season. On the •other hand, Geianiiuns have become too gross to flower weM, . and the lands that have done so were not the favourites last year ; one of the gi'eatest delinquents in this respect has been Stella, which, although good at the present time, was by no means so early in blooming as some other kinds. This quali- fication is, I believe, more due to the season than to the va- riety^ Now that all kinds have attained so robust a growth, an .abundance of bloom can hardly be looked for, irnless we have very dry weather indeed for the remainder of the season. The silvery-edged class have done well, but 1 think the golden ones haro sometimes been better ; the Ivy-leaved varieties have presented us with scarcely any bloom, and the strong gi'owers of the flesh-coloured and white kinds have been little better than a mass of foliage. The same maybe said of Tropa!olums, •with the exception of T. elegans, which is by far the most dwarf in its foliage of any of the traiUng class. Ajnong plants with remarkable foUage, Perilla is still pre- eminent for its general service in its particular colour. Cen- taurea candichssima has been pretty good, but I have been disappointed in a plant I expected much of, Arctotis re- pens. Though it is everj-thing that can be desired in a dwarf plant in a young state, its leaves turn to a reddish brown when they become old, and, consequentlj-, neutralise the silvery hue which it has in its early growth. I should hkc to know if this is the case elsewhere. Gazauia, Cineraria mari- . tima. Variegated Alyssum, and others, may be pronounced to be about as usual. Nierembergia gi'acilis is better than in most seasons, and the same may be said of one or two Mesembry- aitthemums, while Salvias, Ageratums, Chrj-sauthemums, and other tall plants have become better and more robust than usual, and the same may be said of Dahlias, and several annuals. Perhaps one of the best of the latter as regards iiabit, is Tagetes signata. The present season, I beUeve, presents us with as prominent an example as in any former one. of the partial way in which rain falls. In Kent we had a very dry Jmie, the first three ■days and the last two in the month being the only ones on which i-ain fell, the rest being very di-y and hot, parching the groxmd, and forcing forward all vegetation that could withstand it. Grass, however, even in the best pastures' succiunbed to the heat. Showers followed in July, giving us 3J inches of isaaiaHl in that month ; the atmosphere, however, continuing warm things have grown rapidly, and rain falling still more abundantly in August, we begin to wish for dry weather to secure tlie ripening of fruits, &c., for up to the time at which I write (the 23rd) 5 inches of rain have fallen. Now, it appears that this abundant rainfall has not extended to Loudon, and still less so to the north-western counties, where a dry season is -complained of. I may, however, remark, that most of the rains we have had resembled thunder showers, although we bave scarcely had any thunder ; but as such showers only extend over a limited space, it is not imlikely that we may bare had our full share. I have long been of opinion that "thundery weather," as it is commonly called, is most bene- ficiai to vegetation, as well fi-om the moisture that it affords to the earth and foliage, as from the properties which it imparts to the air ; at the same time this benefit to vegetation in a direct sense is accompanied by another in what may be called a negative way, for mj-riads of the lower class of destructive insects fall a prey to the atmospheric influences they are un- able to endure. On the other hand, I am not certain that this same condition of the atmosphere which imparts health and vigour to the higher class of vegetation, does not act in the same way on the lower gi'ades, encouraging mildew, and the long train of esils which follow in its train ; but I can hardly : bring myself to attribute these evils to electricity, I would rather believe that they follow rain falling at a "lower tem- perature than that of the air near the surface of the earth, or a period of continuous wet weather. It would be well if those .interested in such matters would state their views. — J. Robson. much of our fruit ; Apricots, Pears, and Plums, being their favourites. AYe have also an abundance of earwigs infesting both fruit and flowers. — A Gardenek. "Wasts. — Having seen in your Journal an inquirv- as to ■wasps, I beg to say that we are much troubled with both wasps smd hornets in the neighbourhood of Southampton, and, in .■spite of our protection against them, they are daily spoiUng ON AND ABOUT THE SANDS AND ROCKS OF TENBY.— No. 3. Although the bedding Calceolaria and Verbena are found to survive the winter in the open air at Penally, yet neither here nor at Stackpole Co\rrt are they exposed to the risk. Plants of those species accidentally left in the borders are those which have endm-ed the exposirre. Yet the climate of Penally and adjacent parts of this peninsula, especially those haviiig a southern aspect, is strikingly temperate. An unmistakeable evidence of this is a standard unprotected shrub of Escallonia macrantha in Miss Robson's garden. It is fully 9 feet high and 8 feet in diameter. The Lilium gigauteum attained there to the same height. The wild plants, too, about Penally are such as are unknown to the eye and gladden the heart of those to whom only our more northera flora is previously known. Among Ferns there is Osmunda regalis ; but, in more striking abundance, Lastrea thelypteris, the Marsh Fem. I had been accustomed to look upon this as a rarity, but it is scattered liberally over the marsh between Penally and the sea. Among flowering plants else- where less abimdaut, are Thalictrum minus. Lychnis vesper- tina, and Rosa spinosissima, and I must remark on this Burnet- leaved Rose, that in places upon Penally Bxurows it covers as with a carpet the sandy soil. Sherardia arveusis and Aspara- gus officinalis grow nearer to the sea on Giltar Point, the nearest land to Caldy Island, where Lavatera arborea is found, Gentiana germanica, and G. amarella. One of Miss Robson's guests informed me, that two years since a member of his family had found growing wild near Tenby Isolepis gracihs. I thought this must be a mistake, and the more so because " Filix-fcemina," informed me that this would not endure without protection even the winters of Torquay. A plant of the Teuby species was obligingly given me, raised from that originally found on the marshy gi'ouud between the sea and the ruins of Amroth Castle. It proved to be Isolepis setacea. But when cultivated, as tliis specimen was, the leaves are as long and would be as ornamental on the dinner- table as those of I. gi-acilis. Immediately in front of the marshy district at Amroth, is that submerged forest which I mentioned in my first com- munication. Mr. Gosse learned from an old man, resident at Amroth, that "People call it Sea-turf; they cart it away for manure, and it all goes to earth : they put it on the Barley and Oats. 'Tis hght stuff, but 'tis the brine in it that's the good. They get it at low water, springs and neaps alike. Any- body can tell its wood by the look — the gram." Mr. Gosse aften^-ards saw specimens of the wood, some soft and decayed, other blocks perforated by, and with the shells ensconced within of Pholas Candida. Other pieces are quite solid, resisting the knife and the saw as firmly as fresh wood. These last, Mr. Gosse observes, are e\idently Oak. The soft specimens appear to be Poplar ; but, he was told. Elm, Willow, and Alder like- wise occur. Trunks and roots are occasionally laid bare after storms, having marks of the axe still fresh upon them. — (Gossc's Tenby.) It is difficult to be quite satisfied with what one has said about the place where and those from whom one has received pleasure and kindness, but if I have said little, it is not be- cause I appreciate coldly, .and, having thus endeavoured to be self-exculpated, let me pass on to Penally's neighbouring village, Gumfreston. I have aheady, mentioned that the Samphire is still found by the Causeway Mill, near this highly picturesque place. Em- bosomed by trees, in a secluded dell, far from the cottages, and covered with Ivy, is its church ; and I know of not one other in Great Britain where the world is less likely to intrude upon those who kneel within its walls. But there are three springs whose water bubble uji in that dell, which ought to bring thither a thi-ong of those who are traveUiug to win back health. It is a fact, incredible as it m.ay seem, that those three springs with barely a yard's breadth of earth between them, yield un- ceasingly streams of water each totally different from the others in its qualities. The highest, they are on a hillside, is pure water ; the middle spring is strongly chalybeate, hlie that of Tun bridge Wells ; and the lowest spring, like that of Harrogate, is impregnated with sulphuretted hydrogen. There is no shade August 29, 1865. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ICo- of ciTor in this statement ; for although the nature of the two mineral springs requires for detection no other test than the palate, yet it is stated, as the result of analysis by Dr. Gelding Bird. Now, Gumfreston is only two miles from Tenby, and I do not know of any other place in the world that thus offers its visitors sen-bathinf;, and cither chalybeate or sulphuretted mineral waters. Were I a medical resident at Tenby, the United Kingdom from north to south, and from east to west, should be made fully cognizant of the fact. Before I leave, lingeringly leave, that never-to-be-forgotten churchyard, I would record a remonstrance against its stone cross being entirely enveloped and hidden by Ivy. Let that " rare old plant " mantle the church walls and tower un- hindered and unpruned, but let it not hide one inch of this early standard, for each is characterised by some peculiarity, precious at all events in the eyes of the antiquary. On and away through high-banlsed shady lanes superlatively rich in vegetation, especially Ferns. Let me pause awhile over these, and first to observe on the absence of one from this neighbourhood. The climate and the rocks seem to be peculiarly suited to the Adiantum capiUus-Veneris, yet it is nowhere found. Some one — but the authority is unknown — has stated that it is at Castle Martin, not far from the southern shore of Milford Haven ; but a collector and vendor of Ferns at Tenby, told me that he had thoroughly but unsuccessfully .searched Castle Martin for the Maiden-hair. More than one amateur collector bore similar testimony. This Fern may be excused for objecting to dwell in this neighbourhood, since twenty-one of its relatives have made it their abode. I saw them "and collected specimens of nearly aU. They are these — Asplenium adiantum-nigi'um. Filix-fcenuna. lanceolntum. marinum. ruta-muraria. trichomanes. Elechuum boreale. Ceterach officinarum. {This I was toM was to be found scattered scantily over the walls of Carew, Manorbeer, and other old ruins, but no one mentioned the church- yard wall of Bosheton, where I fonnd it in fjreater abimdauce than I ever saw elsewhere.) Lastrea cristata. — G. Lastrea cristata var. iiliginosa. dilatata. Filix-mas. Fcenisecii. ore opted ^. tbelypteris. Ophioglossum vulgatum. Osmiinda regalis. Pol>'podiiiin vulgare and several varieties. Polystichum aculeatiim. annulare. Scolopendrium viilgare and several varieties, fui'cattm being the most frequent. PL.VNTS FOR ROOMS. {Concluded from ixifjc 148.) September. — Gloxinias and Achimeues done blooming may be dried off in the late vinery, and those coming on shoiild be removed to the stove without delay. All stove plants should be moved out of the vineries by the end of the month. Eoses intended for forcing must be potted and plunged in a sheltered open situation. The early vinery will now be cleared of its fruit, and the laterals and all spray not absolutely necessary ought to be cut away ; this will be beneficial alike to the Vines and the plants, which must be introduced at once, more par- ticularlj' if diill wet weather set in. The glass to be cleaned, and all made sweet and clean. All greenhouse plants to be housed here, except such as can be accommodated in frames, which, however, will soon have to be cleared for bidbs and plants required for forcing. A little discrimination will be necessary in assigning the plants the most suitable position. Primulas and Cinerarias blooming, or far advanced for it, will do best on dry shelves near the glass, whilst Epacrises and Correas, with other plants of similar habit, should be near the points where air is admitted. Camellias and Azaleas if not crowded will do in the centre. All dwarf plants, especially those growing, will do best on shelves. Young growing stock of Cinerarias and Calceolarias should be kept in frames some time longer, having protection ready against sharp frosts, which may come anj- time about the end of the month. Growing- Primiilas will do much better on shelves after the middle of the month, as the atmosphere of frames always tends to cause damp at the collar. The pots of all plants housed to be washed and the drainage examined and put right if needed, the surface of the soil to be stirred and cleared of moss and fresh-suriaced if necessary. The Begonias for winter blooming will be doing well in the stove, and will need shifting into their blooming- pots. Chrysanthemums for early bloom to be placed under a wall or fence, where they can be protected if fi-osts set in suddenly. Cyclamen persicum and its varieties to be potted ancl placed in a frame. Pelargoniums may remain in frames some time longer with abundance of air. Those cut-in last month to be Khaki:n out, potted in smaller pots, and kept ckise in a frame for a few days, then give air freely. The most forward of those first headed back may now be stopped and allowed to break before moving into the early vinery ; but their removal will depend on the weather. If there be a continuance of dull damp weather they will be better in the vinerj', as such weather is apt to cause gross growths, and in extreme cases the leaves to spot or damp. The best place for Pelargoniums in vineries is shelves near the glass. Any plants done blooming and re- quiring the wood to be hardened or ripened, may bo placed in the late viner\', from which all plants not requiring a diT atmo- sphere should bo removed forthwitli. It will do admirably for Amaryllis, EpiphyUum, and similar plants. The Grapes in it will be ready for use early in September. Lacheualias to be potted and placed on a shelf in the early vinery ; also, Ixia flexuosa, couica, viridiflora, &c. ; Sparaxis tricolor; Oxalis tricolor, fulgida,. sanguinea, and rosacea granthflora, which last is one of the- best for spring blooming. Pot Ornithogalum th;sT3oide3 into six or eight-inch pots in sandy fibry loam with a little leaf mould, giving the protection of a pit or frame. Violets to be placed in their blooming-))ots without disturbing the roots much, and set in a frame with plenty of air. Take up clumps of Crocnses and Snowdrops for potting and plunging in a sunny place- imder a wall ; also ScOla bifoUa. Pot Mignonette, and thin out, as it never does well when crowded ; the pots may he placed on shelves in the early winery towards the end of the- month. Pot the first batch of Hyacinths, Narcissus, and Tulips as early in the mouth as possible, and plunge in coal ashes in a frame, the lights being left off day and night, except in very wet weather, when they are to be drawn on and tiIterith their gi-eenhouse specimens, this plant will be a desideratum. All that they reqivire will J>e a moderate hotbed to raise the seedlings, and a few of the seeds obtained from amongst the fibres of a common carpet iJaroon], — M. D. ^The leaf and panicle enclosed by our correspondent are Sioia a plant of Sorghum vulgare, or Indian Millet. It is culti- vated in Italy, and Kay mentions that brooms and brushes of it (known to us as "Whisks"), were in use in Italy, Venice, and elsewhere.] ROYi\li HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Flor.\l Committee, August '2-2m\. — Another very excellent ami ex- tensive collection of plants and floAvers was exhibited this day. Among Mr. Veitch's beautiful Orchids were conspicuous several plants of Odontoglossum gi-ande in full perfection and very attractive. Seedling Dahhas and Scarlet Pelargoniums were the principal subjects for examination. Mr. Bull exhibited a double Fuchsia with scarlet sepals and dark corolla, veiy free-flowering, and good, close habit. A label of com- mcudatiou was awarded to this as being a decorative plant. Others consisted of Xanthosoma violacea ; Amoi-jjhopballus gi-andis, in tlower, n curious botauieal specimen ; aud Tapienotes Carnliu!e, a very singular-looking plant, with pure white flowers resembling the Gesneras, the foliagi' a dark bronzy gi-een, very glossy, and covered with hairs. This was awarded a second-class cei-titicate. Mr. Veitch sent a fine collection of Orchids, which contained groups of cool-house and stove Orchids ; a special certificate was awarded to each section. Mr. Veitch also sent CattU-ya hybrida picta, a seedling between intermedia violacea and guttata ; thih iiad remarkably handsome flowers, dark rose, spotted all over with a deeper shade. It was awarded a first-class certificate. Messrs. E. G. Henderson, Wellington Road, sent Fuchsia Ehoderick Dhu. much-reflexed scarlet sepals and pale sliite-coloured coroUa. too much expanded to be eleg.aut ; Crotou elegant- issimum ; Agalmyla staminea, a well-gi'own plant with a splendid wreath of scarlet flowers, broad ovate foliage, very handsome, which was awarded a special certificate for its goc»d cultivation ; Amorpho- phallus zebrinns (?), said to be Alocasia triloba, with beautifully varie- gated stems ; Sauromatum asperum, and Medinilla faiinosa. Mi*. Wills, Oultou Park, exhibited seedling Verbena Scarlet Cushion, very dwarf habit and free-fiowering. It received a first-class certificate as a useful bedding variety. Cut flowers of three other seedlings of dwarf habit came from the same exhibitor, among them General Lee, which was much admii-ed for its trusses of rosy puri)lc flowers ; seedling Zonale Pelargoniums Gaiety, yellowish green leaves with bronzy zone ; and Countess of Lincoln, coarse foliage ; as had also the other seedlings. Neatness, Circlet, and Bridesmaid. Mr. Salter, of Sydenham, sent Zonale Pelargoniums Veniiilion King and Sydenham Rose ; cut flowers of seedling Verbena Blue D.*-fiance, a promising flower, re- quested to be seen again ; and two seedling Lobelias of the speciosa Idud. Mr. Legge, Edmonton, exhibited three dwarf Dahlias ra pots, and three seedling DahUas — viz., Mr. Eraham, Pride of the World, dark golden tipped with red — second-class certificate ; and Lilac Per- feetion. Messrs. Smith, Dulwich, had Zonale Pelargoniums Rev. H. Dombrain ; Crjstal Palace Gem, with rather pretty foUage, pale yellow mottled with gi-een ; Premier, Bronze Iving, Gauntlet, Sii'en, Orange Belle, Glow, many of them good varieties, but not first-rate, or differing from many others. Mr. Barker, Godalming, contri- buted Asplenium erectum prolifernm, from the Island of ABceusiou, a very dwai'f distinct Fern, first-class certificate ; :Ptei-is flabellata ascensionis. a fine Fern, first-class certificate ; -also a box of cut Petunias, with many good varieties among the single flowers, but not better than innumerable seedlings raised eveiy season. Mr. G. Raw- lings, Romford, exliibited seedling DahUas (Jueen of the Dwarfs, and Firefly ; and Mr. Turner, Slough, seut a collection of cut Dahlias, in very good condition. Mr. Walker, Chester, had Pelargoniums Brook- field Pink, a sport from Trentham Rose, a worthless variety. Mr. Pope sent seedHng DahUas Walter Newman, deep amber ; Fanny Sturt, a fancy, white "grourid, heavily tipped with ciimson ; only one flower was exhibited. It was pronounced the best fancy Dahlia in existence,_ of perfect form. Mr. Kelway, Langjrort, exhibited several seedling GlaiUoli, among them one or two good varieties; the flowers were fadiu", and not in a condition for examination. Dr. Ainsworth, M.D., Manchester, contributed a small spike of Dendi-obium MacCarthi.T;, very handsome — first-class certificate ; Mr. Church, BroctvveU, DahUa Fire Meteor; Mr. Hopkins, Brentford, DahUa Lord Enfield, deep maroon. Challenger, deep niby, and Diana ; Mr. Burgess, DahUas Sir Eardley Wihnot, Lady Derby, and Mr. Lund, second-class cer- tificate. From Mr. Keynes, Salisbury, came Frank Tiffin, second- class certificate ; Lottie Atkins, first-class certificate ; John Downie, second-class certificate ; John Bunn, secoud-class certificate, GlaiUator, .\unie Austin, Illtimatnm, and George White. Mr. Eekford, Coles- hill, exhibited six seedling Verbenas— viz.. Lady Jane EUice, a very delicate flower, white ground, with a rosy circle round the centre — first-class certificate; Miss Annie Bouverie, John Keynes, William Dodds, Mr. Stevenson, John Stainer. Lastly, Mr. Butler, Clapham, sunt two worthless double seedling Fuchsias. Fruit Comjiittee.— Mr. George F. Wilson, F.E.S., m the chair. At this meeting prizes were offered for the best dish of Peaches gi'own in an orchard-house, which was obtained by Mr. Cox. of Redleaf, with Early Grosse Mignoune ; and also for the best dish of Plums, which was gained by the same gentleman with Green Gage, Jefferson, and Diapree ilou.'e Messrs. Leo, of Hammersmith, sent a dish of Gordon Castle Plum a large obovate greenish yeUow Plum which promises to be of considerable merit, but as it was not quite ripe Messrs. Lee mteud . exhibituig other examples at the next naeeting. There were several August 2U. lbC3. ] JOUFvNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAliDENER. 109 siiccimens of soeaiiiiK M.lona exhibited, none of wbicli, however, Dossesscil merit sutlicinit to entitle them to any iiwaiil hy the Com- mittee ; they nmir hom }.h: Cluu-le.s Ilul.hunl, \Vou,l.-ote Un^.; C«r.hiilton ; M.'ssrs. K.lw.iy & Son, L,u.KT"rt; Mr. .I..hn \S .U», Oulloii Park, ami fr..ni Mr. Muir, Chilton Loil;;.', Hnn-erfortl. Ihere was also another Melon from theSoeiety'a Oanleu, ealleil Sinlur, which \taa also very deiieient of flavour. . i i j A Pino Ajiple was sent from the Garden of the Society which had hdcn rineuod out of doors on the Reothermal-lied, which is now in such beauty at Chiswick. It was of tho Quei-n viirii^ty, and was iierfoctly ripo and so well ilavoured that it was remarked thut fruit hud often been eaten from under },'lass niueli inferior to that which was then exliibitcd. Mr. I'licbard Smith, Ciilderstonc, near Liverpool, scut ft tine siiecinieii of Pine to he luuned, and wliicli proved to lie .Vntigua (Jneen. Mr. R. Laing, Twickenham, sent a very showy variety of seedling Crab about the size of a (iolden Pippin hut entirely bri(,'lit red. It is a very oraaincntal sort, and in pleasure gi-ounds cMimot fail to form .a strildug feature. Messrs. Osliorii A; Sons, of iMilliam, sent fine specimens of Jambosa aquea in fruit, which were much admired. Mr. Hale, of Harefield, sent a dish of a seedling Currant, which was so like Ruby Castle as not to be distinguishable from that variety. Anniversahy of the L.iTE PniNCE Coxsort's BiRTiinAY.— On Saturday last, tho iKth inst., the gardens were thrown open to the pnilic in accordance with Her Majesty's desire, and upwards of 129,000 visitors aviuhnl themselves of tho privilege. They were a highly rospectablt! and well conducted class of people, and the sum total of the damage done amounted to the tnrf being worn iu places ; but two or three I'.iivs of this moist weather will put that right. KOSE Mil, DEW AXI) GISHURST COIMPOUND. After reading Mr. Eadelyfl'e's interesting letter ou Rose mildew at •page 123, No. i'i^, I coulJ not help very much wishing that he would try Gishurst compound ; it has the double action of washing as a soap, and of applying sulphur in Its soluble and therefore most active form, and I believe in his experienced hands would prove a more certain remedy than others which he has used. Ahout a fortnight back an experienced Austr.aliau hoi-ticul- turist gave me an account of the use of Gishurst iu the neigh- bourhood of Melbourne, where blights appear to live and breed all the year through, and he wound up with the fact, which to my mind said gi-eat things, that the cultivators around pro- posed presenting him with a testimonial for having introduced Gishurst. — G. W. MANAGINCr A HOLLY HEDGE— GARDENING IN NEW ZEALAND. Will you oblige a New Zealand subscriber to your useful Jom'nal, with an account of how a Holly hedge is to be managed, from the sowing of the ben-ies until it has attained the fuU size of a hedge ? Tho soil here is a light vegetable mould, from 10 to 15 inches deep ; the subsoil a peculiar yellow earth, suffi- ciently tenacious to allow of wells being sunk 100 feet or more in depth, without boarding or bricking-up, but which becomes quite friable and light immediately upon exposure to the at- mosphere, and without a stone to be met with. Our cUmate is a very equable one ; during upwards of twenty years' experience I have never known frost remain on the grovmd after 9 a.m., unless in a shaded place where the sun's rays cannot get at it, and the heat in the summer is not so great as in England, although the season lasts longer, as we generally have fine warm weather luitil the end of May, corresponding to your November. Many of what are greenhouse plants with you remain in the ojjen garden with us all the year round, and this summer I have had a plant of CoUetia bictonensis in the open borders oovered with its small white Heath-like blossoms. I mention this because I saw a notice iu yom' Joui'nal that this plant does not blossom ui England. We find great ditliculty iu finding a suitable plant for live fences. The 'White Thorn does not thrive excepting in sheltered situations in the bush ; probably it does not thrive ou the sea coast. The Furze grows very rapidly, but it is apt to be at- tacked with a fimgus which kills it, and it is, besides, very troublesome from scattering its seed and encroaching on the land. I have a plant of Osage Orange, which for three or four years scarcely grew at all, but since I have removed it to a situation where a great deal of water di'ains on to its roots, it has made great growth, and this season has thrown out seven or eight shoots upwards of 6 feet long. This plant was at one time much talked of as a fencing plant, and many poimds of seed have been sown here ; but, I believe, not above fifty seeds vegetated ont of the whole. ]-)o you liud this plant grow well in England :' If you can suggest any fencing jdant that you think would suit our soil and climate, I shall feel much obliged by your mentioning it in your Journal. Tho Holly hedge I wish to raise is for a garden, but this plant would be too expensive ftud too long in forming a fence to be available for agricultural pui-poscs. There appears to bo a peculiarity in our soil or climate which docs nut suit sorao descriptions of fruit trees. Teaches fruit so abundantly with us iu the open ground as standards, that I believe tlio fruit would bo the cheapest food that could be grown for feeding pigs. Some are of excellent quality. They receive no cultivation : the trees are planted, and with very Uttla attention to pruning, they bear such heavy crops iu sheltered situations as to require to have the branches staked up to pre- vent their brealdng down. Apples do moderately well, but aro subject to the American blight, which sju-eads much more rajndly thau in England. The common Cherry, like an inferior Kentish iu appearance, fruits tolerably well ; but tho good cul- tivated sorts do not bear at all well — it is ilifficult, indeed, to make them fruit at all. The same remark applies to Plums, Pears, and Apricots. Pears bear tolerably well after tho trees are from fifteen to twenty years old, but fruit is rarely produced until they aro from twelve to fourteen years old. Plums and Apricots so seldom fruit that their cultivation is almost abandoned. Gooseberries do very well and yield heavy crops ; but Currants of all sorts scarcely fruit at all. That the soil has aU to do with it is, I believe, evident, as in the neigh- bouring province of Nelson aU trees fruit abundantly. Thero the soil is very stony, and what we should consider a hungry one, and the trees make very moderate growth. With us, on tho contrary, the soil is very good and tho trees make a gi'eat deal of wood, but bear no fruit. I have lately begun to remove my trees on Mr. Hivers's plan, hoping to check the growth of wood and throw them into beariug ; but there is not sufficient timo yet to test whether this plan will answer. If you could give any suggestions in your Journal to obviate our difficidties ill this particular, you will much oblige myself and my fellow colonists. The removal plan may do in a small garden, but would not be appUcable to fruit-growing on a large scale in a coimtry where labour is scarce, and an ordinary farming-man's wages 6s. a-day.— A Sulscrider, Nein Pliimimtli, New Zealand. [We are very much obhged by the interesting information which your letter afl'ords. We are always pleased to receive such commimications. Wo trust that some of our more ex- perienced readers will be able to enter more iuto the subject tlian we can do ; but we will, at least, show our wiUiugness to oblige if we can. From your description of the rich surface vegetable mould, we have "little doubt but that the Holly would thi-ive well as a fence, more especially if some 1'2 inches of the yellow soil were trenched-up and incorporated partly with surface soil, say 2 or 3 inches mixed with the rich soU, and the rest kept mostly at the bottom. No plant makes a better hedge than the Holly', and after it is established it needs but httle care, as the annual growth is so short and stubby. As to the manage- ment : As the seeds are a long time in vegetating, it is best to treat them much like those of the Hawthorn. Mix them with , earth or sand in a heap, and turn them now and then until aU the fleshy covering is rotted, which will take a good part of a season, then the seeds may be separated from the earth by sift- ing, and aovm in nicely pulverised beds, and covered with half an inch of fine soil. If the weather should be very hot, after sow- ing it would be advisable to cover the beds with fem or other litter to keep the seeds moist and cool. Your heat wUl be the worst enemy to the young HoUies. We advise thus sowing iu beds, as the seeds mil be the more easily protected from birds, &c. If the seeds are imported, it would be best to wash them free of pulp, di-y them well, and sow at once. In the second year after thus sowing, the young plants may either be trans- planted for another year into rows 1 foot apart, or into the hedgerow at once, placing them about 1 foot apart. Before doing so we would bring some of the surroimding rich soil, slightly mixed with the under soil so as to give a depth of at least 2 feet, if more all the better. Thus treated, we beheve the Holly will grow with great vigour. Little attention will be required except stopping the plants that grow more strongly than their neighbours, and any very strong shoot that threatens to rob or take the strength from the lowest tier of branches. These should be encouraged so as to stand out from 18 to 1 21 inches from the stem. The wedge-shape will thus be secured, 170 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. r August 29, 1865. •wMeh will give the most impenetrable fence and with the least amount of trouble in the way of cutting and training. From 3i to 4 feet across at the base, would do for a hedge from 5 to 6 feet in height, and some 12 or 15 inches wide at top. The hedge may be jjerpendicular on each side, and as wide at top as bottom if deemed advisable, as the plant may be trained to any shape. If cut or prtmed often, the outside becomes im- penetrable even to birds. The Osage Orange (Madura aurantiaca), we have no doubt would thrive with you, and it is easily propagated by layers, and by cutting the roots into pieces and planting them. We Lave never seen a good hedge of it. One circumstance might account for this. Like some other plants, it is apt to keep up a lingering existence if the first shoots are retained on the plant ; but if after the first or second season's growth these shoots are cut down to a hud or two, strong shoots will be thrown out the next season, and these, if stopped when from 5_to 6 feet long, might form a dense fence. We should ima- gine your cUmate would be more suitable for it than either England or Noi-th America. Here it will not compete with the White Thorn in general, though, if we had nothing else, it might be coaxed into a good hedge fence. For an evergreen fence, few plants woijd beat the Portugal Laurel, which hardly any amount of cold in England or Scot- land will barm. Tour siunmers would just be warm enough for it ; hut it has always a good appearance, and stands cutting well. The common Laurel (Cerasus lanrocerasus), would greatly exceed the Portugal in growth, and in your climate would mount up with great rapidity. The difficulty would be the annual cutting, to keep it iu boimds as a fence, but the cutting would give a great amount of firewood. Multitudes of plants could be easily obtained, first by seeds, second by layers, but more quickly by cuttings. As soon as the summer's gi-owth is oyer, take off the young shoots, with a httle bit of" the pre- vious growth ; shorten the cuttings to some 7 or .S inches, and plant the half iu the soil firmly, placing them iu rows a few inches apart, if in a shady place all the better. By the foUowing spring most of them will be rooted, and many fit to transplant in the autumn. Near the sea coast, where no other fence woirld live, the Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), will thrive, and even in poor soil. It is propagated by seeds, and also by suckers from the roots, which it throws out in great abundance. The common Buckthorn (Ehamnus catharticus), gi-ows freely in many places where the White Thorn will not flourish, and from its dense compact habit makes an excellent fence ; it is best propagated by seeds, which come up shortly after being sown. The common Sloe Thorn, or Black Thorn (Prtmns spinosa), though delighting most in a chalky loam, wiU flourish in almost any soil, and will thrive in saltish soils, near the sea coast. It is easily increased by seed, gathered when ripe, mixed with sand and turned over several times for three months or so, and then sown ; but when a few plants are obtained, it increases amazingly by suckers. One plant left to itself would soon raonopolise aU the surroimding ground. When used as fences, its spreading must be guarded against, but tliis property pre- vents the necessity of planting thickly at first to make a good fence. In poor soils the Locust Tree (Robinia pseudacacia), has made good fences on the Continent and iu America. The com- mon Arbor 'Vitre bears the knife and shears well when used as fences. The Spruce Fir and Scotch Fir do tolerably in ex- posed places. We have seen fair fences of the WUlow, made by planting shps a foot apart, twisting the heads together when 6 or 7 feet high, and then interlacing the lower shoots. But for fences in fields, on a large scale, where the Haw- thorn will not grow, few fences excel those of the Beech and Hornbeam. The Beech, when cut, becomes impene- trable, and the old leaves hang on imtil the new ones come. The Hornbeam also keeps the old leaves a long time, and in rich soil grows with gi'eat rapidity. A thick fence soon be- comes quite impenetrable. Seeds require much the .same care as HoUies or Thorn, and the groimd should be well stirred and enriched before planting. For field fencing we should think of the last two ; but we throw out these remarks chiefly for the purpose of obtaining information from others, and especially from those who have themselves been in New Zealand. The local knowledge in these circumstances is generally the best. Hence it is that we bave made no mention of Yew, Evergreen Oak, Privet (one of the most quickly got-up fences with us, and which would bo impenetrable if mixed with a little Black Thorn), Lanrus- tinus. Junipers, &c., because we do not know how they might succeed there ; or even of the Thorn Acacia, besides the Locust Tree. As so many thrive iu Australia, any practical informa- tion on these matters we shall consider as a favom', not only to our correspondent, but to our readers generally. The accoimt given of the fi-uit trees is vei7 interesting. With labour bo scai-ce, the only com-se it strikes us as being desirable to follow, would be very shallow planting, and that, too, on hillocks, so as to lessen the \'igour of gi-owth, without the trouble of either Ufting or root-pnming ; and if the growth is less vigorous, there wOl be Httle occasion for top-pruning. If such means are taken to lessen growth, there wiU be no occa- sion, we hope, to wait ten or fifteen years for fruit.] GAEDENING AND GARDENS IN DORSETSHIRE. THE BEV. W. F. RADCLYFFe's, TAERANT KUSHTON, » NEAB BlANDrOED. (Continued from imge 145.) Steawbeeeies. — Although too late to see the Roses at Rush- ton in the height of their first bloom, I was more fortunate in respect to Strawberries ; they were in perfection, and a most agreeable sight they were, the beds of strong healthy plants being loaded with ripe fruit. At the same time accounts were coming in from all quarters complaining of failure or deficiency in crop ; here there was no indication of deficiency. Witness- ing iu part the treatment of the Strawberry-beds at Eushtou after the crop had been gathered, I think it would not be diffi- cult to account for the shortcomings wo have so frequently heard of this year. The drought of last year was doubtless the chief cause, to which may be added, in some instances, insufficient trenching and manuring of the gi'ound before plant- ing ; and had Mr. Radclj-ffe allowed matters to go on in the usual way, his crop would, probably, have been Uttle better than that of others. He says, " Establish good pumps in your garden ;" and with his industrious and steady hands, Steve and Fred, of whose careful labours I was also a witness, the copious and constant watering of the beds during the dry time of last year secured a glorious crop for the present season. It would be superfluous to repeat here the mode of treat- ment adopted at Rushton, so closely following the excellent Strawberry article that appeared in the Journal a few weeks since. It is sufficient to state that, to me, the principal features of the Strawberry-beds seemed to be — the strength and health of the plants ; the abundance and size of the berries ; and, when examined singly, their flavour, weight, and colour. I add the last, for there is much beauty in a weU-gi'Own Strawberry. The following kinds may be certainly reckoned among the best^Rivers's EHza, Eugenie, Wonderful, Scarlet Pine, Frog- more Late Pine, John Powell, Sir Joseph Paxton, and one not so frequently met with as it deserves, the Royal Hautbois. " It is difficult to make a suit of clothes to fit everybody;" and if the flavour of the Royal Hautbois may not be quite agreeable to the palates of some, there can be no doiibt that others will have a different opinion of it, and myself among them. Peaches. — If the gardening world has heard frequently of Mr. Radclyffe's three old Peach trees, I can assure it that it has not heard too much. Never before had I looked on such a renovation of old material, and I will hazard the conjecture that no one else has. I am afraid to say how old the trees are, for my memory may be a little at fault ; but that they are many years aged is certain, and evident from the stocks upon which they are worked. They occupy a space of about 50 feet of the west end of the south wall, 8 feet high, separated from the adjoining marsh only by the Thorn hedge before mentioned. The spring frosts are fearful antagonists of these fine old speci- mens, but with the aid of canvass covering judiciously managed, a crop is alwaj's secured. At the present time there are not less than 500 Peaches on the three trees, and so evenly dis- tributed, that they have the appearance rather of being fastened on artificially, than growing naturally. There they are — upon the old stump wood, at the veiy bottom and close upon the old branches, as well as upon the newer wood about the extremities ; and there also the hydrauUc processes of Stephen are constantly called into action, to keep the beautiful foliage in health, and defend it from the attacks of the red spider and other pests. Raspbeeeies. — This is a subject that may be considered by some as rather too common to be worth remarking upon. Everybody can grow them, and everybody does because of their Aagnst 29, 1866. ] JOURNAL OF HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 171 "saMnesa. We find them occupyinfj a space at the cottagers' Shows, and very pleasing' it is to tiud that our poorer neigh- bours know how to appreciate thuir vahie. There is a nght way, however, of getting them in iicrfection, as well as an in- different one in leaving them to themselves. At Uiishtun the Baspberry canes occupy the south-western corner of the garden, and bear, as all liaspbervy canes should bear, in profusion, and beiTies of large si/.e. The strength of the plants is main- tained l)y ellicient manuring, which is allowed to work in by the action of the weather. As little or no mulching is done between the rows, the groimd was, of course, somewhat hard ; bnt it effectually prevents suckers, which is one great cause of weakening the plants. The wlinle of the plantation was covered with netting to prevent the depredations of the feathered tribe, to which, by the way, Stephen is not so friendly as could be wished. Peaks. — Surely Jlr. Rivers must be prince among us to have devised so mauagealile a plan of growing one of the most grateful of fruits. If we have been in the habit of regarding a Pear tree, either as approaching the dimensions of timber, or, in the espalier form, stretching its long arms for many feet in either direction, our ideas may now be greatly modified in seeing the diminutive little trees, smaller than an ordinary Cur- rant bush, and small enough to be put into a portable pot. No garden, however small, need now bo without Pear trees, with the further advantage to the owner, that if he be a horticul- turist his plants will cause an interest from their manageable form and size. It would bo premature to state what has been done with Pears on the quince stock at Rushton, since Mr. EadclyiTe has not yet reported upon them, and that a little longer time is still' necessai-y to complete a fair trial. They were all of them (about fifty), in excellent condition, and many of them loaded with promising fruit. I have no doubt that in due time we shall have a proper account of them. I cannot conclude these notes without expressing my deep sense of the kind feeling and hospitality sho\vu to myself and other horticulturists to whom I had the pleasure of being introduced while in Dorsetshire. — Adolphus H. Kent. THE CALCUTTA BOTANIC GARDENS AND THE CYCLONE OF OCTOBER .Vih, 1AM. We have been favoured with a copy of the Supplement to the "Calcutta Gazette" of June 2l3t, in which we find an account so singularly and painfully interesting of the injury done to these celebrated gardens by the terrible cyclone of Oc- tober 5th, that we do not hesitate to condense it for our own pages. A tropical botanic garden must of necessity be some- thing very different from an English one. The stature and girth of the trees, the fine climate, the great multitude of species, must combine to give it an aspect of wonderfid rich- ness and splendour, and make it almost a terrestrial paradise, trying weather, and a thousand little difficulties with indi- vidual species, have no doubt to be encountered at times, just as in Europe ; but the reward of toil and enteqirise will be as much greater, one season with another, as an eiiuatorial country is superior to a temperate one in respect to its adaptation to the growth of plants. The Calcutta Botanic Garden was established towards the close of the last century, and has had the benefit from time to time of the superintendence of some of the most distinguished botanists residing in India. The number of species brought together was very considerable, comprising all the rare and splendid plants of the country, and lai-ge numbers from distant parts of the world, exhibiting a fair show of what tropical botany is, whether in the eastern hemisphere or the western. A large niunber of the timber trees in the garden were cut down by Mr. Griffiths about twenty years ago ; the condition of the Garden, as appears from liis report to Government in May, 1843, being that it was " choked with trees." Sufficient remained, however, to allow of the destruction of not less than a thousand in the terrible cyclone of the date above given. The history and general character of the cyclone as it oc- cuiTed in the city of Calcutta itself are well Imown to all readers of the public journals, having been fully narrated at the time. In the gardens this terrible visitation was far more severely felt, they being situated more in what was the centre of the storm — in the very vortex, so to speak, of this awful aijrial whirlpool. It did not last long, but in the short space of its endurance there was done damage incredible to a Euro- pean were it not described by a crowd of eye-'witnesseg. The Garden suffered further from being near the river, across which the gale blew diagonally, and thus struck the trees and plants with a force unbroken for the space of a mile by any obstaclo whatever. The damage appears to havi! been done between 11 A.M. and l.'M) p.m. The five Imurs and a half saw sliips forced by the water on to the actual surface of the fiardeii ; a large portion of the soil was submerged to a depth of ,5 or (> feet ; and green trees were stripped not merely of their foliage but of their branches, so that what an hour previously were stately masses of vordm-o became bare poles, like those used to support scaffolding by builders. The most curious fact in'tho histcu-y of the destruction ajiijoars to be that the endogenous" class of plants, speaking generally, suffered least, or at all events much less than the exogenous. So extensive was the destruction of exogenous vegetation, that the morning after the storm the country seemed to be inhabited almost exclu- sively by Palms and Bamboos. Not that the I'alms were rmi- forniiy exempt from ruin ; two species suffered severely — namely, the Areca catechu and the Ar'cnga saccharifera. The Cycads also very generally escaped. Why the exogenous trees should have been victims to so great an extent while the endogenous were mostly spared does not appear ; nor without experience of obser\-ations made on the spot, or at least in India, is it easy to sjieculate on the cause. Another very curious circumstance attendant on the devastation was the death of many trees through the mere force of the wind, or through the violent strain to which they were subjected during the chief pressure. During the height of the storm this was calculated to be I'JO lbs. on the square foot. It is wonderful how great a strain trees will bear if it be administered gradu- ally. In the winter, when the snow falls gently but steadily for many hours together, it is not unusual to see small trees bowed completely to the ground by the deposit upon their twigs and branches, and when the thaw has commenced they gi-adually return to their position unhurt. Coming, however, all at once, it is Uke the blow of a cannon-ball, and the tree can no more bear it with impunity than a human being. A third very curious circumstance was the complete upset of the vital economy of certain trees and plants. Several kinds flowered or fruited for the first time shortly after the %dsit of the cyclone ; others, that ordinarily are deciduous, became partially ever- green ; while others, accustomed to fiower profusely, scarcely produced a blossom at the time when they were wont to be loaded with bloom. Nothing proper to the idea of a garden was visible the morning after the storm. Not a leaf or a flower or a fruit remained, and the paths and tanks were blocked with fallen branches. Of indi\'idual instances of destruction, one of the most terrible and lamentable was the overthrow of the great Adansonia, the trunk of which was 12 feet in tUameter. Out of sixty-seven Mahogany trees no less than thirty-one were blowni down. Only four trees remain of the Casuariua avenue, and these are much mutilated. Of twenty-five Araucaiias not one has been left with the main stem entire. In-doors there were destroyed of the fine collection of Orchidaee* at least one-half ; while the plants in the thatched conseiTatory were almost without exception annihilated. The only plants that seem to have defied the storm were the munerous species of Ficus, and these by virtue of their powerful aerial roots, which enabled them to hold on as if by anchors. The great Banyan tree, though injured, was not damaged seriously. Such was the state of things produced by the awful cyclone of October 5th. The picture is in no respect over-coloured ; it is below rather than above the reality. What shoidd we think if the sweet lawns, and shrubberies, and grand old trees o£ Kew were, in the com-se of a short forenoon, to be totally obliterated ? Yet this is the mournful condition of the best portion of the Calcutta Garden, which half a century will hardly restore to the beauty and richness it possessed on the eve of that fatal tempest. The climate is in its favour, and all that skill and devotedness to the work can accomplish vrill no doubt be given to the process of restoration ; the loss is, ne%'ertheless, one of the greatest that has ever been sustained in connection with a garden. MR. BULLS VINERY. KING S B.OM), CHELSEA. People who have not been abroad sometimes imagine what a beautifiU sight a vineyard must be, and conjure up all sorts of poetic visions as to the " clustering Vine ; " but in the great majority of cases this is a mockeiy, a delusion, and a 172 JOURNAIi OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 29, 18M. snare. The vineyards of France and Germany are as much like plantations of Currant bushes as possible, and, let it be said, about as pretty. In Italy, indeed, where the Vine is often festooned fi-om tree to tree, it is different ; but without going so far south, lovers of beautiful sights may enjoy one by going to Mr. Bull's establishment at Chelsea. His winter garden is now a perfect show. The Vines are trained all along the roof, chmb up the pUlars and supports, and are festooned in all dii-ections, and the side divisions of the house show a double tier of finely-coloured Grapes. The Vines are now loaded with a beautifully regular crop of Black Hamburgh and other Grapes, the bunches as regularly disposed as possible, fine in colour, and of good size. Nothing can be more channiug than the aspect of this fine house ; in fact, nothing of the kind is to be seen near London equal to it. and any one having time will feel himself amply compensated for his trouble. He will, more- over, have the opportunitj- of seeing some other remarkable novelties. — D., Z)i;al. GLAZING WITHOUT PUTTY. In accordance with your wish, I now try to describe my simple method of glazing without putty. The bars are made of a new pattern T-iron, with a raised back IJ inch each woy, and the bar (a), represented in the accompanying section, is bent at each 18J inches by ma- chinery. Two pins (6) are riveted through in each length. and on these pins is an indiarubber washer (v) at each end. These washers are three-quarters of an inch in diameter, and one-quarter of an inch thick, and just touch the iron. The sheet of glass (rf) is inserted from the front between the iron and washer, the latter rolling round by the friction of the glass. A brass hook (c) is put on before one of the washers, a, sash-bar; &, iron pin; c, indiambber washer, four to each square; d, glass; e, brass hook, one to each square ;/,/, water guttei-. Braes hook. Top view of one sheet of glass 19 inches by 12. which holds it fast on, and when the sheet of glass is up in its place the hook drops over the edge, and holds the .sheet fast until released by lifting the hook up again. I can put in twenty squares per minute, or take that number out in the same time. The cost of these roofs varies from 6d. to 7d. per superficial foot. The house you have a drawing of is 24 feet by 11 feet. The upper board in front can be removed at wiU for ventilation. With a boy to assist, I can take the house down in three hours, and pack it, and I can erect it in the same time. — Samuel Juckes, ^hreicshuii/. ADDITIONAL NOTES ON CONIFER.^. I HOPE the remarks of Mr. Cramb, at page 152, on Conifers ■wiU be followed by the comments of others having like expe- rience. I am sorry, however, to leam that little hojjes are entertained of Pinus insignis succeeding in the west central counties, where in general most trees thrive as well as in the more favoured coast districts. This fine species gi'ows here (Linton Park), quite as rapidly as the Scotch Fir, and, so far as appearances go, is quite as hardy, the severe winter of 1860-Gl not having had the least effect upon it, and it has borne cones for some years. The only Conifer of any size that Buffered with us that winter was a species allied to Pinus excelsa — I beHevc P. Montezum* or some other Mexican, which had suffered in hard winters before, and did so last winter also. Pinus excelsa seems quite hardy, and is this season bea:ring cones, as well as Thujopsis boreahs, and some other Conifers mentioned in a former article ; but I rather regi-et than other- wise hearing of Welhngtonia doing so, for, like Mr. Cramb, I think this mil one day become the monarch of our forests. The best specimens we have are gi-owing on moderately dry ground, but by no means shallow, and their progi-ess is rapid ; the tree seems to accommodate itself to even a dry stony soil and exposed situation, and gi'ows luxuriantly enough. I am far from certain what description of soil or situation suits the Araucaria best, for, with the exception of the one at Dropmore, the next best I know of is in Northumberland, where it is gi'owing in a deep moist soil ; and a short time ago I saw a veri- healthy young plant, about 10 feet high, that was grow- ing about 6 feet from the edge of a large pond, its coUar being not more than 8 or 10 inches above the level of the standing water, and nothing could exceed the healthy condition of the plant. Nest to the WeUingtonia as a new jdant I should be inclined AueuBt as, 1666. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 173 to place Thuja Lobbi, a fuat-gi-owing graceful tree, not a shrub like the ordinary Arbor Vitic, but a plant starting with the evident intention of becoming a tree. Cupressus Lawsoniana has not a more promising appearance, although it was put forth as one of the tallest of the Couiferie. As to Cupressus Lambertiana, the only drawback to its general adoptiDS ROME.— No. 4. To strangers in Eome St. Peter's is the first great point of attraction — the sun, from which streams the Ught of the minor stai'S. I may never forget my first view of the interior of this gi-eat temple ; it stands out alone in my memoi-y, surrounded by a bright halo of its own. The exterior was at all times disappointing to me, and I entered the vast doors with a fear lest the same feeUng might foUow me witliin. The church was nearly empty, but I did not note it. There fell upon me instantly, and with wonderful power, a sense of my own utter nothingness, that bowed me to the earth with irresistible force. It seemed as if th.at miglity building, so vast, so imutterably magnificent in its tremendous proportions, awed me as the contemplation of eternity awes ; and my whole being cried out for the God in whose honom- tliis temple was raised — a temple that seemed .almost woi-thy of being " the gate of heaven." I rose from my knees, filled with this same strange awe, to see a crowd of people hurrying in one tlirectiou. What great attraction was there '? On reaching a given point they fell on then- knees, crossed themselves, and, then rising, approached some object, which they reverently kissed, and pressed to fore- head and lips with tenderest devotion. I went to the spot. There was no cross, no representation of the Crucified. I saw only a hideous black statue, said to have been that of some old Eoman emperor, but now called St. Peter ! I was told that a Flora of the piazza of St. Peter's had been printed, but I have never seen it, nor did I gather one wild- flower specimen there. The shrine, beneath which the bones of St. Peter lay, was adorned by no bright wreath of fading August 29, 1865. ] JOUENAL OF HOETICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 175 flowers ; ninety-three lamps burned there night and day, and its immortclh'e are the prayers of thousands of burdened hearts which arise daily and for ever from loieeljug multitudes up to the great white throne of God. If St. Peter's is, as it were, the centre of Home, this shrino is the centre of St. Peter's. From thence you can glance upwards to the incomparable dome, the immense magnitudo of which the straining eye fails to realise, while its beautiful details are partially lost in the far distance ; and from the dome downwards to the pavement of rich marbles, and along the vast nave to the great western doors, which, if you are fortunate, may bo opening to admit a jirocessiou of Pope, cardinals, bishops, and clergy, who wiU pass through a filo of Swiss guards m their strange amber red and black imiform, and fall on their linees to worship before tho altar of the Blessed Sa- crament. Or, it may be, you wUl hear iu the distance the blending of many voices in a loud sonorous chaunt, and a pro- cession of some confraternity wUl enter, headed by a cardinal, while some of tho members bear a crucifix, others huge wax tapers, and all arc covered by a loose white, black, or grey robe, with girdle and rosary round the waist, and a hood over the face, with holes cut lor the eyes. Or the confi-atemity may be one of noble ladies, with attendants bearing kneehng- cushions, and every few minutes helping them to bear the weight of the huge tapers or crucifix. In Lent, procession after procession files in ; at the door the chant ceases, and in sOeuce they pass towards the altar of the Blessed Sacrament, and there fall down on their knees in lowly worship. After a while they rise and pass on, while another confraternity takes their place. Or, it may be, that you will hear soft music steaUng on the air, and the echo of tutored voices rising and falling in measured harmony. Wandering away in the line of these vibrating chords — past many a noble statue, in marble or iu bronze, of Popes long dead and gone — you will find yourself in the Capella del Coro, where you may listen to music of the sweetest from what is said to be one of the finest choirs in the world. But what may you not see iu this magnificent temple ? At one time crowds will be worshipping a bit of the true cross, placed on high, surrounded by a hundred dazzling tapers ; at another. Pope, cardinals, kings, and beggars will be kneeling before a handkerchief, said to have wiped away the sweat from the Lord's brow on His way to Calvary, and to have retained the impress of His features. At yet another time crowds will be marching up the magnificent Scala Eegia to the Capella Paolina, to worship the Host, laid in a tomb, with many hun- dreds of tapers burning around, some of them hanging from the very roof of the chapel, which is draped in mourning. The whole ceremony has the appearance of the lying in state of some great person. None are forbidden entrance ; and the motley crowd pass in and out in sUence, kueeUng and adoring, and then returning back to St. Peter's for other sights and ceremonies. But the supreme moment in the annual life of St. Peter's is when the Pope, on Easter day, comes out on the balcony to proclaim to the world that Christ is risen, and to bless the assembled people in His great name. Then the tiny wayside flower, which lifts up its head from the masonry of the steps leading to St. Peter's, is crushed beneath the feet of a countless multitude of men and women, soldiers, horses, and artillery — every street leading to the piazza of St. Peter's is filled to over- flowing by the crowd of people who can find no place in the piazza itself. The tumult and the buzz made by this concourse is so great, that even the roar of the caimou proclaiming the horn- of noon seems to be in part stifled by it ; but the instant the Pope, wearing his triple crown and borne on the shoulders cf men, appears, every sound is hushed, every knee is bent, and nothing is heard save the distant barking of a dog or the neighing of a horse, while the Pope's magnificent voice rings over the enormous mitltitudes, calling dowTi from on high the blessing of the Lord. And yet from most of these bustling spectacles of St. Peter's how refresliiug it was to turn to the pure earth and sky ! the one clothed in a carpet of many colours, the other wearing such hues of azure softness as I have never seen elsewhere. One day, after a morning at St. Peter's, we drove to the 'Villa Pamfili-Doria, and had a lovely scramble after Anemones, ■Violets, and other wild flowers. This ViUa is the Hyde Park of Eome on Fridays and Mondays, when it is most generously thrown open to the pubUc, and its beautiful woods resound with the merry laugh of many a pretty English girl wandering amidst them, gathering bunches of dark blue Violets, much darker and finer than our English ones. The grass was fra- grant with the breath of Thyme ; and here and there, amidst a jjrofusion of 'Violets, I foimd the Cyclamen latifolium vrith its broad leaves so darkly and beautifully marked. The flowers had all been gathered, but I brought away the leaves to place in a bouyuet of Anemones of many colours that I found grow- ing iu profusion. In places the ground was (pute rose-coloured with the Anemone hortensis. The only Fern I saw was tho Adiantum capillus-'Veneris. It waved its tender fronds from many a stone of the rustic bridge placed over a piece of water, where stately swans were gUding about, persecuted by some Italian boys who were trying to rouse their anger, while two monks, vei-y dirty and very slightly clad in brown serge robes with girdles of rope, looked on and laughed approval. These monks are to be met with everywhere — in the streets with a wallet on their back, in which they put the food they beg for theii- daily sustenance — on the stairs of the hotel, shaking a money-box in your face, and praying you to help souls cut of purgatory — in pictiure-galleries, silent and observing, yet utterly apart from the busy world around them. I did not meet them, where, too, they may be seen, at the bed.sides of the_ poor, consoling the dying, feeding the hungry, and ministering to the sick. Idle the many may be, but Italy without her monkB would be in a worse state than England without her poor- house. But to return to the Villa Pamfili-Doria with its nntidy luxuriance of beauty, where Natiire, left very much to her own caprices, riots and revels in superb indifference to aU rules of horticultm-e, beautiful flowers and scarcely less beautiful weeds contending for pre-eminence ; and amidst it aU EngUsh lads were playing cricket, and EngUsb fair-haired maidens were having their croquet-match, near to the vei-y spot where, in 1841), Garibaldi fought for what he deemed was Italy, and brave hearts bit the dust and ceased to beat for ever. There is a pretty orangery in the gardens ; but Oranges in Home are not like what they are in the Cornice — they seem to require care and looking after, and even with that many are sick and fruitless. In the garden of the Palazzo EospigUosi I found some Orange trees almost without leaves on one side of the garden, while those planted on the sunny side were fiUl of fi-uit and flowers. I asked the gardener about them, and he told me his Orange trees lost their leaves about every two years ; but the situation was dry and not good for them, and the old man appeared to be thinking a great deal more of the expected pauls than of the neglected gai-den. In the Eospigliosi Palace is the " Aurora " of Guido, a fresco painting that to my taste stands out immeasurably apart in its superiority from any profane picture I have ever seen. It tells its own story in a maimer as bright as its colouring. ApoUo drives through the air, his chariot surrounded by nymphs_ of surpassing loveliness. Aiirora precedes the chariot, scattering flowers on the earth. The dark blue waters of a distant sea, bordered by hUls, lie beneath, while over the entire scene there is the unmistakeable look of natiu-e just awakening from night to dawn. I wondered if the old gardener spent his time in peeping through the window at this incomparable work of art rather than in studying the indifferent page of nature that was his province. One of the chief pleasures of modem Eome is its palaces, each containing some treasure, some glorious painting or choice piece of sculpture, that gives individuality to the building, and clothes it with a glory not its own. Who is there that, hearing of the Palazzo Barberini, does not instantly see before him the touching, chUdlike, pleading face of Beatrice Cenci ? The glories of the Barberini famUy, Pope, and Cardinal, are alike forgotten, whUe the pictured story of innocence stai-tled with crime haunts him, with its tender claim for .sj-mpathy, for ever. No copy of this most wonderful picture bears any com- parison with the original. The white turban is there indeed, the white robe, the chestmtt hair, the brown eyes ; but they are as the clay figure of Prometheus — they laek the fire of life, the magic touch of the master's hand. — FiLix-FffiinNA. PORTRAITS OF PL.YNTS, FLO'WTiRS, AND FRUITS. Bektolonh guttata (Spotted -leaved Bertolonia). Nat. ord.y Melastomaceffi. Linn., Decandria Monogynia. — Eeceived by Mr. Veitch, of Chelsea, in May last, as a native of Madagascar, but beUeved to be peculiar to Brazil. The foUage is most beautiful, being marked between the five pai-aUel veins with 176 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. r August 29, 1865. lines of distinct white or, more frctiueutly, rose-coloured spots, giving the leaf tlie appearance of being studded with rubies. Flowers rose-coloured.— (L'o^. 3Iafi., t. 5524.) ScnTELLARiA AURATA, Tar. suLPHUEEA (Sulphur-flowered Golden ScuteUaria). Nnt. ord., Labiata?. Lum., Didynamia Gymnospermia.— A vai-iety of Scutellaria aurata, with smaller flowers of a pale sulphur colour.— (/&/rf., (. 5525.) PsAiiMisiA LONGicoLLA (Loug-necked Psammisia). Nat. ortl., Ericacea;. Liiiii., Decaudria MonogiTiia. Native of South America.— A stragghug shrub, with glossy, coriaceous leaves and bottle-shaped scarlet and green flowers". — (Ibid., t. 5526.) Thai-exopsis SL-MAinAXA (Sumatra PhaLpuopsis). Xnt. ord., Orchidacea-. Linn., Gyuandri.i Monandria.— Native of Palem- bang, Siunatra, wliere it was discovered by Korthals more than a quarter of a century ago, but first e>diibited in flower in this counti-y by Mr. Day, at South Kensington, in the present year. Flowers yellowish white, barred transverselv with broad streaks of reddish brown ; the lip white, spotted with orange and streaked with violet or lilac. — [Ibid., t. 5527.) PiiiMULA coRTUsoiPEs, vur. AMcENA. — lutroduced by Mr. Veitch from Japan. Flowers deep rosy purple, with white eye.— (Ibid., t., 5528.) Ehododendbon thibaudiense.— Native of Bhootan. Flowers resemblmg those of a ThibautUa rather than of a Rhodo- dendron, reddish orange, tipped with veWovi.— {Floral Man pi. 253.) " ^ -^ Aquilegia ctEEui.EA.- Native of the Rocky Mountains, origi- nally discovered by Dr. James, and raised bv Mr. Thompson, of Ipswich, from seeds sent home by Dr. Parry. Flowers violet blue and white, with long spurs. — {ihid. pi. 254.) Clekodendeon Tiiojisonje, rni: Balfoueii.— Raised by Mr. McNab, of the Edinburgh Botanic Garden. Flowers large, crimson and white. — (Ibid., pi., 255.) Pkimdla ixteemedia.— Raised by Mr. Fiillar, Headingley, and now in the hands of Mr. Bull, of Chelsea. Flowers resem- bling a small-flowered Auricula, mauve ; trusses composed of numerous pips. — (Ibid., pi. 256.) Skimmia oblata.— " Imagine the bright-coloured berries of the HoUy set amongt the glossy livelv gi-een leaves of the Laurel, and somethiug like a picture of 'this new Skimmia will be brought before the mind's eye. In September, 1864, Mr. Standish exhibited before the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society a specimen, in fruit, of this new hardy evergreen shrub, when it received, as it desen-ed, a first-class certificate. As a decorative shrub it is immeasurably superior to the ordinary Skimmia japonica, as it'is caDed, beautiful and interesting as that may be, in certain situations ; for it produces berries of the brightest vermihon red, in contrast with rich green foliage, while that has both foliage and fruit dull-co- loured. The plant, which was one of Mr. Fortune's dis- coveries, must become a valuable acquisition for our gardens and shrubberies. " On examination it has proved to be obviously distinct from all Skimmias yet known, in the remarkably oblate figure of its bright red berries, so very tlifferent from 'the oblong fruits of the Skimmias we have heretofore possessed. It is also re- markably ilistiuct in the form and texture of its foliage, as well as in habit. It is a free-growing plant, with dense clear green leaves, and erect terminal panicles of white flowers, succeeded by bright-coloured berries nestling amongst the foliage. 'We are assured by Mr. Standish that, unlike the other species we cultivate, this bears exposure to the sim without injury."—- (Flm'ist and l\i)noln(iist, iv. 161.) ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S MEETING. The August meeting of this Society was held on the 7th inst., the chair being occupied by P. Pascoe, Esq., F.L.S., President. Amongst the donations announced were the publications of the Royal Society of Loudon, the Linnfean Society of Lyons, and the Zoologioo-Botauical Society of Vienna. _ Mr. McLachlau exhibited some specimens of the Ant Lion insect in the imago state, which he had reared in this country from larva; which he had found at Fontainbleau. Mr. W. W. Saunders exhibited a live Locust of a delicate green colour, of which he had received several specimens in a young state from Mr. Marshall of Edmonton, who had found them in his Orcljid-house, where they had probablv been im- ported with Orchids from Mexico. Mr. Saunders 'had fouud them very injurious amongst his Orchids since he had received them, a Cyanophyllum had been especially damaged ; the insects feeding by night so as to escape detection, their pre- sence only bemg indicated by the holes which they had made in the leaves. On being secured in a glass vase their move- ments were very interesting, being almost incessantly engaged in cleansing their limbs andautennEe, which they di-aw through their maucUbles. Mr. Bates stated that during his residence in the Amazons he had never noticed any species of Locust to be nocturnal iu its habits. He also descriljed the apparatus by which tha insects made the chirping noise so often heard, by means of a di-um-like space at the base of one of the wing-covers, the opposite one ha\-ing a serrated ridge, which is drawn back- wards and forwards over the drum. The natives iu some parts of the Amazon Valley kept these insects in cages for the sake of the noise which they make. Professor Westwood stated that the insect in question did not belong to the family of the true migratory Locusts, but to that of the Grasshoppers with long slender antennaj (GryUida:) ; also tliat the apparatus by which the noise is made has a much greater resemblance to a tambourine than a drum, consisting of a single strong membrane stretched across a circular space with a raised margin. It was also stated that our British species, Meconema varia, which belongs to the same group, is often taken at night by sugar placed on trees for attracting Moths. The President stated that he had received a particular ac- count from a friend in Australia of the means by which the species of Bolbocerus make a noise — namely, by the rotation and friction of the hind coxa; in their cavities, being furnished with a narrow groove. Mr. Saunders, jun., exhibited a specimen of the very rare Trachys pygmnea taken in a marsh near Lowestoft ; and Mr. D. Sharp a beautiful series of Cryiitocephalus 10-punctatus, varying from red to black, taken at Rannoch iu Scotland. Mr. S. Stevens exhibited a box of beautiful Butterflies col- lected by M. Bouchard, Santa Martha, the extreme northern part of South .\inerica. Mr. Smith communicated a note dated at the end of April last from Mr. S. Stone of Brighthanipton, giving an account of the vast numbers of female Wasps which he had observed during the spring, notwithstanding the great destruction o£ Wasps' nests during the preceding autumn. The species which he had observed were V. germanica, rufa, sylvestris, and vul- garis. Many of these he had induced to commence building by making holes in banks, which they at once selected for their nests. It was, however, stated that up to the time of this meeting Wasps had been extremely scarce ; and many nests which had been begun and j)artially tenanted had been destroyed from some cause or other hitherto unexplained. Mr. Saunders suggested that possibly this might have been caused by the attacks of Earwigs on the young grubs in the cells of the Wasps' nests ; whilst Professor Westwood con- sidered that it was owing to the very violent rains which had several times fallen during the spring and summer. It was stated that Earwigs had this season been exceedingly abundant, probably in consequence of the long dry weather during the time when the eggs were being hatched. As many as a score of these troublesome insects had been found in a single flower of the ffinothera macrocarpa. Professor Westwood gave an account of some peculiarities he had observed in the economy of the caterpillars of the Ailanthus Silk Moth, especially with reference to their feeding by night whilst young, their eating their east skins, and tha peculiar exudation of a white powder over their bodies prerious to moulting. The Secretary read some notes on the rearing of the Saturnia attar in France. Mr. Moore, however, stated that he had pre- viously reared it in this country. Mr. D. Sharp exhibited specimens of the larv* of the beau- tiful Lycus (Eros) aurora, foimd in vast numbers at Rannoch under masses of chips of Fir trees. Mr. Baly read a memoir containing descriptions of a number of new exotic species of Phytophagous Beetles ; and the Secre- tary exhibited a remarkable specimen of Bupalus piniariug, which appeared to be intermediate between the male and female sexes ; the body and antenn.'e being decidedly female, whilst the wings were marked like those of the male, being, however, suifused — the dark colours of the male being con- verted to a duU brown. He also made some observations on the classification of such monstrosities proposed by Mr. New- man, which was not sufficient to include the iiresent indi- vidual. August 39, 1865. ] JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 177 WOKK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN OAItDKN. The long-continued wet weather lias favouroil the Ki-owth of weetls, and rendered their de.struction a matter of dilliculty. The best iilan to adopt, when hoeing and raking are not prac- ticable, is to dig them down, es))ccially the .young generation. Artichokes, out down tlie llower-stems and remove the dead leaves from the old plantations ; those made last season will probably now produce a few heads. Ciihhuiii', continue to plant out for Coleworts at every opportunity that is favourable. Prick out the young plants 'intended for the main spring crop. Cucninlirm, those intended for house culture should now he potted into their fruiting-pots ; the soil for the purjiose should bo comjiosed of equal parts of loam, rotten dung, and leaf mould ; good drainage shoidd he given, the healtliof the jilauts depending, in a great measure, on this point. Allow- one or two shoots to grow to the full extent of the house before being stopped. Cihiji, in earthing-up, the greatest care is necessary to prevent any portion of the earth from falling into the heart of the plant, which would )ucvent the upright growth of the inside leaves, and spoil the appearance for the table ; nor should the earth be pressed too closely round the upper part of the plant, as, frequently, when such is the case, the latter bulges out below. The best practice is to tie each plant up loosely with matting, after having removed the suckers and small leaves, and then a little earth can he added every week as the plant increases in height. Another common eiTor arises from earthing Celery up too soon.' It should be al- lowed to gi-ow to a considerable size before earthing-up is attempted, and be frequently soaked with water, as but little rain will reach the roots afterwards ; it should likewise never b« touched when the plants are at all damp. Ciirdnnns will require similar treatment. Leeks, plant out the thinnings of the seed-bed as soon as the weather is favourable ; this is a veiy useful culinary vegetable dxu-ing the winter. Onions, no time should be lost in getting the crop stored when fiUly di-y. As the ground is generally used for Cabbage, it should be immediately trenched up ; if manure is necessary, let it he laid on the top of the trenched soQ and fork it in ; if, however, the gi-ound was well manured for the Onions it ought to carry the Cabbages tlu'ough, and they will always be the better thus, because, if too much maniu'e come in contact with the roots in the autumn, it induces a succiJent luxuriant gi'owth, which renders them liable to injury from alternations of frost and thaw iu the winter. Turnips, the last crop for the season to be sown ; thin advancing crops. Scarlet linnners, let all the old pods be picked off, except a few of the best for seed, as they exhaust tiie plants for a succession. At the earliest opportimity earth- up BroccoUs, Savoys, and all other crops that require it ; re- move Peas that are mildewed immediately they are done with ; destroy caterpillars that infest the Brassica tribe before they do much mischief. FKUIT G.\RDEN'. The following few necessary precautions are to he ohsei"ved in the gathering and storing of fruit. Peaches and Nectarines should not be allowed to remain on the tree imtil they are what is technically called dead ripe. A httle practice will enable a person to determine the degree of ripeness at which thev should be gathered, without resorting to the common way of pinching. Plums should be allowed to remain until perfectly ripe ; the large amount of saccharine matter in the fruit acts as a pre- servative, and although something may be lost in bulk by their remaining on the tree, the flavom" will not he deteriorated. Such as the Imperatrice and Golden Drop, if protected from wasps, may he kept imtil a very late period of the season. Apples and Pears generally fall as soon as they arrive at an early degree of ripeness ; that period must be anticipated, and their removal effected as soon as it is ascertained. After gathering, the fruit intended for lieeping should be laid out in the fruit- room for a week or ten days, and exposed to a free circulation of ah-. The fruit will be found clammy from perspiration ; it should be carefully wiped and laid out thinly in the store-room, which should he kept, as soon as the fruit is introduced, securely closed and protected from material alterations of temperature. If Apples and Pears are gathered carefidly without bruising, and at a proper period sorted, all defective fruits being removed, and the rest stored in the manner above described — if they are placed on paper, so much the better — they may be kept with very little loss, and in a pilimip, highly-flavoured con- dition throughout the winter. FLOWER GARDEN-. Unless some precautions are taken to keep the taller plants in the beds of geometric flower gardens within proper limits, they will be likely, towards the end of t!ie season, to become too' high, and will destroy the uniform appearance essential to this style of gardening. A constant watch slKudd, therefore, be kept on plants likely to exceed the standard height, and by frequently pinching back or pegging down, endeavour to keep beds of the same pattern at the same height. At this season, with beds of flowering plants, frequent cuttings-back and trim- mings will be required to prevent free-growing plants becoming straggling, and the late rains will contribute to their becoming so ; at the same time allow no dead flowers or seed-poda to remain on the plants. By careful attention to these littlo matters, the season of blooming may be prolonged till tho ]ilants are destroyed by frost. Lawns should be well swept in di7 weather to remove worm-casts, and aftei-wards well rolled. Where worms are very troublesome, water with clear lime water of full strength, thi's will bring them to the surface, when they should be removed. Cuttings of various evergreens should now be planted, to keep up the reserve-garden. GBEENHOnSE AND CONSEUVATOUY. Directly .Tapan Lilies, Gladioli, and plants of like hahit have done blooming remove them to the foot of a south wall to ripen their growth ; water them moderately till their foliage show signs of decay, when they may be laid on their sides tUl potting- time. The earUest-striiok Pelargoniums should now be potted off, exposing them on all occasions to the weather, except during heavy rains. The older plants first cut back, which have made shoots an inch or two long, should now he shaken out of the old soil, the roots trimmed, and repotted in smaller pots ; if they can be plunged in a slight bottom heat till the roots are started it will be of assistance to them. Attend to Chrysanthe- mums, water freely with liquid manure ; good specimens shoiUd he aimed at rather than a few fine blooms. The earliest winter- flowering Heaths andEpacrises must soon he placed under glass, as it will forward then- blooming. Hyacinths and Narcissuses for forcing must soon occupy attention ; about equal portions of good soft loam and decayed leaf mould, with a little sand, will be the best soil for them, if for forcing. STO%-E. The specimens temporarily disposed in other houses should now be restored to their proper position, and should generally receive the treatment calculated to ripen their summer's growth of wood, and so prepare them against the injurious effects of our trying winters. Let Euphorbia jacquiniajflora receive attention. PITS AND FRAMES. Propagation of all the more important bedding plants should now he pushed on as quickly as possible. Let Scarlet and other Geraniums struck in the open ground be taken up, and potted immediately they have made roots ; they will require a close frame for a week or two, when they should be placed on a dry bottom in a southern exposure to harden them for the wmter. — W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. This dav (Thursday), we have had a visitor that spent the most of Wednesday "in the Crystal I'alace, and was pretty well obhged to stay there. AVe have no regular rain-gauge, but judging from our tanks, more rain fell here yesterday than has fallen altogether since March. It will be of assistance to. all fresh-planted things in the way of vegetables, but it will be almost sure to affect all the later kinds of Potatoes, and to bring us whole shoals of weeds, and so prevent our ever having the hour's idleset that used to be looked forward to in days of yore. We say nothing of the flower garden— that was rather 'radiant on Wednesday morning. This morning it was enough to give one a fit of the blues. Our finest ribbons and beds looked like faded washed-out finery, conjuring up much of the same class of mournful melancholy associations which we feel in witnessing in towns the cast-off garments of the rich torn to tatters by the poor and the unfortunate. Would that they too might be able to look up and rejoice, as the flowers will yet do if privileged with sunshine and calm. Many a tattered neglected flower of humanity, rough and uncouth to the eye, would \-ield a rich hai-vest of beauty and moral loveliness if only receiving that amoimt of cultivation which hearts thrilling with human sympathy know so well how to impart. That seen-and-felt sympathy is evei-j-tliing in arresting and elevating the impulses of the stray waifs of humanity. Strive as yon 178 JOURNAL OF HOETICDLTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. [ August 29, 1865. win, honestly as you will, perseveriugly as you will, and from as sincere a desire to do good as you will, but set youi'self up as if much better than they — in one word, leave out the seen- and-felt sjTnpathy with their condition, and your well-meant efforts will be as fruitless as the attempt to make flowers look their best amid the drenching downpourings of rain and the absence of the bright sun, with which they have so much sympathy that they ever look the best when basking in its rays. We Trill allow that our friends the farmers, proverbial for their grximbUng at all times and all seasons, have lately had some reason to be a little uneasy, though the chief harm should at present be confined to the blackening of the Barley, which will make it bring less in the market for malt, even though it shoTild be none the less nourishing when ground as meal. In the extra labour and expense in securing the harvest in snch a season as this, we thoroughly feel for and sj-mpathise with them ; and if we should pay a little more for our bread we would have no reason to complain, as it is best every way, that whilst every man should bear his own burden, we should also keep in mind and duly practise the precept, " Bear ye one another's biirdens." But there is one matter connected with the present harvest in this neighbourhood which hitherto has not come so prominently under our notice — a practice which even now we hope is anything but general, and which we trust will ere long cease to be particular, and that for the benefit of all parties concerned, whether master or servant. A custom has long obtained in this neighbourhood that in consideration of the long hoiirs something like double pay is given to the labourers in the harvest month. Sometimes a certain number of men engage to do all the harvesting for a certain sum, and the amount is generally such that in a fine season the men make a little more than the regular month's wages, and the having the work more quickly done is an advantage to all parties. In such a season as this it will tell against the men. The most general plan, however, is to engage men for the month at the increased wages agreed upon, generally the nsual working men on the farm, with some additions if deemed necessary. Now it appears that, in many cases, farmers, who scarcely ever during the season send a man home on account of the weather if anything at all can be done, will send them home on these wet haiTest days, and require the time thus lost to be made up at the end of the month, so that a man may have his harvest month extended for the same money into five weeks or more, instead of four weeks. It might not be fair to expect that when men could not go into the fields on account of the weather they should receive harvest pay, but it would tell greatly to the advantage of the men, and we think to the benefit of the fanner hkewise, if the men were kept doing some- thing about the homestead, and received for such days the common wages of the year, instead of constraining them to be idle against then' will, and exposing them to the temptation of so spending that idle time as not to fit them over-well for the work of the following day ; whilst much is apt to be spent that if unspent would have told on the comforts of home. Most facts may be used to bolster up opposite principles, but it requires no prophet's vision to foresee that if such modes be- come the general practice steam and horse power vrill ere long do what is now accomplished by human labour. EITCHEN GARDEN. Much the same as in previous weeks. Took up the remainder of the Potatoes. As we expected, a few are diseased, and a few signs of disease are appearing among those taken up early and harvested in good condition. Took up more Onions, as they are better out of the ground now, too much wet causing them often to mould, or rot at the points. Those sowti to stand the winter are coming up nicely. The Spanish and TripoU are good for this purpose, and so is the Blood Bed for those who like it. Button Onions seem scarce, this season, unless where the plants were left thick on poor soils. Sowed the last Lettuces, &c., planted out a lot, and of Endive for succession. Cauli- flowers, Coleworts, and a few of the earliest Cabbages, and will take the opportunity of the first dry day to run the hoe through every open spot, as a lawn might soon be formed, where a few days ago there was not the trace of a weed. We are constantly meeting with proofs that the earth to considerable depths is stored vrith the seeds of vegetation, that only reqiiire to come in contact with the atmosphere, &c., to grow and seed again. In sweeping the sides of kitchen-garden walks about a month ago, to make them look fresher, we threw along the sides a little sandy gravel, dug directly from the pit, and these sides where scarcely a weed was seen before, are sending up fine grass like a carpet. We have known many instances of walks that scarcely showed a weed for years, yielding a plentiful supply when they were fresh-gravelled over the surface. Even ;in this respect, a fresh coating on the surface often makes much additional work afterwards, and in the case of these imported seeds of weeds, we know of no mode of preventing their grow- ing unless some means could be resorted to for kihi-drying the gravel, and that would be an expensive process. There is a great difference in gravel pits in this respect, some scarcely contain a seed, and others ai-e well supplied. It is advisable to nso all gravels fresh dug ; when the heaps lie long exposed many wing seeds are nestled in them. We recollect of a piece of gravel producing a rare crop of Sow Thistles, and yet not one could be found for a great circumference round the pit. Made some Mushroom-bricks for spawning in a wet day; eartbed-up another piece in our thatched shed, the first beds producing plentifully. Will smoke and clean the Mushroom- house, and begin tliere as soon as we can collect material suffi- ciently dry. Mushrooms, we believe have been plentiful out of doors this season, but they are not to be depended on like those grown at home. At the best they are ticklish things except for ketchup, and the boiling and the quantity of spice may make that harmless out of rather questionable materials. FEUIT GARDEN. Gathered fruit in fine days. Supported some Apple trees much loaded with fruit. Plums ought to have been more thinned. Melons have come in rather too much together. Watered the Fig-pit. WiU clear Strawberry-beds as soon as the ground is dry. Potted more for forcing. Thinned out shoots, and shortened-in those of Peaches, &c. Gathered in the rest of the Apricots ; though a heavy crop, the continued wet weather has made many rot and damp before they ripened. Thinned out part of the Easpberry canes, to give more room, sun, and air, for those intended to bear next year. Will con- tinue these and other jobs as soon as the ground is drier. Looked over Tines to see that tliere were no damp berries. Kept fires in on these wet days, and gave air in proportion, and lest the red spider should appear, brushed the pipes over with thin sulphur paint. OESAMEN'TAL DEPARTMENT. The less said of the flower garden the better for a few days, though a few hours' sun does wonders. Most of the beds will require picking as soon as the weather is drier. Fine trusses of some kinds of Geraniums have scarcely an open petal that is not drenched like a wet rag. Other sorts, as Rubens, Mrs. Ver- non, itc, seem to brave the wet well, sending the deluges of water from their petals as if they were so many duck-wings, Stella stood well until this last drenching ; now it will want a good deal of picking to make it bright again. Of all we have seen, for massive effect it is still No. 1. The nsual routine of potting has been persevered in, on wet days especially. One row of Calceolarias had become too low, and we commenced raising it some 6 inches, but were stopped by the rains. We adopted the same plan some ten years ago, and the plants, lifted with a fork in large pieces, never felt the operation. We could not proceed, as the other rows becoming wet would have been discoloured by some of the earth that was necessary for raising the Calceolaries falling on them. A few hours' labour, when it can be spared, will thus often make a gi'eat difference in appearances. The gi'owth of many plants is very different this season from what it was last, and thus people are apt to be deceived as to heights. Our chief work, however, has been mending up our small wooden boxes in wet days, washing pots, iSrc, limewashing the rough boxes, and putting in lots of cut- tings, having fairly commenced with Geraniums, and taking the variegated kinds first. Of the common variegated kinds, there is a fine variety of Brilliant, called Improved, that we understand will be generally diffused next season. The fohage has more white in it, and the flowers are larger, and in larger and stronger trusses than the old Brilliant, whilst the compact habit is retained. We have, as yet, no reserve ground for cuttings — that is, plants to take cuttings from ; and, therefore, they are carefully selected from the bottom of the plants in the flower-beds, so as to make as Httle appearance of being meddled with as possible. Short stubby pieces, from 3 to 4 inches long, are generally preferred. In such weather a good lot is taken when there is a dry interval of a few hours, and then the cuttings are made when it is wet. The boxes average 2 feet in length, 9 to 12 inches in width, and 3 or 4 in depth ; enough riddlings are strewn along the bottom, then we partly fill in with good fresh lumpish soil, giving a casing of Aaguat 29, 186S. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 179 lighter sandier soil on the surface. The cuttings are dibhlod in froui 1 to 1 i inch apart. Tlio variegated lands may liave a cold pit, ami sumo old lifjlits laid over thom ; tho commcni Scarlets will mostly stand in tho open air. The hoxes we prefer at first, hecauso it saves lifting and potting if tlio cuttmgs are placed first in the gi-oimd ; and tliough we have no objection to using rather largo pots for cuttings, wo think wo can move them about more (juickly and easily in these boxes. Tho boxes aro so roughly made that we do not need to trouble oiu'- selves about drainage ; the water escapes by tho sides fast enough. There is just ono disadvantage in the use of such rough boxes — they aro apt to liavo fungus .about them when standing in a damp place, hence the limewashing. Pots, however, will always be tho favoiu'ites with many, and for scarce things 'thi-ee or four cuttings in a foiu'-inch pot is a good plan for securing quick-strildng and healthy plants. We have had numerous inquiries about striking Scarlet Geranivims from leaves. Wo have no laith in it as a matter of practice. Striking a leaf, with a bit of tho stem at the bottom enclosing a bud in the axil, is a tUfl'erent thing, and is not leaf-striking. As a general rule, little is gained by using cuttings less than 3 iaehes in length. — K. F. C0\'T:NT GARDEM MARIvET.— August 2fi. All kinds of fniit and vegetables in season continue to be abundantly snpplied, and quotutions are nearly the same as last week. FRUIT. Apples 4 sieve 1 Aprieotg doz. 1 Cherries lb. 1 Chestnuts bush. 0 Currants, Red ^ sieve 3 Black do. 4 Figs doz. 1 Filberts lb. 0 Cobs do. 0 Oooseberries. . \ sieve 0 Grapes, Hambro.. . lb. 1 Muscats lb. 3 Lemons 100 8 Artichokes each 0 Asparagus bundle 0 Beans Broad. . bushel 0 Kidney do 3 Beet, Red doz. 2 Broccoli bundle 0 Brus. Sprouts , . ^ sieve 0 Cabbage doz. 0 Capsicums IWO 2 Carrots bunch 0 Cauliflower doz. 3 Celeiy bundle 2 Cucumbers each 0 pickling .... doz. 2 Endive score 2 Fennel bunch 0 Garhc and Shallots, lb. 0 Herbs bunch 0 Horseradish . . bimdle 2 R. rt o2 0 8 (I ■2 0 11 (1 5 n K n 2 0 1 0 0 n 0 n 4 n H 0 1-1 u s. d. s. Melons eftch 2 Oto 5 Mulljerrieg punnet 0 6 1 Nectarines doz. 16 6 Oranges 100 10 0 20 Peaches doz. 4 0 Pears (kitchen)., doz. 0 0 dessert doz. 1 0 Pine Apples lb. 3 0 Plums i sieve 2 6 8 0 0 0 0 0 Quinces J sieve 0 0 0 0 Raspberries ..."... lb. 0 0 00 Strawbemes lb. 0 0 0 0 Walnuts bush 14 0 20 0 VEGETABLES. d. 4to0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 I) 4 0 0 4 0 0 3 S s 6 s. d 0 K 0 0 0 0 6 0 S 0 0 0 0 () 1 6 » 0 0 H K 0 3 (1 0 H 4 0 8 0 0 (1 0 0 (1 0 4 0 Leeks bunch Lettuce per score Mushrooms pottle Mustd. ifc Cress, punnet Onions, .doz. bunches pickling quart Parsley ^ sieve Parsnips doz. Peas quart Potatoes bushel Kidney do. Radishes doz. bunches Rhubarb bundle Savoys doz. Sea-kale basket Spinach bushel Tomatoes doz. Turnips biinch Vegetable Marrows dz. 6. d. s. d 0 3 to 0 6 0 9 2 0 3 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 2 0 0 0 8 6 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 3 0 0 6 2 0 TR.VDE CAT.ILOGUE RECEIVED. W. Cutbush & Son, Highgate, London. — Descriptive Bulh CataJnpue for 1865. Wilham Bull, King's Eoad, Chelsea. — Retail List of Neio, Beautiful, and Rare Plants. B. S. Williams, Paradise and Victoria Nurseries, Holloway, London. — General Bulh Catalogue, General FeUuyonium Cata- logue, and Fruit-tree List. TO CORRESPONDENTS. Hamilton on the Pink Apple iE.S. J'rHc.s).— It is out of print. This mode of culture is included in " The Pine-Apple Manual," just published, and which yon can have fi*ee by post for thirty-twopenny postage stamps. ScHiNCS molle {A Constant Subscriber). — Your plants are each worth about 5s. Czar Rcssian Violet. — Several applications have been made to us for imformation where this variety can be piu'chased : reference to our ad- vertising colimins of this and last week will supply the desired imforma- tion. Pea and Potato (B*. C.)-— We do not know the "Yorkshire Hero " Pea. *' Rivers' Koyal Ash-leaved" Potatoe is early, productive, and pood. Plan of Garden {Rev. T. TK/fi/t-).— We know of uo gardener who would give you a plan. You had better write to Mr. Chapman, Garden Designer, Richmond, Sun-ey. Storing Filberts and Xuts iW. E.). — Nothing more i« required than to put them into stone jars, leaving all the husks on, and placing the jars in a cool cellar. If the cellar is damp all the better. PnopAOATiNa LonELiA specioha {F. T. C).--Wo always propagate Lo- boIiaH from cutlingH in preforenco to seed. You had bettiT procure half iL duzen plantH of tho true varioty from some roHpectubli! nurseryman; from six good plnnl^ procured now and kept through tho winter, you may easily propagate between the mnnths of February and May 1,5(J0 or 2,000 plants. To proHervo plants through tlio winter tho best plan in to strike some cuttings late in the spring, keep them in store jxits till about thiK time, when thev should bo cut in closely and potted in lur«e «>i- Kinall GO-potH. Thoputting-suilwillbe none the worse of being kept in n lioiisf, prnvidingit is not kept too dry nor too wet. Wo should be gbid if we coidd obtain from a rich pnstui'o a few loads of the yellow-looking soil y(ui name ; if it is the kind we take it to be almost anything would grow in it. If tho fibry part of it is used, when taking it from the pasture out up the sods about 2 or 3 inches thick. Cutting down Pelargoniums {Affncn). — The plants should be placed la a frame after they are cut down ao that they may be easily shcltorod from the rain, and exposed to the sun in fine weather. In ubuut tlireo weeks after they have been cut dnwn they will have pu^licd out their yiuiiig shfMitH. All tlie snil shoUld then be shaken away from their roots; iipMl, thi-in in iis sniiill pots as it is possible to put them into, then plac« thcMi in a friinif, k(tfi>int^ them close for a few ilays till the roots have taken bold of the fresh soil; afterwards they should bavo all the air that can possibly l)o given them. When the young shoots huvo grown U or 4 inches long pinch out their tops early in February, and repot the plants, but they must not have too larpe a shift at once ; it is better to put them two or three times than to ovorpot tliom the first time. In a fortnight r)r three weeks after each potting pincii out the top of every shoot; by these moans you will keep your plants stocky, and they will l>roduce double and treble the quantity'of bloom in consequence. At all times see that they are kept free from "green fly; when the slightest traco of this pest is seen fumigate with tol)acco at once. In tho spring months the green fly may be kept down by svTinging the plants \vith quasaiit water. This'is made by boiling the chips for ten minutes ; 1 lb. of quassia chips will nuike five or six gallons of watervery bitter. Tho chips should afterwards bo put into a tub or cistern and fresh water poured on them, into which any plant much affected \vith green fly or any other insect may be dipped ; but it is not safe to syringe the plants in the winter mouths, unless you have plenty of heat at command so that you can give abimdance of air and heat to dry the foliage as quickly as possible. If the foUage is allowed to remain wot long in the winter it soon decays. Planting Strawberry Runners (Jdfm}.~Thc Strawberry plants will be more likely to produce a crop of fruit tho same year if they are planted in Februai-y or March than they would if planted in the peraianent beds in autumn. The plants when taken up from the nurseiw beds in tho spring must not of course be pulled up carelessly, they should be taken up with nice balls of soil attached to them and be carefully planted, malting the hole for each plant large enough to put the plant in without cramping its roots. The soil should then be carefully scraped in around the plants with tho hand. If the weather is mild at the time of planting the plants will be all the better of a little water. This should be poured on them with a rose and not from the spout. If the plants are mulched with a di-y light substance, such as leaf-soil, directly after planting they will be all the better, as it will shelter them from the drying winds ; care must, however, be taken that the hearts of the young plants are not covered up with the mulching. If the plants are managed as described above, and in the previous article, they ■\vill never sufi'er from their removal. Almost any kind of Strawberry will produce a good crop of fruit in, tho first year if Managed in this way. Caterpillars and Slugs (QiierT/).— Hand-picldng is the most effectual and cheapest mode of clearing Cabbages of caterpillars. Dusting the surface of the gi'ound and the plants with slaked quicklime vnl\ destroy the slugs. If the soil is rather clayey, and has been so long neglected, pare and burn the top 6 inches of "the whole siu-face. It will effectually destroy the seeds of weeds as well as vermin. Geranium cuttings [K. C.).— We have not the direction of "W. C." who had given the cuttings away. Syringing with Hot Sewage (-Y. r.).~The urine you mention mtist he diluted with at least five times its bulk of water before it is used. Eatable Funguses {F. L.}.— Tho work entitled " The Eatable Fuugnses of Great Britain," is published at our oflice. The Editors aro the Editors of this Journal and others. Three Numbers have been published, and they may be had free by post from our office for forty postage stamps. Azalea Versch-*j'felti. — "J. P. F." wishes to know where ha can purchase some for grafting on. Slugs on Lawn {.-! Long-standinfj .Sa&scri&^r).— Water it well with lime water during an evening when the slugs are on the stirface. Tliis, repeated two or three times at intei-vals of a day or two, will extirpate th© marauders. Tomato Culture (A Learner).— Sow the seeds early in March in loamy soil, and place in a frame with a gentle heat, such as a Cucumber- frame, or one used for raising half-hardy annuals. When the plants appear and have made a pair of rough leaves, pot them off singly into pmall pots, retaining them in the frame a few days longer until they become estabUshed in the pots. For convenience they may be removea to a viuery or other house at work, and have a shift in about a fort,uight into six-iiich pots, using a compost of turfy loam with a little leaf mould added. Kept well supplied with water they will grow fast, and stiff and strong also if they have a due share of light and air. Towards the end of April or earlv in May, thev should be hardened off by placmg in a cold frame, and be planted out from the middle to the end of the month, in the intervals between fruit trees on south walls, which is the only aspect of any value for them. Thev should be well watered in di-y weather, and have "the shoots trained to the wall as they grow, and when the fruit shows they should be stopped at the j.iiut above it. After a sufficient quantitv of fnut is set, and, in fact. tbr.>nghout the season, keep tho shoots closely stopped to one joint above the fruit, and take off those shoots and leaves that cover the fruit so as to expose it as much as possible to the sun. Climber for North End of House (H. N., Barnet).—Tlie Vii-ginian Creeper (Ampelopsis hederacea), will do fairly on a north aspect, but it is deciduous. Ivy. being an evergreen, we should think preferable. Hedera Rfegnerianaor Riegncr'a Ivy with magnificent heart-shaped leaves would suit your pm-poso. 180 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. r August 29, 18C5. Thrips on Carnations— Mildew on Roses (D. C).— Your only plan of removinp tlirips from your Carnation blooms will be to bave a cap made to fit over tbe plants and resting on the pround. Fill the cap witb tobacco smoke and allow it to remain on until the smoke vanishes. This, repeated once or twice, will generally clear them sufficiently. Your Roses, we should think from your description, are severely attacked with mildew. The cause is want of moisture at the root, and wetting the foliage in dr>' weather. The preventive is to keep well watered at the root, and to syringe over the leaves. The cua'e after disease gains possession is to dust the pai'ts affected with flowers of suljibur, and to wash this off forty-eight hours after the application. Should any vestiges of mildew remain dust the parts affected as before, and syringe it off with a solution of Gishurst compound at the rate of 2 ozs. to the gallon of water. Black sulphur, or sulphur \-ivum, is the best. We bave found that what will prove efficacious one time will not do so at another, but the Rev. Mr. Rad- clyffe's remedy we have found effectual when others have failed — viz., 2 ozs. of blue ^it^iol dissolved in a little hot water, then mixed with four gallons of cold water, and poured over the tree with a rose watering-pot BO as to thoroughly wet cvei-y part. This is a certain remedy, and wiU root out the evil after it obtains firm hold, and so will sul'phm- ; but Gishurst and lime water require to be applied in the early stages. Propagating Single and DonsLE White Brugmansia (A Lady Sub- scriber).— Take the points of the shoots not flowering, and when about lialf ripe as they will be now, and with two or three joints in addition to the gi-owing point, remove the leaves from the two lowest, and cut trans- versely below the lowest. Inserted in light soil with a large per-ceutago of sand and plunged in a mild bottom heat, they will soon root. Another method is to take off the shciots when a few inches long with a Uttle heel to them, and after removing the lowest paii' of leaves to insert in sandy loam and plunge in a bottom heat of 75' or 80^. They may also be pro- pagated from eyes or cuttings of the old wood, put in after the manner of Vine eyes and cuttings, a brisk I>ottom heat being necessary to plunge the pots in. February is the best month for this mode of propagation ; May for the second; and July for the first, but now will do, or when the euttings can be had. Stuart's Bean Tree Seedling, When Will it Flower? (Idem).— If by Stuart's Bean tree, Stuartia virginica is meant, it will not flower for the next six years, and may just as likely be longer before it does so. If it be the one we mean, it is a deciduous tree with white flowers, and nearly if not quite hardy, quite as much so as Camellias of the hardier sorts. It will be best grov,-n-on for about three years, and after that kept closely pinched-in and pot-bound so as to induce bloom. It requires a compost of turfy loam two-thu-ds, and sandy peat one-third, with a free admixtm-e of shan> sand. Water freely when gi-o\ving. gi-adually with- holding moisture in autumn, and keeping just moist over the winter. CuTTiNG-iN Oleander— Stopping Crassulas (W^m).— The Oleander done blooming, or if it has not bloomed, may be cut-in to the lowest shoots, it being best to cut to shoots at this late season. The cutting-in will not then injure the bloom of next year; but if you cut-in closely so as to cause shoots to come from the" old wood, they will not be sufficiently ripened to Idoom well, if at all, another year. It would he better to defer the heading-do«-n until May or June next year, if it be found necessai-y to cut so that no young shoots may be left. The plants will not be in- jured in the least by cutting-in. The Oleander, however, is a bad-habited plant at its Iiest, it being very difficult to form it into a shapely specimen. By stoppiH'^' the Crassula now you will put an end to the bloom of next year for the most part, and those shoots that bloom will be late. They will, however, make bushier plants for blooming the season after next, any shoots showing next year being stopped. Soil for Calceolarias and Fuchsias (J. Nooitos). —'Lo^m from rotted tui*ves (cut 3 inches thick, laid up for twelve m<^nths in alternate layers with fresh manure, and turned over twice), chopped with a spade but not fiifted, two-thirds; leaf mould, three-parts reduced, one-third; and one- sixth of river sand well mixed together. In speaking or writing of 13-inch pots or other sizes, the diameter at top within the pot is meant, and not the depth. If you will oblige us \vith a communication we shall then be able to decide what to do with it. Frcit Trees foh SoUTH-WEST-BV-sorTn Wall iBramley Oakn\.~YonT wall will answer perfectly well fur Peaches and Nectarines! Apricots on low walls do not do well from the necessity of pruning. If you have them the trees will need root-pruning or lifting to chock their vigour and keep them fniitfiil. Peaches and Nectarines being what you chiefly wish, we will say ten of them at 20 feet apart, the first tree at 10 feet from the end of the wall. Peaches :— One Early York, one Early Grosse Mignonne, one Grosse Mignonne, one Royal George, one Noblesse, one Bamngton, and one Walburton Admirable, the seven succeeding each other. Nectarines : — One Elruge, one Pitmaston Orange, and one Violette Hiitive. If Api-icots are wanted, then you will have one Royal in place of Walburton Ad- mirable Peach, and one Moorpark in place of Pitmaston Orange Nec- tarine. Copings have been advocated, but we find the trees are healthier, thefi'uit as plentiful, and eiiuallyfine on uncoped walls as on those whose coping projects beyond the wall. They are unnecessary, and in om* case worse than useless, for they nre injurious. We have a splendid crop on our Peaches this year on the south walls, and they are fully better where the wall is low (8 feet as in your case), than on the general walls, which are 12 feet. Our soil is light and gravelly, the reverse of a good Peach soil, and we find all they want in snch land is to keep the roots near the surface and out of the gi-avel, or fi-Om going deep into it, Uberal dress- ings of manure, syringing the trees in dry weather to keep down red spider, and copious supplies of water, in addition, to keep mildew under. When the roots penetrate deep into the gi-avel, the trees become stunted in gi-owth, bear little, and are much affected with mildew, and the points of the shoots constantly die back in winter. Those having trees in this condition should take them up just when the leaves fall (it does not matter how old the trees are), and plant again with the roots about 6 inches below the surface, in the top spit of a pasture if it can be had, and in the year afterwards thei*c will be more fruit than in the preceding ten years. We mention this for the benefit of those having Peaches on walls, and who cannot induce them to bear fruit plentifully and with certaintv, and especially for those ha\'ing a light gi-avelly soil to contend with.— G. A. FouR-LEAVED Clover (J. H. T.).— It is only a sport, and a rare one, of the Common Clover. When foimd by the peasantry in some parts of Ireland and Scotland it is used by them as a charm. The only English , name we know of Viscaria oculata is "Dark-eyed Rock Lyclinis.'' Erecting Vineries and Piping for (T. £.).— If you want a house cheap at first cost, procure one on the orchard or Sir Joseph Paxton sys- tem; if you want one to be lasting, that will cost little or nothing for annual repairs, and which will always look nice and light, get one o^f Mr. Beard's— see last column of "Doings of the Week" a fortnight ago. It would not be fair for us to recommend builders. You will not err if you employ such as advertise with us. but make all sure beforehand, and that makes the best friends. To have Grapes in July vou would need about 240 feet of four-inch piping. If you want them in May and June you had better have from 350 to 400 feet of piping. The greenhouse would require 200 feet of piping, and more if you wished the heat in cold weather to be from 40 to 45 and onwards. Various {Peepy).~Yon would see that your ease was mostly met ia our last answer. A small boiler would have suited, and the expense at 9ia caracasana (M,oh).— By withlioldiliK water now from Coleufl Versi-li.iftciti the shoots would become harder or less uross, and not so liable, therefore, to sutler from damp in winter. It should not bo sutTered to become sodi-y as to cause the leaves to fall and the sboi>ts to fla^ and shrivel. To keep it safely it requires a warm KToenbouse. Solannm uiarKi- natum is a halt-shrubby perennial. Wij!iindhi earacasana is also a perennial. Thev should be taken up towards tlu' end of September, or before frost, potted, and kept in a KTeeubouse with no more water tbun is suBicient to keep them alive. After Februarv they should be cneouraKed so as to .secure free giowth, and have it well haideucd otT before planting out early in June. Fernery SiiAniMc. (W. H. ^(<;eri.— Glass that can be seen thromrh will not obstruct the sun's rays, and' will, in fact, bo no shade. Coloured glass will be sutHcient shade; but as this is what you cBpocially wish to avoid, a. thin blind to draw up and let down would sorv'e your purpose. It is only when the sun shines powerfully that the blind will ho re.iuired, and that will equallv he tbo time when the window could not bo seen through, so that we do liot see any objection to such a blind. But we may have misunderstood your case ; if so, write us again. Vine Leaves shrivelled— Boedkr-makinh (S. r.).— The leaves exhi- bit tbo^e appciOMoees found on Vines in a cold wet border with the roots deeii, nod an- besides scorched bv the sun acting powerfully on the loaves whilst w.l. piulialily from the deposition of moisture on them dunng the night, and not giving air sufficiently early to dry them before the sun strikes powerfully on the bouse. The paragraph alluded to, and quoted from " Sanders on the Vine," refers to the particular houses of his plan- ning and not to viueries generally. It is neciissary and important, for the houses alluded to, that the border he CTaetly on a level with the Interior flooring, as will be foun ith two-inch wire netting, an an-angement which was highly eulogi -* d by those exhibitors who were present. These pens, we may add, were especially built for the occasion, and are the property of the Society, and will be used at future exhibitions, when more classes ■n-ill be thrown open and higher prizes giv( n for competi- tion- On the part of the Committee, neither pains u ir expt;nse will be spared to place the show for poulti'y on a first-class fonting, and to render it acceptable to intending future exhibitors, which they hope will secure a continuance of theii- valued support. Considering it was a new thing in this place, it was a decided success ; the birds sent for coiupetition were first-class. Spanish. — First, W. Eayliss, Walsall. Second, G. Walker, Sandon Highly Commended, F. Bagshaw. Uttoxeter. Commended, E. J. Blair, Uttoxeter. Chickens. — Prize, E. J. Blair, Uttoxeter. Dorking.— Fii-at. Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Wirksworth. Second, F. Bag- shaw, Uttoxeter. Chickens (any variety). — First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Wirksworth. Second, J. McConnell, Lime Crofts, Cochin China. — First, J. Stephens, Walsall. Second, J. Bakewell, jun., Utoxeter. Highly Commended, Rev. S. C. Hamcrton, Stafford. Chickens. — Frixe. F. Bagshaw, Uttoxeter. Game fDnckwings and other Greys and Bines).— First, Sir St. G, Gore, Bart., Wirksworth. Second, W. F. Taylor, Doveridge Hall. Game (Black and Brown-breasted Reds).— First, W. S. Bagshaw, Ut- toxeter. Second, Mrs. Hav, Sudbuiy. Game ( Any variety).— Pi-ize. Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Wirksworth. Chiclc- ^nj!.— First and Second. J. Bakewell, Draycott. Highly Commended, Mrs. Hav, Sudbnn-; C. Minors, Sudbm-v; Sir St. G, Gore, Bart., Wii'ks- worth; t. Lowndes. Cheadle; W. F, Taylor, Doveridge Hull. HAiiBURGH (Golden-pencilled).— Fir^l, The Hon. T. W. Fitzwilliam, Rolheram. Second, K. Tate, Leeds. Highly Commended, Sir St. G, Gore, E.irt., Wirksworth. Hamburgh (SUver-pencllled). — Fii-st, A. K. Wood, Kendal. Second, C. Minors, Sudbury. Highly Commended, E. Bell, Burton. Hamhurgh (Golden-spangled). — First, A. K. Wood, Kendal. Second, B. Tate, Leeds. Aagast -29, 1865. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 193 Hamburgh ( Silver- span glcdl.— First, A. K. Wood, Kendal. Second, Sir St. O. Gore, Bart., Wirkswnrlh. Pol ANDS.— Prize. S. Mills, Walsull. Hambotigh Chickens (Any vaiicty).— First aiid HiKhly Commended, C. Minors. Ktidlmry. Second, S. Fiuuoy, Ashbouru. Highly Commended, H. Bnnsbiiw, I'tioxoter. Bantams (Black or White).— First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Wirksworth. Second, — Lasbrcy. BAKTA31S (Any variety).— First, Sir St. G. Gore Bart., Wirksworth. Second, W. F. Entwislo, Yorkshire. Dui. Ks I Avl'-sbury).— Prize, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart.. Wirksworth. Ducks (Kout-n). —First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Wirksworth. Second, J. Bakcwc'll. rttuxeter. Ducks (.\ny variety).— First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Wirksworth. Second, Mrs. Wolferstan, Taraworth. Geese.— First, F. E. Richnrd>>on, Bramshall. Second. J. Biikcwell, jun., Uttoietcr. E.xtra Prize, W. A. Rawlins, Stramshall (Chinese). Turkeys. — First and Second, F. E. Kii-h unison, BrainshalL Guinea Fowls. — Prize, J. Bakewell, juu., Uttoxeter. SWEEPSTAKES FOR SINGLE COCKS. Oame. — First, J. Bakewell, Drnycott. ScRond, Mrs. Hay, Sudbury. Spanw ft. —Prize, W. Newman, Walsall. Dor/any.- Prize, C. Minors, Sud- bury. Game Ba ntam».~F\xsXy Hon. T. W. FitzwiUiam, Rutheram. Second, J. BakcweU, Draycott. MOTTRAJVI POULTRY SHOW. The first show of Poultry, Pi^^'eons, ifec, wafl held at Mottram, on Monday, the ilat of Anf,Tist, iu the large room and yard of the Vic- toria Works, which were well adapted for tlie purpose. The prizes were not very large, hut they brought together 130 pens, which was thought very good for a country village, aud there were some good birds shown. The exhibition was acknowledged to be a success, and the promoters hope next year to add largely to the prize list. The following awai'ds were made : — Dorkings (Auv variety). — Prize, C. W. Brierley, Middleton. Spanish.— First, W. H. Gaskell, Matley. Second, S. and R. Ashton, Mottram. Chickens. — First and Second, S. and R. Ashton. Mottram. CocHiKS.— First, C. W. Brierley, Middleton. Second. T. Deameley, Hadfield. Chickem.—Yir^i, A. Bamford, Middleton. Second, A. Kidd, Hadfield. Game (Black-breasted and other Reds). — First and Second, C. W. Brierley, Middleton. Chirkms. — First, J. Ashton, Mottram. Second, Messrs. S. and R. Ashton, Mottram. Game (Anv other variety).— First, C. W. Bi-ierley, Middleton. Second, W. Reddish,"Mottram. Hamburghs (Gold-pencilled).— First, T. Walker, jim., Denton, near Manchester, Second, T. Wrigley, jun., Middleton. Chickens. — First and Second, T. Wi-igley, jun., Middleton. Hamburghs (Silver-pencilled). — First, A. K. Wood, Kendal. Second, Messrs. S. and R. Ashton, Mottram. Chickens. — First, E. Collinge, Mid- dleton. Second, Messrs. S. and R. Ashton, Mottram. Hamburghs (Gold-spangled).— First, J. Roe, Hadfield. Second, A. K. Wood, Kendal. Chickens. — First, J.Bancroft, jun., Ashton. Second, J. Boe, Hadfield. Hamburghs (Silver-spangled). — First, A. E. Wood, Kendal. Second, Messrs. T. M. and J. Ashton, Mottram. Chirkens. — First and Premium Prize, best pen in the show, E. Collinge, Middleton. Second, Messrs. T. M. and J. Ashton, Mottram. PoLANDS (Any variety).— First, C. W. Brierley, Middleton. Second, Messrs. S. and R. Ashton, Mottram. Chickem. — First and Second, Messrs. S. and R. Ashton, Mottram. Any Variety.— First, C. W. Brierley, Middleton. Second, W. McMel- lon, Glossop. Chickens. — First, Messss. T. M. and J. Ashton, Mottram. Second, Messrs. S. and R, Ashton, Mottram. Bantams (Game).— First and Second, C. W. Brierley, Middleton. Bantams (Any variety).— First and Second. C. W. Brierley, Middleton. Ducks (Aylesbury).— Prize, Messrs. S. and R. Ashton, Mottram. Ducks (Any variety). — First, C. W. Brierley, Middleton. Second, J. Nelson, Manchester (Rouen), Geese,— Prize, Messrs. S. and R. Ashton, 3Iottrara. Turkeys.- First, C. W. Brierley, Middleton. Second, Messrs. S. and R. Ashton, Mottram. Pigeons. — Ca rriers. — First, C. M. Rovds, Rochdale. Second, H. Roberts, Mottram. PouUers.—FiTsi, C. M." Royds, Rochdale. Second. W. H. Gaskell, Mottram. Dragoons. — First, N. Tinker, Mottram. Second, C. M. Royds. Rochdale. Jacobins.— Tir^t, C. M. Royds, Rochdale. Second, W. Booth, Mottram. Almond Tumblers.—FiT^t, T. Wilkinson, Staley- bridge. Second, Miss J. E. Bancroft. Mottram. Oi('(.*.— First, C. M. Royds, Rochdale. Second, Miss J. E. Bancroft. Mottram. ^arfis.— First, N. Tinker, Mottram. Second, W. H. Gaskell, Mottram. Any ncio or dis- tinct Fariciy.— First, J. Midwood, Saleybridge. Second, T, Walker, Den- ton. Mr. James Dixon, Bradford, officiated as Judge. DEANE POULTRY SHOW. This took place on the 23rd iust., when the follo^ving awards were jnade : — Spanish.— First and Second. N. Cook, Chowbent. Dorking.— First and Second, S. Farrin^ton, Astley. Game Cock.— First and Second, J. Wood, Moat House, Haigh. Highly Commended, .T. Turner. Radclifi"e. Game.— First, J. Wood. Haigh. Second, J. Turner, RadclifFe. Cochin-Chtna.— First, E. Smith, Middleton. Second, A, Bamford, Tonge Lane, near Middleton. Hamruegh (Golden-pencilled). — First, T. Wrigley, jun., Tonge, near Middleton. Second. N. Marlor, Denton, near Manchester. Highly Com- mended, J. Turner, Kadcliffe. Hamburgh (SUver-peneilled).— First, J. Piatt, Dean. Second, A. K. Wood, Boraeside, Kendat Highly Commended, Mr^. Price, HalUweiL Hamburgh (Golden-epangled).- First, N. Marlor, Denton. Second, W. Parr, Patricoft, Highly Commended, A. K. Wood. liAflmunon (Silver-spangled).- First, R. Walkur, Wosthonghton. Second, A. K. Wood. Po LANDS.— First and Seconh Gliis^swort flowers, Smirtowor flowers. .\nliumi eomnienee^. Dot: Unse leaves full. IS Sl'NDAY AFTER TuiSITY. Yew beiTios ripe. Averaco TomperAtui'o '''il,^. near London. ]^ ^^^^ Day. 69.R fti.fi (;!).(! (W.il C8.8 ia.4 6H.4 NiKht. 47.3 4C.0 47.1 47.S 4«.0 45.5 46.8 Mean. fiK.O 07.7 58.4 68.1 58.4 57.5 57.0 DavB. Ifi 17 17 17 17 19 10 Snn Rises. Snn Sets. Moon RiiieB. Moon Seta. 21 af 22 m. h. I m. SI llf C , 20 M C 82 fi !W 0 28 (i 25 G 2S G 51) 20 53 29 11 69 m. h. 4 at 5 20 ft 47 *J 8 9 27 lU 41 11 after. Moon'B Age. Days. O 10 17 18 19 20 21 Clock after Sun. 1 29 1 49 2 9 2 !10 2 50 3 11 Day of Year. 248 249 250 251 2.52 253 254 From observations taken near London durinR the last thirtv-eight years, the ftvorago day temperature of tho week is 67.2 , and its night temiierature 40.9'. Tho gi'oatest heat was 83^ ou the" 5th, 184^; and tho lowest eold, 30", on , tho 6th, 1850. The greatest fall of raiu was 1.09 inch. WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF GRAPES NOT COLOURING ? F the art of horticulture it may be tiiily said we Icni-ii more every year we live. Many jiroblems have been solved ; man}' more remain unsolved : much has been accomplished by the lights that have gone before, but we still, and must ever, see tlu'ough the horticultural glass darkly and unpci-fectly, finding something that a combina- tion of scientific witli practical knowledge has not before revealed to us. There is not one, evenof the most expe- rienced of modern horiicultmists. that does not experience some imperfection m Ids crops wliicli cannot be satisfac- torily aceoimted for. and there is no reason wliy any one engaged m horticultural pm-suits should withliold from the effort towards diminisliing the obsciuity mider which we laboiu'. It has been said that when any one fails in pro- ducing what others succeed Txith that he ought to be the last to saj- anytliing about it ; but if our failiu'es can be traced to no lack of sldll, care, judgment, or management, surely too much caimot be said about it so far as regards the searchuig for the cause and the remedy of tlie failiu-e experienced ; and this leads me to eudeavoiu- to answer tlie inquiry "Wliat is the cause of Grapes not colouring? It has been attributed to — 1st, Hea\Tness of crop : ind. Too much atmospheric nuiistiu-e ; ord. Deficiency of heat : 4th, In- sirfficient ventilation : ."ith. Leaves partially deprived of theu' powers of elaboration throngh attacks of red spider, scorching, &c. ; lith, Roots deep, or in a cold wet border. The essentials Imown, we can only attribute non-success to mismanagement. Certaui it is, however, tliat imder the very best treatment Black Hambm-gh Grapes are not always the colour of Sloes, nor Muscats Like amber. Why ? First, I am persuaded the reason of Grapes not colouring at times is not laKAvn, or if it is the defect cannot be avoided by pursuing treatment the opposite of the cause assigned ; and second, the cause is not even seen until it s too late for remedy. 1. Hericine.is of Crnp. — This may be. and sometimes iBi, the cause of Grapes not colouruig, but not always. I have kno^vn a very heavy crop of forty bimches on 20 feet of rafter colour perfectly, althougli the same Vine would not coloar half a dozen bmicbes of less size in the previous yeai'. In another uistance there were upwai-ds of tliii-ty bunches on a Vine ; a few bimchcs at the top were colom-ed, tliose in the middle were never otheruise tlian red and streaked, wliilst half a dozen at the bottom of the same Vine were like Sloes in colow'. It does occasionally occiu- that with a hea^'y crop the berries are larger than usual, and No. 232.— YOL. rx., New Series. all goes on well until the colom-ing process commences, and in this they fail : tliey swell well, but are longer be- fore they change colour than where a less crop is taken, there being at least a fortnight or three weeks ditlbrenco in the same house. The quantity of bunches left on a, Vine should bo regulated, so that it may not be burdened with more than it can biTJig to jierfection ; hut the precise number to be left seems a point as yet undetermined, and is so dependant on the health and vigour of the \me as to become a question of jiulgment rather than of rule. For a Vine in good health from twenty to t«-eiity-four btmches, averaging 1 lb. each, are as much as it can be expected to brhig to uiatiu-ity on 20 feet of rafter. It does not matter wlictiier ^^■e take by the rod-system half a dozen that will weigh 4 lbs. or more each, or six times that nmyi- ber of smaller bunches : for a given amount of rafter will not carry more than a certain weight of Grapes, and the amoimt "above stated is the result of the experience of several consecutive years. iNIore may be taken one year, and the Grapes may be all that can be desu'ed, but it is not to the present only that we must have regard, but to the after-crops as well. The Vine may be so weakened by the dentands of a heavy crop that it may not be capable of caiTying one worth mention for some time afterwards, and theii the (irapes may not arrive at the same degree of perfection that they would have done had the Vines not been overtaxed in previous years. Usually it is not m the year that a heavy crop of fruit is taken that the resultant "e%-ils are most manifest, and people think because a tree carried a heavy crop of fruit one year it ought to do so agam. Nothing can be more at variance with the future well-beuig of a Vine than to overcrop it. ^Mien a hea^■y crop is taken the whole \dtal energies; of the subject are directed towards its perfection, little remauiiug for the proper formation and matm-ation of those parts producing fruit ui succeeding years. That too heavy a crop \rill prevent Grapes colouiing I take as proved by tlie fact that some Vines \rith a hea\y crop do not colour well, but others in the same house \rith a fair crop do so perfectly. The solution of tlie question as to how many bmiches a Vine will carry greatly depends ou the health and vigour of the Vmes themselves, ou the size of the bimches, and tlie space occupied ; but I tlunk it may he laid do«ii as a general rule that 1 lb. of Grapes to every foot of rafter occupied is a good crop, and as much as a' Vun> in full health and vigour can properly mature — if the Vme be weak, then less : if unusually vigorous, more. It is well, however, to be on the safe side, and make sm-e of a crop that will attain the liighest degi'ee of perfection. Experience vnR be the best guide m determining how many bimches should be left on the Vines when they sliow ; one upon each shoot, and these at eveiy foot along the Vme will be ample, and is very often more than Vmes will properly mature. Heariness of crop is a conrmon cause of want of colour m Grapes : but when it occm-s with a moderate crop, and the Vines are healthy and vigorous, we must look for some other cause, and may prob.ably find it in 2. Too much AiiiwujiJurie 3/<)i'.v?»rc.— This is certainly No. 8S4.— Vol. XXXIV., Old S-iRlES. 18« JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. r September 5, 1865. very prejutiicial to the ripening of fruit, inasmuch as it induces growth and the swelling of the Grapes rather than their ripen- ing. It is no uncommon practice to keep the floors of vineries moist or sprinkled with water after the berries change coloiu-, so as to assist in their second swelling. This, if not too long continued, is not much, if at all, detrimental to the colomiug of the Grapes, and it adds immensely to the size of the berries. Sometimes, however, it does prejudically affect the colouring, and that is when it is accompanied by much moisture in the border. Unless the atmospheric moisture is large in amount, and continued long aftar the first indication of colourmg is observed, I think that it has very little to do with the imperfect colouring of Grapes, for I have seen them much worse-coloured iu a thy house without a plant in it than in one crammed with plants, and moist enough for growing Ferns or Orchids. I have seen Grapes as red as Orleans Plums on the roof of a vineiy kept di-y enough for Cacti when at rest, and yet black as jet when trained to the roof of a moist forcing-house. How was this ? The roots of the Vines in the first case were iu a wet border, the berries were gorged with moisture, and the leaves exhaled considerably, as was evident by the deposition of moisture on the glass, even with air, and, as might be ex- pected, the berries were larger than in the second ease, where the border received no moisture after the berries took their second swelling. Atmospheric moisture, tending to retard the ripeuiug process, is to be avoided, but that it prevents coloirr- ing is the reverse of my experience. If, however, the Grapes be constantly syringed, even after they change colour, they will not necessarily be red, but will be devoid of bloom, and like shanked berries in point of flavour'. 3. Di'ficiencij of Heat. — It is necessary for the ripening of fruit that there be a sufficiency of heat ; though this has very little to do with the coloiu-ing of Grapes, yet it and dryness of the atmosphere are the essentials for flavour. I have seen Black Hamburghs of the colour of Golden Hamburghs iu a vinery with a temperatm-e fi'om 65° to 85° when ripening, but like Sloes in colour iu a greenhouse with a night temperature of 50°. Too miieh heat, inasmuch as it favoms rapid ripening, is more freijueutly the cause of want of colour than less than is necessary to seciu'e flavour, for I find Grapes will colour splendidly in the dark moist autumn months in a temperature of from 50° to 70°. Iu the case of Vines showing fruit on the laterals, one or two bunches may have been allowed to rem.iin, and were these ever knowu not to colour though it were October or November before they rijiened, although the main crop ripening in July or August was deficient in colour ? 4. Insufficient Ventilation. — Air is essential alike for colour and flavour in Grapes. They will not colour well without it ; but they will not colom- sometimes with air day and night. Assm'edly insufficient ventilation acts prejudicially as regards the eolom'ing of the fruit, yet I have known Grapes colour well where they had no air whatever in a house not opened during the whole ripening period, the Vines being unpruued, and the bimches not thinned ; the doors were left open up to August, and then closed to protect the fruit from depredators. This is not a case for imitation, but it shows that Grapes mil colour without air, or with only that entering by the laps of the glass. The house never being wet inside, the blue bloom shone beau- tifully on the black groimd. A di'y atmosphere, and veutUation day and nigUt to prevent the deposition of moisture on the berries, secure the bloom of Grapes, which is an unerring test of flavour, though it is by no means uncommon to find the juice of a black-skinned berry soirr. Ventilation, so far as it assists iu keeping the air in motion, and preventing the condensation of moisture on the berries, is conducive to colour, by preserving the bloom ; but that deficient veutUation, or the contrary, will cause Grapes to be red instead of black I do not believe, for- asmuch as they may often be seen badly coloiued in a well- ventilated and judiciously-managed vinery. 5. Leaves partiall}j Deprived eif titeir Power of Elaboration in Consequence of the A ttaclis of Red Spider, Scorch ing, &c. — Certain it is that when the leaves are so injm'ed by the attacks of insects, that a certain proportion of their sm'face is incapable of per- forming its functions, the fruit must be imperfect, this result very often showing itself in the defective colour and bloom of the Grapes. This is a sure cause of want of colour ; but it sometimes happens that the attacks being of short dirration, or occurring at the early stages of growth, the hemes do not attain their full size, and the leaves have sufficient power to ripen the correspondingly small crop in perfection in respect to colour and bloom. If, on the other hand, the berries attain a good size, and the leaves are then attacked by red spider, or I scorched, the colour of the berries will be bad, and they will be devoid of bloom, or nearly so. 6. Hoots too Deep, or in a Cold, Wet Border, or both combined. — Grapes have coloured well with me, although no root was nearer the surface than a foot ; but the soil was the reverse of wet, and I have also seen them quite red when the roots were deep, and the subsoil heavy and wet. 'Wlieu the roots are deep a late growth is promoted, and this being unfavourable to ripening we have Grapes swelling largely when ripening, but very red. In the case of outside borders it sometimes happens that all will go well up to ripening, then rain may fall daily ; and keep the house as dry as we may, the Grapes do not coloiu-, but swell out, and if not, shank. The roots absorb an undue amount of nutriment, it must go somewhere ; the old parts cannot ap- propriate it ; hence new parts are made in the form of laterals. It does not matter whether the roots are deep or near the sur- face, if a continuance of cold rains occur just when the fruit is ripening we may be pretty certain of two results, and very often both — imperfect colouring and shanking. I am convinced that if the border is moist when the Grapes first change colom', it should not be fm'ther moistened until they are cut, otherwise they will not colour well, or wiU do so very rarely, and will not hang long. That a continuance of wet weather (the border being outside) will cause defective colouring, is, I think, proved by the circumstance that the Grapes in the upper part of a house coloured perfectly, the border being dry, and the lower part indifferently from continued wet weather setting in. As further evidence I may add, that with an exposed border a house of Grapes coloured badl^-, while in another house of which the border was covered with boards, the Grapes colom-ed well, and hting more than double the time that the others did. I have now gone over the reasons generally assigned for Grapes not eoloming, and stated where I do, and where I do not agree with them. There are cases of want of colour, where none of the above reasons can be assigned, and in which the evil is traceable to want of the requisite appliances and knowledge necessary for Grape-growing ; but there are, as I before stated, cases in which Grapes are defective iu their colouring under the best management, and with the most approved appliances at command. Everything may be done that means and Skill can do, and j-et the fruit may be imperfect. I say impeafect, for I am one of those that consider want of colour an imper- fection, and to be avoided if possible. From whence have we disease in plants ? From two sources — bm-dening the leaves with more nutriment than they can elaborate, and on the other hand from a deficiency of nutri- ment in the soil or atmosphere. For some years no subject was so highly fed as the Vine ; and whether it was from the Vine enduring abuse in the shape of strong food without showing any great immediate effects, or from that high feed- ing causing an immediate increase in the size of bunch and berry, that led some to conclude the Vine was a gi-oss feeder I shall not pause to consider, but will take for granted that iu this particular Grape-growers of some twenty or thirty jears ago mistook their way. Though dead animals are no longer put in Vine-borders, some gi-owers still employ the bones of animals whole, and in their fresh state. That the oily matter of the bones does not constitute their chief fertihsing property is demonstrated by the fact that Vines are quite as vigorous, and more healthy, v. hen the border is composed, in conjimction with other materials, of bones from which the fatty poiiion has been extracted by boihng, as when fresh bones are employed. The latter I know from experience are positively injurious. 'What we want from bones in Vine-borders, is the phosphate of lime, and not the gelatine, which is soluble in water, and rapidly becomes putrescent. Putrefaction, whether of animal or vegetable matter in the soil supphes various gases to the roots, and it is from an excess of these that the plants are supplied with more food than the leaves can fuUy elaborate : hence the rapid extension of the branches and foliage. It is not uncommon to see iu excessively rich borders Vines with leaves like Rhubarb, and making shoots 20 or 30 feet in length in a season. This, we are told, secures strong canes the first year after planting for fruiting the next. Taking this \iew of the case, we reduce the very long canes, and, there being a very powerful root-action, the buds break strongly and the shoots are very strong ; but this season, as we wish for fruit, the shoots, instead of being allowed to run 20 feet, are kept at the length of a foot. With a powerful root-action, and a decreased leaf and branch development, what, I ask, becomes of the sap that the year before circulated in the greater length of rod and leaf? Surely it is impelled into the fruit and leaves Septembers, leos.] JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENER. 187 at present existing. Tlie question is, Do the leaves as fully tlalionite ; and is the approiiriatiDn of the sap as complete, as if there wore more leaves ? Wo may flatter ourselves tliat t)io head controls the root ; hut if we keep the head dose-stopped it is certain we do not diminish the nunilier of roots already existini:!, and wo have large leaves and lnose large hunches as n necessary consequence. By the tiuie that the herries are half swelled the vigorous growth and root-action may he so far controlled as to show none of the evils of high feeding that season, hut the herries may he actually of less size than was calculated ujion, and the crop ripens otT small in berry and perfect in colour. Should the herries, however, attain a large size, it is just possible, with root-action now reduced to a minimum, that the colouring may be bad. The root-action being reduced, it does not follow that the decomposition c^f the materials of which the border is composed will be arrested, but it goes on whether the roots be there to lay hold of its products or not, and the border alfords richer food in the following year than in the first or jn-evious one. This state of things continues for a time witliout any serious evil being exjjerienced as regards the Vines, and would no doubt set itself right ; but we, think- ing the border must be in need of manure, give a heavy dress- ing. We have a splendid show of fruit, and take a full crop ; for the Vines, frcnn not being fed to excess, show fruit abun- dantly, and we leave no more bunches than in the preceding year in which they coloured beautifully, but the berries were rather small, which is attributed to the border becoming ex- hausted. We now have the satisfaction of seeing the Vines stronger, and the berries seem as if they would not leave off swelling. At last they take a turn. " Are they not tine ?" says the proprietor to the visitor. But somehow the gardener does notfeel quite at ease ; he shakes his head, gives extra ventilation, cannot tolerate a plant in the house, and daily becomes more uneasy. The Grapes colour slowly, but he sees a black berry and a'beautiful bloom on it. He sighs, and says to himself they wiU be all right. He never passes the vinery without looking at the Grapes. Three weeks, and not black yet ! The svm shines on a bunch, and he sees the seeds in some of the berries — they wiU not colour. He takes a near view : they have a good bloom, hut have a reddish black skin streaked with black, their proper colour. He tries them for flavour, and compares them with others in another house that are black, and vows they are the better-flavoured of the two. Three weeks longer they hang, but grow no better in colour, and he is obliged to own that they are ripe and badly coloured. Another year he will have them black, but for the time being he will aflirra that they are better flavoured than highly co- loured Grapes. Blindfold a judge, and give him a berry of the imperfect and another of the perfectly coloured, and he will pronounce the imperfectly coloured the better-flavoured ; but let him see what he tastes, and he will give the preference to the perfectly coloured, owning, however, that the former are sweeter and tirmer in the flesh than the latter, which, though less sweet, are more juicy, brisk, and refreshing. To what can we attribute defective colouring, when there is nothing wanting in the management and means, but to high feeding? Take what may be an average crop at the time of the fruit showing, and which may safely be calculated to arrive at maturity ; if from some over-zeal more food is given in the atmosphere, or at the roots, coupled with extra pains being taken to secure finer fruit than usual, the result is sometimes badly-coloured Grapes, that no one likes to see, mucli less grow. I may be told that in consequence of the berries attain- ing a large size from extra feeding, the crop became heavier than was calculated upon, and was, therefore, too great for colouring well. Surely the increased size of the berries was merely tlie effect, and the primary cause that which gave the increased size to the berries. — G. Abeey. VENTILATING AND TRAINING IN GROUND VINERIES. Is my opinion a much better mode of effecting the above than the one proposed by your correspondent " F." in No. 229, would be to have a door at the apex of the span at each end. This would give thorough ventilation throughout. These doors could be made to open or shut at pleasure by a mere hinge and button. Permit me to suggest a few other alterations, I think im- provements. Would it not be desirable to fix the ease on two tiers of bricks instead of one, the usual practice, and leave the openings in the upper row ? This in some measure would protect fruit from tlie ravages of iriice, slugs, and other vermin. Again : my practice would bo to train the rods on stays — flat pieces of iron lying transversely on tlie brickwork ; this would allow the bunches to Imng, thcrcliy swelling and colouring on all sides alike— a desideratum impossible to acconijilisli wluii lying on the bare ground, with their upper sides plump ami under sides compressed and colourless. — J. N. PROPAGATING AND AFTER-i\IANAGEMKNT OF BEDDING AND OTHER PLANTS. [Cuntiiiiird front p(uji' 04.) Pelargoniums. — Now is the time to propagate the Pelargo- nium in order to have good plants for jilantiug out next year. Where largo quantities are required jiots should be dispensed with altogether ; and even where Pelargoniums are grown in small quantities they will be found to do best in boxes, in which way also larger numbers can be kept in a limited space. There are many advantages to be gained by adopting this system, one being that the plants grow better when they are turned out of boxes than they do out of pots. The boxes which I use are made by my own men. Formerly we used to have them made by tlie carpenters who worked on the estate ; but we found the demand much greater than the supply, for the carpenters could not make them without measuring, plaining, &c., to a great nicety : the consequence was, we could not obtain more than six or eight boxes a-day from them, so without serving a long apprenticeship to a carpenter I thought 1 would try my hand at box-making. The first thing I did was to get the sawyers to cut me out a lot of strips of wood about (J inches wide and halt an inch thick. Well-seasoned larch I find as good for this purpose as any wood I can procure. Having obtained a good supply of these, my next proceetling was to cut them up into two-feet lengths. After the boards were all cut up search w-as made amongst the pieces that had been cut to waste for the ends. Of these aU that would measirre 10 inches or a foot in length were cut to the desired length ; then the whole lot was thrown into a tank for an hour or two to soften the wood a little, as we found after a little experience that the nails refused to g'> into the sides and ends of the boxes without splitting them, the larch wood when seasoned and very dry being very brittle and as hard as oak. After leaving the pieces in the tank for two or three hours, they were taken out and placed in a pile at one end of the pctting-bench, which was cleared fcU' the purpose of hox-maldng. I and my handy man Brown, commenced the work of nailing the sides together at (l a.m., and by 12 o'clock we had a large pile ready, which only wanted some narrow strips to be nailed across the bottoms, and the rough edges to be trimmed a little. For the bottoms I use strips of the same kind of wood, about 2 inches wide and 1 inch thick. As they are nailed on, an opening of about half an inch is left between each bar, so that the water may pass away freely. Well, at the end of a not-over- busy day we found we had completed forty-nine of these boxes. Such a quantity we should have been obliged to have waited more than a Aveek for had we depended on the carpenters for them. The next day we had at this sort of work, we found we were becoming pretty expert, and time was gained by hitting the right nail on the head, two blows doing instead of four, so that sixty-three boxes were completed in one day. The way we made them was as follows : — Two ends and two sides were selected to match ; the ends were then placed on the bench at the proper distance apart, one of the sides was then placed on the ends and a nail driven in at each end to keep them in their proper place, the ends were then reversed and the other side nailed on; about twenty 2.J-inch nails are used for nailing the sides and ends together. I find boxes of this description last quite as long as those made by the sldlled carpenter. They are kept in almost constant use from two to three years. In preparing the boxes for the cuttings, I find the best drain- age is charcoal, of which some large lumps are placed over the openings in the bottom of the box, I then put some smaller pieces between, finishing off with some small charcoal or the small sittings from the crock heap. There should he about li inch of drainage in the bottom of the boxes. The remain- ing space in the box is then HUcil up with nice sandy soil, and a little silver or clean river sand is sprinkled over the surface. After this the cuttings may be put in, the soil in the boxes having been made moderately firm. 188 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 1. September 5, 1865. Select good firm cuttings, put about sixty oi' eighty in eacli box. See that the cuttings are placed flat on the bottom of the hole made by the dibble. The soil should also be pressed fii-mly around the sides of the cuttings. After the box is full give it a few taps on the bench to shake the river sand iu about the cuttings, and finish the operation by giving a good Tvateriug. This will consolidate the sand about the cuttings. As the boxes are tilled they are placed side by side in long beds, one or two boxes wide, in the open air. They are then left exposed to all weathers till towai'ds the end of September, •when they are placed where they can be sheltered from rain or cold nights. By this time the cuttings will have made roots, and about the end of October they should be stowed away in their winter quarters. The best place for this purpose is shelves as near the glass as possible, and where the air can be kept diy and circulate freely amongst them. The more choice kinds — such as Jlrs. Pollock, Sunset, Cloth of Gold, &c., should not be put in quite so closely together as the commoner kinds. The soil for them should also be prepared with more care, and silver sand should be used instead of river sand. They will also require a little more warmth iu the dull winter mouths ; but thej' must uot by any means be excited into growth, and no attempt must be made to take cuttings from them till the end of March, when such may be taken off with perfect safety and pricked out imder hand-lights on an old spent hotbed. I find the tops of hand-lights the best for this pul^^ose, for placing a hrmp of brick or stone at intervals for the tops of the lights to rest on will allow the air to circulate freely amongst the cuttings. This is one of the most important points to be at- tended to in striking the Mrs. Pollock section, for if the air is once allowed to become damp and stagnant for ever so short a period it is fatal to them. I mention this here iu connection Vfith their spring propagation, because they cannot be fidiy exposed in the open air at that early period of the season. In the autumn they are struck just in the same way as the com- moner kinds ; but I find cuttings of the Mrs. Pollock section, struck iu the manner described above, grow much more freely when planted out than those struck in the autumn, the latter having a greater tendency to bloom. As the flower is not much wanted in this section, I should advise the propagation of them to be left till the spring, only putting in a few of the very strongest and best-ripened cuttings in the autumn. All the kinds of Pelargoniums should have as little water as possible after they are packed away in their winter quarters ; but when they are watered, they should be thoroughly well soaked. To do this, they must be watered three or four times over. Sjirinfl Manaqement. — About tlic last week in March, if the weather is pretty mild and open, with sunshine, the plants are all shaken out of then- boxes and planted as thickly as they can be, without crowding them too much, in pits and frames, as near the glass as possible. If the soil in the pits is in a nice moist state they should not be watered, but should be syringed every day an hour or two before the sun is off the glass, and shut uj3 ; if there is no sun they must uot be syringed. JFor the more delicate section, such as Flower of the Day, Bijou, Mrs. PoUock, &c., if there is a foot or two of leaves put xmder the soil, it will bo all the better, as it will give them a very slight bottom heat, which will insure their- immediate root-action. By the second week in April the plants will have made new leaves, and will be rather crowded ; they should then bo taken out and put into larger pits, and placed further apart. At this shift the soU must not be pree-icd firmly about them ; the best way is to make little straight cuts with the spade across the frame, stand the cuttings upright against the back of the nick, sprinkle a little fine leaf-soil about their roots, then at the next shift the plants will come out with nice Uttie balls attached to them. About the 10th of May the plants are moved again into cradle-beds in the open air, trenches are cut across the beds the same as described for the last shift, and a little leaf-soil put in about the roots. They are theu gradually exposed to the open air, and in a fortnight from this time are ready for removal to their final quarters. Many of the craft will say that I am giving myself much urmecessars' trouble bv removing the yoimg plants so many times, but when the advantages to be gained by this system are taken into consideration, and it is tried, few wOl gi'ow then- plants in pots. The advantages are — 1st, There is not one- tenth part of the labour required in watering. Wben the plants are planted out iu the above manner, they only require watering once or twice a-,week, whereas, if they were kept in pots, in veiT dry days they would want water twice daily. 2nd, Where_plants are kept in pots for several months, the soil be- comes sour, and many of the roots are decayed ; the plant at planting-out time becomes, in most cases, very much pot- bouud, and will not readily take to or emit roots into the fresh soil. Plants kept in pots cannot all be iu the same state when planted out, for some will be too dry. others too wet ; hence it is that one often sees, after a bed has been planted, some plants growing away vigorously, whilst others remain almost dormant, giving the bed a verj- uneven and unsightly appear- ance. 3rd, At planting-out time, there is a great confusion, created by empty pots being scattered about in all directions ; much labour is required in collecting them, much is also wasted in washing them, and a great number of pots are broken duiing the operations of collecting, washing, and storing them away. 4th, By removhig the plants twice or thrice they receive a slight check ; the points of the roots are broken each time the plants are removed, and where one is broken, ten or twenty fibres take its place. Finally, For the varieties that are wanted to produce effect by their flowers, the series of checks to which the plants have been subjected causes them to flower verj' soon after they are planted in their permanent beds, and they continue flowering in great profusion aU through the season. However dry the weather may be when they are planted out, if care is taken in planting, and they have one good watering, they emit roots into the fa-esh groimd almost immediately. This is not the case with plants turned out of pots ; should the weather be dry at the time they are planted out, you vaay water eveiy day for ten days, and at the end of that time, if a plant is taken up, very few fresh roots will be seen. The Pelargonium-boxes are all washed clean, and are filled with Verbenas, Lobelias, Heliotropes, &c., from the cutting- pots. These are put into the boxes as thickly as possible, the boxes being theu jilaced in pits and places where there is a gentle bottom heat, and are syringed daily as recommended for Pelar- goniums. When they have become established, they are planted out, after hardening them off a little, in the places the Pelargoniums occupied. They are treated precisely in the same way, and are replanted three times before they are placed in their final flowering-beds. Fine jilants can be grown on iu this way from cuttings put iu the last week in April, and I can guarantee from experience that they will make finer plants, and will cover the groiuid quicker than those that have been propagated in February, and have been kejjt in pots up to the time of planting out. VioL.v coENi:rA has proved quite a success, I consider it one of the most beautiful and chaste plants we have for edgings to large beds, and for giving relief to many of om- strong and glowing colours. In a future article I shall state the kinds of plants, and the colours that will be relieved by it. and what it hannonises best with. In reply to " Emma," and numerous other correspondents respecting this Violet, I may state here that it may be propagated now or in the spring, and that the Messrs. E. G. Henderson, of the WeUingtou Nursery, St. .John's Wood, London, will be prepared to supply it in any quantity. It also seeds very freely. Seeds sown now wiU produce good plants for bedding-out next spring. — J. "Wills. (To be continued.) BEDDING PLANTS AFFECTED BY A WET SEASON. I\ seasons like the present, when successive thunder showers at inten-als of a very few days, with frequent shghter rains between, dash off or othei-wise disfigm-e the bloom of bedding plants, it is of no small importance to know what plants or rather which flowers endure rain best — not that we ought to disqnaUfy those which do good sen-ice in ordinai-y years, but persons "residing in rainy districts ought to know on -what varieties they can best rely. The present season has been a more gi-owing one than any we have had for some years, and especially the months of July and August, but the frequent heavy rains, however useful they may have been in increasing the amount of herbage, have certainly not had a similar effect as regards flowers, and in some cases where the latter have been forthcoming they have disappeared in consequence of the deluging rains. A few rough notes of the classes of plants suffering least from this evil as well as those of the contrary description may, therefore, not be out of place ; for although Beptombor 5, 1865. ] JOUBNAL OF HOKTICULTUEK AND COTTAGE GABDENEE. IK'J tho amount of rain which lias fallou in Kent may not have been igenerally oqiialled in uthor parts of the Idngdoui, yet it may be BO in anotlier year. Commencing in the first jiliice with the plants most capable of enduring rainy weather, it will be Ronerally admitted that Oiiphoa strij,'illosa stands pre-eminent, its jiendant flowers seem to bo im])roved in colour by each shower; Fuchsias in like manner do not suffer, and most flowers of a pendant character are protected in a measure from tlie influence of rain, and con- sequently escape. The sanu; cannot be said of those (,'rowing horizontally, for I know of none that suffer more than Salvia patens, in which the footstalks of tlie flowers seem unable to bear the increased weiRlit of the bloom wlieu loaded with mois- ture, and it consequently falls off; but it is the flowers present- ins their ]n-incipal front upwards that are in general injnred by heavy rains. By these, (ieraniums of most kinds are injnred in the petal, and though the blooms do not fall off like those of the Salvia, they hang down in liruiK(>d and disfigured masses. All the flowering Iciuds of the Zonale family are liable to this, and blooms that have only been o]ien two or three days fall after heavy rain ; even the smnll-petalcd ones of the Noseg.ay class sirfler equally with the more improved varieties. I need hardly remark that the variegated section are exempt from this drawback, a!id, on the contrary, are often improved by rain. Amongst the latter class the variety showing most vigour is tho Golden Ivy-leaf, which looks better than in any previous sea- son. Next to (ieraniams, the Calceolarias suffer most, espe- cially tliose of whicli the flowers become filled with water. These all fall off when so charged, but the blooms of most of the Calceolarias when they become what may be called perfectly ripe are easily shaken off by rain ; on the contrary some of the varieties endure the autumn rains unscathed, and the best of these is C. amplexicaulis. Verbenas suffer less from heavy thimder showers than from a prolonged wetting, the latter seems to injure the outer edge of the jietal, and it withers and hangs down. Lobelias withstand rain well and certainly do better in wet weather than in a continued dry season, while one of the best flowers in this respect, though collecting water, is the Ageratum, which does very well in damp weather ; and Petunias are not by any means tho worst. (Jazanias we all know shut up to escape it, but French and African Marigolds, as ivell as the other members of their family, withstand rain pretty well. Helichrysums suffer fi'om it to some extent, but Asters and Stocks hke it better than weather of an opposite kind, and the same may be said of Dahlias, the latter, however, growing nuich taller. Nierembergias seem also to like a wet season, but the plant which enjoys rain almost every day is Alousoa Warczewiczii, which in a dry season bears no com- parison with what it is in a wet one. Some other plants might be added to the list of sufferers, as Tropajolums, &;c. It must be remarked that although the flowers may either suffer or benefit as described above, the character of the plant is much altered in a wet season. At the present time I have some Tropa-olums with the stems touching or lying on the groimd, while the upper part of the foliage is 2 feet high, completely concealing the flower. In a dry season, on the con- trary, the latter would overtop the other, this is the difference which rain and growing-weather make. Geraniums, too, are more productive of leaves and stems than of flowers, and the same remark holds good as to many other jilants ; Dahlias are often fully one-thu'd higher ; and in some there is a laxity of bloom, in Gerauimns especially. Calceolarias, on the other hand, produce more bloom by increased gi-owth, so that if that growth can only be effected early enough in the season bloom is sure to follow. Salvias, and in fact most plants also become rank, and when so the number of flowers in proportion to the size of the plant is small as compared with what it is under other cir- cimistances; on the other hand, some plants grown for their foUage, as Perilla and Cerastium, enjoy the moist weather, and bear the cutting and trimming that is necessary all the better of the rain ; Coleus Vcrschaffelti and Amaranthus, however, like simny weather best, and most of annuals in like manner do best under such circumstances. It is hardly necessary to remark that the time when the greatest profusion of bloom may be expected is after a fortnight or so of dull, dry, mild weather, when there has been sufficient rain before the setting in of that period to satisfy the wants of the ]ilant. Persons visiting gardens at such times must not expect tho profusion which then presents itself to be permanent, neither must they ascribe the want of it, under contrary circumstances, to unskilful management ; for with all our forethought and con- trivance Nature will always assert her claim to some dominion over her subjects, and however we may attempt to overcome her, the results of a wet season wiU always bo different from tiiose of a di-y one, and to mitigate the evils of both is what we ought to aim at. — J. Bouson. NEW ROSES. Ir was anticipated some time ago that the fine seasons of the two or three jiast years would be productive of great numbers of seedling Hoses. From the infomiation received from various quarters the anticipation is likely to be fully realised. It is quite natural that the raisers of seedling Eoses should be desirous of putting forw.ard their productions. It is quite right that their merits should be recognised ; but the ex- perience of the past shows that the im]u-ovc!Eents effected in the " queen of flowers," are gradual, and that out of the great number of varieties annually sent out very few retain a place; for a length of time. A word of caution to our Bose friends will not be deemed out of jilace. They Vvill do well to be care- ful in their selection of new kinds, and not to slight the in- foi-mation that appears in these columns from time to time from various sources. Among the earliest announcements are those of M. Eugene Verdier, of Paris — a name that has acquired honourable dis- tinction among rosarians. Making a slight allowance for differences of climate and soil, M. Verdier's descriptions have proved truthful as regards the kinds he has hitherto offered, andrehance may bo jilaced upon his selection. It should also be remembered that to M. Verdier we are indebted for Prince Camille de Eohan, undoubtedly the best dark Bose yet sent out ; also for Madame Charles Wood, Duchesse de Morny, Eushton Eadclyffe, Madame Victor ^'erdier, H. Laureutins, and other line varieties. He also sent out, but did not raise Marechal Niel, the greatest acquisition to our yellow Eoses since the appearance of Celine Forestier, and promising to surpass all that we yet possess of that colour. The following are M. Verdier's announcements for the next season. The translation is made from his own circiilar. The first two are Bourbons, the remainder Hybrid Peiq^etuals : — Julius Ccpsar, very vigorous, with stout darlc-greon branches; thorns almost straight, strong, and blackisli ; leaves composed of five broad and thick leaflets, delicate gi-een ; flowers large, about II) centimetres (1 inches) in diameter, in clusters of from three to eight, very full, well fonned, beautiful deep rose cerise. Madame Charles Baltet, seedling from Louise Odier, very vigorous, branches robust, distinct green, thorns strong, straight, and reddish ; leaves composed of live bright green leaflets ; flowers large, about 9 centimeteres in diameter (3 J inches), in clusters of from four to six, perfectly imbri- cated ; beautiful fresh delicate rose. Alha Mutabilis, seetUing from Jules Margottin, very vigorous, with brownish-green branches ; thorns long, straight and blackish ; leaves composed of five bright-green leaflets ; flowers large, about 9 centimetres in diameter (3i inches), ixiil, white, tinged with rose, becommg completely shaded with rose inthe course of expansion. Charles Eonillard, very vigorous, with straight dark-gi-een branches ; thorns few, straight or nearly so, reddish ; leaves composed of three to five leaflets, deep gi-een : flowers large, about 10 centimetres in diameter {■! inches), of the inost per- fect form, full ; beautiful delicate rose with brighter centre. FUher Holmes, very vigorous and free-blooming ; branches dull green ; thorns short, straight, and yellowish ; leaves com- posed of five dark-green leaflets ; flowers large, about f) centi- metres in diameter (34 inches), full, imbricated hke a CameUia ; magnificent scarlet red ; very fragrant. Jo/;» Gricr, very vigorous, with dark-green stout branches; thorns strong, slightly curved, yellowish ; leaves composed of live apple-green leaflets ; flowers large, from 8 to 9 centi- metres in diameters (3J to 3.J inches), full, well formed, globu- lar, very fragrant ; beautiful clear red or dark rose, reverse of petals silvery. Jean Lamhrrt, vigorous, with dark-green branches ; thorns numerous, straight, and yellowish ; leaves composed of five dark-green leaflets ; flowers extra large, about 12 centimetres in diameter (ij inches); flame colour, shaded fiery red; the buds are often extraordinary, and resemble a pigeon's egg. Mdlle. Marfinerite Dnmhraiv. seedhng of Bose de la Eeine, very vigorous, with straight bright-green branches ; leaves com- posed of five to seven delicate green leaflets: flowers extra large, from 12 to 14 centimetres in diameter (4; to oi inches). 190 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. C September 5, 1865. MI, globular, well fornietl, and very fragrant ; beautiful blush rose,, very delicate, and very fresh. Prince dc Porcia, very \-igorous, with dull-green branches ; thorns sharp, numerous, yellowish ; leaves composed of five deep-green leaflets ; flowers large, about 10 centimetres in dia- meter (4 inches), full, well formed; deep vivid vermilion. Pro/t'sstHrZlKf/inrtrc, very vigorous with bright-green branches; thorns short, slightly recurved, yellowish ; leaves composed of five pale-green leaflets ; flowers large, from 9 to 10 centimetres in diameter (3A to 4 inches), in clusters of four- and six, fuU, globular, well formed, very fragrant ; bright red, reverse of petals silvery. Houvenir d'Almliam Lincoln, seedling from Cardinal Patrizzi, vigorous, with reddish branches ; thorns sharp and brown ; leaves composed of five to seven reddish-green leaflets ; flowers medium size, from 7 to 8 centimetres in lUameter (2J to 31 inches), full, well formed; crimson, tinged with fieiy red, purple, and rose. If'iUiam Eollissnn, veiy vigorous, with bright-green branches ; thorns sharp and slightly curved, yellowish-brown ; leaves composed of five bright-green leaflets ; flowers large, about 9 centimetres in diameter (3J inches), full, globular ; magnifi- cent vivid cherry-red. The following new Roses were obtained by Messrs. Gautreau and Granger, aud rewarded \vith medals at the exhibition of Brie-Comte-Eobert. Camille Bernardin (Gautreau), seedling from G'neral Jac- quemmot, very vigorous, with dark-green branches; leaves composed of five bright-green leaflets ; flowers large, about 10 or 11 centimetres in diameter (4 and 4^ inches), full, well- formed ; vivid red, edged with white ; free blooming and very fragrant. Carl Cocrs (Granger), very vigorous ; wood .and foliage dark green ; thorns rather numerous ; flowers ver.v large, from 10 to 12 centimetres in diameter (4 to 4J inches), full ; deep purple. Exposition dc Brie, very \-igorous, with reddish-green branches ; thorns short and reddish ; leaves composed of five deeply-notched leaflets, apple green ; flowers large, about 12 centimetres in dia- meter (4J inches), fuU, well-formed ; beautiful dazzling vivid red. From the foregoing copious, aud in some respects superfluous descriptions it is easy to point out one variety likely to jirove au acquisition — viz., JldUe Marguerite Dombrain. That it is the best of M. Verdier's seedlings is evident from the descrip- tion, and from the fact that he intends to publish an engraving of it. The last three are probably good, and should they tuni out so, Carl Coijrs will also be an acquisition for the sake of its colour, which is still a desideratum. Nearly all the others are too small for the prevailing taste, although under the high cultivation of the Rose in this country, the actual size of the flowers obtained is greater than in France. — Adolphus H. Kent, Blcchinjiley, Surrey. KEW FKUITS AT THE S.UVBRIDGEWORTH ORCHARD-HOUSES. Pekhaps one of the greatest treats the lover of fruit culture can find is to visit the orchard-houses of Messrs. Rivers & Son, at Sawbridgeworth, which are now in their most attractive condition. We have already made frequent visits to this establishment, aud have never come away without being not only wiser than we went, but deeply impressed with the won- derful field which has yet to be exjjlored in fnrit culture. For some years past Mr. Rivers, sen., has addressed himself to the work of originating new varieties of fruits which should supply the deficiences of those with which our gardeners have been so long familiar. His first attempt was to obtain varieties either very much earlier or very much later than those already in cultivation ; and, reasoning from a commercial point of view, in securing a crop of fruit a week or ten days earlier than it is customary for the ordinary varieties to appear in the markets, the fortimate possessor of such gains must necessarily obtain an advantage over all other cultivators. This has been strikingly illustrated by the Early Prolific Plum, which Mr. Rivers raised now many years ago. This is well known to be, if not the earliest, at least one of the earliest. Plums in culti- vation. ^\^len Mr. Rivers saw what the futiu-e must be, he attemi)ted, but very unsuccessfully, to iuduce large market gardeners and orchardists to plant this Plum on an extensive scale, and thereby secure the siipply of the home markets before the foreign importations commenced, and before the old varieties of home fruit were nearly ready. Mr. Rivers pressed his views in vain, and the large stock of yoimg Early Prohfic Plum trees which he expected would have been bought up with avidity was left on his hands, much to his disajipointment. Great, however, was his faith in the correctness of the views he had adopted ; and seeing the public would not accept the advantage he offered he secitred it for himself, and the trees that he coiJd not sell he planted in rows in his own groixuds. How many thousands of bushels of fruit these trees have since yielded, and how many hundreds of pounds sterling that fruit has since produced, we are almost afraid to say ; but true it is that for some years past the first Plums to be foitnd in the streets of London are Rivers' Early Prolific, aud we believe the supply comes mainly from these trees to which we have referred. This is one Ultistration of the advantage of procuring varieties of fruit which can be brought to market when the great mass is not in season ; and it is to attain this end that Mr. Rivers has devoted so many ye,ars to the acquisition of such desiderata, and he has been beyond measure successful in arriving at the desired result. This season has witnessed the realisation of the most sanguine expectations in new varieties of the Peach. For many long years the Red Nutmeg and Early Anne were the earhest and best of which we could boast. Then came the two small but nice varieties, Acton Scot and Springrove, but neither of them was such as ardent fruit-growers ooiild be satisfied with. Then we had from across the Atlantic a new race in the form of the Early York, which Mr. Rivers intro- duced a few years ago ; and from this, manipulated in the most extraordinary way with Nectarines, Clingstone Peaches, and the most heterogeneous and anomalous alliances, Mr. Rivers has succeeded in raising a number of varieties, some of which in earliness and others in excellence of flavour far surpass anything already in cultivation. AVe have had the opportimity for the last two or three ye.ars of watching the development of these ; and now, after repeated trials and com- parisons, the following have been selected from a large number, all of which are good. The first is E.vrly .^.lfked, raised from the seed of Hunt's Tawny Nectarine ! SingiJar fact ! It is a Peach of the ordi- nary size, rather larger th.an otherwise, and marked with a deep suture that is rather higher on one side than the otiier. The skin is remarkably tender, pale straw-coloured on the shaded side, and somewhat mottled with bright carmine on the side next the sun. The flesh is white, with the jelly-like transparency of that of a Pine Apple, perfectly melting, richly flavoured and vinous, having an exquisite briskness that excites the salivary glands, and cleans instead of clogging the palate. This delicious Peach ripens early in August. The D.IGMAE is another of those exquisitely flavoured Peaches, not quite so large as the Early Alfred. It is the second generation from the Early Albert, another excellent variety raised by Mr. Rivers. The fruit is round, and marked with a shallow suture, which is deei^est at the apex. The skin is very tender, more than usually downy, of a pale straw colour, almost entirely covered with minute crimson dots, so dense that they almost form a solid mass of colour ; but here and there sniaU patches of the yellow groimd colour show through and give the appearance as if the fruit were mottled with yel- low. Flesh white, with that gelatinous appear.ance that the whole of these new sorts possess ; it is so tender as to melt entirely away in the mouth, and the flavotir is very rich and vinous. This ripens about the 10th of August. Alexan-dra Noblesse is a noble Peach, and a great gain — a great gain in many ways, for it is of the largest size, and has all the peculiar richness of flavour of the old Noblesse ; but, unlike that variety, it has glands on the leaves, and is never subject to mUdew'. It is a remarkable fact, which we should like to have explained on physiological principles, that almost all the Peaches and Nectarines that have glancUess leaves are subject to mildew. This excellent variety was raised from the old Noblesse, and, as we have already said, is of the largest size, round, and marked with a deep suture. The skin is covered with a rough down, and is quite pale without any trace of colour upon it. The flesh is white, even to the stone, and is very melting, juicy, richly flavoured, and vinous. a" very handsome and excellent Peach, which must take the place of' the old Noblesse. It ripens eariy in August. Dr.. Hogg. — This is also a grand early Peach, both for its size and the excellence of its flavour. It difi'ers, however, from all of the preceding in not ha^-ing that very melting flesh September 6, 1865.] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 191 that they have, hut one ruoro firm and solid. In tliis respect it has a great advantaKo, as it renders the fruit more portable and not so siibject to iiijnry from transmission to a distance. As a Peach, therefore, for all establishments where the friiit is gi-own for sale, or sent by public conveyance, this will be in- valuable ; no otlier variety, that we know, possessing these qualities, combined with such richness of flavour and so early. The fruit is large and round, with a very distinct suture, which is deeply cleft at the apex. Skin thin but tough, lemon- Colourcil, dotted with crimson on the shaded side, and with a faint crimson cheek next the sun. Flesh yellowish white, some- what firm but meltin:;, with a rich full sugary flavour, wliich adheres to the palate notwithstanding its fine briskness ; it is very deeply stained with red at the stone. This ripens about the loth of August, and is the largest early Peach known. As an exhibition variety, it will bo in high re]nite on account of its size and remarkably full fla- vour ; and for market purposes, its earliness, size, and the case with which it bears (carriage, will render it the most valuable Peach in cultivation. The tree is a very strong grower, re- markably vigorous and healtliy, and bears immensely. It was raised from a very hardy I'each which Sir. Rivers procured in .Brittany, called Pcche Deniaux. THE CRYSTAL P.ILACE AUTUMN SHOW. AUUUST :K)TH AND 31ST. There was ou this occasion a very extensive and excellent show, though from bciug limited to fruit aud the cut ilowers of the seasou, there was uot so much variL'ty as at the summer exhibitions. As in pre- vious years, one half of the uave was occupied by fruit, the other by flowers ; but the exhibitious did uot appear to be so numerous as last year, nor were the tables ou the hrst day so througed with visitors as usual at the Piihice shows. D.1HLUS constituted the principal feature of the floral display, aud several of the stands, especially those of Mr. KejTies, of Salisbui-y, among nurseiymeu, and of Mr. C. J. PeriT, of Castle Bromwich, among amateurs, were of the highest merit, the blooms being uot only large in size but exquisite in foi-m and colour. For forty-eight blooms Mr. Keyues was tirst with — reading from the left, first row — seedling -\nuie Austin, Mrs. Trotter, Lord Shaftes- bm-y. Earl of Pembroke, Lilac Queen, British Triumjih, Willie Austin, Ne Plus Ultra, Bird of Passage, Earl Kussell, Edward Sparj', Juno, Foxhuuter, Lady Maude Herbert, seedliug Marquis of Winchester : 2nd row — Lord Derby, Charles Turner, tiueen of Primroses, Helen Potter, Queen of the Isles, Pauline. John "VVyatt, Princess, Lady Pahnerstou, Donald Beaton, Miss Heushaw. Disraeli, Champion, Miss Herbei-t, Charlotte Durliug, Chairman ; back row — Leah, Baron Taunton, Lord Clyde, .\iuhcw Dodds, Golden Drop, Lord Palmerston, Jenny Austin, Hero, Citorge Wheelur, Peri, Hugh Millur. Mrs. WjTid- ham, Anna Keyues, Lady Gladys Herbert, and Mrs. Hogg. The second prize was also awarded to Mr. Ke^-ues for a collection consist- ing, mth but a few exceptions, of nearly the same varieties ; the third to Mr. Walicer, Thame. Oxou, and the fourth to Mr. Wheeler, Warminster. Messrs. Allen, Shacklewell ; Wood it Ingram; aud Legge, of Edmonton, likewise contributed stands of forty-eight. For twenty-four blooms Mr. Keynes was again first with Miss Hen- shaw, Golden Gem, Miss Herbert, Juno, Charles Turner, Bird of Passage, Champion, Annie Austin, Lord Derby, Pauline, Anna KejTies, Disraeli, Golden Drop, Earl of Pembroke, Mrs. Wymlham, Andrew Dodds. Leah, Jenny Austin. Chairman, Barou Taunton, Noi-folk Hero, Lady Gladys Herbert, Hugh Miller, and Helen Potter. Mr. G. Wheeler was second ; Messrs. Kelway, Laugport, third ; Mr. Draycott, Humberstone, fourth ; Mr. Walker, fifth ; and Mr. Legge, sixth, all having good stands. In the Amateurs' class for the same number Mr. C. J. Perrj' took the first position, with excellent blooms of Earl of Pembroke, Deh- cata, Coimtess of Shelburue, Purity, Model, Umpire, Charles Turner, Ne Plus Ultra, George Wheeler, Stella Colas, Miss Roberts, Bob Ridley, Bird of Passage, Chairman, alinely-fonued rich maroon seed- ling, a blush seedliug, Leah, Princess, Lord Derby very tiue, Hugh Mil- ler, Disraeli, Miss Heushaw, Lord Palmerston, aud Volunteer. Mr. H. Thomeycroft, Floore, Weedon, was second, with an excellent stand, m- cluding several of those already named, Triomphe de Pecq, Lord Dun- dreary, Lady Lilian Pauk-t. Volunteer, aud Mrs. Church, largo aud fine. Mr. .f. T. Hedge, of Reed Hall, Colchester, was thhd ; Mr. Hopkins. Brentford, fourth ; Mr. Leshe, St. Peters. Margate, fifth ; >Ir. Petfield, gardener to G. Thondiill, Esq., Didding'tou, Hunts, sixth. In Mr. Hedge's stand was a remai'kably line bluom of Criterion, measuring uot less than 5 inches across, and Madge Wildfire, a very fine scarlet. , The class for twelve blooms also comprised several ex- cellent stands, in which figured most of the varieties already enumer- ated. Mr. Thomeycroft was tinst ; Mr. Pettield, second ; Mr. C. J. Perry, thhd ; Mr. T. Dicks, Brocklmll, f.rarth ; Mr. Hopkms, fifth ; Mr. J. Bennett, gardener to J. C. Thum, E.sq., Champion Hill, sixth. Of Fancies, several veiy good stands were sIk^vu by Messrs. Ke;i-nes, Perry, and Thomeycroft, comprising Queen Mab, Striped Perfection, Sum Bartlett, Pauline, .lobu Salter, a very fine scarlct.striped buff ; Prospero, John Buun, Mary Lander, Fornddable, Lord Warden, Countess of Shelburue, Countess of Bective, Summortide, Garibaldi, Lady Paxton, President Lincidn, aud Stafford's Geui, a very pretty yellow tipped crimson. Among those fri>m Mr. Perry were Startler, a variety of his own raising, sent out this yi-ar, nearly black, and dis- tinctly tipped with white ; and Miss Powell, puiqdish "Es were generally small. Some weU- colom-ed fruits of Royal George, Banington, aud Bcllagarde Peaches were shown, and of Violette Hative and Elruge Nectarines. Prizes. — Peaches : first. Mr. George King, gardener to K. Loader, Esq., Slaugham ; second, Mr. W. Kaile, gardener to Eai-1 of Lovelace, Ripley; third, Mr C. Evans, gardener to Gen. Cartwright. W^eedon; extra. Mr. \V. Ingle, gardener to C. G. Round, Esq., Colchester, and Mr. J. Eustonc, gardener to Sir J. Duckworth, Wear, near Exeter. Nectaiiues : first, IVlr. George King ; second, Mr. W. Tillerj-, gardener to the Duke of Portland, Welbeck ; thiid, Mr. W. Ingle. Melons. — Of these there was an extensive and fine disjday. Marquis of Ailsa was first in the Green-fleshed class, aud Bailey's Gem in the Scarlet- fleshed. Prizes. — Grecu-flcshed : first, Mr. T. Godfrey, gardener to A. Bing- ham. Esq.. Ware Park Mill, Herts; second, Mr. T. Crane, gardener to Rev. E. L. Deeds. Hertford ; thii-d, Mi-. O. Goldsmith, gardeuer to Sii- W. Fai»]uh:u-, Bart., Dorking. Scarlet-fleshed: first, Mr. C. Smith, gardener to A. Anderson, Esq., Nonvood; second, Mr. Bailey, Shardeloes ; tliiid, Mr. H. Thomeycroft. Figs, — Noticeable among these were good examples of Brown Tui'key and Brunsmck. Mr. Eustone was first ; Mr. Timberley, gar- dener "to Sii- C. Goring, second ; aud Mr. Kaile, tliird. Cherries were chiefly confined to Morellos and Late Dukes, which wei'e vei"y good, but a few BigaiTeaus and Flemish were also shown. Prizes. — Two dishes, distinct kinds, in fifties : first, Mr. G. Sage ; second, Mr. Bailey ; third, Mr. W. TUlery ; extra, Mr. E. Marcham, gardener to E. Oates, Esq., Hanwell. Plu-ms were numerous, and some of them were veiy fine. The first prize went to Mr. Bailey, for Victoria, Jefferson, and Washington ; the second to Mi". Simmonds, gai'dener to J. Smith, Esq., Dorldjig, for the last two, and Kii-ke's : and the third to Mr. Sage, for Kii-ke's, Wash- ington, and White Magnum Bouum : Mr. J. AA'ells, gardener to A. Gilbert. Esq., Windsor, and Mr. O. Goldsmith, were equal fourth. Green Gage, Coe's Golden Drop, Goliath, Black Diamond, Pond's Seedling, and some others were well represented. Apples, especially the kitchen lands, were veiy numerous, but not remarkable as regards size, and many of the dessert kinds had not anived at theii' full perfection. Emperor Alexander, New Hawthorn- den, Lord Sutfield, Keinette Blanche de I'Espagnc. and Nelson's Glory from Messrs. Gadd & Son. Worthing, were first ; and Hoaiy Morning, Lord Sufiield, Blenheim Pippin, Emperor Alexander, Praiseworthy. and Tambour from Messrs. Lane, of St. Mary's Cray, were placed .second ; Hollandbury and Emperor Alexander fiom Mr. Webb, of Beading, who was third, wtre finely coloured. Mr. Kaile was fourth. In dessert kinds Dr. Cooper, of Slough, who was first, bad beautifully colom-ed examples of Devonshire Quarrenden, Bed Asirachan, and Early Bed Margaret ; and Mr. Sheath, Langley, was second with these thr-ee. Cox's Orange Pippin, Kibston Pippin, aud AVhite Peach. Mr. G. House, Slough, was thii'd ; aud Mi-. W. Wren, gardener to E. Pur- ser, Esq., Carshaltou. and Messrs. Lane, St. Maij's Cray, equal fourth. Cellini. Kei-r^- Pippin, Fearn's Pippin, and many others were also well represented. PE.iE3 were tolerably numerous, but the period of the season only ad» mitted of early sorts teiug exhibited. The varieties piincipally shown were Louise Bonne of Jersey, Gansel's Bergamot, Williams' Bon Chretien, and Marie Louise. Tlic heaviest dish was Uvedale's St. Geimain, weight S Ibr. 10 oza., and a fine dish of Marechal de la Cour from G.Wilson, Esq.. Weybridge, was second. The same gentleman also exhibited a fine dish of Louise Bonne of Jersey.. Prizes. — For thi-ee dishes : first, Mr. J. Sheath, Slough ; second, Mr. W. Eichbell, Epsom; third, Mr. D. Donald. Single dish, for weight : first, Mr. G. W^ Gadd, gardener to J. K. Jaffray, Esq., Keigate : second, G. F. Wilson, Esq. ; thii-d, Mr. J. Mon-is, gardener %■) T. G. White, Esq., Wethersfield. Single dish, for flavour: first, Ml-. H. Anstiss, Chiswick ; second, Mr. Bailey ; thii'd, Mi'. J. Frascr, Lerton. MiscELLAXEOUS. — From Messrs. Lane & Son, Great Berkhamp- stead, and Mr. Geirs. Norwood, came Vines in pots ; those from the former being loaded with beautiful bunches. For these first and second prizes were awarded to theii- respective exhibitors ; also, for Peaches in pots from Mr. Vertigan. Clapham, aud Mr. Eraser, Leyton. Mr. Sage, sent a collection of the fruit of difi'creut lands of Capsicums and a cluster of Bananas ; Mr. Can-, a large cluster of Bananas, the September 5, 18*w. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 193 iruit of tlie I'apiiw, iiml a Gmuadilla ; Mr. Cutbill, of CaniberwcU, an An:»traliau Mclou, weij^hiug 5 lbs. ; Mr. Tunjer. Struatham, good boxes of Puaclifs luul Nectarines ; Mr. Sawkius and Jlr. Higgs, Cur- rants ; and tbo AYi/.urd of the North, two Mammoth Gourds of gi-eat size, __^ THE CARSHALTOX AND BEDDIXGTOX SHOW. On a bright day in last week (August 'i^thl. wi; made a pilgrimage, and it was a very jiUiiiHant one, to the sci-oud Show of tlio Carshalton and. Beddiugton llorticultiiral Sot-icty. This was held by thu land jjur- missionof Mr. .\itkcu iu the bt-autiful park of CarsbaHon, very near to thtj bouse whiMt' lived, a tentui-}' and a half sinct;. tlu- sour-tempered Dr. RadclitTe, the founder of the Haddiffe Library. The site for the Show was happily selected in u line (dd park, wliich is sun-ounded by tbo very extensive lierb and tiowir fields for which this district is cele- brated. The whole Show, which was a most successful one, did ereilit to the Committee, iiud to the horticultural altill of the two small parishes in which all tbo exhibitors bold their gardens. A very in- terestiug featnrt! ol this Show will, on the next occasion, be the speci- mens of the flowers and herbs <-uUivated in the littlo group of parishes of Carslialtou, Bfiddiugtou, and Mitcham, chietly for their perfumed oils. In Mitcham alone about 7.")l) acres are now employed for this puiiiose — viz. : — For the growth of Peppermint, about 224 acres. „ ,, Ioses. English flowers, however beautdfnl in form and colour, do not, it seems, possess sufficient intensity of odour. The only flower which could be had in abundance, would be tlie Rose ; but the scent of even this is faint compared with the southern Rose. The best essence of Orange Hower, or neroli, is made from the llower of the Bigarrade, or Bitter Orange tree. The other two essential oils, jasmine and cassie, are only distilled in Northern Africa. We subjoin the list of the prizetakers at the Carshalton Show : — Six Fuchsias. — Fii-st, Mr. Shoebridge, gardener to E. C. Goad. Esq., HackbriJge House. Second, Mr. August, gai'dener to Rev. — Bridges, Beddington. Extra, H. Jackson, Esq., Carshalton. Four Fuchsias. — First. Mr. August. Second, Mr. Holder, gardener to H. Bx'owniug, Esq., Wallinijton. Specimen Fuchsia. — First, Mr. August. Second, Mr. Jaiwis. Six Achimenes, distinct varieties, eight-inch pots. — First, Mr. Hub- bard, gardener to — Marshall, Esq., Beddington. Six Balsams, distinct double varieties, 11-inch pots, without stakes, — First, Mr. Raraett, gardener to G. Drason, Esq., Beddington. Second, Mr. Hubbard. Six Cockscombs, eij^ht-inch pots. — First, Mr. J. MoHimer, gardener to A. Smee. Esq., Beddington. Second. Mr. Hubbard. Twelve Exotic Ferns. — First, Mr. W. Mortimer, gardener to \Y, Potts, Esq., Carshalton. Second, Mr. Hubbard. Twelve British Ferns, rarest and most distinct fipecios.— Rrize, J. IT. Hay, Esq., Carshalton. Eight Lycopodiums.— First, Mr. Hubbard. Second, Mr. W. Morti- mer. Six Zonalo Geraniums. — Prize, Mr. Shoebridge, gardener to E. C. (.load. Esq. Five Ornaincutal-foliaged Plants. — Fix-st, Mr. Hubbard. Second, Mr. W. Mortimer. Thiid (extra), Mr. Whittleton, gardener to L« Cbarrington, Esq., Bedilington. Six Herbaceous Calceolarias. — First, Mr. Harvey, gardener to W- Johnson, Esq., The Limes. Second, Mr. Barnett. Collection of Bedding Geraniums, not less than twelve, six-incli pots.— First, Mr. Harvey, gardener to W. Johnson, Esq. Second, Mr, August. Miscellaneous.— Prize, Mr. Holder, gardener to H. Browning, Esq., for a CissHs ; Mr. Mortimer, for a Coleus Versdiaffelti ; Mr. J. Baines, for two seedling Ger:iniums ; Mr. Card, gardener to It. Betiieil, Esq.. Woodmanstowe. Honourable Mention, Mr. Card, for seedling Gera- niums. Prize, Mr. August, for Petunias. CUT FLOWKRS. Twenty-fonr Dahlias.— First, Mr. HaiTcy. Second, Mr. Shoebridge. Twelve Dalilias. — Prize, Mr. Barnett. Twelve Fancy Dahlias. — Prize, Mi-, Shoebridge. Extra Prize to Ma-. Barnett, for twelve Bouquet Dahlias. Twenty-four Roses.— Fii-st, Mr. Baniett. Second, Mr. Wittleton. Twelve Roses. — First, Mr. Wren, gardener to E. Purser, Esq. Second, Mr. Baniett. Third fextru), Mr. Wittleton. Twelve Verbenas, three trasses of each. — First, Mr. Holder and Mr. Angust (equal), gardener.^ to H. Browning, Esq., and Rev. — Bridges. Second, Mr. Barnett. Twelve Tasselled Asters.- First. Mr. Holder. Second, Mr. Bamett- Third (extra), Mr. Harvey, gardener to W. Johnson, Esq. Twelve Quilled Asters. — Fii-at, Mr. Han-ey. Second, Mr. J. Morti- mer. Six KoUyhocks, various. — First, Mr. J. Mortimer. Second, Mr, August. A beautiful design for the Table, most tastefully arranged. — Prize, Mr. Shoebridge. Miscellaneous. — Extra Prize to Mr. Angust, for thirtj-nine Zinnias, distinct vai-ieties. FRtrrrs. Black Grapes, three bunches.— First, Mr. Wren, gardener to E. Purser, Esq. Second, Mr. Rhodes, gardener to L. H. Mackenzie, Esq. Third (extra), Mr. J. Mortimer, gardener to A. Smee, Esq. White Grapes, three hunches. — First, Mr. J. Mortimer. Second, Mr. W. Mortimer, gai'dener to W. Potts, Esq. Two bunches. — Prize, Mr. Richens. Best Vine in pot. — First. Mr. Holder, gardener to H. Browning, Esq. Second, Mr. Shoebridge, gardener to E. C. Goad, Esq. Best Peach, in pot. — Prized Mr. J, Mortimer. Best Plum, in pot. — Prize. Mr. J. Mortimer. Pine Apple. — Prize, Mi*. Shoebridge. Six Peaches. — First, Mr. J, Mortimer. Second. Mr. Sej-mour, gar- dener to Rev. F. N. Ripley. Thii'd ^extra). — Mr. Inwood, gardener to J. Aitken, Esq. Six Nectaiines. — Fii-st, Mr. Holder. Second, Mr. J. Mortimer. Thii-d (extra), Mr. Shoebridge. Apples, dessert, t\vo dishes of eleven each. — First, Mr. Davis, gar- dener to W. Blackmore, Esq. Second, Mr. Wren. Third (extra), Mr. Shoebridge. Apples, dessert, two dishes of six each. — Prize, Mr. Richards. Ajiples, kitchen, two dishes of eleven each. — First, ]\Ir. J. Mortimer. Second, Mr. Wren. Third (extra), JUi". \Vhittingtou, gardener to G. Brodrick, Esq., Hackbridge. Apples, kitchen, two dishes of six each. — Prize, Mr. Richens. Pears, dessert, two dishes of eleven each. — Fii'st, Mr, Davis. Second, Mr. Wren. Pears, kitchen, two dishes of eleven each. — First, Mr. Jarvis, gar- dener to H. Jaclvson, Esq. Second, Mi-. Davis. Figs. — First, Mr. Jarvis, Second, Mr. Wren. Plums, twelve, light, — First, Mr. Shoebridge. Second, Mr. Davis. Plums, six. light.- First, J. H. Hay, Esq. Second. J. Clark, Esq. Plums, twelve, dark. — Fii-st, Mr. Jarvis. Second, Mr. Shoebridge. Third (extra), Mr. Wren. Plums, six. dark. — First, Master Jackson. Second, J. Clark, Esq. Third (extra), Mr. W, Morley. Cherries. — First, Mr. J. Mortimer. Second, Mr. Holder. GoosebeiTies. — Prize, Mr. W. Mortimer. lied CuiTauts. — First, Mr. Jands. Second. Mi*. Inwood. White Currants. — First, J. Clark, Esq. Second, Mr. Jarvis. Collection of six dishes Dessert Fruit. — First, Mr. J. Mortimer. Second, Mr. Holder. Third (extra), Mr. Shoebridge. Collection of six dishes of Kitchen Fruit. — First, Mr. Holder, Second, Mr. ShoebrJilge. Miscellaneous. — First. Mr. Inwood, for Plums and Pears. Second, Mr. Davis, for Melons. Plums, and Filberts. There was a good collection of Nurserymen's productions, amongst which Mr. Ainsworth's Fuchsias. Gourds, and MaiTOws deserve notice. Messrs. Dods also showed here some choice Roses, Liliums, and Cala- diums. Specimens of the Retiuospora leptoclada, in tine and healthy 194 JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEK. [ September 5, 1865. condition, were amongst the latter. Mr. Morse also showed British Ferns and Dahlias ; and Messrs. Cattell, Cucumbers, Peaches, and Plums in pots ; Lilinm auratum. Clematis Jackmani, and other plants and flowers. The Judges were Messrs. Packman, Woodward, and Cliurchfield. TARTITION WALLS IN VINE-BORDERS. Although much has been said and -BTitten upon the con- struction of Vine-borders, I have neither seen nor heard the least hint of the utility of partitions in them. It is common to ^ee a range of vineries with a long border in front ; and when a failure happens, either through some defects of the border, and it is wished to renew a part of it in front of one of the divisions, this cannot be done without the risk of injuring the roots of the Vines in the other houses ; whereas, partition •walls would keep the Vine roots of each house in the whole range of border within their proper space. . It is somewhat surprising that the great utility of so simple a plan seems to have been overlooked by intelligent gardeners. However, the plan did not occur to myself until lately, when I wished to renew a border in front of the centre liouse of a range of vineries, and I saw clearly that this could only be done at the risk of cutting oil some of the roots of the Vines in tlie other houses, as already noticed. Partition walls for small borders may be i inches thick, of brick laid in cement upon good foundations below the level of the bottom of the borders ; but nine-inch ones with tops level with the surface would be best for large borders. I may observe, that lately a friend asked my advice respect- ing a Vine-border which he had made inside the house, with a view of keeping the Vine roots from getting out into the cold clay soil, and the sides and bottom of which were cemented. I told him to break the bottom out, and put more rubble, stones, or brickbats below to drain oif the water, otherwise his finely-con- structed border would soon be like a stagnant tank, neither fit for the growth of Vines, nor of any other plants. — J. Wighton, Cosseij Park. DESTROYING GOOSEBERRY CATERPILLARS. I HAVE tried an experiment this year in destroying cater- pillars on Gooseberry bushes, and I have found it very effectual. I had thi'ee boxes made of light material, such as lathwood, large enough to cover good-sized bushes, and with one side open to receive the bush. Wherever I saw the caterpillars making their appearance I smoked with tobacco cloth. I fumi- gated each bush for six or seven minutes, and as I had the three boxes at work I was not long going over a large plot of bushes, fumigating every alternate one, and the result is that those that were smoked arc quite free of caterpUIars, and gi'een flies too. On the trees that were not thus treated not a single leaf w.as left by the 1st of July. I may add that I have tried all the plans recommended in the Journal, but have found nothing equal to fumigation. — Wm. McGeeooe, Gardener to HiKjh Mclicnzic, Esq., Dundonnell, N.B. BEDDING ANNUALS. Aftek this long interval we beg to reply to an article that appeared in your impression of the 15tli ult., under the above heading. Your correspondent " Monticola " is'perfectly right in his remarks on the treatment of the especial subject — Linum grandiflorum riibrum, and had we been placed in the same position as liimsclf — that is, having the entire control and arrangement of his own garden, we should, undoubtedly, have treated the plant in the manner he describes as his own. We were not, however, so favoured, and a little explanation of facts may, perliaps, moderate the effect of his deprecating voice, and place our effoi-t, even in " Moxticola's" eyes, on a better footing. In the beginning of April we received from the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society the acceptance of our offer to fill the ante-garden with annuals, the beds in which were to be cleared of Messrs. Hendersons" Tulips by the middle of May. The whole of the stock required (some five thousand plants), with a few exceptions, which, however, do not include the Linum, were sown in single pots, plunged in the open ground, and treated as hardy annuals, being thinned out eventually to one or two plants in each pot. Under these conditions we calculated that the plants would be in a fit state for turning out by the time specified, and so they were ; but delays on the other side resulted in our accession to the clear beds being postponed until the first or second week in June. The hot and dry weather of the latter part of May was the occasion, to a great extent, of causing the plants to root through the bottoms of their pots, seeking for moisture lower down, which extrud- ing roots were of course torn off on the removal of the plants for transmission to Kensington. The check thus given will, we think, account for the partial absence of success in the want of vigorous growth, and for the " undeservedly shabby" appearance of the Linum in contrast to its "gorgeous" ^- play when treated by " Monticola," who sows the seed where the plants are to remain, with the exception of a few thinnings transplanted when quite yoimg. The same remarks will apply likewise to the other subjects introduced in the beds. With a pertinacity, however, not unlike that which dis- tinguishes the promoters of the Atlantic cable, we are pre- pared to stand our groimd ; and though thoroughly conscious that to compare a bed of annuals with a bed of Scarlet Gera- niums will, " sure as fate," for brilliancy, give the palm to the latter, yet beauty and colour are not essentially sj-nonymous, and we are persuaded that, by successive sowings, good culture, cutting off all dead blossoms — in fact, bestowing similar care upon them as is devoted to " bedding plants " proper, annuals may be made to produce an effect, of which, perhaps, com- paratively few would think them capable, and which would even give many of them a reputation of some distinction as bedders. Let the truly fine display which may be annually witnessed on the grounds of some of our seed-gi-owers, be a perpetual example. — Hooper & Co. HEDGE PLANTS FOR NEW ZEALAND. In an answer to a New Zealand correspondent in your last Number a wish is expressed that some of your readers would give their experience on the subject of plants suitable for hedges in New Zealand, and now I beg to add my mite. The Thom Acacia forms in Australia a splendid and almost impenetrable hedge, and close from top to bottom, which can be said of few other plants gi-own there for that purpose, and where I have seen it, it must have been of rapid growth ; but in some instances it is shy enough, particularly under the shade and shelter of a high paling. Cape Broom grows very rapidly, and forms a nice enclosure if the seed is sown on deeply-dug ground, in two drills, 12 or 18 inches apart ; then thin out the plants to a 2n'oper distance. Being free of thorns it is not a really good fence, but looks remarkably well. It must be quite common in New Zealand by this time. — W. Jackson, Ballyoran. WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Sncn ground as is now becoming vacant should be trenched up as roughly as possible, manure being applied if necessary ; this should always be done as soon as the crops are off, whether the gi'ound is wanted again immediately or not. Broccoli, where a suilficiency has not been planted, large plants may yet be put out with success, they should be laid in with a spade in a slanting direction ; earth-up advancing crops. Cardooixa, earth-up for blanching in favourable weather. Celery, con- tinue to earth-up the early crops carefully, the tops of the plants should always be perfectly dry at the time ; the crops that have not yet been earthed-up should be kept very moist. Ciiciiiiibers, those in frames, which it is intended to keep in bearing, should be covered up when the nights are cold, the beds should also be newly lined. Cahbaye, plant the principal crop for spring use on ground well manured. The East Ham is a good variety for standing over the winter, it is not so apt to run in spring as other sorts. Prick-out into beds, a few inches apart, a large quantity of Cabbage plants, which have just expanded their first two rough leaves ; they will be required iu spring, for should the Potato disease continue to increase in virulence, the great blank which the loss of an esculent so universally esteemed will occasion must be filled up by extra quantities of other good vegetables, amongst which a fine early C.abbage in April or May meets with general favour. Endive, continue to blanch, and plant out from successional sowings. Lettuce, another sowing of the various sorts may be made; it is always better to have a superfluity in the spring than otherwise. Muslirooms. — Beds may now be made in sheds or September 5, 1866. 1 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 195 in the open air. Parsley, thin tlie summer sowing while in a young state, the plimts will then gain strength to stand the winter. A portion of the spring sowing slioiilil be cut down. Tomatoc.i, gather the fruit as it ripens ; remove all the shoots that shade it, also some of the leaves. KBVIT GAIlIiKN'. Give a final nailing to nil wall trees, that there may he nothing to prevent the perfect maturation of the wood. See that Strawberries in pots for forcing nc\t season are well eared for, placing them in an open sunny situation where they will have all the light possible, and do not allow them to suffer from want of moisture at the root. Where mulching has been used for Peach and Nectarine trees this should he removed at once, if not already dime, for the fruit is seldom well flavoured if the roots are excluded from the action of the sun and air during the period of ripening. It will also be an advantage to have the fruit-tree borders free and unshaded by any crop at this season ; the effect of planting Endive, Turnips, and the like is to keep the border cold and Avet, when, in fact, warmth and air are more particularly required. We should be well satisfied to see the width of the borders reduced could even a more limited space be scoured exclusively to the wall trees. FLOWEK GARDEN. A surplus stock of bedding plants should always be provided against contingencies, the propagation of such as HeUotropes, Verbenas, and Pelargoniums should be proceeded with ; as the general utility of these plants for decorative purposes is un- questionable, an ample supply of these is recommended. Chrysanthemums out of doors should be carefully staked ; if against a wall, where they thrive better, they should be trained while the succulent shoots will bear it ; propagate by cuttings for blooming in pots. Budded Rose-stocks should be carefully attended to just now, those buds which have started may be encouraged to form a more vigorous growth by stopping the wild branches of the stock. The routine of mowing and roll- ing must be pursued. Hedges may be clipped. Auriculas must be sheltered from bright simshine, as well as from exces- sive rain, keeping the pots free from weeds, and occasionally stirring the surface of the soil with a blunt stick. Layers of Carnations and Picotees where sufficiently rooted may now be taken off the stools and potted. Pinks should be planted in their blooming-beds without delay. OliEENHOUSE AND CONSEKVATOHY. JIany may hesitate in the work of introducing the house plants while the promise of a late autiunu is before them. It is dangerous to trust anything to the weather at this period of the year ; therefore, housing tender jilants must proceed until the whole stock is reinstated in its winter quarters ; but where the opportunity of partial jjrotection exists, many hardwooded plants may, with advantage, be allowed to stand out until the end of the month. Let each plant be carefully examined before housing, and defects in the soil or drainage of the pots remedied. Clear off moss, remove insects, and replace stakes. Climbers will ixlways require attention to keep the shoots in their proper places ; take care in training that the part of the trellis or stakes nearest the bottom does not become bare of flowering shoots, as the beauty of the plants depends u])on their being clothed with foliage and flowers from the rim of the pot upwards. Pot off small seedling Calceolarias into small pots, and keep them close in a frame for a few days. Luculias, and other winter-flowering plants growing in the border, must be freely exposed to light and air in order that the growth may be well ripened, and to insm-e a fine display of bloom. STOVE. Wliere there is but one house for the accommodation of tropical plants, considerable care and attention are necessary to properly manage them at this season, as some, having com- pleted this season's growth, require to be kept cool and rather dry in order to ripen the wood, while others in free growth re- quire to be encouraged with warmth and moisture. If there is no convenience for removing to a cooler house such plants as have made their growth, these should be placed together at one end of the stove, keeping them sparingly supplied with water at the root, and giving air rather freely, which will generally serve to prevent any attempt at a second gi-owth ; and those requiring to be kept warm and moist should also be placed together at the opposite end of the house, where very little air should be given, using every care to keep the atmo- sphere about them moist. Allamaudas, Clerodeudi'ons, etc., which have done blossoming, may be removed to a vinery where the Grapes are ripe or ripening, for as they will require vei-y little water, they will not do much mischief in the way of causing damp, and their room in the stove will be found use- ful for other jilants. See that everything is free from insects, and keep the foliage of such plants as Ixoras, &c., clean by washing with a sponge and soapy water when necessary. riTS AND KIIAMKS. Violets should be potted or planted in a frame, Mignonette thinned and sown. Hyacinths, Tulii]S, and other bulbs potted and plunged. Pinks for forcing encouraged, and Cinerarias duly attended to. Hoses in pots should occupy a fair share of at- tention. Some frames should now bo in readiness for the reception of Aliiine jdants in pots, especially the more delicate species, to remain for the winter; this should he done as speeilily as possible in case a wet season should set in, which woidd be certain destruction to this humble but interesting class of plants. — W. Keane. DOINGS OP THE LAST WEEK. A FEW fine days have again come, causing the cut grain so to rattle with the fork, as to lead some of our impatient farmers to regret that they did not use a little patience and wait, in- stead of carting home the valuable grain in a damp state. In very damp seasons much may be done by building small in- stead of large stacks, and having inside an open framework in the shape of a cone, so that a draught of air may freely pass through the centre. It was the fashion at one time to talk about Ireland, and its deplorable backwardness in agriculture and everything else. Very probably in our short visit some years ago (and we have yet heaps of notes unused for want of time) we might see only specimens of the best farming, and the most economical management, but in the farms we did see, we do not recoUect observing a single stack of valuable grain built on the ground. If nothing more substantial was to be had, stout stakes of wood, some 2 feet above the groxuid level, were fixed in the ground ; on them pieces of zinc, tin, or galvanised iron some 12 or 15 inches square were fastened, and on these, from post to post, the rough wooden framework was placed ; neither mouse nor rat could then pass the horizontal out- jutting smooth iron. With such a contrivance, and an open cone in the centre, there could scarcely be danger from damp, mildew, or heating, even in bad seasons. Though anything but timid, we have at times felt a little alarmed at the armies of rats, not to say legions of mice, that retreat from a wheat- stack when it is taken down after being built on the open ground. In many cases, the rats get more than the farmer does for all his labour, and the aroma that is left behind must be anything but in favour of the grain at the market. Huge lumbering barns, whether of brick, stone, or wood, are going out of favour, as the buikling and keeping them in repair told either upon the profits of the leasehold farmer, or on the rental of the landlord. We have met with cases in which keeping up such and sundry buildings left nothing in the way of a rent- roll. That is no reason why stacks should not be built above the ground, so as to be safe from vermin, or, what in the end would he vastly more economical, be stored in Dutch barns — that is, with solid sides of wood or brick some 2J feet from the ground, and open thence to the roof, whether that was formed of tiles, slates, or wood and asphalt. The barn would only cost the ex]iensc of a few years' thatching, and the expense of thatcliing would be altogether saved in future. Even for hay, it would form the cheapest plan. If the roof were lofty, in other words if the sides were open for 15, 20, or more feet, the gi-ain would be still more safe than in a stack, and might be thoroughly secured against any wet at the sides, by keeping the ear ends of the sheaves elevated in- stead of horizontal in buikling. A strip of zinc or galvanised iron about 15 inches wide along the sides, would eft'ectually keep out aU intruders, and any vermin that found their way in would either be taken in with the sheaves, or be forced to run a mine below the building. Fine examples of elevated stacks, and of a Dutch barn, wonderful for its size, may be seen at the farm of Luton Hoo, the farm buildings and conveniences there being, we believe, as yet unequalled in this or any other country. KITCHEN GAKDEN. The change in the weather has led to something hke a con- test between the lawn and the kitchen garden, the hea\-y rains having made the former gi'ow wonderfully, so as to be in most places beyond the power of hand machines, whilst small weeds have come up very thickly in the latter wherever there was X96 JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENEK. [ SeptembeF 6, 1866. room for them to show themselves. As is generally the case, being miahle to do all that was necessary, we made a compro- mise of the matter ; and after making all tidy near the mansion we went through with a Dutch hoe the most conspicuous parts of the kitchen gai'deu, and where very prominent, contrary to our usual practice, we ran a rake over the ground, just to re- move any weeds above 3 inches in height, and to expose the others more to the sun. In any patches extra thick, the quick- est and best way to put them out of sight is just to turn them by a shallow shovelling rather than digging — holding the spade in a nearly horizontal position, or almost parallel with the surface of the ground, and only making it go 3 or 4 inches deep. Even in softish walks this is the quickest plan to clear any very green part. Hoeing and raldng is of little use in the autumn unless you are sure of some days' sun ; and though salt would soon settle the matter by killing all above ground, it will act as a stimulant to future crops ; and if the walks are smooth on the surface — that is, very fine and smooth for thin- soled slipjjers in summer, they will become retentive of mois- ture, and be apt to be sloppy in muggy weather in winter. Some of our correspondents have i)een doing what we hope is rather unusual — reacHng up some of our old forgotten articles, at least forgotten by ourselves ; and this question of saltinij walks is a matter which seems to them deserving of more notice. We shall endeavour to meet their wishes by detailing our present impressions, based on practice and observation. A wide walk in the kitchen garden, on which not a weed was seen three weelcs ago, was becoming all over of a greenish hue, when yoiT looked along it in the morning before the dew was dissipated. There being Box on each side, salt was thrown along, just enough to give it a regular white appearance, on Tuesday morning ; it was brushed over on Wednesday forenoon, and now, on Thursday, hardly a trace of the salt is to be seen. The weeds, though smaU at first, are not quite out of sight yet, but another day's sun will pretty well accomplish that. Some friends salt close up to the Box edging; but we have good reasons for not doing so, and therefore leave a space unsalted of from 9 to 13 inches in width, which, is weeded by hand in the usual way. This is the only walk we have as yet salted, and it is different from most others. In the end of the spring it became a little green ; and as we had no time to turn it, even if there had been depth enough, we gave it a deepish hoeing with the Dutch hoe when it was damp, and raked it several times when it was dry. The walk had been rather too smooth in winter, and therefore we left the surface rather rough ; the gravel left there from tae rake consisting chiefly of pieces from the size of Broad Beans to that of Walnuts. Even after several rolUngs the walk after chy weather w-ould be a little rough to the feet ; but from its very roughness it will be better to walk on in winter, as in scarcely any weather will it adhere to the feet, as a smoother walk would be apt to do. The effect of the salt will be to crack and split a number of the stones and pebbles, but we do not think that wiU be done to such an extent as to render the walk too smooth and moisture-laden for the winter. We can hardly obtain both advantages. The smooth-surfaced walk is the most pleasant in smnmer ; one a little rougher on the surface, but firm withal to prevent the rains sinking in it, is the most serviceable in winter. We ought here to state, that we have not followed the usual com-se with our flower-garden walks this season. These walks at first were made very shallow, and were scarcely ever broken on the surface. Every summer, as soon as the bedding was about over, even though few weeds were to be seen, we scattered a little fine salt along them, choosing the sunniest daj'S for the work ; then in about a couple of days or so, we threw along them a little fine gi-avel, or sittings of gravel, just enough to give a fresh appearance, and levelled either vrith a broom or the back of a rake, and after the first shower whisked over them with a broom and then rolled them down. The salt was partly absoi-bed by the old and partly by the new surface, and the slight sprinkling prevented anything like softness until the end of the autumn. If any person over-critical happened to be in the way, the slight fresh covering neutralised the white colour of the salt. By such management our walks were generally in good condition all the summer and autumn, and as they were not gi'eatly used in winter, no objection could be taken to them. Last winter, however, they were more used, and after frosts, thaws, and rains, they were more sloppy than we wished to see them. With the exception of the fresh dustings of siftings, they had never had any gravel for more than twenty years, and we have no doubt that the salt had eaten down into and converted into powdery material all the little stones near the surface. Walks to be used much in winter are, therefore, none the better of being over-smooth on the surface, unless, indeed, the surface should have a thin covering of pure sand, that would be little influenced by frosts and thaws. There is no doubt a great ditference in gravels, but good gravel is often vei-y difficult to obtain in some neighbour- hoods. The above is about the easiest mode that we have met with of keeping walks nice ; but until we had more rough material near the surface we should not like to use much salt for fear of its effect in retaining moisture in winter. With roughish gravel it may be more freely used. • So much have we noticed the effects of salt, soda, &c., in eating into, reducing, and tm-ning the hardest stone into duat, that we would repeat the caution long ago given, not to use salt on gravel near any builtling or wall of stone, &c. We cannot well pronoimce on the distance to be safe ; but it would be well not to go nearer at least than from 4 to fi feet. It is amazing how salt thrown down on gravel, close to the walls of a house, will find its way into these walls, mount upwards, and crumble the stone as it goes. It is safest used on walks bordered by grass edgings. We once saw a fine stone curb for flower-beds shelling off in laminae and crumbling away, and the circumstance was considered unaccountable. We have not a doubt that the salting of the walks did the mischief. We did not require to be told of the salting ; the sight of the clear almost crystaUine-like gravel was enough. Salt, therefore, even as a weed-destroyer should be used with caution. Once more as to the mode of applying salt. Wo prefer the simplest and the most economical. Be the land of salt rough or smooth, white or discolom-ed, it is mallett'd, and made to pass through a fine sieve, and then scattered with the hand or small shovel as thinly and evenly as possible over the gravel, so as to leave salt everywhere. We would sooner go a second time than put on too much, owing to what we have said above as to its moisture-retaining qualities. So much for the mode, now as to the time. That should be in a sunny day, and when our own feelings, as well as the barometer, lead us to expect that the weather will be dry for several days. The longer the salt appears on the surface, the more thoroughly it will act ; but even imder the above cu-cumstances, the white appearance will not last long. The sunny day is generally foDowed by dew at night, and the weeds and the gravel absorb 'the liquefying salt slowly, but more thoroughly, than if more quickly liquefied. Of course, if put on before rains, the salt is carried to the sides o£ the walk, and into the drains, and if there are Box edgings woe- betide them, imless well elevated. Whilst the salt lies no one should step from the walk to the lawn, or every step will leave a black mark. Ladies and gentlemen generally dislike the white appearance, and, therefore, a time should be chosen when they are not likely to see it. It done along with a fresh _ surfacing, as detailed above, that objection would be consider- " ably obviated. In our pleasure grounds we should use little this season, but if much green should appear for a few inches at the sides of the walks, we shall use it there in preference to weeding. But for making walks too fine, and too retentive of moisture in winter, there is no plan for keeping them bright and clean in summer that would be equally economical. We prefer for .similar reasons of economy using the dry salt at once. We have no objection to urge against those who prefer using the salt melted in either cold or boiling water ; but salt for salt, we believe we obtain as much benefit from the dry salt as from an equal quantity either in hot or cold water. Of com-se, the former acts more quickly, and those who prefer a machine for boiling the water and the salt, may weU carry out their own views. The amateur may do all he wants by merely sowing the salt, and keeping his feet from going on grass after- wards. As soon as possible we shall nm the fork through recently- planted Cauliflower, Broccoli, Coleworts, young Spinach, Onions, &c., as the heavy rains have battered the surface, and these crops will be all the better of a little air being let in amongst the roots. About the time this is printed, we shall sow Cauli- flower for the first crops next spring. A little rough sand is a good thing to throw over the surface, as slugs and worms dis- like it much. Cut Basil, Marjoram, &c., for drying. WiU take Onions under cover ere long. If merely kept dry they will not suffer from frost. See what has recently been said of Mush- rooms, &c. Will turn over, by trenching, part of the Onion ground for Cabbages. Most probably we shall put on a lot of rotten grass, &c., as a manure, but that will be placed some IS or 24 inches from the sm-face, so as to tell on the plants September i, 1806. j JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUIIE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 19.7 next summer. The plants will stand all the better from the snrJaco soil notboing ovei--ricli. GatlifreJ Dwarf KidiK'.y lioans and llium*s, rather to iusnre continued fruitf uluoss. For those comiug into bloom will liave some rout;li co\ering ready to throw over them in any cold night. FRUIT OAIinKN'. Much the same as in the previous week. All fruit out of doors is much earlier this season than usual. Have gathered lots of Jefferson's I'lum from standards fi>r preserving, and late Peaches, ite , are coming in. Oiui great advantage of orchard-houses is, that in a forward season like this you may prolong the siAison, by keeping tlie house witli abundance of ventilation, so as in fact to make it cooler tlian Die out-door temperature. If ever we should get the chance we would have a cool glass house for such Plums as Heine Claude de Bavay and Coe's Golden Drop, as, in many seasons, we believe they could be thus had beautifully coloured, and rich in flavour up to November. Jefferson on standards are now ripening freely out of doors. Removed a few secondai'y shoots from dwarf Pear trees, and gathered the riper Apples, as Ked Quarrenden, Kerry Pippin, itc. Looked over Vines, as detailed last week. Peaches ai-e better of being g.ithered before yuito ripe, and allowed to he for a day or two on clean white jiaper, with, pei-haps, a very little clean, sweet, dry hay beneath the paper. They wiU hardly lie on a hard substance without being blemished ; and some kinds, as Noblesse, when nearly ripe, will not stand handling. We have seen well-meaning people lingering such fruit as they went along. It is much of a piece with a gentleman pulling oft' the blooms from the points of Cucumbers, or a lady going through a vinery, and nipping a number of berries out of each bunch to which she had access. ORNAMENIAI. HEPAHTMENT. To put matters right after the rains, we have been obliged to leave cuttings and potting for a little, and go on picking the beds, getting lawns shorn, rolled, &c., and switching and roll- ing the walks. The few days' sun has done wonders, but last night there was much sheet lightning, and there is a tendency downwards again in the barometer, so that unless there be a fortnight of tine weather, we fear that the great attraction of the flower garden this season will have been past with the end of July. We remembered some time ago how brilliant a row of the Golden Chain was, but it being on the north side of a ribbon- border that faced south and north, with a ridge in the middle, the rain has punished it very severely, whilst in more open places and with nothing higher above it, it still remains very good. We iind, also, that beds in such changeable Vi'eather suffer in proportion to the earliness of the time they were a mass of flower. -All our first-planted-out beds have suffered most, and though a gi'eat many blooms have opened within these two days, it will requii-e a number of days to restore their former brightness. Later-planted beds, and which were just arriving at their best, have suffered less from the wet. The gardens, therefore, that were late in July, are hkely to be better in Sep- tember than those which \eiy good in the beginning of Jidy. It is not easy, irrespective of the seasons, to have them first- rate at both seasons. To have a fine show in the beginning of .July or the end of June, presupposes thick planting ; but that thick planting without much priming and disleafiug, especially in such a season as this, will be sure to encom'age more foliage than is desirable. It is amazing the difference as respects brightness between beds fuUy exposed and those jirotected, even on one side, from wind and rain. One annual, with the exception of being double the height it was last season, has given great satisfaction. We suspect it is the same as that desig- nated Tagetes signata, by our friend Mr. Kobson, at page 164, or something in that way, bnt which wee ill Tagetes teuui- folia pumila. Tiie Tagetes tenuifolia is a free-flowering single Marigold, growing from 24 to 30 inches in height, and with beautifully cut fern-liie fohage. The dwarf variety, pumila, was a dense mass of orange-mottled flowers last season, and scarcely more than 6 inches in height. This season we have a row of it, but it is fully a foot in height, in some cases quite 14 inches, but in some other cases not more than 9 inches. Many have taken a note of it, as a substitute for Calceolarias, &e. Even this annual, however, is influenced greatly by posi- tion. Part of the line referred to is pretty well exposed, and especially to the west. Another portion is partlj' sheltered hy the mpjision, at the distance of some 50 feet or more. In the first position the plants are liigher, from receiving more rain v.-e imagine, and though there is an abimdance of flowers, a good many of the pretty leaves peep tln'ough them. In the more sheltered part the plants are lower and are a dense ma^s of bloom witlj scarcely a loaf to be seen, except at the sides. It bears tlio pruning-knifc well, and, therefore, is easily kept uniform. The colour is all right enough, but the fastidious must not meddle with it, as it emits, especially when touched, the strong Marigold scent, i'or beds to be seen a little way off, it may well take the place of the orange-coloured Calceolarias. Just like Clover in some fields, no doubt some gardens are becoming Calceolaria-sicl;. A gardener told ns the other day, that though he moved the soil from one bed into another every year, his Calceolarias would fail every year. We merely plant in diU'erent beds, as we have lu^ver yet attempted to change or freshen the soil, liotation-croppiug is the next best. Calceo- larias on the whole have done well. The time when we had any trouble with ours was in the spring, the roots would not flourish in the cold pit in which the cuttings were inserted in the autumn. We believe it was owing to using old eil'ete Boil mixed with some fresh. Chrysanthemums in large plants will want well and frequent watering. Rains must not be depended on, as the showers are tlu-own by the heads past the pots. Heaths and Epacrises, and the most forward Camellias, should now be placed imder cover, as excess of wot will injure them for the winter. The more all house plants are gradually hardened in their v.'ood, tho better wUl they pass the winter. — R. E. Peizes foe Window G.iedening. — Mr. Walter H. Bosanquet has agreed to act as Hon. Secretary of the Window-gardening Committee of the Royal Horticidtural Society, and to vmder- take the sole management of the Society's next exhibition of window gardening bj' the working classes. This involves the collection of the funds required for the prizes, and at least £150 wUl be needed. Subscriptions in aid of this ijraise- worthy exhibition wUl be very acceptable, and may be sent to W. H. Bosanquet, Esq., 22, Austin Friars, London, E.C. C0^^5^"T garden market.— September 2. The juarket is now overstocked with Peacbes and Nectarines. The prices of these are consequently lower than they have been lor some years. EEUIT. Apples i sieve Apricots doz. Cherries Ih. Chestnuts bush. Cun'auts, Red A sieve Black .". . . do. Figs doz. Filberts lb. Cobs do. Gooseberries. . ^ sieve Grapes, Hambro.. . lb. Muscats lb. Lemons lUO Artichokes each Asparagus. . . . bundle Beans Broad. . bushel Kidney do Beet, Ked doz. Broccoli bundle Brus. Sprouts. .^ sieve Cabbage doz. Capsicums 100 CaiTots bunch Cauliflower doz. Celei-y bundle Cucumbers each pickling doz. Endive score Fennel bunch Garlic and Shallots, lb. Herbs bunch Horseradish . . bundle s. d. s. d 1 0 to2 1) 0 0 II IJ 1 0 2 U (1 II II (1 s fi B 0 4 fi B II (1 S) 1 H n 9 1 0 0 (1 II 0 0 n II II 1 « 4 II ;; 0 li 1) 8 u 14 U R. A. s. d n 4to0 « 0 0 0 U (1 (1 II II 3 n 5 II '2 II 3 II 0 n (1 0 (1 0 II II 0 9 1 (i 2 II 3 II n 4 0 s 3 0 (i 0 a II 3 II II 4 II H 2 0 4 0 2 II 3 II n 3 11 0 () H 0 (1 0 3 0 n 2 ti 4 0 s. d. s. a Melons each 2 0to5 0 Mulbei-ries. ... punnet 06 10 Nectarines doz. 0 9 6 0 Oranges 100 10 0 20 0 Peaches doz. 10 8 0 Pears (kitchen)., doz. 0 0 0 0 dessert doz. 10 2 0 Pine Apples lb. 3 0 6 0 Plums 1 sieve 1 0 3 0 Quinces i sieve 0 0 0 0 RaspbeiTies ...'... lb. 0 0 00 Strawbei-ries lb. 0 0 0 0 Walnuts bush 14 0 20 0 Leelcs bunch Lettuce .... per score Mushrooms. . . . pottle Mustd. & Cress, punnet Onions, .doz. bimches pickling quart Parsley A sieve Parsnips doz. Peas quart Potatoes bushel Ividney do. Radishes doz. bunches Rhubarb bundle Savoys doz. Sea-kale basket Spinach bushel Tomatoes doz. Turnips bunch Vegetable Marrows dz. s. d. s. d 0 3 too 6 0 9 16 6 2 0 6 0 0 9 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 S 0 2 0 0 4 1 0 0 6 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 2 0 TR.\DE CATALOGUES RECERTSD. WiUiam Paul, Waltham Cross. — Select LUt of Hi/acintJis, Earhf Tulips, Cwciisis and oilier Spriiuj-floKcrinti Flunts. Charles Tmmer, Royal Nm-series, Slough.— Cafa/offuc of Bulbous Flower Roots and Tulijyi. J. Carter& Co., High Holborn. — The Gardener's and Farmer's Vadc MccuM — Part IV. Dutclt anil Cape Bulbs. 198 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. [ September 6, 1865. TO CORRESPONDENTS. '.♦ We request that no one will write privately to tlie depart- meutal writers of the "Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doino they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications should therefore be addressed wteh, to llie Editors o) the Journal of Horticulture, eOc, 171, Fleet Street, Loiulun, E.G. We also request that correspondents wiU not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on l-oiiltry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them an- swered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. N.B.— Many questions must remain unanswered until next week. vo^fs ?o"cTtL',:''v,,!^;:''/r'f''''"'''^''''''""''--'r'''= 0"'.v advice wo can give you IS to gathci 5 our truit as soon as possible after it is ripe then if vou loTamms'?? ^^.r\."T'^ .di^sohe'^6 or C lbs. of sott'^Toap in about lU gaUims of Mater m which 3 lbs. of quassia chips have been i>reviou-.lv to to vom t?e?s in"n Vl'^r.^"*" f ^"""'' '™t"- '" 'Ws as wm SaUeyou weU wetUd with tbifhl,"' ""^ "■'"""f tlie wood and leaves may become Tt interval vr, , in,\^ """' '!'"^^- " "'''' '^ repeated two or three time>i tre^s we 1 «v-Sn", ' '"ti" ^^^ "'^ "•' *''" l"-'^*- ^'"^ ^^<= '«ture keep your slLht^st siSs nf ?hr " decoction of similar strength whenever the S?t„™ .s^,„. ,i "'"''"?■ '^PPf''- Syringe your walls with the same tSf the walK sl„ l?'?'"'"1f'' ''''°^'^' ""'' '° " ^ lbs. of sulphur, .\fter this the walls should be well coated over with a thiclv m-outing made of SSutirThA.dr/fe""' S?^°""?^"f the quassia water to Six it wttS^ Thi dlubiniftheln f 1, '^■'^".^.o'ked into the nail-holes &c. in the waU by aauDing the biuah several times against it. ^^yli'ZJ^^Tf^^^^^ ^° ^«t know a pure yeUow in the ThLib nntl^iL nfih! f^^^"" *" P^'^'^' '^ ^e^^' '^'^^■^^ from yeUow Tom inuiiib, uotlung of the colour can be more beautifiU. immSelvir.^n^^*^!';'''''''^*'^*'^*.^-.^''-''''*--^^* '^ ^^^ ^°d of October or saX »oftt nn ^tlff. 1 '-^.f in tm-fy Ught loom two-thirds, and tm:fy sandy peat oie-third, with a free admixture of silver or sharo '^and shoSlTb^e 7?nS?.' . ^-terials with a spade ; well draf^ the poT, wSfcli ^oSr7f fi ''^ I" diameter, and on the draiDa^'e place the rousher the cent- e oThiT. S ^''^ hU.the pot ^nth .oil, thVplaceThe & in out towards tUnV.' Y-'"''''^'}^^ l^"" '■^^*^- '^ "">"' «"d ^l"*^"^ ^^^^m «^iti^ f ■ ^'l^^ ^'^^'*-^^ *^^ ^"^^ "bout hall an inch and cive a floor XwTn?" P«"f ^I'Ulb may then be placed on a cool damp SOU wheiit.]^,UM^'^^ ^''''^^ ""*^^ ^^^ ^^°^t pushes above the aSd Ton .h-plSr/n .'i*'-^ \'^^J ^""^ '''^^' situation, be watered copiously, sSoot i^^anl^ch or^t^lTve U. '^^ ""^^ '' '^^ ^'^ «^ *^^ ^'' ^'^^ '^^ flow'L'^n''J' nmv 1 r^; ^ ^'''''^'' ^^'^''^ (W6-7,0.-The reason of your tree not £dsodecSastn7.^f^^^ ^? ?,"^ "''^^^^ ^^^ tree at 4 feet from its base, Sis wmi^^ iL 1 I through the roots, simply filling in the trench again Inxm-irtm-nw.h T-*^^^ ';f^^\^" O^-'toi^er, and it woiUd check the SSht be fS^v ivn. ^^7F^? "i*^ ^^^^ts thin so that evex^ P^irt of the tree Sdnce thP t ip ;,y?^^ *" ^¥? ^'^'^ l''"" ""^^''^ ^-^ ^'^1- "P-i the wood as to ^wi^ndVAn ^f Tf;- ^V 1^^«^''^'^>^ that the routs have gone deep roXi's to c, nn ,^nt H*'?".* m'^I'^^^^^S out the trench, so undermine the below the s^face perpendicularly do^vnwards at IBinches cuuTo'curth^a^c ''^J'ltfi*?^^'''^^* '^•.-^- ^'- -^•)-This Fern is most diffi- turfV nPRlpbrn;,,.^^ ^" ^^^ P^* V^^ ^^•°*^^^' «"'^ 1^^^-e ^""^^^ "i'-'e sandy AVa^ut and son?. « ^t'^i ^''T^' of sandstone broken to the size of i \\ alnut, and some sweet hazel or yellow loam. 3Iix them together in the STtrvPr^'r ^''''f-'f t^« -^^'l^tone to one of the peaTi^d loam! iS this mix?mo . i*;f" ''*^^''*''^ *^? sandstone bo sifted oit all the better around fw^ ? ^ ^^^ ^^^?'' '"'i*^"" ^'"^ ^" *^« ^'^^t^*^ «* tl^^ I'ots, and anneal Ln^t^nl/r ^'^'^f "' ^'^^^^stone, or rather plant so that they may Ind the hnm° nT ^'^l^:'^^" stoiies. the pot being covered with these, SinPP in nl^ \ i^-^?^ '? ^^^ iuterstices. Give a good watering, and best ken? nPnTA"*^ ^f^^ situation in the gi-eenhouse.'' This Fem^U do ah^dPd ft-nnf L K^■^'^ """"^ "■^^^" ^^"^ 1****^* «f admission of air. If Sd tho inh ,7'>-,^"SM sun until it becomes estabUshed all the better, ^^^ 1^ n * '"" """J ^■"''' ^"^ "^"*^^ ^^^'^^' it is more free-gi-owing d?! Tt?.m?v?^ moisturt.. and should never be verv wet nor'dust drj. It is only to be kept m cultivation bv ven- careful culture. anTmn'^'f pnYIvK f^Y'^'^^^^^^^l^ {Idem),-Th<, plants cut down last now m Uv linl h ■ ^^ V '"'''^," ^"^ ^■^'^'*^ *^^« ^^^^«^' "^'^V be moved ^tb r rrnnS 1,1 n'"'"^ ^ovember. during mild weather, taking them up with a good baU Do not reduce the baU, but take them up and plant X^nt" Rhnd IP?' •"' ^^ "'i^f ^ ^? "■^'^ ^-^^t's. Spring is t^eTcst time ?o ferP^Mlti . i f ■' 1^"? ^^'"^ ^^'^ "^^^^ month r but from the very M thPv n^nv h ' ''^'^ ?^'?^'' '^'''"■'^' ^^"^' ^'^i"^ removed ^ith a good Vph;-n«S S iJ removed at any season, we having planted them from fhp^v r^ ti ''T"^''' ^"'^ ?" '^^ ^^*^-'*=« of giowth, in flower, making WaU-i wp/l^-V^th ^^^'-7^*"^-^^°g tlieir buds, and with the greatest safety-. vv atei \\ eU if the w eather prove dry after planting. ..PxHJ'^v.Tf^'*^^^ Seed FROM THE East U S»Lw;,fr).-Sow the seed fn^nn Iv-P^ti P'^1^ ^^'^^^l d^i'^^^fl and three-parts filled with light sandy soT n n^ o « "^ ^"'■^r'> ''"'^ f''^"^^ '^"^ ^^^^-^^ thinly. Cover with light fine soil, and, after watering place m a frame with a mild bottom hcit (75 j. in «« Jv^l'^T^f I".*'' ^""^ *'^**''"^ *^^y ^''■''■'^"^^ '^■^""°' ^a'^den off and place -^5»„ Z*?"^ ^"^ ^^"^ gieenhouse, and near the glass. In the autunm, or ♦E .l*^ i.-Jl^ ^^""^"l? ^■^*^'"' l*"^' them off singly in small pots, and give nWH fn " ^""*^?">' afterwards. The seeds niay be sown as above, and ?irp?v tL ^'?'**„'^'^-^ P"-t V^ tlie greenhouse where thcv .viU vegetate as X^JpIp?T -^^^^^ "^^l ^' ^^"""' "^^"^ ^*- " is possible they might also vegetate lu a cold frame, but as to whether thev will be best in a frame a greenhouse or a hotbed, we cannot deteriiine, not knoTS-ing cither the species or its habitat. i^^-ni^b Propagating GNiU'HALiuai lanatusi {P. P.). — Cuttings taken now and inserted in silver sand with their base at the least possible distance from sandy loam at the bottom of the pan or pot, will strike in a gentle heat. They strike more tardily now than in spring, A better plan is to take up the old plants in autumn, and winter them in a cool airy green- house. In February place in heat, and when the shoots are sufticiently long these may be taken off with three or four joints, and treated in the same way as Verbenas, like which they strike freely. They require a light sandy soil. Seedling Pelabgoniums not Flowering {J. B. C.).— You may expect the seedlings to flower with the general stock next May or June. They do not usually flower in the same year as that in which the seeds are sown, and it is not desirable, for the flowers of Pelargoniums are never so fine in autumn as during the early summer months, and a good flower might be discarded from its not being in character when fioweringforthe first time in autumn. There will be no difticulty in muking them flower anotlier year, but we know of no plan that would force them into flower this year. We would cut the plants down now to three or foui' eyes, and when broken, and the shoots about an inch long, pot them, as they are now in very small pots, into a size larger, giving them their final 'shift iuto six-inch pots in December. In other respects the treatment need not differ from that of named sorts. Caxifornian Pumps.— If 'West Choydon' send to Mr. Benson, 17, St* Dunstan's Hill, Tower Street, E.G., London, he will send him a list of places where they are in use. We have had one in use here for a month, and. so far, it works very satisfactorily pumping hot liquor. It is a four- inch pump, and we work by an engine, but aU the pumps are made to work liy hand.— W.N.Baxter, Thornton-le-Mours, Northallerton." "The Californiiin pump is very simple. It is a common square spout of any length that may be required, about 4 inches by 4 inside i\-ith two rollers, one at top and one at bottom, with an endless strap to pass round the rollers. Blocks of wood are screwed on the strap at intervals, and the strap beiug turned with one or two cranks the water is brought up. — H. Feek. Builder, Broohi\ Nonnch" [By this it appears that tho Califoruian pump is only a foi-m of the chain i)ump.] Ouvirandra fenestraxis Culture {A Younri Siihitcribe7-).— Your treat- ment is very nearly right, and wc shall, perhaps, best meet your wishes by giving the essentials of its culture. Broad glass pans, from the light transmitted through the sides allowing of the structm-e of the leaves being perfectly seen, are the most suitable. A compost of turfy peat and half the quantity of decayed turf is placed at the bottom of the glass to the depth of 3 inches, and on this from one-half to three-quarters of an inch of river sand. The sand prevents the water Irom beiug discoloured when the plant is sji-inged or fresh water put in, aud the leaves from becoming dii'ty. The plant should be syringed every morning \\ith water of the same temperature as that iii which it is gi'owing. This watering with the syringe frees the leaves of any sediment that may adhere to them, and inevents slimy moss forming in the water, in addi- tion to which the sides of tho glass vessel should be rubbed occasionally to keep them clean. The soil should all be taken out once a-year,- March being a good season. When the soil is left in too long the leaves grow smaUer and weaker. The plant requires a temperatm-e of from 7l)- to 75'. The main points are keeping the leaves free from dirt, and all about the lilaut sweet. These conditions secui'ed, the Ouvirandra gi-ows freely. Gardeners' Wages, &c. {An Under-Gardcncr). — We have ali-eady given considerable latitude to all tho matters to which you allude. Some strong comments, on the impropriety of maldng gardeners Uve in the mansion, and discouraging marrying, and settling down ^ith families, we have reasons for believing did the intended good in many quarters, many gardeners' houses being built where none formerly existed on the demesne. We would wish to see the word " incumbrance," as applied to wife and chUdi-en. banished amongst the deservedly forgotten things of the past. Meantime, gardeners will do well to act with iirudeuce. All our exi)erience leads us to have no faith in strikes, or unions, among either under-gardeners or head-gardeners as a means of improving their condition. So long as yomig lads are taken into some large establish- ments, aud struck as it were by cuttings, and then sent out in shoals on the labour market, it will be foUy to combine for raising wages. Besides, if young gardeners were to strike to-morrow, aud refuse to work, common labourers might soon fill their place, and the gardeners would have to find something else to do. That, however, is no reason why better wages should not be given, or why, if shorter hours cannot be made the rule, there should not be an occasional holiday. As to head-gardeners, we have never yet known them to have cohesion enough to agi'ce upon any- thing, even for their own good. This, no doubt, is partly owing to their isolated and scattered condition. A number of years .ago, a gardeners' paper was started, conducted pretty well for nothing, and the whole profits to be given to the aged and afflicted. The paper could ouly go on by sub- scriptions being paid in advance ; but even that could not be done. Some gentlemen, as 3Ir. Thomson, of Dalkeith, could tell what may be ex- pected from unity, and its strength among gardeners. The difference to which you allude between mechanics and gardeners as to wages, is often more apparent than real. Suppose in the country an under-gardener has from 18s. to 158. or more per week, and a mechanic has £1, the gar- dener has his lodging and constant pay, whilst the mechanic has often lost- time for months, and tools to buy and keep. A head gardener is generally in a better position than the genernUty of mechanics. Of course, we are not alluding to wages in London, where lodgings, &c., are expensive. Be- sides, a mechanic after serving his time, &c., unless he has cai)ital, has little chance of bettering himself, but the young gardener, if he has a few hardships, lives in the hope of bettering himself by becoming a head gar- dener. On the whole, as we have previou.--ly stated, gardening at present offers few inducements for any of the middle classes to engage in it ; but for the sons of mechanics, and even of labourers who will patiently work, study, and wait, and submit to some amount of self-tlenial. it offers a medium for improving their circumstances, and rising ie even the social position. Were there fewer professed gardeners, and were these all men of superior attainments to what as a class they are now, an improved social position would follow as a matter of course. We should be only de- ceiving young men by false hopes, if we did not express our conviction, that the upward progi-ess of the prof ession even as respects remuneration, will be greatly regulated, just as the con\-iction gains giound among em- ployers, that an intelligent active gardener may be a much cheaper ser\'ant at £100 a-year, than an ignorant, careless man, who is content with £50. Nothing surprises us more than gentlemen often parting with a good man when a few pounds more would keep him. September 5, 1866. ] JOUKNAL OF IIORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAKDENER. 199 Double Fuchsia (IF. Broirn)-— Your soedling doiiWo Fuchsin is n very flue ouc ; the broad, bright, wi'll roflexed, ncnrlet sepals are vcrj' effective ; tlie diM-k corolla siuouth aud full. If the idant is ot yood babit, has Kooil foliage, and is free floweriug, it will bo very useful as a decorative Fuchsia. Planting Lilies op the Valley (A. B. C.).— The best time to plant tbcui is immediately after the foliage decays, or from that time, in mild weather, up to the eud of March, but the earlier tlie better. Give them room and a liberallv manured soil if a profusion of lino flowora are desired. We cannot tell the name of the plaut from the seed vessel sent. Seedling Verbena (ir. £.).— It was so withered when it reached us that it was impossible to pass any opinion on its merits. Seedling Gooseberuv (Goosciixrj/).— Your scodliug Gooseberry has not sufficient merit to recommend it. Golden Pippin (G. A'., Sf}'enouki).—V,'e are in doubt whether the specimens you have sent are the old Golden Pippin or not ; they appear very much "like the Yellow Ingestrie which was raised from the seed of the old Golden Pippin. Viola cornuta {Emma .V.).— See what Mr. Wills says in another page. Flower-garden Planting (Old Suhscrihrr].—V,'c do not plant beds, we merely criticise planting, but we will so far deviate as to give the following for vour group of nine beds:— 1. Centre, Boule de Fen Cieranium or Stella, with border of Centanrea caiididi^sima, or Cineraria maritima. 2, 4. Tom Thumb Calceolaria, or Yellow Prince of Orange, or some other low-giowing yellow kind, with Charlwoodii pnriile Verbena as an edging. 8, 5. Aurea floribnnda Calceidaria, with a good band of Lobelia speeiosa. 8, 9. Tom Thumb or Brilliant Geranium, with a border mixed with white Variegatod Alvssum, and blue I.olietia, ns conspicua. 7, 8. Christine Geranium, with a border of Pnxtoiiinnn Lobelia, mixed with Corastium tomcntosum. We haveno doubt this gr.mp would give satisfaction if the bordering were well managed. Wo would change the planting evei7 year. Our proposed mode would suit either grass or gi-avel. Select Gladioluses {Aijaricn)).— The lists of " D., Deal," in this and last week's Number, will, we think, answer your purpose. White Double-corollaed Fuchsias If.l.—Charles Heinoman, Em- eror of the Fuchsias, .Jean VerschalTelt, Madame Cornclissen, Victor Coruelissen, and President Boisduval, are half a dozen fine varieties. The flower enclosed was »iuite withered when it reached us. AcniMENES forming IMBRICATED BuDS ON THE STEMS (A. C. C. H.). —It is not unusual for Achimenes to form those in the axils of the leaves after flowering. They will fall on the pot when the foliage decays, and may be employed for an increase of the stock, but the best are thoso that form in the soil ; and of them there is generally a sufficient stock without being at the trouble of potting those formed at the axils of the leaves. SEEDLING Geraniums not Blooming (Wrm).— Your seedlings, judging from their height aud flue foliage, are in too rich compost. They cannot be induced to flower this season. You will, therefore, have to keep them until another year, when, by keeping thein under-potted, their vigour would be so far checked as to cause them to flower. Over-potting seed- lings gives abundance of foliage, and rich soil contributes to the same result. Keep over the winter, and when the time for planting out arrives, plunge the pots in an open and sunny situation. They will certainly flower next year. Nabies of Fruit (Ti/ro).- Your Apple is Sugar-loaf Pippin. ((Jiiis).— Plums— 1, Washington'; 2, Kirke's; 8, Coo's Golden Drop; 4 and 5, Jeffer- son. Apples— 1, Emperor Alexander; 2, Surrey Flat-cap; 8, Duchess of Oldenburgh. We do not recognise the Pear ; send it again when ripe. (Oricnlni).- Your Grape is undoubtedly Black Hamburgh, suffering from lan^nid root-action. What state is the border in 1 and is the crop not too heavy? («. A'., .SdYiionis).- The Peach is Burriugton, the Nectanne Elruge, and the Plum Fothcringham. Names of Plants (P. P. P.).— It is an Hcdv H. Gardneriauum, but the flowers were shrh.l] . should have been in the box. (.S'. II.).— \, Polypodium vulgare ; a.Lastrea Filix-mas (.7. B.).—\, Woodwardia r'aiiilata ; 2, Pteris hastata luacro- phylla ; 3, Adiantum fulvum ( ? ) (A'.rs. , /■' r;/,„l-).— Momordicacharautia. [D iT.).— Viola canina. («. .S. lfi»».).— Sjiiraiithes autumnalis. (J. B.). 4,BuddleaLindleyana. (Capt.flaisics).— Cotylodonorbicularis. The spore must have come in by some means— perhaps in watering, (ii. C. A.]. — Gviisophila panieulata. Erica vontricosa. Illap).—!, Pittosporum tenm- foUum ; 2, Francoa ramosa. (Bmmlnj, A'CTi().--Polystichum capense. No. {Old Subscriber).— hfialrea spinulosa ; Athyrinm Filix-foemina. All depends on the age of the beds ; for the first two or three years dwarf- rrowing vegetables may bo cultivated, hut afterwards no other crop should be allowed to interfere with the Asparagus on the beds. (G. T. M. p,i ,.,,,„,) —The Kidnev Bean sent was sent out some years ago under the name of the New Zealand Bean, to which country it had been taken from Europe. It is, we believe, identical with the Haricot de Prague jaspe. Ilium and we think the ip. Some dainp moss METEOKOLOGIC.VL OBSERVATIONS in the Suburbs of London for the Week ending September and. Sim. . . 27 Mon... 28 Tues. . 29 Wed. . 30 Thurs. 81 Fri. .. 1 Sat. .. 2 Mean., barometer. Max. 30.216 80.227 30.078 29.975 S0.199 30.146 80.163 30.143 Min. 30.161 30.133 29.9.50 29.944 30.060 30.094 30.083 30.051 thermometer. 82 50 71 49 na 40 73 39 Kl .lO 80 52 84 47 77.0 46.71 1 ft. dp. I 2 ft. dp. 64 65 6U 63" 64 64i 64f 64.21 62i 68{ 63" 62 62 62i 62t 62.57 S.. N. N.W. N. W. N.W. W. Rain in inches. .00 .01 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 General Remat.ks. Slight haze ; overcast ; very fine and hot ; fine. Rain ; overcast ; cloudy ; fine. Overcast ; very fine throughout. Clear and cool ; vei^j- fine ; cool at night. Fine : hot ; fine throughout. SUght fog ; very fine ; Fine, with clouds ; hot, aud very fine. POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. HiVLIF.VX AXD C.\LDER VALE ACxPtlCULTUPaL SOCIETY'S rOULTRY SHOW. The above-named Society held their twenty-seventh Annual Exhi- bition in Clare Hall Park, Halifax, by the land permission of Joshua Appleyard, Esq.. on the 'iBth of August. The entries of Poulti-y and Pigeons numbered 640, and comprised representatives from many of the leading breeders and exhibitors, nearly eveiT class containing specimens of gi-eat merit. The whole were shown in open pens belonging to the Society, and the day being exceedingly fine, the success of the Show was insured. The an-aiige- ments of the Committee aud Honoraiy Secretaiy were admirable, and the Meeting was completely successful, financially, as well as in other respects. The Judges commenced their arduous duties at much too late an hour — namely, about 11 o'cloclc, which, considering that the Kxliibition closes at 6 o'clock, aud that the public are necessarily ex- cluded from part of the gi'ound until the decisions are given, is an ariangement, we think, only requii-iug notice to he remedied, and we feel sure Mr. Ii'\ine is too watchful of the interests of the Society not to profit by the hint we give. >Spani.sh, as usual, headed the list. The first prize-pen in adults, we thought, were veiy considerably indebted to theii" feather for the position they obtained. Spanish chickens were good. Dorhiitf/s were not nume- rous, but chickens were better represented, the first-prize pen being very fine. In Buflf Ooi-ltius. Capt. Heatou occupied his accustomed position in a good class ; while in chickens the same exhibitor had to succumb to a pen shown by Messrs. Brown & Greenwood, containing a remarkably fine-shaped, good-coloured cockerel, veiy indifferently accompanied, which changed ownership at £10 10.s\ In Cochins, any other variety, old and young respectively, capital Partridge carried oil the principal prizes. Brahmas were fair classes. Eor the best Single Game Cock, or Cockerel, the Committee oSered a silver cup, value five guineas, bringing together twenty-one competitors, which were characterised by the Judges as foi-miug '■ a very good class." The cup was awarded to a remarkably good Black Eed belonging to Mr. T. J. Charlton of Bradford Mr. Fletcher was second with a Brown Eed ; and the thii-d prize went to a Black Red, all old birds, whUe several pens received notice. Single Ciame Cockerels were neither numerous nor of especial merit. Single Game Hens were good, the first prize being awarded to a first-class Brown Red, belonging to Mr. E. Ayki'oyd. The Smgle Game Pullet class was large. Black Reds taking the lead. In the adult classes of Black Red and Brown Red Game, there was an average competition ; but in both classes for chickens the first positions were obtained bv birds of remarkable quality, though rather young, and we think both" pens will figure to advsintage hereafter. Duckwmgs and Any other Game classes, both old and yoimg, were well hlle^d, the prizes falling to good specimens. JUiinik formed mce classes, Slivers taldn" the first prizes both in the adult and chicken classes, good White-crested Black and Golden also winning, llamhuriths were both numerous and good. The cup for the best pen, as well as the first prize in their class, was awarded to most excellent Silver-spangled, which have long been successful for their late owner, Mr. Beldon, and now figure to like advantage for their fortunate possessor, Mr VFood, of Kendal. Each of the other varieties was well represented, the Golden- spau.'led chickens more espeeiallv deserving notice. In " Any other Distinct Breed," adults and chickens. Sultans were first. Game Bantams were an average collection, Mr. Croslaud bemg at the head of the list. In Laced Bantams. Silvers took the prizes ; and ui ' Any other Variety," "Whites had first, aud Blacks the other positions. The Ihich shoivu under inverted wool skeps, as well as Geese and Tiirh'/s, were good. In the Pirienn department the competition was very keen m many classes. The silver cup, for the best pen, was awarded to a very fine Dun Carrier cock, shown by Mr. Collev, of Sheflield. Powters fonned excellent classes, good birds takuig the prizes. In Almond Tumblers, Mr. Else had his old position. In this variety there appears to be a 200 JOUENAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. I SeptomberJD, 1865. great Bcarcity of really pood fnie-fcnthcred liircls. Mr. Pinto Leite's prize Barbs and Black Mottles Mere much admireil. In Om-Ib, foreipn "Whites were lirBt, aud Blues Kecoud. Turbits were largely sliown, the dirst piize being awarded to peaked -crowned Bines, foul in thifih, kite- barred, and coarse. In Jacobins, good Beds won. Fantails were a nice class. Mr. Van Haansbergeu had tirst with small, good-tailed, ■well-shaped, plain-headed "Whites. In Trumpeters, Mr. Briggs was iii-st with Black Mottles. The " Any other Breed" class waslai-ge. Trillbacks, were first, aud Laced Fantails second. The latter should liave been in the Fantail class. Spanish. — First, J. Newton, Leeds. Second and Third. H. Boldon, Bingley. Chirl-ens.— First, J. Worchnnt, HuUfas. Second, A. Heath, Wilts. Third. T. (iieenwood, Dewsbury. DoRiiiNijs.— Fit>t. J. Gunson, Whitehaven. Second, C. W. Brierley, Middleltm. Third, H.Beldon, Bingley. Chickens. — First and Commended, Hon. H. W. Fitzwilliam. Second and Third, Mrs. Dale. Scai'borough. Commended. H. Savile, Notts. Cochin China (Cinnamon or Buffi. — Fii-st and Second. Capt. Heaton, Manchester. Third, C. Jennisou, Mnnchester. Highly Commended, W. Dawson, Mirfield ; C. W, Brierlcy, Middleton. Commended, H. Beldon, Bingley. Chickens. — Fii'st, Messrs. Bown & Greenwood, HaiTogntc. Second aud Highly Commended, Capt. Heaton, Manchester. Thii'd and Highly Commended, C. Sidguick. Keighley. Cochin China fAnv other variety). — First and Highly Commended, C. E. Ridsdale, Hiiliifax (Parlridge). Second, W. Gamon, Thorton-le- Moors. Third, J. Han-ison, Wakefield. Chickens. — First and Second, Cfipt. Heaton, Manchester. Tliird, Rev. F. Taylor, liirby Lonsdale. Bkaiima Pootra. — First, W. Hargi'eavcs, Bacup. Second, H. Lacy, Hebd(;n Bridge. Third, T. Pomfret, Preston. Chiclev.-<.—Fh-^t, H. Lany, Hebdeu Bridge. Second. T. Statter, Manchester. Third, E. Pigeon, Exeter. Highly Commended, W. Hargreaves, Bacup. Game Cock or Cockerel. — Cup. T. J. Charlton, Bradford. Second, J. Fletcher, Manchester. Thii-d, T. Bottomley, Shelf. Highly Coumiendcd, C. W. Brierlcy. Middleton; H. Snowden, Bradford; J. Sunderland, Hali- fax. Commended. 8. Mattliewt;, Stowmnrket ; J. Fii-th, Halifax. Cockerel. —First. J. Firth, Hahfax. Secund,H. Wood. Bradford. Third, J. Sunder- land, Halifax. Hens.—Fh&t, E. Aki-oyd, Bradford. Second, J. Brook, Gomersal. Third, G. Rhodes, Sldrcoat. PuUfts,— First, R. Scott, Booth Town. Second, R. Parlvinson, Poulton-le-Fylde. Third, J. Wood, Wigan. Highly Commended, J. Firth, Halifax: E.Altrovd, Bradford; T.Dyson, Hahfax. Game (Black-breasted Redsl. — First, A. Hodgson, Hhngworth. Second, E. Rathdtre. Hahfax. Thiid, W. Bentlev, Clecltheaton. Ch ((-teas.— First, T. J. Charlton. Bradford. Second, J. Firth, Halifax. Third, B. Conster- dine, Littlehorough. Game (Brown-breasted andother Reds). — First. W. Gamon, Thornton-le- Moors. Second, J. Wood. Wignn. Third, J. Sunderland. Halifax. Chickeiis. — First, E. Akroyd, Bradford. Second, H. C. Mason, Leeds. Third, J. Firth, Halifax. Game (DuckwingGreyandBlue).— First, E. Akroyd, Bradford. Second, H. Snowden, Great Horton. Third, J. Fii*th, Halifax. Chickens. — First, J. Firth, Halifax. Second, G. Hartley, Gomersal. Third, W. Bentley, Cleckheaton. Game (Any other variety). — Fii-st, J. Sunderland, Halifax. Second, H. C. Mason, Leeds. Thu-d, W. SutclifFc. Mnholmroyd. Chickens.— First. H. C. Mason, Leeds. Second, G. Noble, Dewsbmy. Thii-d, J. Sunderland, Halifax. PoLANDS. — First, C. W. Brierley, Middleton. Second and Highly Com- mended, J. Smith, Keishlev. Third, H. Beldon, Bingley. Chickens. — First. H. Gornall, Leeds. !3econd, J. Smith, Keighley. Thirp, H. Bel- don, Bingley. Hamburghs (Golden-pencilled). —First, R. Hemingway, Shelf. Second, Messrs. Birch & Boulter, Sheftield. Third and Highly Commended, S. Smith, Northowram. Highly Conmiended, N. Marlor, Manchester. Chickens. — First and Second, S. Smith, NorthowTam. Third, H. Beldon, Bingley. Highly Commended, T. Dyson, Halifax. Hamburghs (SUver-pcncilled). — First, H. Snowden, Groat Horton. Second, J. Dixon. Bradford. Third, H. Beldon, Bingley. Highly Com- mended, A. K. Wood, Kejidal. Chickemt. — Fii-st, T. Brigqs, Binglev. Second, H. Beldon, Binuley. Thii-d, J. G. Park, Whitehaven. Highly Commended, H. Smith, Keighley. Hamburghs (Golden-spangled).— First, H. Beldon. Bingley. Second, N. Marlor, Denton. Third, J. Roe, Manchester. Highly Commended, A. K. Wood, Kendal. Chickevn. — First, H. Beldon, Binpley. Second. W. Driver. Keicrhley. Third. J. Dixon. Bradford. Higlily Commended, M. H. Broadhcaii. Ilolmiirth. Commended. H. Carter, Holmfirth. HAMBUR:). — First and Second, A. P. Leite, Manchester. Highly Commended, H. Snowden, Great Horton. Carriers (Cocks). — Cup and Second, T. Colley, Sheffield. Highly Commended, H. Beldon, Bingley ; S. Sanday. Notts; A, P. Leite, Manchester. (Hens). — First. A. P. Leite, Manchester. Second, F. Else, Bayswater. BLighly Commended, T. Colley, Sheffield. Almond Tmnblers. — First, F. Else, Bayswater. Second, A. "p, Leite, Manchester. Highly Commended, C. Cole, Bowling. Mottled Tttnibin-x. — First and Second, A. P. Leite, l^Ianchester. Jiald^ or Beards. — Fii-st,H. Yai*dley,BirminKham. Second, W. H. C. Gates, Notts. OuW-s. — First and Second, J. Fielding, jun.. Rochdale. Highly Commended, A. P. Leite, Manchester. Tzrbits. — Fii-st. J. Thackaiy, York. Second, S. Wade, Ovcnden. Highly Com- mended. S. Briggs, Halifax. Jaeohins. — First, C. Cole, Bowling. Second, S. Briggs, Halifax. Fantails. — First, W.B. Van Haajisbergen, Kewcastle- on-Tyne. Second, H. Yardley, Birmingham. Barbs.— Fire-t, A. P. Leite, Manchester. Second. S. Briggs, Halifax. Drrt.rfon^.— First, J. PercivaJl, Birmingham. Second. S. Brings, Halifax. Commended, H. Yardlej', Birmingham; AV. Gaukroger, Hahfax. Truvipctcrn. — First and Second, S. Briggs, Halifax. il/fif/;)(«'s.— First, H. Yardley, Eii-miugham. Second, J. Harrison, Wakefield. Anif other Breed. — First, J. Harrison, Wakefield. Second and Higlily Commended, A, P. Leite, Manchester. Highly Com- mended. H. Yardley, Birmingham. Commended, T. Maichant, Halifax. Selliuft Cia,.-s-.— First, N. Greenwood. Lower Saltonstall. Second, C. Cole, BowUnp. E.vtra Htoek.— First and Second, J. Fielding, jun., Rochdale. Commended. J. Firth, jun., Dewsbuiy. The Judges were — for Poultr//, Mi: Teebay, Fulwood, Preston ; Mr. Hedley, London. For Pvj^-ons, Mr. Harrison Weir, Loudon. THE DEAVSBrKY SHOW OF POULTRY AND PIGEONS. Few, if any, of our local exhibitions of poultry have shown so rapid an improvement as the one held at I)t;wsbury. Last ycai' the entries of poultry amounted to 129, aud of Pigeons to -16 pens, whilst this season the poulti-y numbered as high as 170 pens, and the Pigeons consisted of i;^l pens. Again, the competition itself \vas of the highest order, showing as gi'cat an advance in this all-important respect as it does in point of numbers. The Committee seemed determined to do everything a Commitee can do to secure support, and we therefore most heartily congi-atnlate them on the per manent position the Dews- bui*y Show has now attained. It has been held in connection with a flower and hoi*ticultural show for some time past, and the public interest for sensation scenes this year has been much increased, by the introduction into the sbow-iield of the wondei-ful American trotting horse, called " Kentucky Patchea," that by the kuid permission of his owner, Mr. Barnabas Long, of Acton, Spoffoi-th, near Wetherby, was put through his paces almost continuously, from two till six on Wednes- day. The amazing tx'otting powers of this animal may he imagined from the fact, that with perfect ease he distanced horses at full gallop, and that without producing on himself the slightest perspiration. He proved beyond question one of the lions of the day, filling the show- lield with giatified visitors ; but as our digi'ession has been simply to prove that additional attractions are, pccuniai'ily, by no means thrown away, though not closely appertaining to the original intentions of a managing poultry committee, we must return to particulars respecting the poultry- exhibition alone. The Poultry aud Pigeons were both ranged in the open field, but the day proving as favourable as coixld possibly be desiaed, even,' matter connected with the Show went off most satisfactorily. We noticed among the visitors Sir George Armitage, and others of the uohility, together with most of the resident geutiT of the neighbourhood, and promises of additional names to next year's subscription list were numerously volunteered. All colours in Cocltias were permitted to compete in one general class ; in both the adult and also the chicken classes the Buffs main- tained precedence, aud the first-prize chickens were some of the best we have seen this year. The White Cochins were also very good ; but not a single pen of Partiidge-coloured ones was entered. In Spanish., the chickens were veiy superior as a class, and exceeedingly well shown. The old class, though equally good in character, were out of plumage altogether. The lihc remarks appeiiaiu with equal force to the Grey DorJcmtjs. The Manihurf/hs always show to gi-eat disadvant- age at this season, and, consequently, one or two prizes in these classes were withheld. Most of the 0'a7iie fowls were much out of condition, hut were, nevertheless, first-rate specimens. A full month or six weeks will be still requisite to put them in proper order for the show- pen. We noticed among the variety classes some exceedingly good Sills^ Brahmeis, and purely Black JimtijJcss fowls, the latter (most unusually), having combs single, aud as large as those of Spanish fowls. Only one pen of Sebrights was shown, they were Oold-laced, aud a rather pretty pen. The Blaet Bantams were equal to the average of Septembers. 1865. ] JOUKNAL OF HOKTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GAlU)EKEli. aoi most shows, bnt the White Bantams were altogether a faulty lot. The (_ianii» Huutaui ila-!s \v;is ii >sxvi\t attriiftitui ti> tho imnierous visitors ; a pt'U of youu;-^ lUack liodn of ^'ivat uu-iit, bolun^'iiig to Mr. John Nowsouic'.'of Hatlry, taluii^' first position, anvl u pen of Cireyn belong- ing to Mr. Tate, of LueiU, beiu^ secoml in oiiler of merit. The iSin[/l.c O'aiiif Cock class, and also that for Sliujli' ilaim JJm.'i, werts botii good, but tho birds, as a whole, being in full moult, detracted greatly front the -^ern'ral interest of this portion of the Show. The JJar/.s, botii Aylesbury and lioueii, were well shown; and a pen of extraordinarily good (irey (/Vr.sr were worthy of espeeiul mention. Tho elasses for /iithhits were not numerously hlled, but there were some w-vy good ones exhibiteil. The competition throughout the whole of tho P'kjcou. classes was unusually severe, and it was deemed necessary, therefore, to give Koveral extra pri/.es beyond those offered in tho printed prize schedule of tho Dewsbury Committee. A prize offered by a member of tho Committee, jMr. Frith, to the party taldiig most prizes in the Pigeon classes, to be determined by points^ a first prize to connt two points, find a second one point, hrouglit about one of the keenest eonxpetitions we have \vitnessed for some years past. In proof we may mention the fact, that four of the most interested competitors came within one or two points of each other. CocHiN--CHiNA.~First. H. Beldon, Gortstock, Bingley. Second, W. Daw- son, Hopton, Jlirliuld. Chickens. — l-'irst, C. Sedg^rick,' Koighley. Second, W. Dawson. Commended, E. Leech, Kochdule. Spanish.— First and Second, H. Beldun, Bingley. Commended. E. Brown, Shetlicld. Chickens. — First, E. Brown. Second, S. Seholetield, Heckmondwike. Higlily Commended, T. Greenwood, Dewsbury. Com- mended, T. Ci-eenwood. DoiiKiNG. — First, Ii.Heldon,BingIoy. Second, H.Hemsworth, Wakefield. C/t(-me, Cottingham. Second, W. Dunling, Cotting- ham. ... . Geese.— First, O. A. Y'oijng. Second, W. Donkin. jun., Cottmgham. DrcKs (.\ylesbury.)— First, T. C. Trotter. Second, W. Lawson, Newland. Highlv Commended, O. A. Young. Decks ( Rouen i.—First,0. A. Yoimg. Second, T. C. Trotter. Ducks (Anv other variety).— First, J.E. Jessop (East Indian). Second, O. A. Young (Wild). " , „ -^ „ PiGEoxs.—Croijper*.— Fu-st, W. Watson, Beverley. Second, H. Yardley 202 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 5, 1865. Eirmmpham. Carriers.—Tir^i nnd Special, H. Tardley. Second, W- Twells, Kirkellfl. Ti/rhits.— First, J. Gawnn. Beverley. Second. J. R. Jes- Eop. TrumpeterH.—Fiifit and Second. F. Key,Beverley. Jacobiitn.— First, 1. Ellrinpton, Woodraansey. Second, H. Yardley. Highly Commended, J. R. Jessop; T. Ellrington. Fa ntaih.— First and Second, T. EUrinfiton. Highly Commended, C. Cusson. Hull. Dragons. — First and Second, W. Watson, Beverley. Tumblers. — First. H. Yardley. Second and Special, (Head, beak, and carriage alone considered). — Martin, Beverley. Highly Commended, \V. Twells; J. R. Jessop ; C. Lnhe. Barbit.—FirBt. J. li. JeBsop. Second. H. Yardley. NunM.— First and Second. F. Key. Highly Commended. W. Twolls. Ann other variety. — First and Second, AV. Twells, (Swallows and Rimts), Highly Commended, H. Yardley. Rabbits. — First, Miss Pease, Hesslewood. Second, O. A. Y'oung. Extra, J. A. Staveley. ^Judges. — F. Ferguson, Esq., Risby Park ; and W . W. Boulton, Esq., Beverley. PITDSEY POULTRY SHOW. The second annual show of Ponltry and Pigeons was held at Piid- sey in connection with the Floral Exhibition on the 29th of Angnst. In number of entries the show was a decided success, but the gi-eat feature was the quality of the specimens shown, scarcely a bad pen of birds appearing for competition ; and the encouragement felt by the Committee through the support received from some of the best exhibitors in both sections of the show, -will, no doubt, give a decided impulse, which will tend toward the augmentation of the prize schedule for future shows. The silver cup for the best pen in the show was won by Mr. Beldon with a magnitieent pen of Spanish, and the silver inkstand, given by Mr. E. Hntton for the best pair of Pigeons in the show, was most satisfactorily given to a splendid pair of Dun Carriers, the property of Mr. Massey, of Fulfonl, York. The following is the prize list : — Spanish (Black).— Cup and First, H. Beldon,Bingley. Second, H. Green- wood, WoodhaU Hills. Third. H. Beldon. Dorkings.— First. J. Hall. Idle. Second, H. Beldon. Cochin-china.— First, H. Beldon. Second. F. W. Rust, Hastings, Sussex. Third, C. Sedgwick, Keighley. Brahma Foot r a. —First, H. Beldon. Second, R. Tate, Leeds. Third, C. Lister. Mirfield. Game (Black or brown -breasted Red). — First, J. Sunderland, ColeyHall, Second, R. Tate. Third. J. Hodgson. Bowling. Game (Any other variety).— First, H. C. Mason, Adwalton. Third, J. Hodgson. Hamburgh iGolden-spangledl. — First, H. Beldon. Second, J. Preston, Adwalton. Third, A. K. Wood, Kendal. Hamelirgh (Silver-spangled).— First, H. Beldon. Second, J. Preston, Third. H. Beldon. Hambitrgh (Golden-pencilled).— First. S. Smith, Korthowram. Second, W. Harker, Cottinglcy. Third. H. Beldon. Hamburgh (Silver-iiencilled).— First, A. K.Wood. Second and Third, H. Beldon. Hamburgh (Any other varietv).— First, C. Sedgwick. Second, R. Tate. Third, W. & J. Harker. Rolands (Any variety).— First and Second, H. Beldon. Third, H. Gor- ner, Famely. Bantams" (Game).— First, T. C. Harrison, Hull. Second and Third, W. F. Entwistle, Otley. Bantams (Black or White).— First, S. Schofield, Heckmondwike. Second, H. Beldon. Thii-d, R. Tate. Bantams (Any other variety). — First and Second, Master C. H. Hutton, Pudsey. Ducks (Rouen).— First and Second, H. Beldon. Third. C. Sedg^rick. Ducks (Aylesbury or White).— First, H. Jones, Aylesbury. Second, H. Beldon. Third, J. Leeming. Pudsey. Ducks (Any other variety).— Firs't, T. C. Harrison, Hull. Second, H. Beldon. Thii'd, C. Lister. Any other variety.— First, R. Tate. Second nnd Thii-d, C. Lister. Pigeons.— Poir/iTs.—First and Second, C. Cole, Bowling. Carriers. — (silver inkstand, given by Mr. E. Hutton for the best pair of Pigeons), — First, W. Massey, York. Second, H. Beldon. Dra//onJt.— First, E". E.M. Royds, Rochdale. Second, H. Yardley. Antwerp^. — First. H. Yardley. Second, E. Button. finr6/i.— First, C. Cole. Second, W. Hughes, Leeds. OwU. — First. E. E. M. Royds. Second, C. Cowbiu*n, Leeds. TurhiU.— First, J. Thackerav,York. " Second. E. E. M. Royds. ArrhanqeU. —Fir^t, C. Cole. Second, J. R. Jessop, Hull. Tumblers (Short-faced).— First, J. Hawley. Burnley. Second, C. Cole. Tumblers (Long-faced). — First. C. Cole. Second. H"W. Illing^voi-th. Fantaih. — First. J. Thackeray. Second, W. Hughes. LartjcM pair of Pifjeons. — First. H. Beldon. Second, J. Thackeray. Auii other varietij of Pificon.f. Turtles or other Doves. — First, C. Cole. Second, J. J. Wilson, Darlington. The Judges were William Cannan and James Dixon, Esqrs., of Bradford. BURNLEY POULTRY SHOW. This was held on Thursday, August 24tli, when the following pre- miums were awarded : — Game (Black or Brown Reds). — Chickens. — First, N. Grimshaw, Pendle Forest. Second, R. Tate, Leeds. Highly Commended, E. Aykroyd, Brad- ford, Yorkshire. Game (Any other variety). — Chicl-en^. — First. R. Whittam, Mount Plea- sant, near Burnley. Second. J. Turner, Radcliffe. Spanish.— C/Kct'Hjf.— First, E. Brown. Sheffield. Second. T. Green- wood, Dewsbuiy. Highly Commended, H.Wilkinson, Earby. Commended, T. Greenwood. Dorkings (Any colour). — Chickens. — First, D. Parsons, Cuerden, near Preston. Second, W. Moorhouse, Read, near Wlialley. Cochins (Any colour). — Chickens. — First, C. Sedgwick. KeiRbley. Second. J. B. Wilkinson, Marsdon Hall, near Burnley. Commended, T* Grimshaw, Bank House, near Burnley. Hamruhghs (Goldeu-spangledi. — C/ifVtfw«.— First, J. Roe, Hadfield, near Manchester. Second, W. Driver, Kei^bley. Hamburghs (Silver-spiinHkdi. -c;-m/,-m(,s.— First, A. Smith, Silsden. Second. J. G. Park. Whitehaven. Hi^'hly Commended, W. liedman. Mount Pleasant, CUviger. Hamburghs (Golden-pencilled).— C/ticfcfn«. — First, S. Smith, Halifax. Second, D. Ashworth. Halifax. Hamburghs (Silver-pencilled).— C/kVAth^. -First, J. G. Park. Second, A. Nuttall, Newchurcb. near Manchester. Brahma Pootrar.— C/rfcfr/^n^.—First, H. Lacy, Hebdcn Bridge. Second, E. Greenwood, Overtown, near Burnley. Highly Commended, W.Gamon, Chester. Game Bantams.— First, D. Parsons. Second, J. Turner. Any other Variety.- C/iicfccna —First, C. Sedgwick. Second, H. Carter, Holmfirth. PoLANDs (Black).— Highly Commended, J. Hargreaves, Skipton. Bucks (.\ylesbury).— Prize, E. Leech. Rochdale. Ducks i Rouen).— First, T. Howlker, Blackburn. Second, E. Leech. Ducks (Any other variety).— Fii-st, D. Parsons (Call Ducks). Second, J. Hargieaves (East Indian). Highly Commended, T. C. Han-ison, Hull (Call Ducks). Geese (Any colour).— First, B. Baxter, Skipton. Second, T. Houlker, Blackbm-n. Turkeys (Any variety). — First, E. Leech, Rochdale. Second, C. Sidg- wick, Keighley. Game (Cock). — First, N. Grimshaw, Pendle Forest. Second.W. R.Lane, Binningham. Highly Commended, R. Whittam, Bricrfield. near Burnley. Cockerel. — Fu-st, N. Grimshaw, Pendle Forest. Second, R. Tate, Leeds. Game Bantam Cock.— First, T. C. HaiTison, Hull. Second, Hon.T. W. Fitz^villiam, Rotherham. Selling Class (Any variety). — Fii-st. R. Whittam, Burnley. Second, T. Greenwood, Dewsbm^. Third, T. Houlker, Blackburn. Mr. Teebay officiated as Judge. AVHITWORTH AND ROCHDALE POULTRY SHOW. Tms took place on the 23rd of Augnst, when the following awards were made, Spanish.— First, H. Beldon, Gorlstock, Eingley. Second. J. G. Park, High Low Hall, Whitehaven. Chickens.— First, E. Brown, Albert House, Sheffield. Second, Messrs. Burch & Boulter. Sheffield. CocHiN-CiiiNA.— First, H. Beldon. Second. J. Nelson. Heaton Mersey, Manchester. Chickens. — First, C. Sidg^^^lck, Riddlcsdcn HaU, Keighley. Second, A. Bamford, Tong Lane, Middleton. Cochin-China.— Second, C. W. Brierley, Rhodes House. Middleton. Chickens.— "Prize, J. Barlow, Leavcngi'cave. Brahmas. — Fii-st, H. Lacy, Lacy House, ne;ir Hcbden Bridge. Second, W. Hargreaves, Bacup. Chickcns.~Fir&t, T. Statter, Stand Hill, White- field. Manchester. Second, H. Lacy. Game Cock.— Fii-st, C. W. Brierlev. Second, T. Statter. Game.— First and Second, C. W.'Brierley. C/ia-fccns.- First, R. Tate. Green Road, Leeds. Second, T. Statter. Polands.— First, H. Beldon. Second, C. W. Brierley. C/ticfcerw.— First, H. Beldon. Second, S. Farrington. Chut Moss, Astley. Hamburgh (Golden-spangled).— First, R. Tate. Second, H. Beldon. Chickenf^. — Prize. J. Roe, Hadfield, near Manchester. Hamburgh (Silver-spangled).— First. H. Beldon. Second, A. K.Wood, Burnside, Kendal. Chickens.— Fivat, A. Smith, Woodsidc, Silsden, near Leeds. Second, J. Fielding, Newchurch, Rossendale. Hamburgh (Golden-pencilled).— First and Second. S. Smith, Korthow- ram, Halifax. Chickens.— First, S. Smith. Second, T. Wrigley, jun., Tong Lane, Middleton. Hamburgh (Silver-pencilled).— First. H. Beldon. Second, A. K. Wood, C/n'cAcn«.— First, H. Beldon. Second, J. G. Park, High Low Hall, White- haven. Hamburgh (Black).— First. H. Beldon. Second. R. Battersby, Heywood- r/i(cAfJw.— First, C. Sidgnick, Riddlesden Hall, Keighley. Second J. Hargreave, Mill Fields. Skipton. Dorking.— First, E. Smith, Middleton. ISecond. T. Statter. Chickens. — Fii-st, J. Stott. Healey, near Rochdale. Second. E. Smith. Any other distinct Breed (Except Bantams).— First, S. Lord, Bine- pits, near Rochdale. Second. N. Rigg, Hamerbottoms, Rochdale. Bantam.— First, C. W. Brierley. Second. Dr. Morris, Rochdale. Any other Variety.— First," C. H. Hutton, Pudsey, near Leeds. Second, C. W. Brierlev. _. Ducks (Aylesbury).— First, E. Leach, Grcave, Rochdale. Second, H. Beldon. Ducks (Rouen).— First, J. Nelson. Heaton Mersey, near Manchester, Second, D. Howartb, Broadfield. Rochdale. Any other variety.— First, C. H. Hutton. Second, W. Moorhouse. Geese.— Pi-ize, F. Leech. Turkeys.— First, E. Leech. Second. C. W. Brierley. Pigeons.— Poirf('7s or Cropper^.-First, C. Cole, Bowling, near Bradford, Second, Miss Baron, Bank Cottage, Pendlebury. CarnVrs.— First. Messrs. C. & E. Royds. Second, W. Massev. Tumblers f Almond).— First. J. Field- ing, jun. Second, C. Cole. Bowling, near Bradford. Tumblers {Any other vai-ietv.) —First. J. Fielding jun. Second, J. Thackray. -York. BaltU or Beards.— First, S. Stott. Clover Cottage, near Rochdale. Second, Messrs. C. & E. Royds. Oiri«.~ Firstand Second, J. Fielding, jun. T it rb its. —First, Messrs. C."& E. Royds. Second, H. Beldon. Jacohins.—Fir^i.'Miss Baron. Second, H. Yardlev, Market Hall, Binningham. Fan;a("/s.— First, H. Yardlev- Second, J. Thackrav. Baib:^.— First, H. Yardley. Second, F. Bright! Cronkevshaw. DroflOHs.— First, Messrs. C. & E. Royds. Second, H. Yardley. fruvipeters.— First, H. YartUev. Second. F. Key. Beverley, Y'orkshire. Mao pies. —First and Second. Messrs. C. & E. Royds. An^f other kinds.— First, J. Thacki-av. Second. F. Key. Selliufi Clas^.— First, J. Hawley, Burnley. Second, F. Key. Third, Messrs. C. & E. Royds. Judges.— Mr. T. Dodds, and Mr. T. Slagg. Septoniber 5, 1865. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 2 03 SKIPTON POULTRY SHOW. [From a Correi*}>on(fntt). This was htld on Friday, August IStli. The quality of the poultry was gooil, though the peus were not very numerous. Curliin.s were fair, the chich'ii.i espeeially. All the Ilnuihunik varieties, both old and young, were good. Polaiiih were capital. DoHKlNO {.\ny colour). — First, T. Briden. Earby. Second. H. Beldon, Biugley. C'/itcAvfiji.— First, E. Leech. Uoehdale. Seconil. H. Beldun. Spanish iBliick). — First, H. Beldon. Second, J. Newton, Silsdcu. Chicken*. — First iind Second, T. Oreenwood, Dewsbury. Game.— First, W. Beutly, Cleekhuatuii. Second, W. Arj-ton, Earby. ChickertA. — First, W. Aryto'u. Second, W. Beutley. CocHiN-ClllSA.— First, R. .1. Wood, C'liorley. Second, W. Dawson, Mirfleld. C/iicfccnj.— First, C. Sidgnick, Uiddles'den Hull. Second, Messrs. Brown & Greenwood, Harrogate. Hamburgh (Golden-pencilled). — First, S. Smith, Northo«Tani. Second, H. Beldon. Chickens. — First, J. G. Park, Whitehaven. Second, S. Smith. HaUfa.x. Hajiduroh (Silver-pencilled).— First, J. G. Park. Second, H. Beldon. WmcI-piw.— First, .T. G. Park. Second, U. Chew, Oisburn. Hamburgh (Golden-spangled). — First, W. Driver, Keighley. Second, H. Beldon. Chickens— Yiiil, W. Driver. Second, W. Throup, Silsdcu. Hameubch (Silver-spanglcd).~First, H. Beldon. Second, ,1. G. Park. CyiicJrcns.—First, A. Smith, Silsdcn. Second. H. Beldon. Hamburgh (Black).— First. C. Sidgwick. Uiddlcsdon Hall. Second, W. Hird, Bingley. Chickens. — First, J. Hargreaves, Skipton. Seuoud, C. Sidgwick. PoLANDS.— First and Second, J. Smith, Keighley. CftfcteiM.— First, J. Smith. Second, H. Bowker, Keighley. Bantams (Game).— First, J. D. Newsome, Batley. Second, J. G. Park. C/iictfiu.— First, .J. D. Ncwsome. Second, T. Hartley, Earby. BANT,iMs (Any colour). — First. W. H. Briggs, Bradford. Second, H. Beldon. Chickens. — First, H. Beldon. Second, .J. Hargi-eaves. Any other variety. — Prize, H. Beldon. Chickens. — Prize, W. A>Tton, Earby. Geese. — Prize, S. Swire, Staintou Coates, Hargi-ave. Ducks (.\ylesbur>-).— First, .7. Newton, Silsdcu." Second, H. Beldon. Ducks (Rouen).— First, H. Beldon. Second. J. D. Newsome. Any other variety. — First. H. Beldon. Second, .1. Hargreaves. Turkeys First, E. Leech, Rochdale. Second, J. B. Beckwith, Winter- burn. Pigeons.— ruri-icra.— First, C. Cole,Bowling. Second, H. Smith, Skipton. Powters.— First and Second, C. Cole. Almond Timhlrra.—Tirst, C. Cole. Ott>i».— First, H. Smith. Second, H. Shuttleworth, Skipton. Bnrhs.— First, H. Smith. Second, C. Cole. Jncoiiins.-First and Second, C.Cole. Mottled Tumblerft. — First, -J. Hawlev. Bm-nley. Second, H. Smith. Baldjiates. — Furst, J. Collier, Skipton. Second, \V. Scott, Skipton. Bimfs.— First, H. Smith. Second. R. Hebden, Skipton. X)ra.;on-s.— Fust, C. Cole. Second, ■I. Baxendalc. Sutton. Antwerin.. — First. T. Thornton. Skipton. Second. J. Collier. Skiptun. .Iny other variety. — First, C. Cole. Second, J. Thomp- son, Bingley. THE CAUSE OF THE HUMMING NOISE M.VDE BY BEES. Does the humming or buzzing of a bee proceed entirely from the wings, or has the mouth anything to do with it ? If the former, from whence proceeds tlie instantaneous answer that is given when the outside of the hive is tapped ? — W. A. J. [The celebrated John Hunter appears to have attributed the humming of bees to the rushing of air through their spiracles, since be found that they can produce a sound independently of then- wings ; for if these be smeared over with honey so as to stick together, the bee still makes a noise, which is shriU and peevish. He found the same effect from holding the bee by the legs with a pair of pincers, while the wings were per- fectly still, and also by immersing the insect in water, though not until it was vei-y much teased.] REMOVING BEES FROM AN OLD STRAW HIVE INTO A BOX HI\Ti:. I THINK you may perhaps be interested in hearing how the above operation was perfonned, as many people informed me that I must kill my bees to get at the honey. This I gi'eatly objected to ; so I applied to a very experienced bee-master to see what he could do. He came up on the 28th ult., early in the morning, and commenced operations by removing the board at the bottom of the hive, and raising the hive with stones, about 2 inches. He then began to beat the sides of the hive, gradually driving all the bees through the small orifice at the top into the cap, or super, on the top of the under hive. He then removed the bottom hive and placed the cap on a stool till the evening. At about C o'clock he again came up and placed a three-legged stool upside down on the gi-ound, and inverted upon it an empty straw hive. Upon this he placed the cap, full of bees and honeycomb. Around the two he wrapped cloths, and then beat the sides of the upper hive to ^ve the entire stock into the lower one. This he successfully accomplished, and we then took out the comb, which was very pure and good. After turning up the hive full of bees he left them till the following evening, when he again came, and spread a cloth upon the ground about 3 feet square. Upon this he placed three bricks, and put upon them the box hive, full of its old stock. Near it ho emptied the straw hive, scat- tering flour on all the inhabitants, which soon crawled on to the bricks, and tlience into the box hive, which must be now toleralily full, though the bees are ail quiet in our sunny kitclien garden. I sliould add, tliat our lower straw hive was so old that wo feared it would luit hold together through the winter if we allowed our bees to remain in it. — P., I'riurs Marstoit, W^ar- ivichalilrc. BEES REFUSING TO H.VTCH BROOD. Bkinii told in The Journal of Horticuliure that bees vnll usually liatch out brood placed in a glass over the hive, I have tried it, both last year and this, without success. Finding brood in aU stages in a hive of bees driven from the moors, the comb was placed over the liive immediately, without any chill ; in fact, young bees were at the time working their way out, and both times the result was the same, the bees clearing the grubs out of the combs instead of hatching them, and carrying them away out of the hive. Being past the honey- gathering season, the cells could not be required for depositing honey ; besides, there was space in the hive itself, which, being a weak one, I thought would be strengthened by the brood given. Can you explain this? — F. F. [This shows how difficult it is to predicate what bees will or will not do luider certain circumstances, since om's have always hatched out brood presented to them under precisely similar conditions to those whicli you describe. It is, however, many years since we placed brood on the top of a hive, as we now always attach it to bars, and insert it within the hive itself.] UNFERTILE QUEEN. The result of microscopical investigation, kindly instituted by Mr. Woodbmy and given in The Journ.u. of Horticulture of August 1st, fully confirms the observations that have been made relative to the state of the queen. It was doubtful at first whether she was a fertile queen, which had been presented to a queenless stock, and by them cast out, or whether she was a supernumeraiy from a stock which was raising J'oung queens. That she was the latter the state of both hives subsequently confirms, and the inquirer has since had the satisfaction of having introduced a queen, at first id-received, by the medium of syrup scented with peppermint, to a stock which would otherwise have i^erished, — A Ee.vdee of " Our Journal." TirE LIGURLVN BEE. It has for many years been known in Em-ope as a distinct variety of the honey bee. Attempts to import it into this coimtry were made in 1856 by Samuel Wagner, of York, Pa., but unsuccessfully. Other attempts were made, but it was not until May and June, 1860, that these bees were successfully introduced by Parsons of Long Island, and Colvin and Wagner of Baltimore. Since then, other importations have been made from various parts of Europe, including the vicinity of Lake Como, where this bee is said to be found in great ])erfection. The most distinguished apiarians in our country have devoted much time, labour, and money to importing and raising these bees. For a long time the whole matter was ridiculed by the majority, to whom " a bee is a bee the world over," — and even now, when these bees are found all over the coimtry in dif- ferent degrees of purity, many are imwilling to believe them any better than the common bee. What is of interest to every bee-keeper, are the questions whether this bee is adapted to our cUmate, and if so, how much and why is it superior to the com- mon variety ? Many fears were expressed on its introduction that it was not hardy and could not endure our climate. I have found it more hardy than the common bee, winteiing well out of doors, working later in the season than the other variety, and ventur- ing abroad in weather when no common bee is seen to leave the hive. Multiplying much faster than the black bee, and if al- 204 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 5, 1865. lowed to do so swarming earlier and oftener, they continue also to rear young later in the fall, and are thus prepared to go into winter quarters strong and populous. It was said when in- troduced that they could not sting, and by some they are now called '■ the stingless bee." The experience of those who have hitherto brought them into this State has not confirmed these accounts, as they have been found more irritable than the Common bee. I think this proves conclusively that few pure Italians have ever been brought here. The cross between the Italian and common bee has always been reported in this country and in Europe to be very in-itable, easily provoked, and after once vexed, not to be appeased for a long time. Since I have seen the pure Italians, I am willing to give them the reputation they have always borne for extreme docility, as they never sting unless greatly provoked. No one can open a hive containing these beautiful insects without being struck by the difference between them and the other variety, as they nianifest no alarm or irritation. The queen, too, instead of hiding, as a common one always does, remains quietly in her place, and by her red and Ught colouruig can be distinguished at glance. But, after all that can be said, the main questions with our matter-of-fact people will be. Will it pay? and how much? Th« only way in which this can be decided, I think, is by compar- ing them under the same circumstances of season and location. If I tell of 200 lbs. obtained from an ItaUan colony this season, some one else may bring a report of what has been done by a colony of native bees at some other time or place, and neither statement, as I view the subject, proves anything. What we want, to decide the matter, are accounts of the 'comparative yield under the same circumstances. My experience on this point has been as follows : In the spring of 1863 I had only two Italian colonies (so called, though they were not pure). They were not strong. Through the season one of them gave me three swai-ms and stored 100 lbs. in boxes. The other gave me two swarms and stored 26 lbs. iu boxes. All of the swarms filled their hives, and all stored some honev in boxes. I had that same summer fifty-nine hives of common bees, from aU of which more or less was taken, but not one of them stored a pound of honey in boxes. That season was the poorest houey- producing season I ever knew. Through the .summer of 1863 1 averaged from nine Italian colonies 119 lbs. e.ach. The best one of these shows this record in mv journal : " One full swarm taken from it on the 20th of May ; 1.50 lbs. from it in boxes. The swarm taken from it made 80 lbs. and on the 16th of August threw off a swarm which filled its hive and wintered well." This makes two valuable swarms and 236 lbs. of honey from one colony in a single season. With this I \vish to contrast the fact that from thii-ty stands of common bees that season I obtained only six swarms and 1,654 lbs. of honey, or an average of 56 lbs. each. The greatest yield from any one was 96 lbs. As these bees were all wintered aUke, in the same sort of hives, and were managed in the same way, imder the same circumstances of season and location, I claim that this result proves beyond a doubt the great supe- riority of the Itahan bee. I attribute this.superiority to their greater industry, their energy, and their more rapid increase of young in the spring, and also their abiUty to gather honey from the red clover.— (Ellen S. Tupper in Hmck-Eye.) BEE-KEEPING IN CHESHIRE— TREATMENT OF DRWEN BEES. I HAi,-E waited some time to see whether any of our Cheshire bee-keepers would give us any information respecting bee- keepmg, and none of them having done so must be my excuse for ti-oubhng you. I began bee-keeping m the spring with two common straw hives. No. 1 threw off a swarm on the 7th of June, which I put in one of Messrs. Neighbours' hives the bottom part of which they had filled by the eighteenth day, when I put on a small super, from which I have since taken 10 lbs. of very nice honey. The old hive swarmed again on the 2'2nd of June, and on the 28th of July the swarm weighed 14 lbs. nett. Hive No. 2 swarmed on the 21st of June, and on the 28th of July weighed 24 lbs. nett. This shows the differ- ence between a first and a second swanu. I may mention that myself and a neighbour have driven no less than nine hives, and I have the bees of six of the hives in two bar boxes, but of course I have filled the bars of the boxes with brood comb from the driven hives, and have to feed them. I should like to know whether you think I shall succeed with them.— James Hough, MUtcUcwich, Clifshire. [Your driven bees should be promptly and liberally ted, so as to induce them to extend the cumbs with which their hives have been furnished. If the supply of food be con- tinued until each stock weighs fi-om 15 to 20 lbs. nett, there is every probability of your success.] REMOVING TO A SHORT DISTANCE A STOCK HrV^E. The following method for removing bees iu tne summer from one part of the garden to another, successfully prevents them from retiUTiiug to their former stance. About midday partially di'ive the stock which it is desired to remove, into an empty hive. Place the empty hive with diiven bees on the old site, and the driven stock on the stance intended for it to occupy in futiu-e. Then, towards dusk, when the bees are all home and not liable to take wing, carry the empty hive with driven bees to the driven stock, and by a sudden jerk eject the bees on to a newspaper. Hold the news- paper to the entrance of the di-iven stock, and the bees will hastily march in, and take possession of their old abode. Next morning they will, on taking wing, examine their new quarters, and few, if any of them, will retiun to their old locality, or i they do, it will he merely to msike a flying visit, and return. — E. S. ' How TO EAT Bananas. — The fiiiits of the Banana and Plantain are eaten in a variety of ways. They fonu alike the savoiu'y and sweet dishes in their native lands, and whichever way they are treated tliey are always much esteemed. Both raw and stewed they are served up as a dessert fruit ; sliced aud fried with butter, they are considered a great delicacy. They are also used by the natives for making i^uddiugs, the pulp being poimded or beaten up into a paste ; simply boiled they are frequently eaten with salt meat. But, wliichever way it is taken, the Banana is equally nutritious and wholesome.- The experience of M. Boussingault in testing the nutritive qualities of the Banana is very interesting, and we cannot do better than insert it here. He says — " I have reason to believe that the nutritive value of the Banana is superior to that of the Potato. I have given as daily rations to men employed at hard labour about 6.i lbs. of half-ripe Bananas, and 2 07.s. of salt meat." Nor is this fruit valuable alone when fresldy gathered ; unlike most fruits of a similar succulent nature, it can be ma- nufactured into a highly nutritions and valuable me«I. This is effected by depriving the fi'uit of the outer skin, then cutting it in slices and thoroughly dr^-ing it in the sun, after which it is powdered and sifted. The sliced or presei-ved fruits likewise form an important article of trade iu the Society Islands. — The linglislnnmi's Magazine for Auguxt.) Increased Importation of Eggs. — From au official docn- ment just issued it appears that in the seven months ended the 31st July last, as many as 233,706,240 eggs were imported against 207,790,320 in the preceding year. In July last, com- pared with the same month in the preceding year, the increase exceeded 3,000,000. OUR LETTER BOX. Dorking Cock with One Eve {J. It.), — The loss of an eye is not a disqualification in a IDorking cock. Rouen Duck's Wing (Subscriber). — The wing you describe is a correct one. Piggery (J. France).— Onr correspondent would be obliged by being informed where be can see *'a first-class piggery, kept on scientific prin- ciples." We shall be obliged by an answer being sent to us. LONDON MAIUvETS.— Skptember 2. POULTRY. Supply ample and trade dull. The first gi-eat supply of Grouse is over. This bus had its influence on prices, but the advent of Partridges ^vill be a counteri^oise to prevent any gi'eat rise. s. d. s. A s. d. s. d Larpe Fowls .... 2 6 to 8 U Grouse 1 9 to 2 6 Smaller do .... 1 9 „ 2 (1 Partridges 0 0 „ 0 1) Chickens .... 1 3 „ 1 6 Hares 0 0 „ 0 0 Geese .... 6 0 „ 6 H Pigeons 0 8 „ 0 H DncJilin^ .... 2 0 „ 2 K Rabbits 1 4 „ 1 .1 Guinea Fowls . . . . .... 0 0 „ 0 0 WUd do 0 8 „ 0 f Sf ptcmber 12, 18«5. ] JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.. 205 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day To W Tn F S Sun M SEPTEMBER 12—18, 1865. Sycamore lonves dirty browu. Elder bcnios ripe. Foxtail Oat Grass ripo. Limo troc loaves turn yellow. Horso Cbestnut leaves cbaugo U Sunday aftek Tuinitv. Sycamore loaves fall. Average Temperature near London. Kain in lust ■38 years. !>ay. (18.8 l\7.» (l(i.7 (-.7.1 08..'! C9.1 66.8 NiKht. 41.8 45.6 46.3 48.'J 47.5 45.7 46.8 Mean. 50.H 56.7 56.5 66.8 57.!) 57.4 66.8 Days. 15 17 IIP 19 15 14 17 Snn Rises. m. h. 32 of 5 33 6 Snn Sots. Moon Rises. m. b. 21af 6 m. h. 53 10 52 11 mom. 65 0 0 2 4 3 9 4 Moon Sets. m. h. 4aaf 1 38 2 Moon's Age. Days. < 23 24 25 26 27 Clock after Kan. Day of Yeiir. 255 256 267 268 259 260 261 From observations taken uoar London during tbo last tbirtyeiBbt yoavs, tbo average day temperature of the wock is 67.8" and its night temperaturo 46.r. The tToatost beat was 86', on the 12tb, 1858; and the lowest cold, W\ on .tbo 17tb, 1840. The greatest fall of rain was 0,90 inch. PHENOMENA IN RAISING SEEDLING GRAPES. HA"VrE forwarded to you a small box contaiuins a few bunches of Grapes for your inspection and opinion. I do not scndtliem on accoimt of any gi'eat merit they pos- sess, but more to illustrate a subject on which I am some- what sceptical — namely, the crossing of Grapes. I beUeve that the liiajority of Grapes sent out of late years as cross-bred varieties are in reality no crosses at all, but simply sports from seed, that many plants loug under cultivation are liable to produce. No. 1 is a white or golden seedling raised from seeds of Wilmot's or Dutch Hamburgh, without any artiiidal im- pregnation by any white variety whatever, or by any chance of such unpregnation having taken place by accidental or other circumstances, as no wliite Grape was in cultivation in tliis place when the seeds were saved that produced the plants from which these bunches were cut. Tliis variety is a fortnight earlier than its parent, hardy, prolific, and hangs well ; the specimens sent are not fair samples of either bunch or berry. No. 2 is a white seedling from the same som-ce as No. 1. Bunches generally large, loose, and sets very indift'erently ; a fortnight later than its parent. Seeds saved from the same bunch as No. 1. A tliird secdlnig, r^aised fi'om the same parent as the above, has proved identical with Busby's Golden Ham- burgh, with all its faults and failings most disagi-eeably conspicuous, convmcing me that Busby's is really a seed- ling from the Black Hambiu'gh, although at the time of its distribution considerable controversy took place that such was really not the case. For my o\vn part I never once doubted the ciionmstance. My only doubts are as to its being a cross ^^ith tbo Sweetwater. I am now perfectly convinced that it is not so. I may here also state that I have prodneed the Chasselas Musque true from seeds from the Wliite Frontignan, and it is just possible that Mr. Josling did send out a seedling of his own when he distributed his " Josling's St. Alban's," although it tiu'ned out to be identical with Chasselas Musque. It is a cmious fact that out of a number of seed- lings saved from the Black Hamburgh I have not been able to obtain one black (irape. I also enclose yon a bunch from a Vine received from a friend in Spain. The fruit I send was perfectly ripe in the tirst week of May, and has been hanging on the 'Vine just in the same state as you see it: I think it would hang for months to come. The name sent with it was " De Rey." There is also enclosed another Spanish Grape like the U. No. 233.— Vol. IX., New Semis. Ciotat, or Parsley-leaved. The Vine was received here under the name of " Ghyprc fino." It may bo somewhat diifcrent from the old Parsley-leaved, but of this I am not certain. Tlic above wore all produced in ten-inch pots. — T. ^I. Lindsay, (Jnrdcnci- In Jluhuft Niijiier, Esij., West, Shamlon Otinlciix, lleknshuryh, N.B. [Tliese illustrations of Mr. Lindsay's furnish anotlier proof that in the vegetable as in the animal kingdom, when a fixed form has once been broken in upon, there is no end to tlie vagaries that follow, without any hybridisation what- ever, and aftbrdhig evidence in the opinion held by many, and by ourselves among the number, that the ))rimary agent in breaking in upon the normal fonn so stamps its impress on the progeny, that at a certain uidefinite period its shnilitude crops up. so to speak, where it would be least expected. From these and other exjieriments we liave seen with Grapes and other fruits, we believe that one of the parents of the Dutch Hamburgh was white, and we would even go as far as to say that one or other of these wliite seedlings raised by Mr. Lmdsay from the Dutch Hambm-gh is identical with, or very little removed from, that white parent. We have lately seen some remarkable examples of this — one at IMessrs. Pavers' of Sawbridgeworth, where Ml". Rivers, sen., having raised a very fiiio melting Peach from tlie I'itniaston Orange Nectarine, sowed the stones of this Peach, and in retm-u it produced two disthict Necta- rines, one with a yellow flesh, and identical in every w.ay, both in fruit, flowers, and leaves with its grand-parent the Pitmaston Orange, and another a wliite- Heshed fruit, in all probability identical with its next precodhig ancestor. Another instance that we have seen is at the Ascot Niu-sery, where Mr. Staudish has raised liis flue new •• Royal Black " Grape from Bowood jMuscat impregnated by Early Saumer Muscat ; and yet tliis Royal Black pos- sesses no trace of Muscat in its flavour, but is a remark- ably early jet-black Grape, as large as the Black Ham- burgh, and ripening nearly three weeks or a month earUer. Now, we have not the least doubt but that one or both of ! those Wliite Jlnscat Grapes had at some time or another an infusion of the black strain in the parentage. These are most interesting pliysiological questions, and give great scope and interest to the present new ideas in modern gardening, and wc hope to be fm-nished with much more evidence, so as to enable us to draw some practical conclusions on the subject. Seedling No. 1 bears considerable resemblance to Golden Hamburgh, but is more firm in the flesh, it being in this respect somewhat similar to the old Blacli Hamburgh. The skm is perfi!ctly white, and, when dead ripe, of an amber coloiu- ; judging from the specunens sent, it is not nearly so good in flavour as the following. Seedling No. ^. — Had there not been other varieties bearing the names of White Hamliurgh and Golden H-ara- burgh, cither of these names would have been iar more applicable to tins variety than to those that bear them. Tiiis is in fact a real Golden Hamburgli : in every re- spect— in size and shape of the berries and flavour of the fruit it is a Hambm-gh. and even in the '•hammered" Ko. 8?5.— Vol. XXXIV., Old S-iniES. 206 JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTDEK AND COTTAGE GARDENER. i;;Septemb«rl2, 1665. appearance of the berries it closely resembles the Frankenthal, or Victoria Hamburgh as it is sometimes called. De Ret. — This is evidently meant for the Uva de Eey of Spaiti ; but this must be a misnomer, as, according to Clemente, the Uva de Eey is white. The variety sent by Mr. Lindsay is red. It produces a fine large bunch, remarkably well set, and fine round Hamburgh-like berries. The skin is thick, and of a uniform dark red, somewhat of the colour of Gros Gromier du ■Cautal, and adheres closely to the flesh, which is tender, very sweet, and of fine flavour ; but the centime is hollow, as in the Dutch Hamburgh. The ben-ies adhere very closely to the stalks, and, indeed, show a tenacity in this respect such as we hjive never met with in any other Grape ; it is, doubtless, on this account that the variety is so well adapted for drying ; the bunch sent us having the berries, though still plump, in the condition of almost a sweetmeat. Chtpbe fixo we cannot say much about. We are much obUged to Mr. Lindsay for his valuable com- munication.] GATHERING AND STORING FRUIT. The essentials of a fruit-room are — first, a low and equable temperature; secondly, exclusion of air andUght ; and thirdly, freedom from frost and damp. Warmth tends to ripening, causing fruits that are capable of long keeping to be fit for use days and even weeks earlier than they would be if kept in a low temperature ; and this early ma- turity of the fruit is had at the expense of its juiciness and flavour. When the temperature is variable it acts prejudicially on the keeping of the fruit, by at one time tending to ripen and at another to a retarding oif that process. A variable tem- perature is a most prolific source of fruit not keeping, and it is destructive of every good quality of the fruit. The fruit very often decays at the core before it is fully ripe, and sometimes rots, and is seldom melting and deUcious, but mealy and •flavourless. The exclusion of air acts as a preservative, for the oxygen of the air is necessaiy for decay. The presence of air is needed for the elaboration of saccharine matter ; but as fruit-rooms are for the preservation of fruit, that which tends to ripening should be carefully excluded, of which air and Ught are the next in importance to warmth. Freedom from frost is important in the keeping of fruit, for the cells of the fruit are ruptured by frost, and their juices then speedily pass from fermentation to putrefaction on the fruit thawing. Damp is no great evil in itself, and does not necessarily lead to decay unless accomjjanied by warmth and the presence of air. But inasmuch as it tends to and hastens decay, damp should be avoided ; but even slight damp is better than dry- ness with warmth, and the presence of hght and atmospheric air, for the presence of these are indispensable for the ripening of fruit, and frequently convert the long-keeping into short, and juicy fruit into shrivelled, sweet, but juiceless, and some- times mealy instead of buttery. Now, to secure the essentials above named, nothing answers so well as a dry cellar or room underground. It secures a low and equable temperature, the exclusion as much as is practi- cable of air and light, and freedom from frost and also damp, especially of that kind resulting from a thaw. The coolness and equable temperature of a cellar is desirable because we wish to keep the fruit without ripening or decay to the longest period, warmth tending to ripen and cold to a retarding of that pro- cess ; light and the presence of atmospheric air hastening, and their exclusion securing in contact with the fruit the carbonic acid emitted by it in ripening, which is well known to be one of the best 'preventives of decay. A cool dry cellar, there- fore, answers more fully the requirements of a fruit-room than anv other description of room. i am aware that this is directly opposed to the desirabilities of a fruit-room insisted on by many excellent authorities. What is chiefly sought for by 'them is dryness, but there is such a thing as' too di-y a room for fruit. So long as there is no deposition of moisture on the fruit the room is not in the least too damp, and when the fruit shrivels the room is certainly too drv, and though it may not lead to decay, it certainly does impair the juiciness, and the firmness and beauty of the fruit are gone. Extremes of either dryness or moisture are the attendant evils of fruit-rooms on 'first and second floors. They are at times very drv, especially during the prevalence of windy frosty weather, when artificial heat may be necessary to keep out frost, and at others they are very damp, rendering fire heat necessary as a means of drying up the moisture that runs down the walls. The employing of fire heat is in itself suffi- cient to stamp fruit-rooms requiring it as not adapted to their purpose, for we do not want to keep fruit warm but cool, yet we must have a fire during warm damp weather, especially that following a thaw, in order to keep the room sufficiently diy, and we thus make bad worse, for in addition to firing air must be given, and thus we have an excess of damp, warmth, and air, all contingencies promoting decay. I do not hesitate in stating that fniit, especially Apples, would keep much better, more p!ump, and sound, pitted like Potatoes, than in many fruit-rooms which are reaUy not calculated for keeping fruits, but to hasten their ripening, and cause them to decay long before their customary period. I am not writing upon hypo- thesis hut from experience, which has taught me that a cool room, an equable temperature, darkness, and moderate dryness are necessary for the preservation of fruit. Fruit-rooms on first and second floors are good places for ripening fruit, and it is next to impossible to keep it in them without a large per- centage of waste.' The site of the fruit-room should be dry, and if not so natur- ally it must be made so, and have a north aspect. The best are those with a room underground for the late-keeping, and a room above ground for those fruits that are not long-keeping, and are more or less in a stage of ripening when taken fi'om the trees. In constructing a fruit-room the soil should be taken out 9 feet deep, and 2 feet wider on each side than the required width ; 18 feet being a very convenient width, allowing of bins a yard wide all round, and a centre one of G feet divided into halves by a partition up the midiUe, and it may be of any length, and, of course, of whatever dimensions that the quantity of fruit will require. Along the centre a drain should be laid, and one all round the outside of the foundation of the walls and communicating with the centre drain. The flags of which the floor is formed should rest on piUars a foot higher than from whence the soil was taken, and under no consideration be laid on the soil. This foot of space beneath the floor is to be filled with rubble. The walls are to be built hollow, and to insure stabiHty, have throughs every other course. The air we want enters the cellar by drain-pipes with the joints cemented, extended from and communicating with the hollow space in the wall, and thence passing under the floor and opening out through the pathway, a hole being cut in the flags for the purpose, the pipes having a bent end on purpose, their opening or mouth being stopped with a plug. Six of the drain pipes (three on eacli side), one end communicating with the hollow or cavity in the wall, and the other opening into the cellar at the floor in the pathway, as before mentioned, will be sufficient. The wall is to be carried up hollow for 7 feet, and there the throughs must be mortared so as to divide the hollow part below from that above, and just below tlvis ail,' holes are to be left in the outer wall correspouchiig to those left in the inner wall at the base of the building. The wall is then to be built hollow as before for 1 foot, and then throughs again, and mortared as if the wall were solid. There will be openings left in this part both of the interior and ex- terior walls to allow of any vapour that may arise in the cellar passing out at the upper part, and its place being occupied with colder and fresh air by those openings from the floor, advantage being taken of a dry frosty day. The wall is then built hollow as before for 9 feet above the roof of the cellar, which, ot course, will be the first floor, and there is the same means appUed to admit air at the floor and to allow the damp and vitiated air to escape at top. The room on the first floor will, of course, have its ceiling, and the tiles^or slates will be laid on asphalt. There will be caps for all the openings to admit or let out air, and whilst we have no windows in the cellar, we must have two in that room on the ground floor and furnished with shutters inside. The outside walls are to he coated when dry with boiling coal tar, and have three of such coatings. All round, as there is a two-feet space, rubble is to be placed against the cellar walls and level with the surface, and it is not there to be covered with sods, or turf, or soil, but with coarse gravel. Under present arrangements we shall have no damp but what comes from the interior, of which we will now treat. We have a trough or bin a yard wide all round formed of stone, and 9 inches in depth," excepting where the steps are, and above this, at 2 feet, we have another shelf or bin, and at every 2 feet upwards another, and a fourth 2 feet higher than it. The first is 9 inches in depth, and the second likewise, the next 6, and the Beptombcr 12, 18C6. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 207 other 3 inchea, and each 3 inches less in width jirdnressively iipwardf. The centre is simply a cDUutcrjiart of the outside, and is divided hy n partition of stone. So mucli for the fittings of the cellar. The npper or fruit- room on the first floor should ho furnished with wood-shelves, and hcech wood is the hest. They may bo of the sumo width, but the lowest should not bo more than t'l inches, and the npper shelf not less nor more than 3 inches in di pth. A four- inch hot-water pipe laid under the pathway, and covered with a grate will complete the arrangements of the room on the first floor. It is scarcely necessary to say the walls should bo plastered and well whitewashed, and have effectivo spouting to carry off the water from the roof. Wo have now a fruit-celhir and a fruit-room, and need not care for anything furtlier, unless it he a " ripening-room," which need only be half the size of eitlier the other rooms, and fitted up with birch, beech, or elm shelves, two all round ; the first a yard from the floor, and the other 18 inches above it, and 1 foot less iu width, with a ledge all round for half an inch of dry silver sand. In tlie centre should be a table 4 feet wide and 3 feet from the floor, having another IH inches above it, and half the width, and only extending so far as to leave a space of 12 feet without the npper shelf over the first centre shelf. This part of the shelf is to be covered with green haize, and divided into squares by half-inch strips of birch wood dyed, the first 1 foot from the edge longitudinally, and then cross- wise the entire width ; the outer into foot squares, and the central one into two-feet squares. This part is for fruit fit for table, from whence the proprietor can select at will, and to treat and present to friends. This room will require to have a glass roof, and be heated so as to maintain a temperature of 45^ to 50' in winter, and provision made for thorough ventila- tion. I do not intend to maintain that fruit cannot be kept sound without the appliances I have detailed, but the rooms most resembUng these I have found best for keeping fruits. The cellar would take the long-keejiing and those desired to be kept a longer period than usual ; the fruit-room proper the autumn and early winter fruits ; the ripening-room being desirable to bring out more fully the flavour, from the presence of air, light, and warmth being necessary for the elaboration of saccharine matter. When it is not desirable to " keep " fruit (but I am ignorant of when that is), any cool dry room will do for storing Pears, and it does not matter about their being kept in the (lark. The fruit in such a room wUl ripen in due season, the different kinds following each other in the order of ripening. For Apples a room of this kind is not desirable, for the presence of light and air will cause the fruit to shrivel, whereas we wish them to be firm, juicy, and crisp. Fruit should be gathered before it is fully mature, and so soon as it parts easily from the tree by reversing its position. The fruit is to be gathered on a di-y day, and after a continu- ance of dry weather, and during the mid-day hours chiefly. The main points in gathering fruit are to avoid bruising, to be sure that it is dry, aud nearly mature, but not so much tlie latter as to fall from the trees when touched or disturbed. To guard against bruising, the gathering-basket should be lined with cloth, and the fruit placed carefully iu it, and as carefully taken out one by one and laid on a floor, and if covered with dry sand all the better. It should not only be gathered aud handled with the greatest care to prevent bruising, but the nails of the lingers be kept from penetrating through the skin, and that scrubbing and rubbing should bo avoided, which some people seem to take a pride iu wheu they get hold of fine handsome fruit. The practice of gathering fruit into a small basket, emptying into a larger, and then tumbling the whole on to a hard floor is pretty nearly obsolete, and where it is still practised should be at once abolished. Small bruises inflicted at the time of gathering and the storing of fruit iu the slightest cracked or bruised, or having small holes in them, whether the results of birds pecking at them or wasps digging into them, is certain to lead to decay, not only of the fruit so eaten or bruised but of those which are sound if in contact with the decaying fruit. Injured fruits should he taken from the sound and stored by themselves. The day after the fruit is gathered it should be stored away, and not left in heaps to heat or sweat. The autumn and early winter fruits should be placed in the fruit-room, commencing with those that keep the shortest time, placing them on the upper shelves, which are best covered with half an inch of diy pit sand. The fruit will rest easily on the sand and not be bruised in the laying, as it may be when laid on the hard shelf. Each fruit to be laid so that it docs not touch that adjoining, and when the first tier is laid they should be covered with dry sand so as to cover the fruit about an inch. Tlie second shelf downwards will take two tiers with half an inch of sand between if tlie fruit be small, or one if large, with a covering of 2 inches of sand. The third shelf two or three tiers of fruit according to their size, to be covered with 3 inches of sand, and the lower tier in like manner, jdacing that which will keep but a short time on the upper, and the longest, and so on progressively downwards. Any fruit not keeping beyond a few days need not be stored in this manner, but be placed in a room fripm 4.")° to 50 \ and with both light aud air; and all fruit, especially that for dessert or table use, should be brought from the store fruit-room ten days to a fortnight before using and jilaced in a room having wannth, air, and light. It will thus be vastly improved in appearance and flavour. A temperature of 40 to 1.')' is sufficient after November, whilst 45" to 50° will be b. Siiiuiteui- Viiisso. 20. .lolill Hopjier. 5. (.■.■.■ill' i\c ChiibriUant. 21. Soiivouiv do la Rome d Antjle- 4. Marccliiil Vftillnnt. ten-o. 6. W. Gi-iftiths. 22. Madame Kliol-r. e. La Villo de St. Denis. 2!i. Monsiciiv de Moutigny. 7. Baruune ri-evost. 24. Priuco Camille do Kohnn. 8. Anna Aloxii-ff. 2,">. Dvic do Cnzes. 9. Caroline do Sansal. 2",. Alfred do RouRemont. 10. Comto do Nantenil. 27. I'icrro Notlin;;. 11. Dnehesso d'Orleans. 28. Haninno Polktan de Kmkelm. 12. Madanio Clemeucu Joig- 20. Madame Viotm- Vcrdier. ueaux. 3U. Triomiibe do Paris. 13. Dncbess of Norfolk. 31. Ducbessc do Moruy. 14. Mdlle. Julie Damn. 32. George Prinoe. 15. Madamo Boutin. 3:i. Leopold Pronnev. 16. Pranvois Laeharme, 84. Achillo (lonod. 17. Goncral Jacqueminot. 85. Eugi'no Vordior. 18. Jules Margottiu. 86. Madame C. Crapelct. The foregoing are the best thirty-six to have. Bourbon Roses. — First-rate, and the best. Acidalio. Souvenir' dc la Malmaison. Baronnc GouelJa, extra. For Poles. — Sir J. Paxton Best Climbing Roses /or .S'o»f/( WuU. Sollaterre, yellow. Gloire do Dijon, yellow. Triomphe d'e Eennes, yellow. Celine Foresticr, yellow. For East r.'all or South Wall. Acidalle. Sir J. Paxton. Madame Lotlise Carique. General Jacqueminot, H.P. Madame Scbultz, yellow. Jules Margottin. Celine Foresticr, yellow. Anna Alexieff. Gloire de Dijon, yellow. They are strong growers, hardy, and bloom abundantly. Celine Forestier and JIadame Schul'tz require but little cutting. Here they are all best on Manetti. Even tor poles and walls there is no stock so good as Manetti. It the laud is strong they wU all do well on Briar stocks.— W. F. IUdclyffe, Tar- raitt liiislitoii. MUSHROOM SPAWN— MUSHROOM BRICKS. To oblige " A Lovek of Mushrooms'" I will write a few lines on this subject, but have -m-itten so mneh ou the same that it mil be easier, and perhaps more suitable to your con-espondent to write afresh, instead of making many references. " Made some Mushroom bricks," I said at page 178, is what he wishes to have explained, &c. Now, where only one or two Mushroom-beds are made in the season, on the principle of the division of labour it will generally be the most economical to buy Mushroom spawn at from 5s. per bushel from a mirsery- wan. ■^Iiere Mushi'ooms are wanted all the year through, and even when a few coiild be had from the pastures they must not be sent to the kitchen — then it may be advisable to have a stock of spawn beside us, whether we go to the market for a portion or use all of home make. Though we have had and seen very poor spawn sent out, so that the carriage cost ten times more than it was worth, I must saj; that on the whole the most of our nurserymen and seedsmen take a pride iu send- ing out a lirst-rate article, and I do not consider from 5.s'. to 6s. too much for a bushel of good material, as, even under the most favourable circumstances, considerable care and watching are required to get it in tirst-rate condition. I am well aware that the man who makes a thousand or two thou- sand bushels at a time could do it much more economically than I could make some ten or more bushels. It is very use- ful to have a nice heap of good stuff beside you, however ; and then in these days we ought to know how to do everything, even if we are not called upon from circumstances to engage in doing it. There are many ways of miking Mushroom spawn : I will describe the plan generally adopted by us. We obtain a barrow- load of cowdung, rather stiff than otherwise, and add to that two barrowloads of horse-droppings, with a few sliort pieces of straw in it, and about a half-barrowload of rough bits of loam. Wo work all this well together until it looks like a heap of well- mixed mortar. The less water that is used and the stiffer it is the better. Sometimes the material is rather moist and close, and then wc add a bushel or two of cut straw to make it more open ; but if all is right, we care about littU^ more than the cowdung anil the horsedung. 8o much fm' the material. Then for the bricks, we have a sliglit frame made with four pieces of half-inch board — that is, two sides aud two ends enclosing a space 9 inches long, 4! inches wide, aud IJ incli deep, just like a mould for bricks, only shallower. We used them exactly of the same de])th as bricks, but then tliey took longer to di-y. The mould will answer as well, if not better, if made of thin iron instead of wood. The Ijoard-frame, however, answers well enough. Then the next thing is to have a flat clean board and a bucket of water. The frame is placed on the board, filled from the prepared heap, struck level on the top with a clean spade or iiat trowel, and the contents, the dung- brick, struck out on a piece of wood, so as to lie fiat. To prevent the dung sticking to the mould, the latter is just dipped into the pail of water ; tlie second brick is made the same as the first, and so the process goes on, brick after brick being turned out, and placed ou boards or other con- venience much faster than I can tell how. From dipping the mould, the sides of the brick will come out smooth and a little damp, but they will soon dry. We li];eto place the bricks anywhere, so that the rain does not come on them. We shall suppose that they have been on their broadsides for a couple of days, then we go along them, and with our finger, or if rather dainty with a round wooden pin, make two holes iu each brick equidistant from each eud, aud not going quite through the brick. In another couple of days the bricks may be tm-ned ou the other side flat, then in a few daj's set up on one edge, and then again set up on the other edge, and they will soon be firm and dry enough for spawiiing. Those mentioned at page 17S are just now (September 7th) spawned. This is done by taking some spawn, breaking it into little pieces, so as to go into the two holes of the dung-brick, making it go in pretty tight, and then tb'awing a little cawdung over the place to prevent falling out. When thus saw ued the bricks are built loosely in a heap, and placed on op bed of litter that will just emit a little heat, and suiTounded with litter, so as to give a heat to the heap of about 8.5°. aud not more. Of course with such weather as we have now little heat will be required ; a slight covering just to prevent over-drying will be sufficient. Overheating wUi soon spoil the whole. The bricks shoidd be examined, and as soon as tlio spawn works into the whole brick that brick should be removed to a dry place. Some will not run so freely as others, and, therefore, in a large heap there may be several harvestings. The bricks should be removed as soon as they are permeated by thi'eads finer than the finest silken ringlets. When the spawn appears in threads as coarse as that generally used for sewing, it is a sigu that these threads have run rather too much. When harvested in a dry place such spa\vu will keep good for years. It is weD, however, to keep it covered with dry moss or refuse hay to prevent its be- coming too dry and hard. There is less trouble in doing all this than in writing about it ; but success will consist generally in attending to these matters of detail. We thus make bricks because it suits our purpose to do so, and because they are easily moved about. We have seen lots of spawn made in a much simpler way, and which, if the weather was dry or there was plenty of shed-room, an- swered very well. The material was obtained, mixed, beaten, and mingled much as I have stated above. It was then spread out ou a hard floor or bottom to a depth of from li to 2 inches, and made firm and smooth on the surface by beating, or by passing a smooth damp roller over it. "When it had thus lain a day or two it was cut out into squares, or any other desirable shape, by means of a clear sharp edgiug-iron, and when dry and cohesive enough was turned, dried, and spawned, just as we have described for the bricks. We should judge, from the size of the cakes, that many makers for the public foUow this plan. Where the conveniences exist (he fir^t processes are soon got over. We once made a lot ou a hard smooth road, and the weather being fine, we had it nicely dried with but little trouble. However done the same minutia) must be attended to to secure a first-rate article. .Just as in Mushroom-beds, too much heat will generally make wreck of the whole. When once the spawn begins to run it makes pretty well enough of wannth for itself. — R. F. 210 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 12, 1865. ROYAL HORTICULTUBAL SOCIETY. Septemdkh Stu. Flobm. Committee. — The principal fenture of tliis meeting was the numerous seedling Dahlias, some of which were very good, hut not one could be said to be new either iu colour or form. The time has an-ived when little more can be expected from this ilower. The criti- cisms on the perfection of a Dahlia are quite mysterious, and it requires a most practised eye to form a correct judgment of its merits; and sometimes the fastidious nicety of distinction amounts to an absurdity. This ilower still has its devoted admirers, and appears to have many patrons. Messrs. Downie, Laird, & Laing exhibited a fine collection of So- lauums and other fine-foliaged plants. The Solauums formed tlie chief portion, and were much adiuired for the various forms of tlieir prickly foliage and stems. A special certilicate was awarded to the collection. Mr. J. Coombs, Hackney, sent two seedling variegated Pelargoniums with tricolor folinge — Prism and Eclair. The plants were too young to justify any decision ou their merits, and must be seen again. Mr. Bull exhibited a very iine double white-coroUaed Fuchsia with bright pink sepals. Tliis is by far the best double white variety we have seen. It is very free-tloweiing, with large flowers. A first-class cei-ti- ficate was awarded it. Messrs. Lee sent a fine specimen of a Stan- hopea grandiflora, a very handsome Orchid. Mr. Shaw, Manches- ter, sent three seedlingGladioli with faded spikes; they appeared to he of the striped or mottled section. M. WaiUy sent a collection of Trop.tolum flowers, many of them pretty, but nothing distinct or new. Mr. J. H. Lock, Henie, Kent, exhibited cut flowers of three seedling Hollyhocks — Annie Maude, a pure white ; Thomas RammeU, dark red — the flowers were not near the standard of the present day, being deficient in foi-m and outline. A single flower unnamed attractctd attention as a novel colour in Hollyhocks — a vei-y delicate fawn colour. It was remarked that there is no "Hollyhock of this peculiar tint of colour. Had it but the necessary qualifications of foim and substance, which, like the others, it so manifestly lacked, it would be a valuable flower. Mr. Leach, Clapham Park, sent two single flowers of Liliums from Japan. Mr. Wills, Oulton JPark, sent another of his hybrid Verbenas : also Pelargoniums Beauty of Oulton and Gaiety, which have been previously noticed in this Journal ; and a variegated form of Hydrangea, marginata, which it was requested should be seen again. Mr. Macintosh, Hammersmith, sent a dwarf seedling Antirrhinum of no use. Mr. Veitch sent C'attleya exoniensis, one of Mr. Dominy's good hybrids. A special certificate was awarded to it as a fine speci- men, it having received a first-class one at a previous meeting. Mr. Perry again sent several seedling Verbenas — Champion, a dark maroon, bright eye, large tniss and pips, which was awarded a first-class certi- ficate ; the others had been exhibited before. Mr. Eckford, High- worth, also exhibited seedling Verbenas John Keynes, a bright orange scarlet with conspicuous lemon eye — first-class certificate ; Mr. Glad- stone, a bright ruby with distinct eye — second-class ; Gladiator, Mr. "W. Ellice, Isaac Eckford, and Celestial. Among the seedling Dahlias Mr. Burgess, of Chelsea, exhibited Mrs. Lund, Mrs. Burgess, and Kate. Mr. Pope, Chelsea, exhibited Fancy Dahlia Fanny Sturt, dull red heavily tipped with white, fine form, medium flower — first-class certificate ; and Mr. J. Pope. Messrs. Wood * Ingi-am sent Dahlia Lord Sandwich. Mr. Bragg, Slough, sent Dahlias Goldbeater ; Commander, a fawn colour, which was awarded a second-class certificate ; Fair Lady, Commodore, Hon. Mi-s. Gerald Wellesley, Belle, and Rival Model. Mr. Turner sent Dahlias .Arthur, Amber Witch, Artemus Ward, L'Africaine, Princess Dagmar, Princess Alice, Fair Iniogeue, Royal Robe, Master of Arts, orange tipped with puqjle — second-class certificate ; and Blushing Fifteen, a rosy lilac — second-class certificate. Mr. Rawlings, Rom- ford, sent Dahlias Majestic, Fii-cfly. Queen of Autumn, and Aristides. Mr. C. J. Perry sent Dahlias John Powell. Miss Powell, Ne Plus Ultra, .lud Startler. Mr. Church, Biufield, Berks, sent Dahlias Gladiator and Mr. Savory. Mr. Logge, Edmonton, sent DahUas Golden Empire. Lilac Perfection, Mr. Gibson, Mr. Braham, Prince of the World, and Eclipse. Mr. J. Keynes sent Dahlias Ultimatum, delicate blush, tipped, a very pretty flower — first-class certificate ; Pre- sident Lincoln, George White, Lady of the Lake, Ellen Potter, Jcannie Deans, Sir GrevUle Smythe, and Annie Austin. Mr. Allen, Shackle- well, sent Dahlias Mr. Tyson, and Crown Jewel, and Mr. Ecldord, Dahlia Lady Mary Wilde, a delicate light white and Ulac flower — second-class certificate. Fruit CorjinTTEE. — G. F. Wilson, Esq., F.R.S., in the chair. On this occasion a dish of Walburtou .\dmirable Peaches was exhibited by Heni-y Whiting, Esq., of Battersea Rise ; these specimens were rely good, and well flavoured. Some fine large fruit of the Stanwick Nec- tariue came from the Chairman, and were quite free from cracking, to which that variety is so liable ; they were, however, gi'own under glass. Royal George Peaches gi-own on a standard w*ere exhibited by Messrs. J. & C. Lee, of Hammersmith, hut they were small, and rather astringent. The same may be said of Peaches, and Elruge Nectarines, also gi-o\vn on standards, t'rom Mr. Macintosh, nursei-jTuau, Hammer- smith. A seedling Peach was exhibited by Jonathan Clarke, Esq., The Mall, Chiswick, gathered from a standard ten or twelve years old, and which bears well every year. The fruit was veiy large, roundish, tinged with red next the sun : flesh pale, slightly rayed with red at the stone, from which it parts ; it was a little astringent, but from its very large size and ripening on a standard it was recommended to be tried against a wall. The tree has leaves with reniform glands. Another seedling, also grown on a standard, was exhibited by the same gentleman. It was below the medium size, well coloured, but not equal iu flavour to sorts in cultivation. A Black Jamaica Pine Apple was sent by Mr. Yates, Manchester, on account of its being aifected with decay in spots, but where sound the flavour was excellent. The fruit was submitted to the Rev. Mr. Berkeley, who decided that the diseased spots were caused by the common vinegar mould. Green-fleshed Melons came from Mr. Wills, gardener to Sir Philip Egerton, Bart., Oulton Park ; and from Mr. Hudson, gardener to Miss Strut, Chasecliffe, Derby, but neither of these Melons pos- sessed merit. The Gorden Castle Egg Plum was exhibited by Messrs. Lee ; very good specimens, but scarcely equal in flavoiir to the .Jefferson. The Transparent Gage Plum, however, exhibited by the Chairman was very excellent. It is rather larger than the Green Gage, somewhat later, exceedingly rich, and a most valuable delicious fruit ; this variety caunot be too highly recommended. A collection of Figs came from the garden of the Society, and six sorts of Grapes. Auioug the latter were specimens of the Chasselas Musquc de Nantes, with which the Crauford Muscat was compared, and the two were found very similar in appearance and equally rich. THE EDINBURGH INTl<:RNATIONAIi FRUIT AND FLOWER SHOW.— September Oth. Scotland may well be proud of the great Show held at Edinburgh on Wednesday last ; for not only was it great in its extent and in the variety of "the products of horticultural skill which were gathered together, 'but great, too, iu the extraordinary excellence by which these productions were characterised. As an eminent English horticulturist most justly remarked, the Show was distingui.shed not merely by the presence of the good, but also by the absence of the bad. Such a success must have beeu, and was, most gratifying to all concerned in the Exhibition, to the promoters, to the exhibitors from both sides of the border, and to those who came far and wide to witness the display. Iu all competitions there must be losers as weU as winners, but in this both parties covered themselves with credit ; for the winners obtained no cheaply-purchased victory, and the losers departed with the honours of war and a firm determinatiou to renew the fight. Before proceeding to details a few words as to the origin of this Show, which was held under the auspices of the Edinburgh Horticul- tural Society, may not be out of place. The propriety of holding an international horticultural exhibition at Edinburgh was first mooted, about twelve months ago, by Mr. William Thomsoa, of Dalkeith, and Mr. Young, the Secretaiy ;" and the idea having been warmly taken up, the principal horticulturists at home and abroad were communicated with. The result was, that promises of support came freely from all quarters, as well as subscriptions to the amount of £500, setting the Committee at ease on the score of funds. A schedule of a most com- preheusive character was framed, containing upwards of a hundred classes, iu which liberal prizes were offered to competitors, both British and foreign ; and how well this invitation was responded to by gardeners from all parts of the kingdom it is now our pleasing duty to relate. The Show was held iu the spacious Music Hall and Assembly Rooms in George Street, and the Committee having been at work all the pre- ceding night in arranging the multifarious subjects which were brought for exhibition, the tables were ready by six o'clock iu the morning for the Judges to proceed to make their awards, and by thus starting early the adjudications were completed and the prizes aflixed before the public were admitted. From 9 till 11 -\.M. gardeners were allowed the privilege of inspecting the Exhibition for a small admission fee, and afterwards the visitors, who thronged in, were so numerous as to render movement a matter of no little difficulty ; and it was evident that if the Society's future shows be as extensive, as attractive, and as nume- rously att"ended as this one was, a gi-eatly increased space must he secured to permit of the subjects exhibited beiug seen with comfort. This was the only drawback to the Show, for in every respect it was admirably conducted, Sccretarii s. Treasurer, and Committee-men beiug indefatigable iu tin ir Isb.iurs. and nothing could exceed the at- tention, the courtesv, and the kindness which they brought to the per- formance of theii- arduous tasks. And now to the detaUs of the Exhibition. . Fruit was the great feature, and with that, therefore, we shall begin. FRUIT. The display of this was magnificent, fully occupj-ing the whole of the vast Assembly Room ; and although the Unes of tabling were placed as closely together as it was possible to do without entirely obstructing the circulation of the visitors, there was not an mch of space to spare, indeed some of the fruit had to be set up ui an ad- joiuin.' room. So much of the quantity, now of the quality. Never iias it° fallen to our lot to see hothouse fruit, aud especially Grapes, in greater perfection than the bulk of that exhibited on this occasion. The collections of twenty sorts of fruit were unusually good, especially those from Mr. W. Thomson, gardener to the Duke of Buccleuch, Dalkeith, and Mr. D. Thomson, of Archerfield, and which were pretty evenly balanced iu point of merit. Mr. W. Thomson had two excellent Smooth-leaved Caveuue Pines, and a handsome Queeu, of the ex- traordinaiy weight'of iH lbs. ; splendid bunches of Black Hamburgh, September 12, 1865. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 211 Lndy Dowiic's, Cjilalirinii Raisin, unci Muscat Grapes ; two woIIrtowii Melons, Craivford'B Early and BidloKardc- I'i'aelies, Klru^c- Ni-clariuos, Mooqiarl; A|irii'ots. .lellerson and Victoria I'lnnis, Fi^s, Moridlo Cher- ries, Ited and Wliiti^ Currants, Kerry I'ijipin Apples, and .Tarfjonelle Pears. Mr. ]>. Tlinmsnn Imd three Smooth Cayenne Pines, two Melons, very tine linnchos of Laily Di^wne's and lllark llanilinr^h drapes, beautiful Wusi'uts and Cahihrian Haisin ; very tine Nolihsse, Helle- *;ardo and iiarnnt;ton Peaclu^s, Mooi-jiark Aprii-ots, Kirke's and Vie- toria Plums, Fi|,'s, and JarRonelle Pc'ars, itc. Mr. Tillery, gardener to the Dulie of Portland, Wolhta-k, had also an excellent colluetion, consi.stin;^ of l^>neen and Prickly Cayenne Pines, Normauhy Park Grueu-tleslnd and Scarlet Gem Meli>ns'. very |y Mr. Fowler, of Castle Kennedy, Mr. D. Thomson, and Mr. Meredith, were mo.st extraordinai-j- productions as regards size and perfection of ripening. These alone were -vvoi-th a journey of four huiidi-ed miles to see. In eight varieties Mi-. Fowler, gardener to tlu- Earl of Stair, Castle Kennedy, was first with splendid bunches of Muscat of Alexandria ; Trebbiano, weighing 1*2 lbs. 9i ozs. ; White Nice, 9 lbs. G\ ozs. ; Black Barbarossa, veiy fine as regards size ; Black Prince, Lady Downe's, with vei-y large berries ; Muscat Hamburgh and Black Gibraltar, vei*y good. Altogether, this w-as a most extra- ordinary collection, such as is rarely witnessed anywhere, and fine though the others were, this stood unquestionably in the first place. Kext came Mr. Meredith, of Garstou, Livei-jiool, with an admirably fini.shed collection, consisting of jet-black Hamburglis ; Muscat of Alexandria ; Chaptal, 1 foot long and 9 iin-bes across tlw shoulders ; Black Prince, Mus,-at Hamburgli, fine ; Black Alii-ante, with a beauti- ful di-nse bloom ; Child of Hale, a very large-bunched kiiid ; and Black Barbarossa, very regular and finely coloured. Messrs. Lane and Son, tireat Berkbampstead, contributed' a good colh-ction, for which a third prize was awarded, and Mr. Itose, Floora Castle, was fourth, in tlie class for the best four sorts Mr. W. 'J'homson was first with ex- cellent Black Hamburghs. Lailv Dowue's, Muscat of Alexandria, and White Tokay ; Mr. Cube, Glencarse, IVrlh, was second ; Mr. Millar, Cally Gardens, third ; and Mr. R. Gn-enUeld. Pallinsburu (iardeus, Coldstream, fourth. For Black Hamburgh, two bunches, Mr. Meredith occupied his aecnstoini-d place of first with two beautiful bunches, weighing tog.-ther 9 lbs. 10 ozs., the berries large, regular, and beautifully coloured ; Mr. liichards, Grimston Park, Tadeaster, w-as second ; and Mr. Fowler, third ; and scvi^ral large bunches, but not up to the mark as regards colour, enmo from some others. For Muscat of Alexandria, two bunches, Mr. F'owlor was flrst with splendid bunches beautifully ripened ; and the same may be said of those sent by Mr. Thomson, Archerfleld, who was second. Mr. Anderson, of Toi-woodlee, Galashiels, was third, with fine bunches, but not so well ripened. Of Red or Grizzly I'rontignau, good bunches came from Mr. Meredith, and Mr. Cowie, Calder House, Mid Calder ; those from the former being by far the better. Muscat Hamburgh, from Mr. Fowler, though a little rubbed, was flue ; and good bunches from Messrs. Lane and Mr. .Johnston, Terrcgles, were second and third. Of White Tokay, the best ripened came from Mr. Matheson, Tulli- allan Castle ; and a compact bunch, but too green, from Mr. Phipps, Ingestrie Hall, was second. In Black Hamburgh, single bunches, Mr. Meredith was first with a large and handsome bunch, beautifully coloured ; Mr. Richards was second ; and good bunches came from other competitors. In the corresponiling class for Muscats, Mr. Fow- ler and Mr. D. Thomson held the same relative positions which they had gained in the class for two bunches, the exhibitions in both eases being very fine and well finished. An extra prize was awarded to Mr. A. Anderson, Torwoodlee, for a large bunch, but not evenly ripened. The whole of this class was good. For Black Alicante, a very large and fine bunch, weighing -IJ lbs., from Mr. Greenshields. gardener to the Marquis of Ailsa, was first ; and a lieautiful and very regular bunch from Mr. Melville, Gleulee Gardens, New Galloway, was second ; an extra prize -n-as given to Mr. Meiklejohn. Dalkeith, for a fine bunch, and an excellent one also came from Mr. Meredith. The class for the heaviest bunch of Black Grapes was quite a remarkable one._ Mr. Greenshields was flrst with Black Barbarossa, w-eighing 1(1 lbs. 15 ozs., and measuring nearly '20 inches across and little less in length. Then came Mr. Fowler with a magniflcent bunch of the same variety ; and Mr. Meredith had a beautiful bunch of Black Hamburgh, weighing 4 lbs. 12 ozs., and which eveiybody regretted should have been pitted against the larger and coarser Barbarossa. The hea\'iest White Grape was White Nice, of which an enormous bunch, little less than 2 feet long, and weighing 11 lbs., was shown by Mr. Fowler. This variety, however, is stated to have been gi-own to the weight of IS lbs. Child of Hale, another gigantic lund, from Mr- Meredith, weighing 8 lbs. 10 ozs., \vas second. For the finest flavoured White Grape there were four- teen competitors, and equal first prizes were awarded to Mr. Thom- son, Dalkeith, and Mr. A. Anderson, Torwoodlee, the former having Duchess of Buecleuch, a richly-flavoured Grape of his own raising, and the latter Muscat of Alexandria. The best flavoured Black Grape was Muscat Hamburgh, of which Mr. Fowler exhibited a flne bunch, and Mr. Tilleiy was second with Black FVontignan. For the Black Grape with the flnest bloom, the first prize was aw-arded to Mr. Meiklejohn, Dalkeith, for Black Alicante, the second going to Ml-. Wilshei-e, Cavers Cave, for Black Hamburgh. For collections of Black Hamburgh varieties, Mr. Meredith was first with a collection in which the following names occurred — namely, old Black Hamburgh, Dutch, WUmots', Victoria, Pope's, Mill Hill, Cham- ])ion, and Richmond Villa. Messrs. Lane were awarded the second prize for a collection in which the names were — Fr.aukenthal, Pope's, Dutch, Mill Hill, and Esperione. Mr. Turner, gardener to Mark Spott, Esq., Riddel, Selkirk, was third. In a corresponding class for Muscats, Mr. Meredith had a first prize for Muscat of Alexandria, Escholata, Trovereu, Early Sanmer Frontignan, Charlesworth Tokav, Canon Hall, Bowood,' and Ciotat- F^or the best bunch of any kind 'not named in the schedule, equal first prizes were talceu by Mr. Fowler and Messrs. Lane, the foi-mor having a s2)lendid compact bunch of Lady Dowue's, with berries almost as large as those of a well-giowu Mill Hill Hamburgh, and the latter good Buckland Sweet- water. Black Prince, from Mr. Greenshields, was second. Good bunches of Golden Hamburgh and Barbarossa were also shown, as weU as Royal Vineyard, by Mr. Williams, of Holloway. A seedling White Grape, named Syrian Muscat, stated to be a cross between the Sjnian and Canon Hall, and to be a more certain setter, came from Mr. Melville, Dalmeny Park ; also. Champion Fronti.gnan, a seedling between Champion Hamburgh and Grizzly Frontignan. This had large reddish l)ei-ries. Mr. \\. Thomson contributed Golden Champion Hamburgh. None of the above, however, were adjudicated upon. Mei.on.-5.— About two dozen were shown. The best Green-fleslied was a well-netted fruit of Veiteh's Perfection, from Mr. T. Weir ; second. Golden Perfection, from Mr. Ross. In Scarlet-fleshe.l, Gem, from Mr. T. Shannon, Slatcford, was first. 212 JOURNAL OF HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENER. r September 12, 1865. Awards. — Greenfieshed : first, Mr. T. Weir. Kerse House ; Becond, Mr. C. Ross, gardener to C. E\Te, Esq., Welford Park, Newbury, Berks ; tliii-d, Mr. J. Johnston, Terref^les. Scarlet- fleshed : tirst, Mr. T. Sharman, Rtassfcd in the world. They had some gentlemen present on this occasion whose names were familiar in their mouths as household words. They had present among them Mr. Turner, Mr. Paul, Mr. Standish, Mr. Moore, and many others, •whom they were all delighted to see, and to give them a most cordial reception. He begged to propose *' The health of the Strangers present, with the name of Mr. Turner of Slough." Mr. Turner retunied thanks, and offered, in the name of the horticulturists of England, as cortUal a welcome to the Great Interna- tional Show there, in May next, as they had on this occasion received from their Scottish brethren. Mr. C.uiPBELL SwiNTON proposed " The health of the Judges." The very excellent show had, he said, imposed nil the more arduous duties on the Judges, whose impartiality, assiduity, aud skill would be acknowledged even by those who had not succeeded in obtaining their awards. He regretted the absence of Dr. Hogg, who bad done more for the culture aud nomenclature of fruit than probably any other living man, hut he hod the pleasure of coni)ling with this toast the names of Mr. Moore, well known as a leading authority in horticultural literature, and Mr. Paul, a gentleman who was by universal consent acknowledged to be one of the most distinguished florists in the king- dom, and whose writings had for a considerable period acquired the reputation of standard works. Mr. Moore, Chelsea, briefly returned thanks. Mr. William Paul, of Waltham Cross, in responding to the toast, said that the show of fruits was the tinest he had ever seen. and both fruits aud flowers were in some instances so near in point of merit that they had taxed the power of the Judges to the utmost. He hoped that the exhibitors were satisfied, and could assure them that the Judges had worked honestly at their task and brought their best powers to the work. Perhaps it was too much to expect that all should be satisfied, as cultivators and exhibitors were from familiar acquaintance so well versed in all the beauties of their own pro- ductions while striving to correct their defects, that they were apt to over-estimate the one and not dwell sufticieutly on the other. Exhi- bitors often viewed their plants as parents did their children, and we all know how many wonderful children there are in the world in proportion to the number of woudeifnl men. The number of good things had not suq>rised him so much as the thorough absence of all that was bad, aud the lowest prize was. in his opinion, a prize to be proud of. He thought the thanks of horticulturists were especially due to the Managers of the Show fur the business-like manner in which they had conducted it, aud also to those who had aided the movement by their money and inliuencc. Perhaps there was no country in the world where there were so many rich people as in Great Britain, and certainly none where that great wealth was so freely bestowed to promote all that was useful and good, and calcu- lated to improve the taste of the community at large. He could not help contrasting the state of horticulture now aud thirty years ago, and congi-atulating the present generation on the progress that had been made. Thirty years ago Knight aud Loudon were the gieat names in gardening, and Paxton aud Lindley were the risiug stars. There was then no *' Gardeners' Chronicle. ' no "Journal of Hor- ticulture." Dr. Hogg had not written his "Manual of Fruits," ond Mr. Moore had not given us those faithful and minute descriptions of Ferns and other plants which rendered the pencil of the artist almost superfluous. We had then no Hybrid Pei-jjetual Roses ; few of the present most beautiful varieties of flowers ; no British Queen Straw- berries ; no Duchess of Buccleuch Grapes : no Castle Kennedy Figs. Yet great as had been the improvement in the jiast. he looked forward to even a more glorious future. The urt of cultivation had been pushed almost to its limits, but there was a wide and almost untrodden field opening before them ; he alluded to the improve- ment of races by hyhriiUsation and cross-breeding. In order to obtaiu all the results that were derivable from this source, the education of the rising generation of gardeners and nurserymen should he more systematically pursued. In addition to the ordinary routine of edu- cation, a special education was demanded. The rising generation ehouid be taught to obsen-e facts correctly, to note all the phenomena of nature, to collect and classify instances, and to reason accurately upon them. They should he taught to go from the garden to the study, and from the study to the garden, to collect facts in the one and digest them in the other for a croM-ning act to reduce their con- clusions to practice. One word more. He had often regretted that there was not a stronger fellow-feeling between the scientific and practical workers in this great field of nature. The scientific man was too apt to look coldly on the practical man, and the latter to return the compliment sometimes with interest. He could not understand the necessity of this. To his comprehension it was both unchristian asd unphilosophical. He looked on the two arms of the service as members of the same body : although each might accomplish — nay, had accomplished — great things alone, he thought that the union of forces would be productive of far greater results. They had accom- plished a gi'cat deal by their exhibition that day ; would they take up this new work ? He believed by so doing they would do much good in their own day, and bo remembered with gratitude in the future. The ''Horticultural Press " was then proposed by Mr. Thomsoir, and the " Competitors, successful and unsuccessful," coupled with the name of Mr. Mereilith, by Professor Maclagan. Mr. Meredith in replying expressed a hope that many of the Scotch gardeners who had competed so successfully would visit the Great International Show in London, in May next. Mr. Harry Yeitch proposed the health of the Chairman, and spoke in highly eulogistic terms of the Exhibition, than which he had never seen a better. CONSTRUCTmO A SMALL GEEENHOUSE. I THINK of having one about 12 feet by 8 feet. Would a flue work well made about 9 inches square, with a hollow space on each side, carried once round the house below the floor, and then continued above the floor along the back and one end (not the fireplace end) by means of round nine-inch earthenware- pipes ? Would it draw sufficiently '! And would the back and end get more than their proportion of heat ? My object iu having it so long is to make the coal do as much work as if used in connection with hot-water apparatus. Your Manual on "Greenhouses," says, at page 13, "The angle of the roof is best when low — say about 30°, that green- house plants always do best when the roof is pitched low. A higher an(;le is apt to draw the plants too much on one side." At page 2'J, it says, " An angle of 45° combines more useful properties than any other. For very early things the glass should approach more nearly the perpendicular — say 25° to 35°. For gaining most power in summer, the angle should be larger — say 50° to 65°. Iu other words, the front would have to be raised, so that the glass would be flatter." In one place 25° to 35° is called " low," or flat, and in the other it is called nearly perpendicular, while 50° to 05° is called low or flat, as though in one place the reckoning is made from the meridian, and in the other from the horizon ; and after all a margin of about 20'' is left between what is considered the best angle in the different places. Will you please give me a definite figure ? Can you tell me whether Beard's houses let in rain or not ? It appears to me that the glass being laid edge to edge, even though ground true at the edges, would let iu water, if only by capillary attraction. — Wiiekin. [We have no doubt that the flue will answer the purpose ad- mirably, if the top of the flue forms part of the floor. The hollow space on each side of the flue will also be an advantage. We think you will have quite enough of heat without the con- tinuation of nine-inch earthcnware-pipes above the floor ; but that you can please yourself about. There will be no difliculty in the flue drawing, provided the bars of your furnace are from 20 to 24 inches below the level of the bottom of the flue, if more, so much the better, and the flue rather rises than sinks to the point where it enters the chimney. We have frequently explained how the difficulty is caused about the angles of roofs, according to the side of the quad"- rant used. The angle of 45° is the same in both modes of reckoning, and the first part of your letter just shows that what is tei'med the English mode of reckoning, is adopted when it speaks of a house from 25° to 35° getting more nearly to the perpendicular than 45°. In the other place, where an angle of 25° is spoken of as low and flat, it shows that the French mode of reckoning is resorted to, that low roof of 25° being identical with our flat room of 75°, or just a little more steep than a common garden frame. Some time ago figures and ex- planations were given, illustrative of the whole affair, but there is such confusion, that the context in the meantime must supply the chief information, as to what system the writer adopts. For ourselves, we always reckon from the perpendi- cular line of the quadi-ant. and count on the arc beginning at 1° September 12 , 18650 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 215 on to 90°. Thus, if you have a base of 12 feet, and a perpen- dicular or back-wall lino of house also 12 feet, the hypotheuuse line will form with the others a riyht-angleil triuiigle, aud the hypothenuse line will give a roof at 15°. \Vheii you want a steeper roof, for early and late forcing, you must either greatly raise the back wall, or lessen the width of the base line, so as to have a slope of 35^ or so. Now, what is called the French mode just reverses all this. It presupposes calculating from the base line of the quadrant, aud heuco tliough 4")^ would be the same in both cases, :!5" iu this instead , a Phoenix sylvestris, and many Cinnamon plants. Sugar Palms, and Cacti, some of which latter had attained an altitude of 30 feet. There were other houses, fl-arm aud cool, and stoves, aU of which contained plants of much interest to the horticulturist, but to mention more names, or go further into details, would be needless, and, I fear, tiresome to your readers. The houses were for the most part heated by hot water, after the approved modem principles ; some were heated by stoves {jMelex), and some few, requiring much heat, by the two combined. The covering was of wood shutters like those of a shop. These are found more to be relied upon than any kind of matting. None of the houses had double glass — a plan of glazing I quite expected to see, as all the dwelling-houses are so jjrovided for the inclement season. The gardener assured me tliat the cold was kept out entirely by the ample fire- heat. And now I have done, at least for the time being. Much remains to be said on the arrangement of the houses, gardens, and conservatories of the wealthy class in St. Petersbm'g ; this must form the subject of a future letter. — P.^telin. FUNGUSES AS FOOD. In former Numbers of your Journal, some corrcsi^ondents recommend the use of most of the Fiunguses, or Toadstools, as many of the country people call them ; and Mr. Fison, page 150, and Mr. Wason, page 88, of the present vohuue, speak of the prejudice of the people against the use of them as food. I have no doubt that "jirejudice" has saved many lives. Science may save the learned, but the ignorant are only safe by their " prejudice," as your coiTespondents term it. The unlearned are all prejudiced against the bright berries of the Nightshade, and other vegetable products, because they have heard of their fatal consequences from others, and are, therefore, content to avoid those products, rather than prove for themselves. I have now to state the result of a dish of Funguses that last week came to my table. They were brought in by a man who had for years been a Mushroom-gatherer, and my wife having no suspicion of there being any of a bad quality among them, stewed a few for breakfast, aud we all partook of them, I re- marking at the time that I did not think they tasted like the last we had. About an hour afterwards I began to feel unwell, nausea and sickness soon succeeded ; suspecting the Mushrooms, I went home, aud there foimd my family in a worse state than myself, they being attacked with violent retching, the worst being my wife. I (hrectly took a good di-aught of mustard and water, giving some to the others. Mine soon returned, and I was so far all right, but not so my mfe. On her the effect was great prostration of strength, her hands and arms becoming cold and benumbed ; but I am pleased to say that from the action of kind neighbours externally rubbing, and emetics internally, she soon revived, but it was not till the morning of the third day that anj-thing would remain in her stomach. After this, I can only advise those that are not " ]irejudiced," to beware. — G. Claphaji, The Gardens, Bowden Hall. September 13, 1865. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 219 STATICE HOLVOllDII MANAG1:MKNT. As this is a most beautiful pot plant I think it ought to ho more Kencvally cultivated. I have Ri-own it for four years, and tind it answer admirably for conservatory decoration. To [iroiiai^ate it, take off yonn^' shoots in April and insert them in thumb pots, tilling the pots, after juitting in plenty of drainage, with sandy loam, with a little silver sand on the sur- face. Let the heel of the cuttings be in the sand. Plunge the pot.s in a bottom heat of UO', watering very sparingly, and iu the course of three weeks they will have liUed the pots with tine white roots and be ready for a shift. They may he now put into a comjiost formed of rich yellow loam mixed with a small quantity of silver sand and charcoal, uud a little leaf mould free from any sticks. I'ot them firmly in this compost in six-iuch pots, and do not water freely until they are well established in the fresh soil. After this they will roipure a liberal supply of water, placing them in a heat of 70', keeping a moist atmosphere. In the cimrseof two months they will be pot-bound, and should have a shift into a ten-inch pot and be placed in a milder heat of 0.5° ; all flower-spikes to be cut off, and twice a-week liquid manure given the plants so as to make them throw out tine liealthy foliage. By the end of September they will require a fourteen-iuch pot, and by the beginning of .January they wiU have become fine specimens ; then allow them to bloom. I'lants treated iu this manner will throw up from eight to twelve fine spikes 2J feet in height, and when tied out well make a brilliaut show in the conservatory, the colour being sucli a very beautiful blue. I have seen them iu full bloom for ten moutlis, but that is too long for them to stay iu the con- servatory, as a change in colour is re(pxired. The only insect which troubles them is the brown scale, and that but very little.— W. B. WORK FOR THE "WEEK. KITCHEN GAKDEN. The weather still continues favourable for the growth of the autumn crops, the whole of which, when necessary, should now be kept well earthed-up. Young weeds will now be making their appearance in abundance where seeds have been allowed to ripen and fall during the summer. The whole of the garden, where it is possible to do so, should be gone over and scufHed with a Dutch hoe, and the young seedlings left to be withered up by the scorching rays of the sun. Cahhagr, prepare ground for the main spring crop. It should be highly enriched with manure. A quarter on which Onions have been grown is very suitable for this purpose. CauUjhm-ers, prick out the young plants as soon as they are sufficiently large to fix properly in the soil. Some may be pricked into a sheltered border and some into frames. Cucumbers, the plants in the forcing-houses must now be carefully attended to, every means must be used to keep them' free from insects and in a healthy vigorous state. When tlie plants are firmly rooted give a little manure water every alternate time with clear water. Lettuce, prick out some of tiie Cabbage varieties into a frame to come iu for winter use ; also, continue to plant out strong plants of the Brown Cos for autumn use. Onions, pull up those that have done growing, and house them in a di-y state. They should be sorted before being laid away iu the root-cellar, and the thick-necked ones used first. The Onions, Gherkins, Chilies, and other vegetables used for pickling should be gathered for the purpose as they come in. Potatoes, when ripe, should be taken up as opportunity serves. Although attacked with the disease, and indications of an almost total failure were apparent during the very showery weather we had last month, now that we are fa- voured with fine, bi'ight, sunny weather, it is to be hoped that the crop will be better than was anticipated. Spinticli, thin the plants to about 9 inches apart ; if obliged to step in amongst them, loosen-up the soil after the thinning is completed. Turnips, take the opportunity of thinning them as soon as they liave made a rough leaf or two. Should slugs attack them, which is not uufrequeutly the case at this season, sprinkle soot or lime two or three times a-week about nine in the morning. FRUIT GAKDEN. Fruit-gathering should be proceeded with as the different sorts arrive at due maturity. Avoid the error of clearing a tree at once without reference to the ripeness of the crop. Un- cover Currants, if matted, occasionally dm-ing fine days. Trim and dress Strawbeny plantations, aud be careful to injure the leaves of the plants as little as possible, avoid deep digging between the rows, which injures the roots; besides, the Straw- berry rather prefers a somewhat firm soil. Kspaliers and dwarf standards, or, indeed, any kind of fruit trees whicli exhibit more tendency to produce useless wood than such as is likely to furnish fruit, should bo root-pruned as early as convenient in tlio autumn, cutting out any useless slioots at the same time, in order to expose tho wood expected to liear fruit as freely as possible to light and air, so as to have it well ripened. KLOWEU GMIDEN. Cut off tho flower-stems of herbaceous plants as soon as they become shabby, and endeavour to prolong tho beauty of Phloxes, itc, by keeping them well supplied with water at the root. Hollyhocks and Dahlias will still require occasional look- ing after to secure them against the effects of high winds which may now be expected. Let the borders be cleaned and neatly raked over, filling up any vacant places with Chrysanthemums, spring-struck Pansios, or spring-Uowering bulbs. Mignonette for winter and spring flowering may yet be sown. OIlEENnOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. When valuable stove plants have to be kept in the conserva- tory while in bloom, they will require careful management to prevent their being injured by damp ; and they must not be over-watered at the roots, as stove plants are soon injured in a low temperature if kept too wet. Give air freely on bright days, but if the house contains many stove plants it will be ad- visable to shut up rather early iu the afternoon to retain a little wanuth for the night, liemove Azaleas which have set their bloom to the greenhouse, but the later kinds must remain in heat until the growth is matured and the bloom set. Keep New Holland plants, which have been placed under glass, cool and airy, and avoid crowding, especially in the case of plants, which are in a growing state ; but evei-jthing must be allowed sufficient space, so that the foliage may be fairly exposed to light and air. Look sharply after mildew on Heaths, as this pest is sometimes very troublesome upon plants that have been growing freely in shady situations in the open air, and are in a rather soft state when taken iu-doors, and apply sulphur freely on the first appearance of the enemy. The Persian and other Cyclamens should be examined and repotted where ne- cessary." Admit air day and night to all descriptions of green- house plants. In many sjiecies the growth is not yet perfected, and an abundance of air is the only means that remains to bring about that result. This may be assisted on sunny days by early closing for a couple of hours in the afternoon, but open tlie houses at six again to get the cool night temperature. STOVE. Stove and greenhouse plants of an herbaceous character, after they have done blooming, should have some care to ripen the roots properly before they are stowed away for the winter. To effect this with Achim'enes, Gesneras, Gloxinias, &c., they should be placed in a spare house or pit near the glass, and sujiplied with water only to keep them from flagging. This will allow the foliage to ripen gradually, and, as a matter of course, the tubers or roots. Amaryllis and the different varieties of Japan Lilies require the same treatment; the latter, however, being more hardy, may be ripened off at the base of a south wall or in a cold pit. Bmgmansias, Cleroden- (h-ons, Erythrinas, Allamandas, and plants of similar habit, may be gradually induced to enter into a state of rest in any house of medium temperature with an atmosphere drier than a common stove. PITS AND FRAMES. One of the first matters claiming attention at the present time is that of potting bulbs, as much of the success in securing early flowering depends upon early forcing. Respecting the kinds, the common and cheap single varieties are the best. Pinks and Violets must also be looked to, the latter, bothfor potting and blooming, planted out iu a frame or pit. It is a good time to set about the construction of store-pits. If proper accommodation is not already possessed, they should be exca- vated to the depth of 18 inches, and drained so that no water can enter ; a few layers of turf and a framework of wood to receive the mats, lights, or whatever may be provided, will complete the necessary preparations. Let Scarlet and other Geraniums struck in the open ground be taken up and potted immediately they have made roots. They will require a close frame for a week or two, when they should be placed on a di-y bottom in a southern exposm-e, to harden them for the winter. For the same purpose Verbenas, Petunias, &c., struck in pans and in- tended to be kept in them through the winter, should be placed in a similar situation, at the same time stopping the points of 220 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. r September 13, 1865. the shoots. It should he a point to keep them as hardy as possible by fully exposing them until they are placed in their winter quarters. — W. Ke.«e. DOINGS OF THE LAST ^\^<:EK. A WEEK of glorious summer weather has made some of the rather-behind-haud farmers smile at the impatience of those that carted the valuable grain rather early. 'What an untold blessing this last week's bright sun has been to the country ! The heat, however, and the warm weather early in the season, are bringing in all our fruit at once. Unless in the case of those who shade, &c., there will be few October Peaches this season, and some of the wall-fi-uit is ripening before it is fully swelled. Several visitors have been complaining of the same, and saying they will have Uttle out of doors, except Apples and Pears, by the end of the month. But then we are never satisfied ; there is always an if, or a but, that prevents us acting out the cheerful pliilosophy that " sees the bright side of all things.'' It the fruit is coming in aU at once, or rather too quickly, the flower gardens have improved after the rains, as if by magic, and though, perhaps, not so fresh-hke, are now more full of bloom than they were in the third week of July. Less than a fortnight ago the few gardeners we saw were hanging their heads with the most woe-begone aspect, and the ■wisest went about prophesying that September this year would see nothing but wrecks of flower-beds. If there was even a melancholy pleasure experienced, it was soon exhausted in the half-hearty congratulations that were showered on those whose employers had all betaken themselves to the north, to the moors, deer-stalking and fishing, and who, therefore, would see uothuig of the wrecks they had left behind them. This very simple fact is not seldom forgotten. Some care nothing about their summer flowers after the mi'ddle of August, but cut and propagate, and lift without compunction. Even as respects labour, the matter is very different, when every bed must show its best until the frost comes. KITCHEN' GAKDEX. Trenched up part of the Onion ground, and planted out about half the space we intend for the earhest spring and summer Cabbages. 'We had a lot of rotting short grass mixed with refuse from the potting-bench. rotting weeds, which had not come to the seeding state. &c., which we dug in at the bottom of the trench. The material would be too rank for any- thing to gi-ow in, but it will be decayed and sweet enough by the time the roots of the Cabbages reach it in the spring. The soil needed no enriching on the surface, othei-wise we would have given a little very rotten manui'e on the surface, to en- courage the young plants. This rough dunging at the bottom tells well on the Cabbage crop, which we generally allow to stand aU the summer and the following winter, obtaining, after the first large-sized heads, several successions of young Cabbages until the stumps are pretty well decayed ; and" then the groimd, as a general renovator, is treated for Celery, &c. The rains having battered the gi-ound, ran the fork through borders and quarters of Coleworts, Spinach, young Onions, Lettuces. Caiiliflowers, Broccoh, and will follow with a Uttle maniu-e water to all the grosser crops, as it will teU on them very perceptibly in this sunny weather, and when the next rain comes it will be nicely washed in. Turned the Onions preparatory to taking them imder cover. We are so far sorry to say that the rains and the heat have so sent the necks next to out of sight, that it will he diflieult to string them this season. They are in general best kept in strings, and they occupy less room than when stored on shelves, &c. 'We have fi-equently stated that hardly any amount of frost will injure Onions if they are kept dry. 'We have never known them keep better than when hung in open sheds. But for the smeU they leave behind them, we believe that few vegetables are more conducive to the health of working men, and therefore we always feel pleased to see a good bed of Onions in a working man's garden. We have seen a labourer shee off for his dinner from three to six huge Onions, and that with an evident rehsh that the rich man rarely enjoys when debating what he shall pai-take of among his costly clishes. A gentleman lately told us he almost envied the ploughboy discussing his lunch of bread and Onion and next to imcooked bacon as he swung on the field gate. " I am so often shut up, immersed in business, that I cannot take exercise enough to get an appetite ; or I go out for a day's shooting, and come home too fatigued and hungrv to enjoy an.vthing." Ah ! there is a vast deal more of the equality of enjoyment in the diiTerent classes of society than is generally supposed. The law of com- pensation, which will pervade all classes, is a mcjst beneficial one. Ulie ploughboy on the gate eats with a charming reUsh, because he eats just when he needs it, and when nature is satisfied he eats not a bit more. There is nothing in the bread and the Onion, or the bread and next-to-raw bacon, to tempt him to indulge, or to excite a false appetite. Thinned Tomato leaves, exposing the fruit to the sun, and backed up some frames of Cucumbers ; gathered the most of the small ones for pickling. Gherkins, &c. Thinned out a few leaves of "S'egetable MaiTOw to give them a little more Ught. 'When cooked, about the size of two hen's eggs put end to end, this is one of the most dehcious vegetables. For our- selves it is generally too rich to be used above once a-year. We see them growing often in the poor mau's garden ; but they and the larger Gourds are generally allowed to grow on and ripen, and then they are hung up and used for soups, and for puddings, along with Apples, &c. Allow us to advise him to cook a lot when they are young, and then the plants will ripen qtiite as manj-. 'Wlea of the young size above stated let them be washed clean, and then plunged in boiling water and boiled imtil, on trying with a fork, the points of the fork go freely into them, and then they will be done. Much of the dehcacy will consist in keeping the water outside of the fruit. 'When boiled soft Uft carefully on a plate, poiu' ofi' any water that may come with them, cut each fruit open in halves, remove the soft centre, and then on the rest of the fruit dust a httle pepper and salt, and with a very little fresh butter or dripping, you have a dish fit for a prince. FEriT GARDEN. Much the same as in pre^ous weeks. As already stated we suspect that much fine wall-fruit this season will have to be made into jams, jelhes, preserves, and tarts, as it has come so soon in. Thinned and shortened the shoots of Apples and Pears as we got at them. WiUiams' Bon Chretien Pears have been very fine, and, with a little management, that delicious Pear may be had good for a long time by vei-y frequently picldng the most forward first, and that also in a heavy crop, helps the more backward, and causes them to swell better. From a single tree we have frequently had this fine Pear for six weeks, when by one or two gatherings we should not have had it much more than six days. We find birds are beginning to pick many Pears that are yet pretty well as hard as stones, and as for flies we never knew them so numerous. The hot weather early in summer seemed to bring them out in myriads, they are even more troublesome than the earwigs. Bottles with sour beer and sugar will settle a good many of them, hut the double hand- glass is as good a trap as any, with a plate of decayed fruit and fermenting liquid in the lower one, and a hole in the top to let them fly up and enter the upper one. Bushels of flies and wasps m,ay thus be trapped. Wasps are now coming, though rather weak on the wing ; we saw none during all the rainy time, and we presume many died then. The honey bee this season has attacked fruit, especially the smaller fniit, without mercy ; we have seen half a dozen on a single Gooseberry. Plums have been a wonderfvil crop, but many of them are ripening early. Many trees would have been better of a good thinning. Such loads one year are apt to be followed by a thin crop the following year. Strawberi-y plants in pots have been well watered and exposed fully to the sun. A little soot was dusted on the stu'face of the soil in the pots, alike to enrich it, and to keep out worms. Watered Figs and late Vine-border, the latter most likely for the last time. ORSAJrESIAIi EEPAETITENT. Here, in addition to potting, regulating chmber.s to give more hght, and preparing plants for being placed under pro- tection, the chief work has been propagating Geraniums for next sirmmer's display in the flower gai-den. We would have done it a few weeks earher if we could have foxrud time, but there are cases in which cleanliness, good order, and fine con- dition of the beds, must for the time obtain the first considera- tion. The neatness and good keeping, even of a part, required a great deal more time and laboirr than usual, owing to the warm rains, and the veiy hot weather succeeding. The grass grew with such rapidity as to be beyond the reach of our single-man mowing machines, for with such machines there is nothing gained by cutting when the glass is long. Under such circumstances we never met with grass worse to mow with Soplomber 12, 1865. ] JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 221 the scythe. Notwithstanding pre\noiis rolling the grass was as soft, as yielding, and as dillicult to cut as so much puffy cotton. We shall be glad when we can overtake all with the mowing machiuea again. 'When beds are to be dressed, regulated, picked, (tc, it is often best to mow round them, as one clearing up does for all, and an extra sweeping in these times ought to be guarded against. The genei-al work has been so similar to previous weeks, that we shall here advert to two causes that greatly affect the beauty of flower-beds in the ilower garden. 1, There is the custom of having numbers of cut flowers stuck all over the rooms of the mansion ; it matters not though these from their position and surroundings are anything but ornamental. In some cases the gardener merely sends in a basket of flowers every day. In others, vases, baskets, tables, are sent to him to fill, and then a great amoimt of time is taken up with the filhug of tliem, which is often little thought about. In either case the flower-beds will be rubbed of their beauty, as it will be of no use cutting any except the very best. Cut even twenty trusses out of a good little bed of scarlet Geraniums, and you will not leave the bed as bright as before, ^\^lere the flower-beds are to be kept very nice, and yet lots of flowers must be had in-doors, we would advocate a reserve garden or a large mixed border being appropriated to this cutting pur- pose. ^Ye laiow that much unpleasantness arises from the seeming forgetfulness of the simple fact that the best flowers cannot be in the flower-beds and in the house at one and the same time. With such a border a lady could have the jdeasiu'e of heljiiug herself withoiit at all interfering with the pet beds of the gardener, and more satisfaction would be derived fi'om the cut flowers. 2, If taken from the beds, the gardener himseU, if possible, should always cut them. He will bo very careful in making his selection so that the cut flowers shall be as little missed as possible ; he will also go to the beds again and again rather than have too much cut at first. Most likely if he send some one else that has not reason to take a pride in the beds, he will have havoc made and have more of some things than he Vi'ants. Some ladies do this selecting work in fine weather themselves, and in general with great nicety. Cut if a gardener dare hardlj- trust some of his own men, what shall we say when house servants are allowed or commissioned to cut and gather such flowers as they please, and when they please ? If such work were confined to a definite border it would matter less. True, as the flowers belong to the lady or gentleman employer, they respectively have a right to cut where they please, or to send others to do the same, even to cutting over all the flowers in a bed if it so please them. We have no desire in the least to question the right, but we do question the prudence and fitness of all such proceedings. We go farther, and say, unhesitatingly, that where the practice exists of anybody and everybody doing pretty weU what they like in a garden, the gardener must be more than man if his interest and enthusiasm in his work do not gradually decline to zero point. We know that many otherwise kind and con- siderate employers have lost the services of good gardeners because they failed to recognise the very simple fact that to enable him to serve them efficiently, he must be as indepen- dent of all house servants as they are of him ; in other words, that no more liberty should be taken by house servants in the garden than the gardener would think of using in the store- room, kitchen, or pantry. — E. F. TR.\DE CATALOGUES RECEIVED. Jean Verschaffelt, Rue de la Caverne, 43. Ghent, Belgium. — Catalniiuc des Plantes et Prix-courant pour VAutovuie, 1865 ; ct Frintcmjis et Etc, 1866. Quettier & Son, Ussy (Calvados), France. — Trade Catalogue of SeedUnri and Transplanted Forest Trees and Conifera;. Barr & Sugden's Compendium of tlieir Illustrated Autumnal Floral Guide. F. & A. Dickson & Sous, lOfi, Eastgate St., Chester.— Cnta- logue of Select Dutch Flower Hoots. Sutton & Sons, Reading. — Catalorjue of Bulbous Flower Hoots, Geraniums, Fuclisias, and Fruit Trees, iCx. R. Parker, Exotic Nursei-y, Tooting, Surrey. — Catalogue of New and Bare Store, Greenhouse, and Hardy Plants. Hooper & Co., Covent Garden Market. — General Autumn Catalogue of Dutch, Cape, and other Flowering Bulbs. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— September 9. Impoutations have decreased tjonurally, with the oxccpliou of Grapos i which (ire now uouiiup from Hulliiud luid Jorsfy. iis wtdl an from France* Tlio market continues to ho heavily supi)lied, and trade in very duli. Apples A sieve Apricots doz. Cherries Ih. Chestnuts bush. Currants, lied J sieve Black do. Figa doz. Filherts lb. Cobs do. Gooseberries. , A sieve Grapes, Hambro.. . lb. Muscats lb. Lemons 100 Artichokes each Asparagus bundle Beans Broad. . bushel Kidney do Beet, Red doz. Broccoli bundle Brns. Sprouts. . I sieve Cabbage doz. Capsicums 100 Cfli-rots bunch Cauliflower doz. Celery bundle Cucumbers each pickling .... doz. Endive score Fennel bunch Garlic and Shallots, lb. Herbs bunch Horseradish . . bundle B. a. R. d 1 0 t o'.i 0 0 0 u u 1 u a 0 0 0 0 0 0 (1 (1 0 0 0 u n n il 1 i; 0 •1 1 n 1 0 0 II (1 0 0 n 1 li ■1 () H 0 (j u Melons each 2 Oto 5 0 Mulbci-rics x>unuot 0 6 10 Nectariucs doz. 0 9 6 0 Ornngcs 100 10 0 20 0 Poached do/,. Ptinr» (Idtchcu) . . doz. dosscrt doz. Pino Apples I b. Plums A sieve Quinces | sieve Kaspberries lb. 0 0 Strawberries lb. 0 0 0 6 a 0 6 0 0 0 s 4 0 (I 0 » Walnuts bush 14 0 20 U VEGETABLES. R. d. s. d 0 4to0 li 0 n (1 0 n 0 0 n .') 0 .■; 0 2 0 .s II n 0 (> II 0 0 0 0 n fl 1 i; 1 (1 2 II n 4 0 H » (1 (i n 2 0 S 11 (1 4 0 s 2 0 4 0 2 () H II () .s 0 0 (1 a n n 0 H 0 n 2 6 4 0 Leeks bunch Lettuce per score Mushrooms pottle Mustd. & Cress. punnet Onions, -doz. bunches piclding quart Parsley ^ sieve Parsnips doz. Peas quart Potatoes bushel Kidney do. Pvadishes doz. bunches lUiubarb bundle Savoys doz. Sea-kale basket Spinach bushel Tomatoes A sieve Tiu-nips bunch Vegetable MaiTows dz. e. a. s 0 3 too 9 1 G 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 9 2 6 3 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 4 1 0 d G C i; 0 0 u u 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 4 1 0 0 0 0 n 0 0 6 2 0 TO CORRESPONDENTS. Fruit Trees for South-south-east Wall (Jf. J. JV.). — Younvall -will do well for Api-icots, and the better kinds of Plums ; and if the situation be not elevated, but is sheltered, Peaches and Nectarines might be grown tolerably upon it. The grubs feasting on the winter greens, as Savoys, &c., are what gardeners call "leather-coats," they being the larvae of the daddy longlegs. They are unusually prevalent this season, and eat through the stems a little below the surface. There is no eflfectual remedy but to search for them and kill them. Ey all means as they are so numerous have them hand-picked and destroyed. Scale on Fruit Trees (Siimpatlnj). — Spirit of tui-pentine is fatal alike to both insects and their eggs, and it will not injure the shoots or branches, but destroy evei-j" bud it touches, especially when applied after the buds begin to swell. Wash the trees after the leaves fall with Gis- hurst compound at the rate of 8 ozs. to the gallon of water, applying it with a brush, and brushing it well into every crack, hole, or crevice, and this so etTectually os to dislodge the insects, taking care all the time not to injure the buds. Badly infested as your trees must be from the specimen sent, we would advise the trees to be well washed with water at 160' by means of a rather stiff or half-worn painter's brush, which will free the trees of the insects to a gi'eat extent, and then wash them with Gishnrst early at the rate of 8 ozs. to the gallon of water, or sulphur and soft soap in equal quantities, 8 ozs. of each to a gallon of water in which 2 ozs. of the strongest tobacco has been steepedfortwelve hours, and the water pom-ed over it boiling, and 4 ozs. of gum arable put in to dissolve after it became cool. The trees once or twice washed with water at 160-, as thev mav be infested, and then dressed with either of the above com- positions w'ill be free from the enemy to a great extent, and the process will only need repeating annuallv foi-a timeto efTectacure. Turijentine, as stated in the " Gardener's Dictionary," is a certain cure for all attacks of the coccus or scale family ; but it should only be applied to the branches, avoiding the buds. Trees for Sheltering a Garden (If.).- Of the trees named by you Robinia pseud-acacia is too spare in branches, too spreading, and alto- gether too large for the purpose. Plane trees are alike too large and spreading, and if it be Platanus occidentalis it needs sheltering rather than is calculated to shelter a small garden. Birch is for the most part the least objectionable, and is mostly of small growth; it is dense in foliage, has numerous small twigs, and does very well in moist soils, but is less ornamental than many others. Ailanthus glandulosa is a tree that requires rather than affords protection. For protecting a small garden from cold winds there is no better shelter than a hedge 6 or 8 feet high of Thorn or Privet, and one of Beech 10 feet high is sufficient protection for any garden of small area. Thev take up less room and tlieiiToots extend less than trees, for the latter should be sitnated at such a distance that thev do not root into, overhang, or shade what they are intended to shelter. Unless the trees can be so planted that their roots do not extend into the garden or their branches overhang it, hedges are the more desirable. ScHiRAS Grape (T.\.—We know of no synonymes of this Grape except those enumerated in Dr Hogg's "Fruit Manual." You could obtain three varieties of it from M. A. Leroy, Nurseryman, Angers, France. We do not know a fuller address to Mr. Hej^vood. Gas Tar for Garden Frame |D(» Bpoke of in the same Number, mine being made of iron and brass, and lorcing water to any reasonable height, as well as lifting it like a common pump. I dare say they are cheaper than other pumps. How their dura- bility may be I do not yet know.— W. N. Baxter, Thurnton-le-Moor. EVEHGREEKB tJNDER Larch AND FiR Treks. (S. R).— In addition to Rhododendrons, which you find do so well under them, Berberis Darwinii, B. aquifolium, or Mahonia aquifolium, and B. repenw would do equally well, also Laurnstiniie. if not too much shaded and exposed to cutting winds, and Aucuba japcnicaand Skimmia japonica. Laurels do fairly, Yew, Box, and Holly moderately well. Butcher's Broom excellently, and, better than auj-thiuf?, Vincae or Periwinkles. Ivy, to carpet the ground and clothe trunks of trees, is good, euliyened with Snowdrops, Winter Aconites, Primroses, Harebellt;, and some of the commoner kinds of Feme. Vine foe Greenhoube (New Suhtcribfr). — Wc suppose the nurserjinan meant the "Finger Grape," if so it is the Comichon blanc, and worthless. Have three Black Hamburghs and two Lady Downc'y, An Apricot might succeed on a trellis against the glass end of the house. Figs would not jiroBper under the Vines. Pbopagating-beds and Melon-Beds in a Hothocke (A. Y. Z.)— The most economical plan would be to surround your pipes at the bottom of the beds with brickbats, clinkers, &c. to the depth of a foot, and then some clean-washed gravel, and then the soil for Melons and Cucumbers, and what you like best for the propagating-bed. A more perfect way would be — have the pipes in a chamber, the chamber covered with slate ; hut we like the rough mode rather the better. In placing on the soil, leave some upright drain pipes, with the lower end among the rubble, so as to let dowQ water when desirable without soaking the aoil. If you keep your six pipes for bottom heat— that is, have no slides to let the heat oat then you will require two pipes all round the house for top heat instead of one. A specimen of Mr. Beard's houses may be seen at the Botanic Gardens, Bury St. Edmunds; also at Mr. Sanders', Victoria Works, Bury St. Edmunds. You have evidently missed the advertisement that ap- peared on the 15th of Aiagust. The volume is out of print, but all the Numbers can be obtained with the exception of five. Boiler foe Cucdmber and Melon Frame (E. S. B.).— If you mean the boiler to do no more than the 21 feet of pit, then a small saddle-back or conical one will answer your puriiose. Any bricklayer that can set a copper properly, will also set a boiler to the beet advantage. To ha^e Cucumbers and Melons early, you would require two four-inch pipes for top heat, and two for bottom heat. We have two three-inch pipes but they are not enough for early work- The simplest plan would be to take two pipes along for sui-face heat, and return them in the chamber for bottom heat. Have the top of your boiler below the level of the lowest pipes in the chamber, and there will be draught to bum anything. ViNEH Shrivelllng {Durham.)~Yon do not say what the size of your lights is, as, if from 2 to 3 feet in length, the back and front airshould have been suflacient, more especially if the back air was given early. There could be no harm in having some square holes in the back wall, if you are at all doubtful as to the quantity of air. Most cases of such shrivelling that have come under our notice have been owing to the leaves being within a few inches of large squares of glass, and neglect- ing to give air early enough in the morning, so that something like scald- ing took place. In such hot sunny days as we have lately had, sprinkling the floor with water to neutralise the dryness would also be of benefit. Names of Plants {A. £.).—!, Spiriea sorbifolia ; 2, Viburnum opulus (Gueldres Rose); 8. Alnus glutinosa. (W.W.). —Tamarix gallica, orTama- risk. (June.).— I, Leaf of an Orchid; 2, Cyanotis vittata; 3, Begonia fuchsioides. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS in the Subui-bs of London for the Week ending September nth. Date. THERUOafETER. Wind. Rain in inches. Geneeil Resurss. Air. Earth. Max. Min. Mai. Min. 1 ft. dp. 2 ft. dp. Sun. . . 3 Mon... 4 Tnes. . 6 Wed. . 6 Thura. 7 Fri. .. 8 Sat. .. 9 Mean. . 80.179 80.078 80.147 80.163 80.039 29.925 30.063 80.12JI 30.172 30.106 30.062 29.956 29.884 80.028 81 82 81 80 85 86 76 47 44 44 49 6G 56 55 65 65 65 65 65 65» 66 624 63 63 63 63 64 64 S.W. S. w. s.w. s.w. s. s.w. .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .10 .00 Slifjht fog ; very fine with hot Kun ; fine at night. Very fine, hot, and sultry ; very fine throughout. Foggy with heavy dew : ver>- hot sun ; very tine. Slight fop, heavj- dew, hot sun, dr>- air; exceedingly fine. Slight fog ; heavj- dew ; very hot ; very fine. Heavy dew ; clear, very hot with dry air, thunder, lightning, heavy Overcast ; clear sky ; very flue throughout. [rain in the night. 30.085 80.032 81.57 1 60.14 66.21 1 63.31 0.10 POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. THE NATION.VI. POULTRY COMP.VNY. Between the Bromley and Bickley stations on the London, Chatham, and Dover Kailway, the traveller perceives the build- This land is laid out for six similar buildings running from south to north. Between each of the buildings is a market garden 00 feet wide, and about a thousand pyramid fruit trees will form a border to the vegetable garden. On the south, and parallel with the liailway, a range of buildings upwards of 500 feet long will serve as inward and outward offices, stores, manager's residence, and labourers' dwellings. Between this -^^»^^r -Z^-— -^""^i^i fjy-r^''iiM^I^-f^> ing of which the abote is a representation. It is 350 feet long and 20 feet wide, of peculiar construction, and erected on a piece of land of about six acres. The site is bordered on the south by the Kailway, on the east by the Bromley Gasworks, on the west by extensive hop plantations, and on the north is sheltered by high trees on the estate of Coles Child, Esq., of the Palace. range of buildings and the poultry-homes the space is divided into several fore courts, in which chickens of a certain age, and classified according to sex, will be left to roam. The inward and outward gates will be formed by two towers surmounted by water-tanks, to obtain high pressure service for the poultry- homes and market garden. The north side of the land is September 12, 1865. ] JOUBNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 233 enclosed by a range of sheds about 500 feet long, and ia called Uie farmyard ; the space in front of tbcse sheds will bo divided into separate courts, for the proper clasailication of fowls. Hero are also the manure-pits, draiued into liciuid manure-pits iu front of each section of vegetable land, and ponds which are supplied with the rain water drained from the buildings. Behind the sheds are pig-styes, and vermin nurseries. The sheds will be used for preparing the food, as stores, and as killing, pluck- ing, and dressing-rooms for poultry. In this establishment is about to bo tested wliether poultry can bo raised, partially artificially, on a very extensive sciJo, and we hope soon to furnish more details. Those who have advocated the rearing of poultry in large quantities, have frequently referred to the extensive establish- ment of " M. de Soras," as proving that such a wholesale rearing was not only possible, but profitable. The conderaners of such rearing met the evidence by denying its existence, and roundly asserting that " M. de Soras " is a mythical personage. Mr. Geyelin has settled the dispute, by proving that each body of disputants ia right, and each party wrong. There is no " M. de Soras," but there is a vast poultry- rearing establishment. It is at Angy, near Mouy, Beauvais, in Picardy, and the proprietor is M. Manoury. Mr. Geyelin has visited the establislnuent, and says — " I was received with every courtesy, and informed that he knew of no such name as M. de Soras, nor of any establish- ment of the kind, but that he devoted his time to rearing some 6000 head of poultry per annum ; ho neither fed them on horse flesh, nor supplied the markets of Paris, that he sold none but pure breeds, and those to gentlemen and fancy poultry dealers ; nevertheless, that his system of hatching, rearing, and feeding was so different to that adopted by others, that it might possibly have given rise to those exaggerated reports ; after which he conducted me over his establishment, and ex- plained most minutely the system he has adopted. I have also visited all those places in France so justly famed for their poultry, and from which those celebrated breeds of Houdan, La Flrche, and Creve Cceur are obtained, where also I met with the utmost courtesy in my inquiries, though I had been informed that the farmers never explained or showed their system of poultrj'- rearing to any one, which possibly may be true as regards their countr\'men." Mr. Geyelin then details what he saw iu France, of " natural and artificial incubation," from which details we will make one short extract. " Amongst some places I visited, in company with two of your shareholders, may be mentioned the farm of Madame La Marquise de la Briffe, Chateau de Neuville, Gambais, near Houdan, where we observed twelve Turkeys hatching at the same time ; here, also, we witnessed the rearing and fattening, which will be alluded to hereafter. In another place, that of Mr. Auclu'', of Gambais, a hatcher by trade, wo observed sixty Turkeys hatching at the same time ; and we were informed that during winter and early spring ho had sometimes upwards of one hundred hatching at tho same time, and that each Turkey continued hatching for at least three months. At tho farm of Mr. Louis Mary, at St. Julion do l'"au(,'on, near Lizieux, in Calvados, I saw a Turkey that was then sitting, and had been so upwards of six mouths, and, as I considered it rather cruel, the hatcher, to prove the contrary, took her off tho nest, and ]>ut her in the meadow, and also removed tho eggs ; tho Turkey, however, to my surprise, returned immediately to her nest and called in a most plaintive voice for her eggs ; then some egga were placed in a corner of the box, which she instantly drew under her with her beak, and seemed quite delighted. More- over, I was informed that it was of great economical advantage to employ Turkeys to hatch, as they cat very little, and get very fat in their stato of confinement, and, therefore, fit for the market any day." We have not space to devote to the very useful and interest- ing particulars Mr. Geyelin gathered relative to fattening, feed- ing, killing, and dressing poultry in France, but we must extract what he says on " CTILISINO THE WASTE mODCCTS. " Poultry Manure. — In Franco, as well as in our own country, most eminent chemists have proved by analysis that poultry manure is a most valuable fertiliser, and yot for a want of a proper system iu housing poultry, it has as yet not been ren- dered available to rural economy. The celebrated Vanquelin says that when tho value of manures is considered in relation to the amount of azoto they contain, the poultry manure is one of tho most active stimulants; and when, as a means of com- parison, the following manures are taken, in parts of 1000 it will be found that — Horse Manure contains 4.0 parts of azote. Guano as imported ...., 41). 7 do. Guano, when sifted of vegetables and stones .OS.g do. Poultry Manure 83. U do. "In France, as in England, the poultry manure is left to accumulate in the poulti7-homes, to the loss of farmers, and to the detriment of the health of fowls. " The Feathers are carefully collected and sorted, and when well dried sold to dealers. " The Intestines are boiled, tho fat skimmed off, which is sold separate ; the intestines are then minced as food for poultry, and the liquid is used for feeding pigs. " The Combs and Kidneys are sold to pastrycooks — tho first for decorating, and the latter for flavouring pies. " The Head, Neck, andFeet are sold to hotels, restaurants, &e., for flavouring sauces, or boiled down to make chicken jelly." The foregoing are extracted from Mr. Geyeliu's " Report to the Poultry and Egg Company," whoso establishment at Bromley, Kent, is now completed, and of which Mr. Geyelin is the manager. That report is highly interesting, and will gratify any lover of poultry who peruses it. A GOOD BEE-HOUSE I HATE sent a sketch of my bee-house, wliich is the best covering for bees that I can find, and very convenient for super- ing, &c. It is made of half-inch boards, except the floor, which screwed to the floor, as shown by the sketch of the end. As to flat-square straw-hives I intend making some in readiness for next spring. My plan is, to make a square frame, work the is IJ inch thick. It is closed-in all round except the front, 7 inches of which is left open. The ends of the front part of the roof are fixed, but the back board and back part of the roof are moveable. The back board is kept up by two hasps straw round it, and then screw a board on to tho frcrae fer the top. Information as to the size which they ought to be (inside measure), would oblige — A Bucks BEE-KEKrf:R. [Mr. Woodbury's frame-hives are 14j inches square by 224 JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGK GAEDENEK. [ September 12, 1865. 9 inahes deep inside, and the bar-hives 13 inches square by 9 inches deep. In either case a space of three-eighths of an inch should be left between the top of the frames, or bars, and the crown-board.] THE KEIGHLEY POULTRY EXHIBITION. SErTEMBER';lST. Tor many years past the Keighley show of pooltiy has proved itself an object of great interest to the exhibitors of poultry and Pigeons, and we aie gratified in being aljle to state that the show just closed has been by far the most successful of any held by this Com- mitteee. The entries, as to numbers, proved not only far in advance of those in previous years, but also were attended throughout the classes generally with improvement of quaUty that evinces the very opposite of decadence as to our poultry exhibitions. This result is most satisfactory ; and when we mention the fact that the weather was fortunately most rropitious, our readers will readily imagine that the amoimt received for admission on this occasion wasfar in advance of that of prior meetings. The fact is, that scarcely an indifferent pen could be pointed ont among the many exhibited, and that although monlting-time is now general, there were \evy few empty pens. The Keighley show this year was nndonbtedly the best we have seen for many years past in all the varieties of Jhimburghs, so mueh so, that the excellence di.splayed in these classes was a theme of general admii-ation and congratulation among the poultry-breeders assembled. We noticed, also, some particularly good Spanish chickens, and the Dark-featliered IlnJimas were equally good. Some extraordinarily good Ouwe chickens were also shown, of which there were several pens, but having been "dubbed" recently, they did not show to the same advantage that they will do a month or two hence. The I'uluiiih of all kinds were most praiseworthy, and a pen of the now-so-rarely- Been perfectly white ones, were well shown. Not a single Sebright was present, nor was there any new variety exhibited. It was, in fact, a matter of conversation among those assembled, how veiy rarely we see any new breed of late years, to what were introduced some time back. The Aylesbnry and Koneu Duels were most excellent, and so were the Buenos Ayrean variety. Some very excellent Game Btintams (Black-breasted Reds) were shown, and also some capital Brown Reds ; the latter, however, were a little too large for competition, though cx- ceUeut specimens for brood stock. _ The Firjeoii entries were unusually large, and a veiy close competi- tion ensued, causing a great amount of public interest, far greater than at any previous meeting of the Keighley Society. Under these circumstances, no doubt, this has proved one of the most encouraging meetings held at Keighley. Game.— Cup, H. Boldon, Binglev. Highly Commended, J. Fletcher. Stoneclough. Commended, E. Ayki-oyd, Bradford ; A. Briggs, Rawden. CWcAcin.— Cup, R. Tate, Leeds. Second, J. Fletcher. Third, R. Payue, Brierfield. Biu-nley. Highly Commended, T, Hartley, Gomersall. Cocnra-CiiiNA (Any colour).— First, H. Beldon. Second, C. Sidgwick, RiddlesdenHall. Commended, J. Jackson. Ouctow.- First and Second, C. Sidgwick. Highly Commended, J. Jackson ; J. Duxburj-, Keighley. Spanish (Black).— First and Second, H. Beldon. Commended, E. Brow n. Sheffield. CVii'cl-in-s.— First, E. Brown. Second, T. Greenwood, Dewsbury. Highly Commended, S. Schofield, Hcckmondwike. Commended, Messrs. Birch & Boulter, Sheffield. CHiTTEPn,^T.— First, J. Dixon, Bradford. Second, A. K. Wood. Kendnl. Highly Commended, H. Beldon. C/Mcfci>iw.— First, J. Dixon, Second, H. Beldnn. Highly Commended, H. Smith, Morton Bunks ; T. Stell. Keighley. D. IUiugworth,Bui'ley. Commended, R.Longbottom.Bingley ; H.Walton, Cowling. PHEAsANT(Golden).— First, H. Beldon. Second, R. Tate. HighlyCom- mendod, A. K. Wood; W. Driver, Bank House. Chickens.— Vixsl, H. Beldon. Second, J. Hardwick, Keighlty. HAsrBDRGU (Golden-pcncilled).—First, J.Dixon. Second, R.Hemingwiiy. Highly Commended, S. Smith, Northowram. Commended, H. Beldon. Chiekcns.—i'ivsl, S. Smith. Second, R. Hemingway. H ighly Commended, J. Dixon. Commended. J. G. Park, Low Hall, Whitehaven ; S. Smith. Pheas.uit (Silver).— First, A. K. Wood. Second, J. Newton, Silsden. Highly Commended, H. Beldon. Commended, J. G. Park. Chickens.— Fn-st, C. Cowbum, Leeds. Second, T. Beny, Sutton. Highly Commended, R. Ban-et, Sutton; T. Fawcett, Baildon. Commended, R. BaiTet; T. Parker, Utley ; S. Smith. Pheasant (Black).— First, C. Sidgwick. Second, W. Maud, Bingloy. Highly Commended, J. Dixon. C/iicfcfiis.- First and Second, C. Sidgwick. Highly Commended, H. Beldon ; J. Hargreaves, Skipton ; S. Buttorfield, Keighley. Golden or Silver Pheasant (Polands).— First and Seeond.H. Beldon. CUcKens.-Yivsi, H. Bowker, Keighley. Second, T. E. Kell, Wetherby. Highly Commended, H. Gornal, Faruley. DoiiKiNG.— First, T. Briden, Earbv. Second, H. Beldon. Chiclccns.— First, T. E. Kell. Second, W. Bland, Peak Rydding. Gasie (Red). — First, J. Hodgson, Bowling. Second, R. Hemingway. Higljly Commended, P. Walker, Silsden ; T. Dyson, Halifax. Chickim.— First, R. Payne, Burnley. Second, W. Spencer, Haworth. Highly Com- menred, J. Spencer, Queensbury. Commended, R. Tate; W. Gamon, Thoi nton-le-Moors. G,ME (Any other variety).- First, E. Avtaoyd, Bradford. Second, W. Be i; ley, Soholes. Chickerix.-First, T. Hiirtlev. Second, G. Noble, Stain- cli re, Dewshnry. Commended, T. Dyson, Halifax. PoLANDB (White-crested).— First and Second, J. Smith, Keighley. Cac4<^n.i.— First and Second, J. Smith. Game Bantam (Black or White).— First, A. Briggs, Kawden. Second, R. Tate. Highly Commended, G. Noble, Dewsbury ; S. Schofleld. Chicke-m. —First, G. Noble. Second. R. Tate Highly Commended, E. Aykroyd. Commended, J. Wade, Silsden. Any other distinct breed.- First and Second, H. Beldon (White Polands and Dark Brahmas. C'7u't'fc(?is.— Fil'st, E. Greenwood. Overtown. Burnley (Dark Brahma). Second, W. Spencer, Haworth (Dark Brahma) Decks (Rouen).— Fiist, H. Beldon. Second, W. Gamon. Highly Com mended, J. Wade. Docks (Aylesbury). — Prize, H. Beldon. Ducks (Black Indian). — First and Second, J. Hargreaves. Ddcklings.— Fu-st, J. Newton (Aylesbm-y).!. Second, A.Smith, Silsden. (Rouen). Geese.— Prize, R. Tate (Grey). Pigeons.- Coci Powter or Cro/jp«r.— First, C. Cole, Bowling. Second, J. Thackray, York. Commended, C. Cole ; E. Brown, Sheffield. Hen I'owtcror Crojjjjfr.— First and Second, C. Colo. Commended, J.Thacki'ay. Cock Carrier. — First, H. Beldon. Second, C. Cole. Commended, J. Thackray ; J. Firth, Dewsbury ; C, Cowbum, Leeds. Hen t'arricr.— First, J. Thacliray. Second, C. Cole. Commended, C. Cowburn. Almond Tumblers, — First, H.Yardley, Birmingham. Second, C. Cole. Commended, E.Brown. Balds, Beards or Mottled Tumhlers.—ViTat, C, Cole. Second, J. Dimderdale, Keighley. Commended, J. Lister, Keighley ; H.Yardley. Oicis.— First, H. Yardley. Second, C. Cowbmn. rurii'iis.- First, J. Thackray. Second, H. Yardley. Commended, J. Thackroy. Jacobins.— First. C. Cole. Second, J. Thompson, Bingley. Commended, C. Cole. Fantails.—Fii!,t, H. Yardley. Second, J. Thackray. £arbs.— First, C. Cole. Second, H. Yardley. Dragons, — Second, J. Thompson. Commended, B. B. Laycock, Keighley ; J. Parker, Oakworth Hall. r)iim;jc(ers.— First, J. Thompson. Second, H. Yardley. Jl/nvipics.- First. H. Beldon. Second, H.Yardley. Archangels. — First. H.Yardley. Second, C. Cole. Commended, H. Yardley. Any other breed. — First, H. Yardley. Second, J. Thackray. Commended, G. Mawson, Carlton; H. Yardley. Ml*. Edward Hewitt, of Sparkbrook, Birmingham, was the .Tadge of Poultry ; and Messrs. H. Smith, of Skipton, and W. Cannan, of Bradford, officiated for the Pigeon classes. LONGRIDGE (near Preston) DISTRICT AGPJCULTURiVL SOCIETY. The tliird annual show meeting in connection with this Society was held at Longridge, on Thursday, the 31st ult. BoneatU are the awards for poultry : — Single Game Cock. — First, R. Parkinson. Second, T. Wareing. Third, B. Walmsley. Dorking (White, Speckled or Grey).— Fii-st, J. Robinson. Second, J. Pindar. Spanish.— First, T. Wareing. Second, J. Pindar. Gajme Fowxs (Any variety).— First, R.Parkinson. Second, J. Robinson. Cochin China.— First, J." Wood. Second, J. Robinson. Hamburgh (Golden-pencilled). — First, J. Robinson. Second, W. Bee. HAiiBURGH (Silver-pencilled). — First, J. Robinson. Second, E, Gardner. Hamburgh (Golden-spangled). — First, J. Robinson. Second, T.Wareing, Hamburgh (Silver-spangled). — First, J. Robinson, Second, T. Wareing. Polands (Any variety). — First and Second, J. King. Bantams (Any variety).— First, T. Kenyon. Second, T. Wareing. Com- mended, M. Turner. Chickbns (Any variety).— First, .T. Wood. Second, J. Pindar. Ducks (Aylesbury).— First, J. Robinson. Second, Executors of the late G. Whittle. DccKS (Rouen).— First, J. Robinson. Second. T. W'arcing. Geese. — First. W. Bee. Second, G. Longworth. Turkeys. — Prize, J. Walue. THE LOUGHBOROUGH POULTRY EXHIBITION. The Ponlti'y Exhibition in connection with the Sparkcnhoe Fanners' Club, was this year held at Loughborough. At an early hour on Wednesday last, a most refreshing breeze and brilliant sunshine augured well for a tmly enjoyable day at the Poulti-y Show. Trip- tickets by railway, eaiiiages, both private and public, each tended to increase the numbers, whilst crowds of pedestrians added so gieatly to the hosts of visitors, that many thousands must have been present in a very brief period after opening the gates for public admission. The Show took place in the grounds of H. Warner. Esq.. of The Elms, Loughborough, nor could a more suitable place for such a meeting be imagined, being park-like in character, and studded abundantly with trees anived at maturity. Eveiy one seemed pleased with their visit, and numbers who had never previously seen a poultry show, ackno^^ lodged that they had not anticipated in the slightest degree the ti'eat that was in store for them. We cannot omit the simple mentiou.how much the popularity attained by this Show has arisen entirely from the exertions of its Committee from year to year, to provide not only for the com- fort of the s]>ecimens exhibited, but also for the convenience and pleasure of every visitor. Even had unfavourable weather unhappily been the issue, not a bird nor visitor need have suffered, the most ample provision against rain being provided for all. This is as it should he, and another picturesque arrangement was, four large garden chairs were placed beneath each of the very many well-gi'own trees, thus affording shade and a rest to numbers of wearied pleasure-seekers as time wore on. What a pleasing contrast to unmbers of instances we could adduce, where not a single stool was even available to the fatigued among the fail* sex, and Committees would do well to become copjasts in these little inexpensive particulars, as tending more than is by many parties supposed to enlist popular sympathies for future meetings. Septemberia, 1805. ] JOUKKAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GABDENER. 225 Thti Show proved good, though, as any poulti*y fancier too well kuow.s. old hirds huvi- as yet scarcely recovered tht-ir plmna^^e. A f,Tt!at feature in the Sparkenhoe Farmers' Club is this, tin- offer of a live-j,aiinea cup to be awarded to the three best pons of poultry of any variety ; in fact, it i>i alike available for every breed, without restriction or linlit of any Itiud. except the Binii)lo one, that the three puns must bo different vnnetios ; and a second pri/.e of .t'2 is ^'iven to the second host also. Every one knows the extreme dilhculty of selecting three I)erfect pens ftoni any one yard, more particularly when wanted just at monltiug-tiino ; still it is quite as fair for one as another amonj^ competitors, and lucky is tlie man who thulA his birds in j^ood con- dition at the proper time. Five hits were entered, but one set of pens remained emptv. We have seen the competition in this class far more severe at former meetings than on the present occasion, not a single competitor 8ho\ving three perfect pons. To a superiicial observer the class would appear at a iirst glance far superior to what it really proved to be on a close examination. One pai-ty showed thn;e splendid pens of Oame chickens particularly well gi-own — viz., Black-breasted l{cds. Brown Reds, and Dnclnviugs, but the two pullets in the tirst- named variety were entirely " duek-footed." which at once gave a quictu'^ to their hopes of snceess. A si'cond competitor exhibited some tirey Ih>rhiii inches in length, top-dress the pots to within half an inch of the rim with the compost used for potting, with the addition of an equal quantity of cowduug a year old mixed with it thoroughly. Emi'loy the compost in a rough state, for an open sm-face admits air to the roots. Whether the plants are in the greenhouse, frame, or pit, it is important to keep them near the glass, and if this cannot be done through there not being the conveniences at hand to change the pots as the plants grow, it may be effected to a certain extent by placing the pot on an inverted flower-pot, and afterwards lowering it as the plants increase in growth. It is desirable, when there is a sufficiency of any kind to have a succession of bloom, to keep some of the pots in a green- house, and such bulbs under ordinary greenhouse temperature will bloom in the beginning of August. Others may be placed in a cold frame, and merely protected from frost, and sheltered from hea\7 rains, with air at other times. Half of these if placed in a deep pit, and elevated so as to be near the glass at first, but as they grow lowered, so as to be always near it (air being afforded day and night, but the lights kept on except in very mild, close, damp weather), will give the finest specimens, and bloom soon after those grown in tlie gi-eenhouse. Others grown in a cold frame until the middle or end of May, and then placed out-doors in a light, airy, yet sheltered situation, due attention being given as regards watering, and the pots protected bj- being plunged, will fonn fine ornaments for the conservaton' or greenhouse in September. As the plants advance in growth water must be given freely, but a very wet state of the soil is not beneficial to Lilies at any stage of their growth. It should, however, be kept moist, and not allowed to become dry upon any consideration. 'When the ttower-buds show weak liquid manure or guano water, made at the rate of 1 oz. of Peruvian guano to a gallon of soft water, may be advantageously applied at every alternate watering until the flowers open. Aftei^wards pure water is better. During the growth of the plants it is vei-y desirable to turn the pots frequently in order that the shoots may indhie equally to all sides, and not in one direction only, as they invariably do when the plant receives the light unequally. If sticks could be dis- pensed with it would be a step in the right direction ; but it being very rarely that this is possible, neat sticks painted green should be placed to each stem, and the shoot tied to it, forming a viniform head with room for each bloom to show itself without hiding its neighbour. The sticks should not be thicker than the stem of the plant, otherwise they will appear out of proportion. Liliums are subject to green fly or green aphis when grown under glass, especially in a close warm house, or in badly ventilated structures of any kind. These pests fasten on the growing points of the shoots, make the leaves curl, and soon disfigure a good specimen. Fumigating with tobacco is the only effectual remedy, and the proper time to do so is when the first aphis is seen, the plants being frequently examined for that pui-pose. Whilst blooming Liliums should be liberally supplied with water, but when the flowers fall the supply should be gradually diminished, and cut off altogether by the time the leaves fall and the stems turn yeUow. This being the case, the stems are cut off to the surface, and the soil taken out of the pots level with and around the roots, but not so as to injure the latter. The stems are then cut off closelj' above the crowns, and on these undergi'ouud stems will be found some young offsets or bulbs. These may be potted several in a pot or planted out- side, for which directions wiU be given hereafter. The offsets will bloom in about three years if liberally treated. Make sure that the di'ainage is perfect, and if not so it must be put right, and fresh compost placed between the roots without disturbing the ball in which the principal roots are situated, covering them with soil the same as when fresh-potting. If the pots are too full of bulbs these may be potted ; but every third year is often enough to do this, the top-dressing in autumn and earihing-up in spring being all that is necessary. Potted every year the main roots are injured more or less. The bulbs should not be potted unless the pots are too full of roots, nor taken out of the soil, much less kept out drj'ing on shelves, except for the purpose of repotting or increase. L. longiflorum may have the soil taken out between the bulbs in autumn, and the small offsets removed, fresh compost being filled in. AU the LUiums which require a cool temperature are best kept from October to March so as to be safe from frost. AU the kinds named above may be had in bloom in the end of June by placing them in a vinei-y in Febi-uary, and in July if placed there in March, when the Vines are set to work, assigning them the lightest and aiiiest position. LiUiim riififniteitm and its variety cordifolium require rich soil. They do weU in turfy loam one-half, one-fourth leaf mould, and one-fourth rotted cowdung, or in place of it peat September 111, 1865. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. may be Bubstitutoil. Good drainage is necessary, and plenty of ")H)t-room. A fine blooming root will be a giant indeed if put in a No. 1-pot. Suckers or offsets should be placed iu pots pro|)ortioniite to their size, and be grown on under liberal trcutinent until of a blooming age. All should be potted in autumn, taking olT as much of the old soil as can be dune witliout injuring the roots, and deep enough to just cover the crown. They siiould bo kept over the winter in a cold pit, or any similar place from whicli frost is only just excluded, and in spring as growth conuuences have moderate suiiplies of water. When growth becomes active the waterings must become copious ; and when the idant is blocmiing it slundd stanil in a i)an of water or bo very freely watered. After bloom- ing gradually diminish the sujiply of moisture, so as to give none by the middle or end of Kejitemher ; and keep near the glass in a pit or frame, by which the ripening of the bulb will be secured and the large leaves will droop, ^\^len these are quite gone remove any offsets that are likely to rob the large roots of support, jiotting the old rodts if a shift be necessary, otherwise it is not reiiuisite to pot them every year. Whilst growing manure water at every alternate watering will bo serviceable. Plenty of pot-room, liberal treatment when grow- ing, well ripening the bulbs in autumn, and a period of rest are all that is needed to grow this gigantic Lily. It does well in a cool greenhouse or conservatory, and requires one rather lofty, as it fre(|uently sends up stems of Itl feet high. — G. Abbey. (To be contiuned.) GREAT INTERNATIONAL HORTICULTUR.VL EXHIBITION AND CONGRESS OF 1800. We have much gratification in announcing that Her Majesty has graciously taken this Exhibition under Her patronage, and lias liljcrally contributed the sum of £~)0 to the subscription list. We are glad to add that the jjuhlic are responding well to the call which the Committee liave made, and with Her Majesty's example before them we hope that contributors will come freely forward and aid in carrying out to a successful issue an undertaking of such national importance. PEARS FOR BUSHES AND DWARF PYRAMIDS IN THE NORTH OF EXGL.VND. EFFKCTS OF DOUnT.K-ORAFTINIi. You will be conferring a favour on me. and perhaps on many others, if you will give a list of Pears suitable for bushes or dwarf pyramids in the open ground in the north of England. I am induced to ask this for the following reason. Beurre de Capiaumont is of extraordinary fertility' and good quality on an east wall here, but degenerates into a mere crab when cul- tivated as a p\Tamid ; whilst Marie Louise, although much more tender when in blossom, and later iu ripening its fruit on an east wall, retains or perhaps improves its quality by being grown on a bush. It so seldom bears a crop, however, as to offer no inducement here to grow it -n that way. I should also like you to treat on the variations in quality (specifying sorts), which are induced by grafting on the quince and thorn stocks. Here I grow the Dnnmore ; ami when I received the grafts I worked several on trees on an east wall which had been grafted on the quince, whilst others were gi'afted on pear stocks, one of which grows against a south wall. The latter are much larger Pears, but neither from that tree nor from standards on the pear are they at all to be com- pared with those double-worked on the quince for flavour, or any other good quality. Again, the fruit from the Beurre de Eance, double-worked on the quince, were gathered last season on the same day as some grown on pear stocks, both growing against walls having the same aspect ; and the fruit, kept in the same fruit-room, became melting and excellent in January, whilst that grown on pear stocks never became melting at all, although kept until JIay. Again, the fruit of the Seckle on a tree double-worked, is with me twice as large and twice as good as that grown on pear stocks. — T. G. [It is most difficult to give a decided opinion as to the best kinds of Pears for the north. No fruit is so capricious. There are some sheltered warm valleys iu the far north in which fine Pears ripen well, while in contiguous sites and sods they refuse to do so. Nothing but experience can determine this, and as trees are cheap it can be bought at a moderate rate. The sorts of which we give a list form prolific bushes when double- grafted : by this wo mean, first to bud a free-growing sort of I'car on the ipiince, and then graft the sort required on to the budded plant. This is fully treated of in the thirteenth edition of the " Miniatun^ Fruit Garden " by JFr. Rivers. Sunjnier i)oyr.\!)A>IK I,E GUKI.LK Il'lIAXIS, .\NT\Vi:UI'. I HOPE those of the readers of The Jouiinal of HoitTicuL- TURE who take the trouble to look at even the heading of these visits of mine, will not imagine that they are written in chro- nological order, for they would then assuredly come to the con- clusion that I had a season ticket for Belgium, and every now and then went across to see some garden or city. The truth is, that these notes on Belgium were all made iu the early part of June, that I had intended to have sent them each successive week to the Journal, but that other matters interfered — corre- spondents ask for information, flower shows require notice, new plants must be described, and so it is that here in Sep- tember, I find I have not yet finished these few rambling notes. If Ghent be the Paradise of nurserymen, it would almost seem as if, Ukc an artesian well, it had chained the neighbour- ing places of their supply, for I could only hear of one niu-sery- man in Antwerp, so rich in its works of art, and its associ- ations, and his nursery (M. Van Geert's) one of by no means a first-rate character. To him I was indebted for the infor- mation that the wife of M. Le Grelle d'Hanis, who holds an honourable position in Antwerp, was an enthusiastic ad- mirer of flowers, and had been a successful exhibitor at the various Belgian exhibitions, .and also at the International Ex- hibition at Amsterdam this season. So bidding our cocker to drive us to the " glacis," the great pitblic promenade and drive of Antwerp, wc soon arrived at a handsome \'illa residence, enclosed on .all sides, and within which the best private col- lection of plants and flowers in Belgium was to be found. In spying this one must bear in mind, that although there is more of the stay-at-home life iu Belgium than in France, and the everlasting cafe does not meet you at every tui-n, and the female portion of the population keep more at home, yet as a rule, amateurs are very scarce in Belgium, and many of those ■who rank under that name are really growers for sale, from whom a niirseryman, if he wants to execute an order, and is hard pushed amongst his own plants, is sure to obtain what he wants to buy and sell again : consequently an amateur like Madame d'Hanis, who for the mere love of flowers, and honoiu- and glory to be derived from exhibiting, cultivates her tastes, is a rara arh, and I felt naturally anxious to sec how far she might be compared with some of our leading amateurs in England. The grormds have nothing very remarkable. There -nas some good foliage about the place, and the villa and its appurte- nances might be fairly compared to such as Mr. Kucker's, of M'andsworth, but immensely inferior to it in the neatness which in English eyes is so very desirable, and which one finds in Belgium more than in France ; but the beautiful, soft, velvety turf which marks our viUa residences was wanting at Madame d'Hanis's, where it was coarse and rough, " iU-shaven and unkempt ; " nor in the houses was there, so far as I could see, so much variety, or that extensive collection of individual genera, as in those at home. There was much to interest, and many plants were in an excellent state of cultivation. In the Orchid-house there were some fine plants of Oncidium Lanceanum, Catasetum lougifolium, Epidendi-um longibulbon, Zygopetalum rostratum, Cattleya Mossia;, Bifreuaria longi- cornis, and other species. In the next house there were some very line specimens of Marantas, especially Van den Heckii, truncata, ■vittata, very large, zebrina, striata, and majestica, the latter one of Mr. Linden's recent introductions. It is somewhat iu the way of regalis, but the growth is more 232 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 19, 1865. robust, and there is a metallic lustre about it which adds to its interest ; but aU the Marantas will be eclipsed, even Veitchii, by gome new ones (of which more anon), which Mr. Linden has obtained from his collector, Mr. WaUis, in the virgin forests of the high Amazon. In the fernery there were some fine plants of both tree Ferns and others, but there was nothing very remarkable either in the kinds gi'own or in the manner of growth. A house was set apart for fine-foliaged plants, and in it were to be found tome flue specimens of Caladiums, Cnlocasias, and other Ai-oids, such as Anthurium Ghiesbreghtii and magnificum, Alocasia Veitchii, Alocasia macrorhiza variegata, etc. Here I may notice, that Madame d'Hanis exhibited at Amsterdam seventeen or eighteen species of the beautiful but very miffy Anfpctochilus ; they had not, however, been bettered by tlieir ap- pearance in public, a complaint which, I believe, many English and foreign exhibitors had to make as well. There was, of com-se, a fine CameUia-house in which trees planted out were gi-owing luxm-iantly ; but I do not think they were equal to many collections I have seen in England. There was a re- markably complete collection of Agave, plants very little grown or admired in England, but which here were grown in large numbers. Amongst the most remarkable were fiUfera, with its cui-ious thread-like appendages, Ghiesbreghtii, Verschaffeltii, xylinaeantha, yuccffifoUa, mexicana, and Eumphii. These were placed in the open air and were evidently une of the pet plants of the place. I also noticed in the garden, Iresine Herbstii, grown in a bed with one of the species of Mesembryanthemum, and very pretty it looked, quite confirming my opinion, that it will make a desirable plant for variety ; but bedding-out there was none in our sense of the term. Among some remarkable plants which I noticed in the houses (a detailed account of all therein would be useless), were Areca Verschaffeltii, a most beautiful and gi-aceful Palm ; and Adelaster albo-venosus, a beautiful glossy green creeper with white nenures, but which the gardener stated to be a very difficult plant to grow ; here, however, it seemed to be succeeding very well. There was a plant of Lilium auratum with thirteen blooms, but the blooms were crowded together and were smaU. This Lily is as much admired by the Belgians as by ourselves. ^ After the inspection of the garden we were courteously in- vited to enter the house and see the large collection of gold and silver medals, the trophies of Madame d'Hanis's success. They were beautifully an-anged in a very handsome cabinet, and were upwards of thi-ee hundred in number, whUe the other side of the recess was to be filled up in a similar manner, a large number of medals having already been obtained, nearly .sufficient to fill it. With us a more prosaic view of these matters is taken, and " de cash," or a handsome piece of plate is more valued. Does it betoken more desire for " La gloire," than we exhibit ? Such was my horticultural experience at Antwei-p. It is not a place where horticulture seems at home, and the traveller who is imbued with such notions will hardly find it worth his while to visit it for this. How rich it is in other respects every one kniows. What glorious Rubens those are in the cathedi-al ! and what gems in the Musee ! One sight I should not like to have missed at the latter place, and that was M. de Filleul, a well-known artist, who having been bom without arms has succeeded by perseverance and energy in attaining consider- able reputation as a painter, and that by his feet. It was cei-tainly very wonderful to see him holding his palette with one foot, and his brush in the other, and painting with the greatest ease. Not only does he do this, but shaves himself, and, in fact, makes his feet perform aU the functions that we use our hands for. He can unscrew the little tubes of paints, and when we were leaving gave with his foot to my wife one of his cards, which he had selected from his box. One could not but feel admiration for a man who had thus so signally triumiihed over difficulties. He was a gentlemanly man, and his whole appearance and manner very pleasing. — D., Deal. four weeks — if the atmosphere be cold and dry I leave them longer — then fill in with manure or fresh earth, and I have a splendid crop of fruit without suffering from caterpillars. — James Pim, Monkstoini, Dublin. DESTROYING GOOSEBERRY CATERPILLARS. Under this head I read in your Number of September ,5th the mode adopted by Mr. McGregor. For the past ten years I have pursued the same course, and scarcely during that time do I recollect of a single infested tree. In November or Decem- ber I have the earth taken from the stem of each tree for about the space of 18 inches all round, and as deep as the roots will permit. I leave the roots exposed to the weather for three or GLEANINGS FROM ROCK AND FIELD TOWARDS ROME.— No. .5, It is not to modern Rome alone, even though it contain St. Peter's, that the traveller turns with longing eye and heart. The grip of the mighty heroes of ancient days is upon him, and he must perforce follow where it leads. There is, perhaps, no place in Rome about which one's fancy lingers so much as about the noble ruins of the Colosseum. Each blade of grass, each simple flower adorning the crumbling masonry, seems bap- tised in blood. There the gladiators were " butchered to make a Roman holiday" — there, shrinking Christian matrons and timid girlish forms were torn and mangled by wUd beasts, while Roman men and women looked on and smiled approvingly — there, St. Ignatius breathed his last in agony, and a whole " noble army" of martyrs were done to death by cruel heathen hands. The mind is well nigh lost in contemplating the exceeding vastness of this stupendous amphitheatre, the colossal size of which earned for it the name of Colosseum, and occasioned the prophecj' mentioned in Childe Harold. " While stands the ColoHseum, Rome shall stand; When falls the Colosseum. Rome shall fall; And when Rome falls, the world." Several of the flights of stairs leading to the galleries are remaining. I mounted oue of these, and wandered round the huge ruins, gathering some of the 420 species of wild flowers, said by Dr. Deakin to find a home there ; then I sat down, and dreamed of the terrible days of old. Presently I looked up. Beneath nie, by the side of a cross, kneeling in prayer, was a little child, holding his mother's hand — no other figure pre- sented itself in all the vast arena. It was a beautiful picture, that " Triumph of the Cross," seen from the gallery of the Colosseum. Insensibly the mind wandered back near eighteen hundi'ed years, bringing vividly before one the record come down to us of the death in this amphitheatre of that " little child" whom our Lord presented to His disciples as a model of humility, and who grew up to be St. Ignatius, the disciple of St. John, and the bishop of Antioch. Tradition tells us that the Emperor Trajan, in honour of whom was built the column, caUed by his name, and still existing at Rome, being in Antioch, cited St. Ignatius before him for refusing to worship the gods. The bishop answered the charge by eloquently and fearlessly ex- posing the follies of paganism : he was condemned to be thrown to the lions, and ordered to be conducted to Rome to suffer with malefactors in the new amphitheatre there. We are told that St. Ignatius heard the sertence with joy, assisted in putting on his own chains, and set out on the long journey as one traveUing towards home. Brought into the arena, he knelt, and exclaimed in a loud voice, "Romans present at this spectacle ! know that I have not been brought to this place by any crime, but in order that by such means I may merit the fruition of the gloiy of God, for love of whom I have been made prisoner. I am as grain of His field, and must be ground by the teeth of the lions that I may be converted into bread fit for His table." The lions were then let loose, and devoured him, leaving nothing of his body but the larger bones, which the Christians collected during the night for bmial. Hundreds of other Christians suffered within these walls as St. Ignatius suffered, so that each stone has a voice for Christians such as no other building in Rome can have. No one but a dweller in Rome could understand the exceed- ing difference of temperatm-e to be found within the six acres which comprise the arena of the Colosseum ; it is this circum- stance which makes its flora so very interesting to botanists. Within and upon its walls are to be foimd plants requiring dampness and dryness, warmth and coolness of soil and atmo- sphere for their development. The Cyclamens hederai-folium, em-opiEUm, and neapolitanmn are to be found there; but the hederfefolium and europium would be the most generally known, from their blooming in the spring, when English visitors are most di-awn to the Colosseum to witness the processions of the confraternities to the stations erected round the arena by Pio Nono. The Asperuia odorata adds its treasure of sweetness to the scentless beauty of the Anemone hortensis, while the Myo- sotis arvensis claims a familiar nod, together with the Borago officinalis, the latter so pleasantly suggestive of iced claret-cup September 19, 1865. ] JOUENAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GAllDENEK. 233 to thirsty sigbt-seers. The Ccrinthe asponi ami tlio_ Litho- spenuum puijuircd-cnTulpum, both new pliuita to luo in tlieir wild statu, liaiiK ciut tlioir baiiiiors fiiiiu tlio walls, and fur hrilliaiR-y ot colourinr; — the one of yidlow and tlio other of Iduo— they oxeceded all other Howcrs that I found. I gathered the Melilotus indicii in full bloom on April loth, and as I write with the yellow Vetch-like plant before me, its sweet odonr is ditlused about the room. The Melilotus indica is called in Italy uliirlaiidii, or "garland tlowcr," because it was used by the Italians for making garlands wherewitli to erowu victors. Oruyere cheese is flavoured by this flower, ilelilotus italica is also to bo found. The Muscaria racemosura and M. comosum wore still in bloom, though their beauty was nearly over. I often saw the former growing in fields where the comosum was not visible. There are only three Ferns to be met with — the Polypodiuni vulgare, Adiantum capilhis-Veneris, and Asple- uium trichomauos. I brought away a small root of the Poly- pudium, which grew in graceful fashion high on the walls ; it is living, and has just put uj) two young fronds to repay me for my care ; and what care did my Fern-basket not give mo ? At every custom-house the officials pounced on the ])oor basket with its leather handles, and ruthlessly tumbled (Uit my little mummy-like buncUea, and the tin boxes of bulbs, roots, &c. I wondered long why they showed such animosity towards my treasures, but at last I found out — they thought spirits were hidden there ! Time would fail me to tell of all the plants and flowers abounding in the Colosseum — of the Sage and llose- mai-y, the Olive and Arbutus, old friends and new friends, all gathered there to beautify these glorious ruins of a terrible past. To study them all as they deserve would occupy many days, and my time in Rome was limited, but I gathered every specimen tliat I could, and my wild-flower book is one of the pleasantest memorials of my visit. From the upper galleries of the Colosseum the eye can take in much of ancient Rome — the Palace of the Caisars, the Arch of Constantine (forming a link between Pagan and Chris- tian mouumentsi, the Baths of Titus, the Capitol, the Aven- tine, and the Campagna ; but the mind fails to keep pace with the eye, so grand, so vast, are these records that rise hke ghosts of buried ages on every side. Grand as the Colosseum is, it falls into compai'ative insignificance before the still vaster dimensions of the Palace of the C.-esars, where excavations on an enormous scale are being carried on under the auspices of the Emperor of the French, who purchased the ruins for £10,000, and by excavating is daily bringing to light more and more of the huge dweUing-plaoe of the Roman Emperors. So great are these ruins, It is nearly impossible to conceive a picture of the whole. One sees, indeed, by ancient monuments daily disinterred, that this was the house of Tiberins — this, the addition made by Caligula — this, the Triclinium or banquetiug- hall, with its very walls and floors of inlaid-marble work, and opening out from it the Nymphaium with its baths and trickling fountains, its Orange and Myi-tle trees, with lovely statues reflecting themselves in the cool waters ; and that this was the vast reception-hall where justice was given, having on one side an altar for the Penates, and on the other the Basilica (with its tribune and stairs still remaining), dedicated to Jupiter. One sees it all, but it is as one sees a dream. I close my eyes iu the sweet sunshine, as is my wont, and go dreaming back. I see St. Paul after he had appealed to the Roman Cicsar, on his weary journey Romewards, met by his friends at the Appii forum, and at last brought to this very hall, standing before the tribune with his accusers face to face, as was the custom with the Romans. I hear him and other Christians condemned to death. I look up, and on every side see ruins side by side with Christian temples, and scarce one stone left upon another, to testify to the greatness of the pant of that nation, who, from being the jiersecutors became the chief propagators of Christi- anity, verifying the saying, that " The blood of martyrs is the seed of the Chui-ch." How strange it seemed wandering amidst these ruins, now stopping to gather a few Violets on the almost sacred soil, now picking up an Orange fallen from the tree ; so strange to be an eye-witness to heathen confirmation of Christian truth, in days when ruthless hands are trj-ing to undermine all faith, and wicked men would fain persuade each other that \vritten testimony is a lie. From the stern jjoetry of ancient days I turned to the graves of our ovm Shelley and Keats, who, after life's fitful fever, sleep peacefully in the English burying-groimd at Rome. Shelley's grave was gay with flowers, and voices from England and America were speaking his name softly above his resting place. I gathered a few Violets and passed on to the old Cemetery, overshadowed by the Pyramid of Caius Cestius, the only sepulchral pyramid in Rome, where, apjiarently for- gotten and neglected, was the harp with its broken strings, with the few sad words left by Keats to be written on his tomb. " His name was writ in water." I remembered the sweet gi-ace of his poem of " Endymiou," and pictured to myself the moonlight stealing througli tlie Cypress-boughs to wander caressingly over his sleeping dust. Not far from the grave of Keats I found some beautiful jilants of the Serapias cordigera. I had never met with this handsome Orchid-looking plant before, and with my hands I grubbed up some roots, and I call them " Keats' Orchis." Tliere is a touching story told (I think iu one of Burke's books, showing the vicissitudes of families), of a botanist finding in some country walk a flower unknown to him. He asked its nanui from the country iicoiilo about, and they said, " Oh, we call it Ayhuer's flower " (I auj not sure of the name). He asked. Was there any one of tliat name in the country round ? " Oh ! no." Was it the name of any place in the neighbourhood ? Again, no. The flower turned out to be one from the flora of the Holy Land. How had it found a home in that far-off nook ? After much searching he discovered, that in the Crusades a knight of the name of Aylmer, after doing fierce battle against the Saracen, returned to his ancestral home in the county where the botanist had found the flower. The home, the family, all had become utterly extinct ; all but the tiny flower that returned the giim Crusader's care, by carrying down to posterity the name of his ancient line. From the broken harp of Keats, I turned to the 114-feet-high pyra- mid, and spelling out the letters, C. Cestius, asked myself, " And who was he V " .\nd the answer came, " Earth has no lasting fame but the influence of righteous deeds, that once done hve for ever, passing on through succeeding generations, and found at last written in the hearts of men and angels at the bar of God." Besides the Serapias cordigera, I brought away several bulbs of the Ophrys aranifera limbata, which was growing abundantly and in full bloom on the 14th of April.— FiLIX-FCEMINA. P.S.— In No. i of my " Gleanings," I inadvertantly wrote " Cyclamen latifolium," instead of " C. heder^folium," the latter being the plant I fcjund in the gi-ounds of the YiUa Pamfili-Doria, and not latifoliimi as I stated. PLANTING PEAS DEEP. Deep planting is not generally resorted to, under the im- pression that the seed wiU rot iu the ground. This is a mistake. Peas covered 6 or 8 inches deep will produce twice as much as those covered but an inch ; they continue to flower longer, and the vines are vigorous, and do not lie down, as is often the case where shallow plantiugs are made. We have tested this matter, and, therefore, know from experience, that if it is desired to get a large crop, the seed must be buried deep. A suitable piece of ground, enriched the previous year, was deeply ploughed in fall and spring, and put in fine tilth. One-half of the piece was marked out in drills, and the seed covered 2 inches deep. On the other half the plough was sunk beam deep and the seeds scattered at the bottom of the furrow. In this way one- half the piece was gone over and levelled, leaving the seed at least 8 inches from the surface. The Peas that were ploughed- in were a little longer in coming up, but they soon sliot a-head of the others, the vines were thrifty and vigorous, and produced treble the quantity of those in two-inch drills by their side. The seed used was the Champion of England ; the soil, time of planting and culture, except the manner of putting in, were precisely the same for both. This experiment convinced us that Peas flourish best in deep planting, and we have repeatedly had our attention called to the confirmation of this fact in ob- serving diflerent crops and learning the manner of culture. — (Utica Herald.) [There is a moderation iu all things. For main summer crops 8 inches we consider too deep, and 2 inches too shallow. The above example quoted from an American paper merely snows one of those fortunate results on which it would be unsafe to build a principle. The deep ploughing of the land, and the somewhat rough covering of the deep-sown Peas by the plough, so as to allow the air to enter, would be the chief reason why Peas sown at the depth of 8 inches came up at all so vigorously. We know instances, and have recorded them, where Peas sown deeply rotted, and never came up at all. If Peas are only covered 2 inches deep, such kinds as Champion of England, 234 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENEE. r September 19, 1865. scarcely have enougli of support for their stems ; from 3 to 4 inches would be better, in fine, deep-stirred, pulverised land. The chief securities against mildew are deep stirring and rich manuring, the manure being decomposed and sweet, and then sowing some 3 or 4 inches deep in a trench, and the Peas, if in a garden, may be gradually earthed-up a little for support. Our own experience would say, that in general 8 inches would he too deep. But for the deep stirring of the soil previously, we have little doubt it would have been so in the case quoted. The roots must have come up as well as gone down. It is more natural for the Pea to send its roots at once in a down- ward direction. We have traced them to a depth of 3 feet. If the seeds had been sown in ploughed land, not deeper ploughed than 8 inches, we would have expected the Peas to have made jioor headway in the hard fare beneath them. — Ens.] THE ACTION OF METALLIC SALTS UrON THE GKOWTH OF PLANTS. Sever.il years ago, when I was assistant to Professor Hors- ford, the Professor of Chemistry in Harvard University, he was consulted by one of the parties to an important lawsuit, where chemical principles were largely involved ; and where the main question turned upon the action of copper fumes and scoriaj on vegetation. We made many hundreds of ana- lyses of soil, grass, bark, and moss from the neighbourhood of the copper-works, and finding copper everywhere, we under- took experiments in watering plants with solutions of copper, arsenic, and other metals injurious to their growth. Having kept no minutes of these experiments for my private use, this Bummer I made the investigations in poisoning of plants, which are given beneath. A solution of sulphate of iron, of 8 grammes [123.4584 grains] , for the half htre [0.88038748 pint] , was taken as a standard, and solutions of acetate of lead, chloride of tin, sulphate of zinc, sulphate of manganese, sulphate of copper, and bichloride of mercury were made, of such strength that equal measures should contain equivalent {not equal) quantities of the re- spective metallic bases. • Seven Triomphe de Gand Strawberry- plants, as nearly alike as possible, and seven small Cauliflower plants were trans- planted into pots of uniform size, and, beginning on the 1st day of Jime, each plant was treated with 15 centimetres of the above-named solutions per day, and all the plants were watered with clear water twice a-week. The following are the results : — 1st. Strawberry plants subjected to the action of acetate of lead, no change till Jime 10th, slight blackness on stems ; .June 17th, stems a little decayed ; June 23rd, two large and one small leaf remaining ; July 2nd, two half -healthy leaves left. Cauliflowers with acetate of lead seemed wholly un- affected. July 2ud, strong and growing. 2nd. Strawberry treated with chloride of tin, no change noticeable till June 9th, stems blackened; Jime 17th, stems decaying ; June 21st, stems more decayed ; June 30th, entirely dead. Cauliflower plant treated with chloride of tin in perfect health, July 2nd. Brd. Strawberry plant treated with sulphate of zinc, no change noticeable till June lOlh, stems blackened ; June 17th, outer leaves gone ; June 23rd, one leaf remaiuiug ; June 25th, en- tirely dead. Cauliflower treated with sulphate of zinc, no change noticed till June 23rd, leaves shrivelled ; July 2nd, en- tu'ely dead, having decayed rapidly. 4th. Strawberry plant treated with sulphate of iron, no change observed until June 10th, stem show slight decay; June 17th, outer leaves going ; June 22nd, leaves black and decaying ; June 30th, entirely dead. CauHflower plant treated with sul- phate of iron July 2nd, leaves slightly shrivelled, otherwise healthy. 5th. Strawberry plant treated with siilphate of manganese, no change perceptible till June 11th, slight blackness on stems ; June Kith, apparently healthy ; June 23rd, several leaves dead ; June 30th, two healthy leaves left. Cauliflower plant with sulphate of mangp.nese, rmchanged tUl June 23rd, leaves shrivelled ; July 2nd. leaves badly shrivelled. 6th. Strawberry plant with sulphate of copper, unchanged till June loth, stems decaying ; Jime 23rd, three leaves remain- ing; Juno 29th, entirely dead. Cauliflower plant with sul- phate of copper unchanged till June 23rd, considerable decay ; June 30th, rapid decay, almost dead. 7th. Strawberry plant with chloride of mercra-y, no change * perceptible until June 7th, stems blackened ; June llUi, stems rapidly decaying; June 17th, outer leaves dead; June 19th, whole plant entirely dead. Cauliflower plant with chloride of mercury, no change observed until June 17lh, somewhat af- fected ; June 25th, badly decayed ; June 28th, entirely dead. These experiments are interesting from one jioint of view as showing how much better Cauliflower ]'lauts can resis-t poison- ous agencies than Strawberries, and what is true of the Cauli- flower will probably hold true of all plants of its class. The action of the corrosive sublimate was most raijid, as may have been foreseen, but how a Cauhflower can gi'ow when daily watered with a strong solution of sugar of lead is mys- terious. The action of the iron and copper salts was about the same, although it might have been supposed that copper would act more energetically than iron. The first signs of decay were blackening of the stems, then the stems wilted, and last of all the leaves shriveUed. The base of the stem in all cases was affected first. The roots were black and dead. I trust some reader of the " Horticulturist" will continue these experiments on other plants and give us his results. I should suggest the use of weaker solutions, so that the experiments might occupy a longer time, and slighter changes in the health of the plants be noticed. — (J. M. Mekeick, JUN'., IValpule, Mass., in Hurticultnrist.) GROUND VINERIES. " J. N." (page 187), by introducing a door at the apex of each span would provide a current, particularly when the smi was fully upon these narrow ridges of glass. I do not think, be- sides, that a small board attached to the top, with hinges and a hasp to keep it up to any poiut, would be more expensive than the end ventilation, and it would be more easy to let this down at once than going to each end of the cases. In my notice it reads, " Take them off,"' but my meaning was to take the air off at midday when the rise of temperature could do no injury. Mr. Heywood's Vines are trained as suggested by "J. N.," but in my opinion a gi'eat deal more is to be done by ha\'ing no direct air whatever, but introducing it by any of the geothermal systems now so well known, and thereby using the air as a heating medium. I hmted that allowing the air to pass through brick rubbish woiild be an advantage, but the further it travels through this in reason the warmer it wiU becotoe. I have seen Mr. Eivers's Vines and those of several others since I wrote that notice, and none of them are so successful with their Grapes as Mr. Heywood, who has them by the stone and himdi-edweight. — J. F. PORTRAITS OF PLANTS, FLOWERS, AND FRUITS. LiPAKis ATKO-puBPCEE.i (Dark-purple-flowered Liparis). Nat. ord., Orchid.acea?. Linn., G}-nandria Monandria. — Terrestrial Orchid. Not showy. Native of Ceylon. — (Bot. Muo., t. 5529.) PH.iL.^Norsis SCHILLEEI.4N.4 (Schiller's Phala?nopsis). Nat. ord., Orchidace;:'. Linn., Gynandria Monandria. — On high elevations in the I'hilippine Islands. White, rayed with pink. —{Ibid., t. 5530.) AxsTECEMERiA DENSiFLOEA (DensB-flowered Alstroemeria). Nat. ord., AmaryUidacea;. Linn., Hexandria Monogynia. — Na- tive of Peru, at elevations of from 6000 to 11.000 feet. Flowers scarlet, in an umbel. — {Ibid., t. 5531.) HiEMANTHUs iscARNATUS (Flesh-coloured Hsmanthus). Nat. ord., AmaryUidacese. Linn., Hexandiia Monogynia. — Native of South Africa.— fZiiV/., t. 5532.) Lankesteria Barter: (Mr. Barter's Lankesteria). — Nat. ord., AcanthaceiE. Linn., Diandria Monogynia. — Native of Western Africa. Flowers yellow, in spikes. — illiid., t. 5533.) EuPHOKBLA MoNTEiRi (Mr. Monteu'o's Euphorbia). Nat. ord., Euphorbiacea>. Linn., Monoecia Monandria. — Native of South-west Africa.— (76(d., t. 5534.) Pelaegoniujis. — William Hoyle. — The darkest Pelargonium ever yet raised. Lower petals deep brownish crimson, white throat ; upper petals deep maroon edged with crimson. Charles Turner. — Brilliant scarlet, white throat ; upper petals dark maroon, with a broad rim of scarlet. Both the above were raised by Mr. Hoyle, of Reading, and are in the hands of Mr. Turner, of Slough.— {Floral Map., pi. 257.) Rose Princess Mary of Cambridge. — Raised by M. Granger Septomber 19, 186S. ] JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GABDENER. 235 from Duchess of Siitliorlaml crossed witli .Tiilca MarRottin ; I^ale rose with hri^ht centre. Messrs. Paul & Son, who have purchaseil the stock, state that it is roiiiarkablo for its barJy liabit iim\ good autumual properties. — {IhUL, pi. 258.) LoBin.i.^ coRONoriFOLiA. — Received liy Messrs. Backhouse, of York, from the interior of Ca£fraria. Wlien grown out of doors in summer it forms a dense tuft, hearing llower-stems from 4 to 0 inclies high, each with from tliree to five or six blossoms, blue, faintly tinged with violet, and remaining in perfection many weeks. — (Ibid., jd. 259.) BoooAiNviLLSA LATEKiTiA. — DcUcate salmony pink bracts, forming a pretty contrast with the uiauve-coloured bracts of B. speciosa. Obtained by Jlr. Daniels, gardener to the Rev. C. E. Ruck Keene, S\vync"ombe House, Henley-on-Thames, and BOW in the hands of Sir. Bull.— (/;<;<;., pi. 2()6.) Anemoxk angclosa. — " It is a native of Hungary, and is one of the many beautiful hardy spring flowers wliich the Messrs. James Backhouse & Son, of York, have been fortunate enough during the present year to bring under the notice of the London public. The Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society awarded it a first-class certificate ; and a double-first, if it could have been given, would not have shown too high an appreciation of its merits. The habit of this species is exactly that of the allied A. hepatica, but the plant itself, as well as its parts, are all at least twice the size of that. Thus, the leaves are fuUy 3 inches broad, three-lobed, but ha\ing the lobes coarsely and rather deeply creuato-dentate. The flowers are upwards of 1 J inch across, of numerous oblong lauee-sbaped spreatling sepals, and of a fine clear gre\-ish blue, set off by the array of numerous black anthers, which sm-round the tuft of yellowish styles. It is doubtless one of the finest hardy plants of recent introduction." — (Florist and Pomologixt, iv., 185.) TODMORDEN BOTANICAL SOCIETY. September 4th. Mr. Holmes in the chaii-. W. Mauley Eastwood, Esq., of East- wood, and Mr. Josiah Wade, of Hebden Bridge, were elected members. Notwithstanding the absence of the President, Vice-iiresidcnt, as well as several others of the Society, on the Silverdale excursion, the at- tendance at this meeting, consitlei-ing the season, was quite an average one. Mr. James Hai-tley. of Heptoustall, a young but most enthusi- astic and successful collector, contributed specimens of a curiously depauperated form of the common Brake (Pteris aqudiua) ; the lower portion of the frond, in the example alluded to, had the pinnules of the usual shape and character, hut in the terminal portions the pinufe were either wanting, or so diminished in size, as to amount to little more than a number of small excun-ent points ; the gi'oup of ■which the frond in question formed a iiart, was reported to be uni- formly of the same character. Mr. A. Dawson, of Knowl-top, Wals- den, sent an interesting dish of the Cowbenw (Vaccinium vitis ida?a), and evidently including both the species and the variety majns. The berries were accompanied by a note from Mr. Dawson, who stated that the examples sent had been gathered from cultivated plants, .and had been yearly loaded with fruit for several seasons back, whereas those in a \Vild state in the original locaUty had been almost uniformly bar- ren during the same period. An interesting communication was read from Mr. Rogers (one of the Manchester associate members) on the botany of Ben Lawerg and some other parts of Scotland. Of the more rare plants enumerated as being collected by Mr. Rogers, we may name Pyi'ola secunda, Comus suecica, Cberleria sedoides, Cerastium alpinum, Betula nana, Malaxis paludosa, Meum athamanticum, Saxi- fraga oppositifolia, Sedum rhodiola, Thalictrum alpinum, Trieutalis europffia, Polystichum lonchitis. Lastrea alpina, Lastrea FUis-mas var. pumila, Poh^jodium x^hegopteris var. laciniatum. Lycopodium anno- tinum, L. inundatum, several good Mosses, ,tc., &c. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S MEETING. The September Meeting of the Entomological Society was held on the 4th inst. : F. Smith, Esq., Vice-President, in the chair. Donations to the library were announced from the Smithsonian Institute of the United States, the Royal Academy of Belgium, the Entomological Society of Stettin. Messrs. Saussure, Sickel, Cresson, ttc. Mr. F. Bond exhibited some interesting specimens of the common Heath Moth, Fidonia atomaria, a species in which the colours and mark- ings of the wings are different in the opposite sexes ; the individuals ex- hibited being a pair, male and female, in both of which the ordinary' colours of the male were seen ; and in a second similar pair the female colours and marldngs were present ; likewise a male Gonep- teryx Kbamni, in wliich a portion of the left fore-wing was coloured as in the female, and a female in which the colour of the male was present in a poi-tion of one fore-wing ; likewise some .specimens of the rare Moth, Ennyciua angniuaUs. Mr. Mcljachlau exhibited some rare Nouropterous insects from Rannoch (Perthshire) — namely. -'Fishna borealis, Sialis fuliginosa, (PietctJ, Stenophylax, nova species, and KhyaiMqihila, ii. sp. Professor Wcstwood mentioned a peculiarity he had obsciTcd In the economy of the catcri)illarsof the Ailantims Silkworm, pri-viousto their changing to the pupa state. lie also gave an account of the Exhibi- tion of economic cntomolog)', beneficial and destructive insects, with illustrations of their ravages, Sillcworms of various kinds, bee-hives, . wax, and other insect-products, which was opened on the 15th of August, at the Palais d"Industrie, in the Champs Elysees, Paris. Among the newest hcc-apparatus, was mentioned au octagonal bar- hive of wood, made in two halves exactly fitting together, so that when the hive is full it cau be divided into two parts and empty halves applied to the full portions, thus preventing ordinary swarming. Mr. Dorville exhibited a common Moth, Caradrina cubicnlaris, attacked by a small red species of Acarus, of which a number were arranged symmetrically on the under surface of the mngs. Mr. Staiutou .also noticed the gi-eat numbers of Cheliferidm, which he had observed this summer attached to the limbs of flies. Dr. Hageu had supposed that this was for the purpose of transport, but Mr. Stainton considered them to l)t! real parasites. Mr. Baly stated, tliat in the neighbourhood of Aberdeen great numbers of "Wasps had appeared this summer ; but a letter was read from Mr. S. Stone, of Brighthampton, giving an accounl of an epi- demic which had attacked tiie Wasj) nests in Oxfordshire, and which had entirely destroyed large numbers of them, so that scarcely a single Wasp had arrived at maturity. Earwigs also, which had been ex- tremely numerous, bad got into the nests and devoured great numhera of the larviB. Mr. F. Smith stated that he had not observed a single Wasp whilst collecting HjTnenoptera, at Bournemouth, where last year they wero extremely numerous ; and Professor Wcstwood read a letter from a coiTespondent, giving an account of the injury committed in a com- mon bee-hive by vast numbers of Eanvigs, what had got under tho cover of the hive. Mr. Stainton exhibited some pods of EpUobium montannm, at- tacked by the lai-va) of Lavema suhhistrigella ; and Mr. Kirby a specimen of Polyommatus Alexis, measuring only 8i lines in the ex- pansion of the wings. Mr. Stevens exhibited portion of a collection of insects recently made in Daman-a Land, South Africa, including several rare Mnds of Goliath Beetles. Mr. F. Bond communicated a notice of some swarms of winged Ants, which had appeared round the steeple of the church of St. Morris, at Coburg, and had been mistaken for smoke issuing from it, so as to have caused gi-eat alarm among the inhabitants. Mr. Wormald also stated, that he had noticed a similar instance of flights of Ants in vast numbers. An account was also communicated of the poisonous attacks of a species of black Guat on horses, mules, &c.. in South America ; as well as Su- Gardiner Wilkinson's account of the poisonous attacks of the Fly named Zebub in Upper Egypt. Pkoductivt; Old Peach Tree. — Iliave an old tree of the Late Admirable under my care ; it occupies 240 feet of south wall. I have this year 480 Peaches on it, all fine fruit. The tree is loaded from the bottom to the top. The stock is 22 inches hi circumference, and some of the arms are 14 inches round and in a half decayed state. — G. Phillips, The Gardens, Croiecomhe Court, Somersetshire. FORMS OF OUR FRUIT-HOUSES. This subject is one that always attracts attention, and yet there are remarkably few experiments tried with regard to their construction. '\\Tiat causes this it is difficult to tell ; and yet I think I am warranted in saying that few exiieriments are tried, or we should find the result ; for fruit-house building cannot be supposed to bo the one exception that proves the rule, and obstinately refuses to advance. In writing this letter I am aware that I am not, as the phrase goes, stroking the gardening world the right way. I learned to think before I gave my attention to gardening, and if I do not think like those who learned gardening first, I cannot help it ; and pray excuse my accepting the dogma, that what is, is right. Let me, then, as an outsider, throw out a few remarks. I want to advance the gentle craft as much as any one. Is it not true, that if I leave out the application of hot water, our Pine-pits are such as Mr. Le Copr used in 1724 ? that our Pine-houses are — I was going to say the exact measure — but I will only say substantially the same as JMiller gives in his " Gardener's Dictionary," more than a hundred years ago '? and I may say the same of our glassed-in Peach walls and lean-to houses. When our foreign friends visit next year, as is proposed, our great 236 JOURNAL OF HOETICULTURK AND COTTAGE GABDENER. [ September 19, 1865. gardens, and I may include, if the account I read is correct, the royal garden, scarcely, if yet, finished, will they not look in vain for fruit-houses huilt on any other plan than those I have named ? Each time I read an old book on the subject I rise with the feeling, Can it be there is nothing new under the sun ? and then I ask myself the question — How is it, with cheap glass and a greatly increased command of heat, that we go on building the same sort of houses ? and wonder that we, the most commercial nation, as it is said, have actually retrograded, and by growing our Vines and Peach trees under the glass in lean-to houses, get the least result with the greatest cost ? Should not our aim be — the greatest number of square feet of pit or trellis, as the case may he, for the lowest cost, and to suit the cultivation to the shape ? The cheapest shape points, unquestionably, to large, square, tall houses ; but when I advocate such, I am always told that nothing can be grown in them but tall or- chard-house trees ; and as " the Eden- like pleasure of walking about un- der the shade of my own Vine and Fig tree " does not chime in with my commercial no- tions, I had no course left, as I concluded the pre - sent shape was in- duced by necessity at some period, but to try and find out that cause, and so be able to judge if it stiU existed. I have not been able to find this cause, but, on the other hand, a great deal to lead me to be- lieve none ever ex- isted. As I have said, I consider growing Vines and Peach trees under the glass a retro- gression. I have two things to prove : that it was not for- merly done, and, that it is a mis- take. The follow- ing is Miller's de- scription of what he calls a " dry forcing stove " for forcing Vines, Peach trees, &e. : — "The area is to he filled with rich earth 2 feet deep, in which the trees are planted t<3 remain, having been first trained in the open gi-ound tiU they are in a itate for bearing ; they are planted in straight or oblique lines from the back to the front, the tallest behind, and are trained against the back wall and front to a trellis, and in the area as espaliers." " These stoves begin to he worked in January or early in February." The house here referred to was a lean-to ; no dimensions are given, so I con- clude we must refer to his greenhouse plan, where he advises from 20 to 24 feet wid". The front is shown as the same height as the doors, and if we assume they were 7 feet high, there was sufficient height for a tree. The last edition of Miller's dictionary was published in 1768. Let us now turn to Mr. Speechly, in 1790. He advises a lean-to house with a fined wall at the back of from 12 to 14 feet high, and the width of the house to be 10 feet, and says, " In regard to the future management of the Vines at the rafters, it should be observed, that though it will not be ab- solutely necessary to adhere invariably to the rule laid down of annually cutting every other Vine down to the bottom of the rafters, yet it will be proper to keep these Vines from extending too far over the glass frames, and thereby shading the house, which would tend to injure the Vines on the back wall. It should be considered that the success of the Vines trained against the flued wall is the first and principal object." I may here say, that a few months since I received a letter from a friend in the south, asking me for some information about pipes and boilers, saying, " My gardener wants me to put pipes into my house, but as I have as many and as good Grapes as my neighbours who have pipes, I do not see the good of it ; can yon explain how it is ? " I wrote him back in reply, to say, I had very little doubt his neighbours grew their Vines under the glass, and thus as the sun's heat increased the leaves also got larger and formed a green blind, keep- ing the rays out. I added, " If you intend to growyoiu'S in the same way 5-ou will certainly require pipes also." I subsequently heard that it was a lean-to house, but the Vines were planted against the back wall, the front being used for pot- fruit trees. About four years ago I visited, I may safely say, our most famous garden, that I might see the glass walls ; and when there I asked the gardener, who took me roimd, why they were built so narrow ; for the cost of a little more roof the houses might have been twice the size. The answer was, " But how could we train the trees?" The same year I was up i n London, and stumbled on a lean-to Peach- house, where the trees were trained to a trellis against the back wall, and, as MiUer says, " in the area, running from the back to the front, on espaliers." When I returned home I put up a house in this manner : back wall and front glass, each 10 feet high ; width, 12 feet. Now for the calculation. In the back wall, 52 feet long by 10, = 520 square feet ; then I have a trellis 8 feet wide, running at right angles to the glass at each 4 feet ; 8 x 10 = 80. X 13, the number of the trellises, = 1040; add 520 in the back wall, and I have 1560 square feet of trellis in a house 52 feet by 12 ; granted there is not much room for ladies, but there is sufficient for gardeners. Let me recommend this plan of front trelhsses to Mr. Brfi- haut, he complains that his bush trees are unmanageable, and I think it will make his house look more gardener-like. September 19, 18*i5. ] JOURNAL OP HOBTICULTUllE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB. 287 Mine has a south aspect, and tlie buu iiervados the whole house, and not without result, I can assure you. Then, of Vines. 1 have a span-mofed house, 20 feet wide, that does not please nie, and to which I intend putting litteen- feet Bides. Tlie Vines are planted 2 feet apart, and I shall hack every other, wliicli will result in my having four rows of Vines, each Vine being -1 feet from its neiglibour, and the hght will ho free to entir from the top ami all the sides. I shonid very much like to know how many feel of rod and how many spnrs are renuired for each show bunch. 1 tliink my Vines will have at least double the number of spurs per foot of rod that they have now, and we are sure that means capacity for work, and yet the house, as it is, is better than a lean-to. Have we not, then, been following this one idea — that nothing will sncceed well that is not trained under the glass — too long and to our great loss? and is it not lime, in this our ])ractical age, to begin to take cubic measure into account '! A house with a hack wall 15 feet liigh, and 1.5 feet wide, treated as a lean-to at an angle of 45°, gives a front of 21 feet ; if 50 feet long, it contains 1050 sijuare feet of trellis. On my plan, as shown by the section, the back wall, 15 by 50, would contain 750 s(piare feet, eleven front trellises 5 feet apart and 'J feet wide ; 9 X 15 = VA'j, X 11 — 1485 ; add 750 ami it makes 22:)5 square feet of trellis. Compare this with 1050, and how many will regret that good old plans of gardening were ever departed from ? It is said, those who run may read ; and any one who talks about plants being drawn, because they are far from the glass, will not he listened to in these days when we can see for our- selves at Sydenham and Kew. In closing this letter, I may say I have no interest to serve in recommending a particular form of house ; hut, as a fruit- grower, who has learned much from the perusal of your valuable paper during the last eight years, I desire, if an anonymous letter can carry weight, that my experience should be at the service of those who are intending to build fruit- houses, and as the most certain way of placing it before them I send it to you. — G. H. CUTTING-IN SHRUBS ANNUALLY. In my garden I have a Sumach, which was as I thought dying, so I cut it down to a stump about 8 or 4 feet high. Next year it shot up and produced some tine foliage: I continued cutting down to the stump each year after the leaves had fallen, and it has in each improved both in appearance and size of foliage and branches. This year is the best year of growth it has had, and it far surpasses all I have ever seen of the sort. The growth from the stump this year is from 5 to 6 feet, and the stems the leaves grow on are about 4} feet long. I enclose a leaf which is about half a foot long. Several of my neigh- boius have trees, but have not cut them down ; there are also a few at the Botanic Gardens, Liverpool, but not cut ; they have but small leaves in comparison to my plant. The soil in my border is the common garden soil, rather stiff. I shall feel obliged if you will give your opinion on this subject. — A Sub- scriber, Liverpool. [Many shrubs and plants would he greatly increased in vigour if they were cut-in every year mucli the same as is done with a Willow stool. No doubt if mere size of foliage is de- sirable, the young shoots thus formed will yield large leaves, until the stool is exhausted. Are you quite sure, however, that the leaf sent is the leaf of a Sumach ? if so, it does not belong to the commoner kinds found in gardens, and more re- sembles Khus venenata than any we know. If so, the leaves before they drop will become of a purplish red colour. This, and some others which the smooth leaf would seem to point to, are very poisonous, and, therefore, if a Sumach, you must be careful in the cutting, that none of the juice get on your hand. — Eds.] Eaeth- promotes it. Keep are obser only sure crop may row fiom WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN G.'iRDEN. UP the BroccoU plants as they advance, this greatly their growth ; also earth-up other plants that require a watchful eye for the caterpillars ; as soon as they ved have them gathered oli' by hand, this being the means of extermination. Cuhliaiies, the main spring now be planted, the small dwarf sorts at IH inches row and 20 inches in the row. A double quantity may be planted in the rows, so as to admit of thinning-out every other one in the spring. VauUjlou'crs, prejiare the ground for the plants wliich it is intended to protect witli liund-glasses, the .soil should be rich, and, if possible, under a south wall; nine jdauts nuiy ho planted under a good-sized liand-glass, and in the spring five or six of tliem may be taken away, and planted elsewhere. Varivis, sow a few Early ilorn in a sheltered place to stand the winter. C'lUnj, llie hrst earllnng of a crop should not take place until it has made considerable jirogress, by com- mencing too early it is drawn up weakly ; the earth should be closed round the stalks with the hand. Cucumlii'ix, the heat of the bed containing bearing jdants must not be allowed to decline, or they will not continue (u-oductivc, whereas by pro- per attention they will produce fruit till Christmas. Dung should now be procured, and prepareil for beds next month. Dwarf Kidney /iciow, if a supply is required tlirough the winter a sowing should now be made in pots lialf lilled with soil, which allows of the plants being earthed-up. Kiulire, tie-up for blanching when the plants are ipiite dry, or lay a tile upon each plant ; another plantation may also be made. Globe Arti- chokes, cut oil the stems as fast as the heads are used. Mush- rooms, the beds recently made must be spawned immediately the heat has become moderate ; when earthed they should be well beaten down, as solidity is one of the principal causes of productiveness. Saludinij should now be raised under a hand- glass, or in boxes placed in a forcing-house ; to keep up a constant succession a sowing should be made three times a-fortnight. FIIUIT GARDEN. Look over wall trees, and cut off all foreright breastwood, or what are commonly called after-shoots. Strawberry plants in pots must not be allowed to become very dry, nor ought they to be drenched with too much water. Gather carefully and progressively the various Pears and Apples as they arrive at their full growth. Discard at once bruised fruit, its posses- sion entails ultimate trouble. FLOWER G.4.RDEN. See that the faded blossoms and seeds are regularly removed from beds, other blossoms will be thus encouraged ; much of the \Hb.\ energy of a plant is expended in the perfection of its seeds. Borders deficient of Snowdrops, Crocus, Narcissus, and other such early spring-floweriug bulbs should have some introduced. Tender plants which it may be intended to winter for use next season must soon be taken up and placed in safe quarters. Plants, however, which are still in good condition may be left for some weeks longer. Variegated Geraniums will not bear much frost, and when the plants have to be wintered in situations which are not very suitable for them they should he taken up before they are at all injured, as they will be much more liable to damp and die back in winter if the wood is at aU touched by frost. Except when there is a sufficient stock of these they should not be cut back as is usually done with the old scarlets, but should he kept over the winter just as they are lifted from the beds, and cut hack early in the spring after starting them into growth, when the cuttings will root very freely in heat, and in the case of Flower of the Day or any other free growers, wiU make useful-sized plants by turning-out time ; and even the strongest growers of these do not cover a bed very quickly unless planted thickly, and the plants, there- fore, should be wintered in as large a state as the accommoda- tion will permit. The autumn-rooted stock of Verbenas, &c., must be well attended to, keeping them perfectly clear of green fly, exposing them freely to the night dews, and keeping them hardy, in which state they will be much less liable to fog off under a week or two's confinement in winter than if they were kept in a growing soft slate imtil overtaken hy severe weather. Plants which are not sufficiently established must, however, be treated somewhat more kindly, for there is but little chance of carrying such over a severe winter unless they are at least well rooted, and these might with advantage be placed upon a gentle bottom heat to encourage the roots, hut do not keep the atmosphere close and moist, for growth should not be encouraged after this season. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. The principal and most desirable object in the management of greenhouse plants, is to obtain a robust and hardy growth, and at this time to accommodate them to the changing in- fluences of the season by lessening their vital action by free ventilation, and by the gradual and judicious curtailment of water. The great business here will be to house the more tender sorts of plants in good condition, the pots to he rubbed JOURNAL OF HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Septombev 19, 18C5. clean, and search to be made for wonns Tvlien their casts appear on the surface of the soil. Sometimes the soil is so porous with worm-holes as to render repotting necessary, and this should he done at once. Any moss or weeds on the surface of the soil in the pots to be removed, and the soil fresh siu'faced if needed. If any indications of worms appear in large tubs, or large pots, ■which are more unmanageable, an application or two of lime ■water will banish them. When housed aU the air possible to be given in fine weather, even to the entire withdrawal of the lights, only reducing the ventilation when unfavourable changes in the weather take place. Each plant to be allowed .sufficient space for the air to play freely around it. STOVE. This house to be tastefully arranged, and heat and humidity to be diminished by degrees in accordance with the decline of solar heat. All plants that require it to be top-dressed, and all imperfect drainage to be corrected, more especially the es- tablished plants that have been repotted for a considerable time. PITS AND FIUMES. The sooner the Hyacinths and other bulbs for forcing are potted the better. The principal cause of success is having the pots fiUed with roots before the top growth commences. The bulbs to be selected for weight or substance in preference to size, to be potted in half leaf mould, or decomposed cowdung, and half loam, ■with a sprinkling of silver sand. The quality of the soil is not of primaiy importance, as the flower-stalk ■will depend in a great measiu-e ujjon the organised matter stored up in the bulb and brought to perfection under the favourable influences of heat, light, and air. The bulbs when potted should be placed in a fame or pit, and covered with 6 inches of dry sawdust in preference to coal ashes. "When the pots are fiUed with roots and the heads begin to sprout, the potted bulbs should be taken out of the plunging material and treated with a supply of heat according to the time when they may be wanted in bloom. They grow stronger and bloom larger when gently excited by heat and supplied with air. Pot Neapolitan Violets, and let them be plunged in a frame. Lily of the VaUey for forcing should now be potted. — W. Keaxe. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEK GAEDEN. A CONTINUATION of the same glorious sunny weather has made us resort to our sewage-tank to give a lift to Peas, Let- tuces, and Cax^diflowers ; and weeds have been again well cleared off, the hoe and the bright sun soon putting all that were to be seen out of view. If this weather continue we shall slightly shade oiu' Celery. At present we are allowing some withered rows of Peas to remain, on account of the shade which they afford. Gave sewage water to Globe Artichokes to keep them longer in producing, as the great heat is apt to stop the form- ation of nice young heads. Spawned Mushroom-beds, and earthed-up, and smoked the Mushi-oom-house ■with sulphur, and wiU have all washed and Ume-washed before making beds in it. We are sorry to say that the Potato disease is manifesting itself much in this neighbourhood. We fully expected it to appear among the late kinds after such a coiu'se of wet, muggy, sunless weather ; but what all along has been mo=;t unaccountable to us is, that early kinds, and from magniflcfit crops that were taken up before the rains came, .and bar", jsted in first-rate condition, mostly intended for seed, are now going bad — that is, a considerable number of them, though xuitil lately not a single speck appeared upon or among them. In the gardens and fields it is lamentable to see the best and largest Potatoes left behind unfit for any use. We think that cottagers are ■wise in demurring to give such diseased samples to the pigs ; for in these days of murrains and cattle plagues people cannot be too careful, and the pig-distemper last year was a great loss to many a cottager as well as to the farmers. In some farms not a i)ig was left, but all died, and within a few days of each other. Many a laboiuer was put to great straits who depended on his pig as a help to meet the demands of rent-day. Here we would remark that in many places in the country it would be an act of true charity and kind feeling to take the rents of cottagers much oftencr than once a-year. If once a_year cannot be departed from, then shortly after harvest ■would be the best time, as then working people are generally best supplied with means ; and when these means are plentiful there is a great temptation to spend what ought to be rigidly set apart for rent-day. Demands that might easUy be met in September or October can often be very Ul met in December. We have met with some sad cases of ^n■etchedness, and illness, and fevers produced by next to starvation in ■winter, because the year's rent had to be ready at that time, and to get it, or most of it, husband, wife, and children did not have nearly enough even of bread. It is of little use to talk pliilosophicaUy about sa^ving up to such people ; for if such hard knocks wUl not prove an efficient schoolmaster for the future nothing else can be hoped to be effectual ; and we have too much e^vidence that even these hardshijis v.iU fail to convince, as again and again the plenty, and even the indulgence of luxuries and fine things in autumn, wiU be followed by the same scraping, and scre^wing, and pinching, and next to starvation in winter, to meet the rent-day about Christmas. Did such indi^riduals alone suffer even then it would be lamentable, but it becomes more serious when the diseases and low fevers thus engendered are so apt to sweep over a hamlet or village. Much may be done by landlords ensuring payments at shorter intervals or more suitable times. With a diminished supply of Potatoes and the high price of meat, most labourers will need all possible preparations to lighten the weight of the coming ■winter. Gave Celei-y a good watering previously to earthing it np, tying it up iJreviously, and only earthing-up what wOI be wanted in three weeks or a month. General work much as in previous weeks. FRUIT GAKDEN. Went over Apples and Pears, gathering the ripest before they fell, and put some kinds of Pears in a warm place to ripen them more quickly when wanted. Our Williams' Bon Chretien has done ns good service for several weeks, and we have still a few gathered quite hard and green, and some others on a tree harder and greener stiU, that will be prime a fortnight hence. Such Pears should never hang imtil quite ripe, for then they will be sure to be flat and mealy, instead of crisp and juicy. Birds have pecked our Marie Louise and others a little, but they have left us lately, and the chief annoyance proceeds from clouds of large fUes. On a white wall the other night they actually blackened it, and Nectarines they will attack by hook or by crook. Peaches they meddle httle with, which is so far good ; and we have not noticed they have troubled late Straw- bemes at all. A few more swallows and other insect-eating birds would be an advantage. We see more and more that there is a law of compensation in these matters, and though it is rather annoying to find the best fruit pecked by birds, we beheve that without them we should soon have no fruit at all. If the little fellows would only be moderate we would pepper them no more ■with shot, as the gun always detracts from the calm interest of a garden, and far less would we trap or poison, as both these systems are more cruel than shooting them at once. Who will invent a trap that for all things called vermin shall insure death instantaneous ? Who with a par- ticle of land feeling could sleep comfortably with the thought that some living thing was writhing for hours, maimed and mutilated by the teeth and claws of a trap '! Gave a good watering to orchard-house, fi-om which aU the fruit is gathered, except some Figs in pots. Syringed the house, and shut up early to harden the wood, and also to ripen the Figs. Owing to keeping the house so open the Figs are not so forward as those out of doors, which have come in nicely, and will fiU the gap between the succession crop in the Fig- pit. Gave also second orchard-house a good watering, and have sprinkled the surface frequently to keep it cool for the later Peaches. In the first house we planted some Vines, but we hardly know whether we shall be able to keep them ■without turning out some of the Peaches in pots beneath them. Here we have, so far, met with a disappointment. We made sure we could ripen Buckland Sweetwater in such a house, and therefore planted three Vines of it and some later sorts, which we wanted to hang, if ever we should heat the house. There has been a little bit of fruit on all these Sweetwaters, but to our .annoyance they tm-n out to be Chasselas Musque, a beauti- ful Grape, but liable to crack, and not what we wanted. Even now, though not quite amber-coloured, the flavom- is delicious, and the flies know it as well as we do. Wliat surprises us, not a berry cracked until the flies cracked them. We are in- clined to leave some of the plants for another year, and as the bimches take the last swelling, encase these in very fine muslin to keep the flies, &c., fi-om them. We find, even now, that the sMn is so tough that they have considerable difficulty in penetrating it ; but then they disfigure the berries left with perambulating over them with their dh-ty feet. The Vines September 19. 1865.] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. arc plnnted rather ilovatcd, ftnil liavp no prcat room. If such a Grape foiilcl \n' secureil frcnii crackinj;, few woulil beat it for rich flavour. AVo liavo liiul very (,'oiia bmiclieH in a vinery, ■where the roots were eovcred witli Rlass, after the second Bwell- in^', and pleuty of air given. l-"or Strawberries, vineries, &c., see previous week's directions. ORNAMENT.^I. DEPARTMENT. The chief work has been inaeliinini,' part of the lawn near all the flower-beds— the machine milking beautiful work, and proeeediug with cuttinj^s of (ieruuimns in a wholesale way. We always decline taking them very e:irly, as it always, less or more, interferes with the beauty of the beds and their regular outline. Wo were forced to water some Calceolaria-beds. The Geraniums stand the heat well ; but even they would bo the better of being watered, as, if this weather continue, and should be followed by heavy rains, the most of tlio bloom will be destroyed. If the rains come after some moisture is thrown into the stems, the trusses will stand the change much better. Such kinds as Treutbam Rose needed a good deal of picking. .Sec Mr. Robson's article on plants that stand best. We want more upright and spiral plants, as Pentstemons, &c., to contrast with flat-headed flowers. Of this more presently.— R. F. COVENT GARDEN JLVRKET.— Septembeb l(i. The continued hot wealbcr canscs heavy supplies of both fruit anil veRetaWes, ami of Pears cspeciallv. Many of the later sorts are liroucht to market quite fit for use. .\moni; such are Louise Bonne of .Jersey, Duehesse (VAn^ouU-nic, and GIou Moreoau. This augurs badly for tun winter supply. ' Forei!.'n imports are very limited, with the exception ot Grapes, which are coiuint^' in in lartje (juantities. Potato market heavy at last quotations. A great quantity turn out Iiadly diseased. .\pples i sieve Apricots doz. ChoiTies lb. Chestnuts bush. Corrants, Red A sieve Black do. Figs doz. Filberts lb. Cobs do. Gooseberries. . i sieve Grapes, Hambro.. . lb. Muscats lb. Lemons 100 .^i-tichokcs each .\sparagus. . . . bundle Beans Ei-oad.. busliol Kidney do Beet, Red doz. Broccoli bundle Brus. Sprouts .. -^ .sieve Cabbage doz. Capsicums 100 Carrots bunch Cauliflower doz. Celery bundle Cucumbers each pickling doz. Endive score Fennel bunch Garhc and Shallots, lb. Herbs bunch Horseradish . . buniUe s. d. s. d 1 Oto2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 II 0 0 (I II 0 0 9 11 0 (I 0 0 0 1 6 » » 8 0 14 0 Melons. . . Slulberries pi Nect.ariues Oranges Peaches Pears (kitchen). . dessert Pine Apples . . . . Plums i Quinces i Raspberries . . . . Strawberries Walnuts s. d. s. d each 2 Oto 5 0 unnet 0 6 10 doz. 0 0 0 0 100 10 0 20 0 doz. doz. . doz. ..1 b. sieve sieve .. lb. lb. 0 0 0 0 bush 14 0 20 0 TEGETABLES. s. d. s. d 0 4to0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 6 2 0 S 0 8 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 Leeks bunch Lettuce per score Mushrooms pottle Mustd. & Cress.punnet Onions . . . .per bushel pickling quart Parsley i sieve Parsnips doz. Peas quart Potatoes bushel Kidney do. Radishes doz. bunches Rhubarb bundle Savoys doz. Sea-liale basket Spinach bushel Tomatoes ^ sieve Tni'nips bunch Vegetable Man'ows dz. s. d. s. d 0 8 to 0 0 fl 1 1 6 0 2 S 0 0 0 2 (> 0 0 0 1 0 0 9 2 fi 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 4 1 0 0 G 1 0 2 0 1 0 4 n 4 0 1 0 n 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 2 0 (1 6 2 0 TRADE C.-VTALOGUES RECEI\"ED. W. Hooper, St. John's Hill Nursery, Wandsworth. — List of Hyacinths, Tulijis, Crociises, and other Flou-cr Rootx. Ferdinand Gloede, aux Sablons, near Moiret-sur-Loing (Seine et Mame), France. — List of New and Beautiful Stran'berricf:. TO CORRESPONDENTS. .» We request that no one will write privately to the depart- mental writers of the "Jom-ual of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. AJl communications should therefore be addressed soleli/ to The Editors of the Journal of Horticulture, dtc, 171, i'leet Street, London, E.C. Many t|iiestions must remain imanswered until next week. Books (J. ffcrrl. — A new and much enlarged edition of Dr. Hogg's ' Fruit Manual " is in the press, and will shortly be published. N.B. Calikounian PuMi'.— I have seen the above-named pump in full opera- tion. It is a most iligenimiK and powerful machine, at a very Hniall cost. It was shown at the Rovjil Agrii-ultural Meeting at Newcastle last ycor. and I tllink the cxhiliitor has liis place in Hollioni. " Wkst CkoydoN " will ascertain this bv procuring from some of his tnrincr Iricnds a Society's catalogue; nnv gentleuuui who visited that show will be sure to have liept his catalogue. 1 have a full dcBcripticoi and drawing of it, which I cannot find at present or I should have forwarded it.— Jackson GiLI-nANKS. Friit p.aten by Flies, Wasps, &c. {Jumen J'lia).— The only remedy that we kuow is to have Nottiugliani net stretched over the openings of the windows and vcutilattns, and putting the fruit on the walls into very loose bags of the same material. SKEDI.1XG Gehaniums (F. G., An OU fluh'rriWr).—'Thc petals were all shod. The trusses are bold and abundant-IUiwcred, but not novel in colour. You had better send some specimens to the Floral Committee of the Itoyal Horticultural Society. Vines in Pots is Grocnd Vinekv (II'. S. IF.).— Yon will have no diffi- culty iu doing as you wish, if you fink the pots in the earth, and raise the sides as you'suggcst. We liave so grown Vines and ripened Black Hamburgh Grapes; but we trained the rods along wires, ami did not grow the Vines as bushes, which you propose to do. We shall be obliged by the repoi-t you offer us. l'i,ANTi.-jG Shuuds ox A Lawn {J. H. //.).— Thc soil in which all trees and shrubs are to be planted would be better trenched 2 feet deep. The holes iu your case, and in all cases uf tree planting when prac^tieable, ought to'be dug out to a depth of 2 feet, and bo wide that no root of the trees or shrubs may bo nearer the sides than 2 feet. With your 15 inches ot good loam it would bo well to take out the soil to that depth, place it on one side, and then dig out the clay, removing any that is very bad and replacing it with soil of a better quality. The soil at the bottom is to be stirred to a depth of fi inches, and tlie hole to be tlirce-partB filled with the soil from thc bottom and the top, mixed together in the proportion of one-third of the latter to two of the former. This will leave a part ot the top soil, which, being ineoriiorated with some fresh compost, as decaved turf, will answer perfectly for planting the shrubs. Plant them so as'to bo slightly elevated above the surrounding ground level to allow of the soil settling, for if planted on a level with the sur- rounding soil the trees will, from the subsidence of the soil, apiiear in a year or two as if in a hole. .\U the Fir and Pine tribe do much better planted on elevated mounds. Holes C feet in diameter will bo sufficiently wide for ordinary-sized trees. PoTTlKG Aucubas (Llemt. — The top spit of a pasture chopped witha spade could not be improved upon for potting these shrubs. If the soil is free from stones larger than a walnut sifting it would i»e more injurious tliau beneficial. A little rotten duug would be good if the soil is poor, oue-fourth well incorporated. Sand, on the other hand, would be desirable if the soil is heavy. Wintering Dianthcs Heddewigii (E. A, P.). — Young plants will do admii-ably pricked out in rows G inches apart and 3 inches in the rows, in a sunny sheltered situation, and in a light di-y soil. On a wet soil they sometiines suffer from frost and wet, and we have been obliged to winter them in a cool greenhouse. On a dry gravelly soil we have them now as hardy as Sweet Williams ; ncvei-tbeless we have a few plants in pots, and keep'them in a cool greenhouse, where they are found useful for their bloom in autumn, winter, and spring, in fact they bloom successively almost throughout thc year. Removing Leaves from Vines (Idevi). — The leaves should not be removed from thc Vines at any stage of their growth, for what is required for the formation and gi-owth of the fruit is also necessary for its perfection, and the perfection of those shoots producing the fruit in a future season. The fruit will not swell, nor will it ripen perfectly if the leaves above and ai'ound it are removed. Wintering Geraniums and CixcEOtARlAS (Bert). — Your pit will answer perfectly for the wintering of Calceolarias, if protected from severe frost by a thick covering of mats or straw, and the sides banked up with litterto prevent frost entering. The pit should not be opened whilst frost continues, but be kept closely covered even if the frost last for weeks. In your brick pit you will have room for a thousand Calceo- laria cuttings, which you may put in any time after September, before the plants are frosted, placing 3 inches of i-iver sand on the soil wherein the Cucumbers were grown, dibbling them in about li inch apart, and giving a good watering to settle the sand about them. They cannot have too much air, nor too little heat, all they want being air and protection fi'om frost. Towards the end of March they may be trans- planted into trenches prepared as tor CeleiT, kept weU watered, and pro- tected by mats from frost until finally planted out. The Geraniums would do best in the spare room, kept without water, or no more given than a little to prevent their drying up. They must be removed to a place secure from frost during its continuance, Imt so long as there is no frost in the room it will answer very well for the Geraniums. The pit mil be too moist for them to be wintered in it safely. CucuilBERS FAILING (F. A. Hill), — ^^\'e have not experienced any disease in our Cucumbers this season, except with the ridge ones, which have been for the most part a failm-e, and then, as in yom- ease, they collapsed all at once without apparent cause. We thinlc your soil was much too rich in the iirst instance, loam from rotted turves being of itself suflB- ciently rich without fui'ther admixture of manure. One-half of this is alone sufficient to induce disease. As for the bog soil we do not see its utihty. There is no better soil for Cucumbers than the top spit of a good pasture laid up in alternate layers with fi-esh dung for twelve months, and turned over once iu summer, and twice in winter during di-y frosty weather, adding a bushel of soot to every cartload at the first tiu-ning. Tile best preventive of the disease we have found to be fresh and well- aired soil. The syiangiug with Gishurst would be sufficient to cause the destruction of the leaves, and tu"e heat by night, instead of mitigating the evil, would only hasten the death of the plants. The only effectual remedy that we have foimd available is to use only moderately rich, fresh, sweet, weU-aii-ed soil, and to keep the plants frequently changed, instead of depending on one set of plants — that is, to keep on raising plants, sow- ing evei"y six weeks or so in order to have plants ready to take the place of the diseased, after removing eveiT particle of the old soil. It is an easy matter to throw the plants away should they I'emain healthy and fruitful throughout the season. 240 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 19, 1865. Watering Variegated Geranium Ccttikgs (A Lady Gardener). — So loii- elegant and whitest of dwarf variegated Grasses, is readily obtained by dividing the roots in spring. Last year we had only six plants, and thev were di\ided into 250 plants in March, every stem being slipped ofl" with a little root. They were then pricked off 3 inches apart every way in good loam,-,vith a little leaf mould added and worked in. covered "with a frame, and kept moist and shaded for a few days. They were then freely exposed to air and duly supplied with water. They make nice plants by ilay, when they are planted out with the other bedding plants. With us on di-y gi*avelly soil this Dactylis is hardy, but in wet heavj- soil it is liable to suffer in winter quite* as much from the wet as from the frost. In such soils it is best to take up the plants in autumn, and winter them in a frame or cool greenhouse, dividing the roots in March, potting, and gi-owing on in a frame. We have now tried it two summers, and find it makes an edging-line, or band early, and keeps good imtil late, alike elegant and gi-aceful, dwarf and dense, and of easy culture. Iresine Herbstii is easily kept over the winter in a dry airy part of the gi-eenbouse with sufficient water to keep the soil just moist. Plants struck in summer and potted off so as to become esta- blished before winter are the best, and give a number of cuttings in spring. It requires free drainage and a compost of two-thirds loam and one of leaf mould well reduced, and then it grows as freely as Verbenas, and is as easily kept over the winter. Drying and Preparing British-grown Tobacco for Fumigation (ituc and Learn).— When the leaves have attained their full size and become of a yellow hue they are taken from the stalk, tied together in small bunches by the footstalks, himg in a di-y airy room to drv, and , left there until dj-y and crisp. The first damp 'weather after this the leaves will become soft, and they should be watched to ascertain when I this occurs ; then pack them in a box evenly with the butts or stalk-ends | of the leaves all one way. They are then to be pressed moderately, and | in a few days a slight fermentation will take place, when the bunches should be taken out and shaken to let the beat escape. When this has been done repack lightly. The leaves will not reheat, but it is best to let them remain for a few days laid lightly in the box ; and when all fermen- tation is over, pack tightly in a baiTel, and keep in a dry place ready for use. As the leaves of British -grown Tobacco are not all mature at one time, they must be successively gathered as they ripen. The ciixum- stance of the leaves not being all mature at one time, has led to the adoption of another mode— vi2., when the leaves have attained their full size pull the plants up, tie them two or three together, and hang them, root upwards, in a drj* warm room, if with a temperature of 90- all the better. When dry sprinkle them with water, and then hang up again to dry. Allow them to become di-v again, and then wet them again ; dry afterwards, and let this wetting and dr\-ing be done thrice. When the leaves become dry, but not so as to break, strip them from the stalks and lay them in boxes evenly, and quite close and tight, pressing for that pur- pose; then keep in a dry room. This latter process gives the leaves a colom- which they will not possess if treated according to the first plan. Leaves prepared in this way will be green, while those treated according to the first mode will be of a pale brown and be fit for smoking. Leaves prepared in both ways are alike usefiU for fumigating for green fiv.thrips, Ac., and equally as effective as foreign Tobacco. Pi-evious to 'use, the Tobacco should be chopped like hay and straw, or made into rough shag. OacHARD-HousE APBicoTS AND Plums Cracking (Nil De$perandum). —The craclung most likelv is owing to the plants having been rather dry, and then being freely watered; and the hot sim at the time, followed by dull weather, and then bright sun again, encouraging the skins of the fruit to swell faster than the energies of the root could supply them vnth swelling material. In such sudden changes a little shading 'in the first bright days would have averted the cracking. So our experience would say. But then we do not know what to make of Peaches and Nectarines in the same house swelling perfectly without cracking, unless they were better established in the pots. For ourselves, we noticed some three or four Peaches thus cracked, but no Plums. ^Tiat say other growers as to the cause? Willow NEAR a Pond (B. TT.).- We should say that the Weeping Willow will not be injured by your doing so unless the roots are largelv fed by the pond. If many roots are matted round and beneath the pond, it might be advisable to place two or three loads of rotten dimg over the bottom of the pond before placing the soil in : that would prevent all injury. Vine Border (E. .S.l. — We see no objection to your manuring the border as proposed, provided you do not make the soil too rich. Earth is one of the best deodorisers, therefore unless there be a great excess of manurial matter, we do not apprehend any bad smell. Transplanting Evergreens (Inquirer),— yo such manual has been, nor IS likely to be, published. You cannot do better than refer to the in- strnctions from time to time given in these pages. Insects on Pear Leaves (J. M.).~The insect is the SUmy Grub, the lar\'!e of Selandria ^thiops of Fabricius, the eggs of which are deposited in Jime and .July. The insect is of frequent occurrence from July to September, and the remedy which you adopted— namely, dusting with Imie, the only effectual one. Growing Grapes in an Orchard-house (A. Q.).— There will be no difficulty m the matter, provided the trees you have in fruit are so low as not to shade the back wall, against which vou propose ha\'ing your Grapes. We would also advise your having the Vines together, but the house would look better if you planted them separatelv, took them up the back wall, and then brought them over an arch dowii the roof. The Grapes hanging from the arch would have a fine effect. The only draw- back to the Grapes would be the extra air when the Peaches were ripen- ing. When the Peaches were gathered vou could give less air, which would ripen the Grapes and harden the wood of the Peaches \-c. For such a cool-house nothing will answer better than the Black Hamburgh and the Royal Muscadine (white). We could give vou a list of others, as Espeiione and Buckland Sweetwater, but, on the" whole, we think the above would be the best. Various {Mhia). — Your seedling Pansies will probably bloom early in summer if all go well. If au admirer of Fuchsias with golden -blotched leaves, you may add Aucuba^folia and Cloth of Gold, to those which you already possess. Seedling Carnations if not double will not become so. {Statice). — We do not know what is meant by " cardinalis." Pvemo^Tng the seedling Peach tree, if done so as not to injure roots much, will tend to hasten rather than retard fi'uiting. (E. M.). — As the object with seedling Pelargoniums is to flower them quickly, instead of growing fine specimens, it is unnecessary to top them. After flowering give the same treatment as to plants from cuttings. Mart-chal N'iel Rose is_uot likely to be cheap this season, as the demand for it will be great. Auriculas cannot be propagated so rapidly as other plants, hence cannot be sold so cheaply. Planting Vines in a Shaded Greenhouse (A Young Befjinner).—'nie shady position of your house is a very bad one for Vines. They require all the sunlight possible. Besides the Black Hamburgh, the best Grapes for such a house would be the Esperione (black), and for whites, Royal Muscadine and Buckland Sweetwater. From 2 to 2^ feet will be deep enough for your border. We would take no more soil away than would give room for your rubble, concrete, &c., and the proper depth above. Slates will be an improvement above the open rubble and the sods. Your soil will be all the better if taken only :2 to 3 inches in depth. We would use only a very little rotten manure, chiefly where you plant the Vines, or leaf mould, but In such a border you may mix a quarter of a ton of boiled broken bones, a few bushels of charcoal, and a load or two of lime rubbish, the light character of the soil renders less of that necessary. With all your other proposed modes of action we agi'ee. The border if 2 feet above the general level at back, may slope down to 6 or 9 inches above the general level in front. The only thing we are sorry for is, that you should go to all this trouble for a house that receives no dii'ect sun, except for a short time at midday. We lately saw a large vinery hemmed in with trees on all sides, except a little bit in front, and even that was gi-eatly shut out by a Weeping Willow on the lawn. Things were so unsatisfactory that we ad\ised the house being turned into a fernery and Moss-house, and a new vinery to be built where sun could reach the Vines. GR.iFTiNG Pears on the Quince Stock {W. H. S.), — It is not neces- sary to cover the part worked with soil. We have tried them both ways, and prefer those with the union of stock and scion a few inches above the groimd level. Om* reporter did not recognise it, and we have not seen the specimen. Striking Golden Ch.un Geranium (Idem).—Atiev several years' ex- perience we have given up the jiropagation of this useful kind in autumn, from our finding that the cuttings strike in half the time, and without failure, in spring. We take up the old plants early in October, and pot them without any reduction of the head or shortening of the shoots, and keep them in a light aiiy situation, di-y at the root, yet moist enough to keep the leaves fresh, and in a temperature from fire heat of 40- or 45^. About the middle of February they are placed in a vinery with a tem- perature of from 5U- to 55- by night, and by the middle of March each plant fuiTiishes us with from six to twelve cuttings acconling to their size. We then fill a sufficient number of three-inch pots with turfy light loam two-thirds, and one-third leaf mould well incorporated, first placing a crock over the hole in the pot, aud then half an inch of the rougher parts of the compost. In the centre of each pot we make a hole double the diameter of the cutting, and of a depth corresponding to the length of the cutting, drop a little silver sand into the bole, place the cutting with its base thereon, and fill in round the cutting with silver sand. A gentle watering is then given, and the pots are placed in a frame with a bottom heat of from 75^ to 80"\ and a top heat of from 65' to 75^. In three weeks we have well-rooted plants, by which time the old plants will ilmve pushed afresh, both they and the cuttings being placed in a cool-house and gradually hardeued-off by May. In this we have them equally strong with those struck in August, without the trouble and room lost consequent on wintering them, and they grow as fi-eely, and so do all the variegated class. If our stock were limited and we desired to largely increase it, we would take cuttings in August, and these would afford cuttings in spring, otherwise we would not care about striking any variegated Geraniums in autumn, as the younger the plant the more freely it grows. Compost for Primulas, Cinerarias, and Calceolarias (Lex). — ^Loam from rotted tun-es a year old two-thirds, leaf mould three parts reduced one-third, ^vith one-sixth of silver sand added for the first, and the same quantity of that or river sand for the last two. Sandy turfy peat is to be preferred to the leaf mould for Pi-imulas. Planting Hyacinths {Idt-m}.— The best time to plant Hyacinths in the open ground is in October and early in November. Plant in pots from this time to November, but the earlier the better, and October is the best time to place bulbs in water. .\11 Hyacinths are of the most easy culture, and though we add the names of some really good flowers, to be had at moderate prices, we cannot say that they are more easily cultivated than those at a higher price. Single White : Grand Vaiuqueur. Elfrida, and Rousseau. Single Red: Diebitz Sabalkansky, Madame Hodgson, Norma, and Amy. Single Blue: Charles Dickens, Grand Lilas, Nim- rod, and Prince Albert. Double White, Blush, or Cream: Prince of Waterloo, La Toui- d'Auvergne. Anna Maria, and La Deesse. Double Rod : Czar Nicholas, Waterloo, Princess Roval, and Grootvorst. Double Blue : Lord Wellington, Comtc dc St. Priest, A-la-mode, and Blocksberg. Forcing Kidney Be.4ns (.4. j;.).—We use 11-inch pots, and grow nine Beans in a pot, but sometimes also nine-inch pots, and six Beans in each. Of kinds, after ti-ying all we could procure, Canterbury. Sion House, and Fulmer's Early are the best thi-ee, and Ne\\"ington Wonder for using with the pods whole or cut. A compost of light turfy loam suits them well, that from tmwes a year old is the best, half filling the pots, and then eartbiug-uiJ when they are sufficiently gro^^Ti. which is when they show the second leaves or when the first are level with the rim of the pots. We know of no work devoted to forcing, but you will find much on the subject in our pages of the past, and all that is needful is treated of in " Thompson's Gardener's Assistant." As to meet special cases is in part the object of oiu- labour, we shall be glad to assist you. Strawberries will do fau-ly in the same house with anairj' and Hght situation near the glass, but better in a house with a lower temperature, at least until the fruit has set and begins to swell, liidney Beans should not have a less temperature than from 55- to 60- at night," 50-" is enough for Strawberries uutU the fi'uit is set. Septombci- 19, 18G5. 3 JOURNAL OF HOUTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 241 Lii.riTMS DONE Tii.nojiiNo f.i Cnmlniit lieadrr).~Tbe host time to pot Liliiims is immciliiitijlv iHtor tho Unwfi-stalks bocomo yiillow, mu\ instcnd lit tiiluMK tho bullw uutii'olv out of t)io soil tm-n tlio iilimts out with tho b;ill ontivo. Rcmovo tlio suvfiico soil down to tho crown of tlie roots, and cut tho Ktnlli or stems off nt tlmt point. Next remove the drainat'c, and any soil that eonu"< away easily. Clean tho pnt inside, and replace tho drainaj,'o with an inch of tho rougher parts of the compost over it. then a little compost, then the roots, working the soil carefully around tliem, nnd cover the crowns about an inch deep. If tho work be done well the pot will be about three-parts full ; tho romaininu space should be tilled with compost when the shoots aro sulllciontlyhiKh for tho purpose. Give a h'entlo watcriuR after jiotting. Wo uso a compost w. C.U)Og.\n. [The vast number of earwigs which have appeared this season in the midland counties were, doubtless, the cause of the injury to your bee-hives, as, for want of fruit or other vegetable matter, they would certainly feed on the bee-grubs. A similar instance of their feeding on wasp grubs was reported at the September Meeting of the Entomological Society. The hives should be carefully plastered round the junction with mortar. The supers and adapters should be removed, the crown- hoards replaced, the orifices stopped up, and all made snug for the winter.] TRANSFERRING AND FORMING STOCKS FROM DRIVEN BEES. The result of my first experiment, as detailed in yoiur Number of the 25th of .July, notwithstanding the temporary loss, has been as favourable as could be. Twenty-one days after making the artificial swarm I inspected the parent hive, and found seven sealed roval cells. I did not interfere with them, as I had no hives to carry on with. My next experiment, the transferring of an old stock to a bar and fr.ame hive, was per- formed on Julv 4th. I drove the bees (my first attempt) m about twenty minutes, and then cutting the old hive down the middle into 'halves I had easy access to the comb ; six frames I filled fully, two frames partially. I tied the comb into the frames with common quarter-inch tape, passing it roimd the frames and tying it in a knot on the top of the bar— two tapes to each bar. The next day my neighbours could scarcely believe in the change, so qniet and earnestly at work were the bees. On the third day after, I took out each frame and detached the tape. This hive is doing very well, and has plenty of sealed comb. The great drawback to the frame hives is the price— one guinea— and carriage each hive is no trifle, to a poor man an impossibility. The above tr.ansfer was made into a native hive. A simple square frame, with notches fore and aft tor the bars and frames, is sewn on to a square straw- hive, which is made on a frame of wood ; this forms the body of the hive, and when the bars are in their places, their top surface is flush with the top surface of the to]) frame ; thel id is a frame of wood screwing on to the other frame, but, as it is made broader fore and aft than the lower fi-ame, it overlaps the bars when in situ and keeps them steady; no travelling or 246 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AJJD COTTAGE GAEDENEE. [ September 19, 1865. extraordinary position can upset them. On tliis frame, let into its upper quarter of tliicknegs, is a plate of glass, leaving ample room beneath for the bees to pass over the frames, and facilitating inspection without disturbance. These hives cost me, complete, under 10s. To my Woodbui-y straw hive I have adapted a plate of glass as the hd, so that inspection is easy at any time, and I keep this plate quite loose, loosening it almost daily without the notice of a single bee. A sis-sided hive, with a rectangular top for six frames only, has been made in the same way. My third experiment was made, as the commencement of what i made inquiries about in your Nimiber of April 18th. On the 5th I brought home the bees driven fi-om a stock in a neighbour's apiary, and on the 6th I brought home a second and joined them to the first swarm. Not a dozen bees were killed, and only the queen was found with one bee attached by its sting to her, early the next morning. On the fourth day I saw poUen being carried in, and on the sixth it was carried in freely, and robbers were vigorously expelled. They took half a pint of thick syrup daily for the first three days, then only half that quantity daily ; now they have comb, as they have sealed up with wax much of the perforated support to the feeding bottle. On the 7th I brought home another driven swarm, and joined them to the artificial maiden swarm of my last letter. There were quite two quarts of bees, but the union was not effected without fighting, and I have to lament a good pint of bees. I could not find the vanquished queen, but on the 10th they had settled down quietly, and I see the stock is most certainly the stronger of the adiUtion. I shall continue the experiment of making stocks from my neighbour's condemned stores, and shall be glad to inform you of the results as they occur, with the accidents, trouble, and faUnres, &e.— M. D. USING FOUL-BROOD COMBS— BEES NOT HATCHING BROOD. A SHORT time since I fumigated the bees of a condemned stock, and to my gi-eat annoyance discovered, for tlie first time in my experience, foul brood ; the grubs had perished shortly after being sealed over, they were quite brown, and the smell was very offensive. The grubs were placed in the right position. For the satisfaction of those who amuse themselves by making artificial swarms, I may mention that this foul brood was found in a natural swarm of this year, working in a plain deal box in which bees had never been placed before, and they had never been meddled with in any way. The bees, which are common black ones, I placed in an empty hive, where they have built some combs, which I want for guidecombs next season. Now, I want to know if I may venture to use these combs if the queen has not laid any eggs, which I suspect is the case, as I have not seen any pollen go in. One of my stocks this siunmer had a failing queen, she had almost ceased laying, and the population was fast diminishing in .June. The wise bees raised a young princess, and smothered the old lady ; she was imprisoned at least thi-ee hours, and there was not the slightest excitement. In August the population was increasing, and there was a great deal of brood in the hive. Eeferring to the query in page 203, the want of a sufficient number of bees in the hive over which " F. F." placed the broodcombs, is the reason why they did not hatch out the brood. I have never found them refuse to do so, if they could spare the bees fi-om below. The plan which I adopt is to suspend the broodcombs in loops of wire passed over the bars in a super. Instead of uniting bees, I always give the stocks I intend to keep, the whole of the brood I find in my condemned hives. — J. L. [We should be afraid to use the combs built by bees from a foul-breeding stock, and wo\ild advise their all being consigned to the melting-pot without delay. Both boxes should also be well scraped and purified with chloride of lime, and in order to be on the safe side, we should lay them aside for a couple of seasons.] BEE-HIVE STANDS. I AM desirous of enlarging my bee-hive stand, and making it applicable for different kinds of hives, and inspecting them with impunity. Can you furnish me with a working plan, and do you recommend weather-boards in front ? The honey harvest with me has not been abundant. The bees have not worked freely in the supers. I have taken two combs, 10 lbs., one with brood-comb and a queen. My best store of honey was gathered from the pollard elm, where my first swarm'settled in the spring. Having failed in securing the bees then, I determined on getting the honey afterwards ; so about a month ago, 'accompanied bj' a labourer, we sallied out one evening, and having bored a hole in the side of the tree, only partially succeeded in smoking a few up to the hive on the top. We then laid open a hole with a billhook, and exposed some beautiful comb fuU of honey. My assistant took out sufficient to fill two milk-pans, and on looking into the hole we found thousands of bees. These were left till the third day, as I was unable to look after them the following day, and on going to the tree, I found they had all taken wing. Whither? Perhaps to the domicile of some weak neighbours, who had not strength to keep them out. — B. B. [We prefer a verandah or lean-to shed closed at the ends, but either entirely open in front or closed only with pheasant wire, with a good-sized opening opposite the entrance of each hive. Possibly the bee-house sketched and described by " A Bdcks Bee-keeper " last week, may meet your wishes.] IS THE SjNIELL OF GAS TAR PREJUDICIAL TO BEES'? Will you inform me if gas tar is prejudicial to bees ? I am about to build a sraaU bee-house, and I propose to use " gassing," as it is called here, for a short space in front of the house, as being cleanly, free from weeds, and affording a smooth surface from which to Hft up fallen bees. I hesitate, however, until I have leamt whether it is likely to be an an- noyance to the bees. — Novice. [We are not aware how far the smell of gas tar is likely to be prejudicial to bees. Possibly some of our readers may be better informed on this point than we arc, and if so we should be much obhged by their communicating the results of their experience.] ALVNAGEMENT OF A SWARM SUPERED WHEN HIVED. About the 20th of Jime a swarm of bees came to my place in the country, and were hived that evening in a straw hive with a straw super on them. It was the first occasion on which I had anything to do with bees, and chd not know at the time that it was wrong to put the super on when I did. I have not looked at the super since, but the hive I have looked at, and it appears about one-third full of comb. What ought I to do — remove the super or not ? Can you tell me what kind of bee is the enclosed? — B. E. [We should remove the super, strengthen the stock by driving and adding to it the inhabitants of a condemned liive, and then feed hberally, so as to enable them to extend their combs and store them sufficiently before winter. The insect enclosed in your letter is not a bee but a fly, Eristahs floreus of Linnseus. ! OUR LETTER BOX. Profitable Poultry-keeping (Otic ichoif Fond of Them), — The subject bas been discussed rcpentedly. and tbe e\idence seems to preponderate against their beinff profitable "if all tbeir food bas to be bought. \Vhere they have a good run. are carefully attended, and early chickens are suc- cessfully reared, we believe they can be kept profitably. The insei-tion of theoretical conclusions is not desirable. Leg Weakness (G. R. iJ.).— Let the Dorking cockerel have bread sopped in ale once daily, and plenty of green food, besides his ordinary diet. Give him 4 grains of citrate of iron daily, mixed with a little soft food, such as a mash of barley meal. He will probably regain strength in his legs gradually. White Dorkings (T. A. IT.).— Apply to Mr. Martin, Linton Park, Staplehurst, Kent. Feeding Bees in a common Straw Hive (C. A. jlf.).— If there is the usual cork in the top of yom- common straw hive, draw it out and teed throuch the aperture, if none exists cut ft hole about 2 inches in diameter with a sharp penknife. Administer food by means of a pint bottle, with its mouth tied over with a bit of cap net, inveited. and the neck inserted in the aperture. Commence feeding at once, and replenish the bottle every evening until a sufficient quantity be given. Feeding a United Stock of Ligurian and Common Bees {A Sitxsex Bee-Acepcr).— Having been fortannto in adrUng black bees to your Li- gnrian queen yon are now doing quite right in feeding liberally. The supply of food should be continued until the box becomes pretty weU tilled 'with comb, and its contents weigh from 15 to 20 lbs. nett.— A De- voKBHiRE Bee-keeper. September 26, 1805. ] JOURNAL OF IIORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 247 WEEKLY CALENDAR. of Month Week. SEPT. 26— OCT. 2, 1865. AveraKO Tcmpemturo near London. Uain in laat 08 years. Sun Rises. Sun Sots Moon lUses. Moon Sots. Moon's Akc. Clock after Sun. Day of Year. Day. NiKlil. Me.Tjl. Days. m. h. m. h. m. h. m. h. Uays. m. s. as Ttl Ivy flowers. 65.2 44.2 54.7 19 64af5 48af6 after. Ilaf9 7 8 45 209 a? W CVu"ilia artieiUata flowers. 65.1 45.3 55.2 22 60 5 46 5 8 1 1 10 8 i) 5 270 28 Til Kliii loavo.^ fnrn orange. 64.0 41.3 54.4 21 57 5 44 5 65 1 0 11 1) fl 25 271 29 ]•• :\luiiAi:i.MAH Day. 65.2 44.4 54.8 24 59 6 42 5 36 2 mom. 10 9 '15 272 81) S rlicrrv leavos tiu-u red. 65.0 4,1.0 64.8 23 1 6 39 5 13 » 6 0 11 10 4 273 1 Sun 11) Sunday after Tiunitv. 63.5 45.2 64.3 20 4 6 1 37 5 45 3 17 1 12 10 24 274 2 M Horse Chestnut leaves fall. 64.5 44.2 54,3 19 16 6 1 35 5 16 4 84 2 13 10 48 275 night From observations taken near London dnrin;? the last tbirty-eiKht years , the avoraffe day temperature of the week is 64.7°, and its toinporntnro 4-l.l\ The greatest heat was 79', on the 27th, laSJ; and the lowest eold, IT', ou the 2nd, 1853. The f,Teatest fall of | raiu was 1.68 inch. 1 THE RIBBON-BORDERS AND BEDDING-OUT AT OULTON PARK. HE kitchen gardens here arc in extent ahout four acres, inside the walls, and they are nicely sheltered from the east and west muds Ijy large trees in the park. The principal approach to them from the hall is through the arhoretum and flower garden ; they are very pleasantly situated, sloping gently to the south. A main walk passes through them from north to south, and they are divided in the centre by the Peach-wall, famed in years gone by for its line Peach trees, none of which now remain, for they were lolled by the severe fi-ost of 1800-01. This wall nins straight across the centre of the gardens from east to west. On the north side of the gardens are tlie forcing-houses, vineries, Peach-houses, &c., and on each side of the walk leailing fi'om tlie flower gardens to the ^dneries, is a border 10 feet wide ; these borders, when I came to Oulton five years ago, were filled with old Apple trees, many of them in the last stage of decay ; beneath the Apple trees the borders were in summer tilled -v^-ith annuals, a few Geraniums, &c. I at once asked to be allowed to clear all the old trees away. This was done ; then about .10 feet of the old Peach-wall was brouglit very abruptly into view. There being only a narrow doorway through this waU lead- ing into the upper gardens, I at once suggested the clearing away of tliis portion of the Peach-waU, so that the luie of ^'ision shoidd not be interrupted. Tlds was after a little while agreed upon, the breach in the wall was made to the desu-ed width, and a nice pillar was built on each side to lude the ends of the wall as much as possible. A splendid position for ribbon -borders was thus opened out, with a fine backgi'ouud of trees beyond. Wicn we had cleared the centre wall away another diffi- culty presented itseK — the portion of the nortli-boimdary wall tlu-ough which there is a doorway leading into the frammg gi-ound became very unsightly ; tins difficulty was overcome by raising a large mound immediately in front of the walk. This was done by diivmg a lot of oak stumps into the ground, one tier above another ; there in the summer time are planted Humea elegans and large Scarlet Geraniiuus, and evergreens in the winter. Tliis completely hides tlds portion of the wall ; that on tlie right and left is covered ^Wth the lean-to vineries and foreing-liouses, and the mound is a beautiful object when seen from the bottom of the walk, wliich is 140 yards long. The wall is com- pletely hidden, and the graceful Humeas waging gently in the breeze, give it a very eharmmg appearance. The eli'ect of this mound is very much unproved by two or tlu'ee No. 23;.— Vol. IX., New Sebtes, gi-oups of Humeas, which arc placed iu the centre of the ribbon -borders right and left of the walk, as you pass through between the Peacli-wall ; these are backed up by Dahlias, and in the front close to tlie edge of the walk are placed some Fuchsias. The Humeas, Dahlias, and Fuchsias, are planted alternately, the ribljon ro\vs covering the groimd beneath (hem. This portion of the borders is planted as follows : — 1st row, next the gravel- walk, !) inches vdde, Cerastium tomentosum : 2nd row. Lobelia speciosa, dotted at inteiwals i\ith Geranium (iolden Fleece, tlien comes a mass of Verbena Maonetti, Princess Victoria, 4 feet ^\'ide, this is backed by a liand of Geranium Bijou, If-i inches ivide. This arrangement forms the centre of the border, it is planted just alike on each side of the walk ; the mass of the little'Verbena, as seen coming from either up or do-svii the garden, has had a cliarming eft'ect, it has been the admiration of all who have seen it. It is in coloiu- a beautiful violet-shaded magenta. It is a hybrid I obtained last year by crossing the little Maonetti, Im- peratrice Elizabetli, with Velvet Cusjliion. Tliis variety has obtained during the past summer the higliest award the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultiu'al Society could give it. I have little doubt but that it \\ill become one of the greatest favoiuites amongst the novelties for bedtling- piu'poses next year. The flowers are of mucli larger size than tliose of the Maonetti section. The liabit is all tliat could be wished, and the gi-oimd is covered with its beauti- ful trusses of brilliant flowers from a very early period in the smumer till the frost comes in October. It can be kept iu cold pits m perfect health all through the whiter months. It strikes very fi'eely, and is altogether one of the most chaste and beautiful plants for flower garden decoration I have ever seen. Avery large plat of Dahlias, witli the gi'ound between them covered with it, has a very charming ap- pearance. Mr. Gibson wUl, no doubt, turn tliis to great advantage, by planting it amongst his fine-foliaged plants at Battersea Park, wiien he becomes aware of its adapta- bility for that purpose. Having described wdiat is planted on the mound at the top of the ribbon-borders, also the arrangement of the centre, I will now^ proceed to describe the principal borders north and south of the Peach -wall, or centre of the gardens-. Hitherto, I have each year planted the borders on each side of the walk aUke, but this season for the sake of more variety I have planted each border dift'erently. On enteruig the kitclien garden from the flower garden or south side, the right-Iiand border is planted as follows, lieguming from the gravel: — 1, Cerastium tomentosum.^ ■2, Lobeha speciosa, dotted at every 4 feet with a plant of Geranium Golden Fleece. S, Verbena Maonetti Princess Victoria. 4, Verbena Pm-ple King, dotted at the same dis- tance m the row-s as the LobeUa with Geranium Christine. Care was taken in planting to have the Geraniums planted alternately, .-^o that each plant of Golden Fleece should form a triangle with two plants of Christine. !S. Geranium Flower of the Day. 6, Calceolaria Gaines's Yellow (tliis I find one of the best for standing all weathers'). 7, Gcra- niimi Boule de Feu. 8. Piu-ple Zelinda DahHn. 0, and last, a narrow row of Calceolaria Amplcxicaulis. This No. 857.— Vol. XXXIV., Old Series. 248 JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 26, 1865. shade of yellow gives a very nice finish to the border, the bloom of the Calceolaria just peeping above the purple Dahlia. The plants of Golden Fleece dotted in the row of Lobeha speciosa gave it a very pretty appearance, as did the Christine in--tbe row of Purple King. It was a great relief to the eye, and had the effect of toning down the colours to a very pleasant degree. In this border the arrangement of colours will appear thus : — 1. White. 2. Blue and yellow. 3. Violet-Hhaded magenta. 4. Pui"ple and pink. 5. \\Tiite and cerise. 6. Yellow. 7. Scarlet. 8. Deep purple. 9. Light shade straw. of yellow, or The left-hand or opposite border is planted, commencing from the gravel, with— 1, Cerastium tomeutosiim ; 2, Verbena Velvet Cushion, dotted with Geranium Golden Fleece ; 3, Ver- bena Hebe; 4, Stella Geranium; 5, Purple ICing Verbena, dotted with Princess Victoria ; 6, Geranium Bijou ; 7, Calceo- laria Gaines's Yellow ; 8, Purple Zelinda Dahlia ; 9, Calceolaria amplexicaulis. The colours in this border wiU be— 1. White. 2. Deep velvety purple veUow. 3. Piuk. 4. Crimson scarlet. and r>. Purple and magenta. (>. White and scarlet. 7. Yellow. 8. Purple. y. Light shade of yellow or straw. Wc now pass through the opening made in the Peaeh-wall or centre of the garden, which has already been described above, in a straight line, and come into the upper or north gardens. Two of the most beautiful objects in these borders are Ver- benas General Lee and Claret Queen. These are two of the best of my last vear's seedlings of the old section. General Lee has a 'very fi-ee habit and style of growth with neat foUage, and flowers very profusely all through the season. Good flowers may be seen of' this variety long after all other Verbenas have disappeared. The colour is a rich crimson-shaded pm-ple. This with the following varieties wiU be much sought after for bedding-purposes, as they are quite new in colour, and all possess the desired habit for bedding-purposes. Amongst the manv thousands of Verbenas that I raise yearly, I only se- lect those of good habit, the type of which is Purple Kmg. Those maguiiicent flowers one sees at the London exhibitions are only fit for pot culture, plant them out in the open ground and they are nothing better than weed;;. We do not want form so much in the bcdiling Verbena, but the qualities most desir- able are a great and lasting profusion of bloom, distinct colom-s that are not easily faded by sun or rain, and last, but not least, a good, compact, and erect style of growth. The varieties named above will produce five or seveu trusses of liloom to every one produced bv the strong-gi-owiug large-leaved kinds, such as Foxbunter, Lord Leigh, &c. The foUowmg are the best of my novelties for next year :— General Lee, Claret Queen, General Grant, Loveliness, Laura, and Rosignole. On the border on the right hand as we go up the garden, we commence with No. 1, Cerastium tomentosum ; 2, Lobeha speciosa- 3, Golden Fleece Geranium; 4, Verbena General Lee- 5 'Geranixun Flower of the Day; 6, Verbena Purple King ; 7, Yellow Calceolaria ; 8, Purple Zehnda Dahlia ; 9, Am- plexicaulis Calceolaria. This border for arrangement of colour, the evenness ot growth of each row of plants, and for general effect I consider the best of the six borders. From the Cerastium in the fi-ont row to the Calceolaria at the back, the border all through the season has presented a perfectly even surface, and this mthout much trouble having been bestowed on it. My great object m arran-nng my ribbon-borders, as well as the beds, is to arrange the plants so that they will each support the others, all the trouble required being merely pulling a stray flower from an adjoining row into its proper place. I also plant them so that the colom- shall harmonise without picking out any oi the blooms from the plants. This system ot pickmg the blooms out always grieves me beyond measure wherever I see it done. The colours" hi this border will stand thus- 1. \Milte. 2. Blue. 3. Yellow. 4. Crimson-shaded purple. 5. White and ceiise. 6. Puriile. 7. Yellow. 8. Dark purple. 9. Light yellow or straw colour. 1. White. 2. Blue. 3. Yellow. plexicauUs Calceolaria. The colours in this border are as follows : — I 4. Claret. I 7. Yellow. .'i. \Vhiteond scarlet. 8. Dark puri>le. I 6. Purple. I 9. Light yellow or straw. The plants are put out thickly when the borders are first planted, so that the ground is covered almost directly. We do not have to wait till the summer is nearly over before the ground is covered. The number of plants required for the six ribbon-borders every year is upwards of 13,000. — J. Wills. (To be continued.) The opposite or left-hand border commencea with— 1, Ceras- tium next the gravel ; 2, Lobelia speciosa ; 3, Golden Fleece ; 4 Verbena Claret Queen ; 5, Geranium Bijou : 6, Verbena Purple Kin" ■ 7, YeUow Calceolaria ; 8, Purple Zelinda ; 9, Am- FORMS OF OUR FRUIT-HOUSES. After the lean-to foi-m the orchard-house is, undoubtedly, the next in importance ; and though in discussing its merits I run the risk of offending some of its advocates. I do not think I can properly elucidate my opinion of how important it is that the shape of the house and the mode of cultivation should each be adapted to the end in view, without entering upon it ; the better, therefore, to guard against a misunder- standing, I wiU commence by defining what I understand the term " orchard-house" to mean. My first was 12 feet wide, span-roofed, with five-feet sides ; my next 20 feet wide, also with a span roof, and the same height at the sides ; my third 3fi feet wide, with three ridge- and-furrow roofs, each 12 feet wide, and 7 feet high at the sides, and now, I beheve, they are built 30 feet wide, with a single roof. Let me take these as samples of orchard-houses — that is, a span-roofed house of some sort, having glass all round, and with no more pipes than are sufficient to keep the frost out. Lean-to houses are not orchard-houses, even if fruit trees are grown in them. They have been used for forc- ing dwarf trees, either in pots or iflauted out, since Miller's day, and I am confining my attention to what may be called the orchard-house system of cultivation, leaving out the ques- tion of pruning and the merits or demei-its of growing trees in pots. These houses have succeeded in presen-ing the blossoms from frost, and, m the south of England, ripening the fi-uit ; but as you come north their success has depended on their size till the midland counties are reached, where their usefulness ends, even with tlie addition of pipes, and can only be restored by turning them into forcuig-houses. My orchard-houses went the usual way ; the first year my new "trees had abundance of blossom, but the fruit fell off with the cold winds ; the next year I had a wider and larger house ready for them, but less bloom, and the summer's result was the same. Still, reading of the advantages of large houses, I persevered and built a larger ; in this I had little bloom and less fruit. How many hundi-eds of gentlemen and gardeners can say the same was their experience ? The large houses keep the spi-ing frosts out, but in the autumn the sun has not power enough to ripen either the fruit or the buds. The small houses I saw described in yoiu- Journal of September 5tb, in the " Doings of the Last Week," by " R. F." under "Fruit Garden." I have already commended this description to one gentleman's attention, who " has a beautiful large orchard-house, supphed with pipes to use in cold weather, and whose Peaches are over out of doors, but in the orchard-house are not ripe yet, though he has had this year a new gardener who knew bow to manage them." I said if they would use the pipes they could, I thought, ripen them before November, at v/hich time " R. F." wishes to ripen his Plums. He is quite right ; their proper use is for retardiug-houses. Let me give the quotation. " One great advantage of orchard- houses is, that in a foi-ward season like this you may prolong the season, by keeping the house with abundance of ventilation, so as, in fact^ to make it cooler than the out-door temperature. If ever we should get the chance we would have a cool glass house for such Plums as Reine Claude de Bavay, and Coe's Golden Drop, as in many seasons, we believe, they could be thus had beautifully coloured and rich in flavour up to Novem- ber." This is exactly what I did for four years under the ad- vice of Mr. Rivers. Turn to his book on orchard-bouses, and imder the head of " ventilation " you will find — " Now let me advise any one, who has such a servant, to open all the shutteis about thefirst week in July, and have them nailed so that they cannot be closed ; they may remain so tiU the first of Septem- ber." Last year, in the third week in August, I had a visit from a French friend of mine, with whom I bad often stayed, September 2G, 1865. ] JOURNAL OP HOllTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAllDENEE. 249 find on such occasions had much conversation upon Hardening, iiiid imrticularly truit-treo cultivation, llo arrived after darli, and when he had taken some refroslimeut our eouversatiou naturally turned upon a subject so interestiiif; to Ijotli. " Well," he said, " you will show me great thinf;s in your garden to- mon'ow?" "Yes, I will show you what will interest you, what I think you cannot see in all France — a proof that our climate here, in the north of England, is superior to yours for early fruit." " But, Monsieur, it requires to know you a long time to believe it." " Then I will prove it before we go to bed." " You will prove to me that your summer months--for it is the summer months that ripen the fruit — are sujjerior to ours in France ?" " No, excuse me, I have only to prove that they are colder ; you speak of the end of a crop. Let us begin at the beginning. First, the trees must have a rest ; wo will say my trees have made their growth and sot their buds, what they want then is cold weather to make them lose their leaves ; liave you that in France ?" " I begin to understand you ; then tell me what you can show me." " Peach trees in perfect health without leaves, without leaves and still in August !" "My dear fellow you have proved it, if you can rijien their fruit as early in proportion ; hut tell mo liow you in Eni;land do this." I told him I did as Mr. Kivers recommends; when July came in I shut off the heat from the pipes and let the night air in. In July the thermometer at niglit will range about 55°, in August 45' ; of course, I mean, in a house under this treatment. Any one spending, as I did, three years ago, the months of September and October in south-western France, Swits;erland, and northern Italy, could not fail, while atbxiiring the beautiful autumnal tints, to be impressed with the influence cold night temperature has on vegetation. Mr. Rivers says his French friends exclaim on entering his orchard-house, " I'oj'te notrc climat!" and so I kept thinking this must be my climate. The following August and September the thermometer marked 95° in the day, and 45° at night, in my Peach-house. I am quite convinced that nothing that has been written by the greatest enemies of orchard-houses has done them a tithe of the harm that this advice so often m'ged by Mr. Rivers has. Try my practice, those who have orchard-houses ; put in pipes, and in proportion as you are north advance the time of start- ing the house, and your troubles will cease, for you will have as warm weather as there is at Sawbridgeworth, to ripen j'our fruit and ensure your trees being well set with buds before the summer is over ; but do not continue to think you can ripen your fruit with a temperature, and in spite of a treatment that has sent mine to rest two years running. Orchard-houses have taught us many things, but perhaps the most valuable of all is the loiowledge of the sun's power over them. The large firms who supply pot trees have all built immense houses, and though I do not recollect ever see- ing any account of the temperatures they thus obtain, I know that these are very high, and the reason why they tlius show us this great heating power of the sim is because they are, so to speak, half empty, the pot trees they are built to grow seldom attaining in such hands more thau 6 feet. I have said I know that the temperatures run very high ; I compute them at 100° for May and September, and 110° to 120° for June, July, and August. If I am wrong, let some of these firms speak. It is doing no service to horticultm'e to lead purchasers to think these httle trees are set with buds at low temperatures ; and let me induce some who are building to accept the experience thus gained, and build large, square, tall houses, to train their Vines and fruit trees that they may take advantage of cubic , measure, at the same time gi^'ing ample access to prune or syringe the trees, and by growing the foliage so that it will not keep out the sun's rays, save their coals while they are warming their house by a much preferable heat, and be able to enjoy higher temperatures than it would be safe to attain by any other means. — G. H. ScRELYyonr correspondent " G. H." has taken to gardening blindfolded, or he would not say we " have actually retrograded in building houses." With respect to his strictures on lean-to houses aud Pine-pits being the same tliat Miller and Speechly recommended a century ago, I can see no better mode of build- ing houses for early forcing in om' latitude. " Large, square, tail houses " may, perhaps, be adapted to some gardens. As a rule the paraUelogi'am is the fittest shape for fruit-houses, either lean-to or span-roofed ; and if houses of the tirst-named sort are well built and well adapted by their angles for forcing during early winter, no better form can bo invented. Tliere is no reti'ograding in employing such houses. With regard to tall sjian-roofcd houses, " G. H." may see scores of them in different parts of the country from 20 to 30 feet wide, and from 50 to 250 feet in length, and but few of them with Vines and Peach trees trained under the glass so as to exclude the sun. It is now toUirably well known that standard and half-slandiird Peach, Nectarine, Apricot, and otlier fruit trees planted in the borders of such houses, their heads carefully ju-uued in sunnuer so as to make them take a lateral growth, soon become most abundantly fertile, and owing to the sun shining through the unsh.'uled roof the most perfect ripening climate is formed. The pruning of the trees is almost a work of pleasure, and there being no trellises to keep in order and to keep the young shoots tied to, the labour is but trifling. As to the transverse trellises running from fi'ont to back for lean-to houses, although when furnished with leaves or shoots they would look much like a Lincolnshire decoy for wild fowl, yet they would give much greater produce to the market gar- dener than trees trained under the roof. I know of one lean-to forcing-house for Peaches, the back wall is covered with tine trees, the area of the house has espaliers trained to trellises as if they were common garden trees, and the intervals are filled with pyramidal Nectarines in pots. The wall trees bear weU, the espaliers and trees in pots ditto, and all is satisfactory, the produce being much larger in my opinion than if a trellis were placed under the glass in the old way, occupying all the space and not allowing any sun, except a scant supply to the upper part of the back wall, to penetrate the leaf-covered treUis. The training of Vines to upright rods, and in some instances to trellises, in all cast's Ifaiiiip the roof clear, is a nice mode of culture. This is treated of by Mr. Kivers in " The Orchard- House." He states that the produce of a house with Vines trained to upright stakes will be more than KJO per cent, in excess of a house of the same size where the Vines are trained under the glass. I have one house 20 feet by 14 — it should be 7.{ feet high at the sides and 15 feet high in the centre, at present it is not so high — well, in this house I have a path in the centre, and in each side-border are twenty-four Vines, three rows in each ; forty-eight Vines in all. I hope to see them reach 12 feet high on the average, and I can see that their produce, for they have commenced to bear, must be enormously in excess of roof Vines ; for I could only have twelve roof Vines in my small house, giving me ISO feet of bearing stems, whereas my forty-eight Vines will give me 576 feet. This calculation is, I am sure, school-boyish, but, I trust, easily understood. From the roof admitting every ray of sunshine the Grapes, even Frontignans, ripen well. It remains to be calculated which kind of culture would give the larger produce in a given space. We must suppose a tail span-roofed house 24 feet wide, 8 feet high at the sides, and 16 feet high in the centre, the roof kept perfectly clear, and the area of the house planted with espaliers trained to trelUses either parallel to the house or transverse ; in the former case there would he room for six rows of espaliers trained to trellises averaging 12 feet in height ; there is not a doubt but such an arrangement would give an immense quantity of fruit, and consume labour to an equal degree. We must now take a house of the same dimensions, and plant it with low standard trees, their heads pruned so as to give them a lateral tendency. The expense of the treUis, no trifle, would be saved, and also the constant labour all the summer of tying and training. Two rows of such trees could be planted on each side of the central walk, or the centre of the house could be occupied with the trees, aud a path made on both sides. The espaliers would require to be planted 20 feet apart, so that a house 60 feet long would in its six rows contain eighteen trees. Standards might be planted 10 feet apart, and twenty-four permanent trees be planted ; but for the first five or seven years temporary half-standards might be planted, so that the house might be made to contain forty-eight trees : these would give a large produce. The whole matter is full of interest ; but your correspondent " G. H." must not think that " this one idea, that nothing will succeed well that is not tr.ained under glass " (the roof), is the idea of the present day. There are hundreds of "tall houses " in which the roofs are clear, and fruit trees are gi-own in them to great perfection. A friend writes me, " My pyramidal Peach trees are maiTeUously beautiful, they are 12 feet high, and covered with fine fruit from head to foot ; the fruit at the lower part of the trees quite as fine as that near the roof." 250 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. r September 26, 1865. There is no doubt but that our hothouse builders like the old- fashioned, expensive, heavy-raftered houses, and, of course, when buililing vineries, never think of recommending any other mode than training Vines and all fruit trees under the roofs in the old way ; but they are men that make money, ajid have but few ideas of what may be done in growing fruit ; it is not their province, they are too much engaged to think of such matters. The new ideas miast be carried out by intelligent amateur gardeners, and such men as your correspondent are the right men to do the work. — Vitis. LAEGE PEACHES, The largest Peaches I have known of this season were grov,-n at Halliugbury Place, on a tree trained to the back wall of a lean-to orchard-house, in the compartment used for forcing Peaches so as to have them ripe in June. They were fruit of that fine late Peach, Desse Tardive, and measiu'ed 12 inches in circumference. It is remarkable that late Peaches when forced grow to an enormous size, they ripen slowly, and seem to keep on increasing in size, when early sorts in the same climate have ripened, and are cleared off. They, in fact, require a warmer climate than walls or common orchard-houses, for it is well known that such sorts as the above, and others of the same race, the Late Admirable, and the Bourdin, are apt to drop off just before the period of ri2)ening, causing much vexation to the cultivator. The largest Peaches gi-own here were from a tree of the Golden Rathrij)e in a pot, they measured lOi inches in circumference. — T. K. AUTUMN-BLOOMING ROSES. Although many persons are ready to pronounce the tei-m " Hybrid Perpetual " a sham, and declare that we ought to abandon it for some other more definite, I think every year convinces us the more of the great value of this class for autumnal purposes. I do not mean for exhibition ; for as a rule (there are, of course, exceptions), the attempt, luileasfrom immense collections, to gatlier together twenty-four or forty- eight good Roses at any one time is a failure. A Rose is a Rose at all times, a "sweet pet," a "darling favourite;" but, as fond mammas cannot see tlie failure of beauty in their Ceoilias and Gwendolines, even after a few seasons of London life, so I fear we are apt to overlook the deterioration of our chil(h-eu, when our trees, after enduring the heat of a summer and blooming vigorously, vouchsafe to give us some blooms in autumn. My o^ti experience on the matter is, that generally spealdng the boxes put up at the end of August or beginning of September contain some half-dozen really good Roses, and that the rest are to be classed under various degrees of badness, and this even with those who have whole acres of Roses to cut from. In the same way the forced Roses are generally (I mean boxes of cut blooms), while very fragrant, very charming, itc, devoid of much interest to a genuine Rose-grower ; yet who can go round a rosery and see the large iiowerless bushes of summer Roses, and then on the Hybrid Perpetuals, and Teas, and Noisettes behold blooms here and there showing them- selves, without feeUug the immense advantage the latter classes present ? I think, indeed, their great beauty is this, that you can cut every day some three or four Roses, which, placed singly in those pretty vases made for the purpose, gladden the eye .and refresh the mind of a votary of the queen of flowers. Very, very often these blooms are equal to any produced in the summer — ^not those which may be gathered at the end of August, when the sim's influence is generally too great, driving them into bloom before they have time to think about it ; but from tlie second week in September, or through October if the weather be favourable, and even into drcaiy dark November, I have had blooms of Charles Lefebvre, Seuateur Vaisse, Tri- omphe d'Amiens, and others, equal to any one I have gathered in the height of the Rose season, and I think such blooms quite redeem the Hybrid Perpetuals from being a sham. I hardlj' think that one can s.afely give a list of autumnal- blooming Roses. "Where a large collection is grown, most probably the greater portion of the varieties wiU at some time or other give blooms ; and where the collection is a small one, it woidd be perhaps unwise to recominend particidar sorts for this object alone. From adopting in some of my beds the principle of pegging-do\ra I have had some wonderful shoots from the centre of the plant ; Due de Gazes, Lord Raglan, Jules Margottin, John Hopper, and others having made shoots of 6, 7, and 8 feet in length, and the tips in many instances shooting out again and giving bloom-buds ; while, again, as far as one can judge, many of the best of the newer kinds, such as Duchesse de Morny. Madame Victor Verdier, Pierre Nottiug, and Baron PeUetan de Kinkelin are good for this purpose. Amongst those that I have found most useful in this respect (my experience may not be that of others), are GenCral Jac- queminot and its vei-y near neighbour Triomphe d'Amiens, Charles LefebvTe, Jules Margottin, Due de Cazes, General Washington (better in autumn than in summer), Senateur Vaisse, Madame C. Crapelet, Baron A. de Rothschild, Madame CaiUat, Marechal VaQlaut, Auguste Mie, Madame Knorr, Eu- gene Appert, Geant des Batailles, John Hopper, Madame Victor Verdier, Pien'e Nottiug, Baron PeUetan de lunkelin, and Caro- line de Sansal. Bourbons are of course always to be depended ujion ; and such kinds as Souvenir de la Malmaison, Baron Gonella, and Catherine Guillot will always give blooms. They are not so fragrant as the Pei-petuals, but nevertheless add much to the number and beauty of autmnnal Hoses. — D., Deal. LILIUM CULTIVATION. {Continued from page 229.) OuT-noOE Culture. — Perhaps there is no flower so fine in its season as the White garden Lily (Lilium candidum), so well known and esteemed for its snow-white fragrant blossoms, pro- duced in such large heads as to fit it for large central groups in beds or arboretimis. There are many excellent hardy species and varieties of Lilies, and I shall take them in the following order : — Liliiim caiiilidiim (Wliite garden Lily), flowers white, fragrant, and handsome ; 3 to 4 feet. L. candidum plenum, a double form of the preceding, white flowers, fine ; 3 to i feet. L. candidum striatum, white and purple ; 3 to 4 feet. L. candidum foliis luteo-variegatis, a fine variegated form of the species, with golden variegation, and white flowers like those of the species ; somewhat variable in character. I fear that it will not retain its variegation permanently, if it do so it will be a favourite. 3 to -1 feet. L. candidum foliis argentco-variegatis, a white or silvery variegated form of the species, having white flowers ; 3 to 4 feet. This is not much as regards variegation, still novel; the flowers, however, are fine. L. candidum foliis maculatis, a blotcbed-leaved kind, rather more dwarf than the species, with white flowers ; height, 2i to 3 feet. Lilium hulbiferutn, orange red, dwarf, and fine; 2 feet. L. bulbiferum umbellatum, orange red, splendid ; 2 feet. L. birlbiferum umbellatum fulgidum, a dwarf form of the last with flowers of a richer hue ; 18 inches. L. bulbiferum imibellatum pimctatum, a spotted variety of umbellatum, and very fine ; 2 feet. The last four have a splendid effect. They vai-y in height from l.J to 3 feet, according to soil, &c., and have dark gi-een glossy leaves and magnificent terminal racemes of rich orange- red cup or saucer-like flowers. In herbaceous borders, and early groups in the flower garden, they are gorgeous. Lilium aurantiacum, orange yellow; 3 feet. Lilium atrosntiguineum, blotched brown on orange-red ground ; height, 18 inches to 2 feet. L. atrosanguincum rubens, orange red, blotched crimson ; height from 18 inches to 2 feet. L. atrosanguincum Vulcan, very like the last. Lilivm venvstum, little different from the well known Orange Lily (Lilium aurantiacum), flowers orange; height, 18 inches to 2 feet. Lilium kamtschatlcensi', orange; IS inches. The last six have saucer-like flowers like the four preceding them, and might not inaptly be termed the " cup " section. Lilium Thuuberqianum, and its variety gi-andiflorum, already described, and not distinguishable from venustum. Liliuvi jyojiijjonium, yellow ; 4 feet. L. pomjionium aurantiacum, orange ; 4 feet. Lilium caimdcnsr, shaded orange ; 3 to 4 feet. Lilium chalcedonicum (Scarlet Martagon) , brilliant scarlet; 3 to 4 feet. Lilium coldiicnm, rich yellow, finely spotted ; 4 feet. Lilium ]\[arta!iou, purple ; 3 to 4 feet. There was a double variety, which I believe is now lost to cultivation. September 2G, 1865. ] JOUBNAL OF HORXICULTUEE A.ND COTTAGE GAUDENEE. 251 L. Martafcon sopalis albis, wliito ; 3 to 4 foet. The double fonu o£ this is not now to bo bad. Liliiim saperhiiia piinunidah' is tbo must stately of the North American Lilies, remarkable for the number anil eloRanco of its Uowers of I'ich siiottcd orange. In ricli soil, and esjiBcially iu that which is moist and peaty, it attains a height of 7 or 8 feet. The flowers are disposed iu a graceful manner in the form of a chandelier, and are salmon-coloured and finely spotted. Liliiim siir.ciusuni (lancifolium) varieties, and L. tUjrinmn, previously described, with the eight last named, are of the '* Turk's-cap " section, of which the Martagon is tbo tyjie. To these may be added, as desirabU; for out-door culture, most of those named as suitable for cultivation in pots, Lilium CiUciibiei is a beautiful dwarf species, witli crimson and yellow spotted vase-like flowers ; 1 foot to 1 foot ti inches. Lilium pijrenakum, yellow; ;! feet. Lilium siuicuiu, already noted, has smaller, narrow-lobed, vase-like blossoms, of a brilliant scarlet. Lilium monacU'lphum, yellow, spotted ; nothing extraordinary. Lilium (•xcelxum (testaoeum), not equal to many, buff ; i feet. lAlium Wallichiaunm, large, line, white ; ii feet. Ground intended to be planted with the above Lilies should be dug deeply and be in good heart, or bo made so by the adtlitiou of tuify loam, leaf mould, or rotten nuiuure. Wiere the soil is very strong or adhesive, after provicUng efficient drainage, remo\c it to the depth of IS inches or 2 feet, and replace it with tiu-fy loam, if possible, or good sound loam, with an equal quantity of leaf mould intermixed. If the soil is good, but heavy, a little Ught sandy loam and sand will help to open it, and old mortar will answer the same purpose. All Liliums do not thrive iu the same suil, but those of the Martagon, or Turk's-cap section, do best in heavy or strong rich soil, with a clayey subsoU. The cup-shaped, or those after the ty])c of the Orange Lily, are more suitable for sandy soils ; but peaty soils wiU grow all the species perfectly, in fact, no place is so suitable for Lilies as a Bhododendi'on-bed, for there they exhibit a luxuriance of growth and profusion of bloom not foimd in those grown in loamy sods. They will also thrive well in certain strong loams, on clay, if free of stagnant water. Liliums are very suitable for smokj' town gardens, especially the varieties of L. speeiosum, which are much grown by ama- teurs near Bradford. , The soil being in good heart, neither too Ught nor too heavy, and drained so as not to become very wet during the winter, plant the bulbs in clumps of six as early in autumn as the decay of the stems will allow, choosing an open situation, placing them at a distance apart equal to their own ihameter, and spreading out the roots, if any, equally on all sides, at about 3 inches below the surface ; place each bulb with the crowTi upwards, and if the soU is wet, put a little river sand around and upon each bulb, finally covering with 3 inches of lightish soil. When planting all kinds of bulbs in the garden borders, it is desirable to drive a stake down iu the centre of each clmnp, leaving it 3 or i inches out of the ground in order to indicate the position, so that in cleaning the borders or fork- ing them over the work may be done without injuring the roots. Without such stakes the roots are apt to be dug up in winter, or otherwise injured. The stakes most suitable are those made of what is generally termed " heart of oak," spht into pieces 1 or 14 inch square, and 15 inches long. They should be pointed at the lower end, and that end laid on a wood fii-e, so as to become charred f jr two-thirds of its length, and then, whilst hot, dipped in coal tar, taken out immediately, and laid aside to dry. Thus prepared they will last nearly an ordinary lifetime, and their black colour prevents any un- sightliness. They should be driven two-thirds of their length into the ground by the side of each clump, or in the centre of clumps composed of large bulbs, such as Liliums. If the kinds are such as are not known at sight, it is weU to cut a notch with a saw at the upper end of each stick, and have a book with the name numbered to correspond with the taUy. After planting it is desirable to cover the surface with an inch or two of jjartially decomposed leaves before severe weather sets in. This will materially protect the roots, as they are Uable to suii'er iu consequence of the openness of the soil over them. Once planted they will ueed no further attention beyond staking such stems as appear likely to be broken by the winds ; but the fewer the supports the more beautiful will be the gi-oup. After the stalks have decayed cut them off at the surface, and cover with a dressing of leaf moidd in the autumn of each year, to be forked into the groimd in the succeeding spring. Although autumn is the best time to plant Ijiliums, yet this operation may bo safely performed from that time until spring, only it must be done before the shoots have commenced grow- ing. The Turk's-cap section, however, cannot be ripianted at any jieriod without weakening the bloom for the succeeding season ; the Cup section are not so particular in this respect, for the}' lose most, if not all of their roots annually, and these are not thick and fleshy, as in the Turk's-cap Lilies. Liliums of all kinds sliould uot be reidantod ofteuer than once in three years, nor then if the roots aro ucjt too many to form a nice compact group. Lilium longiflorum and L. japonicum, or Browmii, do not lose the whole of their roots while in a state of rest. This should be borne iu mind by the cultivator, as it will suggest the dcsirabihty of uot removing the bulbs ofteuer than is absolutely necessary. Though Liliums will for the most part grow almost anywhere, they are worthy of a prominent position in the flower garden, or in groups iu arborctums or pleasure gi-ounds. For forming a groiip of the most uuiijue description in Khododendron- grounds the magnificent Lilium superbum or L. superbum pyramidale will hold its own against any of the gorgeous deni- zens of the flower garden, it is so stately as a plant, commonly attaining a height of 8 feet, and sometimes of 10 to 12 feet, and, so remarkable for the number and elegance of its blossoms, and their graceful disposition. It does best in a good peat bed. L. japoniciun is also very desirable for a bed. L. longiflorum is equally so, but of much less growth, and so are the varieties of L. speeiosum. In forming beds of Lilium speeiosum in the open air choose a light, airy, yet sheltered situation. If the soil is of a peaty nature, and free from stagnant water, it will only be necessary to dig the ground to a depth of 2 feet, but if light and sandy mix with it a dressing of 3 inches of leaf mould and well-rotted ma- nure in equal proportions. If it is wet and heavy dig out the soil to a depth of 2 feet ; at the bottom place (i inches of bi-ick rubbish, and then fill to within 3 inches of the surface, raising the bed a little in the centre, with two-thirds turfy peat, such as the common Fern (Pteris aquilina), likes to grow in, and one-third turfy loam and leaf mould in equal parts. Thoroughly mix this compost by chopi^ing it with a spade, and place the rougher portion at the bottom and the finer at the top. Arrange t'ae roots in rows, circular or otherwise, according to the shape of the bed, 9 inches asimder, and the roots 6 inches apart for a permanent bed ; place the large single-eyed roots in the centre, which may consist of the variety cruentum, planting two rows at least for a centre, but the width of the bed must determine the number of rows of one land. The large roots with single eyes, which invariably grow the strongest, being in the centre, the double-eyed roots should be placed in the next row outwards, and so on through all the species or varieties, the small single-eyed roots being reserved for the outsides, unless too small to bloom, when they must not be placed in the bed at all. Next to cruentum plant one or more rows of pimctatum, rubrum next, then roseum, and album next ; then plant a single row of each of the same varieties in regular order, commencing with cruentum and ending with album, using in this case the small single-eyed yet flowering roots, which need not be planted more than 3 inches apart, with 6 inches between the rows. Presuming an oval or circle to be planted in this manner, the diameter would le 10 feet; ml what could be a finer sight than such a bed during the months of August and September ! Having arranged the bulbs according to the taste of the operator, cover them with thi-ee inches of soil, and do not . press it down, but if the district is a rainy one, cover with a little sand, and then place the soil thereon. The sand pre- vents too much moisture from coming in immetliate contact with the bulbs, and the latter do not rot so soon as if in im- me.Uate contact with the decaying fibry compost. If severe weather set in the surface should be covered with 3 inches of litter, which ought to be removed by the end of March. About the end of Apiil or beginning of May the shoots will be up and growing, and just below or level with the surface will be found numerous roots. Now is the time t:i apply 2 or 3 inches of toji-dressing consisting of old mushroom-bed manure, if at baud, or, what is nearly as good, cocoa refuse, which is much neater in appearance ; in default of these, a top-dressing of the same compost as that forming the bed must be given. Unless the weather prove very ilry no water will be necessary, but it required, it must be given copiously, so as to penetrate down to the roots. Tie up neatly to small stakes any shoots that may need adjusting. In autumn, after the stalks decay, remove 252 JOUENAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GABDENEE. [ September 26, 1865. the top-dreasing and take off the stalks level with the crown of the roots, which will bring away all the small offsets, as these are found adhering to the base of the fiower-stem beneath the soil. This done, cover with .3 inches of prepared com- post, the same as that used in making the bed. All the small offsets being removed, only flowering roots will be left, and the bed will be finer in the second year than in the first. The most suitable times to plant Lilies is in October and November, and February and March, or whilst they are in a dormant state. A fine bed is formed by placing L. Brownii in the centre, L. eximium next it, and edging with L. longiflorum. L. Catesba'i makes a bed of lovely orange scarlet. It succeeds well in peat, but there is not a Lily that will not thrive luxu- riantly in the compost named for L. speciosum. L. giganteum, jajionicum, Wallichianum, and auratum have not as yet proved strictly hardy, but there is reason to believe that they will succeed out of doors with slight protection in winter. L. japonicum does well with 3 inches of dry leaves or litter placed over it in November and removed in March. Were the large store roots of L. giganteum and others of that section planted out in May. there is every probabihty that they would bloom finely, and might be taken up and potted in autumn and wintered in a cold pit, replanting them in spr.ng. I am not in a position to pronounce them hardy, but am persuaded that they might be successfully grown in many parts of the country with very slight protection. Any infor- mation on this point would be useful to many, and to none more so than mj'self. — G. Abbey. POTATOES. I VF.NTfRE to send you a few particulars respecting Potatoes, I shall feel obliged if yon can return me some practical advice thereon. I planted Ash-leaved and Alma Kidneys at the same time, in tlie same field, the seed of both coming from a distance. The Almas were ripe first, and yielded best ; they were scarcely touched with disease. The Ash-leaved were diseased perhaps to the amount of 10 per cent. I planted a Yorkshire Potato called " Cash-in-Hand " at the same time with Flukes. The Gash-in-Hand were diseased to the extent of )n'obably 50 per cent., the Flukes scarcely at all. The Cash-in-Hand I introduced to this land three years ago. The first year it bore well, with very little disease. The seed put in this year was descended from that of isr>3, but came last year from other land. The Flukes I had this year from Lancashire. Where the land was numured with stable manure for this year's crop almost aU the Potatoes ^Yere diseased. — H. W. B. [We do not discern on what points you need advice, except not to apply decomposing manures to the soil at the time of planting Potatoes. When the Potato murrain was a subject of much research it was showii that such manuring promoted the disease. The early-ripening varieties only should be culti- vated. We reject any variety that is not lit for storing by the end of July or early in August ; and we take up the tubers as soon as the leaves begin to turn brown. Storing before the tubers have been subjected to the autumnal rains jjromotes their keeping. They do not improve by being left in the ground so soon as the leaves begin to decay.] TEMPERATURE OF THE SEASON. We have had some extremely hot weather for September. On the IGth I put out two of our ordinary thermometers at 12. .5 p.m. to ascertain the heat. The men were complaining that it was hotter than it had been all the summer. I send mj' notes and times of taking my observations. I do not know that I ever found so great a change in young nursery stock in three weeks in my practice of twenty-five years. 1.4.'> P.M., tlieraiometer 12 inches from ground, buck to sun, S9- ; north wall 4 feet from ground, 79\ 3 P.M., 4 feet from gi-otmd, same position, S5- ; north waU, 82^. 6.30 P.M., ditto, 18-=; north wall, 76-. — Willow Cottage Nursery, Leicester. Kew. He is not only worthy of the appointment, but had an additional claim to it from latterlj* having so much assisted his father. DiHECTOK OF Kew Gap.dens. — We have very great satisfaction in announcing that Dr. .T. D. Hooker is apjjointed to succeed his father in the Directorship of the Eoyal Botanic Gardens, at FUNGUSES ON PASTURE GRASSES. Can you inform me what is the matter with the enclosed grass ? Several fields in this neighbourhood have within the last two weeks put on this appearance. The whole surface looks of a yellow colour, and the feet are covered with a fine yellow dust while walking over it. Do you consider it in- jurious to animals ? The disease seems principally to attack Eye Grass. — Hayes, Kent. [The yellow patches so conspicuous on the grass, leaves, and stems, are a fungus, Uredo rubigo, or rust. Being in such vast quantities we fear it will be injurious to cattle pastured upon the grass. We would have it all mown and burnt, and the fields then sown with salt, twenty bushels to the acre. The rain which has now arrived will soon bring forward a healthier herbage.] CHANNEL ISLANDS ORCHAED-HOUSES. The season, on the whole, has been favourable to the pro- duction of the year's crop and the ripening of the wood for the ensuing one. Aphides have been incessant in their attacks ; and the spider, rubra, cura, has remained master of the situ- ation in many instances. Grapes have coloured badly. The Peach crop, which was large, was scarcely an average in size, colour, or flavour. Most houses here are lean-to's, and the fruit on the back walls was decidedly finer than on bush trees in pots, as might be expected. Our powers of veutilation and irrigation were often severely tried, especially the former. I now send a report on the average jieriods of ripening of fruits in our houses. Of course it is only approximate on the whole, but this is sufficient for our purpose. It is collected from a certain nrunber of houses within this small radius, and is based on data from one to five years old. Nevertheless, if others would do the same as regards the orchard-houses- near them, it is easy to see what valuable information would result. These things have as yet been left undone, while they are of such real value that many mistakes annually occur from tliis cause alone, and much loss of time and money. Let any one try to give hints to another without having previously lumself accurately recorded these periods in his note-book, and he wiU soon discover that he has done his friend an injury. I speak here of the dates of the various fruits ripening, but there are many other matters equally worthy of being written down and not trusted to memory. The periods of ripening have been reduced to the compass of a week, which is about the average range. July. — The first Peach that has ripened here dming five seasons has, as yet, been Early York. It was ripe in certain quantities by the middle of July. It was closely followed by Early Cheweuse, Desse Hative, Early Victoria, Early Silver, Honey, Canary, and Early (xrosse Mignonne. These were generally fairly ready during the third week of this month, and gave us an excellent succession. The end of July brought to maturity Done, Acton Scot, and Golden Purple. These Peaches vary in quality, but are generally good. As mine go to Covent Garden, realising good profits to the dealers, but veiT little to myself, I am sceptical as to the prices some amateurs say they themselves have netted. However, I can easily say wliich of the July Peaches are the most to be depended on, and I am building an early-house expressly for this class, which is the most valuable in the Loudon and Paris markets. In the latter case the July Peaches come from Algiers. The Montreuil Peaches come in later. August. — We now tread closely on the open waU, and Peaches become comparatively less valuable unless very fine. The first week, however, is still a good test of earhuess for orchard-houses anywhere. Early Crawford Peach, Violette Hative Nectarine (in abundance). Elvers' Orange, Downton, and Abee Peach, were generally ripe then. During the second week we had Imperial, Du TeUiers, Stanwick, Eoyal Victoria, Bowden, Eoman, and Oldenburg Nectarines, and Stump-the- World Peach. Eoyal George, Eed Magdalen, and Grosse Mig- nonne Peaches from the open wall, making their appearance on table about this period, were formidable rivals. AVe do not, therefore, place the house in opposition to the wall just now, except for Nectarines, in the Channel Islands. In these it is always unrivalled, no matter the season. Soptomber 28, 1865.1 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 253 DuriiiK tlio tliiril week of August Triucess of Waloa Poftcli, Dc Sables Nectarine, Bergen's Yellow (au American Peach), unci Urugnon Violet ripened. The end of August brought us the Stanwicli on early walls, Alexina Chnupin (new), Chauviero Nectarine, Kensington, and Tardive Belle Fleur, a new Ame- rican variety, all good, but sustaining severe competition with the open wall at the moment. An account of the September I'eachos will l)e given hereafter. By the <'nd of tho month Peaches on the open wall become rare, and the houses resume a marked superiority. One liouse, growing late Peaches, easily outnumbers tlio produce of the islands then. This succession is of great value. During this warm season the Peaches on the open wall have been very numerous, but small. They ripened simulta- neously, and became, .at those times, a nuisance rather than a pleasure. No Peach which touches the ground is worth eating, and the supply is too great at one period, and waste ensues. — T. C. Bbehaut, liiclimvml IIounc, Gitcriisfi/. WHERE BANANAS, TINE APPTiES, AND ORANGES COME ERO]M. The vessels engaged iu collecting and bringing fruit to this port are mostly British bottoms and are not at all regular traders. Some' of these peculiar craft are rejiresented to be wreckers from Nassau, Cuba, Windward Islands, &c., and they are large dealers in ol.l junk. Wrecked goods, vessels, cottons, and iron-work are their customary plunder, the supply of which proving short they betake themselves to the fruit-gi-ow- ing districts, and load their vessels with Bananas, Pine Apples, Cocoa-nuts, Oranges, and Lemons. Loaded with a rich cargo of these edibles, the vessels are put for New York, or whatever port seems most desirable, and forthwith their freight is placed in the hands of commission merchants, who see to the dis- posing of the cargo. A number of American vessels are, how- ever, yearly chartered by the merchants dealing iu such commodities, and these latter trade regularly and in an or- thodox manner. Payments for fruit at the plantations are generally made in specie, occasionally varied, however, by bar-tering of goods, when a captain goes out on a speculating toui- of his own. In such cases flour, sugar, tea, and New England rum form the leading articles of merchandise — the rum preponderating. Some cotton and ginghams for the natives form a part also. These vessels trade along the South American coast, touch- ing at Cuban and West Indian ports, including Kingston, Jamaica. Bananas mostly come from Baracoa, liustan, and Matauzas ; Cocoa-nuts from Brazil ; Pine Apples from Cuba, Matanzas, and Nassau. It is astonishing how much waste ensues from the fruit de- caying while in transit for this port, whole cargoes sometimes being lost in this manner, and the crew are always engaged, while on the voyage homeward, in culling out the diseased fruit ; still sometimes they do not succeed in checking this great drawback to a cheap supply. Each vessel carries from 3000 to .5000 bunches of Bananas, and from 12,000 to 45,000 dozen Pine Apples or Cocoa-nuts on each trip. They fre- quently bring a few barrels of rare sea shells, half a dozen or so of tm-tles or terapins, and, in the case of foreign vessels already alluded to, a considerable quantity of junk and old iron constitutes a portion of their cargo. The voyage of a fruit- drogher generally occupies ten or fifteen days, although from Cuba the trips are naturally much shorter. Box fruit — consisting of Oranges, Lemons, Limes — come mostly from the Island of Sicily, and the vessels are most laden at the ports of Palermo and Messina, and the fruit is conveyed to this port in sailing vessels of the larger class and steam vessels. The Montown Lemons, usually known in trade as " French Lemons," generally begin to come in about the middle of February, and their season ends in the latter part of Jane or the first of July, sometimes lasting until August, in imusnally prosperous seasons. The Malaga Oranges and Lemons come into the market about August and last until January, thus completing the year. In Cuban fruits the trade is always lively on account of the regularity of the supplies and the ready sale always foimd for such fruit. Havana Oranges generally make their first appear- ance in November, and last through the winter until March. Limes also arrive in large quantities from Cuba, and form no inconsiderable part of the trade. Baracoa Bananas and Cocoa-nnts have their season from March to July, when the Carthagena fruit assumes lull sway. Matanzas Pine Apples last from May thr.jugh to July, and the Nassau fruit, tho Sugar-loaf kind, come iu from May until the end of August. An instructive lesson might bo learned regarding the mys- tery of the cheaj) fruit constantly hawked about tho streets of the" city, by a visit to one of the 'schooners discharging its fra- grant cargo. Pine Apples now range from 10 to l(i dols. per hundred, according to tho quality and size. But it is easily seen how tho Apple-women manage to make a living, when the spectator ohserves several of these enterprising dealers buy " specks " at G and 8 dols. per hundred. A little lower grade is reached hy paying 2 dols. per bushel for Pine Apples almost half rotten. Bananas are cidlcd and sold in the same manner. — {NetiJ York Times). THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. SErTKMIiEU I'.llH. Floral Committee.— The subjects exhibited at this meeting were uot numerous. Mr. Turaer, Koyal Nursery, Slough, sent several hcautiful stands of DnhUns, of which Bullion, golden yellow, received a secoud-elass cei-tllicato ; and similar awards were made to Mr. Eaw- lings, Bethual (rreon, for Sambo, dark crimson, a large well-formed flower ; .and to Mr. Legge, Edmonton, for Lihic Perfection, small, bright lilac, shaded with crimson, and Golden Emperor, bright yellow, fine fomi and substance. Fanuy Sturt, a VCI7 ju-omisiug Fancy, was again shown hy Mr. Pope, Ch'elsea ; and Mr. Eckford, Coleshill, showed Lady Mary Wilde, and cut Verbenas. Mr. Shortt, FuUiam, sent Litobrochia tripartita, which was commended, and a chai-ming Lomaria, called Bellii. for which a first-class certificate was given. Mr. Earley, gardener to F. Piyor, Esq., Uigswell, contributed a handsome variety of Polvstichum augularo w.th large gi-.-vceful fronds. This received a first-class certificate. Mr. Howard, gardener to J. Braude, Esq., Balliam, had a special certificate for two plants of Dendrobinm foi-mosum giganteum, with large white flowers and an orange throat ; louopsis paniculata and Cattleya hicolor also came from the same exhibitor. Mr. AVills, gardener to Sir P. G. Egerton, Bart., Oulton Park, Tai-porlcy, contributed a cut spike of a handsome unnamed Oncidium, aud a Cattleya sent home hy Mr. Weir. Cedronella cana, with numerous spikes of purijUsh red flowers, was shown by Mr. Thompson, Ipswich ; and Melia japonica, with handsome foliage, by Messrs. Lee, of Hammersmith. FariT Committee. — Mr. Oshom in the chair. Prizes were offered at this meeting for the best dish of Peaches from the open wall ; the first was taken by Mr. Whiting, of the Deepdene, with Walburtou Admirable, and the second hy Mr. Turner, of Slough, with the same variety. F'or the host dish of Nectaiines from the open wall, Mr. Turner was first, with Stanwick. For tho best dish of Peaches from the orchard-house, Mr. Westcott, gardener to Mis. Lett, Dulwich House, obtained the first prize, with Late Admirable, aud he was the only competitor. For the best dish of Plums, Mr. Whiting was first with Reine Claude de Bavay, Coe's Golden Drop, and Ickworth Im- peratrice, the latter quite shrivelled, and a delicious sweetmeat ; and Mr. Earley. of Digswell, was second, with Golden Drop, Impi-ratnce, and Autumn Gage. Messrs. Rivers, of Sawhridgeworth, sent a seedling Peach, named Lord Palmerston, of such merit as to receive a first-class certificate. It is of large size, and rather p.ale colour, having only a little red on tho side next the sun, and the flesh is remarkably finn, aud richly flavoured. It was raised from a variety obtained from the Pa vie de Pompone, and retains iu some measure the character of its gi-and parent, iu beinj very deeply stamed with red at the stone, and having the flesh rather adherent. This will prove one of the best, as it is one of the largest late Peaches. Messrs. Rivers also sent the following :— Plums.— BeUe de Septembre, a valuable cttlinai? Plum, its usual time of ripening is towards the end of September. Autumn Compote, a seedling raised by Mr. Rivers from La DeUcieuse. Those sent were smaller than usual. This is also a valuable cuUnaiy Plum, ripening a week before the above, and much resembling the A ictoria in the habit of the tree, aud in bearing abundantly. Cheny.— Belle Agathe, a late sort of Bigarreau. Apples.— The old Golden Pippm, from the orchard-house ; the tree has been under glass all the summer ; and Keinette Van Mons, from the orchard-house. This ls generally veiy rich when gi'own under glass. A seedling Apple and a seedling Plum were exhibited by Jonathan Clarke, Esq., but they did not possess any merit to entitle them to an award. Mr. William Paul sent a large collection of Apples, one sort of each, which .attracted considerable attention ; and Mr. Turner, of Slough, sent a dish of magnificent Cox's Orange Pippms ; Messrs. Osborn & Sous, of Fulham, sent fruit of Psidium Cattleyanum, the flavour of which was very fine ; aud Mr. Wills, of Oulton Park, Tar- porlev, a box of dried crystallised Apricots, equal in eveiy respect to those'imported from abroad, and with a much fresher Apricot flavour. The Committee considered them worthy of very high commendation. George F. WUson, Esq., of (Jishurst Cottage, Weybridge. exhibited a basket of extraordinary specimens of Marcchal de la Com- Pears, grown in an orchard-house. 254 JOUBNAIi OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. [ September 26, 1865. Mr. George Cnrd, gardener to II. G. Thoytts, Esq., Snltampstead, sent two Keedling Melons, one of which was named Georgiana and the other Snlhampstead Hero, hut the latter only was ripe. It is a white- fleshed variety, and, though of good flavour, is not romarkable for any great merit. The other is a gi-cc-n-fieshed variety, and, when ripe, will probably be superior to the *' Hero."' PLANTING SEEDLING EVERGREENS IN SUMMER. I TEANSPL.INTED ten thousaiid Norway Spruce seedlings, two years old, early in August laist. The loss from moving was almost im23eroeptible, apparently not exceeding 1 per cent. On examining them early in October, I found they had formed a mass of new roots. I then planted a quantity of different kinds, but found it too late in the season, as they did not root before winter set in. I covered a part of the Noi-ways when winter approached witn leaves, and part with slough hay. They wintered finely, and have made twice tlie growth made by seedlings from the some bed that were transplanted last April. They have all matured this summer's growth, and I think the experiment complete. The loss in either case amounts to a small fraction ; but the gi-owth is decidedly in favour of summer planting. I have continued my experiments this season, by transplant- ing, .Time 11th, fifty of last year's Noi-way Spruce seedlings ; June 19th, five hundred same ; June ■2Cth, ten thousand same, and several thousand within the last few days (July 1st to 3rd). This morning, on examining the lot planted June 14th, I find new roots already 1 inch in length, and evei-y one Uving and doing as weU as could be desired. The lot of June 24th had not finished their growth when planted, but were just beginning to show the terminal bud; they have hardened up and stand quite erect. We planted the above in beds 4 feet wide, with two-feet alleys between ; if the ground is di'y we water it, cover the siu-face with half-inch of swamp muck, and plant with a dibble 6 inches apart and 2 inches apart in the rows ; water well when planted ; no shade, but in a hot dry time a little fresh grass thrown lightly over them, as we did on the ten thousand planted last August, would be advisable. When I commenced the experiment last summer, I would not have dared to plant them with a dibble at that season of the year, fearing it would bruise the delicate roots, had it not been for an article I saw recommending the planting of evergreens at that season, and pounding the ground over the roots with a rammer. I put on the mulch to keep the moisture in the ground till the roots take a new start, which I am satisfied is within a very few days, at this hot season of the year. I shall transplant at intervals till the middle of August, but not later in the season. — Eobt. Dougl.iss, Vaukcgan, Illinnix. [We regard this communication of Mr. Douglass's as one of the most important we have ever had the pleasure of laying before our readers. It was at one time supposed that ever- greens could not be raised here, and that importation was a necessity. Several of us, among others Mr. Douglass, have learned that they can be as successfully and cheaply raised here as in Europe, and many thousands of dollars will be saved to the country. Now we have the important announcement that wo can transplant them at almost any time, which will be a great boon to those who have heretofore supposed that what was to be done had to be finished in a hurry during a few weeks in spring or not at all. With root-grafting in. winter, and summer planting, the American nurseryman can find regular employment for his hands all the year rovmd. Mr. Douglass gives the middle of August as his latest time for planting. In the middle of September we had several thousand Pinus rigida and Scotch Pine, raised from seed sown eighteen months previous, and our success was equal to that of Mr. D. Not one of the Scotch Pine failed, and very few of the Pitch Pine, which were very much crowded in the seed-beds. During the coming September we shall risk out thousands of seedlings of last year's raising. Oiu- jjlan is to put the roots in buckets of water as they are lifted, and they are taken from the water immediately as set in.] — {American Ganlener's Mvnthly.) profusion of botanical names. " Madam," said he, " have you the Acarus scabies ?" " No," said she, " I had it last winter, and I gave it to the Archbishop of Canterbury ; it came out beautiful in the spring." Acarus scabies is the medical name for the insect causing a cutaneous and not aristocratic eniption. A LITTLE Botany eeallt Dangehocs. — Sydney Smith was once looking at the plants in the hothouse of a young lady who was proud of her flowers, and used, not very accurately, a •* WHY DO THE GLANDS OF LEAVES PRESERVE THEM FROM MILDEW.' I havt; waited to see if any one responded to the request o£ the Editors in a late Number, to give the reason or reasons of Peaches and Nectarines that have glandless leaves being sub- ject to mildew. As I have seen no attempt to do so, I throw out the following for consideration. What are glands ? They are secretory organs, thi-ough which secretions pass. A gland is a dnct or channel for conveying away fluid or matter separated. It may be asked, what has this to do with preserving leaves from mildew ? Everything. In plants that have glandless leaves, the secretions pass through the leaves themselves, instead of being conveyed away by the glands. In certain weather these secretions become viscous. The fungus pitches on these sticky secretions, and bides its time, till development takes place in suitable weather. In rainy weather the stickiness is washed oft, and with it the fungus ; and lience in such weather plants have an immunity from fungoid diseases, whether the leaves have glands or not. After a heavy rain aphides and fungi alike disappear. — W. F. Eadclttfe, Tarrant Jliixhton, Blandford, OCCUPYING A SMALL IMARKET GARDEN. I All desirous of Uving in the country, and wish to have a small house with ground sufficient to grow all my own vege- tables, to keep a cow, some pigs, and poultiy, the place to be as near the seaside as possible. I will tell you my exact position so that you may be enabled to tell me whether I can live upon my income, where to reside, the utmost rent to be paid, and the quantity of different stock to be ptu'chased for my purpose, together with the quantity of land. I purpose marrying a farmer's daughter. I have an independence of 10s. per week. I have also £60 in cash that I can lay out. I am in a trade that can find work iu any place, because every man wears that which I make, but I wish to place that out of the question, as if I obtained work at my trade I should expect to put the money so earned away. — Devonshiee. [Your letter has been long unanswered from causes that could not be avoided, and now we fear our advice to you must to a certain extent be qualified by the opportunities you have of attaining what is desirable. The most likely way to succeed would be to look out for a plot of land near some small town that is rising into importance, whether as a bathing or fashion- able place, or one of trade. If it be without railway accom- modation so much the better, as you will suii'cr less from com- petition. It is not necessary that the ground be arable, as we would rather prefer a grass field, but let it be good, even if you pay more for it. As your capital is limited we woitld advise you not to include a cow in the affair, let some one else who can purchase half a dozen go into that business, for the labour where that number is kept is not much more than where there is only one. If you determine to engage in market gardening go into it in earnest, trench and prepare the groimd during the coming winter, and plant such crops as come early into use. If you can manage to erect a Cucuniljer-)iit, do so, and it will be of service in many ways, and by all means lay by a good heap of the surface turf for after-use. We would not advise your planting many Apple or Pear trees, or any of the larger fruits which can be carried from a long distance, and are gi'own else- where on a scale v,ith which you have but a poor chance to compete, but plant the smallei- fruits which are of most value on the spot where gromi, as Strawberries, Easpberries, Goose- berries for the table, and the like. We would also advise you. not to plant Potatoes to any great extent, excepting for early use, but all kinds of summer vegetables — as Lettuce, Cauli- flower, Kidney Beans, salading of all kinds, and an abundant supply of winter stuff. Such crops are always bringing iu money, and you will have some return early iu the summer. You will, dotibtless, have read in our ])ages articles bearing on the eultm-e of each vegetable, but you had butter buy " How to Farm Two Acres Profitably," as well as other Manuals pub- September 26, 1S05. ] JOUHNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 25! lialied at onr oflJcc, which will help yoii a little. You will do well to uiiito yourself to a wife likely to aid you by her acquaiutaufo with the household duties of a farm. We urge ou you by all means to select really good laud, for which if well situated you will likely have to jjay tlor .ilo per acre, and about two acres will bo sullicient to start with. You may also koe|i iii^s as soon as you have auy offal to };ive them, and if the town btt a rising one, niako tonus as soon as you can with some of the hotel or innkeo])or3 for tho manure, and by exorcisinR all the (lualiliuntions of industry, porsoveraiice, and careful- uoss, we doubt not but that your onterpriso will, in tho end, be crowned with success. The first year, wo need hardly say, will bo a struggle, and, ])erliaps, a severe one, but do not bo dia- boartuucd. " X'ersevcranco must succeed."] MY PLANTS, AND now AND WHERE I FOUND THEM.— No. 10. The choice little Oak Fern, then, was the first piece of good fortune in my Oakamoor discoveries. Leaving my kind guides I strolled about, iind at length started walking up tho hill which leads from Oakamoor towards the " Wevcrs." I was prying very closely under the grass whence I saw water tricldiug down on the right-hand bank, for I had long hoi>ed to come ui)on the Hymcnoiiliyllum, and I thought this mossy wet bank a likely jilace for tliom. Here, however, I was doomed to dis- appointment, at least in so far as this genus is concerned ; but I came unexpectedly uijon a very beautiful Fern, tlio Gystopteris fragiUs ; one root only I foimd, and that I took carefully uji with i)lentv of tho limestone earth about it. and when we returned jilanted it in a pot, for it appeared so delicate a phmt that I feared to trust it in the rockwork in tho garden. It grew most vigorously in our window, and threw up fresh fronds continually. Although I had many Ferns in the window, none I cherished so much as this, and as the fates would have it, none was so roughly handled. No less than three times did our clumsy domestic upset this doomed pot when she fastened the shutters in the evening. Three times there lay my pretty Cystoiitoris, under the fragments of the pot, in the garden beneath the window. Each time, of course, it lost some of its native earth, and we were obliged to fill up with what we had. However, grow it would. Mangled as were its delicate fronds by its faUs, it soon sent up fresh ones, and when I con.signed it to the care of the Plums and tape man over the way with my pet Oak Ferns, it was thi'iving uncommouly well. Alas ! it shared their imtimely fate and I never saw it again. *' Ob ! ever tbns fl-om childhood's hour, I've seen my fondest hopes decay; I never lov'd a tree or flower. But 'twas the first to fade away. *' I never lov'd a dear gazelle. To glad me with its soft black eye. But when it came to know me well, And love me, it was sure to die I " However, as I said long ago, " Nil dcsperandum " is the motto of mottos for us all, and I am rather inclined to share in the exuberant spirits of " Chispa," than to " ci-y over spilt milk." In the midst of his versatile fortune he soliloquises in this way : " Thus I wag through the world, half the time on foot and the other half walking ; and always as merry as a thunderstorm in the night ; and so we plough along, as the fly said to the ox. Who knows what may happen ? Patience, and shuffle the cards ! I am not yet so bald that you can see my brains ; and, perhaps, after all, I shall some day go to Borne and come back St. Peter. Benedieite ! " But to return. Whilst I was searching the right-hand bank, my husband, whilst looking over tho hedge into a field on the left, spied some roots of the Hart's-tongue ; they were of the medium size, but not nearly so fresh-looking or luxuriant as those we had gathered in Norfolk, where the fronds instead of being short and stiff, bent in their length and elegance over the grass and plants beneath them. However, as these were the first specimens we had prociu'ed in Staffordsliire, I gladly welcomed them, and planted the roots in one of my baskets, whore they flourished and formed a pretty contrast to the foliage of the lighter Ferns. Continuing our journey we passed banks of Wild Th.^Tue ; and fine plants of Briza media, and several varieties of the Hair Grasses, waved with the slightest breath. We noticed particu- larly one lieathy field which was almost covered with the Aira flexuosa. A little further on, from an old wall we extracted roots of Asplenium trichomanes and Polystichum aculea- tum, variety lonchitidioidcs, neither of them in a thriving con- dition. As a girl, when visiting in Devonshire, I remember well the exuberant growth of tho A. trichomanes, how it gladdened the interior of tho wells and the sides of those high Devon lanes. And where does tho king of Ferns, tho Osmunda reg.alis, flourish to the extent or height which it does on tho banks of tho Dart '! About the Holme Chaso, near Ashburton, it revels in tho full enji>yment of a congenial soil and climate, and of the constant sujiply of moisture whicli it receives from the river — that cruel river ! if tho countryman's legend is to be believed. Thus it runs — " The Dart every year- claims a heart." To corroljorate a tale she finnly credited, a true-bom Devonshire lass, one living ujion the banlcs of the Dart, related to me the following story ; — " How that for seven years no one had been drowned in its waters. For seven years the Dart had not claimed a heart ; but," she added, " you will see, Miss, it always has them, for if it misses one year it will have two the next ! But what I was going to tell you is this — One day our singers were all asked to play aiul sing at a wedding feast in a \-illage some miles off ; my father was asked too, as ho is one of our best players, but somehow or other he seemed as if he didn't like to go, we tried to iiersuado him, but it was of no use. He said he did not seem to lilce to go. All the rest went. It was agreed that the singers should return in a boat home ; by some means or another, how it was I do not know, but they went too much to one side of tlie boat and it upset. Seven of them were drowned ! We waited for the party to return home, but none came, and tho next day they brought home tho bodies. Oh ! it was such a sight to see them, poor things. But you see the Dart must have its heart, and as father said, we might be sure something would soon happen, because it was so many years since any one had been lost." Whilst relating her little narrative the girl's face assumed a reverential ex- pression, and I recollect when she came to the ijith of the tale, that seven were drowned, I really, as a girl, began to feel something akin to a touch of awe with regard to this exacting stream. Certainly, I never afterwards saw it without a sort of dread of its cannibal propensities, and I think I shovdd have felt more satisfied, when upon its waters, if I had previously ascertained that its taste had been gi-atitied ; so naturally do a country's legends and tales wind themselves about one's heart, that when once listened to it is most diificult to divest oneself of them. 'Who that has been in Devonshire as a child does not believe in pixies ? — those tiny elves who live in those miniature caves, or holes, in the rocky hills, their homes amid the Ferns and Bluebells, where during the day they silently hide ; but after a moonlight night the traces of their revels are left in the fairy-rings in the grass. We felt as sure they had danced there as if we had seen them ; and let us seek not to disturb their gambols, or the cow may be dry in the morning, or the butter turned sour, the baby may squint, or a thousand misadventures may have happened. All try to keep in favour with the pixies ! I believe these little creatures bear a very good name ; but I think I have heard that they have revengeful cousins, although just now I forget their proper appellation. I do not wish to insult the "lords of the creation," but I am vei-y nuich impressed with the idea that these cantankerous little beings were represented to me as of the male gender, and I have an equally strong con^■iction that the more benevolent and happier fairies were of the female kind. " Light and free. Through the light blue air, Whore no mortals dare, Careor we. Moonbeams pale illume our flight. As we float, the balmy night, 'Mid those islands rare, Of the cloudland fair. " Merrily, At tho day's bright dawn. When the stars are gone. When the sun is bom. Career we. Mortal ej'es no trace can find, Of our gambols on the wind. Through those isles of gold. Of our spirit world." Instead of writing upon human " lords," I should in papers with this heading, be commenting instead upon "Lords and ladies," but this ill-regulated mind of mine is ever given to wandering, and my thoughts run wild and free, and become either solemn or gay according to the chord which is struck. Talking of " lords of the creation," I am reminded of an anecdote, which has amused me, of this recent election, and 256 JOURNAL OF HOBTieULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB. [ September 26, leC5. with -Khich, though very unbotanical, I conclude this paper. A gentleman having called at a house to solicit a vote, inquired of the good woman therein, Avbether " the head of the house ■was at home?" "No," she said, ' neck is, and " she added rogueishly, head move whichever way it pleases the head is not, but the " The neck can make the " — Alice. HOLLAND HOUSE, THE SEAT OF LADY HOLLAND. This magnificent Ehzabethan mansion, built in the year 1607, is seen among the trees, seated high in the park, and is ap- proached by an avenue of Elm trees from the Great Western road between Kensington and Hammersmith. The nearest similar mansion is Hatfield House, Hertfordshire. Before the south front is a large square bowling-green terrace, bounded by balustrades adorned with flowers in Jlaltese vases, and ten large Orange trees in tubs, and iu its centre is a large basin-fountain. To the west of the house is the flower garden, laid out in the old French style, where the flower-plots are looked down upon from an architectural terrace. On the south side of the north boundary-wall is a chain of double diamond-shaped beds, the middle one is planted with Brilliant Geranium, and then dupli- cates correspontUng on each side of Gazania splendens. Lord Eaglan Verbena, Calceolaria augustifolia, and Commander-in- Chief Geranium. The next are diamond-shaped beds, planted respectively with Purple King Verbena, Heliotrope Miss Night n- gale. General Simpson Verbena, Amaranthus melanchohcus i-uber ; and the other four beds are duplicates of similar plants. Then follow circular chain borders, one at each side of a broad walk, planted similarly with Madame Vaucher Geranium, edged with the Silver-leaved Ivy, Cloth of Gold Cieranium and Iresine Herbstii, Mrs. Holford Verbena, Amaranthus melancholicus ruber. Princess of Prussia Geranium, Sweet Alyssum, Purple King Verbena, Lady Middleton Geranium, Coleus Verschaffelti edged with Cineraria maritima. Sweet Alyssum, Geranium Eubens, Golden Chain Geranium and Purple King Verbena mixed, Amaranthus melancholicus ruber, Mrs. Holford Ver- bena, Cloth of Gold and Iresine Herbstii. Commander-in- Chief Geranium is planted all along at the back of the chain- border near the wall, and Mrs. Lennox Geranium in patches at the angles of the front border, with an edging of Lobelia speciosa. The wall is furnished with fine healthy Peach, Nectarine, and Apricot trees, which here and against other high walls are bear- ing fine crops. It is rather rare to see wall trees cultivated with the care and judgment that they receive here. There are eight large beds of choice Hoses, and, pegged down as they are, they display their flowers with an even surface to great advantage, and correspond in height with the other beds ; two are edged with Calceolaria Kayii, two with CEnothera ma- crocarpa, two with Lord Eaglan Verbena, and two with Purple King Verbena. In the centre is a large oblong figure, divided by gi-avel walks into six com- partments, and surrounded by narrow borders with a circular bed in each, and the other portions of the compart- ments are filled up with figures of fret and scrollwork in Box. The outside borders are filled with Tom Thumb Geranium, the cross walks with Flower of the Day Geranium. The circle round the dial, and the borders beside the walk nmning north and south from the dial, are planted with Christine Geranium. The two circles in the largest triangles are planted with Stella Geranium, edged with Gazania splendens ; these are beautiful beds, more particularly when the sun shines on them ; and the four circles in the smaller angles contain Calceolaria Aurea floribunda. Tothesouthof the above is theaccompanyingdesign on gravel. The bank on the north of the conservatory is edged with Gnaphalium lanatum, then rows (ribbon style) of the following plants :— Heliotrope Miss Nightingale, Baron Hugel Geranium, Bijou Geranium, Springfield Eival Petunia, Calceolaria Kayii, Calceolaria Prince of Orange, and Ageratum, backed by Zehnda Dahlia. The next scene is the Lily-pond garden. The circular pond, filled with Water Lilies, is surrounded by four beds on gravel, planted with Punch Geranium in the centre, then a band of Calceolaria Kayii, then Tom Thumb Cieranium, edged with Mangles's Variegated Geranium ; then two oblong beds to the south with Zelinda Dahlia in the centre, Commander-in-Chief next ; then Calceolaria Kayii, edged with Baron Hugel Crera- nium. On the west side is an oval in the centre of an oblong gi-ass plot, with four beds like the letter L. The oval has a Humea elegans in the centre. Punch Geranium around it, then a band of Flower of the Day, edged with Lobelia speeiosa. The four beds are jjlanted with two rows of Stella Nosegay (jeranium in the centre, two rows of Christine Geranium at each side, edged with Purple King Verbena on the outside, and Lobelia Paxtoniana inside. Two circles near the conservatory contain Christine Geranium, and an oblong bed has SteUa Geranium in the centre. Calceolaria Kayii at each side, and an edging of Tom Thumb Geranium. A small terrace garden, to the west of the flower garden, is composed at each end of a cross, surrounded by triangular beds, and four triangular beds in the centre, two fancy beds and two square beds at each side, with vases innumerable, both on the balustrades and on the gravel, all planted and gay with dwarf-growing flowering plants. Close to it is an alcove, the favourite seat of the poet Eogers, with noble foxes, the family crest, cut out in Box at each side, an octagon marble fountain being in front, with a wliite lily jet in the centre. The conservatory is furnished with some fine specimens of Camellias planted iu the border, and large hanging-baskets filled with choice plants suspended from the roof, and in the winter with the large Orange trees that now adorn the square to the south front and the bowling-green terrace. Attached to the conservatory, on the north side, is a hanqueting-room of handsome proportions, which is finished and furnished in the best style of art and ornamentation. Close to it, on the east side, is a tower, which is approached by a flight of steps, and from the south side of the conserv-atory is a colonnade, upwards of 100 yards long, running eastward to the mansion. liy this means a communication, undercover, is opened from the liouse to the consevatory, then to the banqueting-room, then to the loggio or smoking-room, then to the tower, and home by the flower garden, by the pleasure grounds, or by the terrace walk on the top of the colonnade. In the Melon ground are two vineries, a Peach-house, and plant house, and several useful pits for Melons, Cucumb ers, and for storing plants in winter, all heated by hot water. The Peach and Nec- tarine trees h.ave borne a fine crop of fruit this season, and from their healthy appear- ance promise to do so for many years. Mr. Dixon ap- plies no wash of any sort to his Vines, but merely peels 1, GiLillordift picta. 2, Tropieoluni, Dixon's SeodlinK, a brilliant fcarlet. R, Madame Vauchev Geranium. 4, Mrs. Holford Verbena. 6, Verbena, Lord Raglan. „ , , . .-, ,• 6, .4 dot of Perilla in the centre of tbe cross, then Calceolaria anguBtifoha edged with Pun'le King Verbena. off the loose bark, and to judge from the healthy state of the Vines and the large bunches of Black Hamburgh Grapes that still remain uncut, a wash of any sort is unnecessary ; besides, as Mr. Dixon observed, when the composition is dry the dusty particles are wafted by the air on to the bunches, which are consequently deterioriited in flavour. Kipe Melons were cut in the end of May, and a pit of seven lights was fiUed with Cucumber plants (Coxe's), still bearing, and from which, on a rough calculation, no less than forty dozen of good fruit had been cut. In walking through the grounds many pleasing views present themselves through the arches of the colonnade and through those of the Lime-tree walk. In the pleasure grounds are large bunches of Mistletoe grow- ing on Apple trees, and in the Lime-tree walk — young sprigs of Mistletoe growing out of the trees. are some The seed September 26, 1865. JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEB. 257 in the berries was rubbed i»to the cracks in the bark, and left to vegetate. Tlie liint was taken fmrn the action of the mistle tlinish, which, in removing "i<^ glutinous matter from its bill, has recourse to a branch of a tree, and by that moans deposits the seed. Along the north side of the kitchen garden and orchard is an espalier made of posts and strong wires, the latter IB inches apart, running through the posts the whole length, on which the fruit trees are trained, also a great variety of ornamental and cdihle (lonrds. Upon inquiry to know the distinguishing features of the edible from the non-cdilile varieies, I was in- formed by Mr. Dixon that the yellow and orange were edible, and that the gi'cen-skinned were not ; also that the colour of the flowers was another criterion by which to jiulgo of their pro- perties, as the species with yellow ilowcrs were edible, and those with white flowers to be rejected for th(! table, but retained as ornaments to train over arbours, &c., and the fruit when dried to adorn the hall. On the north of the house the ground rises on all sides to the knoll in the park, this knoll is crowned with a group, a most picturesque group, of Cedars of Lebanon. Other trees creep up the slopes, and form gi'oves around the base and along the valley, not thick groves of gloom, but gi-ovcs in which the forms of the trees are fully developed, and being planted at various distances apart, they produce glades of pleasing land- scape scenery. From this fine sweUiug ImoU a pleasant prospect is obtained of Harrow-on-the-Hill, Kensal Green, Ealing, and the church of St. Stephen's at Shepherd's Bush. The green drive, embosomed in a grove, leads to the open grounds in the park where the Scottish and other fetes have been celebrated. The different scenes that this estate offers are arranged in a manner so obvious and agreeable, that after examining the parts in succession the mind is very clearly impressed with the beautiful effect of the whole. The grounds are now in a high state of embellishment, and in the most perfect order, under the superintendence of Mr. Dixon, the head gardener. — W. Keane. ■\VELTON PLACE, The Residence of M.\.ior Trevor Clarke. On a former occasion we not only commented upon many- things we found worthy of notice at Weltou Place, but gave an engraving of its " wilderness " walk ; yet, though that is truly beautiful, and though there are other portions of the grounds which a landscape painter would pause long over admu'ingly, and though we have again visited the grounds, and hope to repeat our visit often — notwithstanding these testimonies of approval, let no one go there with the expectation of seeing first- class horticulture, splendid flower gardens, geometric beds, ribbon-borders, vineries, peacheries, and so forth. There is at Welton Place nothing of the sort. The grounds are varied in surface, have fine specimens of Conifers, and other trees, and are neatly kept. So far is well, but if there were nothing more we should not have coveted as we do covet, repeated visits. What is the great attraction, then ? We will reply fully. The owner of Welton Place is one of those rare amateur gardeners with ample opportunity, who delights in experi- mental gardening ; but though constantly inquiring after some thing new, it is always after novelty leading to utility. The inquiry, too, is always intel- ligently and perseveringly pursued. Nor is Major Clarke a man of one object ; his predomi- nant one just now is, and for some time has been, the cross-breeding of Cotton-plants ; but numerous other experiments are in course of trial, every hothouse and greenhouse, every stone trough, and every corner has its object of interest, and wherever we turned our steps, under glass or in the open grounds, we came in contact with an interesting gardening scrap of some kind. Of Major Clarke's researches and experiments on the Cotton- plant we need not expatiate, for he has lectured fully upon the subject before the Royal Horticultural Society. In the garden at Welton Place you see in every house abundant evidence that his opinions and statements are well sustained by actual research. There are growing specimens of various species, and still more of varieties and cross-breds. Hitherto he has been unsuccessful in crossing the species of the western with those of the eastern hemispheres ; but if there be any species of Gossypium a native of both, and we think there is, that might serve as a go-between. Memory must be allowed to be desultory, and it first brings for record the Major's experiments on disbudding Conifers. He removed all the lateral buds as often as produced from the stem of a Scotch Fir, and of another species, the name of which we forget. The Scotch Fir is 20 feet high ; and the lower 10 or 12 feet, never having been allowed to produce a branch, are consequently without a knot, and the importance of this when the trunk of a Conifer comes to the sawyer, needs no enforcement. Tender Conifers, such as Araucaria, Cryptomeria, and Tax- odium, are usually considered least liable to injury by frost when on dry and elevated soil ; but at Welton Place, those in the hollows near the water suffer the least. There the Tax- odium distichum, or Deciduous Yew, thrives well, and leads us to remark that it is usually planted erroneously on dry ground, for it is a native of boggy localities. Some pods in our ptnicli remind us that the new scarlet Sweet Pea among other novelties has been here tested, and the verdict is, " It is really a good thing," and the beauty of some successional blossoms justifies us in saying we consider the verdict in accordance with the evidence. We noticed the geothermal garden when recording our former visit. It is still maintained. During the last winter a flue was employed to impart heat to the soil, but Major Clarke found it less effective than hot-water pipes, and purposes re- curring to these. We have heard it objected that many of the plants would be destroyed if the earth were heated sufficiently to prevent the air above being fatally cold. Experience shows this objection to be groundless. Besides, in nature observation has taught that the roots of plants will be uninjured in eai-th heated nearly to the boiling point of water. Thus, Mr. Forster, the naturalist, who was with Captain Cook in one of his cir- cumnavigations, found the soil near a volcano, in the island of Tanna, raised the mercury in a Fahrenheit's thermometer to 210^ yet the surface of that soil was covered with flowers. The Melocacti and tropical Aloes flourish strikingly in the geothermal-bed, but in the winter the Cacti are placed for safety in some attic, and the Aloes are put imder double-glazed frames, which are found to afford them sufficient protection from our winter frosts. A Cycas remains in the bed throughout the year. The fronds are cut down by the frosts, but fresh fronds are produced in the spring. The bees, Liguriau and common, were superlatively active and vigorous. No wonder, for gi-eat attention has been paid to testing which flowers yield the most honey, and to having abundance of those flowers in the vicinity of the hives. The prime favourite of the bees is Nepeta Mussinii. It has an im- failing succession of blooms from the end of May until the winter arrives. It will grow anywhere. Next held in prefer- ence by the bees is Reseda Phyteuma. It is not sweet-scented, but is the constant resort of the bees whilst it is in flower. Major Clarke found it wild in Italy. He is sedulously on the look-out for the useful and authentic, even to the being certain as to the nature of the bog-earth of the West Indies ; so he had some sent to Welton, and various shrubs have sprung up in it that are not yet identified. A common complaint is made that the tenants of a marine aquarium wiU not long survive in its confinement, but by judicious care some of the Sea Anemones in that at Welton have been maintained for ten years. We presume that Major Clarke, agreeing with Addison, that " music can noble hints impart," and that "there's music in all things," has made even his flower-pots musical. They are fixed firmly within each other, but their sides not touching, on a bar of wood passed through the centre drainage-hole of each. They are the common flower-pots, rather thinner than usual, increasing gradually in size to produce the bass notes, and each inscribed with a letter indicating the note it produces. They are played upon by being struck with muffled sticks. S-\X,VIA SPLENDENS MANAGE:MENT. This plant makes a brilliant ornament for the conservatory during the winter months if grown well. To propagate it, take oft' cuttings in January, and insert 258 JOUENAL OF HOETICULTUEE AXD COTTAGE GAEDENEE. [ September 26, 1865. them in sandy soil, plunging the pot or pan in a gentle bottom heat. They will root freely in a fortnight ; then pot them off singly in small pots, after irhich shift them accordingly as they require more room, but never allow them to become pot- hound. The compost which I find suits them best is formed of thi-ee parts rich yellow loam and one part of equal quantities of leaf mould and weli-rotted duug ; adding a small quantity of char- coal and silver sand. Keep the plants in a gi'eenhouse, with a moist atmo.sphere when the weather is very hot. By the firsst week in June they will have become good plants, and should be in 10 or 12-iuch pots. Then turn them out of their- pots, and plant them out of doors in a sheltered situation in some good rich loam. When they show bloom stop them, and they will throw out some healthy shoots, and by the end of September they will have made noble specimens ; then take them up, and pot them in No. 'i-sized pots, giving them the same compiost as before. Great care should be taken in Ufting them. Water them well two or three days before the operation, then tiike the plants Tip with large balls, and carefully reduce each ball until it fits the pot. Pot them firmly, tie them out, and remove them into a cool moist pit, keeping them rather close for a few days. By so doing they will not lose any of their foliage. By the end of October they will have a mass of flowers, and will con- tinue blooming nntU February. — W. B. ESPERIONE AND MUSCADINE GR^VPE WINES. It -was not our "chaplain," but another genial Wiltshire rector, well known to him, who called upon us last week. We conned over the productions of the garden, both growing and harvested, and finished off with some samples of my Grape Vines. They were remembered by him of old, and now he has a garden, a Tine, and Grapes of his own. I inquired, " Did he make -wine ?" " No, he should like to do so, but supposed my practice was a secret." I assured him that I never could keep secrets ; my greatest happiness was to impart to others all that I knew which could benefit them. I told him that even before he became curate of Woodstock I had pubUshed in The Cottage Gardenek the knowledge I possessed about Tine culture and wine-maMng; that in consequence of this being a bountiful Grape season I was then engaged in arranging some notes, prehmiuary to writing a seasonable paper on the subject, giving an account of my progress ; and that as he now reads " our .Journal " he would there find the desired information. He said, " Give the minute particulars of the operation, for you practical people, who write with a full knowledge of a sub- ject, are apt to leave out the minor details, through a conception that others would amve at these as a matter of course, whereas it may not be so. It is just those statements which people not versed in a subject want. The result is interesting enough to read ; but often, the " how to do it " not being sufficiently specified, there is not sufficient inducement for those who are not gi'ounded in the matter to tmdertake it." As I am self- educated in every phase of my knowledge, by no one more than by myself could the remark be better appreciated. How much tune, right down hard head work, and mental exhaustion have the omissions of small explanations cost me ? However, I trust that in what I am now about to write I shall go so far into particulars as to meet the ideas of all persons who may feel interested in the subject. I have made no alteration in the system of groimdwork and in the training of my out-door Tines from that given in the year 18.56, further than in lieu of 12 feet in height t}iey are now verging upon 30 feet ; and as my chief object now is fruit for the vat, I do not resort to slicing away what I considered superfluous buds, or to thinning out the berries. I reserve such attentions for house culture. As regards my practice in wine-making, although much that I wi-ote in 18G0 must be repeated now, it will, nevertheless, be so blended with what I consider improvements as to render it, I hope, worth perusal by old as well as new readers. In fact, the repetition of old matter cannot be avoided, so necessary is it for the compre- hension of the new ; and I am sure from experience that this dovetailing of individiuil practice with progress from time to time tends to keep a subject alive, and to diffuse knowledge, however familiar and common the subject may be. On account of the quantity of Grapes that the Vines now annually produce I have instituted a screw wine-press, which facilitates my operations greatly ; but as nine people out of ten may not possess so desirable an article, I will point out the homely contrivances that can be made use of. They are to be found in most places, and should midergo a scrupulous cleansing before they are used for wine-making. They are a garden basket, the weight of which is known, in which to place the Grapes when gathered ; scales to weigh these ; a washing- bench ; two large, brown, glazed earthenware pans (I formerly used washing-tubs, but I have discarded these wooden utensils because they absorbed the juice and saccharine matter), hold- ing about fourteen gallons each ; casks of capacity according to the requirement, say from five to nine gallons each ; two two-gallon stone bottles, and two of one gallon each ; a spouted jug measiuring two quarts ; a two-gallon tin can with a spout to it ; a tin pint measure ; a galvanised iron ladhng-bowl ; three large, brown, earthenware, glazed mUi-pans, borrowed from the bee-hives, which they sen-e to shelter; one large stone mortar and a mahogany pestle ; a tin fimnel, a colander, two large wooden spoons, a mallet, gimlet, a pah- of pincers, and a pair of cutting-pliers ; bimgs, vent-pegs, and taps of sizes ; a stout piece of canvas ; two stout squared stakes each about 5 feet in length ; trams and wedges to stand and secure the casks upon, and a saccharometer. The names of my Grapes in the open air are, the Eoyal Muscadine (white) and Esperione (black). The former ripens two or three weeks before the latter, and about the last week in October is the time that I usually make my vintage of the Esperione. This year the Grapes ^vill be quite ready to gather by the middle of the month, and, by their present appearance, I shall be operating upon the Muscadines whilst this paper is being put in t^pe. Directly after the Grapes are gathered and weighed they should be picked from their stalks into one of the large pans ; and the pestle and mortar being deposited on the washing-bench, having the fruit on one side and an empty pan on the other, bowl after bowl of Grapes should be crushed in the mortar ; not by a vertical jam, but by working the pestle with a Ught circular horizontal motion, using sufficient force only to macerate the skins and pulp without smashing the pips, for in the latter case they would impart an unpleasant roughness to the wine. The piilp is emptied from the mortar with the ladling bowl into the pan, and so on until the bruising process is completed. When a pestle and mortar cannot be had, the Grapes can be hand-crushel in the colander, made to rest over the pan upon the two squared stakes. Now strain about a pint of the juice from the must, and prove it by the saccharometer, which is done by nearly filling the tin tube that belongs to it and immersing the glass instrument therein, when the specific gravity of the juice is read on the index plate, and the stated degree should be noted down. On the supposition that ten gallons of wine are to be made, 80 lbs. of Grapes, exclusive of their stalks, will be a good proportion to make use of, and we shall conclude that this is the weight of the now-called "must" in the pan before us. Toss two gallons of clean cold water into it, and stir it about weU with a large wooden spoon, or something to answer the purpose. Strain off a pint of the watered juice, and make a note of the specific gravity as before. Place the two squared stakes across the pan, •and cover it over with a piece of ch-ugget, or something of the sort, to exclude the air and preserve a temperature of about G0°. The miist will now gain daily in sweetness, and should be well stirred, and proved daily with the saccharometer, until it is seen that the sweetness begins to diminish, and then no time must be lost in straining off, as the skins of the Grapes would deteriorate the juice by remaining longer with it. The wine-press now comes into action. To fit into the straining- box I use a bag made of strong cheese-cloth, into which, by raising its open end, is ladled about a gallon of the must to be pressed, and the "cheese" of compressed skins and pips is emptied into a milk-pan, and so on consecutively. Before I used a press I carried out this process as follows : — An empty pan was placed beneath the squared stakes, or a short ladder, and resting upon them or it the colander, into which the must was ladled by degrees ; the juice was then well pressed by the hands fi'om the skins and jiips into the pan below, and the refuse tossed into a milk-pan, and so on until the muscles of one's arms became rigid. The strained-off juice is now measured with the tin can, and, in every probability, it will be found to have run eight gallons, then one gallon and a half of clean water wiU be sufficient to pom- over the skins and pips in the milk-pan, and if this water can be heated to a temperature of not more than 80° so much the better. Let it be well stirred amongst the skins and pips to express what nrtue remains in them ; then strain it off and add it with the September 26, 1865. ] JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 259 jnice in the workinp-pan, and the united quantity should sh'Rhtly exceed ten gallons. We !ire now arrived nt the sweetening, and licre I will inRert a table of the si'eeitic Kravity of the pure juice of my Graiica used for wine-nj;ildug during si:; consecutive years. Sncchnrometer. Sncchorometor 1888, Esporiono 21^ Muscadines 35'' 1869, er bushel pickling quart Parsley ^ sieve Parsnips doz. Peas quart Potatoes bushel Kidney do. Radishes doz. bunches Rhubarb bundle Savoys doz. Sea-kale basket Spinach bushel Tomatoes ^ sieve Turnips fiuneh Vegetable MaiTows dz. s. d. E. 0 3 too 9 1 6 2 TO CORRESPONDENTS. •♦* We request that uo one will write privately to the depai't- mental writers of the " Joui'nal of Horticiiltm-e. Cottage Gardener, and Coimtry Gentleman." By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiahle trouble and expense. All coniniuni cations should therefore be addressed solely to The Editors of the Journal of Horticultur€j d'C, 171, Fleet Street, London, E.G. We also request that correspondents will not mis up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them an- swered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. Books {A Su!».frr(6rr).— Stephens's "Book of tho Farm." Of. WA.— "The Garden Manual" and "The Vine Blanual." The first can be had free bv post from our office for twenty postage stamps, and the second for thirty-two stamps. (T. E.)— There is no book devoted to directions for laying out large pleasiu-e grounds, beds. &e., but the first volume of Mcintosh's ''Book of the Garden," price £2 10s.. contains full direc- tions and many illustrations. The " Feni Manual " contains the entire culture of stove, greenhouse, and hardy Ferns. You can have it free by post from our office for 5s. 4(1. in postage stamps. {J. TT.il/.).— Bentham's "Illustrated Handbook of the Bi-itish Flor;i." £3 10». Lawn Injured by Grubs (Hortux).—i:he gi-nbs sent are young larvfo of the common cockchafers. You should have set childi-en to kill the beetles in the summer. The lawn should be turned up and ducks turned in. Watei-ing with gas tar water repeatedly may be of senice, as the grubs are but small at present. — W. Essex Rtv-al Pea.— Will Mr. Eley oblige old "Xickereor" mth the parentage of Esses Rival Pea, for hereby " hangs a tale ? " Should this not reach Mr. Eley, " Nickebboe " will feel obliged by any of his friends foi*warding the information. Plantikg Lilium candidum (A. .5) m).— Now is a good time to take this up, planting as soon afterwards as convenient. It should be planted in good loamv soil, though it will do equally weU, if not better, in peaty soil, Stirred to a good depth, and if hght'a httle weU-rotted manure or leaf- mould will be beneficial. The roots should be covered about 3 inches with light rich soil. The situation should be open. Good, sound, flower- ing roots are worth Ss. or is. per dozen. Treatment of Night-blooming Stocks (Wcml.— They may be pro- cured of any London or large provincial nurserjTuan. They are of the most easy culture if kept near the glass in a diy, cool, aii->' part of the greenhouse. No more water should be given them during winter than sufficient to keep them just moist, and. as they are hable to damp off at the collar from frequent and injudicious watei-ings, good drainage should be provided. If kept cool, dry, and airy they grow and bloom through the winter. Dahlia— Fuchsia— Asteb (N. B.).—l! the seedling Dahlia prove to be very dwarf it will be an acquisition. The Aster is valueless, and the Fuchsia one of a myriad that are unnamed. The Pine-Apple Manual {Horatio Pigpot). — There are not separate drawings supplied of fruit, succession, and nursing-houses ; but there are a section and a ground plan of tho fruiting-stove,andthe others are stated to be of the same width, the dimensions differing only in length. The range, of course, will be the same height throughout, othei-wiso it would bo unsightly, and more expensive to build. The height can he easily ascertained from the section. The glass roof is in one plane, and the plants can be raised so as to be at a proper distance from it whatever may be their stage of growth. It is easier to raise or lower the plants than to move the glass; therefore it is best to have the glass at a imiform height from end to end of the range ; and the width being uniform, the heights of the back and front walls must each respectively be so. The propoi-tions you mention for the lengths of the fruiting, succession, and nui'sing compartments are nearly enough those recommended by the author. Fifj. 4, it should have been stated, is a section of the Pine-stove at Enville Hall, which, however, is readily understood from the context. Sheds at the back of ranges of hothouses should run the whole length of the range. They are always understood to do so by pi'actical men. Amateurs vnR find it not so easy to perfect the fi'uit of the Pine Apple in April as they would in May, June, and July ; and Queens can be the most easily started into frait ; biit the plauts must first be fairly grown ; their grow-th checked gradually, but not through starvation by cold (see page 24). The du-ections given for the successful growth of a hundred plants are apphcable to that of ten. or to that of one ; but, amongst many, some may fail without the loss being much observed compared ^vith the failure of a few where only few are groivn. You may grow a single plant in a single box frame — Mr. Mills foimd it possible to do so, producing a Providence fruit of the weight of 16 lbs. The compartments into which the range is stated to be divided arc each about 15 feet by IDA feet, and seven such can be comprised in the range. If you divide the length, 77 feet, into seven compartments you will find their length run across the rauge. Striking Cuttings of Cerastium tomentosum (W. B. M. I*.).— 1st' This is not the right soason for striking cuttings of Cerastium tomen- tosum, though they will do if insci-ted 3 inches apart in light sandy soil, and in a diy warm situation, also in a cold frame, and in pans placed on a hotbed. The be^t time to take cuttings is in March or April. 2nd, The process of taking cuttings is very simple, and merely consistsin taking a bundle of the shoots in one hand, and cutting them off with a knife just below the hand as in reaping, the shoots being cut about 6 inches long. 3rd, Without any further trimming they are to be planted with a dibble, 3 inches apart, where the edging or line is required, insert- ing them 3 or 4 inches, or two-thirds their length, in the soil, and closing the soil firmly aroimd them. A good watering is then given, and they are watered afterwards during dry weather until established. In March, April, and May the roots may be divided; evei-y part will grow, no matter how small. The dirisions should be planted G inches apart, f«ir a fiingle line or edging from 5 inches to a foot in width, and in a double row for lines or bands of gi-eator width. At the same season the cuttings may be inserted in the same manner, 3 inches apart, in any open situation, where, duly watered, they will be well rooted by bedding-out time, and may be taheu up with balls and planttd where tlie edging is required. Cuttings fi-om 11 to 2 inches long inserted the same distance apart in pans of sandy loam, with an inch of silver sand as. a surfacing, and, after watering-, placed iu a frame, will ]>c well rooted in a fortnight. They may then be hardened off, and aftenvardspricked off 3 inches apart in saudy soil in ft light situation, shading for a few days, and in three weeks or a month planted out 6 inches apart whore they are to remain. Your 3rd and 4tli queries are answered by the reply to the 2nd, and the Cth also, only for so narrow an edging the plants need not be planted nearer than 6 inches, but the nearer they are the mor« quicld^ will they cover the ground, or form that which is desired. 6th, It is to be kept iu shape by clipping with ordinary garden shears the irregular gi'owths, whether side or upright branches, in the fii-st week in July, when tho plauts will have grown sufficiently to fonn the line required, the cUpping tending to make the plant produce those tiny sprays which are one of its most attractive features. The first week in every month it should be clipped at the sides to keep it of the right width, and at top to preserve the proper height, and up to October this will be all it requires. If allowed to remain it will in May be a mass of white bloom far smpassing any- thing of the colour at that season. When the bedding plants are put out the Cerastium should be cut off quite close, and the creeping roota removed ou both sides so as to foi-m the line of the desired width. In a mouth it ^vill be all that could be wished after a sUght trimming. To have it in good order when the bedding plants are put out it should ha trimmed in April. After the second year it will require to be taken up and replanted. Vallota purpurea not Flowering {A Yomifj Bcghmcr).— The plants being evergi-een require light in winter, and ought not, therefore, to have been kept imder the greenhouse stage, for what with the drip from the plants on the st:ige, which woiUd cause the roots to rot, and the diminu- tion of light, the growth could uot be perfected. Instead of placing the plants under the stage iu December, and keeping them there until March, we ad^^se their being retained on the stage in the greenhouse, and in the lightest anddi-iest part, from the commencement of Septembec to the end of March, with uo more water than sutticient to keep the leaves from flagging. When tho flower-scape shows the plant should be well wptered, and continue to give water while it remains in bloom. When gi*o\vth commences water abundantly till the leaves attain theiP. full size, after which gradually reduce the water supply, and expose to light and au-. It is an evergi-een, and requires more Uglit when ripening or perfecting the growths made than during theii- formation. Ripen the bulbs well in autumn, keep diy when at rest, and never in the dark, water freely when growing, and "do uot overpot. Witli this treatment it is the freest-blooming and one of the handsomest and most useful of the evergreen Amaryllids. Potting and Planting Violets (Pt'cijyJ.-The Russian and Neapolitaa Violets do well either in pots or planted in a bed. They are best in pots when employed for the decoration of the greenhouse or drawing-room, the flowers not being taken from the plants or but sparingly. Plants in pots have the advantage of being readily removed from place to place without injm-y. Violets are beat gi-own in beds when intended solely for the puipose of furnishing cut flowers for bouquets, tilling small vases, &c., as the plants give more and a gi-eater continuance of flowers than when gi-own in pots. Soptombor 20,1866.] JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. 263 Vines in an Enoine-room (IS. L. T. Steam Eiiffiii.). — Tho dust, wo should tliiiik. would ho ffinnt, and tho nmnuul of steiun cxco^sivo, to Bfty nothing of tho hoKt, wliiih would ho much too hiRh foi- Vines ; thoso comhinod wovild ron.lor siui-ossful G^lVIlO•^'l•owiU|,' stlouivhlo. But with Utile dust, stonm ontirclv luiiler coinmnud, ivnd tho lioat ooiiti-olnhlc, you may ttrow Vliio't in your oufriuc-rooni with ii fail- amount of sueooss. Tho boat will ho rcKular, and will ro(|uiri^ to ho rodueed hy makinK a prcatnr proriaiou for tho admission of air than usual. A border will ho roiiiiiroil for phuitina the Vines, and that will have to ho outsido, and, as tlio lioat will li,i loo ttrottt for tlio Vinos to remain in tho room all tho year riuiiiil, provisicui must bo made for drawinR Ihem outaftortlio loaves fall, ttud ii.lroduciuv: thorn after a poriod of rost. Instead of oiiaqno yon must nse clear glass, and have wires fixed 15 inches from the hIiiss to tram the Vines t,,. Kouv'h plate plass would answer, and it may ho procured of tho dealers advortisinj in our columns. The thick wlass known as |'mill Rlass" would not suit your purpose. Hartley's rcum-h plato t'lass is tho host. In your room, 211 foot by 13 foot, ycm mislit have four Vines-two of Black IfamhurRh and two of Bucklaud Sweetwater. It is for yon to deeiilo whothci' there can he sufflcieut yelitihltion provided to bring dowu the heat to 45' at night when the Vines are first introduced, Ri-nduaUy I incronsiufftheteniperaturosothatit may he .55 when the Vinos are in leaf, and 6(1 when the fruit is settinK aud s\yellin),'. Those temperatures may ho increased 5' by 1 r.M. on cloudy, dull days, 10' on eluudy day.s with clear intervals, and 15' or 20 wlieu the sky is cloudless ; increase m temperature being accompanied by an increased amount of ventilation. You must also decide whether the air of the engine-room can bo kept moist— partially, completely, aud rognlarly— and whether that moisturo can be so reduced as to afford a dry atmosphere. If there is nothing to fear on these heads, and little or no dust (which can bo washed off the leaves by a good syringing), then vou may grow Grapes with a fan- amount 'of success ; but it is doubtful whether tho alterations, &o., required to make the room suitable for the growth of Vines irould not bo as costly as erecting a vinery heated by the waste steam ot the engine. Insect ra Celery Leaves (H. K. P.).— It is of very common occur- rence. The maggots under tho outer skin of tho leaves are the larva; of the Ccleiy Fly, Tephritis onoi.orcUnis. The only remedy is to pick off the blistered loaves, aud crush them aud burn them. liiKTLonD Removing Shbobs (iT. J. 0.1.— Your landlord has no right even to come into the garden von rent of liim, much loss to dig up shrubs and carry them away. Y'ou niight sue him in the County Court for tho damage, and vou may order him to quit as a trespasser, and give him into custody if he refuses to leave. You had better consult an attorney. PEicnES Proppinc — Grapes Shanking (TTofr/i/K;).— Y'our Peaches which drop off sweet and juicy are ripe, and all you want is a net fixed about n foot from the ground so that they may drop into it instead of on the ground. "VVo may have misunderstood you ; if so, write again. The cause of the Grapes showing a disposition to shank is probably the drainage being inefficient: and crops ripening duriug the wet weather we had a month or so ago, with the Vine roots similarly eircumstauced, also eiMhited signs of shanking. The usual cause of shanking is the routs being iu a cold, wot, outside border, and the evil is aggravated when tho roots are deep and cold rains set in at the time of ripening. "We would recommend the drainage of all Vine-borders to be vei->- effective, and the border to be made inside, or so much of it that the Vines can be planted inside. When tho borders are outsido they should bo protected fi-om cold rains after tho Grapes change colour. DiANTHCS HEDDEWion H,iRDY {Mem).— It is hardy in diy weU-arained soil, aud especially in that of a sandy gravelly nature ; but in cold wet clay soil and ex^i'osed situations it 'is quite tender, requiring a di^ ehe'ltored situation, or the protection of a dry cold ^framo or gi-een- houBe. Keeping Grapes (h. P.l.— Gropos allowed to remain on tho Vino keep better than by any other mode. Melons Splitting before Kipe [R. C. L. /7.).-Thoysplitfrom the rind not expanding in proportion to tho growth Splitting '>™'^lly ™™" after a eoutinuance of dry weather, when the rin.l ''""""f ,"™''>; »^ hard as that of a Pumpkin, and it splits from the pressure ot the matter impoUed into the fruit. Wo know of no rcm.'dy. As a preventive, keep the atmosphere and soil moist after the fruit begins to swell. *<}«"- cieucvof moisture in the atmosphere aud at tl^'/oot gives a check to growth, and the consequence is tho fruit does not swell, but becomes rind-bound. During very bright weather sUght shacUug is also bene- ficial, espooinllv when the fruit is not protected from sun by the leaves. It is only whe'n Melous are setting and ripening that they need a dry atmosphere, at other times they require as much moistoro as Cucumbera in order to sweU to a good si/.e, and that they will do in the first thirty days after setting or never. If they oro kept moist when they ought to he dry they crack. Lady Do^vNE's Grape (Prtmpinus).— It is, as yon say, " a Grape which has now been somo time before tho public, and is acknowledged to be one of the best late Grapes." It is a tree strong grower, and it never sets bacUy with us but, on the contrary, requires much more thinning than tne Black Hamburgh from setting its berries so thickly. For productiveness it is equal to the Black Hamburgh, often showing two and three bunches on a shoot when the wood has been properly matured m the previous year. It is equally productive on long rods as when a closx-r system of pruning is practised, but it gives larger bunches by the rod than by the sum- system of pruning, as is tho case with the majority of Vines. IS. requires a heated vinory to have it in perfection, and is then a produoUve and excellent late Gnvpo. Names of Insects (Lieut. Col. Rir.ifnr).— It is the grub known to gar- deners as tho Leatlior Coat. It is the larva of the daddy long-legs (Tipula). No remedy is known but turning up the earth with a knife round the Cabbages,' Lettuces, &e., attacked by the grubs. Mux Stanley a insects are one of tho species of sconuon-niitcs (Chelifcr cancroideB). They are often found fixed by their claws to tho limbs of flies and other insects, on which they erideitly feed. (,7. L. J.l.-Tho insects sent are Ptinus hololeucus, a small beetle imported into this countrj- from Kussia in a cargo of leather. It is not known certainly that they are injurious. (J. Sanders.) -The small orange-coloured grubs are those of a species ol minute gnat, which has been described under the name of Tipula cereahs, but which belongs to tho genus Cecidomyia. This is the first time that we have heard of its existence in England, having been pre^^ously noticed in Baden. It has been suggested that the fields of Barley should be mown at the time the gnats are developed, as this would prevent their being reproduced. — W. Names of Fruit ID. n.). — Apples.~l and 4, Hollandbury. Pem-e. — 1, Gansel's Bergamot; 2, Gendesheim; 8, Fondante d'Autonme. (E ifoarc). — 1, Duchesse d'Angoidi-me ; 2, Louise Bonne of Jersey; 8, Swan's Egg; 4, Gansel's Bergamot; .5, Beurre Diol; 10, NapolMin; 12 Comte de Lamy ; 14, Louise Bonne of Jersev ; 15, Swan's Egg ; 17, Bel- lissime d'Hiver. (S. Brown. liaynert).—!, Williams's Bon ChreUen; 3 Beurre Lefe\Te ; 4, Beun-e Diel ; 5, Vicar of Winkfleld ; 6, Duchesse d'..ingQulemo. (W. G.).—l, Dumelow's Seedling; 2, Lemon Pippin. I If. Brn,ni).—1, White Boyennc ; 2, Beurre Diol ; 8, not distingmshable at present, but certainly not Seckle ; 4, Flemish Beauty. Names op Plants (./. F. B.).— The specimen was too dried up for us to be certain— moist moss should always be put into tho box with specimens. Wo think it is Anemone japonioa. {H. W. .?.).- The specimens were smashed, but they both seem to be of tho Pistol-plant, Pilea muscosa. (&ri'(7orv)-— 1, Eugenia Ugni ; 8, Eriostemon buxifoUum ; 4, E. myo- poroide's. (G. Broro/i).— Chloris verticillata. (.4 Subscriber, Ecrejord).— Xanthium spinosura. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS in the Subui-bs of London for the Week ending September 23rd. . -4 Date. BAROilETER. THERMOaiETER. Wind. E.ain in inches. General Remarks. An. Earth. Max. Min. Max. Mm. 1 ft. dp. ■2 ft. dp. Snn. . . 17 Mon... 18 Tues. . 19 Wed. . 20 Thurs. 21 Fri. .. 22 Sat. .. 23 Mean.. 30.294 80.aS5 30.877 30.158 30.290 30.288 80.421 80.224 80.353 30.236 80.052 29.981 30.327 30.367 81 82 81 81 67 70 69 41 40 42 43 52 82 44 65 64 63 63 63 62i 62 68 6S 62 62 61 61 60 S.E. N.E. E. S. N.E. N.E. N.E. .00 .00 .00 .36 .12 .00 .00 Very fine throughout ; cool at night. Very fine ; hot and dry ; cold at night. Foggj- ; verv fine throughout. Dense fog ; 'cloudless ; hot and very dry air ; heavy rain at mght. Rain ; overcast ; cloudy. Clear ; fine ; cold ; down to freezing at night. Fine, diy, \vith hot sun ; cool air. . 80.315 80.205 75.86 42.00 63.21 61.71 .... 0.48 POULTRY. BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. DUCK-FOOTED GAME FOWLS— POULTRY CLUB ST.-VNDARDS. Are duck-footed Game fowls re.ally disqualified when ex- hibited? Mr. Hewitt stated that duck-footed fowls are "as useless for figbting as exhibiting;'' and at the Loughborough Poultry Exhibition some fowls were disqualified on that account. Referring to the "Standard of Excellence " recently published by the Poultry Club, duck-footedness is regarded as a " defect," but not a "disquabfication ;" and I can mention instances in which a duck-footed Game Bantam cock has received the first prize from some of ova first-class poidtry judges. The great desideratiun is a standard by -which poultry exhibitors and judges' are to be guided ; but whether the one authorised by the Poultry Club is to take that position or not, it is not for me to say. Many times the awards at one exhibition are reversed at another in' the same week on account of the judges having dif- ferent standards. Exhibitors begin to be gi-eatly discouraged ; some of them cease to exhibit altogether, accusing unjustly the judges of dishonesty. Again referring to the " Standard," I find that Black Bantams with legs of any colour except black or dark leaden blue, are disqualified ; yet at the late Keigbley Show, where your corre- spondent states that " some vei-y excellent Game Bantams (Black-breasted Bed) were sbown, and also some capital Bro-wn- reds," Black Bantams with hgbt-coloured legs took the fijst prize. It is very galling and looks suspicions when an eshi- 264 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 26, 1865. bitor sends a pen of poultry to an exhibition and taies a first prize, and again in a few days sends the same birds to another show where a pen that look a very inferior position at the pre- vious show now occupies the " place of honour," and his own does not even get " mentioned." Can this state of things be remedied? — J. H. [I willingly reply that I maintain my previously expressed opinion — that being "duck-footed " is reaUy a disqualification in a Game fowl for exhibition. As regards the " Standard of Excellence" "J. H." alludes to, as published by the Poulti-y Club, its dictum on the " duck-foot " in Game fowls may, for aught I know, be binding on those who compiled the work named : but as I myself did not lay down those rules, nor comply with the written request of the Poultry Club to revise such rules before piiblication, I cannot hold myself responsible as one who is invariably adherent to its standards. That many of the characteristics of the various breeds are therein described with precision I unreservedly admit, and also that in the generality of cases much really useful information may be gleaned for the guidance of an amateur as to the first selection of his poultry. I have also frequently arbitrated, even so late as since the pub- lication of the " Standard of Excellence," for members of the Poultry Club, by appointment at public exhibitions, not in sub- servience to the printed rules, but, on the contrary, exclusively by my own opinions ; so that I think our views are not so widely dissimilar as your correspondent would desire them to appear to be. Since perusing the letter of " J. H." I have pm-posely ascer- tained the private opinions of several of our principal poulti-y arbitrators, and without any one exception their views are con- clusive with my own, as to the " duck-foot " in Game fowls. As in all other similar cases, there ever will be a difference of opinion as to the comparative excellence of living stock. Look, for instance, at the cattle awards at Birmingham and London shows, held only within a few days of each other. Although besides a " standard," such arbitrators have the additional ad- vantage of a measuring-tape to determine girth. Sec, how frequently have reversed decisions ensued, though they have been as frankly admitted by the judges themselves as arising altogether from alteration of condition alone, and yet in both cases quite as justifiable ! It is not the formation of rules, but their after-application that brings with it dilEculty and dissimilarity, especially when the health, or even the Ufe of the objects of the awards, is quite as precarious and open to sudden alteration as our own. Even only a few weeks since, I gave a first j>rize to a bird in apparently perfect health, yet which died in less than an hour after, leaving both its companions as well as ever. In only ten minutes after the award was given in, it could not then (under my own arbitration) have gained a prize at all. As regards the statement of " J. H.," that some amateurs cease to exhibit, simply on account of a contrariety of opinion held by judges, no doubt exists ; there always are some few persons who cease to exhibit whenever they are not certain of personal success, and most probably in future days it will always continue so to be. These declensions, however, seem hardlj' reconcileable to the present general success of poultry exhibitors, for despite the withdi-awal of the individuals alluded to, the succession of new exhibitors is largely and continually augmenting. The hopes expressed by your correspondent that never-vai'ying decisions will be ultimately attained, I feel as- sured are visionarj', and quite beyond imiversal realisation. I am sori-y to entirely differ from the statement of " J. H." as to the colom- of the legs of the Black Bantams shown at Keighley. They were dark lead colour, and might have been made much deeper in hue, by simply oiUng them previous to exhibition, which is admissible. "Light-coloured legs" in this breed I repudiate as strongly as any one can do. I will not myself venture to determine the motives for withholding the greater portion of the paragi'aph extracted by " J. H." from your report of the Keighley Show, in The Jouen-u, of Hokii- CCLTUHE. He quotes, " Some veiy excellent Game Bantams (Black-breasted Reds) were shown, and also some capital Brown Beds;" here "J. H." stragetically stops short, though the same sentence goes on to say, " the latter, however, were a little too large for competition, though excellent specimens for brood stock." The best pen of Black-breasted Reds shown in this class was a hen short, consequently they were compulsorily passed over. If your correspondent really only knew by experience how much more easy a task it is for a disappointed exhibitor to cavil at an award when made, and opposed to his interests, than to predetermine such premium'at the outset. I feel con- fident I am doing him justice when I say, be would not then have written as he has now done. — Edward Hewitt.] MEDDLETON (ne.ui MANCHESTER) EXHIBITION OF POULTRY, riGEOXS, AND RABBITS. The seventh annual meeting of this Society was held on the '21st instant, and, as regards both the numbers of specimens competing, and also the quality of the birds themselves, proved a great advance upon those of fonner exhibitions. This Show has many advantages — among the most prominent, the place of exhibition is peculiarly pleasant and undulating, whilst the dense population of the closely surrounding large to^\TJS ensures, weather permitting, an attendance of visitors that few strangers eould believe possible unless themselves eye-witnesses. Great num- bers of persons availed themselves of omnibuses, that for the day plied every half hour from Manchester. These, in all instances, were tilled until not another individual eould be accommodated, whilst the rail- ways put on " special trains every quarter of an hour," biinging such a regxilar influx of sight-seers, that the parties in care of the admission gates had actually to be changed eveiy hour from sheer fatigue. The receipts must, therefore, have been of a very satisfactoiy nature indeed, and, as the managing Committee state they intend to eventually make the Middleton Exhibition second to none, a still fui-ther increase of the prize schedule may confidently he looked forward to another season. This year the entries of poultry alone were considerably above five hundred pens, irrespective of an entry of more than one hundred pens of Pigeons, and a good competition likewise in Rabbits also. The night previous to the Show was enough to quite damp the ardour of even the most sangiune of the Managers, a dull, dark, leaden sky, portending an unfavourable change of weather. Go where you might, the fears of bad weather seemed the only theme of conversation. "VVeather-glasses were examined minutely, and at ver)' brief intervals ; long-indulged hopes now gave way altogether, for about eight the rain began to fall in torrents, and without the least apparent prospect of a change. This continued far- into the night, or, more truly, the early moi-ning of the Show day. About daybreak, however, the storm (for thunder had prevailed in the distance many hom-s I suddenly abated, the sun began to gladden the tops of the hills, and it would be diiiicult to say which rose the quicker, the bUghted hopes of all concerned, or the mercui-y of the now utterly neglected barometers. Had the weather continued as unfavourable as anticipated, not only wotdd it have proved fatal to the best interests of the Society itself, but would, without doubt, have resulted in frightful injury to the poultry exhi- bited, for they were mostly shown in pens of bee-hive shape, entirely open to every change of weather that might ensue. Nor is the con- struction of this kind of pen as to want of shelter the only objection ; another, and equally gi-ave one, is also inevitable. If fowls are required to be examined in hand by the Arbitrators, prior to giving their awards, the taking out of one bird from a pen gives almost invaiiably the opportunity of escape to its companion, and the Game pullets were not slow to avail themselves of the chance of so doing, although several men were provided to obviate this difficulty, for each pen had to be fairly lifted before any fowl could be got at without injuring its plumage ; and of necessity at the close of the Show when repacking, the same objection retarded operations verj" considerably. Again, the water-can for fowls being fastened to the pen inside, at every lift the contents were upset, causing a damp pen for some con- siderable time. Now, on the subject of exhibition pens, it may be well to name a fact that beyond dispute proved itself at Middleton — viz., that fowls have as great a distaste for hot sunshine as they have to exposure in sudden showers. Among a considerable length of pens that were con- structed of wood with wire fronts only, containing more than a hun- dred lots, without even a .solitary exception, each trio were closely grouped npon one another in the shady comer, a relief impossible to those fowls whose misforttme from open pens all round entailed con- tinuous panting and discomfort. We are informed an improvement in this direction will not be neglected. The tknne fowl classes were particularly good, and were evidently the leading attraction of the Show. The Brown Reds were beyond question the most successful as prize-winners, and the competition in the class for pairs of pullets (the principal prize for which was a silver cup) was undoubtedly as keen as could he refen'ed to at any of oilt most noted poultry' meetings. The BraJimas were also remarkably good, and none of the prizes to this variety were won without a hard struggle. The general improvement in this breed during the last two years is remarkable. Of Hamhiirghs the best class was the Silver- spangled, in fact it is hopeless to wish for better. A very noted old exhibitor, however, sent a pecuharly good pair of pullets with a hen- feathered cock of this breed, now-a-days a novelty, and a fatal fault we thou::;ht years back exploded. The Game Bantams were of ex- ceedingly good quality, with a numerical entry that proves how qnicMy they become favourites among poulti-y fanciers. Almost all breeders expressed themselves disappointed in the Cochhi-Cfuiia classes, and it was a positive fact one of the best, if not decidedly the very best, pens shown of this breed was entered in the " selling class," where every pen was claimable, as by rule, at an outside price of 305. the pen. September 20.1865.] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 265 The Cochins alladed to, Partridge -colon red onoa. some very good Spanish, aud several other pens were immediately disiroscd of, for buyers of good birds proved very plentiful at Middleton. That renowned l)r(u'der of 6Vcw and Ihichi, Mrs. Scaraons, of Aylesbury, left l)fhind hrr a ven,- seanty board of prizes for division among her rivals. Tiie lady'n birds wore shown in wonderful condi- tion, nor could a more couelusivo aclniowledgemeut of their merits bu sugijested than the statement of many competitors — " it was no use trying to win when she exhibited." The Middleton Show of Pitjtoua was stated to be exceedingly fine, but the continuous throngs of people, by which tlicy wore surrounded, prevented many fx'om seeing this portion of the Exhibition. Tile liahhits were excellent, and evidently possessed mueh local interest. So close was the competition among the poultn.' exhibitors, that although the Arbitrators commenced their arduous duties at so early an hour as G a.m., it was nearly mid-day before their labours were concluded. GAaiE (Black-breasted and other Reds).— CTiicfccn^.— First, J. Wood, Hai^h, near Wignn. Second, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart.. Iloplon Hall, Wirks- worth. Third, W. Bourne. Monsall Lane, Newton Heath. HiKbly Com- mended. R. Pa>'ne. Brierfield, near Burnley; J. Hiilsall, Lowgi-een Farm, near Wignn. Cockn-rl.— First, J. Halsall, Ince, near Wigan. Second, J. Jackson, Bank Top, near Bury. Game (Any other variety).— C'/nf^ffw.— First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Wirksworth (Duckwiugs). Second, W. IJoumo (Duckwiugs). Thii-d, R. WUittiim, Brierfield, Lancaster (Red Piles). Cockerel.— Virsi, Withheld. Second, W. Bourne (Duckwing). PulUts.—ViYHi and Cup, T. Statter, Whitcfield (Brown Reds). Second. J. Wood fBro\\-n Reds). Third. J. Schofiold. Castleton Moor. Castleton (Black Reds). Fourth, R. Payne, Brierfield. near Burnley (Brown Reds). Highly Commended, J. Fletcher, Stoneclough, near Ma'nchester; A. Nuttall, Newchurch, Manchester; F. Sale, Crewe; W. Bourne. Spanish.— C/(icA<';w.~First, E. Brown, Sheffield. Second, N. Coop, Cbowbent. Third, J. Msirchant, Halifax. Highly Commended, T. Green- wood, Dewsbury. Cockerel. — First, N. Coop. Second, E. Brown. Third, M. Brookbauk, Manehester. PulUU.—Yirsi, T. Greenwood. Second, H. Beldou. Binglev, Yorkshire. Dorkings.— C/iicA-c»v.— First, Sir St. G. Gore. Second, T. Statter. Third, J. White, Warlaby, Northallerton. Highly Commended, H. W. Fitz- wiliiam, Wentworth Woodhouse, Rotherham ; D. Parsons, Cucrden, near Preston ; A. Fenton, Crimble, near Rochdale. Cockerel.— F'nsi, J. Stott, Healey, near Rochdale. Second, Mrs. Dale, Scarborough. PidleU. — First, D. Parsons. Second, Mrs. Dale. Brahma PooTRA.— C/ticfccHx.— First, R. W. Bovle, Bray, Co. Wick- low. Second, T. Statter. Third. H. Lacy, Hebden Bridge. Highly Commended, E. Greenwood, Overtown. CocArcrcL- First, R. W. Boyle. Second, H. Lacy. Highly Commended, T. Statter. PulUtn.—Yusi, R. W. Boyle. Second, T. Statter. Highly Commended, E. Leech, Rochdale. CocHrx-CHiNA (Buflfand Cinnamoul.—CfticAcn^.— First. W. A. Taylor, Manchester. Second. O. Jennisou. Belle Vue. Manchester. Third, W. Massey, Fulford, Yorkshire. Cockcrel.—Yirsi, Withheld. Second. W. A. Taylor. J*ji//f /.,-.- First, C. Jennison. Second, A. Bamford, Tonge Lane, near Middleton. Highly Commended. C. Jennison ; C. E. Risdale, Skircoat, near Halifax. Commended, J. Stott, Post Office, Healey, near Rochdale. Cochin-China (Partridge and Grouse). — C/iicfccTi^.- First, J. Hudson, TonRe Lane. Middleton. Second and Third, Withheld. Cockerel.— First, R. J. Wood, Briuscall Hall. Chorley. Second, Withheld. Pullets. — First and Second, R. .1. Wood, BrinscaU Hali, Chorley. CocHiN-CmNA (Any other variety).— C/i;cA,TH.s.—Fiist and Third, With- held. Second, W. Gamon, The Green, Thornton-le-Moors, Chester, ^cfcerci.- Prize, J. B. Wilkinson, Marsden Hall, near Burnley. Ptillets. —First, Withheld. Second, P. F. Taylor. Haubcrgh (Any colour).— C'/ticA-en-*. — Silver Cup. J. Fielding, New- church, near Manchester. Hajiburgh (Golden-pencilled). — Chickens,— Tiist, S. Smith, Northow- ram, Halifax. Second and Third, T. Wrigley, jun., Tonge Lane, Middle- ton, Cockerel.— First, S. Smith. Second, T. Wrigley. Highly Com- mended J. Wrigley, Middleton. Pullet^.— Fir^it and Second, T. Wrigley, jun. Hamburgh (Silver-pencilled).— C/(;cfrens.— First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bai-t. Second, H. Beldon. Third, J. Preston. Allerton, near Bradford, Yorkshire. Cockerel. — First, J. Preston. Second, H. Chamock, Church, near Accring- ton. PullfU, — Prize, C. niing\voi*th, Burley, near Otley. Hamburgh (Golden-spangled).— C/iu-frcJw. — First. J. "Buckley, Tainton^ near Ashtou-nnder-Lyne. Second, J. Ogden, Chadderton. Thii-d, Sir St] G. Gore, Bart. Commended, R. Simpson, Chadderton. Cockerel.— First^ J. Buckley. Second, M. H. Broadhead,Stubbin, Holmfirtb. Commended j; Moody, Edge End, Holmfirth. Hamburgh iSUver-spangled).—CfticAvn,?.— First and Cup, J. Fieldinsj, Newchm-ch, near Manchester. Second. Sir St. G. Gore. Third, J. Lanca- shire, Chadderton. Highly Commended, T. Collinge, Boarshaw Clough, Middleton. Commended, J. Partington. Middleton. Cockerel. — Fii'st, J. Hope. V,'emeth, Oldham. Second. H. Beldon, Eingley, Y'orkshire. Highly Commended, S. Lancashire, Chadderton. PuUets.— First. J. Field- ing. Second, E. CoUinge, Boarshaw Clough, Middleton. Highly Com- mended, J. Lees, Hollinwood; T. M. and J. Ashton, Broadbottom, near Mottram, Cbeslui-e ; J. Collinge ; T. Rhodes. Hamburgh (Black).— C7iicA.v;w.— First, J. Lord, IJttle Green, Middleton. Second, R. Battersbv, Herwood. Third, J. Hope. Cockerel. ^Fiist, R. Battersby. Second, W. Holt, Middleton. Commended, E. Worslev, Middleton. Pullets.— Fir^t, J. Marshall, Middleton. Second, J. Holt. Akv Variety op Poultry not Inxluded in the Classes, — Chickens. — Fii-st, S. FaiTington, Astley, near Manchester (Black Polands). Second, J. M. Procter, Hull (Silver-spangled Polandsi. Thu'd, P. ITnsworth, Low- ton, near Warrington (Black Polands). Highly Commended, H. Beldon (Silver-spangled Polands). Cockerel.— First, S. Farringtou (Black Poland). Second, Withheld. Pulleta.— First, H. Beldon (Silver-spangled Polands). Second, S. Farrington (Black Polands). Ga-Me Bantams (Any colour).— First, J. W. Morris, Rochdale (Black Red). Second, J. D. Newsome, Batley, near Leeds (Black Red). Third, D. Parsons, Cuerden, near Preston (Brown Red). Highly Commended C. W. Brierley, Middleton. Cockerel.— Cup, First, and Third, J. W. Morrifl (Black Reds). Second, D. Parsons (Black Red). Commoudod, R. Tate, Leeds. Bantamh (Any other variety or colour).— First, C. W. Brierley (Gold- laeod). Secoud.'E. Hutton, Pudsey, near Leeds (Blacksl. Third, J. Cope. Banisley (Coehiu Itaulamsi. Highly Commended, Sir St. G. Gore, iJart., Hopton Hull, Wirksworth, Derbyshire; Messrs. S. & U. Ashton, Mottram, Cheshire; C. W. Brierley. Selling Class.— First, E. Smith, Middleton (Spanish). Second, J. Horrocks, Tonge (Partridge Cochins). Third, A. Bamford. Middleton (Buff Cochins). Highly Commended. T. Wrigley, Ben.. Chadderton; J. Hargreaves, Skipton in Craven ; H. Shuttleworth, Middleton. Com- mended, T. Dym, Halifax ; J. Jackson, Bank Top, near Bury. Cock.— First, 11. Beldon (Brahma). Second, C. Broadbent. Saddlewurth (Golden- spangled Hamburgh). Hik'hlv Commended, T. Wrij^'hy. Ducklings.— First and Second, Mrs. M. Seamons, Hartwell, .\ylc8bary. Third, E. Leech, Rochdale. Ducklings (Rouen).— First, E. Leech. Second, W. Gamon, Chester. Third. J. D. Newsome, Batley. near Leeds. Highly Commended, T. Wake- field, Golboru, near Warrington ; E. Leech : Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Ducklings (Any other variety).— First, D. Parsons (Grey Calls). Second, H. Nield, Worsley (Buenos .\yreanj. Third, E. Hutton (Grey Calls). Extra Stock.— Prize, C. W. Brierley (Carolina or American Summer Ducks). Goslings.— First, Mrs. M. Seamons. Ilartwell, Aylesbury (Einpden). Second, T. Houlkcr, Revidge. Blackburn (Toidouse). Highly Commended, J. Radchffe, Balder^tonc Hall, near Rochdale. Commended, F. J. Bright, Green Bank, Rochdale. Turkeys.— Prize, E. Leech, Rochdale. PIGEONS. Almond Tumblers.— First, H. Yardley, Market Hall, Birmingham. Second, J. Fielding, jun., Rochdale. Carriers.- First, C. J.Samuels, Ash\-ille, Longsight, near Manchester. Second, W. Massey, Fulford, York. PowTERs.— First, Messrs. C. & E. Royds, Grcenhill, Rochdale, Second, H. Yardlej-. Commended, C. J. Samue'ls. Barbs.— First, J. Thackray, York. Second, W. Massey. Highly Com- mended, L. Glassey, Rochdale. Jacobins.— First, J. Thackray. Second, C. J. Samuels. Highly Com- mended, J. B. Pinder Harpurley ; Messrs. C. & E. Royds. Commended, C. J. Samuels. Fantails.— First, J. Thackray. Second, H. Yardley. Highly Com- mended, S. Farrington, Chatmos's, Astley, near Manchester. Owls.— First and Second, J. Fielding, jun. Highly Commended, The Right Hon. the Countess of Derby, Knowsley Hall, Prescot. Commended, J. Thackray. Nuns. — First, J. Thackray. Second, Messrs. C. & E. Boyds. Dragons.— First, H. Yardley. Second, J. Thackray. Verj' Highly Commended, J. Smith, Openshaw Bridge, Manchester, Highly Com- mended, Messrs. C. & E. Royds; S. Heap, Tainton, near Ashton-imder- Lyne. Commended, A. Hilton. Butler Green, Chadderton. Any other variety.— First. The Right Hon. The Countess of Derby. Second, H. Yardley, Birmingham. Highly Commended, J. Thackray, York (Magpies). Selling Class.— First, J. Hawley, Burnley. Second, J. Thackray (Turbits). RABBITS. Spanish.— First, Messrs. C. & C. Royds, Green Hill, Rochdale. Second, A. Firth, Hyde, Cheshire. Highly Commended, J. Lucas, Rochdale. Commendedi G. Barlow, Chadderton. Any other Variety.— First, T. Jackson, The Mount, Alkrington. Second, T. Leech, Middleton. Highly Commended, R, F. Smith, Chester (Himalaya Rabbit). The Judges for Ponlfri/ were Edward Hewitt, Esq., of Eden Cottage, Sparkbrook, near Birmingham, and Joseph Hindson, Esq., of Barton House, Everton, Liverpool. The prizes for Piytons and liahbits were awarded by Mr. Morgan, of the Waterworks, Man- chester, and Mr. Pearson, of Cheetham Hill, Manchester. THE WOKCESTER POULTRY EXHIBITION. September 19th and 20th. Few shows of poultry have met with more imintemipted success for many years past, than that now so well established at "Worcester. It is certain, however, that this success is mainly to be attributed to the never- failing care of the Honorarv Secretary, Mr. Holland ; for early and late his best energies seemed to be thoronghly devoted to its welfare and permanence. That the Worcester Cora Exchange is most especially snited to the pnrjiosesof a poultry show few will deny, and as the weather was fortunately most propitious throughout, we have the pleasure to record one of the most successful results yet at- tained by any poultry show held in the neighbourhood of Worcester. It is evident that this Show will now prove annually progi-essive ; but even should such be the case, it is certain by a little careful pre- arrangement, that the Worcester Corn Exchange might yet comfort- ably accommodate even double the number of entries of the present year. The prize schedule is a very liberal one, and independently of premiums to the classes of £2 and £1. five silver cups are given, re- spectively for the best pen of Game fowls of any breed, the best pen of Grey Dorkings, the best pen of any breed of Cochins, the best pen of the four varieties of Hambnrghs, and for the best pen also of Bantams, iiTcspective of breeds. This, of course adds materially to the compi?titiou, as any -winner of a silver cup can receive either the silver plate proposed, or its money -value at his own option. 266 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 26, 1866. Nothmf:; can be more fair, nor can. any appointment be more duly ap- preciated by exhibitors. The (iinnf classes were excellent tbrougliont. and fonneci a very pro- minent fcatnre of the Show. Mi\ James Fletcher, of Stoueclongh. near Manchester, however, managed to secure the first premiums in every class, consequently, the silver cup fell, as a matter of ooui'se, to liis share, though the Judge expended a good deal of time unneees- eaiily in its appropriation, the birds being very even in quality, and the Arbitrator naturally conceiving, until the decision was recorded, that they belonged to different parties. The cup birds were Black- breasted E-eds. In Spanish, the Show was, undoubtedly, not so good as some others of foi-mer yeara, and it certainly struck that the hens in the first-prize peu, like some other bipeds of the same sex, had taken a liberal discount from their actual age as pullets of 1865. The Coloured Dorlinf/s were one of the best classes in the Show. We noticed with regret, however, a malformation that dis- comfited not a few pens — viz., the spurs being placed on the outside instead of the inside of the legs, a serious di-awback to success. In Cochiii-Clmm fowls, no doubt the Partridge and Grouse -coloured were the best vai*ieties as classes, the White ones nest, and the Buffs taking the r ^'•. A first-rate pen in the latter class {of Buffs) exliibi- ted by Mr. 'I'omlinson, of Birmingham, were quite a featm*e of the Exhibitio. , ud took precedence for the cup. Mr. Tudman. of Welsh- pool, shoA\Ld some magnificent Grouse-coloured ones, that when moulted out completely will be difficult to beat. Mr. Chase's White Cochins also fully supported that gentleman's reputation in this pretty variety. The Brahmas were one of the best classes in the Show, and the competition was most severe. In Hamhnrffhs, the Worcester Show as usual stood well. Silver-pencilled winning the cup for the best of_ any variety ; but all the prize birds in each of the four classes were unusually good. In the Poland class some exceedingly perfect speci- mens of Silver-spangled ones, the property of Mr. Atldns, of Bir- mingham, took the lead. In the " Any lUstinct variety "' class, a pen of the now-so-rare Ptarmigans, exhibited by Mr. Zurhorst, of Dublin, were universally admired, and were shown in truly unexceptionable condition. In Dioitavis the show was good, but many pens were moulting heavily. The Oecsc, Daehi, and " Sellingclasses " were all filled abundantly and with capital specimens, and, consequently, not a few of these entries changed hands. Nothing could possibly exceed the cleanliness and good order of the Exhibition, and all the birds shown, with a single exception, were in perfect health. Game (Black or Brown-breasted Reds). — First and Cup, J. Fletchei*, StonecIouRh. near Manchester. Second, T. Burgess, Whitechui'ch, Salop. Highly Commended, T. Statter. Commended, J'. Fletcher. Game (DuckwinjTs and other Greys and Blues). — First, J. Fletcher. Second, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Hoptou Hall, Derbyshire. Game (Any other variety).— First, J. Fletcher. Second, E. .Wlnwood. Commended, Sir St. G. Gore, Bai't. Spanish. —First. W. Roue. Second, G. Lamb. Highly Commended, G. Lamb. Commended, Rev. R. Young. DoRKJNGS (Coloiu-ed).— First and Cup, Sir St. G. Gore, Bai-t. Second, O. E. Cresswell. Hanworth Rectory, Hounslow, Middlesex. Highly Com- mended, Rev. M. Amphlett ; Mrs. Young; J. Hill, Bladon Castle, near Bm-ton-on-Trent. Commended, J. Norman; J. Holme, Knowsley, near Prescot. Cochin-China (Cinnamon and Buff).— First and Cup, H. Tomlinson. Second, F. W. Zurhorst. Higlily Commended, T. Stretch. Commended, T. Tatham. Cochin-China (Partridge and Grouse).— First, E. Tudman. Second, J. Poole. Highly Commended, T. Stretch; E. Tudman; J. R. Rodhard ; J. Stephens. Cochin-Chin A (AVhite).— First and Second, R. Chase, Balsall Heath, Birmingham. Brahma Pootea.— First, T. Statter. Second R. W. Boyle, Galtrim House, Bray, Co. Wicldow. Highly Commended R. W. Boyle ; H. Lacy, Lacv House, Hebden Bridge. Haueurgh (Golden-pencilled).— Fii'St, W. La^vton. Second, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Hamburgh (Silver-pencilled).— Fii'gt> and Cup, T. W. Walsh. Second, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Highly Commended, Mrs. AUsopp, Hindlip Hall near Worcester. Hamburgh (Golden-spangled). — Fu-st, J. Roe, Second, T. May. Highly Commended, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Hamburgh (Silver- spangled). —First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Second, A, K. Wood, Bumeside, Kendal. Commended, W. Stephens. PoLANns (Any variety).— Fii-st and Second, G. C. Ailkins, The Light- woodH, near Birmingham. Any distinct variety. — First, F. W. Zurhorst (Sultans). Second, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Commended, J. K. Fowler, Piebeudal Farm, Ayles- bury (CrOve Cceurs). Bantams (Any variety). — Fu-st and Cup, H. Shumack. Second, R. B. Postans. Highly Commended, W. Bradley, Severn Navigation, Worcester ; R. B. Postans ; D. Parsons ; T. Davies, Stow Hill, New-port. Monmouth : J. Cock, Severn Bank Tannery, Worcester. Commended, G. Manning; Sii- St. G. Gore, Bart. Bantams (Gold and Silver-laced). — First, M. Leno, jun. Second. H. S. Salisbui-y. Highly Commended, M. Leuo, jun. Commended, G. Manning. Bantams (Black or White).— First, Rev. P. W. Story. Second. Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Highly Commended, E. Cambridge, St. Phillip's L-on Works, Bristol ; T. Davies. Geese.— First and Second, J. K. Fowler. Highly Commended, Mrs. Wolferstan. Duces (Aylesbury). — First, H. Jones, The Pheasantry, Dintan, Ayles- bury. Second, J. K, Fowler. Highly Commended, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart ; F. W, Zurhorst ; H. Jones. Commended, T. L. Mayos; J. K. Fowler. Ducks (Rouen).— First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Second, R. W, Boyle. Commended, J. Holme. Ducks (Any other variety).— Firist, Sir St. G. Gore. Bart (Carolina Ducks). Second, T. H. D. Baylev. Ickwell House, near Biggleswade. Beds (Grey Call). Highly Commended, T. L. Mayos (Buenos Ayrean). J. K. Fowler (Buenos Ayrean); F. W. Earle, Edenhurst, Hayton, Liverpool (Encnos Ayrean). Commended, A. J. Lamb (Wild Ducks). Selling Class.— First, Rev. A. K. Cornwall (Dorkings). Second, R. H. Nicholas (Chinese SiUdes). Higldy Commended, Rev. A. K. Cornwall (Game Bantams). Commended, R. B. Postans (Dorkings); T. C. Mayos (Gnlden-pencilled Hamburghs) ; J. Lvcett (Geese); Rev. M. Amphlett (Guinea Fowls) ; D. Yoimg (Cochin-China) ; W. Hodges (Game). Edward Hewitt, Esq., of Eden Cottage, Sparkbrook, near Birming- ham, officiated as Judge. WOODSTOCK POULTRY SHOW. [Fh-om a Correspomlent.) This was held at Blenheim Park, the seat of His Grace the Dnke of Marlborough. The following were good classes : — Dorldng chickens, White Aylesbuiys, White Geese, Grey Geese, Black Turkeys, and Grey Turkeys. The two champion prizes, given by C. E. Thomhill, Esq., for old And young ponltiy of any land in the Show, were easily obtained by the Duchess of Marlborough with a first-class peu of Aylesbury Ducks, and a splendid pen of SUver-Grey Dorking chickens. The fol- lowing are the prizes awarded : — Sp.\nish. — Prize, Rev. — Dodd. Chickens. — Pi-ize, — Cactus. Dorkings.— Prize, Licut.-Col, Thomas. Chickens. — Prize, the Duchess of Marlborough. Brahmas.— Prize, the Duchess of Marlborough. Chickens, — I*rize, the Duchess of Marlborough. Cochins. — Prize, Rev. — Dodd. Chickeni. — Prize, J. James. Hamburghs (Spangled). — Piize), — Hillersden. Chickeris. — Prize, — Hillersden. HameurctIis (Pencilled). — Prize, J. James. Chickens. — Prize, J. James. Game.— Prize. W. Rowlis. Ducks (Aylesbui-j-). — Prize, the Duchess of Marlborough. Dnckling%. — Prize, the Duchess of Mai'lborough. Ducks (Any colour). — Prize. W. Rowles. Ditcklings. — Prize, J. Hutt. Geese (White).— Prize, Viscount Dillon. Ooslinys.—^rize, Viscount Dillon. Geese (Grey).— Prize, the Duchess of Marlborough. Goslings. — Prize, the Duchess of Marlborough. Turkeys (Black). — Prize, H. L. Gaskell. Powters. — ^Prize, Viscount Dillon. TuEEEYS (Grey). — Prize, — Barnett. Poicters. — Prize, the Duchess o£ Marlborough. Champion Prize for the Best Pen of any age.— The Duchess of Marlborough. Champion Prize for the Best Pen op Chickens. — The Ducliess of Marlborough. Mr. H. Yardley, Market Hall, Eirmingham, acted as Judge. TARPORLEY AGRICULTUR.VL SOCIETY'S POULTRY SHOW. [From a Con-esjmndent.) The annual Show of the above Society, held at Tarporloy on the 21st inst. under the veiy able management of Mr. Vernon, the Society's Secretaiy, together with a working Committee, proved a good one. Lord Binning, the President of the Society, who occupied the chair at dinner, expressed himself much pleased with the manner in which the Show was carried out. It took place in a spacious tent, fitted up with pens from Nantwich, in a field belonging to Richard Aston, Esq. The following is the list of awards : — Dorkings (Grey or Wliite).— First, W. Vernon. Second, Sir P. Egerton, Bart., M.P. Cominended, W. Vernon. Spanish (Black). — First, J. Sheen. Second withheld. G.AME (Any colour). — First, — Grocott. Second, — Woolley. Hamburghs (Spangled). — First and Second, J. L. Sellon. Hamburgh (Pencilled). — First and Second, — Bates. Any other Breed.— First, — Woolley. Second, J. Shaw. Highly Com- mended, — Shaw, Guinea Fowl. — First, — Newpori. Second, — Dain. Ducks (Aylesbury). — First and Second, J. Groucott. Ducks (Rouen).- First and Second, — Prescot. Turkeys. — First, Sh- P. Egerion, Bart., M.P. Second, — Goulboum. Geese.— First, — Barber. Second, Mrs. Wade. Highly Commended, — Prescott. Mr. Heath, Nantwich, was the Judge. PATENT HATCHING MACHINE. A company (limited) is in process of formation for the sale of the Patent Hatching Machine. Oiu- opinion of the inven- tion remains the same — that it is certainly the best thing of the sort we have eyer seen, and one eaknilated to be eminently nseful to all interested in Game and poultry. We do not, how- ever, expect that at any time there \vill be an artificial mother as good as the natnral one. This one consists of a box about 5 inches high, from the top of which are suspended strips of woollen fabric or flock, reaching to the bottom, but fastened only at!the top. They consequently readily yield to every motion of September 26, 1S65. ] JOUKNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE. GAEDENEE. 207 the body of the sinalleBt chicken, aud form around it not only protfctiuu from diimght, but they provide the heat that is csseutiiil to Rrowth. Tho machino will shortly bo advertised, and will bo Bcou at work in all its details. It is eciinently ealculated to interest the amateur and man of science. Wo believe it will bo found very profitable to those who look to poultry as part of the moans which jn'ovides a livelihood. — B. MORPHOLOGY IN FO^\"LS. I AM not myself at all fond of malformations and mon- strosities, but two so peculiar have! just accidentally dropped into my hands, that I send them to your oflicc, as there are individuals who feel an interest in such Ihin^s. Both tho birds were killed on the same day by one of our principal poulterers, nor were the parties who plucked them aware of tho eccentricity of either till pointed out to them. Tho first singular freak of T'ame Nature was a fuU-grown Duck with two wings on one side and one on tho other. The " double wing " I forward dried, but when just killed, aud consequently pliant, you could open or shut them at pleasure, as they would fold over each other, showing but little singu- larity when closed beyond a common wing, though the flight feathers of each were alike fully formed. The same day a well-grown chicken was killed, and proved to be the owner of the two feet sent. They are web-footed entirely between the two external toes, and also much more webbed than usual between the middle and inner toes. When I first saw it tho body was entirely plucked, consequently, thus nude, I can only say no malformation of body existed. The head was evidently that of a well-bred Brahma pullet, pea- combed, and dark-feathered. The two legs, also now forwarded, were at the first densely covered with feathers on the outside, quite 2 inches long ; but unfortunately these were stripped off before I saw it again, and it had occurred to me to send this odd lot to the Journal. Some of the nails of the feet are worthy of attention on account of their close similarity to those of a Duck, the remainder being precisely like those of a common fowl. — E. Hewitt, Eden Cotlaye, SjHirkbrook,near Birmitighani. [The malformations are as Mr. Hewitt describes. The double wing is such a duplication as occasionally occurs in all domes- ticated animals ; but the web-footed Brahma Pootra seems something more, and we should have considered it an evidence of an intermixture with the Duck tribe if Mr. Hewitt had not written " No malfoi'miition of the body existed."] POINTS OF JJKAHMA POOTKAS, I H.\TE at various times placed a protest in your jjages against making colour a prominent point in Brahmas. It appears, however, inevitable, and the important part would seem to be to obtain the best. I am led to these remarks by yom- re])ly to " A SnESCKiEEK, Ireland." You there state, " the reddish brown and cinnamon are both objectionable colours." I should agree to this, if this colour were the prevalent tint ; still, I believe I am correct in writing that some breeders prefer an orange tint over the pen- cilling of the breast in the hen. I know one of our most successful exhibitors is of this opinion, and I understood him to say that he had kept Brahmas largely in America before they came into fashion here, and that he considered this the correct coloirr. I notice in " The Standard of Excellence," that there is no mention made of this orange colour. My experience of dark Brahmas leads me to say that the cocks may be found of two coloiu's — silvery white, and straw- coloured white hackle, back, and saddle, &c. The former for the most part have the breast black, the latter spotted with white. The former have rarely any bronzing on the wing, the latter, perhaps, always have a touch of this, sometimes vei-y objectionably so ; still, my experience of the shape aud sub- stance of the strawy-colom'ed buds, with the addition of the spotted breast, leads me to prefer these. Dark Brahma hens may be seen, as I believe, of three different colours. I cannot see that One of these is any better than another, whilst I have headed the prize list in tolerably stiff competitions with birds of each variety. .The three varieties I have noticed are dark brown pencilling, light grey penciUiug, and dark (almost black) grey pencilling, The first are those that usually have the breast more or less of an orange tint, and the ground colour is a very light brown. The liglit grey are exceedingly beautiful birds, tho ground colour 1 take to bo nearly white, tlie pencilling is more distinct, ])ossibly because of the lighter colour of the ground. The breasts are often beautifully pencilled, but are freiiuei]lly quite white — a great defect, as I take it. Lastly, let mo notice the dark grey. Here the pencilling is almost black, and tho ground colour is darker. The breast is often very light, almost white, each feather beautifully laced with black or dark grey, making a very pleasing contrast. Tlio head and hackle foatliers are black, though some traces of silver are to be found as the iiacklo apjiroachea the shoulders. I am ilis]iosed to think that some of the best-shaped bh'ds I have ever seen have been of tliis colour, whilst some of my cottage friends tell me they lay better than the other colours. — Y. B. A. Z. REGICIDE AMONG BEES. H.1VING had some further experience this season of regicidal attacks by bees I propose relating it, and at the same time fulfilling the promise which I made so long ago to consider what has been advanced on the subject by Mr. Lowe in a series of able aud well-written articles which appeared in "our .Journal," and extended throughout the whole of January to the commencement of February in the present year. On the 14tli of June I discovered the queen of a nucleus closely imprisoned in a dense cluster of her own workers, and being satisfied by former experience that her life was really in imminent danger, I at once proceeded to release her from her tormentors. As my mode of effecting her deliverance differed from that adopted by Mr. Lowe, who states that he forced the reluctant bees to quit their hold by means of a small twig, I may as well describe it, believing that it is attended with less risk to the valuable life of the hapless prisoner than almost any other. Placing the dense knot of bees gently in the palm of my left hand, I carefully detach the workers one by one with my right hand, and throw them into the air, quietly strolling round the garden in the meantime, so as to baffle them in their attempt to return, and this process is continued imtil the cluster is reduced to vei-y small proportions, and the queen herself becomes distinctly visible. I then convey the remainder in-doors, where I complete the release of the royal captive in front of a closed window, so that if she chance to take wing I may be sure of experiencing no difficulty in re- capturing her. I should add that this operation is always performed by me without gloves, and that it very rarely entails a sting, the chance of which I am, however, perfectly willing to encounter rather than risk entire failiure by clumsily mani- pulating with covered hands. I then subjected the distressed monarch to a milder form of imprisonment in a small cage, and returned her to her hive. I should add that she was a re- markably fine Ligurian queen, only six days old, having been hatched on the 8th of June. On the same day I made a similar discovery in the case of another Italian queen, also at the head of a nucleus, aud seven days old, ha\-ing been hatched on the 7th of Jime. I had at once recourse to the same mode of proceeding, and shut her also up in her own hive out of the reach of her relentless persecutors. Both these queens were set at liberty the next morning, when, the regicidal frenzy having passed off, they were well received by their worker sisters. It is not a little singular that three days afterwards I again found both these queens imprisoned at the same time, when a similar course of treatment on my part was attended mth a like fortunate result, and no attack has since been made upon either of them. The larger of the two queens escaped entirely unscathed, and having commenced egg-laying on the 22nd of Jime is now one of the finest and most fertile I possess ; whilst the other, although with one whig pennanently distorted and constantly projecting iiom her body at right angles, began to lay eggs on the 20th of Jime, aud has since proved herself by no means deficient in fecundity. The third instance did not come under my dii'ect observation, but occurred during my absence at the seaside to a young queen of such a-dimiuutive character that she only obtained a reprieve through my excursion. On my return I found she bore the marks of severe im|n'isoument in the mutilation of two of her legs on the left side, and believing her, in the absence of eggs, to be unimpreguated, I soon destroyed her as being altogether useless. A 2>ost-martem examination, although 268 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 26, 1865. it proved me to have been mistaken on this point, gave me no reason to regret the loss of so diminutive and mutilated a queen. The fourth and last case has caused me much vexation, having cost me the loss of a young queen bred late in the season, and which I was especially anxious to preseiTe. On the evening of the 4th inst. I noticed a violent commotion among the inhabitants of a nucleus box containing a queen thirteen days old, having been hatched on the 22nd of August. On opening the liive and lifting out the combs I presently discerned the horrible little regicidal cluster, with whose ap- pearance I have, unfortimately, become too famihar not to recognise it immediately ; and having manipulated it in the manner before described, I had the mortification of finding its nucleus to consist only of the lifeless and disfigured remains of' my once beautiful queen — a mortification which was by no means diminished on a minute examination leading mo to believe that she had been murdered on her return from a successful wedding trip, and in this, as in a former instance related last year, my hopes had indeed been blasted in the very moment of their fruition. So much for my more recent experience of regicide and regicidal attacks among bees. I will now turn to the considera- tion of Mr. Lowe's articles on the subject, to which, however, he has preferred giving a different name. In " our .Journal " of the 3rd of January, page 19, Mr. Lowe expresses an opinion that the queen, in a case previously re- lated by me, was " evidently wounded" before being returned to her own liive, where she was incarcerated and kiUed. This is, however, quite a mistake, since I can assure Mr. Lowe that, on the contrary, she was perfectly unhurt by the strangers by whom she had been so briefly imprisoned. As all the instances I have now related refer to queens artificially reared they would unquestionably appear to bear out Mr. Lowe's idea, that such queens are peculiarly liable to maltreatment by their workers. Such, however, is not my own opinion. These miscarriages bear but a small proportion to the number of queens successfully reared, and none of them escape discovery. My observation of apiaries in which natural swarming alone takes place, convinces me that at least as gi-eat a proportion of mishaps of some kind happen to young queens, but the construction of the hives, and lack of obsen'atiou on the part of the bee-keepers themselves, preclude the production of evidence which woiild in all probability estabhsh the fact, that queens reared in the ordinary manner are quite as liable to become victims to regicidal attacks as their so-called "artificial " sisters. I am unable to indorse the opinion of " A Lanaekshike Bee- KEEPEii," that regicidal attacks on young queens may always be referred to the presence of stranger bees ; nor can I, on the other hand, agree with Mr. Lowe, that they are owing either to defects in the procreative powers of the queen or to the want of timeous fecundation. In the first two cases which I have related, both the queens which I succeeded in rescuing com- menced egg-lajdng within the average time, and have since proved themselves fully competent to fulfil all the duties of their position ; whilst the one that perished so miserably was barely thirteen days old, .and had I been so fortunate as to have been warned in time to save her, would probably have turned oiit by no means inferior to her rescued sisters. Whilst thus doubting the theories advanced by others, I must honestly confess to being imprepared to propound any of my own. So far as my observations extend, regicide and regicidal attacks still appear to me to be a mysterious and very unsatisfactory chapter in the natural history of the honey bee. — A Devonshire Bee-keepek. GAS TAR INJURIOUS TO BEES. One of yom- correspondents asks if gas tar is prejudicial to bees. If my experience is worth anything, he ought on no account to use it. Some years since I covered the walks of my kitchen garden, where I kept my bees, with a mixture of gas tar and ashes from the furnace of a steam boiler, and in a day or two all the walk in front of the hives was strewed over with thousands of bees in all stages of decrepitude. It seemed to act on them like chloroform, only they never got up again. Whilst I am on the subject of bees, let me ask bow the bees get rid of the drones. You see them generally in August driving them out of the hive by hundreds, but I have very rarely seen one stung to death. If observed carefully, ninety- nine out of every himdred are held by the working bees at the ' base of one of the wings, which the bee seems to be biting as ferociously as possible ; and my belief is, although I have never seen the remark made nor a similar question asked, that the wing is weakened by this, and breaks down during the flight of the drone after escaping from its persecutors. — T. G. LIGURIANS IN STAFFORDSHIRE. I SEND the sole surviving queen raised from the brood of my first Italian queen. I believe she is rather more than three years old. and shall be obUged by Mr. Woodbury informing me if she exhibits any symptoms of an exhausted spermatheca. She has been very prohfic during the whole of this season. I have not seen this queen since last summer, and could not swear to her identity with the one raised in July, 1862 ; but the hive has never changed queens to my knowledge, and the coloiu- of her progeny this year agrees -ivith that of the two preceding years. She is either thi-ee years old, or not more than one. The hive which I reserved for late di-ones still contains a great number of those gentlemen. They have a young queen which is, I have no doubt, impregnated, "but she had not com- menced to lay a few days ago when I examined the hive. She is almost certain to prove pure. A second queen was either lost on her wedding trip, or killed by her subjects, as she has disappeared. The bees in the drone hive are perse- cuting the drones. — J. E. B. [The spermatheca of the queen which accompanied your letter proved, on examination, to be fully charged with sper- matozoa, nor did it exhibit the slightest sigu of exhaustion. — A Devoxshiee Bee-keepeb.] Game Bantam Cup at Bikmingham. — I have received the following promises of subscriptions : — Geo. Manning. Esq., £1 la. ; ilr. J, Crossland, jun., £1 Is. I hope other exhibitors will allow me to add their names. — R. B. Posians, Brentwood, Esac.v. OUR LETTER BOX. White Spanish Fowls (..1. P. B.). — We have not seen any White Spanish fowls for a lonfl time. They were always looked upon more as pets and eccentricities than anything else, and were not largely bred. They lacked the contrast that forms the chief beauty of the Spanish — black plumage, white face, and red comb. Calne Poultry Show. — We are glad to observe the Committee show their appreciation of the value of Brahmas by making sepiirate classes for hght and dark. We trust the error in tlie schedule of then- being styled hght and dark pencilled ^vill not cause confusion, as it was not observed until too late for alteration. The classes are well divided, and the prizes though not large, as liberal as the funds will admit of. Earth Floor of Poultry-house— Nests {A. S. B.). — After seeing the floors of the pens at the Poultry Company's establishment, and their entire freedom from offensive smell, we would, if we had need of manure, turn over the dry earth of the poultry-house floor three times weekly, and remove it entirely, and replace it with fresh dr}- earth at the end of eveiy two months. We think that a nest having for its flooring nothing but perfectly di-y sandy earth would be excellent, and freer from vermin than if lined with hay or straw. Points in S'ilver-spangled Hamburghs (-7. B. B.). — Well-formed combs ; piked behind, and the pike turning slightly upwards, firmly placed on the head and perfectly straight. The hackle feathers of the hen should be black and white-striped. -A white hackle is a defect. The tail should be white, but tipped or mooned with black at the end of each feather. The body should be mooned all over, and the wing laced and barred. Legs blue. Profitable Poultry {Pu^hh). — Brahmas, Cochins, or Spanish will be the birds that \viU suit you best. They will agree with the common barn- door fowls; but we do not see why these latter should be kept if you adopt our suggestion of one of the breeds we have named. Peacock's Feathers Brittle (J. P.). — We are at a loss to know to what to attribute the breaking of the Peacock's feathers, but he will recover his plumage. Poultry Diseased (C. T. r.).— We believe the rain, which is beginning to fall as we wTite, will remedy many of the diseases which have tor- mented you, and us, and many more. Everything is too dry and husky. Give eve'ry fowl affected a table-spoonful of castor-oil, continue the bread and beer, and give to each a pill of camphor as large as an ordinary pea. Vulture-hocked Brahma Pootras iW.). — The vulture hock is as ob- jectionable in these as in the Cochin-Chinas. The legs shoiUd he well feathered. We hardly know what to advise in the case you mention. We have never had a similar case. We should advise that it be treated with stimulants. Canary with Sore Feet (S. D. H. H.).— Sore feet may arise from.two causes. If the perches cross each other so that they catch the dirt, the feet become dirty and sore. Wash the feet clean and auuiut them with salve. Scrape the perches clean, and alter them so as not to catch the dirt. Sore feet may also proceed from wool or the tibres of silk or cotton becoming entangled around them, cutting to the bone and becoming embedded in the flesh, causing the toes to mortify and drop off. Wash the feet clean, pick out the fibres— a magnifying glass may be necessary to enable you to see them— then anoint the feet, and if you get out the thread the'y will soon heal. This is not imfreyuent ivhca ladies allow their birds wool or floss silk to build with.— B. P. Beent. October 3, 188S. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 269 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Month "o7 Wuek. OCTOBER a— 9, 1805. AveraKe Toniperaturo near London. 1 1 Rain in last 88 yciu-B. Sun Risea. Sun Sets Moon Rises. Moon Sets. Moon's ABC. Clock altor Sun. Year. Dav. Nicht. Mean. Dav8. m. h. m. h. m. h. Days. m. 8. 3 To Walnut leaves fall. (i:1.8 44.11 r.4.2 10 Out 6 82 af 5 45 4 8.5 Ilf9 14 1 11 278 4 W ^'n■t^n^an Creeper turns rod. 01.7 4!!.4 58.8 19 7 G 80 5 18 5 10 6 O 20 11 277 5 Til Slocrt ripe. es.2 41.1 B2.2 19 9 0 28 6 49 5 38 0 18 87 11 278 C F C'lmiuon Reed Grass ripe. 82.0 44.0 53.0 21 11 6 28 5 25 0 1 8 17 55 11 279 1 S M-iple anil Beech leaves fall. li2.C 44.8 53.B 19 12 6 23 5 8 7 20 9 18 12 12 28(1 S S0X 17 Sunday apteu Trinity. IU.5 42.3 61.9 20 14 0 21 C 52 7 33 11) 19 20 12 281 9 M Poplar and Cherry leaves fall. GO.B 42.5 51.0 21 18 6 19 5 45 8 87 11 20 45 12 282 From obscrvntioim taken near London dllrinR tlio last thirtv-2i|?ht Tears . tho averaKe dav temperature of tlie week is 02.ii'>, and its niKlit tomperntiiro 48.2=. The Ri-eatcst heat was 8U-', on the 4th. 1859: and the lowest cold, as , ou the Oth. laoO; 8th, 1802, and 9th, 1819. The greatest fall of rain vma 1.08 inch. GROUND VINERIES. ERY lately yoiu' correspon- dent '• J. N." suggested an idea wliioli was recom- mended in tho first descrip- tion I gave of the ground vinery — I mean an aper- ture at each end under the gable. I found, however, that although calculated to allow the egi-ess of heated air. it was of no perceptible use if the bricks for ventilation were properly arranged. Till this season I have never had a scorched leaf, never any red spider ; but foreseeing the im- portance of fi'ee ventilation in confined gardens, my ground vineries are in a most exposed place. I have recommended two rows of bricks, placed so as either to make two rows of pigeon-holes, or so as to make the interstices double the size — i. c, double the depth of a single row of bricks. Treated thus, Vines grow healtliily. and the fruit ripens well. No better, no other, mode of ventilation is requii-cd, if my seven years' experience is of any value. I gi'ow but few Vines in gi'ound vineries, merelj' because I have more Grapes than my family and friends can consume in lean-to ^^neries ; but I am aware of the extent Grapes can be gi-own in these sunple structures, as I Imow that a clergy- man in Berkslm-e sold his ground-\inery Grapes for 4;20, which he distributed among the piior of liis parish. ^ly favourite Vine is a Trentham Black, wliich I have suffered tliis season to bear fifty bunches merely for the experiment ; but the hemes did not set well, o\\ing to the Vine being taxed too heavily. This Vine has now nm tlu'ough seven five-feet lengths, and is of coiu'se .So feet long. I intend to place some small heaps of compost at intervals of 20 feet, so that fresh roots may be produced, and I hope to live to see it 100 feet long. I see no reason why it should not reach to 200 feet. Its fruit was fully ripe the first week in September, and Tvas of the most delicious flavom-. I can see a gj-eat futiu-e for these mteresting stnictures. Some variation in the training of Vines may be exercised. Instead of the Vine l.ymg on the slates it may be trained to a wire in the centre, about a foot from the ground. For this piu'pose the vineries should be more roomy than I at first recommended. Three feet in width at base will give ample room for one Vine trauied to a irire in the centre, and for two rows of double lateral cordons of Cheny, Peach, Apricot, Pear, and Plum trees, wliich by' summer pincliing may be made most prolific trees under glass, and are most easUy' protected from oiu' spiing fi'osts. My gi'oimd ■s-ineries used for tins pm^pose have no bars, and are well and cheaply made by Mi-. James Rivett, builder, Stratford, Essex. With regard to geothermal ventilation mentioned by No. 236.— Vol, IX., New Sekhs, "J. E.." it would ill my opinion be perfectly impossible to keep Vines in health without considerable volumes of ex- ternal air passing mto the vineries. In tlie south of Eng- land there is always heat enough to ripen Hamburgh Grapes. If geothermal heat could be applied under the vineries, and I believe it can be. Grapes would ripen early in summer, but the}' must have abundance of aii'. As to the paraphernalia of hinges and apertures at end or at top, I believe them to be of no consequence. In nU new methods of cultivation simjilicity should be the iido, or people get bothered. As far as my exjiorience has gone, the simple method of low ventilation by the ajiertures formed in the rows of bricks is quite sufficient : still I am not bigoted enough to despise the hiii'..;ed vineries of ^Ir. Wells — they are luxuries, and, like aU such tilings, they must be paid for liberally. Feeling interested in the question whether Grapes would ripen better suspended from a mre in the centre, and as close as possible under tlie ridge, so as to be in the hottest part of the vinery, I have this moment (Sept. 21), walked up through the rain to my little batch of ground vineries on a sand hill (idO yards from my house, ^rith my man Friday. I find that the bimches hanging from the upright spurs are just under the ridge, and a trille over a foot from the ground — in short, just where they would hang if suspended from a mre in the centre. The Grapes in these bunches are nearly or quite ripe : tho bunches lying on the slates are not quite so ripe : but the ripest of all are bunches hanging so that theii' tips touch the slates. This, I hope, has settled the ipiestion : so we may now have our Vines trained to wii-efi in ground vineries, and calciilate that if the bunches are suspended so as to touch or par- tially to lie on the slates, so as to receive then- radiation, Grapes wiU ripen well. On examining the Vine I have alluded to — a Black Hamburgh. I discovered that enough bunches liad not been cut otf in spring ; and to my dismay, my man found, on coimting them, sixty-three bunches, averaging half a pound each, on this Vine of five years' growth, occupying a ground ■i'inery 14 feet long, .'iO inches wide at base, slope of roof 20 mches, depth in centre 10 inches, placed on a single row of bricks end to end. with spaces of 4 inches be- tween each for ventilation. There are no apertures at the ends, but the structm-e is abuost exactly after that given in the seventh or eighth edition of the " ^liuiature Fnut Garden." A veiy mteresting fact is slwivn coimected with the above yineiy — One or two bunches on the same Vine are outside at the end, and within .i inches of their brothers raider the glass ; the unsheltered bimches are full of small berries as hard as green sloes. Although I have thus mentioned and given a favourable accoimt of these rather narrow 30-inch-wide vineries with bars, I much prefer those without bars, and 3 feet, or even a little more, wide. The extra width adds but little to their first cost, and room imder glass is always so conve- nient and valuable. The one great trouble of these stnictures is thinning the berries, at all tunes and in all wineries a tu'esome opera- tion, yet most necessary, for without it such Grapes as the No. 898.— Vol. XXXTV., Old Sskieb. 270 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 8, 1865. Black HamburRh and most others become very inferior, and will not rijieu kindlv. It is just probable that we may origi- nate sorts from seed that will not require this thinning. I only know of one v.irietj' at present likely to allow of it — viz., the Fiutindo, a round-berried, deep purple Grape of excellent flavour. I have reason also to think that the SiJtana, a white Grape from Smyrna, may be placed in the same category, as my Smyrna friends tell me it is highly esteemed there, owing to its benies never being crowded, but hanging loosely and detached ou tlie bimches. It is some years since I prognosticated that Grapes would be grown by the acre : the time is coming. 1 lb. per square foot could be grown in ground vineries properly cultivated, on a light good soil — -13, .500 lbs. Take off half for spaces between vineries = 21,7oUlbs. Deduct one-third for more space between and casualties : say 14,000 lbs. per acre — a low calculation. — Thomas Rivers. THE DUBLIN BOTANIC GARDENS.— No. 1. Gl.vsnevix has been so often described, and is so well known to botanists who have visited Dublin, that a new notice of it may seem superfluous ; but every one who inspects these cele- brated gardens must look at them with different eyes. Ex- perience and taste differ so widely, and ths season of the year when they are visited is so likely to vary, every week making a change in the aspect of the place, that the impressions pro- duced a fortnight since on one who had never before crossed the Irish Sea. may possibly possess a little novelty. From the useful little handbook prepared by Dr. Moore, it appears that tlie gardens were founded about seventy years ago, when the Royal Dublin Society possessed themselves for this purpose of the pretty and very suitable grounds, rendered classic by the former residence in the midst of them of the poet Tickell. The house which he inhabited still exists, and many of the fine trees that cast their shadows upon the sward were, no doubt, of his planting. The names of other literary celebrities are associated almost as intimately with Glasnevin, as those of Steele and Parnell, and, pre-eminently, that of Addison. An undulating walk between two rows of tall Yews, which at the time of my visit were strewing the ground with their scarlet berries, is said to have been a favourite resort of the famous essayist, and is known to this day as " Addison's." The general surface of the ground is very agi-eeably diversi- fied. There is sufficient of slope to produce picturesque effects ; the rise and fall are renewed in every part, and the side furthest from the entrance is bordered by the little river Tolka, advantage of which has been taken to secure a capital Salice- tum, and also to introduce many moisture-loving herbaceous plants. These flourish charmingly on the reedy margins, and "ive a completeness to the collection far more natui'al than is possible where the preparation for such plants has to be wholly made by hand. The hothouses and greenhouses are capacious and well- placed. Objection may be taken to the external lines of the Palm-house, but it is not fail- to talk of the ill-binding of a book when the contents are as rich as the heart can wish. A marvellous place is this Palm-house. Perhaps the gi-andest thing it contains is a plant of that most exquisite of tree Ferns, the Cyathiva serra, a vast vegetable parasol, the stem grace- fully bending, fawn-coloured, and glossy at the upper part, with silvery-gre,y scales, while the great green pellucid fronds, silvei-y upon the under surface, form arches upon every side. Another veiy striking plant in this house is a great Urania speciosa, the vast leaves so intensely equitant at the base as to form a solid flat mass, and the general aspect reminding one of the vegetation in a pantomine scene. The crowd of rare and noble plants that share in the shelter of this grand department is beyond description. The simple list of species, with de- served commendations of their healthy and hearty condition, would make an article. The adjacent houses are equally rich, especially in jjlants noted for their economic value, and many of great rarity ; yet, pleasant as it is to take in almost at a glance the Clove and the Camphor tree, the Sugar-cane and Guava, it is even more delightful to be harpooned at evei-y turn by such things as Cockscombs -mth pink flowers ; the pyramidal variety of the same plant with queer little wattles on the very summits of the tall spikes ; Martynia proboscidea, with large and hand- some lUao corollas, internally speckled, and with a yellow stripe down the centre; Drosera dichotoma, with clusters of white flowers, each l.J inch across, and on a scape 2 feet high, and so on till we cry out El Dorado ! Such strange Begonias too. How slight an idea is given of this singular genus by the common " elephants' ears " of our consen-atories ! Instead of the large grey leaf spanned by a silvery arch, or dotted with white, here we have the most elaborately ihgitate, and in the tomentosa a leaf as fleshy as that of a Sedum, and completely covered vdth pale pubescence. Not far from it was an odd Convolvulus, raised from seeds lately received from India, and flowering for the first time. The corolla, instead of being campanulate with an even rim, has the five petals united for so short a distance upwards that they hang together Hke those of the Azalea when half withered. In other respects it resembles the common Convolvulus major of every garden. It is the sight of such plants as these that renders a visit to Glasnevin so valuable. The notions we pick up in ordinary gardens must necessarily be imperfect, because derived from a single expression of what is often a multiform type or idea, and we discover at the same time how false are all definitions ; for directly we have laid down what seems to be the rule, something comes in to upset it. No fence is so ingeniously constructed, but some queer exceptional thing is found walking through it. In the Victoria regia-house. Rice is freely grown in several distinct varieties. There, also, is the pretty Pontedera cordata, abounding in spikes of gay blue flowers. This plant does well during summer in a tank out of doors, where the water is sUghtly warmed from mthin. It is also being tried, and ap- parently with success, in the swampy ground where earlier in the summer we may see the lovely bloom of the Jleuyanthes. Among the very special oddities was shown a Marcgravia, clinging like Ivj- to the wall, only that the leaves instead of being Ivy-like, are oblong, an inch or two in length, and light green. In Brazil this plant is seen clinging to every old tree- stump, both in the forests and when washed-up ou the river- banks — a sort of vegetable barnacle. It would have been missed but for the kindness of Mr. Orr, the Superintendent of the plant-houses, whose courtesy and attention to visitors are on a par with his extensive and most accurate knowledge of plants. It would be invidious to mention his name without saying at the same time, that everything a botanical visitor to- these famous gardens can desire in connection with the hardy and out-door plants, whether names or location, is afforded by Mr. Macardle, who positively seems a piece of the garden, so bound up is he, heart and soul, with its life and contents. The ancients had a pretty fable in their mythologj- about hama- dryads— nymphs who lived and died with the trees they belonged to. The hving for thirty years in a garden like this seems to show that poesy may have more truth in it than we are sometimes disposed to admit, though put in a fanciful way. Innumerable are the small evergreen shrubs and sufiruticose plants found in the greenhouses and the httle receptacles sup- plementary to them. Every type of Cape and Australian botany is represented ; and not inferior to this class of plants is the collection of succulents. I was much struck while reveUiug in this opulent in-door garden with the number of butterflies that were at play among the plants. Probably there may be as many in other places, but it has not been my good fortune to obseiwe them — good, since their painted wings and delicate movements seem to harmonise best of all with these rich and rare plants of foreign climes. Minutely examining the Uttle flowers of Hypericum ajgjqjtiacum, the stamens were foimd to be united, not simply at the base, as in all the British species of this genus, but into three little arborescent bunches, after the manner of those of certain Myrtaceous plants — Beau- fortias to wit. Disandra prostrata was trailing from the tub of a tree Fern, and had leaves 2 J inches across ; and Oxahs sensi- tiva was almost a weed, producing its yellow flowers in plenty, and shrinking when touched. The gardens, strictly so-called — such portion of the ground, that is to say, as is not conserv.itory, present features if possible more surprising. The first plant noticed was Reau- muria hyperieoides, a neat little grey-green undershrub in the gi-eenhouse border, with axillary pink flowers the size of a sixpence. The student of vegetable anatomy should not fail to examine the ovary and ovules of this plant whenever the opportunity may oft'er. Alongside was the singular and showy Amicia zygome'ris, a purplish-green leguminous undershrub, with hollow and pubescent stems, and leaves formed of four large, curiously truncated leaves, that differ from those of most other Legiuniuosaj in possessing abundance of transparent dots. The stipules are conspicuous and remarkable ; the flowers (not seen at Glasnevin), are yellow. Phygelius capensis makes a very October 8, 1866. ] JOURNAL OP HOKTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 271 huiidsome border-plant hcfe, resomlilinp Gosncra zebrina in intloroscence, but more like a I'entstcmdii in fulianp. As for Tritoina n\aria, its ^'riunl scarlet and yellow BCeptres were lifted in clusters of sixty or more, literally in sheaves. Sola- num jasminoides instead of beinp;, as in Lancashire, a green- house plant, vms here flowering abundantly against a wall, like a Clematis ; wkilo Clerodendron fu'tidinn nuide great bushes, crowded with dull purple flowers growing in bunches like those of an Ixora. Perhaps the first observation made by a visitor accustomed to the immediately modern stylo of Ilo\\cr gardi iiing, would lie the total absence from Glasnevin of bediling-out plants. There is nothing to be seen here of the Turkey-carpet mode of ar- ranging tiowers ; no patches of red, white, and yellow ; no long li(nes and ribbons, where these would be seen in other Botanic Gardens, as at Kew, Birmingham, Shetlield, Manchester, Liver- pool, Arc. ; the ground is considered too precious for anything but science; and, in truth, after a minute or two's consider- ation the mind is far more gratified, for instead of two or three ideas, we have two or three hundred, as geiniine a " feast of reason," as in the other case we have Vilaze for the eye. The lawns in front of the houses are covered with flower-beds ; but these, instead of Calceolarias and Pelargoniums, endlessly re- capitulated, are devoted to as many different races or families of plants, and as some species or others are pretty nearly always to be found in bloom, the contrasts are as remarkable as the wealth. Just then the Compositie were in their zenith, and magnificent was tlie unfolding of golden stars and boutpiets. Every conceivable modification of the auroolus may be studied here,' and happy may be the Dublin art-student who, Uke a truly wise man, will visit such a garden when he wants ideas and* insjiirations, enjoying not meiely the privilege of the tiowers, but of the absolute freedom of access to them, for this admirable idaee is thrown open to the public every day with some slight reservations, and like the Phoenix Park, and the delicious sea-margins of Bray and Tvilliney, are the unbought jiroperty of every Dublin man, woman, and child. Immense is the privilege thus liberally accorded, the greater, perhaps, that it extends to the Sunday afternoon, when if a man be disposed to obey the Divine behest, to " Consider the Lilies," after the scrthe of the mower shall have swept them from the field, here may he learn "how they grow," and gather from their simple loveliness a serene and elevating wisdom. Though a man may be indifferent to written trnth, he cannot shut himself up from the access of the humanising lessons that enter his mind from flowers and trees, in a place where he is required to be calm, as here on the Sabbath afternoon. If possible, the visitor to Dublin should try to get into Glasnevin early in the morning. The birds are then in full song ; the short-lived flowers of the Cistus and tlie Convolvulus are at their best, and saving a gar- dener or two in the distance, we are " monarch of all we survey." Closely adjoining the borders devoted to the natural orders of herbaceous plants, is the best portion of the arboretum. There are many tine trees and many very interesting species. Rubbing the leaves of various species of .luglandacese, with a view to compare their odours, I noticed that the leaves of Juglans nigra are totally destitute of odour, while those of Juglans fraxinifolia and of Carya tomentosa yield a pleasant though rather faint perfume, and this only after considerable braising of the tissue. Old Juglans regia, " the kingly Walnut," evidently stands first, alike in marbled timber, in kernel, and in scented foliage, .\mong other interesting trees are here to be seen Tiliahitea, with yellow flowers, and leaves resembling those of parvifidia, the true Acer saccharinum, for which the A. pla- tanoides is often mistaken ; Acer rubrum, but like the former, never flowering ; and several of those grand Mexican Conifers, the tufted leaves of which resemble locks of straight green hair, such as Pinus apulcensis and Montezumre, for they do not thrive here, the soil being unfavourable. A fine tree of Corylus colurna stands close at hand, now covered with the rudimentary catkins, that in March, ISOG, will be in the full pride of their beauty. It is very pleasing to note in this tree, as in the common Hazel, the Filbert, the Alder, the Birch, and to a considerable extent in the Willows, how spring is prejiared for months before its consummation ; Spring, as we witness it, some three months after New Year's-day, being simply the last scene of a long drama, the greater part played, it is true, behind the curtain, but with enough of the incidents set forth to view, as here in the Corylus, to assure lis that it is a suc- cession of phenomena, covering, perhaps, six months. Hazel catkins in preparation for the following year may often be found as early as July. The lower portion of the arboretum contains many unusual shrubs, such as Shepherdias , and two cir three kinds of Sym- phoricarpus, there are also an Aristcjtelia Mactjui, various I'avias, itc, all very interesting. A walk alongside leads to a portion of the garden set apart for small tpiantities of the jilants specially useful in connection with manufactures, and the food of man and cattle, ]iartly with a view to experimentalising upon them, partly to give completeness to the idea of the garden, which is" thus rendered highly educational. Here we see such out-of-the-way plants as Woad, Madder, Fenu- greek, Cheuopodium Quinoa, and Bohmeria nivea. Arti- chokes lift their great nnuive-coloured heads, and even the common Cabbage is allowed a place. Further on is a little sanctum, with the door locked, in wliich there are all sorts of new and odd things, Laplanders, Indian Biiddleas that have not yet been named, and numy another stranger from the far cast, for at Glasnevin we have not alone the stereotype and duplicate style of plant, but new faces from all parts. From this garden Kew was furnished with its Balsam of Tolu trees, and from this garden were dispersed the first plants of that queen of ornamental (Jrasses, the Gynerium argenteum. The two sexes of this magnificent (irass are here planted near each other, in order that the contrast between them may be the more readily observed. Tlie staminate plant sends up its panicles to the height of only about 0 feet, those of the female or pistillate rise to the height of IH feet, but are destitute, of course, of the beautiful anthers that hang upon every branch- let of the former. By artificial fecundation seed is obtained easily and in plenty. Two more references and I have done. One of the most striking objects in the garden is a green plant of Aristolochia sipho, trained upon a wire cage in such a way as to give the exact semblance of a lady's dress, from the waist downwards, and trailing behind, upon the ground — rather amazonian in the proportions certainly, being 11 feet high, but the breadth and imbrication of the great cordate leaves give at once the idea of continuous substance and of folds and plaits. The other remarkable specimen is not in the garden, but in the trim enclosure adjoining Mr. Maeardle's residence. It is a tree compounded of some twelve or fifteen different species ! The stock is a Quince, rising with a clear stem to the height of about .5 feet, and hereabouts have been gi-afted Apple, Pear, Mountain Ash, Thorns of various kinds, and other Rosaceie, to the number above stated — a most curious and complete illus- tration of what " a happy family" may be made to consist of in plants. The work is entirely that of Mr. Macardle, and has been in progress about four years. Another stock has, in addition to various Rosaceous plants, a vigorous young Mis- tletoe ! It is not too late in the season for any lover of plants who has not seen Glasnevin to go over and enjoy it at once. The Dublin Exhibition, and cheap trips in connection therewith, offer additional inducements, and I can promise that there shall be no disappointment. \Miile in Dublin, however, on no account must a visit be missed to the gardens belonging to Trinity College. These are almost another GlasneWn, as I shiill endeavour to show in detail in a week or two. — Leo. SEEDLING FRUITS— EATABLE FUNGUSES. W'h.vt you throw out in page 205 as a mere probability — namely, that the Pitmaston Orange Nectarine sprang from a white-fleshed parent, is, I believe, a fact. Mr. AVilliams, its raiser, so asserted, but until the experiments of Mr. Eivers showed that this was no impossibility, few were disposed to believe it ; and, indeed, Mr. Rivers has, within fifteen years, brought out more facts bearing ujion the subject of seedling Peaches and Nectarines than were ever discovered during cen- turies before. Bushels of stones must be sown annually in the United States, France, Australia, &c., where Peaches grow like weeds, and require no exjiense of glass ; but the well- directed and limited observations of one man have produced greater results than those of all others put together. I have often raised plants from I'itmasfon Orange and its descendants uncrossed; once, and only or.ce, I had a seedling without glands. Last year I crossed four fiowers of Pine- apple Nectarine with Early Newington, and of the four seed- lings, three are, like the male parent, without glands. No great gain I am aware. I regret to see (page '21S), that friend " Clapuam " has been unfortunate in his experiments on FunguBcs. I can only say 272 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 3, 1865. that I have partaken, with much pleasure and no detriment, of Agaricus procerus, cepajstipes, deliciosus, and uehularis. The last is excellent. The appearance of deliciosus is, no doubt, suspicious. He is a large orange-coloured fellow, turning green ■when bruised. All Fungi should be eaten sparingly, well cooked, and well masticated. I dislike oreades, prunulus, and personatus. The latter is sold at Covent Garden under the name of Blewitts. — G. S. THE MODEKX PEACH-PRUNER.— No. l(i. CLOSE PEUNIXG FOn THE Ol-EN AIR. I n.iVE now to state the original theory as broached about thirtj- years ago, and carried out up to the present date at Chartres. The system has been applied exclusively to trees in the open air. lu the earUer stages of growth it is a recognised principle that the summer stopping of the shoots and their winter regulation should be but small, consisting mainly in merely ]iinching-oft' the point of the growing shoot, and especially in checking the advance of any shoot which has a tendency to become gross. In thi.s w,iy the tree is kept in fair balance. It is thus prepared for the work in hand, to be done only when the tree is about to bear a little. M. Grin says that he commences then by untying aU the leathug branches in November. (In our climate good judges prefer October.) A selection of bearing shoots is then made. Those situated at the back of the branch are rigorously sup- pressed by being cut clean out. Forerights, on the other hand, are preserved. These, under this close system, never get too far from the wall's heat, and form au essential part of the bear- ing wood. In England they are too often cut out, which is an erroneous notion altogether. Of the other classes of shoots, those which show the best-formed eyes (ripe buds), and which have the best promise of wood-buds for succession at their base, are carefully chosen to bear the next year's crop. These shoots are then, generally, cut back to two eyes, and if the upper eye be the more developed and the stronger, it is bisected before it attains any length, and is thus arrested for a time. Meanwhile the lower and the more feebly-constituted eye re- ceives all the spring sap, and is prevented from languishing. The wood-shoots which spring from each spur — and here it is important to mark the distinction made on the continent be- tween a spur and a shoot, and also to state that the term " spur " refers mainly to the jiroduct of manipiUation — arc kept as a reserve to be transformed, by close summer pinching to two leaves, into fruit-bearers, as required. On the spurs situated on the upper sides of each leading branch one shoot will suffice to bear the next season's crop, but on the spurs situated on the lower sides of the leading branches it is better to leave two shoots. All these shoots are now cut back to two good eyes. This constitutes the general winter pruning. The first summer operations commence in the middle of April, in ordinary seasons ; or, in the beginning of May, in backward years. At this time the number of shoots to be left is finally settled. As they develope themselves their true cha- racter is best seen, and oiu' author has taken care to have au abundant reserve, which is one excellent result of all close pruning — plenty to choose from, but no useless growth. Some of the shoots vary much in character. "Here, for instance," said our author to me, " we have a shoot with only a louquet dc mai (cluster spur. Class 5), .at its base, while all the shoot above this cluster is bare for perhaps 2 inches." We, therefore, prefer to cut down the shoot to this single cluster, and we know how to make it either bear a wood-shoot or friiit. If the f jrmer is decided on, we shall have to bisect all the flower-buds. and then the central wood-bud will extend freely, which it otherwise would not do. (Here we find bisecting recommended instead of the too common plan of disbudding. This is a use- ful hint to orchard-house pruners who desire beauty of arrange- ment.) Should a shoot have two of these clusters at its base, then it may be cut down to them very closely. It then presents an excellent basis for the summer work, for one of these clusters may have its flower-buds bisected to allow the central wood- bud to extend, and the other cluster may be permitted to bear fruit. ' (Besides, it generally occurs, that by this close keeping- iu of these groups the latent-buds at the point of insertion on the parent branch develope during the summer heat, and thus form an excelleutlresei-ve. Let us also remark the dependance placed on shoots of Classes 5 audj 7 for fruit-bearing. This ought, at least, to teach us, that in the orchard-house with our climate comparatively at command, these two classes can be safely relied on to bear the general crop. Such, at least, is my own experience, and on my old trees, hardly anything but these classes appear. This is the end and the resiUt of close prun- ing.) If at the base of a spur the buds seem unusually latent, and it is difficidt to develope them after one season, some even asserting it never to happen, then the shoot of the year which springs from that spur is shortened-in to one good gi'oup of triple buds, and at the first May stopping whatever appearance of fruit there may then be is carefully suppressed, and the central wood-bud of this group is allowed to extend. Thus a new shoot is obtained, not so well placed as the others, but still near enough to produce. The general run of shoots may be said to be pinched-in to two well-developed leaves. The two or three small leaves which are seen lower down on the shoot, having no buds ia then- axils, do not count. This first piuching-in to two leaves generallj' takes place in May, the time being regulated, however, by the season and the locaUty, and is done as soon as the shoots have made about -1 inches of growth. The second pinching takes place as soon as the second gi'owth, which springs from the axils of the two leaves first operated on, is about 2 inches in length, and is described by writers treating of M. Grin's system, as leaving untouched the first leaf, or even the first pair of leaves when they spring together, of the second growth — that is to say, that the second pinching is to one more leaf. M. Grin, however, repudiates this plan, and expressly states that he has made many trials, and that if even one leaf be left at the second ijinching, the second growth being vertical, and made at the moment of the strongest sum- mer sap, its strength is such that a strong shoot is the result, which prejudices the development and maturity of next year's crop. " These severe operations have for object to suspend, for a time at least, the vegetation of the latent eyes, and to hinder their becoming wood-shoots. Thus, dming a certain time, the whole action of tlie sap is directed to the nom-ishment of the eyes at the base of the spur, so as to strengthen them, and to produce cluster spurs in the following season." It is also clear that this very close second pinching leaves little scope for the production of a third growth, also described by the writers in question as requiring a fresh pinching-back to one leaf more. Be this as it may, my present object is rather to show how essentially different this, the original theory, was, and has ever continued to be, from the old-established forms of long pruning. It is a little revolution of itself, has attracted much attention, and is gaining groimd daily. Not only in the case of Peach trees, but to other fruits and vegetables is it applic- able. For orchard-houses there can be no system equal to it. Carried out with a due regard to locality and other circum- stances, it must prevail eventually, and supersede all others. What has been stated in this article comprehends the latest development of this system, now a generation old, and always advancing without having much to retract. As was said befoi-e, the author desired it to be known at present in this form, and some ten years of personal trial have convinced me that it is sound anil practical. All that I should, therefore, venture to suggest would be a modified form suited to the wants of our climate, which wUl be the subject of my next communication. — T. C. Br.EHAUT, Richmond Bouse, (xucmsctj. PEARS WHICH SUCCEED IN THE NORTH OF ENGLAND. Ip the experience which I have gained in Pear culture on a very limited scale in the north be of any utility to your corre- spondent it is at his service. My small garden is on the south-west of the town (Darlington), and very dry. I rarely sustain injury from frost, but am exposed to and sufl'er from winds ranging from N.W. to N.E., though I have a wall to the north. My garden is about a mile north of the Tees, and the district, I should say, possesses a good cUmate for its latitude ; indeed, the vale of Tees is both warm and fertile. In 1857 or 1858 I saw a bimch of Grapes (Black Hamburgh), weighing 2J lbs., cut from a Vine on a flued wall, with no glass or any protection excejit thin canvass. I find some Pears, which with me require a wall, do well otherwise at a very short distance from me. For instance : to- day I saw on a wii-e trellis a fine crop of Bemre d'Aremberg, of 'which I never could obtain good fruit from a treUis; it ia Octobers, 1865.] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTUIiE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. 273 tlio came with Beam' Diel, though in tho lower part of the town it docs well ns a stumlaril. I grow tho foU.iwiiig. all on quince stocks, aa standiirds : — Williams's Bun C'lirrtien, Louise Bonne, Bciirrf d'Amiinlis, lloyennu d'Etc, Sci-lraRe(Uis walk ■paved with lirie);, and arched over by an avenue of Evergreen •Oak, called here Live Oak. This is a beautiful tree, varying ■in size from a large shrub to a forest tree 80 and even more feet high. Tlie hark is a dark ash colour, hut slightly fissured when compared w ith that of the Oaks generally. The head of such trees as grow by themscl.ves is nearly globular, and tlie leaves, which are suuill, present a dark, shiuing, hully-liko apiiearance ; the fruit is also small, and not so prettily-shaped as the acorns of our own Oak ; indeed, the whole tree lacks the nobility and grandeur of the lU'itish Oak. The timber, which is of two kinds or rather colours, called tlie white and rod, is of great value for ship-buiUUng, and other jiurposes, where strength and dura- bility are required, being a lieavy, dense, tough, and durable wood, breaking with a sti'ingy, fibrou^s fracture, and capable of bearing a great strain ; but it has the serious disadvantage of being subject to dry rot, which greatly lessens its value. HaWug proceeded some distance down this avenue I turned aside again into the sun to pluck a Uower growing very nearly upon the sand, it was of a sweet bluish piuk colour, and I quickly stooped to seize my prize, but to my sorrow at once discovered that if there be " no Bose without its thorn," the saying holds etpially good in the case of the Cacti, and having learnt wisdom by experience, and paid for my momentary for- getfulness of their nature by half a dozen pretty deep and acutely paiufui punctures fi-om the sharp spines of this individual plant, I carefully gathered the flower, and, like the bear with the honey, growlingly bore off my prize, and not much of a one either, for ere I hail walked half an hour in the blazing sun the poor beauty had perished and withered away, and was then cast aside as useless, being like many another beauty possessed of that evanescent charm alone, with no sweet scent or inward virtue to recommend it after its one single merit of external loveliness had passed away. Having passed from the N.avy Yard through the straggling town, or rather village, adjoining it, I came to a road thi-ough a quantity of scrub and timber of various sizes, kinds, and dimensions — came to a road, no, not quite, 'tis a slight lapsus calami, for even I, acquainted as I am with the roads of all parts of the world, could liardly feel justified in calling a space between the bushes cut up in every conceivable manner by wheels, horses, pigs, and cattle, in some places knee deep in sand, in others the same in a mixture of sand, leaf mould, and water, by the lofty title of a road. Still, why find fault with that track ? no doubt it answered Uncle Sam's soldiers just as well for their trafiic between the village and camp as the very best road in all Europe could have done ; but I feel satisfied that few lovers of the picturesque would not have been as un- reasonable as myself, in loudly denouncing Uncle Sam and his nephews, for tolerating such a nuisance, though nothing could possibly exceed in picturesque beauty the road and its fre- quenters. One of the scenes upon it would have particularly sti'uck the eye of a painter, had any such been present to see it. By the side of a pure crystal stream, which crossed the track, and is in turn spanned by a rustic wooden bridge, stood a pretty well-house formed of strong rough timber with an over-hanging roof built something after the Swiss fashion, and shaded by noble trees of various kinds, one in particular being noticeable on account of its waxy-looldng foliage, in striking contrast with the Pitch Pine's needle-Uke leaves, and the Cotton-wood's soft-looking boughs ; it is the Bay tree, and grows to the height of 80 or 100 feet, being of singular beauty and grandeur. Around on all sides are flowers of the most brilliant hues, from snow white to bright gamboge and brilliant scarlet, intermingled with lovely blues and delicate greens ; in fact, all the varied and exquisite colours in which Flora delights to be- deck her children. Amidst all this lavish display of Nature's beauties, within and around the well-house, sat or stood groups of United States' soldiers in luiiforms war-worn and stained, and scarcely recognisable as such, they and their horses looking alike lean and dii-ty, and reminding one far more of a set of bandits than soldiers fighting for their coimtry's existence ; still they looked very picturesque, and no one on viewing them if pre- viously unacquainted with the neighbourhood would have imagined that the men who sat there laughing, joldng, and smoking, whilst they gossiped and watered their horses, were constantly on the qui vivi' for an active and energetic enemy, who might momentarily make an attack, and whose advanced posts were, as the crow flies, within a mile and a half of that very spot, and within five hundred yards of their own iiickets, and seldom an hour passing without the oom]ihmentof a rifla shot being excljaliged. Let us pusli on, however, and leave our picturesque hut nil- pleasant neighbours, for wo shall find something by going a little further, which I think will interest us more. Having walked through the camp of a white infauti^ regiment, wo come to the edge of a small chaiiparal or flat jilain, grown over with Dwarf Oak. lu the middle of this rises an old Portuguese fnrt once consid(!reil of great consequence, being reckoned im- lireguable. It now belongs to the Americans, having as they as.sert been bought by them between forty and fifty years ago, it is called Fort Barramas, and is one of the defences of Pen- sacola Harbour. The Dwarf Oak of these chajiparals seldoia grows taller than 12 or 1-t feet high, sometimes as little well- formed trees, but far more often as sha))eless bushes, being frequently so closely crowded together as to render it utterly impossible to follow the trail, either of man or beast, and many even of the most experienced hunters and Indians will sooner skirt an Oak chapparal (which in some parts of America, as in Texas, Sonora, and Mexico, is of such a size as to requu-a hours, and sometimes days to cros.s), than attempt to cross it, as where this Oak is found it is principally loose, sandy soil, destitute of water or game. The best ideal can give of this Oak itself, is to recommend those who wish for its likeness to go and look at the stump of some Oak which has been felled about two years, and from which the yoiuig shoots have been allowed to spring, these with their large leaves will at the end of the summer give some notion of the Dwarf Oak. Going on a little further and passing by a bit of swamp caused by the overflowing of the Lagoon, where gi-ows in gi'eat abundance a very curious and beautiful Pitcher-plant, we will bend our steps towards that elevated ground on which we see growing those fine straight trees. Ah ! here we have something to interest us, for the tree before us is the valuable, I had almost said invaluable. Pitch Pine, which forms so large a portion of the wealth of some of the Southern States, and which has been so wantonly, recklessly, and absurdly cut down and de- stroyed, both prior to, and during this late American war. The I'itch Pine is a noble tree, straight and boughless save at, and near the crown, varying in height from CO to 130 or 140 feet, and seems to grow hke other Pines in belts, a few hundred yards on either side of which it will be almost impossible to find a specimen. The timber of this tree is the hardest and most durable of the Pine tribe, and like the tree itself, goes by the name of Pitch Piue. It is very heavy but tough, elastic, and extraordinarily durable, pieces of it containing much resiu being more lasting than even Elm, Oak, or Teak. When planed and clear of knots its appearance is very beautiful, looking like, a collection of orange and pale yellow ribbons. It is used extensively for the spars and masts of ships, though on account of its great weight and straight grain it is not equal for this purpose to the Cowrie Pine of New Zealand, which stands alone as spar timber. It is also most valuable for decks and ship-building purposes generally ; but its value does not cease here. Before being cut down for timber the tree is made to yield articles of still greater cost than the timber — viz., turpentine and resin, the market value of both of wliich is now so enormously high ; for the sources from which England, and, in fact, the world was to a great extent supplied, have during the last four years been checked and almost ex- tinguished by the lamentable civil war of America, and it will require years for this branch of commerce to recover itself, if, indeed, it ever does, about \\hich many competent judges seem doubtful. Most trees ivill bear several tappings for the purpose of obtaining the juice, and the process is roughly as follows : — A hole is bored into the stem of each tree, from this the rough turpentine flows and is caught in vessels placed to receive it. This juice is then carried away to a kind of still and boiled, the part evaporated being preserved, and after being further purified sold under the name of turps, oil of turpentine, or spirits of turpentine, the residue after being allowed to cool and concrete, being the valuable substance known as resin. Tar and pitch are likewise obtained from the roots of this tree. Some idea may be formed of the importance of the tree in some of the Southern States, when I inform the reader, that I was told by an American officer that he was present at the destruction of, in one place alone, over a million and a half barrels of rosin which had been placed at a station ready for transmission by railway, and I have every reason to credit the statement. — A Sukgeon. 278 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 3, 1865. CULTIVATION The dimensions of a Fig-house need not be large ; 30 feet by 18 feet will mostly be ample pro^^sion for tlie growth of Figs for a large family. In form it may be either a lean-to, span, or half-span. Beneath are end sections of these forms of Fig- bouses. Fill. 1 is an ordinary lean-to Fig-house, with a narrow border in front for dwarf plants ; a centre pit or bed affording room OF THE FIG. grown under glass. Not only the sides, back, front, and centre should be made use of, but the ends also ; but if the house is covered with Vines, and trees are in the central pit, then it would be better if the ends were not occupied with Fig trees, for the light transmitted through the ends is of vast importance to the trees beneath the A'ines. Our house, whatever form it may be of, is for the growth of Figs, and would be best kejit Fig. 1. for bush trees, and a border at back for trees trained to a trellis against the back wall. Fi(j. 2 is a span-roofed Fig-house with two narrow borders along each side, and a central one, occupied with a row of standards on three- feet stems, and a row of dwarfs on foot stems on each side of the stand- ards. The outside borders are for bushes. Fig. 3 is a half- span - roofed Fig- house, little differ- ing from those re- presented in fps. 1 and 2, there being a border in front for dwarfs either in pots or planted out, a bed in the centre for a line of dwarf and st.indard trees, and a narrow border at back for trees to be trained to a trellis against the back wall. In all the houses the borders are nar- row, and well drained. The front and back borders are 2 feet wide, and about 3 feet deep, and the central ones fi feet in width, and of similar depth to the side borders. Beyond con- fining the roots, the arrangements of ordinary houses will answer for the growth of Figs. Probably no place answers so well as the ends of these houses, the trees being planted m shallow borders, and the shoots trained to a trellis 6 inches from the glass. The Figs on these trellises are the best of those to that iiurpose only; the Figs will then be more plentiful, and finer, to say nothing of their flavour, which is the reverse of high when thej- are grown under a roof covered with Vines- If Vines are tolerated they should be not less than 4 feet apart, and better .it 6 feet. In cultivating the Fig in houses ex- clusively devoted to this fruit, it is de- sirable to have the borders narrow, for when these are wide and shallow, the roots from being near the surface are very subject to external influences, such as vicissitudes of heat, or of dry- ness, and moisture, any of which act prejudicially ; and the trees grow so luxuriantly in wide borders as to fruit very little, produc- ing long - jointed wood and very large leaves. WTien the borders are wide, and formed of rich compost, it would be advisible to have the trees in pots, stand- ing the pots on the beds or borders, and allowing the trees to root through, for were they planted out in the wide borders they would probably grow amazingly for a year or two before they fruited to any extent, and would require much pruning in after-years to keep them within boiuids. Borders 2 feet, and not exceeding 3 feet in width, are suffi- cient for trees as bushes, and standards with heads not ex- Octobers, 1865. ] journaij of horticulture and cottage gardener. 279 cceding 4 foot in diameter ; wider borders uiUBt be provided if more tlian one row of trees be planted, and narrower if tLe trees be of less size. Two feet of soil is deep enough, and below tlmt there should be 1 foot of drainiij^o ; for the great ipiantity of water which the Kig recpiires renders efliciejit drainage necessary. Below the drainage materials, which may consist of half-bricks, stones, &c.. a drain should bo provided to carry off the water. The drainage may be covered with a layer of turf 3 inches thick, with the grass side downwards, and then with 2 feet of the same a year old, and roughly chopped np with a spade. The turves are best from a field of yellow or hazel loam. It is scarcely possible to improve this eoil in any wav for the growth of Figs. The best time to plant the trees is when the second growth is made, and the foliage is becoming yellow. If growing in pots, as in all probability they will be, the roots are to be slightly disentangled, but not to any great extent ; it will be suffi- cient to loosen the outside of tlie ball. They are to be planted in the front border of /if/x. 1 and 3, and the side borders of Ji(t. 2, at 3 feet apart, and in the centre beds of «<;. 1 and 3, at 4 feet li-om tree to tree, and those in the centre bed nilhi. 2, at fi feet apart. Those in the back borders offiiis- 1 and 3, should be 12 feet from each other, and one may be planted in each of the end borders of these houses, and two at each end of Jiri. 2, the doorways being in the centre of the houses. After plant- ing the trees should have a good watering to .settle the earth about the roots. From planting early in au- tiuun we may expect a certain amount of root-action to take place before the fall of the leaf, and unless we obtain this we need not expect the fruit, then in embryo and about the size of peas, to remain on longer in spring than to half swell. With autumn planting there is a chance of a first crop, but Uttle hope, if any, when the trees are planted in spring. After the leaves have fallen the house should be kept cool, and the borders ih-y, merely excluding frost, though even a few degi-ees of that will not matter, if the soil and atmosphere be dry. Early in February the trees are to be washed with a com- position of 1 lb. of sulphur vivum, lime, and soft soap, made of the consistence of paint, by the addition of tobacco water, pre- pared by pouring half a gallon of boiling water on an ounce of the darkest or strongest shag tobacco. This composition should be applied with a brush and rubbed into every hole and crevice. The woodwork and glass must hkewise be well washed and cleaned, and the former painted if necessary. The walls and sides of the pits ought to be washed with 2 lbs. of flowers of sulphur, and half a pound of soft soap, in a gallon of water, with as much quick lime added as will bring the whole to the consis- tence of whitewash. The washing and cleaning of the house will save trouble afterwards from the attacks of insects. The first year it would be well if the trees were not much excited by fire heat at an early season. The first week in March will be suihciently early for the first season. The house should then be what is generally termed "closed;" neverthe- less it is necessary to keep a little air on continually, for of all fruits the Fig is the last to do without a pure atmosphere. The temperature is to be kept at 40° by night for the first fortnight, and the trees and every part of the house should be sprinkled with water before 9 a.m.. and before 6 p.m., the best time for the latter sprinkling is at the time of, or shortly after re- ducing the air, or shutting tlie lights. The soil is to be kept moist, and yet not wet, until growth has fairly commenced, when liberal supplies of water are to be given, never allow- ing the trees to be in want of it at any stage of their growth. The temperature of the house from fire beat after the first fortnight may be increaseil to 4.")", and then progressively every fortnight, gaining a couple of degrees en- so in a week, until a night temperature of 5,'j'' bo attained. Care should be taken not to exceed this degree at the present stage, for the fruit is then undergoing a process similar to stoning, when fruit if un- duly excited by a high night temperature will turn yellow and drop. The fruit will remain as it were stationary for a time, and if nuflicient air be not given, and the tree suffered to be- come dry either at the root or in the atmosphere, the same result will follow. Kcejnng the soil well watered, the atmosphere moist by sprinkling the paths and every available surface twice daily, giving air freely, and early, and a little all night, and closing the house early to catch and retain the sun's rays, will do more towards retaining the first crop on the trees than any- thing I know. Unless the roots have firm hold of the soil at this critical stage, none of these piecautious will prevent a large per-centage of the fruit dropping. After the fruit again commences to swell a temperature of from fiO° to C.5° at night may be allowed, and instead of syring- ing the trees the atmosphere sliould be kept moist by sprink- ling twice daily the floors, paths, walls, &c., with water ; but when the first signs of ripening present themselves, this should be discontinued, and as red spider is sure to make its appear- ance, the pipes are to be washed with sul- phur mixed with water in which a little soft soap has been placed to cause the mixture to adhere the better. It is an old practice to dust the leaves with sulphur, to prevent red spider, whilst the fruit is ripening ; but I find that the insect cares no more for dry sul- phur than for a dry atmosphere. The only preventive qua- lity exercised by sul- ]>hur applied in this manner, arises from its fuming when acted upon by the sun. Un- less its fumes are emitted, sulphur is perfectly harmless, but if wet it is fike its fumes destructive, though not in so marked a degree. The leaves are so unsightly when dusted with sulphur, and its property of preventing the attacks of red spider so imcertain, as to make its use objectionable; but whatever we do we must keep red spider under, and this will be best secured by having the hot-water pipes or flues, and the walls on which the sun strikes powerfully, coated with sul- phur, a little soft soap being mixed with it, as already recom- mended, to make it adhere the longer and better. Softscip, I may remark, is a better antidote for the attacks of red spider than sulphur, and this from the ammonia which it contains. Syringing with a solution of this just before the fruit begins to ripen will mostly keep the trees clear until the crop is ripe, when the syringe can be again brouglit into requisition. A solution of 2ozs. to the gallon is sufficiently strong; if much stronger it will bring the leaves down, and the fruit will wither, and not ripen fully. The atmosphere should be kept dry when the fruit begins to ripen, otherwise it will not swell kindly, but crack, or become insipid. Abundance of air, and a dry atmosphere are the re- quisites when Figs are ripening, but the soil should be kept moist, otherwise the fruit will not swell, and the second crop will be injured. If the trees are not forced until March they will ripen their first crop in .July. After the first crop is gathered the trees should have a good syringing, and an occasional syringing afterwards will do good. " A moist atmosphere should be maintained as before Fig.. 3. ■280 JOUENAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEK. [ October 8, 1865. by Bprmkling the paths, A-c, up to the time of the second crop'8 ripening, which will be towarilg the end of September, and during October ; the soil ought likewise to receive a good supply of water, but less than in the case of the first crop, partly from the trees having a tendency to ripeu instead of grow, and also from the evaporation being less, in consequence of the advanced period of the season. They will ripen off per- fectly in a temperatiu-e of 55" from fire heat. By the time the second crop has been all gathered the leaves will have begun to assume their autumn tints ; then ieep dry, and give all the air practicable, with no more fire heat than sufficient to prevent any great amount of frost in the house. During the first year the border will sustain the trees without manure waterings, or top-dressings ; but in the second the roots will jn-obably have extended to the limits of the border. This will be best ascertained by the growth. If the shoots come strong, and the leaves or joints are wide apart, either the border is too rich, or the roots have too much room. In that case avoid liquid manure and rich top-dressings. If, on the other hand, the roots are cramped, and there is no lack of nu- triment in the soil, the wood will be strong, and the joints short. In that case a dressing of rich compost will be beneficial. Fresh cowdung is the best ; next comes a compost formed by anixing equal quantities of good loam and sheep-droppings to- gether, and letting them lie for six mouths ; then night soil mixed with four times its bulk of soil, and used a year old ; and, lastly, 2 or 3 inches of the short manure from an old Mushroom-bed. The cowdung should be s]iread over the old soO of the borders to the depth of an inch, and the others are laid on 2 or 3 inches deep, previously removing the loose sur- iaee soil. These dressings should not be applied until the shoots are so far advanced as to require stopping. If the borders are not top-dressed tliey should be watered with liquid manure at every alternate watering up to the crop's ripening, and then again for the second crop. In subsequent seasons the old top- dressing is to be removed as far as practicable in autumn, when the leaves turn yellow and begin to fall, and replaced with fresh, which being supplemented with a good watering will induce a certain amount of root-action in autumn. If top- dressed late, or in spring, the fruit will fall prematurely, from diminished root action just when it is needed, and then' a glut of nourishment will cause over -luxuriant growths, which are to be avoided in the case of all fruit trees, and partieularlv in that of the Fig. In the second year the trees may be started in February, and the crops will then ripen in June, and in August and Septem- ber, respectively. The earliest period at which it is pos.sible to start Figs is in .January, in which case the first crop will ripen in May or early in June, and the second in August, a third heing bad by forcing the trees hard in October and Novem- ber. _ In a previous article I asked if three crops had ever been obtained in one season, but met with no response, and I have now to state that such has been done, but it is not desirable, for it takes nine months of growth to perfect two crops, the third being obtained at the expense of the next season's fruit- ing. Fig trees require rest, and three months are not too much ; therefore, if Figs are wanted late, it is better to grow trees for the purpose, allowing them to come on naturally so as to ripen one crop in autumn, and a second in October, November, or even December. For this purpose it is best to have the trees in pots, and to keep them out of doors until the middle of September, when they will be studded with the second crop on the midsummer shoots, and if then introduced into a house with a temperature of 55° at night the fruit will ripen in November, and thus green, though ripe, Figs may be had at Christmas and on New Year's-day. In WTitiug of temperature, that of the night is only here given, and that is understood to take place once during the tweuty-fom: hours or at 6 a.m. Whatever temperatui-e may then be proper, the reading should be 5° higher by 8 .\.m. and 10° at noon on dull days, 15° on cloudy days with clear intervals, and 20° or more with a cloud- less sky, a corresponding amoimt of air being given in each case. 20° of sun heat will do no harm, but, on the contrary, wiU prove of the greatest benefit, whilst 5° extra fire heat may be attended by the most serious consequences. The best sorts for forcing are the White Ischia, a small but delicious Fig, the ^Vhite Marseilles, Brown Turkey, and Pregussata, a large Fig much resembling the Brown Turkey. and possessing all its good qualities, except that it ripens its fruit at once, whilst the Brown Turkey ripens almost continuously, or during a lengthened period. The Genoa for size may have a place, whilst the Castle Kennedy will, I am persuaded, supersede all white Figs for every purpose. — G. Abbey. THE CACTUS PLANTS OF CALIFORNIA. The Cactus — the celebrated family of the floral Idngdom, the glory of the hothouses of Em-ope, and the wonder of travel- lers, whose flowers and fruits are seen on every league of surface in South Carohna, Arizona, and the Peninsula — has never sufficiently attracted the attention of our florists or farmers. Fifty-five species of Cactus are known in the botany of these sections, and they include some with magnificent flowers and of extraordinary appearance, forming beautiful ornaments when in the viciuity of other vegetation. If the lUfferent species, all covered with thorns, could he brought together in a Californian garden, they would form one of the most singular and unique displays it is possible to conceive in gardening, and it is to be remembered that the fruits are as valuable for human food as the flowers are for feasting the eye. The Cactaceae have .in immense range in the altitudes of cen- tral North America, or in what we may term the California simu- lacra of climates and soils, as they are found from the parallel of Cariboo to Cape St. Lucas, and from the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains in North Dakota to the Gila river. They are met with iu all latitudes between Gila and Panama, from the line of perpetual snow to that of the sea-shore. Some two hundred different species of this singular family of American plants are enumerated in the botany of Mexico, ranging from the shape of a Cabbage to that of a Grape Vine, and looming high as a tree and umbrageous as a small Oak. Their flowering is of extraordinary sj^lendour and loveliness, and is from the purest white to vennilion, including every mixtm-e of the prismatic colours. But it is the fruit, the standby of the poor and the Indians iu the seasons of drought and famine, that unfolds this providential blessing of the desert in all its value. Fugleman, of St. Louis, an eminent writer on this family, enumerates as indigenous to Arizona and South California four genera of the Cactus — that is, thirty-seven species of the Cereus or perpendicular stems, six Mammillarias or Mamacs, and six Echinocacti or Cahbage-Heads. Almost every one of these is found in the mountain ranges and deserts of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and San Diego counties. In Lower CaUfomia many specimens are met w ith which arc foreign to onr parallels of latitude, one of which, a climbing variety, is found in ths driest months to be full of the purest water. One of the Opuntias has a small fruit, specific in scurvies and blood impmuties, while others have fruits with the flavour of Pine Apples, of Strawberries, Peaches, Plums, and Cherries, of the luscious Cherimoyer and Mangosteen, of the Fig and Grape, and of the Lemon, Apple, and Pear. The Cactus opuntia, or Indian Fig of Mexico — white and red — was introduced into the mission gardens of om- state from Santa Clara to San Diego in the early settlement of the country, some seventy years ago ; but they are also found indigenous to the mountains of Colorado, iu San Bernardino and San Diego counties. Near all tlie southern missions below Point Concepcion they grow luxuriantly, particularly at Santa Barbara, San Fernando, and San Gabriel. At the two last- named places they are extremely abundant and luscious. These varieties of the Prickly Pear are valuable additions to the food of our state, as the food is not only very plentiful in the sum- mer and fall, but is highly niitritive and agreeable, and can be gathered at will, and the plant requires no care. When strijiped of the prickles they can be boiled down to an excellent conserve or syrup, or dried in the sun for preservation, as they contain a large quantity of sugar and gum. The plant is easily propagated by slips or seeds, and has a wonderful endurance, vitality, and hardiness. It comes to perfection in three years. Its seeds, which are very abundant in the fruit, are toasted hy the Indians as a substitute for corn. The mucilage of the leaves or fronds is thrown into water and used in making cements and whitewashes, and gives great strength to those house-building materials in the arid districts of Mexico. It is in common use around Los Angeles. Being such plentiful and excellent producers of sugary fruit, no necessai-y to the laboming man in our dry and attenuated atmosphere, this matter should be attended to by our people, as well as the arts of making molasses from Mangoes, Pumpkins, Melons, Water Melons, Grapes, Pears, Beet, Cornstalks and the wild Sugar-cane, or Panoche-carisso, of the Tulares. All these fruits are well known to the Indians and Mestizoes of Sonora October 8, 18CS. ] JOUENAIi OF HOKTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENEU. SSI and New Moiico, aud tlioao of aiiliuahua and Coalniiitt, as producins siiKiir ; iiiul iiiirticularly tlici Cactaci'm and Aj^avf, amimn the I'imDa aiid i'upat;oa uf Ariz-jna, who cimKidcr Iho CactiiH and ManRii as Rifts from the gods, for from tlipm they receive food, cloUiinK, shidtcr, aud fenciuK- The reduction of these articles to conserves aud mohisses is often facilitated amouR these simi'lo people hy a concentratinK juocess of roast- iuR and hakiuR. and lioilinn down slowly afterwards, with a little water, to a viscid syrup which never ferments in their koopiuK, tliouRh several of them are also useil in the fabrication of mescal or siiirits. Of such nu exhiliratini,' quality is this fire-water that they often give for such alcholics weight for ■weight in silver, and bless the vendor for his trade. — {San FrancUeo JSullctin.) WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN" GAKI>EN. Fresh plantations of (Cabbages aud Lettuce should bo fre- quently examined, any that droop witJiont an app.arent cause should bo examined at the roots, where proliably a grub will bo found, which, if not destroyed, will continue its ravages, jaxth-up the plantations of Broccoli, as they will now be grow- ng ra)iidly. Caulijlnwfr, continue to prick out the yomig plants under hand-glasses and in frames, a few may be potteil in smidl pots and placed in a fi-ame, where they can have abundance of air and liglit, and bo protected from excessive wet. C'c/crv, a few rows of that wliich is required for imme- diate use may bo earthed up to the full extent of the leaves ; the successional crop should only be earthed up at long in- tervals until it is required for use, or on the approach of winter. It should at all times bo thoroughly diy before earthing, or it will soon rot. Cucumhirs. where there is any forcing-honse, those in frames are scarcely worth the trouble and expense of keeping in a bearing state after this time. Plants in frames produce the finest fruit for show, but as they are only grown through the winter for use, they are cultivated at much less expense and' with greater care in a forcing-house. A little manure water should occasionally be given to those in pots or boxes. Stop the laterals immediately the fruit shows itself, at the R.ame joint, or one above it. Some prefer the latter mode, but if the leaf at the fruit-joint be not injured, we have not been able to discover any difference between the one and the other in the swelling of the fruit. Muslirooms, keep the out- door beds protected from heavy rains, by a good covering of litter. JIaintain a regular degree of heat in houses containing bods, and guard against aridity. Potatoes, continue to take up the crops as they reach maturity ; sort them before they are boused. Radiih, slightly thin the late sowings of the Spanish sorts ; if a succession of the common sorts is required a sowing should be made in a frame. Spinach, thin the winter crop, leaving the plants about 9 inches from each other. Keep it free from weeds. Tomatoes, should there be any apprehension of frost, the unripe fruit may be cut and laid in any of the forcing-houses. rUFIT OARDEN. Pay every attention to getting the wood of Peaches and Apricots well ripened by exposure, shorteuiug, itc. Most kinds of Apples may be gathered during the present mouth. Late Pears should be left on the trees while the weather continues favourable to their ripening. Prepare for planting all kinds of fruit trees, by getting the ground in good order for the different kinds. On cold, stiff soils it is advisable to plant on hillocks I foot or 18 inches higher than the surroundiug surface. The trees will not grow so fast in consequence, and will require more attention in summer in the way of mulching, but they •will form short-jointed, well-ripened, fruitful wood, wliich is the best preventive of canker, gum, iSrc, and wiU save the labour of resorting much to root-pruning. FLOWER GARDEN. The scarcer varieties of variegated Geraniums should not be risked in beds too long, they had better be taken up and potted immediately the weather becomes at all threatening. After potting it will be a good plan to place them on a gentle bottom beat in a pit or bouse, where the atmosphere can be kept suffi- ciently dry to prevent the foliage being injured. So circum- stanced they will soon become established, when they may be stored away for the winter in a cool, dry house, where they will be out of the reach of frost. Any beds which may have become shabby, and which are to be planted with bulbs or any- thing else for spring decoration, should be cleared at once, and replanted. Keep grass short and frequently rolled, bo as in some measure to prev(Mit the growth of moss, and keep tbo surface firm and smooth. Also, roll gravid walks frequently in damp weather so aa to render them smooth and comfortable to walk on. OREENnOUSE AST) CONSRRVATORT. Hvacintha aud other Dutch bulbs, if not already potted, should be procured and potted without delay. Orange trees meant for forcing in the winter for the decoration of the con- Bervator.\-, should also now be attended to. Tliese and Daphnes are invaluable for winter blooming, and should be largely grown for that purpose ; also see to having pli^nty of Salvia splen- dens, which is useful for mixing among Chrysauthwnnma. It is a good practice to place the largest plants of Salvias in a shady situation out of doors for tt few weeks in the autumn. Plants BO treated will be found to bloom more strongly and laat longer in beauty than others run u)) iu a warm house. Look carefully after the watering of largo specimen hardwooded idants iu pots, especially Heaths, which are aoon injured by being either over or under-watered. Examine tho specimens often and carefully, and where they are fo\md to be dry, water thoroughly, so as to moisten the whole of the ball ; also look sharply after mildew (m softwooded Heaths, and dust' the plants with sulphur directly the enemy is perceived. Let Aza- leas be tied into form as soon as can be done, in order to give them a neat appearance ; also attend to the staking aud train- ing of other things as leisure time can be found. Look care- fully after red spider on Bossiieas, Chorozemas. and anything else found to be liable to that pest, and see that it is eradicated before the plants are disfigured. Bed spider is easily cleared off by laying the affected plant on its side and well washing the unde'r sides of the leaves with the engine, applying the water with as mitch force as the foliage will bear. Eepot strong- growing Pelargoniums ; plants that are fairly established after repotting can hardly be kept too cool ; also keep Cinerarias as cool and moist as is consistent with safety, and attend to repotting such as require it. Primulas must also be carefully attended to in order to encourage them to make rapid growth, particularly double varieties. Keep tree Violets clear of their great enemy, red spider, by a liberal use of the syringe, and give them plenty of manure water, which will assist in keeping them in vigorous health. Van Thol Tulips for forcing may be potted. Early Chrysanthemums will now be in a forward state, and such as show their buds prominently should be taken imder glass ; if it is desirable to have them in bloom as soon as possible, they may now be placed where a little artificial heat can be afforded "them. Take care, however, that they are placed near the glass, weU supplied with manure water, and air given them freely, as anything in the shape of close con- finement would soon ruin them. Indeed the whole stock of them should now bo placed where it can be covered at night, in case of frost ; for although they will bear more of that than most plants, it is not good policy to leave them to the mercy of the weather much after this season, unless in favoured loeali- tiea. It is better, however, to place them in skeleton frames, or in a sheltered situation, where they can be covered in ease of need, than to huddle them too thickly together imder glass, or to put them, as is sometimes done, under the shade of Vines, See that Epacrises and other winter-blooming plants are placed in a light pait of the house where they will be fully exposed to the sun, so as to have the wood well ripened, and to ensure their blooming fi-eely. In the case of Ageratums. Heliotropes, and dwarf LebeUas, it is useless wintering young stock, as these grow so freely in heat, aud are so easily propagated from soft cuttings, that a few good-sized old ]ilants, which require but little room or attention in winter, will furnish a very large quantity of plants by bedding-out time. Attend to the potting of cuttings sufficiently rooted, and give evei-y after-attention to these iu order to have them well established. — W. Eeane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. The rain of Thursday week helped many things in the kitchen garden, gave a little aid even to late Apples and Pears, and tended to keep such flowers as Calceolarias good and pass- able for some time longer. Verbenas looked washy for a day or two afterwards, but have again been brilliaut under an Italian sky, as for several days not a cloud or a semblance of a cloud was to be seen. The bright sky after the day's rain seems to have greatly improved the colour and appearance of out-door fruit, rendering Apples rosy and bright, and also 282 JOUBNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 3, 1865. making the buds appear full and prominent, and therefore promising for another year. KITCHEN GARDEN. Sowed Cauliflowers for a second spring crop. Watered Let- tuces, Endive, sb to roiiort, supiilios nro well kept up, roU({h mpost chopped but unsifted, and work it weU but carefully iu amongst the roots. Place the neck or collar of the trees a Uttle higher than, rather than a little below, the edge of the tubs. Spread out the roots, and place soil between the layers as they rise. Do not cover the uppermost roots with more than 1^ or 2 inches of soiL Make the soil pretty firm, but neither vei-y firm nor loose. Leave space for watering, give water as soon as the trees are rotubbed, and at once place iu a temperature of 55" by night, sprinkling the trees morning and evening with water of the same temperature as the house, and maintaining a moist atmosphere. If the tubs could be plunged in a bed of tan, or other fermenting materials, at a temperature of 75'^ or 80^ for a fortnight or three weeks, quick root-action would be ensured, aud they should be gradually with- drawn when top-growth commences. The temperature by day should not exceed 65- with sun at this season, and with all but leafless trees, little water will be needed; none to be given so long as the soil remains moist. If the heads are full of wood they may be thinned out before groTvth takes place. After growth has recommenced if the soil become dry water copiously and at once, but never until really necessary. Give abundance of air after growth takes place. To keep the roots cool the tubs may be surfaced with an inch of cocoa-nut refuse. The trees will not need anything in the way of manure or manure water during the first season after retubbing, but in future top-dress the trees in February with an inch of cow-dung, kept Ary for six months and then broken fine, ond on this place a little loam for the sake of appearance. After the trees liave been a number of years in tubs the old soil around the sides of the tubs should be removed' annually in February along with the looec sur- face soil, and any that can be picked out with a stick from between the roots without injuring them ; then replace with turfy loam mixed vnth an equal quantity of cow-dung not more than a year old nor less than six months. Weak litiuid manure may also be given duriug summer. The rich compost aud liquid manure are only for plants iu good health, though they may be weak. From some cause or other your trees are in a very bad coudition; bad drainage, sour and too rich soil, will produce the effects which you mention, and so will treating the Orange as a bog plant. "When the roots are iu a suitable mctlium the trees will thrive, but once these are in a bad way they are slow of recovery. Herbaceous Plants — Azalea Le.\.ve8 Browned (W. D. B.). — "Flower Gardening for the JIany"' contains a lull and descriptive list of herba- ceous aud other border plants, which you can have by post from our office for five stamps. The Azalea leaves are browned from allowing water to stand upon them duriug very bright sun, aud from the plants being gi-own without a sufficiency of air. SjTinging with a solution of soft soap will also produce the same result. AVhat Cyclamen is it you wish to know huw to cultivate ? Write us, we shall be glad to furnish the information necessary. Screen fob a Garden (S. S. S.). — There is no question about a Beech hedge best serving your purpose. It is of rather slow growth for the first two or three years, but after it becomes established it makes shoots fi-om 1 to 2 feet long iu a seasou. You may perhaps be able to get trees 6 feet or more in height, but of whatever height they must be feathered to the ground, or have side shoots not more than 1 foot from the surface. The common Eeech (Fagus sylvaticai is the most suitable, and it stands smoke pretty well. The larger the trees for your purpose the better, as they will form a hedge almost at ouce if planted 2 feet apart. If smaller ti-ees are planted, say 3 or 4 feet high, a foot or 18 inches is the proper distance. The ground where the trees are to be planted should be dug deeply, 2 feet if possible, and a liberal dressing of manure given if the soil is poor. Trees S or 4 feet high will not make a hedge 12 feet high in less than seven or eight years ; trues 6 feet or more high in half that time. If a thick hedge be wanted the trees shoidd be planted in double Unes, 18 inches apart in the Unes, and 1 foot from line to line, planting quin- cunx fashion. The first year the trees will need no clipping, only any long side shoots may be cut in after the growth is made and the leaves have fallen, or, if they remain on dead, cut during the winter. In future years clip the sides after the fall of the leaf and before fresh leavos are produced. Allow the heads to grow, cutting at the sides only until the hedge attains the desired height, but if any much overtop the others they should be reduced to an equality ^ith these. Immediately after the leaves fiUl is a good time to plant, and from that time (November) to March. When once estabhshed the hedge will grow fast, watering in drj- weather dxuTng the first year will enable it to become more speedily estftbUshed, and rich soil" will do the rest. Poplars would grow more rapidly, but soon go ofi' where there is much smoke. Potting Vallota Pcrpurea— Lilium Bclbs Dried (P. P. P.).— The best time to pot Vallota purpurea is when the plants are growing freely, but any time will do except when the flowor-scape appears, and during flowering. From March to May is as good a time as any. So long as the drainage is good and the soil not sour the plant will bloom all the better of the roots touching the sides of the pot ; repot, therefore, only when the soil becomes sour or the plants too large. The best of the white Liliums for pot culture is LiUum spcciosum (laneifolium) album, but all the varieties of that species have white flowers spotted with red in its various shades. Bulbs purchased wtiuld bloom well another year if large enough. Nursen'men keep such bulbs iu the soil until ordered, so that they are not long enough iu their seed-shops to be injured to any gi-eat extent. The sooner they are potted after being taken up the better. LiLifis OF the Valley not Blooming {A. V.). — They ought to bloom next spring if taken up from the bed and potted at this season. We never pot any except thnso with large plump buds, feeling them with the finger aud thumb, and if they are large and firm you will, on oiieuiug one or two, find the flowers within them. Such roots are the right ones to take up and pot, nine out of every ten of them will bloom if not forcedBO hard aa to go bUnd. To your having potted the roots last year with small thin crowns is to be attributed the coming up of the leaves with- out flowers, unless, as before stated, the plants were too rapidly forced jnto gi-owth. Wintering Rose Cctttngs (S.).— The cuttings recently potted off, and which are well rooted, will be best plunged quite up to the rim of the pots iu coal ashes in your cold frame. If placed on the stage the frost will injure the roots. Give them abundance of air in mild weather, with a covering of mats, or something dry over the glass, iu severe nights, and during the day so long as the plants remain frozen. Evergreen Plants for Covering a Trellis {lioitery). — You confine us to evergreens for your shaded east and open south-east aspect, and yet you say you do not wish for Ivy on the east shaded aspect. Ivy is the very plant for a corner. However, though we do not know any suit- able evergreen climber, the following plants may answer, if not too much shaded — Cratx-gus pyracantha, Cotoneaster microphylla. Berberis Dar- winii, and Photini-.i serrulata. South-east aspect : — Viburanm suspen- sum, Raphiolepis ovata, Escallonia glaudulosa and organensis, Garrya elliptica, Cotoucastcv Simmonsii and buxifolia, Ceanothus azurens pallidus and floribundus, Buddlea globosa and Lindleyana, Arbutus Menzicsii aud pmcera, Oleaeuropieaand ihcitolia, Ligustrum japonicom, and the Exmouth variety of Magnoha graudiflora. Dactvlis glomerata variegata Culture {S. Edwards). — This is a somewhat tall aud rather coarse Grass, besides not being permanent in its variegation. It is quite hardy, simply requiring to have the roots divided iu April aud planted 6 inches apart where it is to remain, water- ing after planting, and during dry weather until established. If it bo Dactylia variegata elegantissima that you mean, which is of closer and more* dwarf gi-owth, and the whitest and most permanent of variegated Grasses, it is only hardy in diy well-drained soil. It is best taken up in au- tumn, potted in sandy loam, and wintered in a cold greenhouse or frame- In sprmg if the phiuts are divided evei-y shoot will come away with a little root or one partially formed at the base of the divisions. Put these in sandy loam in pots 2^ or 3 inches in diameter, and set the pots on coal ashes or plunge them therein in a cold frame. If watered and kept rather close and moist for a few days roots will soon be emitted, then harden ofi", and plant out iu May. at 1 foot apart iu lines, or from 6 to 9 inches apart when planted iu curves. This grass will grow in any soil, but best in. light loams, with a little leaf rnould added. In rich soil it gi-ows more strongly, :uid attains a height of 1 foot or 15 inches. We mean to try planting it as a permanent edging, and cUppLng it with the shears until it becomes thick, and then mowing it with the machine like a gi-assverge^ as we think it will become less strong in stem by cutting. OxALis trop.eul<)II>es CULTURE {Idcm\.~This is synonyinous with Oxalis eoruiculata rubra and O. comiculata foliis atropm-pm-eis. It is a hardy perennial, forming dense tufts of deep purphsh-browu leaves, and does well in loam or gravel. It strikes as freely from cuttings as the Verbena, and at any season ; but to have good plants they should be struck in July or August in a close cold frame, and when weU rooted pricked off 3 inches apart every way, and planted out in spring where they are to remain. Cuttings struck in March make nice plants for planting out in May. It is easily raised from seed. Good plants may also be secured by sowing in pans iu a frame late in summer, and w^hen large enough to "handle pricking off 3 inches apai-t in saudy or well- drained ground, or potting off in small pots in sandy loam with a little leaf mould and sand, and wintering in a cold frame. If sown in February and March like LobeUa speciosa aud treated like it, nice plants are obtained for phiutiug out in M-.ty. It is an edging plant of dwarf compact habit and withstands rain well ;' it is of the colour of Beetroot leaves, not so dark as Perilla, but deeper than Amaranthus melancholicus ruber, and better than either for small beds and narrow borders. So common a plant deserves move extensive cultivation. It is a charming plant for the lower fissures of rockwork. The flowers are bright yellow. Sowing Nemophila insignis (T. ■S.).~To have it in bloom in Septem- ber ond October, it should be sown dm-iug the third week in June, in wai-m situations, and on dry sandy or stony groimd, and dm-ing the first or second week in that month, if the soil is heavy and cold. Leaking Tank (A. A'.).— The tank being of bricks laid iu Roman cement and leaking after frost, there is no question as to the leakage beiug caused by the expansion of the water converted into ice. We have a tank of this kind sunk so as to be covered i\'ithl foot of soil, and having a moveable hd to get at the water, and the latter was never kno%vn to be frozen, nor the tank to leak. It is used to hold soft water for watering the garden. We only wish we had more tanks of a similar description. The only suggestion we can make is to have yours covered with soil upon the tiles to the depth of a foot, and thus render it proof against frost, or to ram clay firmly round it. so that if the bricks and cement gave way from frost, the clay would prevent leakage. Dessert Apples and Pears (S.).— The six best dessert Apples and the six best dessert Pears for a small garden iu the south, the trees to be groira as espaliers, and the fruit to come into use from November to April or May, are— -Apples : Cox's Orange Pippin, Reiuette Van Mens, Stnrmer Pippin, Scarlet Nonpareil, Dutch Mignoune, Wyken Pippin. Pears : Conseiller de la Cour, Winter Nelis, Beune Diel, Zepliirin Gre- goire, Eeurre de Rauce, Josephine de Mahues. October 8, 1865. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 285 Apuicot TiiKp; I.TNr-iiurmiL— Eahtek Ueurkk Pkak Cuacking and Bkoayincj {(}. i'lVn. —W(3 slioulil tbiiik thivt the Aprioot riiuj* much to wood, causod from the soil boinK ricb, Jind the pruiuiiii cxcusmvo. When Apricots Ijiivu covorotl tliuir iillottt-d spiioo tUo j^Towihs mo very oltou abunilimt iiud vi^forous, nud to koop thorn close to tho wall much Bum- mer priininf.,' has to bn resorted to, which Ih seldom done nntil the shootK nro n foot or morr in U'li^jth. Thi> Ucoii^ the tree coustautly produciu^ wood, so thiU no I.Ioiiin-hudH am forim.-d. Try Htoppinf^ t!io Hhoots (except those wantfd for IlIlinK-iu and t'xtrnsioii, which should not ho stopped at ftU), at tho ft)urth luiif, aud when tlu-y pUMh iiMain at tlio Ih-st joint, and after this keep thoni close-stoppi'd to ono joint Ihrou^'hout the woaHOU. If tho roots arc inH ducp you will thou huvo bloom-buds for fruiting another season. If the roots are deep aud tho soil rich, the tree will always make a jO"eat deal of wood, uo anioimt of prauiug aud stopping keopiuK' the yhoots short aud stubby, and an for spurs they will ho few and far between. To taltonptho trees imiiUMliatuly the loavos turn yellow, aud replant, would most likely rivo short-jointed wood, and mauy short spurs another yi-ar sot with buds, from which you may calenlato on having fruit in the ensuing scayon. If the tree is old and large it would lie an woU t<> try root-pruning, talung out a tronch at a distaneo of half the height of the tree, aud to a depth of 2 feet, and cutting off all rootH there if any, aud if none bo found work toward-^ tho stem of tho tree, cutting off all roots that go purpuudicuhirly down, leaving all thoso less than tho little fluger US little disturbed as ran be. Kill in tho trench after you hiivo worked the soil bctweou tho trench and tho stem to within a yard or so, and leave tlic surfaeo roots undisturbed; but if uo roots tliat go down be found in tbat spiicc. then follow up tho trench to tho stem, so that any roots flriking down there can be cut off. This will bo almost oquivalent to hftiug the tree, which if it is oxcessively vigorous, is what we adviso to be done, aud in the following manner: — I>ig out a trench 2 loot wide and Is iuclios deep, id hiilf the distance from the stem that the tree is in heiyhf.aiid nt an eijiuU distance all round from tho stem. With a fork remove tho soil froni am-rngst tlio roots for a distance of 3 feet, or half that between the treueli and the stem of the tree. Then remove the surface soil dowu to the roots, and work under them with a spade so that the roots may be moved with some earth to them. This done iiuite up to the wall, lift tlio tree clean out, having first mmailed the branches aud tied them togetlu-r so as to prevent breakage. Ascertain whether there were many roots that had gone down by the wall, and if there were place a thin Hixn stone, a yard square, close to the wall just where the tree is to be planted, and at exactly 1 foot below the surface. The soil being removed from the opening to a depth of 1 foot 3 inches, lay at the bottom 6 inches of fresh and rather light loam, aud if the top spit (6 inchesl, of a pasture, chopped with a spade roughly, nothing could be better. Lay about H inches of rather liner soil on this, and then place the tree in its proper position, and if the roots next tho stem be jnst on a level with the surface all is welh Cover them with 3 or 4 inches of fresh soil, so that the stem may appear sUghtly elevated. Spread out the other roots not in the ball regularly, cover with a little hue soil, andfinally cover up with G inches of good turfy loam. If the border is not cropped, then tho roots should be 3 inches nearer the surface. The best time to do this is immediately the leaves turn yellow. The Pear tree root-pruned last year could not have been so cffeL-Lually. That kind of root-pruning at a distance from the stem, and which only takes away the thick roots there going deep is worse than useless. The roots that go down are in nine cases out of ten right under the bole, aud for root-pruning to be effectual these must he cut. The roots have penetrated into had soil, aud must be brought nearer tho surface to effect a cure. Preserving Kidnf.y Beans and Scarlet Runneiir {Idem). — We have known them kept quite fresh until March, and, in one or two instances, until these Beajis came in again. The iwocess was simply gathering the pod^s, when of a size fit for use, on a dry day, aud during dry weather if possible. A thin layer was then placed at the bottom of a r;toue jar, then a thin layer of fine salt so as to cover them, and on this a layer of Beans, thou salt, aud so on until the jar was fall. We cannot say bow much salt was used, but we think that it was equal to one-fourth of the hulk of tho Beans. LoiiATiAs— Clary Wine {W. Harlow). — Lomatia fen*uginea is a native of China. L. silaifolia is from New South Wales. Wc never remember a recipe for effei*\'escing Clarj' wine. A Small MajuxET Garden {Deiwniensis), — ^To answer your query would require us to be acquainted with the rent i)aid for houses along tho whole south coast. You must go and see for yourself. Select a lightish soil, and begin at some \illage on the shore of the Southampton water, such as Weston J but you will be puzzled to find a £a house anywhere, we think. Vines out of Doors {Ohlifjed Reader). — You may try on your S.W. and W. wooden fences Black July, Early Saumur Frontignan, and Early AVbite Malvasia. We have a series of very narrow glazed fi-ames, like the lights of a Melon frame, but much narrower, to cover our Vines. At the bottom they rest on a course of bricks, at the top they go under a coping. They join closely to each other, aud each can be easily lifted off to admit air or for any other i)uri)06e. GnowiNa Plants rou Pleasfrk and Profit (Nemo\. — You may grow plants profitably and add a little to your income ; but ; on most not think to do it and not bit otiicrs ku()w you grow pbints fi*r sale, us if it wore Komothiug of whicli you fee;! ashamed. Yotir most lilc-ly way rif dispos- ing of your plants will lie to tliose requiring them in the iinmudiatu locality, tlmugh we do not say you might not hoII thorn at a cheap rata wholusalo in dozens and hundreds to some dealer. You will find those plants suitable for windows aud decoration of rooms most remunerative, especially those grown by tho little-initated in horticultural matters, as, for instance, Pelargoniums, Fuchsias, Ac, for summer; Chrysanthemums for autumn; and Primulas and wintur-l)looming plants in winter. Ton will Hoou loarn what is most in demand, and then go to work so as to meet the demand. Your seven hundred plants are, we preiiuuie, chiefly bedding plants, worth wholesEile to a nurseryman 158. per hundred, aB ha xvill probably have to send them out at '2(M. or 8Dt., with the trouble of roparliing and giving six or twelve months credit to the purcliaaer. Now, wore tiny plants of wliieh everybody liked a few, but which they have not convi-iiience of raising, they would bring CxL or la. a-pieco. To grow plants for profit, tho better kinds of common plants must be grown in quantity, and to effect sales the grower must not only openly announco himsulf a grower for sale, but solicit orders. Almost anything can bo made to pay, the main points being jirineiple, and supplying a good articlo at a fair price. Considering the time and uncertainty in the sale ot plants, we are inclined to think fruit would jiay better. Fruit always com- mands a ready sale ; plants do not, being often kept in stock more for tho accommodation of customers by nurserymen, than for the profit which they afford. Vines would pay well. A vinery 18 feet wide would cost about £1 per foot run, aud with the Vines 3 feet apart, an outlay of ;£S per Vine would be neccssan.'. Tho first year there would be nothing, and imtil the third year the produce would bo no more than would pay for fuel and wear aud tear. After the second year, up to the sixth year, 12 lbs. of Grapes i)er Vino would bo wliat you might reasonably calculata upon having, worth 5ti. per 11). in May, B?. fjrf. in June, and 'ijt. Hd. in July, and never lower than la. i>d. per lb. In full bearing they would give 20 lbs. per Vine without at all taxing them too much, worth at least i.'2. In the growth of Grapes successfully tho profits are, reckoning wear and tear and first cost, equal to 25 per cent., and very often SO per «ent. may he made of them. Besides, you can make arrangements with a fruiterer to take all your Grapes at a stated sum, and not have one-tenth tlio trouble necessary in disposing of plants. Destroying Laburnum Trees (Laburnum). — I\Iako about foiir incisions in the bark down to the wood, and in these place arsenic. If done a little below tho surface it will nitt bo necessary to put a bandage round to keep out the air, covering with earth being sufficient. As you wish to grow Ivy upon the trunks of the trees, though the arsenic will destroy the Laburnum it would prove equally fatal to any climbers, from the roots absorbing the arsenic from the soil. We should advise tho beading- down of the trees now; and then, opening out tho soil around the stems, cut the bark through level with the soil, and strip the trunk and roots of bark quite down to the wood. If you do this completely, with tho trunk and the roots for a length or depth of a foot or two, tho trees will die. Had you applied tlie salt, as you mention, in sufficient quantity it would assuredly have destroyed the trees. We should pLont the Ivj- without attempting to kill the trees. The foliage of the two, and the blossom of the Laburnum, would look well combined, as long as the Ivy allowed the Laburnums to live. "White Grape (F. H. li. A.). — To ripen in a vinery with your Black Hamburghs and Lady Downo's Grapes, if you wish for a museat-flavom-ed Grape have tho Muscat St. Laurent. If you do not wish for a muscat flavour have Royal Muscadine. Names of Fruits (A Youmj Gardener). — ^1, Cornish Aromatic; 2, Shep- herd's Seedling; 3. Catshcad ; 4, Alfriston ; 5, Kymer; 6, Keswick Codlin:; 7, Dutch Miguouue ; 8, 9, Dumelow's Seedling ; 10, Downton ; 12. Kentish Codlin. (7^. M.]. — 3, Beurre de Ranee; 4. Louise Bonne of Jersey; 5, Knight's Monarch. (Q. N. S:).—\, Flemish Beauty; 3, Winter Neiis; 4, Figue de Naples ; 5, Bon Chretien Foudante ; 6, Passe Colmar ; 7, Thomp- son's ; 10, Duchesse d'Angouleme ; 11, Beurrf d'Aremberg ; 12,GlouMor- ceau. Never stick pins in fruit ; it is a dan.;erous practice, and numbers so affixed are apt to become detached. (C\ .S.).— ^1. BeuiTe Diel ; 2, not recognised. (A Subscriber, Allcrton). — 1, Cornish Aromatic: 3, London Pippin; 4, Marie Louise ; 5, Hollandbury. (W.D.). — Your Pear appears to be Williams's Bon Chretien, but its flesh was completely rotten when it reached us. It is impossible, however, to toll the name with certainty from sucli an abnormal specimen. The fruit has been punctured by au insect when in a young state. Names of Plants IT. Edwards). — 1, Doodia caudata ; 2, Selaginella Martensii; 3, insufficient, (^ift/ica).— Polystichum angulare proliferum. Was it really found wild in Wales ? It is a cultivated variety, and has never been recorded as a native of Wales. (.Subscriber). — Yes, it is the water weed you suppose ; the name is Anacharis alsinastrum. (Cissie). — Gentiana campestris. METEOROLOGICiy^ OBSERVATIONS in the Subm-bs of London for tlie Week ending September 30tli. Date. THEP.5I05IETEn. Wind. Rain in inches. Gex-ehal Remauks. Air. E.irth. Max. Min. Mbx. Min. 1 ft. dp. 2 ft. dp. Snn. . . 24 Mon... 25 Tnes. . 26 Weil. . 27 Thurs. 28 Fri. ..29 Sat. .. 30 Mean. . 80.417 30.379 3U.248 80.085 30.175 80.224 30.0a5 30.309 80.802 30.149 30.048 80.1-14 80.141 30.014 74 75 78 78 74 68 68 85 88 3li 33 37 86 41 01 60 60 CO 61) 60 69 60 59 59.J 59 68 68 68 N.E. E! E. E. ;e. E. E.I .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 Fine ; very fine ; hot sun ; cool at night. Foggy ; very hue throughout. Foggy- J hot aud dry ; bright sunshine ; veiy line. Foggy ; hot with very dry air : at freezing at night. Quite clear, and very heavy dew ; very iine. Overcast ; slight dry haze ; very line. i-'inc ; very tine ; overcast at night. S0.2S2 80.171 73.57 36.43 CO.OO 58.71 0.00 286 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 3, 1835 POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. A FATAL, DISEASE AMONG POULTRY PREVAILS IN PARIS. StJCH is the whole of a paragraph which appeared in a local paper a short time since. Possibly more has been said else- where ; but if so, it has escaped my notice. If this newspaper account be true it is very necessary to he informed on two points — firstly, what the disease is like, and, secondly, how the Parisians treat it. Then follow the questions — Are we likely to have it amongst our birds ? and if so. What are the best means to adopt for prevention ? What are the symptoms ? Have we got it already ? This last question brings to my memory a paragraph in the "Field," of the 9th of last month, headed "Cholera in Poultry." It is there stated that several young chickens were almost all seized at once with excessive purging, and that they died at from two to four days after the beginning of the attack. A brood of nine chickens came in contact with these, and all died in one night. I have noticed amongst my own birds a tendency to diarrhcea ; but by constant watchfulness I have had neither illness nor death from this cause. With disease around us in animal and vegetable life, it is necessary that at every sound of alarm public notice should be aroused. I have been too short a time a poultry fancier, and too for- tunate in the health of my birds to be learned in their diseases. Perhaps I am about to discover a mare's nest, or to inquire into that which is very well known to every one else ; but I think your readers will agree with me that to ventilate the sub- ject of diseases, particularly at this time, is a matter to be desired. During last winter I had some birds sent to me, which were out of heath and with a slight roupy cold. They came from a yard where roup was said to have been. By great care these birds recovered. A bird of my own stock was soon seized with a swelling on the right side of the face under the eye. This increased very much, and a discharge from the eye and nostril, apparently the result of much inflammation, set in. I showed the bird to a surgeon, who had once operated on a fowl for a tumour. He said that the swellmg, except to the touch, had all the appearance of being one, but that it was not so, and that it felt more like an enlargement of the bone. He said further that it would bo useless to operate. I applied warm lotions, and gave soft, nourishing, but not heating food ; yet, in spite of all, the bird died. Another bird was seized in the same way, and being a valuable one, I took the nursing into my own hands. I gave castor oil, a piU of calomel and anti- mony on alternate nights, washed the part affected night and morning with warm water, and then bathed it with vinegar, fed every night on oatmeal, and gave after a time cod-liver oil daily. In about a month, during snow and very trying weather, the bird began to recover, but remained weakly until summer weather began. She then laid, hatched, brought up chickens, moulted, showed signs again of the disease, and whilst I was away from home this summer she died. About the end of .Tuly last a cock bird was seized with the same attack, but before the second attack of the hen took place. In this case, as soon as the tumorous swelling was of consider- able size, and we noticed an affection of the roof of the mouth, my man suggested that an incision should be made. This was done, and with a loop formed by a twisted hairpin, he extracted a filthy offensive core, and effected much discharge from the eye and nostril. I gave castor oil, but no other medicine, and afterwards Douglas's restorative. The bird is almost well again. In this and one or two other cases, where the birds being of little value were either killed or died, the affection came on the right side of the face. With these exceptions I have been singularly fortunate in the health of my birds. I hear, however, frequent complaints from others of the loss of birds and iUness of one kind or another. A neigh- bour has some Golden Pheasants all suffering from the same kind of attack as that which my poultry suffered from. We are too far apart, and have no communication with one another by which disease could be carried. He has lost several. I opened the swelUng in the roof of the mouth of one of his birds, with the same results as in my own case. The bird is now recovering ; the others have not been touched with the knife. The last that died I believe he sent to you, that you might examine it. I hope this French disease may prove to be a fable, the cholera an exceptional case, and, at the risk of boring your readers, that I have told them nothing new in the disease I have mentioned. Still there is enough to justify inquiry, and I shall be indebted to any one who can furnish a speedy remedy or a Kim])le preventive for the cases that I have named, and who will help to make known any coming disease with which we may be threatened. — Eqomet. BROUGHTON, BARTON, AND GOOSNAIGH t DISTRICT POULTRY SHOW. September -21. This Poultry Show was held at Bronshtoa, near Preston ; there was .1 namerous entry in some classes, and thu corapetitiou was very severe. In Durkimjs tliere were some good specimens shown ; whilst in Si>aiiuJi,. although prizes had been oitered, there was no competition. There were some capital Game birds exhibited, especially the chickens. Cochin- Chiiiiis figured conspicuously, there being some remarkably good specimens exhibited. In the Golden-peucUled Hamljiirgkf some beautiful old birds as well as chickens were shown. The same remark would almost apply to the Silver-pencilled birds. Golden-spangled Hamburghs were moderately represented. Silver-spangled on the whole were a good show, especinlly one pen of chickens. In Game BantauL'i the Show was excelleut. G'ci'sc, though very noisy, were a good show. The Aylesbury Diirtx were only moderate. In Eouen Ducks only one pen was exhibited. In goslings, and Aylesbury and Rouen ducklings, some verj- promising specimens were exhibited. Of I'igeons there were few entries. The awards were — Dorkings (Any colour). — Prize, J. Robinson. Vale House. Chickens. — Prize, J. Robinson. Highly Commended, W. Miller, jun., Cottam. Gaue. — Prize, J.Harrison. Chickens, — Prize, .J. Robinson, Commended. J. Harrison, .J. Bamber. J. Turner. Cochin-China.— Prize, -T. Robinson. Chickens.— Frize, J. Robinson. Hambtjrgh (Golden-pencilled). — Prize, J. Robinson. Chickens. — Prize. B. Bee, Goosnaigh. Highly Commended, J. Robinson. Hambdugh (Silver-pencilled). — Prize, J. Robinson. Chickens. — Prize, T. Pomfret. Haiibcrgh (Golden and Silver-spangled).— Prize, 3. Robinson. Chiekem. — Prize, J. Robinson. Bantams,— Prize, J. Butcher, Lee. C;i;(;ltc)i.5.— Prize, W. Blackhurst. jun. Highly Commended, .1. Butcher. Geese. — Prize, B.Bee. Goslings. — Prize, B. Bee. Commended, T. Raw- cliffe, BrouRhton. Ducks (Aylesbury and Rouen}.—Prize, J. Robinson. Ducklings.— Frize, J. Robinson. Pigeons. — Prize, J. Roberts, Penworthan. Judge. — Mr. H. P. Watson, Preston. — {Preston Guardian.) LANCASTER AGRICULTUR.VL SOCIETY'S POULTRY SHOW. At this show which was held at Lancaster on the 19th September, the show of poultry was very large. The awards were as follows : — Game. — First, G. Hodgson, Whittington. Second, J. Robinson, Vale House, Garstang. Game Cock (Any colour). — Prize, J. Robinson. HAMBURtiH (Golden-iiencilled). — First, J. Parkinson, Elswick. Second. J. Robinson. Hamburgh {Silver-peaeilled). — First and Second, J. Robinson. Hamburgh (Golden-spanf^led). — First and Second. J. Robinson. Hamburgh (Silver-spangled). — First and Second, J. Robinson. Dorkings (Any colour). — First, J. Robinson. Second, J. Parkinson. Coohin-China (Any colour). — First and Second, J. Wood, Chorlcy. Highly Commended J. Robinson ; J. Hodgson. Spanish (Black).— First, J. Hodgson. Second, M. Slater, Tatham. Bantams (Game).— First, T. Kenyon, Blackburn. Second, J.Parkinson. Bantams (Any variety). — First, C. J. Clarke, Torrisholme. Second, W. Jackson, Lancaster. Turkeys.— First, J. P. C. StarJue, AsbtonHall. Second, J. Amiistead, Qucrnmoor. Ducks (Aylesbury). — First and Second, J. Robinson. Ducks (Rouen). — First, J. Parkinson. Second, J. Robinson. Geese.— Prize, Mrs. Gardner, Quernmoor. Judges. — Mr. R. Teebay, Fulwood, near Preston ; Mr. Peel. Lancaster. Manchester Poultry Show. — The Messrs, Jenuison, of the Zoological Gardens. Belle Vue, near Manchester, have just issiied the prize schedule for their fifth Meeting, to be held in the Music Hall connected \nth their extensive estabHsh- ment, for the exhibition of Poultry, Pigeons, and Rabbits. The days fixed for the show are the 28th, 29th, and 30th of Decem- ber next. The prize list embraces the unusual number of sixty-nine classes for poultry alone ; for Pigeons there are twenty-four classes ; and for Rabbits ten classes. To Dorkings, £57 in money, besides two silver cups, value five guineas each. October ;l, 1865. ] JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 287 will be a\Yarded ; to Spanish, £29 in cash, with one five-guinea cup; and to the Ciicliin classes, Cdt in money, and a five- pounds silver cup, will Ijo given. ISnihnius receive tlT, and I'oli.sli, Cii as preniimns ; to the Game classes, the very liberal siun of £106, besides two fivo-guinea silver cups, is ajipointed. Geese and Du«ks receive .tlB; Turkeys, £V.i; and Cfi \vi|il be given to Extra Stock. Premiums to the amount of £7 are given to Black Hamburjihs, whilst £.')3 in prizes will still fuivthor reward the successful exhibitcu-s of Hamburghs gene- rally : t,*'J'J. liesi*les two tive-guim^a silver cups, will enlist a warm competition in the Game Bantams ; and £(! will be given to Bantams of any other breed. With like liberality £1)0 10s. will be awarded to I'igeons, and £'20 to Rabbits. It will be thus evident that to I'igeons, Rabbits, and Poultry alone an aggi-egate sum of nearly £r)00 will await the decision of the .ludges; and when it is remembered how perfectly adapted to the purposes of a show the lieost- office order for the amount, which I sent'; but, instead of the poultrj-, I received a letter from my correspondent making an excuse for the delay in sending them. If any of your readers can throw any light upon this I shall be greatly obliged.— C. A. G. [We are quite at a loss" to account for any one seadiug money to a total stranger before they receive the goods. —Eds.] Book {.Beta). — The work on poultry, with coloured plates, is now print- ing. HouDAN AND La FLicHE FowtB (W. Rendry).-~TheTO are di-awinga and full descriptions of these breeds in Nos. 62 and 65 of this Journal. We think they are likely to succeed in small runs. Our cdirespondent says that he finds sifted coal ashee act as a deodoriser if put fresh on the floor every second or third morning, but we are quite sm'e that such aahes do not deodorise so effectually as dry earth, and tm-ning this over fre- quently. Worcester PorLXRV Show.— By a slip of the pen Mr. E. Tudman is named in oiu- report of this Show as being of Welshpool instead of Wliit- church, Salop. MiDDLETON Poultry Show. — Mr. Massey, Fulford. York, we are in- formed, took the first prize for Carrier Pigeons, and Messrs. C. tit E. Royds, of Greenhill, Rochdale, the second, instead uf Mr. Samuels being first and Mr. Massey second, as stated in the list of awards at page 265, which, however, agrees with the list which we received. Treatmekt of DccK3 (Sussex). — Ducks of all kinds should be kept in a house separate from other poultry, and with a brick fluor, to admit of fre- quent washing. Give them plenty of room. Boiled roots, mixed with a little barleymeal, is good food f»r them. Addalittle milk when fattening them. Eleven eggs foi- a large Duck, and nine for a small Duck, are enough for them to sit upon. The eggs do not keep so well as those of the common hen, so sit them on the freshest. Make the nest on the ground, and in a damp place. The Duck requires to be fed evoi*y morning and evening whilst sitting. Let her have food and water near to the nest. Boiled but cold oatmeal porridge is the best food for ducklings until they are ten days old ; afterwards baileymeal, oats, and pollard, with plenty of green food. They are ready for table in eight or ten weeks if well fed. Never give them hard spring water, but water from a pond. They may bo taken away from the Ducliwhen three days old if they have a confined yard to be kept iu, well supjilied with water, and a di\v. warm house to retire to, and if never allowed to come out of that house before nine o'clock in the morning. The tails of young ducklings need ttot be cHpped off. Warming an Attary (A. W. ^.).— You do not say what aspect your con- sei-vatory has. If north then a stove, as you mention, will be good to keep out the severe cold in winter, but if it faces the south, and is shel- tered from the north and east, I Aa not think it will require heating. Canaries can stand our climate very well if sheltered. Your gi-eatest trouble ^rill be to guard against the sudden changes of temperature. The small conservatory becomes very hot when the sun shines on it, and at nit;ht quickly becomes cool, especially when the windows are left open to cool the rooms adjoining. This sudden fall of temperature gives the birds colds, coughs, asthma, and inflammation, and causes many deaths. It is the sudden change that injures the birds. They do not mind cold if faheltered from the wind and ruin. — B. P. BnENT. Collared Tcrtle Doves (Coluviba risoria). — Your feeding them on light wheat and a little hempseed occasionally is good, but instead of hemp- seed I would recommend a little buckwheat or Canary seed as a change. The price of CoDared Tui-tle Doves in the London shops vai'ies from ds. to 7». Gd. per pair according to circumstances. — B. P. Bhext. Strengthening Weak Stocks— Dark-coloured Honey [A. B. C.).— Our experience of supoi-posing has not been very favourable. We should prefer driving and uniting in the manner recommended in page 59 of the fifth edition of "Bee-keeping for the Many." Clarifjing your honey by standing the jar in a saucepan of water and boiling it, skimming off all impurities as they arise, would render it more fluid, and might probably improve its appearance. DRmNG Bees {A. T. .S'.l— The following are Mr. Payne's directions: — " I very much prefer the middle of a bright day to any other time. The process is verj' simple, and may be effected in a few minutes. I very much msh that I could persuade all my cottage friends to adopt it, in- stead of the cruel and wasteful method of ' burning; ' for in weak stocks the bees themselves are frequently of as much value as their little store of honey and wax ; and by joining them to other stocks, very considerable advantages arise. My method of driring is this: — On a bright day, be- tween eleven aud one o'clock, turn the hive from which the bees are to be driven bottom upwards, in a shaded comer of the garden, and place upon it a hive of the same size; see that they fit closely, and, to make the junction more complete, tie a cloth round the hives where they meet. Then, vrith two sticks, keep up a gentle but continuous tapping upon the sides of the inverted hivo for about ten minutes, the bees will by that time have left it and gone into the upper one. Having ascertained that fact, take it immediately to the place where the driven hive was taken from, and i)lace it upon the same floor-board; can-y the driven hive 50 or 60 yards away, and place it upon a fresh floor-board ; the few bees that remain in it, as well as those that are out at work, will return to the driven bees. All is now finished until an hour after sunset, except empty- ing the driven hive of its store, when two sticks may be laid upon the gi'ound about 8 inches apart, opposite the stock to which the driven bees aj-e to be joined ; then, with a smart stroke, dash out the bees between the sticks, and instantly, but very gently, place the stock they are in- tended to enter upon the sticks; leave them for the night, having first defended them from rain, should any fall: and in the morning, an liour before sunrise, replace the stock in its original position, aud all \riU be peace and harmony." LONDON iM^VPJvETS.— October 2. POULTRY. Another, Michaelmas has passed, only to convince us we were right when we said years ago that the goose-eating part of it was fast fallmg into disuse. The number this year were so small, that had there been any demand they would have sold very dear. d. s. d 6 to 3 0 Large Fowls 2 Smaller do 1 Chickens 1 Geese (J Ducklings 2 Guinea rcwls 0 3 ■ , 2 0 4 , 1 9 0 , , » (i " , , 2 K U , 0 0 Grouse 2 Partridges 1 Hares 2 Pigeons 0 Rabbits 1 Wild do 0 d. s. A 0 e B , 1 9 0 , 2 6 H , u !» 4 , 1 5 8 , 0 9 October 10, 1865. ] joukxabp of horticulture and cottage gardener. 280 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Montli Day Week. Tn Vf Th F S Sun M OCTOBER 10—16, 1905. .\sh leaves full. Elm seeds ttirn yellow. Hl:inted two years ago on a bed of gi'avel, and are the best evidence we remember to have seen in overcoming this dis- advantage of soil by deep trenching, and the addition of a httle good loaui, and occasional watering in dry weather ; Laurels, Mahonias, and even Roses grow there with an extraordinary vigour. As wo proceed up the carriage-drive we observe to the right, at some distance, the farm and farm buildings, all in beautiful keeping, and we wish momentarily that we might diverge to take a closer view of them, but our business is with the garden. We enter the court-yard, and a fine Elizabethan mansion with square tower, built some thirteen years since by Mr. Lucas, of London, and recently redecorated by Mr. Rayment, of Hertford, immediately confronts us ; the servants' compartments and laundry on the north side are covered with neatly-trimmed Ivy. Oc/olior 10, 1805. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUHE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEK. 293 Lpa'lin^' eastward from tlie house is a Kuiik ■walk -winding Hh'oukU llio shrubbery, the aRreeabIn eoohiess of which at once obtained recognition ; near one end is a rustic arbour, circular in form, and embowered in trees, tho panels in the interior decorated with branches of trees laid on moss in such a manner as to show the character and direction of tho si)ray. A pretty idea this, and not only pleasing but instructive also. Iteturn- ing tliroupli tho croquet ground we see to the rit;ht largo masses of Holly, in front of which on a gentle incline is a rilibon- bordcr tilled with the customary gay and effective bedding plants. Here is a terrace wall, against which is trained tlie Gnaphalium lanatum, its silvery foliage contrasting well with tho red bricks ; while grand spiral columus of tho Hnmea olo- gana rise at given distances above the wall. Ascending four steps we aro in the Italian flower garden, which surrounds the house ou the east luul soutli sides. The small patlis are of white spar and gravel, and designs in dwarf Box ab(U\nd. There is a fountain in the centre, and single specimens of Thuja aurea, -1 feet high and as much through, and perfect in colour anil form, Irish Yews, and Irish .Junipers are judiciously in- troduced. There aro also beds of the beautiful Jimiperus tamariscifoUa forming a complete carjiet of silvery-green fo- liage ; these are occasionally watered with manure water. Tlie majority of the beds are tilled with the usual bedding plants, gay enough in their season, but winter is also deprived of its gloom by margins of Ivy, the Box, and other evergreens above mentioned, which retain for the garden a furnished appear- ance when the flowers of summer are departed. Fiptures and ornamental vases sparingly and judiciously introduced aid also in tho attainment of this end. From the terrace fronting the house is a wide and extensive view commanding the valley of the Lea, with the Essex hills beyond ; Nether Hall, Nazing church, Epping Forest, and Monldiam's Hill are prominent objects. In the park fronting the house are good specimens of timber trees, the tops only of some visible, owing to the ground falling rapidly at a short distance from the house ; the Codrus deodara, Scotch Pine, and the narrow-leaved English Elm were also conspicuous ; while to the west were groups of various trees, between which the open country beyond, nicely undulated, was distinctly visible. We approach the conservatory, which adjoins tlic mansion, and is built on the ridge-and-furrow principle, the dimensions 50 by 60 feet. The pillars in the interior are covered with various creepers, of whicli the Jasmiuum granili- florum, Passifloras, Fuchsias, Habrothamnus, and Geranium Unique are in full bloom. In the centre, planted out, are mag- nificent specimens of Camellias, some 12 feet high, others 12 feet in diameter, perfect in shape, with leaves black as ink, and plentifully adorned with flower-buds. As the leading prizes for Camellias at tho London spring shows were won by flowers taken from these specim^ens, it may be interesting to know the mode of culture adopted. So soon as the flowering is over the house is kept warm for about two months, and the trees syi'inged freely. During this period the growth is made and flower-buds set ; the plants are also watered freely during the season of growth with water in which sheep-manure is steeped ; they are watered twice only in winter. The flower-buds are thinned out early in autumn, and not more than one bud is ever allowed to a leading shoot. The variety known as Elcgans has produced flowers 8J inches across, and other sorts are proportionally fine. Sundi-y Azaleas, and greenhouse plants, and hanging-baskets — at this season mostly filled with Ferns — are also in the conservatory. There is a vestibule between the di-awing-room and conservatory, and this is furnished with various articles, rare and beautiful. The beds of the conserva- tory are margined with a pretty green moss, and the paths are of white spar. There are, in addition, several plant-houses well contrived and well built. In the stove we obseiTed very fine specimens of Crotou variegata, Cissus discolor, Ixora coc- cinea well set with bloom, Francisceas, Cyanophyllums, and a plant of Cypripedium insigne in fiJl flower. In the rosery many of the autumnal Roses were stUl beaiatifully in bloom. Ten-ace walls, w-hich abound, were covered iiriucipally with Roses, Pyracantha, Cydonia, Forsythia, Ampelopsis. Magnolias, Jasminums, and Weigelas. We are now on our way to the pinetum, and passing some beautiful specimens of Gold Hollies on the lawn west of the house, we are confronted by a plant of Picea nobilis glauca, till recently out of health, but restore^l by digging round it, and filhug the trench made with fresh loam and cowdung. Here, also, are fine trees of .Tuniperus chinensis, Pinus pyrenaica, P. excelsa, V. strobus nivea ; Abies Nordmauniana, A. pinsapo (20 feet high, a perfect specimen), A. Douglasii o(i fret, A. cc- pbalouica 20 feet ; a huge bush of Taxua adprcssa bearhjg fruit, and smaller plants of Pinus Hartwegii ; the variegated lied Cedar (Juniperus virginiana foliis aureis), and many of the choicest kinds. Passing under a rocky archway we encounter a sunk cave or grotto, built by Mr. Pulham, and which realises the end sought in being doliciously cool. We also sight screens of Ivy, which answer perfectlj-, and an arcade of climbing Roses. Although trees anrl flowers form tho greatest attraction of this place, fruit is by no means overlooked. The Cucumber- house, in which the Telegraph Improved is the favourite, is full of fruit, many from 20 to 21 inches long. In the lato vinery only was tliero any fruit, but the early vinery showed signs of liaving done w-ell. Capital Black Hamburghs, both as regards size and colour, and Muscats, and Lady Downe'?, the two latter sorts in pots, w-ere slul in line condition. One Muscat Vine in a pot had borne fourteen bunches ave- raging a pound weight each, and the benies on Lady Dowue's, were like Dam.spns, both in size and colour. There is also a, walled kitchen garden well stocked w-ith the best and most useful fruits, whild tho sides of the walks are planted with pyramidal Pears and Apples. The following Pears wero very line — Beurro. Su]:>erfin, Triomphe cle Jodoigne, Seigneur d'Es- peren. Grand Soliel, Bourru Diel, Bcurru d'Arcmberg, Beurrfi d'Amanlis, Passe Colmar, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Chaumontel, and many others. Many objects which wo have missed in this somewhat hasty survey, might form matter of comment, but tliis article is already exceeding the bounds anticipated. Mr. Trussler, who manages the garden, has recently invented a van with glass rooj and heating apparatus for conveying plants to the spring shows, which your readers will, doubtless, hear more of in the future. That such a contrivance was necessary more than one ex- hibitor will, we believe, be ready to testify, for at the spring shows this year many of the plants sent arrived at the shows frozen stiff, and were not only unfit for competition, but re- tm-ned only to he consigned to the rubbish-heap. — W. P. rOLEMONIUM CCEP.ULEUM VARIEGATUM (Vakteoated Jacob's Ladder). Few if any of the native plants of Britain are to be met with in the flower gardens of the present day. Perhaps they do not deserve a place among the gay and select few that aro considered effective enough to play their part in the summer flower gardening now so fashionable. The rage in certain quarters is all the other way, and the natives of more sunny climes are being pressed into out-door service ; but these latter will never become common in the gardens of this country. Two considerations will, of necessity, tell against anything like a popular attempt at turning our stove plants into the open air, even in our finest summers. First, the expense of rearing and wintering them, and above all the very few localities where the climate will allow of them being planted out with any reason.able hope of their remaining respectable, to sa3' nothing of making progress. For this reason the examples being so ably set to us of planting tropical plants out-doors is not at all likely to benefit the millions, especially of Scotland. If we are to have any new blood introduced into the present parterre system of planting in the shape of new materials, they must be hardy enough to at least look respectable diu-ing siunmer and autximn, to do without stove heat in winter, aftd if hardy enough, to cope with our frosts improteeted all the better. The subject named above cannot be charged with tenderness. In this respect it is a thorough Briton ; and in point of appear- ance all summer and autumn it has a grace and beauty all its own. Almost every gardener must be acquainted with the common form of Jacob's Ladder, and this is a variegated va- riety of it with much more white or cream colour in its com- position than green. I have had it here for several years, and it has grown in favour verj' much, and has this year been used as single plants in blue groundwork and as an edging to beds ; and few bedding plants have pleased so much. Some amateurs have exclaimed, on first seeing it, " Oh ! what a pretty Fern ! " and it has all the appearance and much of the grace of some of the Fern ti-ibe about it, its leaves being pinnate. It lasts in full beauty the whole summer and autumn, and shows no dis- position to flower. Some years ago I directed attention to the Centanrea ragu- sina as a bedding plant, and the patronage it has met with has 294 JOUENAL OF HOKTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GAT.DENER. [ October 10, 1865. proved the correctness of the opinion expressed so confidently about it. This is a much more easily-managed plant, and I can recommend it very confidently as a decorative plant, and venture to predict for it great popularity. As a dinner-table plant in pots it is very useful, and planted in lines it has just the air and giMce of a compact Fern, while there is but little green in its colouring. — D. Thomson, Archerjicid, N. B., in Scottinh Gardoicr. THE EOYAL HOKTICULTUE.\X SOCIETY. OOTOBEK '.UXD. Floh.vl CoinnTTEE. — Yeiy few specimens were sent to this meet- ing. The collections of cut Roses from Messrs. Paul & Son and Mr. Ttuiier of Slough were extraordinaiT for the time of the year, and more especially for this di-y season. Mr. Turner's collection of Pom- pone or miuiature Dahhas was veiy attractive and much admii'ed. Both of the collections of Roses and miniature Dahlias were awarded special certificates. Mr. RawUngs sent two seedliug Dahhas : — Silver Swan, no use. and Little Beauty, of dwarf habit, small flowers, orange ground, heavily tipped and shaded with red, useful as a bedding vaiiety — first-class certificate. From Mr. Turner, Slough, came fourseedUng Dahhas ; — Le Domino Noir, a white and maroon Faucj' — second-class certificate ; Arrah-ua-Pogue, Artemus Ward, and Arthur. Mr. Turner also exhibited a single cut specimen of a seeedling Rose, Prince of "Wales, a bnght cheiTy red, of excellent form, promising to be a first- class flower. Mr. Pocock, gardener to Mr. Barber, Wincanton, ex- hibited a box of seedling Verbenas of no particular merit, not equal to the best varieties now in cultivation ; and Mr. Meh-ille, gardener to the Earl of Eosebern', Dalmeney Park, four seedliug Tropreolums, by no means novelties ; the flowers were out of condition. Mr. E. Davies sent two seedling Fuchsias — one. Lady Sherborne, with a double white corolla ; the other. Lord Sherbonie, with a double purple corolla, but both were worthless. Mr. G. Smith, Homsey, again exhibited his seedling Nosegay Pelargonium La Grande, which gained a firat-class certificate in June ; it still maintained its good character both for its dwarf habit and splendid large truss of brilliant flowers. Christabel, having a white gioand with deej) salmon centre, a good form and petal, but not equal to Beauty and others of the same class, came from the same exhibitor. Messrs. Downie, Lau'd, & Laing, exhibited an Altcrnanthera with dark variegated fohage, the colour of Iresiue Herbstii. of veiy dwarf habit, but not likely to be useful. From Ml'. F. Priest, ^ardc-ner to E. Wc oil. Esq., Hanger Hill, Acton, came Asplenium dimorphum, a Norfolk Island Fern, the plant producing broad and naiTow sections in the same frond. It is a useful gi-een- house plant. Mr. Earley sent cut specimens of Ipoma^a Bona Nox (I. noctiluca?), also of a vaiiety of Ipomrea Quamoeht. with larger and bright deep crimson flowers. Mr. Bragg, Slough, sent seedling Dahlias Commander, Fair Lady, Lady Geraldine Wellesley, and Model ; and Messrs. Paul it Son a basket of Nerine FothergiUi, a veiy handsome plant, vrith bright scarlet heads of flowers. This plant should be more extensively gi'own, for it is one of the most useful and ornamental flowers for greenhouse decoration at this time of the year, and veiy distinct from the Guernsey Lily. Messrs. Paul & Son also exhibited in their stand of Roses seedling Princess Mary of Cambridge. From Mr. Southby, Clapham, came Cineraria maritima nana, a very dwarf-growing plant. If it maintain its dwai-f habit it will be veiy useful, but some doubts were expressed on this point. Rev. C. Rose exhibited two stands of seedling Dahlias, none of which were thought worthy of distinction ; and Mr. Macldntosh, Hammersmith, sent a basket of his seedling hybrid Solauum capsicastmm covered with scai'let fruits, also hybrid Veronica Jladame Jacotot. These plants came too late to be entered for examination. Fruit Co^nnxTEE. — G. F. Wilson, Esq., F.R.S., in the chair- Prizes were offered on this occasion for the best collection of Grapes, except Muscats, also for the best collection of white Muscats, but in neither class did ony exhibitors come forward. Prizes were likewise offered for Muscat Hamburgh. Here the only exhibitor was Mr. Os- borne, Kay'sNursery, Finehley. to whom a second prize was awarded, the benies being deficient in colour and flavoiu-. In the class for three dishes of dessert Apples some veiy good fruit was shown. Mr. Earley, gardener to F. Piyor, Esq., Digswell, was first with Cox's Orange and Ribston Pippins, and Sam Young ; and a second collection from the same exliibitor consisted of the last-named, King of the Pipj;ius, and Foam's Pippin, Mr. Cox, Redleaf, was second with splen- di'Hy coloured Ribston Pippin, Cox's Orange Pippin, fi)ie, and Pitmaston Nonpareil. For Pears, three dishes, Mr. Whiting, gardener to Mrs. Hope, The Deejideue, Dorking, was first with Thompson's, Marie Louise, and Comte de Lamy ; and Mr. Earley second with Brown BeuiTe, large and very good, Gansel's Bergamot. and Marie Louise. A second set of thi'ee dishes came from Mr, Wliitiug, and Messrs. Ivery of Dorking and Mr, McLaren likewise exhibited. Of Pearmain Apples only one collection was staged. This was sent by Mr. 'V\Tiiting, and was awarded a first prize. It consisted of Adams' Pearmain. beauti- fully coloured. Parry's, Claygate, Traveller's, Lamb Abbey, Winter, Mickleham, and Manuingtou's. Among miscellaneous subjects was a handsome ProWdence Pine of, 9 lbs. 6 023., for which a special ceilificate was awarded to Mr. Ruiiett, gardener to Lord Palmerston, Brockett Hall ; and Mr. A. Stewart sent Slindon Park Peach, a freestone, as large as the Late Admirable, and of excellent flavour for a late Idnd. A first-class certificate was •i^veu for this ; also to Messrs, Paul it Son for Raspbenies Belle de Fontenay, and October Red and October Yellow, known also as Mer- veUle de (^uatre Saisons Rouge and Jaune. Brinckle's Orange, Cushing, both of which are summer kinds, Large Monthly, and Au- tumn Black, came from the Society's garden at Chiswick. The last- named varit^ty is one of Mr. Rivers's raising, and produces fruit of the colour of the Blackbeiry, from which parentage it has sprung. Fine specimens of Black Piiuce Grapes, and of good flavour, from an open wall, as wkII as a collection of Plums, also came from the Society's garden, Mr. Baxter, gardener to — Kaiser, Esq., sent an amber- coloured somewhat oval Grape, but it was not considered equal to existing varieties. F. J. Graham. Esq., of Cranford, exhibited his Au- tumn NeUs Pear and Cranford Muscat Grape ; and Mr. Ingram, gar- dener to Her Majesty, Frogmore, a white Grape called Napoleon, apparently a better variety cf the Royal Muscadine, and stated to be useful for growing on open walls. Samples of Hands's Freedom Potato, a variety raised by Mr. Hands, of Newcastle-under- Lyue, were also submitted to the Committee, who defen-ed, however, passing an opinion upon its merits tUl it had been seen and tasted later in the season. STRAWBERRY ROOTS DECAYED. Ix July I planted strong runners of Strawberries British Queen, La Coustante, Froginore Pine, Sir J. Paxton, President, John Powell, and Royal Hautbois in beds, well trenched and manured, and with a quantity of old turfy ioani worked in with the natural soil, which is light. All grew strong and healthy until about the 5th of August when some sorts, especially the British Queen, La Constante, and Frogmore Pine threw up leaves curled and mouldy at the tips, and the growth has since been checked. Can this be attributed to the manure being fresh ? X could get none that was decayed, and used two-thirds horse and one-third cowdung, strong and fi'esb. On taking up some of the plants I found that some of the roots, 6 or 8 inches deep, were rotten. Can anything be done to improve their health ? — A Suescriber. [We sent your note to an authority on Strawberry culture, and the following is his reply : — " I should not break up the plantations ; they will make new roots in spring. It has been here quite a red spider and fungus season. The mould on the tips of the leaves may possibly be fungus, or the effect of the preceding cause. Water the plants freely while this hot weather lasts. The plants here of ail kinds are most beautiful and healthy,— W. F. Radclyffe, Tarrant Riishton."] HAMILTON PiVLACE. [Continued fromjyafje 274.) I HAVE mentioned that on one of the fronts of the mansion a broad walk, continued by a still broader avenue of fine healthy trees, carries the eye a gi-eat chstance ; I may now state that on the opposite side is" another \'ista, not exactly an avenue in the sense in which that tenn is often used, but a clear opening about two miles in length, affording a view of what appears to be another mansion almost equally spacious T\ith the one near which we stand. This second building, I understood, is a model of one of the Duke's seats in France, for it must be bonie in mind the Duke of Hamilton holds a similar title amongst the Peers of that country, as well as sundiy Enghsh ones besides. This representation of his Cirace's chateau in France, occupies a gentle rising ground on the opposite, side of the river Avon, which, however, is not seen from either position, though it crosses the line, the whole distance appeai-ing, as it in fact is, a continued park. The building in question is ornamented with grass terraces, flower-beds, and the usual accompaniments of an ornamental kind met with as siu'rounding a coimtry gentle- hian's mansion, although it is devoted to other puiposes ; never- theless, the keeping is good. As I was told of the great antiquity of some of the remains in that part of the park, I was induced to \dsit it, and through the kindness of Mr. Mitchell, the very able and intelligent gar- dener, who accompanied me the whole way, and pointed out the various objects of interest, we made our way across some of the best park land in the Idngdom, until we approached the river Avon— not the claieic Avon of the EngUsh midland coimties, but a clear pure stream as large as its southern namesake, but exhibiting more diversified features, even in the bounds of the park, than many rivers do in theu- whole course. October 10, 18G5. ] JOUBN-iL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAJRDENEK. 295 It is sometimes hemmcJ in by precipitous bnnlts, clothed to the oilj;o with rich wooclliind foliiij^c, wliilo rocks 101) feet in perpen- dicular height, and upwards, cast their long dark shade on its troubled waters, which stru^'glo on over a rocky bed ; at other times the stream widens into a broad expanse, shining like limjiid silver, and seemingly proud to sluiw itself to the ad- miring piize of the visitor, whoso eye wanders over the softer portion of the park, the banks being low, and the ground level on both sides. We had to cross it at one of tliosu precipitous spots, and in doing so my conductor led me into one of those old-fashioned gardens which must certainly have ranked high among the works of art of that time. A steep declivity had been cut into terraces, and planted with a great variety of shnibs. which bad been cut into the many fanciful forms our ancestors no doubt thought indicated the highest amount of in- genuity. Many of these tigures had, no doubt, outgrown thi'ir original shapes, or had fallen into tlio hands of a less skilful generation, but enough remained to show the long-continued attention of its managers or originators ; for although I failed to make out dogs and horses, cujjs, vases, pyramids, cylinders, and many fanciful figures dillicult to describe met the eye at every corner. We nuist now leave the scene, and crossing the river by a substantial bridge of considerable elevation, we find ourselves in another part of the park, more interesting from the objects it contains than any we have yet been in. Here we are introduced to members of both the vegetable and animal kingdoms, which carry us back to an age differing widely from that in which we live ; and were it not for the living witnesses before our eyes, we might be almost tempted to doubt the accuracy of the legend which at least belongs to the vegi'table department — the other admits, or hardly so, of an}' doubt whatever. We are, in fact, in Cadzow Park, and in company with, though at a respectful dis- tance from, the occupants of that same park, whose ancestors had lived there probably before the human race invaded and battled for the same spot. On the part which Cadzow Castle played iu the early history of Scotland I have no intention to enter, but it was, doubtless, a place of much importance when its proprietor received instructions from liis sovereign to plant the Oaks which form so remarkable a feature in it. We are told this was done in the fourteenth century, or in the early part of the fifteenth, thereby indicating 450 or 501) years as the age of these relics, and, I believe, that there is some authentic record as well as tradition, that these fine old trees were then planted ; and the somewhat regular manner in which they are scattered over the ground implies that if not jjlanted by hand, the latter had some- tiling to do iu thinning them out. They occupy a somewhat elevated position in the park. The soil, I shoidd think, is rather inclined to be gravelly, not wet, and yet not too dry. The trees exliibit eveiy feature common to old Oak trees. A few, but only a very few, may be called healthy, but X doubt much it any of the timber is sound throughout, and the greater portion of the trees e.xhibit tiaces of old age and decay in a gi-eater or less degi-ee. Several of them are dead, but still with perfect good taste they are allowed to remain where they are ; many have large limbs quite dead, with a little life show- ing itself on a portion of one side perhaps. This struggle to prolong an existence is seen iu its various stages, some seeming as if the last effort had been made, others promising to con- tinue it for at least another generation of the human race, or longer. Antiquity rather than size is their peculiar feature, for much larger Oaks are met with iu England ; but nowhere that I know of are so many aged trees found together. The table laud of a large portion of the park was dotted over with these venerable trees, whUe some dells and extensive boundaries were planted with trees of modern growth, or which had been cut aud grown again. I regret omitting to notice any acorns, as it would be worth while ascertaining whether these belonged to the long or short-stalked species, the respective merits of which caused no little discussion some years ago. These Oaks presented the usual outline of the monarch of the forest, generally short-boled, more or less enlarged by the swellings or protuberances, which form the beautifully-grained panels so prized in furniture-making, while now and then large portions of the outer part of the tree, or what is called the sap, had fallen into decay, leaving the heart smooth, and bleached white by the sun and rain. I did not see any trees that had been blown down ; generally spealcing, they seemed to die piece- meal from the top downwards, as some showed little else but a short trunk. One circumstance, however, more than any other struck me as remarkable — the absence of middle-aged aud young trees which we meet with in natui'al forests, and other places where timber has been the princi)ial growth for centuries; so that if these trees were not i>laul(d by hand iu the first instance, as is generally asserted, tbiy nmst have received duo attention at least a couple of centuries ago, as well as since, and younger trees must iiavo been kept down so as to keep these favourites by themselves. However, they are a remarkable assemblage of old trees, and may in some degree be compared with the jiatriarchs of Mount Leba- non, which, though reduced in nundicr so as to be very easily counteil, are, nevertheless, not mixed up witli younger mem- bers of the same family. M'hcther the same natural causes may have operated iu both these cases or not, it is dillicult to say. If we allow them to have been influenced by the same causes, we weaken the argument of those who assert the Oaks to have been planted, as the C'cdars assuredly have not, and yet it would seem almost sujicrlluous to plant Oak trees at a time when the coinitrj' was, in a great measure, covered with them, and w hen there were so many evidences that Nature per- formed that office herself ; therefore, the subject must still remain iu doubt. We now turn to another and still more important feature which renders Cadzow Park remarkable above all other parks in Scotland, and, with tlie excejitiou of Cbillinghiiin iu North- umberland, it may be said of England also ; and here, again, we have to carry our inquiry centuries further liack than in the case of the Oak trees mentioned above. I allude to the breed of cattle, which there is every reason to believe roamed over this island long before the Christian era, and which is still maintained in this park and that of Chilliugham. — .J. lioESON. BEDDING-OUT AT OULTON P.VRK. (Concluded from page 248.) On entering the flower garden from the arboretum we come upon a large round bed tilled with Mrs. PoUock Geranium ; the plants were all sin-ing-struck. The bed previous to plant- ing-out time was filled with a mixture of new loam, peat, leaf soil, aud weU-decomposed manure in equal proportions. The jilants all grew very vigorously, aud soon covered the ground. This appears lo be one of the ju'incipal secrets required to be known by cultivators of Mrs. Pollock generaUj- — namely, the soil cannot be too rich for it when it is planted out in the open ground, provided the beds are weU drained, so that no stagnant water can remain near the roots. I found, on taldng the plants up the other day, that they had made roots 18 inches and 2 feet long. The foliage the plants made during the summer was truly magnificent, all the colours on the leaf being brought out very distinctly and beautifully. I have found iu every instance that spring-struck plants grow much more freely than old ones ; they also produce better foliage. Therefore I should strongly advise spring propagation for this section of bedding Geraniums, and, instead of growing them in pots, planting them out in frames where they can have the benefit of a very slight bottom heat. Another point should also be strictly obseiwed : iu taking cuttings a due amount of patience should be exercised. Never take any cutting off unless it has four or five fully developed leaves ; if taken off at an earlier period there is great difficulty in making it secure in the ground, aud veiy many probabilities of its damping off, because its wood is not sufficiently matured. A cutting taken off' iu the state described above will emit roots much more rapidly and grow more freely after it is struck than a small weak one ; and soon after it becomes established in the frame the top may be taken off, leaving about three eyes above the ground. Thiee cuttings may again be taken from the plant before bedding-out time, and oiie from the first top taken off. If proper care has been taken according to instructions given in previous articles on the propagation aud after-mauagement of bedding plants, five good plants may be propagated from one cutting between the months of February aud Jime, so that from a few good stock plants a large quantity may be obtained. I have entered into this explanat'on here, because I think it may guide many who are as yet unacquainted with the proper management of the Mrs. Pollock section of I'elargo- niums. I do not think the appearance of Mrs. Pollock as a bedding plant can be improved by an edging of any other plant, especially if the bed iu which it is grown is surrounded by gi-ass. The bed should, however, be nicely filled, putting the tallest plants in the centre, aud reserving the very smallest for the edge of the bed next the grass. The next bed to Mrs. PoUock is filled with Iresine Herbstii 296 JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. [ October 10, 1865. ■with a good band of Cerastium Biebersteiuii between it and the gi'ass. Although I have in a previous article condemned the Iresine, I am now compelled to retract my words, and to assign the cause of its being condemned to the want of knowing how to manage it properly. Many valuable plants are lost by a too hasty judgment being pronounced upon them before they have been subjected to various kinds of treatment. For the last six weeks this has been by far the most beautiful bed in the flower garden ; it presents such a beautiful outline to the eye. There is not that flat appearance which the Amarauthus presents, and the colour is magnificent — far surpassing the Amaranthus either for distant effect or close inspection. What the plant appears to want is more moistuiethan it has received from natural som-ces this season. The soil it likes is also very rich, and it requires a more shady position than I have seen accorded to it at many places this season. If grown under these conditions I have little doubt but that it will yet become a favourite in our gardens. Then, again, the nature of the plant was almost worked out of it by frequent decapi- tation in the spring. I have proved in many other instances that very few new plants are so good the first year they are Bent out as they are the second ; it takes them a long time to regain their proper strength and character after being subjected to the high-pressm-e system of propagation. From what I can Bee of the Iresine now, I think that in a more wet and humid season it will far sm-pass the Coleus, so that it will be worth while to keep a sufficient stock of it to give it a fair tri^l next year. To the right of this is a bed of one of my new seedling Verbenas edged with Viola cornuta. The Verbena is a bright cerise or cherry in colour, and the Viola is a rich slate blue, or mauve. This bed has been surpassingly beautiful ever since the first week in July. The Viola still keeps its place in my estimation as one of the most chaste and beautiful plants for flower-garden decoration I have ever seen. It will be equally valuable for spring bedding as it is for the summer. It com- mences blooming, if the weather is not too severe, in March, and continues without any intennission till it is completely cut down to the ground by the frost in autumn. No doubt some valuable hybrids will be obtained by crossing this with some of the garden varieties. I shall turn my attention to this in the spring, if I am spared, and have httle doubt that I shall be able to produce other colours in this Viola, with the .same habit and constitution ; and if this can be done it will be a gi'eat addition to our plants suitable for bedding-purposes. I hear that Mr. Tyerman, of the Liverpool Botanic Gardens, has a beautiful blue Viola called montana. This I think cannot be the same as mine, as his is described as blue. I shall, however, send him a bloom of mine to see if they are identical : if they are not, then we have two great acquisitions in the way of bedding plants suitable for spring, summer, and autumn decoration. The next bed a little to the left of the Verbena and Viola, has its centre filled with Verbena Velvet Cushion, and a margin of Mangles's Variegated Geranium. This bed has been very much admired ; it is now (October 7th), a blaze of floral beauty. Another large bed a Uttle to the right of this has a centre of Beaton's Stella Geranium, with a wide row on each side of it of Lobelia speciosa ; around this is a row of Lady Plymouth Geranium ; and between this and the grass. Claret Queen Ver- bena. This has had a very fine effect. The opposite bed to this is filled with Amaranthus melancholicus ruber, with an edging of Viola cornuta. This bed has been, and is still, re- markably fine. The I'ich colour of the Amaranthus is so much toned down by the soft and pleasing colour of the Viola, that it has attracted .aU eyes to it immediately on entering the garden. The effect when seen at a distance is grand in the extreme. A large circle near the two last-mentioned beds has a centre of Geranium Christine, then 2 feet of Verbena Purple King around this, and a margin of Geranium Golden Fleece, 1 foot wide, next the grass. This bed has also been very good. Behind the bed last described is a large circular bed raised on blocks of wood similar to that at the top of the ribbon- borders. A fine specimen plant of Humea elegans forms the centre. On the lower tier of blocks are six large Humeas, then the whole of the space between the Humeas is filled with Gera- nium Boide de Feu. There is also a thick row of Boule de Feu planted all round the outside of the wooden blocks next the gi-ass, so that no wood is seen. This forms a perfect pyramid of scarlet, which is much reheved by the Humeas, and it has altogether a very imposing effect. It is placed just opposite the mouth of the tunnel leading to the pleasure gi-ounds and pinetum. As you come up from the pleasure grounds it stands just in front, and prevents the eye from catching the whole of the flower garden at once ; and w'hen seen from the opposite side of the garden it forms a nice centre or cuhniuating-poinf; to the whole arrangement of beds in the garden, which is laid out after no particular form, the beds being all irregular. This being the case, it is a very difficult matter to arrange the colours in the beds so that they may harmonise well as a whole. Eight and left of this pyramid are two large beds filled with Gladioli. Amongst these are planted Canua chscolor, C.Warsc- zewiczii, some of the Caladiums, and Cyperus alternifohus. This is the first time I have tried the Cyperus bedded out. It grows remarkably well. I have no doubt that the variegated form of this would grow equally well if planted in a warm and partially shaded place. This, by-the-by, is one of the most beautiful things for effect in a bouquet that I have ever used, if one spike is puit in the centre and about three smaller ones around it ; they should be so arranged in the bouquet that they may appear a little above the flowers, this gives the whole a very graceful appearance, and relieves the monotony of the colours very much. It also does away with that flat appearance too often seen in bouquets. The ground between the Gladioli, Cannas, &c., is covered with mixed oolom-s of Verbenas, and near the edge plants of Ama- ranthus melancholicus ruber, LobehaPaxtoniana, &c. Behind those beds are several more large plants of Humea elegans, which, as seen in the distance, give a very nice finish to the GladioU, Cannas, &c. Beyond this are raised banks planted with HoDyhoeks, Dahhas, Phloxes, and miscellaneous bedding plants. Another bed of one of my best Verbenas of last year. Lady Binning, edged with Lobelia Paxtnniana, has been very fine. This is one of the very best scarlet Verbenas in cultivation, the colour is very brilliant, and the habit all that could be wished. This bed has been so dazzling that it has been almost im- possible to look on it for any length of time, especially when the sun is shining on it. This Verbena stands the weather well, and is altogether a very desirable variety. Besides the beds described above there are many others filled with Stocks and Mignonette, and various other bedding plants. I have only selected the above as being the most striking and containing many novelties which are not yet generally known. There is a long terrace walk leading from the Hall to the flower and kitchen gardens. On each side of this are a number of beds, 2 feet square, cut out on the grass. These are filled with standard Roses, large specimen Fuchsias, Pelargoniums, and at intervals of about 30 feet a pair of large plants of Humea elegans ; around these are placed plants of Iresine Herbetii and (ieranium Golden Fleece, the gi'ound about the Eoses being covered with various coloured Verbenas, and the best varieties of Tropteolums. This arrangement has been very much aihnired. Amongst the Fuchsias Carter's Meteor has been very conspicuous, appearing in the distance a perfect piUar of gold. Time will not permit me to describe my own trial garden. This, with the novelties it contained, must be left for another occasion. I must leave the description of the general character of this fine old place to more able hands, and must soon resign its management, and bid farewell to aU its associations, with the proud feeUng that I have done all in my power to raise it from utter ruin to its present improved state. — J. Wills. CLOTH OP GOLD GERANIUM. There must be something materially wrong with the soil in which Mr. Flitton's Cloth of Gold Geraniums are gi-owiug, as he says his plants have all the requisite shelter, &c. I may state, for his information as well as " B. F.'s," that I have fom- beds of Cloth of Gold and Amaranthus melanchohcus ruber planted plant for plant, and edged with Lobelia speciosa, and I can assure Mr. FUtton and others that no beds up to September have succeeded better than these. When they were being planted many shook then- heads, and I confess my own hopes were not very sanguine on the matter, knowing that they would have to withstand the bitter east winds off the sea, from which they are separated about 200 yards. These beds are so beautiful and the contrast so fine that I intend planting them on a large scale next season. I shall also prepare the soil by improving its texture, something in the way that Mr. Pearson describes. By the way, it is not every gardener that can do as Mr October 10, 1805. ] JOUENAIi OF HOiiTICULTUaE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 297 Pearson describes ; fine loam is not found everywhere, nor is dung ml Uhttum at every gardener's command, even though Ids garden may ho acres in extent, and his bedding plants may bo counted by thousands. A very good plan is to graft tlio weak-growing line-foliaged Oerauiunis on Tom Thumb.— A\'. McLELiiAN, H'emyss Castle Gardens, Fifcshire, N.B. TuVIDS AFTER FEKNS.— No. 1. DABTMOOll. Tip the valley of the Teign, by the side of the prettily wooded river, cricking one's neck in turuing to catch a view of the frail-looking suspension bridge spanning the river from Toigu- mouth to Shaldon, with the blue waters of the sea beyond, bearing many a vessel to the secure little harbour round the ruddy headland of the Ness ; then turning for the upward view, where the soft undulating hilly distance gives to the river the sweet characteristics of a lake ; then through King's Teignton, taking a turn to the right and presently coming to the old straggling Teignbridgo, on each side of which Asplenium ruta-muraria abounds, not in small half-starved morsels, but in full rich bunches. By applying a little judicious leverage the old stones can be moved and the jilants extricated, with some of the mortarised earth clinging to thera. Another turn to the right and yoii are at the pretty church of Teigngraco. Near this place Polystichum augidare imbricatum has lately been found, acd after a while you are very near some of the finest specimens of Osmunda regalis that I have met with. Still on, and you come to the Bovey potteries where the huge mounds of earth, the railway tr.ams, and the toil-staiued faces of the men, arc but pleasant shadows of comfortable cottages, well- paid workmen, and wives and families clothed and fed. A little beyond the potteries and a road to the left is the high road to Manaton. The hedges on either side contain Asplenium adian- tum nigrum in every varied form of growth, the fronds measur- ing, together with the rachis, from 2 feet in length to 1 inch ; one curious specimen beginning with two fine spreading pinnas as if determined upon doing gi-eat things, but, suddenly chang- ing its mind, ending by seutUug up a tiny frond, having the appearance of a child's head on a man's shoulders. In this same hedge there were more than one plant having the same stunted appearance, which, though very curious, is, of course, only a freak of Nature ; but I rooted them up, for one never knows in ferndom what may come of what. Still on the Mana- ton road, just before entering on the moor, there were some plants'of Lastrea oreopteris by the roadside, stunted in growth, but very welcome to me as being the first I had seen in this part of Devonshire. And then — the moor ! the fresh bracing wind coming cheerily to welcome you, making you inhale long whiffs of the clastic Heather-scented air, that seems to bring new hfe and vigour on its wings. Such a moor I Heather of three kinds — the Erica cinerea, Erica tetralix, and the common Ling, mixed in vast masses with the golden Gorse, and here and there and everywhere tufts of bright green Blechnum spicant, now peeping up from a large moss-covered boulder of rock, caressing it with its tender arms ; now contending with Polypodium vulgare for the prettiest nook of an old weather-beaten tree ; and now rioting in luxurious ease with Lastreas dilatata, Filix-mas, ore- opteris, and Athyrium Filix-fcemina, on banks of richest turf, till in the neighbourhood of Becky Fall, the wayside was liter- ally carpeted with the tender green of multitudes of fresh yoimg fronds ; some of the L. dilatata assuming so nearly the appearance of Polypodium phegopteris that I jiunped out of the carriage with a joyful cry to gather it, but returned with only the slow step and whine of disappointment. Some light carriage had passed us up the steep ascent to moorland, and when we reached the pretty village green of Manaton we found that om' approach had been heralded, and the rosy face of a Devonshire " lass " was standing out from a cottage porch of Eoses and Honeysuckles to welcome us, while a huge flock of geese stretched their wings and cackled vocifer- ously at the unwonted appearance of a stranger. Bound the village green a few pictm-esque cottages are collected. There is Ivy Cottage, where we took up our abode, the " Half-moon " tavern, an innocent-looking cottage with whitewash and I\-y, and adjoining, another cottage known far and near as " The Shop." Ou the side opposite Ivy Cottage is the new trim Uttle school, where a wise-looking lady in spectacles strikes terror into the very marrow of a group of stolid-faced urchins by her big-SOimdiug words of wisdom. Nearly opposite the school la a lych gate, through which the inhabitants of the peaceful moorland are carried to tlieir last earthly dwelling )ilace beneath the shadow of the grey old church, whose tall white tower is a beacon to the shepherd for many a mile around. No place could well be prettier than Ivy Cottage, with its thatched roof, its casement windows, and its glorious surround- ings of rock-strewn moor and grey dream-like distances. We had not been long installed before we had visitors — a long, thin, sedate shejiherd's dog, demurely shaking his tail as his eye wandered round, drawing its own conclusions as to the likelihood of a dinner. The dog was followed by a fine black pig and a brood of chirruping chickens ; the latter gave my thoughts a practical turn. I called (Ivy Cottage ignores the idea of bells) to the i)retty daughter of our hostess, and said, " You will be able to roast us a chicken?" "Oh, no," she replied, " but you may roast one at our fire." " Bless me," I said; but I thouglit "Oh that I had taken 'Wiltshire RucTOu's ' advice, and made visits to the kitchen before I came ;" but after a while 1 found out it was only humility on the part of the maiden, and on the assurance that I was " not much of a cook," I was promised not only a chicken but rashers of ham and eggs, and — " A goose," suggested I, " there are plenty outside." Then the pretty maiden laughed derisively, and said Christmas would bo time enough to talk of " they geese, they was so lean," and, " none of our feeding." So I left the geese to caclde in peace, and sallied forth to the shop to buy some calico for Fern wrappers. What a sliop it was — groceries, draperies, stationery, bread and meat, and all from one counter, with an intermittent fever of gossip going on during the protracted process of selling. "You'll be the strangers up at Master Lee's. I seen you come ; you drove in your own carriage. Y'ou come Newton way I seen. Well, there 's two more Newton gentlemen a drinking next door. I seen 'em go in, so I know sure enough. There 's more strangers up at Wescott's. I know it, you see, because they always uses dips theyselves, and they come here for composites ; so if they ain't come they are coming, sure enough. I always reggUate my prices after market day up at Exeter. Master Lee he goes to market sometimes, and sometimes the butcher he comes, so it's all quite correct." And quite correctly dear everythang was ; but they pleases theyselves, and the calico he did very well, when her had folded he up and given he I without any expense of paper for folding or string for tying up. Directly above Manaton, looking dowB ou the church and village, are a number of rocks heaped together in wild and gi'and confusion, and called the " Town Eocks," while Ij'ing all around in pasture land and amidst the waving corn are thousands and thousands again of huge boulders, and these peculiar forms of shattered rock make the chief features of the scenery. What geologists say about them I do not know ; but there must have been a grand commotion going on beneath the water-floods when "Heytor" first raised her magnificent head erect and dry, and the ratthng rocks settled themselves here and there in confused masses of wondrous beauty, little thinking of the curious names by which they would be dis- tinguished in far off ages. One of these tors is formed of five masses of rock, and is more than 30 feet high ; it is called "Bowerman's Nose," and seen in some hghts it bears a mar- vellous likeness to a human figure with a veiy prominent nose. No family of the name of Bowerman exists at Manaton ; but there is a record stating that in the time of the Conqueror a person of that name lived at Houndtor in the neighbom-hood. I cannot find words adequately to tell how beautiful these various tors can be when seen in the soft evening light. Eising heavenwards from a rich valley, with its nesthng homesteads, its lowing kine, and waving corn, they crown the hiU of Gorse and Heather, and seem to melt away into the very heavens, their rugged outhne growing soft and intangible-looking, while other tors and other valleys stretch far away in the distance. And then the Fern-hunting, amidst scenes like this I the sud- denly Ughting on a moorland, by the banks of which you may wander, gathering Ferns at pleasure. On such a bank I found a very curious form of AtbjTium FiUx-fa?mina, var. odontomanes. At first I thought I had a very great treasure. The narrow tapering fronds of dark green, with their spinulose serratures, loolung as unlike A. FUix-fremina as possible ; but the eyes of a wisdom far greater than my own, looking upon it, have declared the graceful Fern to be only a curious form of odontomanes. About the bog close at hand I found the Campaniila hederacea, which, strange to say, I had never noticed before. Its pale blue beU-flowers spring up about the treacherous green close to the Drosera rotundifolia and the Golden Asphodel, while a little 298 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. r October 10, 18C5. higher on the heath the banks of Gorse were coTered with Cus- cuta epithvmum in full bloom, the crimson tendrils spreading far and near in matted confusion. Polypodium phegopteris has been given to Becky Fall ; but I searched there for it in vain, nor did I think the locality gave a good promise of it ; I cannot help thinking that the very small L. dilatata, var. collina, I have mentioned before, has been mistaken for phegopteris. From the dripping rocks about the waterfall I procured specimens of both Hvmenophyl- lum tunbridgense and unilaterale. I have oftentimes been puzzled about distinguishing these delicate little Ferns when apart ; but when you bring the two together all difficulty vanishes. Tunbridgense is erect, and the fronds flat; uni- laterale is drooping, with convex fronds ; there are several other botanical distinctions, but I think these simple ones would always be sufficient. It is in dissecting the minute parts of these small Ferns that a Coddington or other lens becomes so invaluable and indeed so necessary. Do not be content with only searching about the waterfall, but follow the higher path to the right and you will presently emerge on a sunny upland slope, not far from Lustleigh Cleave ; here, within reach of the music of the waterfall, j'ou will find a bank covered with Asplenium trichomanes and small A. adi- antum nigrum, shaded by the drooping branches of the trees through which the sunlight winks and gleams. In a hedge-bank close to Manaton I found several verj- curious forms of Lastrea Filix-mas, one of which I hope may turn out to be cristata ; nearly every pinn« is divided, and the apex of the frond is slightly crested. I should have thought this Fern a simple sport had there not been a little fructi- fication. I found many varieties of Lastrea dilatata, and three plants of L. spinulcsa. Polypodium dryopteris is said to grow near Chagford, but I have yet to find it. I hope shortly to have many moor successes to relate, for the entire district abounds in Ferns and wild flowers. — Feks-Hcxtkess. THIRD CROP OF FIGS. Me. Aeeey (page 280), says that he had asked your readers about a third crop of Figs, but met with no response. In an orchard-house, wanned during the colder days of spring, but not tiU the beginning of March, the first crop of Early Violet ripened this year ou tfce 4th of July, the second on the 8th of Augusl, the third in September. The rationale of a third crop is very simple. When four or five leaves are made the point is pinched out, and the second crop is formed in the lower axils, but a wood shoot proceeds from the terminal one. If this is stopped again, the same results ensue, and a so-caUed third crop is formed. The ripen- ing of this third crop depends — 1st, on the earliness of the variety operated upon ; 2ndly, on the shoots being stopped be- fore they have made many leaves ; 3rdly, on the variety being proUfic, so as to insure fruit being formed on shoots however short ; and -tthly, on there being sufficient heat to carry out the ripening. I have never found any variety so ready to pro- duce a third crop as the Early Violet, which is, I believe, synonymous with the Malta ; but I doubt not the White Mar- seilles would do the same. This last-named variety, side by side with the Early Violet, a-ipened its fij-st crop this year on the 23rd of June, and the second on the 12th of August. — G. S. the leaves were fully expanded. In Japan, the tree's native country, it acquires a height of 40 feet ; but even in that country it only flourishes in the valleys and southern hill slopes of the southern districts. The flowers are very pale bluish purple, with a sUght violet-hke odour.] PAULO^^■^■IA emperlilis. Ten- years ago I wrote to ask you about the Paulownia. Ton did not give me much hopes of success ; however, I planted one. It is now a large tree, measuring (nearly 3 feet from the ground, before any branches begin) 3 feet 6 inches in circum- ference. I enclose a piece ^vith flower-buds. The tree is thickly covered with them ; but I fear they will not open so late in the season. It is the first year it has had any flower- buds. I should be glad to know if there is any hope of the flowers opening, or of its flowering another year. The tree is at Mrs. Egerton's, in the Vale of Gresford. near Wrexham, very much sheltered, near the river Alyn, which runs at one side of the garden. It is a very handsome tree ; the leaves are beauti- ful.—M. E. G. [Tour experience hitherto is in accordance with our warning. The flower-buds wiU not open this year. In 18.52 this tree flowered freely in the Bishop of Exeter's almost tropical grounds at Bishopstowe, near Torquay ; but it was in April, and before le\t:lling a sloping bank. We have been asked by a correspondent "D. V.," for direc- tions how to level a sloping bank, and as it is an operation not generally conducted on sound principles, we wiU replyto th e inquiry rather fully. Our correspondent does not say whether the slope is to be made into a level piece of ground, or still kept on the slope with the surface made even or regularlv sloping. If the ground is to be made level (as, for instance, that represented between the points a and B,jiy. 1), fix a stake, a, at one comer Fig. 1. of the ground, and at the lowest point of the base of the slope, B. In line, at a right angle with b, along the base of the slope, drive in another stake, and then place a spirit level by a, first driving in a peg at right angles with the first stake a, up the slope at half its height, b. Now, the spirit level being held against the stake a, at the bottom of the slope, at such a height that in looking along the level (quite level), you see the peg half way up the slope, i, moving up or down until the peg is seen over the spirit level, cut off the stake at that height ; then make the other stake, at the other end of the base line, level with the first (a), not by looking over the stake first sawn off but with the spirit level, its upper side being placed level with the top of the stake, and not upon it, having some one to mark the level on the other stake which is to be sawn off at that. The spirit level being brought to this stake your looking along it up the slope will show where a peg is to be driven in, which, of course, will be equal to that at the other end of the slope, and how far, so that its head may be level with the other or stake at which you stand. Turning your eye along the base and looking over the stakes, have one driven in at the middle equal in height to the two end stakes. Repeat the same with those pegs half way up the slope, and you are ready for re- moving the turf. Take the turf off evenly, roll it up, grass side inwards, lay it on one side, and clear of the ground to be levelled. If the ground is not deep in soil, then from 9 inches to 1 foot of the whole surface should be taken off and placed on one side to surface the levelled ground afresh. If soil can be had for this purpose, or the soU is all good, then this is not necessary, but yon must not expect to bring bad soil to the surface, and, turfing upon it, expect the turf to do well when relaid. Tou will bring the soil above the pegs down, and raise the ground around the stakes even with the tops, and by looking over the top of the bottom stake a, and peg b, up the slope, find the ground above level with them ; if not so it must be brought level, driving in pegs, as at c, to show it at both ends and in the middle likewise.' Tou wiU now have nine pegs, and looking from every comer the tops are of an equal height. If so, the ground inside them can be made level by a line stretched over the tops of the pegs, from peg to peg all round, and from comer to comer crosswise, putting in more pegs if the line (as it will) be not tight, to preserve the level between the stakes or pegs. Tou will now have a terrace, as shown by the dotted lines between October 10, 1866. ] JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEE. 299 the peg c, and the stake a, and two slopes instead of one- one at the bottom, and another above the levelled piece of ground, as shown hy the dotted line from c to a ; and whatever their perpendicular height be, their base should bo equal thereto (the levelled ground being less in width by half the width of the slopes), or to both iftbe lower slope bo on the same ground. In that case the stakes must be taken the width of the slopes inwards. These slojies will look well grassed, or better still if planted with Roses pegged down, the slope at back, or upper one, being planted with Laurels pegged down, and the ends for half their width, for there will bo slopes there also. The terrace aud the sloiies must be covered with good soil not less than 6 inches deep, and it need not exceed 'J inches in depth, and this made level and (irni may be turfed at once, allowing 3 inches in every yard of dejith for the soil settling — that is, where the fresh" soil is placed ; where it is solid no allowance need bo made. In case you wish to render the sloping piece of ground even in surface, still keeping it on the slope, provide a number of stakes and pegs, the stakes 4 feet, aud the pegs 1 foot in length. Beginning, as in the former case, by driving a stake, a, in at the base n {jiy. 2J, and at one comer, 1 foot into the ground and 3 feet out, less the thickness of the level, and with the spirit level placed upon it level, apply your eye to the upper surface of the level, and you will see where the level strikes the slope. Put in a peg b, 3 feet from the first stake «, measuring from the top of the stake a, horizontally towards the slope, and drive it so far into the ground that its top is level with the upper surface of the first stake a. looking over the level. A straight stake a yard long, less the thickness of the level, placed on the top of the peg b, aud the spirit level set upon it will show where to put in the next peg c, and so on to the top as shown by the dotted lines of the stakes and pegs up the line between B and'A. Level the base lengthwise, and the upper line also, and up hill, in the middle, aud at the other end. Reduce the first stake a yard, less the thickness of the level, or cut it off level with the ground line d, and j-ou have the pegs all of a sloping height throughout, as shown by the dotted line drawn from A to D. Form the ground level with the pegs, and your giound will be evenly slojiing towards the base. A DEFECT IN MOWING MACHINES. Now that the above machines are so generally used, infonna- tion respecting their management would doubtless be accept- able to many of the readers of your JoiU'nal, myself iucluded. Having had one iu use for the last three years, by noted makers, I have experienced considerable inconvenience owiug to the knives not being of uniform hardness, the softer ones wearing so that they were prevented from being set at cutting-distance to the plate by those harder, which w-ere so very hard that a file would make no impression on them. No maker living near, I was obUged to have them taken off and ground down upon a stone ; but after replacing them they were found to be round in the middle, which caused the grass to he only crushed in- stead of cut. I then tried to bring them to an even face by grinding them the reverse way with emery and oil against the plate, but without any beneficial effect. I at last had them softened enough to admit of their being filed, which proved satisfactory. Perhaps some of your readers may be able to tell the proper method of reducing the knives when they happen to become uneven as mine did. Occiurrcnccs of this kind tend to prevent the use of mowing machines, especially when persons are obliged to send the knives long distances to have them rectified, which might be obviated were the nianufac- turers to funiish more comprehensive instructions with each machine. — Veuax. HARDINESS OF LILIUil SPECIOSUM (LANCIFOLIUM). It may be interesting to your correspondent and others to know that Lilium lancifoliuni can be grown to great perfection in the opeu border. In the autumn of 1H59 I planted a single bulb in an open spot about the centre of my garden, and this, without any protection whatever, stood the intense frost of the following winter. I have now eleven vigorous stems, which, when the topmost buds shall have all opened, \niX have borne this season at least 120 flowers, with colours more rich and clear than could be produced under glass. Some of the stems measure about 4 feet in height, and they are as thick as an ordinary walking-stick. Album is not so vigorous, and it is the latest in blooming. Except in fine seasons it does not do so well. It is, however, in full bloom here at present, and I am sure it never was seen in finer condition. Lihum auratum being of a similar constitution will, I doubt not, prove as hardy, and the situation which is adapted to the one will be sure to suit the other.— H. C. E., Troon, N.li. WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDES. Every piece of gi-oimd that now becomes vacant should have the requisite quantity of dung laid on, and trenching should he carried ou at every favourable opportunity. It is not good management to leave pieces of ground in a rough untidy state until spring, when, from pressure of other work, the trench- ing is frequently imperfectly performed, or the ground not trenched at all," thereby neglecting one of the fundamental princii)les of good gardening. To be beforehand with time is a maxim which every one should endeavour to keep before his eyes, aud those who look forward to haviug good crops next year must now begin to make the requisite preparations. As- 2>aniiiu-^, when the tops are decayed cut them off close to the ground, the beds to be then made clean, and afterwards covered 3 or 4 inches deep with rotten dung or decayed leaves, the aUeys to remain as they are and not be dug out, as by so doing many of the roots are injured. L'abbatw, the main spring crops to be planted out as early as possible. Those which were planted in August for Coleworts should be earthed-up. CtinUtiou-rrx, prick them out in places convenient for covering with a frame, the soil to be Ught but not too rich. Cauhllowers may also now be taken up for storing away. There are various methods of doing this, one of the best is to choose the most sohd heads, take them up with the roots, denude them of the greater portion of the leaves, and bury the roots and stems in leaf mould or old tan in an airy shed. Cucumbi-rs, this month may be said to be the commencement of the professed Cucumber- grower's year ; the seed-bed should now be made with well- worked dung over a layer of faggots, the frame to be then put on, and when the heat is up the dimg inside the frame should be forked up every other morning for a week or teu days, at the end of which time it will be ready to receive the seed, if the dung was properly worked previously to making it into a bed. Duarf Kidney lieans, the first sowing in pots should now be earthed-up as they require it. If they are placed over a flue or hot-water pipes in a forcing-house, the pots should stand in saucers when the fires are kept going, otherwise the soil at the bottom of the pots will get very dry. Endive, continue to blanch it. An expeditious and very good way is to invert flower-pots over it when it is in a very dry state. Lettuce, continue to plant the Cabbage varieties in frames for winter use. The Cos varieties for spring use should also be planted on a sheltered border as soon as they are of sufficient size. Sea-halc, gather seed when ripe, and as soon as the leaves begin to decay clear them away. It is necessary to do this as early as possible, when it is required for early forcing. Tumips, thin' the late sowing, but it is not necessaiy to leave them at so great a distance apart as the spring and early autumn-sowinga. Take every opportunity of clearing the ground from weeds. In 300 JOUENAL OP HOKTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB. [ October 10, 1865. the best-kept gardens they are troublesome at this season, more especially as the present one has been exceedingly favomable for ripening seed. FKUIT GAEDEN. Look over fruit remaining oiit of doors frequently, and gather it as it becomes ripe. Also examine that stored in the fruit- room, as there will occasionally be found a few deca\-ing for a few weeks after housing, and these should be removed as soon as perceived. Keep the fruit-room cool and airy in order to allow of the escape of moisture given off by the fruit, which is considerable for a few weeks at lirst. "V^Tiere it is intended to make fresh plantations of fruit trees this season, the ground should be prepared at the earliest convenience, and any fresh soil to be used for planting should be thoroughly exposed to the action of the weather, so as to have it in a mellow state when wanted for use. Trim and chess Strawberrv plantations, and be careful to injure the leaves of the plants as little as possible, and avoid deep digging between the rows, by which the roots would be injm-ed. FLOWEK GAEDEX. The principal work in this department for the present mil be mowing and cleauing-up, and if anything like neatness is to be maintained, sweeping-up leaves will soon require daily attention. Let the early-flowering spring bulbs be aU planted and the Carnation layers potted or planted out. Lose no time in planting offset Tulips, and any of the main roots which do not appear in a healthy state. GBEEXHOUSE AND CONSEEVATOEY. The plants in these structures will, as yet, require a rather liberal watering, and this should be performed early every morning with regard to those which require it. Wiuter-flower- ing plants which have thoroughly ripened their wood may have occasional applications of weak and clear manure water. A free ventilation must be pei-mitted, leaving a Httle at night. Let Cyclamens, Lachenalias, Oxalis, Centradeuia, tree Violets, and such Utile winter favourites be kept on a wai-m front or end shelf totally unshaded. Eoses in pots intended for flower- ing through the next two months should be allowed a \evy light situation, where there is a constant circulation of air. Summer-flowering twiners, which usually become unsightly by this season, should be cut back rather freely, as also any others that will bear this treatment. Shade can now well be dispensed with, therefore not a spray that can be spared should be left to obstruct the light. Acacias and other winter-flowering plants, having been subjected to a period of comparatively di-y treatment to ensm-e their blooming profusely, should now be pretty UbcraUy suppUed with water at the roots in order to get them into flower at the dull season, when they will be much more esteemed than in the spring when flowers become more plentiful. Manure water, if it can be used, should be given frequently to Chrysanthemums. Avoid cold di-aughts against plants that have been brought from a warm house, and guard against damp by using gentle fires, with a Uttle top air, on wet days. Let pot specimens in bloom be frequently re-arranged, so as to make the most of them, for the finest specimens be- come too famiUar to be interesting when allowed to remain too long in one place. Bark or other beds of fermenting materials for phmging ])lants should be renewed, if necessary, as soon as the proper materials can be collected. A surface of either sawdust or sand, old tan, or decayed leaves, will be foimd use- ful for phmging. For early forcing a bed of this land, capable of supplying a lasting heat of from 65° to 70°, will be f omid of the utmost value. Introduce Eoses for forcing ; no fire heat will be required at present ; by shutting up early on bright days sufficient heat will be enclosed to induce an" early root- action. STOYE. A temperature of from 65° to 70° by day, and of 60° by night, will suflice, still using a somewhat moist atmosphere in the after- noon and during the night, with a free circulation of air, keep- ing also a quiet ventilation all night. As some of the Orchids become ri]ie, such as the Catasetuin family, the Cycnoches, Lycastes, &c., they may be removed to a drier and somewhat cooler atmosphere. Pursue a kindly course of treatment with the Euphorbias, Gesneras, and such things for winter flowering ; these will soon be of gi-eat service. The Phajus grandifolius, with the Stenorhrachus speciosus will soon begin to blossom ; also Cypripediiun insigne and venustum. Let them have plenty of heat and moisture. PITS AND FEAMES. Eegulate the general bedchng stock, and get the majority i estabUshed in small pots. Give as much air as possible, and restrict the supplies of water to mature the growth as far as possible. All temporary pits tor their accommodation should be completed by this time, and glazing and other repah-s forth- with tiuished. Common mats afford scarcely suflieient protection to the half-hardy plants in store-pits. For such purposes a stock of straw or reed mats should be made in wet weather. See to securing as many cuttings as possible of any scarce plants which it may be desirable to increase wliile there is a tair chance of rooting them. — W. Keanf.. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. TnuESDAY gave us the first frost to speak of, since the be- ginning of the summer, but not enough to do more than crust the gi-ass early, all higher plants being scarcely touched. Nothing, therefore, has suffered much as yet, and notwith- standing the continual dryness, the flower garden, and even Calceolarias, stiU look well. What has suffered most from dry- ness and want of watering are Dahlias and Zinnias, the former yielding flowers below the usual size, and the latter wanting strength to open properly the succession-buds. AVere we sure of a few weeks' mild weather, we would contrive to water at least these two iiowers. Calceolarias have gone so much to bloom that there will be a difficulty in procuring nice stubby side shoots for cuttings. We hear from some of our friends, that they will be forced to prune in and take up lots of old plants, which is so far good, at least, for securing cuttings in spring ; but we woiild rather have cuttings about the middle of this month, if possible, as at from 1 to Ij inch apart a good many will stand in the room that would be necessary for a siugle plant, and, on the whole, we prefer autumn cuttings of Calceolarias, to spring made ones, just as we prefer spring-cut Verbenas to autumn-struck ones, only some must be saved in autiunn to take the cuttings from. What are fine masses of Verbenas now, notwithstanding the dry weather and scarcely any watering, were struck in a wholesale way in April, by being dibbled in IJ inch apart, in soil imder a frame, and taken up and planted when nice plants in May. Autumn-struck ones may bloom so as to fill the bed earlier, but they do not gene- rally last out the autiman so weh. This holds good, however, in the case of all early flower gardening on the bedding system. Beds of Scarlet Geraniums fuU to overflowing in the end of June, and beginning of July, will hardly keep on equally good in October, unless attended to as regards pruning, disleafing, and watering, too, if necessary. Considerable trouble and labour ai-e required to have every bed first-rate in June and July, and first-rate also in September ; but this is not suffi- ciently considered by those who requii-e high keeping at all times. We have received several letters on what was advanced a few weeks ago, on limiting the size of flower gardens, rather than having large pleasure grounds which cannot be weU kept. Let it never be forgotten, that two or three flower-beds tasteftUly arranged, full of bloom, and without gaps, dead flowers, or dead leaves, will ever be more satisfactory than a hundred beds thinly and u'regularly planted, and with dead flowers and dead leaves staring at you everywhere. A few pioles of lawn, level as level can be, without weed or daisy, smooth and soft to the feet as a Turkey cai-jjet, wiU yield an amount of satisfaction that no number of acres of pleasure ground will give, which the labom' power cannot overtake and keep nice, either by scythe or mowing machine. In no direction have gardeners more erred than in using their influence to extend flower gardens and kept lawns. Tliis we know has been done in some eases against the judgment of the proprietors, who have candidly stated, " Well, you may have the ground, and I wiU not grudge trees and shi-ubs that may be necessary, but I can afford no more labour." In many such cases part of such grounds eventually have been left pretty much to themselves, and in many places where a considerable number of the Pine tribe, and other ornamental trees have been planted, it would be to the benefit of all concerned if such parts were left rough, or mingled with masses of Broom, and Gorse, and Heath, and then more attention could be given to the principal parts of the lawn. From the end of March to the middle of November, that lawn to be kept well will require going over at least once a-week, often once in four days, and then w-hen fresh done it win be no better than it ought to be. To keep even a moderate space as it ought to be, many other things often have to be neglected dm'ing the summer. The evil would be lessened if October 10, 1835. ] JOUENAL OF HOETICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 301 ■wo kojit in niiucl that a largo lawn even with the help of mowing machines, becomes the must expensive thing in the garden. KITCHEN GARDES. Very much a repetition of the work of the previous week. Having a bit of spare ground, iihinted it with Coluworts, Brus- sels Sprouts, and Savoys, trouchLug the ground first, and then digging out trenches 2 feet apart, and laying the plants up to their necks in the trenches, watering, and then fastening well. These will do well for spring cutting. ScarU't Hiihiuts showing a disposition to stop beai-ing, wo forked along the sides of the rows, gave a good soaldng with sewage water, and pulled off the pods too large for use, saving sonic for seed. These plants have grown so strong, that though tho sticks were high and mixed with young Larch trees with the tops on, the vines have met in the middle : and as ninuorous littlo incipient pods hang farther down, these will be protected from frost by the canopy above them, if thoy swell nicely, as we exiiect from the watering given to them. We have frequently kept these runners well into November by placing some poles along tho rows and running a very rough straw rope along the rows from pole to pole. Tiie rope was left rough by leaving out tho ends of the straw for a foot or so in twisting the ro))e. 'When the Runners are grown on the groimd without stakes they are still more easily protected ; however, even with this protection they will do little goud unless tho old pods are cleared off. We noticed the other week clearing off all tho pods from a bank of Dwarf Kidney Beans and giving them a good watering, and they have since yielded some gatherings ; and if they go on well v,-e shall take means, by the help of a few spars of wood, for throwing a piece of frigi domo over them on a clear cold night. The gi-ound is so warm as yet, that it will require a rather severe frost to injure them if a little protected. Here we ni.ay notice that a correspondent tells us that she has succeeded very well with Scarlet Runners, and in some cases with Dwarf Ividnej' Beans, by taking up the roots before frost, packing them in chy earth and sand, and planting them out in the end of April, and asks what we think of continuing the practice. Well, we have a great opinion of every one fol- lowing that plan or system that answers best with him. It is ■well to know that the roots of Scarlet Runners, especially, may be saved over the winter, and grown next season like the roots of a Dahlia or a Marvel of Peru, and the system might be very useful after cold seasons, in which the seeds ripen imperfectly ; but after several times trying the plan, om- own impression is that it causes more trouble than sowing seed, and we failed to perceive any advantage either in earlier or more continuous cropping. PBUIT GARDEN. Cleared the runners from a piece of Strawberries. We fear the jilants have been allowed to become too dry, as much of the foUage is greatly browned. Moved Strawberry plants in pots, so as to give them more room that tho sun and air may reach them thoroughly. If, after this time, the sun also beats on the pots, so much more likely is it that the plants will be weU ripened. Weeded all such plants in pots, and removed all runners, nipping them oft' close to the plant. Gave manure water in these sunny days, as the pots are now full of roots ; ■will water only as required. The plants must not have flagged leaves, but if, with the heavy dews of late, the tops stand with- out showing distress, then they should have no water given to them. In the open air have had good gatherings from forced plants turned out, and would have had them better and more plenti- fully if we had watered them more. Gathered most of the Peaches from orchard-house ; they have done us good service after late ones on the open wall had ripened. The only objection to great quantities of Peaches is that you cannot keep them, but as soon as ripe they must be eaten, or preserved in some mode or other. This is also one reason why, when they are plenti- ful, we should thin more than we generally do, as very heavy crops one year, and especially on young trees, injure their bearing in the following year. We left more than we ought to have done, in order to moderate the strength of the wood on some young trees. Cut off laterals and shortened long shoots, that the sun might have freer access to the buds and wood. Figs have ripened well out of doors this season, and come in between tho succession crops in our pit-house. The fruit in the latter are still ripening plentif idly, but they are less in size, and, if we continue taking fruit many weeks longer, the first spring crop is almost sure to suffer. Watered with manure water Fig trees in Fig-house and in pots in orchard-house. But for the Plums in the late-house, wo would keep it closer in sunshine now, and use tho syringe freely in tho afternoon, to help to keep tho trees clean and have the wood well ripened. Itemoved netting from Gooseberriou, and for tho most part from Currants, these fruits refusing to hang so long as usual this season. Many of the best Pears, and oven Mario Louise yet ipiite hard, are rot- ting on the trees before they approach maturity. It is singular what a difference there is within short distances. We have as yet used but few Mario Louise, and in some places, not far dis- tant, there is nut one left. In some places Williams's Bon Chretien decayed from over-ripeness before we had one fit for use. The decaying of fruit, alluded to above, is in some few instances owing to their being pecked by birds, but some fine specimens half rotten have no apjjearance of ha^'ing been touched by birds. Wo have scarcely noticed an Apple thus attacked, except, perhaps, a few of the earliest. Later ones look, too, as if they would keep pretty well. This rotting of tho Pear before ripening seems to be owing to some peculiarity in the atmosphere in this scorching weather, which, we have no doubt, affects fruit and vegetable as well as animal life. There are three things we have uoticed lately out of the common way. First, tho immense number of flies of all sorts and sizes, so as actually to blacken white-coloured buUdings ; secondly, the dense clouds of gnats and other small insects during bright sunshine ; and, thirdly, the immense quantity of gossamer, not only in the shape of spiders' webs on gi-ass and shrubs, but the long strings of the same material, almost as rough-looking as loose cotton, floating in the air, sometimes free, and at other times fastened by one end to a house or a tree. One of these threads, suspended between two trees, and moving back- wards and forwards with the slight breeze, was fully bO yards long, and numbers of detached and flossy pieces fixed by one end were from 20 to 60 feet in length. 'ftTiat a spinner the little spider must be ! A gentleman who noticed these flossy streamers said that they generally denoted a close, unhealthy state of the atmosphere, and added, that under such circum- stances, or even when the grass seemed to be more than usually studded with cobwebs, it was of very little use to attempt fox- hunting, as the scent woidd not lie. Although, then, we are well aware that a good downpouring of rain would settle the beauty of the flower garden for this ■season, and might some- what injure the flavour of our late fruits, we are at the same time fully con'vinced that such rains would be the most efi'ectual agent for purifying the atmosphere, and thus be of benefit to field and garden, to beast and man. Taken altogether, the oldest inhabitant never recollects of such a season as the present. Even after the slight frost on the morning of the .5th inst., the day had the heat and the unclouded bright blue of an Italian sky. With a repetition of frosty moi'nings we may make preparations for rains ere long. The condensa- tion of moistiire ■will be too copious to be deposited even in heavy dews. ORNAMENTAi DEPARTMENT. The dry weather enabled us to keep the principal parts of the la^wn short by means of the hand-momng machine, and a roller SO flattened any 'worm earth-heaps as to make the grass smooth for the feet. Did a Little to the beds just to keep them tidy, and have as yet taken nothing up. In one group we have the centre bed chiefly filled with Cassia corymbosa, and it has been vei'y massive and fine, with its huge branches of orange-coloured flowers, suice the beginning of July. We have merely gone over the beds a little to keep them passable, hardly deeming it worth while to be very particular now untU we see what tho end of the week wiU do. We have accidentally alluded to Zinnias. Than these and the Heddewigii and laciniata sections of Indian Pink few flowers are better, or remain longer fresh in small flower-glasses. We have nothing to say against the double flowers amongst such Pinks if the colours are bright ; but among Zinnias we prefer single flowers to the double ones. This, of course, is merely a matter of taste. Hollyhocks have been pretty well removed now ; will plant a lot of young ones as soon as possible. Striking in any position, Hollyhocks always appear to us most beautiful when they are backed by evergreens, as Laurels or Hollies. Some rows of a good kind of Purple Spinach have also been cut down, as the dry weather brought it into seed prematurely and the tops began to mther. Begulated, tied, and slightly pruned Honey- suckles and Eoses over arches. Fresh-budded EoSes that have started will need protection. If no rains come we must water Calceolarias, in order to insure cuttings about the middle of the mouth. The sooner the ground is prepared for fresh Eoses 302 JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. r October 10, 1866. the better. Bulb.s for forcing .shoulil be potted \Yithout delay. Those intended for beds, which will not be at liberty for a month or more hence, may either be i)otted or set on three inches of rough leaf mould, and covered with the same ; they may then be moved to the ground in rooted patches. It will be necessary to have all the kinds named, so that they may be arranged according to blooming and heights. Chrysanthemums showing bloom were afforded rich water- ings, and it would be as well to place them so as to be able to give them a little protection from frost if necessary. Cinerarias in largish pots, keep as cool as possible under glass ; Primulns as airy as possible under glass, preventing them being soaked with cold rains now. Geraniums of the florists' kinds should also be placed under glass, giving all the air possible, and no more water than is necessary. All hardwooded gi-eenhouse plants if not housed should be placed where they can be protected from frost and heavy rains. Many Camellias and Epacrises do badly in winter, because, without showing it on the siuface or readily on the foliage, the roots next the sides of the pot have been frosted before the plants were housed. Thinned climbers in gi-eenhouse and stove, preparatory to a final thinning and cleaning ere long. All plants should be examined for insects, the drainage made effi- cient, and worms extirpated out of the pots before winter. All cuttings of Verbenas, Geraniums, i-c, which are struck, should be kept as hardy as possible. Where glass is at command they will be better under it now, but with the sashes off in these fine days, and air on back and front at night, except when cold and frosty. The less of artificial heat all such plants have the better will they thrive, and the more free will they be from insects during the winter. In fact, the very best means for keeping insects away is a low temperature with plenty of air, for all such plants, yet high enough to be free from frost — sav, ranging from 35^ to 40=. In such'a temperature, and the atmo- sphere pretty di-y, the Verbenas wiU be free from mildew, while in a moister atmosphere and a temperature from 45', and onwards, they wiU often be smothered with it. Coolness, a certain degree of moistm-e, and plenty of air, except when fi-osty, will keep Calceolarias all right, when a very little fire heat will bring the spot, the gangi-ene, and other diseases and evils. Coddling such plants with heat is then- ruin. Have begun to curtail water from the Amai-yllis tribe, that have had a rather close pit to grow in during the summer. Cyclamens should now be set to work and watered. Syringe Violets with sulphur and quassia water wherever there are signs of the red spider, or even of mildew. For the latter the plants when rather damp on the leaves may be dusted v.ith flowers of sulphur from a pepper-box, but one of a good size, if there is much to do. A dredger of any kind will do. Remove all rimners from Neapolitan Violets. Only the ci'owns yield flowers for the first year. The runners if struck will make good plants for a second year. These, and double blue, and Russian do very well in pots, as well as in beds ; but like Strawberries, they should, for winter-flowering, be well estabhshed in the pots in autimin. Although many such matters have come under our attention during the week, the chief work has been collecting a few desir- able seeds whilst the tlry weather lasted, and putting in great numbers of ciitlhicjx of Geraniums and other bedilinfi 7)/oj7fs. We are thus late partly because we could not get at them earher, and partly from choice, as we did not wish to break in on the regularity of the beds, and as yet we have no reserve gromid to which we could go for cuttings. These reserve grounds are very useful for such a purpose, and also for supplying cut flowers. No beds will long stand cutting from without showing it. At this time we insert the cuttings thickly in pots or boxes, giving them about 1 or IJ inch between cutting and cutting, and keeping them close under frames during the day, and giving air at night to prevent damping. They will generally be struck by the end of the mouth, and as the stiffest side pieces are used they take up but little room during the winter. As soon as roots are formed, of coiirse jileuty of air is given, unless in frosty weather. About the middle of the month, if no frost that would be dangerous threaten before that time, we shall commence with Calceolaria cuttings, sli])ping off the side shoots from li to«2; inches in length. We like them best when about 2 inches in length and with a firmish heel close to the older stem. Those plants that did best with us last year, were inserted as cuttings from the middle to the end of November after there had been a rather shiui) frost. We have already mentioned that some of our rooted Calceolarias began to go off in the spring, and we attribute it to dibbling them in a mixture of old and fresh soil. Fresh sandy loam suits tliem best. We believe a fungous matter was about the roots. They recovered after being turned out into earth-pits, and have done well during the season. Of course, those that looked very sickly were never turned out into the earth-pits at all, but were at once thrown away. Some kinds, rather new, that do well in certain places, seem too tender for us. We have seen Watson's Bijou, a neat dark one, do well in some places, but it seems too delicate with us, and for that colour we must use Victory, Crim- son ICing, Victor Emmanual, and others of that dark colour. — R. F. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— October 7. The market remnins mucli the same as last weeli, quotations beinj; stationan.-. Dutch Hamhiirfjh Grapes are iinusitally f^ood this year, and equal to those now imported from Jersey. Melting* Peaches may now be said to be over. Great complaints are made among farmers and growers as to the diseased state of the Potato crop. FKUIT. Apples ^ sieve 1 Apricots doz. 0 0 Chen-ies lb. (I 0 Chestnuts bush. l(i ClU'rauts, Red ^ sieve 0 0 Black do. Fics doz. Filberts lb. 0 Cobs do. 1 d. s. flto2 0 0 0 II (1 0 0 GoosebeiTies. . ^ sieve 0 Grapes, Harabro.. . lb. 1 Muscats lb. 3 Lemons 100 8 0 14 s. d. B. d Melons each 2 0to5 0 Mulberries punnet 0 0 0 0 Nectarines doz. 0 0 0 0 Oranges 100 10 0 20 0 Peaches doz. 10 Pears (Idtchen) . . doz. dessert doz. 0 I Pine Apijles lb. Plums i sieve Quinces | sieve Ivaspberries lb. 0 0 StrawbeiTics lb. 0 0 Wahiuts bush 14 0 20 0 2 0 8 0 4 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 VEGETABLES. Artichokes each Asparagus.... bundle Beans Broad. . bushel Kidney. .. .^ sieve Beet, Red doz. Broccoli bundle Brus. Sprouts. .A sieve Cabbage doz. Capsicums 100 Carrots bunch CauUflower doz. Celery bundle Cucumbers each piclding doz. Endive score fennel bunch Garlic and Shallots, lb. Herbs bnnch Horseradish . . bundle B. a. 8. d 0 4to0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 2 0 0 0 9 0 4 0 0 G 0 0 3 8 0 3 2 6 0 0 5 0 3 0 2 0 0 0 1 6 2 0 0 8 6 0 2 0 1 0 4 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 Leeks bunch Lettuce per score Mushrooms pottle Mustd. & Cress.punnet Onions .... per bushel pickling quart Parsley i sieve Parsnips doz. Peas quart Potatoes bushel Kidney do. Radishes doz. bunches Rhubarb bundle Savoys doz. Sea-kale basket Spinach bushel Tomatoes ^ sieve Turnips bunch Vegetable Marrows dz. s. d. s. d 0 3 too 0 6 U 0 0 0 0 9 6 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 n 4 1 0 0 0 6 0 6 li 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 2 0 0 B 2 0 TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED. Louis Van Houtte, Ghent, Belgium. — Catalogue de Plantes de Serres. WiUiam Paul, Waltham Cross, London, N. — Base Catalogue, 1865-6. Ambroise Verschaffclt, Rue du Chaume, 50, Ghent, Belgium. — Flantes Nouvellcs. TO CORRESPONDENTS. ».» We request that no one will write privately to the depart- mental writers of the "Journal of Horticiilture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications should therefore be addressed solely to The Editors of the Journal of Horticulture, d-c, 171, Fleet Street, London, E.G. We also request that correspondents wiU not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them an- swered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate commimications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. N.B. — Many questions must remain imanswered until next week. Books (Q. I?.).— The " Fruit Gardening for the Many " can be had free by post from our office for live postage stamps. AcoBN Yeget.\tikg OVER W.iTEH (.Sn)« Wfllfr), — No doubt it would do if in a bottle so that the air about it was kept moist. Gabcen Plans (Mrs. Fair/nr).— You had better wi-ite to Mr. Chapman Garden Besigner Ac, Richmond Surrey. October 10, 1865. J JOUBN'AL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. 303 Clematis lancoinosa (Leiahton 1?.)- — Thoio ia n Inrgo Invondcr- colourud floWL'i'iiij; Clematis, blooming iu aummur, umler that name, and It ia onu of thu vi'vy boat. Thoro in n variety with paler flowera, and even larger in aize, whieh may bo the aamo aa your kind with grey llowurs. The name o( tho spceioa is Clomatia lanuginoaii, and its variety ia Clo- matia lanntfinoaa iiallida. Both are of the nwst easy eulture, re(|Uiring a rich well ilrained soil, and a trcUia against a wall ; or, in warm siluationa, the trunks of trees may bo covered with them. They arc also flno pluuts for the rt>n{ of a eool greenhouse or conservatory. SowiNii Vioi.KT Skeds (7(i.'m).— Tho seeds of Vinleta are best sown in tho open ground, and immediatelytboy arc ripe, in light sandy soil, cover- lug them lightlv. and watering if dry weather ensue. When autHeiently large to handle juiek the seedlings otf'a inches apart in good light soil, ivith which a liberal d^,■^,illg of leaf-soil has been worked in. Water after planting, and sul'>tund every winter. We should ailvise transplanting next April, taking up the plant with a good ball, which is easily done, for it is ditbcult to remove the soil from tho closoly matted roots ; then take the ball and plant cleau out. Tho open- ing should bo 1 foot wider than the ball all roimd, and if there ia a piece of naturally strong giMund, wet, but not stagnant, that is the situation for it. Fill'iu aromul the ball with the richest compost that can be made, say oquiil quiintities of loam from rotted turves and manure wellrcduccd, and give a good soaking of water. It will drink up thirty gallons per week of liquid manure during dry weather throughout tho summer. From the miserablo specimens of this Grass we have met with it .scorns as if the aim was to starve theui into flower. There is not a plant in the country above four years old that would not be better taken up next April aud served iu tho above manner. You may protect the plant in winter bv tviug tho long grass up straight, and covering with straw as iu thatei'iiu'g, iuid thou fasten with hay bands to keep tho straw from being displaced and blown about. YouNo Ct!C0.AlnERS Tdrnino Yellow (.4 Younn Gardener).— This arises from a defleieucy of bottom heat aud a moist stagnant atmosphere, with a deflcieui^y of heat hy day aud too much by night. These are conditious inimical to free growth. 'An unhealthy state of tho roots is indicated by the leaves turning yellow, and the blotching is produced by an excess of moisture and tho siiu shining on the leaves whilst wet from the deposi- tion of moisture on them during the night, air not being given suffi- ciently early to dry it up. .S. brisk heat of 70' by day without sun, and of from 55' to 60 " at uight, with a littlo air, may be given, and with more sun more heat by day, a greater ainouut of air be'ing ofTorded. Soil sufficiently moist for healthy growth, but not wet, and a moderately moist atmo- sphere, are the essentials at this season. For want of details we cannot do more than conjecture the treatment from simil.ar cases. Strikixg Begonia Leaves (Ii/cm).— This may be done at any time. If the leaves chosen are not too old, if the atmosphere is moist, aud the heat brisk, they root freely. Spring, however, is the best time. TKICH0H.1NES RENiFORME CoLTURE (F. E. H.).— If the plant is healthy, and seems to have been potted some time, though against all rules for Trichomanes, it would be well to leave it alone. You will, by this time, be a_bl Crassane, seems not suited for your climate; 10 and 13, Glou Morcean; ll,Beurr^ Diel; 14, EeuiTe Rnncc; IP, Napoleon ; 17. app.arcntly Broom Park. iPyrus Maliis,) — Applet : 3, Court-pendu-Plat ; 5, Reiuette Blanche d'Espagne ; 7, Pearson's Plate ; 8, Dunielow's Seedling ; 9, Blenheim Orange; 10, Hollandbury; 11, Golden llusset; 12, Boston Russet; 14, Adams' Pearmain: 20, Court of Wick ; 23, Alexander; 24, Waltham Abbey Seedling; 25, Gloria Mundi. Pears: 1, Van Mons Leon le Clerc ; 2, Passe Colmar ; 4, Beun-e Diel ; 5 appears to bo Figue de Naples; 7, Althorp Crassane ; 8. Eyewood; 9. Knight's Monarch. Of the rest some had theii' numbers detached from being fixed on with pins; others were not determinable. Names of Plants (J. W. 0.).—l, Pteris treraula ; 2, a young silver Gym- nogram ma— perhaps ptdcbella. (F. E. H.]. — A Lygodium, probably japonieum. IX. D.). — Lilium tigi'inum— tiger-spotted Chinese Lily. (A Youvij Gardener). — 1, Pteris scaberula; 2, Niphobolus rupestria ; 3, BIcchnum, young; 4, Asplenimn fontanum ; 5. Pleopeltis venulosa; 6, Pteris hastatamacrophylla; 7 and 8,Platyloma rotundifolium ; 9, Adian- tum capillus-Veneris ; lO", 11. and 12, Sclaginellas, unnameable; 13, As- pleninm trichomanes; 14, BIcchnum spicant. (F. S. P.). — Lastrea ffimula. {D. S.). — Clematis tubulosa. The Grape is Esperione. (Holm' wood). — Schomburgkiatibicinis. var. iEUznbeth). — Mirabilis jalapa. (Sam). — G, Polygala cordifolia ; 7, Erica multiflor.a ; H. Cassia flm-ilumda; 9, Pa- liurus aeuleatus. (EsAtiaZf).— Verbascum bhittaria. (T, iS'.).— 1, Eupa- torium cauuabinum ; 2. Erythra-a centaurium ; 3, Scabiosa succisa ; 4, Plantago coronopus, (J. L.). — Dimorphanlhus elatus, • METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS in the Suburbs of London for the Week ending October 7th. Date. THERMOMETER. Wind. Enin in Luchea. Geseral Eemarks. Air. E.irth. Mnx. llin. Mnx. Min. 1 ft. dp. 2 ft. dp. Snn. . . 1 Mun... 2 Tucs. . 8 Wed. . 4 Thiirs . 5 Fri. .. 6 Sat. .. 7 Mean.. 29.9!W 20.980 80.171 30.102 29.998 29.997 29.908 29.800 29.892 30.086 80.064 29.9B.'; 29.9.i2 29.587 71 71 70 67 69 70 68 88 60 30 27 26 26 44 69 69 69 68i 68i 67 65i 59 68i 68.i 68i 68 56 06 E. E. E. E. E. E. E. .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .06 Fo;^Rj' ; very line. Fine ; very fine tlaroucbout. Hnzy ; very fine ; coUl at night. Fofigy ; dry liaze ; vei-y fine ; below freezing at ni(?lit. Slight fog ; cloudless,'with hot sim and dry air ; frosty, Fogg>- ; fine ; very fine : frosty nt night. Slight fug ; very fine ; overcast ; rain in the night. 80.029 29.913 69.43 34.28 68.07 67.78 .... O.OG POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. THE MUREAIN— A WARNING TO POULTEY- liEEPERS. " I CANNOT endiire a man with only one iJea," said a friend to us. We winced a little, for we are apt to gauge all tilings as they bear on poultry. We are in days of alarm, and it is the fashion to talk of plagues, pests, and epidemics. Cattle, sheep, and pigs are suffering. " Suppose," said Sydney Smith, speak- ing of locking-iu on railways, alter emimerating the notabiUties who might suffer in the event of a carriage catching fire, " Suppose," said he, " one of the bench of bishops should bo burnt ! why, Sodor and Man would be better than nothing." So we say : Suppose poultry reaUy should be attacked, what should we do ? We have the mm-rain in our district, and have taken great interest in the treatment. In the first case, we saw an angular pre-Eaphaelite-looking cow standing in " most melancholy mood " under a tree, surroimded by five or six men, each hold- ing a bottle. One said, " Brandy ;" another, " Glauber salts ;" another, "Strong beer, with burnt tobacco in it;" then, "A pailful of gruel, with a pint of castor oil in it ;" the last pro- duced a piece of newspaper he had carefully kept, because it contained a certain cure ; but on ojiening it found to his dismay nothing but advertisements. He had inadvertently lighted his pipe with the remedy the night before. " No great odds," he .said, " for the cow was dying." All the remedies were tried, and the animal was yet aUve, when some one saw an old copy o£ the " Times," wherein it was stated that water iu which lots of rusty iron were put was a ciu-e. AU the remedies were tried, yet the cow lived ! The most successful treatment has been homoeopathic. AATiile we were considering these things, and while we were asking our- October 10, 1865.J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 305 Bclves what wo should do if poultry were attacked, we saw the Tiinrs, aud were after diuiier dosing over the foreign corre- spoudonce, when wo were suddenly aroused hy rending thut much alarm had been caused by the appearance of a jjoultry plague in sonio parts of France, which had already caused heavy losses among the farmers. Then wo road of the same thing in Ireland. Our first impression was " They manage these thiug.s better in France." Fancy English farmers in a state of consternation because there was a murrain among the fowls. Eggs might be missed at the breakfast table ; Ducks aud chickens might bo ih'sidfrata at times ; but in an English farm, so far as profit and business are concerned, poultry is ■\-iewcd more iu the light of a tolerated nuisance than as an income. In the teeth of this, professional men, with but Bcant leisure, aud having eveiythiug to buy, keep poultry (and many tliauks to them) — good accounts, whereby they prove they make a jirotit of their hobby. Why does the idea of a poultry plague cause consternation iu France ? Because millions of eggs come to this counti7 every woelc ; because the Pigeons, the Geese and Turkeys are with them what they should be — " farming stock." Ajid here wo would observe, let it not be thought that all poultry-breeders abroad are small men. AVe have visited places where poultry was " to the fore," and the acreage of the farm considerably over five hundred. The eggs, the birds, all enter into the w-eekly computation, and all go to market. It is not necessary that the mistress or her daughter should take them. We are not partisans of the opinion that because a man is an agriculturist, farming five hundred acres, and employing a capital of five thousand pounds, his wife ought at daylight to be milking, his daughters cramming poultry, or that the fanner himself should address every young lady as " Miss," and pull a fore-lock. Things are changed from the day when the farmer's wife rode on a pillion behind her husband to market, and took her seat in the market to vend her butter, eggs, and poultry. It is no longer the fashion of the times. Trade is trade. We are not going into the question of classes, which has split up society. We hold that every man who works for his livelihood, and honestly fulfils his vocation, is entitled to respect, and to those indulgences for himself and his family which he can p.ay for. Wo make these remarks because we want a larger breed of poultry, greater production of eggs, and altogether more active production of food. The question is on the eve of becoming a serious one. Men are asking themselves what they can fall back upon if the cattle murrain become a more serious question than it is now. Already, beef at many tables causes every one, like Nelly Cook, to " look askew." Alarmists run about the country, and tell those who are " gaping " for something fresh that the " clever men " have discovered there are certain para- sites in pork that are not IdUed by heat, and are taken into the system with pork. WTiat a pity ! A noblemen said to his cook one day, " Give me something new for an entrije." The " artiste " put himself through his vocabulary. " Supreme de Volaille," " Cotelettes aux pois," " Poulet a la Marengo " " Eis de veaux sauce tomato," " Cotelettes aux concombres," " Grena- dins de veau aux olives," " Filets de Chevreuil sau<;e piqitante." Nothing would do. The " chef " scratched his head, and vowed his vows to . Who was the god or goddess of cookery under the " ancien regime ?" We cannot recollect, or we do not know. But his prayers were heard. " I have it, my Lord." " What is it?" " Two necks of very young pork cut carefully into cutlets, coiTectly braised, di'ossed on a mould of stiff .apple sauce, a border of mashed potatoes round the dish, and a " Soubise," with a smart dash of sage for sauce." " Capital !" L'entrte fit fureur. Pork, sage and onion, and apple satice ! We would at any time face the parasites for such a dish. Our anecdote would be out of place were we not treating of the present probable scarcity of food, aud the strp.its to which we may be reduced. It quadi-upeds fail in supplj'ing the wants of our increasing population, we must see what our resources are. We believe poultry, and above all eggs, will be found valuable adjuncts. Our capabilities iu the way of meat seem to be at the end of the tether. We are obliged to draw largely on Holland aud Spain, and get both meat and murrain. We can- not go into the question of fish ; but poultry and cookery w^ill stop many a gap, and wiU induce habits that will last. We wish to increase the supply of both. Eggs are Protean ; they Lave a hundred different forms, and never lose their nutritive projierties. They are things that every one likes, and there is many a worse diimer than three new-laid eggs and bread and butter to match. But if disease gets among the fowls wo shall be short of eggs. Forewarned is forearmed. Do not keep unnecessary birds ; by such wo mean cripples, and worn-out fowls. Let their id.aceS bo scrupulously clean. As the weather becomes colder feed tho fowls better, but without overfeeding. Watch narrowly, aud remove sickly birds at onco. LABELS FOR POULTllY TO BE EXHIBITED. The time is approaching for holding tho great Birmingham Poultry Show, and I woidd suggest to the Committee that im- proved hamper-labels to those hitherto used by them would be desirable. Tho exhibitors who have sent poultry there know well the trouble and time required to fasten on a number of hampers tho Birmingham old-fashioned labels with four holes, and there is now iu use by many other Committees an improved one, with a single hole at each end. These labels also require no cutting of strings, but can be easily turned over when the hampers have to be repacked and sent to their destination. I append a sketch of one. -SELrai. DUCK-FOOTED GAME FO^^^.S. In some of your recent impressions a correspondence has been carried on between Mr. Hewitt and a correspondent writing under the signature of " J. H.. on the question of how far a fowl's being duck-footed should disqualify it for recemng a prize. If I may be permitted to offer a suggestion, I should submit that the real point at issue lies between the two extremes. It is quite possible that there may be a tendency in a bird towards being duck-footed without his absolutely being so ; or it may have the defect in one foot and not m the other; besides which, if I correctly understand Mr. Hewitt, where a bird has in all other respects the advantage over its competitors, he would not disqualify it from the circumstance of its being somewhat inclined to be duck-footed. One fact relative to Mr. Hewitt, which should- not be for- gotten, is, that every exhibitor of poultry feels a degree of Satisfaction on learning that he is to be tho sole judge, from the feeling that he will mako an honest award of the prizes, although, like all other fallible beings, ho may occasionally err in his judgment. I fear the same cannot be said of all ; certainly the same degree of confidence is not felt in some, to which may be at- tributed the circumstance of so many having discontinued to exhibit ; and it will be patent to every one who reflects— that a breeder and exhibitor of any length of standing, must pos- sess as correct a knowledge of the points of merit in a bird as a professional judge ; and when he sees his fowls unfairly dealt with, natm-allv retires from the contest iu disgust. In proof of this, I need only mention the last two Birmingham Shows, aud the great dissatisfaction manifested— a circumstance which cannot have escaped the memory of many of your readers ; and the fact of the principal prizes finding the same destina- tion where a certain party is connected with the judging, to say the least, wears an air of suspicion. . Understanding that the Birmingham Committee do not contemplate making any change in their Judges of Game Fowl, and as Mr. Jennison, of Manchester, has brought out a very Liberal prize list— the ex- hibitors ha-sang, moreover, had general confidence in the Judges he has appointed— I think, imless the Birmingham Committee pursue a new and improved course, exhibitors could not better mark their sense of such conduct than by passing the Birming- ham Exhibition by and patronising Mr. Jennison.— Exhibitoe. SICKNESS AMONG POULTRY. I AM sorry to say the disease among poultry is no fancy ; there is a good deal in this neighbourhood. My yard is con- sidered by my farmer friends to bo absurdly well taken care of. There are a good house, kept scrupulously clean, aU the ad- juncts of dust bath, water pans, dry runs, aud three fields ol 306 JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. I October 10, 18C5. three acres each, in whicli the fowls have full liberty, good food, and plenty of it; but all in vain. I have just lost a Brahma cock for which I gave £1 Is. a short time since — the third, which has died in the same w.ay. He seemed moping, and I found him very thin. The only noticeable ailment was a difificulty of breathing after eating, and an inflamed month and tongue, with little ulcers on it. In spite of careful nursing and feeding he died ; the comb and eyes were bright to the last. The hens seem to escape better ; I have only lost one ; but the 3'oung chickens are dying rapidly ; seemingly well one hour, and the next evidently dying. One pecuharity in the coclis was a constant shaking the head, but no gaping, nor indeed any sj-mptom to guide me as to theii- malady. I shall be glad if any one can suggest the nature of the complaint or a cure. I have a complaint among the Ducks also. They are fat and well one day, and the next the crop looks greatly distended, but no food in it. The voice becomes a harsh croak ; they refuse to eat, but drink incessantly ; diarrha^a follows, and in two or three days they die. Up to the present time they have been remarkably fine Ducks, in capital condition. As I have lost several I shall be much obliged for any light thrown on their disease and its treatment. — M., Sunny Vicarage. [We beUeve that if the livers and intestines of yonr fowls and Ducks had been examined that one or other, or both of those viscera, would have been foimd ulcerated. It is a disease usual in autumn, and might be expected to be more than usually prevalent this year, for we believe it is occasioned by the extreme variation between the day temperature and the temperatures of the night and early morning.] POULTRY SWINDLING. The inquiry of " C. A. G.," in your last, and your reply to it, opens up a subject which has, I feel sure, been much need- ing discussion for some time past. Every amateur who buys or seUs valuable poultry must have met with similar cases to that of " C. A. G." I have lost several choice birds through sending them to uultuowu correspondents on the faith of their promise to send payment ; and yet you say, " We are at a loss to account for any one sending money to a total stranger before they receive the goods." The fact is, there are some difficulties on both sides, and it is well known that there are numbers of poultry sharpers who profess to buy and sell, and who look out for advertisements likely to alford them opportunities of swindling. Cannot some plan be adopted by which references can be given to you as security for the position and respect- ability of amateur poultry dealers ? Some time ago a person WTote to me under the name of Firebrace, for a valuable pen of Buff Cochins. The letter appeared to be that of a lady, and I forwarded the birds. No )ia.\-ment has ever been made, but I received a request for more (which I did not send), and from that day to this I have not been able to discover the rogue. Could not some arrangement be made by winch, on yom- keeping books of reference, such as the "Clergy List," Medical and Law Lists, and Post Office Directories, inquiries might be made through you of all doubt- ful cases. A very small sum contributed by aU your subscribers would furnish sufficient to defray the cost of these, and either buyers or sellers, if they have any position at all, would easily be recognised. I merely, through your columns, wish to throw out a suggestion which possibly may bo put in a more prac- tical form by some one else who has been like myself— A SUFFEBEK. [We would readily aid in protecting onr subscribers in the mode suggested, if we did not foresee that it would involve an amount of anxiety, consumption of time, and responsibility, for which no payment could compensate. We the less re- luctantly announce this conclusion, because every vendor and every purchaser may most easily be his o^vn protector. If a purchaser unknown to us applies for poultry, we invariably write to some one in his vicinity, or, with a stamped aud directed envelope enclosed, to the head of the police in the district. If we wish to buy we never do so without first seeing the birds, and if we thought we were unknown to the seUer, we should seud a reference when we made an application for an inspection of the birds, and give a promise to prepay the carriage it we declined purchasing. But if there were' any difficulty about obtaining a reference, all such difficulty can be avoided where prepayment is required, by the purchaser avaihng himself of this postal rule relative to money orders : — " Rule 50. In order to enable the remitter to obtain an ac- knowledgment of the receipt of a money order before the money is paid, it is arranged that he may make his order payable ten days after date, provided that, in the presence of the Postmaster, when he obtains the order, he affixes thereto, in the space after the request C, a penny receipt stamp, and WTite his signature across the stamp."] OSWESTRY POULTRY EXHIBITION. October 5th. To many of our readers, no donbt, it will be well known that the supply of live poultry for table purposes has, for a long series of years, beeu ii principal feature of tbe Oswestry market. Indeed, long prior to tbe in.stitution of railways, dealers from towns so distant as Slau- ehester, Liveii)ool, Wolverhampton, Chester, iinil Birmiugbam con- stantly attended this weekly market, aud as from year to year the demand increased so has the supply also augmented, until 0.5westry holds position among tbe principal markets of the Idugdom for live poultry generally. At lengtb a few local breeders of tbe surrounding district thought an exhibition of poultry-, to be held annually, w*ould arouse a spirit of useful eom]K'tition, and tend still further to improve tbe quahty of the poultiy that was customarily at that time brought to market. Although some of its iirst promoters are now dead, still the acting Committee of tbe present hour are evidently men who do not intend to let the matter sleep, but to push onwards until Oswestry Show sliall hold its own among even the most noted of local poultry meetings. At its first institution the birds were all exhibited in pens erected in an open tield, aud, as it then bapjieued that heavy and continuous rainfall ensued, ample provision was this year made to pronde against such an exigency, should it unfortun.ately arise. We are glad to say that the weather was, on tbe contrary, as lino as eould be desired, accompanied by bright sunshine. The tent prorided, however, still proved quite a luxuiy, not only as giving the most welcome shade to the numerous visitors, with which it was constantly well filled, but also an equally appreciable amount of comfort and ease to the really excellent collection of fowls, for which it was especially engaged. Tbe tent itself was 1'2U feet long by about oae-third that width, whilst the height was most ample, and the expense of hire only £S. It would easdy have accommodated three or four bundi'ed pens. A tent even ten yards longer can be engaged for £10, which includes all expenses ; consequently few Committees can longer plead the item of expense, as forbidiUng this call upon their exchequer, nor need we hear the complaints, so frequently urged by owners, of birds being ruined by exposure. It is pleasing to record the fact that only one pen of poultrv showed any symptom whatever of disease ; they were from Whitehaven, and were very properly not permitted entrance to the tent. Though ex- cellent in quality, the condition of this one pen was absolutely '* tiltby," and it was most undoubtedly very reprehensible of the owner to send them out in such plight, as it was evidently a disease of long stanihng, strongly confirmed, aud of a highly contagious character. The prompt vigilence of the Oswesti-j' Committee is, therefore, the more worthy of approval in at once excluding them and retumuig them unpenned. The Omne classes were of very high character, and, as no limits was placed on the competition, m:iny specimens from distant locahties were entered, thus well-tilled classes resulted. Mr. George Owen, of Plas Issft, Uswestrv', however, managed to make a clear sweep of the prize list, with specimens of both Black-breasted Reds and also Duck- ^rings, that Would gi"eatly add to the cretht of even tbe largest of our sho\vs. Mr. Burgess, of Whitchurch, also exhibited some Brown Red Game fowls, sucb as leave little room for improvement when a couple of months older. In Grey JJorliii;/s the Show proved very strong ; Mr. Zurhnrst, of Dublin, however, took first prize with a most lovely pen, and shown in such condition that few persons would have credited that they had travelled so far : indeed, their contUtion was fault- less against a capital competition. Mr. Edward Shaw, of Plas Wilmot, t)swestn,'. gixined tbe second premium. In Partridge-coloured Cochins the Oswestry, class was a show in itself ; it is long since we saw so many and so good ones at any one meeting. Mr. Tudman, of Whitchurch, carried off both premiums, with birds as excellent in colour as they were perfect in feather. This gentleman's yard, strengthened as it has been, we are told, by the purchase of the whole of the Partridge Cochins belonging to tbe late Mr. Peploe Cartwright, of Oswestry, will uow doubtless be ver>' successful during the season without much difficulty. In Buff Cochins we confess disappointment, only two pens were entered ; the princijial prize birds of Mr. Tomliuson, of Bu-ming- ham, consisting of a first-rate cockerel, but the pullets were by no means Al. Mr. Zurhorst, of Dublin, was winner of tbe second prize in this class. The class for Sjxn/i.sh fowls fall of this year) were the best collection yet shown in 1805. The most barefaced case of " trimming," till not a single feather remained between tbe eye and comb, in a really good pen of Spanish, here met with its deserts, being passed over ; they would probably otherwise have been success- ful. Tbe Nanihun/hs were all good, in fact unusually so, taken on the aggregate of shows, though at previous meetings at Oswestl-y, Ham- burghs were failures. No Polamh were exhibited. Black-breasted October 10, 1866. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. .307 lied Gum- liiiitliims sfcninl nil tliu n:uit:im jirizcs. In Gi:(.tr, Tiirb-i/.i, uuil />(/<■/■.•*, tho show WHS t'xcL'lli-nt. Tbc " cottnKeis' jirizi'S " witv ii oomjiletc- fiiilurc only a fmirtli jinzo being Rivin, tlio first, svionil, ivn.l lliiril liuinn witlilii'M. It apjiuurs, tlmt at iiriscnt, litHf is Umr.vn by the district ootliiijiTS as to i-\lii- bilion pnnlln-, Drown Ucd Uume ooolta cxbibited witli lilack Ued bans, lliuuburglis sinxlc-combt-d, and Goldenpuncillfd Hamlmrgha witbont nnv ni)]irouili to mnrkinL'. biinj! amonf; tbcir short-cominfjs ; thonyb tb.-V-.irifiil inspection of th. Kxbibition generally by cottagers, will, no doubt, euligbtiu snch iucjuirers for future years, if tbcn com- puting. , . Tbe iittondnnee was very good indeed ; in fact, tbe influx of visitors filled ail tbe inns of Oswestry to repletion. Gauk I ULiek-brenstert nnil other Reds).— First and Second, G. Owen, riaa Issii, Oswestrv. Highly Counnenclc'd, T. Burgess, Burleydnni, Whit- church. Comnicu'ded, A. Shone, Sodyllt; W. Gnmon, Thoruton-lc-Moor, Game (Any other variety).— First and Second, G. Owen, Pbis Ihsb. Counnendcd,' VV. Claiuoii, Tnomton-leOIoor. DoHKiNo.- First, F. W. Znrhorst. D.junyhrook, Dublin. Second, O. E. Crcsswcll. Hanwortb liectoi-}-, Hounslow. Highly Commended, Jliss Davies, Wrexham Road, Chester. Commended, Lady F. Lloyd, Folton Grange ; E. Shaw, Plas Wilmot. Cociuv-China (lirown or Partridge).- First and Second, E. Tudman, Aahgl'ove, ^\^^itchureh. Highly Commended, R. J. Wood, Urynscall Hall, Ohorlev. CoCHlx-CHlSA (Any other variety).— First, H. Tomlinson, Birmingham. Second, F. W. Zurhorst, Dublin. Spanish.— First, Miss Davies, W'rexbam Road, Chester. Second, G. lyimb. Comiiton, Wolverhampton. Highly Commended. Miss Davies, Cbester; W. Nicklin, Atherton Street, Walsall; G. Lamb, Wolverhampton. Commended, E. Shaw, Plas Wilmot. Hamblkou (Silver or Oold-peiieilled).— First, .T. Robinson, Vale House, Crarstang. Second, A. K. Wood, Burneside, Kendal. Highly Commended, T. J. S.iltmarsb, Cbehnsford, Essex; J. Piatt, Dean Street, Bolton, Luncashii-e. _, „ , H.\Mnruiin (Silver or Gold-spangled). — First, T. Blakoman, Lpper Green, Tattonhall. Second, .1. Robinson, Vale House, Garstang. Highly Commended, T. May, Bloomsbury, Wolverbamiiton. Commended, A. K. Wood, Bui-neside. Kendal. Bantam. — First, G. Raj-nor, Kelveden Hatch, Brentwood. Second, T. Davies," Stowhill, NewpoVt, Monmouthshire (Black-breasted Game Ban- timsi. Highly Commended, G. I'.aynor. Kelveden Hatch, Brentwood (Red Piles, Game Bantams); .\. Briggs, Slack Beck Farm, Rawden, near Leeds; E. Shaw, Plas Wilmot, Oswestry (Gold-laced liantams). Com- mended. G. Smith, Belvoir place, Stavely, near Chesterfield (Silver-laeed Bantams). TcRKEVs — First, Miss Davies, Wrexham road, near Chester. Second, E. Shaw. Plas Wilmot, Oswestry. Geese.— First, Mrs. Seamons, Hartwell, Aylesbui-y. Second. E. Shaw, Plas Wilmot, Oswesti-y. Commended, Mrs. Seamons, Hartwell, Ayles- bury. Ducks iRouen). — First, J. Holmes, Knowsley, Prescott. Second, W'. L;Tmley. Hea^on Mersey, Manchester. Highly Commended, T. Burgess, Brj-lev'dam, Wbitchurch : W. Gamon, Tboi-nton-Ie-Moor, Chester. DrcKs (Avleshm-y).— First and Second, Airs. Seamons, Hartwell, Ayles- bury. Highly Coiumended and Commended, E. Shaw, Plas Wilmot, (Xswestrv. EXTSA.— Highly Commended, Miss Gill, Trcweme. Ed^yn^d Hewitt, Escj., of Eden Cottage, Sparkbrook, officiated as Arbitrator. C^\1.NE POULTRY SHOW. This was beld on Wednesilay and Thtu-sday, tbe 4th and 5tb inst., wbeu tbe following prizes were awarded : — Dor.KiSG, Spanish, CocniN-CniNA, on Gasie. — Prize, X. Heath, Calne (Spanieh). Highly Commended, H. Waller, Beversbrook, Caliie (Black- breasted Red Vame). Commended, W. Beaven, LickliiU Farm, (Black- breasted Red Game). Ducks iRouen or Aylesbni->-).— Prize, W. Bleadcn, White Hart, '.\yles- bury). Highly Commended, H. Waller (Rouen I ; H. Woodward. Rookery (Rouen). (Tbe prizes in tbe above classes were given by Mr. it Mrs. Poynder, of Hartbnm Park, and competed for by persons residing in tbe Calne Union). Spanish. — Chirl-ens. — First and Second, A. Heath, Calne. Ubauma Pootka (Dark). — Prize, .J. Hinton, Hinton.ncar Batb. ChirJirn^. — First. Rev. W. H. Fell, Stalmine, near Fleetwood. Lancashire. Second, J. K. Fowler, Prebendal Farm, Aylesbury. Highly Commended, .1. Hinton. Brahma Pootra (Light). — First and Second, J. Pares, Childown Hall, Chjrtsey. Chickt-nx. — First, H. Lacy, Lacy House, Hebden Bridge, York- shire. Second. E. Sheerinan, Chelmsford. Hamburghs (.A.ny variety). — First. J. Orlidge. Chippenham. Second, and Third,J. W. W. Hutbert, Causeway, Chippenham (Golden and Silver- pencilled Hamburgbs). Bast,iiis (Game!.- First, E. Cambridge. St. Phillip's. Bristol (Black- breasted Red). Second, W. F. Entwistle, Otley,Yorksliire i Black-breasted Red). Highly Commended, Rev. G. Raynor, Kelveden Hatch, Rectory, ncMr Brentwood, Essex. Bantams (,\uy other variety). — First, E. Cambridge (Black). Second, T. Davies, Belmont Cottaue, Stow Hill, Newport., Monmouthshire iSilvf r- laced). Highly Commended, G. Manning, Chapel House, Springtield, Essex (Goldeu-laccd Sebright). Any othkr vauikty.-— First, J. J, Fox, Devizes (Malays). Second, J. Pares. Dorking Chickens. — First, G. C. Murton, Eisbopstow, Warminster. Second, Rev A. K. Cornwall, Bencome. Dursley (Grey). CocniN-C'HlNA Chickens — First, Mi-s J. Milward. Newtnn St. Loe, Bri^^to'. Second, J. G:'rdiner,Bi'istol(Wbitc Cochin). Highly Commended, •J K. Fowler (Partridge). Game Cuicke.\-s (Any variety). — Fir.st, A. Elling, Sitton Parva, near Wanninstor (Black-breasted Rod). Second, G. M. Hulbert, Ferret's Brook, Cirencester (Black. breasted R.'d). Chickens (Any varictv).— First, .1. Hinton (Malays). Second, .1. K. Fowler (Creve Ccenral. Third, W. Miller, slierl>oume. Dorset (Silver- spangled). Highly Commended. G. Maiioing (iilaek-breastcd Red Uantamsl; Mrs. .1. Pares, Childown Hall, Chertsey (.Japenese SilkieS). Commended, .1. Hinton I Silver Polands). Turkeys.— Firit, Miss .1. Milward, Newton St. Loe, near Bristol (Cam- bridge). Second, E. Maundrell, guemerford, Calne. Geese. — First, -T. K. Fowler. Second, H. Woodward, Rookery. Highly Commended, H. Waller. Beversbrook ; H. Brown, Blacklauds Park. Ducks (Aylesbury).- First and Second, .J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Ducks (Rouen).— First, J. K. Fowler. Second, G. M. Hulbert, Ferret's Brook, Cirencester. Ducks (.^ly other variety).— First, Miss J. Milward (East Indian). Second, H. Adney. Bembleton, CoUnmpton, Devon (Wild Ducks). Sweepstakes (Spanish). — Prize, A. Heath, Calne. Brahma Pootra.- Prize, H. Lacy, Yorkshire (Light). Game.- Prize, H. Adney, Bembleton, Collnni])ton, Devon. Any other variety.— l*rizo, Rev. A. K. Cornwall, Bcncombe, Dursley (Black-breasted Bed Game Bantam). PIGEONS. Carriers (Black).— rorfc.—Firat, F. Else, Bayswator. Second, H. Wade, Laurel Cottage, Birmingham. Highly Commended, W. Massey, Fulford, York. Carriers (Black).— i/cn. —Fii-st and Second, F. Else, Bayswaler. Highly Commended, E. 5L P.ovds, Groenhill, lioebdale. Carriers (Dun).- Cor*-.- First, H. Yardley, Market Hall, Birmingham. Second, F. Else, Uayswattr. Highly Commended, F. Else. Carriers (Duni. — ifca.- First and Second, F. Else, Bayswater. CAnniERs (Any other colour).— C'oct.— First, J. C. Ord,Pimlico. Second, W. Massev, Fulford, York (Blue). Carriers (Any othercolour).- Hen.- First, W. Massey (Silver). Second, J. C. Ord. Highly Commended, J. C. Ord. PowTERS (Black, Blue, or Yellow Pied). — Cock. — First, -J. Tbackray, Y'ork (Blue). Second, A. Heath, Calne (Black). Commended, E. E. M. Rovds, Greenbill, Rochdale ; A. Heiith (Yellow). PowTERS (Black, Blue, or Yellow Pied). — Hen. — First and Second, A. Heath (Yellow and Bine). Highly Commended, A. Heath (Black). PowTERS lAny other coloiu-). — C'ocfc.— First, .J. J. Fox, Devizes (TYbite). Second, E. E. M. Rr.yds. Highly Commended, A. Heath. Commended, H. Y'ardley, Market Hall Birmingham; F. Else (White). PowTERS (.\ny other colour).— ifcn.— First, H. Yardley. Second, E. E. M. Rovds. Highly Commemlcd. A. Heath (White). Tumblers (Almond). — First, F. Else, Bayswater. Second, J. Percival, Clent Villa, Harbome, Manchester. Highly Commended, H. Bunce, Walworth. TuMBLEP.3 (."Uiy othci- variety).— First, F. Else. Second and Third, H. Y'nrdlev. Turbits an-d O-iVLS (.\ny colonr).— First, H. Yardley (Owls). Second, J. Percival (Owls). Commended, H. Yardley i Turl>its) ; J. Tbackray, Y'ork ((Jwls) ; F. Else (Owls) ; C. Bulpin, Biverside, liridgewater ; E. E. M. Royds. Jacobins and Trumpeters (.\ny coloiuj.— First, J. Percivall (Jacobins). Second, F. Else (Trumpters). Bares and Nuns (Any colour).- First, J. Tbackray (Barbs). Second, F. Else (Nuns). Fantails (-\ny Colour).— First, F. Else. Second J. Tbackray. Any other variety. — First aud Second, H. Yardley (Spots and Brunswicks). Third, J. Percival (Swallowsj. Highly Commended, A. Heath (Isabels). Commended, J. Percival (Dragons) ; J. Tbackray (Swallows) ; E. E. 21. Royds (Swallows). Judges. — Mr. Saiusbury and Mr. Tegetmcier. ABERGAVENNY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY'S POULTRY SHOW.— OcTODKU (ith. ■We ore informed that tbe birds were more numerous and better tban in previous years. Tbe Judge was T. Davies, Esq., Newport, and the follo-,viiig were his awards ; — Spanish.— First, W. Lewis, Coldbrook. Second, E. H. Nicholas, New- poi-t. Dorking (coloui-ed.)- First, R, Eees, Coldbrook. Second, J. Skinner, Newport. Cochin-China (Any variety).- First and Second, E. H. Nicholas. HAJiBUR.iHs (Golden or Silver-spangled).- First, J. Skinner, Newport. Second, R. H. Nicholas. Hamlurohs (Golden or Siiver-penciUed).- First, E. H. Nicholas. Second, Hon J. F. C. Butler. Commended, J. .Williams, Goitre ; J. Skinner ; Hon J. F. C. Butler. Polands. — First and Second, J. Skinner. Game.— Furst, G. Pritchard, White House, Lanvibangcl. Second, R, Rees, Coldbrook. Any other variety. — First aud Second, R. H. Nicbola.s. Bantams.— First, W. Lewis, Coldbrook. Second, (j. Aldridge, Monmouth. Turkeys.- First, Mrs. G. Hollord, Buckland. Second, J. Williams. Goytre Farm. Geese.— First and Second, E. Eees, Coldbrook. Ducks (Aylesbury).— First, J. Skinner, Newport. Second, J. Pye, Spitty Farm. Ducks (Rcuen).— First, J. Wilbams. Second, J. Skinner. Extra.— Piize, E. H. Nicholas (Black East Indians). Prize, W. Low.3 (Cjttager's Dorkings). Prize, W. Lewis (Cottager's Prizes). LONG SUTTON POULTRY SHOW. In- tbe schedule of entries for tbis Show, there is a no'iee that tho catalogi;e -n ill be reaily on the 1st of October. When I made my eutrie3 I als) sent the price of the catalogue, with a 308 JOUKNAL OF HOETICULTUBE AlsD COTTAGE GAUDENEE. [ October 10, 1865. note requesting that it might be forwarded to me as soon as published. I have not received it, nor has any notice been taken of my application. The publication of a catalogue ten days before a show is an unusual course, and is open to many objections, even if circulated ahke to all. Where the circu- lation is only partial this plan is obviously unfair. Under any circumstances it is likely to create dissatisfaction, and to make exhibitors watch narrowly the awaids in the prize list. — As KXHIBITOB. DECLINE AND FALL OF A QUEENLESS HR'E. Eaklt this year there issued out of a common straw hive of mine a very heavy swarm, and the hive itself became naturally very much weakened, and I was not surprised to see at first a great alteration in the numbers and activity of the workers. As the summer advanced I expected that the fruittulness of the young queen would supply the deficiency in the number of her subjects, but I was unable to observe any difference in this respect ; and as the bees came out and returned in the ordinal^ way I did not suspect that which I have only lately ascertained, that there was no queen. The drones came out in very great force, much exceeding in number the male bees in some adjoining colonies, and this circumstance tended in some degree to impart an appearance of activity to the hive, and to hide the paucity in number of their more industrious companions. In due time the workers killed off all the drones, so that by the beginning of the month of September not a drone was left alive ; and this circumstance, although it rendered the fact more apparent of how weak a stock it was, merely induced the belief on my part that some extra care might be required to preserve the colony through the winter. After aU the drones had disappeared the bees kept more constantly at home than before, and never failed to present themselves in force whenever a robber bee appeared ; and although they were frequently seen in mortal combat with the robbers, they never faUed to hold their own, although numbers of them must have died in the encounter. As similar com- bats were daily taking place outside a Ligiirian hive close by, I thought nothing of the attacks upon the weak hive, except, of course, to regret that, few in number as they were, the bees should still further diminish from a cause I was utterly unable to prevent ; for although I narrowed the entrance to the smallest possible aperture I could not prevent them coming out on the landing-board, which the bees persisted in doing, and I feared the weakening process of shutting up the entrance altogether. On the 2.5th ult., about 4 p.m., a more determined attack by far than had been ever previously seen was made upon my Mve, and the robbers in many instances succeeded in effecting an entrance ; this went on until sunset put an end to the strife, which proved but the prelude to a scene that an expe- rienced apiarian, who witnessed it, pronounced of an unpre- cedented character. The next morning, before the heavy dew of autumn had disappeared, robber bees in greater numbers still again attacked my unfortunate hive, and were opposed with a resoluteness and tenacity that could scarcely be ima- gined, and this continued unceasingly the whole day through, until the ground for a long distance round was literally strewed with the dead bodies of the combatants — a result that can be easily imagined when it is remembered that the fighting lasted about ten hours. "When the evening once more set in it was agreed by all who saw the battle that the attacked had held their own — an opinion confirmed by the great preponderance apparent be- tween the number of the dead robbers over that of their opponents. I next proceeded to repair the disorder arising from the dis- turbance in question, sweeping away from outside the hive great quantities of small pieces of wax that had been forced outside by the spoilers within, and I also resolved to change the floor-board, judging from the appearance of things, that much Utter of a similar kind must have accumulated inside. On hfting the hive for this purpose I was surprised at the diminution in weight, having had occasion to lift it not long before, and this induced me to turn the hive upside down, when I discovered that not a single bee remained within it, so that the inmates had literally fought to the last. I examined the comb, which completely filled the hive, and found no trace of mildew, or of an insect of any kind, and al- though the robbers had torn open many of the cells there stiU remained some 4 lbs. of honey a good deal intermixed with bee- bread, and here and there a pupa sealed over, and very little advanced, but there were no signs whatever of a queen, or of a royal habitation, and I can only presume that her majesty must have met with some accident which prevented her return- ing from her first matrimonial excursion. I have detailed the circumstances of my queenless hive, because they seem somewhat at variance with what one reads of the consternation of bees that have lost their queen, as most certainly nothing of the kind was ever witnessed in the present instance, aU that we ever noticed being that fewer bees came out and retm-ned during any given time than in the case of the other hives, nor did the bees raise a queen in the manner pecuhar to them, when deprived of their lawful monarch. — C. H. Hodgson-. [Xou have given a graphic and very truthful description of the dwindling and ultimate violent extinction of the inhabitants of a queenless colony. The stock may possibly have failed to raise a queen, or the juvenile sovereign may have met with some accident during her wedding flights, may have mistaken her hive on her retm-n from one of them, or "may have been mui-dered by her own workers. Mr. Woodbury considers that more yoimg queens perish through regicidal attacks, than in any other manner.] DEPRniNG BEES OF THEIR HONEY. I HAVE been asked by cottagers if I knew of any way to take the honey from their bee-hives without using siilphur, which is generally used, and they complain that the honeycomb is turned black by it. Can you teU me any other means of taking the contents of the Hves ? — A. H. D. [The best mode of appropriating the contents of common hives is by di-iving, and imiting their inhabitants to those stocks that are intended to stand the winter. Full instructions for performing this operation are given in " Bee-keeping for the Many," and were quoted by us in page 288 ; whilst articles on driWng and uniting bees, from the pen of Mr. Woodbury, appeared in Nos. 139 and 144 of this Jommal.] THE HONEY HAK^-EST IN SCOTLAND. We copy the following from the Scottish Farmer : — Since the labours of the bees for the year 18C5 may now be said to be at a close, it may not be amiss to note the kind of season they have had, and the results. It is well known to most bee-keepers that the winter of 1864 and spring of 1865 were very unpropitious. The long periods in which the bees were unable to get out during the winter, from the cold and snow, were very injurious to many, and a nimiber died in consequence ; others were attacked with dysen- terj', which, if they did not succumb to, were much injured thereby, so that in the early spring most hives were weak ; but as the spring advanced the fine weather enabled the bees to get out, and they began to breed fast, which enabled many to get early swarms. What with the amount of turnip seed grown in this quarter, and also the extraordinarily fine crop of white clover in the fields, they increased in strength and weight very fast, and a number of tops of fine flower honey were ob- tained by many who never got them before, and were sent to market as soon as possible, until the merchants were fully stocked. When the price fell, all were anticipating an abun- dant harvest of heather honey ; but how woefully we have all been disappointed. For my own part, out of seventeen hives which I have at the heather, I shall not have any ; but I have had a good share of flower honey. I began the season with nine hives, and from them have now twenty- three, and have taken from them 290 lbs. of flower honey. I had three tops of as fine honey as ever was seen, weighing respectively 40, 36, and 32 lbs. nett. The 40 lbs. was gathered by a top swarm within five weeks, the others about the same time. They are the heaviest which have ever been seen in this locality. I attribute my success to the Uberal feeding which I gave the bees early in spring when the queen was breeding. By so doing, I had strong hives, which were ready to take advantage of the white clover ; and as my bees are now aULigurians, or hybrids between them and the black ones, I cannot help giving them the preference, as I never could obtain such resiilts before with the common bee. October 10, 1865. ] JOUBXAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 309 Those hives which are meant to be kept fm- next year will require to he woigherl, and if foiiml lesa tlmn 'M 11)S. — tlmt is, the uoiiinion strftw-liivo and board— then they must bo fed at onoo. Tliey would bo better at ;)5 11)S. ; still I find it a Rood plan to feed in the autumn, as it sets the queen breeding in .-ibout six days, and, consoiiuently, a tine lot of young bees are in the hive all the winter, ready to eonnnence operations with vigour in the spring. All the bees which liavo been worliing this summer will be dead before spriui;; it is only bees which are liatched in Seiitember and October which remain during the winter. At times a few oM superannuated bees may be found in the spring, but if they do not move off by their own accord, they are soon expelled by their younger brethren. The bees have no idea of a poor-law ; when they are iniablo to work thoy are expelled without remorse from their home. In removing tops at this season, especially when the weather is cold, it will bo foinid that the bees are in a dormant state, and do not leave the combs. In that case it is a good plan, after rcmo\-ing the top and turning it upside downi, to jilaco an empty one of the same size on the toji of it, wrapping a cloth round where they join, and carrying them into a warm room. The heat will soon cause the bees to revive ; and after filling themselves with honey, which they always do as soon as dis- turbed, by striking gently the lower top, the one with the honey and bees'in it, they run'up into the empty iiive, and it can be carried out and put on the hive to which the bees belong, when they will at onee join their comrades ; the empty top should then be taken away, and the hole in the top closed carefully up for the winter. In taking off tops at this season great care should be had that no honey is spilt or left about the hives ; all should be taken away at once, as the bees in the other hives soon .smell it, and tliey then begin to rob their neighbours, if they are allowed, and severe fights occur on these occasions. If it is observed that they have begun to rob one, by tlie great commotion of the bees at the entrance, the door of the attacked hive shotdd be shut, and the hive moved away into a cool room or cellar for the day, and taken back to its place at night ; or it may be kept for a day in the cellar if the weather is warm, and put out the following night. If once bees begin to rob a hive in an apiary they do not generally rest satisfied with that one, but will begin on others if the weather allow them ; so that they should be watched after they come from the heather : and when feeding them, it shoidd bo done at night, by placing the food in troughs within the hive, and removing tiie empty ones in the morning. TREATMENT OF A DRONE-PRODUCING HIVE. Is your .Journal of March 7th of the present year you in- sei'ted a communication from me asking advice in the case of a hive producing di'ones in large numbers in the early jiart of Februarj'. Your advice was to destroy the queen, to appro- priate the honey, and to unite the bees to the nearest stock. Being vmwilliug to destroy a stock apparently one of the strongest in my apiary, I allowed matters to remain i)i statu quo, carefully watching proceedings. About the end of itfarch the drones gradually disappeared, and the working bees as gradmilly increased in numbers until, on the 25th of May, it threw off a fine swarm, which I placed in a Stewarton hive ; but feeling little confidence in the leader of this swarm, two days afterwards I added to it another, placing imdenieath a third box. On the 3rd of June, eight days after the hiving of the first swarm, I placed a fourth box, as super, on the united stocks, and which was taken off on the '2'2nd of June with a •nett weight of 18 lbs. of the finest honeycomb I ever saw. The remaining three boxes are well filled, and the population numerous. After the issuing of the swann I placed a super npon tlie old stock, which super has been well fiUed to the weight of 12 lbs., and the stock with its new queen continues in a most flourishing condition. This is a simple statement of facts, on which I make no comment. Perhaps you or some of yoiur learned apiarian correspondents may be able to solve the mystery. — Li. Baynor, Kt'lvedoii Hatch Uectonj, Brentuood. [Our advice would be correct under the circumstances in probably ninety-nine cases out of a hundred. Yours just hapiiened to be the hundredth case, and, therefore, we were wrong. The key to the mvstery lies in the fact, which, however. is but 1 ittle known, and has indeed been very seldom ob- served, that young impregnated queens will in certain rare instances commence by laying either a batch of drone eggs, or those of drones and workers intermingled in a most singular maimer. This jjlienomonon ajijiearH to arise from some little stiffness or want of jiower in the delicate and as yet unused voluntary muscles of the siiormathcea. After the lapse of somo time those seem generally to become capable of fidfiUiug their functions, and worker eggs arc deposited in the usual way. A case in point was relateil by Mr. Woodbury in page 350 of the first volume of om- New Series.] AUTU:MNAL unions— moving IIRT2S. I Ofl-E yini my thanks for your prompt and valuable reply to my inquiry as to autumnal unions, which appeared in your Jounial of" August 8th. I lost not a day in putting to the test of experience the advice you gave on the subject, and on the same evening 1 uniteil two stocks, taking the contents of one hive for myself, and the result was entirely satisfactory. In the morning nil was, as stated in the " Bee-keeping for the Many," jieace and harmony. I fancy the use of a little pep- permint water with the syrup, as recommended by you, is of great nse in causing the combined stocks to unite without fighting. I have since operated successfully on several other stocks, and am quite satisfied that this mode of uniting stocks is deserving of general adoption. I have always chosen the dusk of the evening, as soon as the bees are all quietly settled, for the operation ; but I have not found that it could be effected quite so rapidly as some of your contributors appear to have done. A quarter of an hour's steady driunming I find none too much to drive all up ; and it saves a great deal of trouble afterwards to leave as few as possible to be got rid of separately. I have found, also, that it is better to use something pretty heavy to beat with (though, of course, not with too much force), rather than a light stick or the hands, how smartly soever you may rap. A croquet mallet answers admirably, the sliock goes more completely through the body of the hive, and sends the bees up much more effectually than anything lighter. On the subject of moving stocks short distances, I find it advisable in the first place to commence by turning the hive with the entrance in the opposite direction to that in which it i.s desired to remove it, and when the bees have become ac- customed to it, then day by day withdraw the hive a foot or so at a time towards its intended resting place — making it, to use a Hibemicism, advance backwards. The bees more rapidly follow their home for a short distance in the line of their flight to it, than they turn either to right or left in quest of it. — U. S. C. QUEENS .\ND QUEEN CELLS BY WHOLESALE. I All tempted to relate an occurrence of to-day, thinking it may interest your bee-keeping readers. On the 4th inst., we removed an Italian queen from a full colony and shipped her to a customer, giving the stock a young fertile queen on tha 7th inst. Being very much hurried we neglected to make a final examination, but supposed the young queen was accepted. This morning the colony threw a largo swarm. On opening the hive the peculiar " piping '" of an imprisoned queen was plainly heard, and an investigation resulted in the capture of ton beautiful young Italians, all of whom had their full colour and were able to fly ; but after cutting, the cap of their cells had been resealed by the bees, and fed through an opening in the lid, as so correctly described by Huber. The colony having started queen cells as soon as their queen was removed, had refused theyonng queen given them on the 7th, and an enumera- tion of the cells showed that they had finished twenty-five, one of which contained an immature drone swimming in " royal jelly.'' (This attempting to convert drone eggs into queens is by the way, a common occurrence). Several had been opened and their inmates murdered ; others had hatched, and two we cut out and placed in a box, leaving one in the hive. Onr next onslaught was on the swarm which had clustered on a small tree. We hived it, getting five more young queens which had accompanied it, and on returning to the queen cells which we had cut out, found one hatched and the other just hatching, thus securing seventeen young queens and a queen cell for the old hive ! I think this a" pretty good haul from '• a buckwheat 310 JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 10, 1805. swann." Although I know of no bnckwheat nearer than a mile and a half from our apiary, we are having swarms from our Italians almost daily, and they are rolUng in the honey famously. The amateurs who have examined the Italian bees closely, have noticed in every hive many workers, whose yellow bands were of the most brilliant hue, while their abdomens were of a jet black — rivalling Day and Martin's blacking. We have had numerous inquiries in regard to this, some thinking that these fellows were the pure bees, and that the presence of others was a mark of impurity in the queen producing them. This is what may be called a posteriori reasoning. The fact is that there are old bees whose bodies have been worn smooth by hard labom-, and any one doubting has only to catch a worker, and with a wet finger rub its back gently for a few moments to pohsh him up to the African type. — James T. IiAsgstkoih, in American Country Gentleman. GAS TAR INJURIOUS TO BEES. A correspondent in your Journal the other day states that gas tar is not injurious to bees ; but there can be no doubt that it is. He states that he merely covers his bee-house with gas tar, and this makes all the difference, for the vapour from it flies off above the bees. The vapour was under them in the former case. As you had some accounts in your Journal of freeing supers from the bees, I send you an extract from a lady's letter, describing a very ingenious plan, that may be of use : — " If you have not used the little talc traps for freeing your supers or boxes of bees, I think they would save you much trouble. I made one the other day, and every bee passed through it from my large supers, and as not a bee can return, no watching is needed. I merely take a slip of perforated zinc or cardboard, cut four square pieces out about a quarter of an inch wide, and suspend, either with'thread, or by sticking the upper edge on a small piece of ribbon, and fixing to the zinc or cardboard over each hole a small piece of tale. This is so light that if you tack it on the entrance the bees run through, and it falls and prevents their return. I found it most useful." — A. W. BEE INVASION AT OBAN. The proprietor of a fruiterer's shop at Oban thus writes to the ^' Ghintiow Mominfj Journal :^^ — "Since the notice of the invasion of my shop by bees the annoyance has continued, though I have smoked the premises every day. Yesterday, the young woman who keeps the shop had to shut up and take herself off, as the bees were unusually cross, and prone to use their stings. Indeed, I was myself afraid during the afternoon to enter the passage leading to the back shop, and the public outside had difficulty in moving along, owing to the swarms of bees which, round the door and windows, were literally in clouds. In spite of the free use of brimstone they tried to force themselves through the keyhole and shutter-bolt holes. After I had done with the smoking process the shop was opened, but in two hours the enemy had full possession of the premises. I closed and smoked again, which finished the work for that day. This morning at half-past seven I opened as usual, but before nine o'clock I had to run with all the skeps, mugs, and plates of honey out of the shop into a back store, and to plug up every hole through which air could penetrate. While so engaged I was attacked by the bees, who stimg me through my cap and veil. To-day I again smoked the shop, which, since the removal of the honey, has not been so much run upon." [The only wonder is that such occurrences are not more common in shops where honey is exposed for sale. The inva- sion might readily have been checked at the outset by removing everything likely to attract the bees to a safe place, and then throwing open doors and windows to permit them free egress. When satisfied that no booty was to be obtained they would speedily have taken their dep.arture, and, beyond a few strag- glers during the next two or three days, jirobably nothing more would have been seen of them.] SANIT^VRY PRECAUTIONS. At a meeting of the Sanitary Committee of Dubhn, held recently, it was decided to circulate the following suggestions for improving the sanitary condition of dwellings, drawn up by Professor Cameron, public analyst. The reported appearance of cholera in Southampton should incite the inhabitants of Dublin to increased attention to the sanitary condition of their dwellings. All the efforts of the sanitary department of the Corporation cannot keep the public health in a satisfactory state if, as is too often the case, the most simple and obvious principles of hygiene are violated by private individuals. The operations of the Corporation can only be extended to the interior of the dwelUngs of a certain portion of the poorer classes of the community ; but they have frequently published suggestions for the improvement of the public health, which all ranks of society might with great ad- vantage to themselves act upon. As the present time should be one of preparation against epidemic disease, attention to the following points ought to be given by those whose houses are to a great extent exempted from Corporation insiiection. Fresh air should be abundantly introduced into every part of the house. The windows should not be closed dming the day ; where air stagnates disease seldom fails to appear. Bed cur- tains should not be used. Direct sunlight is a potent agent in the preservation of health. Cholera, fever, and other endemic diseases make greater ravages in houses situated on the shady side of the street than in those where the sun's rays penetrate. It is far better to allow our carpets and curtains to fade thau to ex- clude from our rooms the health-giving beams of the sun. Effete matters of every kind should be as speedily as possible removed from the house. Ashpits and other receptacles for ofial and rubbish should be frequently cleaned out. Water-closets are often the source of disease, produced from noxious gaseous matters which force their way up through the pipes. To guard against this source of danger a saucerful of chloride of lime (Ijleaching powder) might with great advantage be placed in the water-closet. It would cost only a few pence, and would be a most efficient disinfectant for at least a month, after which it could be renewed. No untrapped sewer should be premitted to exist ; and large oblong stone sinks, especially when untrapped, should be looked upon as sources of malignant effluvia. Every wall that admits of it should be frequently whitewashed ; and at present it would be most desirable to add a quarter pound of chloride of lime to every bucket of whitewash. In the case of stables this addition would be productive of great benefit to the health of the animals kept in them. At aU times, even the careful dusting and rubbing of furniture is a matter of sanitary importance, as minute purulent organic particles, by which disease is often generated, adliere to the surface of even tables and chairs. And here it may not be out of place to remark that personal cleanliness, embracing complete ablution of the body, is the first principle of hygiene. [■^Tiitewashing poiUtry-houses with chloride of lime is much to be commended also.] OUR LETTER BOX. Illusthatep PorLTRY Book (B. O. H.)—li is printing, and vnM be published about the end of this month. Address ( T. N. S.).— Mr, Brierley's address is Rhodes House, Middleton near Manchester. Te.4 Making.— a correspondent (J. Noon) says— Put the boilincr -water into the teapot and the tea in over the water. The tea bein^ put in on the water causes the leaf to expand before binlting to the bottom of the teapot. Geese at Worcester Poultry Show. — Our reporter made a mistake in nssigniug the first prize to Mr. Fowler; it wr.s awarded, we are informed, to Mrs. E. S. Wolferstan, Shalford Hall, Tamworth. QuiLLBOUND (Q. B.). — The cure for a quillbound fowl is to oil the affected parts thoroughly, and then to break the sldn where a slight pro- trusion points out the locality of the stub, by passing a needle through and breaking it upwards. Chicken Mortality (S. G. A.). — You cannot do better than Jidminister castor oil to your fowls, now drooping their wings, breast puffed, and wasting away, following it with stimulants, Kuch ns bread and ale. It is a dangerous taste to introduce, but there is nothing so beneticial to wasting fowls as raw yolks of eggs. Put camphor in all the water used in your runs. Sunflower Seed (Evelyn). — We have heard sunflower seed much praised as poultry food, but have never tried it. Perh:ii)s bruising the teed might induce the fowls to eat it, as you say that they now refuse to touch it. Buyers of Chrysalises {A Subscriber). — We know of no one who purchases these for resale. Anatomy of the Bee (il/. D.). — You will find what you require in the volume on bees of the " Naturalipt's Library " written by the late Dr. Dunbar. The spermatheca either of the ^'gin or impregnated queen is% however, always fully distended, the only di£"erence being in the charac- ter of its contents. October 17, 18613. ] JOUKNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 311 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Month Day of Week. OCTOBER 17-28, 1866. Avoraijo Temperature near Loiidnn. liain In last 88 years. Sen Itlscs. Sun Sets. Moon Blses. Moon Sets. Moon's Abo. Clock after Sun. Day of Year. Day. NiKlit. Mean. Days. m. h. m. b. m. h. m. h. Days. m. H. 17 Td Martinfl last seen. r)H.4 41.0 49.7 16 29af« laf 6 7 4 7 4 28 14 1)7 290 18 W St. Luke. 68.1 41.3 49.7 18 81 B 59 4 10 5 80 4 29 14 49 291 19 Tn Ljiiifs leaflesit. 09.7 40.2 49.9 19 S.'i 0 67 4 12 8 54 4 • 14 69 292 20 F lU'fiTli leaves fall. 59.2 40.2 49.7 16 85 6 55 4 15 7 21 5 1 15 9 298 ■11 R Kini'K (Id-liiiatitin 10' 40' S. l)«.4 39.8 49.1 16 36 6 68 4 16 8 62 6 2 15 19 294 22 SCN r.l Sunday aftkh Trinity. 69.0 42.9 60.4 21 88 6 51 4 15 9 27 0 8 15 28 295 23 M Wild Duck arrives. 65.5 40.1 47.8 20 40 0 49 4 12 10 8 7 4 15 36 206 From obaorvationa taken near London during the last thirty-oiffht years , the averaRO day tompevaturo of the week is 58.3°, and its night tomiiornturo 40.8 '. Tho greatest heat was 73", on the 2l3t, 1831 ; and tho lowest cold, 17-, on the 2Si'd, 1859. Tho greatest fall of | rniu was 0.96 inch. THE DUBLIN BOTANIC GARDENS.- TUTNITY COLLEGE. -No. 2. '\T2N were the ncwly-arrivcd ^dsitol• to Dublin, fii mute for Glasnc^•in, to be blind- folded and taken to the gardens of Trinity College, judging from the vast mun- ber and the rarity of the plants there eollected he might reasonably suppose himself upon the banks of the Tolka. The Trinity College garden is Glasneviu over again, but uttered in another language, the plants, despite tbe excel- lence of the Glasne\in collection, being to a very consider- able degree another set entirely. Many hundreds of species of coiu'se are to be found in either garden, but each at the same time lias its specialities. This may be accounted for, perhaps, in the case of Trinity College, bj' the reqtdrement that a livuig sj)ecimen of every natui'al order of plants, in blossom if possible, shall be ready for the students at any and every season of the year — a requirement sufficient, iu truth, to try the sliill and patience of even such a curator as Mr. Bain. \Vlien Napoleon was upon a campaign, it is said that he required his cook to have a hot roast chicken for ever in readiness, so that at any and every horn- of the day and night, and in whatever cii-cumstauces he might be placed, still his favourite dish shoidd be ready for serving up. Somctliing lilce tliis. but to satisfy an intellectual instead of a physical appetite, seems to be the care of the Superintendent of the Trinity College garden, and it is but smiple justice to say that he acts, as nearly as can be, to the demand. The quantity of plants here crowded together is incretUble. There seems scarcely room to squeeze in another, having proper care to leave access to the sun and air. Old things and new stand side by side, almost as closely as pictiu-es in a first-class gallery, and every now and then a poor relation gets, as might be expected, jostled out, and is compelled to take up its lodging on the footpath. The oddest instance of tliis was a plant of Samphire, Critluuum maiitiniiun, old, tough, and woody, among the gravel, yet covered with flowers and fruit ! So extraordinary a change of location is seldom found possible with a maritime plant. From sea-washed rocks, wetted by the spray of every tide, to an arid path, is about as remote an extreme as could be thought of. Much of the charm of Trinity College garden is no doubt referable to the bland conditions imder which the plants exist, just as at Glasnevin, at Beaumaris, in South Devon, &o. A delicious cHmate, though no doubt \\dth its draw- backs, enables many plants to thrive in a way seldom seen in the corresponding latitude in England. Here, for instance, against the boundary-wall are Eerberis fascicu- laris 12 feet high, mth a stem 3 inches thick, and superb No. 288.— Vol. E., Nbw Sbkibs, masses of foliage tluit roll out like Ivy ; Bignonia radicans in full flower : and also in blossom Paliurus Spina-Chriati, the plant used, in all likelihood, for the crown of thorns. It is intensely absurd to depict the crown, as painters often do, as if made of the Craliegus crus-galli, representing it with some ten or twelve spines as long as the finger. In the PaliiU'us tve have slim and llexible branchlets admirably adapted for twisting into a chaplet, and at the axil of every leaf is a little brown spine, resembling the lower half of the linest and sharpest needle, a spine pointing every w.ay, so that the punctures would be at once acute, and incessant, : and certain upon eveiy side. The flowers are small, pale but decided yellow, in form like little stars, and itro produced in leafy racemes at the ends of branchlets that I are mostly -svithout spines. The whole of the upper por- ■ tion of the plant, from 10 to 12 feet above the ground, was, at the end of September, gay with them in abundance. The lawn, like the wall, is occupied by shrubs and trees I of the highest interest. Nearly the first one seen is Ai-butus audraehne, superb in foliage, and with plenty of yomig berries, the cinnamon-coloiu'ed bark peeling oif the trimk edgewa.ys, and giving the latter a very odd appear- ance. Above a mass of magnificent compound leaves, each large enough to cover a moderate-sized dinner-tiible, we see, not far ofl', the gi'and creamy inflorescence of the Aralia japonica : on the other side is Garrya elliptica, li feet liigh, and giving ample sign in its gi-ey catkins of the flowery triiunph it will have in reacliness for New Year's-day. The great pendulous racemes of the Garrya form one of the handsomest possible ornaments for an epergne iu the depth of winter, and gardeners «'ho have to supply such ornaments would do well to look after its cultm-e. Of coiu'se it is only the male plant that should be gi-own for this purpose. The female, though in its native coimtry decorated with pui'ple hemes, is of no use in England except as a soiu'ce of seed. Interspersed among the trees are some gi'and suilruticose plants, such as Bupleurum fruticosiun, wliich here makes a cu'cular bush 5 feet high in the middle, and bearing, pro- bably, five hundred yellow umbels ! A speciality worth remark is Lobadium aromaticmn, a slrrub related to the Sumachs, and, as would be expected, possessed of a power- fully acrid juice. If a lirailch or t^dg be gathereil in- cautiously, and there be any little scratch or wound upon the hand by wliich the sap can enter the skin, a very disagi'eeable and painful sore is soon occasioned. Near it, and of very pretty aspect, is that great rarity Atrapliaxis spinosa loaded with wliite flowers, and looldng, at the first glance, like a Leptospermura or the Babingtoma. Accus- tomed as we are in England to regard the Polygonacete as weedy herbaceous plants, it is once again very delightful to see how Nature can diversify her simplest types. A hard, dry, almost mry slu-ub, with innumerable little branchlets strildng out nearly at right angles, and loaded with delicate little white flowers, is not exactly what we should anticipate from studying a Dock or a Knot-(!rass. Here, however, we mtty study it — an unmistakeable " va- rionun reading," as classical scholars express it, of the idea played forth in those rude and worthless ancient No. 890.— Vol. XXXIV., Old Seeim 312 JOUKNAL OF HOKTICULTUEK AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. [ October 17, 1865. Britons. The order Polygonaceie is one of those that present the widest possible contrasts, and hence is most valuable to the stu- dent. A shrub like the Atrapha>Lis is not so remote as not to be readily associated ^Yith the English weeds ; it is when we look at those odd Coccolobas in the greenhouse that faith is for a moment shaken, yet only to be made the stronger by proper scrutiny. On the one hand, tor example, is Coccoloba platy- clada, made up, apparently, of innumerable bits of narrow gi-een ribbon, sewn end to end, and bearing no distant resem- blance to many a green seaweed ; on the other is Coccoloba pubescens, a noble, single-stemmed, and erect tree, clothed all the way up with great leathery leaves more than a yard across, and terminating in an erect raceme 2 feet long or more, of innumerable flowers of the richest scarlet ! Think of that, ye whose notion of the PolygonaceiE has been formed from the Sorrel of the meadows, or of the Black Bindweed of the corn- fields. The fruit of this plant, like that of some other tropical representatives of the order, as Triplaris and Podopterus, is berry-like, and produced in bunches, whence in their native countries the plants are known as " seaside Grapes." For quickening the habit of observation, and teaching how to dis- cern distinctions and resemblances, where without it all would be confused, and more than half overlooked, there is no scie«ce like botany. It is the best of eye-salves and the most success- ful of opticians ; in a word, no learned treatise upon logic or the " laws of the miud" ever taught a man better how to use his wits than does the practical working-out of a proposition in regard to plant-structure. To take half-a-dozen species of as many different genera of a natural order, carefully dissect their flowers and other parts, and then satisfy the mind as to the nature of their resemblances and distinctions, is every bit as useful as leai-niug how to demonstrate a theorem in Euclid. A man who will accustom himself to such exami- nations, not jumping at conclusions, but considering as he goes on, and not looking to books until he has exhausted all his own resources, not oniy becomes a good botanist, and there- fore a better gardener, but he acijuires sharpness and accuracy in other things, and proves in his own experience that for mental discipline nothing yet surpasses living nature. In-doors the typical character of the garden is quite as well sustained as in the open air. Superb Orchids, though not many, expand their odorous flowers by the side of leafy Spice trees ; and lovely Bromeliads and Scitamineous plants stand alongside of the" Upas tree. This, though an unpretending, is, from the associations that fiible and poetry have connected with it, one of the most interesting plants in British collections. The leaves are ovate, about 3 inches long, pointed, and hairy, and exude so venomous a juice from the end of the petiole when gathered, that if incautiously placed in the hat for safe conveyance home, should the skin of the head be touched by the juice, the roots of the hair are destroyed, and a bald place is left ! It is scarcely necessary to say to any intelligent reader of books now-a-days,' much less to a botanist or to a gardener, that the qualities assigned to the Upas tree are in a considerable degree not possessed by it. Though the sap and products are deadly, the tree gives out no exhalation of a poisonous cha- racter, nor does it blight or affect anything in its vicinity. Death, when occasioned in the neighbourhood of the Upas, came not of the tree, but of certain efliuvia that arose from the ground, probably carbonic acid gas. The two things have no more connection as to cause and effect than the Goodwin Sands and Tenterden Steeple. Such tales do capitally, however, to horrify an audience fonder of platform harangues than of facts ; and the Upas tree will no doubt remain for ever a stock image with soul-harrowing declaimers. Speaking of it brings to recollection a deliciously comic bit I once heard at a meeting held for a serious pm-pose, where one of the speakers, not quite up in his botanical geography, dragged in once again the story of the bulb found in the hand of the Egyptian mummy ; and finished the recital by telling his audience that the said bulb, ou being ])laced in tlie earth, '• kissed by the solar beams, suckled by the dews of heaven," &c., eventually " bloomed and blossomed into a beauteous D.ahUa ! ! !" But let us retm-n to Mr. Bam and his rich garden. Never ccitainly was the KiUarney Fern, Trichomanes speciosum, grown so magnificently as it is here. There are two or three varieties m as many different boxes, with sloping lids of glass that can be lifted' up at pleasure. Nothing can exceed the transparent delicacy of the fronds, or the richness given by their abundant fructification. Many appear to be upwards of 15 inches long, with the base broad in proportion. In one of the houses I noticed another plant of the Fem aUiance, the Adder's-tongue, Ophiog'iossum vulgatum. It was not that the plant was a rarity — it is one of the " common things " of Cheshire — but it was the place, and more particularly the special companion- ship, fur who would expect to see the little green tongues of this pretty plant shooting up under the shade of an Indian Dracama, aud deriving their nourishment from the same pot of soil ! Such, however, was the case, reminding us of the ac- counts given by travellers of the vegetation upon some parts of the Himalayas, and other sub-tropical mountain ranges, where at certain elevations the flowers of Europe and of the equinoctial zone come nearly in contact. The fronds were in fuU fructifi- cation, showing along both margins of the spike that curious row of apertures by which the spores make their escape. One of his Dracicnas being too large and tall for convenient accom- modation, Mr. Bain, a few years ago, in the style of old Pro- crustes, but with more amiable intent than the famous Attic robber, tried the experiment of shortening it by a partial cut- ting through of the stem, waiting awhile till roots were pro- truded from the under surface, and then completing the work of the saw. The top thus severed made a capital and healthy plant, which is now one of the ornaments of the greenhouse. A similar experiment is being tried with a Palm, Sabal Black- bui'uiana. It has been in progress for nearly six years, and seems likely to prove successful. Should it do so, the experi- ment will certainly be a triumph for Mr. Bain, since, so far as we are aware, although roots are readily produced by the cut stems of such j)lants as Dracanias and Fom-croeas, and by those of the genus Fieus, it is rather contrary to the nature of Palms. One of the prettiest plants in the greenhouse here is Chamaibatia foliolosa. It does not often occur in collections, but is weU worth growing for the extreme delicacy of its foliage. The leaves are about 3 inches long, and something Uke Cheilanthes tomentosa, combined, if it were possible, with those of Tansy. The flowers, which though not here, I have seen elsewhere, resemble those of the common Blackberry, and soon fall to pieces ; in habit the plant is an undershrub. The general collection comprises examples of every great class and section of plants, and includes abundance of Ferns and of succulents. No one who has access to it need sigh for Kew or any other garden, for like Glasneviu, it is botanical nature brought to a focus. In conclusion should be mentioned two or three things belonging to the prodigious mass of herba- ceous and suffruticose plants in the open borders. Ephedra monostachya is a quaint little grey bush, looking as if it had existed since the time of the Bauhins, and with its tough old stem crusted with Lichens. Lobelia tupa forms a superb mass, the score of spikes of fiowers, of the richest crimson, rising 6 feet high. Androsace lanuginosa, instead of a lean and tender pot plant as I have been accustomed to see it in Lancashire, forms a great patch upon the flower-border, glossy in its beauti- ful silver-grey, and with plenty of umbels of fairy lilac flowers that seem the Primula farinosa of the Westmoreland moim- tains repeated half-size — a most lovely plant for a rockery in genial localities. Phytolacca decaudra, though coarse and un- gainly in habit and foliage, is worth growing for the very curious and noble sj)ikes of fruit that follow its insignificant gi'eeu flowers. The fruit-spikes are 12 or 15 inches in length, and seem as if formed of ripe Blackberries. Let no one who visits Dublin for the sake of seeing Glasnevin fail to reserve a day fcr the gardens of Trinity College. — Leo. FORM OF FRUIT-HOUSES. The thanks of the amateiu- gardening pubhc are justly due to " Ci. H." for so kindly coming forward to explain the system of growing fruits in houses, which he considers most pro- fitable : for though " Vitis " may fancy that he " has taken to gardening blindfold," yet, probably, few of your readers have known much, if anything, about the houses " G. H." has taken the trouble to describe, until he endeavoured to open their eyes. Probably there are some, myself among the number, who would be glad of any further infoi-mation which can be given on the subject — as, for instance, the expense of building such a house ; the system of ventilation used ; whether the fruit trees trained from back to front, and consequently facing east and west, the house being south, do as well as if they were with their fronts towards the south ; whether the sun would not strike more powerfully on the back wall if it were higher, and the roof a lean-to, instead of a span as shown in the drawing? How many bunches of Grapes would the Vines 10 feet high cany ? . Eleven or twelve only appear in the drawing ; and ou a fourteen- October 17, 1835. J JOURNAL OF HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEE. 313 feet rafter I prow twenty with ease, taking off twenty more an too mueli for the Vine. Whether there is any means of forcing, or whether sucli can bo easily applied ; whether the roots of the trees are entirely inside tlie house, and if so, whether the space would bo enough after a time for the growth of the Vines and trees ; and what kind of border is used ? I hav(! lieard, though I nev(^r saw it, that there was a house of this kind in Kew Clardens, but that it did not answer. I might also ask where one of these houses may be seen ? — Live and Lkakn. CYCLAMENS AND TIIEIU CULTURE. {Conliiitifd from jHifie 290.) Cyclamens are easily cultivated, thriving well in soil that is free of stagnant water, and which contains a (jiiautity of vegetable fibre. Soil from turves, 2 inches thick, cut from places where the ground is natm-ally dry and of a light yet good loamy nature, laid np for twelve mouths in an open situ- ation, and turned over twice, may constitute one half of the compost, and the other half may be saudy peat, such as is nsed for Heaths, not the mossy, spongy, brown peat uscil for Ferns and Orchids, and well reduced leaf mould in eriual parts, adding one-sixth of silver sand, or in its absence clean river sand, the whole being well mixed and chopped pretty hue with a spade, but not sifted. This will grow all the Cyclamens well ; but whether from usage or fancy, I invariably grow C. coum and C. europium in e(iual parts of turfy loam, peat, and leaf mould, adcUug sand if the soil appear deficient in it. The most suitable time for potting Cyclamens is when they are on the point of commencing growth. The dates of this work I find noted down as follows, taking 18.5!) as being about midway between the extreme earliest and latest dates tor tke past ten years : — C. repandum, February (ith ; C. euro- pasum, .luly 26th ; C. neapolitanum, August 23rd ; C. vemnm, August 28th ; C. Atkinsi, September 4th ; C. coum, September 12th ; C. ibericum, September 1st ; C. persicum, September 15th ; aud C. maerophyllum, africanum. robustum, latifolium, or whatever else they may be called, at the same time as C. per- sicum. These dates refer to the time Avhen it was considered most suitable to pot, and any one acting up to them will not err, though they are earlier by a fortnight than they were in the following year. I think, however, that it is better to pot early than not until the foliage or visible growth is made, for then there is danger of pulling away lumps of soil full of fibres, and this exerts an injurious effect, as the succeeding bloom will show. The soil being in good order for potting — that is, neitlier wet nor dry, or when it may be handled nicely without forming a soapy mass when squeezed, the pots to be used sliould be clean washed both inside .and outside. Let the pots of plants be taken up and the plants turned out of them. Eemoving the crocks, take away the loose soil carefully, and so as to re- move aU that is not occupied with roots. Select a pot three times the diameter of the bulb — this the eye will determine without actual measurement — crock it to one-third its depth, aud put in an inch or so of the rougher parts of the compost. At one time I used to place only one crock over the hole, and then half-inch bones on it to one-third of the depth of the pot, mixing also a quart of bones with every six quarts of compost, and the same of charcoal. This, I thought, improved the foliage, the size of the flowers, and their fragrance ; but whether such was the case or not I cannot positively assert, but I mention the practice that others may try it. Having prepared the pot in either of the ways named, fill it with compost so far that when the bulb or corm is placed thereon its crown may be level with the rim of the pot, and precisely in the centre. The bulb being properly placed, fill roimd it with soil and ]n-ess gently down at the sides of the pot, so as to fix it tolerably firm, but not very tightly in the soil, and leave a space of about half an inch for watering. 'Water hghtly, and stand tlie pot in coal ashes in a cold frame witli the lights facing the north, for though we want Ught the scorching rays of the sun are not required just now. If the pots be plunged three parts down in coal ashes, and their rims be from 6 to 9 inches from the glass, they could not be better placed. From the 1st of June to the 1st of October, the lights are only to be put on when heavy rains occur, and then air mjist be given by tilting back and front. Coddling jdants under glass for any length of time will not answer, and Ciyclamens are the last to be treated in that way. They will not require much water, but it should be given copiously and seldom, rather than in driblets and often, and this so as to keep the soil healthfully nuiist for the roots to run in ; for if the soil is dry growth ceases, aud if it is saturated with moisture the flowers are poor and few, as tliey damp off at the surface. From October 1st to June 1st the lights may be kejd over the plants when the air is frosty, wet, and foggy ; but when it is dry and mild, aud t!ie external tem|)eraturo above 11)', they should be drawn down ; yet cold cutting winds must be guarded .-igainst by leaving the lights on, tilting tliem at the opposite point from which the wind blows. When the air is cold, but not frosty, a little air will bo of service ; but when frost prevails the frame should be shut close, and protection of some kind, as mats, straw, or littei-, jilaced over the glass to keep out frost, the sides of thi^ frame being banked up with ashes, or what is better, dry litter. When the weather becomes mild remove the covering, but do not expose the jilants to light until quite sure that they are completely thawed ; it will, however, be better if they are not frozen. During tlie winter the frame should face the south. " But 1 have a greenhouse," some one says, " and I can do without nil the bother of covering up, &c." That is all very good ; but many have not the means to run up a greenhouse, and yet are fond of llowers in winter. Cyclamens, however, can be bloomed in a sunny window, .the plants being gi'own in a cold frame as described, and when they commence flowering it is easy to remove any plant to the sitting-room, where they will bloom finely for weeks, care being taken to keep the soil moist, and the plants in the lightest situation. Those who have greenhouses will find it an easy matter to remove the plants as they come into Idoom from the frame to the shelves, or any other light airy position in such structures. One gi'eat advantage of growing these plants in pots is their portability, aud another of some importance is that one-half of the plants can be taken into the greenhouse a fortnight before the others, and this gives an earlier bloom and a longer continn- anee of it. The plants should not be removed from the frame to the gi-eenhouse luitil the flower-buds show themselves. In the greenhouse they ought to be placed as near the glass and points at which air is admitted as possible, so as to have the advantage of both light and air. Water is to be given copiously when the soil shows that it is required, and slightly sprinkling the leaves with water at the same temperature as the house will be of benefit in freeing them of dust ; but it must be done only on bright mornings, air being given immediately .afterw'ards, or the leaves and flower-buds will damp off. A free circulation of air, all the light practicable, with a temperature of from 40° to io" from tire heat, are the essentials of Cyclamen culture in heated structures ; close, warm, dark situations are their de- struction. ^Vhen the plants show signs of the foliage decaying water should be gradually withheld, discontinuing it altogether in about a fortnight ; the pots may then be plunged to the rim in an open but not sunny part of the garden. It is, however, a much better plan to plunge them to tlie rim in coal ashes in a cold frame, where they can be protected from heavy rains, but at other times enjoy gentle showers and pure air. Keeping the roots dry for a period of three months or more is injurious, and brings on that sicldy condition which is never prolific of bloom. Cyclamen persicum is decidedly a half-hardy plant, but is best grown in a frame in autumn, until November, when the plants may be removed to a greenhouse, and kept there until the foliage decays. They may then be placed outside, for the extreme drying process is very pernicious to their well-doing. Although it may be desirable to grow a number of specimen plants in pots for the decoration of gi-eenhouses, conservatories, drawing-rooms, &c., on account of their being so handy, yet in this way they are not half so effective as when grown in masses. They are, indeed, magnificent when grown in pans, from 1 foot to 1 foot 6 inches in ihameter, and G inches deep. These should be drained perfectly, and filled with soil to within an inch or so of the rim, rounding it slightly in the centre, but not more than an inch or two. Place the strougest bulbs in the centre at double their diameters apart, and jireserve the same distance from the sides of the pan. Put soil round the bulbs so as to cover them about half their depth, and then bring to a level with the cro^vn with cocoa refuse, aud let it be old or nearly reduced to mould. In default of this its place may be supplied with some of the comi)ost passed through a half-inch ridille. Grown in this way the smaller kinds, as C. Atkinsi, vernuni, ibericum, and coum, so very interesting when in pots, foim truly splendid masses ; such usually produce from 314 JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAJIDENEK. [ Oetober IT, 1865. three hundred to five hundred blooms in a season ; and I have the authority of an enthusiastic cultivator for a pan of C. Atkinsi, 18 inches across, giving 987 blooms during the first three months of the year 1856. Growing Cyclamens in pans is the next best jjlan to growing them in frames ; but in the latter they are not so handy for decorative purposes. We may grow them in pots singly, in pans by the dozen, and what is to hinder our having them in frames by the square yard, so that handsful of flowers may be gathered every morning all through the winter ? Nothing, if only there be the convenience and requisite number of bulbs at command. Some twenty years ago, when gardeners knew how to grow such plants as these in addition to minding bedding stuff, and knew how to keep up a succession of bloom in their gardens all the year round, I remember seeing them grown in frames in the same way as Neapolitan Violets. Since then I have grown them planted out in frames, and I do not hesitate to state that they never do so well as when grown in frames or low pits ; then why not have them not only in pots and pans for decorative purposes, but also in frames for gathering from for bouquets ? Suppose we have a two-light frame of red and white neapoli- tanum, another of ibericum and vernum, another of coum and Atkinsi, and one more of persicum, with a hot-v.-ater pipe along the front just to keep out frost, and to enable us to gather them earlier or later as desired, we may have red and white neapoli- tanum in September and October, or even in Novemljer ; iberi- omn and vernum will keep up a succession until .lanuary and February, by which time coum and Atkinsi will come in, closely followed by persicum, and thus we have Cyclamen blooms from the 1st of October (and a month earlier if desired, by adding a one or two-light frame of europfeum, which is sure to be a favourite on account of its fragrance), up to the last week in April. The mode of proceeding which I would recommend would be to choose a sunny, sheltered, and naturally dry situation, to lay without moitar just two courses of bricks, on which the wooden-frame is to rest, and along the front put a four-inch hot-water pipe within the frame, and then two courses of bricks. Fill the bottom of the frame or pit level with the top of these two courses with rubble, and then lay two more courses of bricks on these to keep the compost from the pipes. On the rubble place a few inches of the very rough compost, and then sufficient compost to raise the bed 9 inches deep all over, sloping it from the back to the front, and if the frame is of a pro]jer depth the surface will be exactly 9 inches from the glass. If there are no frames it would be better to do mthout them, and build the walls of brick, making that in front 1 foot high, and tlie back waU 2 feet in height, with wall plates on them, and the usual woodwork of pits. Beneath the bed a foiu'- inch hot-water pipe might be placed, with the rubble over it, not that Cyclamens need bottom heat, but to be ready for Melons, or other plants reqiiiring it. All that would be ne- cessary in this case would be a two-inch return-pipe, with stop- cocks to turn the water into the pipe beneath the bed or not as required. Such pits may be planted with Cucumbers or Melons in March, and these will have yielded a sufficient return by the beginning of September ; at all events. No. 1 frame or pit must be prepared and planted with Cyclamen europium by the last week in July, planting them 6 inches apart every way, and in quincunx order, %vith the crown just level with the sur- face. After planting give a gentle watering, and in a day or two mulch the surface with half an inch of cocoa refuse, or the sifted compost. Water will not be much needed in August, but it must be given when required. The lights should remain off day and night, except when hea\'y rains occur, when they must be drawn on, admitting air, however. No. 2 pit should be made ready and planted with Cyclamen neapolitanum, red and white, by the third week in August; No. 3, with C. vernum and ibericum, in the last week in that month, or in the beginning of September ; No. 4, with C. coum and Atkinsi, in the second week in September; and a week later. No. 5, with C. persicum. All should be planted at the same distance apart, except in the case of large bulbs, which must be allowed more space, and the reverse as regards those which are below the oriliuaiy size. If the soil is moderately moist it will not be necessary to give more than a gentle w-ater- ing to settle the earth about the plants, and if it is dry bring it into a moist state by gentle rains or gentle waterings, drenching showers and soaking waterings being injurious to Cyclamens. Afterwards give gentle waterings in the absence of showers, and a gentle sprinkling overhead on dewless nights, but little of this wiU be needed after the middle of September. As to air, they cannot have too much, provided frost and cold rains be excluded, and even then a little air wiU be of service, for a little heat in the hot-water pipe will prevent injury from frost, and allow of air being given during damp weather; the flowers, too, may then be gathered at all times, which is not the case when they are grown in cold frames. The heat being the same in all the frames may be considered an objection. Such, however, is not the case, for the tem- perature may be kept down by giving more air to plants which have done blooming, and the foliage will be matured all the better if not frozen. It should be borne in mind that the hot- water pipe is not intended to stew the plants, but merely to obviate the necessity of covering up with mats, itc, in order to keep out frost, to dry up damp, and to allow of the flowers being gathered at all desirable times without hindrance. It should also be remembered, that when any kind ceases growing it should be kept drier than when vegetation is active, and should have more air, though Cyclamens can scarcely have too much of this. All of them, however, will not require to be rijiened oil at one time ; C. europa^um will be the first to ripen, as it dies down in winter ; C. neapoUtanum will follow in March ; C. vernimi and ibericum in April ; C. coum and Atkinsi in May ; and C. persicum in the beginning of June. If the pits be wanted for Melons, the different kinds may be taken up when ripe, and planted in an open situation, yet shaded from the midday sun, and in this position they may remain until the time arrives for replanting them in the pits. On the other hand, if the pits are not required for other purposes, the plants may remain in them, protected from heavy rains. Grown in the above way the Cyclamens would do much better in the second year than in the first, and better still in the third ; at least, that is my experience. It may then be necessary to take them up, renew the soil, and replant. They produce seed so freely in this way, that if allowed to sow itself, the frame will soon be a complete mass of plants. The largest number I ever had from a plant in a single year was one hundred. This would be the best plan of raising plants in quantity to bloom at three years old. — G. Abbey. (To be continued.) CUTTING THE RUNNERS OFF STRAWBERRY PLANTS INTENDED FOR FORCING. Am I right or am I wrong in cutting the runners off my Strawberry plants, which I intend forcing ? I visited a friend recently, and his gardener had not cut off one of the runners, and did cot intend doing so until he put them into the forcing- house. He also told me that my gardener had quite spoilt my plants by cutting the runners off so closely, as it greatly injures the plants. [This is one of those cases which show how careful a gar- dener should be in giving his opinion, and more especially in pronouncing on the practice of others. Many seemingly diver- gent plans, if carefully carried out, will come to the same result in the end, just as you may often go by various roads to one place, and with no gi'eat difference as to time and labour. It would be a very different affair if, instead of keeping right on by one road, you made it a practice to go a bit upon one, cross from that to another, and having proceeded a little way to cross back again, and so proceed until you had patronised a portion of eveiy way that led to the place. Something equally unsatisfactory will be apt to take place in gardening if you attempt to combine into one the different parts of discordant systems. In the jjresent case we do not see why, if it be desirable that Strawberry plants in pots should have all the nmners encouraged until they are put in for forcing, they should not also be allowed to remain on them. We can well understand how the encouragement of a few runners at first will add to the strength and luxuriance of a plant, though we can also understand how by their increase these nmners will act ultimately as exhausters rather than as feeders. But again, though luxuriance and strength are desirable, these must not be obtained at the expense of the maturity of the buds. It is also of importance that the matured strength of the plants should he concentrated in the crown of the plant. This can only be done by giving the crowns all the light and air possible, and for this purpose the plants should be set far enough apart, so that the crowns may have eveij help to mature themselves, and have fruitful juices stored up in them. We adopt your gardener's practice, and cut off all the runners as they appear, October 17, 1866, ] JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 315 at least after September. Our practice, therefore, is decitUHlly diftorout from tliat of your adviser. Tlie sooner all sueli excres- cent growth is now veraoveil the bettor. We are not so iiarticular when the runners lirst appear immeiliately after potting, hnt even then little is gained by allowing them to Krow ; hut, wu think, allowing them to do so for a little time tends to till the pot sooner with roots, ami a.s soon as that is eiTccted the chief matter to he thought about is concentrating the ripened strength in the buds or crown.] HAMILTON P.VL.\CE. {Ccmchuhd from jtar/e 295.) The old kitchen garden at this place not being large enough to supply the requirements o{ such a family as occupied Hamilton Palace some years ago, the Uuke wisely considered it more prudent to make a new one entirely than enlarge the old garden, especially as it was subject to both late and early frosts, from being surrounded by high ground. It was, besides, so hemmed in as not to atTord space for the many glass structures that were wanted. The now garden is on an extensive scale, the space enclosed within the walls being 5i acres, independent of the slips sm-roundiug the walls. The site is somewhat elevated, with an inclination to the south-east ; the cast and south walls are straight, the west wall has a graceful curve out- wards almost approaching a semicircle, while the north wall is occupied with hothouses of various kinds ; the whole, it need hardly be said, are new, and constructed in the best possible manner. The north wall occupying higher ground than the rest of the garden, the fine range of lean-to vineries against it is raised 5 or 0 feet above the level of the next tier of glass structures, which run parallel with, and in front of them. The houses in the second range are mostly span-roofed, and are devoted to other purposes. The range against the north wall consists of six vineries, acd two Peach-houses, one at each end, the whole length being about 400 feet. The two centre vineries are each 50 feet long by 18 feet wide, the next two vineries on each side are about the same length, and 15 feet wide, and the Peach-houses at the ends are 12 feet wide. Four of the vineries have borders heated by hot water on the most approved plan, with complete drainage, and all the requisites to success that liberality and skill could insure. The two central vineries are respectively planted with Black Hamburgh and Lady Downe's ; the former had just ripened an excellent crop of very fine fruit, and the whole were in the most robust health, and promised to produce excellent fruit for many years. As many of the Vines had been only recently i)lantcd, and had not, of course, arrived at the age for a full crop, it would have been imprudent to have allowed them to have borne too much, but what were in fruit were all that could be wished. Mr. Mitchell prefers making his borders by degrees, and although an ample space had been allowed for that purpose, the portion actually in use was comparatively small ; the rest will, doubtless, be added when wanted, but the vigorous character of the Vines was the best proof that they had all that was needful for their well-doing. The workmanship of the houses, and then- con- venient fittings, were of a most substantial character, betoken- ing the well-directed disposal of ample means. The vineries with heated borders had underneath them a hollow chamber and hot-water pipes ; and good materials, and the best J50ssil)le workmanship were ^'isible in every part, showing that what in the building trade is called " scamping," had in no instance been resorted to. The ventilators opened by well-contrived crank machinery. Between the two central vineries of this range a door and entrance- porch afford access to the garden. A good broad space for the Vine-border runs in front of the houses, and then a walk, and then another range of houses, whose bases are 4 or 5 feet lower than the upper tier, the inclination of the ground allowing this. The north entrance walk between the two central vineries, after proceeding beyond the borders and walks, leads down a flight of steps between the second series of glass struc- tures, which, being span-roofed and on a lower level, do not in the least shade the Vine-borders — an important consideration ; and on looking from the centre of the garden or elsewhere, it will be found that they do not conceal the other range. These fine span-roofed houses were mostly intended for Pines, and a great portion of them are now used for that purpose, and very excellent fruit are grown ; some of them, however, are for the time being converted into plant-houses, and some well-grown specimens at the Edinburgh International Show proved how well the treatment they hail received s\iitod them. Amongst other plants was a dense sjiecimcn of Croton picta, upwards of- 7 feet high, trained to a perfect cone, the diameter at bottom being aliout 5 feet. It was justly regarded by most people as one of the finest plants ever exhibited ; some very fine Vincas, trained ill a similar manner, accompanied it, and Mr. Mitchell seemed very justly to prefer that mode of training to any other for all iilants that could bo brought into the shaiie. Orchids were also grown in one or more of these houses, while the end ones were devoted to Peaclies. The mode of culture was dif- ferent from that adopted in the other range. A longitudinal par- tition in one of the houses was intended to make under the same roof a moderately early house, and a very late or rather retarded one ; the croj) in the latter having only the north light of the span, and the borrowed light of the central partition, must ne- cessarily be much later than that enjoying all the warmth of a summer sun ; but as the exjieriment had not been fully tested, I can only state that there was every appearance of a successful result. I believe this fine range of hothouses was built by Mr. (iray, of Danvers Street, Chelsea, and the lower range is heated by one of the tubular boilers supplied by the same celelirated builder. Mr. Mitchell informed me that it heated 5000 feet of four-inch pipe in a very satisfactory manner. I omitted to ask what was the length of pipe in the upper range and how it was heated ; but I believe it was effected by a boiler of tlie same kind. Some other glass structures had been begun, but the death of the late noble jiroprietor in the prime of life, and while various works were in progress, and the un- certainty hanging over a minority, had put a stop to these and some other works that were in contemplation. Enough, how- ever, has been done to give an idea of the princely style in which the whole was intended to have been completed ; neither has the useful been neglected to display the ornamental, for all is good. If proof were Avanting, one peep into the apart- ments of the young men will convince any one how well every- thing has been cared for ; and I expect some young gardeners will sigh over their lot when they learn that their brethren at Hamilton Palace have each a separate sleeping apartment, and that there are a dining-room, kitchen, scullery, and bath-room. Comforts like these would have made gardeners of the last generation stare, and though much has doubtless been done to amend the far-from-creditable places in which many young men are lodged, I must say that this is the farthest advance I have yet met with, and only hope to hear of the example being speedily copied in other places. The kitchen garden, with the forcing-houses alluded to, lying to the west, or rather south-west, of the mansion, and' on elevated ground, the intended approach was to have been on the east side, where large doors occupy a central position in the east wall. From this entrance the ground falls gently towards the old garden, and a series of terraces were proposed to be cut in the bank, with corresponding slopes and broad flights of steps. The latter have in a great measure been put down, but much of the terrace work remains incomplete. I believe some plant-houses were also projected, but have been delayed ; butf or the reason already stated they may possibly be proceeded with. The old garden occupies the dell at the'bottom of the hiU, and has, doubtless, done good service in its day, and is still doing so ; its sheltered situation, though exposing it to late spring frosts, is favour.able to such crops as escape that ordeal. The walls, however, were of hmited extent. It was fully occupied with various crops, all of which were well repre- sented, nothing was forgotten, and some of those which are only allowed a small space in ordinary gardens were grown on a scale that showed the importance of the place. It is never likely to lag behind in all that pertains to the improved gar- dening of the age while its affairs are presided over by such a gardener as Mr. Mitchell, who, in addition to sound practical abilities, possesses the equally impoi-tant qualities of lu-banity, and kindness of heart, and who is, I believe, at all times ready to impart information to any one to whom it may be useful. — J. EOBSON. Hollow Willows and their Tenants. — In a field beside the river at Hereford there are a number of cid pollard Willows with the queerest haliits. In one an Elder has planted itself, and while the bole is Willow, the branches are all Elder, and a tap root from the Elder passes down the hollow stump, and draws its nourishment from the earth. Another pollard bears a Rose, another a Thorn, in a similar manner ; but the strangest 316 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 17, 1865. phenomenon of all is, that some of these Willows, still crowned . by a verdant capital of branches, have their hollow boles filled by tap roots sent down by these branches themselves, and by the splitting of the rotten stump this inner system of pipes and roots comes to light. — Mauoabet Plues. ACHYRANTHES VERSCHAFFELTI— COLEUS VERSCHAFFETI— STELLA GERANIUM. Vasious opinions have been given durmg the past few months respecting the qualifications of Achyranthes Verschaffelti (commonly called Iresine Herbstii) as a bedding plant, and after hearing so much of this " new red leaf plant," I was anxious to give it a trial. A few plants were purchased, and after being placed in heat for a short time soon produced a good crop of cuttings, sufficient to make plants for one bed in the first week in June. The plants had been tolerably well hardened off, but did not make much progress for several' weeks. Being in London on the 1st of .July, my employer gave me a ticket for the Rose Show at the Royal Horticultural Gardens, at which place I saw a large bed of this new plant, and to tell the truth, I was somewhat disappointed after hearing so much of it. The Amaranthus in the same garden was, in my opinion, much superior, both in habit and colour. On my return home I was anxious to see how the Achyranthes was getting on, and found that it had made but little progress. Still I thought we might as weU be out of the world as be out of the fashion, and the plants were allowed to remain, thinking that after a little ex- perience they might do better. We have not been disappointed, the plants have been regularly pinched in, and have made quite a thick bed, and hkewise become more of a red colour, which is what was wanted. We have secm-ed a good crop of cuttings, and shall place some in stove, gi-eenhouse, and cold pit. A stove or wai-m greenhouse will, I expect, be the best place for them. The Coleus Verschaiielti disappointed many as a bedding plant, and I beUeve there are but few who use it extensively at the present time. The best beds of it that I ever saw were at Shrubland Park, last year, under the management of Mr. Blair, and "taking a leaf out of his book," we planted a bed very thickly ; this has done well all the season, and is one of the best beds in these gardens. Mr. Fish has lately said that Geranium Stella is " Al " with him. We call it our Al, for it is undoubtedly one of the best Geraniums, if not the very best, that ever was introdirced. The only drawback it has, is that its flower-stalks are rather too long. We have been fortunate in raising a variegated Stella, and if it should bloom as weU as its parent, it will be " a Stella indeed." — John Pekkins, Tltoniham Gardens, Siiffulk. PEAR BLOSSOM IN OCTOBER. The long-continued summer is now at an end, and here in ■ Lancashire, at least, the rain which has for many weeks past been so tiying a necessity, is falling in abundance." The bedded- out plants, as a matter of course, are rapidly losing their bright- ness, and even the cheerful Michaelmas Daisies, which in the [ south you call by the pretty name of " Farewell Summer," have been so di-enched and battered that it is questionable if they will recover the condition they were in on Satiu'day. The bloom is by this morning (October 11th), entirely beaten away ; but it may be •.. orth while to place upon record, that on October 7th, 1865, two Jargonelle Pear trees standing in a garden at Coley- hurst, not more than a quarter of an hom-'s quick walk from the Manchester post-office, were perfectly white with bloom, just as in April. To see a few flowers, or even a branch or two at the close of a fine season like the one we have just enjoyed, is, perhaps, not very unusual ; but fora whole tree to be covered with bloom, is, I thiuk, quite exceptional. The first excla- mation on seeing it was naturally, "No Pears next year;" but on examining several twigs, it appeared that only a por- tion of the flowering-buds had thus prematurely expanded, and that plenty remained to give promise, at aU events, of a crop of fruit in 186C— whether to be fulfilled or not, will be : known in twelve months. The trees are situated in the immediate neighbourhood of j some dye works, the warmth of the atmosphere caused by which, and possibly some of the chemical matters cast into the 1 air may probably have had something to do in inducing this j remarkable precociousness. Independently of the existence of unexpanded flower-buds, it is quite likely that the splendid autumn we are now passing out of, will have so ripened the wood of these, and of other trees that may have similarly bloomed elsewhere, as to give them strength and impetus to develope new ones. The organic bases of which leaves and flowers are composed are primarily alike, and it is quite con- ceivable that on the same principle that plants " run to leaf," w-hen over- saturated with moisture, here there may be a suffi- cient tendency in the contrary direction, owing to the fine season and its effects, to compensate the loss caused by the production of flowers in October. I have noticed in many places, Strawben'ies in fuU bloom. In one garden, I thiuk near Bristol, the bed was covered with flowers, and the same is the condition of things rather ex- tensively with the wild Strawberry of the hedge-banks. Very pretty was it the other day, dm-ing a long walk in the lanes of Derbyshire, to note the white circlets of this Uttle favourite, and how sweet and unaccustomed a contrast they formed with the azm-e beUs of the round-leaved Campanula. What an amazing quantity, too, this season of red berries in the hedges ! The Hawthorns bend their branches with the load, and the great clusters of the wild Rose heps stand so erect and proud, and shine so brightly in their vivid vermilion, that in its de- cline the plant seems to eclipse even its own summer. How glorious, too, this year, the Acorns and the Chestnuts. Surely that beautiful passage in the seventh Eclogue must have been penned after such a season at that of 1865. — Leo. Theee is now (October 7th) in the garden of Mr. Hall, linen- draper, High Street, Stoke Newington, a Jargonelle Pear tree in full bloom. It ripened its fruit in July, and is now bare of leaves, but the blossoms are as abundant as if it were spring, and apparently as well developed. — A Subscribeb for Many Years. PREPARING STRAWBERRY PLANTS FOR FORCING. I have a number of good Strawberry plants which I am pre- paring for forcing, but have no better forcing-house than a vinery heated by a flue, and which cannot be started very early ; I therefore propose making up a slight hotbed about the end of January, but fear the roots would be injured by much bottom heat. I presume I may place boards for the pots to stand on, and remove the plants into the greenhouse vinery just before they come into bloom. — A Gardener. [You cannot do better, but decideiUy use the boards, and give plenty of air at first. After the first fortnight you might place a few leaves between the pots, to give these a little more heat, but it is safest not to let the pots be more than 2° or 3" higher than the atmosphere in Januars'. Farther on in spring plunging the pots in a mUd heat would do no haim. If this is done early, rooting and foliage are more apt to be encou- raged than flower-trusses. We generally start our succession crops in frames. Even a cold frame is better than no other assistance.] KNFS'ES OF MOWING JSLiCHINES. In reply to your correspondent "Verax," as to the best method of grinding the knives or cylinders of his mowing ma- chine, I find that a piece of grindstone laid flat below the machine instead of the ledger plate, answers the puqjose very well. Care must be taken to turn the crank of the driving wheel so that the cutter revolves in a contrary direction to the way it does when cutting. Also, it is of the greatest importance to have the knives a Uttle higher, or convex in the middle, so that the point of contact with the plate may be easy, without causing a giating noise. When using emery, the emery ought to be shaken well on to each end instead of the middle, as is done in most cases, and which often causes the machine to get qmte out of order, as the middle of the cylinder becomes concave, and only the ends touch the ledger plate, causing the machine to make a noise without cutting at all. — George ROTHNIE. Having noticed a letter signed " Verax," in your last week's Jortmal, we take the first opportunity to state, that all the cutters of our machines are properly tested before being sent out, and that we guarantee them to give entire satisfaction ; if not, they can be at once returned unconditionally. 2iidly. The October 17, 1865. J JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 317 cutters fitted to our machines never require to be taken out to be either ground on ii stone or with emery. They are made with steel on each side, and when they become blunt by run- ning one -way round, all that is necessary to be done is to reverse the cylinder end for end, which brings the opposite edge of the cutter on to the bottom blade, and the machine will then cut as well as when scut out from the manufactory. This can continually be repeated when necessary, and can be done in a very few minute.s by auy person using the machine. Thomas Oueex it Son, Leeds, London, Lioer2>ool, uitd DiibHii. DUBLIN INT10UX.\TrONAL SHOW OF FRUITS AND YEGETABI,KS. The Executive Committoo of the Dubliu Exliibitiou liaviiig made nrrftugementa to hold au International Show of fruits, gourds, vegeta- bles, cereals, and other agricultural produce, it was ojiened to the puh- lic on Tuesday the 3rd iust.^auil, as a iirst eSort, was attended with considerable success. The fruit was displayed on a nearly continuous Hue of tables, about 4J feet in breadth, and extending nearly the entire length of the gi-eat southern trnnsejit ; the roots, cereals, and other agricultural produce being disjdayed under the colonnade in the garden. With regard to the Show, it could scarcely be called international, inasmuch as in the department we are about to notice there was only one foreign exhibitor, M. Cappeuick, of Ghent, and three from Eng- land, the principal being Mr. Clmrles Turner, of the Roy.il Nurseries, Slough, near Winilsor ; T. W. Swannell, Ks.]., of Beilford, and another whose name we did not ascertain. The display, therefore, was .almost eutil-ely confined to Irish m'owers, who came out vciy creditably indeed^ more especially in what may be strictly called the pomological section. Even the Irish exhibitors appeared, wo regret to say, to be almost altogether confined to parties resident in the metropolitan county ; outside it the credit of Leiuster was only maintained by the eountaes of Wicklow and King's County. The northern and western provinces were entirely unrepresented, as far as we could see, and the southern province by one only, Mr. Unthank, of Limeriol;, and by him very creditably indeed. It is to be regretted that the provinces and the sister islands were not more largely represented ; but. as previously obsei*ved in this journal, we fear the mducements offered were not sufficiently liberal to bring exhibitors from the other side, or even from any considerable distance at home. Having said so much, we will now proceed to details, following the arrangement of the schedule, beginning with collections, premising that for the prizes offered for collections from hoi-ticultnral societies, pubUc gardens, and the colonies there was no entiy. For collection exhibited by a fruiterer, the only competitor was Mr. Lambe, of Grafton Street. His collection was tine, varied, and extensive. Among its more noticeable features were very excellent Queen Pines and fruit of the Cactus, the latter ver^' large and fine, in this couutiy a rather unfrequont addition to the dessert. He had also specimens of Salway Peach. Of collections from private growers there were two — one from the gardens of the Duke of Leinster, the other from those of Thos. Hutton, Esq. The former deservedly obtained first honours ; Mr. Hutton second. The collection from Carton comprised White Muscat, Bhxck Hamburi^h, and Lady Do\nie"s Grapes, the latter very hue. Peaches fChaucellor and Galande), Bro'mi Ischia Figs, Pears (Beurrc Bosc, Marie Louise, Flemish Beauty, and Louise Bonne of Jersey), Plums (Reine Claude and Coe's Golden Drop), Medlars, Citrous, very fine Quinces, and Princess AUce Melon. In the class of twelve Dessert Pears there were five entries, the first prize poiug to M. Cappenick, of Ghent, for a veiy fine lot, jnade np of the following sorts : — Colmar d'Aremherg, Beurrc Diel. Poire M. le Cure, Nouvelle Fulvie, Calebasse Bosc, fine, Beurrc de Ranee, very large and fine, Beurre Clairgeau, a very handsome fruit, and Dnehesse d'Angoulcme, extremely large and fine; the names of one or two we could not come at. The second prize was awarded to a veiy excellent collection from the gardens of the Chief Secretai-y, Pho?nix Park. In this fine lot Beurrc Bosc was particularly fine, also a very handsome light-coloured Pear, named Pius IX., said to be of gi-eat merit. The manner in which the coUections from M. Cappenick and Mr. M'Keill were named was particularly neat and satisfactory, as was also that from the gardens of the Hon. Major Bur^', whose collec- tion was next in merit. In his lot Calebasse Tougard was vei-y pretty ; it was much paler, but still it looked very like Bon Chretien Foudaute. He had also Williams's Bon Chretien, very fine, andBeuLrre Goubault remarkable for its singularly mottled sui-face. In the class of six dishes there were three competitors, the Chief Secretary taking the lead with very fine specimens of Beun-e Bosc, Marie Louise, Lonise Bonne, Dnehesse d'Angouleme, and Gausel's Bergamot. In the class of three dishes there were six or seven entries, the first honours being deservedly won by Mr. Charles Turner, of the Royal Nurseries, Slough, near Windsor, with admirable specimens of Beurrc Diel, Beni-re Clairgeau, and his famous British Queen, seen for the -first time here on this occasion. 1 In the class of Dessert Pears, single dish, there were eight com- petitors, and here all of them and their varieties bad again to give place to Mr. Turner and his Britisli (Jueeu. The second prize was won by, we thiidt, Captain Slavely, of Croydon Park, with a fine dish of Marie Ijouise. In Kitchen Pears, single dish of any kind, the first prize was awarded to T. W. Swaunell, Esq., of Bedford, for Uvedalo's St. Ger- maiu. weighing '.IJ llis. ; tlie second prize going to Mr. Unthank, of Limerick, for the same variety, weight i*i lbs. In the class of the heaviest five Dessert Pears, Charles Cobbe, Esq., sliowed a splendid and very handsome variety, Calebasse Grosse, tliu five fruits weighing just so many pounds. None of the weights mentioned above nearly approached that of the Uvedale's St. Germain I'ears wo saw exhibited at the llotuuda some years since by Sir G. Ilodson. In the cla.ss of Dessert Apples, twelve dishes, there were four entries, the first prize going to the Chief Secretarv, M. Cappenick being obliged to content himscdf with second. The first-prize lot was made up of Gravenstein, King of the Pippins, Cox's Orange Pippin, lUbston Pippin, Red Astrachan, Rcinette du Canada, Pitraastou Non- pareil. Braildick's Nonpareil, Hughes's Golden Pippin, Margil, and Ross Nonpareil. M. Cappeuick's collection was made u\> of Court- Pendu-1'lat. Reinette Blanche. Rcinrtte Grise, Calvillo Rouge, Calville Blanche d'lliver, Pomme du Vin, Belle du Bois, and Graveustcin. It would trench too much on our space to go into details of the minor classes of dessert Apples, so we proceed to the classes of baking Apples, merely mentioning that the first prize for the best dish, any variety, was won by Mr. I'uruer, with Cox's Onrnge Pippin. Baking Ai>ples, twelve dishes, two or three competitors ; the Chief Secretary was again first, with fine specimens of Echlinvale, Lord Suifield, Red Streak, Tower of Glammis, Reinette du Canada, Striped Beefing, Carlisle Codhn, Yorkshire Greening, Waltham Abbey Seed- hng. Winter Codhn, and Bedfordshire Foundling. In the class of six dishes the Chief Secretary was in the frout again, with sis of the varieties mentioned above. In the class of three dishes, Hon. Major Bury was first, with Catshead, Sauveur, and a variety whose name we could not catch. The prize for the heaviest baking Apples was won by Mr. Barlow, with Alfriston. Baking Apples, best single dish, the first prize in this class was won by Charles Cobbe, Esq., D.L., with Catshead ; the second prize going to Mr. Gough, the gardener at the Convent of St. Clare, Harold's Cross, for the same variety. Messrs. Bridgeford & Son, Lower Sackville Street, and Spafield Nurseries, Ball's Bridge, exhibited, not for competition, an exceedingly large, weU-arrauged, and varied collection of Pears and Apples, uumbei-ing over l(iO sorts, in itself a goodly show, which, no doubt, was regarded, as it deserved to be. with gi-eat interest. Messrs. Edmondson & Co., of II), Dame Street, also had a most extensive collection, including the siugiilar Bird's Nest and other Gourds, the whole vei^ interesting, and, we may add. veryneatly set up. In the classes of Grapes, the Hon. Major Buiy had it nearly aU to himself, the only other exhibitors being Mr. Cobbe and Mr. Hutton. The first of these had a dish of Muscat, and the latter a White Grape, not Muscat. The Muscats, both in the class of six bunches and of three, sho\vn by the Hon. Major Bury, it is almost superfluous to say, were very fine indeed, as the fame of his excellent gardener, Mr. Roberts, "as a Gr.ape-grower, is now so well known. He took, as a matter of course, lii'st prize in both classes. In the class of Muscats, three bunches, Mr. Cobbe was second, with bunches that were well handled, and did credit to his gardener, Mr. Helman, but they were scarcely ripe. In the classes of Black Hamburgh there was no com- petition, and Major Brnry took first prize with veiy fair bunches, but nothing like those he exhibited on other occasions this year. In the class of Black Grapes, any other variety, he was again first, \rith very fine bunches, named Muscat Hamburgh, but certainly not in shape of berry and other external points, what we know as the Muscat Ham- burgh. We understand, however, they were from Vines not on their oivn roots, but giafted on the Black Hamburgh. It is intiiesting if this has such a marked effect in changing the normal character of a variety, and we should like to know if the flavour, as well as the ap- pearance, is more or less aff'ected by it. Of Plums, there were six or seven dishes, the variety exhibited by all, with one exception, being Coe's Golden Drop. Much the finest in appearance came from the Chief Secretary's garden. In the class for miscellaneous matters, in which fruits elsewhere provided for in the schedule, were not admissible, there were five or six Melons, none of them looking of much merit, except a large and handsome-looking Scarlet-fiesh, exhibited by Mr. Turner, called the Hedsor Prize. Beyond appearance it did not seem to possess merit as regards flavour. Specimens of Red-fleshed Abyssinian Melons were exhibited in this section by Major Speedy, of the Royal Hibernian School, Phwnix Park, which were bighlv commended by the Judges. Peaches were shown by Mr. M'Neill, of 'the Chief Secretary's garden ; and Mr. C. Turaer, of Slough. The former had a verj- fine dish of Walburton Admu-able, and the latter a splendid dish of his famons Salway Peach. This last is a magnificent fruit, and beautiful eveu to look at, with its rich Apricot tint, of which the flesh, too, partakes ; no garden should be without it. The Judges, to mark their approbation in an especial way, accorded it the International Meilal. A dish of very superior Morello Cherries, and another of Red Currants, were 318 JOURNAIi OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. L October 17. 1866. also exhibited in this class, \re are not sure by whom, as, except in some cases, there were no names attft(.'hed to the cards. It is most deeii'able that at exhibitions this should not be the case, as mostly it is only those who may get the first or second prize that are known, and though, perhaps, nearly quite as meritorious, nobody knows who the owners of the other lots are. Wax models of some varit^ties of Apples and Pears, as grown in the colony, were exhibited by the Snperinten dent of the Victoria Depai'tmeut of the International Exhibition, showing in many instances what an extraortbnai-y degree of develop- ment many of our well-known kinds ai"e capable of when g^o^Tn in that distant country'. The Gourd show was almost a failure, there being only three speci- mens of home, and none of foreign growth, exhibited. The heaviest, and to onr mind the best, came from Miss Hempeustall, of Sandy- mount ; the next in merit from Glenart Castle gardens. In the way of Ornamental Gourds, the only specimen shown was one by the truly active and energetic Secretary of the International Exhibition, Henry Parkinson, Esq. In the class for Table Decorations, there were only two entries, neither, we thought, up to the conditions as laid down in the schedule. That, however, exhibited, we believe, by Herbert Manders, Kscj., was much the better of the two. He had a handsome centre of plate, with bi-anches and pendant baskets, supported on either side by Higgin- botham's crystal stands, and which he has named the Alexandra Flower Vase. The centre stand of the second was also of plate, with glass vases, of March's pattern, on either side. The tiowers at the base of both were rather prettily an-angt-d, but above there was an appear- ance of hurry and want of finish. Messr;?. Higginbotham had a great variety of stands, some with tlowers and mauy without, which we thought, though jiretty enough for their pui-jiose, gave the table a con- fused look, and detracted somewhat from the effect of the stands put np for competition. The Vegetable section did not present any features that would call for special notice, if we except the enormous Cabbages from Sybil Hill, and some other places ; these were infinitely superior to what "was exliibited in the agricultural section. Parsnips were also a feature ; the best came from Holywoodrath (Thos. Thompson, Esq.). CaiTots. too, were excellent, those exhibited by Mr. Thompson being wonderfully fine, as were also the Cardoons e:diibited by Sir. James, head gardener to the Dnke of Leinster. Capt. Stavely. of Croydon Park, exhibited a miscellaneous collection of garden vegetables. We must, for the successful comxietitors, and other jjarticulai-s regarding this section, therefore, refer to the official prize list, which follows : — Collections of Fruit (Fruiterers). — Prize, Mr. Lambe, Grafton Street. Collection of Fruit Grown by Exhibitor. — First, Duke of Leinster. Second, T. Huttoii. Esq.. of Drumcuntlra. Collection exhibited by any person not a fruiterer, and without restriction as to grower. — First, Duke of Leinster. Second, T. Hutton, Esq. Grapes, White Muscat, six bunches. — Prize, Hon. A. Bury, of Tulla- more. Three biinches. — First. Hon. A. Biuy. Second, 0. Cobbe, Esq., Newbridge. Any other White kind, three bunches. — Prize, T. Hutton, Esq. Black Hamburghs, six bunches. — Prize, Hon. A. Bury, of Tulla- more. Three bunches. — Prize, Hon. A. Bury. Any other Black kind, three bxmches. — Piize, Hon. A. Bury, for Muscat Hamburgh. Pears, dessert, twelve dishes, distinct kinds. — Fii-st, T. Cappenick, of Ghent, Belgium. Second, the Chief Secretary. Six dishes. — Fii-st, Chief Secretary. Second, Lord Justice of Appeal. Three dishes. — First, Mr. C. Timier, Royal Nurseries, Slough. Second. J. Lane, Esq. Single dish, any kind. — First, Mi*. C. Turner. Second, Capt. Stavely, Croydon Park. Kitchen, single dish, any land. — First, T. W. Swannell, Esq. Second, G. F. Unthank, Esq.. Limerick. Heaviest five fruits, dessert. — First, G. F. Unthank, Esq. Second, Lord Justice of Appeal. Apples, dessert, twelve dishes, distinct kinds. — First, Chief Secretary. Second, T. Cappenick, Ghent. Six dishes. — Firt^t, Chief Secretary. Second, Lord Justice of Appeal. Three dishes. — First, Chief Secretary. Second, Earl FitzwiUinm. Single dish, any Idnd. — First, Mr. C. Turner. Slough. Second, Earl Fitzwilliam. Kitchen, twelve dishes, distinct kinds. — First. Chief Secretary. Second. C. CobUe, Esq. Six dishes, distinct kinds. — First. Chief Secretary. Second, Lord Jiustice of Appeal. Three dishes, distinct kinds. — First. Hon. A. Bury. Second, C. Cobbe, Esq. Single dish. — First, C. Cobbu. Esq. Second. J. Cough, Esci.. Harold's Cross. Heaviest five. — First, J. Barlow, Esq., Rahcney. Second, Hon. W. Pi'oby, Glenai-t Castle. Arklow. Melons, single fruit, any kind. — First, Earl Fitzwilliam. Second, H. Manders, Esq. Plums, single dish, any kind.— First, Chief Secretai-y. Second, T. Hutton, Esq. Miscellaneous. — Bronze Medal fspecial). to Mr. C. Tin-ner, of Slough, for Salway Peach, being very superior. A prize to the Chief Secretary for Walbui-ton Admirable ; a prize to Earl Fitzwilliam for a dish of Morello Cherries ; a first prize to the Chief Secretary for a dish of Tomatoes. Table Decorations. — First, H. Manders, Esq. Second. T. Hutton, E^q. Highly Commended, Messrs. Higginbotham & Cullinan, for stand of vases of flowers. GOUEDS. Single specimens, heaviest home growth. — First, Miss Hempenstal. Second, Hon. Mr. Proby (gardener, Mr. Geddes). GAliDEN ROOTS AND VEGETABLES. Twelve Onions. — First, North Dublin Union, Dublin. Second, T. Thompson. Esq., Holj-woodrath, Co. Wicklow. Highly Commended. Marquis of Headfort, Kells. Commended, J. B. Stavely, Esq., Croydon Park, Co. Dublin. CrtiTots, twelvp.— First, T. Thompson, Esq. Second. Earl Fitzwilliam, CooUattin, Co. Wicklow. Highly Commended, T. Barlow, Esq., Raheney. Commended, T. Hutton, Esq., Drumcondra. Twelve Parsnips.— First, Mr. T. Thompson. Second, T. Barlow, Esq., Highly Commended, T. Hutton, Esq. Commended, the Marquis of Headfort. TwclvR Globe Artichokes.— First, C. Cobbe, Esq., Newbridge House, Co. Dublin. Second. T. Thompson, Esq. Six Roots of Beet.— First, J. B. Stavely,Esq. Second, T. Barlow,EBq., Highly Commended, T. Hutton, Esq. Commended, H. Manders, Esq., Rich view. Three kinds of Turnips, six of each.— First, Earl Fitzwilliam. Second, T. Thompson, Esq. Tm-nipa, six of one kind. — First, T. Barlow, Esq. Second, H. Manders, Esq. Scorzonora, twelve roots. — First, C, Cobbe, Esq. Second, Earl Fitz- william. Peas, one dish.— First. T. Barlow, Esq. Second, Duke of Leinster. Highly Commended, T. Thompson, Esq. Commended, Marquis of Head- fort. Commended, Beans of T. Hutton. Esq. Brussels Sprouts, three stalks. — First, H. Manders, Esq. Second, T. Hutton, Esq. Borecoles, three kinds, two of each.— First, T. Thompson, Esq. Second, J. Gough, Esq. Broccoli, six heads. — First, J. B. Stavely. Esq, Second, Earl Fitz- william. Savoys, six heads. — First, North Dublin Union. Second, T, Barlow. Esq. Highly Commended, T. Thompson, Esq. Cabbage, any other kind, six heads. — First, T. Barlow, ^sq. Second. H. Manders, Esq. Highly Commended. J. B. Stavely, Esq. Commended, T. Thompson, Esq. Celery, Red, six heads. — First, Duke of Leinster. Second. T. Barlow, Esq. Commended, T. Hutton. Esq. White, six heads. — First, T. Thomp- son, Esq. Second, J. B. Stavely, Esq. Endive, six heads. — Commended, Mr. Pp-a. Cardoons, four heads. — Pi-ize, Duke of Leinster. Miscellaneous. — Commended in this class T. Hutton, Esq., for Mangels of the gro^^'th of 1864 ; and a special prize to a general coUeciion shown hy J. B. Stavely, Esq. — {Irish Famiers' Gazette.) PORTRAITS OF PLANTS, FLO^\^RS, AND FRUITS. Calathea Veitchiana (Mr, Yeitcb's Calathea). Nat. ord.y MarantacetB. LfnH. , MonandriaMonogyuia. — Seut from western tropical South America by Mr. Yeitcb's collector, Mr. Pearce. An oruamental-foliaged plant, having leaves dark gi-een, with paler crescent-sbapt^d markings. — [Bot. Muff., t. 5535.) DiANTHus CHiMi-NSis, I'ar. LACiNiATUs (X.aciniated Indian Pink). Xat. ord., Caryopbyllaceje. Linn,, Decandria Digynia, — Pourtrayed to show the change produced in "the modest little Indian Pink" by continued cultivation in rich soil and selection. — (Ibid., t. 5536.) Deni>kobium tattonianum (Lord Egerton of Tatton's Den- drobe). .Vrt(. ord., Orcbidaceje. Linn., Gynandiia Muuandria, — Native of North Australia. Flowers white, petals tipped with yellow, lip blotched with mauve. They are insignificant, but sweet-scented. — [Ibid., t. 5537.) Stachytaupheta bicolor (Two-coloured Bastard Vervain), N(it. ord., Verbenacefe. Linn.^ Piandria Monogj-nia. — Native of Bahia. Flower-buds deep purple, but changing to a greenish blue.— (I6irf., (. 5538.) Mesembkyanthemtjm acinacifobme (Scimetar-Ieaved Fig- Mangold). Nat. ord.. Ficoideffi. Llmi., Icosandria Polygynia, — Native of the Cape of Good Hope, " the head-quarters of the Fig-Marigold." Flowers 4 inches in diameter, purpUsh lilac, —{Ibid., L 5539.) Dexdrobium Johannis (Mr. John G. Yeitch's Peudrobe). Nat. ord., Orchidaccie. Linn., Gyuandriii &Ionaudria. — Native of the northern coast of AustraUa. Flowers piu-plish brown, ex- haling a honey smell. Insignificant. — {Ibid., t. 5540.) Epidendrum vitkllinum MAjrs. — A large and brighter-co- loured flower than the parent species, E. A-itellinum. It is in the possession of Mr. Yeitch. — {Floral Mag., pi. 261.) Cyclamen europ-eum Peakeanum. — Collected by E. W. Peake, Esq., during 1859 in the south of Em-ope. Its remarkable features are being evergreen, constantly blooming, and its flowers fragrant. Colour- deep Hlac. Leaves heart-shaped, and with an irregular band of very pale green on their upper ^^XT' face.— (I&u/.,iJ^. 262.) Allaman-da Hendersonii. — Imported from Guiana by Messrs. A. Henderson & Co., Pine Apple Place, from whom it was purchased, and will be exhibited by Mr. AY. Bull, of Chelsea. " The largest-flowered orange-yellow AUamanda known." — {Ibid., pi. 263.) PicoTEEs.— il/i;ton, white, broad-edged with pui-phsh lilac. Raised by the Eev. C. Fellowes, Shottesham Rectory, near Norwich. Mrs. Fisher, white, with very slight rose edge. Raised by Mr. Taylor, Oxford. They are for sale at Mr, 0. Turner's Nurseiy. Slough. — [Ibid., pi. 264). Anthcrium Scherzerianum. — *' The genus Anthurium, one of the Orontiaceie, is remarkable rather for the beauty of itfi fohage than for the showiness of its inflorescence. Some spq- October 17, 1863. ] JOUENAL OF HOBTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. 319 cioB of rcoont introduction, as, for example, Authnrium cordi- foliuin,