rm \m'f% il^.* m ^ . ^ 7 ) 3 ^'.■' '\\A '-. ■•■ift. ■my -J S^^m - ^ V ' ^^>^\ ^^ X \ fQ/u !^^^^^^^^' J r ^'^,' V rc^ ^ ^■jiAMjSjS' ^t j&^. '^/^y r ■'A •/"■■ \t&\^i v.,^. \0OAn. '^^ 'm^^^m. ^^% \ C AN :/^f^'^^l ■'^.o "^nri;^' «l>«1^iE«E%Ki ^nnnnn^^ ^-;.^fn^y ^-^^ THE JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE. COTTAGE GARDENEE, Asn COUNTRY aENTLEM^lSr. A MAGAZINE OF GAEDENING, RURAL AND DOMESTIC ECONOMY, BOTANY AND NATURAL HISTORY. CONDUCTED BY GEORGE W. JOHNSON, E.R.H.S., and ROBERT HOGG, LL.D. THE FRUIT AND KITCHEN GARDENS, by Mr. J. Robson, Gardener to Viscount Holmcsdfile, M. P.. Linton Park; and Mr. T. Weaver, Gardener to the Warden of Winchester College. THE FLOWER GARDEN, by Mr. G. Abbey. Stansty HaU ; and Mr. J. Wills, Gardener at Huntroyde Park, Burnley. STOVE, GREENHOUSE, and WINDOW GARDEN, by Mr. R. Fish, Gardener, Putteridge Bury, near Luton. FLORISTS' FLOWERS AND FLORICULTURE, by the Rev. H. H. Dombrain. GARDENING CALENDAR, by Mr. William Keene. POULTRY-KEEPING, by Mr. J. Baily, Rev. W. W. Wingfield, E. Hewitt, EBq., and other well-known contributors. BEE-KEEPING, bv H. Taylor, Esq.; T. W. Woodbury, Esq.; " B. & W. ; " and Mr. S. Bevan Fox. HOUSEHOLD ARTS, by the Authoress of "My Flowers," and others. LIBRARY NEW YORK BOTANICAL CiAkDEN. VOLUME X., NEW SEHIES. VOL. XXXV., OLD SEBIES. LONDON: PUBLISHED FOR THE PROPRIETORS, 171, FLEET STREET. 1866. 9ou>. , Y^Ks- mc LONDON : PEIKTED AT THE JOnENAL OF HORTICULTURE OFFICE, 171, FLEET STREET. TO OUR READERS. We have seen a ballad, whetlier a plagiary of "Chevy Ohaco," or "Chevy Chace" a plagiary of it, we leave to your determination — for you will recollect how often the ancients have robhed and forestalled us — saying things we should have said, and doing things we should have done, had they not thrust themselves in before us. The ballad begins thus — " CtocI prosper long our noblo Queen, Our flowers, and fruits, and all, A Show of which was lately seen, Called ' International.' Sir Wentworth, sturdy knight, was there ; Sir Daniel, brisk was he ; And Moore, and Hogg, and Masters too. Each busy as a bee." The ballad then in detail, fuller than this brief page will admit, proceeds to enumerate the floral forces marshalled under various leaders — " Proud Orchids led by Veitch, were there, And Eoses, led by Paul ; Azaleas by Turner — but We cannot name them all." The hard then changes the scene to the Guildhall, describes the feast, and goes on to observe — " The banquet o'er — the guests all gone — The servitors away — And aching heads bemoaned next morn What stomachs did that day." The ballad does not, as might be expected, there close, but goes on to record a conversation that took place when all was quiet between Gog and Magog. The latter was unable to make out who the guests were. " Lean men they were, and men of sense, With appetites so small ; Some German talk'd, and some talk'd French — Aldermanic not at all." Gog, however — evidently a better informed Giant, and certainly a good judge— enlightens his brother, and explains who everybody was. Amongst others " The Cottage GAnDENsn was here — Or Gardenees I should say : Its staff 's a legion world-wide spread. And its Editors are tway." Gog then pays us campliments which would turn our ink rud to print, concluding, as we will, with this mingling of the true and the prophetic — ' " Our masters read it — almost all : 'Tis Copeland's ' Tuesday's treat ;' Ani Mechi has it yearly down In his fam'd ' balance-sheet.' He says, ' It 's better ev'ry year, Its volumes thirty-four ; And, Gumming being once more wrong. They 'U be as many more.' " INDEX. .\berdeen PoiTLTay Show, 36,58 Acacias— for pot-culture, 229 ; pubea- cena not flowerinft, 316; dealbata unhealthy, 353 Achillea Clavennrp, 389 Achiinenes— seedlmKs, 12; culture, 41 Ai-'rides odoratuni ttpotted, 316 jEschynanthus splendens, culture of, 353 Air-givinff, 149, 407 Alocasia metallica culture, 333 Allotment pardeninK. prizes for, 286 Amaryllis seedlincB, 12 Amarantbus tricolor, 289 American plants exhibited, 432, 484 Amheratianobili8,219, 240; flowering, 161 Ammonia water in vinery, 424 AnaectocbiluB Dominii, 133 Andalueian fowls, 176 Annuals— for border, 72; a few good, 177: sowing, 207; to bloom in Au- gust, 263 ; half-hardy, sowing, 315 Anteunaria margaritacea and tomen- to33, 389 Antipodes, horticultural exhibition at. 105 Ant3 — banishing, 133 ; in orchard- bouse, 249; black, to drive away, 353 ; in flower-pots, 446 Apbelexia culture, 199 Aphis, brown, destroying, 331 Apples— trees insected, 73 ; cntting for grafting. 132 ; in orchards, 357 ; fruit gathered in January, H5 ; pips sow- ing. 94; stocks for, 124; list of, 132: Caivillo Blanche, 140; Newtown and Paradise Pippins, 228; Pommier de Paradis as a stocky 124, 255 ; on Pear stocks, 264; merits of stocks for, 369 ; on French Paradise, 270 Apricots— pruning, 316 ; not fruiting, 370 Aquatic plants for out of doors, 386 Arctotis argentea, 389 Artemisia argentea, 389 ArticbokeSj 462 Ash— training a weeping, 207 ; Black, 366 Asparagus— beia, 51; salt for, 296; for London market, 133; culture, 204 Asters in pots, 445 Aucuba — ^^laponica fruited as a dinner- table plant, 27 ; berries, sowing, 113; japonica variegata. 125 Auriculas, 123; Gem and King of the Crimsons, 440 Aylesbury drakes, distinguishing, 120 Azaleas— watering foliage. 12 ; list of, 95 ; growing prLinaturely, 133 ; now hybrid, 160; repotting. 264; tbrips on, 264 ; management of, in a room, 409; after blooming, 444; at the International Horticultural Exhi- bition, 454 ; cuttings, 462 Bala-phool, 247 Balsam, hints on culture of, 239 Bank, Roses and Laurels on. 32 Banquet at the Guildhall, 401 Bantams— overfed, 40; breeding Se- bright. 20; Game. 95, 134, 153, 172, 191, 209, 230; with Cochins, 266" Russian, with Creve Coeurs, 800. rearing Black, 374; lalling back- wards, 388 Barleymeal as food for fowls, 412 ^ Barometer, a natural, 454 i^ Baskets on a lawn, 27d JS Basswood, 366 M. Batemannia graudifiora, 2S7 Bath and 'West of England Society's Poultry Show, 446, 484 Banhinia tomentosa clabra, 125 Beds— planting circular, 8; plants for, 353 Bedding out, 207 ; plants, wintering, 85 ; notes on, 257 Bedding plants, white, 370 Bees— ''B. & W.'b" apiary, honey harvest, 19 ; dysentery, pollen-ga- thering on Chri8tmas-B Carnations, transplanting, 54 Ceanothus pruning, 446 Cedar, white, 866 ; ofGoa, 370 Cedronella cauariensis. 317 Celery— on damp soil, 132: liquid ma- nure for, 370 ; planting, 460 Centaureaa, 389 Cerastium tomentosum ani Bieber- steini, 339 Ceropegia sororia, 365 Chamber under glass structure, 112 Chamcranthemum Beyiichii var. va- riegata. 125 Cherries, 490 ; grub-eaten, 278 ; netting for, 317 ; at Canterbury, New Zea- land, 344 Chcilantlies odora culture, 346 Chickens— marking, 234, 448; hatch- ing, 234; dj-ing, 282; during cold weather, 374 Chimney, one for two houses, 248 Chimonauthua fragrana in pots, 153 Chrysanthemums— lona, John Salter, 125; Pompone, 257; new, 359 Church, heating a, 247 Chum, zinc in, 282 Cinerarias— without petals, 72 ; seed- lings, 170 ; attacked by aphides, 279 ; culture, 337 ; maritima culture, 206, Cirencester Poultry Show, 387, 410 Citron trees unhealthy, 32 Clay soil, improving, 32 Clerodendron ThomsouEe culture, 132 ClianthuB Dampieri, var. marginata, 67 Cochin-Chinas — cock's comb, 20; vul- ture hocks in, deficient in size, 39; vulture-hocked, 59, 80, 119; excres- cence in comb, 82 ; scaly legged ,212 : black, 212 ; Butf, 234 ; not laying, 300 ; pullet nesting, 374; eggs unfertile, 412 Cockatoo picking its feathers, 448 Cocks, deficiency of. 300 Cocoa-nut fibre, 248 ; exhaustion of supply, 345 ; refuse, 462 ; as a mulch, 833 371 Coleua Verschaffelti for bedding, 278 Coltsfoot, destroying, 870 Columbarian Society's Exhibition, 79 Combs, trimming, 39, 80 Compasses, beam, 259 Compost for flower garden, 455 CouRTess, Botanical, 397 ; M. De Can- dolle'B addiess, 398 Conservatories— at Kew and Chats- worth, 53; management, 54 ; plants for back wall of, 95, 353 ; plants for piers and walla of, 229 ; climbers lor, 481 Corktree, transplanting, 11 Cork and South of Ireland Poultry Show, 38 Covent Garden Market, 11, 32, 52, 71, 111, 131, 150, 169, 187, 205, 227, 247, 262, 277, 295, 316, 332, 853, 370, 886, 408, 424, 445, 461,481 ; measures at, 72 Cramp iu fowls, 20 Cream Cheese. 336 Creve Cceur— fowls, 334 ; chickens, 448 Crocuses sparrow-eaten, 72 Cropping, out-door and double, 225 Crops of fowls swollen, 388 Croquet ground, top-dressing. 132 Crossing fowls, when taint ceases, 192 Crj-stal Palace- Bird Show, 155. 174; Spring Flower Show, 220 ; Show, 361 ; Rose Show, 474 Cuba, 440, 456 . r , Cucumbers- constmcting pit for, 13 : in hot-water pit, 73 ; plants decay- ing, 73 ; soil for, 94 ; in a framCj 151 : leaves injured, 152 ; for exhibition, 206 ; culture, 220, 251, 293, 385, 42S ; culture and house, 257, 263, 346; leaves injured, 370; thick-ended, 278 ; house for winter, 291 ; diseased, 425; roots diseased, 462; dying at ends, 462 Cucumia dudaim, 143 Cupressua Lawsoniana, 440 Currants, Black, wild. 367 Custard Apple, 94 Cutbush'a show of spring flowers, 239 Cuttings— hotbed for, 112 ; removing leaves from, 229; propagating by, 262 ; frame for, 316 CjtiaMltn*. 2S, 179; jwrnicum tilonm- inc Ul. ^: DotvK oo. HI ; i>lantin.', SS8 : not KTowiuir. '•SW : potting, 46i Cymiidluin lIookeriaiiuiD.MS OTK-ruH ;vlUriiifoIiu» varlir(ratai*,2.8; colturv. :iia CjrproaM, dccidaoav, 371 DAJTonn. IN iBFlaVD, 405 DahliaH—A tew i:>'oJ Pompon, 1£S; for fxJiibiliun, 2W Duphnc inJuM mlt!ir.% ^'. ilG Durlinirt*»" 1' ^ ' Datura Di.: tap. 3il DeCanJoU.' ■' . ut. Dentin. l.i'.iin — --•- - - ■' : noMIo oult.ir.\ ■*'.-' Derbv Hir.l Show. US i», -^^fuii' I' !■; t.i.M^.icmtnretla 1^,,, „ ^^ , , ' ; cup combs In, wini; biowu, 4ti . combH black, GO; iliBlinffuinhiiiic colium,-'!. **; cock whecziuu. '>*: i^uiubK fallmjs', l"ii: surer, :SI: dlscaHctl head, SIC; u-ol dliewed, 83G; cUickoua dyint;, 371. 888 Dracama— forroa in drawmff-room, ^ , tcrminalin oulliin-, ilb Droaxht. iV-TikMl.s of.'iDO Dncklini::^ lam.-. .i3<; ; hatched ondor a hcn,33t:: ri-elcoulracU'1,374 Dncks. 13G: Manlarin. ^-4 : brccJinff. protitablo, •^■iiO; Call with Roatn, ^i: lavink' soft cpK*.i. S-W: Ayb?8- bury with Carolina**, SOU; not lav- ing, 320 ; for exhibition, 413; profit frum. 461, 491 _ DomfrlcB Ponltry Show, 37 Pang as a source u( heat, 16S Edoino roi: iiorj)EB, 12; piuxts, silvery, and their onllarc, 839 EgK-pItmt cnllurc. 152 EghiB— fowls for prodncme, 21; pre- venting suft, (»: f.-CJiii iatiou of, 3S: Bhell-ltSB, 'JJ*. 2-*i : fucunaaUnc. with- in eggs. ISO; t*.nlinK, 153; hatching after bein;^ chilled, IM; missmg, 158: deflcit'ucy of, 170; harvest, de- ficiency. 20J : Bhella, mfttcrials for, SS4; Kuatrink' hatching, 212 ; testing:, 250; voikU-8S, 2S2; not hatching, 300, 8^; butteriujr for eipirt, SOO; brokcD. hatehinc. :>:0 : U-mpcratiire for hatching, h'-nnuatin-:, tii-<;onimg piUcr.iri: uiifrrtil.- tipaiiisii. ^i-i Entoinolodcal Society's Meetings, 7, 67. 'i >l. 28:i. asi Epiden iruiu lujTiantham, C7 Epipbylluin tnincatom d-^caying. 22-^ ; irancatam liicgaus, iS21) ; root- ink'. 3r.3 Epworth PouUrv Show, 873 Ericint;llaMannii.S29 Escallunia mfii'-'-.i^iottSis. 41* Eucalyptus, hardy, 408 Each.-ifi« ;iTii-.i/,onica. 40D Eulophia riuclohtfa, 125; virena, 410 Evernrceufl, S7J; not uauoUy grown, 312 EverlastingB, Si7 Fuuntxe ui«expi^ixed,13 Ferdinanda cmincna sowing, 170 Fern case, arrancin?, 151 Fernery — foriiiini: of stumps, 12; won: Feni^. 12: fi;,'un in liardy, 446 iiardyfrom spores, :.tr. 12: scorched, ii'iio. 7S: wea!c.73: . uoG: raid after in iridisation of, 4SH; in \^.u^... winter, ■-'">: foHsU. 4'C ^, ^. FieuB elas'-ica, prcTcnt^ag bleeding 219 Fig treo^ at St. .TohnV. Ryde. SO: roughly treated. 12G: pruning and 8toTtD-ng. 5152 ; cnUort'on walls, 113 ; in pits :uid pots. 424 Vil»K-riH. Mtorius, 425 Fincfnii.iged pl.iats. bedding onteub- tropical and other. 375 Firs, plant-i under. 370 . Flora of the cirbonifcrous period. Flower bids — manure for, 11 : and ImnlTH. armncenicnt of. 301.401: planting. 462 ; border planting, 229, Flower-garden plan, 8; a winter and spring, 2S Flowers, cryatallismg. 53 Floe— chimney distant, 217 ; heating, 296 Fowls— for table, the best. IRS : feedinc: for exhibition. ISS ; stealing at ex- hibitions. 211 : \viih wwnlbn fret, 266: ulcerated eye and h"';ul. 266: pecking other's feathers, 2«'«G ; com- parativi- bcaltliiness. 317 : dying anddcnlv. 320 ; breathing with difn- cnlty, 320: food for. 820; for clay soil. 336: for confined Rpac", 336; sending Vi Antipodes. suJ-lenly Dl. 856; losii-g fcatben*. 3^^ ; fjuantity of food fi^r, 412 ; borleyiocal for, 412 Frameii, Joints of, IM _ . Fraxlnus sambuciloha and amoncana 867 French fowls. 234 Fritillaria mrlcaffns. 829 J-roRts eielu'ling, S-JO: dcstmctlTC. and protecting materials, 817 ; the late.SOa Fniit trees (rrowing under Bla". 18; met*:orolog>' of hooves for, 2. ; rf-moviuk' and planting. 2; in potH. 74; in bbiom und-r jrUitH. Ill : ni»l bearin:;. X« ; iiiiprovcin.iu of wild. 161 ; culture. 3'^: pr^ttcllng blo»- iiomson w.iUB,Rl2:8torinj,'|'r*>duce. 425 : protecing. 423 : pr.-sorvbig pru- fi : and the Inttma- lional llortioultural Exhibition, 353 Gardcnerri' Royal lit-nevolcnt Institu- tion, legacy to, 47 ; Protection iio- cictv, 1C5 Gardenia not flowering, 370 Gardening — pil',Tim*s progress, 67 ; birth ofin En'jland. 468 Garlic, deBtro>-in'^' wild. 370 Gas— confie(jnene-s of lighting con- servatory with, 42 ; conecrvitory lighted by, 85 : tar r. red spider, W: lighting a cons.TT.itory by,202: heating br, 207, 246. ?S2 Gasterias. culture of, 276 Geese eating their eggs, 336 Gclscmioin Bomperviren8f228 Geraniums— Gold L-n vanegated, 26 ; damping, 3;: ])ropagatin2 Mrs. Pol- lock, 53; Mrs. Pollock, altering, 73; calture of golden variegated, 64 ; golden and tricobired leaved ; propa- gating and potting, 94: bcddin;^, of last sfc.^aon. 221: Zonalc, (or bedding. 212: cutUncs dying. i!fi( : pLinting in Eosc circles, 353: Mrs. Pollock becoming green, 3S6 : ediring. plant- ing, 371 : window management of, 408; bedding. 436: leia'gy,4C2 Gesneras, potting, 170 Giddiness in fowls, 390 Gladiolus— cuUuro and vatieties, 101 ; seed sowing, 229; p,ipilio.257 : gan- davensis piantinc 'iiil ; Our Little Lucy, 329; mildew on. 336 Glass- edging, 53 ; plants close to, 148 Gloncestershirc, proposed Poaltry, Show in, 354 Gloxinia— seedlings. 12; after bloom- ing, 72; culture, 123; leaf-propagat- ing. 370 Gnaplialinm lanatnm, 890 Goats, time of breeding, 321 Goldfinches — food for, 20: males, breeding pied, 336 ; mules breeding, 44S Gooseberry caterpillars, destroying, 359 Goose, prolific. 500 Goslings, food for, 250 Grapes— Shan kin'--. 13. 74; prcsfrving out of doors. 2J: price of, S3; re- maining on thy Vine, 53: notes on some, 87; for market, 1'4; Esperione, 123; liempsey and Black Alicante, 125 ; seedlings sportive. 127 : in .Inly. 132; bunches becoming tendrils. 291. r33; Black Aliciintc v. Lady Downe'8,22S; colouring. 481 Grass- seeds, sowing, 132; steps, forming, 151 Gravel walks, mossy, 94 ; destroying weeds on, 151 Greenhoo«e-8lage. 12; front border uses, 51: healing a small, 132: im- perfect. 1*?7: floor, 207; adjoining, vcntilatin?. 229; flue in parlour chimney. 279: arrangement, 3T1 ; plants for cold, 461 Guano— water for Tulips, fic.. M: litjiiid matn-e, 205; 'or Uoses, 297 ; w.itor for laNvn, Slfi ; water, applying in drv weather, 409 GuUlhall Banquet, 401 Guinea fowls —time of silting. 874; incubation of, 496 Gutta pereha. oriirin. l.'l Gymuogramma chrj'SophyUa cmtnre, 27« Hants and Perl;* Poollry Show, 4G4 HuuMtn fruit. 12':. 143 Hardiu* H» of plants, 151 Hatrhink', artificial, 136 II.athH-watcring foliage, 12; repot- ting. '.'61 Heating-from back of a kitchen jlrc, : lj«mr.„- 13; by ho: water. 2tV.: a glaied | LUyofth- house, 207; virioas bonnes by ono i Lime an l Le-af mould, 54 _ . Leavts-fckelotonising. IM; ipotted 425 Leeds Horticnltural Show. 451 Lei cest*. rehire gardenn, tkuiuc. 515 Lewisfa rt-diviva. 53, 72 Light nguIafiTi'.' i.-inp-ritnre.8i '.*1W boiler! 248 ; by hut air. 2y6 Hcd.iroma tulipifenun culture, 170 H«lhl.; abdomens H-.V..I 11. S20; viiluig their vggs, 336, 8;^;; !-:iVing origs, S5t', 418; prcvcnt- 111'^. 4'v> HIS Imrdrr plants, 72 ■>in'. 191 in:: Herb Hiv. H li , Linton I'lu '•-"*.. Liouid iiiM. ! "°*L^ « Lobelias - miuw.Ia . . ]" : So- cieties in union with, Hot-water apparatus faulty, 207 Houdan fowls, S34 Hours of employment, 296 House decoration with plants, 205 Hova belia calture, 163 Huntrovde Park. 196 Hvacinihs- blooming ill. 133 ; in beds, supports for, 112: not rooting, 833; Sir U. Havelock, 866 ; in beds, 371 Ice — HAcnwE, 104; houses, 109: keeping, 13S ; preserving, 167 IC'.-pUuit culture, 112, IPS Incubator — Oooks, 74: Brindley's, 212,2if9; temperature of, 374 412 Incubation -prolonged. 158; artitlciaJ. in China, I'JO; artificial, tailing, -36 Indian Com for fowls 212 Indian rubber— origin, 161 ; tree, cnt- ting-in. 170 ; preventing bleeding, 21S; tubing, holes in, SoS Insects on plants, 170 International Uorticullural Exhi- bition and Potanical Congress, 63, 72. 165, 199. 21 S 211. 271. 3^9. 348, 3S0, 390, 3y7. 420: fruit at, 395; vege- tables, 326; implements. 396; con- versazione, 3J8; Banqutft at Guild- hall, 4*11; dinner at St. Martin's Hall. 4 2; EHtays, 436 Ipoma;a Learii pmning. !70 Ircsine HerhMii, 43,112; its uses, . ; for the dinner-table, 64 Iris rc;icuia:j, iJ6B Ivies, varictiaied, S3 : berries, sowing, 228,290; caiting,278 Japan — a\RDBNiMa ut, 44 ; kotbs FROM, J 57 .Tasmi;»e n.if bloommg. 295 Jedbiir-:! Poultry Show, 77 Jcnis-.ileni Artichokes, 248 Jonesia .isoca, 434 . „ ,, . .„ Judges and ludging In Scotuma, 154 HAmuNTiirs ftloevs, 257 Halifix Ponltrv Show, 117 Ham^urghs — Silver - Rpanglcd, 98 : lacing on winrs of Spangled, 300; eggs unfertile, 300; cniciicns. my 426 KaI-MIA UTIFOUA tK TOT9, 229 Kels.i I'.'ullrv and Bird Show, 117 Kendal I'.iultry Show, 7ft Kidr.ev Beans— Itavcs spotted, 113; bloom falling, 171; sowing, 386; Dwarf. 448 King Dick, death of. 448 Kirkealdv Poultry Show, 39 Kitchen vegetables, early supply of, 95 Kerria japonica variegaia, 4 W LAnorn power, hebdlts of defi- cient, 443 Lwlia— crandis, 67; pnrparata cul- ture. 132 La Fb cbc fowls, 334 Langton.iea LaiJivuriu rosea starting. 151 Larks. re:iring \oung, 466 Laurels, rlanting. 54 Laumsiinnses, pruning recently- planted. 73 La-.vn -la vine down. 13'- te n-driSsuiT With sand, 54; grass Bc-fos fjr. 54 : manuring, 112 : renovaung. 151 ; DaiRies on. 264, 446; management i of, 331 ; making, 419 Mevenia crecta - nlture, 817 I Mice eating Cabba,'e planu, IW MicrocachrvB tetrad ma, 865 Middlesex, botany of, 148 Middleton Bird hiiow. 135 Mi.Tionette eow.ng in a greennouae, iA ; growing' in puts, 445 Mildew— conveyed by clothes, IBS, on Tasmanian Apple trees, 451; Moles, banisliing. 44 Monoch.ximn enhiiemm cnuure, ff(» Morello Cherrj- 1 runmg. 223 Moss on a lawn. dcsinijiJag. 247 Moths, killing lor sp cimens. 44» Mowing macliine, -.vhcn to use, 371 Mulherry propasa ion. 425 Musa C-.'.vendlsliii culiore. C5; vittata fruiting, 66, S4 . . ^i __ Mashrooms-l^ds. 50: ont of doOTB, andiorcinginpois, C3: mpot9,iw, beus fiiumg. 2.9 ;hatiuK house, 229, beds unproiiuo.iv.-, 317 Mnaeenda luieola, 3iJ MyraipbyUiun aapura^oides, VO ! N'ahbs op FOWI.8,153 Nanl^vieh Poultry Show, U* , NaUl, trees for. 133 Neciurine blossoms falling, aii ' Nerine Folhergillii. 2^7 , ^ .. „ Ncr^'ous svstcm, a nbcck to tne,&8 Nesuoh diJaponi culture. U New Zealand — horlicuUural exni- biiion in. 4JS ; v.-getation, 419 ; gar- dening progress in, i21 ; gardening. Newport Poultry Show, 19; dottings Komenclature of garden plants, 195 , „^ North aspect, plani a for. 95 North British Culumbanan Show, Notes on the wav to the Holy Sepul- chre. MS, 438 Novelty and excellence not twins, 163 Oak— iu>oii, iNBF.CT is, 32 ; m coai. FOR«*TioN, 143; Evergreen, newly moved, 870 Oats and Barley, cniRhed,230 Odonloglossum Ccrvautesu. 4W Olea fragrans not Howering, 316 Oleander, brown sc;Je on, 263 Onion cnl'.ure. i~ ' »i_« Orange-trots unhealthy, 32 ; framngi 151: cnttinz in, -lui : synnging, 315 . T;ingierine. unfmitlnl. 333 ^^ Orcbarti-huus^ - my. 23; new, 222; in Devon,256 ; fruits in, 82&; aspect Orchids-cool culture, 25; culture in cool I. inp.:rAtures, 63 ; growing in London. S9: lor north house. 130; foraCiJCumber-hoa9C,188; for cool preenhouse, 247 ; the story of my first, 415 ^ _. ,«, Oiborn, death ofilr. Robert, 113 IHDEX. Painting wood, 47 PaJBley Poultry Show, 36 Palms— in room, ^3 ; the Oil, 117 Pampas Grass— soil lor, 318; catting down. 263 Pansifs deteriorating, 425 Pansv cattinKS, striking, 462 Paradise stocks. 162, 11% 193; and quince stocks, 143 Paris— public trardens of, 42; Exhibi- tion of 1S07, 309, 848 Parrot, tamiuc and teachintr, 212 Parroquets— Australian Grass, pant- ing, 40; Ringed Bengal, food for, 192; food for Zebra, 250 Partridge sitting, 233 Paulowniu imperialis, 443; pi-opa- gatinp, 481 , . „ _„^ Paul's show of spnne flowers, 2i>3 Pea Fowls, incubation of, 48fi Peaches— pruner, the modem, 17, 102; tree buds falling, 1)4 ; Early Albert, 125 ; trees under glass, 185 ; falling, 329; in pots, thinnint,'. 278; stop- ping shoots, 278; blossoms falling, 317 ; growing in New Jersey, 328 ; trees shedding their blossom, 353; insect on shoot, 370; leaves blis- tered, 370. 4^:4 ; not fruiting, ?.70 ; profit from forcing, SS4 ; in New Zealand, 381; wall, height uf, 409; forcing, 423 ; leaves falling, 425 Pears— trees (bush) on quince stocks in Yorkshire, 21; Chaumontel in Jersey, G3 ; notes on. (if. : Reurre d'.Ynjou, 67 ; Mathews's Eliza, 74 : pips sowing, ii4 : list of late, 132 ; on quince stocks routing, 193; scions, emitting roots, 17U ; rooting, 216 ; merits of stocks for, 269 : trees in orchards, 357 : Van Tilon;* Leon Leclerc, 366 ; in New Zealand, 381; profuse shoots of, 446 ; hlooni on young wood, 463 Peas— KssexRival. 66,162,263: of good quality, 112; May to Ocluber. 124; green 'now selling, 171; presen-ing green, 206; succession oi, 228; wire netting for, 278 ; protecting irom pheasants, 293; under glass, ^51 Peat soil for deodorising, 138 Pelargoniums — temperature fur, 12: from seed, 72 ; leaves mildewed, 73 ; seedlings culture, 84 ; stopping and potting, 227 ; peltatum elegans, 329 ; i-unning to leaf, 353 ; stopping. 353 ; Lord Lyon, 416 Pens, size of, ti8 Peperomia maimorata, 329 Peristrophe lanceolaria, 257 Petuni a, G iant ^^^lite , 207 PhaljenopsJs grandifl.ora,leaves soften- ing, 21S Pheasants— dving, 20; SUver, laying, 233; Golden, 300 Philoperisteron Society's Show, 35 Picea Nordmanniana, seed sowing, 207 Pick-boxes, beware of, S34 Pigeons— Siberian Ice, 8(. ; Dragoons, 119; Dragons white-rumped, 134; keeping, 136 ; sick. 158 : Dragon. 173, 232, 298 ; lormer writers on, SlU, 355 ; Powter cock ill, 212 ; wliite-rumped, 231,265; distinguishing sex, 250 ; the various Carriers, 281; diseased, ic, 466, 486 Pigs, feeding with buttermilk, 120 " Hnacea," 440 "Pine-Apple, Practical Treatise on," 241 Pine Apple— and Mr. Thomson's treatise on it, S40, 363; Queen v. Cayenne, 378 Pinks, 113 Pipes— paint for hot water. 3?. ; care required in laying, iSC ; painting hot- water, 206 Pip on chicken's tongue, 176 Pits— cold, for winter shelter, 51; altering, 114 ; the iimateur's and cot- tager b, 222; vertiU9 frames. 226; amatetu^s, 296 " Plantes a feuillage omemental," Andre's, 68 "Plantes a fcuilles omementiiles,''107 Plants —poisonous to domestic ani- mals, 98; new, 339 Plant-houses, small, 408 Pleroma elegans culture, 290 Plum, Black Damask as a stock. ;'.2 Plunging-materi;U, 279 Polychilos comu-cervi, 329 Podophyllum Emodi, 453 Poinsfctiia pulcherrima cultm-e. 100, 20O Pollen-gathering in January, !)8 Polygonum Sieholdi. 34 Pommier de Paradis. 124: stock, Apples on, 255 Pond, plants for, 462 Poppy seed for birds, 20 Potatoes, 123 ; choice and culture, 3: more about. 62 ; vagaries, 126 ; grow- ing mealy, 12S; on damp soil, 132; iorwarding early. 131; manure for, 161; varieties, 165; growing mealy, 170; estimate uf sorts, 178; for planting an acre, 206: Lapstone, 218; forwaramg, 351 : origin of Hague and Lapstone, 379 : forcing in pots, S85 Potting, 131 *' Poultry-keeper's Manual," 96, Pouluy — keeping, commencing, 20 ; profits, 76 ; its expenses and re- turns, lis, 155; Club's bhow, 84, 134; past and future. 33; shifting, 40 house floor. 82, 234 ; yard, how ma- naged, 183; diseased, 136; in small space, 176: yard arrangements, 176; crossing, 232; keeping, food for, in small enclosure, 234; journal, notes from, 249; protiuible, 280 ; shows, southern, 173, 231, 265, 297, 372 : fail- ures, 300 ; proposed show in Glou- cestershire, diseases, homceopathic treatment of, 354 ; as a source of in- come, 371 ; at Reading. 482 Preston Hall, 286_ . _^ Prices in Henry VIII's reign, SSG Pi-imulas— cortusoides, rar. alba, 67; damping-off, 73 ; fiJicifolia tlowerless, 152 ; kermesina plena and Quteu of England, 329 Prizes, plants likely to take, 462 Propagating— case, 151; house, 263; heating a small, 244 Protecting mateiials, 347 Pteris tricolor culture, 151 Pullet dying suddenly, 212 Puttying laps, 124 QrEEN SLANT). n,-, 267 Quince barren, 333 GABDEKING PEOSPECTS Rabbits— >-ETTixc. to exclche, 170; protecting from, 377 Radishes— in Potato frame, 229; Madras, 353 Railway charges for poultry, 56, 75, 113, 135, 171, 231, 24VS 2S0. 297, 334, Rjiinf all— British, 7; at Arddarroch, 64; atThwaits, 181 Raphanus candntns, 161 Raspberry — la^ciiils, 229; supports, 263 Rats, drifing a^^ ay. 170 Redbreasts in cages, 212 Red spider, 369,490; on Peaches, &c., 72 : destroying, 279, 407 Rhizophora mangle, 348 Rhododendrons— Hodgsoni, 67 .'leaves spotted, 74 : for forcing, 94, 207 : For- tunei, 207 ; raising from seed, 263, 446; Denisonii, 366 Rhubarb— on Christmas-day, 3 ; forc- ing, 30, 1S8, 229; i-unimig to seed, 73; forcing, 73 Ribbon border, aS6; border of Gera- 150 ; mL\ed, 150 RicinuB— communis for planting, 94; sowing, 170 Rochdale Poultry Show, 115, 154 Rockwork- plants for, 53 ; for shaded, 206 Rock plants for north aspect, 188 Rome, gleanings from rock and field towards, 44, 88, 146 Roses, 102, 139: something more about, 4; mulching, 11; for the northern districts, 22 ; on their own roots and on Manetti, 24 ; pruning climbing Devoniensis, 32: in pots, 53; on their own roots, 01; vary with locaUtv, 85 ; to bloom in Janu- arj-, 93 ; Baiiksiau bedded out, 112 ; cuttings of Hvbnd Perpetuals, 124; striking cuttings, 145; Roman love of, 146 : list,151 ; tree sterns^ burying, 183 : disbudding, 206 ; raising from seed, 228; for north wall, 229; for tonservatorv. 229; growing, gossip about, 253: removing standard. 263 ; guano for, 264 ; Moss, pegged down, 264: removing mulch, 264: on Ma- netti stocks, 283, 303: for pots in greenhouse, 296 ; pegging do\vn Moss, 297; Manetti stock for, 324: mildew on, 327 ; treatment of forced after blooming, C53 : mildew on, 338 ; Black Pi-ince. 365 ; Charles Lefebvre weak, 371 ; Celine as a stock, 380 ; exhibit in g-3tand for, 408 : Devoni- ensis flowers not opening, 408 : leaves curled, 446 ; liquid manure for, 446; grubs in buds. 461; green fly on. 462 : liquid manure for in pots, 462; Mrs. Ward, 469 ; Bii-ming- ham Show, 470 Rouen drake, points of, 374 Roup, 152, 212, 279 Salisbuky, pi%-e hours at, 46S Salvia argentea, 300 Sand for plant shelves, 4S1 Saponaria calabrica round Roses, 228 Sashes, fixed r. sliding, 243 Sawdust for plunging pots, 133 Scale on Peaches, &c., 113 Scilla Cooperi, 440 Scratching, preventing fowls, 387 Screens of canvas. 227 Sea-kale culture, 2i>4, 47D Season, mildness of, 45, 127, 1C3_ Seedlings— management of choice, 84: for bedding-out, 317 Seeds— required for a garden, 94 : sow- ing, &c., of choice, 285 ; and what to do with them, 821; proprietorship of home-grown, 417 ; preserving so^ti, 451 ; sown, preserved by red lead, 471 Selaginella c^esia culture, 445 Selkirkshire Poultry Show, 38 Sewage— use of house, 7 ; when to use, 72 ; Fennian system, 66 Shady place, plants lor, 333 Sheffield Poultry Show, 387, 410 Shrubs, forcing hardy, 30 Shutters for shelter, 188 Silkworms, 155 Slugs, 482; in gai'den, 73; destroying, 228 Smoke, consuining, 188 Snowstorm, efiects, 69, 138 Soapsuds, 133 Soils— changing plants on, 121; im- proving heavy marly, 425 Soot-water for evaporu ting-pans, ^9 South aspect, plants for, 95 Spanish— cock's comb falling over, 40 : fowls, 60, 300 ; cock unwell, 82 ; cock's lace lilcerated, 136 : hen nesting but not laving, 176 ; white feathers in, 266; cock's face, 282; chickens, ma- nagement of, 412; fowls plucking each others feathers. 483 Sparaxis pulcherrima, 67 Sphacele cEerulea, 257 Spinach, Purple, 371 Squirrels destroying Gooseberries ana Walnuts, 317 Stachys lanata, 390 Stink, cost of a, 350 Stocks— for grafting and the results, 214 : of fruit trees, 237 ; for Apple and Pear trees, 269 Stove — -without fine, 32; newly painted, plants in, 112 Stokeholes, 186 strawberries— forcing, 70, 93 468, 386 ; time for, 73 ; choice and culture, 144 ; plants, detecting baiTen, 105 ; cul- ture, 213, 423, 461 ; in pots, 352; Go- liath, 353 ; for east bank, 371 ; cul- ture under glass, 407 ; Keens' Seed- ling barren, 425 ; for heavy soil, 4G2 Sugar, making from Potatoes, 60 Sulphur— and lime mixture for mil- dew, &.C.. 103; and snuff for red spider, ic. 264; bellows for apply- ing. 477 Sussex flora, 162 Swainaonia magnifica, 67 Syringing, 1S6; with hot sewage, 217; plants in town gardens, 354 Table decorations, plants foe, 143* 181 Tacaonia Van Volxemii, 329, 36o Tafa-jan fruit, 126 t^ Tan as a source of heatJ'tSS Temperature-recording apparatus, 242, 289 Thibaudia cordifolia, 125: coronana, 305 Thomson's styptic, 180, 433 Thoi-ne Poultry Show. 483 Thrips destroying, 481 Thrushes, rearing by hand, SCO Ticts on chickens, 300 Tilia americana, 368 Tillandsia xiphioides, 125 Tobacco— tissue, Collyer & Co.'s, 47 : growth and manufacture, 137 : for lumigating, 187 : seed. 248 ; culture of, 270. 287, 353, 364, 416. 432, 457. 481 ; warning to growers, 323 ; a little more about, 327 Tudmorden Botanical Society, 7. 07 Town garden, plants for, 18S Transplanting trees and shrubs, 31, 233, 255 '* TreasuiT of Botany," 106 Trees — and shmbs from seeds, 13 ; owner of fallen, 33 Trimming fowls, 119 Tropffiolums — canariense, planting out, 386 ; Beauty and Attraction, 440 Tropical fruits, reminiscences of, 65; plants in open borders, 161 Trout, 2S2 Truffles andMushrooms, 305 Tuberoses after blooming, 72 Tulips— protecting beds, 34; colour- less, 3^ Tumour on Turkey's head. 192 Turf-lajing, II Turkevs, 80, '^-82: pens, 19; length of breeding, 20; the seasonable, 233; hatched under a hen, 374 Twining stems, 3S6 Veitch'3. Messrs., dejeunei^, 402 Verbenas— new striped, 67; manage- ment of seedlings, 84; cuttings, 112; Reallv Blue, 125 ; disease, 165 : cut- tings" failing, 183 ; wintering under bell-glasses, 216; culture lor bed- ding cut, 216 ; bedding, 242 ; selec- tion of, 254 ; failure of cuttings, 256 ; for plantingin a circle, 278 ; sowing, 286, 405, 415; planting, 371 Veronica speciosa training, 151 VieuBseuxia pavonina culture, SSG Vinery — roof angle, 170; pit, 188; greenhouse, 207 ; and peachery com- bined, 228; forming out ol a pit, 229 ; manure water in the troughs, 278; a lean-to, 317; management, 423 Vines— large, 8; border, renovating, 95; from eves, 13,72; culture of, 24, 162, 198. 223'. 236. 244, 252, 274, 302, 404, 481 ; fruiting in pots,33, 73 ; mildewed, 53 ; coiling in planting, 83, 141, 160, 195, 284, 304 ; breaking of, 104 ; in- cision in root, 105. 141: planting, 74, 140, 257 ; syringing, 1^ : attacked by weevils, 163; rooting branches, 165 ; borders, 168 : in gi-eenhouse and chicken house, 170 ; renovating old- 171; blood lor border, 112; hotbed on, 151; bleeding and grafting, 180; ■wintering in pots, 183 ; sjTinging, 186; for wine making, 188; re- moving from pots, 206: sap lost by bleeding. 224; training horizontally, 228; leaves spotted, 228; in pots, slopping, 236: declining, 248; dis- tance ot planting, 255; coil train- in"-, 278: in pois, coiling, 284; fruited in alternate years, 287; bleeding, 291.295; in vineries, 294; from last autumn's cuttings, 296; washing and pruning, 296; grafting, 817; preventing bleeding, 322: to stop bleeding, 343; culture of in pots. 3i4; setting. 352; inarching, 371: leaves disflgured, 387; red spider on, 462; leaves discoloured, 462 Viohi comuta, 112: culture, 122 Violets— Neaoolitan, failing, 2&1; double becoming single, 296 Vulture hocks. 119, 154, 231. 232 "Walks- WEEDS on, to desteot, 170 clipping the sides, 444 Wall— colouring for old fruit tree, 12 ; and wall trees, washes for, 32; cracks in cemented, 32 ; painting, 54; evergreen for north, 132; fruit, &c., 362 ; glazed and fined, 866 ; flued &c., 429 Walsall Poultry Show, 76 Warscewizella velata, 440 "Wash for walls and trees, 74 "Water— from greenhouse roof, 113 ; consequences of impurity, 284 ; hard for plants, 296; pipes and tanks, materials lor, 466 Watering, 459, 481: with dramago water, 333 "Weather wisdom, 26, 108. 200, 347, 469; instruments to acquire, 75 "Weathercasts.'M?? Week, work for, 9, 29, 49, 68, 92, 108,128, 147, 166, 184, 202, 224, 245, 259, 275, 292, 314, 330, 350, 368. 384, 406, 421, 442, 458, 478; doings of last, 10, 30,50, 69,93, 109, 129, 148, 167, 185, 203, 226, 243, 260, 276, 293, 815, 331, 851, 369, 385, 407 422,443,459,479 Weevil, destroying the brown, Ulceeation, internal, 82 IS FOWLS, Vaeiegation and disease, 66 Varnish, brown, for woodwork, 229 Vase plants, 180 Vegetable Marrow, 112 "Wellingtonia gigantea, 228 ; notes on, 467 Wentworth-WoodhousePoultry Show, 16 "V\'et soil, shrubs. &c., for, 152 Whitehaven Poultry Show, 57 "White plumage, why pre'er? 281 "Wigandia caiacasana sowing, 170 "Wigton Poultry Show, 2S0 ; disquali- fied pen at, 297, 311 Wiltshire Rector's grievance, 154 Window gardeners, hints to, 71 Wine— grape, 123 ; from nnnpe Grapes, 428 Wings of fowls, 234 Winter lingering in lap of May. 347 Wireworms, destrojing, 370 Woodbrdge Poultry Show, 407 ; fowls too late, 447 ; evil events at, •183 , ,,„ Woodlark management, 448 Woodlice— in diing, 54; in Fern-case, 170 ; in Melon-pitj 333 Woods, a peep at in odd places, 348, 366, 417. 440, 456, 470 Worms, destroying, 12 "Wonndj of trees, 113 Yeak, a happy new, 1 Yucca gloriosa sowing. 170 Zinc trocohs, steam raoai, 482 WOODCUTS. PACE. Apiary, my 465 Beo-hives, making straw 156 „ improved frame 265 Compasses, beam 259 Cucnmber-hooses 291, S46 EdRing-knife 451 Fig Trees at St. Johns 90, 91 „ training 413, 414 Flower*gardcn plans 8, 28, 259 Frames, joints of 184 Fnmigating-cap 217 Gas, lighting a conservatory by 202 „ heating, various modes of 382, 383 Grapes, preserving out-door , 29 Hoe, thrust and draw 329 Incubator, Crook's improved 75 „ Brindley's 299 lutemational Horticultural Exhibition, ground plan of 310 PAUE. International Horticoltaral ExhibitioD, view of 419 „ „ „ table decorations at 419 Orchid-growing in London 99 Peach Tree, pruning 48 „ cordon training 49 Pit, forcing and general 222 Poultry -rearing apparatus 75 Sulpburator 477 Temperature-recording apparatus 243 Turf beaters 450 Ttirfing spade 461 Vines in pots, span-roofed houses for 274, 275 „ lean-to house for 274, 275 II propagating from eyes 223 Walls, glazed and fined 866 „ flued 430. 481 „ solid 481 Winter and Spring Flower Garden 28 Jannary 2, 18«6. ] JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEK. WEEKLY CALENDAR. of Month Week. JAKUART 2-8, 1866. Arerafre Temperature near London. Rain in last 59 years. Sun PiiscE. I Sun Moon Sets. Rises. Moon Sets. Moon's Age. Clock before Son. Day of Year. Day. Kifiht. Mean. Davfl. m. h. m. h. 1 m. h. m. h. Days. m. s. 2 To Laurustinu^ flowers. 42.5 29.S S6.1 15 8af8 Oaf 4 4at6 2S 8 15 8 4 S W Kosemarv flowers. 42.8 30.8 36.8 19 8 8 1 4 1 14 7 59 8 16 4 Th Black Hellebore flowers. 42.3 81.3 36.8 17 8 8 2 4 ; 22 8 29 9 17 5 F Polyanthus flowers. 41.6 30.8 S6.2 14 8 8 4 4 ' 31 9 55 9 18 6 e s Epiph.vnt. 12th Di\v, 41.0 28.9 34.9 14 7 8 6 4 35 10 21 10 19 6 9 Sira 1 SCNDAY AFTER EPIPHANT. 41.4 28.6 S.i.O 15 7 8 6 4 38 11 44 10 20 6 85 8 M Stinking Hellebore flowers. 40.7 29.7 85.2 11 7 8 I ' ' mom. 7 11 ( 7 1 From observations taken near London during the last thirtv-uine vears. the averatje dav temperature nf the week is 41.7'' ; md its m ght temperature 29.9-. The greatest heat was 57", on the 3rd, 1860 ; and the lowest cold 4r, on the 2nd, 1854. The greatest lau ol ram | was 0.86 inch. • u W YC oOTANJi OAKDE NEW YEAR! d T is with many persons a cus- tom to watch out the year, ! to relinquish in a friendly way the departing guest, and to greet cheerily and trustfully the new comer. Although I had experienced a rather fatiguing day, I was determined thus to act. Undeterred by the reiterated argu- ments and warnmgs of my better half, who remarked. •' What folly ! Why, you know you 11 be asleep in a few minutes ! You areas' tired now as you can be !" I waved her away, my determination was unalterable. I would hear the old year rung out. or at least sit up till the tune when that ceremony takes place, and so I only replied — *' Eing out, wild bells, to the wild sky, The flying cloud, the frosty light ; The year is (lying in the night, Eing out, wild hells, and let him die." And yet, to tell the strict truth, it was useless waiting for oiu- village bells to ling out, as we have but three, and one of those is cracked ; so wisely we do not ring in the new year, fearing that if we commenced the operation we might fiighten liim away altogether. Left to myself, the house was soon quiet. Silence and night are the times for visions. How many persons in company together have ever seen a gho.st? The fact is that these supematiu-al beings agree with the proverb, " Two are company ; three, none," and they prefer making their visits to single gentlemen and ladies — not necessarily bachelors and spinsters, but a state of single blessedness, whether of long or short dm-ation, appears necessary to enable us mortals to make then' personal acquaintance. Determined to resist any attacks of " Nature's sweet restorer." I had ordered cotiee, and indulged in a strong cup of the refreslung beverage ; I soon was hard at work, pen in hand, indulging in some stave to be inflicted first on ■■ our Editors," and, b.y their sanction, on the readers of " oiu- Journal." My pen ran fast and fiu'iously. I could hardly believe my eyes, but the hands of the clock marked 11.4'/ P.M. 1 Was it possible'.' WeU, the pile of manu- script showed I had not been idle, and my watch agreeing as to time, I rested my head on my hand, intenduig to meditate away the remaining moments of the year. I was soon lost in a reverie. New fiiends, alas ! too frequently usm-p the place of the old : the rishig deity is worshipped. I woidd not. however, be so ungrateful to my exph-ing friend ; he had been the bearer to me of many mercies, and as these rapidly flitted tlu-ongh ray brain, I trast I felt grateful to the Giver of all good : a.d. ISG.5 would be in my diary a year of mercies and pleasant memory. And now, whether the weird influence of the near approach No, 249.— VcL. Xn New Sekies. of the first small hours of the new year, or the expirmg moments of the old, or whether these were stn\-mg for the mastery I cannot determine, but visions appeared and vanished before my mental sight with gi-eat rapidity. Remember. I was not asleep! Sirs. "Y. B. A. Z." might have been certain I was ; nay, she would have brought forward the closed eye and the heavy regular breatliing as conclusive evidence of her %iew of the case ; hut every one Imows how conducive to sound meditation is that closui-e of the lids, which separates us fi-om the material world, and allows oiu- thoughts free scope. It is, perhaps, often mistaken for sleep ; but who. I ask, is the best judge— the person looking on the closed eye, or the unconscious per- son so absorbed in thought '.' Let common sense detennine. As I have abeadv remarked, I did not, although I might have felt disposed, intend to go to sleep— of coiu'se not ! therefore Mrs. " Y. B. A. Z.'s" theorj- must go for what it is worth 1 As I had been \vriting for '• our Journal," it v,as natui-al that my meditations shoidd be on the same subject. I reflected on the eagerness \nth wlucli I haOed the weekly issue, not ueulh/. mmd you, for none of us are disposed to tliink lightlv of' anytliing in wliich we ourselves sometimes bear a part," however iosignilicant. Besides, was it not our Journal'? I seized the last Number, and scanned its con- tents, and I became identified ^ith the various contributors, and was faiilv, I presume, under some mesmeric influence. I was in a part of the country new to me. suiToimded by busv workers, and I fancied inyself metamorphosed into "Devonshire BEE-KEErEi;.' and I was dismal and de- sponding under a -i-isitation of foul brood, but persever- ance rendered mv apiary again floiuishing and contented ; yet as I looked at this longed-for result, I saw on the table before me a small bell-glass, hermetically sealed, contain- ing a cm-ious substance ; it was labeUod, "The last trace of , foul brood. Lo( we), there it is." Tlieu I was no longer the " Devonshire Bee-Iv-eeper," hut " FiLix-rffiMiNA," scram- I bling after some rare specimen of Fern high aloft, a trea- sm-e"^! had long coveted, to v.ii— WeU, I do not doubt but I that I could find some suitable Fern name that would do I duty, but botanical names are a somewhat tender point witii me, and I forbear. I have a pahiful recollection of I losing caste in my voimger days. Veronica beccabunga is one o'f the few botanical names that fastened itself on my I memon-. The name, alas I was only tliere, and m me it had no connection irith any plant, yet being, as the old woman said of Mesopotamia, such a comforting word, it often sen-ed me for replv when appealed to for the name of anv plant. Failing tliis reply, I generally coined some word." making it a sine qud mm that it should contain four syllables. On one occasion, when out ^ith several friends, who were aware of my pciich'iiit for Veronica, the question ! arose. What was the name of that little plant hi the brook? I was refen-ed to. It was a moment pregnant with my botanical fate 1 it was the tide m my history, wluch I tailed ■ to avail myself of. Had I but coutkiued constant to \ e- ronica I might ever after, maintaining a discreet and con- ' venient silence, have passed for a botanical authority, perhaps even for a genius. Miserahilf dktu, I corned a word, No. 901.— Vol- XXXV. Old Skktes- JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDESEB. I Janniuy 3, WBC. instead of replying my stock nnme. Ah ! the eveniug'a re- lercnce to a botauical work came like a " JVithcriiij " blast ou iny botanicn! knowledge : it proved that even my stock plnut was unknown to mo ! Excuse me, then, if I forbear to hazard any Fere name, it was present, and I knew it ; for was I not '■ FiLix-Fpcared certain, tho scene shifted, the rocks Eccmod diviikd into comiiiirtmints, most of them tenanted by some living; specimen. I was in a poultry show alone, " tho monarch of all I surveyed ;" in fact, I was Judge — a book of olasbcs and numbers in my hand, instead of the much-coveted Fcm, whidi was "gone from my gaze." I paced up and down, settled the merits of tho various rivals, gave in my decisions, and the public were admitted. Soon I found myrelf surrounded on all sides by malcontents, vainly endeavouring to answer a dozen at once. I begged to be allowtd reference to my num- bers, tho list appeared diilerent. I became confused, and was only recovered by a voice exclaiming, " That is not the Judge, but the pudeman who judges the Judge, and criticises birds and committee, that's ' Wii.TsniiiK Bectoii.' " I felt ho was quite correct, I smiled, and passed through the crowd; and my hst of numbers was the printed catalogue, with my remarks in pencil, for " cur Journal." Eeferringagain to my catalogue, a metamorphosis had occurred ; it looked more like a petition, very numerously and, as the county paper would say, influen- tially signed : my identity with " our Chaplain " became very doubtful. Manifestly 1 was now a railway diiector, and the petition was that of poultrj- exhibitors, praying to be relieved in some degree from tho expenses attendant on their joumies. Cogitating what reply to make, I was on tho point of speaking, when, glancing at the petition, I found it to be the last Number of the 1865 series of " our Journal, ' and I seemed to be the pro- prietor ! Ah ! this was vastly too good to be true ! I wonder it had not roused me. I feel certain that if Mrs. " Y. B. A. Z.'s " theory of sleep was correct, it must have done so ! I turned over tho pages, glanced at the long rows of advertisements, which seemed bent on crowding out the other portions of the work, and, hesitatingly, I asked myself, " Must we increase its size ? " This is a step rtciuiring great consideration. To alter the form of an old friend is sometimes to lose him altogether. The diffi- culty was great, but I felt that something must be done if they maintained the same rate of increase. In the height of my dilemma as to the settlement of this knotty point the strangest sensation overpowered me. Every one has heard of the Siamese twins, well, I fi-lt in a measure like them ; I was imited to somebody, but. imlike the twins, we were intent on different portions of the same subject. Gradually I became sensible that my twin brother and I were " om- Editors." Other editor i nsurp the editoriiU plural ; we, from our duality, were entitled to it. Seated on our high official thrones in the dark, dingy, smoky 171, Fleet Street, we mused over the new-year Niunber, determined that out of our metropolit.an darkness we would throw light and sunshine over the world. We reflected grate- fully on the new friends of the pnft year, and then on our success. Suddenly we became aware of the presence of a large nxmiber of contributors outside our editorial sanctum, anxious to testify to us their kindly feeling and their unabated interest in our^jeriodical. To me individually it seemed very pleasant to be introduced to the various ch.aracters. I noticed plainly "D., Deal," with new Kose catalogues of 1865 in his hand. Strangely enough, as his eye fell on some of the names, his hand moved, as if writing, and the names of various Koses were blotted out, and the stock seemed withered already. " Kush- TON Badclytfk," again, with a present of Peaches and Straw- berries ; how produced now was the mystery, but then he makes adverse circimistnnces bend to his will ; the last bunch of Roses, too, was in his hand. Tho thought presented itself, How will they flourish under this new rigimi- .' " Filix- FCEuiNA," too, came back from Home on purpose, " Ai.iCK " and " FEitN-Hir:TnE.s8 " also ; and the loaded cases showed that they would have something to say in 18GG. Many others, too, in the tloricultural department all seemed to say" to us, " Ur- ■WABDS AND Onwards." As representatives of the other portions, there was '• Ocn Chaplain," with his warm-hearted greeting, and catalogues innumerable of l.'iGG under his arm, and I won- dered at the imiiropriety of such ante-printing; but then he is privileged ; then Mu. Hewitt with a lot of notes supplcmentaiy of the " Standard of Excellence," and B. P. Bpjint with reme- dies for all kinds of diseases, and "Egomf.t," "Old" and "Young Cochins," "Bbahmas," and positively an " Impeisoned Tdrkkv," but with plumage quite uninjured, and looking quite contented and happy. On one side there was '• Dbvonsbire Bek-keepeb " looking as though he had never had to do battle with foul brood, and the Scotch bee-keepers revelling in theix heather, and then the alphabet seemed all sixes and sevens, A refused any longer to concert with B, but had singled ont some distant member, and they were so closely united, they might always have been so. A similar tit had seized the other letters. Overpowered by this tmexpected demonstration, we rose simultaneously, and expressed our gratitude at meeting so many of our friendly contributors, and assured them of our earnest endeavour to render " our Journal ' worthy their sup- port, adding that their warm-hearted kindly greeting would go far towards making the new year happy and prosperous. We closed with reciprocating their good wishes, we tmsted that tho new year would prove to each and all a Happy New Year. Scarcely had the words passed ourUps, when we were conscious that some other person vrished to enter, and our eye caught that of a stranger of unprepossessing appearance, who pushed forward and politely presented us with a parcel. Eemoving the envelope it contained an Apple, labelled "Apple of Discord." We replied he must have mistaken his destination, that onr endeavours were exerted to increase and extend harmony and good feeling, our lives spent in sowing broadcast over the world the love of all God's creatures, and that we desired, that through the works of creation the love of human beings might be directed up to Nature's God, who was Himself the God of harmony, peace, and love ; and lastly, that our hearts were set on making the new year a truly happy year to all, but especi- ally to all our kind friends and contributors. We have just expressed these sentiments, we intend to stand or fall by them ; we, therefore, assure you that in tho pages of " our Journal," no such fruit will ever be discussed. Seeing his error, he was retiring, leaving, however, tho objectionable offering on onr desk ; we, therefore, as gently as our excited feelings wotdd permit tossed the Apple after him. As it fell to the ground, a loud explosion, which dispersed all our fi-iends, proved how base were the intentions. The report recalled me to my own little world, and I found it was " Wdnifiht, And tbo clocks wore striking the hour." The Old Year had passed away, the New Year with all its hopes and anxieties was entering the threshold. My coffee- cup was no longer on the table, but in fragments at tho foot of the opposite wall, and the marvel was. How did it get there? Moreover, on my foolscap, where I had commenced my medi- tations, there was now a most curious hieroglyphic, which might have passed for the signature of some Chinese or Persian contributor; whilst the previous WTiting was shaky and un- certain, and I, who had figured in those few moments as the representative of so many distinguished persons, found that although thoroughly endorsing all " our Editors' k-indly wishes for the New Year, " yet I was neither our respected Editors, nor the lucky proprietors, but simply that unknown quantity — Y. B. A. Z. RE:MO\'INCr AND PLANTING FRUIT TREES. To describe the system which I adopt, and the cause of my adopting it, it will be necessary for me to revert to the scenes of my early childhood, and to touch upon the Apple-tree nurseries in" the neighbourhood of Chard, in Soniersetshirc. Two miles to the south-west of Ch;ird, ou the main road to Axminster and Honiton, is situated the pleasant little village called South Chard. In this village there lived a family named Dean, famed for the cultivation of young Apple trees. Here many acres of the Apples suitable for tider-making were grown, and the quan- tity of trees sold by this family evci7 year to persons far and near, proved how well their trees were appreciated. The clean straight stem, tho well-regulated head, and the mass of beau- tiful, clean, fibrous roots, added to the confidence reposed in the raisers, that the kinds were what they were represented to be, gained at once for them a ready sale. Samples of the trees were exhibited in tiio market towns in the first week in Oc- tober, and through the planting season. It is now many years since I saw these neat and well-kept nurseries ; but well do I remember when a boy, lingering near them to admire tho luxuriant growth and symmetry of the trees, and the exact dis- tance apart at which they were planted, for stand which way you would the trees appeared in rows as straight as an arrow. In describing the mode of cultivating the Apple tree adopted by Messrs. Dean, I must be guided entirely by memory, for I have not seen the nurseries nor their kind-hearted proprietors since I was a bov, but the lesson I then learnt by watching the January 2, 1860. ] JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GABDENEK. operations in progress, wben chance took me that way, have never been forgotten. They have been a never-failing guide to me ever since I have been capable of thinking for myself ; and whenever anything in the varied practice of the garden in con- nection with fruit trees engaged my attention, what I saw when a boy comes fresh before my mind. The sort of land which the Messrs. Dean selected for their new plantations was a piece of old pasture, which, I may remark, in that neighbourhood is deep, rich, and very favourable for the cultivation of the Apple. The laud, after being weU manured, was dug a good spit deep, turning the grass all to the bottom. The young stocks were then planted about 15 or 18 inches apartin the rows, and 3 feet between the rows. This operation was generally performed early in October, and the stocks would be well estabhshed by the following March, when they were grafted close to the ground. Diu-ing the foUowing season they would throw up strong shoots, and strong posts were then driven in at intervals up the row, stout strings fastened to them, and to these the young shoots were tied, so as to pre- vent the*r being injured by wind, &c. In the autumn after being pruned, a large quantity of furze was spread all over the ground, covering the young trees to a depth of 2 feet or more up their stems. They were then cut back to fi feet C inches in height. At this height from the ground the heads were formed, the stem being kept clear of all shoots ; and in two years from this time the trees were perfect models, and tit for the orchards. By this time, too, the fm-ze had become completely decayed, and most of it was appropriated by the thousands of small fibrous roots which the tree had been induced by the furze to emit from its collar. The tem'.ency of the tree to send its roots deep down into the soil was thus prevented ; and the genial moisture kept on the surface by the furze, and the warmth of the atmospiiere above, all had a tendency to attract the roots upwards. When the trees were taken up they presented a per- fect mass of beautiful roots, not one strong tap root was there to be seen. This will illustrate the advantages to be gained by mulching fruit trees with furze. In the removal and planting of trees of any kind, care must be taken — 1st, To keep at a proper distance from the tree when digging around it. If it is a large tree that has to bo removed, it is necessary to dig a trench about 2 feet wide, and 2 feet deep, more or less, according to the depth of the roots, and about 4 feet from the bole ot the tree all round. The soil should then be regularly but carefully worked out from amongst the roots with a fork, and the roots tied up as the operation is carried on. As the roots are placed out of the way the soil must be thrown out of the trench. This must be continued till the roots have all been secui'ed, and enough soil taken away to allow of the tree being removed, but on no account should it be twisted about before the roots have all been pro- perly loosened. If these have been carefully preserved from injury there is no necessity for removing a large quantity of soil with the tree; the attempt to do this often causes very serious injury, for the weight becomes unmanageable, and the tree is often put down after scuffling along with it a few j'ards, sometimes not verj- easily. By the time the tree reaches its destination most of the soil will have been shaken from the roots, and these will have been very much damaged, which is a loss, and a great drawback. 2nd, The proper time for removing fruit trees, such as Apples, Pears, Peaches, Plums, Nectarines, itc, when it can be done without injury to the crop of fruit which the trees may have on them at the time, is before the sap beg ns to recede. This will be the first week in October, or they may be removed in the third week of September, if the weather is not too dry at the time; and even if this should be case, if some green branches of any kind are stuck in and around the trees, and the syringe freely used about them two or three tunes daily, they will suffer no injury. 3rd, I now come to one of the most important points in connection with the planting of the tree. Never dig a deep hole to plant it in, but rather plant it on the surface after breaking this up with a spade. After the tree has been placed in the position it is to occupy, the roots should be carefully straightened out all round, and any that may have been in- jured should be shortened back with a sharp knife ; some fine soil should be at hand, this should be sprinkled evenly amongst the roots bo that all the small apertures may be well filled up, using plenty of water at the same time, and the tree should be frequently moved to and fro until the roots have become firmly imbedded in the soil. A bank should then be thrown up just at the extremity of the roots, to keep the water from running away from the tree ; this should be on a level with the collar, or if it is a Uttle higher it will be no worse. Several potsfnl of water may then be thrown about the tree, and holes made from the surface down amongst the roots. The water will by these means settle the soil nicely about the roots ; more fine boU and water should then be put round, and the water standing on the smface will soon show when all the vacant spaces about the roots are filled xip. The tree should then be left, and after the next to be removed has undergone a similar process the water will have gradually soaked away through the soil, leaving the latter well settled about the roots. More soil should then be banked up around the tree, which must also be well secured to prevent its being blown about by high winds. For securing large trees I generally drive four strong stakes into the ground, east, w-est, north, and south, and after they have been firmly driven in I fasten the trees to them ; round the stem, however, must be put a good stout collar made of some soft material, such as an old guano bag, in order to prevent the ropes from injuring the bark. Some of the branches should also be cut out if the tree is large, so that the roots may not have too much work to do. It all go on well these will soon be at work, and the tree will draw sufficient nourishment from them to enable it to stand the winter with- out suffering any iU effects from its removal. If it is well mulched so that the frost cannot penetrate so deep as its roots, they will be active aU through the winter. One of the gi-eat advantages to be gained by removing fruit trees in this way is, that there is no fear of sacrificing the crop of fruit. In the following year, if they are carefully managed, they will produce fruit nearly if not quite as fine as they would have done had they not been moved. One of the great advantages gained by planting on the surface is this : The sun has more power on the roots ; these con- sequently become well ripened, and the tree, instead of drawing up more sap than it can make use of at once, draws it gradu- ally, and equally distributes it to its numerous branches, so that it performs its functions with greater regularity. The tree also grows less luxuriantly, and consequently matures both root and branch as it grows ; all the small branches and spurs are covered with fruit-buds ; and instead of the roots going down they will be spreading near the surface. When the tree is planted in a hole made for it to a depth of perhaps 2 feet or more (and in many cases the hole is made even deeper than that), a foot or more of good soil is probably put into the bottom of the hole ; but this is the worst plan that could be adopted, because it encourages the roots downwards. The first roots that take hold of the good soil in the bottom of the hole soon become tap roots, then away they strike still further down into the clay, or whatever the bottom is composed of. These roots throw up sap faster than the tree can dispose of it : hence the long unripeued shoots which must yearly be cut away, gi-adualiy hastening the tree to its decay. We see it year after year maldng rapid growth, but no fruit is produced. After a time the tree decays, and is replaced by another, which in the course of time follows in its wake. — J. Wills. FORCED RHUBARB ON CHRISTMAS-DAY. Havixg observed some remarks made by Mr. Fish in yonr Journal, at page 508, respecting Ehubarb-forciiig, I wish to state my experience in forcing this vegetable. In the first place, then, I may say that I sent in two good dishes on the 22nd inst., and had some ready four or five days previous to that, about which time, I presume, Mr. Fish wrote his article, so that, I think, mine must have been ready a week before his. I have had plenty of it since. The roots, which are three or four years old, were transplanted into rich soil last March fthey had been previously grown in poor soil), and were taken into the Mushroom-house on the 25th of November, the temperature being from 60° to 65°. Some light rich soil was put round them, and they were syringed daily, which caused them to commence gi-owing at once. I have formerly endeavoured to have Ehnbarb at Christmas by introducing it into a temperature of 65°, afterwards gra- dually increasing the heat to 75" and 80°, but with somewhat indifferent success. I therefore conclude that Rhubarb can be accelerated with a greater degree of certainty with a uniform temperature of from 60° to 65° than by subjecting it to one 10° or 15° higher ; indeed, I think that the temperature above recom- mended and darkness are two most essential points in Ehubarb JOUBNAL OF HORTICDLTURB AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. [ Jannirr S, 18e& forcinR. I beg to add that this communication is by no means intended as a dispamRcnient o( Mr. Fish, as his is by far too wise a head to learn anything from me ; but I thought it might bo useful to those who may experience a little difficulty in ob- taining a dishlon Christmas-day.— B. F., Liverpool. HERBACEOUS CiVLCEOL.VlUA CULTURE. In order to have fine plants to flower in May and June, the seed should be sown in July in the following manner: — Take a common seed-pan with plenty of holes in the bottom, fill the pan rather more than half full of drainage, and upon this place a thin layer of fre.^h moss, then (ill up the remaining space with a compost of loam, leaf soil, a very little peat and sand, well mixed, but not sifted. Some of the roughest parts of the compost should be placed at the bottom over the drain- age ; IJ inch of soil is quite depth enough for the seed. Cover the soil with a very thin layer of pand, give a good watering through a line rose, and let" the pan stand for two or three hours to drain ; then sow the seed, taking great care to distri- bute it equally over the surface. Sometimes the seed is sown all in patches, and the youug plants come up so thickly that they cannot succeed as they otherwise would. After sowing the seed-i press them iu gently with a piece of slate or other smooth surface ; then give the slightest possible covering of dry sand, set the pan aside, and give a very gentle bedewing either with a very fine rose or syringe. Select the coldest and most shady part of the garden ; cover the pan with a piece of glass, and the whole with a large hand-glass. Keep the atmosphere of the hand-glass damp and cold by daily sprinklings all round the pan in dry hot weather ; the soil in the pan rarely needs any water from the time the seed is sown till the seedlings begin to come up, providing all about the pan is kept damp and the sun totally excluded. It is usually about nine days before the young jilants begin to show themselves, longer if the seed is more than one year old. and as soon as they are fairly up the piece of glass laid over the pan may be removed, but the hand-glass should remain as it is for a fortnight, after which time it should be tilted so as to admit plenty of air, and in a little time it may be taken off altogether, but, in case of heavy rain, it will be necessary to replace it to prevent the plants being washed out. As soon as the seedlings can well be handled they should be pricked out, about IJ inch apart, in pans prepared as for sowing the seed, only not using quite so much drainage. After this replace them in their old quarters, and sprinide them every evening through a fine rose to encourage growth. ■Wben they have become nice little sturdy plants they should be potted off singly in well-drained pots, again placed out of doors, and kept there as long as the weather will permit. They should, however, be so placed that they can be covered from the heavy rains which someliiiics occur in September and early in October ; they will also be benefited by more light as the season declines. When housed the plants should be placed as near the glass as possible in a cold airy situation, either in the greenhouse or cold pit. They can hardly be kei>t too cold, providing damp air can be dispelled and frost excluded. Keep down green fly by frequent fumigation, which, however, should be very cau- tiously done ; fumigate slightly and often rather than strongly and seldom. I have been disgusted before now, after fumiga- tion, at finding half the leaves looking as though thev had been scalded by hot water. They will not bear the smoke so strong as the leaves of the generality of plants. Shift the plants as they require it, never allowing them to become too much pot-bound. I always shift just when the roots will keep the drainage from falling about when the plant.s are turned out of the pot. ^\^len glowing fast, and in a healthy condition, they like a liberal supply of water, which should be clear rain water. In the spring, from March till the end of April, the plants are best kept in a frame set upon cinder ashes ; thus placed, kept free from green fly, and screened from easterly winds, they usually make rapid progress. In these months slightly shade from the mid-day sun, and give them a gentle sprinkling with the syringe at shutting-up time ; in sunny weather they seem to glory in a little moisture, and in the "morning they will be covered with little dew-drops, which always indicate health. When about to throw up their flower-stems they should be removed to the place where they are intended to bloom, taking great care to keep down green fly, and pajinR attention to shading. If the plants are strong, which I presume them to be, it will be no slight task to tie them out properly — a task that always gives me great pleasure. The sticks should all be painted green, althongh I have been, and am now, obliged to use them unpainted. Wlieii the flower-stalks are rising a little very weak manure may bo given twice a-week, but withhold it while the plants are in bloom, at which time they should be kept well shaded, otherwise the flowers will soon drop, bat if, on the contrary, due attention be paid to shading, these will last a long time. Allow all the air possible on all occasions when the thermometer rises to 40°; they dislike fire heat. — Ch.vrles Edwards. SOJIEXnrN'G MORE ABOUT ROSES. The late Mr. Ueaton was right in the main in preferring 1 Roses on their own roots, and in supposing, for I do not re- collect his having proved it, that the Manetti stock was a medium for getting them iu that form. By comparing the facts furnished by contributors, and by actual observation in different parts of the countrj- on the growth of Boses in dif- ferent soils, I believe the truth, as far as yet ascertained, amounts to this — That Roses flourish on their own roots in a greater variety of soils than in any other form ; that they do i best on the Manetti stock in light soils, where sands of later formations predominate ; and that they do well on the Briar (Rosa canina), where the Briar is found to grow most luxuriantly in its wild state, as on stiff chalky land, and some clays. Assuming these data as approximating reality, we can readily accoimt for the preference given by so many cultivators to Roses on their own roots, for the Manetti being selected by others, and for the disappointment frequently expressed by purchasers of Roses on the Briar, because these have been transplanted into soUs less adapted to the stock than that from which it was taken before the Rose was budded on it. II " CorxTKY CuiuTE " is growing Boses in all these forms, he will, before long, certainly lind out which will bo the best suited to his situation, and had he stated what kind of soil he is growing them in it would have rendered his inquiry a little easier to discuss. The readers of this Journal are already aware of my ad- vocacy of the Manetti stock, a lengthy defence of it would, therefore, be a needless repetition. The soil here is very light and of good depth, and being on a shght eminence is naturally well drained, the subsoil is the green ferruginous sand found in connection with the chalk system. I have at present in the garden about one thousand Roses in all forms, budded, grafted, on Briars high and low, and on their own roots. As I have ' stated above, the soil is of the kind iu which I have always found tlie Manetti stock preferred ; hence, I soon discovered the evident superiority of that stock for propagation to any other method, and that, too, as a medium for getting Roses on their own roots. Roses planted out iu a soil like mine on their own roots, are ven' long in becoming strong, and vigorous i enough to withstand all the vicissitudes of the climate — not j so with well-budded Manetti plants, in nine cases out of ten they make strong shoots the first year, and in the second the flowers are satisfactory. The theorj- of " CorsTBV CriuxE" appears feasible enongh, and may be worth a trial. As the Manetti will bear moving at almost any time in the year, I should recommend an earlier month than November for removing the jiatch of bark which be believes would be instrumental in hastening the form.'ition of roots at the junction of stock and bud. If the trial be made at the end of September, or the beginning of October, the chance of causing a development of roots in the same autumn would be as probable as iu the succeeding spring and summer. I There is a greater distinction between grafted Manettis and budded ones than many people would at first be inclined to believe. My experience thus far shows that Manetti stocks grafted under glass with artificial heat, useful as the plan is for securing a rapid propagation of new varieties, have draw- backs when planted out of doors. In the first season they are j verj- liable to mildew, make little growth, and produce few flowers, and it is not till the second or third year that they become useful i>lants. I have also found that they do not readily throw out rootlets at the point of union. With budded Manetti stocks the case is different, provided they are budded as low as possible and with the stock in the open ground. If January 2, 1868. ] JOUBNAL OP HOBTICULTUEB AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. budded early in the season, a plant is formed at once ■which should be removed in the autumn ; and planted in such a, soil as mine, the bud should not be less than 4 inches below the surface. I think " Countuy Curate " will lind, that if he plant deeply enough roots will be formed much more rapiilly than when the junction is too near the surface ; care must, of course, be taken that the root of the stock is not buried in wet cold soil, which will be very likely to cause the death of the plant. If Manetti stocks are budded late in the season, it is better to leave the bud dormant all the winter. This is done by deferring till the following February or March the cutting off any of the stock into which the bud is inserted. In severe winters some casualties may occur in late budding. In October last I examined the roots of aliout fifty of my oldest plants, now gi'own strong. In most of the budded plants of more than three years old, roots had been formed upon the stems, springing from the point of union and that part of the first shoot below the surface. In the grafted plants which were bought, plants of the then new Muds, and propagated under glass, no such roots had been formed, although it is quite probable that they will be produced. Not wishing to remove the plants, I cannot say whether the stocks of those plants which have roots formed from the Kose are dead or not. I cut off several stems with roots on them and transplanted them to another place. As " Country Cur.\te " would probably like to know what kinds have formed roots of their own, in the way above described, I subjoin the list : — Genital Jacqueminot, Jules Margottin, Caroline de Sansal, Ceoile de Cbabrillant, Senateur Vaisse, Due De Gazes, Princesse llathilde, Triomphe d' Amiens, La Ville de St. Denis, Triomphe de Paris, Cardinal Patrizzi, Louise Odier, Eugene Appert, Francois Arago, Empereur de Maroc, and Louise Carique. — Adolphds H. Kent, llleckinr/ley, Ridlull, Surrey. POTATOES. I AM obliged to " Upwards and Onwards " for his article at page 485. Apples and Potatoes are the most valuable of fruits and vegetables, because they can be cooked in more ways than any other. As regards Potatoes, with me a dinner cannot be excellent without a good mealy Potato. The Potato lists will soon be as burdened with sorts as the Rose catalogues. Of course each new sort is said to be the best early, mid-season, or late Potato known. The difficulty is selection. Moreover, much depends on the taste of a person, the soil, culture, and seasons. As regards resistance of, or escape from the Potato disease, I do not beheve that any sort can be said to be thoroughly delnant. The earliest ripeners are as a class the most defiant. I beUeve that the disease has outwitted everybody ; it certsiinly has up- set all my calculations. I have known sorts much stricken one year give the soundest Potatoes the next year, and i-ice versa. Till we find out the nature of the disease we shall never per- haps find the cure or prevention. Digging Potatoes before they are ripe is a great folly ; you wiU lose just as many by it, and you will spoil what otherwise would have been good. They will be watery or waxy, the latter is to my taste the more offensive. I must here observe there is but one way to cook and serve up Potatoes — namely, to steam them, and send them up in their jackets. ^Vhen they are " done " the steam must not be stopped down upon them, or they will be soddened. Out of the number of professed cooks how few can cook a Potato well ! how few can roast a chicken or boil a leg of mutton as it ought to be done ! Give me a duck or chicken roasted by a farmhouse cook ; the maid Imows nothing of " made " dishes, and hence she attends to and properly bastes these great luxuries. Let me, however, turn to selection. Mr. Eivers's ideas of selection are that the Royal Ashleaf is the best to begin with, the Lapstones to go on with, and the Flukes to finish with. If I were to select a few only I would select the Koyal Ashleaf to begin with, Fortyfolds, and an admirable Kidney Potato sent here by a Yorkshire friend, said to be raised from the Ashleaf and Lapstone, to go on with, and Salmon Kidneys to end with. The last are the best latest Potatoes that I have ever eaten ; they require high cultivation, and prefer strong land. I fear that people estimate Potatoes by size and crop rather than quahty and crop. What is the use of the crop if the quaUty IS bad ? The qrtalitas vocis means a fine name, the qualitas rei means a good thing. In how many instances have we been beguiled by the qualitas vocU I Be guided rather by the nature of things than by their names. If a commodity is good I care not whether it be called Noblesse or Stump the World. The former is aristocratic, the latter democratic, or rather mundane. The following are also first quality Potatoes: — Brt-: iifririts. Early Mans, or Mauns, Dalmahoys, Flukes, Prizetakt- ;, Red Kidneys, and Silver Skins; the last are the nicest lo.. ring of all the Kidneys. These are good Potatoes, and good crojipera : — Mona's Pride, Early Handsworth, Scotch Rocks, called here also Scotch Downs. Taking this season up to the present time I have not had anything, for crop and quality, equal to the seedling Kidney raised from the Ashleaf and Lapstone. Its formation is strictlj " renal." As regards planting, I think Kidney Potatoes, especially those that have mole's eyes, should be planted shallow, and should not be planted till the eyes have started. They should not be cut, or cut very much. I think that in dry seasons if Potatoes were watered they would ripen earlier, and be safer from the disease. I some years ago watered my Royal Ashleafs just as I water my Roses, and they had not one diseased tuber. Potatoes keep better, and are better flavoiired, when dug after rain. — W. F. Radcltffe, Tarrant Eushton. GARDENERS' WAGES. The education of gardeners is a question that has been freely discussed, and its importance I must admit. Education is very necessary in order that the employed may give satisfaction to the employer ; for what a great pleasure it must be for a lady or gentleman to walk through the plant-houses accompanied by an intelligent gardener who can give a descriptive account of each plant that may be noticed. Yet this is expected from a class of men worse paid than many labourers. Take for in- stance one of hundreds of cases. A lad wishes to become a gardener ; the first consideration, as a matter of course, is to find him a place in a first-class estabhshment, which can generally be managed by paying a premium, say £10, more or less at times, to the head gardener, the lad receiving .8s. or 10s. per week for three, four, or five years. His duties for the first twelve months will be to attend to the fires, wash pots, and occa- sionally clean plants in the houses. From that he gradually ascends the ladder step by step, by being called to the potting- beuch, tying plants, and assisting the foreman in the venti- lation of the several houses. I will suppose his age now to be twenty. After serving five years he seeks and obtains a. situation as under-foreman, at the advanced rate of 15s. per week. This situation he holds for a like time, taking notes fo everything of importance carried on, taxing his memory with the names of thousands of plants, their distinct treatment, &c. From this he obtains a foreman's place as a finish off, at 18s. per week. He holds this until he is nearly thirty years of age, and often till later in lite, before he can succeed in obtaining a head gardener's place. Many gentlemen object to engage a gardener who has uot had the responsible charge of a place prei'iously. I need not mention, that during the whole of the sixteen years passed, he has been studying the practical and theoretical branches of gardening, and out of his scanty pittance he must deny himself almost the necessaries of life to purchase books to gain the requisite knowledge of his profession. Should ho after all these years succeed in obtaining a situation as head gardener, it will depend on his being free from incum- brance. At the rate of 30s. per week he may think himself at; the top of the tree as regards wages. Now. I ask your opinion. Are gardeners sufficiently remu- nerated ? They are expected to know a portion of many branches of science, and they work hard all through the sunny part of their lifetime, both in mind and body, making old men of themselves almost before they are young ones. There are very few that have had much to do under glass, who do not know something about rheumatism, brought on by working sometimes in a temperature of from 70° to SO" for hours, and then turning out to cover up the frames, or something of thai; sort, with the thermometer registering 30°. Gardeners have a great many years of uphill work before they can acquire any- thing like a general knowledge of their profession. Then there is the responsibility and consequent anxiety day and even night, that is, should they have the superintendence of much glass. Many a gardener, I am sure, could bear testimony that during the forcing season, what with over-anxiety aud fear lest anything should go wrong, a sleepless night often falls to his lot. The best of us are liable to failures sometimes, with JODBNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AXD COTTAGE GAEDE^JEE. [ Jiunatr a, ItK. no allowBiice made (or Uicni. There in, also, a tendency on the part cf B.iue gentlemen to dictate to tlie gardener, and require liim to il ' tilings in direct opposition to his views, and they will lilt listen to any objection wbich he may raise, or take tay of ilio responsibility from him. I trust tliftt I may live to bco the day when gardeners as a olses will be bettor remunerated, their acquirements nppre- oiAted, ond iheir oottagee more comfortably built. — \V. E. J. [The most of the matter.t to which you iiUudo have already icceiveil .'» Rood deal of atlontion in our columns. Jluch of the hanlHhips of which you oomplaiu would lio oiiietly of use, if they cuiUil bo brought under the uotiee oi those young lads and jontbs iutcnding to bo gardeners. Then, if influenced by these ^l«rd^hips, there should be fewer aspirants after gardening, the Tory soin-city woivld insure better remuneration for those who are «c^ qualiiiod, from having passed tlixough a series of regular instructii'ii. Now, any one who can dig and mow may call himt-. If a gardener, and such mou offer their services at such a low tigiu n as to keep down the general run of wages, and gentle- men and ladies are slow to bud out tiie difference between a good ready workman and a man of science and education. We hare frciiuently stated, that gardening, even now, chiefly offers an inducement to the sons of labourers and liumble mecha- nics, who by perseverance, self-denial, and self-culture, may thus raise themselves in the social scale. It holds out no in- duceme:it to the intelligent well-to-do middle classes, imless they depend on the poetry and romance of the emplovment as a good part of their remimeration for hard work with head and hands. Wo think it is well this should be clearly understood. Employeii: of gardeners will ever do as they like. They will give better wages when they cannot obtain cheaper gardeners. They will ;;ive higher wages, and req\iii'e higher qualifications, when they find, as many are now doing, that one man well paid will be more economical for them than another man under- paid. Vi'e will now glance at a few complaints, and but glance. First, There is no necessity for a tivo years' apprenticeship, and ever l-o many years afterwards, before taking any kind of a place. A man %vill learn more, even in a small place, super- intending everything, tliau he is likely to do as an under gar- dener with the charge of one department. Second, We showed lately that the wages of under gardeners are not so much in- ferior to those of mechanics, when constant employment, and the hope of bettering their position are taken into account. Third, The custom of gentlemen wishing to have a man who has been in a situation before, is not confined to gardening, it holds good as to all positions of trust and responsibility ; but it should show the importance of getting into a situation early, though a small one, and thus obtaining a family character. Fourth, We know all about the self-deuial, and it is often hard, and we .sympathise with it all, and from what we see and hear, things are looking better than they did ; but we must expect this self-denial in one shape or other. Make everything com- fortable and you mil have still a greater number attracted to enjoy the comfort, and thus, again, the supply wiU exceed the demand. Where all the young men even now go to, that are sent out from some places, as if they were struck like batches of bedding stuff, passes our comprehension. We do know that a great many leave gardening to look after itself, and try some- thing else. Hold out greater inducements, and there will be still more applicants. Hero is where the great dilemma and difficulty arc to be found, and which stand in the way of the better remuneration which gardeners so much desire, and which will be obtained, as already hinted, when good gardeners are more appreciated. Fifth, There can be no doubt that working much in houses is unhealthy ; but tliis could be much obviated if young men would clothe themselves sufficiently before rushing fi-om a high temperature into a low one. Sixth, As to employers dictating to their gardeners, and having things done their own way, with that we cannot intermeddle. An old nurseryman told a gardener when a young man, " If an em- ployer tells you to plant the branches of a tree in the ground and the roots in the air, do it. Calmly tell him you think it wo'n't answer ; but if he insists carry out his plans." Every employer has a right to decide how he will be served. There is a foolish soreness on this point amongst gardeners. They feel annoyed when they cannot do just as they like. When a" plan is proposed which you feel sure will not answer, state jour ob- jections respectfully, but give the ph»n every justice ; then, however, the employer must take the responsibility of failure or success. This is a dehcate point, but a httle firmness and integrity in carrying oat the proposed plan, will generally be sufficient to absolve the gardener if the plan shonld fall. Be- sponsibility can only be associated with the power to regulate. Lastly, The difficulty that a gardener with a large family has in obtaining a good place, ia both true and sad ; but the difB- oiUty is not so great as it was. Gentlemen are beginning to see that there is as much necessity fur a gardener having a house suited to a family, as any, nay more liian any other ont- door servant. They are also finding out that men with families are less given to change. We hope the word incumbrance will cease to be associated with "the olive ])lants " that gather round the gardener's table. Every addition is generally a fresh pledge to renewed exertion and industrj-. Gardeners, in fact, ought always to bo out. door servants. As well give a man the pimisbment of Tantalus at once, as place a spmce young fellow in a housekeeper's room with a number of well-dressed ladies' maids and other female servants, and give him clearly to understand that no married gardener will ever be kept there. The above answer to " W. E. J." was in print when we re- ceived a long letter from "An UsDF.n Gabhener " on low wages, miserable lodgings, &c., very well written, but to tho most of which, we are sorry to say, the above is all the answer we can give. We will note the following in addition : — First, The alleged disfavour with which such matters are received. The best answer to such an allegation is what wo and others have been permitted to write in these pages for years, and we might even refer to what is said of bothies in the Christmas Number, and, above all, to what is so well said by that gardener's friend, and, we believe, every man's well-wisher, our worthy coadjutor the " Wilishike Kectou." At the same time nothing would be gained by a more frequent repetition of the same complaints. Secondly, we are quite as glad as " Ax UxPEit Gardenef." can be of the rise of wages for the gardeners employed in the London nurseries, as, unfortunately, the low wages there acted as a sort of guide for the wages given to under gardeners in the country, a trifle more per week, and lodging, being too often deemed amply sutficient. Tliis is particularly pleasing just now when everything, except bread, is so high-priced. It would be out of place to enter into the consideration of the whole system of young gardeners being temporarily em- ployed in a nursei^y. Wo may, however, let out tho secret that, but for patronage and pleasing patrons, the system of emploving young men in nurseries lor short jjcriods, even at low wages, is too often a loss to the nursen-man — so much so, that in some of our large nurseries a yoimg gardener cannot obtain admission except as a groat favour to some large cus- tomer, and some of the greatest of the London nurserymen have told us that it would suit them better to have regular good workmen, acquainted with their work, at good wages, as, by the time the yoimg gardener was becoming useful, he was off to a place, and tho constant changing, even with good fore- men, was always a soiurce of trouble. Looked at in this light, the nurserymen were less to be blamed for low wages when the nursery was merely considered a sort of house of refuge. Thirdly, .\.s to head gardeners being chiefly to blame for low wages and miserable lodging-places, we fear that " .^s Usdeb Gakdekei!" will not be convinced to the contrai-y until he finds, when a master gardener, that his representations will he less effectual than he now imagines they would be. No doubt there are head gardeners who, if pretty comfortable themselves, are vei^y careless about the comforts of those beneath them ; but there are many others who leave no stone unturned in order to forward the interests of all with whom they are connected, and many often do mucli with wealthy kind-hearteil employers. But there are many others, to our knowledge, who are equally anxious to promote the comfort of their men, and have missed no opportimity of doing so by their timely representations, and yet have done all in vain. Is it to be wondered at that a lady or gentleman who will part with a gardener who pleaseB and suits in every way for the sake of five or ten pounds a-year, will refuse to give an imder gardener a shiUing or two extra per week ? We can recollect of many instances in which gardeners, by representing they could not find an imder gar- dener for a less sum, have been allowed to give that sum to one or two, but then they had to take labourers for lower wages instead of young gardeners, so that the labour account should not be raised. On the whole, a head gardener may often do much ; but, on the other hand, however much he may (eel, and however much he may try, he will find himself cribbed and confined wherever a greater espenditure is Jannan- 2, 1866 ] JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. involved. Kind-hearted employers there will always be, and who must have people comfortable about them ; but there are plenty of others who, provided they can obtain what they want, will obtain that in the most economical manner, and ▼ery regardless of the circumstances of those who contribute to their comforts. We hare hopes in the ever-increasing numbers of the truly beneficent as well as benevolent, but our chief hopes are in the lessening of the number of those who take to gardening as a trade or profession, and the more thorojigh grounding of these in the practice and science of their art. Meanwhile, we would wish to impress on intending pupils, and the parents of these pupils, that future success mnst be looked for in general through processes of self-denial. — B. F.] MR. SYMONS' EECORD OF BRITISH RMNFALL. It IB well known to all who take an interest in meteorological matters, that Mr. S;\-mon3, of Camden Town, London, has for some years pubUshed in a tabular form a statement of the rain- faU, as furnished him by correspondents from all parts of the kingdom ; nevertheless, there may be some who have not hoard of such a record, and have yet kept a register of the amount of rain which has fallen in their district. Should there be any such, they wUl do a service to the pubUc by furnishing Mr. Symous with the rainfall of the past year as soon as con- venient. Mr. Symons has invited such contributions through the London newspapers, and also thi-ough many provincial ones, giving the names of those observers who have hitherto fur- nished him with the desired information, and their respective districts. Although the number of stations in the United Kingdom at which the rainfall is observed is now upwards of one thousand, yet there is still room for more, and Mr. Sjinons solicits an in- crease. The mode of keeping such registers is much simplified, as compared with what it was many years ago, and the e.\'pense of the apparatus has been reduced, so that I believe a very good rain-gauge can now be had for 10s. (id., and in some cases for less than that. Mr. Symous' pamphlet gives some useful information on important meteorological events, and tables comparing the rainfall of one season with that of others are made out in an intelligible form. One thing, however, he has wisely retained from, and that is, making predictions as to the weather. Some may, perhaps, ask, What then is the use of meteorological observations, if they are not to enable us to form some idea of coming events ? To such I may say, What is the use of historical or chronological records of any kind, but to transmit to posterity what the past has been ? Besides, records of rainfall in di£ferent districts afford an interesting study on the causes which contribute to such a result. Some districts amongst the Cumberland hills are found to receive more than six times as much rain as the general average of the kingdom, and it is quite possible, and, in fact, very likely, that the wettest point has not yet been favoured with a rain-gauge, or its rainfall recorded. Now, however, that men of science are turning their attention to the matter, I trust that these " out- of-the-way places," will be duly represented. Mr. Symous also invites those Uving near to others who already contribute re- ports, to send their registry hkewise. Mr. Symons' address is 136, Camden Eoad, London, N., and printed forms for entry will be supplied by him when necessai^. I imagine that when the returns of rainfall for the kingdom are made out for this year, greater differences than usual will be found between the returns of certain districts when compared with others. On the whole, however, 1 think it will be admitted that the season has been a fine one, and the miklness of the autumn remarkable. Not many yards from where I now write, Nasturtiums are in flower, and quite improtected ; certainly they suffered a little from some frosts in the middle of November, and the continued dull weather has deprived them of that luxuriance which they exhibited in September and October ; still they are green and fresh, and nothing in the garden is more susceptible of frost. Geraniums which have not been taken up arc fresh also ; but so they were up to the 17th of December, ISGO ; and although we are now a few days past the time when frost commenced in that memorable year, I can hazard no opinion as to the likehhood in the present winter of another such frost as that which occurred in 1860. Leaving that to the weather prophets we must content our- selves with recording the past, and although other phenomena than the amount of rainfall may be registered by those who carry their researches further into meteorological matters, Mr. Symons only requires the monthly ramfall and number of days on which rain fell, and those who have the means of supplying such information will be doubly rewarded by the knowledge that they have contributed to a subject which is fast becom- ing one of national importance, and one from which they as well as others will reap the benefit. — J. Eoeson. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S MEETING. The December Meeting of this Society was held on the 4tli ult.— the President, F. Pascoe, Ksq., F.L.S., &rc., in the chair. A very interesting collectiou of insects made in British Bnxmah, by Lieut. fieavan, was exhibited ; amongst which were many fine species of Euphea, and some new Hesperiidae, also some rare and new Coleop- tera, including a remarkable Tortoise Beetle of the genus Prioptera. Another collection, chiefly of Butterfiics and Moths, in a very jjerfect state of preservation, made in the ncifjhbourhood of Santa Martha, in Venezuela, by the Inte Mr. Bouchard, was also exhibited by Mr. S. Stevens. The excellent manner in which these specimens had been captured and presei-ved caused additional regret at the untimely decease of Mr. Bouchard. A mutilated specimen of the rare Goliathus Drurii, Westwood, being the only insect saved by M. Du Chailln, in his hasty retreat from the interior of Western Tropical Africa, and brought home iu his waistcoat pocket, was also exhibited by Mr. Stevens. Mr. Stainton exhibited some remarkably dark brown varieties of the common Moth, Tinea cloacella, reared from larvre found feeding under the bark of dead Birch trees" at Llangollen, by Mr. Gregson. Mr. F. Smith exhibited specimens of the Sawfly, Crnesus septen- trionolis, which he had found in the larva state on the *JOth of August last. They had spun up in theii- cocoons in four or five days, and the perfect insects appeared a mouth later, thus vanning from the ordinar}- habit of the family of lying unchanged within the cocoon, during the whole of the winter. Mr. McLachlan, however, suggested that it was possible that there were two broods in the year, as he had taken the perfect insect at Loch Kannoch, in June. Mr. Smith also exhibited some specimens of the "Bugong," a large greasy-bodied species of Moth belonging to the genus Agrotis, which is eaten by the aborigines of New Holland in considerable numbers, and which had been forwarded by Mr. George Bennett, author of " Wanderings in New South Wales," to Dr. Gray, of the British Museum. Some conversation took place as to the noises asserted to be made by the Death Watch, Atropos pulsatorius, the general opinion being that the common impression as to their origin was erroneous. Mr. McLachlan read a memoir on the varieties of Sten-ha saeraria, recently reared in this countiy, with observations on the causes and eiteut of the different variations to which the species of Lepidop- terous insects in this country are subject. Professor Westwood read descriptions of some new species of Lon- gicorn Beetles belonging to the genus Cantharocuemis, but forming different sub-geuei"a, and for which he jiroposed a series of uniform sub-generic names, in order to avoid the inconvenience resulting from the modem system of division, in which almost every species was raised to a distinct generic rank. The Rev. J. Greene exhibited specimens of the newly- descri.bed British Moth, Acidalia maucuniata. Some further notes on the Buprestidie of New Holland, by Mr. C. A- Wilson, of Adelaide, were also read ; likewise the description of a new species of Papilio, from one of the small islands of the Pacific Ocean, by Mr. G. Semper, of Altona. A fine series of drawings of the insects of North America, destructive to the Cotton, Orange, Lime, Potato, (fee, intended for publication, was exhibited by Mr. Moore, ToDMORDEX Botanical Societt, December 4th. — On the table were the new and beautiful Pteris sen'ulata cristnta ; also Scolopen- drium vulgare polycuspis angustum, and S. vulgare Malcomsoni, the latter a splendid form, something like a gigantic cristatum, only that the fronds are of normal length and width from base to apes. A com- munication was read from Mr. T. Pritchard, of Erynyffynnon. North Wales, announcing his discovery near that place of the rare Asplenium trichomanes incisum triangulare (M), as well as several other rare Ferns, small specimens of some of which were laid before the meeting. Amongst them we observed a very beautiful form of the Lady Fern, belonging to the plumosum group. HOUSE SEWAGE. An answer to correspondents on the above subject in your Journal of the 5th ult. rather surprised me. I have a cemented cesspool into which the waterclosets and sinks of three houses are drained ; within a couple of yards I have a simple filter thus : — Two tar-barrels are sunk vertically in the ground, the upper one having both ends removed, and the lower one having a bottom pierced with holes ; a layer of cinders weighted with a perforated elate, a draiu underneath to connect with the cess- JOUPNAL OF HORTICULTTJBE AND COTTAQE GARDENER. r JUIIUU7 3, 1866. jjool, and a BUiall pnmp complete the filter. The liqnid has been libcrftllv used to tlio fniit trees, CurrRnts, yonng hedges, 4c., by mvse'U ftnd neighbours during the past two summers, and wc think with good effect, particularly to the IVars and Apples. The soil is light, rather sandy, resting on red sand- stone, and during the late droughts I consider that the fruit was not only saved, but increased in size by the frequent appli- cation of the filtered sewage. The gardens have only been formed three years. The trees in mine are trained as espaliers, and have borne much better crops than the staudards in my neighbours' gardens, although the trees were all planted at the same time. I pinch-in the espaliers very closely. I think it would be a great boon to many of your readers if yon or some of your contributors would discuss this subject. In how many cases in the country the house sewage runs to waste in an open ditch, or poisons the ground around the cess- pools, whilst every particle of manure lins to bo brought from a distance ! Is there not any filtering medium that would take up the valuable products ? Peat charcoal I would try, but where is it to be had ? Soil will not allow the liquid to perco- late quickly enough. Quicklime clears the liquid, but has no effect on the smell, and I am told that the deposit is spoiled as a manure. Sulphuric acid destroys the smell, and I believe the product is valuable, but would not the expense be great ? — N. I. H. [We not only have gone into the consideration of house sewage as a fertiliser very fully, but have collected what we wrote on that and other fertilisers into a book, " Manures, or Muck for the Many," which you can liave free by post from our office for four postage stamps. WHiat we said at page 4C9 had reference to the inquirer's particular case. The flowers were too faded to be recognised ; but under the best of circumstances, unless a Chrysanthemum is very remark- able, it would be very difficult to recognise it from a single flower, the TOiieties are so very numerous.] A LARGE ^^NE. On the aeacoast, midway between Tyre and Sidon, is a very ancient Mulberry garden, surrounded by some enormous Olive trees, whose hollow trunks attest their great antiquity. By the garden side stands a cool fountain, fed by one of the moun- tain streams, so welcome to the traveller for his noontide rest when travelling through that thirsty land. After resting awhile at this pleasant spot, we rambled through the garden of Mul- berry trees, partly for the sake of taking the fruit, but more with the intent of learning something about the rearing of silk- worms, which was there in full operation. Whilst admiring the great size of the fine old MuJberrv- trees, I happened to notice the bark of a tree which appeared so Vine-like in its character that I stopped to examine it, and, to my anrprise, found that it was really a Vine of most enormous dimensions ; it rose by two main stems, and fairly rested upon six or eight of thu largo Mulberry trees around. I measured the two stems a few inthes above the ground ; the larger one was 50} inches in circumference, the smaller 40 inches. I endeavoured to trace out the area covered by its branches, but could not obtain an exact measurement, for the branches had rambled most irregularly. It had a splendid crop of very large bunches of Grapes then, but in an early stage of growth, and I was told that it is a black variety. My impression is that it is one of the largest Vines in the world, and it would well repay a visit to " Ein-el-Kanterali," for that is the name of the spot, if it bo sought for by any of your readers, whose rambling propensities may carry them along that seashore. — W. WAhKi,YS. TLANTINO A CIRCULAR BED. I HAVE a circular bed 11 feet in diameter, which I meditate planting next year as follows ; but should like your opinion as to its worth, and also to guide me in the planting of the same as to the proper distance apart in the rows, as well as plant from plant in the rows: — 1. — Variegated .^jabis. 2. — Variegated Sage. 3. — Variegated Euphorbia. 4. — Iresine Herbstii. 6. — Centaurea candidissima, with three plants of Perilla^in the centre. As you will at once see it is meant for a bed of foliage. Would Dactyhs glomerata variegata be better in No. 3 ? — Scnset. [We do not think your arrangement would look well. Having the three variegated plants together is bad taste. Had we a similar bed to plant, and if the position is a sheltered one, we should arrange the planting as follows, beginning from the centre : — 1. — Three good plants of Canna discolor ; these would oc- cupy about 2 feet. 2. — 2 feet of Cineraria maritima. 3. — Ditto Amaranthus melancholicns ruber. 4. — Ditto Centaurea candidissima. 5. — Ditto Iresine Herbstii. 6. — 1 foot of Corastium Biebersteinii. The plants may be about 9 inches apart each way, taking care to plant them alternately, and putting the tallest plants towards the centre, and at the same time keep each circle to its proper width. The Cerastium should be planted rather closer than the others ; from 4 to 6 inches apart would be a good distance for it. If the bed is on grass the above arrangement would look well. We have to apologise for accidentally overlooking this query and answer.] The enclosed set of beds occupy the top of a terrace about 40 feet wide, and are principally seen from another terrace about 5 feet aliove it. Two-thirds of the beds I laid out last FLO"WER GARDEN PLAN. winter ; the remainder, or from figures 7 and 0 to the right,! have just completed, and intend planting them as mnrlvcd, but should feel much obliged for your opinion before that time 5 6 ^ 1 1. Centre of bed, Ilcliotrope^ ; next ii row of rerillA ; then anollier of Prince of f )riink'e Cslceolario, the whole edged with liijou Oerauitun. comes. I may mention that our soil is light, and that we are exposed to most, or all the storms and sun that there may be, BO that the bedding plants generally do not grow tall but bloom most profusely. — B. D. T. [According to the system of planting we could not improve : 2 2. Christine Geraninm. 3 s. Blue Lobelia (iipcoioim), edged with I.ady rlymouth Geranium. 4 4 8 8. Puri'le King Yerbena. 5 5 9 9. .\tirea florilmnda Calceolar 6 6. Tom Thumb Geranium 7 7. Mangletii Geranium. what you propose, and we have no doubt that it will look well. In another season we should bo tempted to make your centre panelhng row the centre, and then make the two sides the exact counter)mrt of each other. Your planting will look yery well. We presume the plan is on gravel.] January 2, 1866. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB. WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN OAKDEH. As the weather continues much the same, the operations recommended to be performed in the past month should be proceeded with. Caulijiou'crs, if the autumn Bowmg failed, it wiU be advisable to sow in a box, which may be placed m a forcing-house, and when the plants are of sufficient size prick them out in a frame on a slight hotbed. Cefcry, trenches should now be dug out, so that they may receive the beneht of frost ■ in spring Cauliflowers may be planted m them, and dwarf Peas or Lettuce between, and these crops will be off by the time the trenches are wanted. Cucumbers, a seed-bed should now be made to raise yoimg plants for the hotbeds, a one-hght box is generally of sufficient size for this purpose ; after the bed is made, and the heat is up, the dung should be forked up every other morning to the depth of a foot, until the burning heat has subsided. Dwarf Kidney Beans, earth-up as they advance in growth, never allow them to grow to too great a height before this is done ; water them before earthmg-up if they are at all drv. Potatoes, if young ones are wanted very early, some Early Frame, or any of its varieties, may be planted in a slight hotbed ; if it is not convenient to plant them im- mediately, they may be laid in a forcing-house tiU they begin to shoot. Radishes, a second crop may now be sown m a similar situation to the last— that is, on a slight hotbed. Dung should now be prepared for forcing the various culinary vege- tables which are required early; a considerable quantity of leaves may be used with it. FRUIT GIKDEN. The work of trenching, draining, preparing borders for fruit trees, pruning, nailing, and dressing the ground may be proceeded with. Fruit trees may be removed and planted, but take care to keep the frost from the roots of newly-planted trees. FLOWER GARDEN. The absence of frost from the ground has permitted of a variety of work in this department being carried on. Borders not cleaned and dressed should at once be finished. Recently- removed plants should be protected. In the pinetum a little protection may be afforded to Pinuses of doubtful hardiness. We repeat these instructions, assuming that the weather has cheated some of us into forgetfulness of winter, whose approach is unusually delayed. We have still Verbenas in flo\yer, and Pelargoniums uninjured in the open ground. Dahlia roots should be occasionally examined in order to counteract the effects of damp, &c. Where a quantity of young plants is required it will be requisite to put the roots to work by forcing them in a gentle hotbed or pit. Abundance of air is necessary to Carnations and Picotees in frames ; for when kept in a con- fined atmosphere mildew is certain to be engendered. Pan- sies, which during the past fine weather have begun to move, should be caref uUy protected in the event of severe weather, as they wiU be much more susceptible of injury. Carefully ex- clude frost from the beds of Tulips. Those who have not obtained the necessary number of Ranunculuses to make up their beds ought to do so without delay, as the period of plant- ing, the middle of February, will soon be here. If the beds have not been already formed, perhaps the simplest and best way is to excavate the soil 2 feet deep, put in 6 inches of de- cayed cowdung, covering this with maiden turfy loam to the depth of 12 inches or more, the remaining 6 inches to be equal parts loam, leaf soil, and sand thoroughly incorporated. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERTATOKY. About 40° is a good temperature for the conservatory, when not attached to sitting-rooms, and used only for the purpose of wintering large specimens without plants in blossom ; but where a supply of stove plants in bloom is constantly kept up from a forcing-pit, which is essentially necessary to every good con- servatory in winter, the heat most suitable is 45° by night, raising it to 55° in the day. Cinerarias, which are great orna- ments in this house in winter, are thirsty plants, and should be well attended to with water. They are also liable to the attacis of insects, and unless they arc looked after they wiU soon estabUsh these amoug other plants. Chinese Primroses are also very ornamental here ; although they grow well near the glass, they do best in shaded places. With regard to soil, two parts rough leaf mould, and one of well-decayed cowdung, with a little sand, suits them best, and in this they like plenty of moisture. CameUias wiU now be swelling their buds. Neglect in supplying water must be avoided, and attention should be given so that it is appUed in proportion to the activity of the growth of the plants. This remark apphes equally to other plants. Remove flowers as soon as they be- come shabby. Stove plants will take no injury for a few days in this temperature, but hardwooded greenhouse plants, such as Heaths, should not remain more than a few days at a time in such a temperature. Prune, train, and clean the creepers on the rafters. The Pelargoniums intended for blooming m May, if not shifted already, must be removed into their bloom- ing-pots immediately, using a free open soil. Late-blooming specimens must now be stopped, preparatory to being potted in the end of Februaij, and young stock must be encom-aged, so as to make the plants strong and healthy. Herbaceous Cal- ceolarias will grow very rapidly for the next three months, and, therefore, must be encouraged and kept clean. Fumigate slightly once a-week or ten days, but be very cautious, or you will injure the foUage. Water when necessary, but not over the foUage. STOVE. Here the night temperature must not exceed 60°, and if it fall to 50° in severe weather, no harm will be done. Keep the atmosphere rather moist, especially if the weather is bright, and remove such plants as are inclined to start to the warmest part of the house. Some plants, such as Stephanotis, AUa- mandas, Manettias, Dipladenias, &c., may be pruned, trained, and started, if by a gentle bottom heat all the better, but those plants wanted for late blooming must be kept back for the present. Some persons keep their stove plants now and for the next six weeks quite at rest, and in that state a tempera- ture of 55° is quite enough for them in cold weather. No more water is given at the roots than will keep the leaves from flagging. A high temperature and dry atmosphere are much more injurious to stove plants than any cold they can suffer in a temperature above 45°. Orchids should now be kept as cool and dry as they can bear for about six weeks, and in spring increase the heat as the season advances, but still withhold water till early in summer, and then give it only when the buds are ready to start. Young Stanhopeas are more diffi- cult to flower than established plants, because they are more susceptible of changes of temperature and moistui-e. From this time to the beginning of May give as Uttle water at tha roots as is consistent with the health of the plants, and up to the middle of February 55° is the proper temperature. The atmosphere should not be drier than that for a coUection of stove plants ; therefore, where two houses do not exist, the coldest end of a stove is a good place to winter them in. FORCING-PIT. Remove the plants from here to the conservatory as fast as the flowers expand, and introduce others from the reserve for succession, placing them first at the cool end of the pit, so as to excite them graduallv. A few Pinks and Sweet WiUiams may be started, and plenty of Lily of the Valley, Sweet Bnar, and other sweet-scented plants. Gardenias must also be started, and as Stephanotis is a great favourite, a plant or two should be placed at the warmest end of the pit. Maintain a fresh, growing, moist temperatm-e of from 60° to 65°, or 70° with sun heat, and give air, warmed before it reaches the plants, at every favourable opportunity. Syringe early on sunny days, and keep a moist atmosphere, unless the weather is very duU. PITS AND FRAMES. These must be protected in severe weather, and abundance of air should be given to Mignonette and Violets when the weather is favourable. The early-potted Tulips and Hyacinths under tan will begin to draw, therefore, remove them to a cold pit. A batch of Mignonette for succession may be sown to- wards the end of the mouth. Keep the plants in these struc- tures as hardy as possible, by fully exposing them m mUd weather, but do not give them any more water than is abso- lutely necessary. Remove all decayed and decaying leaves, and keep the atmosphere in as healthy a state as possible,— W. Keane. ^__ DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. SoT\T!D succession of Kidney Deans ; potted young Cucum- bers ■ spawned and earthed fresh piece of Mushroom-bed ; put some droppings, with a portion of long litter made short by cutting it, in a shed to dry; took up more Rhubarb and Sea- kale to place in the JIushroom-house ; and, as the heat was declining too much, put a lot of fermenting material m tha house to prevent the necessity of putting a fire on.^ Ihe first beds are producing plentifuUy, and the old beds in the open lO JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTtTRE AHD COTTAGE GAKDENEB. r Jaontry 3, 18GS. shed are still prodncing ijfcfolly. There are unmistakcable sigue that in many famihcs Mushrooms are becoming as much au everyday a£fair as Parsley, and it is a sad thing to be short of the latter. Wlienevcr scarcity is threatened it is a good plan to fill some pots and boxes, and place in the houses, or liU a frame or part of a frame with it, with a little gentle heat under it. It is advisable to have one of these modes to fall back upon, as respects Sorrel, Fennel, Tarragon, Burnet, Cher- vil, and especially Mint, as, after Asparagus comes in. Mint is often wanted, and Iamb, however great the delicacy, is nothing without it in the estimationof a connoisseur. Mint is a particular thing in some places, with us it lives only a short time, unless fresh plantations are frequently made. It is well to notice, that in taking fermenting materials into a Mushroom-house, for first producing heat and then getting prepared for forming a bed, besides the annoyance of extra steam, to which reference was made lately, there is the possi- bility of taking in slugs and snails, and mice with the litter, which is not so likely to be the case if the material has been prepared, well heated, and thus dried in a shed. The heating makes these insects start, and therefore, though we thus lose a a portion of the enriching power of tlie dun;;, we gain in more freedom from vermin. We have not yet noticed the nibbUng of mice, but several bonnet-headed Muslirooms have been holed by snails. These may be trapped with greased cabbage leaves, and, better still, by a little brewer's grains laid in a heap ; but the most eflfectual mode is to take a candle and lanthom, and look over the beds and walls any time from ten o'clock at night to three o'clock in the morning. The snail seems to know instinctively the darkest and quietest hours. We have never seen them so large as in a Mushroom-house. We have taken some that looked like small adders, and almost as beautifully spotted. Such soon render useless a lot of Mush- rooms if allowed to have their way. As occasion offered, went on stirring the ground amongst yonng crops. Gave plenty of air to young Radishes, but they scarcely move in the dull foggy weather. We would have pro- ceeded with shght hotbeds, but the huaricane took away most of ourtree leaves, and until the shooting is over we must not go near the covers. A good stock of tree leaves is a great acquisition for a garden, as their mild heat enables us to bring many things forward ; but for them we should have been at a standstill in all departments, as, without their aid. the dung from three or four horses would scarcely have sufficed for Mushrooms, let alone the wants of the kitchen and flower gardens. We have as yet done little digging or trenching. In general we like the surface to be frosted lirst ; but in such a mUd season as this we would not have waited for this, if a press of other work and alterations had not caused the delay. All stiff clay soils, whether merely turned up one spit deep, or two or three spits in depth, would be the better of being ridged up in furrows, and the clearer these furrows show the mark of the spade the more will the frost act upon them in (^battering them to pieces. In light soils it is better to leave the surface rough but iiat. as, if ridged up, the soil would get too fine, and there would be a want of firm holding power for the plants. For gardening-purposes the soil cannot be too deep ; and the shal- lowest soil will soon be deepened if, in trenching, the subsoil is broken either with spade or pick, left where it was at first, and at the next trenching a little of it is brought up and in- corporated with the staple. It is wonderful how a thin hungry soil may thus be deepened and improved, especially if there is a good rubbish-heap of decaying vegetable matter to go to. Such rubbish-heaps of all refuse vegetable matter will be greatly im- proved if short grass from lawns and a little htter be placed below them in summer and mixed with them, and a Uttle earth be thrown over aU. The grass, A-c, will cause the whole to fer- ment kindly, and the earth wUl keep in all the fertihsing gases. Wherever dimg is scarce much must depend on the goodness of the rabbish heap, and evervthing that will rot and decay should be carefully husbanded there, except seed weeds, or what will be best disposed of in the charring and burning heap. Many of the remains of vegetables would come in useful at the farm for pigs, A-c, to nibble at, and at least amuse themselves ; and when dung can be had in return, a fair exchange is all right ; but when it is supposed that it is waste to let manure from the farm find its way into the garden, then every hit of vegetable should be kept in the rot-heap to help to produce other vege- tables. When spent quarters are to be cleared, it is not a bad plan to dig them, or rather trench them down, and then they rot and give off their manuring properties slowly; but in this case they often prove a feeding place for gardeners' enemies in the gromid, and in general it will be found preferable to rot them in the rubbish heap, kept covered with earth whenever there is an escape of gases, in other words, whenever there is tlie heat from active decomposition, and the heap will be all the more valuable from this heating and earth -covering. A part of the heap already decayed may bo used for throwing on the surface ; a little salt and lime will also be useful if added to the heap ; and so for all soils not aboondiug in calcareous matter would be all kinds of lime mbbiab. On chalky soils the application of calcareous matter in any shape is generally of little avail ; but there are many places where strong loam is resting on clay, and a great depth of chalk below the chiy, and in such cases the bringing up the chalk and surface-dressing with it is often of great advantage. If spread on the groimd before frost it will generally be shattered and broken enough. FECTT OAUDKN. Merely a repetition of previous weeks ; have shut up the Peach-house, and put a little tire on just to move the plants gently. For temperature in various houses, see memoranda of a fortnight ago. ORNAUENTAt, DEPABTSrEKT. The chief trouble has been to keep damp from late-struck Geraniums, and other bedding plants in cold frames and pits. For several reasons, the chief an anxiety not to disfigure fine beds and borders, our cuttings were unusually late this season, and the damping of the foUage has been rather troublesome in cold pits and frames. It is better every way to place them in a house where a little fire heat can be used. No greater mis- take can exist than the supposition that gardeners can have their own way in this respect, even in " very tidy places." Such a mode has suited us hitherto, and "We want no change " is often the re]>ly to plans that have cost consideration and trouble. That is no reason why every one should not try to obtain what would be the most suitable, as exemphfied in the letter and plan of a Cucumber-house, given by Mr. O'Donnell at page o"24. Such a house is far hefore a lean-to pit. If mostly above the ground level, and fully half of the sides of glass, it would bo better still. One advantage of the plan given is that the beds are the width of the path.s from the sides, and therefore receive more hght from the roof in winter. The lobby and double door are a great advantage, especially in winter. But, notwithstanding all these advantages being made apparent, many, very many, must do what they can with flat lean-to pits, or, perhaps, still flatter frames. Unless greatly elevated at the back, no common frame or pit with the same inclination receives any direct hght, or rays from the sun, for nearly half the width in front. More hght, and the chance of giving a little help from fire heat, are of great advantage for most ornamental plants that are gromi in pots. In such places, and in all houses kept cool, no watering shoidd be given unless absolutely required. The moisture in the air has generally been sufficient where no great amount of artificial heat was given. Bulbs that have now filled their pots w-ith roots may be gradually forced, but the heat should be raised by degrees — say Hyacinths beginning at 45 , and rising in ten days to 55° and 60° ; Tulips not quite so much ; and Crocuses should seldom be above 50' with artificial heat if it is desired to have the coloturs bright. Narcissus will stand as much heat as Hyacinths, but when coming into bloom the tempcratiu-e should be gradually lowered before they are taken to the greenhouse or window. Hyacinths when showing their bloom-stalks will often be better of a pot or a paper funnel placed over them, to draw up the stems, to give the florets room ; but in all cases as the bloom opens the plants should have all the hght possible. Placing them in the middle of the room, on the top of the mantelshelf, or on sideboards, is an act of cruelty which, if the poor bulbs could speak, they would soon tell us all about. Hardy shrubs brought forward in heat should have the temperature gradually reduced before they are taken into a much colder place ; and all shrubs that are to be forced should also be bronght on by degrees, as subjecting them to a high temperature at ouce is apt to start the flower-buds pre- maturely and cau?e them to drop, whilst it gives an extra stimulus to wood-buds to start into shoots. The weather has been everything that is desirable for green- house plants ; even the most sensitive of the hardwooded ones could take all the mild air that could be given them if there was enough of fire heat in foggy days to keep the air in motion. Extra heat otherwise is to be avoided, as the mild temperature has encouraged growth, whilst there has been httle sun to con- sohdate the growth. Jannary 2, 18«€. ] JOUBNAL OF HOETICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GAEDENBB. 11 Now is a good time to cut in many stove climbers, as Alla- mandas, Stephanotis, Paseifloras, &c., and to shake out and re- pot those previously pruned, and now showing their fresh shoots. Cuttings may now be made of Euphorbias, Poiusettias, &c., to be grown on for next autumn and winter. Most stove plants that have been at rest in winter, as Clerodendrons, may also be pruned back to a few buds of last year's shoots, and as soon as the buds burst the plants should be shifted into smaller pots, be benefited with a little bottom -heat, and receive another shift as soon as the pots are full of roots. Care should be taken that Ixoraa are now free of scale and gi-een fly, and they wiU be much benefited if the pots are plunged in a mild sweet heat of from 75° to 80°, the top heat averaging from C0° to 65°. As time permitted went on with potting Mosses, Ferns, &c., get- ting a lot in small pots, so as to form parts of vases of flowers in-doors, &c. Most of our work for the week has been moving Ehododen- drons and other evergreens, and fresh turfing some borders, which it is considered we should be better without. Where much heavy work with evergreens is required to be done, it would be economy to have a stout low-wheeled little truck for the purpose. In layinif turf, and moving tiu-f to be relayed, much time and labour are wasted if the turf is not taken up in pieces pretty uniform in width and thickness. Inattention to these little matters makes a great difference in the amount of work that can be done in a day, and even careful men, and good at taking up turf, need to be reminded of it. At this sea- son of the year many men will attempt to lay turf by standing and stooping — a rare stoop for a tall young man ; but where a regular job has to be gone about, turfing cannot be satisfactoiily done by a man working in such a stoopiug position. The im- portance of a dry day, and the ground moderately dry, will be seen from the circumstance that the workman ought to be on the imtnrfed groimd, and on his knees when at work. A knee- pad should protect his knees, and a moveable pad be used for his legs. Every piece of turf should be put down properly in its place — a matter easily done if the turves are uniform in thickness, but which requires a good deal of packing if the turves are not equal in thickness. If the turves are not left level and well packed, no beating or rolling afterwards will ever make a smooth level lawn. Of course all old ground that used to be dug must be thoroughly beaten before turfing, and even then most likely it will fall in the course of years. Where much turfing is done, and the ground requires much levelling and regulating previously, the simplest plan is to use a number of lines of cord, stretched at the proper sweep and level, and then the workmen have only to turf up totheUnes. In making banks of a regular uniform slope, a good plan is to have one line stretched firmly for the edge of the top, and another for the edge at the bottom, and a heavy rod of the requisite length moving between the two lines will secui-e a uniform slope all throughout. As to evergreens, we may mention that Ehododendi'ons will not flourish in a soil abounding in calcareous matter. In almost every other soil they will grow if enriched with rotten leaf mould. In our soil our only chance is to turn down the loam and turn up the clay, and plant in clay, and a Uttle leaf mould and sand. They will not look at our stiff loam, which has a good portion of calcareous matter in it. After all they generally do best in such soils as the native Heaths de- hght in ; but they do well in heavyish loam, in rich sandy loam, and, in fact, in any loam we have met with free of calca- reous matter. A falling barometer is giving us warning that ere long we shall be able to bring up our leeway in house-work of all kinds. Hitherto the weather has been too favourable for out- door work to do more in-doors than what was absolutely essential. — B. F. TRADE CATALOGUE RECEIVED. William Pontey, Huddersfield. — List of Forest and Orna- mental Trees, Shrubs, d'c. COVENT GARDEN JIAEKET.— December 30. Supplies are well kept up and prices maiutained, Pines and Grapes both being slightly in advance of last week- Pears are becoming com- paratively scarce, and are confined to Winter Nelis. Ne Pins Meuris, Col- mare, and Glon Morceaa. Large quantities of Potatoes are on hand. Apples i sieve Apricots doz. Cherries lb. Chestnuts bush. Currants, Red i sieve Black do. Pigs doz. Filberts lb. Cobs .... 100 lbs. Gooseberries. . ^ sieve Grapes, Hambro.. . lb. Muscats lb. Lemons 100 Artichokes each AsparasTUS. ... bundle Beans Broad., bushel Kidney 100 Beet, Ked 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 GarUc and Shallots, lb. Herbs bunch Horseradish . . bundlo B. d. s. d 2 0to3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g 0 0 4 6 G 0 16 0 0 0 1 0 160 0 0 0 7 0 10 0 10 B. d. 0. d Melons each 3 0to5 0 Mulberries, . . . punnet 0 0 0 0 Nectarines doz. 0 0 0 0 Oranges 100 4 0 10 0 Peaches doz. 0 0 0 0 Pears (kitchen). . doz. 2 0 4 0 dessert doz. 16 6 0 Pine Apples lb. 5 0 8 0 Plums ;i sieve 0 0 0 0 Quinces | sieve 0 0 0 0 Raspberries lb. 0 0 0 0 Strawberries lb. 0 0 0 0 Wakiuts bush 14 0 20 0 VEGETABLES. 8. a. B. d n OtoO u H n l:i u 0 0 0 0 0 ()■ 3 u 2 (1 3 (1 1 n 2 0 2 0 3 0 n 9 1 B n n 0 U n 4 0 8 3 0 tl U 1 n 2 0 2 0 3 0 n 0 U 0 1 () 2 0 n » 0 0 n K () 0 n S n () 2 6 4 U Leeks bnnch Lettuce .... per score Mushrooms pottle Mnstd. & 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 ^sievo Turnips bunch Vegetable Marrows dz. 0 St on 0 1 n 2 () 1 6 2 6 0 2 0 0 » 0 6 0 0 0 fl fi 1 n 1 6 1 0 2 0 0 () (> 0 2 6 4 0 3 0 4 fl 0 6 1 0 0 n 1 (1 0 9 1 6 2 0 3 U 2 0 S 0 n 0 0 0 n 4 « U u 0 u U TO CORRESPONDENTS. •»* We request that no one will write privately to the depart- mental writers of the "Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing tbey are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications sbould therefore be addi*essed solely to The Editors of the Journal of Horticulture, d'C, 171, Fleet 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. NJB. — Many questions must remain unanswered imtil nest week. Book {T. T., Isleicorth). — You can have "In-door Gardening" and " Out-door Gardening " for Is. 6d. e^ch at our office. The early Pea you refer to was Dickson's Early Favourite. MuxcniNG Roses (M.H.). — Half-rotten dung will be better for mulch- ing Roses than that in a state of fermentation. NESPonr di Japoni CtrLTCRE {An Irish Subscriber). — We belie%-e it to be the Loquftt. Mespilus (Eriobotryal japonica. and it is not so flue either in Italy or Malta as it is in In( the Larch trees will prevent any danger of their being scorched. Wo should begin by throwing up a bank of loose rubbihh againut the w^ll, and if more utoues than soil all the better. This mound, ' or bank, we would have eiiual in height to the wall, all but 3 feet, and as wide at bottom as it is high, forming it, however, in an Irregidar serpen- ] tine fashion. At the base of the bank lay a row of tree wtumps, and fill i op the interstififi with soil, which may consist of peat and loam in equal i pa^t'^. *ir failing the poit, the top soil from n wood from which the leaves are never removed but allowed to rot. I>ay another tier of stumps and I ilion fill up witli soil, and so on. Work the soil into the vacant Hpaces as I you proceed, instead of flrflt making the rootory and then filling in the ; interstices, leaving the paHs beneath the stuinp-i hollow. Huild up firmlv, I with a Ktriiight face in some parts as if it were a wiUl, in others sloping, and in nome parts much wider than in others, and as tree stumps are more easily placed than rock stones, we hIiouUI certainly have the door- way formed of the stamps placed one upon the other, and the other end, or exit, open. On the other side (for next the rootery against the wall should be a path 4 feet wide), the stumps should bo placed so as to corre- spond with the side next the wall, and tliii^ piirt may be of any width, height, or form desired. The main points to bo attended to are to build up the rooterj- firmly, to fill the openings with auil, and to make its appearance as bold and rugged as po-sible. The stumps for the most part should be about half buried in the soil, some almost entirely hidden, others entirely bare, and all firmly placed. In addition to filling- np the hollows as the stumps are laid, the whole should be gone over afterwards, and any openings where Ferns are to bo planted should have soil placed in them. Ail the commoner kinds of British and hardy exotic Ferns would do fairly. Of these we can only name a few— \iz. :— Lastrea Filix-mas and varieties, Osmunda regaHs, Lastrea oroopteris, L. recun-a, L. dilatata, ami I,. ei>iuosn ; Polj-podium vulgar* and varieties, P. dryoptoria, and P. phrtropUris; Polystiehuni lobatum and varioticB, and P.angulare; Scolupendrium vulgare and varieties; Asplenium adian- tom nigrum. A. trichomanes and varieties. A. viride; Allosorns crispus ; Blechiiuni spicant and varieties; Oystopteris fragilis, dentata, and Dickicnna ; and Athj-rium Filix-fcemina in great variety. Of exotic Feme may be mentioned Lastrea intermedia and L. marginalis; Polystichum proliferum, P. pungens, and P. acrostichoides; Struthiopteris germanica and S. pennpylvanica ; Onoclea sen^ibiUs; Usmimda iuterrupta (Clay- tonianat, O. spoctabilis. O.cinnamomea, and O. gracilis; and Cystopteris bulbifera. All require a plentiful supply of water in summer. WATEnrxG Overhead Azaleas and He.\ths (^hcaftf^Jt).— Watering the plants overhead through the rose of a large watering-pot would not do any great harm to Azaleas placed out of doors in summer, if the water was not given to excess, and only on the evenings of hot davs. The night dew and rain are quite suflicieut for Azaleas after the buds'have set. and for Heaths watering overhead ia more or less injm-ious. We conclude that the plants were watered overhead onlv, and had no water or an in- sufficient amount of it at the root, which, with the pots exposed to the snn, would account for the plants dying. Or it may be that the soil in the pots has been so soddened as to cauBe the fibres to perish, as those of Azaleas, Heaths, and all hardwooded plants will do if the plants are potted so that the water drains to not from the collar, and if is regularly given without regard to their requirements. The soil in which they are grown should never be allowed to become so dry as to affect the foliage, and, on the other hand, it should not be so regularly watered as to be very wet. The right condition is hetweeji the two extremes. There ia no work published on the culture of Azaleas. Any information which you specially wish wo shall be glad to furnish. Pbopaoating Haudy Ferns from Spores (W. W. w.).— Chooae a pot which a bell-L'lass will just fit within the rim, place a large crock over the hole, half fill the pot with smaller pieces, and on them place half an inch of mosp ; then fill the pot to the rim with the following mixture— via. :— aandstone' broken in all sizes from that of a grain to a hazel nut. sandy flbrouB peat, and yellow fibrous loam, of each equal parts, adding to the whole one-sixth of silver sand. Put over the surface a ven" small quantity of sifted soil, and make it firm bv pressing it with the hand. Put on the ^U-Rlaas. and if it fit closely on the soil it is all right. Remove it. and stand the pot in a pan in a rather shadv bnt not dark part of the green- honsc, for what is wanted is a diffused, though not a strong hght. Give a g'xid watering all over the surface through a fine-rosed watering-pot, flllmg the pan with water. N'ow,take the frond ivith the spore-cases open, and, holding It over the pot, rub it with the hand on the under side and a kind of brown or vellow dust will faU on the soil. Yon may scrape the spore-cases fruni the back of the fronds, but if the dust faU so as to make the soil brown or yellow, it is enough. Press the surface gently with the hondandput on the bell-glass, taking care that it touch the soil all round. Keep the pan, or saucer, full of water, and give n.me on the surface ^J'^S^V '**"^'""'* **'■>'• which it never ought to do. nor will it if aufliciently Shaded and the saucer be kept full of water. When the surface becomes green lilt the bell-glass a little on one side at night, and as the soil becomes greener tilt it higher, giWng a gentle watering now and then to keep tlie surface from becoming drj-. When the plants have made two or three fronds gradually remove the bell-gbiss. and pot off the Ferns when they can be handled safely. The pots may be plactd outside eiiwaed to Irost, hut then the vegetation of the spores wilt not be so speedy and certain as when the pots are placed in the greenhouse. RoREs-GERANrrMsi/-. J.).— lioses with mulch over the roots should not have any hquid manure until they commence growth in the spring, wedo not thmk that Scarlet Geraniums cut down and covered witl ashes would survive the winter. If they did they would bo weak and flower late. Dr-SKONTANiA spiKosA CcLTCRE (.S'. jyorfwr).— Tho greatest drawback to blooming lhi« plant ivo tho roots. Temperatcrk for Ferns and Fancy Pelargoniums (Henry HifioinM), —Maiden-hair, Gold, Silver, and other Ferns is not definite enough (or u3 to tell you the temperature required ; but vou say they are greenhouse Ferns. Xow, there is no Gold Fern that we are acquainted with except Gyinnogramma oehracea, and only one Silver — viz., Gymnogramma tartarea, that will do in a greenhouse, and then the house must seldom bo allowed to have a temperature of less than 45 . The others require a temperature of 65 from fire heat in winter, bnt the thermometer may oecasionaUy read as low as 50- without injury to the plants. The Maiden- hair will winter safely in a temperature of from 4U to 45^ from fire heat, which IS also suitable for alt the greenhouse kinds. By day the ther- mometer should road 5 higher on dull davs. 10 when they arc cloudy with clear intervals, and 15", with air, on' bright days. Fancy Pelar- goniums retjuire a temperature of from 40 to 45' from fire heat, with an increase by day as before mentioned, affording them abundance of aiit light, and a rather dry atmosphere. Stage for Greenhouse {A Country Clrrgym(in).—yi'e should have a shelf along the front 18 inches wide, and also at the end from the door- way ; it may cither bo of stone or of laths. This will, of course, be over the pipes or Uue, and should be on a level with the bottom of the front wall-plate. Allow 3 feet for a pathway from the front shelf, and have a stage of wood at the back, the first shelf 9 inches from floor, and the others receding towards the back, and 0 inches above each other ; the last shelf should be 4 feet from the glass. Your stage will thus have seven shelves, tho first 7 inches broad, and tho others an inch wider pro- gressively upwards until the fifth is reached, when those above it need bo no wider. The shelves should bo inch red deal, or they may bo formed of laths 1^ inch by 1 inch. It would improve the appearance if the end of the stage fac:iug the door\fay were made to rise from the pathway iu the same way as along the back. Books {ff.}.— The little book yon havo from our office, if you mnUipIy tho quantities by ten. will guide you sufficiently to aid your own good Sense. There is no work of tho kind you mention. Coil-planting Vines. — Mr. Rivers informs us, that tho surface of the soil over the coil (see page 5'i5|, should be covered with '* 2 inches," not " 10 inches " of rotten manure, as there stated, in order to encourage tho buried part of the stem to emit roots rapidly. EsPERioNE Vine.— rj/f^io asks—" Is it pospiblo to obtain cntlings, or eyes, of the genuine Esporionu Vine mentioned by ' Upwabds a»d Onwards?' " Heating by Gas.— Tyr^o also asks—" Can any one give mo any in- formation of an apparatus for heating greenhouses or rooms by gas, made by K. & W. Watson, or K. A W. Wilson, London ;*" Colouring for Old Fri-it-thee Wall [E. ./.>.— A bushel ol limo flowered down, passed through a fine sieve, and with about two or more ounces of lampblack, or blueblack (the latter is the betterl, made into a paste and mixed with it with a sufficiency of water, passing all through a bievc, will make a nice colour, the white of the lime being tuned dowo. If the walls are old and unsightly, it would be advisable to add a peck of flue gritty sand and as much lUn'uan cement. If much moss, Ac, be on the wall, it would bo as well to give a coat of the lime first. Tho drier and cleaner the wall when the wash is applied tho better, and the longer will the colouring stand. Kdging for Border (.S'urpron, Hal/-;in(/).— We have found Thrift form a good edging where Box would noi grow at all. Another very good edging plant is the small-leaved Ivy, common enough in hedgerows and wouds. If you particularly wish for a plant-edging, we should advise yoix to try Thrift or Sea Pink, which makes a very close and tractable edging, and is, besides, very pretty when in bloom, green and grass-like at all seasons. Glass edging-tiles would bo tho most permanent and reqalM no after-care, but they are rather expensive at first. Lychnis Senno. — W. S. wishes to know where this can be obtained. Communication {A Oardtner Lad). — Write on one side only. Any sized paper, the thinner the less postage you have to pay. Do not fasten tha loavcb together, but uumbor each page. January 2, 1866.] JOURNAL OP HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. 13 PiiLURES lA.B. r.).-There are many things '" /'''<'^^^™,° f ? ''4'* gardeners are totaUy unable to render a reason, and wo *<=«' I"^' ° "f/ lame nredic-ament as your gardener, and can Rive no reason from any de. StFon ToHn^e us There has been no frost to injure such plants,H the SeratiSTSd become reduced. The Luculia would 1>"V° ^^u', oth nearer 51T than B5< bat in from m= to 65 the BeKonias and Cactus ought tohave done weU We have known some such effects from the soil bemg s^oake'drepcatldly with cold water in such dull -ef,^"- ^uUeW S'^Have Ukely to be the case. Have yon been pamting the ^»f ^^f '.'''''X;^".?™ von been lime-washing the walls with very hot lime, fresh ? or have you had thH. uos frelh fainted, xvithout allowing them to become well dried before nich beat wawUed ? Even when lampblack and O'l "« used, a high emperature will throw off fumes that will .'°J"« '"°f,' 8°"^^^'; onlels there is a gi-eat deal of air on. A rusty P/P.^^ °"«° J''="" *''*Tjie fresh-painted one, if a high temperature mus be used «' ™'f • ™ matter is of so much importance that we shall be Bll^d '* 8°™°. <>' ?"J readers will give it their attention. There is no .f =r'«"^^,°* P"'!"?'?? the water ? Or has anvthin" deleterious foimd its way into the water / We have known an instance Sf a small stove from which the plants were removed in the morniug, and all the wa Is and f ''f/ ^'lif Se leaves magnesiau Umestone and snlphm-, and m a.week the most of the leaves and flowers dropped. Vines from Eras (E/,«fs).-Vincs may be raised from eyes m a cool vinery or Aeenhouse! If you obtain the shoots now 5;°" .f^.-jy '^ t"!™, with the lower ends stuck in moist but not w^et soil, ?ii" ?^p"' h„n„/ February, then make the eyes, pot theiu, and place in tl-^ 8"™''°™/=' and keeii the soil just moist until the shoots appear, }> 1>™, '^"^y "^ '» °° well supplied with water. You wiU see what was said on this subject at page 529 of our last Number. Trees and Shbues from Seeds (r,iem).-Yoa can grow aU the follow- ing from s™ed:-Thuj a occidentalis and orientaUs^ .^^r ^Red S" caJpa, Lawsoniana, Goveniana ; Larch ;, Laburnum ^ J"'»'l'" .^ R«^,?'*!' ■ HoUv ; Cedi-us deodara; Pinus sylve.tris, pmaster, >^»l»I^°^V^;,i*'!i?!™ angustifnlia ; Evergreen Oak; Euonynius europ.eus ; Straw beiTy tree Spanish Broom; Berberis Darwinii and others; Mountain Ash , Lao Laurel, common and Portugal; Laurustiuus; P'^;^';^ Sweet Bnar. Judas Tree- Chiste Tree- Bend Tree; Mahonia aqmfohum; Leycesteria loi- mos^ ; OvUsus spfuosus and triilorus ; Cryptomeria W™><^" ' ^™;-;,^^^'^ imbricati; Calvcanthus; Khododendron ; A/.alea; Amianthus glandulosa and Rhamnus ilaternus. These are some that stnke us at the moment and there are many more which we do not now thmk of, and even if we did it would be of no use, for seeds of such plants are "»* "'^jsto^f had, nor is it certain that they will grow when you have obtained them. Seeds of any tree or shrub which you can obtain fresh y™ may p-ow, and when you hare prociured them we shaU be glad to assist you, if in- formed what they are. LAi-iKG Down a Lawn (A Constant Iteader).-Ii yon can obtain tiirt from a piece of ground where the grass is naturally short close, and even in surface, and, above aU, free from Daisies, Plantains, Dandelions and other perennial weeds, then we should prefer employing turf to sowung a mixtm-e of lawn grass seeds, for you would ohtam a la™ at once , but if sods are only to be had where you can get them, and °°t;^l^"«>o" would lilie to have them from, then we would advise you to sow a nnxtm e of la^-ii-gi-ass seeds on your levelled piece ."J S^ojind taking care to have It free from perennial weeds, and in good tilth Sow the seeds durmg the first showery weather in April. The seeds ai-e best sown just befoie ram after sowing, the ground should he gently raked over with a wooden rake and immediately well rolled, and for this the surface must be so dry as not to cUng to the roUer. By no means sow when the ground is wet but on the contrarv, when it is in good working order. By July the pass WiU gi-ow sufficiently to be fit to mow, afterwards cut it throughout the summer and autumn every three weeks, except m dry weather. The mole it is rolled the more the grasses will tiller and the firmer the lawn wUl be. If vou were to give it a dressing of well-rotted manure m tlie follow- ing February or March, and brushed this in during showery weather in April it would vastly assist in forming a bottom, help to keep off moss and insure a rapid .growth, without which you ™"°o"l'",'^'* °^f^,'^ close lawn. If you object to the manure, a dressing of soot will be loss objectionable. Dnrini the second summer the lawn ™ay be mown every tei days, and you wiU have a lawn of very t^ne Kyasst^s without the weeds naually found on those laid with sods, and it will not be liable to become mossy so soon as if turf were laid, but you must also bear m mind that it will not be so soft to walk upon. In a year you can have a good lawm by sowing a mixture of lawn grass seeds, and you oan have one at once by laying tm'f. If vou do not mind the appearance, and have an eye to ultimate effect, then we advise you to sow the Syound and if you can obtain good turf and do not mind the expense, then lay sods at once. Procuring and laving turf is much more expensive than sowing. What- ever vou do, do not lay bad turf, nor sow a mixtm-e of grass seeds unless suitable for the soil and situation. Gripes SHANKrec, U M.ickcnzic).-We should say the fault is partly owing to the roots of the Vines going so deep, and partly owing to over- c™ping. With the Black Frontignan ripening so "mdly without signs of shanking, we do not think that the fault is ownng ^ th? ^? ^ °f Grape. The Golden Hamburgh is tender m many places, and will not stand the same amount of direct sun as most "t^er Grapes The leave are apt lo be scorched, and that affects the fruit, "'''fj^""^ '.^X'^^^ from the glass, say from 18 to 24 inches, it will most ikely answer better, and more especially when it has all the stock to itsel instead of a part. The part of the pit might be examined as to the roots where the shank- ing is most prevalent; but we would he mchned to try what a thinner crop and watering whilst swelUng would do. It would be well every way if the roots went no deeper than the 3 feet. Insects (N.).-The white powdery covering on the Beech bark is the secretion, in vast quantities, of a waxy nature, from the bodies of count- less individuals of a very small species of Coccus, whose history has not been thoroughly investigated. Scoring the bark may be of service, but scouring it would be much better. — W^ Weather Wisdom.— A correspondent, John Bryan, says, "WiU 'X.' state how a .hart should be dra«-n nut for keeping the necessary notes re- commended bv him at page 525 V Then, as to the mstruments roqmrcd ; this is the greatest difficulty, for they are very expensive There are some b.aromet,rs cheap enough, but I should like to know ,f they are to be depended on. Will 'X' teU me which is the best kmd, .and what would be the lowest price for one that could bo depended upon . Hbatibo from Boiler bt the Back of Kitchen Fire (IT. M^.).-W6 are not quite sure that we understand the description of the boiler, but if it is 12 or U inches long, and 9 inches deep, and we presume much tha same in width, and set behind a kitchen lire, with hre applied chiefly to one side, then we do not think it would be sufflcicnt to keep the frost out of an open glazed orchard-house 74 feet long by 12 feet wide, 11 feet high at back and 6 feet in front, if the pipes from the boiler must pass through the wall and be placed in the house 2i feet from the floor. If the boUer could be heated below as weU as on the side, and the fire cou d be con- flnod against it at night, it ought to heat about 150 feet of fonr-mch i^ipe. and that would keep out aU ordinary frost ; but considering the height at which pipes must be placed, and also the size of «"'.,1"'?"«; ;7'' *'''°^ '' would he more economical to have a stokehole and boiler for the pnrpose so that you could have the pipes just above the Aoor-level and also near the front of the house. More piping will bo required if J^oy "^ P^^^^ near the back wall. We would advise trying the half of the house first, if you resolve on the kitchen boiler. It is much against the success ol the plan that the boiler is so far above the greenhouse floor. Removing a Larbe Hodlt (C. P.>.-Were we sure of this mUd weather eontmuing, we would move the twenty-foet-highHoUy tree from the hedgerow directly, beginning with a trench 6 or 7 feet from the stem, working the soU from among the roots with a m.attock and spade care- fully saving the roots, undermining and securing as large a ball as we could. The place should be weU trenched where you propose planting, and the roots should be nicely laid out, pac^ked Jfurely, the ground mulched to keep out frost, and if severe frost should take place in springy a little old hay or Utter may be thrown Ughtly '"«' 'l"' ?"P' J^,'^ '"J.^^S check evaporation and lessen the intensity of the frost, whicli w™'"^™ up and scald the trees from the ^a-^t ^ «5^ of March. The safest plan of aU. if you could defer the OP^™'"^'' ^^^^ be to dig down a trench about 20 or 24 mches from the stem aU round, cutting all the roots, and going deep enough to cut the ""st of the tap roots, make some holes in the ball, water these two o'' tl'^^f ''™'"', '° spring and summer, fill up round the haU with fresh »"«/„ ,^?' ?P*j \te mould, and in the end of September Uft and plant. The outside of the ball will have new fibres formed. Growing Fruit Under Glass (J- B-)--We can give you no great en- couragement as to growing Vines, Oranges, and other Pla»t« , '■*'?''. ™f Tou propose in your contemplated corridor, which is to be 40 'eet long^ h feet w-ide, and 8 feet high of opaque materials on ™cj,«'i,''' ^ 8*™"^ span-roof of glass, ends facing Isouth and north. As Po'-tland «ment is what you are conversant with in your trade we ^'/l ''' ™'^' b"* ^."-^Xde with small joints. Besides, the bricks ^^8" ''<'.™'''^^™*''S ' sant o? with tar, aid when thoroughly dried would P'^, °ff f ° °°P ^ very deleterious smell. We believe that the concrete w.aUsni.ght h^ made very pretty as vou suggest, by making devices and figures ;"tf 8j«"s on tne concrete ; but wrhaveno faith in yoartreesdo.ngweU trained against the standards inside, and with no Ught except what may ™™'' '™" 'XS roof, 8 feet from the bottom of the trees. ^'nesSc would flonrisn chiefly after they grew up underneath the roof, but then il tney grew thickly there, there would be no Ught for the Pla^Js below them AJl than two pipes for top o^at. "e nave laieiy ^ ^'j^ j ^'!k^:^ ItL^ri^^A'iTon^l' rt^riaf for plunging "~s OF plants (■^.-^-i.,««,t-ssy= 'i/^ri:?^ 3, Sempei-vivum? .'^^shed and disco oed( ^s^^^^^^^^^^.f . ^_ ^^^_ i;ri^Sf^P^aJiSr3..^^M,.a^l,C^^ ^;^:^^l^ZtL^m'aP^ U|rl fA"diaTitrc"a^ii?is^Venr;Tc|^^^^^^^^^^^ liv W )F) — 1, Lastrea, appears to be a narrow form ol i.. Qiiaiai.», the specimen is imperfect; 2, Lastrea Filix-mas. uUpha, Acton).--!, kcro ptr^ hl?pTdus ; 2^no .fruit, P-'^tvum t?ula fiS "^rHy^nn^m Sa- Lllir^'f Syi^l^^^mf ; S^SSsST t^: r'nSul^!\2;S!^^.^^^£~' ^^-^^ 12, Brymn turbinatum, or nutans; 13, Bartiamia arcuaia. 14 JODBNAL OF HORTICULTURB AND COTTAGE GABDEKEB. C Jannmrr 3, U06. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS in the Suburbs of London for the teu days ending December 30th. DXTZ. TIlKajfOKErSS. Viad. lUinln inchM. Gehbeu. Hrmmn. BABomrrEB. Air. Etrtb. Mu. HIn. Mai. MIn. 1 ft. dr. 2 ft. dp. Thorfl. 31 Pri. .. 22 Snt. .. 23 Snn. . . 34 Mon... 35 TuoH. . S« Wed. . 27 Thnrs. 2S Fri. .. 29 Sat. .. 'M MeaB.. SO.iSG m.no 80.340 80.368 30.288 80.101 so.aos 29.92.') 29.564 29.067 80.244 80.98« 80.283 80.841 80.888 80.141 80.176 29.692 29.1(12 29.521 54 44 43 87 48 60 46 60 61 49 41 86 28 80 83 96 28 42 89 86 45 46 444 44| 44 45 46 46J 46 46 46 46 45 ^ 46 45 45 46J 8.W. S.W. S. S.W. S.W. S.W. w. S.W. S.W. S.W. .00 .00 .no .00 .00 .01 .00 .16 .11 .06 Fine ; overMSt : mild night and day for the ecaeon. Densely clonded : oTen ast ; densely overcast at night. Cloudy ; denselv clouded : overcant : fUght fro^t. Densely clouded ; orerenst ; foggy at night ; slight frost. Overcast ; fine throughout. Denwelv overcast : slight fro^l at night. Denie fog ; hn/y ; foggy at night, «-ith slight frost. Fine ; densely clouded : rain and boisterons. f)vercaht ; bo'iPternUH with rain ; rain at night. Fine ; quite clear nnd very One ; overcast ; boiaterons with T«ln. 80.125 80.002 47.30 8SJ0 46.10 45.00 .... 0.3« POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. THE BIRMINGHAM AWARDS. When persons attempt to stifle inquiry and repress inves- tigation, it generally arises from a secret conviction that there are matters which will not bear the light, and from which it is the interest of parties connected with tliem to divert pubhc attention. I was very forcibly impressed with this fact in reading the communication of " Bbauma ; " and your readers who have pemsed bis letter with care must have been struck with the circumstance (bat, whilst he displays his familiarity with subjects and events -iidall Street. Balsall Heath. Birmingham. Second, Rev. F. Taylor, Keastwick, Kirby Lonsdale. HiRhly Commended, Capt. H. Heaton. Brahua PooxnA,— First, H. Lacv, Heliden Bridge. Second. J. K. Fowler, Prebendnl Farm, Ayleshury. Third, T. Statter. Stand. Man- chester. Hiphly Commended. W. Har^reaves.'Bncnp, near Mimchester. Polish.— First, E. Smith. Second, H. Beldon, Goitetock. Biuglcv. Gasee (Black-breasted Reds). — First, M. W. Stobart. Second, E. C. Gilbert, Penkridge. Stafford. Third. C. W. Brierley. Middletou. near Manchester. Highlv Commended, J. Hardie ; Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Commended. Sir St. G. Gore. Bart. Gamk (Bro^vn and other Rods, except Black-breasted). — First. C. W. Erieriey. Second. Sir St. G. Gore. Bnrt. Third, T. Statter. Stand, near Mnuchehter. Highly Commended, J. Fletcher, Stoneclough. Commended, T. BurfjcsB, Burfeydam. Whitchurch. Gasiz K'Scept B]ack-bre:iKted and other Reds).— First. J. Halsnll, Ince, Wigitn. Second, J. Fletcher. Tliird, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Highly Com- mended. P. Nnrbury. HAsrBunrjH iBlackj.— Prize, C. Sidgwick.Keighley. Highly Commended, R. Battersl.y. HAMHrRGH (Golden-pencilled). — First. T. Bums, Abram, near Wigan. Second. S. & R. Ashton, Mottram. Third, T. Wrigley, jun. Hamburgh (Silver-pencilled).— First, Sir St. G.Gore, Bart, Second, J. Robinson. HAsrBURtin fGolden-spapRled). — First. N. Marlor. Denton. Second, J. Wright. Lvsonhv, Melton Mowbrav. Third. W. Kershaw. Hichly Com- mended. J. Melior; Sir St. G. Gore*. Bart. Commended. J. Melh.r. Hambirgh (Silver-spangled).— First. Rev. W. Serjeantson. Acton Biir- nell Itcct.>rv, Shrcwsburv. Second, J. Fielding. Highlv Commended, Sir St. G. Gore. Game Bantam.— First, R. Hawksley, jun. Second, J. Crosl.ind, jnn., Wakefield. Third, A. Fenton. DoRKixos (Coloured'!. — First, Viscountess Holmesdale. Second. T. Statter, Stand, near Manehester. Third, H. Lingwood, Barking. Needham Market. Fourth, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart., Hopton Hall, Derbyshire. Hrnx. — First, Viscountess Holmesdale. Second, Mis F. S. .^rkwright. Etwall Hall, Derby. Third, W. Copple. Highly Commended, J. Holme. Knowsloy, near Prescot; W. Harvey. Bacup, near Manchester. Commended. A. Fenton, Crimble Hall, Rochdale; Mrs. F. S. Arkwripht: J. K. Fowler, Prebendal Farm. Aylesbury. Cliickens.— First. Sir St. G. Gore, Bnrt. Sceond and Fourth. Viscountess Holmestlnle. Third. J. Hardie. Hiphly Commended. C. Cork. Shoreham. Commended. A. Fentn. Tliird, Capt. H. Heaton. Commended, H. Tomlinson, Balsall Heath tRond. Birmingham; H. Bates. Hent. — First, J. Elliott, Leigh near Manchester. Second, H. Tomlinson. Third. Capt. H. Heaton. Hiphly Commended. Capt. H. Heaton ; W. A. Taylor. Turner Street, Manchester; C. AV. Brierioy. Commended. G. Fell. Springfield, Warrington. Ciiickeng, — First, H. Mappleheck, Birmingham, Second, G. Fell. Third, J. Nelson, Heaton Mersey, near Mauchetot«r. r«//^/*.— First and Second Cart. H. H<»aton. Third, Rev. C. Spencer, Collepo Honse. Attleborough. Iltdhly Commended, A. Fenton, Rochdale ; G. Fell; Itov. C. Spencer. Commended, Rev. C. S|>oneer. CofHiN-CniNA (Bruwn and Partridpe Fentheredl.— First. Cnpt. Hcaton. Second. E. Tudman. Whitchurch. Snlop. J/^-n^.- Finl, Capt. H. Heaton. Second. J. Horrock. Ti'Upe, nearMiddetou. Hiphly Commended. E. Tnd- man. Chiekmn. —Vixui, " Caxtus. ' Secnud. Cnpt. H. Heaton. Third. J. Horrock*. HJ^'hly Commendr d, E. Tudmau. PuUfl».~Vit%\. E. Tudnion. Second. Capt. H. Hentcn. Highly Commended, J. Horrocks; E. Smith, Middletou. near Manchester. CorniN-CHiNA.— First, Rov. F. Taylor, Keastwick, Kirby Lonsdale. Second, F. W. Zorhortt, Belville, Donnybrook, Ireland. Commended, G. Lamb. BUAHMA PooTRA /LiRbt).— ChiV**-nit.— First, E. Piffcon. Lympstone, Exeter. Second. J. Clarko, Chiswick Hall. Commended, J. Pares, Chil- dou-n Hall, Chertsey. Bhahha PoiTRA (Dark).— CAirfc-n^.— First, R. W. Bovle. mfret. Hogbton Lane, Preston" Third. H. lAcy, Laey Houne. near Hebden Bridpe. Hiphly Commended, H. Lacy: J.K. Fowlor. Preliondal Farm, Aylesbury. Commended, C. Cork, Shoreham ; F. Powell ;T. Statter. PoM^H (any variety!.— First, H. Beldon, Goitstock. Bingley. Yorkshire. Second. E. Smith. Tonge. near Middletou. Highly Commended, H. Car- tec l.pperthone. Holmlritb. Game (Black-breasted Iteds).— Fir^t. M. W. Stobart, Mi.Mlcton-One- Row. Dnrlinpton. Second, J. Fletcher. Stonecloiigh. near Manchester. Third. S. Matthew. Chilton House. Stowmarket. Fonrtb. F. J. Astbnry. ('/M>H,vnj«.— First. J. H. William-, Welshpool. Second, J. Halsall. Ince, near Wigan. Third, J. Holme, Ivnowsley, near Prescot. Fourth, H. Ber- tram. Gauk fBro^vn and other Reds, except Black-breasted). — First. J. Flet- cher. Stoneclongh. near Manchester. Second, J. Smith, Grantham. Third. T. West, St. Ann's. Eccleston. St. Helcn'B. CftiVA^t;^.— First. W, Gamon. Thomton-le-Moors. Second. J. Linnell, Anstev, Coventry. Third, T. Statter. Fourth. R. Swift. Sonthwell, Notts. Game Hen (Black-breasted nnd other Reds).— First. E. Aykroyd. Gir- linpton Road, near Bradtord. Second. Mrs. Hav, The Cottn;:c. Sudbury, Derbv. Third, J. Smith. Hiphlv Commended. T. West. Commended, C. W. Brierlev. Chtcfrcrw.— First. Messrs. Parkinson A Field. Poolton-lo- Fylde. Second. G. Clements, Birminpliam. Third, T. Bt:r;;e!->^. Burley- dam, Whitchurch. Highly Commended, W. Gamon ; J. B. Lucas. Com- mended, Mrs. Hay ; J. Fletcher ; J. Wood, Moat House, Wigan ; H. Ber- tram. Gajie (DnckwinpP and other Greys and Bluesi.— First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Second. J. Halsnll. Third. E. Avkrovd. r/nVArn-^. —First. J. Flet- cher. Second, T. Wakefield, Gelbome, Warrington. Third. R. Tate, Green Road, Leeds. Game (White and Piles).— First, J. Fletcher. Second. Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. C/it>^fru.— First, J. Sunderland. Halifax. Second, T. West. GAsre Hens (except Biack-brcaciod and other Reds). — First, J. Firth, Halifax. Second. Mrs. C. W. Briericy. Hamburgh Chickens (Blackt.— First. R. F. Goodwin. Middlcton. Se- cond. J. Jackson. Bury. Hiphly Commended, R. Battersby ; C. Sidgwick ; J. Melior. Kitchenfold. Slaithwaitc, Yorkshire. HAMBrRGH (Golden-poneilled).— First. J. Smith. Second. F. Pittis, jun., Ne^^■port. Isle of Wight. CftiVA.vn«.— First nnd Second. T. Wrigley, jun. Third. Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Commended, F. Pittis, juu. ; W. Parr, Patricroft, near Manchester. Hamburgh Chickens (Silver-rcncilledl.— First. J. Robinson. Second, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Third. J. Fielding. Newchurcb. neiir Manchester. Highly Commended, J. Lancashire. Commendttd, A. K. Wood. Bmruesidc, Kendal. Hamburgh Chickens (Pencillcd'.-First, T. Wrigley, jun. Second, F. Pittis, jun. Commended, W. Pierce. Hamburgh (Golden-spangledl.— First. Sir St. G. Gore, Bait. Second, J. Buckley. Taunton. Ashton-under-Lyne. Third, J. Roe. Highly Com- mended. N. Marlor; W. Ker>haw. Hevwnod. near Manchester: W. Parr. Hamburgh Chickens (Silver-sp^nt^ied). -First and Third, J. Fieldinif. Second, Sir St. G. Gore. Bart. Highly Commended. J.Jackson; A. K. Wood. Commended. J. Lancashire. Hamburgh Hens (Spanpled).— First. W. A. Hyde, Ashton-under-Lyne. Secnnd. J. Fieldinp. Hiphlv Commended, J. Roe : N. Marlor: J.Wright; A. 'K. Wood. Piil/cf*.— First, J. Andrews, Ashton-mider-Lync. Second, N. Marlor. Gasie Bantams (Black-breasted and other Rods).— C;iicA:-*rw.— First, Rev. G. Raynor. Brentwood. Epecx. Second, J. Hilton. Third, J. W. Kellawav. Fonrtb. D. Parsons. Game'Bantams (anv other Varielv).—C/uVAv?M.— First, R. T.ate. Se- cond. W. S. Forest. Greenhithc. Kent. Third. Mrs. C. W. Brieriey. Bantams (anv Variety except Game).— First, T. Boucher Birmingham (BuffCocbinsh' Second, C. W. Brieriev. Third. Messrs. J. I'c A. Brigga, Rawden. near Leeds. Commended, P. W. Story (White-feathered Legged Bantams). Ducks (^\^lite Aylesbnry).- First. J. K. Fowler. Prebendal Farm, Ayle«- buTT. Second, E.'Leecb. Rochdale. Third, H. Jones. Ducks iRouen).— First. Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Second, A. Fenton. Third. T. Statter. Fourth. J. Holme, Ducks (Black East Indian*.— First, Rev. W. Serjcantson, Shrewsbory. Second, T.Walmslev: Chester. DccKS (Anv other Varietv).— First. T. H. D. Br yley. Biggleswade, Beds, (Brown Call Ducks). Secoiid. T. Statter (Wild Duekst. ORNA»tRNTAL Watek Fowl.— First, Second, and Third, J. Jcnnieon, Bellevue, Manchester. • Geese (White).— First, Messrs. J. A W. Rostron. Levcnshulme. Seoono* A. Feutou. Third, E. Shaw. Pins Wilmot. Oswestrj-. TuiiKEVs.— First, E. Leech. Rochdale. Second. Mrs. A. Guy, Eaton, Grantham. Third. C. P. Ackers. PohI/j*.— First, J. Smith, Grantham. Second, E Leech. Third, Miss Davies. Chester. Extra Stock.— First. E. Pipcon. Lvmpstone. near Exeter iLa Fleche). Second. W. Uarpreavos (Dark Brahmab). Third. F. W. Zurhor^-l Sultans). Highly Commended, Mrs. E. Haig. (Magpie Tarifausi ; W. Chadwic* (Blue Andalusian). PIGEONS. PowTERs.- First and Second, A. P. Leite. Oxford Road, Manchester. PowTERs (White).— First and Second. .4. P. Leilc. PowTERs (Black).— l-'irst, A. P. Leite. Second, C. Cole. January 2, 1866. 0 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 17 Carriers (Black).— CbcA.— First, T. Colley, Sheffield. Second, A. P. Leite. Third. M. Hedley, Redhill, Surrey. Highly Commended, V. Else. Bavswater. Hen.— First, M. Hedley. Second and Highly Commended. A. P. Leite. Carp-iebs jonv other Colourl.—Cocfc.— First, T. Colley. Second, A. P. Leite. Third, F.'Else. H^n.— First, A. P. Leite. Second, T. Colley. fiom- mended, A. P. Leite. Carriers (any other Colour). — First and Second, T. Barnes, Birming- ham. Third, G. W. M. Duwsoii. Binningham. Commended, F. Else. Draooons.— First, J. Percivall. Perkham Rye. Second, W.J. Corbridge. Third, F. Smith. Commended. G. Wood; T.H.Ridpeth, Rusholmo, Man- chester. Jacobins (any Colonr).— First and Second, J. T. Lawrence, Mnflfat. Third, J. B. Finder. Very Highly Commended, F. Esquilant. Highly Commended. J. T. Lai\Tence; T. H. Ridpeth. Nuns.— First, C. Bulpiu, Bridgewater. Second, F. Else. Third, H. Yardlev, Market Hall. Birminghitni. RcxTS.— First and Second, T. D. Green, Saffron Walden. Third, E. Pigeon. Commended, A. P. Leite. Barbs.— First and Second. A. P. Leite. Third, M. Hedley, Redhill. Barbs lauy Colour). — First, E. M. Eggar, Manchester. Commended, W. llassey. Tl'Rbits.— Firs'. H. Mapplebeck, Birmingham. Second, E. E. M. Royds, Greenhill, Rochdale. Owls.— First and Second, J. Fielding, jnn. Third, A. P. Leite. Highly Commended. A. P. Leite. Trumpeters.— Fir&t, A.V. Leite. Second, S. A. Taylor, Wheeler Street, Lozells. Birmingham. Third, F. Else. Fantails.— First, F. Else. Second, H. Yardlev. Highly Commended, F. Else. Almond T rirn lers.— First and Second, A. P. Leite. Third, E. M. Edgar. Highly Commended. J. Fielding, jun. Almond Tcsiblers (bred in 1865).- First, J. Fielding, jun. TuMBLBits (any other Variety). — First, L. Glassey, Rochdale. Second, A. P. Leite. Highly Commended, A. P. Leite. Commended. J. Percival. Beards. — First and Second, W. H. C. Gates, Beathorjie, Newark. Balds.— First, F. Esquilant, Brixton. Second, F. B. Walker. Any other Variety. — First, F. Broemel, Ludgwell. Kent (Siberian Toed Pigeons). Second, A. P. Leite (Laced Fautails). Third, A. P. Leite (Swiss Pigeons). Highly Commeded, J. Dyson (White Crowned Pigeons, and Passenger Pigeons). Commended, Countess of Derby (Isabels) ; H, Yardley. RABBITS. Black and White.— First,'E, V. Ridpeth, Rushohno. Second, H. Hand- ford. Wilford. Notts. Yellow and White. — First, W. Stelfox, Greenheys. Second, P. Eden. Tortoi.^eshell. — First, H. Handford. Second, E. V. Ridpeth. Grey akd White.— First, A. Firth, Hyde, near Manchester. Second, G. F. Jones. Selv-Colour.— First, W. Stelfox. Second, P. Eden. Heaviest Weight.— Prize, H. Handford. FoREiciN Rab its.— First, J. Buchanan, Port Vale, Hertford (Angora). Second, B. Robinson (Angora). Judges. — Foiiltnf: E. Hewitt, Esq., Eden Cottage, Sparkbrook, Birmingham, and R. Teebay, Esq., Fulwood, near Preston, judged the Dorkings, Spanish. Cochin -Chin a, Brahma Pootra, Polish, and Hamburg classes ; and W. B. Tegotmeier, Esq.. MusweU Hill, London, and Mr. John Douglas, Clumber Park, Worksop, judged the Game Fowls. Ducks. Geese, Turkeys. Extra Stock, and Bantams. Pifjeoiis: Harrison Weir, Esq., Peckham, London ; Dr. Cottle, Cheltenham. Rahhifs : Mr. Edward Owen, London. NORTH BRITISH COLUMBARIAN SOCIETY'S SHOW. This Society's seventh grand annual exhibition and competition of fancy Pigeons, open to all competitors, was held in the Trades' Hal], Glasgow, on the "i^nd and li.Srd of December. The entry numbered 450 pens from all parts of the United Kingdom, being an increase of upwards of 120 pens over the number exhibited last year. The Powter classes were the great feature of the Show ; young birds being shown in pairs in six classes, for which a silver medal, or £2 2s., was offered, and mustering thirty-eight pens, while old birds, shown singly, Humbered no less than 192 pens, and had fourteen classes allotted to them. The whole were exliibited in the capital circular pens belong- ing to the Society ; each bird not only having the advantage of a small block of wood on which to perch, but the food and water being placed on the outside in the space between each pen, the comfort of the specimens was secured in every respect. Another remarkable feature was that scarcely an inferior bird appeared, and there were not half a dozen bare-shinned or thinly- covered-limbed Powters in the wliole collection. It will be seen by the prize list that the greater portion of the prizes in Powters were gained by fanciers across the Border, for, with the exception of Mr. Montgomery, of Belfast, a most formidable opponent, and who nobly held his own in such a severe competition, veiy few of the hououra fell to English fanciers, and, to compete successfully with Scotchmen, English fanciers will have to bestir themselves. We may mention that Mr. Leite's birds were not sent. The entire arrangements of the Show were admirably carried out by the Committee and by Mr. Ruthven. the Hon. Secretary, who left nothing wanting for the com- fort of the various specimens. In the first class for the best pair of Black Pied Pov^ters, a silver medal, or £2 2x., was offered by Mr. James Muir ; the medal was awarded to au ovt-n pair belonging to Mr. I' re. Mr. Montgomei-y ex- hibited the best biid in the class, a very handsome cock, receiving ! very high commendation, but tho bird was very indifferently accom- panied. For a pair of Whites, bred in 18^5, Mr. Sanderson won the medal, presented by himself, with a stout pair, in a rather weak class. Young Blues were a better lot, Mr. lire gaining the medal, presented by Mr. Geddes, with a capital pair, after a most severe contest with Mr. Ruthven, whose birds were very highly commended. In the similar class for young Reds the competition was keen, the cock in Mr. Montgomery's pen being remarkably fine. Mr. M'Farlane, how- ever, secured Mr. Hawlrins's medal with a capital, weU-matched pair. Young Yellows were not numerous, but Mr. Frame's medal was won by au unusually good pail-, which specilily changed ownership at £21. Young Mealys were an average lot, good in style and symmetery, feather alone being the di-awback ; Mr. Moon securing Mr. Maclean's medal with good birds. Single Black cocks numbered eleven, and formed, perhaps, the best collection ever brought together ; Mr. Montgomery's first-prize bird being exquisite in colour, very lengthy, and finely shaped, well deserving his position ; the competition, how^ ever, was exceedingly close — indeed, at least half of the bii'ds were worthy of prizes. White cocks were both numerous and of very great excellence, the champion cock at Glasgow last year again standing first, and although he was unquestionably clear of his competitors, being shown in marvellous condition, no less than seven other birds received notice, which they well merited. Blue cocks mustered twenty-seven, and were a show of themselves, such as was never seen before, there being scarcely an inferior bird in tho lot. Mr. Ure's first-prize bird was remarkable for fine symmetery, colour, and length, Mr. Lightbody's second-prize one having a slight advantage in length, but not being quite equal in shape. Mr. Stuart ran n veiy close third with a capital representative, and many of the others were well worthy of a position. Red cocks were a large entry, the prize birds being especially noticeable, but an improvement in colour would be a great desideratum. Mr. Wallace held his position of last year in a splendid class. Yellow cocks were very fine, and the first-prize Mealy cock was scarcely interior to any other exhibited, except in colour. In Powter cocks, any other marking, a very good Checker and White Splash took the prizes. This class also contained a veritable 20-inch- feathered bird, a Blue and White Splash, but disproportionate in limb. Black hens were capital, and especially good in colour, as well as shape and length, most of the competitors deserving notice. White hens were also well represented, Mr. Sanderson winning first with a first-class hen, which was immediately claimed at £10 lO.'?. ; the com- petition was vei-y good. Blue hens were very fine, Mr. Lightbody re- peating his last year's ^nctoi-y with the same hen, a bird of immense length and fine style. Several hens deservedly received notice, but we thought the Judges rather sparing of their favours. Red hens were a nice lot, more particularly the placed birds. Y'eUow hens we thought decidedly the greatest improvement in the Show, the class being large, and fast approaching the standard of the other colours. Mr. Ure's wonderful hen again had the first position, and also gained Mr. Moon's silver medal for the best Powter in the Show. The classes for Mealy hens, aud hens any other marking, each brought really first- class competitors, Mr. Ruthven'e prize Mealy being speedily claimed. For the best pair of Black Camrrs, bred in 1865, Mr. Wallace offered a sUver medal, and several good birds were sent, but some of the best were passed over as not answering the requirements of the class. Single Black Canier cocks were very good ; Mr. Colley, how- ever, had an easy victory with an extraordinarily fine stout biid, while in the class for Black hens the same remarks are applicable to Mr. Else's splendid hen. Mr. Colley, however, won the oil portrait of the [most perfect ; Carrier in tho Exhibition with the Black cock. Young Dun Carriers were not very stiildng, and we fancied the relative sexes were not present in the best pen, which was passed over. In Short-faced TiimhkrSy Mr. Fulton's first-prize Almonds and Black Mottles were particularly good, while Mr. Stuart's ICites aud Agates, in the class allotted to them, were very fine. -Barbs were, as usual, only a weak class, Mr. Robinson's fir-st-prize pair of Blacks completely outdistanced competition, and also gained the silver cup, value £r> 5*-., presented by a few English fanciers for the best pen in classes 23 to 31. Fantoils were a capital class, the prizes being given to plain-headed birds ; the first-prize pair were excellent in tail, and the second pair were remarkably small, and graceful in carriage. Jacobins were an average lot, all colours being well shown. In TntJfipeters good Black Mottles were first, aud Whites second ; and in Turbits Mr. Thackray's medal pair were small, peaked- crowned Reds. In Oi'-hy Mr. Pickering's medal pair were particularly good foreign Whites, the best we have seen for some time, and good Blues (foreign) were second. The prizes for Any other variety were awarded first to Swiss, secord Blue Swallows, and third Blue Brunsmcks. EXTRA PRIZES. Silver Cup. or €8.— G. Ure. Dundee. Silver Cup. value £5 5s., for the best pen in cLisses 23 to 31 inclusive.— J. H. Robinson, Sunderland (B;irbsl. Oil-painted Portrait of the most perfect Carrier in the Exhibition.— T. Colley, Sheffield. Prize of Two Guineas, presented by James Huie, Esq., Glasgow, for the best pair of OwIp. — R. Pickering, Carlisle. Silver Medal, or £2 2^., presented by J. R. Rennards, Esq., for the best pair of Turbits.— J. Thackray, York. 18 JOUBNAL or HORTICOLTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. ( JannuT i, VM6. Silver Ui-JiU, prcBcntcJ by Willinm Monn, jnn., Esti., Edinburgh, for the best Powter nrn, any colour.— G. Urt-, DumlL-t- (YcUow). Silver Mednl. nr £2 i».. present*^ hv James Mnir. Esq., for the be«Jt pair ol Blaelt lied Powtem, bred in iwa.— Mecbil. O. Vre, I>iindec. HiiihiT Commended, J. Gmnt, Cor«tori>hine. Coiumended. W. Oodden, QUsuow. Silver Mednl, or i*2 2*., presented by Miittlien Sanderson, Ertq.. Ediu- bnrgh, tor lie best pair it White Powters. bred in ItifiS.— Medul, M. San- derson, Kdinbur^;b. Hiiihly Commended, H. Simpson, Newark. Com- mended, \V. Moon. Edinhnru'li. Silver Meda], or i"'i li«., pre-ented by John Geddes, Esq., for the best pair - Highly Commended, W. Nelson. .Tohnstoue. Highly Commended, J. R, Robinson, Sunderland; C. J. Samtiel-., Maiiche-ter. Extra Pbize. — Two (inineas, presented by William Power. Esq., Belfast, for the best pairol Trumpeters, bred in 1865.— Medal, J, Prentioe, Glasgow. Trcxtetebs.- First, J. R. Robinson. Sunderland. Second, W. H. C. Gates, Notts. Highly Commended, F. Else, Loudon. Tcbuits.- First, Silver Medal or £2 in., J. Thackray, York (Red), Second, J. R. Robinson. Suudi-rbind. Highly Commended, H. Yardley, Birmingham ; J. R. Itennards, Helensburgh. Owxs.- First, Silver Jledal or ia i«., R. Piekcring, Carlisle. Second, J. Fielding, jim., Roclnlalu iHlue). Highly Commended, P. Else, London; J. Fielding, jun., Itocbdalo (White). Nujis.— First, F. Else, London. Second, W. Nelson, Johnstone. Highly Commended, H, Pickering. Carlisle. Comios TrsmLEBs. — First, J. Perciral, London (Yellow Mottled). Second and Highly Commended. J. Sephtou, Prescot. Aky uTiiEb Breed.— First, E. Pigeon, near Exeter (Swiss). Second, J. Percival, London (Swallows). Third, H. Yardley, Birmingham. JrnoES. — T. J. Charlton, Esq., Bradford ; E. L. Corker, Esq., Croydon ; J. Miller, Es^., Glasgov. WENTWORTH-WOODHOUSE POULTRY SHOW. This took place on the '21st and '2'2nd nit., when the following prizes were awarded : — Dorkinos.— First, Hon. F. C. H. Hawke, Wonncrslev Park, near Ponte- fract. Second, J. Hatfield, Cottingham, Hull. Highly Commended, — Hurt ; W. Harvey, ShclBuld. <)ii<-*riu— First, W. Harvey. Second, J. Wliite, Warlabv, Northallerton. Highlv Commended. H. Saville, Rufford Abbey, Ollerton. Notts : Hon. W. H. W. Fitzwilliam, Wentworth-Wood- house, Rotherhmn. Commended, Hon. F. C. H. Hawke. Cochi.n-ChixaJs (except WTiito). —First, E. Ye.irdley. Wiaowood, near Sheffield. Second, W. Dawson, Hopton Mirfleld. Highly Commended, R.Wh'tc, Broomhall Park, Sheffield. Commended, E. Bemrose, Derby ; W. Harvey. Cochin-Chixas (^Miite).- Prize, W. Dawson, Hopton Mirfleld. CocHra-CHlXAS (Any yariety).—C)iicAenj>.— First, W. Wood, Sheffield. (Buffi. Second, R. W. Boyle, Bray, Co. Wicklow (Buffi. Highly Com- mended, W. Dawson (Buff); Lady M. Thompson, Sheriff Hutton Park, near York (Partridgel. Game (Redsj. — First, C. Challoner, Stectly, Worksop. Second, G. Wostenholme. Sheffield. Highly Commended, Lady Milton, 0.sberton, Worksop; F. Sales, Crowle, Lincolnshire; W. Bentley, Scholes-in-Cleck- heaton. Game (Any other variety). — First, F. Sales. Crowle, Lincolnshire (Duck- wing Greys). Second. G. Wostenholme, Sheffield (Game Itedl. Chickens, — First, C. Travice, Thurgoland, near Sheflield. Second, C. Challoner, Steetly, Worksop. Highly Coiomondeangled). Second, S. Noble, Strickland Gate. Kendal (Silver-spangledi. Highly Commended, W. W. Nicholls, Sale. Cheshire (Golden-si>angledi; W. Harvey. Sheffield; J. P. Liversidge. Newark, Notts (Silver-spangledl. Game Bantams.— First, Hon. T. W. Fitzwilliam. Second, R. Dodge, Sharrow View. Sheffield. Highly Commended, R. B. Postans.lBrentwood; Hon. T. W. FitzwilUam. Commended, Hon. T. W. Fitzwilliam. Bantams (Any other variety).- First, W. J. Cc^-p^. Bamsley (Pekin Bantams). Second, H.Woods. ClipstonePai-k, Mansfield il:Iaekliantam8) Highly Commended, W, Taylor, Hunslct, Leeds (Black Bantams); H Saville, Rullord Abbey, Ollerton, Notts (Japaness Silkies) ; J. Walker Halifax I Gold-laced) ; '£. Hutton, Pudscv, near Leeds (Black Bantams) Commended, W. Taylor (White Bautamsi. BRAmiAS.— First, R. W. Boyle, Bray. Co. Wicklow. Second. Hon. W. C. W. FitzwiUiam. Highly Commended, W. Harvey. Commended, Hon. T. W. FitzwiUiam. SINGLE COCKS.' OiBE.— First, O. Wostenholme. ShefBeld. Second. C. Travie*, Thor- goland, near Sheffield. Highlv Commended. T. Hemingway. Shelf, near Halifax; C. Challoner, Worksop; F. Sales: Hon. W. U. W. Fitzwilliam. DoRKlNii.- lirst, \T. Hrirvcy, Sheffield. Second, (). E. Crcswcll, Han- worth Rectoi V, Houuslow. Middlesex. Highlv Commended, E. T. Kell, Wetherbv; H. Saville; Hon. W. H. W. Fitzwilliam. Game Baxt am.— First. It- B. Postans, Brentwood. Essex. Second, Hon. W. C. W. Fitzwilliam. Highly Commended, T. C. Harrison, Hnll; R. Cooke, Stavcley, Chesterfield. .\NT OTHER Vaeiett NOT Peeviocsi.v Mextioxed.— First, W. Wood, Sheffield (ilalaysi. Second, H. Savile, Ollerton, Notts 'Black Hainlurgh). Highlv Commended, .T. Davics, Huddcrsfield (Silkies; : C. Sedgwick, Keigh'ley iBUck Hamburgh) ; Mrs. Hurt, .\ldenvaslcy, Derby. Com- mended, Hon. W. Eden, Cantiev, Doncaster (Cn-ve Cceurs). DrcKS (.\ylesbur\- and Ronen).— First, Hon. W. H. W. FitzwiUiam (Avlesburyl. Second. Hon. F. C. H. Hawke, Womorsloy Park, near Ponte- fnict (Rouenl. Highly Commended, R. Massey, Hoober, near Rotherham (Aylesbury) ; W, Taylor, Uunsict, Leeds, Jannary 2,1886.] JOUENAIi OP HOBTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. 19 Seilcig Class —Ki^t. Hon. W. H. W. Fitzwilliom (Black Eed Game). Seoond, T. C. Harrison, Hull (Brown Call). SIVEKPSTAKBS FOR SINGLE COCKS. Game.— First, C. Clialloner, Steetly, Works.ni. Second, W. H. W. Fitz, wUliam Highly Commended, G. Wostenholme ; E. Dodge, Sharrow View- Sheffield. Dorking.— Prize, Hon. tV. H. Vf. Fitzwilliam. Highly Commended, Hon. W. C. W. Fitzwilliam. Judge. — Mr. Douglas. HECKMONDWIKE POULTRY SOCIETYS SHOW. The fonrth annual meeting of the above Society was held on the 26th of December. The moraing gave promise of a fine day, but to- wards noon a few drops of rain fell, and when the Show was opened a smart shower came on, which for a time put a stop to the attendance of visitors. In consequence of the Manchester Show being so close at hand, the pens exMbited were not so numerous as last year ; but the quality of the birds compensated for any lack of numbers, and most of them were in fine feather. The Game classes were the most numerous, and in the Black-breasted and Brown Kcd classes some ex- cellent birds were shown. The Duct\vings were good, so were the Blacks. Tbe classes for Bantum-i contained some very good birds. In the Red and Duckwing classes several birds changed owners. The Block cock in the first-prize pen was sold for .£5. In the Uamhunjh classes there was not a single entry, a most singular case, as in this neighbourhood it formerly was rare to see a cottager keep anything bnt a *' Pheasant or a Chitteprat." The other classes contained some good birils, but the competition was confined to a few pens in each class. Game (Black-breasted Red).— First, J. Beetham, Girllnton. Seoond. J. Vickerman, Chickenloy. Game (Brown Red!. — First, H. C. Mason, Drighliugton. Second, J, Hodgson, Bowling Old Lane. Highly Commended, J. Ineson, Staincliffe. Commended, P. Greenwood, Liversedge. Game (Dnckwingsiand other Grey and Blue). — First, J, Fell, Adwalton. Second J. Spedding, Chickonley. Game (White and Pile).— First, H. C. Mason. Second, W, Whiteley, Liversedge. Gabie (Btack and Brassy-winged).— First, G. Noble, Staincliffe. Second, J. Walshaw, Heckmondwike. Highly Commended, J. Ineson. Game East.'.3i (Red). — First, G. Noble. Second, J. Elam, Heckmond- wike. GiaiE B-iSTAM (Duckwing). — First,!. Goodall, Heckmondwike. Second J. Elam. BANTA3I (Black). — First, J. Parker, Heckmondwike. Second, J. Brook, Heckmondwike. SPAXlsuI(Black). — First, T. Greenwood, Dewsbury. Second, W. Whiteley. Cochin-China (Any colour). — First, T. Suddick, Tong Street. Second, J. A. Briggs, Rawden. Brahma Pootra. — First, J. Walshaw. Second, S. Halliday, Heckmond- wike. Ant other Distinct Breed.- First, S. Halliday. Second, J. Holt, Heckmondwike. Game Hen (Any colour). — First, J. Vickerman, Chickenley. Second, .J. A. Briggs. Highly Commended, H. C. Mason. Judges. — >Ir. J. W. Thompson, Southowram, and 3Ir. J. Crossland, Wakefield. NEWPORT POULTRY SHOW. I WAS sorry to see the poultry exhibited in baskets, many of which were not adairted to the inmates. Moreover, it is well known that baskets injure the tails of cocks very often. Can it be any injui-y of tliis kind that has made former exhibitors, as Vicouutess Hohnesdale and Mr. J. K. Fowler, um-epresented at the late show ? Some wooden pens would be much better. Many of the baskets which I saw had nothing to prevent the cocks seeing each other, and I noticed two Pohsh exchanging civilities not calculated to improve their future chances of success in exliibitiun-rooms. — Y. B. A. Z. THE D.VRLLNfGTON EXHIBITION. My attention has been called to an error in the report of our lateshow which I shall be obliged to you if you will correct — — viz., you state by a foot note that Mr. Wilson's cup Game cock was disquaUfled on accoimt of having a tail feather spUced. This was not so. It was the Game cockerel exhibited by Mr. Charlton that was disqualified. You also state that Mr. Fletcher, of Manchester, won the silver cup for the most prizes. This is also an error. The cup was won by Mr. Beldon, of Bingley, who scored one more point than Mr. Fletcher. I shall be obliged by your correctmg this also.— J. Hodgson, Hon. Sec. [We ai-e very sorry that any mis-statement occurred, but our information came originally, we believe, from the Committee. We did not state that Mr. Fletcher had won, but that the award to him was disputed by Mr. Beldon, and was not decided — tljat is, when our report was written. We have heard from Mr. Charlton also, who says, "At the Darlington Show I re- ceived the first prize for Game cockerel ; and in the report in the Journal you have it that the first-prize cock belonging to Mr. Wilson was disqualified for having a sickle feather spliced in his tail. Now I am, as you may imagine, excessively an- noyed to say that it is a mistake, and that it was my cockerel that was disqualified. I have been for some time suffering from a severe attack of bronchitis, and was utterly unable to attend to my fowls, and consequently they had to be seen to by the parties who breed and walk my birds. A mouth before, I saw the cockerel, and he was then all right, and I had not the slightest knowledge of the fraud — in fact, I was as ignorant of it as you could be. You can understand, then, my great annoyance at this unfortunate business." — Ens.] A GOOD RESOLUTION FOR THE NEW YE.iR. Eesolved by an Awakened Committee.— That after the first day of Jannary, 18(50, those magnificent specimens of the poultry yard denominated Turkeys, which at certain of our shows have, from some error on our part, not from any offence on theirs, been subjected to the pains and penalties of impri- sonment, shall henceforth be provided with such accommoda- tion as shall not only insure them Uberty of person, but shall enable them to display those charms which have so long been hidden from public view. ■' B. & W.s " .\JIARY— HONEY HARVEST OF 1865. As your correspondents are beginning to send you in the resiUts of the year in respect to their honey harvest, &c., I am induced to forward to you my usual winter report. I may observe in general that it has not been more than an average year with me, perhaps somewhat below the average, but this is in part owing to the strong tendency to swarm which prevailed more or less diuring the whole season. However, I take it that this tendency to swarm is in itself indicative of the average character of the honey season, for when honey abounds and the bees are busy coUectiug it swarming is usually at a dis- count. AU perceptible increase to the store of honey ceased in the first week in July, which is the earUest period I ever remember my bees to have ceased their labours. Ordinarily they add to their stores in more or less considerable quantities till about the second week in August. However, they resumed work at the end of September, and filled up their empty cells, even seaUng up a good many. The honey collected thus late was very dark, and had a peouhar flavour which I never re- member to have tasted before as collected trom flowers. A good deal was collected from the ivy, and this may have helped to produce the flavour I speak of, but it certainly did not pre- ponderate. Altogether I have obtained 196^ lbs. of honey, of which I have sold £8 worth. This was the produce of twelve hives, fouj- of them being swarms, and six of the remainder having given swarms, several even twice. The largest quantity ob- tained from any one hive was 32 lbs. At the beginning of the year my hives stood thus, as com- pared with the status of my apiary June 14, 1864 (see Joubnai, OF HoEucuLTURE of that date) : — BEE-HOUSE. A. B. C. Hybrid Italian t2neen. English stock. Pore Italian queen. Bom 1861. Rich and Queen of 1864. Very Bom 1862. Very strong, strong. strong and rich. and rich in honey. D. E. P. Pure Italian queen. Pure Italian queen. English queen. Dege- Bred out of C in 186J. Bred out of C in 1864. nerated stock. In 1864 Strong and rich. Strong and rich. had a pure Italian queen ; now has all black. UNDEE COVEE. G. Pure Italian queen. Bred out of C in 1863. Strong and pretty rich. GABDEN. H. I. English queen, 1868, Strong Pare Italian queen. Bred and rich. out of C in 1864. Tasmaniau hive. Rich and strong. The condition of p pnzzled me, because at the close of 1864 there were many beautifully-marked Italians, whereas I could not see a single one in the hive this spring. This led me to fear (otherwise there is no truth in the doctrine of partheno- 20 JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTURB AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. [ Itnutry i, 1866. genesis as pertaining to bees), that my so-called " pore Italian " queen of c was really a hybrid. Other circumstances have oonnnced me of this, and Mr. Woodbury was of the same opinion when he paid me a visit in August lost ; but of this more presently, and yet I am not aware that I ever saw any black English bees in c since it became liguriauised three years ago ; whilst the various young queens which I have raised during the last two seasons have produced a mixed race, in which the golden zones have largely displayed themselves. It is certain, however, that in no single instance has the doctrine of parthenogenesis demonstrated its truth in my apiary, al- though there were clouds of drones all this summer, bred by at least five (supposed) pure Italian queens, some of them, too, very distinctly marked, making the welkin ring with their noisy trumpetings. I confess to haWng been very much dis- appointed at the result of my painstaking labours in weeding out my English blood, which bids fair to prove the stoutest in the contest, and to remain master of the field. In justice to Mr. Woodbury I am bound to say that be has kindly supplied me with another queen,' which I sincerely hope may turn out all that he and I could wish.— B. & W. (To be continued.) FEEDING RESCUED BEES. I HAVE bought, in order to save them from the brimstone-pit, a small lot of bees, which only weighs 10 lbs. Last week I gave them a quart of syrup (2 lbs. of sugar in a pint and half of water) in a bottle through the top of the hive, and they have not taken it half down yet. — A. B. B. K. [Your syrup appears to have scarcely a sufHcient proportion of sugar. We use 3 lbs. of sugar to 2 lbs. water by weight. We do not know how you can accelerate matters so late in the season. If the contents of the bottle remain, as they should do, perfectly suspended, and do not drip into the hive, it need not be removed during the winter.] BEE DYSENTERY. As your correspondent "A. W." desires the opinions of apiarians regarding dysentery in bees, I beg to submit the following as the result of my own experience. Bees in fine weather have little or no disease, foul brood excepted ; it must, therefore, be in cold damp weather that we expect such. It is well known that they can raise or lower the temperature of their hives according to circumstances — in fact, that they are a kind of Uving fire which requires fuel in the shape of honey to keep it up. We will imagine the case of a hive not very strong in numbers : the bees are then obliged to feed more frequently than in one which is strong, for the purpose of keeping up that degree of heat which is essential to their health, and, conse- quently, when they have fiUed themselves with honey there is more perspiration, and there not being sufficient heat in them to send the etoam off, it falls back and is condensed on and absorbed by them, disease and death being the result. We only look for this disease in cold weather, and in hives which are damp, as dry cold does not injure bees. How, then, can their safety bo cared for? as even if there were a medicine for their cui-e, it could not be administered in such cases since it would only hasten the catastrophe. We must, then, keep as near to nature as possible by applying heat to restore them ; and this requires time, because they must be let alone \mtU the weather be such as to admit of their flying abroad. In such cases I choose the first fine day that I can, have some thick boards ready to place below the hives, baring had them preriously well heated, in fact as warm they can be without burning. When these are put under the liivos they raise the temperature, setting the bees in motion, and when these come to the warm hoard it strengthens them greatly. They are then able to fly out and empty themselves. It is well to do this with all the hives, as the heat tends to dry up any moisture that may be in them. I add the following for the benefit of " M. S." in regiu-d to queens mating with drones. So late as the 2nd of September, (when I considered that all the black drones were slaughtered, at least they were so in our neighbourhood, and two weeks before that they had made a wholesale slauglitcr at the moors, and therefore thought there would be none but Lignrian ones bring, which two hives had preserved), whilst watching a hive * I also last year presented my esteomcd friond with an Italian quoen ot oniincstionable purity, but she, unfortunately, came to grief oa her amvftL — A D£vo>'saxa£ B££-K££P£r. I saw the queen come ont and fly for fifteen minutes before the hive: she then went in, but immediately came out again and joined a drone. I watched them till they come down to the roof of the house, but in a minute she returned again, when she again took flight, and this time she must have gone a long way off to choose for herself a husband, as she is now the breeder of hybrids, proring she had been wedded to a black. — A Las- ARESBIIIB BeE-KSEFEB. PoLLEN-OATHERiNo OM Christmas-dat. — PoUeu was colleotcd by my bees on the shortest day ; but what is even more remark- able, on Christmas-day, which was both mild and sunny, quite a stream of busy and successful little foragers poured in and out of the stock referred to in page 536, filling the air with a delightful melody which, however nnnsoal at this advanced season, discoursed most excellent music to the ear of A Devonsbire Bee-keeper. OUR LETTER BOX. DABLncGTOH Snow.— We arc informed that Iho flrst prize for Pewter cocks was awarded to Mr. H. Bcldon. and not to Mr. J. R. Itobiason. Eoo-PRoDCcnio Fowls (A Farmer). — For your farm, and for the pnr- poHc of producing eggs, we recommend you to keep Golden-spangled Hamburghs. Phea.sants Dyino (A. L. H.).— There does not seem any cause for the death of your Phcat^auts, beyond roup. Instead of a cabbage give them every day several turfs of growing graSH, cut with plenty of oarih to them. Feed on bread steeped in strong ale, and put plenty of camphor in their water. They will eat the fresh earth, and wo hclieVo the coar«e that we have advised will prove a care. Pheasants at live years old are old birds, and we should adriso you next year to save some young ones. Commencing Pocltev KEEriNr. ifi. liX — You have flrst to consider your locality and its poultry requirements, next whether you intend to breed for a local or for the London market, whether there will bo the reatliersale foreggs or fowls for table. With the appliances you possess yoa may fairly look for a good profit. For hardy fowls, good layers. Bitters, and mothers, wo should advise Cochins or Brahmas ; for choice table poultry, Dorkings. It there is a good demand for choice egga, especially in winter, at large prices. Spanish pullets will be required. Such pre- mises as you describe will afford facilities for keeping several breeds; Spanish should be one of them. Wo believe you should give the Dor- kings the chief run ; Cochins, Brahmas, and Spanish will do in confine- ment in any of the out-houses you mention : a run could be aflforded for them by enclosing an outer space with wire netting, because, although certain breeds will do well in confinement, they do better with a larger amount of liberty. Common Pii^eons will suit best as general breeders, they are hardier and more prolific than fancy ones. There is no occasion for more than a very small outlay to turn any out-house into a perfect poultry place, having perches within 2 feet of the ground, and a dry gravel floor. There are now plenty of good books giving full instructions, and for your stock apply to Baily, of Mount Street. Fowls Suffering FlioM Champ (Subgcriber).—'Tho sudden change of weather from extreme drought to constant damp and heavy rains may account for much of the cramp you complain of. It is, however, more often caused by improper flooring for their roosting-places. such as stone, brick, or boarding. If you have either of these remove it : if you cannot do that, cover it some inches deep with dry gravel. If you have no gravel, get that which is most like it. Road grit is an excellent substi- tute. Onions are very good for Turkeys. Stimulants, such as strong beer, a mixture of bean, pea, and barley meal slaked with beer is gooil food. The chickens will rally by having bread steeped in it. The pre- sent weather will necessitate generous feeding. BREEiUNtf Sebbight Bantams (Stbrifj/i/i. — Many, indeed most, breeders mix their Gold aud Silver Bantams. Still, if you wish for Silver birds, you are more likely to have them from Silver thau Golden birds. Un- fortunately all the Silver now have a golden tinge. Tlukevs' Bheedino (H.A. p.).— Turkeys will breed for many years, but as they get old they are less prolific. We should not keep them after five or six years. Both sexes should not be old alike, but where one is old care should be taken to mate with younger. DoKKINGS' Combs {Scotchman). — If every other point were equal, and the large comb was in every way perfect, we should certainly prefer it to the small one. Small combs are not characteristics of the Dorking breed. If the large comb lopped or fell over, it would be a disadvantage, and we should prefer the smaller one. CocHlN-CulNA Cock's Comb tit'. J/. if.,jita.).— Uneven serraturea in the comb do not disqualify, though they wonld be considered if the com- petition were close. We take for granted that you do not mean " sprigs '* on the side of the comb, which would be a JataJ objection, probably. Food for Goldfinches {X, N. S, S.). — Yon had best feed your Gold- finch on good, soimd, and bright canary seed, give clean water, and keep the cage sanded. It may have duckweed, groundsel, and the beads of thistles, dandelion, and plantain when in season. A little maw seed is good, but hemp and rape seed ore to be avoided, — B. P. B. Pol'pv Seed for Bibds [S. A.). — The seeds of Papaver somniferum are very small bluish seeds, sold for birds under the name of *' maw seed." They are not injurious to small birds. The seeds do not contain opium, but they contain a very fine oil, and are much better for cage birds thiUl cither rape or hemp seed. — B. P. B, POULTRY M.VRKET.-J,«iARY 1. Sendees seem to have exhanstod their stocks niul their enerrfee, und the supply of most artioles depends on p)irt:i.*ls that have been buried for daya uinUr hecatombs of Geeso and Turkeys, and now como to light. iHoht Christmiis markets are alike, and while there is almost always a good demand for the best of all sorts, much that is inferior is difflcolt to sell at any price. January 9, 1866. ] JOUKNAL OF HOETICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDEN'EE. 21 WEEKLY CALENDAR. 1"^ Month Day of Week. JANUARY 9-15, 1866. Average Temperature near London. Rain in Ust 39 years. Snn Risea. Sun Moon Moon Sets. Rises. Sets. Moon's Age. Clock before Sun. Day of Tear. Day. NiRht. Mean. Days. m. h. m. h. TO. h. m. h. Days. m. s. 9 To Caphea platyeentra. 41.1 30.7 35.9 14 6af8 9af4 42af0 S2 11 22 7 26 9 10 W Cinerarias. 41.8 80.4 36.1 17 6 8 10 4 44 1 57 11 23 7 50 10 11 Th Cytisus. 41.7 30.6 36.1 19 5 8 12 4 ; 46 2 after. 24 8 14 11 12 F Genista. 42.4 30.8 36.6 16 4 8 13 4 45 3 11 25 8 S7 12 13 S Cyclamens. 42.9 32.1 37.."; 19 4 8 15 4 43 4 42 1 26 9 0 13 14 Sus 2 SCNDAY ATTER ErirHANY. 42.0 29.8 35.9 16 8 8 1 16 4 as 5 30 2 27 9 22 14 15 M Daphnes. 41.5 28.9 35.2 12 2 8 j IS 4 ilS 6 2B 3 28 9 44 15 From observations taken near London durinpthe last thirtv-nine vears, the average day temperature of the week is 41.9 " ; and its night tempsra- tare 80.5-. The frreatest heat was 5(r,on the 14th, 1S49 ; and the lowest cidd 4' below zero, on the 14th, 1338. The gi-eatest fall of ram was 0.80 inch. | N.B. — The Calendar contains the names of plants flowering in the {^-eeuhouse. 1 13USH PEAR TREES ON QUINCE STOCKS IN YORKSHIRE. HE foUon-iiig are a few notes on bush Pears on the quince stock as grown amongst the liills of Yorkshire, wlierc the cUmate is not warm cnougli to admit of the successful cultivation of \\'heat : — Doyenne d'Ete makes a very short hut rohust gi'owth on the quince stock, and bears an abundance of fi'uit, wliich ripens about the 1st of August. The fi'uit should be gathered before it begins to turn yellow. It will then be melting. juicy, and sweet. It soon becomes mealy if kept more than a day or two. Beurre Gitfard forms a small but compact busli on the qnmce. The gi-owth is quite satisfactory. The shoots require to be shortened to 4 or 5 inches in length about the beginning of July, as the tree forms fruit-spurs sparingly. The fruit ripens well, and is melting and juicy, -with a tiavoiu- resembling the Jargonelle. The Jargonelle fonus a dwarf spreading liush on the quince. It I'equires the same treatment as BcuiTe Gitiard, and bears freely and regularly. Tliis tree bore fort}--four good-sized Pears last autumn. Beurre Goubault makes a most beautifid busli, like a forest tree in miniature. Bears abundantly and regularly. The fiiiit ripens well, is juicy, melting, with a pleasing aroma. It is ready for use about the first weolv in October. This variety bore seventy fruit in lN(i4, and ninety iulNn clistinpuis)icd from tliem in leaf or any other particular. To Mr. lieatou I was able to re|>ly that I had succeeded simply by noticing the plant's natural rc'iuirements, which were that it preferred shade to sunshine, and would only grow to perfection where it had plenty of sliade from the sun, when it rewarded mo by tlowerinu and fruiting n'oundantly, besides making a most beautiful edging in a position where few other i>]auts would grow at all. Instead of longer availing myself of my itoiii dc phtme I venture to subscribe my name. — W. Waxklvx. VINE CULTlTRi:. SiNTf; your correspondent Mr. Wills invites discussion through your pages on the above subject, and as wo do not )iRppen to think alike on some points, I venture to solicit a portion of your space for the following remarks. Not having in my possession at present those Numbers which I infer contain the first part of Mr. AVills's article on the cultivation of tlie Vine, mv remarks refer oulv to what he has stated in No. 242, page 398. Vine culture is a subject that has been so often and so thoroughly sifted of late years, that it would be ditticult indeed to broach any new or profitable idea upon it — a fact which your correspondent seems to have been uimblo to overcome ; nor is it with any pretensions to being able to do so myself tliat I intrude upon your pages, but simply with a desire to modify to some extent the impression which I think Mr. Wills's remarks are likely to make. 'With regard to what he says about pruning, covering the borders, and such like, I have nothing to s.iy. His remarks upon these matters are unob- jectionable ; only I think that he entertains unnecessary fears about using the scissors. In inexperienced hands they are, perhaps, not to be recommended, but we know that they have been, and I have seen them, used with perfect safety .ind success by those who have claims to be considered authorities on the subject of Grape-growing ; but this is a point of comparatively little importance. Concerning the necessity of painting Vines, however, as a preventive of red spider, I do not entirely concur with 'Sir. Wills. I know by experience tliat in some places, and >ipon some soils, red spider is one of the greatest scourges that the Grape-grower has to contend witli, and he who Buds it necessary only to scrajjc off a little of the loose bark in order to rid himself of this pest has good reason to be thankful ; but it does not follow that his experience applies in every case. I certainly never heard of cowdung being recommended for the above purpose, nor am I aware of its possessing any particular virtue as an antidote in this respect. I have seen soot and sulplmr, and also clay em- ployed in the form of jiaiiit, and I used to think the necessity of apidying tliese, or anything else that was likely to arrest the ravages of the destroyer, jiretty evident ; latterly, however, I have preferred using soft soap and water, scrubliing the rods ■well with a hard spoke-brush. I think this is the cleanest, cheapest, and most effectual plan I have seen tried, and if carried out before the buds begin to swell there is no danger of injuring them. Your correspondent's speaking of lowering the points of the Vines before starting, in order to induce these to break regu- larly, suggests something to my mind which ajipears to me to account as well as anything else for the irregular breaking of Vines in many cases. I am aware that the rush of sap to the top of tlie shoot is generally considered to be the cause of this, and 1 am not prepared to deny that to some extent it may be so ; but I am convinced that breaking irregularly is more owing to the different parts of the Vine being exposed to different temperatures, and in this opinion I am sure that the experience of others will bear me out. I have invariably noticed that the best bunches of Grapes and the strongest shoots are always at the bottom of the house, where the Vines arc in proximity to tlie pipes, or at the toji, to whicli tlie heat ascends and there remains, while the weak shoots and small bunches are in the miildle. This I have always noticed, more particularly in early vineries, where, from necessity, little air could be admitted, and where the temperature was almost entirely dependant on fire heat. In late vineries irregular breaking is less common, simply because less fire heat being required, and more air being admitted, the temperature of the house is more equal. The in- clination of heated air to ascend straight upwards is well Icnown and understood. In a vinery where the pipes run along the front of the house, the cold air coming in contact with them , and becoming heated, rises straight up to the glass roof, which it follows until it reaches the top of the house, and there it remains, unless the ventilation is sufficient at the time to let it escape, otherwise the heat can only do so by radiation ; but the ascend- ing current from the jjijies supplies more than what is lost in this respect. The fumigating-pan affords a familiar and practical illustration of what I mean. Under these circumstances a few feet of the Vine rods directly above the pipes, and that portion of them at the top of the house, are subjected to a higher tem- perature than the middle i>art : hence the result. A far pre- ferable plan to lowering the points of the rods at the back of the house is to lay these horizontally along the front ; but were it not inconvenient for other reasons, it would be a better plan to distribute the heating apparatus more equally over the lloor of the house. In conclusion, allow mo to notice one or two other points in Mr. Wills's article. On the subject of temperature, I think he advises undue caution. When starting Vines the temperature has often to bo regulated by circumstances, and must be left a good deal to the judgment of the gardener. Much will depend upon the backward or forward state of the Vines, and upon the state of the weather out of doors at the time. When it is necessary to use some amount of fire heat to raise the tem- perature to the desired point, then a low degree of heat is advisable; but if the weather is mild at the time, and has been so for some time previously, then a temperature of from 50° to ,5.5° is quite safe to start with. I think it an unnecessary degree of caution to advise such a long-continued low tempera- ture as that recommended by Mr. Wills. When once the bunches fairly show themselves, I consider a temperature of oO" too low. A rise from about .5.5° to fiO' at night, according to the weather, and a proportionate rise in the daytime, are necessarv, and materially assist the projier development of the bunches."— T. S. y\'. KOSES. I HAVE read what " CorNXRv Cuihtk " has said, at page 520, with regard to Roses on their own roots succeeding better than on alien stocks. I cannot definitively speak, having had so few Roses on their own roots as compared with those on the Manetti and briar stocks. Some that did not do well on either of the above stocks succeeded well on their own roots, and %-ki' vma. When Roses are raised on their own roots they require to be taken great care of for some time. So far as my experience goes, they do not generally bloom so early, abun- dantly, quickly, or late, as Roses on the Manetti, in my soil. The same remarks also apply to Roses on the briar. However, much depends on the sorts, and also on the soil. There is nothing that I have seen that will touch the Manetti Roses in poor, dry, and shallow land, highly manmed, and kept well watered. I do not agree with the saying of the late Mr. Beaton that Manetti is only of use to strike Roses on their owni roots ; but, I do say, that it is the best and surest way to raise Roses on their own roots. .\s I am about to leave Rushton in April, to reside at Child Okeford in this county, I removed several hundreds of my Manetti Roses to a spare garden here, where they will remain till I am able to remove them to my new residence, rented of Lord Rivers, one of my oldest friends. I found that some of them, although planted eleven years, were still only on their Manetti roots, but the most of them were ibiuble-rooted. From such as had been budded too high I cut off the Manetti roots, othei-wise I merely shortened the JIanetti and other roots. Some sorts, in the same family, will root much more freely than others. Tlie two great rooting times are in the spring, and again in September, after rain. If " Coi'NTiiv CrrATK " wishes to get Roses on their own roots from the Manetti, he must )ilant them 2 or 3 inches over the collar of the bud, and keep them mulelied and watered in hot weather. He must also protect the roots during the first winter. There is no doubt that originally Manetti Roses were budded too high, and the radius of the roots was necessarily planted too deep. All trees struggle to make surface roots, and I do not think they will flourish long without them. If my readers have a Manetti Rose budded 'J inches high, the best chance of success will be to bury it sufficiently deep to strike on its own roots. There is no occasion to cut the bark. The Rose will strike in suitable weather (hot, dripping weather) without it. Still it will do no harm to cut a nick over an eye, Jmaory 9, 1866. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. and close the earth over it. Probably this may be o£ great assistance to some sorts that do not root freely. I have found that by earthint; up spriggy plants every branch rooted. For staking cuttings September is the best time, because the earth is hot, and the day and night atmosphere is colder, and the sap is not so soon exhausted as in summer. The best place to strike Roses from cuttings is under a wall facmg the north. There they have sufficient heat without being ex- hausted by the direct rays of the sun. When " Country Curate " pots his cuttings he should place them in a shady spot. His faUm-es arose from one of two causes, either from carelessness, or the drying up of the new tender rootlets. With regard to Roses on the Manetti. whether they are double-rooted or not, I can say that I never saw anything equal to them as a class. They began blooming out of doors in 18(j4 on the 7th of May, and in 1865 on the 14th of May, and never stopped but one week till they gave up in the winter. As soon as the main wood had bloomed its amazing crop, the new shoots from the base began in a week to bloom ; and, by the time these blooms were over, the next series began again on the worked wood, and that wood never ceased flowering ; to which might be added the next series of flowers from the base shoots. A briar Rose never can be more than one Rose, but a Rose on the Manetti (by striking, or being on its own roots) may become many. The most favourable place for striking Roses on the Manetti stock is the point of union ; but, if the stems are earthed up high enough, and kept sufficiently moist, some sorts more than others, they will strike abun- dantlv, and give compound interest on their own roots besides the Manetti plant. I have reserved about l'20(t plants to go with me. Thev are now all together, and will be a tine sight. I do not think of moving them till next fall.— W. F. Radclitfe, Tarrant Jtuslitoii. COOL ORCHID CULTURE. I oeseuve the following remarks by Mr. Keane respecting the cultivation of Orchids — "A high temperature was supposed necessary for their growth ; to prove how erroneous that idea is we would suggest a friendly visit to some of our most success- ful neighbours." Would your correspondent be kind enough to name a few places where Orchids are cultivated successfully under cool treatment ? as I happen to he among the num- ber of those who think a high temperatm-e absolutely essential to the successful management of Orchidaceous plants. I know there are a few exceptions, as some of the Odontoglossums, Lyeastes, and a very few others, that thrive better in an inter- mediate house, but not a greenhouse. I have visited several places where it has been attempted to grow Saccolabiums, .\ijrides, Vandas, i-c, in a cool house, and in every case it has proved a failure. A few months ago I expected to hear of Vanda tricolor and Cattleya labiata being strongly recom- mended as bedding-out plants, so enthusiastic were the advo- cates of the eool system. — B. F., Mancliester. [I beg to refer " B. F." to Messrs. Lee, Hammersmith, Mr. Veitch, Chelsea, Messrs. Rollisson, Tooting, Mr. Kucker, Wandsworth, and, in short, to every grower of Orchids to prove, by occular demonstration, that some kinds delight in a low temperature. For example, the treatment required for Oncidium carthagenense would kiU O. bifolium ; Cattleya For- besii will thrive where Cattleya Skinneri will die ; and in like manner Dendi'obium pulchellum demands an amount of heat and moisture which are unnecessary and indeed injurious to D. aureum. To study the climate of the countries and locali- ties from which the species come is the only sure guide. It is no wonder that plants from the same country require very iliSerent treatment, as Orchids grow in the tropics at all eleva- tions between the level of the sea and 14,000 feet of altitude, and, therefore, they will require a great diversity of climate. When the many rare and beautiful species were sent home from the high lands of Mexico and Guatemala, Mr. Hartwig informed us, in his letters, that the thermometer was some- times near- the freezing point where many of them grew, and this was confirmed by the quantity of small mosses which were found growing upon some of the branches to which the plants had attached themselves. Many of them were removed into a house which was kept cooler than the Orcbideous stove, and they succeeded much better than others of the same kinds which were allowed to remain in a high temperature, where they were over-excited, and grew sickly and languid, forming small pseudo-bulbs every year, untU they finally perished. Many growers have experienced the same results. The house in the Horticultural Society's Garden at Chiswick, where they wei-e grown, had no artificial heat during the greater part of the summer, and in winter it was kept at about 55°. The air, however, was kept more moist than in a common greenhouse. — W. iiEANE.] VISITS TO GARDENS PUBLIC AND PRIVATE. Messrs. Low k Son's, Clapton. .\mongst the old-established nurseries in and about London, none is better known or more deservedly celebrated than that which for so many years has been known as that of Hugh Low & Son, Clapton ; aiid although the head of the firm not long ago died full of years and honours, yet it is still carried on with the same vigour and energy which have chai-acterised it for so long a period. It was on a miserably wretched day in the month of October, when the rain came down in " buckets- ful," that I found myself at the nursery, and was fortunate to have an hour or two's tour of the houses accompanied by Mr. Stuart Low, from whom I learned much that was new to me, and saw much that was novel also. In some vei7 important respects the Clapton Nm-sery has spik-ialites of its own. One will not find in it the magnificent specimens of stove and greenhouse pl.ants, and Orchids, that are to be seen at Mr. Veitch's or Mr. Williams's, nor the curious and multitudinous novelties that Mr. Bull grows ; but you will see houses full of Orchids in every stage, from the plants just imported to those which are growing finely and fiowering; whole ranges full of Heaths, especially those for winter and spring decoration ; thousands and tens of thou- sands of young Conifers gi-own from seed ; house after house filled with Camellias of all sizes and kinds ; not a great deal of order and neatness, but an air of business that showed that matters were thriving ; and that as this house has contributed in no small degree to the taste for horticulture by the extensive importations it has made from all ([uarters of the globe, so it is in its turn deriving no small degree of benefit from that increased taste. And now as to the Orchids. It is well known how many beautiful plants of this remarkable tribe have been added to our collections by the enterprise of this firm ; and it shows the manner in which it is ready to seize upon any fair opening, that immediately on the cool treatment of Orchids coming into vogue, a collector was dispatched to South America to obtain from the high altitudes of New Grenada and Guatemala the Odontoglossums and other Orchids with which those districts abound ; and it may give an idea of the extent of the importa- tions to say that in three months were received about 150 cases of Orchids. Were these all to arrive in good condition they would indeed afford a rich harvest ; but they have to go through an ordeal by which hundreds of them perish. They are col- lected on the heights of New Grenada at an altitude of 24,000 feet, where the average temperature is about i'2' ; but before they reach the steamer they have to come down eight hundred miles to the coast by the Maddalena River, oue of the hottest steaming countries in the world. The consequence of this is that they actually melt, all the tissue turning into water, so that when the skin of the pseudo-bulbs is not buist you can squirt the water out of them as out of a syringe ; but in some species when even this is the case, and the rhizome is sound, the plant will recover and make fresh bulbs, as, in fact, I saw many of them doing. Amongst the Odontoglots were gloriosum, Bluiitii, radiatum, and many others, which are niost probably entirely new, and thus promise the incentive of novelty and expectancy to those who purchase ; for hither hie that nurne- rous and increasing class of horticulturists to whom Orchids are precious— some thinking they can detect something strange and novel, others pretty sure that they have found a gem, and many contented with anything they can pick up. Of Cattleyas from New Grenada there was also a great variety, in every degree of colouring, from that of Mossiie to pure white. Then there were Dendrobiiims of all kinds— albo-sanguineum, very rare, from Moulmein, growing well. Look, too, at this lot of Lrelia anceps, imported only in .June, and now flowering ; and Liplia majaUs, assumed by most to be a difficult plant to grow, but here doing well, and that in a low temperature. On the subject of low temperatures for Orchids I had a long and interesting chat with Mr. Low, he being decidedly of opmion tliat a great deal more has been said of it than it warrants ; and that manv persons, misled by what has been written on the subject, will bum their fingers, or rather, should we not '26 JOUBKAL 01" HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. [ Jannai7 9, 1886. say, get Uicm frost-bitton ? Orcbids, it is true, will do at a low temperature ; but to suppose that tbcy can be grown as ordinary grecnbouse plants can be, is only misleading. Tbcy require exclusion from air, and not so dry a tumperatme as a grecnbouse must bave. In a bouse witb a nortbcru aspect, and carefully regulated as to temperature and ventilation, grown ly tbemselves, they will do wlU ; and even, as Mr. Low bus proved, many sorts that have luugiiisbed under other treatment have thriven under this. Various points in the cultivation of Orchids, as in other plants, are only arrived at by constant attention and knowledge of the different kinds, each, it may be, requiring its own special method. Thus with Cuhmthe and Li- matodes, it has been a customary plan, when the leaves drop, to lay them on one side ; but, this according to Mr. Low's ideas, is all wrong. He keeps them growing, as it is then that the flower- buds are produced. What a charm, too, iu these line winter- blooming Orcbids of which, as they bloom, the spike lengthens until it reaches 3 or 4 feet in length ! How dehciously sweet- scented, too, are some of these flowers ! Dendrobium bedyos- mum (well deserving its name), for example, one bloom of which would scent a whole house. But we must pass away from the Orchids and look at these ranges of pits. Himdretls and tens of huudred.s of young plants of Erica ; pots full of young Conifers of the rarest kinds in myriads ; and in the houses range after range filled with the winter and spring-blooming Heaths in flower. A curious fact Mr. Low mentioned with regard to these — viz., that the hot September bad so hurried on the blooming season that hiemalis was nearly over ; and vernalis, which should not have been in bloom till i'ebraary, was now all coming into bloom. These plants are dispersed all over the coimtrj-. They are killed by tens of thousands every year in London drawing-rooms, are hawked about by itinerant vendors in the suburbs, and hence there is a never-failing demand for them, and a never-failing supply. Camellias are here by the thousand, Mr. Low importing evci-y year a very large number from Ghent, that city of Ca- meUias, and also growing a large quantity of his own working. Witb regard to these latter, he bad been adopting a plan of his own. Instead of allowing the top bud to giow out and make the young wood for the new year, he cuts oil that bud, and by that means iuduces the third and fourth eyes to push their buds forth, and thus to make a more bushy and stubbj- plant. This system seemed to be answering well, as the i)lanta were looking well and vigorous under the treatment. The splendid tree Ferns belonging to this establishment were so much admired at the Guildhall that it would be needless to say anything about them, save that Mr. Low was adopting a curious plan with some of the stems which bad come home dead — nanielj% hollowing out the top, and placing a young plant in the crown of the stem. We can see liere what changes railway's, especially in their improved system of commimication, are making in evei'ything. Mr. Low was sending a large quantity of greenhouse plants away to the north of Scotland. Instead of mats, baskets, &c., and all the expense and trouble connected with it, they were being conveyed in waggons to the Great Northern Railway, where a truck or more is placed at his disposal ; the plants are packed in this, and they reach Aberdcensliiro without even a change of carriage. Where the consignee lives near the station this can be easily managed, and the plants sustain no damage, while the saving of expense is very great. Thus in one way or another I was picking up during these two hom-s much inter- esting information, learning something fresh, and also to admire the zeal and energy displayed by our great plant-merchants. The depth of winter is not usually a good time for visiting gardens, but I have found out that at aU times something is to be learned. — D., Deal. I unless there be reciprocity between root and branch little pro- gress will be made. Here the Golden-variegated Geraniums I have done very well, although the season has been unusually I warm and diy ; they bave afforded a good supjily of cuttings, , and will give many more in spring if wanted. I would advise the inexperienced to have their pbints well established in pots before planting, as this is vei-y conducive to success in the growth of this class of Geraniums ; also, not to plant out too soon. If good plants are in store they will at once give effect, while small plants turned out too early, will tliroughont the season disappoint the cx))ectalion8 which have been formed of them. I offer these remarks to the inexperienced, not to those who can judge for themselves. Many bedding plants may be turned out from store pots and boxes, but the Golden-variegated Geraniums will not succeed under that mode of treatment. — Jamks Keix). GOLDEN VARIEGATED GERANIUMS. I FISD that these varieties have disappointed expectation in several places, owing, I doubt not, to Uie unusually dry hot summer, along with sudden transitions of temperature, nights being chilling, and days scorching. However, there is one peculiarity in these Geraniums which has arrested my at- tention— namely, a deficiency of fibrous roots compared with other bedding Geianiums. This deficiency, I think, in a great measure prevents them making equal growth with others of much stronger constitution, and of which the roots are in pro- portion to the growth of the branches, for it is evident that ROY.U. HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. MoKEY Phizes scbsiiicied for Cebtificaies at S-vtubda* Shows. At the Meeting on Satiu-day last Mr. George Ward, gardener to T. X. Miller, Esq., of liishop Stortford, exhibited two very handsome Smooth-leaved Cayenne I'incs, which weighed 7^ lbs. and 7i lbs. respectively. They were awarded a first prize of £1. We take this opportuuity to state that the system of award- ing certificates, as was done last year, has been abandoned, and money prizes instituted instead for meritorious subjects ex- hibited at these Saturday meetings. These meetings will be continued throughout the year, and schedules containing the details of subjects invited may be obtained on application to the Assistant Secretary at South Kensington. "WTilATHER WISDOM. {Continued from page 526. i My former remarks on this subject were written with the view of directing the attention of your readers to a more careful and regular study of the barometer, in order to enable them, by noting down at fixed periods its various changes, to anticipate to a certain extent probable weather. Many persons are fully alive to the various causes which produce the rising and falling of the mercurial column, and they, I am sure, do place reliance upon the weather-glass. That dependance is verj' often severely tried by the apparent waywardness of the mercury. The column will remain high when the weather seems to say, •' You ought to be low ;" and the barometer will show a great diminution of atmospheric pressure when the sky is calm luid serene. But persons more advanced in the pursuit of the knowledge of the science of weather go deeper into the subject. They know, and experience teaches them, that though bad weather was not actually present at the particular spot where the barometer was observed to be low, yet a gale has been raging not many miles distant. The barometer, be it remarked, is a very delicate in- strument, and is affected not only by the atmosphere immedi- ately above the locality of observation, but by the great atmo- spheric waves which are sweeping at a distance over the saiSace of the sxvrrounding country. To those of your readers who ai"e but imperfectly acquainted with the real cause of the rise and fall of the luercurial column I would now particularly address the following remarks : — Whenever there is an invisible agent at work persons are apt to be sceptical. Every one knows how the mechanism of a clock or the hands of a watch are set in motion ; there is the weight, the spring, or it may be other causes. It is reasonable to suppose that some result will follow the adaptation of the dilTerent parts. No one wonders at the movement of the hands ; but look at the barometer ! It is not wound up, and there is nothing visible to cause any motion. Watch the glass carefully duing a gale or heavy fall of rain ; the mercury falls fast, almost whilst the eye is upon it; and because there is apparently nothing to account for the change they have seen, persons go away disappointed from such a contemplation, and as tbcy do not "recognise the hidden power which acts on the column, the instrument is despised. Men will, however, put faith in the correctness of a watch or clock because they know how it is set in motion ; but as to the barometer, they say, '■ It is of no use ; its movements are mysterious, and therefore it must be disre- January 9, 1866. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 27 garded aa of no value." Now, the agent which balances and supports the mercurial column is the atmosphere. The earth is surronnded by this atmosphere, weather is constantly chang- ing, and with such changes atmospheric pressures increase and diminish daily and hoiu'ly. That pressures do vary, and that the barometer is affected by such variations, can bo demon- strated in the followiug way : — Let any one take a portable barometer to the summit of a hill, ha-ving, previously to start- ing upwards, noted down the height at which the column stands. Suppose the ascent to be 500 feet, it will be found that on ar- riving at the summit the mercury has fallen considerably. Why is this ? 'tt'hy should there be any change ? The reason is as follows : In ascending the height a diminution in the density of the atmosphere is experienced. The atmosphere which at a lower heiglit supported the column of mercury will not sup- port it at the top of the MU. The mercury falls. But let the glass be brought down directly to the original starting point, and the barometer will read once more at the same height as it did at first. To those who are able to perform another experiment, the atmospheric pressure on the column of mercnry is more clearly and quickly illustrated. Place a skeleton syplion baro- meter (simply the glass tube filled with mercury) under the re- ceiver of an air-pump ; directly the pump is set in motion the column will fall, and will continue so to do in proportion to the rarefaction of the air. Now turn the stop-cock ; admit fresh air in the place of that which has been pumped out ; what is the result? The mercury returns to its original height. I am perfectly persuaded of this, that if any one can firmly fix upon his mind that atmospheric pressure is the cause which regulates the osciUations of the barometer, and that during the variations of the weather atmospheric pressures do vary, there would then be more attention paid to the instrument, and per- sons would try to fathom its movements and to investigate its constant and sometimes apparently mysterious changes. In all scientific researches, however, it must be remembered that man is the being created. Let no one strive to dive into hid- den mysteries simply and solely for the purpose of curiosity and self-glorification, or for the piurpose of finding out what has been wisely hid from man. On the contrary, let every one so use his Imowledge as to enlarge and develope those gifts and resources which have been placed at his command by an allwise and bounteous Creator for his own enlightenment and that of his fellow-creatures. — X., Surreij. THE FRUIT-BE.^RING AUCUBA J.VPONICA AS A DINNER-TABLE PLANT. Allow me to add this plant to the tastefully selected list made by Mr. Hobson, for dinner-table decoration. In passing through the Messrs. Osborns' nursery the other day, I noticed some beautiful standard plants of the Aueuba loaded with its bright red fruit, the berries being about the size of medium- sized acorns, in bunches of from eight to sixteen. The plants had nice symmetrical heads about 16 inches in diameter, and clean stems from 18 to 24 inches in length, and half an inch in diameter. Once seen, the fruiting Ancuba cannot fad to be a favourite, and it is a valuable acquisition for decorative pur- poses. I noticed, also, a number of standard Laurustinus of the same dimensions as the Aucubas described, covered with bloom and beautifully feathered down the stems, and which cannot fail to be gems on the dinner-table. Now, if circular pans made of zinc or of any other material were constructed to fit over the mouths of the pots of such plants as described, and these pans were planted with some of the Lycopods — such as apodum, densum, or umbrosum, edged with cfesium or other trailing Mosses to form a drapery over the edge, with a few Crocuses or Snowdrops peeping through the green moss, the whole would make a lovely ornament both above and below the " line of vision " — quite a natural epergne. The pans should be made in halves, with a circidar groove in the centre of each for the stem of the plant, and have two clasps to secure the entire pan.— P. M., Putney Heath. METEOROLOGY OF FRUIT-TEEE HOUSES. I HOPE Mr. Rivers will excuse the festivities of this season having prevented me from replying sooner to his letter ; and I may also add that now, when ever one is trying to feel so happy and saying .so many kind things to all the friends he meets, I have no desire in this letter to appear personal. I have often withstood the temptation to put in a smart thing, and also crossed out what I was afraid might be taken for an asperity ; but having strong opinions as to the advantages to be gained by sun heat, gathered principally from my own experiments, I thought I would try how they stood the test of public opinion in your paper. Mr. Rivers answered me, and I have been in this manner obliged to make the best defence I could. A discussion on the merits of houses can hardly be kept from wandering into questions of cultivation. Thus, Mr. Rivers seems to think forced Peach trees should be treated in a diiferent way from those gi'owu during the summer in an orchard-house. I think it is time we had another name for this anti-season culti- vation ; for with all the modem appliances it is no longer strictly correct to speak of it as forcing a tree, thereby implying that the tree is unfitted to carry a similar crop in the following year. I have often heard gardeners say, " There is no use in this," " I woiUd not go to the expense of that," and " You can grow perfectly good crops without something else," — how much they can dispense with, depending on the natural advantages of their situation. The first step in aiding nature is the begin- ning of forcing. When I first began growing fruit trees I was not aware of the important difference between orchard-houses, and thought an orchard-house was an orchard-house ; but now I find it is, and it is not. Mr. Rivers tells me mine should have answered, for they never fail with him. I reply I am further north ; but he tells me this is no vahd reason, as his climatic world reaches to Stornoway. He has not yet told me what sort of a house this is. If it is a lean-to it is not surprising, for a contemporary teUs us, " At Culloden House, near Inverness, the middle-season Peaches, such as the Noblesse, ripen perfectly almost every year in the open air." Not a word about protection, and yet some must be used ; but sheeting-up a wall at night is not counted. That a low night temperatirre helps to ripen the fruit and wood, and consequently the buds for the following year, I think I have tried what I could to prove. It is the low night temperatures in spring and simimer I want information upon, and if there is a suc- cessful span-roofed orchard-house north of the midland counties in which there is only a single row of four-inch pipes round the house, and where ventilation is given as Mr. Rivers directs. In the " Orchard-House," Mr. Rivers says he cannot ripen November Peaches, but he can October. Should I, then, be told in a poUte way that I mismanage mine if, by reason of my climate being worse than his, I am obliged to resort to the treatment he advises for these late Peaches ? At page 93, rmder the head of " Clingstones," I find, " We shall by this mode of culture imitate the warm autumnal nights of the southern United States, and keep the fruit in a growing state tUl the ripening period arrives. In a common orchard-house without fire heat the cool nights in September seem to put the trees at rest, and the very late Peaches, as I have experienced, do not ripen well." After again reading this, the only con- clusion I can come to is what I said in my second letter, which provoked Mr. Rivers — that in the case of trees treated as mine were, that is, exposed to a night temperature in July of 55°, and in August of 45°, they will go to rest, notwithstanding a high day temperature. Vines require a higher temperature than Peach trees to enable them to perfect their fruit, and I think my letter in the Journal of December 12th will not bear the construction Mr. Rivers puts upon it. I certainly never intended to convey that it was my opinion that Black Hambm-gh Grapes would ripen better on an open wall than imder glass, much less was I speaking of their relative chances against spring frosts. I will repeat what I said : " Can any one tell me what advantage a south wall has over a narrow span-roofed house, from having taken its maxima and minima for a summer in a meteorologi- cally favoured place ? I would rather have my Grapes or Peaches, if I wished them to come in soon (early), resting against such a wall, and enjoying its radiation all night long, than be starved in an orchard-house with a temperature of from 40° to 45°." Upon this Mr. Rivers proceeds to argue, but I am not able to say if the figures he gives are the temperatures of a south wall or of the open air ; however, as he takes up the subject o seriously I am not imwilling to consider it also. He gives .rom 100° to 120° as the maximum of a south wall in May, and we are then to suppose that the air goes down to 26°. How near will night radiation bring the temperature of the wall to the atmospheric point ? I cannot answer the question. JOUBNAL OF HOKTICULTOKE AND COTTAGE OABDENER. C Januarr 9, WK. I will now compare a narrow npan-roof with this. The average maximum (or Chiswick last May was 09° ; to this I will add lo , makinR 8r. The niiuimum will be u' above the atmo- sphere, or sr. I ciinnot tcive the temperatures of a south wall for the months of .lune ami July, and so will pass on to those of August and September, which are given as the same as May — from 100' to 120'. The average maxima for these months at Chiswick were 74' and IS' ; if I add 15' it will make 89' and 93', which should represent the day temperiitures of these months in a small span-roofed house. I will now try to com- pare the nights. Mr. Bivers says, '• But radiation during the long nights" (not during these months) " tells forcibly, so that in the morning the ' tender mercies ' of the wall have not pre- vented the thermometer from going down to 45 or 40 ." Does this mean that radiation has carried off all this extra heat? At Chiswick the average minima for last August and September were 46° and 45° respectively ; the night temperature in a narrow span-roof I do not know. A thermometer with a black bulb exposed to the sun rise.s 50° above the atmosphere in the fhade, and often goes down to 15 below it in the night. I should very much Uke to know if it was owing to this latter cause — extra night radiation, that prevented the experiment mentioned in the " Theorj- of Horticulture," blackening garden walls, from being of any advantage. But this has no reference to our present subject — we are not discussing the relative radi- ating powers of colours ; and a black bulb to a thermometer, having no substance to retain heat, is soon cooled. How is it with a thick wall that has been heated to 120° ? I notice the explanation that the trees in the liedge hnuse are retarded b; the cool night air rushiug in, which in this case counteracts the advantage of radiation from the soil. Will not a narrow span-roofed house, with the ventilators open at each side, be retarded in the same way ? Mr. Bivers is surprised that I should have given the heat of his large house as 9U°, for at 5 feet from the ground it was only K8' ; but this, he said, " wos under a dense shade ;" in his letter of October the 10th he said it usually ruled 10° to 15' above the open air, which he gave as 80° ; again, in this last letter he says a span-roofed house 18 feet wide, the sides of which are formed of hedges 2) feet high, at 5 feet from the ground averages from 15' to 20' above the open air. I did not intend to misquote. I hope Mr. Bivers will be able to obtain some information upon the climate of New .Jersey. I do not know how he ac- quired his impression that Mentonc has a moist climate. Dr. Bennet says that, according to his experience, the average number of days or nights during which it rained little or much at Mentoiie was SO, at Torquay 155, Greenwich 155. I wish Dr. Bennet could be induced to give us a little more informa- tion on these subjects, including the heat of _ the soil as the Vines start. — G. H. A WELL-KEPT garden is the best ornament the outside of a house can have ; it promotes health, and in it one can con- template the goodness of the Maker of all things in administer- ing to the various requirements of man. There are no asso- ciations stronger than those connected with a garden. Let a A WINTER AND SPRING FL0\M3R GARDEN. man be a thousand miles from home, still his mind will at times revert to and haimt, as it were, his old favourite spots. To strengthen, then, those fond links of home, let us try and make home more interesting, cheerfxJ, and gay, especially in the dreary months of winter and spring. To lay down a definite rule respecting the extent and arrange- ment of a flower garden would be a most dillicult matter, as no two places are alike. It is necessary, therefore, to exercise great judgment in the formation of a garden, and the designer should not be wholly guided by his own fancy ; the size of the mansion should be taken into consideration, for a small aoiise and a large garden never correspond well, and everything about a place should be as nearly as possible in proportion. Another matter to be taken into consideration is the means at command to supply plants enough to furnish the] garden, because it is much better to have a small garden well kept than a large one ill-kept. In a garden, as in any other place, there should be " a place for everything, and everything in its place," and in endeavouring to carrj- out fully this old sa\-ing. I have designed a plan well adapted for a small place, and especially for the front of a suburban villa, where there would be room enough for the design and a good wide border at each side for herbaceous plants, or, otherwise, a grass verge. By January 9, 1866. ] JOUENAIi OF HOKTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 29 looking carefully over the plan, it will be seen tliat all within the outside line of Box can be made one mass of beds, at the discretion of the owner, and each bed complete in itself. They can be filled with different plants and bulbs all the year, so that the plants in one bed will not interfere with the arrangement of the bulbs in the other. I I, m, n n n n, and rj g, on the plan, also the naiTow alleys all round, marked x .v, are intended for colouring-materials ; they are equally eligible for bulbs, Pansies, or the like. In order to give an idea of how it might look, I win suppose it to be planted with the following plants, which are all easy to procure : — a a, white Arabis. edged with bine ; b b, Alyssum saxatUe, edged with Stachys lanata ; d e, d c, Ai'abis, edged with Cerastium tomentosum ; e e, SMm- mia japonica ; / /, Vinca elegantissima ; / I and m, blue Pansy ; h, Arabis lucida variegata ; p p, double Daisy ; o o, common gravel ; in the alleys round the two centre figures broken bricks ; in the alley round the outside I would put burnt flint (pure white), and in the circles coals. There are many who wiU not coincide with me on this subject ; they are prejudiced against the use of such materials, because, perhaps, they have seen it carried to excess in some places, but anything in excess is distasteful to the eye. I would hke to see the objections more fully explained in the columns of The Jourxal of Hor- ticulture, and I should be glad if those who agree with me as to the use of coloured materials, would suggest any improve- ment that could be made, so that we might be able to learn various opinions on the subject. — M. O'Donnell. PRESERVING OUT-OF-DOORS GRAPES. I HAVE sent you a specimen of our out-of-doors Grapes, also the glass cylinder. 7 J inches high by 5 inches in diameter, in which they were grown. I believe it is a very old plan, but out of fashion I suppose, as I have never seen any notice of it in The Journal of Hor- ticulture. It is a capital mode of keeping out-of-doors Grapes for late use. The oiled calico protects them from rain, and the perforated zinc keeps out birds and msects, but admits sufficient air. The Grapes were thinned when about the size of Peas; the glasses were put on immediately, and, except pruning, no attention has been given since. The glasses have been in use here for many years with oiled calico bottoms, and shaded with limewash, but the Grapes became mouldy soon after they were ripe, and if holes were left for ventilation the wasps and flies soon finished them. I adopted the zinc bottoms two years ago, and the glasses have done very well since aud require no shading. — John Jones, Gardener to Col. GUiddi'lt. [The bunch of Grapes, Royal Muscadine, were in very ex- cellent condition (January 2), but slightly shrivelled, and not at all mouldy or deficient in flavour. — Eds.] WORK FOR THE WEEK. kitchen garden. As the weather has been particularly open and mild up to this time, all trenching, rough digging, gravelling walks, &c., ought to be pushed on as fast as possible. Where drainage is necessary, now is a good time to execute aU work of that de- scription. When we see the agricultural world so alive to its benefits, it is strange to hear gardeners, like fatalists, lament- ing over their pining Peach and Nectarine trees and bad crops, and making no effort to strike at the root of the evil. The very worst soil and situation may be improved by drainage. Asparagus, the beds should be soiled or manured as soon as the frost makes the ground hard enough to bear wheeling. Beans, sow another crop of the Mazagan, and plant out any which have been hardened off after being germinated in heat. Carrots, sow a moderate breadth of Early Horn, also Short Top Radish ; there is no better plan than sowing them in drills alternately, covering in ^\-ith sandy matter, and protecting with any available material. An excellent method of fastening down such material is to place long willow rods at convenient distances, pegging them down at each end with a strongisb hook. Cucumbers, the plants in houses must be strictly attended to, to keep them in health ; refrain from removing or injuring any of the leaves, if possible ; guard against over watering, which is particularly injurious in dull weather. Prepare dung lor the main early beds, and make a small seed- bed for raising the plants. Cauliflotcers, those under hand- lights require constant attention, keep the surface stirred, dust with lime and charcoal dust ; an excellent plan to catch slugs among these is to spUt large Carrots and lay about the plants, by picking them on mild mornings an immense number may be taken. See that the hardy varieties of Lettuce and Endive on banks or borders are properly protected, and look over the plants in favourable weather, removing decayed matter, and covering up for blanching when dry. Peas, make a second sowing on a warm border. Waite's Daniel O'Eourke and Early Warwick answer well for this sowing. Be careful to keep a good number of figure-4 traps constantly set, there are none better for keeping down those destructive pests, the mice. Peas coming up must have the surface soil constantly stirred, and opportunities should be watched for the destruc- tion of slugs by dusting with quicklime. Endeavour to keep well up with all work in tliis department, the time is fast approaching when we shall find the advantage of having done so. FRUIT GARDEN. Proceed with planting, and the necessary arrangements for planting where it is not already brought to a conclusion. Prime and nail wall trees ; dress those fruit trees that are in- fested with moss, lichen, or scale, in suitable weather; prune, train, and tie in neatly, all espalier trees, and caiTy away all refuse that will not readOy decompose to the char heap, there to be converted into valuable manure. Fork among all fruit plantations, applying some manure, if possible, about the roots of the trees. Peach, Nectarine, and Apricot trees should be protected in due time with spruce boughs, or some other material. If frost prevails stir up the soil well with the hoe or fork close under the walls and fences, such places afford a ready refuge for slugs and other vermin. It is not a bad plan to shake a Uttle quicklime over the earth thus disturbed. FLO\(-ER GARDEN. During fine weather, like the present, continue to dig the borders where this has not been ah-eady done ; edge and clean walks, lay turf, and make edgings good where that is necessary. In favourable weather keep aU hands busy out of doors, leaving- in-door jobs for bad days. Plant shrubs, and regulate herba- ceous plants ; reduce Phloxes, &c., when they require it, and replant them after well digging the ground ; take care not to plant too thickly, and leave room for planting tender plants in spring and summer. See that all half-hardy plants are secured against severe weather. GREE-NHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. As the conservatory is the chief place of resort for the family in winter, it is requisite that the flowers, &c., be at all times kept particulariy clean and dry, dryness of atmosphere through tire heat will not, however, keep the plants in that luxuriant health, which not only creates a present interest in them, but also furnishes a guarantee for success in future. Great mode- ration, therefore, in the use of fire heat is necessary in this de- partment, more especially in the dead of winter. A tempo- 30 JOUilNAIi OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGB GARDENEB. r Juinary 9, 1860. raturo of from 40' to 15° by night, ami from 50' to ri'," by day is at this period amply suffioieut. A temperature of 50° by day and of U" by night is suHicient for tho greenhouse at present. Keep the PcUirgouiums in a qaieecent state, give as little water as possible, iu fact, none, unless the plants show a disposition to fla;,' iu tho leaf. Abundance of air is requisite, avoiding, how- ever, cold currents, which are very Uablo to spot the leaf when in a tender state, through close confinement. ICeej) all Cine- rarias, Heliotropei, Calceolarias, and other softwooiled plants, Ac, in the lightest part of the house, and as near the glass as possible. Correas, Ijpacrises, Heaths, &c., should be placed on a bench by themselves in the most airy part. Examine daily every flowering plant, remove every decaying flower as it appears, aud see th.it the foliage of Camellias, Khododendrons, Oranges, aud simihir plants is perfectly clean. Tho contrast produced by the line, clean, large leaves with the numerous blossoms, at tliis season especially, gives a relish for such houses, and renders them doubly capable of yielding enjoyment. FOItCISG-riT. This pit should have a permanent bottom heat of SO", with atmospheric moisture. Such being the case preparations must be made for securing a due succession of early spring flowers ; if not already done let a s))rinkling be introduced of the most popular tribes adapted for forcing-purposes, such ,is Persian and common Lilies, Azalea.s, both hardy and Chinese kinds, LUy of the Valley, Hyacinths, and other bulbs, Acacia amiata, Epaeris, aud tho various kinds of Pelargoniums suitable for forcing, hai-dy and Nepal Khododendrons, Daphnes, Dentzias, &c. The new Hybrid Eoses wUl do better in a more moderate temjicrature, witli the exception of the Teas, which will endure a Uvely heat. As these plants in general require a moderate top heat in proportion to the bottom heat in the earlier stages of their forcing, they may be kept together at one end, and receive more air in niildperiods. The other end of this pit, kept closer, will be eligible for such plants as Thnnbergias, Gar- denias, Francisceas, and numerous other plants that require more atmospheric moisture. STOVE. The season is not yet sufficiently advanced to allow of an in- crease of temperature. A steady heat ranging between 60° and 65° may bo sustained, if the weather continue open. The occurrence of frost will demand a reduction of temperature. Allow the thermometer to sink at night. Artificial heat without light, as has often been explained, is injurious to vegetation. iSecoUect always that stove plants, as well as others, require fresh air. The stove may still be gay with the beautiful Gesnera zebrina, Euphorbia, and Begonias, which outvie the gayest plants of siunmer in brilliancy and beauty. PITS AND FBAJIES. If the tenants of these have been housed somewhat dry, and kept so, and hoi-dened with abundance of air, nothing is neces- sary but to follow up these principles, and to take care to exclude frost ; if, however, severe weather should occur-, and they become frozen, see that they are not uncovered directly a thaw comes. Let them remain in comparative darkness until they ore quite thawed, which in ordinary cases will be about two days, merely turning up the mats or straw a httle at both back and fi-ont, so as gradually to inure them to the light. Examine yonr stock, and sncli plants as you are short of should now be placed in a gentle heat for the purpose of ex- citing their growth for cuttings. Auagallis, Verbenas, Petunias, Salvias, Ac, should now be brought forward for filUng beds and borders in summer. Be sure that yon have enough of these. Give abundance of air in mild weather to cold pits both night and day, and withhold water from the plants at this season. Prepare soil for potting-off stove plants. This might soon be commenced. — W. Kease. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCnEN GARDEN*. Vert much the same as in pre\ious weeks, with the exception of potting a lot of Potatoes that had pushed several inches long, and filled foiir and five-inch pots with roots, placing two of these pots iu 12 and 13-inch pots. From these we generally ^ther rather earlier than from those planted in beds, with a little heat below them, and as they approach iicrfection they can be placed anywhere under protection, and the room they now occupy in pots can be devoted to other purposes. A quicker way still is to place a single plant in a five or six-inch pot, plunge it in a mild heat, and as the top grows earth-up with rotten leaf mould. Tho curbing of the little pot causes tho tubers to form and grow sooner than when they have more room. Rhubarb put a few more roots into the Mushroom-house, with a little bottom heat from leaves, itc. and the top temper- ature is from 50° to CO' , as tliat brings on our Mushrooms as fast as we want them for use, at present every day ; but wo will send iu the latter more seldom, if more at a time, as it is rather out of om- way to make anything too common. Give even Rhubarb and Sea-kale every day, and either will be less valued than if given, say, three times per week. The same as to Asparagus at this season. Send it to the house every day, and it will soon be no more thought of than it is in May. Of course when there are particular parties the matter should bo dift'erent, and if the gardener knows tho number of days the party is to last, he will try aud send the best and tlie greatest variety. A great many employers are never the best served when they have visitors, because they never condescend to let their gardener know anything of their intentions, and therefore nothing is sent in but what they would have had in the usual routine. For want of the gardener knowing anything of such matters, we have known m.auy instances where rarities and delica- cies for the season were sent in every day to the usual family dinner, and then when there was a particular party there was nothing rare to send. Those employers only will bo the best seiwed who give due notice of such matters ; without that notice they must be satisfied with what the day will produce, llhubarb has been plentiful enough since Christmas. We feel obliged to " li. F., Liverpool," page 3, for what he says on the subject. We agree with him thoroughly as to what he says about a high temperature for this or any other vegetable that comes to matiu-ity in a comparatively low temperature. We coro- borate also what he advances about darkness being an advan- tage for the carhest crop ; but after the middle of this month Ehubarb will come on anywhere in Hght, where there is the requisite heat to excite it into growth. For the earliest we find placing a box or pot over it, as well as a mild heat beneath it, useful either iu the Mushroom-house or any other suitable place. We are well aware that to have it early in winter it wiU come better if grown rapidly in the early part of summer, and encouraged to stop growing by dryness in autumn, so as to lose its leaves and go to rest sooner, for the sooner it goes to rest the sooner will it be easily excited into growth ; but what we chiefly referred to, and to which our correspondent alludes, is the difliculty of bringing it in as quickly as Sea-kale or Aspara- gus at an early period. Before Christmas, in similar circum- stances, it often requires double the time that either of these do, whilst after the new year it requires but little more time than they do. Either of the latter can be had very good in three weeks, before Christmas, though a month and milder heat will often give stronger and stubbier gatherings. In the case of Asparagus we shall fill another light, the roots for which we have kept in reserve ; but as the lights of the fi-ame were not of good glass, and tho weather has been so dark, we have gathered the Asparagus and set it on damp moss in a house commanding more light, to make the heads greener before going to tabic. FRUIT GARDEX. Looked over the fruit-room, removing any specked fruit. Placed Strawberry-pots on shelves in pits where there was any room to spare. Looked over Grapes for any damping berries ; damped the wood of Vines breaking in a small pit ; top-dressed trees in pots in the orchard-house ; prepared some litter for covering outside Vine-borders, formerly merely protected with a little stubble ; covered-up the border outside of the Peach- house, where fires have now been lighted, and damped the wood several times in the day. The pipes have been fresh painted with oil and black, but the smell will be all gone before the heat will be at all strong. We notice that some recommend painting the pipes when they are cold : but if there is not mnch tender in the place wo prefer painting the pipes when hot — say when at a temperature of about 120°, as then the paint goes on much thinner, and dries more quickly. It is best to do all this painting when the house is empty, as the effluvia from the oil are dangerous to many tender plants. ORNAMKN'TAL DEPARTMEXT. Were we to enter into detail we should merely repeat about plants, &c., what has been said in the last and some previous weeks. From our own practice it may be more useful just to refer to a few matters. 1st, All Bulbsand Hardy SlirubfwUi be forced more easilynow than thev could be before Christmas. Hardy bulbs, or such as Jannttr; 9, 1866 ] JOUENAL OP HOBTICtJLTUEE AND COTTAGE GAKDENER. 31 are called bulbs, as Winter Aconites, Snowdrops, Crocits, &c., are the better of Imving onlj' a little extra heat given ; Hyacinths and Narcissus, after the pots are full of roots, will stand more ; Tulips will go between tho two. From 45° to 50" is quite enough for the first, from 55' to 70° for the second, and from 50° to 55° and 60° for Tulips. Hyacinths will rise more freely if a funnel or a pot is placed over tho flower-stalli just after it has shown, and a mild bottom heat will assist them, and a little manm'e-watering as the stem rises. "When wanted to bloom in glasses, and not to be gi'own in glasses, we know no better plan than, just when the first flowers of the spike are opening, to take the plant out of the pot, and wash away all the soil carefully with the hand in a pail of water at 70°, turn the roots carefully into the glass, and if the glass is coloured so that the water cannot be seen, put in a few nodules of sweet dried cowdung, and as many more of little bits of charcoal, fill with water at between 60° and 70°, and change every three days or so. When we used thus to manage with coloured glasses, a pinch of superphosphate of lime, as much as could comfortably be taken between the thumb and linger, placed in the water each time it was changed, would add to the size and strength of the svjeet bells. A similar dressing twice a-week would also be useful, spread on the surface of the pot before watering. Sheep or deer dung collected and kept dry to sweeten for two or three months, and then hot water, when near the boihng jDoint, pom-ed over it, say twelve gallons to a peck, allowed to stand for forty-eight hours, and then the clear liquid used in watering, alternately with clean water, will do much to strengthen the flower-stalks ; but this li(iiud must not be used oftener nor stronger, if regard must be had to fine distinct colours iu the flowers. All hardy shrubs, as Rhododendrons, Kalmias, Eoses, and Lilacs, will do better if they have been well grown so as to fill the pots in summer, and obtain a mild bottom heat now, and from 50° to (30° top heat, with a rise in sunshine, the syringe being freely used in fine bright weather to soften the buds. When the bloom begins to open the plants must be hardened off by degi-ees, so as to stand iu cooler places, as greenhouses. Hardy Azaleas and Chinese Azaleas require similar cai-e, both before and after they are iu bloom, bringing them on gradually and hardening them oft' gradually. Many a Chinese Azalea well supplied with buds will throw these buds when taken at once from a temperature of 35° and placed in one of 65° ; whilst if it had obtained a few days at 45', a week at 50°, another at 55°, and so on, all tho buds would have opened kindly. _ 2nd, Tlie importance of rcgidat'mg tanperatnrc in propor- tion to lUjht. If in such dull weather as we have lately had we give a high temperature to lots of comparatively hardy plants, WE encourage weak sickly growth, which is almost sure to be attacked with insects. Hence the constant advice, Smoke with tobacco at least ouce a-week, in order to keep all right. We sometimes wonder what sort of an amount a year's consump- tion of tobacco will thus come to. A lower temperature, when there was little sun to consoUdate growth, would have pre- vented this being weakly, and saved many pounds of tobacco. Besides, that is not all : tobacco is dangerous when growth is tender, and the foliage or flower-stems are at all damp. We have looked at half a dozen sad complaints of herbaceous Calceo- larias and Cinerarias being next to destroyed by smoking them for gi-een fly ; whilst with the mild weather we have had this winter, provided these plants had been cool enough and moist enough, and therefore allowed to grow more slowly, there would Jiave been no green fly to destroy ; at least it seldom appears in such circumstances. 3rd, Traiisplantbig Trecx and Shrubs. — We have pretty well finished the most of what is to be done in this way at present. From a passing remark made on transplanting shrubs, &c., two inquiries have come to us soheiting an answer here. First, " What sort of a thing is the low-wheeled truck you speak about ? " We have some waggonettes here, chiefly for moving plants, and which average 5 feet long, 2j feet wide, with sides and ends 6 inches deep, furnished with a handle on a swivel, and two axles and four wheels, each 9 to 12 inches in diameter. Thus mounted we call them " go- ashores." The sides and ends are fastened to the stout floor with bolts. AVhen we use these for transplanting rather heavy shrubs with a ball, we take off the sides and ends, an inclined plane is made after the shrub has been imdermined, and one end of the platfoi-m truck is brought under the shrub, and with the help of levers the truck and the shrub are got out of the hole, and if the ground is not very soft, and there is enough of strength, the shrub can be taken anywhere. The second inquiry has reference to "the transplanting a lot Of young Oaks growing in an unsuitable place, in good loamy soil, trees from 20 to 35 feet iu height. The place they would be taken to is rather more exposed, but the ground equally good. Must be moved this year if moved at all, otherwise be gruljbed up. Would be anxious to move them, but do not know how to go about it. Can give ahorse, but will not be at the trouble or expense of obtaining a transplanting machine, with strange people to manage it. I\Iust have it done, if done at all, with my own people, with such machinery as they can improvise for the purpose." Well, we have helped to move many such trees without auy machinery at all, and thus we proceeded : We dug down a circular trench from 6 to 8 feet from the bole of the tree, according to its height, traced out the roots, and picked away the soil pretty well up to the bole, and then had the eartliless roots and the tops carried to the place where an equally large hole had been prepared, and after having the tree set ujn'ight, after neatly shortening-in the branches, packed the roots firmly and nicely with the new soil, and if rather damp gave no watering until March, but if the soil was dryish watered when all the roots were packed. After allowing time to settle — that is, whilst another tree was being planted, then the rest of the soil was placed on, and beaten firmly, except a little loose soil left on the sui'face. A basin was also left in case the summer should be very diy. Such trees would rccjuire securing from wind, either by three poles, or better still, by three ropes, or three chains fastened to a collar put round the stem of the tree, and attached to three stout stakes or iJoles, put at equal distances 8 or 9 feet from the bole. Under such circumstances as those alluded to, however, we would proceed a little diffe- rently. We would dig the trench as above, and proceed with disentangling the roots until we came to within 20 or 24 inches of the bole, we would then undermine the ball pretty well all round. We would then procure a stout timber gig, consisting of a stout axle-tree with a wheel at each end, and a stout pole to work at pleasure in the centre of the axletrce. We would wrap a mat or two round the ball, make an inclined plane for the wheels, one of these to go down on each side of the ball ; wraji a mat with some straw, &c., round the bottom of the bole of the tree to prevent grazing the bark ; set the pole of the gig up- right, against the bole of the tree ; bring a stout iron chain from the axle-tree to go underneath each side of the ball, and fasten that tightly and securely ; brace the pole of the gig and the bole of the tree firmly together, placing some litter between them to prevent grazing the bark ; then attach a chain to the top of the pole, and long enough that when tho other end was attached to the horse-tackle the horse would be far enough from the top of the tree when it came down. A steady pull, with the help of some leverage, will bring the pole and the top of the tree down, and raise the ball, hanging from and behind the axletree ; another pull and a little leverage will take the wheels out of the hole, and a little on to solid ground. Then unhook the horse, have some men to keep the top of the tree right, and connect the horse with the axletree behind, when the root end will be brought to its destination, men looking after the top all the time. It is easy to bring the root end just over the centre of the hole, and when the top is set upright the pole maybe re- moved from the bole, all chains unfastened, and the packing proceeded with. Though this mode requires more moving- power, yet, if well done, and the trees are not larger than stated, the ball thus secured will keep the tree secure in its place without the assistance of ropes, stakes, or chains. Two other points had better be attended to : First, never let the tree be deeper planted than it was at first ; and, secondly, when re- moving from a wami to a colder place, some small hay-bands, or straw-bands, should be twined round the bole and principal branches, not close together, but with openings between ; and this, if the bands are made loose and rough, will help to keep the trees warmer, and will also keep the bark moister. The same remark as to watering will apply as in the first mode noticed. We have known transplanted trees perish from nothing but keeping the roots in a morass. To prevent this, in all stiff soils the subsoil, if not taken out, should be weU picked to allow excess of moisture to escape freely. '\ATien the soil is kept wet about stagnant roots it just ensures extra cold, whilst we should wish the soil, if possible, to be warmer than usual. The roots will push sooner when the soil is neither wet nor dry, and a little water when the buds push will be more important than much deluging now. A little lightening of the heads, so as to lessen the surface of evaporation, will also be useful ; but it will be wise to do it neatly, and to cut back to :j2 JOCENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ( J11DI1S17 9, 1SC6. strong prominent buds. Of coarse MctJlashan'B machine would make short work of sucli planting ; but even with the above materials, if men do the first tree very carefully and nicely under your superintendence, you must not think much of the time, as every fresh tree they go to they will move more rapidly and better. The chief advantage of such transplant- ing is that the trees make a show at once. They generally re- quire a couple of years or so to get into full growth. — K. F. COVENT GARDEN MARKET— jANUAnY li. Wc hnve aenin to report abondant hnpplics with little or no MteratioD in prices, uur first con^ignnientH of Suladi; from France havo com* to hand, but at present are not much bt-tter than borne grown. FRUIT. Apples A sieve Apricots doz. Cherries lb. Cbestnats bnsh. Currants, Red \ sieve Black do. FifTS doz. Filberts lb. Cobs .... 100 lbs. Gooseberries. . 4 sieve Grapes, Hambro... lb. Muscats lb. Lemons 100 Artichokes each Asparaf^ms. .. . bundle Bcan< Broad. . bushel Kidney 100 Beet, lied doz. Broccoli bundle Bms. Sprouts..^ sieve Cabbage doz. Capsicoms 100 Carrots bunch Cftoliflower doz. Celery bundle Cacumbers each pickling doz. Endive score Fennel bunch Garlic and Shallots, lb. Herbs bunch Horseradish . . buudlo 8. d. R. d •2 Oto;) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 16 0 U 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 1 0 0 0 160 0 u 0 0 0 4 0 7 0 t! 0 10 0 6 u 10 0 8. d.' 8. d 0 OtoO 0 8 0 12 0 0 0 0 (1 S 0 4 0 2 0 ,"! 0 1 0 2 0 a 0 1! 0 0 9 1 R u 0 0 0 0 4 1) B » 0 6 0 1 0 2 0 a e » 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 'i 0 0 3 0 n 0 s 0 n II » 0 n 2 6 4 0 Melons each Mulberries. . . . punnet Nectarines doz. Oranges 100 Peaches doz. Pears (kitchen)., doz. dessert doz. Pine Apples lb. Plnms A sieve Quinces J sieve Raspberries lb. Strawberries lb. s. d. :i 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Walnuts bash 14 0 20 0 Leeks bunch Lettuce .... per score Mushrooms, , . , pottle Mustd. & Cress, punnet Onions . . . .per bushel pickling* quart Parsley 4 sieve Parsnips '. doz. Peas quart Potatoes bushel Kidney do. Radishes doz. bunches Rhubarb bundle Savoys doz. Sea-kale basket Spinach bushel Tomatoes ^ ^^ievo Turnips bunch Vegetable Marrows dz. 3. d. 8. 0 8 too 0 2 8 0 TRADE CATALOGUE PJECERTSD. Lamoureux, Clark, & Co., 4, Cornwall Street. Plymoutli.— General Price Current and Garden Directory for 1866. TO CORRESPONDENTS, ORAFTrxG Mastic IR^v. C. C. f;.).— We do not know where it can be ubtamed, except of M. L'homme Lefort, Belleville, near Paris. Repaihing Parish Road (Indrr).— Yon must consult a Folicitor. There axe usually local as well as the general statutes to be considered. Stove Without Flue (P.).— The stove vou mention would give suffi- cient heat for your small greenhouse, but the fumes from the fuel would mjure the plants. We recommend you to have a small gas stove, with a tube from us top passing into the op'en air. We used one for years. Washes FOR Walls and Wall Trees (Mr. N. F. C.).— For the walls lake fresh lime and soot m equal proportions, mi.x to the consistencv of whitewash \vith boihng urine or liquid manure, and apply the wash hot, the hotter the better, to the walls, brushing it well into the hok--^ and crevices. For the trees, take of soft soap, 8 ozs.; sulphur vivuni, 1 lb. ■ and fresh lime 1 lb. Dissolve the soft soap ii^ a callon of strong liquid manure, add the sulphur and lime, and mix thoroughly . then bring to the desired consistency by adding clay. Apply this mixture with a brush, rubbing it well into every crack, hole, and crevice, and being careful to cnat but not to brush so heavily as to rub off the buds. The earlier it is none the better. Black Damask Plum as a Stock (Alhh).— This Plum, recommended by Mr. Kivers as a stock on which to graft Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots, and other Plums, is the Damas noir of the French catalogues. Chixefo: Primulas f.^ />adrr).- White-flowered Chinese Primroses with red-leaf stalks are not unnsnal. Lxsects IK Oak Floor (VorAv.;. ,>*-).— The insect in question is the common Anobium te8.sellatnm. If the oaken floor were soaked with a i^aturated solution of corrosive sublimate, the larvio would bo kiUcd.— W. Discharging a Gardener without Notice (A Constant Itradrr).~l( you received your wages weekly a week's notice will be sufficient, and your house, if rent free, being really part of your wages, must be quitted alter the same short notice. You can recover those wages and some compensation for the house if turned out and away without a week's notice. Viu say certain charges are broURht apainst von ; of these we know nothing. If you bare not been faithful you are not entitled to any notice. ' Orangk and Citron Trees Unhealthy {.4tnatfur).~YouT troea will be difficult of recovery. Your haWng thnn lately taken out of the pota is right, if you drained the pots well, u.Hed 11 compost of light turfy loam, with a frue admixture of sand, removed all tlio old soil from the ball, and cut out the deail roots with u sharp knife. If you did not art thus do so towards the end of Fi-bruary. .Vbout the middle of March plunge the pots in a hotbed of about 7u \ with a top heat of 59 by night, and nprinklo the trees o\"erlieHd twice daily. If you cannot nive them b-ttoin heat, then place tbein in a viuer>-, or. failing that, keep thi-m in the greenhouse with the soil ju?t moist, but upon nu conaidenition xery wet, nor, on the other band, dry. and sprinkle overhead moniiii;* and L-vening with water 5^ wanner than the tem|KT.iture of the housf. If the trees Moom. or show for bloom, as they may do, without producing shoots, rub the blooms off immediately they are seen, and if the head bo very full of small twiggy shoots, thin these out cousidenibly, leaving only the stn^ugest shoots so as to form a we]l->hapen thin head. .\ny old partially dead wood to be removed. Keep the soil moifit, but do not water copiously until the young shoots appear, and not then until the soil ttocms to re- bright weather, luid for a few hours in the middle of the day. After danger from frost is ovtT draw down the lights on calm nights, and on those when there is no danger of more than a gentle shower of rain, but put them on by day, tilting them high, and shade as before for a few hours during the hottest part of the day, using them at night only to protect the plants from rain and high winds. If the plants are likely to bloom too soon you moy. after the trusses appear, remove the pots to a north aspect, where there is no sun from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., protecting from wind and rain by a frame and lights. It will take sLx weeks from the time the trusses show till the plants come fully into bloom. Stopping the young shoots lute will injure the bloom, but the freshness of the lolio^a will amply compensate for that. You can hardly have plants in bloom in August by piclving off the flower-bud«, and doing so will tend to make tho plants leggy. Autumn-struck cuttings will make nice plants, but the best are those u year and not more than two years older. Sowing Cypress Seed (Idem). — You may sow it in shallow pans as you propose, in sandy loam, and pLace them in a cold frame. Plant or prick off the seedlings in tho spnng of tho following year. March is as good a time as .any to sow the seed. Cracks in Cemented Wall (/d^'m). — Neither paint nor any other comp»i.^ition will prevent tho water oo;ting through the wall after frost. Your only remedy is to prevent tho frost acting upon it, and unless you can do tliis you must be content to fill up the cnicks with cement. If tho wall is dr>- and the craeks are filled with cement, but damp comes through after a sttirm, then you may coat the wall with boiling coal tar, adding 1 lb. of pitch to a gallon of tar. Alter filling up the cracks, apply the tar when the wall is dr>', or you may give three coats of Carson's anti-corro- sion paint, allowing each coat to dr>' before the other is pnt on. Improving Clatey Soil (£. S., A'oTTrooJ).— Throw the top spit of the whole ground on one side ; pare and bum the next 9 inches ; spread the ashes over the whole surface, return the top spit, and fork the whole together. Bricklayers' lime rubbish w ill be a good manure for such a soiL January 9, 1866. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. a3 Paixt for Hot-water Pipes vhich will last much longer, and so will white lead. Two coats of paint nill be sufficient, but one good coat well brushed in is wurth a dozen imperfect ones. Geranicus DAiiPiSG (T. A. So uthwood).— The leaves show that your house is very damp. We fear that you give the pliints too much water at the root, and ore not careful to keep the house dry. Give no more water at the root now than is sufficient to keep the leaves from flagging. Light a fire occasii-nally during dami) \^eatb(.T to promote a circulation of air and to dry up the damp, and give ;ibmidance of air on all favourable oc- casions. The house being culd and damp is, we think, the cause of the leaves being in the condition of those sent. Keep the atmosphere drier, and they will improve as the days lengthen. ForNTAiN IN Fern Case i J. J., iJonticj/).— It will not make the air of the case too damp. Ventilation can always regulate the dampness. EsPERioNE Vine (Penally). — "Upwards and Onwards" informs us, that a parcel directed to "A. B., Penally Station, Ac. To be called for," will be sent from Woodstock, on the 9th inst. Fehss Scorched (E. M. H.).— Your only plan will be to keep the Ferns moderately watered, and to cut away the brown fronds as they show themselves, otherwise treating the plants as if nothing had happened. Do not give them any additional heat, as that would induce a temporaiy increase of growth ; and as for applying manure to the roots, neither now nor at any other time will it do them any good, but, on the contraiy, it will kill many. Do not overwater, but keep rather dry at the roots, sprinkle the paths in the morning of bright day^, and "give air during mild weather, cutting away the browned fronds before they become mouldy, and all the plants vdW recover if they have sufficient vitality left, but they will look bare for a long time. Ownership in Fallen Tree.— TT. H. TF.asks— " In the event of a tree falling in an orchard through wind or any other cause, is the tree the dproperty of the landlord or the tenant ? " It belongs to the landlord. The gate of the orchard would not belong to the tenant because blown down, why should the tree ? PaiMCLA sinensis [E. C).— Do not pick off the trusses. Give the plants a Uttle weak liquid manure. Lychnis Senno. — W. S., we are informed, can obtain a supply from Mr. W. Dillistone, Xurserj-man. Sible Hedingham, Essex. Price of Grapes {F. H. P.).— Last year the average price of Black Hamburgh Grapes in Covent Garden llarket was from 7^. to los. per lb., in February and March ; from 15*. to 27;*. in April ; and from S-i. to 14s. in May. Muscats brought from 8j*. to ll-*. per lb. in February, after which time they were over. In considering what month is the most protitable to bring in a crop, you must not only take into consideration the probable price per lb. which the Grapes will realise at different times, but also the relative cost of the fuel required for early and late forcing, and the com- parative weight of produce. New Black Hamburyhs command a high price in spring, but the demand is limited. PiNE-ArPLE-HOCSE (E. Ji. S.}.—FnT thirtv-two postage stamps you can have free by post from our office, " The Pine-Apple Manual.'' It contains drawings, &c., showing what you require. Fruiting Vines in Pots (W. C. TT.).— Your Vines being in 13 and 13-inch pots you may fruit them in these, or you may pot them into 18-inch pots, providing good drainage, and not disturbing the roots. If you keep them in the 12-inch pots be content with putting tho drainage right, relying on top-dressings of manure and applications of liquid manure at the same time The Vines would carry a heavier crop were the pots placed on shallow tubs contjiining soil into which the roots could run after passing through the holes in the bottoms of the pots, which they would do freely. The canes should be cut-in, 6 feet is long enough, and always leave sufficient good plump eyes for a crop, and you will have them in that length or not at all. Gardener Ill-tbeated {One In Trouble).— li your account is a correct one, then we have no hesitation in saying that you have been a very valuable and faithful servant, and that you have been anything but hand- somely treated iu return. A man who entered into a place in April, all like a wilderness, and who managed to get the kitchen garden dug and cropped ; the shrubberj' and lawn put to rights ; increased by propagating and begging cuttings, &c., the jdants for bedding from three dozen to 1500; attended to horse and trap; was out every day from 8.30 a.m. to 8.30 P.M. ; looked after milk ; fed the cow, pigs, rabbits, and fowls ; cleaned knives, boots, windows, went on errands, Ac. and had only the assistance of a boy to help with the mowing-machine, and has now, besides making alterations, got the kitchen garden and shrubberies dug, Sea-kale and Rhubarb covered, fruit trees and bushes pruned and dressed ; — must either have had a small place to look after, or it must be quite true that you have worked hard pretty well all the time from early in the morning until late at night. After all this you have been anything but well treated in receiving notice to leave from your master, because you gave a few sprigs of a Spindle Tree that stood near the stables to a neighbouring gardener for Christmns decoration, that gardener having been very kind in giving you cuttings, &c. The conduct of yoiur employer would be still more indefensible if he knew that you received cuttings from others and said nothing against it, as that was something like a silent understanding that you were to do the same. Nevertheless, wo must o\m, that your employer was quite correct in stating that yon had no right, in the abstract, to give away the smallest thing without his leave. If you read our prerious volumes carefully, you would see that we have fre- quently urged in such matters the importance of gardeners never de- pending on use and wont, or general custom, but to have a clear under- standing with their employers ; and then, of course, if they are not allowed to give away a sprig, or a cutting, whatever may be the feelings of the employer, we trust there will be honest pride and self-respect enough in the gardener never to receive a cutting from others. In such cases it is the best plan to allow an employer to purchase every fresh thing he has. The neighbouring gardeners will not respect a man any the less when they know that he cannot give, and therefore will not take. The copies of your previous testimonials are quite satisfactory, and we feel certain that you will soon be in place again, and where, we trust, your services will be better appreciated; but to secure yourself from all such unpleasantness as the present, we advise you to make sure of the give-and-take principle. Naiies of Fruit (.7. F.).— 1, Blenheim Pippin; 3, Forge; 4, London Pippin; 5. Golden Reinette ; 6, Scarlet Nonpareil. [J. H. C'.).—h Jose- phine de Malines ; 3, Beurn- de Rince ; 4. Vicar of Winkfield ; 5, Triomphe de Jodoigne ; 6, Beurre Diel ; 7, Ne PI as Meuris ; 8, Chaumontel ; 9, Wyken Pippin; 10, Winter Quoining; 11, Franklin's Golden Pippin ; 12, Duck'a Bill. l^IETEOROLOGICiSJi OBSEEVATIONS in the Suburbs of London for the Week ending January 0th. THERMOMETER. BA£03fETEB. Max. Son... 31 Mon... 1 Tees. . 2 Wed. . 3 Thurs. 4 I 29.796 Fri. .. 5 29.942 Sat. .. 6 30.026 29.523 29.853 29.952 29.934 Meaa. 29.860 Min. 29.444 29.r.83 29.614 29.821 29.715 29.632 I 50 48 47 43 50 45 30.001 i 43 29.687 I 46.57 32.71 28 37 38 44 29 23 1 ft. dp. 47 47 44i 46 464 47 46 2 ft. dp. m 45 45 45 45i 46 45 45.28 "Wind. S.W. s.w. s. S.W. s. w. w. Rain in inches. .29 .00 .07 .00 .08 .00 .04 GENEBAIi Remahes. Boisterous and showerv ; overcast at night. [slight frost. Very clear ; quite cloudless ; exceedingly fine ; slightly overcast ; Fine ; densely overcast ; boisterous, with rain at night. Clear and fine ; very fine; overcast. Densely overcast ; rain ; cloudy and rather boisterous ; fine at night, Overcast ; slight frost at night. Hazy ; fine ; very fine ; frosty. POULTRY. BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE- POULTRY, I'AST AND FUTURE. We are a week behind with our good wishes to all, but they are not the less hearty. We have arrived at the period when, thankful that we have been spared iu health and strength, we pass the last year iu review, and scan the hopes, wishes, and prospects of the present. We are grateful to all who assist at the result, when we say the task is neither gloomy nor painful. We have had a successful year. Our circulation goes on in- creasing, and we have to thank the public for support in every way. Poultry not only holds its own, but it gains in public esti- mation. The place that belongs to it naturally is being filled. The desire for competition does not slacken, while its impor- tance, as it bears on the question of food, is being even,- day recognised. This has been the result of exhibitions, and the consequent testing of breeds, with a view to their capability either of producing eggs or providing food. Already produc- tion is greatly stimulated, and the supply increases ; but much remains to leara. We still deal with poultry as with a luxury, and those who have some to spare for the market keep it for a great event like Chi-istmas, often to the detriment of quality, and generally to a loss. Believing we are in a transition state, we point out these things lest beginners should be discouraged. We hope if we have to record the progress of poultry during the new year, we shall have to speak of a regular supply, and not of that spasmodic sending which makes a naked market this week, to be remedied by a glutted one next. The true economy of poiiltiy keeping, and the real profit, will be soon found to be the immediate disposal of a bird as soon as it ceases to make a good return. This will be as soon as one in- tended for the market is sufficiently fat, and one kept for a breeder ceases to lay a number of eggs that wiU be more than the equivalent of the food consumed. A poultry yard should be like a beleaguered town, and the first act of the commander 34 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AKD COTTAGE GARDENER. Jaouary 9, ISfiS. BhotiU be to Ret rid of all unprofitiiblo mouths. We will leave this part of our subjict, and should not have gone so much at length into it, had it not Bcemed to us that -ne were pro- paring a sort of fuvoiurable report for next year. We have a great satisfaction both in retrospect and antici|>ation. We be- lieve we are chatting with friends. For man) years wc have ex- changed our good wishes with "all whom they may concern." Wo have no feud on hand, no latent ill will to gratify ; and we believe if there were any sign or shibboleth by which those connected with " The .louraal ■' could recognise each other, the contact would bo preceded by an open countenance and a hearty shake of the hand. We are speaking only of our be- lief; our deserts must of necessity be rncted by others, but we are so sure of our motives that we would not hesitate to leave judgment in the hands of those who differ from us. Enough of ourselves. Dorkings have advanced during the last twelve months, not BO much in separate pens as in the breed taken collectively. The awards of prizes show it is a wise discretion that mingles colour. Silver-Cireys took prizes, competing against all comers. Competition should seek to raise all to the highest, and not to satisfy hailing ambition by lower reward. \Vliite Dorlcings in- crease very much in size and quality. We cimnot note im- provement in Spanish. We believe the amateurs of this beau- tiful breed will have again to get the foreign birds for the sake of fresh blood, and to breed out afterwards the points in which they are inferior to ours. Cocliin-Chinas are still rising in popularity, and are good, but they require careful breeding. Drooping combs and vnilture hocks have disfigured, and, it may be, disqualitied, miiny nn otherwise goodly pen. We are glad to see our in-otigi-s, the Drahmas, keeping on. We do not hesitate to say that they are destined to form a very large class, and they desciTC all the honours they receive. JIalays are still good, but it seems to be their province to be alwaj'S m the position of the aborigines of an antipodean colony after the advent of the white man — they retain their characteristics, but their numbers decrease. The Creve Cccur class is already a success, and the breed is becoming popular. Black Ham- burghs are increasing ; but sufficient care is not taken to con- ceal their origin or their helpers. The white face shows too often. It reminds us of the helps that forty demands when it would appear twenty. Golden and Silver-pencilled Hamburghs have been beautiful as ever, and, we doubt not, have been as free layers. We can speak in unquaUfied praise of the Spangled ; the Golden being almost perfect, the Silver very beautiful. The next class is one of our difficiUties. What means can be adopted to increase the entries in the Poland classes ? The quality of the birds shown is excellent, but the numbers are small — too small. The Distinct Varieties have flourished, find another French breed has made good its claims — " The La Fli'cLe," facetiously called " The French Dorking; " an excellent fowl, we know, but we must draw a line some- where. Just fancy anj-fhing as good as "ourDorldng" — the fowl of fowls : capital breeder, no wet nurse required, and the best of food. The Game, as usual, are perfect. They cannot improve. We must beUeve the amateurs of this breed are imbued with its propensities, and must ask for a division of classes — one to be judged on its merits as a fighting com- munity ; the other would feed on a milk diet, destroy their "horrible propensities," lud have them judged as capable of fighting, but detesting the vci-y idea of such barbarity. Failing such division, the exhibitors will be in the position of those who, when we were at school, viewed the chameleon, only they will eat each other, and not the birds. Bantams have held their own. Game, Blacks and Whites, have far out-num- bered the Sebrights. The latter have failed nothing in beauty, but the Silvers are getting Golden. The weights of Geese and Ducks have spread all over the land, and told their story. They may be vulgar, but they are right English food ; and called on to plead as to ha\-ing barboiu'ed a wish for Duck and early peas, or Goose, apple sauce, and French beans, we should have no resource but to plead guilty, and to throw our- selves on the mercy of the court. And the Turkeys — twenty pounds of good meat ! \M3en we look at them we fancy the white, succulent, flat side cut off the breast (no one who can carve a Turkey cuts from point of breast to crop), bounded by the green stuffing, and relieved by the shoe of chen-y ham, and we think well of those who increase such meat. May their shadows never be less. We have reached the end of our tether. Every subject is exhausted, except that of our good wishes for all. It is said. That which is disagreeable is put off to the last, but we beUeve that which is pleasant is also deferred. Is it that anticipation is before reality ? We bcUeve not. The man who feels what he is about to say is seldom eloquent. " Abu.se me," said a first-rate s)icaker to an audience, " and I don't care a snap of the finger for you all ; use me kindly, as you have done, and I am dumb." So arc we. Friends, Contributors, Subscribers, we bid you God speed for the new year. We thank you for the past'. Wo hope for the future. We wish you every good ; we v.ish you happiness and prosperity; and that, without distinction " of any kind, ISGG may be — A Hirrv New Yeaij. FIRST NATIONjVL SHOW OF THE POUI-TRY CLUB. This, which is to be held at Rochdale on the '2nd. 3rd, and 5th of Februaiy next, promises to bo very successful. Why Rochdale wa.s selected we do not know ; but even if less acces- sible than might be desired, the prizes are sufiicicntly liberal, and the entrance fees sufficiently moderate to secure a large nimiber of exhibitors, and, we hope, a numerous attendance. There are no less than fom'teen silver cups, and the ])rizes vary in each class from £3 for the first, to 10.s. for the last. Entries close January 20th. FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF BINGLEY H.VLI.. "First impressions arc everything." This is one of the canons of ladies" criticism. The fair sex believe in it tho- roughly, but especially in regard to themselves. Thus, for ex- ample : A lady, a good wife, and a good housekeeper into the bargain — (AVill our modern fast young ladies make the last- named ? I doubt it) — was anxious to receive a guest with all honour, and to make a good first impression upon him, parti- cularly as to the appointments and finish of her house, for her husband had frequently told her that this gentleman's home was perfect in every fitting up, and that the furniture was faultless in its arrangement. Her anxiety, then, what good wife can doubt ? Just before dressing for dinner she had been very busy, and time had flown, she thought, faster than usual. She glanced round her drawing-room. Was it quite in order? Were the anti-macassars all right? — the covers off all the chairs, and that ottoman glorious with worsted work ? Yes, the cover was off that. The whole looked perfect — nothing stiff and formal, but all in a negligent-elegant yet orderly way, just as only an F.nglish gentleman's room can look when he has a good wife, when lo ! looking upwards the lady espied some dust on the cliandelier. Quick as thought she mounts the table, and begins to remove the obnoxious palpable powder ; when oh ! alas ! horrible to relate, that dreaded g^iest was annoimccd — a terrible, over-pimctiial man, fond of quoting Lord Nelson's half-an-hour-before-time story. To be caught standing on a round table dusting a chandelier ! worse, to have to make the humiliating descent duster in hand, and thus welcome the gentleman ! " To make such a first impression," instead of advancing from her chair by the fire, extending an aU-graoefnl jewelled hand, with the daintiest of pocket-handkerchiefs in the other — "t was too bad, it spoilt tlie whole evening ; and when she entered half an hour afterwards all right for the party she felt embarrassed, troubled, awkward. " What a first imprcs'sion to have made ! " " First impressions arc everything." How many of ns married men must with a shrug own the truth of this ladies' canon. " First impressions are everything," reads aloud to her hus- band one of our mai-ried lady admirers. He has been grumpy, but hearing these words he looks up, and she is gazing at lum with that tjrst-impression look of her's. " ' Wiltsiiike Rector ' is right there, my pet," he says as he turns, gnuupy now no longer, a kind smile on the reader. " First impressions are everything." " Tell me not that, I knew it too well before ! " raves some love-sick youth. " I saw her — I see her stiU — standing on the doorstep of her father's house. She was going out to play croquet. Her parasol hung on her right-hand little finger. She was buttoning her left-hand glove, and glancing down with her eyelashes— happy eyelashes I — kissing her fair cheeks. Ah ! slie knew I was looking at her ! Oh, it was maddening!" Poor simpleton! She, knew nothing of the kind ; she was only looking down on her glove and thinking. January 9, 1866. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUEB AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. 35 ■' I must really get a new pair, for these are nearly worn ont." " First impressions are everything." Well, we must all o^-n they ai-e a great deal. You may try to reason yom-self out of it, hut you cannot. Now, I was detei-mined to let nothing spoil my first impres- sions of Bingley Hall. I hegged friends not to tell me anytliing about the ])lace. Had I heard it mentioned in the train I intended to have instantly closed my ears with my forefingers, unheeding what a pecuhar first imjiression I should be making upon my fellow passengers. I wished my mind to be a sheet of blank paper on the subject. Should Bingley Hall prove to be a gr.iud feudal structure of the date of llichard the First, built by Alfred de Bingley, well, be it so, but do not tell me beforehand. Should it prove to be a brick budding, time of Victoria, all well and good ; but do please let me get a fair unbiassed first impression of it, that is all I want. The weather i? as fine for the Birmingham Show as can be expected at this time of the year. If in December you have it dry abovehead and not fi'ightfully cold, be thankful ; as to dirt beneath, thick hoots on and you are all right. Bristol station reached, and on by the Midland Railway. Cleai- of Bristol smoke at last. On by Berkeley Road — would that I could see Berkeley Castle, but I cannot, nor yet can I catch one glimpse of the Severn. Gloucester ! well, there is the Cathedral — " pretty church that for the country," as the Cockney said (fact, I assure yon), when he first saw Canterbury Cathedral. I am travelling on right comfortably with a poultry enthusiast by my side, a clergyman of course ; a bright young girl, his sister, just smitten with the love of fowls and Pigeons, opposite to him, while my vis-a-vis is one of the outer world as to poultry. He feigns to scorn " cocks and hens," and only goes to Birmingham to see the cattle and the dogs. I am not hope- less of him ; I think he is but half an opponent, and I have a good hope that the taste shown in his beautiful garden wiU shortly extend to his poultrj- yard, aud " those wretched mon- grels " will be dispatched in a few months. Four friends in a railway carriage, merrily chatting, berugged and great-coated, with a poultry show at the end of the journey — nay, tlie poultry show, and who would not be happy ? Cheltenham station, but I see little of the town ; of Tewkesbury nothing. Worcester, with its gi'eat bishop — a favourite, and no wonder, with the late Prince Consort — is soon passed ; then on to the Black Country, and soon near to Birmingham. Red brick houses, smoky atmosphere, wet, black, narrow streets. On further, creeping on, and things begin to improve. I noticed that at the stations, especially from Gloucester onwards, I began to see eager agricultural faces waiting for the train — faces saying plainly, " We are going to the Cattle Show." I saw others not whoUy agricultural, and yet eager, whom I knew I should meet (I did), in the Poidtry Show, catalogue in hand. Of Biugley Hall I heard nothing, happily. An innocent voice did ask indeed, " Is it a large Show ?" and was answered, "Large! I should think so ! A hundred and fifty pens of Go-me Bantams, besides the Black, White, and Yellow, to say nothing of the larger fowls." Then my friend at my left was an e.'vhibitor at Bingley Hall. His thoughts were evidently there. How he longed to see his pens, and yet the sublime indift'erence he assumed I But in spite of it, how his conversation turned again, aud again, and again — aud no wonder — upon his pro- spects ! Now his spirits sank to zero — " They'll not be noticed !" Anon they rose, turning to me with " Don't you think that Dorking cock will do something?" Then at intervals, "Those stupid Judges I I believe they only guess after all ; they really know nothing about it." I do not think I dare become an exhibitor, it must be so wearing to the nervous system. I wonld advise all Ufe assurance companies to add to their terrific questions this one. " Are you an exhibitor of poultiy ?" with an N.B., " If you are, we cannot insure your life." At Birmingham at last, as that explosion in the proof-house tells us — Birmingham, the land of guns and gunmakers. And what a station this one in New Street is ! surely larger than the one at Paddington. Soon, passing some beautiful sjieci- mens of modem street architecture, I turn to the left, and am one of a stream of people on their way to Bingley Hall. Pre- sently I pass the famed Town Hall ; surely 'tis some beau- tiful temple transplanted from Greece. As I trudge my not weary way I remember that the Birmingham Show is fondly called " Tiie Mother of Shows." Here the experiment of bringing poultry together for exhibition and competition was first tried in 1847, and here a show has been held each year since. Birmingham is imdoubtedly well situated for the pur- pose—in the heart of England, accessible from all sides, far enough north, and yet not too far, with an enterprising popu- lation, many of them devoted from time immemorial to birds. A first-prize at Birmingham is the ambition of many a poultry fancier. " I don't care for little shows, I want to win at Bir- mingham, I shall not be satisfied until I do :" this is the feel- ing. Then other Committees feel, " What do the Birmingham Committee do ? What do they say ?" Thus musing I walk on ; but a placard catches my eye, " To the Dog Show," and. to the left I see a new building called " Ciu'zou Hall," which has become for the time " a howling wilderness." Further, then a turn to the right, and I am brought to a standstill, where carriages, and cabs, and foot-passengers are jostled to- gether, and on the curbstones of the opposite pavement the ticketless stand gazing and longing to enter. Passive in the hands of a black-hehneted policeman (I wonder if Millais could have brought tears to our eyes if instead of a Black Bruns- wicker he had painted a pohceman), I am guided to a green- baize screen, and pass, sorely jammed, through a turnstile, and I am in — Bingley Hall. In front of me is a large hollow square, with a narrow gallery above, and in the said square fat beeves, and cows, and sheep, and pigs, some of the creatures marvellously fat ; there are also agricultural implements to the left. I often wonder when I see a number of people feeling fat cattle how many are the wiser for so doing ; but it looks farmer-like aud learned, so it is done. But a shrill crowing (I had not yet heard the howling and yelpuig of the dogs), guides my feet to the left ; when, descending a few steps, I enter a side hall not gaUeried, and occupied, large as it is, by nothing but — poultry : number of entries, 1C75 ! Think of that ! 1 wander romid perfectly bewildered. I am free to confess that my first impression was — confusion. I was confused, and permitted myself to be. Round and round I went, then thi'ough the cross paths (so to speak). My only hope the first day was to become used to the scene, and on the next, h.aving learned something of localities, to examine the different varieties of poultry at my leisure. I was like a boy in London for the first time, he wonders and is bewildered, then presently he begins to know squares and streets. I ascend (after hours of wandering and wondering, feeling that chaos had come back to earth, and that its inhabitants, to make it more chaotic, were crowing cocks), the nan-ow gallery before mentioned partly around the cattle hall, and find the Pigeons ; a pleasant change this gentle and but occasional cooing for ear-piercing crowing. Opposite to the Pigeons^ in the gallery lay wondrous roots, and I am entreated to examine them ; but in close proximity to beautiful birds I felt a rooted objection to them, and would not notice them. I spend hours in the Show, among the fowls or in front of the Pigeons, gradually becoming used to the scene, and yet my principal feeling was amazement ! Four o'clock comes, and with that hour a tremendous crowd. I had kept myself tolerably per- pendicular till then, occasionally spun round by some prepos- terous crinoline, feeling as a top must feel the moment after the string round it has been dra%\Ti suddenly away. But now the crowd becomes crushing — almost dangerous. Darkness was coming on when, getting more bewildered as the crowd increased, I had the happiness to be recognised by my future host, and carried off clear of Birmingham smoke and crowds to his charming residence and hospitable hearth. Such of Monday, my first day in Bingley Hall. — Wiltshire Rectoe. {To be continued.) PHILOPERISTEEON SOCIETY. This Society, formed in 1847 for the improvement of oveiy variety of Pige*n, held its nineteenth auniversai-y at the Freemasons' Tavern on Thursday last. The attendance of visitors -was not quite so nume- rous as on many former occasions ; nevertheless, a vast number were admitted by tickets to the great hull of the Freemasons' Tavern, in which the Exhibition was held. Those who had not previously wit- nessed this interesting collection must have been highly gi-atified at the sight of such a number of Pigeons of almost every variety known to the fancier. A splendid collection of Caniers was exhibited by Messrs. Square, Date, Hedley, and Everitt. A Blach cock, the ju-operty of the first- named gentleman, elicited much admiration — in fact, a finer specimen is seldom seen, the wattle being perfection. A Dun hen, the property of Mr. Date, was also much admired. Mr, Wieking as usual showed some superb specimens of Magpies, Turbits, Fantails, Jacohius, &c., all in most beautiful condition and feather. Almonds were better represented on this occasion than they hava 36 JODRNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ January 9, I8e6. been for some jcitrs ]'ast, Mr. Lacy uid Mr. Mcrcli bearing the palm, Mr. rt-rctvall exhibited n pen of splendid Drafjons, some of which have Uikeu prizes in all parte of the country ; also some Shortfocod Baldhiiids, Xlottlcs, Ac. Mr. Esquilimt's Yellow Tumblers were macb admired, beint; particularly tine in colour. We regret that this Exhibition, which has always been so largely contributed to by a splendid collection of I'owters, "should on this oc- casion haye been entirely without that much-admired yuriety. On the whole, however, both numbers and yitutors mast have felt much pleased with the day's proceedingfi. PAISLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION SHOW. This annnal Exliibition took place on the 1st inst. in the new Volun- teer Drill Hall. Every year the collection of birds seems better than in the previous one, but on this occasion it greatly excelled in cjnidity and yariety any Show which the Association has" held. Upwards of 1200 birds were exhibited, and an nnnsnally larfje number of sales were effected. The accommodation in the' new hall was also ex- cellently suited for the Show, and though the weather was disagree- oble, the visitors poured into the Exhibition from the opening till the close. We append a list of the prizes : — Spasish. — First, J. Henderson, Carfin llill, Motherwell. Second W. Creelman, Kilmarnock. Third, A. Paterson, Airdrie. Chicketu.— First, .1. Ridpiitb, Edinburgh. Second. A. Hnn'ey, Stcwarton. Third, T. Knowles. .Aberdeen. Silver Cup. A. Yuil, Airdrie. DoRKl.NOs (Coloured).— First, W, Keid. Uavslou, Kirkintilloch. Second, H. Heys. Springfield House. Third. .T. Elsworth, Cnmpsie Junction. Cfticl-rn.i.— First. Third, and Silver Cup, P.. Campbell, Ci'.rdross. Second, R. Logan, Netherton. DoRKl.NGS (White). — First. T. Wallace, Roeeland Cottage, Troon. Second and Third. J. Aitken. Paisley. CiiixEsE.— First, H. Price, Glasgow. Second and Third, J. Stuart, Thistlebank. Helensburgh. BRAHM.t PooTRA.— First, J. Stuart. Second, E. .\bercrombie. Paisley. Third, J, Bell, Ovemewton House, Partick. Old Scotch Brekd.— First and Medal, C. M'Dairmid, Jlarket Street, Glasgow. Second and Third. J. Paul. Govan Street, Glasgow. Hambcbghs (Golden-spangled).— First, H. Currie, Ardrossan. Second, and Cup, R. Cunningham, Stewarton. Third, J. M'.\dam, Kosebank Cottage, Busby. HASiBCRGHs'(Goldcn-pencilled).— First and Cup. J. rrqnhar. Ballat Cottage. Second, R. MuiTay, Paisley. Third, J. Paton, Stewarton. Highly Commended, J. I'rquhar. Hambcrghs (Silver-spangled). —First, J. Stewart. South .^irthurlie, Barrhead. Second. S. C. Noble, Kendal. Third. A. Glen, Erskine. Haxtcrghs (Silver-pencilled).— First and Second, J. Paton. Third. J. Crookston, Bishopbriggs. PoLAXDs (Wliitc-crest).— First and Second, J. Paul. PoLAXDs (Any other colour).— First, W. R. Park, Slelrose. Second. W. Ramsay, Johnstone. Third, A, Jardine. Cardonald. Game (Black-breasted, and others).— First. J. M'Nab, South Arthurlie, Earrhcid. Second and Cup, W. Easton. Abbey Place. Jedburgh. Third, J. Anderson, liuthven House, Meigle, Highly Commended, A.Gibh. .\vt. Game Fowls (.\ny other colour).— First, A. M'Cnllocb, Trees, Barrhead. Second, J. Anderson. Third, W. Easton. Game Bantams (Any colour).- First and Medal, J. Bell. Second, J. Sharp, Johnstone. Third, A. Campbell. BMhswood. Bantams (Black). — First, A. Jamieson. Kilbimie. Second, A. Sym, Kilmarnock. Third, W, Lockhart, Kilmarnock, Bantams (Xny other kind).— First, W. Rueside, Irvine, Second, W. Morris, Paisley. Third, D. Murray, Eglintou Castle. Cross or anv other breed.— First, W. White, Paisley. Second, A. Campbell. Tliird. J. Fulton, Beith. Ducks (.Aylesbury).— First. A. Cunningham, Craigcnds. Second, R. Campbell. Third, J. Crooksli.n. Highly Commended, W. M'Keggie, Bowfield, Hnwwwod. Commended, H. Heys. DfCK (.Any other Idndl.—Fir.st, .A.Campbell. Second, Mrs. A. .Arthur, Cumnock. Third, J. Crookston. PIGEONS. Powters.— First, R. Fulton, Duke Street, London. Second, G. White, Ben., Paisley. Third and Medal, R. FiUton. Carriers,— First, G. White, sen. Second, R. Fulton. Third, G. White, Jan., Paisley. Fantails'— First and Medal, J. Sharp. Second, W. R. Park. Third, J. R. Konnr.rds, Helensburgh. RuFKs. — First, J. Sharp. Second, A. Middleton, Monmouthshire. Third, R. Barclay, Canal Bank. SHoKT-rACED TcMBLERs.— First, R. Fulton. Second, G. White, sen. Third, I). Raeside, Saltcoats. Tumblers (Any other kind). — First, W. R. Menzies, Crossmyloof. Second and Third, J. Sharp. Anv other distinct breed,— First, J. Prentice, Glasgow. Second, J. R. Rennards. Third, J. Shai-]>. Common Pigeons.- First, J. Glasgow, Dairy. Second, W. Menzies, Kilbimie. Third, J. Neilson, Johnstone. CAN.ARIES. Pair for Silver Medal.— \V. Houston, Paisley. Yellow Cock. — First, W. M'Leod, GI.isrow. Second, G. .Ayton, Glasgow. Third, K. Wood, Paisley. Fourth. T. Buchanan, Glasgow^ BcFF Cock. — First, J. Graham, Kilmarnock. Second, .A. Kelly, Paisley. Third, J. Richmond. Kilmarnock. Fourth, G. M'.Mpine, Renfrew. Yellow Hens. — First, R. Paterson. Glasgow. Second, J. Graham, Kilmarnock. Third, A. Kelly. Fourth, J. Wilson, Galston. BuFE Hens.— First and Silver Cup, W. Souden. Paisley. Second, J. Graham. Third, J. Kelly, Johnstone. Fourth, C. M'Williams, Glasgow. Pair Piebald Canaries for Cage. — G. M'.Alpine. Piebald Vkllow Cock. — Flnit. T. Buchanan. Second, A. Kelly. Third and Fourth. G. Haddow, Kil»inuiiig. PlKliALl. Buff Cock.— First, J. Mathews, Glasgow. Second, A. Craw- ford, Johnstone. Third, K. Wylie. Paislev. Fourth, W. M'Lcod, Glasgow. Piebald Yellow HrN.— Find, R. Calderwood, Kilnuimock. Second, J. Wilson, Galston. Third. W. Robertson, Paisley. Fourth, W. Patirson, Glasgow. Piebald Buff Hen. — First. J. Mathews. Second, J. Richmcnd. Third, R. Wood. Fourth. T. Unehanan. Yellow Goldfinch Mull.— First, W. R. Menzies. Second, W. Flem- ing. Glasgow. Buff Goldfinch JIule.— First. J, R. Adam. Avr. Second, J. Graham. Goldfinch. — First, G. Haddow, Kilwinning. Second, A. Adam, Paisley. Bullfinch.— Prize, A. Cunningham. Home or Foreign.— First, J. Agncw, Paisley. Second, G. B. Annoar. Paisley. .TuncEs. — ForI/'(W//7/; Mr. J. Crawford, St. Rollox, Glasgow; •T. Steven. M.D., Ardrossan : Mr. R. E. C. Benton. Damlie House ; Mr. W. Farquhiir, Barrhead : D. Dongald. M.D., Strathvan ; Mr. J. Holbnm. Stcwarton: Mr. H.Todd. Paisley. For I'i'jrom: Mr. Ci. .J. M'Lean,J EdinburL'h ; Jlr. .T, I'aton, Stewarton. For .S'm«Z/ Il'tnh : Mr. U. Grant. Paisley ; Mr. W. White, Renfrew ; Mr. D. Buchanan. Paisliy ; Mr. M. "Wilson, Paisley ; Mr. T. Buchanan, Glasgow ; Mr. .1. Wren. PoUokshaw; Mr. k. Brown, Stewarton; Mr. W. Taylor, (rlasgow. — [Suith British Ihiily Mail.) ABERDEEN POULTRY SHOW. The fifth annnal meeting of the Aberdeenshire Association for the improvement of Poultry, Pigeons, and Canaries, was held in the Artillery (Tymnasinni. (^neen Street. .Aberdeen, on Monday and Tues- day, the 1st and 2nd inst. The following is the list of awards : — Spanish.— First and Cup. Miss R. Ridpath, E.Unburgh. Second. E. Draper. Northampton. Third, G. Wallace. Aberdeen. Highly Commended, A. Cochran. Perth. Commended, Mrs. M, U. 5!. Cross, Monifleth, near Dundee; T, Knowles, jim„ .Aberdeen. C/iicltfn».— First and Cup, S. Mitchell, Aberdeen. Second. W. Meff. Aberdeen. Third. J. H. Wilson, St. Bees, Cumberland. Highly Commended, W. Meff. Commended, T. Knowles, jun. Dorkings (Silver-Grey).— First and Cup, J. Gordon, Man.-ir, Aberdeen. Second, Hon. Jlrs. Arbiithnott, IncbmKrtine. Inchtnre. Third, J. H. Wilson. Highly Commended, T, Knowles. jmi. C/i,'f)t*-n.<.— First, J. Curror, Comieston. near Edinburgh. Second, D. King, .Aberdeen. Third, A. F. Williamson, Blac-kbum. Highly Commended, A. Copland, Kintore ; T. Knowles, jun. Dorkings (Any other variety). — Cup, First, and Second. Hon. Mrs. Arbuthnott (Silver-Groysi. Third, J. Anderson, Meicle (Park Grey). Highly (.'ninmended, T." Knowles, jun. Commended, Miss Black, Ban- chorjTeman; .T. .Anderson (Dark Griyi. c;iic)Lvi«.— First and Second, J. .Anderson iliark Grey). Third, J. K. Fowler. Aylesbury. Highly Com- mended, Mrs. M. U. B. Cross : Hon. Mrs. Arbuthnott (Dark Grey).' Com- mended, Sirs. M. U. B. Cross; T. Knowles. jun. (Dark Grey). Cocrin-China (Buff and Cinnamon).— First and Cup, Wi Heudrv-, .Aber- deen. Second. T. Knowles. jun. Third. Messrs. Bown & Greenwood. Harrogate. Chickens, — First. J. Poole. I'lverston, Lancashire. Second, T. Knowles, jmi. Third, Slessrs. Bown & Greenwood. Highly Com- mended, Mrs, Tocher, -Aberdeen ; G. Murray. .Aberdeen ; C. Pense^ South- end, Darlington, Commended, Sliss E, '.A. Aglionby, Grasmere; W. Hendry, Aberdeen ; Hon. yirs. Arbuthnott : T. Knowles, jun. Cochix-China (Any other variety).— First and Cup. E. Tndman, .Ash Grove, Wliitchureh, Salop (Partridge). Second, H, Y'ardlev. Birmin'-rham. Third, J. K. Fowler (Partridge), Cdic*. n«.— First, E. Tudiiian (Partridge). Second. J. Poole. I'lverston, Lancashire (Grouse or Partridge). Brahma Pootras.— First and Cup. R. W. Boyle. Bray. Co. Wicklow, Ireland. Second, H. Lncv, Hebden Bridge, Y'ork-shirc. "Third, C. Pease. Highly Commeuded. Hon. Mrs. Arbuthnott. C/mVIviis.- First, R. AV. Boyle. Second. J. K. Fowler. Third, Mrs. Carnegie, Redliall, Fourdon. Highly Commended. R. O. Farquharson, Haughton ; T. Knowles. jnn. Commended. J. Clark, Fochabers Station ; Mrs. M. V. B. Cross ; Hon. Mrs. .Arbuthnott. Game (Red). — First. J. .Anderson. Second, W. Hay. Aberdeen. Third, Mrs. M. U. B. Cross. Highly Commended, Mrs. Rennet. Aberdeen. Com- mended, J. Wood, Wigan, Lancaster. Chickens.— ViT'^i and Second, J. Anderson. Third, J. Wood. A'erj- Highly Commended, J. H. Macnab, Sonth Arthurlie, B.arrhead. Highly Commended, J. AVood; .A. Stapleton. Premnay, by Insch. GAME"(.Aiiy other variety). — First, S. Matthew, Stowmarket, Suffolk (Duckwing). Third. F. L. ftoy, Y'ounger of Nenthom, Kelso (Duckwings). Third, J. Anderson (Duckwings). Commended, J. Anderson (Duckwings). Hamburgh iGolden-iiencilled).- First. Mrs. Machray, Midbeltie, Kin- cardine O'Nei!. Second and Tiiird. J. Rinch, Aboyne, Hamburgh (Golden-spangled).- First, A, Copland, Second and Third, Mrs. Slronach, .Aberdeen. Commended, A. Copland. Hamburgh (Silver-spangled). — First, 51. U. B. Cross. Second and Third. Mrs. Stronaeh. PoLANDS (.Any variety).- First. W. Silvester. Hnmpden View. Sheffield (Gold). Second and Third, Countess de Flahault, Tullyallan Castle, Kincardine-on-Forth (Buff and Silveri, Any other Variety,- First and Pecond, Hon, Mrs. Arbuthnott (Creve Cfeur and La Flcchei. Tliird. Countess de Flahault (Creve Cteury. Com- mended, Hon. Sirs. .Arbuthnott iCrrve Caur). Game Bantams. — First, Rev. G. Itapior. Kelvedon Hatch Rectory, near Brentwood, Essex. Second, J. Anders^.n. Third. W. F. Entwisle,"Otley, Y'orkshire, A'erv- Highly Commended, Mrs. M, U. B. Cross. Hicl.ly Com- mended. Mrs. M. U. B. Cross. Commended, G. Spalding, Drumstardie, near Dundee. BANTA.MS (.Any other variety). — First and Second, M. Leno, Markyate Street. Dimstablc (Silver-laced and Gold-laced). Third, J. Ness. Palhhead, Kirkcaldy (Gold-laced). Very Highly Commended, Mrs. M. U. B. Cross January 9, 1666. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 37 t Silver Sebright). Hiffhly Commended, H. E. Emberlin, Leicester (White) ; Mrs. M. V. B. Orok (Golden Sebright). Turkeys (Any variety).— First, Hon. Mr^. Arbuthnott. Second, Mrs. t:ame,?ie. Third, J. Gordon. Highly Commended, Mrs. Stronach. Com- mended, Mrs. Carnetrie ; .T. Gordon. . ,. v .. Geese (Any Tjiriety). — First and Second, Hon. Mrs. Arbnthnott (Toulouse). Third, J. K. Fowler (Toulouse). Commended, Mrs. Carnegie (TouloUSel. , . mi - J Ducks (White Aylesbur>-).— First and Second, J. K. Fowler, jun. Ihird, A. Farquhnr, Elsick, near Stonehaven. Commended, Mrs. F. W. G. Gray, Aberdeen ; J. K. Fowler. Ducks lAny other varietv).~First, .J. K. Fowler (Roaens). Second, T. C. Hiin-isou, Hull (Brown Call). Third, J. Anderson (Rouen). Highly Commended. J. Menzies, Kincardine-on-Forth (Rouen) ; J. Anderson (East Indians). Commended. Mrs. Carnegie (Rouen) ; Mrs. F. W. G. Gray (White French); Hon. Mrs. Arbuthnott (Rouen^). Selling Class (Any vnrietv).— First, J. Anderson (Dorkings). Second Mrs. Bennett (Game). Third, H. Ashton, Manchester (Nankin Bantnms) Highly Commended. W..'\.nderson, Cove, by Aberdeen (Spanish) ; R. Tate, Leeds (Game Bantams). Commended, Mrs. Black (Dorkings). SINGLE COCKS. Spasl'^h.— First, T. Knowles.jun. Second. W.Meff. Third. G. Wallace, Dorking.— First, G. Campbell, Tillinamolt, New Pitsligo. Second, Mrs. Black. Third, Countess de FLihault. Hicibly Commended, A. F. Williamson, Caskieben Mains. Blackburn ; W. Forbes, Whiteford, Pit- caple. Commended. Mrs. W. Pyper. Belhelvie Village. CocHiN'-CiiiNA.- First, T. Knowles, jun. Second, Mrs. Tocher. Aber- deen. Third, W. Masscy, Fulford, York. Highly Commended, W. Hendry ; Cr. Murray. Commended, G. Murray. Brahma Pootba.— First. J. K. Fowler. Second. Hon. Mrs. Arbutunott. Third, J. Masson. Highly Commended, P. Campbell, New Deer ; T. ICnowles, jun. Commended. Mrs. Stronach. Oa^ie.- First and Cup. J. Brough, Carlisle. Second, M. Billing, jun., Birmingham. Third, W. Gamon, Thoraton-le-Moors, Chester. Very Highly Cummended. F. W. G. Gray; T. Burgess, Burloydam. White- church. Salop; A. B. Dvas, Madeley, Shropshire; T. Knowles. jun. Com- mended, W. Boyes, Beverley, Yorkslure ; R. Swift, Southwell, Notts. Ha:iiburgh.— First, G. Campbell. Second, Mrs. Stronach. Third, P. Campbell. Sweepstakes for Game Cockerels.— First and Cup. N. Grimshaw, Buraley. Lancashire. Second, J. H. Macnab. Third, M. Billing, jun., Birmingham. Fourth, A. B. Dyas. Highly Commended, J. H. Macnab; T. Burgess ; J. Anderson ; F. L. Roy, jun., Neuthorn, Kelso. Commended, C. Jamieson, Forfar. Sv^EEPsTAKES FOR Bantam Cocks.— First and Cup, M. Leno. Second, G. Manning. Third. J. W. Morris, Rochdale, Lancashire. Fourth, Rev. G. Raynor. Hiu'hly Commended, W. F. Entwisle; Sir G. M'Pherson Grant." Bart., BaUindalloch ; J. Crossland, jun.. Wakefield; F. L. Roy, jun. Commended, W. T. Hay, Jan., Aberdeen; W. Hodgson, Darlington. PIGEONS. PowTERS (Any colour).— First, M. Simderson, Edinburgh. Second, J. R. P^binsou. Simderland. Very Highly Commended. -T. Hay ; M. Sanderson. Highly Commended. H. E. Emberlin. Commended, F. M'Crae, Aberdeen. CocA-.— First. M. Sanderson. Second, J. R. Robinson. Very Highly Com- mended. M. Sanderson. Highly Commended, F.SI'Crae; M. Sandtison ; J. Thaukray, York. Commende'd, M. Sanderson. Iff h.— First and Medal, J. R. Robinson. Second. M. Sanderson. Highly Commended, H. E. Em- berlin. Commended, E. E. M. Royds, Rochdale. Carriers (.\ny colour).— First, T. Shefiield. Second, H. AUsop, Bir- min'-iham. Highly Commended, W. Massey, York. Commended. W. Tocher, Aberdeen ; H. Martin, Glasgow ; T. Ivnowles, jnn. CocA.- First, W. Massev. Second, T. CoUev. Hpn.— First, H. Martin. Second, W. Massey. Highly Commended, F. M'Crae ; T. Colley. AiMoND TciiBLERs, — First and Third, J. R. Robinson. Second, J. Thacliray. Highly Commended, T. Knowles, jun. Commended, W. Tocher. Tumblers (Any colour). — First. J. M'Donald, Aberdeen. Second, H. YsrJley. Highly Commended, T. Knowles, jun. Commended, M. Sander- son ; J. R. Robinson. Fantails (Any colour).— First, J. R. Robinson. Second, J. Thackray. Very Highly Commended, J. R. Robinson;.!. Rae, Guestrow, Aberdeen. Highly Commended, H. Yardlcy; T. Knowles, jun. Commended, J. M'Donald ; T. Knowles, jim. Jacobins (-^y colour).- Medal, T. Knowles, jun. First and Second, J. T. Lawrence, Liverpool. Very Highly Commended, J. R. Robinson; J. T. Lawrence. Commended, J. T. LawTence; H. Yardley. TuRBiTS and Owls (Any colour). — First, J. Thackray. Second, H. Yardley. Very Highly Commended, H. E. Emberlin ; A. Murray. Highly Commended, Mrs. M. U. B. Cross; W. Massev ; J. Hay. Commended, .:. R. Robinson ; Mrs M. U. B. Cross ; H. Yardley. Barbs (Any colour).— Fii-st, J. Thnckray. Second, W. Massey. Very Highly Commended, J. T.LawTcnce. Highly Commended. J. R. Robinson. Trujipeters (.Vny colour). — First and Second. J. R. Robinson. Very Highly Commended, E. E. M. Royds; H. Yardley. Any other Variety.- Medal, Fir~t, and Second, J, Thackray (Magpies anil Nvms). Vci-y Highly Commended, J. Hay (Dragons). Highly Com- raomU'd, E. E. M. Royds (Nuns) : Countess "de Flahault (Romans!; H. Yardlcy. Commended, J. PercivaU, Pcckham, London {ArchangeiSj. CANARIES. BELniAN (Yellow).— Coct.-First. A. Murray. Second, A. Eamett. Aber- deen. Third, J. Mitchell. Aberdeen. Very Highly Commended. A. Murray. Highly CommendL-d. W. Sirrell. Aberdeen. Hen.— \ery Highly Com- mended. J. Wiiihart, Aberdeen. Highly Commended, A. Murray. llKLGiAN (Buff).— rocJt.—Very Highly Commended, J. Mitchell. Hrji. — Firvt, R. Buist, Aberdeen. Second, R. Smith, Inverurj-. Third, W. Wilson, Ab'iiboen. Verj' Highlv Commended. J. Mitchell. Belgian (Flecked).— Cor^.-First and Third. J. Falconer, Aberdeen. Second, W. Mitchell, Aberdeen. Vei-y Highly Commended, A. Midrileton. HcM.— First. J. Ross. Aberdeen. Second, J. Skiuuer, Aberdeen. Third, U. Ross, Aberdeen. Verj- Highly Commended, R. Buist. Scotch Fancy.— First, R. Ross. Second, J. Ross. Third, W. King, Dundee. Very Highly Commended, J. Ross. Anv other V.\r.iETv.— First, W. Aiken, Aberdeen (Common Flecked Coek). Second. A. Middletou, Aberdeen (Flecked half-Etlgiun Cock). Taird, J. Mitchell (Common Cyck). Goldfinch Mule.— First, Second, Third, and Very Highly Com- mended, J. Hunter, Aberdeen. BIRDS OF 1865. Belgian (Yellow).— CocA-.— First and Third, J. Mitchell. Second, W. Wilson. Very Highly Commended, R. Buist. Hfji. — First. J. I. Garden, Aberdeen. Second, J. Wishart, Aberdeen. Third. A. Sliddleton. Very Highly Commended, J. I. Garden : J. Mitchell. Belgian (Buff).— C'ot'/f.— First, A. Gemlo, Aberdeen. Second, A. Middle- ton. Third, A. Murray. Very Highly Commended, W. King. Hen. — First, J. Law. Aberdeen. Second. J. Mitchell. Third, W. Su-reil. Belgian (Flecked).— CocA-.-First, J. Ross. Second and Third, A. Murray. Ven,- Highly Commended, J. Nicoll, Aberdeen. Highly Com- mended, A. Middleton. ifen.— Very Highly Commended, J. Ross. DUMFMES AND MAXWELLTOWN ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S EXHIBITION. The seventh annual Exhibition of Canaries, Poultry-. Pigeons, and Parrots, of the above Society was in the Mechanics' Hall. Irish Street, on the 2u(l and Hrd inst. It was one of the finest shows of the kind ever held in the south of Scotland. In the number of entries, superior condition of the birds, their excellent quality, and admirable arrangement of the coops, &c., it exceeded all former competitions. Such a display of fowls has never been witnessed in this district. Every bird was in splendid feather, and seemed a pattern of its kind, and the Judges must have had no light task in comparing the points of excellence in each, and making the awards. Of the different descrip- tions of Game fowls there was a large display, and the White and the Black specimens were beautiful birds. For Spaiti.sh fowls Mrs. Smith, Broomhills, stands unsui-passeJ, her fowls having gained the chief pre- miums in both classes. They were reared, we understand, from eggs furnished by Miss Smith. Braes. Dorl-inf/s were numerous, and the competition good ; but there wore few Coi-hin- Chinas. Hambnrf/h.? — Spangled and Pencilled, Golden and Silver, old and young — were well represented, and added greatly to the attractions of the Exhibition. Though the display of Brahma. Footrns was not large, it included some fine birds. Mr. Miller, Bowes, Terregles, showed a pair of weU- feathered Guiuea-fowls. The competition among the Bonfavis was veiy keen, as the uuaiber shown was large, and the quality of the birds in general excellent. A better show of I'igeot}^ we have never seen anywhere, and the varieties must have greatly surprised the gene- rality of visitors, as there were no fewer than fifteen. Besides the more common breeds were Nuns, Trumpeters, Blue Bmnswicks, Ant- werp Carriers, Archangels, and Turtle Doves, all beautifully clean and in tino feather. There were few Farroti exhibited, and the only foreign birds competing were a Green Pan'oquet, St. Helena Canarj', and pair of Love Birds. The British birds shown were a Crossbill, Siskin, Redpole, Goldfinch, and Cock of the North. Mr. M-Cririe, Southern Counties' Asylum, had a fine aviary, in which was a happy family of Bullfinches, Goldfinches, Grey Linnets, Kedpoles, Chaf- finches, Green Linnets, Siskins, &c. The Judges' awards gave general satisfaction, but some were not satisfied, and we were sorry to see a Dumfries exhibitor so far forget himself as to break through all law and order by removing the coop containing his fowls. It was well for the success of the Exhibition that his example was not followed. The arrangements seemed to be perfect, and were highly creditable to Mr. Maxwell, Secretai-y, and the members of the Committee. Game (Black Reds, Blacks, and other Reds and Blues). — First and Silver Medal and Second, W. D. Dickson, Carron Croft. Commended, T. Max- well, Maxwelltown. Chickens.— FirBi, S. Lord, Lockerbie. Second, J. B. Lockerbie, Wallacetown. Commended, J. Stobo, Jericho. Game {Duckwings, Whites, and other Greys).— First, A. M'liie, Max- welltown. Second, T. Henderson, Dimifries. Commended, S. M'Millan . Chickens. — First, T. Henderson. Second, J. B. Lockerbie. Commended, C. Turner, Dumfries. Spanish (Black).- First. Mrs. Smith, Broomhills. Second, J. Kerr, Brocklcliirst. Commended, T. Maxwell, Allanton Mill. C/j;VAt71^.— First and Silver Medal and Second, Mrs. Smith. Commended. R. M'Kenzie. DoRKiNos.— First and Silver Medal, W. F. H. Arundeil, Earjarg Tower. Second. Miss M'Hnlm. Hillhead. Commended, J. MnxAvell, Dalswinston. ChffitcHs.— First. Miss M'Holm. Second, Miss M. A. Johnstone, Terregles. Commended, J. Maxwell. Cochin-China (anv Colour).— Prize, Miss Biggar, Braes House. Chidtetu;. —First, Mrs. Moffat,'Kirtle Bridge. Second, Mrs. Waugh, CastlehiU, Loch- miben. Hamburgh (Golden-spangled).— First, T.MusgTove,Longtown. Second, W.Currie.iMaxwelltown. Commended, R. Murray, Maxwelltown. Chicken.;. —First and Silver Medal, Miss Biggar. Second, T. Musgrove. Com- mended, R. Kerr, Barjarg. Hamburgh (Golden-pencilled).— First, Mrs. Blacklock, Hntton Park, Lockerbie. Second, T. Johnstone, Waterside, Terregles. Commended, W. Stewart. Rashgill. C'/i/f/.vH.s.- First, W. Wallace, Kirkmahoe. Second. R. Smith, Grecnbrae. Commended, J. Jardine, Maxwelltown. Hambcroh (Silver-spangled).— First, C. Inglis, Lnckerbie. Second, Mrs. Crombie. St. Michael Street, Dumfries. Commended. T. Connel, Loch,ir- briggs. Chickens.— Yivai, R. Jartline, Moffat. Second, W. Currie. Com- mended, S. Boves, Biairshinnoch. Hamburoh (Silver-pencilled).— First, R. Young, Locharbriggs. Second, Miss Johnstone, Broadholm. Chrckeiis.—Fir^t and Silver Med.nI.T. Mus- grove. Second, W. C. Stewart, Kirkcudbright. Commended, R. Young. Brahma Poo tb a.— First, Mrs. Waugh. Second, Mrs. R- K. Howat, Mabie. C/nVAcns.— First. Mrs. Waugh. Second, Mrs. R. K.Howat. Com- mended, Mrs. R. K. Howat ; Mrs. Waugh. Scotch Gf.£Ys. — Prize, C. Robertson, Eaglesham, Glasgow. Bantams (Gold-laced).— First and Silver Medal, W. W. Anderson, Ch.apel, Moffat. Second, G. Smith, Dumfries. Commended, T. Wright. 38 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AKD COTTAGE GARDENER. r JasoArj 9, W&fi, Bantams (Black). — Firwt, Mrs. Cinijilnnd, I)mn(ri((s. Second, J.TLom- BOQ, Miixwelltowu. Commcudcd, J. IrWnR. nurnfrioK. Bantams iWhit<'l.— First, .1. Mrlbonnie, DumfricH. Second, T. Max- well. Coiiiiiicndi-d, R. Teeniiu, DiiinfrieK. Gami: Uantauk (Blttck Ucdi* and othiT Kcdw).— First, J. Douplas, Max- welltown. Socuad, IL Browurigt.', Purtcretown, Kcir. Coiumeudod. J. Douglas. Oaue Bantasik (Duckwing and other Greys). — First, J. Shnrp, Cnnal CottttftP, Johni^tuno. Second, A. MitcticU, Htnvick. Bantamh (liny othur Viiriety). — Prize, J. Paliuer, Maxwolltown. Ducks (Rououi.— First, J. liuyd, Soutbwick. Second, Mies M. J. Uns- eeU, MoOut. Couuneudcd, W. W. Audersou. PIGEONS. SnoRTKACED T0HBLERS. — Finit, W. CuTTic. Sccond, R. Hendersi'D, Maxwnlltnwn. GouuoN Tu MB LEBS.— First, J. Sharji (Blue Beards). Secoud, R. Hen- derson. Cakriers. — First, R. HonflersoD. Second, .1. Pntorson, Dumfries-'. PowTEKB. — l-'irst, J. Sharp. Second, J. Thumsou. jAConrcs. — First and Second, J. Shari'- Fantails.— Fir!*t, J. Sharp. Second, W. Grejjun, Elnibank. CouMoN Pigeons. — Fir^t, W. Curriu. Second, W. Howat, Dumfries. Any other Distinct Breed.— Firat, J. Shmi) (Blue Brunswicks). Se- cond, A. MitcUell (Kuns). CAN.UOES. Scotch FanCT'.— T*c7/otr CocAw.— Firt^t and Silver ^lediil, J. Graham, Kilmarnock. Second, J. Thoriit, Dumfries. Third,.!. Harding, Maxwell- town. Hetut. — First, J. Thorpe. Second, J. Muir, Kilniumock. Tliird, .T. Orohom. Bnff' Cockg. — First, J. Graham. Second, J. Muir. Thii-d, J. Thon>o. Hcjw.— First and Third, J. Thorpe. Second, J. Little, Dumfries. Piebald. — Yelloir Cock*. — First and Silver Medal, J. Low, Beattock, Moffat. Second, J. Thorpe. Tliird, R. M'Cubbin, Annan. H'. DoRiaNds (C ilourrdor White). — First, 3Irs. Drinp. Second, Mrs. 'Wobb, Knocktoran. Knocklon?. Highly Commended, T. O'Grady. Dorkings (Silver-Grcy).— First and Second, T. O'Grady. Highly Com mended. Mrs. H. Brown. CocHiN-CniN-AS (Buff or Lemon).— First. R. W.Boyle. Second, F. W Zurhorst, Donnybrook, Dublin. Conimcndt-d, Mrs. Hay. Cochin-China (Partridge or Grouse).— First, J. C. Coopei*. Sccond, Mrs. Drinff. Cochin-china (TftTiito). -First. Miss L. Pike. Sccond, F. W. Zurhoret. Hi^lhly Commended, F. W. Zurhorst. Commended, J. C. Perr\-. BnAHsiA-PooTRAS. — First and Sccond, R. W. Boyle. Highly Com- mended. J. Brj-ne ; J. C. Perry. Commended, Hon. Mrs. H. B. Bernard, Coolraaine, Bandon. CREVE-CtEUKS.— First, J. C. Cooper, Second, F. W. Zurhorst. Com mended, Countess of Bandon, Castle Bernard ; J. C. Perry. Gajie (Black or Brown Reda).— First. J. C. Perry. Sccond, R. W. Boyle, Chickens. — First, J. .Icffrvs. Second. G. Lanptrj'. Game (Duckw-inga or Piles).— First, U. W. Bovle. Second, J. C. Perry C/iirfccH.*.— First. W. D. .Mlcpi. Seond. .7. C. Pern*. PoLANDS (\\Tiite-crested).— First and Second, J. C. Perry. PoLANDS (Silver).- First. Second, ^ud Oimmendcd, B. P. Williams. PoLANDS (tiolden). —First nnd Second, K. P. Willi.-ims. Hamhurghs (Golden).— First, R. W. Boyle. Sccond, C. H. Cooper. Highly Commended, Mrs. Drinp. HAMBntr.Hs (Silver).— First, Mrs. H. B. Bernard. Highly Commended, J. C. Perry. Bantams (Sebright).— First, J. A. Fitzpatrick, Cork. Second, Hon. Mrs. Bernard. Game Bantams.— First, J. Dowling. jim. Second. J. A. Fitzpatrick. Commended, J. A. Fitzpatrick ; X. W. Roche; F. Hodder, Cork. Japanese Silkies. — First, J. A. Fitzii.atrick. Second, F. Hodder. .\ny other Varietv.— First and Sccond. J. C. Cooper (La Fl»che and Miiliiv). Hiphly Commended, F. W. Zurhorst (Sultans). Commended, Mrs. bring (La Fl^che) ; J. C. Perrv (La FK-chr). Turkeys.— First, J. C. Cooper. Sccond, F. W. Zurhorst. Hiphly Com- mended. T. O'Gmdy. /'oii/fj*.— First, J. C. Cooper. Second, T. O'Gi-ady. Highly Commended. H. Briscoe. Fermov. Geese.— First, R. W. Boyle. Second, J. C. Cooper. Highly Commended, J. C. Cooper ; Countess of Bandon. Go>iHnQ$.—¥ixst, Miss Dceblc. Second, J. C. Penr. DrcKS (Ayleslmry).— First. R. P. William?. Second. .1. C. Cooper. Highly Commended.' B. P. Willi.ims. Ttiickihuis.—Yirs'^ and Second, R. P. Williftms. Highlv Commended. Countess of Bandon. DccKS (Rouen).— Fii-st, N. D. Parker, M.D., Cork. Sccond, P*. P. Willinms. Highly Commended, J. C. Cooper. r/;;(;AI(Hff<.— First, W. H. Massey. Second, R. W. Boyle. Hiphly Commended, R. P. Williamp. Any other Variety. — First and Second, ConntcE;> of Bandon iMexican and Musco\-y). Speciat, I'BiZES (open for compctiti^n to Pubpcnh-ng members only). —Silver Cup (prescDtcd by F. W. Zuihorst, Esq.), K. P. WilUums. The Janaary 9, 1S6G. JOtJENAIi OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB. 39 PeiTy Medal, J. W. Dy:is (Spanish). Mrs. Lyon's Medal, J. C. Verry (Spangled Haniburgliif. Hrs. Hiirvey's Medal, T. O'Grady (Dorkings). SWEEPSTAKES. Dorking Pullets. — Prize, J. C. Cooper. Highly Commended, J. C, Cooper. Spanish Pullets. — Prize, Mrs. Bring. Highly Commended, J. C. Cooper. PIGEONS. PowTEP.s (Yellow Pied).— First, J. Montgomery. Second. Dr. Harvey. PowTERS (Black Pied). — First, J. H. Pen-ot. Second and Highly Com- mended, J. Montgomery, PowTERS (Blue or Silver Pied). — First, J. Montgomery. Second, J. H. Pen-ott. Highly Commended, J. H. Perrott. Commended, J. Mnir . Dr. Hu-vey ; A. E. Ussher. Pou-TERS (Red Pied, Mealy, or other Colour). — Fh'st and Second, J. Montgoniery. Highly Commended, Rev. T. To^\Tisend; J. H. Perrott. Commpuded, A. W. Sh.aw. PowTERS (White). — Fu'St, J. Montgomei-y. Second and Highly Com- mended, J. H. Pen'ott. Carriers (Black). — First and Second, G. A. Wherland. Highly Com- mended, A. W. Shaw ; Dr. Harvey. Commended, C. .\. Wherland ; H. L. Tivy ; P.. Fulton. Caeriers (Dun^ — First, Dr. Harvey. Second, G. .\. Wherland. Highly CommendoAiE. Lane ; G. .\. Wherland. Commended, T. Clarke ; J. Mnir. Cap.eiers (Blue or other). —Fii-st and Second, G. -\. Wherland. AL3I0ND TuiiBLERS (Shoi-t-faccd). — FiTst, Sccoud, and Commended, A. W. Shaw. TuaiELERS (Short-faced Almond) . — First and Second, Dr. Harvey. Commended, J. B. Blennerhasset ; J. Lloyd. Tumblers (Short-faced Mottles and others). — First, A. W. Shaw, Lim- CTick (Black Mottles). Second, R. Fulton, Deptford, London. Highly Com- mended, R. Lane, Cork (Black Mottles). TU3IELER3 (Short-faced Balds or Beards).— First, Dr. Hai-vey (Blue Balds). Second, A. W. Shaw (Blue Beards). Highly Commended, Dr. Har^•ey (Blue Bald). TU3IBLERS (C^ommoa Balds or Beards). — First and Second A. W. Shaw (Black Balds and Blue Beards). Highly Commended, J. Dowling, Black- rock (Yellow Balds). TujiELERs (Common, any other colour). — First, J. Pike, Besborough, Cork. Second, R. Lane (Black Mottled). B.tRBs (Black or Dun).— First and Second, G. A. Wherland. Highly Commended, J. H. Perrott, Hayfleld, Cork; A. E. Ussher, Camphirc, Coppoquin. Bares (Any other colour i. — First, G. A. Wherland (Red). Second, J. H. Perrott (Red). Highly Commended, G. A. ^Vherland ; J. H. Perrott (YeUow). Jacobins (Red or Yellow}.— First, J. Lloyd. Second, J. Pike. Com- mended, G. A. Wherland. Jacobins (Any other colour). — First, J. Perry (Mottled). Second, T. Clarke, Cork (Blottled). Fant.uls (Whitel.— First. J. H. PeiTott. Second, T. O'Grady, Rough- grove, Eandon. Highly Commended, G. A. Wherland. Commended, T. Clarke ; J. Pike. Fastails (Any other colour).- First and Second, J. Pike (Blue). Owls (Blue or Silver).- First, A. E. Ussher, Second, J. H. Perrott. Highly Commended, A. E. Ussher. Owls (Any other colour). — Prize, J. Pike (Yellow). Tru;ipeters (Mottles).- First and Second, J. H. Perrott. Trujipeters (Any other colour).— Fii-st, J. Perry (White). Second, T. O'Grady (White). TuBEiTs'.— First, T. O'Grady. Second, J. Dowling. Commended, Rev. T. Townsend, Bandon. Nuns. — First, J. Dowling. Second, A. E. Ussher. Maupies.— First, Rev. T. Townsend. Second, E. M. Royds, Rochdale. Any other tahietv.- First, J. Perrott (Branswicks). Second, Dr. Har\-ey (Brunnen Powters, White). Highly Commended, Dr. Harvey (Brunnen Powters, Black), SWEEPSTAKES for Pigeons, hatched in 1865, and bred by Exhibitor. Powter (.Any colour).— Prize, J. Montgomery, Belfast (Black). Highly Commended. J. Moatgomerv ; Dr. Harvey (fled). Commended, R. Fulton. Caebier (Black).— First,' P.. Lane, Cork. Highly Commended, G. A. Wherland, Cork. Commended, J. Muir, Glasgow. Caheieh (Dun).— First, Dr. Harvey. Highly Commended, J. Muir. Special Prizes for Pigeons.— Silver Cup (presented by the Society), G. A. Wherland. Silver Medal (presented by Patrick Goulding, Esq.,) G. A. Wherland (Black Carriers). Commended R. Lane. Silver Medal (presented by G. A. Wherland, Esq.), J. Montgomery (Rod Powters). Commended, J. H. Pen-ott (Black Powters.) Silver Medal (presented by Hcmy Hawkins, Esq., Belfast), Medal and Commended, G. A. Wherland (Black Barbs). SONG BIRDS. Canaries (Y'ellow;.- First, A. Veitch. Equal First and Second, F. M'Loughlin. Canaries (Green). — Prize. H. Keating. Mealy (.\ny other colour]. — Second, A. Veitch (BuffPied). Goldfinch Mules.- Fii-st, J. Fitzgerald. Second, H. Keating. Blackblrds.- First, J. Fitzgerald. Second, J. Perry. Thrusues.- Fh-st and Second, W. Waters. Skvlap.ks.— First, J. Lennie. Second, R. Daly. Bullfinches.— First. J, Dowling. jun. Second, H. Keating. Goldfinches,— First. H. Keating. Second, J. Fitzgerald. Linnets.- First and Second, J. Dowling. TRIMMING COMBS— VULTURE HOCKS IN COCHIN-CHINA. I SHOULD be very glad of iv reliable opinion on the subject of one or two of the points of Cochins, lly birds seldom breed a cockerel •svithout a side sprig to his comb. Is this considered by Judges to be a vei'y serious defect in the case of a bird whose other points are good ? To take a particular example : I haye a Buff cockerel over 11 lbs. in weight. His only defect is that the last serration but one of his comb has the appearance of being spht down the middle, making two sprigs instead of one, and both slightly leaning on opposite sides. I know that it is a custom of dealers to cut oH a side sprig wlule the bird is yoimg, and that, after the comb has been developed, this in most instances cannot be detected ; but is tliis, I am assured general, practice considered fair ami straightfoi-ward ? Another point on which I should be glad of further informa- tion is that of vulture hocks. Many birds have a slight appa- rent tendency to this fault, in which I do not think that it should be considered a serious defect — I mean where the feathers behind the knee, though quite fluffy and soft, are slightly pointed, but without projecting stiffly and beyond the other leg feathers ? Indeed, are not almost all birds with very heavily feathered legs subject to this diawbaek ? This, too, is a case where, I am told, birds are trimmed every day beyond the possibility of detection. Is it not, therefore, a pity that so great a stress is beginning to be laid on a point which, except in the case of the objectionable stiff feathers, is rather an exuberance than a defect, and which may be so very easily removed by trimming? — Cleeicus. [It is a very common practice to trim slightly the combs of Cochins and Spanish. In both breeds any approach to double comb is a disqualification, and the suspicion of it is therefore avoided. The practice is not confined to dealers, but is common, we believe, to all. It is not considered unfair, but in deciding between two birds of equal merit the trimmed comb would turn the scale against its possessor. A razor or very sharp knife is used for the operation, and the "sprig" should be removed by cutting downwards. This leaves Uttle trace, but a practised eye can always detect it. Vulture hocks are only recent introductions into the Cochins, and should be discou- raged. Detection is easy if the feathers are cut off, difficult if they are pulled oirt. Careless breeding has introduced these faults. Birds have been selected for the sake of new blood, and for the introduction of some point in which they excelled, but which also possessed a failing. Both have been inherited, and sufficient pains have not been taken to breed out the fault. A pen with very moderate beauties, but mthout one real fault, must be successful over another of great excellence, but with an admitted fault.] [The foregoing is from the pen of one of our most able poultry Judges, and we will only add a few words on the sub- ject of vulture hocks. We had Buff Cochiu-Ghina fowls with these hocks as long since as 1850. They were from Mr. Sturgeon's stock. The Poultry Club, in its standard, says the vulture hock is objectionable, but not a disqualification. We cannot assent to its being objectionable, for we consider that it adds to the good figure of the bird. This is a matter of taste. If poultry fanciers agree in reprobating vulture hocks, breeders have no alternative — they must aim at producing birds without them. — Eds.] FOUL BEOOD. I HATE delayed writing on this subject until I could give a full account of the results of the summer's experience. I will now describe what has taken place in my own and my neighbottr's apiary. In October, 1864, No. 187, was detailed the means which my neighbour took to free his hives from the disease, by beating out the bees into clean skeps, and the result has been, that not a single diseased cell has since been seen in all his stock of fourteen hives. In order to ascertain if honey from diseased stocks given to a young hive would be the means of causing the disease, after the other hives were sent away to the heather he kept a yotmg hive at home, and found an eke below it con- taining a quantity of foul brood and honey, which was cleaned out in two days, when it was removed. He also gave the same hive five skeps to clean out, one after the other, aU having foul brood and honey. That same hive gave off its first swarm this year on the Ith of June, and as yet all the other swarms it sent off, as well as the old one, are free from foul brood. This case is so different from that of some of your correspondents, that it adds to the mystery of the cause of foul brood, and how it may be cured. While my neighbour has succeeded in entirely freeing his apiary from this disease after ha-^-ing it so Inug, 1 haye now to 40 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDEXER. [ Jan nary 9, 1868. report tliftt I fonnd it in two of my liivcs after tIio_v had come from tlie heather. It was only in one har of each, and about half the size of a man's hand. I allowed it to remain to Fee if it would extend further, or to see if the bees could clean it out of the cells. I examined them on the 14th of December, and found that all the cells were cleaned out with the exception of eight or nine, aiul these were in proRress of being cleaned out also. I found a large quantity of brood in all stages in the hive, and all in good health. I liave never known a liive of mine breeding in December before. The queen is the Ligurian which Mr. Woodbury sent in a small box in 18C3. I cannot accnimt for the disease being in these two hives, while I have other twenty entirely free from it, all being treated ahke. It had occurred to us that it was possible that a liive might be overheated during its removal to the lienther from want of sufficient ventilation, but the hive to which I allude was not sent to the heather, as I was not disposed to risk it on such a rough journey. I had a case during the summer which I thouglit at one time would go far to prove that Mr. Lowe was right in regard to chill being the cause of the disease, and that those, along with myself, who hold a different opinion, would require to acknow- ledge their mistake. For myself I can truly say that none would have been more ready to have done so had such been the ease. In order to observe the whole proceedings in the interior of the hive, I had one made with glass sides, and only one comb in breadth, so that both sides of the comb could be seen at all times. It was made to contain four Woodbury bar-frames, which can be removed, and others substituted in their place, when required. During a hot day in the summer, while trying to put some combs straight which the bees were not building properly, two of them broke down, and the queen was killed, although I was not aware of it. Two-thirds of the bees left at the time, and a quantitj- of honey was taken by the other hives, but one-third of the bees remained with the brood, and were rearing three young queens, when I removed the four bars into my obseiTatory hive. Two of these bars had a large quan- tity of brood in all stages, the other two had only a few in each. There were just as many bees as covered the two bars, and about one hundred bees remained with the young brood on the other two, but they were unable to keep up the heat, so that the grubs died, and all turned black, the bees leaving them entirely. Here, thought I, it is where Mr. Lowe was right, and myself wrong, and I was about to write and admit it, but defeiTcd until I saw the result. When a queen was hatched, and laying eggs, as the young bees filled the hive they began and cleaned out all the dead black gi'ubs, leaving the cells as clean as ever they were ; but although that brood remained in the cells six or seven weeks after death, it never passed into corruption like diseased brood : so that I am more than ever convinced, that whatever foul brood may be. it is something more than a chill to the young brood, and that by removing the combs of foul brood as it appears, and putting the bees into clean hives, it can be mastered. It is only by good sanitary measures, canned out thoroughly with bees, as well as with everything else of the animal kingdom, that we can ever expect them to thi-ive. — Alex. She.iree, Ycatcr Garden, [Your neighbour's experiment proves the truth of Dzierzon's statement, that honey taken from foul-breeding stocks may be given with impunity to healthy colonies in the autumn, because during winter it is in the absence of brood all consumed by adult bees. For the same reason simple excision at that season may, and sometimes does, work a radical cure ; and it api'cars even possible that, favoured by the cessation of breeding, the bees themselves may, imaided, work their own salvation in cases wherein the disease, being recent, has not progressed to the virulent stage. — A Devonshire BEE-KEErEK.] black drones, although they have Ligurian queens. Will there be any risk, by keeping them among the others, of their drones crossing with the true Ligurians again, and making them hybrids ?— A. W. [If the queens themselves arc really pure brod, they will breed pure Italian drones (but mixed workers) in spite of the first cross, j CROAVTs-BOARDS. WorLD a wooden frame Ij inch thick and 2) inches broad> filled inside with straw bands and sewed with cane, be more suitable for the tops of Woodbury hives thou wood tops ?— I. T. [ Straw crown-boards (if the misnomer may he allowed) made in the manner you describe, would, we think, be better than the ordinary wooden ones.] DYSENTERY IN BEES— LIGURIANS. I AM, or I think I may say we are, much obliged to the " DEVoNSHinE BEE-KEErER " for his able article on dysentery, and I think Dzierzon is correct in many of his reasons for it ; but I do not fancy that the hives have anything to do with it, or feeding late, as I had five straw skeps, and all were fed nearly alike, but only one suffered from this disease. I shall be glad to hear from others of your correspondents upon this subject. ,_ Two cf my Ligurian stocks have turned out crossed with OUR LETTER BOX. W'F.ionT OF DoRKiSG CocKS {ConstaHl Ittadcr}.—" Upwnrds " certainly means " above " 10 lbs. Dorking Cock's Comb (Cluitfau Vallon). — The two combs, boUow in the middle, but joininp at the poiuts, form what in eiilled n cup comb. It was very eounnon ol old, and is so now in the poultry districts. It was not fii^bionixblf, and was therefore discounij^ed at exhibitions. It is not only no disqualification, but occurs in birdb as pure bred ab any bavin}^ single or double combs. Pea Fowls (6*. !>.). — Pea fowls are always considered d^ructive in a garden. IsxrBATOR {Tiicho). — The incubator we have spoken of lately is not yet advertised. Shiftint. Fowls {F. B.) — We do not think your fowls would be injurc d o 0 ,2 S S II , :l ti 1 4 , , 1 r, 0 B ■ 0 10 JanuaiT 16, 1S66. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 41 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Month %yeek. J.iSC.lEY 16—22, 1806. Average Tempprature ucai' Loudon. Rain in last 89 years. Sun Kises. Sun i Moon Moon Sets. 1 Rises. Sets. i ■ Moon's Akc. Clock before Sun. Day of Year. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 To W Th P S SCN M Epacris. Erica hvomalis. Erica WiUuii iroana. Fuchsia Douiiniann. Son's declination 20- 6' S. 3 Sunday after Epiphasv. trustrolobiiim acutum. Day. 41.6 42.6 41.7 43.1 42.6 43.8 44.3 Nisht. 30.7 30,8 81.4 30.7 31.3 32.8 32.8 Mean. 36.2 36.7 38.6 S6.9 86.9 SS.3 SS.Ii Davs. 19 13 16 18 15 18 16 m. h. lafS 0 8 59 7 58 7 57 7 56 7 55 7 m. h. 19af 4 21 4 22 4 24 4 26 4 27 4 29 4 m. h. m. h. 13 af 7 28 4 51 7 36 5 36 8 1 49 6 65 8 12 8 22 9 ' 17 9 49 9 S2 10 19 10 48 11 Days. • 1 2 3 4 5 6 in. B. 10 5 10 25 10 44 11 3 U ?1 11 88 11 54 16 17 18 19 £0 21 22 From observations taken near London during the Inst thirtv-nine years, the average day temperature of the week is 42.8^ : and its night tempei a- ture 31.5-. The areatest heat was 60", on the 19th. 1828 ; and the lowest cold 4J-" below zero, on the 19th, 1388. The greatest fall of rain was O.Sb inch. X.B. — The Calendar contains the names of plants flowering in the gi-eonhouse. ACHIMENES CULTURE. '■ A Constant Readeu " in- formation is soufjht on this snliject, and the i'dllowing. in answer to his inquiries, may be of service to others as well. The Aeliimene.s is a plant easily cultivated, and, thonsli requirhif; a higher temperature than that of a gi-eenhouse, will, nevertheless, do well there after .June, when, for the most part, tliere is a deliciency of bloominf; plants in such structures. Achimenes also succeed well in a heated vinery. Early in February the bulbs are taken out of the pots in which tlii'V have been grown tlie season before, and are laid pretty thickly on the surface of a pan tilled to witliin an inch of the rhu with a compost of two-thirds light turfy loam. and one-thu-d leaf mould. They ai'e then covered with half ;ui inch of tine sod. If the soil is in a moderately moist state no water is given, but if dry a little is ati'ordod to bring it mto a moist condition. The pans are then placed in a hotbed of about 7.'>°, and a top heat of CO" or (15" by night. Here they remain until the shoots are an inch long, when the plants are i)la<-ed in their blooming pans. Achimenes never look so well as A\hen grown in pans. The sizes \\'hicli I think most eligible are !■> and 1^ inches ill diameter, and n inches deep. The first size allows of nice spei-imens being grown, and the second of \-ery line ones. Tlie pans sliould be clean, and have good-sized crocks placed over the holes, whicli sliould be live in num- ber, and not less than half an inch in diameter. Above these crocks lay an inch of brolceu pots, then an inch of tlie riddUngs of llic compost, and fdl up to within an inch of the rim with a compost of two-tbu'ds loam from rotted tiu'ves a year old, cut -'l inches thick, [daced in alternate layers witli fresh horsedung, turned over tmce, and, pre- \'ions to use, chopped tine with a spade, but not sifted; oiie-thiixl leaf mould, three parts reduced, sifted to free it of sticks, &<•„ and well mixed with the loam : and ime-sixth of silver sand. The plants are then taken up with a stick, and a row of tlie smallest placed around the pan half an inch from the rim, and exactly an inch apart : put in another row 1} inch from tlie first, and an inch apart, and so on to the centre of the pan, which shoidd be a little liigher than the sides, say an incli for an If^-uich pan. The sniiiUcst plants are put at the outside, the next largest in the next row, and so in order to tlio largest hi the centre. .V gentle watering is tlien given, and the pans are placed in a bouse with a moist atmosphere (as that of a vinery at w orki, and with a night temperature of (\(f. bear- ing in mind that the nearer the plants are to the glass and light the stronger they wdl grow, and, milesB they are No. 251.— VcL. X., New Series, stiff and strong, it is vain to expect a good blcom. 'Water sufficiently to keep the soil moist, but do not deluge iheni, nor, on the other hand, allow them to suffer for want of it. Ne\-er give water unless the,v seem in want of it ; the leaves are not to be allowed to Hag, but when the soil appears drv, and is so to the feel, give a good watering. Gently syringing with water of the temperatr.re of the house will be of advantage up to the time of the blooms expiuiding: but avoid syringmg in dull weather, and let the leaves be di-y before the sun" shines po^^•erfully upon them, other^vise they may spot. If drip from the roof fall upon the pan, either stop the leak or remo\e the pan at once. Should green fly make its appearance, fumigate with tobacco when the plants are diw. Tluips -vvill not intei-fere, unless tlic atmosphere is much too dry : if they do, tobacco smoke will destroy them. A\nien the plants are from .'i to (i inches in height they will need tying : the sticks should be small and neat, made of laths, and painted green. They ought to be not less than 18 inches long, wliilst for some kinds -.i feet will he better. A space of an inch or so ■\\-as left belpw the rim at the time of potting ; this should now be tilled up with a mixtm-e of eijual f|uantities of the previous compost, passed Uirough a half-inch sieve, and cowdung one year old beaten and also passed through the sieve, with the addition of one- sixth of silver sand well mixed in. This, placed upon the sm-face between the plants to a depth of three-quarters of an inch or an inch, will, after ;•. time, show its effects in the strength of the plants and the bloom. Commencing Avith tlie centre, one stalce is to be put to each plant, and the plant looselj' fastened to it in an erect position Axith a. thin strip of bast matting. Continue the upright staking until the second row frcjin the rim is reached, then every alternate plant of that row should be staked upright, and the others inclined from the perpendicular towards the rim of the pan. Every second plant in the outer row shoidd be staked with an inclination correspoudi:ig to those staked upright in the second row, and at an angle of 4.')'' from the perpendicular of the pan's rim. Side shoots \rill be produced: do not tie them, but let them gi-ow loosely, but, if the}- become as strong as the main shoots, and are straggling, they should be staked. Con- tinue to keep the shoots tied up as they grow, and, when the buds show, eveiy alternate watering may be of weak liquid manm-e until the plants are fairly in bloom, when they reiiuii-e a plentiful supply of water. The plants will be in bloom in the end of June and in ■July ; those in IH-uich pans will 1)C fine masses of bloom from l',i to 18 inches high, and from i feet to 2i feet through. Their beauty will be prolonged by placing them in a drier and cooler atmosphere, \-\'liere tliey can be slightly slnided, as in a greenhouse or conservatory not highly ventilated. When the bloom is over they sliould still liiive a light .situation, and the supply of water ought to be diminished, and, when the foliage becomes brown, it may be cut away, and the pans placed on a damp floor in a di-y place, as under tlie shelves of a house, having a tem- perature of not less tiian 40° nor exceeding iT)" from iii-e lieat. No. 903.— Vol. SXXY., Old Series, 42 JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. [ JuiaaiT 16, ISK. Another lot may be started in March, kept in a hotbed for a time until tlioy have grown and are potted off, and then re- moved to 0 rinery or other honse until they flower. They will do well in the greeulioiiso whilst in bloom, and oven grow- there after .Inne if the house be closed early, and be converted for the time into a stove by liusbnnding eun heat. Plants Ftartcd in .Alarili will bloom in July aud August ; those started in April will do so in .\ugust and September, ri.ints allowed to start of their own accord iu vineries having a little fire heat in Bpriu;,', will mostly bloom in September ; whilst those in a late vinery will justbe coming into bloom in the end of Sep- tember. Plants started nt the end of May or early in Juno bloom finely in the stove iu Oi:tobcr and Kovcmber. Achimenes are stove plants, and require to be started in a hotbed ill order to do at all well in a greenhouse, to which they need not be removed until they are of a size fit for blooming. Sonic have a practice of taking the bulbs out of the pot in winter and storing them away in paper ; they shrivel, however, and though it i."; not well to keep them wet, they certainly are best kept in the soil in which they grew, aud if the pots are placed on a damp floor the bulbs will turn out in spring plump, though the soil may ho like dust. Another common practice is to thrr,?t the plants after blooming under the stages, which is of all times that at which they require light and a dimin- ished supjily of water to mature the bulbs. A dozeu of the best kinds of which I have experience are : — Carl Wolfarth. — Crimson piu-ple witli carmine spots, close habit. Very free bloomer. Lonsiflora major. — Flowers large, blue. A profuse bloomer; grows rather tall. Meteor. — Crimson scarlet, Bnd yellow-spotted eye. Fine. Sccptrum. — Vermilion, richlymarked; habit good, pyramidal. Sir Treherne Thomas. — Bright crimson, rather tall. Good. Mauve Perfection. — Of a mauve tint. Free-blooming and good. Margaretla. — ^Whito. The best of its colour. Dazzle. — Flowers of medium size, scarlet ; dwarf habit. Ignoa. — Flowers small, of the brightest scarlet, produced iu great profusion ; habit good. Ami.roise Verschaiielt. — Lilac white, violet lines, and car- mine .s)>ots. Good in every respect. Carniiuata elegans. — Eosy carmine, of fine loi-m. A free bloomer. Baur.iauui hii'suta. — Violet purple, cooj hiibit, free bloomer. — G. Aebky. C0XSEQUENCE8 OF COXSERVATORY LIGHTING BY GAS. A I HAVE the care of a newly erected conservatorj-, 60 feet long, 20 wide, aud 18 feet high ; it has a table stage along the front and one end, beds down the centre, aud along the back v.all. It has been filled and planted about two months, and everj-- thiug looked very well till last week, when, as my employer was going to have a large party, he wished to have it lighted with ga~. I told him I had heard that gas was ver>- injurious to plants ; but he thought if it were placed nearly up to the roof, and there was a chimney to carry off the fumes, it could not do them much harm, as it would be nearly 1.5 feet above them. He accoi'dingly had two sun-lights, consisting of fifteen burners each, fixed. They were alight three nights, two while the workmen were there, aud on the night of the party. On entering the conservatory the following moraing I was perfectly astonished — in fact, almost ready to shut the door and run away. The plants looked miserable : everjthing seemed parched, and looked as dry as if it had not been watered for a month, (leranium leaves were yellow; Solannm capsi- castrum. aud Acaci;» dealbata, pubescens, and giandis, with scarcely a leaf on them ; the Camellias had dropped nearly all their flower-buds ; and the foliago of other plants, though still looking green, came off at the slightest touch. Is the gas, do yon think, to blame for all this mischief ? My master does not seem at all satisfied about it. He thinks I neglected to water the plants ; but that is not the case, as I watered them the day before the gas was lighted, and 1 know they were quite as wet as plants should be at this time of year. In the event of gas being used again, do you think it would be advisable for nio to well water and syringe the plants in the afternoon, aud leave the ventilators in the roof wide open ? — J. A. [We have little doubt that the gas did the mischief, owing to some defect in the chimney used to carry ofl the fumes. We know of several houses that are lighted at night on festival occasions ; but the gas-burners are ])luced near the apex of the roof, aud there are small narrow vcutUattirs all the way, which, even if opened a little, allow the fumes of the bnrued gas and the heated air to escape. It would be well to have the ]dants sufficiently watered, not overwatered, before using gas again ; but our experieuce would not enable us to judge as to the i)ropriety of syringing the plants all over before lighting the g.rs. At first sight it would seem that the moisture on the leaves woiUd keep the gas from injuring them ; but then we know that even when tobacco smoke is applied to some plants when the foliage is wet the plants wUl be more injured than the insects, whilst to destroy the insects and not hurt the plants the foliage can scarcely be too dry. We shall be obUged if any of our readers will state their experience as to wet and dry foliage when exposed to gas fumes. The true remedy we sus- pect to be a free escape of heated air- and fumes to the open air. ", THE PUBLIC GARDENS OF TARIS. Hor.TicuLTUUE, as undertaken by the civic authorities of Paris, has become considerably extended since the public department of " Promenades ct Plantations " was established in 18j8 under M. Alphaud, the chief engineer of •• Roads and Bridges." In fact, to this beginning is in a great measure to be ascribed the recent spread of oniamental gardening in all parts of France ; and the good example set by the gardeners of Paris has given a fresh impulse to horticulture generally throughout thn country. The Bois dc Boulogne was the first of the series of public gardens formed by the city, and it was the Emperor who sug- gested the gigantic undertaking of remodelling this flat, dusty tract of ground, which was scantih' covered with a ban-en vege- tation. The task was carried out with unexampled vigour and rapidity, and the result has been the most delightful and ex- tensive park known. Soon other gardens followed on the boulevards, which radiate through the most populous quarters, those suffering most from want of air and space. The crooked streets aud foul gutters have given place to beautiful prome- nades and smiling oases of verdure and flowers^-charming retreats, to which infancy aud old age alike resort — resting- places for the mother of the family, and the workman snatched from the seductions of the tavern. These new gardens have become great favourites with the people. There the workman makes his meal on tlio same seat as that on which the old soldiers of the empire relate their past exploits, while such of them as are the birds' friends call them to snatch a morsel of bread from their hands. All the quarters of Paris have now their public garden? ; their principal localities, however, are La Tour St. Jacques, the Marche du Temple, the Champs Elysees, the Conservatoire des Arts et Metiers, the Park of Monecaux, the Marchi- des Inno- cents, Place Montholon, St. Clotilde. Batignolles, Belleville, Grenelle, Montrouge, Malesherbes, and Charonne. To these must be added other heavy works now in course of execution, as those at the Bois de Vincennes, which will soon be a rival to the Bois de Boulogne, and the park of Buttes-Chaumont, which will be one of the most curious transformations of the age. To keep up such an extent of gardens it will readily be con- ceived how great must be the amount of labour and materials required. Under the direction of the chief engineer, M. Alphand, and the two engineei-s w ho divide Paris into two sections, the gardening staff of the city is as follows: — 1 Superintendent, ■1 Head Gardeners, 2 Foremeu, 2 Inspectors of Plantations, 20 Chefs d' Atelier, and an army of gardeners amounting to not less than 300. without counting the office staff and others in- directly connected with horticulture. To ifeed the whole of the pubUc g.ardens there are five esta- blishments, distributed as follows :— Ist, The parent establish- ment of La Muette (Passy), for the propagation of hothouse, greenhouse, and bedding plants. 2nd, That for annuals and hei-baceous plants at Vincennes. 3rd, A nursery for Conifers, American plants, and evergieens at the Bois de Boulogne. 4th, A nurserv- for deciduous trees aud shrubs at the Bois de Boulogne, oth. A nursei-y for large forest aud ornamental trees at Petit Bry, near Xogenl-sur-Marne. I will not speak of the outdoor departments, as they resemble those of large nurseries ; but the establishment of La Muette, from its e.xteut aud the peculiar features which it presents, desencs special notice. Situated near one of the entrances to January 16, 1866. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. •13 the Bois dn Bouloi;rne, the Li Mnette gate, at the extremity of the fashionable quarter of Tassy, this establiEhment covers an area of nearly live acres between the Eue de la Tour, the Avenue de I'Empereur, and the old historical castle of La Mnette. The railway between Auteuil and St. Lazare cuts the ground into two unequal parts, of which the smaller is taken up by frames, the orangery, sheds cellars, &c. The frames are more especially intended for raising plants from seed, and for the extensive propagation of softwooded plants for bedding, such as Pelargoniums, Verbenas, Calceo- larias, Salvias, Fuchsias, Chi-ysanthemum frutescens, Arc. There are altogether 2900 lights set in straight lines, and arranged in sections according to the description of plants grown in each. The fi-ames are shortly to be replaced by a range of fifty low houses communicating with each other, and forming the most complete assemblage of glass houses ever seen. Each section is in charge of an under-foieman under the general direction of the foreroan, and he has two or three assistants, with whose aid he has to manage from 100 to 1-50 lights. He alone is re- sponsible for the pl.ants, also for the breakage of glass, and other casualties arising from carelessness, and as a compen- sation he receives a small monthly allowance. The advantages of this system are, that the workman takes better care of the plants and materials committed to his charge, economy is con- sequently secured, and the men, being confined to one depart- ment, speedily gain great e:sperience of the particular plants with which they are engaged. To give an idea of the immense number of plants raised at the Fleuriste de la I'.Iuette (that is the name of the establishment), I may state that it amounts to nearly .8,000,000 a-year. Pelargoniums alone counting for 290,000, Cannas for 70,000, and other principal genera in proportion. The orangery or conservatory, constructed in a very econo- mical manner, is 226 feet in length, and is used for the pro- tection in winter of hardwooded plants taken no in autumn for planting-out in the following year. A large shed of the best construction serves to shelter soils, peat, and various com- posts, as well as spades, rakes, watering-pots, and light tools. Down the middle for the entire length of the shed runs a table 1-3 feet wide, at which sixty men can pot with freedom the innnmerable plants strnclc itrom cuttings in the frames. Spacious cellars, 9 feet 10 inches high, cut out of the rock at great expense and at a considerable depth below the surface, extend beneath the frames. They are intended for protecting in winter tubers and rhizomes, such as those of Dahlias, Cannas, itc, taken up in autumn. They may also be used as a workshop for the gardeners in severe frosts, and as gas will shortly be laid on, they vrill be still better adapted for the purpose. On the other side of the railway are the trial ground and glass houses. Whenever a new phant is announced it is pur- chased at any price, and here tried, for the city of Paris will not lag behind in the race of gardening progress. If the plant is hardy it is grown on trial out of doors along with kindred plants, and under different modes of culture, and after two or three years' experience it is adopted or rejected ; but it must possess many good qualities to dethrone its rivals, and be extensively propagated. The eftect is here studied, especially in masses of one species or variety, rather than in hetero- geneous assemblages of plants without unity or harmony. The trial is all the more severe, because long experience has taught mistrust of the high-soimding, often specious, descrip- tions given by dealers in novelties. If the plant is adopted it is sent to Vincennes, where it can be propagated in such numbers, and over an extent of groimd, that it could not be at La Mxiette. The houses, which have been successively erected from 1838 to the present time, are not equalled in extent in .any other part of France. They consist of twenty-one ranges, divided into sections according to the mode of culture required by the different classes of the plants, and cover an area of 95,800 square feet. The largest house has an area of 18,222 square feet, is 31 J feet in height i.n the centre, and is in three compartments. The central one is fiUod with a splendid collection of Camellias from 1.5 to 23 feet high, planted out, and several of them once formed part of the celebrated collection of the Empress .Jose- phine at Malmaison. Of the two side divisions one is devoted to the protection of those ornamental- foliaged plants which have risen so much in favour during the last few years. There may be seen trees of Wigandia, Nicotiana wigandioides, which is covered in winter with superb drooping panicles of white flowers, Montagiif^as, Polymnia, Aralia papyrifera, and many other handsome tropical plants. The division o;i the other side contains a number of large specimen Palms, I'andanuses, and Cycads, which are almost unrivalled. Among them are magnificent examples uf Sabal Blackburniana, Seaforthia, Pan- danus, Phceuix, Thrinax, Livistonia, Zamia, Cycas, Cerato- zamia, &c., not to mention a numerous collection of novel- ties, in fine condition, amountiug to upwards of 390 species. Another large house, in three spans, holds the remainder of the collection of large Camellias ; these are in tubs, and whilst those planted out aiford a multitude of cut blooms, these are used to decorate the apartments of the Hotel de Ville at the great balls given by the Prefect of the Seine ; indeed, all the large stove and greenhouse plants are principally gi'own for this purpose. Ordinary gi'eenhouse plants, such as Azaleas, Acacias, Epacrises, Heaths, &c., are grown along with the Camellias, and receive much the same treatment as regards culture. A square pavilion, fiUed with very tall Palms, Dracaenas, Ficns, Aralia. itc, forms a vestibule to a high lean-to contain- ing a collection of no less than 110 species of Ficus. Ficus elastica (Urostigma elasticum), or the Indianrubber tree, takes up the greatest amount of room, although there are some other species of nearly equal merit for beds of peat soil out of doors in summer. Further on, in sections according to the description of plants grown in them, are large and fine houses devoted to Dracasnas, to Aroids, to Ferns,' to large-leaved Solanums. to Begonias, to Musas, to Hibiscus, to Pelargonium giandiflomm, to large Galadiums, i-c. Lastly, other two houses deser\-e special mention ; these are the propagating-house and that which goes by the name of the " sen'e de sevrage." The propagating-house is employed for the rapid propagation of all hothouse and hardy plants that do not strike readily in frames, and the appliances are such as are nowhere else to be seen. It is impossible, however, to convey a clear idea of the arrangements from mere description ; suiBce it, therefore, to say that there are shelves all round, and, besides, two bark beds, in the interior of which shelves rise in giadation Uke the steps of a stair, and under these run the hot-v;ater pipes en- closed by sheets of iron. The pipes, sixteen in number, are 4J inches in diameter, and run all round the house. Being thus confined within the pit ,hey maintain the heat of the tan in which the pots are plunge I, and afford that degi-ee of bottom ; heat which is so favourable ' j the emission of roots. The step- like arrangement of the shelves covered with tan, on which bell-glasses are placed, allows of the young plants being kept very close to the glass. Six young gardeners are employed throughout the year in propagating, and for jilants difficult to 1 strike or raise from seed special means are pro',-ided. This house furnishes about a million of young plants every year. The " serre de sevi'age" is that in which the young plants .are placed as soon as they have recovered from their first trans- plantation or potting, and when they are well established they are removed to their' respective houses or frames to make way for new comers. A portion of this house is occupied with choice specimens of new stove plants on trial, or for propa- gation. I may add that the other branches of this est.ablishment, such as seed-rooms, storehouses, &c., are well organised, and that the regulations are mo,st judicious, and so, too, are those with regard to the superintendence, order, and discipline of the men. Lectures on the theory and practice of hoilieulture are periodically given by the heads of dep.artments to the workmen and apprentices, aud discussions held. The expenditure for this great establishment does not exceed £8800 a-year. Such is the organisation of an establishment the like of which does not exist in the whole world, and which proves what horticulture can do for the ornamentation of the capital of a gi-eat nation. — Ed. Andke, ./art'iHcr PriHCij;fli tic Ja Ville dc Paris. IKESINE HERBSTn. Allow me through your valuable .Journal to say a few words on behalf of the Iresine Herbstii. I planted a large bed of it in this garden last season, and although we had a large num- ber of beds planted in the usual way with bedding plants, not one was so much admired as the above, more especially during the months of Julv, August, and September — in fact, it was beautiful up to the middle of October. I also consider it invaluable for the stove for this season of the year. I have some fine specimens in eight-inch pots 2 feet through, and 44 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDEXER. ( Janauy IC, 1*30. nho.it tlie sume in hei^'l.t. I herewith enclose a rortion of the f..liago lor your in^pccli.m. Tlie plnuta from whicl;^ they were liikoii arc RrowiiiR in a teniiienitiire of about b-, or <0 .—Isaac Hli.i., Gnnh-iier, The Pr./.v. [Tho specimen leaves were verj- decp-colourca, and fine.— Eds.] OLE.VNIXnS FROM KOCK AND lIKI.n TUWAKDS 1;0:MK.— No. 1". F.vcn dnv wo lenininea in Florence sliowcd us more and more of tlie wondrous chanRe that hnd l.ilU-n upon that city ..f liowers. On everj- side life and activity had taken tlie place of dullness and repose. And such strange life too ! I stood and wondered how faculties that had rein.iiiied so long unused omiM all at once have burst forth into such active iday. I was like a vcrv child Razing into the shop-windows. reading the titles of books, pamphlets, and newsp»pers— haUpenny nevys- papers— perhaps a trifle too scurrilous, a trifle too free w'lth the names of king, ministers, and people ; and I must confess to mv hair somelimes standing a little on end at only the titles f.f th".> publications. The great reaction seems to have been too much for the heads of the good people of Florence ; they are like thirstr men. r.naccustomed to strong drink, jilacecl before an overflowing tankard, they think more of fiuenchiuR their thirst than of after-conseipieuces. l comforted myself with thinking that after awhile these mongs would right themselves. , ^ • i Anolher strange feature was the churches. On many sides I heard mui-mirrs of the persecutions to which the cliurch was subjected, long faces were pulled, and the direst proi,heCies uttered as to what would be the future result. The future was J,?vond mv ken ; but the present, as far as the Church of Rome went, seeiiied highly satisfactory. I saw, indeed, fewer monks and priests, but more services ; less show perhaps, but more reality. I fonnd churches filled with praying people that once were comparatively empty, and judging by what I saw mv impression was that the Church had received freedom rather than persecution. Of course there was, what some people would call, the reverse side of the shield. I thought so when I drove to what once had been the Farmaceutica of •St. M. Novella, where the dear old white-robed monks had used to distil the most fragrant essences from delicious flowers, and make " pastiglie di profumi " of wonderful potency : but alas 1 the few mouks that had been left had no time to distil aught but sad forebodings to their ancient house and to do the real work of the convent ; so we had to return without pastils or •scent if I except the flavour of garlic, which seems to pervade everv' monk and monasterj- as inseparably as the smell of peat pervades an Irish beggar through years of mendicancy m England. , , , , „ Again, when I went to see the matchless frescos of 1-ra An.'elico in the convent of S. Marco, and found soldiers ex- pecleil there. I thought it was the reverse of the shield wnth a vengeance I and it brought to my memory that it was not the first time soldiers would invade the convent of Savanarola and Fra Burtolomeo. There are no paintings m Florence that I more love to look upon than those of Fra AngeUco ; it seems as if the reflection of the inner life of the good " frate " shone brightly and purely on every feature of the blessed angels he loved so much to depict. , ,, i ■ One of the favourite drives from Florence is to the Cartlmsian Monastery of La Cei-tosa in Val d' Emo, from whence the monks distribute food and medicine to the poor for many miles round. There are manv beautiful wild flowers growing around the convent, and amongst them a large ragged-looking Pieouy of a pinkish lilac colom-, which was flowering in great profusion. I believe it to have been the Ta-onia peregrina. I have never seen it growing wild in any other locality. In the fields near Bellosquardo, shining brightly amidst the fresh green corn, I gathered (piautities of Gladiolus communis, the crilour being quite as good, though the sjiikes of bloom were not s ) large as when under cultivation in En;laud. The fields ol Italy are so richlv decked with flowers in all the wild luxu- riance of Nature untouched by art, that I grew to love them better than the untidv gardens, suffering from the spasmodic exertions of gardeners who thwart Nature without introducing From the beautifid fields I passed into the garden of the Villa lullosquardo, and there I saw Orange trees, full of fruit and bloom, in large tubs filled with the very richest compost, its ugliness 80 unconcealed that one turned awnv dis-K^^tea from the golden fruit and full rich blossom. Beneath the waUs of this villa there is a magnificent view <.f Florence- we went there to watch the setting sun. All around us were ■'>'lReB of Roses-the common China and the Yellow Banksian. the latter trailing its buiT blossoms over walls and trees, from which it depended in innumerable festoons reaching almost to the ground, where the deep blue Corn-flower (Centa.iren cyanus) was growing in pleasing contrast of colour 1J^'1".^„"| Jf> Florence with lier graceful towers, her gent y-flow,ng Amo, with the silvery gleaming Birch trees by its side, while stretch- in" far away was a dreamlike distance of fair soft gre> hills, with pleas.ant-looking villages dotted about the intervening vallevs. To the right was the tower of Galileo; and as he eve gazed upon it strange thoughts would come to the u nd of the curiouslv one-sided nature of the Topes infallibihty -'•so infaUible," as a Catholic in Rome sn>d to "le one dav, '• in spiritual matters, so verj- fallible in all temporal affairs.-' One could not but remember the strange scene m the convent of Minerva in Rome, when Galileo, then seventy years of age, was forced-some say by tortnre-to abjure on the Gospels his belief in the Copemican doctrines. «>^'n? "0°} his Lees, we read, that the old man turned to a friend, and whispered, " K pur >,■ imm.-.," " It," the earth " moves for aU that!" but as there was no little bird to whisper m the ears of Fope and Inquisitors Butler-s famous epigram— " He who consents neainst bis will Is tit the same opinion still,'' I trust they were satisfied that the imposed oath had settled the question and the earth's motion together. But I have wandered far away from BeUosquardo. and from the low wall on which we sat watching and listening 1 re- sentlv from a neighbouring villa came forth a pretty-looking ladv.'work in hand, and by her side two little children, one holding his father's hand. They, too, came and sat down the pretty mother working and chatting away, whi e the children plaved at bo-peep with their parents and the stranger. Then {here came a party of monks in brown habit, rope girdle, and sandals ; with eyes bent on the ground they passed quickly on, sitting down at i little distance, when forthwith mingled with the scent of Roses, came the abomination of garlic A\ ith the monks came a small party of young lads m the black cassock and felt hat of the seminary. Then arrived a party o Ame- ricans with a Conner, Murray, and cigars. Striding the waU as though it were a miUe's back, they P"ff«'J «'=^»r/" »« «' defiance of the "smoking prohibited" that English laches carry so plainly written on their faces. Happd.v tlie.v soon " did " the view, huiTving on to another, while a trio of Italian Rills took their place.'the sweet music of their tongue blen■«">- gathered, with the morning dew still resting upon them, and. momve . I could have a long chat about them into the bargain Some of the streets are quite converted into gardens, quantities M Xubs and plants being arranged aga nstthe waU, and ra, ed round. How 1 longed to put felonious hands through the barB and gather for mvself ! There were Roses, ye low, white, and p"nk leutzia gracilis, with its featherj- white blossoms ; Coronila and a%undred other dainty flowers. I wondered how they would have looked after a two-days sojourn in Regent ^'oneof the most interesting sights of Florence is the royal manufactory- for the "pietrecommesse," orllorentme mosaics where the 'most finished pictm-es are wrought m precion^ Lnes,and the workmanship is so delicate "f^ t'^^^^^'^j''^, mosaics may be easUv taXen for paintings and the groups of Lvers look so natural, one is half tempted to try i they have any =cent. The marbles and stones of which the mosaics are composed are coUected from every country under heaven, January 16, 18CC. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 45 so that in one sraall space, not larger than your hand, j'ou would see the treasures of the mo=t remote lauds orouslit together ; there would be dark agate trom Derbyshire, petrified wood from Hindostau, opals from Hungarj', turquoise from Persia, etc. The work is very slow and tedious, so that it takes nearly twenty or thirty years to finish any great under- taking ! lu the time of the ex-Grand Duke I went to see the unfinished monument of the first Grand Duchess, when the second had grandchildren I The opals are the most difficult stones to manage, as it is necessary to set them in a hollow space, whereas all other stones rest on some flat surface. The imitation of flowers is exceedingly perfect, and in this I noticed a decided improvement, the study of Nature having given place to a certain amount of mannerism that once prevailed. The Ceterach was the only Fern I noticed about Florence, and that was very small. From Florence we went to Bologna by rail. I wish my pen could give the very slightest idea of what those simple words in- clude ; never could I forget that railway jom-ney ! the awful pre- cipices, tlje frightful chasms, over which we sped on our perilous way; now passing through the very heart of a great mountain, emerging from its side on a narrow pathway that seemed to tremble and quiver at our weight ; again entering the Apen- nines by tunnels so close and long that the compressed air was like a great weight on the brain, and respiration became difficult ; now shooting out on a frail wooden bridge spanning over a torrent rushing down far below ; now gliding along the very face of a rock, so high that one recoiled from measuring the depth below ; the glowing suuset giving the richest colour- ing to the scene, and after sunset came the moon, and then — Bologna. Bologna is the very quaintest of all the quaint old towns (jf Italy. It has the gravest look of learning lurking about its heavy arcades and sober red-brick buikUugs ; the leaning towers bend down towards each other, as if proposing problems in a whisper, and sober-coated ravens describe circles in the air, and everything in the old town has a wis 3 iind winking look, as if it had studied too much for its health. At the Villa Eeale on May 3rd I found the royal gardener putting out his bedding plants, whicli did not seem more for- ward than ours in England. I noticed but few yomig plants, the Geraniums were for the most part those of the last year much cut down ; they had been kept during the winter in earth-pits, with very slight protection. The Orange trees were large for trees growing in tubs, and very healthy, but these, too, had been protected during the cold season. The gardener was, like all the Italians, most polite, he left us to wander about the garden and gather wild flowers as we liked, and on my admiring some brilliant Ixias (Ixia crocata), he immediately gave me a large potfiil, tying them up for me, flowers, leaves, and bulbs, in a tidy bundle, and telling me I need not touch them till I wanted them to plant in An- ust. The peculiarity of the Ixia crocata is the transparency of the base of the corolla, which, when the sun was shining on them, gave the flowers the appearance of fire. In these gardens I gathered handsome specimens of the Orchis pyramidaUs and the Anemone hor- teusis still in bloom. There was also a very fine Petunia nyc- taginiflora [?] . The white Acacias were in their first fresh bloom. The picture-gallery of Bologna contains Raphael's St. Cecilia, some good Fruncias ; but the gems are from Guido's masterly hand, his Crucifixion, Sampson, and Murder of the Innocents arc magnificent compositions. — FiLix-rajMix-i. MILDNESS OF THE SEASON. The day before Christmas-day I picked a very fine bloom of Gloire de Dijon Rose from a north wall, but on the last day of the year from the same tree I cut six or eight beautiful blooms, one or two being as exquisitely shaped as we should get them in May. Still further to show the mild character of the wea- ther here, in Somersetshire, I saw on the 3rd of January two male specimens of the brimstone butterfly (Gonepterixlihamuij, flying about. I saw them in the same parish, but about a mile apart. I was completely astonished at the sight of the first, and he certainly was either astonished at me, or at find- ing there were no flowers and leaves. He did not appear to approve of the temperature, though the morning was sunny and bright, and he alighted on the ground, and I captured him, thinking it worth while to add to my cabinet a brimstone taken on the 3rd of .January ! I injured him rather in the catching, but otherwise he was a good specimen. The other did not settle. but flew about very strongly, to the surprise of a woman to whom I pointed him oui, and who evidently seemed to consider that something serious would happen. I am not aware that the brimstone butterfly hybemates, as the small tortoiseshell vei-y frequently does — of the latter, I have seen five or six at a time in my sadJle-room — if they do not, these must have emerged from their chrysalis st.ite at a verj- early period of the year. I should be very glad to know whether they do hybernate. — Y. B. A. Z. OuT-oF-nooR Ste-Iwdekkt Ripe in J.isr.\BY. — What a season we have had so far ! On Saturd.a.y one of our men brought me a fully grown and nearly ripe Strawberry ; strange for the Otl; of .Tanuary! I fear we shall suii'er for it. — J. R. Peai;sos, BANISHING MOLES. I H.vvE in my charge a large Rose -bed, the Roses are on their own roots, and jiegged down ; lately moles have mined among them, lifting some of them nearly out of the ground. My em- ployer is not willing that the depredators should be caught, as he consider.s they do good by destroying wirewonns. That, of course, I cannot deny, but the question is, Will the good done by them be sufiicient to compensate for the injury they may do to the Pioses ? without taking into account the trouble of having continually to clear away the heaps of soil thrown up by them, and the untidy appearance they give to a place. — C. C. [We have tried to drive moles away with bruised gi'een Elder leaves, which you cannot, however, now obtain, and used biuised Laurel leaves in the runs of moles, with fair efi'ect ; and in the winter time we have opened the runs in different places, and poured iu a little tar. Independently of the scent, they cannot endure anything filthy ou their fur.] GARDENING IN JAPAN. My first visit to Yedo, soon after arriving in the country, being but short, and, owing to other circumstances, offering but limited opportunities tor seeing the suburbs of the city, I was anxious to renew it, more particularly for the purpose of visiting; the commercial gardo.^s in the neighbourhood. By the courtesy of the Hon. Robert II. Pruyn, United States Minister, niy wish has been gratified. Early on the morning of July 13th, iu com- pany with Jlr. Portman, Secretary of Legation, and another visitor, I started for a twenty-mUo ride on the Tokddo, to the great city. The road, for the greater part of the way, presents the appear- ance of a continuous village. After passing the town of Kana- gawa, the Rice fields are cultivated close to the margin of the road, extending like a gn-en carpet to the rising ground, about a niUe distant, and gradually coming nearer to it as you approach Yedo. Until you" anive at the river Logo, the spot of greatest interest is where 31r. lUchardson was murdered iwo years ago. The road here, for the distance of about a mile, is bordered with Pine trees ; and though of rather .-tunted growth, they give relief to the monotony of the dead level. Passing through the town of Kawaski vou arrive at the river, a stream of considerable length, and navig'able f r flat boats for a distance of about thnty nnles. This river is tlie limit, toward Y'cdo. to which foreigners may ride by treaty stipidation ; but, from the nervous state of feeling produced by several attacks on thorn when away from Y'okohama, the privilege is not now often taken advantage of Here you dismount, and arc ferried across to the other side in scows. The road from here, until you approach Sinagawa, a suburb of Y'edo, is less closely built rip than the part of the road just passed over. For two or three miles distance from the river the land is quite flat, vet not low enough for the cultivation of Rice. The soil is a light sandy loam, and well suited to the cultivation of vegetables. Occasionally, as you pass along, you see orchards of trained Pear trees, of the kinds peculiar to the countrj-. The trees are planted, as nearly as I coidd judge, from 12 to 15 feet apart. After .attaining the proper height, the tree is allowed to form branches, and tiiese are trained to a rough framework of the tame height, perfectly level, and extending over the whole area of the orchard. AVhat oliject the cultivator has in training them in so careful a maimer i have not as yet ascertained ; but why may it not have its advantages in enabling him to securu his crops in the highest possible condition ? Every fruit is thus brought into view, and within reach of the gatherer, who, where trees arc left to grow in their natui-al fonn, too often 46 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTXJBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. r JriDuary in, IKC. nins the risV , in older to srciirc some tcmptinp; prize displnying its beauties on some inaccessible branch, of injuring the tree, or worse, possibly himself. After cros-sina; the river, we soon arrive at the famed Tea garden at Omura, celebrated for its Tluni trees, so attractive when in flower. At the sea.son we went up, they presented nothing more than Plum tree.", usually do. The pains taken to bring every available space into cultivation for Rice, proves its value as the chief support of the people. Here and there in the fields spots of land arc seen Avhich, having been orisinally a little higher than the surrounding surface, and unsuited for llice, have been levelled oil', and are cultivated with regetables. Tlieso dry spots arc usually skirted with I'ines, which apparently have heen planted to prevent the soil from being washed away by heavy rains. The country roads around Ycdo are exceedingly pleasant, and generally suilieiently wide for two or three persons to ride abreast, and frequently for long distames coiupletely over.shadowed by trees. Numerous pat=, say 3 feet between the iint. The vines are supported by placing brushwood along each row, forming an arch, over which they may grow. Tlic adv-antages this method presents are, that the fruit is always clean and straight, of a uniform colour on all dies, and can be gathered without incur- ring the danger ol injuiy to the vines by trampling on them. The leaves of Amaranthus melancholicus are eaten as a A-ege- table, being boiled as a Spinach. A species of Sagittaria also appears to be used for the same purpose, as I observed, in one or two instances, small plantations of it in the corners of Rico ' fields. The large fleshy roots of the Nelumbium ai'e a staple article of food in the winter season. One of the most attractive rides in Ycdo, in which you see the chief business part of the city, is to the temple of Asaeksa. In going there, the roads around the Tycoon's and Daimio's resi- dences arc usually chosen, by which means you are enabled to have a good view of the moat and embankment that surround them. The space in which these residences are built, is an eleva- tion of land considerably higher, in most parts, than the land immediately surrounding. The moat, which varies in width from 50 to 150 feet, has been dug at the haseof this elevation, and is level with the strtets on one side, but presents a high and steep bank on the other. In some places it is filled with Nelura- bitmis and other aquatic plants, making, when in flower, a splendid show. The bank on the other side of the moat is covered with gi-ass, nicely kept in order, with occasionally a few trees planted. The top is surmounted witli a row of trees, mostly Pines, some of which have their branches extended do\vn wards, relie\-ing in a great degree the fonnality which such works usually present. SuiTounding the temple at Asaeksa are extensive grounds, in which are included various shows, and places for practising archerj-. The most interesting part to mo was that portion occupied by a florist's establi^'hment. llere j-ou find everything kept in the neatest order. Tlie plants are arranged on elevated stages, shaded with rolls of fine bamboo laced together, forming open mats, which can be rolled up when desired. They are much superior to a framework of lath, sometimes used by tis for sheltering plants from the sim. T"hc principal stock of plants consists of those most suited to .Tapanese ta.-(tes — viz., dwarfed Pines and Eetinosporas, Sago Palms, variegated Podocarpus, Aucubas, SelagincUas, &c., many of wliieh are sold at what we would consider very high prices. I was surprised to find grow- ing here throe distinct varieties of Verbenas, which I was not aw.are had heen introduced ; also Jasminum grandillorum, and a species of Franeiscea. With these exceptions, together with a dwarf variety of Sago Palm, there was nothing of especial interest that I had not seen offered for sale in Yokohama. The grounds contained several species of trees unknown to me, which 1 would have purchased if I could have obtained small specimens. A pond full of scarlet Nelumbiums, the flowers standing on tall footstalks above the foliage, like immense Tuli])S, had a very fine cflLit. The Japanese garilcners cultivate a number of varieties of them having double flowers, and with various markings and shades of colour, some of which I hope to be fortunate enough to send home alive. The scarlet Clurodendrcn seemed to he a favourite, and large plants of it, crown in ornamental porcelain pots, made a tine show. The .Tapmcse do not entertain our objections to growing plants in glazed pots ; all their tine speci- mens are grown in them, and I certainly have not been able to see that they do not thrive equally as well as in any other kind. One day was devoted to a visit to the gariien.s at Dangozaka and Someia, two villages adjoining each other on the outskirts of the city. We took an early start. Two friends and the usual escort of mounted officials constituted our train ; and although wc considered the latter more ornamental than useful, the Govern- ment, under real or assumed regard for our safety, insisted on their attc-idance. One side of the road which unites the two villages is bounded almost entirely with small nursery grounds. Those at Someia nre larger than those at Dangozaka ; but at none of those visited did I see a finer collection of plants than at Asaeksa. After visiting five or six the guard became rather impatient, as I ex- pected they would, at my frequent stoppages, and inquired what I wanted. I explained to them that I h.id a garden at home, and wanted to see, for the purpose of purchasing what new plants I could find. As is often the ease, they, not being interested, could not a])iircciate my motives ; and as it was already past noon, and very warm, with a long ride before us, I agreed to return if they would conduct us home as far as possible by some country road, instead of through the city. To this they assented, and conducted us back through a series of charming wooded roads and lanes lined with hedges on either side, and through the city within the second moat of the castle, whereby we had a more ct- tendcd view of that part of Yedo. None of the gardens visited, or those seen on my ride, were very extensive, the largest containing but an acre or two of land ; yet I am satisfied that there tire Larger establishments somewhere in tho neighbourhood, where trees are the principal objects of culture. I am impressed with this opinion from the quantities brought to Yokohama for ornamenting the gardens of foreign residents, and for sending away. Another ride we took was to a celebrated tea-house on the other side of the river from Asaeksa. This part of the city is intersected by numerous canals of great value /or the easy trans- portation of heavy goods in a country where wheeled vehicles arc of the rudest description. Above the city, almost as far as the eye can see, is one continued Rice field, which in former years was an immense marsh, redeemed from the overflow of the river by a wide dyke. The top, in most places planted with trees, constitutes the road along which you ride. The amoimt of labour employed to bring into cultivation the almost innumer- able Rice fields all over the eountiy is not to be estimated ; but they are monmnents of the toil of tho people, and if neglected but for a few years, would become covered with a rank and noxious vegetation. Near the Tea garden we visited the residence of a retired merchant, who had the reputation of possessing a beauti- ful garden. In this I was disappointcfl, it being only of a larger size than ordinary, but presenting no remarkable features, either in style or its contents. <1ur disappointment in this respect was compensated by the kind ho.-pit.ality of the aged proprietor and his family, who entertained us with tea and fruit, and did every- thing that Japanese eom-tesy demanded to render our visit agree- able; One of the horticultural attractions of Yedo is the large AVis- taria spoken of in Fortune's "Visit to .Japan." I'nfortunately, it was too late to see it in flow< r, but, judging from the still re- maining flower-stems, it must present a rare object of beauty when in blossom. It is trained on a flat trellis overspreading an area of more than 400 square feet. In our rides about the city, we frequently met Tvith horses laden with cut flowers, in which an extensive trade is carried on. The varieties are such as are most abundant at the particular 8ea.son of the year, and just then consisted of ChiTsanthemums, Wablenbergia sinensis ("'), a species of Veronica, and a few others. In the rear of the legation residence in a small wood, in which arc a number of large trees of Torreya nueifera. It is a very handsome species, growing to a height of 50 feet. If it prove hardy, it will be a valuable addition to our list of evergreens. January IC, 1800. ] JOUEXAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEK. 47 The large tvoo of Ginkgo bilnba, preserved from the fire tliut burned down the buildings last year, still retained the attraetions it had when seen on ray first visit. When better known -with us, the Ginkgo, as an ornamental ti-ce, will meet with a more ex- tended cultivation than it now receives. — T. Hogg. — [Amincaii Oardener's Moutkbj.) PAIXTING WOOD. The preservation of wood by paint is a matter of great im- portance to all who have glass houses. The best way of apply- ing paint, as aJso the materials of which it is composed, are generally left to the painter, who is supposed to uuderstaud his own trade ; the price of the work, the number of coats, and the colour to be employed, are generally matters of discussion ; the quality of the ingredients is taken for granted. Are those wise who pay for a given surface to be painted without know- ing what kind of paint is likely to be employed ? From my own experience I think not. The majority of painters know- little of the nature of pigments, and are as little able to j udge of the quality of what they jjurchase as those who employ them. White pamt ought to be carbonate of lead ; what it often is it would be difficult to say. I have seen it rub off like a coat of whitewash. But suppose wo obtain really good paint, and oil of the best quality, we still arc not safe. Something to cause the paint to di"y quiclUy is almost a necessity, particularly for outside work, and the best paint may be spoilt. The protoxide of lead (li- tharge) is an excellent diyer for dark colours ; the acetate of lead (sugar of lead) is equally good for light colours ; but some stuff called patent dryers is generally used. What is this ? Kequiring no grinding, easily mixed, drying readily, it appears just what the painters want, but v.'hat is its effect ? Have you ever seen an old oil painting cracked in all directions like a piece of scored pork ;• If you ask an artist the cause he will perhaps tell you " Oh that man's pictures all crack, he used too much wax in his colours." Just the same effect is seen in almost all tlie common painting now. Ask the painter the reason, and he will tell you it is the sun on the varnish. Show him the paint is cracked down to the wood, and, therefore, it cannot bo the vaniish. Show him a door v.hich faces the north, and, therefore, it cannot be the sun, and he will pro- bably tell yoit he really cannot say what is the reason. My own opinion is these patent dryers are the cause, and the effect is in exact proportion to the amount used. Put a double or treble dose in your paint and see if it is not so. Whether I am light or w^rong it may do good to call attention to the sub- ject.— J. E. Pearsox, Chilicell. Legacy to thk G.vr.PEXEEs' Eoy.>.l Bexevolext Ixstitutiox. — I beg to apprise you of the death of Mr. Henry Scott on the -5th inst. lie was for very many years gardener to Wynn Ellis, Esq., of Ponsbourno Park, Hertford. He was a subscriber to this Society since 1813, and, by his will, has left a legacy to this institution of £'21)0. This is certainly a noble example, and needs no comment from me. — Edward E. Cuilek, Secretary. CoLLVER tfc EoRERTS' ToBAcco TisscE. — This patented pre- paration for fumigating is used the same as tobacco or tobacco paper. Mr. Eyles says that " it is decidedly preferable to the paper in common use," and other head gardeners bear testi- mony to its efficacy as a destroyer of the thrips and green fly. THE MODERN PEACH-PRUNER.— No. 20. OPXHARD-HOUSE PEQXING ASD TEAINIXG. BcsH trees in pots have apparently the advantage of being easy of formation ; but, though readily kept in shape for a season or two after potting, they are apt to be thrown out of a true balance by any strong vertical shoot which may be over- looked. It is. therefore, on the whole, safer to induce the bush tree to assume some more regiUar shape, such as the pyramidal. In this case we may, by extra width at the base, cause the tree to look much like an ordinary bush, whilst we retain the advantage of having a main central stem from which the branches can be more symmetrically developed than if the tree divided into two or three strong branches at the outset. By keejiing the top of this low pyramid very little in advance, and allowing the base to extend freely beyond the pot, this form assumes an aspect different from the lofty pyramid with its comparatively slender base. ^Vhen, however, the bush form is retained, it is imperatively necessarj- to keep the centre open to the influences of sunshine and ail-. In this case, also, regularity of form is not only more pleasing to the eye, but conduces to the duration as well as to the productiveness of the tree. It is necessary, generally, to peg do«-n the leading branches so as to induce the tree to form the U or goblet shape, and also to keep the branches at proper iutei-vals by means of slender rods. One season of neglect is enough to spoil the whole appearance of any bush tree ; indeed, it is rare we sec any very handsome specimens after a certain age. Half-standards are much easier to keep in form. Generally speaking, after a maiden tree has been headed down to six or seven buds (au odd number being preferable), the shoots proceeding from these buds should be trained care- fully from the outset, and regularly stopped to equalise their growth. Should the tree not put forth a sufficient number of shoots, cut off the ends of those formed early in .lune, and from their points second growths will spring from which the requisite number can be selected to shape the tree. This is for ordinary bushes ; possibly for U-shaped trees where the shoots are strong, it wovild be preferable to cut them back in May so as to induce them to fork lower down. The equalising of the whole form is to be continually attended to by stopping any shoot which protrudes. By cutting to a bud which points outwards the centre is kept more open in any ease. Any laterals, later in the season, on the upper jjortions, can be slightly equalised as shown in Ko. \i. At the October pruning the tree is formed according to the shape decided on. Goblet-shaped trees, with long vertically inclined shoots — i. c, branches in futiu-e, should have these left longer and not much shortened-in. Perhaps one-foui-th is sufficient, generally speaking, to suppress now. A few laterals may thus be retained within these dimensions, and these should be cut-in to two buds. Low pyramids -will have to be cut back to a convenient group of triple buds, or to some single wood-bud looking outwards. Tall pyramids are treated in much the si-^me |way. The first winter-regulation is im- portant for the beauty of the tree. In pyramids our greatest attention is needed to establish the lower portions from the commencement, and never to allow these to langi-ish, nor to bear too early. During the ensuing sxtmmcr the side-shoots are to be stopped at three leaves, &c., as before directed in No. 18, for potted trees. It the summer-stopping of this, the second, season of the tree being in a pot, has been regularly done at the winter regulation, the tree will begin to assume a certain definite shape, ami the pruner wiU be less jsuzzled than in dealing with more irregular forms. It is always better to avoid cutting do-^-n potted trees, and rather to rest them for a season, by removing the fruit and re- modelling them. 'Whenever, however, a tree resists this care, it will be found that it suffers from some serious cause. The roots should bo carefully examined, and if unhealthy the tree should be at once removed and another young one brought forward from the reserved stock. A few trees thus reserved will save much annoj-auce. Overcrowding is a fertile cause of the trees becoming shapeless and unproductive. In general, also, sufficient attention is not given to selecting handsome and regular shapes for potted trees. The advice of some experienced person is of great use in the disposition of the trees in an orchard-house. The variety of forms and climates precludes any general rule in this matter, and, doubtless, we have all very much to learn in this respect. We have started from a good and tried basis, however, and may experimentalise without serious risk. The mere beginner, however, had better be cautious, and secure the soundest advice ! within his reach ; at least, in such important points as the best shape and situation for his new house, and the selection and disposition of the trees within it. If the summer stopping of the shoots be both easy to describe and to perform, the same cannot be said of the winter pruning. In this case there is no better way than to have recourse to our classification of the Peach shoots, and to state in what respect the winter pruning of each differs. Peach trees in pots are stopped at three leaves, as soon as five are formed ; and second growths at two leaves, as soon as three are formed ; third growths generally to one more leaf, unless autumn gi-owth be desirable to relieve the tree. (See, 48 JOUEKAL OP HORTICULTORE AND COTTAGE GAIUJEXER. [ JaniuiT IS, iaC6. No. 18.) In the open air, however, the first summer ftoppiiiK is made at four good leaves, as soon as six are developed ; iiud second growtlis are stopped at two leaves, as soon as four more are growu. This gives us more freedom and secures junctiou- buds, and also the triple groups below them. This is described in No. 17. This style of stopping to four leaves is also the best for diagonal cordons on the back walls of orchard-houses when single, and, therefore, at about 15 inches' interval. If planted at 12 inches' interval between the leaders (being double or triple), then stopping to A inches may be advisable. Even then, in mimy cases, four leaves may be left with advantage, especially at the base. We have thus one single system of Bnmmer Btoi>pinp adapted to orchard-houses, and to trees on the open wall. It will now be seen, also, that the winter regu- lation of the shoots can bo conducted without any more dis- tinction between house and open wall. Keourring, then, to the classification of the shoots, it may be laid down as a lixed rule, that Classes .'>, (i, and 7, should never be touched at the winter pruning. (See No. '.>. Vol. VIII. p. :!.S(i.| Class 5, or the cluster-spur, is a perfect type, able to bear, and also to extend by means of its central leaf-bud. It is found in abundance on trees in pots, and on all kinds of cordons on ■walls. It is the mainstay of the close-pruning system. Finx. 5, 2(1, and 21, in support of this view, are photographed. On the shoots of dingonal-cordons of a certain iigc, this class is most ' common. In fo/. 22, all marked d, a are cluster -spurs, or " bouquets de Mai ," as the French call them. Class 0, is the same spur after bearing. (Sec yifi. 0, No. i).) A httle practice will enable the pnmer to recognise it, and as it is short and has a terminal leaf- bud, it must be left imtouched now, so as to make a new shoot during the summer. Of course, all below this growth will be bare for ever, but this is not of much con- sequence, as is evi- dent in ji(i. 22, where c shows its relative length and position. Class 7, or fruis-spr.ay, is alfo a valuable type of shoot, very common in close pruning. In,rf.'7. 7, (No. 11), and in Jin. 22, where it is marked a, we have examples of this class, latiji. 20 (Xo. 1«), it is also seen, the engraving being taken from n photograph ; it has a terminal leaf-bud, and can bear, having single Ijlossom-buds. If it had no wood-bud close to its base, it might not be so useful, but it generally has. Whenever, however, it occurs in the centre of bush trees in pots, it will then be found to be too long and liable to become straggling ; in fact, too like Class 8. It may, but only in this case, be cut out, otherwise when it occurs in close priming it should be retained as much as possible. Class 8, fill. 8, page 380, is barren spray, or "chiffon," as Dubreuil calls it, an unsatisfactory class of shoot, which had better be suppressed whenever no great gap is caused thereby. Bush trees in pots are frequently ruined by such shoots, and they indicate neglect of summer stopping, or weakness of the tree from want of air, /cc. This type has single blossom-buds, but no terminal leaf-buds, hence its name. Class 2, fill. 2, page 324, fruit-shoot of the ordinary character. In long pruning it is seen of almost .any length ; but in close pruning the beautiful shoot shown in/i,'?. 21 is what we should prefer to see. In this case, being only about from 4 to (\ inches in length, we may allow it to remain untouched at the winter pruning, and cut it close in to the one or two wood-buds seen at its base, after it has produced fruit. Wlien longer it then becomes useful to form a new branch, and thus C3a--es to have the distinctive character of the shoot seen iu jig. 21. Class 3, or the mixed shoot, is also common in yonng trees, and useful to sha])e them. AVhencvcr, then, either of tbceo types occur as extensions of any fonn of tree, they should not be thortened after the first year or so. In close pruning wo soon cease to think of them as shoots, and rather incline to regard them as useful to bear the shorter ones only. Class 1, jiri. 1, page 324, Pure AVood-shoot. Naturally in- clined to grow long, and haring a few feeble blossom-buds at its extremity. Seen iu yomig trees, and also in the extensions of older forms, and only useful in tliis respect, as laying the foundation of riper wood. Class 4, jij. 4, page 32.'), the Gross Shoot, or " gourmand " of the French. A vigorous development of Class 1. Useful to form young trees quickly, but to be carefully watched in older forms lest the tree be thrown out of balance. As the main stem of a healthy pyramid in the border, or in the case of a fan-shaped tree on the wall, where it is preferred not to divide the tree into two wings, much progress is made by it. It is readily known by its darker colour, the smallne.^s of the leaf-buds, and the premature laterals thrown out at the upper portions. In close pruning, however, all these natur.illy long shoots become, practically, only useful to form the tree, while the naturally shorter shoots are retained to bear the fruit. By allowing the branches to remain at full length after the first or second season, and by Uie close summer stopping of the shoots, we increase this distinctive charac- ter, and thus re- tui-n to first prin- ciples. Although more regular forms are desirable, there is no reason why irre- B gular fan - shaped trees should not bear well when closely pruned. In some cases this form mav be even the best adapted, and, no doubt, much advantage is gained by having a biennial supply of young and healthy wood. Gaps made by unskilful prim- ers luav . thus be filled up. Vi!j. 22, however, clearly shows how it is possible to have regularly disposed branches, and, at the same time, to preserve the spurs on them for many sea- sons without recourse to amputations or fresh wood. In this specimen, drawn from nature from a diagonal cordon about ten years, old it is evident tliat the double spur is as old as tlie parent tree, and this without being more than a few- inches in length or half an inch in diameter. The left spm- bears the marks of numerous suppressions of former shoots. It retains two of these three or four seasons old, and only respectively 1 inch and 2 inches long. On the upper one are the cluster spur b and the fruit spray a ; on the lower one is another cluster u, and tliis same type after bearing, c. Spring- iug from the very base is a pure wood shoot i>, which has been cut back to two wood-buds to form succession shoots. The spur on the right is not so thick as its fellow, but also shows marks of work. It bears throe fruit sprays A and four cluster spurs B. Also at its base we find a shoot having groups of triple buds (class 2|, and cut back above the lowest of these groups. This shoot is cut back for the same pur))oso as that marked d, and is itself marked E. It is, therefore, quite evident that the whole of the two aged spurs might be cut ciT after bearing, leaving some four or five new shoots springuig from D and E. These spurs and their beautiful fruit-bearing shoots thus seen, are really a triumph of close pruning. No one can reasonably doubt that there is a promise of abundant fruit here, lying close to the wall, and produced by a type allowed to be that which bears the very largest Peaches. It would not be at all January 16, 1S66. ] JOURN.tL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GABDENEK. 4od deal of tire Iieot should bo retiuired, bedewing the floors and stages carefully with the sjTinge will be better than giving too much water to the plants. In frosty weather, and in a sunny day. it is better to let the house rise 10' or 15 above the temperatures just stated, in preference to giving ent ranee to much cold dry parching air. A little nir given earl)' will prevent any necessity for this. Be assured that .strong tires at night, nnd even during the day, and sashes tumbled down for great spaces, when the sun is powerful, are alike a waste of fuel and an injury to the plants in very cold weather. II sun is expected it is better that the fires should go ont, than that a great amomit of air should be given under such circumstances. •Such weather furnishes a good opportunity for forwarding house work, washing plants and fruit trees, examining Potatoes, Dahlias, fruit-roimis, stopping and tying Geraniums, pruning and potting Fuchsias, putting in cuttings of whatever is scarce, washing i)Ots with heated water, cleaning sheds, making tallies, .ind pointing stakes, Ac. — E. F. C0^^3XT GARDEN MARKET— Janiauv 1:!. So Abnntliint is thp irrowtb of the VRrions Winter Greens this seft^nr., tliiit the lute inclement wenlber has bnl sliRhtly influenced our markets. Tlif (orL-if,ni trade has, bowever. been much 'interrtipted. Apples are boconiJnK comparatively scarce. Dessert Pears cnsist of Glou ilorceau. No Plus Mcuris, Beurrf dc Ranee, and Easter Bcmre. Potatoes are amply .-applied. FBCIT. Apples ^ sieve Apricots doz. Cherries lb. Chestnuts bush. Currants, Red 4 sieve Black .". . . do. Fiffs doz. Filberts lb. Cubs .... 100 lbs. Gooseberries.. ^ sieve Grapes, Itambrb.. . lb. d. s li to4 0 0 16 0 0 0 9 1 0 160 U 0 Muscats lb. 10 Lemons loO C Melons each Mulberries punnet Nectarines doz. Oranges 1^ Peaches doz. Pears (kitchen)., doz. dessert doz. Pine Apples lb. Plums J sieve 0 Quinces i sieve 0 I Raspberries 1''. 0 1 Strawberries lb. 0 1 Walnuts bush 11 VEGETABLES. .Artichokes each Asparacus bundle Beans Broad., bushel Kidney luo Beet, Ked doz. Broccoli bundle Brus. Sprouts.. ^ sieve Cabbage .'. doz. Cajisicums 100 CajTots bunch Cauliflower doz. pickling doz. Kndive score t'ennel bunch liarlic and Shallots, lb. Herbs bunch Horseradish . . bundle s. d. s. d 0 OtoO 0 8 0 1 « 0 Leeks bnnch 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 I Savovs doz. Sea-kale basket I Spinach bushel I Tomatoes < sieve Turnips bunch I Vesjetablo Marrows dz. s. d. B. d K U 5 U 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 U 4 0 10 0 0 0 0 u 2 0 4 u 1 f. 6 0 0 0 W 0 ft 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 u ft 0 0 0 14 0 20 0 e. d. s. d 0 StoO 0 1 0 '2 0 1 fi 2 6 ft 2 0 u R 0 6 0 ft 0 U 6 1 0 1 6 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 ^ f. 0 a ft » ft 6 0 ft ft u ft 9 u 9. ft 8 0 3 0 8 u ft 0 0 u 0 4 ft u 0 0 0 (1 TR.\DE CATALOGUES EECER'ED. H. Cannell, Fuchsia Nursery, Station Road, Woolwich. — Sil-et Df.^rriptlfi' I.igt of Fiichsin^ and Verb max. B. S. Williams, Victoria and Paradise Nurseries, HoUowav, London. — Dtscriptirr Catatoijue of Flouer and Vegrtahle Seea&. H. Lane & Son, Great Berkhampstead. — Fniit Catalogue. Dcicriptivr Ctttaloffui' of Anitrican Plauts, Conifers, Trees, and Nhrulif. Catiiloriue of Hoses. Catalogue of Azalea indica. ,T. C. Wheeler & Sou, Gloucester.— ir/ict/^r cf- .Son's Little iJooA-, or SelfCt Seed LUt. TO SELLIXr, GEAPr.S ( .t. R. Covent Garden Market. CORRESPONDENTS. »(/;;. r,. .— Writcto Messrs. Webber & Co., fruiterers. . , , ..... ., ,,. - -, — — Eap.th Pots li/. £. ^.*.— We never heard of moulds for making "earth ffiven cany, iiowever little; if very cold, enough may come pota,' aud do not even know what they are. Jannary 16, 1866. ] JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 53 Camellia Ckltcke iOiieof Your TVi-n First f;„b>icriher.i.)—I{ your plants are pot-bouuil. or, fov their size, in very sm.ill pots, and do not appear to Lave heeu shitted for a number of years, tlion repot them ; but, if they have been ricontlv potted, and the soil and drainage are Kood, yon had better let them remain as thev are, especially as you propose cutting tUeia in. If y.iu pot the plants, tuni them out carefully, remove the drainage, and' pick out the old soil from amongst the roots, being very careful not to break the fibres, which are extremely brittle. I se any size of pot that will allow of half an inch of fresh soil being placed around the ball, and working the soil so as to leave no vacant ^pac c between the ball and the sides of the pot, and lot the collar be ..lighlly elevated in the centre of the pot. Drain the pots well ; one-fourth tlieir depth is not too much. Use none but clean pots, wll-washed inside as weU as outside, and let the compost c..iisi.~t of tivotbivds sandy turfy peat (not bog soil or the mossy brown peat used f-r growing Orchids), and onc-thu'd tiirly loam rather ■■trong, but not liea\T— that from rotted turves a yearold is best, the wh.de broken and chopped with a spade, and made pretty hue, hut not sifted, adding one-sixth of silver sand if the soil la not sandy enough. The end of March or earlv in April is a good time to pot them, or about a fortnight after the bloom is over. About the middle of April the plants mav be cnt-in, and this yon may do to any extent ; but it is better to give them bottom heat afterwards in order to induce them to break well, and such encouragement wonld he especially useful in your case if thev are fresh-potted. A bottom heat of 15' for six weeks would be of great service in inducing them to break, especially if you cut them in much. To-.vards the eud of April maintain a temperature of 50 at n!"ht, in a fortnight increase the temperature to o5^ and in the course of 'another fortnight to GO-, with a rise by day of 5 in diill weather, 10= when cloudy "ith clear intervals, and fi-oni 15= to 20 nith sun and a cloudless skv. 'Give air on all favourable occasions. Sprinkle the paths, Boors, and cveiT available surface twice daily, morning and evening, with water of the same temperature as the house, and syi'inge the plants overhead morning and evening, until the young shoots are a few inches long, then disoontinuo the moniing sjiinging. giving air early so as to have the leaves dry before the sun shines powerfully upon them. When the shoots have done giowing, gi-adually discontiuue lire heat, and give all the ail- pos'iblo, decreasing the amount of moisture, but still sprinkling the paths, &c., twice dailv. As vou have the option, do not turn the plants out of the house, but keep them as cool as possible by admitting day and night as much air as po>sible. Pl.\n-ts Fon RocKWonK (Old Verr).— On the shady parts of your rock- work you may gi-ow the following Ferns, watering them copiously diu-ing drv weather when gi-owing. Asplcnium adiantum-nigrum. A. viride, and A.'trichomanes; .\Uosorus erispus, Bleehnum spicant, and its varieties cristatum and ramosuni; Lastrea oreopteris, L. Filix-mas, and its varie- ties cristata and Seholicldii, L. rigida, L. dilatata, L. Fcenisecii, and L. cristata ; Osmunda regiilis, Polvpodium vulgare, P. phcgopteris, P. dry- opteris, P. alpestre. Polvstichum" acnleatum, P. lobatum, P. angulare, »nd its variety proUferum : Scolopendrium vulgare, and its varieties endivi.Tfolium.' multifldum, and rainosum ; Cystopteris Diclueana, C. fra- gilis, and variety dentata ; Athvrium Filix-fiemina, varieties apuieformc, depauperatum. md plnniosum ; Onoelea sensiliilis : Osmunda cinnamoinea, O.inten-upta; Slruthiopterisgei-mnnica. andpenusylvaniea : Polystichnni acrostichoides. P. proliferum, and P. pungent. Of hardy Heaths f,,r the sunny parts— Erica vulgaris Alporti. alba, Hammondi, and ngida; E. ci- nerea, varieties alba and eoccinca : E. vagans. varieties alha, carnea, and rubra ; E. seoparia, E. tetralix, E. herbacea, and variety camea ; and E. ciliaris. Orobus vernus; Aral.is albida. and alpiiin : Aubrietia del- toidea : Lotus comiculatus fiore pleno ; Iheris semper\'irens, and saxatilis ; Genista triijuetra, Drvas DrummoniU. Draba aizoides, Aly.ssum saxatile, Saxifraga artinis, Aiz'oon, Dueklaiidi, oppositifolia, and polita ; Dianthus alpiuus, D. deltoides, D. floribundns, and D. cnientus ; Cerastium Bie- bcrsteini, and C. tomentosum ; Sedum Ewersi, S. album, S. kamtschati- cum, S. Sieboldi. and S. rupestre ; Stachys lanata ; Silene alpestris ; Sene- cio alpestris ; Scutellaria alpina ; Oochlearia grcenhindiea ; Armeria vul- garis alba ; Aleheinilln alpina ; Ajuga veptans variegata, and Cheirantbus alpiuus. The Ferns are fov the bhady, and the Heaths and folloiving plants for the sunny situations. Peopagatisg IIrs. Pollock Geraxium (J Constant Header).— ^on will hardly be able to obtain cuttings from vour autumn-struck plants before tlie m'iddle of February, even if vou keep these in a temperature of from 4:. to 50- from iii-e heat, which is sufficient forcing. The tops of the plants may then he taken ofl', and made into cuttings. They will soon r.jot in a mild hotbed of 75°. The plants being repotted, plunge the pots in a bottom heat of 75=, with a top heat not exceeding 55 from fire heat, and in six weeks vou mav be able to obtain another hatch of cuttings. Under this treatment you will obtain a quantity of small plants, which will not afford anything Ukc the same deigree of satisfaction that one-half or one-fourth of tlie number of well-grown plants would give. Plants of this Geranium require to he strong and well-hardened off before planting out. Grapes Remaisisg ox the Vine (J. C.).— However long they may he allowed to remain, they will have no injurious effect on the crops of next season. DRACiXA FEHREA AXD PalMS IX A DlUWIXG-EOOM (-E. Z>.). — The cause of the leaves being spotted is their being constantly syringed whilst the soU is kept constantlv moist by too frequent waterings. ^^ ater only when the soil becomes drv, and only syringe occasionally to free the loaves of dust. Such plants, though retaining their beauty m rooms for a long time, cannot he gi-own there, and should therefore be returned m good time to the stove, in order to perfect their growth. Crvstallisixg Flow-ees (£»fnl. — We have no experience of this practice, nor did we ever see flowers so treated. The following, ex- tracted from an American paper, may aid yon; —'• Crystallising Flowers.— It is done by suspending or repeatedly dipping them in water saturated with alum. This, however, cau only be done with dried speci- mens. The freshness and beauty of flowers can be preserved by dipping them in glycerine.'* Conservatories at Kew axd Chatsworth iJ. H. J.).— The dimensions of the new conseiwatoi-}- in the pleasure grounds at Kew are as follows :— Centre— Icn-th. 212 feet: breadth, 137 feet ; height, GO feet. Octagons- each, 60 feet in diameter. Wings mot yet built) — length, 112 feet; breadth, 62 feet. Total, when complete. 582 feet long, and covering a superficies of 1» acre. Length of pipes, iij mUes. The length of the con- servatory at Chatsworth is stated in M'Intosh's " Book of the Garden," to he about 282 feet ; its breadth, 120 feet ; height, about UO feet. Roses in Pots (Old Sub»criber).—V.'e cannot give you much encourage- ment as to growing Roses in a room. They will not do well. Ti on must place them as near the window as practicable, shifting thein into larger pots now and using a compost of turfy and rather strong rich loam. After potting plunge in coal ashes in a sheltered situation, and protect from severe frost bv a Utile drv litter put over them, but removed in mild weather. You'mav take them into the room in February, and then prune them, cutting the strong shoots to four, and the weaker ones to two eyes. Keep the soil just moist until gi-owth commences, then keep the plants well-watered; sprinkling them morning and evening with tepid water will also be beneficial. After blooming plunge the pots in coal ashes in an open situation. We shall have an article on the cultivation of looses in pots shortly, but we think vom- Roses would be much better planied out. All would do well in the beds, whilst they would aff,,ra you but little gratification if grown in pots in a room. Celine F..restur, Niphetos, ftol- faten-e, and Comtesse do Barbantanne would be the better of a wall w.jl. a south-west aspect, or at least a warmer situation. The others would form a fine margin to the beds of half standards. The Roses newly planted in the beds should not be pruned until the first week in March. VixES Mildewed I TF. A'. B.).— The two Vinos that are mildewed had better be coated with a mixtm-e of sulphur and lime in equal parts, brought to the consistencv of paint by the addition of soft-soap water, made bv dissolving 2 ozs. of soft soap in a quart of water. In order to make this mixture adhere, add to it as much clay as it contains of sul- phur. AU the Vines should be washed or painted with this composition now, brushing it well into every crevice. The mUdew will destroy the Vines unless checked. Should it reappear, dust the parts affected mth flowers of sulphur. Lewisia REDIvrvA— Vakieg.ated Ivies (.< Comtant Reader and Pur- irtsf VI.— AU that we know of this plant is that it is a native of ^orth America, and is included in the Natural Order Crassulacew. It was ais- covered and named bv Pursh, a Prussian botanist, whose " Flora .\mei-i- eanie SeptentrionaHs " was published in 1814. The roots ai-e nutritive, a kind of salep being made from them by the Indians, who collect them m large quantities. We do nut know whether our nurserymen have the plant. Our corresp.mdent will be obliged by a list of the best hardy small-leaved variegated Ivies.— J", B. C. would be obliged to '■ J. H." for information as to where the Lewisia can be iirocured and how to glow it. Persian Melons (Jr. H.. Da!s(on).-There are many varieties of Persian Melons, and whoever told vou otherwise was certainly wi-ong. M'In.osh, in his "Book of the Garden," describes eight varieties of the Persian. We cannot identify a varietv of the Melon by its seed ; but if you have the Ispahan, that is one of the varieties, and excellent. History of Gardening {Erdinriton].— If you send Ss.Bd. in postage stamps you can have .Johnson's " History of English Gardomng, free by post. It is out of print. Heitixo Two Houses from One Tubular Boiler (S. S. e.)-- If, in heating two houses the pipes are taken away level from the boder. you will not be able to sink them in one house. 18 inches, to go under a path- way, if the first level is to be continued afterwards. No pipes should go below the level of the boiler. If a close boiler is low enough to allow the to rise into the lowest house to be heated, you may elevate the pipes ch pipe: from 'the same level for both us you like in another house. Starting __ . houses will not interfere at all with the good workmg of the pipes tha. you raise higher in the second house ; but sometimes the flow_will be strongest in the house proportionally raised above the boiler. Thi.s yon can eSsily regulate by a valve, which will be needed if you wish to have the power of working each house separately. ME.ALV Bug ox Oran,;e Trees (H. r.).-For Orange trees growing in the open air so infested with mealy bug, we would syringe strongly with quassia water, or soft-soap water, say 1 oz. of each to the galloii-if washed with the hand an,l brushed all the better. In a few d.iys syringe the trees well with clean water at 140= ; then have a simple thiekish paint formed of melted soft soap and clay, and with a small brush paint the stems and daub over every little colony, or a single one as it apiiears, with the point of the brush. This simple paint will imprison the insects and kiU them for want of air, and will not luu-tthe trees, as many other mixtures wonld be apt to do. Wo once cleaned a lot of smaU Apple trees that were eaten up with American hUght, by first washing with strong soap ^yater, then painting the trees aU over with clay pauit, and using this paint to daub up every insect that appeared dm-iug the summer. A little sof. soap in it prevents its drying too qmcMy and craclang. Wherevei these cracks take place, and there are eggs beneath, the latter will be hatched. Of all paints for insects clay is the cheapest and the best. Edging of Holly (.-l.).-An edging, 4 or .=. inches high of the commoii Hollv, will look very well ; the only objection to it will be when leaves are blown into it, as it will be difficult to get them out. W e fe«. how- ever, unless vourcUmate is mild and moist, you will not succeed by planting cuttings of Holly round the bed in double or treble lows. In most places thev require to be protected m winter by hand-lights, the cuttin"s bein" iiserted thickly in sandy soil in the autumn, when many roott^encS'spring. We think you would .succeed much better u' you could purchase small plants 3 or 4 inches high. Heating with Hot Watek (.S. I,.).-We think all the arrangements will do onlvas the pipes are sunk imder the pathways we would have win eaeii place instead of three; and instead of having >-our central bed slonin" like the roof, we would have it of equal height back and front, sav from 18 to 24 inchk ; the plants will then look much better from either pathway. We presume that the side ventilators come down under the "o^und level, to enter by an opening below the border, and thus the cold air will he brought in contact with the pipes-a very- good plan. We hope top air is suflil-ient. It is all nonsense about the bees influencing the appearance or flavour of different Strawberries planted near each other Thev would influence the seeds, but not the pulpy matter usuaUy c.alled the ffuit. Messrs. E. G. Henderson are rich in Cyclamens. It would not suit to print a manual on Cyclamens as you propose. NEW York Nurserymen (-4 Constant Beader)-y>e cannot select from them, but you will find a list in the " Gardeners' Year Book for 1S6„. Prices of Fruit (Mrs. S.).-Yom- suggestion cannot be adopted. Dealers will not tell us the prices they pay for wholesale quantities. Glass Edgixg for Borders «i. T. B.).-The gkss tiles for this par- pose may be had of Messrs. Kilner, glass manufacturers, Thames Street, London. .'4 JOUKXAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ January 1G» 18C6. ToP-nBK8KiKo A IjivrH WITH Sasd (F. J.).— You inny apply the drcsniufr oi wui*l to Uic luwn in Ffbrunry *tr up to the initliUt* of March, n quurt^T of uu iucb iu tliickiii-fM nil ovi-r the Hui-fuce niU nut be too much : but iu what wny it ciui Utul tn miike the kthhs liner wc ore nt ft loss to know. A'ihcH would tlo juhi. n.s will if pushed thronjjli ii sitvi? withntiuitrtcrof-au- inch ujcsh, ixiui will not be so likely to fftvour tho f;r<»wih of niuHi*. A dr«rt!iiu(i of rich ei>ni|K>^t would be better thun cither, r'tiiid would hnve a teudi-uev ti]- where llu :lvu a bnd turf, and the gra&a uf lawuu ih liucht lb. 1 1 theiu the i I LIPS AX1> RANCNtTi.rsEH iLlfm).~lt nifty be Li iidvautngo dnhu^ the Bi'owinu !•eIl^on when water al Ibi^ periiid of tlic year. None will bo needed for "liulloub " !?h.iw. iiud then ft j-ood wfttcriiiK twice s ilry, or once if the soil is uioiht, will do good, cuu- > iktion lUI the plants arc iu bloom. -«ATioNs (/(/* m).— You uiiiy plant, or rather transplant iluriug diy mild wciilbcruexl mouth, or any time in mild weather up to April. Plantixo L-vinuLi/Wf-nil.— Frcni tho beginning of March to the middle of Ajiril during shower>* weather i^ a good time to plant Laurels. Covers fob Tins Joi'uxai. {Jilfin).—\\e bnvo covers to hold ft year's Numbers of The JoI'unal or UoitxiccLTURE, the price of each of which is Us. M. WooDUCE nr DrNO (rn»ninnfn).— We were similarly situated with nil onr dung for hotbeds until we let tbo fowls have the run of it, and wo find them ever buhV, ci^in.(ii.lly after it is turned and thrown up to heat. Ve think your dung lir.> lum'put on dr\% for bad it been tbrowii up to beat and well watered, the w.ioalico would not have troubled you so much. Vp'o would remove the dung, throw it into a benp, and wfltoril well, imless it be already wet, and then pnur boiling water into the pots to kill the woodlice. You mny then place the po;s over the Seu-kule again, covering with hot dung, tbniwn into a hcr.p mid turned over once or twice, water- ing each time, if ueceHKary, so as to bring it iuto a high stale of fermen- tation, which is whut we recommend to be done to the manure heap be- fore the dnng i> used for holbi<(ls. Sowing Micsosette in a Greenhocse (7f/i?m).— Yon may sow Migno- nette in your greenhouse along witliothcrannuals, and with every chauce of success, only keep the plants near tho glas«, give them rtbnndance of air, and do not let them grow too long in the seed pots before pricking off, and in doing so do uot put too many pbmts in a pot. Liberiil treat- ment will make them tine. The beginning of March will bo sulticiently early to sow them, tliough you mny do so now. only the seedlings will re- quire greiiter care, nud not so much water, Ouly hardy annuals should be sown at this early sea>~on in a temperature of from 40- to 50*. Grass Seeds roii Lawn (ro'cmt.—AVe presume you wish for ft good lawn, tbtn you should have Clovers, unless your lawn have sufficient of tbem ah-eady. Festucaduri«scul:i,:j lbs.; Fcstucatc-nuifolia,'21bs. ; Fos- tucn o\inft. 2 lb«. ; Poa nemoralis, 1* lb.; Poa sempcrvirens, 2 lbs.; Cy- noeurus cri^tutus, Clbs.; to which we would add of IVifoHum repcns, 3 lbs.; Trifolium minus. '2 lb?.; and of Lotus coruiculatus, 1 lb. This is not too much to sow over n la^Ti very thin of gi-ass ; but if it only needs thickening, 12 lbs. of the mixture arc sufliciont for an acre. The lawn fhould have a dressing of good, rich soil or compost, about the middle of March, and tho seeds should be sown during the first dn," weather in April, just btfore or with an early prospect of r:iin. ^ow the seeds over the lawn, then rake it over with an iron rake, and roll iinmediatoly after- wards if the ground is dry, for if wet the soil and seeds will adhere to t)je roller. Fmm a quarter to half nn inch is not too thick to cover the la^Ti with compost. PontTiNu Garden Wali- (Jrff»t).— Plaster or bairmoilar is the best for this purpose ; it is made of lime, sharp sand, and cow's bnir. and is not expensive. The old mortar should be picked out, especially that which is loose. The pointing may bo done now during mild wefitber, but it is better to defer it till tliere is less likelihood of frost occiu'iug before the plaster becomes dry. A small qnantitv of hair will suffice. Protecting Titi-ip-eeds (/(/.m).— AUttlc dry litter will be all that is nccess3i7 to protect them, putting it <>n before frost, and remo\ing it daring mild weuthcr. Three inches of dry, light litter will be suflicieut. Book {Lfictuca). — Wo have no knowledge of Professor Oliver's book. Greenqol'se Kront-border Uses {T. I. D.).—lf we nnderstand your letter aright, you have a border iu front, next the path, C feet in widtli; but il your house be 10 feet \vide, then you will ouly have a border iu front 1 foot wide. Tho birder In front would form a vorj* good place for the growth of Potatoes, if you wore to lill it with leaver, and place 6 inches of g4X)d rich t^oil above them. Plant the Potatoes now in rows 15 inches upiirl, II inches fr.jm net to set, II inches below tho surface. Your proposed ni«hl teniperutiire is high (or Potatoes ; one of from r.O' to {..'> would be belter foritbo lirst month after the haulm n appear, after that it may be 00 , with ftir. at night. 'J'he Potatoes will bo fit for mc by the beginning of April, and a fortniglit before that you may sow Kidney lleans between the Potato rows, sowing them ii inches apart iu drills 1 inch deep. .i. When the roots eome through the sides of the hills, put soil around them so as to cover the whole of the six-feet border to a depth of from 10 inches to a foot. A good rich strong loam made lii-m is best fur Melons, undone not so strong for Cncumbei*s. In this v.-ay you may have a good crop of Melons in .\ugust nud September, or either Melons or Cucumbers earlier by tilling tho border with dung aud planting at an earlier season. Bridgesia spicata— Polygon em Sieboeki |,Vm« H.)— The Bridgesia is sufficiently hardy to withstand om- ordinary winters near London. It is growing in the Cbiswick Gardens of tbo Koyal Horticultural Society, trained on the outside of the conservatory erected some years ago by Messrs. Hartley. It was not killed in the severe winter of 1S60, when the thermometer iudieiited 1 below zero. It is an evergi'een climber, with pretty leaves and flowers, and is vei-y ornamental for covering walls. It is less kuowu than it deserves to he. Polygonum Siebuldi ia also hardy. Your plant is Liuum trigynum. Leaf Mould— Evaporating-trocghs for Conservatory— AnsfiTTiNr. Air {Tyro). — Leaf moubl is formed of leaves laid i:i a heap until decayed so as to resemble mould. It is readily recognised by its br^wn colour, and by the portions of decayed leaves which it contains. It is obtainable of most nurserymen, who, though they do not goncmlly sell it, will, never- theless port with a little to oblige their customers. You may form it yourself by throwing into a heap a quantity of Oak and Beech leaves which are best, or. failing these, other tree leaves will do, covering with a little- soil to prevent them blowing about, and in twelve months they will, upon sifting, he a quantity of soil or decayed matter available, when minced with loam, for polling Cineraria^'. Calceolarias. &c. We do not consider you need evaporating-troughs for your conrier\-atory flue-pipe, as the difficulty is to keep the atmosphere diy enough in winter, and in summer sufficient raoistiu-e may be secured by sj-ringing the plant?, and moistening tho i)atbs, floor?, walls, &c. You may, however, have evapo- rating-troughs made to lit the flue. They may be of zinc or galvanised iron, 8 intlies high nt the sides, and closed at the ends. Two Ibree-feet lengths will be suflicieut, and any whitesmitli would make them for yon. By giving nir early is meant that it is to be admitted as early in the day as it can be without deci-easiug the internal temperature. Snniise is early enough, and earlier by Ave hours than we give air in summer; we then usutiHy do so from a quarter to eight to half-past eight iu the morn- ing. As wc" keep r.ir on ail night, we are not so particular iu giving it to I cool houses, as that is merely increasing their temperature. I Names of Plants (ir. T. i'.l.— 1. Pteris hastata ; 2, Pteris cretica ; I 3, Ouyehium Incidum ; Pteris lougifoUa ; r., BIcchnum brasilienso ; 6, in- sufficient; 7, Platylomarotundifoiium. {J. O. U.). — Veronica Ilcndryana. (A Subscriber). — 1, Justicia. probably, but the specimen is insufficient for determination ; 2. Thyrsaointhus rutilans. Tiic inflorescence is racemose. (J. M. M.). — Leptoeipermum scop.iriun3. SeveniJ viuieties have long been in cultivation, although seldom met with. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS in the Subiu-bs of London for the Week ending January 13tli. THXIUIOUETES. Date. .\ir. Earth. Wind. lUinin inches. Gen-eeu. Reuakks. Max. Min. Mux. Min. 1 St. lip. 1 2 ft. dp. Son. . . 7 2!) .521 29.063 43 83 45 1 45 S.W. .30 Boisterous with ho.nvv r.iin : verv fine. Mon... « 29.107 29.149 40 SO 45 45 S.W. .02 Cleiu' and boistcrons ; rnin ; verj- fine. Tnes. . st at ni«bt. Sat. .. IS Mean.. 29.710 29.9K2 41 85 40 40 S. .33 Thawing rapidly, with South wind ; stormy and wet ; overcast. 29.428 29.371 38.57 26.43 42.93 43.35 .... il.TS POULTRY, BEE. and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. FIRST IMrUESSIOXS OF BINGLEY H.\.LL. {Coiicbidcd from page 35.) Ox Tuesday morning I was clown early at the Show, and could v.alk about with perfect comfort — indied, I could stroll along unimpeded. And now I began thoroughly to enjoy myself. Jly spirits rose as I recognised old friends of yester- day, and I thoroughly understood the admiration which I had for years heard lavished npon tho Birmingham Show. Now, gentle readers, you who were present and you who were absent, just let mo take you round Bingley Hall. To the one it will revive a pleasant day ; to the other, give some insight into the best of all Shows. I will take the varieties according to tlie January 16, 18G6 ] JOUBNAL OP HOETICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDEN 55 number each miistoreil, and I shall speak of pens and not of single cocks. First, Game, the largest entry of all — 275 pens. Has not the Game fowl, in spite of cock-ligliting being at an end, and not being an over-profitable sort, such a hold upon the English mind that nothing can shake it off ? The length of leg in many struck me as being too great. Clearly by the number of entries the Black-breasted and other Beds are still the favourites. Englishmen love " a Red Game cock " as of yore ; and yet what a beautiful bird is a Duckwing cock ! and what a black prince is the Black (lame cock ! and how pleasing the symmetry, the chief thing that catches one's eye, in a White one ! Next in number to the Game came Cochins — 21S pens — yes, not as I expected, Dorkings, but much-abused Cochins ; and yet one sees hundreds of Dorkings for one Cochin — so many Cochins, and many so excellent. I gi-eatly admired the first-prize White. Next, not Dorlungs but Hamburghs — 195 pens, twenty-eight being Blacks. I am sure it is a mistake in the south and west of Engkaud people not keeping Ham- burghs. Then Dorkings — 132 pens. Shakspeare saw your ancestors not far from this place, for I feel proud to be in Shakspeare's county ; but he never saw such Dorkings as these, and .Tustice Shallow's " short-legged hens " were pigmies to you, I warrant. I noticed but few Silver-Grej'S. Brahmas — 5(i pens, divided, as they always ought to be, into Light and Dark. Spanish — 38 pens, and very good. Polish — in all but 35 pens, and yet prizes for six varieties. Twelve prizes to be shared by only thirty-five pens ! Why should the Polish go down ? In an exhibition no fowls look better ; few are so attractive — many crowd around their pens : the Bl.ack with white crests nobly contrasting, the Golden handsome, the Silver elegant. Come, brother fanciers, take to Polish. What a good chance of prizes for you ! Large breeders, adopt this as an extra variety. Present your wife or daughter with a sitting of eggs next March. Next came Creve Coeur — 20 pens, and last of all Malays — 13 pens. I turn now to the pigmies. Of Game Bantams actually 99 pens ! Why is this ? First, they are very easy to breed, their eggs being almost all fertile ; and then they are pretty to look at, and remind Englishmen of Game fowls. Surely the Judges had some difficulty with this class. Throwing aside a few coarse birds, a great number seemed to me " one as good as another." I own I think shows are becoming overburdened with these easy-to-breed miniature Game fowls ; and as to profit, with them, of course, there is none. Next — but how far apart ! — came the Blacks, which, though true Bantams in shape and carriage, number only 19 pens ; of White there are only 14 ; of Silver-laced, only '.) ; of Gold-laced, but 8 ; and yet, standing for a long time at the end where tlie Sebrights were shown, 1 noticed they came in for more admiration than any birds near. It is indeed a pity they are so few. They cost trouble, but v.'hat a result if successful ! I am thoroughly jealous of the number in which Game Bantams mustered. Happily the aristocratic Sebrights were far away from them, and I hope did not hear about them, or their feelings would have been hurt. Sm-ely, too, the Blacks are fitted for gentlemen's pets, and White for ladies'. As to spirit, what Game Bantam has more than a Black Bantam cock ? Next, gentle reader, we will go and see the Pigeons. The stah-case is steep, so, if a lady, please accept my arm. The Pigeons ! Well, hero they are along the gallery, in an excellent position to be well seen. There were 331 entered, being a greater number than ever seen before at Bingley Hall. This is well, for people seem too often not to know what charming and ornamental pets Pigeons are. Among the higher-bred Tumblers my preference ran for the Mottled. They also look belter in a show than Almonds, not so often standing all of a heap in a corner. The Powters were better in length than colour ; the Carriers good. A special word for the Paints : A pair actually weighed i lbs. 15 ozs., others a few ounces less. These large birds deserve to be extensively bred. The Barbs wore very excellent. This is also a variety of Pigeon I rejoice to see gaining ground : the Blacks, especially, have so much in them ; and oh ! those lovely purple and green hues around the neck of the cock. Few Pigeous have higher claims to regard. The white Fantails were better than the coloured, as surely they always are. A coloured Fantail is as paiufid to my eye as would be a variously-coloured Swan. The Antwerps were too numerous, for what arc they but sharp fliers, looking nothing in a pen '.' Why not more Jacobins '? they are woiih breeding. The high-bred Balds were very pretty, but few and not perfect — a foul thigh, a coloured feather on the head, a .slobbered cut ; but how diflicult it is to breed them free from these blemishes, as I weU know ! The Dragons were very ex- cellent. I particularly admired Mr. Percivall's Blues. The Turbits were also a good class, and, like the Dragoons, drew two " very highly commendeds " from the Judges. Let me speak a word about the Laced Fantails — very beautiful birds if very clean, though they look like a freak of Nature. There was also a pair of Frilibacks, birds not often seen, and very queer-looking. So much for the Pigeons ; would that I could more freciueutly see such beautiful birds. I next determined to go for a while to tho Dog show, so speedily waUced thither. Curzon Hall is a sipiare, with a narrow gallery running all round it. On the ground floor were the larger Dogs, in the gallery the smaller. I began according to number, and passed along noble Bloodhounds, quiet and self-possessed. Why should they be disturbed ? They looked perfectly at ease, like true gentlemen, looking at one as if utterly forgetting or despising the crowd, and deeply cogitating some weighty matter, or solving some stifi problem. On I pass, glancing at shaggy Deerhounds dreaming of their native glens, smooth fawning Ctreyhounds, strong Foxhounds, then other Hoimds. One as I came near happened " to lift up his voice and cry,"' and what music he made ! Then came httle Beagles and Pointers of all sizes, lovely to look at — beaten, however, by lovelier Setters ; curly-coated Betrievers strong and fierce, as two proved which managed to slip their chains and engage in fierce fight. Then one came upon the " Dogs not used in field sports" — Mastiffs like lionesses; Newfoundlands; Sheep Dogs with no sheep to watch, and therefore not quite comfort- able, "Othello's occupation" being gone. But what now? Oh, those marvellously ugly Bulldogs, but lying so marvellously quiet — '■ Old King Dick " wrapped in royal slumber, reproving Shakspeai'e's " Crne.isy lies the head that wears a cro\^"n." Bull Terriers came next, and by no means sleepy, each one apparently regretting that nobody's calf came near enough. On to black and tan Terriers, ready to make love to everybody ; little Scotch Terriers ^vl■iggling their caterpillar-like backs to every one. Pomeranian Pugs, beloved in the last century, figmiug in many a picture with their behooped mistresses, and now, it seems, beloved again with crinoline, Dogs and dress equally ugly. I was, however, pleased to notice that some of the seven Pugs exhibited had not had their ears cropped, one of the micropped taking a secoird prize, and it was manifest how far less ugly the ixucut-eared ones looked. Upon ascending the narrow gallery I observed many visitors leaning and looking over the balustrade down upon the square below, and I followed their example. Truly a beautifid sight lay beneath, for you saw all the different large Dogs at a glance from this altitude. They resembled some marvellously wrought and variously coloured carpet. I felt that I could look upon them for hours. In the gallery were the tiny pets. One Toy Terrier rejoiced in a coat or cloak of green velvet with rich gold fringe or border ; and he lay on a cushion made to match his coat, with nothing of his tiny self visible save his saucy little head. He received no prize, however — perhaps the Judges considered he had gold enough already. There were in all 781 Dogs exhibited, the larger as a rule very quiet (here and there a bad-tempered one), but the small Dogs very noisy, just as with unfeathered bipeds, the little folks making a great fuss and disturbance, while the large people rest quietly on their size and position. Let me not forget to name the inhabitants of the Puppy pens — poor little fellows, so pretty and so bewildered ! wondering, perhaps, whether they were always to Hve in such a busy world. There was a boy, too, combing his pet puppy ; and there was a Dog lying one moment motionless, the next he started up and wagged his tail, and gazed forv.ard ^vith bright intelligent eyes ; for why ? — he recognised his master in the crowd. A horrible thought came into my mind : Suppose all these Dogs went mad, or even all got loose ! Then oh ! their intolerable bark- ing, it beat its way into one's brain. I could bear it no longer, and I hurried back to Bingley Hall, where, after the yelping and barking, I said to myself, " Welcome, gentle crowing !" I wander lo\-ingly round the Show, I know it is my last visit, admiring again and again some pet pen. How one gets to have one's favourites at a Show, taking one's fi-iends to them, and lavishing our admiration on them. I must say that I could but notice the exceDeut arrangement of every- thing. I heard high praise bestowed upon the civility of the attendants. The fowls were beautifully clean ; not so, however, some of the Pigeons, with the habit which these birds have of attempting a bath out of their drinking- vessels, JOUBKAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ January 16, ItCfi. aoJ tlicrtby wcttinR tlio floor. anJ, if tlioro is sand or gravel on it. tbeir flight and tail featlicrs become very dirty. Some that I «aw in a very lilthy stato i)robably owed their con- dition to these eausen. Mijiht I suggest a greater number of seats? Of course Ihefc cannot be in the Toultry (Show, but in other parts. What few there were were watched and waited for by the hour by tired ladies. I was glad to sfco that the National I'oultry Ci'mpany was making itself knowii, and that it obtained some prizes. Now that butcher's meat is so dear, poultry ought to pay. Poultry ."iliows are ahvays beneficial, but thlit held at Ririuingham is, I think, especially so. The time of year is somewhat dull ; no out-door pleasure save hunt- ing |X)ssible; Christmas sociality has not commenced. Well, this bcautifiil and extensive Slioiv comes, and affords each year much and perfectly iiniocent gratification to thousands. I enjoyed it cxtronuly. It has made a i)kusaiit first impression upon me. Many a time do I, and shall I, close my eyes and imagine myself in Uingley Hall, and live a;;ain those hapi>y hours, thinking of my amazement and bewilderment the first day, and my (|uiet orderly pleasure on the second. I learut tkit Biuglcy Hall was, in old days, a mansion standing in its large high-wnlled garden. Many a guest did it welcome at Christmas and New Year ; but now it welcomes many more. The hosts, so to speak (the Committee), offer a constant source of pleasnrc, and time does not hang on their guests' hands. All success to the Committee. Please everj-body they cannot — let them be sure of that, and not mind it a bit ; but they chd thoroughly please — Wiltsuibe Hectok. P.S. — One little word upon another subject. Last April a great deal of that most jirecious thing in this world — sympathy, was felt and shown by many of our readers to Mrs. Chitty, ■widow of one of the writers in this Journal. Her poor husband had died after a few days' illness, leaving his wife and five children penniless. AATien at Birmingham I was the guest of Mr. Webley. Chitty's master, and although personally an entire stranger, I was received by that gentleman with all an English- man's kindness and hospitality. It will be remembered by many that the money collected snfficcd to start the widow as a general-shopkeeper in the village in which she lived, and where her husband hiid been much respected. The last morning of my stay I walked to Selly Oak on purpose to see Mrs. Chitty. It is a village of but yesterday — one of the arms, or rather fingers, of that giant of industry busy Birmingham, which now stretches out many miles into the surrounding country — a village half-grown as yet, with patches of ground marked out for building upon in all directions. Passing houses of more pretension, I at length reached the village street, and soon came to Mrs. Chitty's shop. I had a good look in at the window, in which everything was tastefully arranged and beautifully clean. I then sat an hour in the shop, and heard the sad story told, how a life of hand work by day and head work by night broke down tlie health of the young and clever gardener. It was a shop in which every- thing looked doubly good from its exceeding cleanliness. I saw and talked to the children, and tried to impress upon the elder ones their duty to their mother. I heard of much genuine kindness shown to Mrs. Chitty by her poor as well as her richer neighbours, and all seemed satisfactory. Mrs. Chitty expressed much gratitude to all who had helped her, and espe- cially to Mr. Webley, who originated the subscription, and who now aids her by supervision and advice. Apparently she is likely to gain a comfortable livelihood. I make this little statement, for it was u great satisfaction to me to sec, as it will be to many to hear, that what was kindly done has had bo Bucccssful a result. — W. R. rubbing his comb against the top. Vera this altered, and more light let into the building, it would be a great improve- ment, and tend greatly to increase the popularity of the Show. I missed well-known names, previous winners there. Could this account for their absence ? for in many of the classes the prizes are very liberal. In every other respect the birds were most carefully attended to. The Game classes contained some splendid specimens, the substance and condition of the cup birds being everything that could be desired. I did not fancy the Dorkings were bo good as usual. The cup j'cn of Buff Cochins was a most splendid pen — very large good-bodied birds, and worth going many miles to see. Miss Milward's were beautiful in colour. The White Cocliins were few, but good. Mr. Heath's cup Spanish cock begins to look as if he were going the way of all good Spanish cocks now-a-days ; it seems a trouble to him to open his eyes. The extremely warty face certainly disfigures them. The comb of this bird does not jdease me. I cannot agree \vith your re- porter as to the Brahmas. There have been much better com- petitions at Lord Tredegar's Show in previous years. This year I only saw two respectable pens. Is the falling-oil of entries in this class, now becoming so popular, to be attributed to increased entry payment without any increase of prize money ? Hamburghs mustered strongly, and there were very good specimens of all the older varieties. I did not like to see the prize cards of another show stuck on jiens of birds that were here only highly commended. I thought it bad taste. It was done after the awards. The Gold and Silver Polands were few in number but good in quality. The Silver-laced cup Bantams were little pictures. The same m.iy be said of Mr. Zurhorsfs Sultans — quite one of the gems of the Show — faultless in condition, ie. La Fli'che may have good qualities, but certainly not beauty. Does any ))erson doubt me :' If he cannot see a living speci- men, let him notice the drawing of Birmingham prize birds, in the Illustmtid London Xfics and judge for himself — (N.B., if of nervous temperament the experiment had better be avoided). A pen of blue Creve Ca-ms were unnoticed. These birds were slate-coloured, like bad Andalusians in face and colour ; but the hens had topknots, the cocks, I think, being deficient. A Creve Coiur cock in the Single Cock class was exactly opi>osite a bad Silver Poland with developed comb, &c. ; they looked first cousins. Again I said to myself, " Degenerate Poland ! " Several of the Black Hamburghs had the white of the carlobe extending over the face, and agjiiu I said to myself " Bred from Minorcas ! '' Turkeys, Geese, and Aylesbury Ducks were very good. — Y. B. A. Z. DOTTIXGS AT NEWl'ORT. " WiLTsniRE Rector " not being there to sec, I may give you my thoughts on the Show. First and foremost, I should like to see some things altered at Newjiort. Lord Tredegar's Show is no longer a paltry affair, but takes its stand as one of the leading local shows ; it therefore ought to move onwards. [ I think most of my fellow exbibitors would prefer wooden pens l to wicker baskets. The latter injure the plumage of the in- mates, especially the tails of the cocks. Some, however, of the Newport baskets had no provision made to prevent the neighbouring male birds exchanging civiUties with each other. I myself shifted two Polish that were thus engaged. Some of "the baskets, moreover, were too small for their inmates. I saw one or two pens that I fancy lost position from thelowness of their baskets, the cock not being able to stand erect without RAILWAY CHARGES. The thanks of every exhibitor are due to " Y'. E. A. Z." and " J. K." for so ably using their )iens in the matter of " railway charges," as most must have suffered from nearly every griev- ance mentioned. At many shows this year where I have been a successful exhibitor, it has been, as '• J. K." says, " rather galling to find the prize-money, and even more, swallowed up in railway carriage," and to many this must prove a drawback. There can be no doubt that railways benefit by poultry shows, as not only do they carry the poiUtry, but, in many cases, the owners also. I myself have travelled hundreds of miles to a show, seldom alone, and find ladies prefer first-class and express trains ; and, of course, this is the case with man; others. I have in some instances received back the return railway carriage on application, but what is wanted is a general rule that no back-carriage shall be charged on poultry, or at any rate that the charges should be modified. I am glad to see •' Y'. B. A. Z." " hopes shortly to propose a remedy," and I trust it will be taken up, and tend to remove this grievance, so important to all. I, for one, shall certainly next year ciur- tail my entries at shows on those lines where back-carriage is doubtful, and, on the other hand, send as many as possible on those lines consenting to retm-n the birds unsold free. I also fully agree with " Y'. B. A. Z.'s " remarks on the delay in send- ing exhibition labels. — E. P. L. MiTiDLETON Orn'ithologic.il ASSOCIATION. — The first Exhi- bition of this Association is to be held at Middleton, near Manchester, on the 9th and lilth of February. There are fifteen classes for Canaries, twelve for British and foreign birds, and twelve for Pigeons, in most of which two prizes are offered. The entries will close on Monday, the oth of February. J.nnarj- 16, 18fiC. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 57 WHITEHAVEN POULTRY AND PIGEON SHOW. 'Inr. sncccs-; of the WiiteLaven Poultiy Show, held last week, was so "reat as to take the Committee hy smimse, as between seveu and ci'-ht hundi-ecl eiitiios were receWea, and the amount ot empty pens was unusually small. Gratifying as this must have been to the Com- mittee, the accommodation of so lai-e a collection of ponltiT presented no small amount of difficulty: but. by the kind permission of Lord Lonsdale, the i;i>Ung School wa? placed at their disposal, and, conse- qnentlv. accommo-r.s (Any other variety).— First and Cup, W. Copple, Eccleston, Pi-escot Second. R. D. Holt (Dark Grey). Third, A. Fentou (Coloured). Commended, A. Woods, Seftou, near Liveiiiool (Coloured) ; J. Robinson ; Sir St. G. Gore, B.art. (Coloured). Cli icktm.— First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Second, W. H. Walker (Coloured). Third, C. Jenuison (Coloured). Highly Commended, W. Copple. Commended, T. Rogers, St. Helen's, Lanca- shire ; J. Fox, St. Bees. „ ,. t^ , ^ Dorkings (Any colour). — P««c(s.— First, R. D. Holt (Dark Grey). Second, W. Copple. Third, Messrs, Gunson & Jefferson, Highly Com- mended, Messrs, Gunson ct Jefferson. Commended, J. H. W ilson. Spinish— First, H. Beldon, Biugley, Yorkshire. Second, E. Brown, Sheffield. Third, J. H, Wilson. Chickens— Silver Cup, R. B. Postaas, Brent- wood. Second, H, Beldon. Third, E. Brown. Highly Commended, J. Hardie. Commended, E. Pickering: J. Marchant, Halifax. Spakish.— Piificfe.- First, J. H. Wilson, Second, J. Marchant. Third, .J. Bowman. , . „ i t,- Cochin-Chuja (Cinnamon and Buff).— 'Cup. C. Jennison. Second, Miss E A. Aglionbv, Grassmere, Westmorland. Third, J, Poole, Dlverstone. Highly Commended, W. Dawson, Hopton Mirfleld, Yorkshire.^ Com- mended, H. Beldon; C. T. Bishop, Biimiugham. C/iicA-^iis.- First, C. Jennison. Secoud, J, Poole, Third, Miss E. A. Aglionby, Commended, W, H, W,alker : W. Wood, Walldey, ShetBeld. Cochin-China (Any other variety), — First, W. A, G. James, lurby Lonsdale (Partridge). "Second, E. J, Wood, Chorley, Lancashire (Partridge;, Third, E. Smith, Sliddleton, Manchester (Whito). Highly Commended, E. J, Wood (Partridge); W, Copple (White), Cftictciu,-.- First, J. Wood, Chorley, Lancashire (Partridge). Second, J. Poole (Grouse or Partndge). Third.'J. Bowman (P.iitridge), , „ t CocniN-CHixA (Any coiom-l—PulleU.-Tirst and Second, C. Jennison. Tliird, J. Wood. Commended, J, Poole ; Hiss E. A. Aglionby. BEinMA PooTRA (.\ny variety).- First, Rev. W. H. FeU. Statmine, Poulton-le-Fvlde (Dark). Second and Third, withheld. CV,ici-f n».— Fu-st, E Shcnnan,"Chelmsford (Dark), Second, J, Bowman. Third, J. Poole (Dark). Highly Commended, G. H. Roberts, Penwortham, near Preston. Commended, Rev. W. H. FeU (Dark). , . „ „ „ ^ o HAvmrRGH (Golden-spangled).— First, Sir St, G. Gore, Bart, Second, A. K. Wood, Bumside, Kendal, Thu-d, R. Tate, Green P.oad, Leeds, Highly Commended, H. Beldon ; W, F, Dixon, Horesby, W hitehaven. Chickem.—Fii-st. H. Beldon. Second, J. Roe, Hadfleld, Manchester. Third Sir St G Gore, Bart. Highly Commended, E, Tate : J. H. Wilson. Haotfrgh (Silver-spangled),-First, A. K. Wood. Second J. Robmson. Thii-d Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Highly Commended, H. Beldon ; J. Bow- man, Chickens.— Tirai and Cup, J. Robinson. Second, Sir St G. Gore, Bart. Third, H. Beldon. Highly Commended, J. Smalley, Blackburn. Commended, J. Hargraves, Carlisle. Hajibuegh (Goldeu-pencilled).— First, E. Bun-ow, Longtowii, Sunder- land. Second, Sir St, G. Gore, Bart. Third, A. Iv. Wood. Highly Com- mended. H. Beldon. c;.ici<-n.<.-Fir.st, A. K. Wood. Secoud, W. Eowe, Carlisle Third, H. Beldon. Highly Commended, J. Robinson. Hasibcrgh (Silver-pencilled),-First, Su: St. G. Gore Bart. Second, A.K.Wood. Third, H. Beldon. c;tic*(;«8.-First,Su- St. fc Gore, Bart. Second, A, K, Wood. Third, C. Moore, Poulton-le-Fylde, Highly Com- mended, J, Preston, Allcrtou, Bradford. ^ ^ ^ .^, ,„, , , „ . Hajiisurgh (Any other yarietyl.-First, E, Smith (Black). Second, Sii- St. G. Gore, Bart. (Black). Third, G. Lingard, jun. (Black). Com- mended, H. Beldon (Black). Pu!7f*>.-First, R. Buitow Cumberiaud. Second, J. Robinson. Third, H. Beldon (Black). Commended, A. ^\ oous ; "^"p^'latos "(Any yarietv).-First, J. Smith, Keigbley, Yorkshire (White- crested Blacks). Second, H. Beldon, Third, Mrs. Procter, Hull iSilvers). Hi"hly Commended, H. Beldon ; E. Smith (Silver). Chickem.—iiret,M. Befdoi, Second, Mrs. Procter (Black). Third, J, Smith (W hite-crested GoiE BANTAMS.— Cup, First, and Third, E. B. Postans. Second, C. W. Brieriev. Hidilv Commended, A. Teuton ; Sir St, G, Gore, Bart, Com- mended. J. W. Jiorris, Rochdale ; W. H. Walker ; E, Tate. Bantams (Gold or Silver-laced),— First and Second, M. Leno, Markyate Street near Dunstable, Bedfordshire (Gold-laced and^ Silver-laced), Hishlv Commended, J. W, Morris (Silver-laced) ; G. Manning. BANTAMS (Any other variety).— Fii-st, W. J. Cope (Pekinsj. Beldon. Highly Commended, Sir St. Ci. Gore, Bart. Any New on" Distinct Variety not PnEyiousi-Y Mentioned.- iirst, W. Wood (Whito Malays). Sec.md, E. Smith (Sultans). Thud, Messrs. Gunson & Jefferson (Grey Malay). , „ Selling Cr.Ass.-First nnd Second, H. Beldon (Goldcn-spang ed Ham- btSghs and Silver-spangled Pohmds). Third, T. C. Hamson, Hull (Brown Second, H. • This pen oljtamcd the first rrize in its own class, the thrce-guniea Silver Cap for tlie best pen of Cochins, and the live-guinea Cup for the best pen oi poaluy in the Exhibition. 58 JOURNAX OF UORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAKDENER. [ Jannary 16, 1866. Cidl Docks.) HiRhlv Commcinlcd, .1. Ri>i«, RcckfcIHcftn, RooRbton Head, Carlisle (Spiuiithi; \V. ■. I!:.rt. Hik-lily Commended, E. Leccb, Roi-IhI,.!.. - \lr. I,:- , ;t, iir.M.m Ititn:. .Xin^taLK-. Penrith. \) r>t. .1. Hcrdie. Second, .\. Dickinson. Wert Croft, Pi I. Third. J. Hoss. HiRbly Comnienihd, J, Xclrion ; | A. l'_ ' inson ; \V, (j, 11. Jones. Commended, Miss A. Lowtbur, V. ijiuliuvcu ; J. K^tbineou, Gnrstaug; Messrs. Gunson & Jeffer- son ; J. Fox. DrcKS (Any other vnriety).— First, C. Jennisou (ShcldrakcH). Second, J. It Jesfop.Hnll iCaruIinnsl. Tbird, F.. Hutton, Pudsoy, Leeds, Vork- ahirc (Pint.*iils>. Ilitrhly Cnnnnondcd. H. Beldon (Grey Call) ; C. Jcnnison (Caroliiins); T. C". llftrri>>in. Hull (Itrown Cnllj; Sir St. G. Gore. Bart. (Grey Calls). Commended, H. Beldon (Cundiuas) ; W. Sisson (White Mnscovics). Gef.se (Any variety).— First, ^Irs.BirkcltlToolouso). Second, J. Hardie (Toulouse), iiichly c'nimnendcd. J. Todhnnter, jun., Jericho, Whitehaven (Toulouse) : Mess;rs. Oun>.»u ti Jefferson (Tonlouf^e). t TCBKEvs (Any variety).— First. J. Fox. tfccoud, J. Wood. Highly Com- mended, R. Burton, jun., Whitehaven. Eggs.— First, Miss M. B. Ilopkirk, Browhcad, Windermere (Spanish and Dorkinp). Second. E. Boyd. Low Leys, Laniitlugh, Whitehaven (Black Spnnisb). Tliird. J. P-tole (Buff Cochin). Hisjhly Commended, J. Bell, Smeathwnitc, L;iuipluL'b (Grme); J. K^ertou, Whitehaven (Golden- spangled Hamburgh and Mulay): J. Brou-ih (Game and Spanish); Mrs. Key, Hii^h H:irrinis'tou, Cmnberland (Spanish and Cuckoo); Mrs. Wood. Sandwitb (Giuue and Sp;inish) ; Messrs. Ganson & Jefferson (Game and Spanish). PIGEONS. Carriers.— First, F. EIgo, Wostboume Grove, Bayswater, London: Second, E. E. M. Royds. Greonhill. Rochdale. Highly Commended, H. Allsop, Birminnhnm : J. Thackrtiy. Petcrpate. York. Tumblers lAbuond). — First. F. Else. Second, J. R. Robinson. Highly Commended, W. StnUver. Liven****^'! ; J. Thnckray ; E. Brown. Tcmelerr (Baldheaded). —First, T. Hives,' Cotgrave, Nottingham. Second, H. ^lapplebeck. Woodficld, Moseley, Birmingham. Highly Com- mended. J. Pcrcival, Peckham Rye, London ; E. E. M. Royds. Ttrs£BLER3 (Any other variety).— First, R. Pickering. Second, E. E. M. Royds (Mottles). Hivlily Comnicndcd, J. J. H. Stockall. Broad Green, Liverpool (Red) ; H. Y;irdley. Eirnnugham; J. Thackray (Self Colour.) PowTERS. — First. J. U. Kobinson. Second, J. Thackrnv. Highly Com- mended, H. Vardley : R. Pickering ; E. E. M. Royds. F ANT AILS. —First, J. Thaeltrav. Second, F. Else. Highly Commended, H. YartUey ; J. R. Robinson. Jacobins.— First. F. Else. Second. J. Thrtclo-ay. Highly Commended, H. Beldon ; R. Thompson, Kendal : R. Pickering"; J. R. Robinson. Tbcmtetebs.— First, J. R. Robinson. Second, E. E. M. Royds. Highly Commended, R, Pickering; F. Else: J. Thacl^ray. Barbs.— First, G. H. Roberts. Second, J. Tbr.cki'ay. Highly Com- mended, R. Thompson : W. Stalker; H. Yardley ; J. R. Robinson. TuRBiTs.— First. J. Thackray. Second, J. R.' Robinson. Highly Com- mended, K. Thompson ; K. E. M. Royds. Owls. — First. R. Pickering. Second, J. Thackrav, Highly Commended. H. Yardley : F. Else. Ak? other Variety.— First. J. J. H. Stockall (Siberian Ice Pigeons). Second, S. Shenven. Whitehaven (Runts). Highly Commended, H. Beldon (Magpies); H. Y'nrdley; R. Pickering (Isabel); J. Thackray (Jamaica Pigeons). CANARIES. Belglu; (Yellow). — First, Second, and Highly Commended, H. Thomp- son. Belgian- (Bunt.— First. J. C. Walker. ^\liitby. Second, H. Thompson. Highly Commended. J. Walker, Whitehaven. Mri-E (Yellow I.— First, T. DougaD, Carlisle. Second, W. Armstrong, Enucrdpic Road, Clcator Moor. Highly Commended, A. Ashbumer, WTiitehaven. Mule (Eiifn.— First, H. Thompson. Second, T. Doagall. Highly Commended, J. Walker. Piebalds (Yellow or Bnff).— First, J. Nicholson (Bnff). Second, H. Thompson (Buff). Highly Commended, J. Walker. Lizards (Gold or Silver-spangled).— First, H. Thompson (Golden- spanc-lcd). Second, J. C. Wiilker (Golden-spangled). Highly Commended, J, Nicholson (Silver-spangled). R.S.BBITS. Lop-E.VRED.— First, E. E. M. lUiyds. Second, J. A. Colville. Wands- worth, Surrey (Black and White Buck). Third, T. S. Pen-y, Egremont (Fawn and Wbitc Doe). Highly Commended, T. S. Perr>' '(Sooty Fawn Buck). Any other Varjkty. — First and Second, J. P. Hedley (Angora Back and Doe). Tbird, T. WcRks, Bootle, Cumberland (Angora). Highly Com- mended, R. T. Choyce, Whitehaven (Spanish.) Mr. Kilward Hei>-itt, of Rirmingbam, and IMr. Richard Teebay, of Fullwood, Preston, judged the Poultn/ ; Mr. Charlton, of Manning- ham. Bradford, tbe Pii/ions ; and the awards to Cmmrtin, and other singing birds, were made by Mr. Anthony Benson, of WMtehaven. SELKIRKSHIRE POULTRY SHOW. Tms was held at Selkirk, Jannary 10. The following is the list of awards : — Sraxish.— First, T. Musgrave. Longtowu, Carlisle. Second, J. Macaulay, Edinburgh. Highly Commended, J. Macaulay. Commended, W. Inglis, |un.. Selkirk. Dorking (Coloured).— First nnd Second, R. B. Blackburn, Harewood- glen. Highly Commended. .\. Henderson. Dunion. CT (rATn*.— First, R. Kerss, Mountcviot, Jedburgh. Second. M. H. Graham. Maxton Manse, Very .Highly Commended, Mrs A. Stock, Back Row, Selkirk. Highly Commended. W. lieekie. Carterhaugh. Commended, R. B. Blackburn. Cochin-china.— First, W. R. ;Park, Abbotsmcadows, Melrose. Second, Mni. Dickena, ConJiill House, Coldstream. Highly Commended, W. R. Park. BRAiniA PooTRA. — Ftrfit, Mrs Rodger. Elmpnrk. Second, J. Sirason, Very Uigblv CommcT;!. d. :Mi-- H. Scott, Ancnim House, rvicfc.— Highly Comuundc-d. W. I'.r Terrace. CAicifc^M.— First, Miss H.Scott. Setv.ud, W. .Sn.iwi- . j. HA.Mnrn4;ii (G-l ] :..— First, A. K. Wood, Bumside, Kend.il. Second, J. Ne^s. ICii!.* lidv. HAMuriir.ii (Silver i'(nrined).—FirFt. G.Walker, Selkirk. Second, .\. K. Wood. IJigblv Cominended, T. Mubgravc. Ha»bur<;h (Goldon-spnunled).- First. R. Dickson, Selkirk. Second, A. Hatlie. Selkirk. Hi'-'hly Cmmcnded. T. SIusuTavi-. HA-MRuufiii (Silvcr-i;p[ingled(.— Fii-s*. A. K. Wood. Second, W. ChejTie, Selkirk. Highly CnmuuirUd. J. Kers^. Sbieldshaugb : W. Brown. Game (Black "or Brnwii Rcdi.— First. D. Broomtlcld, Kelso. Second, W. Ea- Highly Commended, F. L. Roy, j(m. Highly Cinimcndf d. .T. F. Lunn. B.^NTAMs (Any other variety).— First. F. L. Roy, jnn. Second, J. Ness. Highlv Commended, F. L. Roy. jim. DfCKH (White Ayl- ebury).- Kiret. W. Hond, Edgerston Rigg, Jedburgh. Second. A. O. Swan", Evertun Bush. Jedburgh. Very Highly Commended, J. S. Fail*, GilJiestongues, Jedburgh. Highly Commended, Miss Scott. Commended, Mrs. Rutherford, Sunnvj-ide. ^lelrose. Ducks (Rouen).— First, W'. Edgnf. Selkirk. Second, J. Hall, Broom- bitulks, Jedburgh. Commended, W. Edgar. I Dci'Ks (Anv other varietv).— First, G. J. Scott, Singlie, Ettrick. Second, J. Scott, The'Haining. Selling Class (Anv variety).— First, G. Drvden, Selkirk. Second. W. R. Park. Highly Co'mmended. W. E. >rillnr. Selkirk: J. Dodds, Yair Bridge, Selkirk; A. P. Mitchell, Selkirk. Commended, W. R. Park; Messrs Easton & Mal>on ; G. M'Millan. Jedburgh. H-uiBURGH (.\ny varietvt.— First, W. Dickson, Selkirk. Second, A. E. Wood. Bant.\m (Any variety).— First, F. L. Roy, jun. Second, D. Eroomflcld. PIGEONS. TtriTOLERS (Any varictyl .-First. J. Grant, Corstorphine, Edinbnrgh. Second, J. E. Spencs. Duvecot, Mnsselburgb. Highly Commended, J. Millar. Commended, J. Riddell, Rink. Fantails (.\ny variety).- First and Second, W. R. Park. Highly Com- mended, W. Veitch. Jodbiu'gh. Powtkrs (Any variety >.— First, W. Cbeyne. Second, J. E. Spcnce. Commended, G. Emond, Selkirk. Jacobins (Any variety). — First, W. Veitch. Second, F. L. Roy. jun. Verj- Highly Commended, R. Paterson. Melrose. Commended. J. Simson. NrNS (Any variety). — First. T. Paterson, jun., Melrose. Second, U. Laurie. Melrose. Highly Commended. R. Paterson ; W. R. Park. Owls (Anv varietv. — First, J. Grant, Corstorplxine. Second, T. Spence. Highly Commended. W. R. Park : F. L. RtiV, jim. Any other VARn:TV.— First. R. Laurie, second, G. Millar. Very Highly Commended. R. Davidson. Jedburgh. Highly Commended, J. U. Somncr, Jedburgh. Commended, R, Laiuie. Judge. — D. Brown, Esq., Perth. .U3ERDEEN POULTRY SHOW. {From a Con-espontlent.) This Show in point of entries was an immense success, notwith- standing that at iianchester being held almost on the same day. Old and 3'oung >''jKini'ih were a large Show. The hens attracted nniversal notice, especially those in the pens of Messrs. Draper. Ridpath, Wal- lace, and Cross." Dolinits, Silver-Grcy, were a magniliceut lot, the silver cap going to a very fine and weighty pen belonging to ilr. Gordon, of Mauar ; they were hard pressed for the cup by a splendid pen belonging to Mr. Curror. The pens belonging to Mr. Iviug. Mr. Wil- son, the Hon. Mrs. Arbnthnot (late Mrs. Fergusson Blair), were all fii*st-rate. Dark Grey Dorkings, both old and young, made a capital show, every pen exhibiting great weight. The Hon. Mrs. Arbnthnot obtained a cup Tivith a pen of birds of immense size. Bnff and Cin- namon Covhiiift were a magnificent class, perhaps with the exception of Game and Bantams the best. The cup for old Cochins was won by a pen of large and perfc-tly coloured birds belonging to 3tr. Heudrie, of Aberdeen. Messrs. Jvnowlcs, Bov.en. and Greenwood pressed the winners very hard. We did not like the decisions in the young class ; but the adult class were very fine birds, ten out of thirteen pens being noticed. Partridge and White were a fine show. Mr. Tutlman was fii-st, taking the silver cup for old, and the first prize for young, with birds which attracted general admiration. A splendid pen of \\Tiite3 belonging to Mr. Yardley took the second prize ; these were the finest Whites ever seen in Aberdeen. Hitherto the judging was good ; bnt now we come to the iinmr^ where it was, to say tbe least, strarge. A magnificent pen of Brown Reds belonging to Mr. Wood, of Wigan, was commended, while the first prize was awarded to a fair nen belonging to Mr. Anderson. The young class was rather better ; bnt here, as in the adnlt class, Mr. Wood ought to have been first and Mr. Anderson second and third. In Single Game cocks it was that the Judge completely outdid hipisclf. The judgment was worthy of Bir- mingham. The cup was awarded to an extremely commonplace bird, whilst we think Messrs. Dyas, Burgess, and Gamon ought to have been in a different position. The cnp was won by a very splendid Brown Red, the property of Mr. Grirashaw, being hardly pressed by Messrs. Burgess, Gamaii, Dyas, and Billing. In lirahimis Messrs. Boyle and Lacy strugglcil hard for the cnp, which was, after long con- January IG, 1866. ] JOUENAL OF HOBTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEE. 59 siduration, awaivlecl to Mr. Boyle. Pencilleil Hambim/JuiwerQ wi-etched. Spangles were good and admirably judged, as also ware Pohtiirh. Diti-1^ were a very lar.i^e and tine show ; G^i'^t:' and TurJ:ri/^ of most marvellous size, the Hon. Mrs. Arbutliuot's Urst-prize pen of Tm-keys weigliinf:; 63 lbs., cock and one lieu. Bitntwti^ were a beautiful sliow. We need only mention tbe names of Messrs. Leno, Rayuor, Crossland, Hodgson, .\ndersou, and Man- nin*'. Siiujlc cochi were a poorsliow, except Cochins. The local birds were first-rate. Mr. Dixon awarded the prizes, of which a list appeared in our last Nnmber. THE POULTRY BOOK. iiij W. B. Tegetmeiee. London : G. Eoutledge & Sons. We liave received the commencement of this work, \vhich is proposed to be completed in fifteen monthly shilling parts. It is " The Poultry Book" published some years since, edited by Mr. Wingfield and Mr. Johnson, re-arranged with additions. We think it right to apprise our readers of this, as Mr. Teget- meier's name only appears on the cover and in the advertise- ment, from which they might be led to believe that it is the production of that gentleman. A SHOCK TO THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. In yoiu- report of the Aberdeen Poultry Show you give the name of Mr. H. Ashton, of Manchester, as the winner, with a pen of Nankin Bantams, of the third prize in the Selling Class. If you will refer to the printed prize-list of the Show you will find a pen of Black Red Game Bantams of mine marked also as .third prize. When my basket of birds was returned to me it contained the printed card marked '• Third prize." ! As there were fourteen entries in this class, and the names of the two third-prize men occur at each end of the list, it is clear that the mistake in the catalogue is not the fault of the printer, and that the " third-prize " card could not have been slipped into my basket by mistake. At the last Farnworth (Chapelry) Poultry Show, for which, by the way, my direction labels did not ai-rive until after I bad sent the birds with labels of my own, a very line pen of my Game Bant.ims retm-ued with the first-prize card in the basket. Then came a letter from the Secretary, with an apology that he could not send me a prize-list, which I had written before- hand to secure, as they were all sold on the day ; and a pohte intimation that I was "fairly beaten" by three exhibi^tors, whose names were given, but of whom I had never heard be- fore, although I read the prize lists of aU the shows attentively in those classes, which are my fancy. As no report of this Show appeared either in yom- paper or your sporting contem- porary, whatever honour I may have won or lost remains in obscm-ity. I do not complain tliat I was " fairly beaten " at Farnworth, although I do not like the phrase ; but I do com- plain that I had a first-prize card without the prize, that I had not a prize list, and that the Show was not reported in the poultry journals. I shall be much obliged if you will insert this, as I am one of those people whose lives, according to the " Wiltshiee Eectok," ought not to be accepted by insurance offices, " be- cause exhibiting must be so wearing to the nervous system." — Geokge MA^■^•I.^■G, Sprintjficld, Esssc.v. Yon say, '■ Selling Class (Any variety). Third, H. Ashton, Nankin Bantam." My birds at the time of the Aberdeen Show were in my poultry-yard, many miles from Aberdeen. I sent nothing at all. — Howabth Ashtox. VULTURE-HOCKED COCHIN-CHINAS. I .V5I very glad that our Editors have expressed an opinion so decidedly upon the subject of vulture hocks. There can be no doubt that the subject has been allowed to remain imnotioed too long, and that the time has now arrived for it to be brought boldly fom-ard, and fuUy and freely discussed. By having neglected to do this, an opinion has been growing and spread- ing,_that any approach to the vulture hock is exceedingly ob- jectionable, and I am sorry to find that some of our judges have evinced their agreement with this opinion by withholdmg prizes from such birds as have had this particular mark. It is certainly very mortifying to an exhibitor whose pen is unques- tionably the best in the class, barring this supposed defect, to see it passed coldly by, while others which are far below the mark come off with fiying colours. It is sheer nonsense to affinn that the vulture hock, although objectionable, is not a disqualification. The fact speaks for itself. It has disqualified and put to the right-about many a pen which has been ten times more deserving of honour than those upon which it has been bestowed. That such a judgment is somewhat arbitrary must be readily granted by any one who looks fairly at the matter. Why, it is but a very short time ago, that the vultiire-hocked Brahmas (I refer more especially to the Brahmas) were the most admired and the most success- ful competitors of this class at our annual shows. We never heard till lately of this i^rofuseness of feathering at the hock being a defect. It was, I believe, rather considered an orna- ment. Certain I am that it pertains to those birds which carry the heaviest flufi, have the shortest, best-feathered legs, pre- sent the finest figure, and attain the largest size. Why should it be pronounced a drawback ? It was not thought so three or four years ago. Their parents came off triumphantly from many a hard contest, and why should not the same laurels be awarded to their oilspring ? Why should they be doomed to ignominy and defeat while less deserving competitors are crowned and applauded ? Poor, innocent creatures, what have they done ? Why must they be pecked, and cuffed, and virtually set down among the mean and disqualified ? What shadow of a reason can be assigned for all this ? Has any new discovery been made to sanction and justify this sweeping condemnation ? Has their blood become tainted ? Have they degenerated in coloui', in calibre, iu form, in spirit, in carriage, or anything else, so as to forfeit the rank and prestige which belonged to them in'former years ? If so, let it be clearly proved, and I will spread my regis over them no longer ; but if the prejudice against these matchless birds be nothing more than a mere fancy, a mere matter of taste, and which has been allowed so to bias and warp the judgment of our .Judges as to consign them to the dust of inevitable defeat, I beg permission, through the coliunns of this admirable Journal, to enter my respectful but earnest protest against this prodigious wrong. Are gentlemen v.ho have been at considerable expense and trouble in purchasing or rearing these fine specimens to sit down quietly and see them cooUy put aside, or rather unscru- pulously immolated upon the altar of caprice ? If what is sanc- tioned one year may be reprobated the next, what groimd of secmrity have we to stand upon ? The shape of a coat or a hat may be altered from tune to time as the winds of fashion may happen to blow, but to allow our feathered friends to be sub- jected to such perpetual shiftings, would be expensive, whim- sical, and absurd. Do this, and we at once expose om-selves to the merited charge of running poultry-mad. — Jusiitia. THE DISEASES OF BEES. {Continued from jJage 535.) Foul Bhood. — Any description of the diseases of bees must necessarily be incomplete without some notice of what Dzier- zon most correctly states to be " incontestably and beyond comparison the greatest misfortune that can befall the bee- keeper;" but as the long discussion on this subject, which commenced in the autumn of 1803, must be fresh in the recol- lection of many of my readers, I wiU refer to it as briefly as possible. This disease, which, as its name implies, affects not the adult bees but only the brood, appears so far to have baffled all attempts at discovering its origin. It attacks the young l&rYse in their various stages of development. At first only a few die ; but these are not removed by the bees as is the case with chilled brood, and, as they putrefy in their cells, the infection spreads until but very few bees arrive at maturity, the brood combs become masses of corrupt and most offensive matter, and the stock dwindles and ultimately perishes. It is a singu- lar fact that the diseased brood is, at any rate sometimes, inverted iu the cells*, so that even if it arrived at maturity the young bees would be unable to liberate themselves, and this has given rise to the absurd idea, promiJgated by some old writers, that all the mischief arises from the queen depo- siting her eggs with the wrong end upwards ! I need hardly say that this ridiculous notion is incorrect, nor do the unfor- tunate larvse ever arrive at the stage at which they would perish simply from being unable to liberate themselves from their confinement. They seem to die soon after they have • I am uncertain as to whether thia is invariably the case. 60 JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTOBE AND COTTAGE GAKDEKEE. f Jauukiy IC, lECC. been Seidell over, ami it would nppcnr that n peculiar form of decomiiositini. 8ot« in wliicli ohniigis tlitm into a brown viscous palp. wUifh llic bees make no attempt to remove from the Drierzon states that there are two forms or pliases of this disease, one luil.l uiul curaMc.- the other virukiit imd nearly incurable, and that the former is liahlo to degenerate into the latter 'When tliis takes place the malady assumes a most in- fectious ch.imctor : the bocs. combs, honey, propolis, nay, even th*o very hive itself, become as it were saturated with the iin- liealthy virus, and each and uU are capable of inoculating healthy stocks. I'or this reason one diseased colony may infect a whole apiarv, aiiJ one such hive in which the bees have died may become the centre of contagion to an cutiro neighbourhood, if suffered to remain exposed until plundered of its contents. As the virulent type of this disease was un- fortunately the one with which I made acquaintance in 1SG3, I can fully indorse the conclusion iirrived at by Dzierzon— viz., that looking at the probability of failure, and the risk of spreading the infection, it is unadvisable, except under very peculiar circumstances, to attempt the cure of a foiU-breciling stock • better, far better, to consign the bees to the brimstone- pit, drain the honev (which may be used for any pur])ose ex- j cept feeding beesl," melt the combs, and let the proceeds go towards the purchase of a new stock ; whilst the hive itself should either be burnt or carefidly purified in the manner hereinafter to be described. j As in my own case iieculiar circumstances did exist, and 1 | conld neither think of exterminating my Ligurians, nor of consigning mv entire stock of valuable hives to the flames, I will briefly describe the process by which, after many vain attempts resulting only in a series of vexatious and almost , heart-breaking disappointments, I at length succeeded in re- storing my ajiiary to its former state of perfect health, and from which uo relapse whatever has since taken place. The bees and queen of an infected liive having been driven from their own domicile should be placed in an intermediate hive for four days, during the whole of which period the queen must be imprisoned in a queen-cage. At the end of this term any combs maJe in this liive should be destroyed, and the bees again transferred to a new domicile in which they are permanentlv to remain, and which is all the better if furnished with a few pure worker combs. It is well even then to keep the queen confined a day or two longer until comb-building has commenceJ, when, upon her release, she will proceed to lay eggs, which, if the matter has been properly managed, will probably hatch iuto healthy brood. Infected hives, if straw, should be burnt ; if wood, should be carefully scraped over, the refuse scraped off being scrupulously burnt, and they should be thoroughly washed with a saturated solution of chloride of lime, which, in its tiurn, may in a day or two be washed off with c!t;an water. If the hive can be spared it will he the safest plan to put it by unused for a couple of seasons. Such, then, is the description and treatment of foul brood, which, at the risk of repetition, I have ventured on transcrib- ing, but which may also be found more fully detailed in my communications to " our Journal " during the autumn of ItSliS. In concluding my notice of the Diseases of Bees, I may be ex- cused for giving exiiression to the hoj^e that none of my readers may at any time realise tho woful experience of foul brood, which at that time befcl— .\. Devonshire Bee-keeper. hives with those of straw by the mode recommended by your contributor, I have not a doubt ; nay more, I have proved that even in those of glass our little favourites may bear an nmoimt of cold almost incredible, and come through as dry and health- fully as in a straw hive by a somewhat similar contrivance. The case alluded to and chronicled at tho time in these pages was that of a large square observatnrj- hive of glass, whose stance was a staircase window. T'le themiometsr on the memorable morning of the 24th of December. 18r,;l. indicated 'i'l of frost within the hive, while in the comparative shelter outside the windows it fell to 1' below zero, and, nevertheless, tlio inmates came out of this trial in beautiful order. Thin welcome, though unexpected result, I chiefly ascribed to the thorough ventilation and consequent dryness aflurded by my having emploved strips of India matting as a substitute for the usual wooden slides between the bars, when cunstracting the hive. I must, however, state that 1 would give a ilecided preference to matting over old woollens for ventilating-purposes, from the greater facility with which the surplus moisture is allowed to escape through the former, and its not being so readily absorbed and retained as in tlie latter, avoiding the risk of the woollens becoming damp and musty, besides the greater chance of their affording shelter to moths and vermin. AVhat a contrast the extreme mildness of the past December ]n-eseuted to the severity of that of ISiJU. In sheltered nooks along the banks of the Clyde a second crop of strawberries and even pears has been gathered, while sprigs of labiu-niun blossom are by no means uncommon. Is it to be wondered, then, that in our higher, wilder, and more inland localities the furze should be bursting into flower, while little clouds of youthful yellow-jackets gambol iu the stray gleams of sunshine, while older stagers hie off to rifle the bursting blossoms? An Ayr- shire correspondent informs me that furze in blossom and bees gathering prdlen in December, are events nnprecedenled in the memory of their oldest apiarians.— A RESFr.EWSCii;E Bee- KEEl'Er.. OUR LETTER BOX. Pre\-extixo Sorr Euos If. C.i.— Tho iemoiii;il will bo the prcvcatiyo mensiuc. It is iil\v;ivs consi.kivci that the hen fnrais thc^caK iu herself, but the shell is cninpu-i'il of chalk (cai-lx.iiato of linic must be supplied bv laviuK some lime-cuut,iinmg sulxtanee m haunts. Failiu;; tliis. all thcv derive is from the husk of the v.i •iven to tlieni. That is not sulficiunt. Sothini! is so Rood as a 1 If AVINTER VENTILATION. I HAIL with delight, in common. I feel certain, with every reader of the apiarian corner of " Our Journal," the first con- tribution of our talented transatlantic brother, the Kov. L. L. Langstroth, tho pioneer, it is to be hoped, of many more, alike excellent, opportime, and useful. From having begun bee-keeping, I may stiy, by observing and operating on stray colonies long established in our roof, I can fully bear out what your correspondent says with re- ference to the indifference of bees to cold, always providing their domicile be kept dry and sweet. I would even say they prefer a rather cool position, from having remarked that such vagabond swarms usually select those portions of roofs having a northern aspect, possibly from tho greater coolness there enjoyed during the extreme heat of summer, coupled with the additional advantage of thorough dormancy during the winter months, and a consequent saving of store. That bees m.iy be wintered almost equally well in ■wooden This gubstauce sub-itanee in tho hen«' T.-hole corn _^^^^ _ ^ bisketfnl n't bricklayer's rubbishy They will leave chalk for the mortar between the bricks of their house. Give uo more rice. DoRKlxiis' Combs Bl.m.k ('■..l.iirrij n)r.;,i.ji.— The change from a hiL'her to a lower temperature will often cause the chanKc in the colonr of the tips of the eouihs of aiiv fowls. One frosty morninu- will do it. If thev are in health, the comb-i soon recover their red colour, save >n very hard weather, when the tip freezes, turns white, and ultim;ilely falls olT. A little stimtUaul, some bread soaked in good ale, wiU often remove the blackness. , ..... ... Spanish Fowxs is- 18S."i {.^mal^:tr^.—^^'e know of no point in Spanish in which there has been improvement diu-inR the past year. W c have seea no birds equal to those shown bv Mr. Itake and Mr. Davics years .ag-). The cocks lack stature and stvle. The former birds had laruc white, pendant faces, and combs as stiff as if they were eat out of metal, joued to InrRe-size, and faultless snninetry. The hens were very lar.!e, had soft loppiiig combs, and pearl-white faces. These points were nil shown in faultless perfection ; hut thev (are r.arc now as the characteristics of a pen. Thev arc met with in single birds, but we do not see faultless pens I of these hmls as wo did formerly. Iinpioveraout on them was very diffl- eult: but many of those now shown arc capable of it. liooK (S. ir.).— It is a work of little worth, and will never be roprmtoJ i probably. You will And aU you need in " Tho Poultrykeciier's Manual, just published lit our olllce. „ , . . • iNCUiivmn (//. .SM.— We believe that of 5Icssrs. Crook is a good incu- bator. For seven postage stamps you ciu have •• The Poultry Bonx for the Many." free by post from our office. It contains a plan of a hoaso and separate yards. o..»«t 1V the clear water— tho sediment is Potato-starch, though not iiuitc pure. One part of this Potato-starch is tobc boiled with four parts of w.iter. ..iie-tiflictb of oil of vitiol. during tbirty-six or for^,- hours: the water which evaporates boin.; ropbeed. The jelly does n t assume auv consistence ; the liquor remains elcar. and the material used is found completelv converted into sugar. By means of chalk the acia 13 removed, and the solution being evaporated, tho sur^ar cryttallisea. POULTRY ]\IARKET.— .Jantary 1.->. The supply of poultrv remains good, with an average demand. When the Game season is over we may look for a sUght advance of price, which will, in all probability, be progressive. Turkeys .of good iiuality, tri valued just in proportion as they are bcavj-. Jannary 23, 1866. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. CI WEEKLY CALENDAR. "o7 Month Pay 01 Week. JANUARY 23—29, 1 866. Avcrace Temperature near London. Rain in last S9 yejirs. Sun Rises. Sun 1 Moon Seta. Kses. Moon Sets. Moon's Age. Clock before Suu. Day of Year. 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Tc W Th F S Sun M noliotropiura. Cnrreas. Cit. Princess of Prussia Martiied. Hermannia aloifolia. Geraniums. SEPTUAGEBI3IA SfNDAY. Jasmiuum nudiflorum. Day. 44.9 44.4 44.6 45.5 44.5 45.6 45.B NiKht. 32.7 32.5 32.4 82.6 31.1 81.1 31.6 Mean. 3H.8 S8.4 88.5 39.1 37.8 38.3 38.6 Days. 18 18 20 18 17 20 17 m. h. 54af 7 52 7 51 7 60 7 40 7 47 7 46 7 m. h. m. h. 81af4 1 48 10 33 4 1 21 11 34 4 1 after. 36 4 1 46 0 88 4 i 39 1 40 4 ! 39 2 41 4 43 3 m. h. mom. 4 1 18 2 27 8 31 4 27 5 16 C Days. ^8 9 10 11 12 13 m. B. 12 10 12 25 12 30 12 52 13 4 l:i 16 13 26 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 From observations t;\ken near London (Inringthe last thirty-nine years, the aver.age day temperature of the week is 45.0^ ; and its night tempera- ture 32.0=. The ui-eiitest heat was 57=', on the 29th, 1863 ; and the lowest cold 15°, on the 25th, 1827 ; and 27th, 1835. The greatest tail of rain was 0.90 inch. K.B. — The Calendar contains the names of plants flowci-ing in the gi-eenhoiise. ROSES ON THEIR OWN ROOTS, J/f^LAD am I that the subject of gl■o^\lng Roses on their owii roots has attracted the notice of some of your correspon- dents, and I rtatter myself that furtlier experience will briuf; more converts to the ranks of tliose wlio dislike the trouble of workmg Roses, and, what is more, the incon- venience attending them afterwards. I must, liowevcr, in the first place state that mj' experience of worked Roses on the Manetti stock has not been very extensive : but I have had several hundreds on the briar, and a tolerably good auinbcr on the Manetti also, the latter being mostly dwarfs or lialC-standards. I have read with much interest the many articles which your worthy correspondent Mr, Radclytfe has written on the queen of flowers : but, liaving grown many Hybrid Per- petuals on their own roots for some years with success, I am rather disposed to differ from him when lie says that they requh-e gi-eat care the first year, as my opinion v,-ould be that the worl^ed ones require the care to prevent the suckers usurping to themselves the whole energies of the plant, and that those on their ovra roots merely need to be let alone. In the spring of lf<.T7 I planted out about two hundred Hybrid Perpetual Roses on then- own roots ; they were not by anj' means over-^^•cll rooted, and had been Ij'ing about some tune before planting, which was late in the season. I had occasionally planted some be- fore that tune, but less extensively : they succeeded so well, however, that in tlie foUoTOig year I planted more, and notliing could possibly liave thriven better tlian they have done, they being rarely affected with ajihides, and never to the same extent as those worked on the briar or Manetti. One or two of the beds that were first planted are still doing well, but some alterations involved the removal of the bulk of them a yenv or two after tliej- were planted ; they were replanted, and have succeeded so well that, more Rose-beds being wanted, we planted last year about Jive himdred more of the same kinds on tlieir own roots. So much for this side of the question, let us talce a view at the other, and this is not ^^^tllout its defects, but I would rather they were narrated by some one who has experienced more reverses than I have : for, with the ex- ception of some lands not doing well, I cannot find a single fault, as they are as strong and vigorous as could bo de- sired, and the flowers inclividually iu-e much finer and larger than those of the same varieties on stocks. Some blooms of General Jacqueminot, wHeli were produced last year, were the largest I ever saw. Such old kinds as Jules Margottin, AlexancU-ine Baclunetelf, William Griffiths, No. 252.— Vol. X., New Series, AVilliam Jessie, Souvenir do la Reino d'Angleten-e. Augnste Mie. Baronne Provost, Ducliess of Sutherland. Pius IX., Caroline de Sansal, La Reine, Mrs. Rivers, Mrs. EUiot, and several otliers are as vigorous as any one could wish. Whether tlie non-success of a few arose from the varieties not being adapted for tlie pm-pose,or whether they dwindled and did not grow well in consequence of the unfavoiuuble season that followed theii- planting (for that was done in the cold spring of isiiil), or from some other cause. I can- not affirm, but scA-eval lands whicli I had from an eminent nurseryman died in the fiiUowing 'ninter, or rather they dwindled away during the cold summer preceding the memorable frost at tlie end of that year. I am, however, far from certain that these might not have succeeded well if planted in any other season ; but as the beds of wliich tliey formed a part required to be kept somewhat uniform, I prefen-ed planting the second time TOth kinds tliat had been found to answer. I may add that the soil is dry, but. not so mucli go as to starve them, but a good usefid garden soil of fair depth, and that the situation is sunny. I have lu'ged all who want plenty of good Rose blooms for cutting for bouquets, or even for the appearance of the plants in a gi-o\ring state, to have these on their own roots, as, with the exception of perhaps cutting out one or two coarse shoots from a bed (not fi-om every plant), during the Slimmer, keeping the weeds down, slightly digging the gi'ound in autumn, and in-uning them in winter, such Roses receive no other attention. There is no fear of mistaldng the stock for the worked part of the plant as in the case of Roses grown on the Manetti ; and I confess having more than once made such a mistake myself in a solitary plant, and mistakes of tliis kind are by no means uncommon. A yeai; or two ago, in walldng round a garden with a gentleman fond of floriculture, he pointed out. mth some exultation, the vigorous condition of his Roses, and called ray attention to them. A short glance revealed the fact that, with the exception of one or two of the weakest of tlicm, tlie rest were a mass of Jlanetti : and as lie had in the previous year deteiinined to mcrease liis stock of plants gi-(5«ing on their own roots, cuttings had been taken in abundance, and they struck beautifully, and other beds of bristly Manetti exhibited themselves in anotlier place. Now tliis is not a solitary case. Much of the work of the most eminent gardeners in the countiy must be left to labouring men, and they can hardly be expected in all cases to dislinguish between Blanetti and other lands of Roses resembling that stock, or, perhaps, many may not laiow that such plants really are on stocks. Now, there is none of this trouble when Roses are on their own roots. Briars are worse for suckers than the Manetti, only they are never mistaken, but as they spread further they ai'e often in the way of other cropping. iVll this, liowe\'er, is so well known to the practical Rose-gi'ower that more on this head need not be said hero. I may observe, and I do so in some degree mth regret, that the Hybrid Perpetuals of such lands as those men- tioned above do not furnish any suckers, so that recoui'se to cuttings must be had for fresh plantations : and the process is less rapid in pro\-iding a nmnber of plants in a No. 904.— Vol. XXXV, Om) Subies. HI JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. r January 23, 1666. abort time than working on stocks. With new kinds I fear lliat wc mii-t for .some time put up with the inconvenience, hill the «.>oner that can he remedieJ the helter, as I expect that ill ft (cw yearn the majority of Itonos will he (,'rown on their own roots where tlie soil is suitable ; and when good old varie- ties become so well known and proved as to bo preferred to untried new ones, we may expect to find the class of Roses here spoken of as plentiful as beds of Tom Thumb, Golden Chain, and <.ther old favourite Geraniums, which retain their place in sj ite of the scores of newer kinds said to surpass them. Roses, however, are far from lieini„' well known, or rather many of them have not been tried, in the way I recom- mend, and until that bo done, and while the demand always runs in the direction of new kind^:, wo must expect to have to yontond against briar and Mauotti suckers, and the other evils that fiUow in their train. Although roeommeuding Rl .'vallia Candida. Oii'iiliam flfiuosum. bicallosum. Oncidium leucochilam. cirthaginense. Odontoglossum Eossii. pulchellum. prande. Insle.ijii. bictonense. vnr. Brazil. Lycaste Sldnneri. macrophylla. Barkeria Lindleyana. StanJiopea aurea. Calanthe discolor. Cypripedimu parviflorum. pubescens. spectabUe. calceolus. liamile. Tenustam. purpuratum. barbatum. insiyne.] CHAUMONTEL PEARS IX JERSEY, I WAS informed the other day by one who had just returned from Jersey, that the famous Pears of that island are grown upon espaliers at 1 foot distance from the walls. May I ask the reason of this custom ? — Wyeside. [The Chaumontel Pear is grown on walls in the Channel Islands. Sonth-west is probably the best aspect. Jersey has a superior fruit-climate, as it slopes to the south, whOe Guern- sey slopes to the north ; but in both islands walls are considered necessary to bring this Pear to perfection. Size is obtained by summer-mulchings of seaweed, and repeated waterings ; shape, by removing all but the centre blossom. This is thought to produce long-shaped Pears — by far the most saleable. Pound Pears are sold at £5 the himdi-ed, while half-pound Pears rarely bring one quarter of that sum. To obtain the largest Pears verv' few must be left on the tree. Espaliers removed from the wall are not considered first-rate.] INTERNATIONAL HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION AND CONGRESS OF 186G. ^YK are much gi-atified by being able to announce, that at a meeting of the Corporation of the City of London, held on Thursday last, it was unanimously resolved to grant the use of the Guildhall for a banquet to be given to the foreign visitors to the International Horticultural Exhibition and Botanical Congress, to be held in London on the 22nd of May next. We believe this is the first occasion on which the Guildhall of the City of London has been granted for a banquet which has not been connected with the Corporation. MUSHROOMS OUT OF DOORS, AND FORCING IN POTS. Some Asparagus-beds, made in the autumn of 1864 in the ordinary way, produced during last August, September, and October, a good supply of Mushrooms ; and in the beginning of November, thinking all was over, the beds were cleared, and a top-dressing of well-rotted manure given. To my surprise, from that time to the present I have frequently gathered a dish of fine Mushrooms, and twice since Christmas-day — viz., on the 2Sth ef December and 4th of January, which is quite a novelty to me, and at the same time very acceptable, as a bed under cover has not come on so rapidly as it might. The soU is of a sharp peaty nature, resting on gravel, which I have no doubt had something to do with such an unusual production in this wet season. — S. Rogers, Hants. P.S. — I have filled some 15-inch pots with rather fresh horse- droppings, spawned, soiled, and placed them in a heat of about 60°, with an inverted pot over them. Now, to save time, I should be glad if you could recommend me any other way with pots. [No doubt your dry gravelly subsoil and the mildness of t'le season had something to do with the production of Mushrooms on an Asparagus-bed in the beginning of 1866, the bed being made in the autumn of 1864. Most likely the spawn had con- tinued to run in the dung that had been used in making the Asparagus-bed, and must have withstood the frost of last winter, or been deep enough then to be beyond its reach. It was stated some time ago in " Doings of the Last Week," that a Mush- room-bed that had produced in an open shed in the summer of 1864, and which it was considered had done bearing, was left accidentally all the winter, protected from nothing but wet, and in the spring of 1865 it began producing again ; and when it was watered and a little hay put over it, it produced heavily again. This bed, altogether, was not more than 10 inches deep, and the dryness of the surface was the only circumstance that would prevent the bed being well frosted. In fact, we do not know the amount of frost that the spawn will stand with im- punity ; but the frost can never penetrate below a covering of grass pasture to an3rthing like the depth it would do in exposed soil. Most likely the Asparagus-bed, too, had some dressing last winter. The fact, at any rate, is worth recording, though we have had several letters about Mu-shrooms being found in pastures up to Christmas this season. One other important point we should like to know about afterwards, and that is the result of the Mushrooms appearing amongst the Asparagus. We should not be surprised if the spawn injured the Asparagus. Some funguses make sad havoc with other crops ; anil there- fore, however useful the Mushrooms may have proved, they may eventually prove quite the contrary. All such facts are very usefiU, as they often lead to fresh experiments and results. We presume that you have managed the pots all right. They must be watched for spawning the same as a bed, only a pot if filled with fresh droppings soon comes to the right heat. Keep the heat rather below 60° than above it. Beware that M JOOBKAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB. r Jonmrra, 1866. the empty pot placid over the oUicr docs not make tlie surface too hot. " \\'hfno\-cr tlio apuvm bcgius to nm tlie temperature will rise. In practice, a little snrfiicing of hay before the Mashrooms appeared would be iis good as the inverted pots. — Ed8.] IRESINE IIKRCSTU FOR DINNER-TABLE DECOn.\TION. Mi;cu li.ts been said of late both for and against this plant. Some are strongly in favour of it, and are very sanguine as to its future ; others are as much the other way, and condemn the plant alto|:ether. I f-liall certainly not now class myself with the latter, for tho more I Bee of the Xresiue the better I like it. If it prove a failiuo as a be> 6.60 S.S7I (i.l'l 0.6!/ 2.7; 4KH, iSS S.O'.ti 0.77 1 8.7:> S.41'.i l'..4:t| 0.04 4.5C, C,s.1 lOJM 4.40 S.77' 4.9;i 2.34 1 1.7; 7J7 12.03 Ul.Jj| CI'J' Inn. R.f>N C.4C Wl •jyr 4.:,i 10.40 6.42. 1.09, Idh. 7.05 C.W 12.1.H' IHH. 19.II4I 2..T.11 5.42 7-.1 tl.24 8."!3 1 11.02 C.4U S. 18M.I18K. Ins. luB. las. 8X8 7.06 1 5.S2 0.77 G.9J| «M .'..Ul 7.M: S-«l c.n -."' i.7« 2.C3 ..'« 4.211 '.1.12 6.47 .-J.1' ,lU.b5 :..?^ 8.ec 67.20 «.as 67«:0O^S 71J(S|7SJ6ira.93 86« 8SJS T7« 70.60i60.79 — W. ilcA., Gardener. CULTURE OF GOLDEN V.ARIEGATED GER^VNIUMS. I QriTE agree with what Mr. Eeid has said in regard to the dis- appointment that many have met with in the growth of these ; also in regard to the reciprocity between root and branch, that there i.5 a deficiency of fibrous roots as compared with other bedding Geraniums. I find, however, that if they receive the following treatment they will have tho required amount of roots and branches like other varieties, and at present I have a stock which, I am sure, cannot be surpassed for health and vigour. The following is my mode of treatment : — When the cuttings are taken off, say about the beginning of September, they are inserted in a cold pit in a compost of two parts of loam that has been used for growing Melons, one part of old Mushroom mauure, and one part made up of silver sand and leaf mould. When the cuttings have been put in they are well watered to settle the soil round them ; the lights are then drawn on, and no ah- given let the sun be ever so bright. When the cuttings become dry, which they wUl do first at the back of the pit, or frame, give water, but not overhead, as Geraoituns are not often benefited by such waterings. As soon as the cuttings are rooted, which they will be in the course of five weeks, they ought to have a httle air for eight or ten days, when potting should be commenced without delay. In doing this use large (id-pots and the same compost as before, with the exception of adding a httle more sand. After potting, if there is a frame from which Jlelons have just been cleared out, no place could be better adapted for them, as there will be a gentle bottom heat. By keeping close for six or eight days gi'owth will recommence, when air ought to be given very gently at first, but the amount should be gradually increased till the young plants are fuUy exposed. There they may be kept till the nights become too cold, when they should be placed near the glass in a house where a little heat is main- tained throughout the winter, for they are very impatient of cold auu damp, and when exposed to such conditions soon lOBS their foliage and perish, or become useless. In spring, ."ay about the end of March, I take them out of the houses where they have been kept growing from the time they were strack. They are now removed into pits or frames according to circumstances, and plunged in old Mushroom manure to about 1 inch above the rims of the pots. Thus they remain till planting-out time, when they are foimd to have rooted over the rim of the pot into the manure. If carefully removed to the beds a portion of the manure is carried along with each plant, and the plants begin to root at once and ex- perience no check. Treated as above, the plants at bedding-out time are found to be as fine as any of the strong-growing varieties. 1 may mention that I have tried other plans, but none seems to suc- ceed so well and give so much satisfaction. The plants are generally the admiration of all who see them during the sum- mer mouths. The tricolor-leaved varieties I treat in the same manner, bnt my experience is more limited with them but cqnaDy satis- faotorj-. — JiitES SiEWAKT, ^'uncliam I'ark. Primcla sinensis. — The finest and richest coloured Chinese Primroses we have yet seen are those raised by Messrs. Cut- bush, Highgate NurserieB. Janaary 23, 1866. ] JOUENAIi OF HOETICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEK. 65 MUSA CA%rENDTSHn CULTUKE. Allow me space to say a word or two !or a favourite of mine, tlie Musa, or Plantain Tree, -whicb, I tliink, would be a uni- versal favourite were it better known. It is well worth growing for its beautiful foliage as a siove plant, as well as for its fruit, and Mr. Gibson, of Battersea Park, has shown us its capabili- ties as an out-door ornamental plant. The species cultivated by me, Musa Cavendishii, is, I think, the most tractable of the family, as well for fi-uitmg a-j for growing, and fi'om my own experience of it, I will endeavour to give a few hints as to its successful fi-uiting. Procure a sucker — say in March, as it will then have the summer before it. Supposing the sucker to be 3 or -1 inches in height, pot it in a middling-sized pot — say a 16 or 24, in a compost of peat, loam, and sand, well di-aining the pot, and potting rather lightly. Do not give much water till the roots have reached the sides of the pot, when the plant should be watered freely. Let it remain in the same pot, and in an ordinary stove tempe- rature, for six or eight weeks, by which time, if all go well, it win be a good strong plant of "2 or 3 feet in height, with vv-eU- developed foliage. The plant is then ready for the fruiting-pot, the size of which with me is 3 feet in diameter r^t the top, and about 2 feet deep. The pot should be placed where it is intended to grov,- the plant, and drained with 0 inches deep of oj-ster sheDs, charcoal, and crushed bones. Placing the young plant upon the drain- age without disturbing the ball more than can be avoidel, fill ia at the sides of the fruiting-pot with strong yellow loam and rotten tan, which compost I tuid most suitable for fruiting. The plant will now be ready to be pushed along, and should receive raiher liberal doses of liquid manure twice a-week — say 4 gal- lons each time, and the same quantity of clear water in the week as well. This treatment and a temperature of about SO', not shading more than can be avoided, should by September produce a plant 8 or 10 feet in height, and with its beautiful foliage it will have a very good appearance in the stove, for which it is an excellent centre plant. By keeping it dry for a week or two at this time it will throw up its flower-spike, which is a beautiful object, aiul as it continues to grow the rows of fi-uit will appear overlaying each other. When the first row of fi'uit is half-developed the watering should be re- commenced as freely as ever, and with ordinary success there will be by Christmas a bunch of fruit as long as the arm, or thereabouts, and weighing 13 or 24 lbs, which should be ripe about the end of February or beginning of March, making a very unique addition to the dessert. I have a plant now grow- ing, about 9 feet high, with a. stem measuring 2 feet in circum^ ference. — W. C. REMINISCENCES OF TROPIC.VIi FRUITS. Some years have now elapsed since I had occasion to pass a lengthened period in various tropical countries ; but the vivid recollections impressed on my mind concerning many of the fruits will never be effaced. I will first notice Artocaepus incisa, or Bread-fruit, which attains the height of 30 feet in the South Sea Islands. It is a beautiful tree at every stage of its growth, and easy of culti- vation in our stoves. It is of great value to the natives of the South Sea Islands, and fonns a considerable article of food. The fruit is about the size of a child's head, and round; the outer covering or rind is very hard, and contains a pulpy substance. The fruit is generally cooked iu native ovens, and when pre- pared has the appearance of new bread, and in taste comes the nearest of anything that I know to badly leavened bread ; a peculiar acid predominating, and a few strong fibres which traverse the pulp, are an objection ; at the same time I have eaten many worse vegetables. Artocvkpcs iNTEGRiroLiA is another noble member of this genus, popularly known as the Jaca or Jack-fruit. It is veiy ornamental in the tropics, but as it attains a height of .50 or GO feet, I fear it will be seldom seen in this country. The fruit is very curious, being of the size of a small Pine Apple, with the stalk at the small end. The skin is rough, orange yellow, tilled with an offensive pulp containing a number of seeds. The fruit generally appears on short foot-stalks, which pro- trude from the main stem or large branches, and is only eaten by the black population. Nelitris jAjrBosELLA is an interesting plant from the Society Islands, attaining a height of from 7 to 10 feet. It belongs to the order Myrtaceos, and is very neefflf allied to the genus Psidium, and by many would be taken for a Guava, the only difference is, that the fruit or berry is not partitioned. It is very refreshing, and I think worthy of cultivation. Inocarpus edclis comes from the same quarter, and is fre- quently called the Otaheite Chestnut. The fruit has a vei-y curious fibrous covering, and may be considered more in the light of a curiosity than as being of use. The plant fruits in a young state, and is worthy of a trial iu our stoves. Freycinetia Banksii. — This is a very omious plant, having leaves much Uko a long, narrow-leaved Pine Apple or Pan- danup, and fruit much in the form of Monstera deliciosa, but smaller, and of a tine pink colour ; from it is made a veiy ex- cellent jelly. I believe that it i.s only found in New Zealand, where it ascends the highest trees by its creeping, rooted stem, and adds a beauty to the trees not their own. While speaking of New Zealand, there is a beautiful dwarf Palm, which produces large clusters of scarlet berries (Ai"eca sapida), worthy a place in the most select collection. DiospYRos Mabola, or Date Plum, of the Philippine Isles, produces a fruit in size and form like a medium-sized Peach, and D. Kaki, of Japan, produces a fruit much like an Apricot ; but not having seen it iu bearing I know very little about it. The fi-uits of both are very austere before matm-ity, and require keeping imtil in a state of incipient decay, Uke our Medlars, before being sent to table. Lucuma 5IAMM0SA, or Marmalade Tree of South America, is very beautiful either when in fruit or not. The frmt is filled with a pulp like Quince marmalade, and vei-ygood, but it is not equal to that of a species I met with in Peru and Chih, called L. DELICIOSA. — This plant has larger and broader leaves , and larger fruit than L. mammosa, I once saw plants of it in the nm-sery of Messrs. Backhouse & Son, York. Grias cAULiFLora, or Anchovy Pear, a native of Jamaica, and one of our most showy stove plants in or out of flower. The ripe fruit is of little or no value for the dessert, but that which is unripe makes an excellent pickle. Mahhea AMERICANA, and the various species of Xantho- chjTnus, also belong to the same order as Grias ; and as the whole of them have showy flowers and good foliage, all are worthy of cultivation, even if fruit is not an object. Two species of Xanthochymus — viz., X. ovalifoUus, and X. pietorius, succeed with less heat than the others, and wiU do well in a conservatory. X. dulcis is the best. Eriobotrya japonica, or Loquat, is one of the easiest of tropical fiiMts to fruit in our stoves, at the same time many make soriy work with it, and say it is shy. I remember seeing a large plant on the back of one of the old houses in the Glas- nevin Botanic Garden, which had been muddled for years, and never fruited, and I have seen it fruit on the open wall in the west of Scotland without protection. We appear to have only one variety in cultivation in this country ; many with local names are known where it is much cultivated. There is a variety with large white fruit, vei-y ornamental ; also, one with much smaller fruit of a dark orange brown colour, and ex- cellent in flavour. This is considered the best. I am trying to introduce both. — Baddii, Peterborough. (To be continued.) NOTES ON PEAR CULTURE. In Mr. Bivers's last catalogue of fruit trees there are some remarks on various fi'uits and their cultivation so worthy of attention on the part of all fruit-growers, that I shall be glad if you will give them a place in your widely-read Journal, with a view to elicit the experience of cultivators, particu- larly of Pears, in all parts of the kingdom. He says. Pears " differ in their adaptation to soils and climates," and " we have yet much to learn on this subject. Pears differ so much in quality with very slight variations of soil and climate, that; much allowance must be made " (for difference of opinion). Again : " double-grafting of Pears will idtimately have a great effect on their culture in gardens, they seem always to make healthy and prolific trees ; it must not, however, be concluded that to graft a free-growing Pear on the quince, and then to regi-aft it with the desired sort, will always answer, some kinds require the stock belonging to their race ; this can only be found out by the clever cultivator." "'When this scientific method of cultivating Pears is fuUy understood, those who introduced the culture of Pears on the quince stock will have thanks instead of the usual deep grumble o£ the English gardener." 66 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTrUE AXD COTTAGE GARDENER. [ JaDuary 23, 1666. Now, I only rtiltivate fruit in a BmuU way, yet every step I take, and every fragment of experience I pick up. serves to convince me of the soundness of these opinions ; and with the view of eliciting the experience of others, I will relate some of uiy own observations, not only as to the soils and climateB smtcd to the various sorts of Tears, but also to their treatment after being gathered. Kur instance : .Mr. Rivers classes the Benrrfi do Capiaiimont among the baking and stewing Pears. Here, besides being on an ea.^it wall one of the most jnoductive Pears in my collection, when gathered before it is too ripe and placed in a warm room (not under tW° Falirenheit) as soon as gathered, it is rich, molt- ing, and excellent. It docs not, however, keep more than a few days after arriving at maturity. As I have said before in this Journal, it was quite worthless with me as a standard, even in the last fine season. The Beurrfi de Ranee growing here in a stiff clay little, if any, better than puddle, and di.uble-worked on the quince, is of "admirable quality ; whilst in the rich alluviums of Wh-irfe- dale, into which ihstrict I sent some to a friend, this variety is utterly worthless. I think Mr. Pearson, of the Chilwell Nurseries, confirms this opinion, as he says this variety is only of good quality on the clay. .*gain : theDunmore here is excellent when double-worked on the quince ; on the Pear, both on the walls and as a standard, it is of very indifferent quality, although it bears well. .iVgain : Williams's Bon Chretien, which seems almost a standard of (juality in the Loudon markets, is here utterly worthless. Of course some allowance must be made for dif- ference of taste ; but admitting this, I can scarcely suppose that any good judge of fruit would be satisfied with the quality of Williams's Bon Chretien as grown here ; and the Glou Morceau must be classed in the same Ust. Mr. Rivers has somewhere said that every fruit has its own peculiar season, when its excellencies are more perfectly deve- loped than in other years apparently more genial. I allude to tins remark because my Seckle Pears and the Louise Bonne of Jersey, grown on an east wall, were of better quality in the cold and wet year of 1860 than they have been either before or since. I had written so far when I received the Journal of the 9th inst. containing an article on the gi'owth of bush Pear trees on qnince stocks in the Yorkshire hills, which is exactly the sort of communication I want to elicit from j'our correspondents. Your conespondent " C. I. M." has, however, omitted two points, which I hope he will add to his next communication, these are, the sort of soil in which he giows his Pears, and the elevation of his garden above the sea. I, like him, find the BeurrS Supertin a shy bearer even on an cast wall, and the quahty with me is by no means what I had hoped to liud it. The Hessle bears well with me, and the quality is much improved, judging from one example, by being gi-afted on the Thorn ; but, unfortunately, the tree is then only shortlived. I have not tried it double-worked. Mr. River.-:, some time ago, said that a dwarfing stock for Plums had not been met with hitherto : has the Damson or the Sloe been tried, doubled- worked ? A friend of mine budded a Green Gage on the Sloe, many years since, but I do not think that any increase of fertility resulted from the experiment. I hope that the letter of " C. 1. M." may elicit many other communications of the same kind, which will, I think, greatly increase our knowledge of Pear-growing. — T. G. MUSA VITTATA FRUITING. Will you inform me, has Musa vittata fruited in cultiva- tion ? We have a noble plant. It feet high, with a fine cluster of fruit, which is beautifully variegated. — J. S.iVEiis, Gaidfinr to Thos. BiiiUy, Enq., lilackrock, Co. Dublin. [I have made several inquiries, but cannot find that Musa vittata has fruited before in tliis country ; still, if my memoij does not deceive me, I have seen somewhere an account of its having done so. However, be this as it may, it is very desirable that the fruit should be well ripened ; and as Musa \ittata is only a beautiful variety of the ordinary fruiting sort, I see no reason why tliis should not be accomplished. There is no tropical fruit grown in England the ripening of which is so Uttle understood as the Musa or Banana. I have tasted, I may saj without exaggeration, hundreds of the fruit ripened in this country, and out of all that number I only remember four that were fit for anything ; the rest were either completely flavourless, or tasted like very over-ripe Pears. Now this is not as it should be. The Banana may be ripened here as well as abroad with a Uttle trouble ; and as I have been very successful in giving the fruit a ff^'i flavour I will just mention a few of the principal points. In the first place, then, from the time the fruit forms until it begins to ripen the plant should be plentifully supplied with weak liquid manure as well as water, and a high moist tempe- rature should be kept up in order to swell the fruit to a hand- some size. Little air should be given by day, but considerably more by night, and the temperature should then always be from 10° to 15° lower. My day temperature without sun during this period was 80°, allowing a rise of 10° by sun heat. Secondly. The plants, particularly the variegated ones, should never be watered over their foUage by day, as it injures their beauty and is not good for them. My plan was, always the last thing at night to give the foliage a thorough syringing and let the water stand on the leaves all night. This, strange as it may appear, I found wonderfully beneficial to the plants. As the moiTiing advanced of course they became dry, and were not again touched even in the hottest weather until night. I be- lieve this to be a great secret of success. Thirdly. \\Tien the fruit begins to ripen, which may be known by its not swelling any more, all water must be with- held from the roots, and the air kept hot and dry. This is most important, for upon it will depend the flavour of the fruit. The temperature may now range as high as 90°, allowing a little more by sun heat, and no air must be given by day, although it should be given plentifully by night. Everj- even- ing the floors, pipes, &c., may be well syringed, and the plants themselves very slightly ; but as I said before, no water should touch the roots until the fruit is ripe, unless they flag very much. By these means, and by giving all the light possible, the Musas may be ripened with an excellent flavour in England, and the fruit is then a melting and most delicious one. — J. H.] v.vinous. Essex Rival Pea. — At page 262 of last Volume "Nickep.eob" asked for information of Mr. Eley as to the parentage of Essex Rival Pea. If it is new there could not be much difliculty in the raiser gi\ing the parentage ; but how comes it that the new Pea Essex Rival of 1865 is synonjTnous with a Pea which has been grown for years in Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, and is now advertised by a midland house at one-third less than by Mr. Eley himself ? and it could be sold for still less. It may be a good Pea, but it is an old one to some persons. ^\'hy have these double names to seeds and plants ? Fesxias System of Using Sewage. — Many may not like the trouble or have the opportunity of heating sewage as Mr. Fenn has done ; pennit me, therefore, to .state for the benefit of yotir readers a case in my own experience. About the year 1852 or 1853 I took charge of a garden near Bristol for a short time ; it was in the spring, and there was a scarcity of Lettuce, and, haling some standing under a south and south-east wall, I was anxious to bring it on for use. There was at the stable- yard a large tank which took all the diaiuage from the stables, cow-sheds, and piggeries, and the washings of the fowl-houses ; the stable was on the other side of the mansion, and, to convey the liquid manure, we had only the garden engine, and the wheeling had to be done early in the morning, as we were robbing the fields, so said the " great authority." Well, I used to take the engine and use it myself, lest any of the men should fall into disgrace, and pumped this sewage well into the soil round the Lettuce, and most assuredly with benefit to that crop. The giound after the appUcatiou was always raked over to check evaporation as much as possible, but on this wall were some Peach trees which had the " curl," and were infested with millions of giecu fly. I therefore tried the experiment of pumping on them, giving them a good washing, and, after three or four dressings, there was unmistakeable evidence of the utility of the liquid ; the trees rallied and giew, carried a fine crop, and had good shining foliage. Since then, whenever I could obtain it, I have always used sewage for green fly, and never, that I remember, have lost or injured a plant by it. Use it as it comes from the tank, but not while the sim is on the trees at mid-day. Vabiegatios and Disease. — Some time since we had a dis- cussion on " Variegation, is it Disease ? " Have any of your correspondents been able, by observations, to throw any more January 23, 1836. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 67 light upon the subject? I do not recollect to have seen so many sports and variegations in any year in my experience — variegations iu Coniferse, hardy shi-ubs, Blacliberries, and a tricolor a la Mrs. Pollock, but I doubt its coming so next year ; variegations in Nettles, Dandelion, Chickweed, and Ground- sel, Golden and Silver Arbor Titte, Silver Cupressus Lawson- iana, Golden Wellingtonia, &c., and even in Peas, Radishes, and Turnips. What can be the cause ? for these variegated forms have come under my notice in various places — Kent, Surrey, Sussex. Warwick, Gloucester, Leicester, and, to con- trovert the theory that variegation is always accompanied by diminished growth, some of these sports have been stronger than the green-leaved species. I should be glad of the opinions of some more accurate obseiTer than — Nickeeboe. PORTRAITS OF PLANTS. FLOWERS, AND FRUITS. Rhododendeon Hodosoni (Mr. Hodgson's Rhododendron). — Nat. ord., Ericeie. Linn., Decandria Monogynia. " One of the noblest of the gi'and series of Rhododendrons that adorn the Eastern Himalayan Mountains," at elevations of 10-12,000 feet. Flowers purplish pink. — (/>'o(. 3[ag., t. 5552.) L.ELiA GRAXDis (Large-flowcred Lreha). — Nat. ord., Orchid- aeeiE. Liiin., GvnandriaMonandi-ia. Re-introduced from Bahia, by Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Clapton Nursery. Sepals nan- keen ; lip piu'ple-veined on white groimd. — (Ibid., t. 5553.) Begoxh baccata (Berried Begonia). — Nat. ord., Begoniace*. Linn., MoniEcia Polyandria. Native of Bight of Benin and Island of St. Thomas. Flowers white.— -(//n'tf., t. 555-1.) SpaejIxis pulchereiua (Most beautiful Sparaxis). — Nat. ord., Iridacea>. Linn., Triandria Monogynia. " A most lovely Cape bulb," introduced by Messrs. Backhouse, of York. Flowers rich purplish crimson. — [Ibid., t. 5555.) Epidendecm MTEiANxnuM (Mauy-ilowercd Epidendrum). — Nat. ord., Orchidacea>. Linn., Gynandria Monandria. Native of mountains of Guatemala. Flowers Ulac. — (Ibid., (.5556.) SwAiNSONiA MAGNiFicA. — Introduced from Australia by Mr. B. S. WiUiams, Victoria Nursery, HoUoway. Flowers pinli, and large.— [Floral Mat]., pi. 273.) Clianthus Dampieei rar. marginata. — We noticed this at page 321 of our last Volume. New Striped Verbenas. — Beautiful, while, variously marked with purple. Carnation, white, marked vrith crimson and pink. Fascination, white, marked with crimson and pink. — (Ibid., pi. 275.) Pkimdla coRTrsoiDES amcena rar. alba. — Received by Mr. Veitch from Japan. Flowers, some purplish pink, others French- white.— (Zbirf.,;)?. 276.) Beuree d'Anjod Pear. — "The fruit which we now figm-e under the name of Beurre d'Anjou is not the same as Brown BeuiTfi, of which the same name is a synonyme, but another and a very diiiferent variety that was introduced by Mr. Rivers under that name. It is, we are informed, the Nee Plus Meuris of the French nurseries, and was received from Messrs. Jamin et Durand, of Bourg-Ia-Reine, imder that name ; but it is totally distinct from the Ne Plus Meuris of Van Mons. I cannot discover the origin of this variety, and I am, therefore, constrained to adopt the name that has been given to it in the French collections ; but it is a most unfortimate one, seeing that it is Uable to add to the aheady gi-eat confusion of no- menclature that pomologists have to contend with. It is some years since this excellent Pear was brought to my notice by Mr. Rivers ; and I have since found on every occasion that I have met with the fruit, that on account of its handsome ap- pearance as well as the superiority of its flavour, it is a variety of the greatest excellence, or, as Mr. Rivers expresses it to me, ' remarkable for the clearness and beauty of its fruit.' A first-rate Pear, of delicious flavour. Ripe in December." — (Florist and Pomolopist, v., p. 1.) ToDMORDEN BoTANicAL SociETV. — Monday, Jan, 1st. The Secre- tary read a commnnir^ation from S. B .Mellor, Esq., of Miint'litstpr. in reference to the identity of several interesting Fenis, gathered liy Mr. M. in Scotland. North Wales, and Switzerland. A deeply iuciried form of Cystopteris fragilis, from Ben Lawers, had been mistaken hy Mr. M., qoitc pardonably, for the trne Cystopteris alpina (reg;ia). There are many near approaches fonnd to C. alpina. A form in all respects identical with Mr. McUor's was reported as having been gathered on Snowdon. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S MEETING. The first meeting of this Society for the present year was held on the 1st of January, and. as might naturally bo expected on such a festival, the members did not muster in their usual numbers. There was a goodly display of donations to the Society's library, including the publications of the Royal and Linnean Societies, the Imperial Societies of St. Petersburg and Moscow, tlie continuation of the fine works of Sepp on the transfomiations of European Lepidoptera, of Duval's genera of the Coleoptera of Europe, and of Thomson's Coleop- tera of Scandinavia, also Mr. "WoUaston's new worl: on the Coleoptera of the islands of the Atlantic Ocean, &c. Mr. Samuel Stevens exhibited a. large eollection of Beetles, Butter- flies, and Moths collected \\'ith the gi-eatest care in the Himalayan region of India, many of the specimens havmg been reared from the cateri^illar state. Amongst the Bntterfiies were the vei-y rare Papilio Minereus, and several others of the same genus ; and among the Beetles, Buprestis Bnqnetii, Dynastes Hardwickii, and some fine Lucanidffi. Mr. Hewitson contributed a memoir containing descriptions of twenty-five new species of Hesperitlian Buttei-tlies ; and tlie President, a memou" on the species of Longiconi Beetles (fifty- three in number), collected near Santa Marta iu Venezuela by the late Mr. Bouchard, about twenty of which had proved to be new to science. Professor Westwood read a communication which he bad received from M. Snellen van VoUenhoveu of Leyden. giving an accouut of the peculiiu-ities which had been obsen-ed in Holland during the past year in the appearance and development of various species of insects. Mr. MacLachlan read some further notes on the occurrence of insects of the genus Stenophylax, belonging to the family Phrygaueida?, in deep ice caves in Switzerland. In some instances the insects were found in the most distant and darkest pai-ts of the caverns, especially iu one on the road to Chamounix. Mr. Bates gave some account of the proceedings of Mr. Bartlet, who had gone on a zoological tour to the shores of the Ucalyi at tha foot of the eastern side of the Andes. He had been successful in ob- taining large numbers of mammalia, birds, fishes, and especially of insects. His collections had been desp.atched to this country, and might be expected to anive in a veiy short time. A GARDENING PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. " W. E. J." tells us that a boy's first duties in a garden are to wash pots, attend to the fires, &c., for the first twelve months, and, in most cases, he is right ; but it happened to be the re- verse with me. I had to commence my career in the kitchen garden, shrubberies, &o., for the first two years, then I was pro- moted to the flower garden, and, occasionally, had a job in the houses, in fact, I was a general man for some time. Ultimately, when I succeeded in entering the houses I considered myself making fair progi'ess, because I knew everything in the place, and could do anything that was to be done. From my first commencement in that garden until I left I was well liked by the gardener, although sometimes I did merit his disapproval, and to give him his due, he was not a bad hand at " blowing up " at such times. Still, his anger soon subsided. During my time there, whatever I had to do I did it as weU as I could, and always took a little pride in doing it extra well, but I certainly did like to hear a word of praise now and then. I accustomed myself to think over in the evening what I had done in the course of the day, to see if I had left any tools out, or if I had forgotten to close any of the houses, or cover pits and frames, if necessary ; all those duties had a share of my thoughts in the evening, and before I left I saw that all was right. At first I found some difficulty in contract- ing this habit, but it soon became so strong that I could not leave it off. There is a true old saying that I have often heard when a boy — viz.. that " Custom is a second nature." No matter whether a man make a habit of what is good, or what is evil, custom will give him fresh inclinations and capacities for it. Another axiom is that " A stitch in time spares nine ;" con- sequently a word of advice in time might spare some e-i-il con- sequences ; therefore, I will say to young men, should they have contracted evil habits, Give them up at once, and adopt those that are good, such as studying the various branches of garden- ing, and although doing so might be disagreeable at first, it will soon become an interesting hobby. But, above all, what- ever you have to do in the course of the day, do it with all your might ; then, if you are not sufficiently paid for your labour, you will have the pleasure of feeUng that you have done your duty, and also advanced a little in knowledge. From the name signed to this letter the readers of it will at once say that the writer is an Irishman, and they will not be far wrong. Well I remember the day I crossed from Waterford 08 JOVSSSL OF HOKnOULTURE AKD COTTAGE GARDENER. ( Jannary 2S, 1836. to Milf.ird Haven. Wlietlicr it was becaiiBC I linj a glas.s or two of whiskcT, or the salt water did not aRre* with my consti- tulion, I do not know ; but I kci>t boLbing my head u]i and down all the way, and ri(' Gontleiuftn." By so tloing they aro Muhjt'Ot»il to nnju.'titiubltj trouble and expense. All conimunJcatiunfl elioiild therefore be aildreRsed soUUj to Tht Editors of thf Jounial of Horticulture^ d-c.^ 171, Fleet Strfft, Lotulon, E.C, RniflnN-uoiiDKR tp. (t.).~YonT proposed amnRcmont will look very Wi'll. Ia-'I i)f> kiiDMr what four (it^M.\i,i, BoiLEU DY Gas (H. .S.K— For seven postnpe ^itainpn you cun huve frt'C by i»opt from our otBcc *' OroenUouaes f-»r tho Miiny." At pAtfP 3K-'.) thoro are a plau and dcscriptioiir^ that will guide you well. ItKD SPIDBR OS Pr.ACn AKO NECTAniNB TREES (.S'firiron. hjt to injure tho biul-^. If n-d spidtr uttftck tho trees in summer »<>Tini;e them with wat«.'r frt^ipiently, and now and then xvith S ozs. of yoft soap dissolved in a gallon of water. BooK» {Htnrn T/rirA).— "Tho best book on wild flowers" depends upon the purpose for which it is retiuired. For idontifyint; species Hooker and Aroott'a "British Flora" it* as useful as any aociirdinff tothoNatnral Systoni ; Sir J. E. Smith's) "EngUeh I-'lorn ' according to the Liunu^an, Wo cannot atato the pricc*^. HfllelK»rus fictidus mitfht have its flowers improved by cm.'jyfinc with tho Chrislnias Ko?e, but we have never heard of tho experiment beinff tried. (./. H. J.). —'* In-door GardeninR '' will probably suit yon, price 1«. 6(/., free by |»Obt from our offlre for twenty post«»fe stamps. {A. M. '/*.).— Throe ver>- smull books, U. Gd. each, will completely supply yonr roquircraents— " The Garden ifanual," *' Out-door Gardenink*. ■ and *' In-door Gardeninj?'" For ail oxtni postage stamps they may bo had free by post from our oflicc. Exiimmxr, at the International Uorticolturai. Exhxbitiok (A Practical (inrth-rwr in the A'orf/t).— Ucfjulation 11 says. *' Every exhibitor must bo prepared to declare that tho objects he exliibits are his own pro- perty, or that (if his employer," which we consider intends that a par- doner, or an amateur, must not exhibit anythins? purchased. If a tientle- man has a reiiidence in the soutJi of England and a residence in tho north, wo think the products from tho k'^rdeas of those rosidencos micht be exhibited in one collection. Cucumbers we consider come within the comprehensive name '* Saladina." An intomlink' exhibitor accidentally provt-ntod oxhibitiuk', after giving n.tice of his intention, does not incur any rosp.m-^ibility by his non-exhibitiui,'- Potatoes. Peas, Dwarf Kidney Beans, Mushrooms, Tomatoes, and Cirrots, would form a pood collection. Of c.nirse excellence in each article will be a pararaotmt consideration. Lkwisia bkdiviva id. v., awl manu othern).—We do not know any one who has this plint. It is probably at Kow. but so numerous are tfio in- quiries for it that any nurseryman obtaining it and raising a stock would profit well by tho effort. Vines fbom Eves {acrieui Dei-onieiisLt).—rho eyes from shoots of the precodini< year are alwayg used, of course from shoots thoroughly ma- tured. In the " Vine Manual," which you refer to, it is expressly' directed (page 29) to tike the eyes from shoots round and of medium robustness. House Sewage (TAo*. L. Catuts. Apples, and Potatoes are sold by this measure. A bushel of the ast-namcd, cleaned, weighs 56 lbs. ; but 4 lbs. additional are aUowcd if they arc not washed. The hand of Radishes varies with tho season. CiNBRARiAH WiTHocT PETALS {C. G. Il.).-\Ve uTc nuablo to accomit for the absence of petals, hat we think that it proceeds from the plants being tiKi kTTjBs, fn.m their being kept too far from the gins';, and too close and warni. Give them a light airy situation and a temperature not Mcoea\y at tho commencement of flowenng. Tho Beans you sent arc-l, Common Dun Dwarf Kidney Boan ; 2, Kcd-spcckled Kidney Boan. Sparrow-s Katino Crocus Blooms (^ Thrr^ -yr an Suh$cribcr). ~^t in BUkes or sticks at every « feet or so. and stretch black thread or worsted ^!I'.?»I"'i"'^ ^ "^ foot above the Crocn^e.. fastening at ever^- 3 feet ■Jong the throads a smaU piece nf glass. The birds wiU alight, but when Sey ^ g *" ffX "S P'"^^^^ shining glass hanging above their heads I BoBDER FOR HEttBACEorH PLANTS AND Aknlals (C /f.).— Ycut hordcr of sandy yellow loam wt.uld bo improved by trenching Irt inches or 3 feet deep, and thnt is nil wo Khould roetimmend'tn be done at present. Yellow loams are r.io-.tly fertile, and well suited for the grnwlh of herbaccouH plants, the vindy nature of your's rendering it all the beitex. an the plants will not bo iwi liable to go off in winUr au if the buil wore of a Iiea\'y wet nature. Hardy herbaceous plants : AIstrameriR aurea ; Agro- t^temma cov .narin, and var. purpurea : Aiiuilegiar.ar^ophvlI..id< s. A, glan- duloHa, and A. fmgrani'; Aster tunaietife.litiP ; Bet. mica grnnditlora ; Cam- panula ftggTLgata and C. speeiosa ; Cheirnuthus Uarshalli : Diclvtra spec- tabilis, I), speetabilis alba; Dodecatbeon uuadia. mid v;ir. i legafis; Fritil- laria iraperialis vars. : Gi ranium fianguinenni. and (i. lanrn^tricuHe : Genm coeeineum grnndiflornm ; H>i)ericnin calycinum (St. .John's Wort); Iria gcnnanica vars., I. pallida, I. xipliioides; Liliuui tenuifoliimi ; Loholia urens, L. fulgens St. Clair ; Lychnis Haagcana, and its variety superba ; Lythruni roseum superhura ; Pa-onia albifloni, P. arietina, and P. offi- cinalis in variety ; Papaver nudieaule; Phlox canadenMs and varietios; Polemonium eoeruleum, and variety variegatum ; Polentilla nlpestria, P. splendcns, P. Menzic*^ii. P. MncNabiana, and P. bicolor graiulitl..ra ; T^- rethrnm cameum, and iiianydouble vars; Salvia pratonsis ; Srnbiosagmn- diflora: Spira-a filipt-ndula plena; and to these may be added Carnations and Pieotees. The preceding grow to a height of from UtoL'i feet, and are well suited for third and fourth rows. The following, growing from (> inches to 1 foot, and occasitmally 18 inches high, are well suited for first and second, and also third rows when the border is wide :— Achillea aurea, A. clavennie. A. nana; Ajugn alpiua, A. alpina roFca; .Mchenvilla alpina conjuncta ; Allium fragruns; AlysMim saxatilo compactum; Ane- mone nemorosa plena. A. apennina, A. pahnata, A. jajwuica Honorine Johert (Ij footi ; Anteunaria hyberborea ; Anomatheca eruenta ; Antir- rhinum in variety (IJ foot): Aquilegia alpina; Arabis albida. A. belli- difnlia, A. lucidavariegata; Aubrietiadeltoideagraudillon : Aster alpinns; Asclopias tubL-rosa ; Bellis perenuis aucub;efuliu ; Calnndriui^i umbellata ; Campanula mui-alis, C. gargnnica, C. pulla, C. pnsiUa. C. frrxgilis; Co- rastium tomentosum ; Colchicum antninnalo flore pleno; ConvallflTia mnjalis, and gold-striped, pink, and donble-flowcred vars..; Crocus sativus. C. autumnalis ; Dianthus deltoides. D. Horibundus. D. Hcdde- wigii, Dianthus Highclcro vars.; Draha aizoides ; Dr>as Drummondi ; Eranthis hyenialis ; Erigeron grandifloms, E. gpeciosus; GalantUns nivalis, G. plicatue; Gentiana vema, G. acaulis ; Hepntica triloba in variety; Iris puinila, I. reticulata; Loucojumvemum ; Lotus comiculatus flore pleno; Miiscari botryoides ; Myosotis sylvatica ; N:irci«sus Ajax, X. Cfmspicuuj*. N. juncifolius; CEnothera macrocarpa, (E. tnraxacifoiia ; Orobus vemus : Omithogalnm nutans ; Oxalis tropa-oloidos ; Primula acau- Us in variety. P. cortusoides, P. auricula in variety ; Pulmunuria offici- nalis, P. angustifolia ; Runnnculus amplexicculis ; Saponaria oc\-moides ; Scilla amcena, S. sibiriop.. S. bifolia, S. vema; Silene alpestris. S.'Schafta; Stachys lanata ; Stcmbergia lutea ; Statice Gmelini, S. tnlarica ; Tigridia pavouia ; Trichonema bulbocodium ; Trollias enropieup, T. albus, Tuwi- lago farfara variegnta ; Veronica alpestris, V, Candida ; Viol;i od(.rata vars., V. cornutii, V. pennsylvauica, V. suavis; and Zuphvniuthes f.andida : to which may lie added Pinks, Sweet Williams, and Double Rockets. Tallar plants for the back rows: Campanula pyramidalis; I'olygonatnm val- gare; Delphinium Belladonna, D. furmosiiui, D. Hender^Vui. D. hi color grandiflorum; Liiium candidum, L. lancifolium, L. Bro«-nii. L. auran- tiacum, L. chalcedonicura. L. martngon, L. tigrinum : Lnpinus ar- boreus. L. poI}i)hyllus; Papaver bracteatam, P. orientnlc splendens; Tritoma nvaria, to which add Hollyhocks. We have proved these and found them good. We could name more, but as you only require select kinds we go no further. If too many are named take apart. To have annuals in the intenals you must allow a space between the plants or rows eciual to the height the plants attain, in addition tothat required for the herbaceous plants. A dressing of any artificial numure scattered over tho border between the plants in April, and going over the ground with a hoe. will do them good, and it may be repeated in six weeks. A dressing of leaf mould early in winter will bo as benetieial as a dressing of rich manure. It should be put rotmd the plants 3 iucuc-' deep at tho back, and an inch in front, allowed to remain all tho Ts-iutcr, and bo pointed-in in March. TrnEitosEs and Gloximas afteii BtooMrxo (-4 SuhAcrihcr. H. C). — Alter blooming gradually withhold water, giving only a little to prevent the leaves flagging, and keep the plants in a light airy situation imtil tho foliage be decayed; then place the pots containing the Tuberoses in a dry part of the greenhouse, and give no water. In March repot the plants, removing all the old soil unless they have roots, when only so mach of the old soil should be removed as can be done without injuring these. A compost of turfy, light, rich loam, and one-third leaf moiild. answers well, adding sand if necessary. Grow the plants in a light airy part of the greenhouse, and as near the glass as possible, syringing fivquently to keep down red spider, which is their groat enemy. After the foliage of the Gloxinias has decayed the pots are to be placed on h diimp floor, whieh will keep the soil a little moist, though it will ajipcar dry. This will prevent the tubers from becoming farinaceons, as they are npt to do when kept on a shelf with soil dust-dn.-, and consequently rotting when tlio soil is moistened in sjiriug. To winter Gloxinias saffly tho tempera- ture should seldom be lower than 45 . In Febrnary or MarVh they should bo potted, removing all the old soil : and if the soil is in nice order and just moist they should not be watered, but be placed after repotting in a mild hotbed of about 7.'>', anil there remain without water until they begin to grow, when water should be given cautiously at fii-pt. increasing the quantity as the plants advance in growth. They should be retained in the hotbed tmtil far advanced for blooming, when they may be removed to the warmest part of the greenhouse, where they will do well after the middle of May. Without beat at the recommencement of growth Gloxinias cannot bo grown satisfactorily in a greenhoupe. If you start them in February they will bloom in June, and in July if started about the ond of March or beginning of April. AsrARAGUS FOR CovENT GARDEN MARKET {Workin(j Oardcnrr). — It is quite useless to expect the prices yon mention except (or bundles of uni- formly tine heads. You had bettor write to Messrs. Webber A Co.. Covent Garden Market, and state what you purpose doing, and ask if they woold take your produce. PELAJiooNnTMS FROM St.et> (Jamfii .Y.).— To succeed in raising first-rate Pelai^onium secdliutrs, you must obtain the beti; kinds of pliints and sow 3«)nr own seed. You can buy plenty of seed in the market, but you cannot expect to purchase what has cost the ^ower much thought and care in hybridising, &c. January 23, 1&66. ] JOURNAL OKHGf^ICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAi;DENER. 73 Weather "Wisdou IJuhn Sryrtn).— Weather charts, price 23. Qd. (by J. Glaisher, Esq., F.RS.I as used by the Royal National Lifeboat Institu- tion, can be pureh.ised at Negretti & Zambra's, 153, Fleet Street, London, E.C, and such charts vriil last a year, or longer if the observer do not mind tracing the barometric line for two or three months on the same chart, usinLi each time different-^olonred liue^. Full expliiuations of the way to use a chart, with chaj*ts for use in the book itself, ai'e to be found in a small work (price 1».) entitled " How to use the Barometer," pub- lished by Bcmrose & Sons, 21, Paternoster Row. This is a very useful book for observers of weather whn wish to learn how to record the fluc- tuations of the barometer, of wet and dry bulb thermometers, and the direction of the wind. The best kind of barometer for pardening pur- poses is the Fai-mer's Barometer by Negretti & Zrimbra, price £2 IOj*.. and attached to this instnmient is a dry and wet bulb thennometer. There is a small and cheap portable barometer (price 12s. Qd., by Casella, 23, Hatton Gai-den, London) called the Agricultural Barometer. Mr. Casella warrants it to work veiy accurately for general pm-poses. One such instrument has now been in use for more than twelve months, baa travelled from near London to Scarborough, and further noithward, and back again without injurj-, and reads pretty accurately with a Standard Barometer. Once, indeed, the readings taken by CaseHa's instrument were sent by *'X." on a chart to Mr. Glaisher. The chart was con-ccted by the readings taken at the Greenwich Obsenatoi-y, and those readings were not very difi'erent (for general purposes) from those obsei-ved by the 12s. 6'i. barometer. The tube of the barometer is very small, but this weather glass is a cheap one, and is not to be despised. A drj' and wet bulb thermometer, suflScient for weather purposes, can be purchased of Negretti & Zambra for 12s. Gd. Standard instruments, for scientific pur- poses, are vei-y expensive, but they are not really required for a gar- dener's use. When " X." in his remarks, page 525, said " There is no expense attending such observations," he meant that there was no expense incurred in noting down the weather (a chart for a year costing only 2s. Gd. or less), after the first outlay had been made by a master in providing suitable instrimients for his gardener. Hardiness of Ceetain Fbrns (TT. G. S.).— Of the Ferns named) Lastrea decomposita requires a greenhouse, and not a cool one ; Asple- nium Belangeri will do in a gi-ecnhouse. but needs a stove to do well; Campyloneuroaphymatodes (Pleopeltis phjTuatodcs. also Drynaria vul- garis!, and Aspleniiuu fceniculaceum are stove Ferns. Lastrea Stan- dishii,.has not, so far as we know, been proved to be hardy, but it is likely to be so. This fine new Fern certainly does well in a cool house orframe. Lastrea patens is of ci -ntinental origin", and, as we had it, did not succeed at all well in a gi-eenhou.^e femer>-, but it grew luxuriantly in the stove. Davallia canariensis, Nephrodium niollc, and Pteris longifolia require a greenhouse; and Aspleniuui (Cyrtomium) falcainm is onjy hardy in warm sheltered situations, doing much better in a cool house" than 'anywhere out of doors. Apple Treks Lstested with Insects (B. jBarfon).— The trees should have a dressing of 8 ozs. of soft soap dissolved in a gallon of water along with 8 ozs. of salt. Apply it at a temperature of ICO ,'bnishing it well into the crevices. This will free the trees of insects and moss, and should be applied now. Be careful not to injm-e the fruit-buds by rubbing. Ne speci- men came in yoiu- letter. Camellia -Buns axd Leaves Fallino (Idem). — From the plants losing their leaves and being in a bad state of health, we should think that there is something the matter at the roots. Is the drainage good, and the soU sweet anJ not soddeued with water ? If not, then it should be. Aie the plants wat3red when they requii'e it. and only then? The soil should always bo kept moist, at the same time no water should be given until it is required. An imperfect root-action is the most liltely cause of the buds falling. Ferns Weak— Prijiulas DAirpiNo Off (Idem].—Yoxii Ferns are weak from being kept too warm. They wUl become strons if properly potted, well supplied with water both at the root and in the atmosphere, and kept in a proper temperature, with good ventilation. The Primulas damp ofl'from being constantly watered. They would not be so liable to damp- oflf if the sui-face of the soil in the pots were covered quite up to the collar of the plants with small pieces of stone. These should range fiom the size of a pea up to that of a hazelnut. From one-half to three-quarters of an inch is sufficient. Give more air, and do not water so often ; give plenty of water, but only when they re(iuii-e it. Time of Forcing Strawberries fZJ-^m).— The beginning of February is a good time, and early enough to have a good crop. They cannot be forced with a prospect of a full crop before that time, and the longer it is deferred the more plentiful the fruit wiD be. Thompson's " Gardener's Assistant" contains the necessary infoi-mation for the pruning of fniit trees. Rhtteabb Rttj^v'tng to Seed (A llIoonrakeT).—lt throws up flower-stems more abimdantly when planted in poor than in rich ground ; but it will produce its large umbels under any circumstances after it has been planted three or four years, some kinds more than others. This weakens the roots very much and should not be allowed. Cut away the seed- stems, when you first perceive them, level with the gi-ound, and this will induce the formation of crowns at their base, instead of the energies of the roots being expended in the production of seed. It would be well to take up the roots now, presening as much soil attached to them as possible, and after trenching the ground, and working in a liberal .amount of manure, to replant, dividini: the root:^ if large ; but they will not pro- duce so well the first year as if they had not been divided. If you cannot take the Rhuhaib up and prepare the ground properly, give a good top dressing of manure, and point it in, not going so deep as to jinjure the roots. A good watering of liquid manure now" and then in summer will make it stronger. Rhubarb Forcing {Idem).—1{ ynur dark cellar is sufficiently warm it will answer admirably for forcing Rhubarb. The temperature should not be less than 50 . It is not too late, for if vou put roots there now they will produce hmg before stools in the open air imheated and uncovered, You may pot the roots in Vine pots as you propose, or spread a little soil on the iloor. place the roots on it. and' then cover them 'with moist soil. There is this advantage in forcing Ehnbarh where it grows, the roots are but little injured and maybe forced ever>- other vear without any great deterioration, whereas if they are taken up and placed in a cellar or else- where they are of little value afterwards, requiring more time to recover than is needed to raise from offsets roots Of greater strength, and in every way better for forcing-purposes. CncuioERs and Melons in Pit Heated by Hot Water (E. J. mieeler). — Your pit would do well for the growth of Cucumbers and Melons, provided you could form a bed over the tank, and leave the sides of the tank exposed so as to heat the atmosphere ; but as you will not be able to do this, from the top of the tank being level with the bottom of the pit. we would advise you to place 6 inches of rubble over the bottom of the pit as well as upon the tank, and above the rubble a layer of sods, gra^s side downwards. Over the tank insert a drain-pipe, ©r tile, with a bore 3 inches in diameter, at every 2 feet, the lower end going through the sods into the rubble, and the other opening into the pit. Tht^e pipes should be inserted perpendicularly, and through them beat will ascend and give a sufficient atmospheric temperature, and the heat from the tank going amongst the rubble will give bottom heat. Three inches of soU all over the sods will be sufficient to begin with, but immediately under the centre of each light place about half a baiTowful of soil in the form of a cone with the top flattened, and exactly 1 foot from the glass, so that you must make the rubble so thick that you will have 10 or 12 inches of soil over it, and yet have the tops of the cones of soil 1 foot from the glass. When the soil of the cones has become warmed through, plant in tlae centre of each two Melon or Cucumber plants, one to be trained to the back and the other to the front of the pit. If you have the plants to prepare, sow the seeds in pots, plimge these in the" soil, pot off, and finally plant in the centre of the cones. When the plants gi"ow, the space between the cones and the sides of the pit is to be covered or filled with soil by degrees, placing it against the cones so as to cover the bed with soil nearly level with the tops of the cones. The tops of the tiles will be a little above the level of the soil, and must be kept free. Yon may raise fi'om seed any plants you liko in the pit, at least such as require heat, so long as thoy do not interfere with the Cucumbers and Melons. Remove the plants before they do that. Your other frames will answer for hardening off the plants rained in the heated pit. Cucumbers and Melons do not succeed well in the same compailment, you should, therefore, have a division or rather partition wall. Pruning Recentlt-tr.4NSPl anted LAmtrsTiNus (-4 Subscriber, AUei'- ton). — It is not safe to cut in these shrubs in winter, for that in their blooming season. They are not the hardiest of shrubs ; hence, when they are cut in in winter they frequently die down. Let them alone until the first week in .\pril. and then out them in to the desired i^hape and dimensions. The heads ^vill assist the shrubs to form roots, and they will further protect the shoots of which these shrubs are seldom devoid at the base. Gardener Iix-treatf* ■ On'> in. Trouble).— We havG a letter for this correspondent if he will cv ..a us his address. Vines in Pots (J. A'ay/o/).— Your Vines in pots, one year old, with canes 5 feet long, are. we presmne, too weak to fruit. If not strong — that is, if much less in diameter than the little finger, and the eyes are not large and plump, cut-in to two eyes now. and repot in the same pots after shaking away most of the old aoi*. If the Vines are strong, the eyes plump, and the wood brown and hart'., do not pnme then^ ; t all, but pot them at d companion. Those throe and Lady Downo's roquiro a good heat in autumn to ripen them before winl«r. Tho plan propos.'d will do well. Grapes Shanking (A. C. S.).— You do not say whether your Vines arc planted inside or outside. Wo think it is vory likely that lighter cr tpping will prevent the shanking, but not altogether if the roots are very doop If so. lifting would be the best remedy ; but as you w^nt to make sure of a crop whiNt effecting an improvement, trv what a lighter crop an 1 more (ire heat will do. The strength and vigour of the wood seem to denote want of ripeness. We would try the plan you suggest, planting against the back wall, and training down the glass, and allowing the Vinos in front to go on until those at back becarao strong; and to assist them in doing this you must let them have a good portion of light. Then when you re- place your present Vines, wo would advise you to plant Inside; but to have the inside bor ler, however uarrow. higher by a few inches than tho out- side one. Our Vines, to our sorrow, are all planted outside and brought in through the wall, but it is not a good plan. Be sure- of drainage, tkc least stagnant water will cause the Black Frontignan to shank. Frcit TitEEfi IN Pots iA. Y. Z.).—\onr pit or houses m»telon at p. 529 of No. 248), being 9 feet in width, your four-fcot bod in front wobll do well for Melons, with two four-inch pipes below the bod and two for top heat, as recommended at page 529; but if you wished to grow Cucum- bers in that bed in winter, it wuuld be advisable to have three pipes for top heat instead of two, or if vou grew anything that required a great heat in winter. Now to the first inquir>-, as to what fruit trees in pots you could grow in a second bod, 2 feet wide, at the back of this house, with no bottom heat, and 4 feet from the top of the bed to the glass, wc would reply that you would succeed with no hardy fruit trees if placed at once in a temperature that would suit Melons; nor would the fruit, if obtained, be of much value if you allowed the glass t*> be pretty well covered with the branches and leaves of the Jlelons. If, however, you started Peaches, Vines, or Figs In some other places, or in the same place, but beginning below 50 . and raising the temperature gradually to 60 , so as to have Peaches set. Vines showing their bunches, and Figs their fruit, before these plants had a temperature of from 60 to 65 at night, and from 7i> to 85 or more with air in sunny days, then the fruit trees would do in the same temperature as would suit the Melons ; and the flavour of the fruit would be fjiir just in proportion as there was an open spare of glass over them, and the sun would also shine through the openings between the leaves of the Melons. If you are fond of Figs, perhaps they would be best in such a position. A dozen pots might_ be placed in such a border. Peaches would require great attention to air-giving. We need not allude to tropical fruit, but the Passiflora quadrangularis w^iuld do well against such a wall, and the Melon-like fruit would swell well if care were taken to fecundate the flowers artificially. It would often be well to keep such a house as you describe as a propagating-honse and Melon-house alone. Supposing you to sow now, propagating could go on with the heat that would suit the young Melons, and a dozen of plants or so could cither be grown in large pots, or at first only half < 'f the bed might be given to them, the re^t being kept for propagating ; and when the plants were struck they could be set on the back bed to be slightly hardened off. Then if you sowed in April, tho Melon plants, say a dozen, could be planted in the back border, which would be warm enough in May and June without bottom heat, and these could be trained down the glass by the time the first crop was ripening and going off. Sow again in the beginning of June, and you could have a late crop in the bed with the advantage of bottom heat. Such a narrow back bed would also be useful for Ferns and low flowering plants that liked heat. As to the second inquiry, we would be satisfied with the clean gravel above the clinkers for bottom heat, and 5 inches from the pipes will be quite enough. We would place no cocoa- nut fibre between the gravel and the soil, as the fresher it is and tho drier it becomes the more \vill it act as a non-conductor, and keep the heat from rising into the soil. As you have placed brickbats and clinkers around the pipes in an open manner, it is necessan.- that you should have pipes, say drain-tiles, an inch or 2 inches In diameter, not only for pnur- ing down water, but also allowing air to enter ; for if tho air round the pipes were thoroughly confined the heat would not be transmitted by it any more than by dry cocoa-nut fibre. Names of Fruits.— (£. C.).— Glon Morcean. (T. L.).— Ne Plus Moans. Names op Plants (,V. D.).— 1, Doodia caudata ; 2, Aspleninm lanceo- latum. METEOROLOGIC^VL OBSERVATIONS in the Suburbs of London for the Week ending January 20th. Date. THERMOMETER. Wind. Rain in inches. Genebai. Remabss. AlT. Earth. Max. 1 Min. Max. Min. 1 (t. dp. 2 ft. dp. Sod... 14 Hon... IS Tncs. . 16 Wed. . 17 Thurs. 18 Fri. .. 19 Sat. .. 20 Meui.. 29Ji4« 80.061 29.981 80.174 30.114 29.692 29.739 29.716 29.812 29.670 80.116 29«6 29.667 29.634 42 41 SO 52 51 53 52 87 85 42 44 48 41 80 42 41 41 40 41» 42 43 41 42 48 44 44 444 4S S.W. S.W. s. S.W. S.W. S.W. S.W. .14 .02 .16 .06 .10 .12 .01 DcnBclj- clonded ; stronR south wind ; fine ; boisterous. Clear ; very fine thronghout. Rain : fine ; mild at night ; rain. Dark, and densely overcast ; rain ; overcast; warm at night. Overcast throuRhout ; mild for the season ; rain at night. Clear ; overcast ; windv : rain. Partially overcast ; boisterons with showers ; fine. 29.937 29.774 48.71 1 38.85 41.67 43.85 .... 0.61 POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. CROOKS IMPROVED IXCUBATOR. The accompanying engraving is a representation of Messrs. Crooks' improved incubator, which, though not differing ma- terially in principle and form from the older apparatus, never- theless presents some important modifications. To show m>rc clearly what these are it will be necessary to describe briefly the original apparatus. The size known as No. 2 was calculated to hatch 60 hens' eggs, or 84 Pheasants' eggs, was 22 inches high, 1.5 inches wide, and 11 inches from front to back. The trays of perforated zinc, lined with blanket, were enclosed each in a Jonnary 28, 1806. ] JODBNAIi OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 75 compartment all the sides of which, except tlie front, were hollow, and served to cont.iin water by which the requisite degree of heat was communicated to the eggs. To heat the water, both in tlie old and improved apparatus, a lamp is em- ployed which burns a highly rectified non-explosive oil, the burner being a brass tube pierced with five of the smallest holes which it is possible to drill, and filled with cotton threads to draw up the oil. In lighting the lamp a piece of burning paper is held against this tube till the vapour from the oil ascends and is lighted. Externally, the water-jacket is covered with blanketing to prevent loss of heat. The new apparatus instead of being closed at the back is open, so that there is always a current of cool air from front to back below the eggs, and these receive the heat principally on the upper side, as in natural hatching. The alterations and improvements are stated by Messrs. Crook to have " originated not from any inefficiency in the prin- ciple of our former incubator, but to avoid, as much as we are able, those disasters happening through inattention, the re- sults of which are to dry up the moisture necessary to the per- fect development of the germ, and destroy the vitality of the chick. To describe our alteration, it will be necessary to say that we are now imitating Nature as closely as possible, by radiating the warmth upon the top of the egg only, and allow- ing the under side to remain somewhat cool. Your readers wiU at once see that this is a natural method ; and as the germ floats only at the top side of the egg, and remains so in what- ' ever position the egg may be turned, we consider this beautiful provision of Nature to be our unerring guide, and our experi- ments have proved that this is the correct method for us to apply our heat. We have not in any way altered the contigu- I ration of the apparatus ; each remains precisely the same. '■.',, ".Ill i/j('i( Crook's Improved Incubator " The artificial rearing-apparatus, of which the above is a re- presentation, is very simple in its construction, and is, in fact, a more perfect carrying out of the plan proposed by M. Reaumur, whose works upon the subject of artificial incubation are well worthy of the attention of poultry-breeders. The apparatus is a slanting casing of hot water, with a loose casing of per- forated metal, and lined with lamb skins ; a lamp is placed at the back end, which keeps up the required warmth for winter use. It is intended that this useful adjunct should be at- ached to a coop, as represented by the dotted lines in the en- Artificial Kcaring Apparatus. gi-aving, which prevents the birds from flying on to the top of the apparatus ; the obUque construction of the apparatus en- ables the chicks to nestle comfortably up to the top side, iu imitation of Nature, as if the chick were nestling under the hen. There is no warmth applied to the feet of the birds, as we have foimd from experience that when they are warmed from the floor upon which they rest, they become weak and languid, soon have the cramp, and readily take cold. The warmth in this, as in the improved incubator, is only applied to the top or back of the bird." RAILWAY CHARGES. I AM glad to find from " our Journal " of December 26th that others besides myself complain of railway charges. I am not surprised. The only wonder is that we have submitted to the grievance so patiently — another proof, were it wanting, of the endurance of the Anglo-Saxon ! Still, we are told, " If you tread on a worm, it will turn." and I only hope we shall " turn " to some purpose. Your correspondent " J. K." sug- gests some plans somewhat similar to those that have been thought over by myself. .Ys, however, I promised to suggest a remedy, I now fulfil my promise, and must leave my fellow exhibitors to act as they think fit. Firstly, then, I think that the Poultry Club may justly turn their attention to this subject : their object is the encourage- ment of poultry shows and of poultry keeping, especially for exhibition. Ai'e the present railway charges likely to increase the number of exhibitions or exhibitors ? I trow not. I do not think any of the members would object to some small amount of income being devoted to remedying this grievance ; it need not be very large. I^would suggest that at the next meeting of the Club a resolution should be proposed (and if I might do this by proxy I should be very glad to propose it myself), declaring the opinion of the Club, that poultry exhi- bitions would be encouraged, and indirectly railway traffic would be promoted, if it were an established rule on all railways that unsold birds returning from an exhibition should travel free. Supposing such a resolution carried, and I can hardly imagine a dissentient voice, it could be printed, and forwarded to the head office of the principal railways, requesting an answer ; or, to save the expense of printing, I would take upon myself the trouble of writing out the said resolution and forwarding it to the Secretary for his signature ; the postage would then be the only expense. I have already written to the Secretary on this subject. Independently of any such action on the part of the Poultry Club, I am wilhng to enter into communication with the prin- cipal exhibitors of poultry, and sound them as to their wiUing- uess to sign a petition to be forwarded to the various railway authorities. Many, perhaps, would kindly spare me some of this trouble by signifying at once to me, imder cover to " our Editors," their willingness to join in the requisition. Of course, all this performance must cost some money, and per- haps most exhibitors would scarcely care to entrust their dona- tions to the unknown quantity that I have hithertabeen. The amounts, with the consent of " our Editors," might be sent to the office, and to all such helpers I would give " our Editors " perfect liberty to unravel the mystery. To some few I am already known by name, though not personally, and one gentle- man, whom I have never seen, a frequent and successful ex- 76 JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTDBE AITD COTTAGE GAEDENER. [ January 28, 18C6. hibitor. after mv flrat letter on tliis topic, wrote me thnt he iihoul.l bo nleOKod to Bond me £1 tovf»r<>s any exptnscs i migtit incur. Pcrhspn " onr Baiters " mieht be inihiced to aflsist ns bv acting «« Trcnoiircrn. ■ I nmy rftnlc tlmt rIo.I i»s I shonUl be to meet any nnmber of mv fLllow-maniiics i>n this or any other 9ubjc<'t connected with poultrv, my duties tie rae too completely at home. I hope no^t week to draw np a form of reinii.Mtion that 1 think may form the Rronnd-work, subject to hints from any persons interested in the matter.— T. B. A. Z. eggs in eight hours. I am qnite certain of this, for I have only three hens of that breed, and one is eitting. I took three eggs out of the nest on Sunday, and I am positive that thero was not any in on Saturday night. The hen is eight uioutha old. Both the eggs were perfecliy shelled. — rouLTEV. THE rOULTRY BOOK. 1.N the notice of " The Poultry Book " in The Jocrnai, or Hor.TicLi-TiTRB for January IGth, it is stated that '• it is ' Jhe Poultn- Book,' publiiihed pome years since, edited by Mr. Wipg- fielJ aid Mr. Johnson, re-ananged with additions. We think it rij;ht to apprise our readers of this, as Mr. Tegetmeier's name only appear.^ on the cover and in the advertisement, from which they might be led to believe tliat it is the production of that gentleman." Permit me to state as follows: Messrs. Routledge, the projirietors of the copyright and plates of the original work, having determined to issue a new poultry' book, entrusted me with its preparation. Any portions of the old edition which might bo serviceable were placed at-my disposal. Finding, however, little of the letter-press avaUable, and that Bnch portions as I adopted would have to be so modified, that it would bo unfair to render Messrs. Wingfield and Johnson re- sponsible for them, it was determined to issue the work solely under my name. In the part which has appeared, less than three pages of the original matter are retained out of the twerty-four of which the Number consists. How far the quantity of introductory matter thus adapted ta proportion much in excess of what will occur in the body of the work) can be said to support the statement that this is the original " Poultiy Book, re-arranged with additions, " I leave your readers to determine. — W. B. Tegetmeiee. rWe are obliged by this communication, as it antlioritively informs our readers what " The Poultiy Book," by Mr. Teget- meier. is to be. The name is the same as that published by the Rev. Mr. Wingtield and Mr. Johnson, and the plates are the same. Wlien Messrs. Eoutledge placed any portions of the old edition at Mr. Tegetmeier's disposal, they could not have imagined that Mr. Tegetmeier would be disposed to commit a wholesale plagiaiy. Five (not three) pages of that old edition are included, without any acknowledgement, in the first twenty- four pages. — Eds.] PROFIT OF POULTRY-KEEPIXG. Mv stock consisted of a Dorking cock and three hens, and three Brahma hens. The return has been 814- eggs and sixteen and a half pairs of chickens, the latter averaging 7 lbs. per pair when Icilled, for an outlay, including food, wire and string netting, and all expenses, of £.3 us. i>d. My fowls have only a small run, and except for an hour in the morning, when they are allowed a run in a neiglibouiing meadow, are constantly shut in. As egg-protlncers, 1 find the Biahmas give three eggs against two of the Dorkings ; the latter cannot do without their hour's Uberty in the morning, and I think all Brnhmns would be lest where the birds cannot have entire liberty, their quiet behaviour also makes them great favourites with all parties. The birds should be kei)t young. My plan is to dispose of the two oldest hens annually, two puUots taking their places ; this keeps them at the same average age, and also secures two winter lasers at least. As to food, I use barley, barleymeal, oatmeal, soaked bread, potato raw or cooked, and plenty of green meat. They likewise have clean pump water, and clean houses. This mnnaginiciit will keep the birds in good con- dition ; but to produce eggs they must have, in addition, as many worms, snailii, and other small insects as their owner can possibly supply them with. The return of eggs varies considerably in d^erent seasons ; {or 1864 it was 486, whereas in 1863 it was 8-JO.— J. M. S. THE WALS.VLL EXHIBITION OF POUJLTRY AND PIGEONS. TnKqnality nn.l tlio iinantity also of the upotimcns eutcrcdfor tbi* Show vcrv far exceeded the expectations of its promoters. The en- tries were fullv donble the nnmber which the most Fiuiguinc of the Committee had ever calculated on. and combincil with this nnexpcctcd result (as so mauv otlur shows were taking place siniultaueously, or within a day or so), the names of the exhibitors who would eompcto foretold, what proved to he the fact, a vely heavy Show. Placed in so unexpected a difficultv. the Committee did all that then hiy in their power to accommoclntc every ono ; hut to find phices for donblo the number of i)eus in the space calculated for onc-balf that number, was a problem of no easv soluUou. The only coarse was, ■■ it must be done." As being the most accissihle pens of any to light, arrange- ments were made with Messrs. Turner, of Shclfield. for the number requiied, and their man did all he could to confine the pens withm the preserihed space. A large proportion of the pens for the smaUcr varieties of poultn,- were consequently overiapped m front some 0 inches, in no way addmR interest to the Exhibition ; but it was the oulv resoui-ce to save space, and even then the lower tier of pens was artiaUv on the floor of the (luildhaU, and the upper ones were so raised above the line of vision that benches had to be provided all round for the Judges, Messrs. Hewitt and Cottle, during the time of making their decisions. As the p,.uUrv pens in all eases crossed the w-uidows the diifieultv of seeing the bilds tins situaUd was great and this cir- enmstauce tended mneh to exclude the light from the remainder. Ihe cas thon-h liberallv introduced, seemed only to eanse a eonlused com- hination of light with extreme shadow, rendering minute inspection impossible alike to Arbitrators and viaito.-s. Mishaps are generaUy twin-bom, and the morning proved wet and lowering, and so the weather continued until past mid-day. It may be said, that uo provm- cial first show ever yet contained so many tirst-rato specmiens : and a like successful result, we are informed, will be fully provided for at future meetings of the Walsall Society. The budding, at present only in course of erection (not being vet roofed ml. wiU, by another year, be completed. It is intended to serve as a place of exercise for the district Kiflo Volunteers, and will he of ample size to accommodate auv number of pens under a thousand, and the light will m aU parts be'food. This is. indeed, a vastlv improved prospect for the future; and, evidently, Walsall will shortly bold a place among the firet ranks of local shows, as many enthusiastic exhibitors are to be found among tlie inhabitants of the surrounding district. .v • t But to the Kxhiliition itself. A most singular feature was, that ot the large number of pens entered, not n.cre than a dozen were found vacant. Tlvrhmis were the tir.st class, and a capital coUecUon they proved : thov onjovcd the best light in the whole Show, fhe hens throuahout tlic cJass showed to great advantage, but some few of the cocks seemed ailing and over-exhibited. One or two of the cocks bad the spurs placed outside the legs, which lunounts to a positive mal- fonuation. The !,ish class was indisputably one of the verj- best that has been met with for a long time, almost every pen being excel- lent All the best pens in this v.arictv bad, therefore, to be taken to fresii pens, and placed in a full light, side by side, before any positive npinioii of relative merit could be arrived at, and tbe same dilatory 1 1 :*i. "-*" *^«' other varieties. Mr. jCoabarda The Partridge-coloured Cixldns process w as compulsory with not a few other varieties. cup pen was marvellously well show_. were ROod. aud spleiubdly formed : but many of the cooks were rnddj cup lien was marvellously well shown, were "ood, aud splembdlv formed ; bu^ ui^^y ... . — — on the breast, and the hens absolutely buff -throated. Mr. Jenmson, the cup winner in Bnff Cochms with bis adult pen, of the exhibition was considerably increased to the Two Eoos IN A Day. — I have a Cochin hen which has per- formed the unusual feat of laying two eggs in one day. The first egg was laiet about 3 p.x. on Sunday morning, and when she went up to roost at 4 she had laid another, thus laying two of Manchester was and the atti-action „ - - »f„„„ pubUe, by the order of the Committee to take this splenOjd lot from a lark bottom pen into a light opposite an avenue, to replace another - - ' ■ ' ■■ hown bv the same gentleman, by whidl this pen of Cochins to evei-v visitor. The J Inmhiiri/h classes pen. •• highly commended." arrangement (after the prizes were nwardedl this pel proved of easy inspection to eveiy visitor. The JInmh were especially good ; but tliev on, Darlington ; E. Leach ; Mrs. Douglas, Hyndhoiie. Di'CKS (Any other distinct breed).— First, E. Hutton, Piulaey (Pintaill. Second, J. Jennison. Bellevue Gardens. Manchester (Carolinos). Third, J. R. JcSBop, Hull (East Indian). Higlilv Cunnnended, T. C. Harrison, Hull (Brown Cnlll : Countess de Fliih^iult (White Call). Commended, J. R. Jessop ; E. Hutlon (Teal). TCEKEY. — Poul^.- First, E. Leech. Second, T. Mansfield, Headman- stone House. Third, T. L. Jackson. Highly Commended, Lord Binning. Commended, J. Muirhcad, Tranent ; T. Elliot. Any other VARtrxT.- First and Second, Countess de Flahault {La Fleche and Crt ve Cteur). Third, K. Loft, Woodmansey, near Beverley, Yorkshire (Sultans). SINGLE COCKS. Spanish.— First, J. Shorthose. Second, T. Knowles. Third, Mrs. Craw. Dorking. — First, Countess de Flahault. Second, A. Cochrane, Perth- Third. J. Shorthose. Cociun-China. — First and Third, J. Shorthose. Second, H. Beldon. Game. — First, Messrs. Kaston & Mabon. Second, D. Hardie. Third, T. Dyson. Very Highly Commended, Mrs. J. Tumbull. Hajibcrgh. — First and Second, H. Beldon. Third, R. Tate. Leeds. Highly Commended, Mrs. Craw. Commended. H. Pickles, jun., Earhy. The Silver Cup, to the most Successful Exhibitor, in the foregoing classes. J. Shorthose. Sweepstake for Bantams.— First, T. Oliver, sen., Jedburgh. Second, D. Brown, Bridge Lane, Perth. Third, G. Tumbull, Dundee. Verv Highly Commended, W. F. Entwistle, Otley; G. Dodds, Crailing; T. Mallen. Sunderland ; Messrs. Eastou & Malion. Highly Commended, F. L. Roy. Commended, J. Steel, Kelso ; J. Anderson ; S. H. Jeffrey, Jedburgh. Seluno Class (Any variety).— First, T. Cleiiiinson, Darliuston (Brown Red). Second, J. A. S. E. Fair (Aylesbury Ducks). Third, Mrs. Dickens (Silver Dorking). Cottagers' Prizes (.4ny variety). — First, A. Henderson, Duniou, Jed- burgh (Dorkings). Second, W. JIurdie, Jedburgh (;panish). Third, A. Stevenson, Ccssford (Black Red Game). PIGEONS. The Silver Cnp given to the most Successful E.\hibitor in Pigeon classes, J. Thackray, Petersgate, Hull. Almond Tumblers. —First, J. Thackray. Second, F. Else, Westboume Grove, Bayswater, London. Third, H. Yardley, Birmingham. Tumblers (.\ny other variety).— First. R. Pickering, Carlisle. Second, H. Yardley. Third, J. Thackray. Highly Commended, J. Bell, Newcastle (Kites). Commended, J. R. Jessop, Hull : T. Knowles. Fantails.— First, W. R. Park. Second, J. R. Jessop. Third, F. Else. Very Highly Commended, W.Veitch, jun. .Jedburgh. Highly Commended, H. Yardley. Commended, J. Sharp, Canal Cottage, Johnstone. Renfrew- shire. Powtebs.— First, Second and Third, J. Grant, Edinburgh. Very Highly Commended, J. Grant. Commended, J. E. Speuco, Dovecothouse,"5Iussei- bnrgh. Ness.— First. R. Lanric, Melrose. Second, W. Veitch, jun. Third, R. Paterson, Melrose. Highlv Commended, W. R. Park. Owls.— First. R. Ilckering. Second, J. Thackray. Third, J. P.. Jessop. Tcrbits.— First, R.Thompson, Kendal. Second, F. Keir, Church Lane, Edinburgh. Thurd, H. Yardley. Highlv Commended, R. Paterson. Com- mended. J. Thackray ; R. Pickering; M'rs. Craw. Jacobins,— First, J. Thackray. Second and Third, H. Beldon. Very Highly Commended, J.Sharp. Highly Commended, R. Pickering. Com- mended, F. Else. Barbs.— First, J. Thackray. Second, H. Yardley. Third, H. Beldon. \ ery Highly Commended, R. Pickering. Highly Commended, Mrs. Craw. Commended, H. Yardley. Any other Variety.- First. J. Thackrav (Swallows). Second, J. R. Jessop (Mag^iies). Third, H. Yardley. Verv Highly Commended, Mrs. Craw . Highly Commended, Mrs. Craw. Commended, H. Vardliv. Selling Class.— First, J. Oow, Kelso (Barbs). Second, R. ThouipsoK. Third. J. Sharp. Johnstone (Black Magpies). Very Highlv Commended. A. B. Boyd, Trinity (Monks). Commended, A. B. Boyd (Sheild). CANARIES. Scotch Panct(YcIIow).— Cod-.— First. R. Ballant\Tie, Hawick. Second, J. Kemp, Galashiels. Very Highly Commended, R. Ballantrne. Com- mended, J. Hervcy. Jedburgh. Scotch Fancy |Buffi.—Coc».— First, J. Kemp. Second, J.R. Thompson. Tery Highly Commended, J. R. Thompson. Highlv Commended, J. Jeffrey. Commended. G. Laidlnw, Galashiels. Scotch Fancy (Buffi.— H^n.- -First, W. Hardie. Second, G. M'MiUan, Jedburgh. Very Highly Commeniled, R. Ballantvne. Highly Com- mended, J. Hervey. Commended, R. Ballant>Tje. Scotch Fancy (Yellow).— Hrn.— First. W. Tinline, Galashiels. Second, .T.Kemp. Very Highly Commended, J. Dalglish, Galashiels. Commended, J. Grierson, Edgerson. Beloiax Fancy (Yellow).— First, J. JelTrcT, Kelso. Second, J, Kemp. Commended. J. Marshall, Galashiels Belc.ian Fancy iISuITi.— roc*.— First, G. Laidlaw. Second. J. Kemp. Very Highly Cuinmended, J. Dryden, Kelso. Commended, G. Mabon. Jedburgh. Beloian Fancy i Yellow).— «fn.— First. J. Kemp. Second. J. Dryden. Very Highly Commended, G. Laidlnw. Commended, W. Tinline. liEL.iiAN Fancy (Buffi.— //i-n.-First, W. Tinline. Second, J. MarshalL Very Highly Commended. J. Dryden. Conmien Jlduks. — rvultni: Oliver Nicholson, Esq., I.andimrt, Portsmouth ; nnil E. Dixon, Esq., tiohl Isluiul, Hexham : I'iniuii.i : (J. J. Maclean, Esq., MorniujjHide ; Cmturitti : J. Broomfield, Esq., Edinburgh. KKNDAL POULTRY SHOW. Tin: elcventli nunnal ExliiLition was beldon tbe ISth, 19th and2l)tb inst. Tbe following is a list of awards: — Game (White and Piles).— First. H. Thompson, Maiden Hill, Penrith. Second, T. West, St. Ann's. Eccleston, St. Helen's I^ancashire. Third, Rev. F. Watson, Missing Hill House, near Kelvedon, Essex. HighlvCom- meuded, T. West. Game (Blnc-k-breasted and other Red). — First. H. Snowden, Great Hor- ton, near Bradford, Y.>rkshire. Second, T. West. Third, T. Stittcr, i Bnrv, Lancashire. Highlv Commended, .\. Fenton, Crimble Hull, Rocll- dale; R. Woof, Old Hutton, Milnthorpe; M. W. Stoluirt, Middleton-onc- Eow, Darlington ; H. Thompson. Commended, T. Robinstm, Ulvcrston. C/!(cAf)i.«.— First and Cup, J. Fletcher. Stoneclough. Manchester. Second, T. Eottomley, Soaper Lane, Bottomshelf, Halifix. Third, T. Robinson. Highly Commended, J. Hodgson, Whittington, Kirkby liOnsdalc. Game (.\ny other variety).— Prize, H. Snowden. Hen. — First, T. West. Second, W. 'Hodgson, Darlington. Third, H. Snowden. Highly Com- mended, J. S. Butler, Poulton-le-F'ylde. Commended, M. W. Stobart. Hamburgh (Golden-penciUedl. — First, J. Robinson, Garstang. Seond, A. K. W'ood, Bnmeside, Kendnl. Third, Messrs. Burch A Boulter, Allen Street, Sheffield. Hamburgh (Silver-pencilled). — First, J. Robinson. Second and Third, A. K. Wood. HA^iBunoH (Golden or Silver-pencilled). — Chirlrm. — First, S. Taylor, Ihbotsholiuc, Windermere. Second and Third, A. K.Wood. Highlv Com- mended, J. Robinson ; J. Walker, Haya Park, Knaresborough. 1 Hamburgh (Golden-spangled).- First, T. Wareing. Preston. Second, A. K. Wood. Third. Messrs. Burch i Boulter. Highlv Commended, E. Tate. Leeds ; A. K. Wood. Commended, J. Walker. Hamburgh (Silver-spangled). — Cup, First and Second, A. K. Wood. Third, J. Robinson. Hamburgh (Gold or Silver-spangled).—Chic)te/i».— First. J. Robinson. Second, J. Walker. Third, Messrs. S. & R. Ashtou, Moltram, Cheshire. Commended, J. Walker ; Miss Steel, Hnndhow, neiir Kendal. Dorkings (Coloured).— First and Cnp, J. Copple. Eccleston, Preseot. Second, H. Harvey, Sheffield. Third, T.Statter Hi'.'bly Cnmmended, J. I Robinson ; T.Tatham, King~11)nr]ie. Northampton ; II. Knowles, Liverpool; Hon. Mrs. Howard, Leveus HmII. Kendal. Commended. G.P,. Smith, Rjima- hi;i Villa, Scarborough; J. Hatliuld, Cottingham, llull:J. H. Wilson, St. Eces. OnVAvnji.— First, H. Knowles. Second. Messr-. Oiuison & Jefferson, Whitehaven. Third, J. Robinson. Highly Commended, W. W. Rutt- lidge, Storth End, Milnthorpe : J. K. Fowler, Prebendiil Farm, Aylesbury ; H. Harvev. Commended, J. Walker. 1 Cochin -China (Cinnamon and Buffi. — First. T. Stretch, Ormskirk. 1 Second, J. Cattell, Birmingham. Third, H. :\I.ipi.lebeck, Woodfleld, Moseley, Birmingham. Highly Commended, H. H irvey ; G. Fell, War- rington; Messrs. Bowman a' Fearon, Whitehaven. Commended, H. Tomlinson, Balsall Heath Road, Birmingham. _ | Cochin-China (Hrowil and I'artridge-feathered). — First, R. ,T. Wood, Chorley. Second, T. Stretch. Third, Messrs. Bowman & Fearon. Highly | Commended, Miss E. X, .^glionbv, The Hollins, Grasmere. Cochin-China (White).— First', 5I)ss Biggar, Braes House, Ecclefechan. Dumfries. Second, —Dawson, Hoptou Mirfleld. Third, Rev. F. Taylor, ChictceM.—Vivsi. Second, and Third, R. F. Taylor. Commended B. Smallev, Lune Villa, Lancashire. Spanish (Black).— First, Miss Biggar. Second, H. Harvey. Third, Messrs. Burch & Boulter. Highlv Commended. G. Robinson, Gelderd'8 Yard, Highgate, Kendal ; E. Brow'n, Albert House. Sheffield. C/iiclenj.— First, Miss Biggar. Second, J. Marehant, Hanson Lane, Halifax. Third, I Miss B. Ridpath, Edinburgh. Highly Commended. R. B. Postans, Brent- wood, Essex ; T. Kew, Dale House, Burton, Westmoreland ; H. Harvey. Commended, J. Harrison. Burnside, Kendal ; J. H. Wilson. Brahma Pootras.— First. R. W. Boyle, Galtrim Hou-e. Wicklow. Se- cond, J. K. Fowler. Third. H. Har\ev. Highly Commi nded, F. Crook Vine Cottage, Forest Hill, London; J. Waugh, Castle Hill, Lochm«bcn_ Dumfries; O. H. Roberts, Penworthom, Preston ; Mrs. J. F. Smithson Whitwell House, Chorlev. .\NY other Variety 'except Bantams.— First, J. Robinson. Second, H. Harvey (Silver Polnnds). Third, Messrs. Gunson \ Jefferson. Sellin'g Class.— First A. K. Wood. Second. J. P. Harrison, KendaL Third, R. D. Holt. Orrest Head, Windermere. Highly Commended, T. C. Harrison ; J. P. Harrison ; R. B. Postans ; M. E. Hutton, Pudsey. Com- mended, F. W. Earlie, Edenhurst, Huytou. SINGLE COCKS. Game.- Cup, First and Second, C. W. Brierlev. Third, J. Fletcher. Fourth, M.W. Stobart. Highly Commended. T.Statter; Messrs. Bowman and Fearon. Commended, A. Fenton. Cocfrer^l.- First, A. F'enton. Se- cond, T. Bottomley. Third J. Brongh Carlisle. Fourth, C. W. Briorloy 1 Jannnry 23^ 1866. ] JOUBNAL OF HOETICUliTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 79 DocKixc .—First, H. Harvey. Second, R. D. Holt. Highly Commended, Bantam iGamc). — First, Mrs. A. Monkhouse, All Hallows Lane, Kendal. Jtecoud, W. F. Eutwistle, Otley, Yorkshire. Third, Messrs..!. & F. Fryer, StuTiU-y near Chesterfield. Hifihly Commended, W. Hodgson; H. Shu- ittich. Brook Cottage, Southwell, Notts ; K. B. Postans. Hant.ims (Game)^— First and Cup. R. B. Postans. Second, H. Mapple- l>eck. Tiiird, Mrs. Park, Hi^hson Hall, Whitehaven. Fourth, J. Wallier. Hi^Iy C'uimcnded, W. F. Entwistlo; Messrs. J. & S. Frj-er; J. Skinner, aiiindoe Farm, Xuwport. Commended. G. Maples, jun. Bakta:^-; (Any other variety). — First, E. Hutton. Second and Third, 31. lieDti. The Pheasantrj*, Dunstable. Highly Commended, W. J. Cope. Bsnisli-v Pekin Bantams); C. W. Brierley. Commended, T. Davies Befca-W O'ttnge. Newport. DucK^: 'White Aylesbury).— First and Cup, J. K. Fowler. Third, Miss M. Jacfckin. Vale House, Garstang. Highly Commended, E. Leech, Rochdale ; .1- 5L Fowler. Ducks (Houen).— First, T. Statter. Second, J. Nelson, Heaton Mersey, aeir Miui'-bostcr. Third, — Willison, Kendal. Highly Commended, J. Nftlsan; 3Iiss M. Jackson; J. Walker; Mrs. J. F. Smitbson ; Messrs. (iimsoa iV Jefferson- Commended, H. Kuowles ; T. Robinson ; Mrs. J. F. Soaithsoji. AxY (^iTHETt Variety — First, T. C. Harrison. Second, A. Fonton ^Blaok East Indiaf. Third, R. TLimer,!Crosthwaite, Milnthorpe. Highly OftniniDnded, F. W Earle, Edonhurst, Huytou. LiveriJool, (Black East Indial ; K. SnuiUy, Lune Villa, Lancashire ; E. Hutton (Brown Call Inichsi. PIGEONS. Cat;j;iers. — First, H. AUsop, Birmingham. Second, H. Yardley, Market Hall, Hu-wiingham. Highly Commended, W. Wassey, York; A.I. Robin- son, Smiderland; E. Brown, Commended, R. H. .\rtindalc, Liverpool; T. Tl';ireine. AiMosD Tumblers. — First, A. I. Robinson. Second, F. Key, Beverley. Ifighly Commended, H. Yardley; E.Brown. Commended, W. Stalker, Liveri'ooL TtnrELERS (Any variety).— First, H, Yardley. Second, W. Stalker. HS^ly Commended, X. I. Robinson. Commended, R. Thompson, Kendal. Owl**.— First, H. Yardley. Second, G. H. Roberts. Povnr.RS AND Croppers. — First, A. I. Robinson. Second, W. R. Rose, Cransley Hall. Kettering. Highly Commended, W. R. Rose ; H. Snowdeu ; H. YtiTii\ey. Commended, W. Stalker. EArtB-i. — First, G. H. Roberts. Second, A. I. Robinson. Highly Com- loondr.d. T. Kew, Dale House, Burton, Westmoreland ; H. Yardley. Conintt;iuied, H. S. Salisl>urv, The Lawn, Kempsey ; R. Thompson. Fa>tails.— First, R. W. Thompson. Second, H.* Yardley. Highly Com- niendod, W\ Stalker. Commended, R. James, Kendal ; H. S. Salisbury. TciLSiTS.— First, R. Thompson, Moresdale Hall, KeTidal. Second', H. Hftr\i-y. Highly Commended, R. Dodge, Sheffield; H. Yardley; A. I. Robin .«(m. Tecmpeters. — First,' A. I. Robinson. Second, J. Thompson, 5Iarket Kaee, Bingley. Highly Commended, Mrs. A. Monkhouse ; F. Key. Jacobins. — First, J. Thompson. Second, R. Thompson. Highly Com- metidcd. H. S. Salisbury ; A. I. Robinson ; E. Brown. Commended, R. Dodffe ; H. Y'ardley. Axv tvriiEi: Variety. — First, H. Har\'ey. Second, '■■. Sherwin, White- Itaveu. Hii,'hly Commended, T. Young, St. John's Wood, London fArcIiingt-isi ; H. Yardley; J. K. Trenam, Hclmsley, Yorkshire. Com- mecNitrd, H. Yardley. Selung Class.— First, G. Woadley, Thorne, Doncastnr (Black Barbs). SecoJid. J. Thompson. Highly Commended, R. Thu:/ipson (Spangled Saihians!; D. Harding, Middlewich, Cheshire; Miss J. A. Monkhouse, /Carriersi: W. .Tackson, Bolton-le-Sands (Yellow Migpi^^) ; H. Yardley ; W. M:»ssey ; J. Thompson ; R. Doge. Commended, R. Thompson (Nuns) ; Misii J. A. Monkhouse ; J. Thompson (Turbits). Spf.cial Prize.— First and Cup, M. Thompson, Beast Banks, Kendal. Socond, }L Woof, Old Hutton, Milnthorpe. Third, M. Graham, Kendal. HJgiitv Cummended, M. Graham. Commended, G. Rohiuson, Kendal; R. Woof ; M. Redhead, Kendal. Judges. — Ponltrif : Mr. R. Teebay, FuUwood, Preston. Piqeons and nr.,r : Xr. H. Beldou, Bingley. THE NATIONAL COLUMBARIAN SOCIETY'S EXHIBITION. This Society invited the public on Tuesday to their annual Show? heltiiu the Masonic Hall of the Freemasons' Taveni. We congratu- late the Society on the great interest their Shows have attracted, and on this occasion the Exhibition called forth loud expressions of sur- \msii and commendation from everj- one. The hall was filled with lines of pens, and contained more than l.'iOO birds, around which circalaCed from t^vo to six an nubroken succession of vi itors. On entering the Hall we noticed on our left the Curriers of Mr. Hedloy. tine specimens, shown singly, and well worthy of the distinc- kicn. Next came his Barbsy birds of rare quality ; continuous with them were placed the twelve White Barbs of Mr. Jones, the best col- lodion of Whites we ever saw together ; the rich-coloured eye wattle, largv and round, was seen to perfection on the snowy-wUite ground ; then llr. Else's Carriers, birds that have held their plrifp in so many prize lists. Next we come to a diminutive bird, the Black Mottles of Mr- Ksden. We were delighted to see this old fancier of Beards and Mottles so successfully keeping before our eyes that prettiest of Tniafclers the Black Mottle, which had threatened to become extinot. We nest noticeil the Carriers of Messrs. Ord, Faith, Feltham, Allen, and Kdnjonds- As these gentlemen exhibited about two hundred birds aliogtiber, we must pass these over in more general terms than they mental. Mr. Oid showed Whites and Blues, two Blue hens in a rooDd pen, perfect in style and symmetry, the flowers of the flock ; Messrs. Faith and Feltham, Blacks and Duns ; Messrs. Edmonds and Allen, Blues. A host of Powters shown by Mr. Bacchus were birds of great length of limb and feather, and, arranged in a semicircle on the raised platform, constituted quite a feature in the Show ; nor must we omit the Powters of Mr. Hayne, who sent six birds of great beauty of feather, form, and length. The National Columbariau Society was the first, we believe, to en- courage the exhibition and fancy of that kind of Pigeon reallv in use as messengers. The bird now trained for these long flights is a foreign variety, sedulously reared and trained in Belgium, and now adopted in this country. Messrs. Hudson and Betty sent a large number of these birds. Specimens in Mr. Hudson's pens were noted to have flo^vn four hundred miles at one journey. Near them we saw a large pen of high-flying Rollers, birds evi- dently bred with great care ; in markings they were saddle-backed and black -mottled, and their shape denoted great agility and strength. Next were the Fantaih shown by Mr. Allison and Mr. Else, two large pens of them ; birds of the highest merit. AVo were delighted with Mr. Allison's powder-blue Oids, their neatness and colour made them gems. We are still amongst the Toys admiring a pen of Almond Baldkeadii, Yellow Baldheads, and Jacobins exhibited by Mr. Morris. This good Toy-fancier never fails with his pretty birds to satisfy the critical eye of the fancier, or please the visitor. Mr. J. Percivall showed also Toys, Jacobins, Archangels, Short-faced birds, and some resplendent Blue Dragons. As we look at them we cannot recollect any to surpass them. We next have to notice a pen of Almonds^ Agates, and some other of the thirty-two modifications of colour (all of which may be found in an Almond stud), the property of Mr. Merck, and some verj- good Almonds and Kitt'.t shown by Mr. Park. Returning to the Barbs, represented by a superb collection, Mr. Dart had some very good birds, Yellows, Bhick«, and Reds. Mr. Jones tilled a pen with twenty magnificent birds, besides showing others singly and in pairs : among them were birds of singular excellence, being models of perfection. The pigmy Powters of Mr. Tegetmeier are a novelty. They are very interesting, showing all the properties of our old Powter reduced to a minimum ; still they have the proper- ties of an elegant Powter, and may become favourites here as they are in the Emerald Isle. Mr. Walker's pen of Almonds and Black Mottles were birds of great value and in high condition. We admired Mr. Esden's pretty Blue Beards, Mr. Else's Trumpeters, and then reached Mr. Wiltshire's con- tribution, eight full-propertied Black Carrier cocks, magnificent birds, and by themselves an exhibition. Lastly we have to say a word on the Almonds shown by the Chairman of the Society, Mr. Jayne. They filled a large pen, were such as Mr. Jajme's birds are well known to be, and the old connoisseurs of this Pigeon pressed round the pen to admire their favourites. We understand the Society intend holding their next Exhibition during the cattle show, in December, for the convenience of country fanciers. We have no doubt it will be an event in even that busy week. [From a Correspondent.) The annual gi*and Show of the above Society was held at the Free- masons' Tavern on Tuesday last, when both members and visitors mustered in strong force. On the whole, the show of Pigeons was of a marked aid superior character, indeed we scarcely remember seeing the pens su well and so numerously filled. Messrs. Hayne and Bacchus showed a collection of Powters ; Mr. Hedley, Carners and Barbs, among which were some good specimens. Mr. Betty, the Secretary of the Society, had a small pen of Archangels not quite so bright in colour as we should like to see. Mr. Jones exhibited White, Red, Yellow, and Black Barbs ; many of them very good in eye, but somewhat long in the face. Mr. Hudson showed his stud of homing birds, some of which have been at Winchester, Southampton, Salisbury, &c. Mr. Percivall exhibited a pen of Dragons, which were gi-eatly admired for their sound colour and fine form ; also a pen of Short- 1 faced Tumblers, Bahlhrtnb, Archangels {first prize at Birmingham), &c. Mr. Esden's Beards and Black Mottles were much noticed, both speci- mens being verj' good ; and an exceedingly pretty pen of Almonds and Black Mottles was exhibited by Mr. Walker. The Carrier class was nnusnally weU represented by Messrs. Else and Faith, the first-named gentleman especially showing some very fine birds ; a young Dun hen in particular was deservedly admired. Mr. AUison's Fan tails were good, but hardly up to what we have seen on former occasions. A pretty pen of Baldheads and Jacobins was sent by Mr. Morris, the Red and Yellow Baldheads were very neat and good. We are pleased to find this Society so steadily progressing, and heartily wish them that success they so fairly deserve. DOTTINGS AT NEWPORT. Having been myself present at the last Show at Newport, I beg to endorse all that " Y. B. A. Z." has said in the last Number of "our Journal" as regards the size of the exhibition pens, or, more properly speaking, baskets. There was scarcely room in many of them for the birds to turn round. In some the cock birds could not stand erect without injury to their combs, and the tail plumage, both of cocks and hens, was sadly disfigured. The baskets for the single cocks seemed in most cases suffix Wl JOUBKAIj of HOKTICnLTUKE AND COTTAGE GAUDESBB. ( Jasnary 23, 18SC. ciently large, but when there were three larpe Dorkings or Cochins together, the space given was mieeraUj- ineufficient. It is a pity that fo wellnrJcrcd a Show Bhould lose exhibitors Irom such a cause as this, which might be prevented at no ver>- great onUaj. Nu doubt when the attention ot tlie civil and attentive SecreUrv is directed to the subject, he, under Lord Ttedegar'2 auspices, will remedy the evil. —A. K. C. TKBnUNG COMBS— TTn.TrP.E HOCKS IX COCHIX-CIIIXAS. On the atithority of one of our most able poultiy judges, I find by your Journal of the 9th iust. that it is not considered unfair to trim slightly the combs of C< chins and of Spanish, and that it i« a frequent practice to cut, or, what is more difficult of detection, to pull out the featherB in vulture hocks. If I understand the object of ])onltry breeding, and poultry shows rightly, it is to improve the breed and natural condition of birds by care and judgment in the selection of stock, and not by the use of '• the razor, a sharp knife, or scissors." The only exception that can be made to this, is with Game, which, as long as we breed for figliting-poiuts, must come under sur- gical operation. In the name of common sense and common honesty let judges at once not only " turn the scale " against, but disqualify and pubhcly dtnoimce, all persons practising imposition ; for if we are to purchase prize birds at enormous prices for the improvement of onr stock, and to .avoid certain defects, it is nothing less than a swindle to have paid for those birds in which the defect has been artificially hidden, but can be re- produced in the next generation. If this matter be not strin- gently dealt with, purchasers at shows will become rare, and shows themselves will be simply competitions where the greatest rogue wins, and scissors tell better than breeding. — SIBERIAN ICE PIGEONS. TouK report on the Jlanchester Show contains a mistake in the name of my Pigeons, which have won the first prize under " Any ether Tariety.'' Not " Siberian Joe Pigeons," but " Siberian lee Pigeons " is the correct name. Since, also, another journal contains the same mistake, I am led to believe that either my entry of the birds must have been misread, or a misprint must have occurred in the catalogue. The " Siberian Ice Pigeons," also called " Porcelain Pigeons." owing to their plu- mage having a resemblance with the white cream-colour of china, as it is used in the East, come from the extreme east of Siberia, fi-om the peninsula of Kamtschatka, where they abound and thrive during the severest winters. Kamtschatka produces also White Geese of enormous size, with long curls and laced wings, which give them the most striking appearance. Kamtschatka fowls are black, their feathers and spangles being tmued upwards in graceful curls. The cock has a collar, standing tipright like the old-fashioned Stuart collar, and his comb, being 4 inches in length, 2 in height, aud 1 in breadth, has a setratnre of no less than forty-six tips. I re- ceived some specimens of the above, together with Siberian Ice Kgeons, and I intend to exhibit them after this spring's breed- ing season. — Fiiancis Biioemei,. One of the primary objects of exhibitions is to give persone an opportunity of Btlecting suitable birds for breeding-purposes. This would be better accomphshed if, instead of calhng for a pen of one cock and two hens, or even of one cock and one hen, the managing Committees would call for pens of " single cock.^," and of a pair of hens or poults. We do not want to breed in-and-in, tut to cross. Considering the high prices now askcfl for good birds, it is absurd to compel a purchaser to take what he dcjcs not want, and what another would be glad of. The pens provided for Turkeys at many of the shows arc mncb too smidl. — I'ELXA. TURKEYS. YotJB remarks as to the advance made by the various breeds of poultry within the past twelve months are, no doubt, strictly true. The prices affixed to the various pens in the late shows, and the number of pens " claimed " at high figures, are a proof not only of this, but of the rapid advance poultry- breeding is making in pubhc estimation. Perhaps among the competing birds none have surpassed Turkeys, two pens of ■which were claimed at Manchester at £1.5 and £20 each. Whether you regard form, size, weight, or plumage, the buds of this year are a great improvement on those of hist. The object of my letter is to endeavour to remove some of the restrictions and disadvantages under which tliis highly favoured race labour. Considering tiia cost of railway carriage to and from the shows (often amounting to 10s. or Ion. each way), the prizes offered arc too small. The clumsy mode of weighing the birds when judging them is simply barbarous ; instead of weighing them in their cages they are pulled and hauled out by rough hands, and often much injm-ed in their plumage. B. & W.'.s APLiPvY IN 1805. 1. Active operations commenced in my apiary on the 15th of May, when I made my first swarm bj' driving the pure Italian queen (Jlr. Woodbury's), with all the fully developed bees, out of c. Saw and caught the queen, and was pleased to find that the workere were all well-marked Itahans, as last year. There were many drones, and mach worker brood ; no royal cells tenanted. The deserted stock was next put in place of f, which iu its turn whs shifted to a new apiary in my fowl- house. It is there lettered k. k (rave me 2'> lbs. of honey- comb ; c, 10 lbs. ; ajjd F, 3 lbs. On the 3rd of June f swarmed naturally and in great force, with its young Italian queen, aud was hived (vj iu the fowl-house. Strange to say, however, both F and p show great impurity of breed, there being very few yellow-jackets among them. How is this to be accounted for ? Last year every queen that I raised artificially out of c became the mother of a host of more or lesB beautifully marked Italians. This year not a single queen out of the same stock, and evidently from the same mother, has turned out well. 2. A natural swarm issued five days later from i>. It had many beautifuUy-marked ItaUan bees, but the stock ont of which it issued has since lost almost all traces of Italian blood. It was put into a Tasmanian hive (m), and gave me 14} lbs. 3. A natural swann came off from E on the 22nd of May, equally beautiful as to colouring of bees. After hiving, it flew off to a hollow tree at some distance. It was finally recovered, as detailed by me in The Jouhxal of Hor.TiccLTur.E last July, and located in a new box in place of the mother stock, which I transfen-ed to the fowl-house. The latter (s), now degenerated, swarmed again naturally on the Gth of June, but was returned, and gave me 11 J lbs. of honey. The first swarm, e, yielded 14 lbs. 4. The same day, made another artificial swarm out of c, by taking off a small super full of eggs and larva', and substi- tuting it in place of b, which was also moved (now oi to the fowl-house. The swarm gi-aduaJly died away, having failed to raise a queen. The bees worked hard, however, not having apparently detected their loss, and gave me 10 lbs. in supers, besides a quantity of honey in the super-stock itself, which I gave to a neighboming hive taken iu the season, o Yielded 15^ lbs. '). June 3rd. Besides the swarm which issued from f to-day, I foimd a small swarm on an espalier in my garden. Many of the bees were Italians. Out of which hive it came I am ignorant, but I suspect it issued from a, which had been piping the same day. This stock (l) is doing well, but it only half filled a largish box with comb. 6. June 4th. To-day two second swarms came off from A and I). The former returned to the hive ; the latter was liived in a large box lettered Q, and has done pretty well, about half fiUing the box. 7. June 5th. Two second swarms issued from a and o. The former was put into a box lettered R. Being a very small swarm it was very light in September, weighing about 5 lbs. uett. The swarm out of o was returned to its hive, a Yielded 14 lbs., besides the two swarms, i. and r. ; j yielded 32 lbs. of oomh. n Also gave 2(! lbs., and was then presented to a neigh- bour, o. Too, gave 21 lbs. 8. The last operation I have to record was the substitution of the young pure-bred Italian received in October from Mr. Woodhury, in place of one of my English queens. After driving the populations of i and it. and destroying their oueens, the bees of both hives were united togethtr, aud located in place of JL. The yoimg queen was then gradually and success- fully introduced to the united-bees, without any semblance of anger or irritation on either side, by the aid of a minute box with glass sides, kindly presented to me by Mr. Woodbury for the purpose. The plan pmsncd was simply to put the queen in this box with half a dozen of her own subjects, and then to Janaary 03, 1865. ] JOURNAIj of HORTICULIUEE AND COTTAGE GABDENEE. 81 set them over a hole in the crown-board of A, vritli a piece of perforated zinc intervening. As soon as the scent of the lower hive bad weU ascended into the little box, a bee was allowed to ascend from time to time, until it was deemed safe to with- draw the zinc slide altogether. In twenty-foiu- hours queen and all had descended into the lower hive. The following is the present condition of my apiary lettered according to the foregoing statement : — EEE-HOU 3E. A. B. C. Pure Italian qneen. Delunct Pare Italian queen. Bom 1^65. Had from Born 1S62. Had from Mr. Woodbury. Strong Mr. Woodbnry. Very in bees. strong iu bees and honey. D. E. F. Degenerate qneen. Pnre Italian qneen. Degenerate queen. Bom IS65. Strong and Bred out of C in 1S64. Bom 1865. Strong rich. Sti-ong and rich. and rich, USDEK COVEE. G. Pure Italian queen. Bred out of C in 18G3. Strong. GiKDEK. M. H. AboHshed. Hybrid Italians. Strong. Q. I. Pure Italian queen. Degenerate queen. Pure Italian queen. Bom ISCJ. Bred out of C. Bom 1865. Strong. Bred out of C in 1864. Very strong and rich. Very strong and rich. Tasmanian hive. Tasmnniiin hive. FOWL-nOCSE. p. o. Degenerate queen. English queen. Bom 1865. Strong and rich. Bom 1S641 Strong and rich. K. N. Degenerate queen. Degenerate queen. Bom 1805. Very strong and rich. Born 1865. Rather vreak. — B. & W. APLVEILVN NOTES. The above heading recalls to my mind the name of a worthy gentleman and frequent contributor to the columns of this periodical, both long ago when it was known as The Cottage Gaedenee, and of late years since it has received the name of The Jouknal of Horticulture. For a great number of years Colonel Newman frequently detailed his observations and ex- perience on bees and other scientific subjects, and was very partial to the title of " Apiarian Notes " as the heading of his papers on the former topic. I had not the honoiu- or pleasure of personal acquaintance with Colonel Newman, but having re- ceived more than one courteous invitation fiom him to pay him a visit at his residence in Cheltenham, I promised to do^so when opportunity might offer. For some years I was unable to find any such opportunity ; but in September of the past year, having gone nil to Gloucester to attend the grand Choral Festival, I proceeded to Cheltenham for the purpose of paying the long- intended visit to Colonel Newman. I had not previously written a note signifying my intention, but trusted to the chance of his being at home. On inquiry I was informed, to my very great i-egret, that he had died a few weeks previously. We must all feel more or less sorrow when any well-known contributor to the pages of our pleasant periodical passes away, and when we consider that the name once so familiar to our sight must hencefonh cease altogether to appear-. But I must proceed to the more immediate subject of this article, which ia intended to be an epitome of my apiarian doings of last year. The winter of 186-1^3 was rather a trying one for bees, from the long period of confinement to which they were subjected owing to the cold weather. Fortunately the majority of my hives, as well, I believe, as of those of most of the cottagers in the neigiibourhood, contained ample stores of food, the result of a tirst-rate honey harvest in the previous summer. Not a single stock in my apiary received, or at all stood in need of a single ounce of artificial food, either in the autumn or in the spring. I was, however, very soiTy to see that the bees of several of the hives were attacked by dysentery of a very viru- lent character. Twenty-two stocks had been made up in the previo-a? autumn for the winter and succeeding summer cam- paign, cut of which number four had been lost from dysentery, death of queens, and other causes. Of the remaining eighteen hives in March and the early part of April, three were suli'er- ing from dysentery. The bees in each of these diseased hives were far from numerous ; but, as I have frequently noticed under similar circumstances, the quantity of brood was very considerable, appearing to he mueli more than the very reduced population could by any possibUity cover for the purpose of hatching out. These affected stocks being in frame hives, I removed aU the combs in each, with the exception of three or four which contained brood and eggs or sealed honey. At the same time in two of these hives I examined the combs to see which possessed the most apparently prolific queen. There seemed to be a slight difference in favour of one, but she laboured under the disadvantage of being a year older than the other, which was her own daughter, so her fate was sealed, and with sure but reluctant hand she lay crushed and lifeless. The combs which had been selected were restored to their re- spective hives, being inserted iu the centre, leaving the sides vacant. The bees were allowed to settle quietly in their own domiciles, and were left undisturbed until the next day. Then, after gently taking off the cover, I removed two of the combs in the box which possessed its own queen to the next notch, leaving a space for one frame to be slipped down between. I took out one of the frames containing most brood from the queenless stock, with the bees peaceably clustering over the sm-face, and inserted it gi-adually in the vacant space adjoin- ing one of the principal brood combs in the other hive. Then a second brood comb was similarly dealt with, being placed on the other side of the two central frames. The third comb having some eggs was made to take the situation of one of the four, which contained only sealed honey. The remaining apace was fiUed up by a frame of clean worker comb, which had lain wrapped in paper during the winter. From the two stocks nine of the sixteen combs were abstracted, and were condemned to be burnt, owing to their filthy condition. The cover being replaced on the now-united colony, quietness was soon restored ; hardly a death from fighting or otherwise resulted. The increased vigour with which the bees went to work augiu-ed well for the futtire, and, as will be seen, I had no reason to regret the step taken. There was yet but one other affected stock, which it did not please me to retain, and I resolved to unite the bees and brood combs to its neighbour, a tolerably populous and well-supplied colony in a ten-frame hive. AU the combs were removed but two, the queen destroyed, and spaces made by removing the two end frames and shifting some of the others to the side, so as to leave vacancies for the insertion of the two frames. In this instance I did not make the delay of one day, but as soon as the bees were tolerably settled completed the operation, and with success equal to the former. In this case also the union was fraught with very evident advantage, the stock quickly he- coming one of the most populous in my apiary. In performing these imions I never fear any failure in the spring ; the bees appear less disposed to resent intrusion, and i are altogether more peaceably disposed than at a later date. ! As a general rule, it is advisable to allow a day to elapse after ' the preparation of the hives and the destruction of the queen ' of one of them, before the union of combs and bees is at- i tempted. Care must be taken to put all the combs containing larva; or eggs together in the centre, otherwise, if separated, there may not be a sufficient number of bees to cover them, consequently, considerable loss may take place. I cannot help repeating the advice which I have more than once given when relating the history of " My Apiai-y " from year to year, of making it a rule always to unite two or more weak stocks to- gether, or a weak stock to a more populous one, in the spring. I have almost invariably found hives so strengthened answer remarkably weU, whereas if all the weak stocks had been re- tained singly they would, probably, have utterly failed iu doing anything for their owner during the entii-e summer. The season, which commenced with a very backward and rmpropitious spring that seemed to try to the utmost the powers of the best stocks, suddenly changed to one of a very different character ; a first-rate honey harvest, which set in early in May, induced extraordinary activity throughout the entu-e apiaiy, and so gi-eat was this activity, that it was difficult to believe that it was exhibited by the same hives which only a fortnight previously had presented such an appearance of scanty and im- thriving populations. So suddenly and unexpectedly did this propitious change make its appearance that a mishap, which might easily have been prevented, resulted in the case of several of my best stocks. It has been my custom, previously to making up the hives for the winter, to remove from the large ten-frame boxes a frame, with comb, on each side, leaving the spaces unoccupied. This is done to prevent these combs from becoming mildewed, and to afford more space for air. The removed frames are wrapped up in paper, and put securely away until the spring, when they are restored to their places. Unfortimately, before I thought that the bees could have com- JOURNAL OP HOBTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEB. [ Juiiuz; S3, IddC menced comb-bnilding, or required the occominodation of these frames, they had, in almost every instance, constructed very large combs, which were pendent from the top boards. These, though full of eggs or honey, it was necessary to remove in order to put on the adapters for snpering the hives. Few of them could be made available in the same hives, coneequently the bees suffered a considerable loss of time and resources. I now discovered that the super accommodation ought, in most cases, to have been suppUed a week or ten days previously. I have good reason for believing that this mistake cost me some hundreds of pounds of honey. Nevertheless, such was the ex- cellence of the honey harvest that suddenly took the place of great scarcity, that supers, when put on, were immediately taken possession of, and comb-building progressed with mar- vellous rapidity. In some of the hives an injurious effect had accrued from the delay in affording additional room. Honey being so abimdant the bees stored it in even,' available cell, trenching upon the space required for the brood ; consequently the queens were, to a considerable extent, restricted in their deposition of eggs. This evil was, however, in some degree remedied ; after additional accommodation had been afforded the honey was removed, and was probably made available in the secretion of wax. I trust that the experience thus gained will not be thrown away upon me, and that in future all supers may be in their proper places rather before they are really required than after. I purpose giving an outUne of the general results of my apiarian operations for the season, but as this paper has al- ready extended to a considerable length, I must defer its con- tinuation imtil another week. — S. Bevan Fox, Exeter. larger than a queen bee ; and when they did at last get liberty to go out of their hives, being unable to fly, they would fall oyer the edge of the stool, and creep on the ground till they died in great numbers, so that scarce one of a dozen of them ever recovered." J'Ule also page 106, 107, and 108.— R. S. ;It is certainly possible that " R. S." may be right, and thai the disease which, in page .534, I hypothetically denominated " dropsy " may be merely the last stage of dysentery. As my only object is to elicit the truth, and add, if possible, to oar store of apiarian knowledge, I have to thank him for his con- tribution, and would invite others who have had experience of the diseases of bees to follow his good example. I do not claim for our Devonshire bees entire immunity from dysentery, but I do think they suffer less from it than bees kept further north. The question I am desirous of submitting t) the apiarian readers of "our Journal" is, whether the disease which I have described under the name of " dropsy," which, be it remembered, attacks queens as well as workers, and which the finest summer fails even to mitigate, is identical with that which we have so long known under the name ol " dysentci-j '.' " — A Devonshire BEE-KEErEi:.] DRmXG BEES. DROPSY IN BEES. The " Devonshire Bee-keeper " is a high authority on all apiarian subjects, and I have the utmost respect for his opinions, but he will excuse me for thinking he has fallen into a mistake in characterising as dropsy the disease which he has described at page .5.34 of the last Volume of the Journal. To me, the complaint with which his bees were afflicted in 1861 appears to have been just dysentery in an aggravated form, or, rather, dysentery in its second and subseqiient stages. In the mild climate of Devonshire, where pollen can be gathered on Christmas-day, the period during which bees are confined to their hives is comparatively short, and, conse- quently, the malady with which we apiarians in the north are frequently visited seldom makes its appearance in the sunny south ; but even there the winters are occasionally cold — the thermometer in January 1861 having registered as low as 7° on the surface of the ground, and 12' at a height of 4 feet above it. The seasons, too, I have no doubt, sometimes prove wet, and if continued moisture prevent bees that would otherwise be active from leaving their homes for a considerable length of time, the consequences must necessarily be pernicious. Re- tention of the fa?ces beyond comfortable endurance not only induces dysentery, but, by vitiating the humours of the sys- tem, generate other evils, which manifest themselves in the watery plethora described by Mr. Woodbury. The collection of water, though not confined to them, is yet most abimdant in the colon and receptacle for the fieces, and is discharged in the same way as other evacuations. It was only last winter that circumstances led me to put one of my hives into an unusual state of activity, whereby a con- siderable consumption of food was the result. The weather for two months aftenvards proved wet, cold, and stormy, possi- tively forbidding the bees to leave their dwellings ; of those that ventured out only a few were able to return. The result, as might have been anticipated, was disastrous, for the whole colony, amounting to 4000, being tried beyond endurance, suc- cumbed to the cold. Unable to take additional food into their stomachs, they could no longer keep up the necessary warmth, and every bee, not excepting the queen, was swollen to a great extent. I tore up many of the most enlarged, and found them charged with dark fcetid fieces or a semi-transparent acrid fluid. The identical disease, I imagine, is referred to by Bonner in his "Treatise on the Natural History and Management of Bees." At page 102 he says " Suffice it, therefore, to observe in general that long confinement is prejudicial to the bees, and that, as they do eat a little during their confinement, it is ne- cessary they should get out to void their ordure. For I have seen feces in some hives that have been long confined swelled to such a size for want cX such opportunities, that they seemed In The Journal of Horticcltube, No. 248, 1 find the sabjeet of driving bees through the bars referred to. I hare driven them both ways ; but if " J. A." is not accustomed to driving I would say. Invert the hive, as the fact of turning the hive seems to set the bees in motion, and they run about an if to find out what is the matter, then a few minutes' driving gene- rally puts all right. On the other hand, by lifting off the crown- board and dri^•ing they are very slow in leaving the hive, mn- ning over the bars and down again several times, and a great many make for the usual opening of the hive. If "J. A." take off the crown-board quietly and look verj- closely between the combs he may catch sight of the queen, if so, let him take a strong feather and lift her into the empty hive, carefully watching that .she do not go back again ; then a few raps onder the hive and he will find the bees leaving very fast. I onee succeeded in this way in taking the bees from a glass 'hive that I was most about. My experience of driving has been with wood, straw, and glass hives ; but I always take advantage of a fine, hot day, and I have only attempted the operation in Oie autumn. — TiiTEraEY Bee-keeper. OUR LETTER BOX. Buckwheat (G. R. .S.).— It is not each f*ood food for poultry asljfulcy. and bruised oats nre better than cither for them. Internal Ulcehation (ir. JJ. P.). — The symtoms yon particnlariec indicate intomnl ulceriitirn. We cannot give you a better replv than Uw followiup ixtract from " The Poultry Keepers' Mannal," wliich we have just published: — '* Ulcehation of Liver or Intestines. — If a fowl mopes, with its nock drawn within its shoulders, droops its wintrs, twir pallid comb, wastes, and finally diarrhtea sets in— the probability is that it has ulcers in its liver, or intestines, or in both. There is little or no hope of sax-ing a fowl thus diseased. Bread soaked in ale should be lt« chief food, but we know of no medicine that is beneficial." Barb Pigeons at the Aberdeen Show {J. R. R.). — We have reoeiTBi your comphtint, and have made inquiries, and cannot discern that jam have any ground for coniplaininp apain?t the Committee. They haveno right to interfere with the Judge's decisions unless fraud of some khul has been practised. The Powtcr cock yuu have received and is not >^e safely trusted to deal with the reuiaiiMiei'. January 30, 1866. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 83 WEEKLY CALENDAR. "o7 Day of Month Week. 30 To 31 W 1 Th 2 F 3 S 4 Sds 6 M JAN. SO— FEB. 5, 1866. .Tasminom ligustrilolium. Hilary term ends. Acacia lincinata. Purification. CANDLEilAS Day. Acaeia floribunda. Sexagesima Sunday. .\cacia grandis. Average Temperaturo near London. Day. 44.4 44.4 43.5 43.9 44.6 44.8 45.0 Night. 32.1 30.2 31.1 31.4 30.8 32.9 33.6 Alean. 38.2 37.3 37.3 37.6 37.7 38.9 39.6 Rain in last S9 years. Days. 19 17 12 13 19 18 17 Snn Rises. h. 44af 7 Snn Sets. m. h. 43af4 45 4 47 4 49 4 50 4 52 4 54 4 Moon Rises. 52 4 2 6 12 7 18 8 23 9 27 10 28 11 Moon Sets. Moon's Age. Days. O li 16 17 18 19 20 Clock before Sun. 13 36 13 45 13 53 14 0 14 7 14 13 Day of Year. SO 31 82 83 34 35 36 From observations taken near London dnringthe last thirty-nine years, the average day temperature of the week is 44.4° ; and its night tempera- ture 31.7'. The greatest heat was 57', on the 1st, 1852 ; and 3rd, 1850; and the lowest cold 8', on the 31st, 1857. The greatest fall of rain was 0.75 inch. N.B. — The Calendar contains the names of plants flowering in the gi-eenhouse. THE COIL SYSTEM OF PLANTING \TNES. /N a recent Number of The JoURX.U. OF HoRTICULTrRE Ml'. Rivers has recommend- ed this s.ystem of planting Vines, and a woodcut was given to illustrate more cleai-ly what he \\'ished to inculcate. Knowing that there are various opinions held by experienced cultivators on the coil system of planting the Vine. I fully expected that some of yom- numerous con-espondents would ere tliis have referred to the matter ; but as it has been so far passed over, and the season is dra^\'ing near when Vines are generallj" planted in great quantities, I have ventiu-ed to address my mite in respect to tliis not-imimportaut subject. It is a common proverb that " a bad beginning often makes a good ending;" but in gardening, as in most other imdertaklngs. tliis is the exception and not the rule. I approach the subject feeling that whatever so acute a man and so experienced a fi'uit grower as Mi\ Rivers advances is worthy of being listened to with that deference and com-tesy which his long years of experience and ob- sen'ant eye deserve. The coiling of Vines, as many are aware, is by no means a question of yesterdaj-. It is a method which caused a goodly amount of discussion man}- j-ears ago. AVliatever can be said in its favour or against it. it is easy to suppose that to the inexperienced eye it presents not an imfavoiu'- able aspect, but one which is striliing and specious : and if incon-ect in principle — opposed to the laws and fimctions of the Vine — it is. therefore, all the more dangerous. I may at once avow that I consider it incorrect in theory, and have found it not only useless in practice, but to some considerable extent prejudicial to the well-doing of Vines. especially for some years after thej- are so planted. How- ever, I would not even on that account pronoimce indis- criminate censure on Mr. Rivers's woodcut. At the same time it must be admitted that we are veiy apt to follow a leader -without even calling in question the correctness or reasonableness of a path in which he leads us as the nearest route to perfection or success. In the first place, I object to coil planting because I think it opposed to the unerring laws of Natiu-e to biuy that portion of a plant or tree m the earth wliich was designed to be above gi'ound. It must be considered very mmatm-al to biny the stem of a plant in the gi-ound. and the evil consequences of doing so have, doubtless, been clearly illustrated in the experience or obseiwation of many. Tliis is too often the case where earth has been carelessly heaped up against the stems of trees to the depth of only a very few feet. I have seen numbers of ti-ees absolutely killed in this way. Plants whose nature it is to nm along Ne. 253.— Vol. X., New SEEffis, the gi'oimd, or up the trunks of trees, emitting roots as they proceed, do not have theii- stems bm-ied imder the gi-oimd. I apprehend that the explanation of tliis fatal result to trees is, that as the descending sap upon which the emis- sion of roots so greatly depends cu-culates in the liber, its channel is destroyed, and, consequently, its do-miward coiu-sc to the roots inteniipted. The result is deatli to the tree, except in the case of such subjects as can form a new set of roots near the surface of the soil. Some plants can overcome these difficulties with less damage than others. However this position may be regarded, correct or incorrect in theory, the facts referred to remain the same. In my experience of Vine planting I have foimd that in a certain degree, the residts of which I have been speaking occiu- to the very letter whenever I have planted on the coU or laying system, and I have, therefore, abandoned it enth-ely. In 185!l I planted a vinery in the middle of June with Vines stiiick from eyes that same spiing. A regular set of Vines was planted in an outside border, introducing them through holes in the front wall. Having plenty of Vines. I planted a few inside on the back wall of the house. The latter made two seasons' gi-o'svth. and were fine strong canes in the autumn of 1S60. The house is a naiTow one. not more than 0 feet wide, and as I could derive little benefit from the Vuies on the back wall I resolved, instead of cutting them out or ti'aioing them down the roof, to try how the laying system would aflect them. They were layed about 8 inches deep in the in- side border across to the front, and shortened back to about 2-5 feet above the siu-face of the soil. That season they had a regidar struggle to reach the top of the house, and the growths tliey made were not half so strong as tliose made on tlie back wall in the first year of planting. At pi-uning time they were cut down again, and in 1802 they gave but a soiTy account of themselves, though better than in the first season after being layed in the border. I had occasion to have to tm-n over the border in the winter of 1862, and found that these Vines had not made a root any- where along theii' stems, except close to their necks — i. e., near the surface of the soil : at that point the.y had tliick- ened and emitted a bunch of roots iu a whorl all round the stem. From tliis instance I conclude that the action of the original root had been interfered with, and that imtil another set of roots could be produced and was in vigorous action, the growth of the Vines was most seriously inter- fered vnth. They were carefully layed. with no right- angle bends nor ruptui'es. I will now give another instance somewhat diftering from the foregoing. In 1860 I planted some yoimg Hamburgh Vines in a new border. They were splendid young Vines, gi-own fi-om eyes in the prerious season, and planted in Mai-ch. The vineiy is arched in fi-ont, and has a 12-feet border inside. In planting some of these I layed them, puttmg their roots about 4 feet fi'om the ft-out wall into the mside border, thinking, perhaps, that this would induce them to root fi-eely into the mside border, knowing how prone all Vifie roots are to • the outside border. Well, No. 905.— Vol. XXXV., Old Seeies. Lilt; AJiaiViC tJyJL^.l^l. "..v^..^"o I proceed tlu-ough the arches into what next ? these Vines stood 81 JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTDEE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. r J«nii»ry 80, UM. ^^ BtUl for a long timo nttor they bml Rrown about 18 iuebos, and eiliaustoJ, as I enpposc, the sturcd-up sap. At length, after a conHidcrablo nniount of patienco bad been exorcised, tbcy started into growtb, an J did pretty well. Two years afterwards on examining tbe insido border I found the original roots of tboso Vines absulutcly rotten. Tbe laycd part of tbeir stems bad not tbickened in tbe least, rather tbe reverse, and on folloiring n]> those stems no roots nero found till the place was reached where tbo Vino entered tbe border in front. The stems and old roots were cut away. I have planted a good many Vines in a variety of ways during some years, and could see nothing bnt mischief arising from biying tlie stems in the soil. I will refer to another iustanco ilillcring from the foregoing. In tbe course of renewing tbo Vines in a couple of vineries a lew years ago, after planting there were some fine, strong, well- ripened Ilamburghs for which I bad no particular use, and so I determined to try the coiling system with them. In the new border insido tbo two vineries 1 plunged a row of these Vines, pots and all, in the soil. They were plunged so that tbo stems were buried in tbe border in a perpendicular position to tbe depth of a foot or 15 inches above tlie surface of the pot. Now these were splendid Vines, with buds like Nuts, and tbe object was to dwarf them a little, and prepare them for table. With tliis view a small pot was passed over each, so that it rested OQ tbe .surface of the soil, and tbo Vines pushed np through tbe pots to tbe length of about ;! feet. Those Vines broke strongly, showed magnificent bimches for pot Vines, but soon came to a standstill, and never did any good. When they were removed it was found that tbe original roots in tbe pots had never made a move, and that an effort bad been made to overcome tbeir unnatural position by emitting roots near the surface. I bad often forced Viues in pots before, and have since, bnt never without success, except when a portion of tbe stem was laid. I could point to still another case adverse to laying Vines ; Muscats which had been planted two years in one house were removed to another, and in planting them about 3 feet of their stems was layed. In tbe first year they made very little growth, and during tbe second tbeir growth was not good, and the bunches all wired. The third year they fruited, but not satisfactorily. Improvement took place yearly, bnt they cannot now be said to have succeeded so well as they ought to have done. If examined now there is a tbickened lump on tbe stems near the surface of the soil, and below that a mass of roots. Tbe stems below or beyond that were layed in tbe soil, and have not thickened in the least since the day they were plantel, and have only a small insignilicant root here and there. Now I am perfectly well convinced that aU these Viues would have done better had they not been layed, because all their cotemporariea not layed beat them completely. I have tried a good many ways of planting Vines. In one instance, for the satisfaction of my assistants, I planted a year-old Vine from a pot without in the least breaking-up the ball or uncoiling the roots. It was a strong Vine in an eight-inch pot. All tbe others in tbo same house, thirty-two in number, made magni- ficent growths ; their roots were all uncoiled and washed. The Vine planted with the ball entire did not do nearly so well the first year, but it grew well in a few years, and made a good Vine. I prefer shaking out the roots entirely, and not burv-ing a morsel of the stem. Perhaps tbo experience of Mr. Rivera is quite opposite to mine as regards this coiling or laying system ; but your readers will not be the worse of knowing that there are two sides to this as to every other (juestion. What the consequences might be if the stem of a Vino were merely pegged down to tbe sur- face of tbe soU and not covered with mould I do not know, but I mean, if spared, to try the experiment. I rather think, how- eyer, that it is not tbe order of Nature with many plants to have many points for forming roots with adv.intugc. The Vine, however, forms roots more freely than many plants or trees. The liber of tbe Vino is thin, and lilie many more subjects, it costs its coat yearly, and so exposes the channel for tbe down- ward sap more to tho influence of the soil in which it is buried. — D. Thomson-. will become so under tbe management suggested by " J. H." remains to be proven ; but I cannot endorse tho statement made by him to the effect that out of every hundred Mosas fmitcd in this country four only are good-flavoured. lly the way, is it not time "J. H." removed the veil in which ho is .shrouded? Tlie statements we have read from him lately have made all tbe gardeners with whom I am acquainted exclaim, " Can these things be?" — Wm. Hrou Ooweb, Keic. [Our young correspondent and his friends need not be in- credulous of the statements made by " J. H." We know him to be a gentleman whoso word may be depended upon. He has had largo experience in the culture ol tropical fruits, ia now engaged in erecting houses for their extensive cultivation, and is well-known to some of our most distinguished Orchid cultivators. It pleases him not to proclaim bis nam« and residence, and wi.sely for his own comfort does he thus avoid publicity, for as it is, we have had to forward to him many more letters than are desirable for an invalid to have to answer. —Eds.] MUSA "\^TTATA. Fob the information of Mr. Sayers and " .J. H." I may state that tbe above-named plant fruited for tbo first time in Europe about three years since in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Two years ago a smaller plant also fruited in tbe same gardens, but upon neither occasion was tho produce eatable. That it SO■V^^NG AND AiTER-MANAGKMENT OF PELAllOOSILM, VERBEN.\, XSV> OTHER CHOICE SEEDS. {Continued j'rvm patje 198.) KxcorinoE tho young plants to grow as fast as they can, giving them at tbo same time all tbe air possible to cause them to become stocky, as well as to prevent tneir damp- ing off. As soon as they hove well filled their pots with roots and have made from seven to ten good leaves, they may be shifted into 48-sized pots. The soil for this potting should be stronger and not sifted so fine as recommended before ; if it ia rubbed through a riddlo about three-quarters of an inch in the mesh it will be quite fine enough for them. Two-thirds of nice fibry loam, and one of leaf soO and sand should be used, and as much of it rubbed through the riddle as possible. The same care must be taken in crocking tho pots as before, only so many crocks will not be required. I use about four pieces for a four-inch pot ; placing the largest piece over the hole in tbo bottom of the pot, the others are then put in aroimd it, and some of the clean fibre that could not be rubbed through tho sieve is then placed on the crocks, just enough to prevent the soil from trickling down amongst the drainage. The stem of the plant should not be buried any deeper at this potting than it was before. The pots should be filled up lightly with tbe soU till about two-thirds full, then turn the plant carefully out of its jiot, and after disentangling the roots from the drainage draw the soil into a little hUlock in the centre of the pot. The plant should then be placed on tho centre of the hillock, or cone, and the roots nicely spread out over its sides, a handful of the finest soil from the heap on the bench being then Ughtly sprinkled over them. After this baa been done the pot may be filled up all round, then take it up with both hands, keepiug both thumbs on the ball of tbe plant, one on each side of the stem, with the fingers clasping tbe sides of tbe pot, then tap the pot gently on the bench tUl the ball of the plant and the soil surrounding it have sunk down to about half nu inch below tho rim. It is of great importance to keep the thiunb of each hand firmly fixed on the ball of the plant. This kee])S it steady, and prevents its jumping about in the loose soil. If the operation of potting is carefully perfonned there need not boa single root broken, they will aU be in their proper positions, and will at once begin working in the new soil. None bnt those who have minutely watched the growth ol a plant that has been potted with every care, and one that has been carelessly potted, would credit how great is tho difference in their growth afterwards. This, then, is a part of the system of plant-growing that should be performed with great care, although some will say that where there are so many thousands of \onng plants to bo potted it is a waste of time ; but this ia a great mistake, for if the operator will only take an interest in what be is doing he will perform his work well and quite as expeditiously as be who sticks his plants into their pots in any way, and fancies tliat ho is very clever because he can pot a certain number of plants in an hour or a day. His hands may have been \ery busy, and at tbe end of an honr the bench may be nearly fiUcd up with plants, but on nimiing tbe eye over them one sees many of them very much out of the perpen- dicular, some are far from being in the centre of tbe pot, whilst in the ease of others the soil has been pressed into hard uneveu lumps above the level of the pots ; and if you wUI take Junnary 30, 1866. ] JOUENAL OP HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. 85 the trouble to tiuTi some of the plants out you will find vacant spaces in cUffereut places arounil the sides of the ball, and the roots broken and squeezed into every conceivable position. All this happens simply because the operator does not consider what he is doing, and his thoughts are concentrated on some other subject. It always pains me beyond measure to see some men take a plant in hand for the pm-pose of repotting it. For this reason I could on no account allow any one to handle my little pets. I have seen men potting plants in the fashion described above, and I have seen others in the same shed using eveiy care in performing a similar operation, and I could always tell the difference in the growth of the plants afterwards, and could easily point out the plant potted by No. 1, or Xo. 2. I have been particular in illustrating the different effects which the two systems of potting have on the growth of plants, for the purpose of more thoroughly impressing it on the minds of the many young gardeners, who may, if they wiU, benefit themselves greatly by applying these remarks to their practice. The soil should be in a similar state as to moisture to that recommended for the last potting. It should also he about the same temperatiu'e as that in which the plants are gi'owing. There will then be no necessity for watering the plants for several days after they have been newly potted. They .should still be kept in a similar temperature to that recommended before, and for a few days after repotting them the house should be kept rather close. When it is found necessary to water them they should be well soaked ; to do this effectually it wiU be necessary to go over them twice. After they liave well established themselves in their new pots they should receive liberal treatment. The temperature may be increased as well as the supply of water, giving all the air possible on every favourable occasion. By this time the sun will begin to have greater power, the days will be longer, and the progress of the plants will be much greater in consequence. We will now suppose oiu'selves to have kept our plants from harm, and with tender nursing and judicious care to have brought them through the duU months of December, January, February, and March. They wiU by this time have thoroughly filled their pots with roots, and will have matured from ten to twenty-five fully developed leaves. They should now be placed on a shelf, where they will have all the air that can possibly be given them, and the full benefit of the sun whenever it shines upon them. They must also be watered very sparingly fi'om the beginning of April to the end of May, when they should be placed in the open ah-, and fuUy exposed to all weathers. During the two months they are undergoing the ripening pro- cess on the shelves, they should be frequently examined to see that they are not soflering any injury from want of water ; and if any of them are growing too luxuriantly, I find it a good plan to push a sharp knife through the stem a little above the pot, making a sUt upwards an inch or two in length ; I then pnsh in a small piece of charcoal or di-y wood to keep the sht open. This checks their vigorous growth, and causes them to flower sooner. If the directions given above have been properly attended to, by the middle or end of June many of the plants will be in bloom. They shoidd then be supplied twice or thrice a-week with manure water given in a vei-y clear state. It will soon he seen after a few weeks of this treatment how many of them are worth perpetuating. The best should be shaken' out and potted into No. 16-sized pots, grown on under glass, and subjected to high cultivation. This will soon prove whether they are likely to be improvements on existing varieties by their fa-eedom or shyness in flowering, the shape and colour of the flower, size of truss, &o. The most promising varieties are then propagated as rapidly as possible. Any that do not appear to be up to the required standard are thrown away. The second best are planted out when there is plenty of time, between the months of July and October, to prove them. Thi-ee or four cuttings of the best kinds are also struck as soon as possible, and planted out in trial-beds to prove their adapta- bility for bedding-purposes. Other cuttings of the same kinds are struck and grown on under glass to prove their capabilities in that. way. Early in September most of the plants will have bloomed sufficiently to prove what they are likely to be either for pot cultm-o or bedding-pm-poses. Then the stud-book is brought into reqmaition. This is often a very hard task, for there are sometimes a score or more of very promising flowers that one would Uke to keep till another year. It is, therefore, necessary to go over them again and again, to compare all the different featiu-es of each plant as to habit, neatness of foliage, freeness of flowering, shape of flower, size of truss, &c. When satisfied as to the superiority of one variety over the others, a fuU description of it is written in the stud-book, and the work of propagating the favourite varieties goes on as rapidly as possible. By carrying out the different operations as described in this and my previous article I am enabled to cross the flower, ripen the seed, raise the young plants, flower and prove them, all within the twelve months. I should have stated that the varieties of Pelargoniums be- longing to the Mrs. Pollock section require, during the various stages of their growth, to be treated rather differently from the more common bedding kinds. For instance, they will not stand the severe drying ordeal that the other varieties have to undergo dm-ing the months of AprU and May ; they are also kept when in their young and delicate state at the coolest and driest end of the house, and about the middle of June are planted out on a piece of very rich ground. — J. Wills. (To be continued.) WmTERING PL.VNTS FOR BEDDING-OUT. The preservation of flower-garden plants dui-ing winter is so important to every gardener, that it has been the subject of much reflection how best to accomplish it. It is of the ut- most importance that the plants intended to be preserved should be secm-ed before frost set in, and with this object in view they should be taken up from the beds with care, carried to the potting-shed, and, after having been carefully deprived of all their leaves, except those at the points of the branches, potted in soil well aired, and mixed with leaf mould rather dry than otherwise. I never use crocks for this potting, as I think that rmnecessary. Water is never given for several days, unless the weather be very di-y and warm ; it does much harm to plants prepared for wintering. In fair weather give all the air possible by taking off the sashes, otherwise have them tilted at back, thus avoiding stagnant air and mouldiness, the results of bad ventilation. I have preserved plants from the end of October to March, without watering, in pits heated with hot-water pipes. People too often water plants when so doing is quite unnecessary ; thus I have observed young gardeners after having potted newly-struck cuttings soaking them with water, and so ensuring the destruction of their plants. It would be much better to pot firmly, and avoid the water. As the potting of the store plants is at hand, I advise the young gardener to use water sparingly and pot firmly, which is much better practice than putting in loosely with the intention of making firm with water, as many do. Geraniums and other bedding plants may be kept in cold frames or pits, but water must be altogether withheld, and the foliage of Geraniums should be entirely removed. Calceolarias thus keep nicely. Cleanliness must be sedulously attended to in every depart- ment of plant-gi-owing. — James Eeu). GAS-LIGHTED CONSERVATORY. I SEE in your Joivmal of the 16th inst. a case of lighting a conservatory with gas. I have the management of a conser- vatory and stove, about 64 feet long, 23 feet wide, and 19 feet high, lighted by twenty-one gas-bxu-ners. I have had it lighted up at different times during the last two winters, and on the 20th inst. for fom- hours and a half, without any bad effects. I generally water all the plants the first thing in the morn- ing ; give all the air I can to have the house properly dried before night ; and before lighting I open the top ventilators, and leave them a little open while the gas is burning. Before putting it out I open them all at the top as wide as the weather will allow, and leave them open until the next morning. I have not lost either a leaf or a flower from the use of the gas that I am aware of. There is a fine plant in a tub of Spar- mannia africana, 9i feet high by 5^ feet thi-ough, in splendid foliage and fine bloom, in the middle of the house. There are Azaleas, CameUias, Epacrises, Geraniums, Fuchsias, Primulas, and a general collection of plants, with some splendid Acacias upwards of 6 feet high. I do not flunk gas will do any harm to the plants if the house is dry, and there is sufficient air on at the time. — A Gaedbner. YonNG A-PPLES IN Jancabt. — I have forwarded you a sample of young Apples, gathered on the 16th instant. The tree vras bearing its fruit last September, and these Apples are 8h JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Jnnaarj Sil, 18£C. the second crop. Have yon seen any as large as these before this season ? and what sort are they ? They were growing in an orchard. [The Apples are as hirgo as bantams' eggs. They may be Joannctings, but they are too immature for identification.] ROSES. " Loon Ness," at page 22, speaks in the highest terms of " King's Acre." I do not think his experience of this flower will be borne out by many amateurs. I have only one plant of it, but it had several blooms on it last summer, and I saw a stand of blooms (I think there were two dozen or so), at the Crystal Palace Rose Show, and out of all these there was but one fit to put into a stand of first-class flowers. Moreover, I met at the same Rose Show a gentleman who is a very success- ful exliibitor, though he does not exliibit largely, and he told me that he considered this flower not worth propagating, and, in fact, although I had plenty of stocks I did not, after seeing the stand I have mentioned, think it worth while to add to my stock of plants by puttiuj* in any buds. I shall be very glad to find that I have been mistaken as to this Rose ; but as to its ever superseding JiUes ilargottin, even if it were the same shade of colour, which it is not — why, when that happens Seuateur Vaisse must give way to GCnural .Jacqueminot. It is interesting to observe how differently some Roses do in different situations. " Locit Ness," I gather from his letter, finds Gloire de Santenay open well, and Due de Rohan and Maurice Bemardin indifferently. Now, with me, the last alw.iys opens perfectly, whilst of the other two the Due never opens well, and Gloire de Santenay is more often than not like a bullet. General Washington, too, never yet opened well with me, and I had more than a dozen plants of it. I think if "LociiNess" is patient with Prince Camjlle de Rohan, and wait till his plants become strong, he will consider that flower Al. Its coloui- is superb, and the petals are wonder- ful in velvety appearance and substance. It might be a little fuller and larger ; but such as it is, it is a splendid flower. — P. ROYAL HORTICULTUR.VL SOCIETY. January 23rd. Floral Committee.— The fust meeting in 1866 was held this day at South Kensin^-ton, and jml','in{> from the excellent collections of plants sent, we may safely conchije that the Tuesday meetings will continne to be well supported. There were not many plants sent for examination, and at this verj- early period of the year few could be expected. Mr. Bull sent three plaiits. of Pandanus ornatus. an orna- mental-foliagcd plant with bright, flossy, dark preen leaves edged with white spines. This will prove a veiy handsome decorative plant — first- cUss certificate ; Selaginella Mcrteusii variegata, which was awarded a second-class certificate in 1865 ; Herrania palmata, a plant re- sembling a Palm, with handsome foliage — first-class certificate ; and Agave americona longifolia. Mr. Bull also exhibited a large col- lection of stove and grcenbou!;e plants, some of them of considerable merit m jioinl of cultivation, and many of them rare ; the Lindley medal, at the recommendation of the Committee, was awarded to Mr. Bull by the Council. It should bo clearly understood that this medal is not intended as a prize for large collections of miscellaneous plants. bat for specimens showing meritorious cultivation. See regulation No. 10, for the guidance of the Committees. " Medals will be awarded by the Conned for subjects rccommeuded by tlie Committee as evinc- ing meritorious cultivation, but which arc not exhibited as novelties." Mr. Earicy, Digswell, sent a hybrid Begonia with deeply serrated fohage and pale pink flowers ; and Messrs. A. Henderson & Co., Pine- Apple Place, a fine specimen of Lastrea Sieholdii variegata, a decided acquisition among the variegated forms of Ferns in cultivation ; a first-class certificate was awarded it. Mr. Veitch exhibited a magnifi- cent collection of plants, fonning quite a bank of splendid flowers. Among them were several Orchids— to one, a fine specuneu of Angrre- cum ebnrnenm, was awarded a special certificate. A similar award was made for the collection. Mr. Willcock. gardener to Dr. Pattison. seut a fine specimen of Angraicum sesquipedale. and Barkeria Skinneri! with deep rosy spikes of flowers. Mr. Williams, Hollowav, sent Calanthe species nova, but which was decided to be a form of C. vestita ; also, Angrjecum ebumcnm, and .\ngKeenm snperbum virens, both of which received special certificates. Mr. Revnohk, gardener to Dr. Sankey. sent a specimen of Selaginella denticnlata, the iioints of the shoots being nearly white. It is doubtful whether this variegated form will prove constant. Several specimens were hrought from tlie Societv's gardens, among them Odontoglossum hystrii, and a very fine speci- men of Sophronitis grandiflora, which wias awarded a special certifi- cate ; also, a fine plant of the well-known PycuoBtochys orticifoUfl with bright dark blue tufts of flowers. Fbcit CoMSfiTTEE. — G. F. WUson, Esq., F.R.S., in the chair. But few subjects were broaght forward on this occasion. A first-claaa certificate was awarded to Mr. K. H. Betteridge, of Milton Hill, Stcventon, for a seedling Pear, which was of excellent flavour. From Mr. Page, Southam]>ton, came fruit of P^tus nepalensis, resembling a Pear in appearance, hut having a shght qniuce flavour, and though too hard for eating, possibly useful for preserving. The Chairman contributed some Uveoale's St. Germain Pears, grown in an orchard- house, and which, though not so large as those sometimes prodoced out of (looi-s, were much more highly coloured. Mr. Tillcri*, gardener to the Duke of Portland. Welheck, sent Trebbiono, Black St. Peter's, l^Iuscat of Alexandria, and Welbeck Block Tripoli Cirapes, in ex- cellent condition. The last-named has been considered by some a distuict variety, but Dr. Hogg, in his " Fruit Manual." states it to be identical with the Frankenthul. From Mr. Culverwell, gardener to Mark Milbankc, Esq.. Thorpe Perrow, near Bedale, came a bunch of Ferral Grape, unnamed ; and from Mr. Sherratt, gardener to J. Bate- man, Ksq., Knypersley, a fine cluster of the fruit of Musa Cavendisbii. A few Pears from the Societv's Garden at Chiswick were also shown. SciKXTinc Meeting. — Lord H. Gordon Lennox, MP., in the chair. The Rev. .Joshua Dix having reported the awards of the Floral Com- mittee to the meeting. Mr. Wilson, in performing a similar task with regard to the Fruit Committee, mentioned an electrical apparatus which he bad seen at Professor Wheatstoue's, which being set at any two temperatures — say -10^ and 70°, would ring a bell at the gardener's liedside, if the temperature of any bouse in which the ajiparatas was placed fell below the one limit or exceeded the other. The Rev. M. J. Berkeley in reviewing the subjects exhibited, re- marked that a new Calanthe exhibited by Mr. Williams, only differed from Calanthe vestita in the centre of the flower being marked with rose colonr instead of yellow as in that species, and to which he had no doubt it belonged. An Odontoglossum sent home by Mr. Weir, and shown at the last meeting, was stated to be O. bystrix. Mr. Berkeley then directed attention to one of the .\roidea' in Mr. Bull's collection, Xanthosoma appeudiculata, in which there is a curious process formed by the upper portion of the midrib being reverted, and forming as it were a second leaf at the buck of the first, but facing in a contraiy direction, and he observed that he had seen a similar peculiari^' of structure in a Fig which bad been sent home from India. Of Dracwna fragrans, a plant of which came from the Society's garden, it was remarked that though not very attractive it was very fragrant at night, ha\"ing the odour of new hay : and of Ficus Cooperi. that it was a native either of tropical .Vustralia or the warmer parts of Natal. Palicourea discolor, belonging to the natural order of Cinchonacew, and Pycnostachys nrticifolia, closely allied to the well- known Colens, were next adverted to, and the latter, though of a rather straggling habit, was stated to be worthy of some consideration on account of its fine blue heads of flowers. Herrania y^mata, exhibited by Mr. Bull, and belonging to the natural order of Byttner- iace.-e, was closely allied to the Theobroma, from the seeds of which chocolate is made ; and in connection with Pj-rus nepalensis, Mr. Berkeley remarked that notwithstanduig the distinctions drawn between Pynis and Cydonia, those botanists are right who unite the two. He next directed attention to one of the fme fruiting Ancnbas from Mr. Bull, remarking that such a plant was worth from fifteen to twenty guineas, though a similar one not in fruit might be purchased for about halfa-crown, and that a small example of the male plant was now worth two guineas. The pretty variegated Selaginella Mor- tensii variegata was also alluded to in terms of commendation. The Chairman said his next duty was to introduce Mr. Hungerford Pollen to the meeting, who would state his views on the arrangement of floral displays, a subject which had excited a considerable amount of discussion of late. Mr. H. Pollen began by observing, that the best mode of arranging plants and fruit at exhibitions was a subject of considerable interest, and he quoted the views advanced by Professor Rcichenhach and Dr. Masters on the subject. Here the materials of such exhibitions were mostly arranged together, but on the Continent they were grouped so as to produce the best pictorial effect, though this system might not always be so well for displaying the properties of the plants ; yet he thought it perfectly possible to unite both objects. Professor Ueicbeubach bad spoken of the great difficulties of finding and com- paring plants arranged on the continental system, but without going so far as that, each exhibitor's productions might be so placed as to pro- duce an artistic effect. In order to see bow plants and flowers look best we ought to go to Nature, and what struck one most there was the enormous amount of light which was present. The consideration which followed was, how plants were situated in regard to that element in arcades, buildings, and tents ; in the first two the light was almost invariably from one side, but in a tent it was diffused all round, and that in the most agreeable manner : hence, he considered that the tent carried the day for the exhibition of plants. In art, as in the ease of statues and paintings, it was an object to concentrate all the light on a certain point, and the rest of the ohject was, therefore, left more or less in the shade ; but to do justice to flowers they should have a very large amount of light. In buildings, however, as already stated, this was not the case, for the light coming from one side the greater part of J^aary 80. 1866. ] JOURNAL OP HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. 87 the plant waa left iu the dai-k, aud many of its beauties were con- senuentlv hidileu. If he were askei how best to secure the gi-eatest amonut of li^^ht, he would answer, In a tent. As an example of the fine effect produred by the intermixture of flowers and foUage in tents, he cited the Rhodode"udi-on Show held last year in the tent erected by the late Capt. Fowke, R.E., a tent of which the Uke had never been constructed in this or any other country. There, instead of all the flowers beins put together and all the toUage, the two were mixed, and to the best advantage, ^\^lell a large number of flowers were col- lected together without a proper amount of foUage, the eye could not see theii- separate fonns to the best advantage, and could not take in the ovei-powei-ing amount of colour so produced. Flowers, theretore, should be mixed with foUage ; and in the case of plants gi-owiug naturally there was gi-ass and a beautiful irre,gularity ot surface, ine chief points to be kept in view in arranging plants, said Mr. Pollen, are — l3t li"ht ; ind, backgi-ound ; 3rd, surface. With regard to the third point, some plants are better when below the eye, others when above it, but for the puiToses of a judge the nearer the eye they are brought the better. Mr. PoUeu then stated, that he had seen on the Continent, but never in England, long or square boxes of gi;ass made avaUable for setting plants ou, and he recommended exhibitors to have such boxes prepared beforehand, by tui-fing or sowing, so as to be ready for use in any way that might be necessaij when the plants came to be set up. mite paper might also be usefully employed more frequently than it is in exhibitions. In the flower markets it was always used with the finest bouquets, and all the finest prints were mounted on it. Mr. Pollen then described an ornament which he had seen when iu the Apennines, where, on entering a monastery and in vain looking for auv one for a long while, he came on a monk tracing out on the pavement a design in chalk, which was afterwai-ds hUed up with Box, and Poppies, and other wQd flowers. This, Mr. Pollen said, was the most beautifnl thing m its way that he had ever seen. Other means of decoration not made use of so often as they might be, were ^ravels, sands, and other coloured materials— such as might be seen in Mr. Nesfield's patterns, and which were especially useful when flowers could not be had. By such means most pleasing results might be obtained. One other 'point to which he would advert, was the best mode of shoxviug fruit ; and he could not help think-ing that, as m the case of flowers, the best way of doing so was on the boxes of grass as il the fruit had fallen on them, or on very white china. Moss was some- times used, but unless veiy gi-een it had not a good effect. Mr. Pollen said in conclusion, that his remarks were merely made with the vie_w of provoking discussion, and dra^ving forth some hints on the best mode of showincr flowers and frnit. If all the world were judges the present mode of doing so was the best, but a vast number came to exhibitions to learn how to improve their gardens, and on that account it was necessary to introduce as much art as possible into the arrangement ot the subjects shown. , , . , ■ , i The Chaii-mau, after thanking Mr. PoUen for his remarks, said he should be glad to hear any gentleman inclined to offer observations on the subject. , , rThe'Eev. Dr. Rock fully coincided with the observations made by M Pollen, and remarked in connection mth what Mr. PoUeu had seen in the Apennines, that he had himself seen a road near Rome covered with flowers ; and as an illustration of a somewhat similar style ot decoration, meutioned the festival among the hiUs of Derbyshire, known as the well-di'essing of Tissington. Such customs had a civilising' tendency in oiu- villages, by implanting a love ot flowers and brin"ing°the villagers iu contact with the neighbouring gentiy. Mr W WUsou Saunders said the question was. What are exhibi- tions'instituted for? If they were only intended to please the eye then the artistic mode of arrangement would be veiy well ; but there was another object to be kept in view— that the subjects exhibited should be so placed that the judges could decide on their comparative ments. He thou"ht that the present high state of horticulture m this country was in sSme degree to be attributed to the fact, that our exhibitions were exhibitions of merit and not of art. He fuUy concurred with Professor Eeichenbach as to the difiiculties which judges have to -undergo when the subjects of exhibition are scattered here and there for the sake !of artistic arrangement, and whilst he hoped that horti- cultural exhibitions would be made attractive to the eye, the main object should be to render them as instructive as possible. Jaxc.m-.y 27th. At the ExHbition held this day, there was a Pi'^^f^jl'^y °* -reenhouse plants exlubited by WiUiam Bartlett Esq., Shaftesbui-y Terrace, Hammersmith, which contained two fine large specimens ot Adiantum cuneatum, a nice specunen of .\diantum capillus-Venens and various other Fenis and fine-fohaged plants, interspersed with well-giown Hyacinths, TuUps, and Polyanthus Narcissus in bloom. This'receiveda first prize. i„ •n',,!,-^ In the Frait depax-tment, Mr. William Eariey, gardener to Felix Pryor, Esq., of Welwyn, exhibited a coUection ot Apples which had S merit of being weU gi-o™ and weU kept. They consisted of some of the finest dessert Muds, such as Cox's Orange Pippm, Eibston Pippin, Golden Pippin, Cockle Pippin, &c consisting ^ all ot eighteen dishes ; and for this he was awarded a first prize. He also eiibited a dish ot weU-preserved Walnuts, which were quite fresh ; some exceUeut Salsafy, which received a first-class certificate ; and a (Ush of Shallots, which also receives ii first-cl«ss eertihcat?. It appears to us that these Saturday meetings open- up ^ fiel^'l^'^^ has never yet been occupied, and offer advantages which a certain class of exhibitors would be too glad to avail themselves of, provided they tre aware of the opportunities they offer. At these meetings ama- teurs, and those who have small space at command f"^' '"'^"^g^? ^^j^'i horticultural tastes, can meet on equal terms and «°>ite * t^^V^/^l one with the other without the fear of bemg ovei-whelmed by the ^eatlr and more professional exhibitors. We have often Mt that the amateur whose^ircumstances or convenience Pf'™" \^J°^ tak-ing part iu the great shows, has no opportumty a«<'»]<"\^™ 'o"^: hibitirig his skill in the art in which he takes so •>i7\.'l;lg^''-i^^t73 wHch he cultivates so well ; but from what we saw of Mr Baitlett s exhibition on Saturday, we look forward wrth pleasure *» '^e I^J when Mr. Bartlett will have to compete as weU a,s exhibit, .^''ei^^^ many in town and in the suburbs who have no other convenience than a smaU conservatory, and many who, failing such a structure, im ^rorise any sort of a^ngement so that they may indulge then, favounte puS, who could on these Saturday Shows bring out theu' wo, or three, or half a dozen well-gro^v-n plants, and exhibit their skUl while they contest the honour with their neighbours. THE IRESINE HERBSTII. YotJR correspondent, Mr. Hill, has not said one word too much L praise of this useful plant. It has e^eeded my ex- ^ec ations^oth for bedcUng and as a decoratxve Pl^nt m the autumn and winter months in the houses and at t^ie ^^nsion. Where cToups of plants in the ribbon style are wanted m cor- ridors anf saloon .toe Iresine is indispensable, and it makes an excellent second row if Golden Chain Gerannmr is used for the borrr. Both tho former and the latter -f .^"'-l .^^^^^^^ ^ for such a pm-pose if gi-own in propagatmg-pans about 12 mcnes bv8 and 4 01 5 inches deep, as the foliage ^yiU nearly coyer th'e 'sides 0? the pans. ciiTsanthemnms, Drac-ji^nas, Pom^ settias Cvperus alternifoUus yariegatus, and Feins, aie tne most ekeelfye for the centres or backgrounds of -ch g-P • A yery small and neatly-arranged wreath o f^i greens is necessary to lay down just under the leaves of the Geraniiims SS wTu Mde^ny pait of the pans which may be visible, and al=o enhance the gold colour of the leaves. '"Thte is another pui-pose for which the --- m^ ^^ used with very "ood efiect— ^iz., for decorating the dessert, i nave Tot seen U recommended for that purpose, and wonder Mr Bobson did not mention it in his excellent article lately on fable decoration, as few plants worthy of -/- escape In. mind. Small bushy plants, or say several «"";°f ' Pi^.'/^eJ^ roimd flat tins to be grown on and placed '^.^%l^XiZ^^y ornamental when placed amongst the ^essert. Ferns and majiy other plants give us plenty of green, but high-colomed leaves "l^Tg^sh^e^^foflre'sLfirr-stove in the winter month^ is one ofShe most attractive ornaments i" *^t f™'Xto ^ the greenhouse it sheds its leaves, and a «°l'i /^ .f/^^^^'^V'f Few plants are more easy to propagate and « "^J^*^' ^"f^j^ feel assured that it will be one of the most ^f ^^f^ «^^^|X foliaged plants we shall have for some years.— John I-ekkins, Sugolk, January llth. NOTES ON GRAPES. Me Hill, of Keele Hall, has sent us a collection ?f Grapes, the foUowing notes on which will doubtless P™^« ^^^^ ^^ °| to many of olr readers, who will appreciate -f°™f "'^^^^^'^^^S from a source so reUable, and from one who has devoted so vZh attention to the study and cultivation of t^e Vme Mr H 11 has for many years been making ^P!^™^*'^; ^°* ^Jeer the merits of different sorts of Grapes, with the view of asoer- tainrg to what extent they are worthy of <=^5't , ?^ Ses but he has devoted a gi-eat deal «£ attention to wha U a snbiect of even gi-eater interest— the influence of various Sock on the e wieUes. We have in the following notes the "of Mr. Hill's experiments during the past season . No. l.~Lachj Dow,u:-s grajted on the Black LagU. -in« Black Eagle is a weakly-growing Vine, having no rnent of jts own to recommend it, and yet the bimch of ^ady Do^e s ^^nt br^r. Hill is of full size, and of a fine deep black colom but the berries are not so large as in the foUowing The flavour is excellent, and there is the slightest trace of M^ff^*;/^ ^'^he No 2.-Larfv Dow„e's qmftcd on Grovucr dn ^'"""; J."° .to!k on which' this was P-duced is a strong ^^^^^^^^^^l size of its own bunches is .generally laige- ^t_ee , communicated some of its vigour to the scion, tor the ouncu oi 88 JOUBNAL OF HOKTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENEE. [ Jannary 80, 1866. Lad; Downe'g prodnccd by it is of very largo Bize, and the liorriea are tmnBUollj- so, jet black, and highly flavoured. Al- together Bupcrior to the same variety on its own roots. No. 3. — LikIi) Uiiicnc't iini/UJ uii the iUack Ihimburgh. The berries are large and well coloured, and the flavour excellent. jJo. 4. I.aitii Diiirne'f jroirn on it^ own rout'. Although the bunch and bcrricn are not so large in this ca-'e as in that where it is grown on tiromier dn Cantal and Black Hamburgh, the flavour soems richer and more sugary. No. 5. — LikI'I Dciwiw's pni/trd on C/inK.«-(rt,< NapoU'iiu. The bnncbes and ben-ies are small, and very inierior in every re- spect to all the preceding. No. 6. — H>«('» St. Peter's grafted on Barbarossa (Grog Guil- Iflume). The flavour here is more than ordinarily rich and Bweet, and there seems to be more sugar than is usually present. The berries, however, are not so large as in the following : — No. 7. — liVsCs St. Peter's prafled on Mmeat of Alexandria. The stock has eWdently exercised an influence here for the better, the berries being more than ordinarily large, and the flavour rich. We almost fancy we can detect a slight indica- tion of the Muscat flavour occasionally. No. 8.— Black Alicante (Merediths). This is the true Ali- cante of Specchly, and a very different Grape from that which appeared witliin the last few years as Kempsey Alicante, which proves to be the Morocco. The flavour is very deUcious, and it is one of the best late Grapes. No. 9. — Cox's Black Alicante. This is the Grape that gave rise to the name of Kempsey Alicante, but which is the same as Morocco. No. 10. — Gros Maroc. This is a large olive-shaped Grape, as large as Morocco, but colours much better. The flesh is tender and melting as that of the Black Hamburgh. No. 11. — Bhiel: Eagle. This is a small black Grape, both in the bunch and the berry, and does not appear to possess any merit. No. 12, — Golden Lady Dotcne's. This, a white form of the Black Lady Downe's, and exactly similar to it. It produces the same cylindi-ical form of bunch, the same large round berries, but with a fine golden yellow colour, and the same firm crackling flesh. It is now (Januai-y 27thl as plump, firm, and as juicy as it might have been in October, while all the others we have mentioned are more or less shrivelled. No. 13. — Child of Hale is an oval Syrian-looking Grape, but does not possess any striking merit. GLEANINGS FROM ROCK AND FIELD TOWAIiDS ROME.— No. 11. The railway journey from Bologna to Milan is through a rich pastoral country with low-lying fields of rice or grain and dykes bordered with Myosotis palustris, with here and there large patches of a brilliant blue Teucrium (regium '!). I felt very jealous of this particular railway journey, remembering our pleasant drive, in days gone by, through Modena, Parma — sacred to Correggio and his frescoes — I'iacenza, and Lodi, where the women wear a long black Moorish veil, which is ex- ceedingly becoming, and where, in fields Imee deep in pasture, it is said that eighty thousand cows are kept to supply milk for the Parmesan, Gniyire, and other cheese. It was very tantalising to pass rushing onwards, catching only glimpses of the wild flowers one longed to possess ; but, after awhile, the earth, with its many-coloured carpet, was for- gotten in the entrancing view of the snow-capped Alps, which broke upon us out of cloudland, revealing itself not in one full bnrst of beauty, but in dream-like visions that made you thirst for nearer, closer revelations. Is there anything that can bo compared with snow mountains ? — any feeling like that which is awakened by " Is it a mountain or a cloud ? Oh, how lovely ! What is it — so radiant in its glowing purity — now- appearing, and now gone, as if a door were suddenly opened and shut, through whose portal you saw distant glimmerings of light and beauty which only flashed across your dazzled sight to vanish away?" As evening came stealing on, the parting clouds showed the same wonderful images changed to a rosy light. The most refulgent glowing rose colour rested on the mountain snort-. From these visions of the work of God we passed to that most perfect work of man — the Cathedral of Milan, built of the purest white mavhle, its thousand chiselled minarets gleaming against the sky. We sat down in the broad Piazza watching it, as the stars one by one appeared twinUing in the heavens above, and the roond clear face of ihc moon appeared over the tower, adding her mysterious light and shadow to the scene. In the dim Ught we obsened a crowd of people passing into a little church near at hand — we, too, entered. The church and the numerous congregation were in diej) shadow, save at the altar, where a brilliant blaze surrounded what is called the " Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament," and revealed the kneeling priest before the altar. Around us on every side rose voices in a loud murmur of petition ; the priest's sonorous voice saying a litany, in the responses of which the kneeling people joined. It was a strange scene on that work-a-day evening — poor and rich kneeling side by aide together in one common supplication. The interior of Milan Cathedral, though fnll of beantiful details, is, to me, disappointing, and the roof is painted in imi- tation of stone ! — but the glory of the interior consists in the shrine of St. Carlo Borromet — the modem saint, whose virtacs seem to have eclipsed thoFC of Milan's anciently reverenced St. Ambrose. But St. Carlo's virtues, unlike those of many of the latter-day saints, will bear a scrutinising gaze. In 1505 we see him presiding at the Provincial Council of Milan in which canons were enacted, protesting against some of the abuses of the Eoman Church. Afterwards we find him "selling all his goods to feed the poor;" and, when the dreadful plagne visited Milan, he was the first in every oflice of love, personally rendered to the sick and dying : so I did not begrudge St. Carlo his gorgeous shrine, albeit the gold and jewels poured out upon and all around it with such lavish prodigality seemed a little out of place for one whoso motto in life and death was " Uu- juilitaa." Everything in Milan has a clean and characteristic square look about it that I have noticed in no other foreign town. There is more air, more sky, and, I ftncy, more soap and water. The public gardens are very fine, and on Sunday afternoon we found a baud playing, and crowds of gaily dressed folk en- joj-ing the music as far as a eontinnons flow of chatter wonld allow them, as they walked up and down broad avenues of Chestnuts in full bloom. In these gardens I noticed beds fnll of Deutzia gracilis, the bloom hanging like wTeaths of snow upon them. I had but one fault to find with the gardens, and that was that they were too well kept to allow of my gathering any wild flowers ; but, indeed, the dear old untidy freedom of Italy seems vanishing away beneath Victor Emmanuel's sway, so that I had to look on a world of sulphur Eoses hanging in festoons from the trees, on boughs of Cercis siliquastrum, and the Petunia Tree hanging temptingly close to my hands, with- out venturing to gather a blossom ; and yet I must own that I have never seen public gardens that struck me as being so well kept, so handsome, or so appropriate to the purpose for which they are designed ; and the numberless happy parties we found at every turn proved that they were appreciated. One of the most ancient churches in Milan is that of St. Lorenzo, before which there stands a row of columns as ancient-looking ns those before the Pantheon in Rome, while within the church there ai'e mosaics corresponding in style, and I beUeve in date, with those in the churches of St. Con- stanza and St. Prassede at Borne. The picture gallery of Milan is not so full of gems as that of Bologna. There is the Sposalizio of Bapbael, one of his early pictures when in Perugino's school ; Abraham's Dismissal of Hagar by Guercino, the chief bcanty of which lies in its colonr- ing. There are also some grand pictures of Paul Veronese, but nothing that leaves any very lasting impression of beauty. We found the celebrated Cenacola of Leonardo da Vinci in the refectory of St. Maria delle Grazia much the worse for the wear and tear of the ten years that had passed since we had seen it ; the photographs of the original are really useless to convey any idea of the extreme beauty of even what is left of this painting, but there is a " touched-up "' photograph which is vei-y good. The head of the Eedeemer is still beautiful, the original sketch for it is preserved in the Brea, and is well worth a study from its portraiture of giief, unearthly in its intensity of sorrow. It depicts the moment in our Lord's life, with which, perhaps, from its humanity we can best .'Sympa- thise. The friend in whom He trusted, for whom He is bear- ing so much, is about to betray Him. Leonardo has blended tills human grief and Divine love in most wondrous harmony. Still on by raU to Susa, a little village in the bosom of lofty moimtains, where beggars, tidily clad and well-to-do-looking, meet you at every turn, some ol them with many rings on the fitngers held out for charity, and gilt ornaments on their January 30, 1866. ] aOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 89 throats — a curious primitive mountain race, reganling the railway much as we regard a new comet, wondering whether its advent portends good or evil, but iu either case whenever it is visible, always gazing and always wondering. Susa is a first-rate place for botanical scrambles, so directly after we arrived we set off in search of plants. First my com- panion found, in the crevice of a huge rock, several fine plants of Asplenium fontanum, fresh and green — my companion, mark, who thought it was viride, and not I, who knew better ! — so unequally distributed are Fortune's favours. Oh ! how jealous I was, and am to this minute, for I could find no other root, though I searched long and well. I longed to see this delicate and lovely Fern iu a home of its own choosing. I re- membered my long and unavailing struggles to make it take kindly to English soil, how the slugs would eat the young juicy fronds, and the sun would dry them prematurely, so that at best some halt-dozen slug-eaten, dark greenish-yellow fronds were aU I ever could manage to show in my Devonshire fernery. I hardly wondered when I looked at font.inum's own dwelling-place — the cozy, shady crevice in the warm sun- beaten rock, the pure mountain ail- bringing moisture from the Bnow-laden Alps on its journey to the south. I must certainly go again to Susa that my friend may no longer feel she out- shone me in that Feni scramble I On another mountain I found quantities of the Anemone alpina — a true Wind-Flower, for, after a few days' ripening in the sun, the feathery petals fiy off at a touch, like the seed of the Dandelion, by whicli, in oiu' childhood, we used to count the hour, calling them " clocks." The leaves of the A. alpina are of the softest, most silvery-looking green. I tried to di-y the flowers, but at the least pressure the whole fabric gave way, leaving only a heap of flu^ ruins ; but I have since seen these gummed together in a mass, which preserves the appearance of the original flower. The specimen I refer to came from the Pic de Bergons in the Pyrenees. In the same neighbourhood we found Silene italics, which has the most delicious scent. Some of the meadows were literally covered with the Narcissus poeticus : we gathered handsful, and I fear their extreme beauty and scent rather diverted us from the more rare specimens which seemed to abound on every side. Growing amidst the Narcissus was a tall and veiy handsome Scorzonera (vUlosa?) with large amber flowers, the solitary leaves completely clasping the stem ; at first I thought it Hieracium amplexicaule, but I afterwards found the same plant in the Botanical Gardens at Geneva with the name I have given. I also foimd a large and veiy hand- some yellow Vetch. Berberis vulgaris grew in quantities on the rocks, and many another shrub and flower, gone, alas ! from my memory and my book. In the latter are still many speci- mens imnamed, indeed one whole page full, for on my return from our hunt I found a large collection of plants just brought in for me by two of our railway companions — EngUsh gentle- men, who, seeing my taste, kindly set off on a flower-himting expedition to gratify it, and, in addition to Susa specimens, added Daphne cncorum from Lago JIaggiore where it abounds in profusion, and other Italian finds. What a pleasant evening we had in that queer old rickety Italian inn, discussing om- numerous treasures over a cup of English ! tea, made from a private store, carried by us for specially honoured occasions — a party of entire strangers, yet how unstranger-Uke meeting so sociably together on that even- ing, yet never to meet on earth again, for the strangers were to be up with the light and away over Mont Cenis in a diligence drawn by fourteen mules, while we were lazily turning round in bed meditating on the pleasures of vetturino, or devouring fried little birds, with other mountain delicacies, at breakfast. It seems a great mistake for the pass of Mont Cenis to be made in the night time, which is, however, the most popular time for the diligences ; looking back to our ascent I feel I would not have lost one half hour of daylight for the world. — ■ FrLIX-F(EMISA. GOLDEN AND TRICOLOR-LEAVED GERANIUMS. If the importance of the advice given by Mr. Eeid at page 26 — viz., to have the plants well established in pots before planting, were more fully recognised and carried out, we should have fewer complaints about the " shabby appearance," and " the difficulty of management " of these valuable Geraniums. On the plants being small and sickly, or strong, healthy, and •well establishel at the time of planting-out, depends failure or .success. Few need ever think of being successful with these Geraniums by submitting them to the treatment generally accorded to stronger-growing varieties. They require much more coaxing and nursing throughout the winter and spring months, to have them in perfection in summer. Having been here very successful in the propagation and after-management of some kinds of the above Geraniums, I ventirre to state how we proceed with them. The plants, being lifted from the flower-beds in autumn before they experience any frost, are potted in light, rich soil, and placed near the glass in a house where the temperature can be maintained at about 50'. They grow away strongly, and by the 1st of Feb- ruary are capable of producing a large number of cuttings. These are taken off when about 2 or 3 inches long, and only the very undermost leaves are removed. The more leaves left on the cuttings the sooner will a callus be formed, and rooting take place. The soil, composed of about equal parts of leaf mould, decayed sphagnum, and sOver sand, bemg prepared, small (■51-sizedj pots are tilled with it. A hole is made in the centre of the soil in each pot, and filled with silver sand ; the cuttings are then inserted in the sand, and after having been gently watered, are plunged near the glass in a bottom heat of 15''. They are placed thinly together, so that each leaf may catch all the Ught possible, a most important point in the short days of early spring. They receive no more water except akkiff or two with the syringe every day until rooted, which they are to the sides of the pots iu ten or twelve days. They are then potted into 3 J or 4-iuch pots in a soil similar to that used at first, with the addition of aUttle loam, and decayed cow or sheep- dung. It is here that the advantage of having each in a small pot is made manifest. They can be potted without destroying a single root, whereas, if lifted or shaken out of pots or pans, the roots are more or less mutilated, consequently the plants receive a severe check, which materially aft'eets their growth. After being potted they are again placed near the glass in a warm house, and being regularly attended to in watering, they grow vigorously, soon fiUing their pots with roots. About the middle of April they are placed in a cold pit or frame, and in about three weeks more are placed out of doors where they can be protected on the appearance of frost. Towards the end of May they are turned out of their pots and planted in their summer quarters. A too sudden transition from a high to a low temperature must be guarded against, for if the plants be subjected to this the loss of a large number of the under leaves wUl be the penalty. Although it involves a little more labour, it is far better to liarden-oS gradually, in which case no bad resnlts follow. Here, ont of several hundreds, including Mrs. Pollock, Sun- set, and others, propagated and treated in the manner described, not a single cutting or plant was lost ; and when planted out they grew so vigorously as to more than realise the most san- guine expectations formed of them. It is only for those who have had any difficulty in managing these excellent and showy varieties of Geraniums that I have ventured to make these remarks. Through a deficient know- ledge of their special requirements, many plants have eventually suffered martyrdom at the hands of their best and warmest friends. — J. A., Whittingham Gardens. THE OLD FIG TREES AT ST, JOHN'S, NEAR RYDE. Close to the east side of Eyde, in the Isle of Wight, stands the old manorial residence of St. John's, long the family seat of the ancestors of Sir .John Simeon, Bart., M.P. The Simeon family have not lived there for upwards of thirty years, but reside at another seat towards the west end of "the island. During the above period the house has always been let to some family of distinction. Since the Simeon family resided here the town of Hyde has more than doubled in extent and in- habitants, and is every season attracting a larger number of the middle and upper classes of society, who are able to afford and can enjoy a short stay at the seaside. Few towns possess greater attractions than Eyde, and being readily accessible from London and evei-y large town, none need hesitate to take a journey to Eyde. There are four lines of railway that come to some convenient landing place on the opposite shores. Ports- mouth and Stokes Bay are those to which passengers come who wish to reach Eyde by the nearest route. Then for passengers from the west, there are Southampton and Lymington. But to return to Eyde and its visitors, and the old gardens at St. John's. About fourteen months ago there died in the 90 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. [ January 30, ISIX. cottage, which is in the kitchen garden, Mr. Lawrence, the gardener. Mr. Lawrence had been there more than forty-four years, he having been in the employ of the Simeon family for a number of years during the late Sir Eichard Simeon's life, forty years ago. None of the new-fashioned notions about flower gardening were then dreamed of — this Mr. Lawrence has often told me ; and then after the family gave up living there, the object most kept in view was how to make the most of the kitchen gardens, or I might with greater propriety call them fruit gardens. They were three acres in extent ; two acres were enclosed by liigh brick walls. These had originally been very substantially built ; but for many years past time has been Ehowing its effects on them, and here and there they have re- quired buttresses to keep them up. The climate being mild, Fig trees always formed a noticeable feature, and were so when my old friend, Mr. Lawrence, became gardener forty-five years ago. I have already remarked that after Mr. Lawrence had been at St. John's about ten years the family went to live at Swans- ton, in the west of the island, and that the house was let, but the gardens were not, and Mr. Lawrence sold to the tenants of the house whatever they required from the gardens, and then disposed of the 6un)lus produce as best he could. For the first few years he sold fruit to the shop-keepers at Eydc ; but as the town grew and became more fashionable the fruit gar- den at St. John's became better known, and ultimately he bad no need to take any of his fruit to Eyde. I may take it for gianted that everj- person, young as well as old, is familiar with the dried Figs of the shops, and which arc chiefly imported from the shores of the Mediterranean ; but, probably, not nine out of a hundred of those who eat them have ever enjoyed the rich and refreshing treat of half a dozen genuine ripe Figs fresh gathered from the tree. There could be no comparison between the fruit gathered, perhaps before projierly ripe, sijueezed into the least possible compass in a box, and carried some hundred? of miles by sea, and the many thousands of ripe Figs which Mr. Lawrence gathered every year for more than a generation. Many are the visitors to Eyde during the summer, and the Eyde season is generally the gay- est during the time out-door Figs are ripe, and if ever a gardener Fig. 1 felt a pleasure in his employment it was my old friend in everything respecting his Figs and Fig trees. There are about twenty-six or twenty-eight of them, and one- half of them are growing over a wooden trellis, which quite covers a walk running across one of the compartments of the garden ; the others are growing on the outside and inside of one of the outer walls of the garden. For years Mr. Lawrence had carefully cut, pruned, and regularly tied-in those Fig trees which are against the walls ; but, being a quick observer of everything which came under his care, he perceived that those trees (and, perhaps, no equal number in any part of England can be compared with them), which were not so treated, but were left more to themselves, bore a far greater number of fruits, and were, moreover, shorter-jointed, and did not make so much gross wood as the trees against the walls, with which he took such great pains. He, therefore, gave up pruning them, and for years before I became acquainted with them they had assumed quite the character of trees, and during summer, while in full leaf, they quite hid the garden wall, on one side extending to from 4 to 6 yards from the wall, and reaching over it for 1 or 2 yards. These Fig trees had for a generation never been pruned in the ordinary acceptation of the term, but when they I became over-thick Mr. Lawrence, saw in hand, cut out the branches to the required distance apart. '• The Fig trees had long been well known to a large portion of the visitors to Eyde ; but the town has of late years grown so fast that it is now almost close to St. John's, and last autumn the old garden and all the adjoining land were bought for bnild- ( ing-puri)oses. I am therefore afraid that these old, noble, and I verv productive Fig trees will now soon be numbered with the things which have been. I have often wished that some pho- tographer would take them, the picture they would make would be interesting, independently of its furnishing a faithful record { of what they have been. Tlieir produce always commanded a high price when Eyde was full of company, and should they be destroyed will be much missed. Even- year, when we had no I cold and chilly night about the end of April, May, or the ' beginning of June, ripe Figs might be expected by the thousand , in August and September, and up to the beginning of October if the weather was fine. Passing through St. John's garden soon after it was sold for I building, and thinMng over the changes which in all probability Jannary SO, 1866. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. 91 would soon cause these Fig trees to be reckoned as things of the past, and how short a time ago it was that my old friend was busy amongst them, by way of securing a memorial of this old garden and its Fig trees, and associating them with the memory of Mr. Lawrence, whose genial flow of spirits and general information were always very refreshing to every one who called in to see him, I pencilled down some resemblance of the stems of a few of the largest trees, and I think the sketches may prove of some interest to the readers of The Journal of HoHTicnLTCKE. One part of the garden is divided into foui' equal quarters by walks crossing at right angles in the middle, and one of these walks is quite covered with Fig trees. The v.-alk to the north enters right into the back-sheds and fruit-rooms. At 6 or 8 feet to the right is an old vinery ; and between the fruit-room door and this ^nery is a Fig tree, which had originally been trained to the garden wall and over the top of the doorway. Fill. 1 represents the lower portions of this Fig tree, and how it passes over the door. As I have ah'eady mentioned, none of these trees have been pmned for more than thirty years, only thinned-out when the branches became over-crowded. The separate stems shown in liy. 1 measure just above where they unite that on the right, «, upwards of 3 feet in circumference ; that in the middle, 6, nearly 3 feet 4 inches ; and c, upwards of 2 feet 6 inches. One branch is entirely resting upon the trellis over the walk. At the upper corner, outside the garden waU, is the largest- stemmed tree ijiri. 2) , and as a standard the most perfect amongst them. In all probabiUty it had at one time been vei'y much imder knife treatment, and probably its branches were tied to the wall ; however, it will be at once seen from its very robust appearance that it has not been in fetters for many years. The trunk, a, before dividing measm'es in circumference i feet 6 inches ; the branch, b, 2 feet 2 inches ; c, 1 foot 9 inches ; d, upwards of 2 feet. I observed just before enteiing the garden that one of the best and widest-spreading of the Fig trees was aU but cut away. It had quite a dome-shaped appearance, the branches extend- ing 28 feet in diameter, and 20 feet in height. Birds are very fond of ripe Figs, and whenever nearly ripe the trees must either be netted over or each separate fruit bagged. I have often thought that these Fig trees would well repay; the ex- pense of covering them with glass, thus securing them from the cold chilly nights of spring as well as from birds. Mr. Law- rence repeatedly told me that he had gathered a bushel or two of ripe Figs in one day. — G. Dawson. 93 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTDRB AND COTTAGE OABDENBB. [ JwouT DO, IStS. WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCUKS OAHDEX. jASriBT has proveJ a soanonable month, withjnst enoagb of frost onJ snow lu cliock vpRctution : bad we experience j the .severe eold that somotimes takes place after a mild November and December, the effects would }iave been veri- serious. AVe must not, however, be cheated into indiflerenco respecting February, and withdraw protection from tender plants in matted beds and frames, or from vcRetables where a ret^lar supply is required. Whilst the frosty weather continues wbeelinj; manure, composts, itc, onpht to go on nninlermptedly till tinished, in order to s«ve the walks in the spring. As the frost has not as yet pene- trated Jeep, digging and trenching all spare giound for spring crops must be proceeded with. The ground for Onions ought to bo left very rough for the frost to pulverise it. It is a croj) to which great attention ought to be paid, being in general demand. Cahhinjc, till up vacancies in the autumn plantation, also make fresh plantations of the autumn sowing if necessary. Caulifloutrf, those under hand-glasses and in frames must be fully exposed in mild weather, or they will button-off in the spring. Sow seed on a south border to produce plants to suc- ceed the autumn sawing. CcU-nj, sow seed in boxes, and place them in a forcing-house to produce plants for an early crop. Cu- cumbers, as soon as the plants are turned out, thrust a stick under each hill, and examine it frequently ; if there is any approach to a burning heat draw as much of the soil from the bottom of the hills next the turf as you can without disturbing the plants, afterwards give the centre of the bed a good watering, which will act as a temporary preventive of burning until the heat declines. A lining of dr\' litter should be made round the bed to protect it from cold drying winds. Sow a little more seed, so that should an accident hapjicn to the plants turned out others may be ready to take their place. Giirlic and Shallat.t, where the soil is not wet and stiff they may now be planted, if not done in the autumn ; plant in rows at 6 inches apart. Kidney Beans, a crop sown now in small pots, and when of sufficient size planted in a pit where a command of heat can be had, will produce more abundantly than those in pots ; the introduction of the red spider into the forcing- house will also be avoided by adopting tliis plan. Keep those in pots well watered. Letliir,:i in frames to have air night and day if the weather is mild ; sow on a sloping border to succeed the autumn sowing. Potatoes, where there is not the convenience of frames or pits plant on a soutli border for an early crop. Rhubarh, pots may now be placed over the roots, and covered with dung or leaves. "Sphinch, a small sowing may be made between the rows of early Peas. Turnips, where young ones are wanted early a sowing should bo made on a slight hotbed. Traps should be set in different parts of the garden to catch mice ; they will now more readily take the baits than they will when there is other food for them. Fr.UIT GARDEN-. Finish all pruning, digging, trenching, See., in this depart- ment as soon as circumstances will permit. Newly-planted trees must be well staked and mulched if the spring is likely to be dry. As thorough drainage is essential to the success of every crop, now is a good time to push it forward. ri.OWEK GARDEN. The amount of delight and satisfaction which a flower gar- den is calculated to yield to its possessor will always be in pro- portion to the order and design which pervade it. to the unity of its parts in constituting a perfect whole, and to the amount of attention bestowed on the various details, constituting what is termed high keeping. 'UTiat pleasurable sensations does the well-regulated mind experience in viewing a small garden re- plete with floral beauty and neatness! and, on the contrary, ■what powerful emotious do we feel in viewing an extensive place replete with " capabilities," but wanting the last touch of finish ! Let us, therefore, remember, in all that relates to a flower garden, that order and neatness are indispensable. At this season of the year much must depend upon these qualities. The smooth and verdant turf, the fresh and neatly-raked sur- faces of beds and borders, the flowing sweeps of walks displavcd in well-defined margins of shallow depth, the walks themselves brimful of bright and warm-colonied gravel, the freshness and beauty of the evergreens unencumbered by faggots of dead wood; add to these thousands of Aconites, Snowdrops, and Crocuses just protruding theu- tiny heads cautiously through the soil, as if fearful of appearing prematurely, and we have the beau ideal of what an English garden is in Februai-v. Grass lawns will now bo mnch benefited by a thorough rolling, as also gravel walks. It may be worth while to know that a small faggot consumed in the cylinder of the garden roller will beat it BO as to prevent what is technically called " licking." When it is necessary, take up Azaleas, Rhododendrons, iic, and re- arrange them according to their sizes. If it is wished to in- crease any choice kinds, layer a few branches now by pegging them down ; this is the best time for such operations. If the soil is poor give it a good dressing of half-rotten leaves, which will enrich it greatly. OREENnOrSE AMD COXSERTATOnV. In the greenhouse proceed with the potting of young planti, and small specimens of all kinds, using the soil tolerably rough, with plenty of sand, and drainage, and keep them compara- tively close until they take fresh root. This is a good time to start a collection of Ealosanthes, potting them in a compost consisting of two parts sandy turfy loam, one part turfy peat, and one of half-decomposed leaf mould, with plenty of coarse gritty sand, and a liberal admixture of charcoal and pebbles, or potsherds broken small. Give them a liberal shift, and keep them in a temperature of from 40° to 50', and as soon as they have made fresh roots stop each shoot, and train the plants into form. Attend to the training of Tropa?olums, and other climbing plants, and shift the former into their blooming-pots if not already done. Plants of Polygala or Boronia, which are becoming too forward in their growth, must be placed in the cool cad of the house. This is a good time to start a general collection of Azaleas, and no place is so good for them as a tolerably close pit partly heated by dung. Pot them at the time of introducing them into heat, giving a hberal shift, into good peat and sand, to which a little thoroughly decomposed cowdung may be added. Increase the temperature of the pit gradually to 65° or 70', and maintain a moist growing tempe- rature, with plenty of air in favourable weather. STOVE AND ORCHIDEOCS-noUSE. In the culture of Orchids, the first point of importance is to secure a good-sized and well-matured pseudo-bulb ; next to this is the preseri-ation of all the roots in a healthy state. To effect this it is absolutely necessary with many plants that they should be grown on blocks of wood, either charred or not, but without any moss applied to them ; and for the information of amateurs and beginners, it may be as well to give a list of the plants here alluded to : — Phalauopsis amabilis ; Barkeria spec- tabilis ; Epidendrum Sldnneri, and E. furcatiim ; Oncidium pubes, 0. triquetnuu, and 0. crispum ; Sophonitis cemua, and S. gr.mdiflora ; Leptotes bicolor, uid L. A-iolacea ; Maxillaria Steelii. The following also thriTe much better so treated than otherwise: — All the Brassavolas. all the Lalias, all the Cat- tleyas, most of the suiall-growiug Oneidiums, nearly all the Epideudrums and Maxillariag, and all the Schomburgkias. In giving new blocks to such i)l,".uts as require them, they should always be chosen proportionate to the specimens they are in- tended to bear, and the heel of the plants must be placed close to the end of the log, so as to give as mnch space as possible for the plants to grow npon, for by growing them without moss the blocks in most cases will be found to last twice as long as if moss \vere employed. The plants must be made fast to the blocks by means of copper wire, and if they are shifted at the proper time very little fastening is requii-ed. The proper time to shift these plants is just before they make their new roots, which, of course, is at very different seasons of their growth : for instance, most Orchids make their roots while they are grow- ing, but it is not so with the Cattleyas and Lalias ; they, for the most part, make their roots after they have completed their growth.— W. Keaxe. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN G.VKDEN. SowBD Early Horn Carrots, Radishes, &c., on a slight hotbed, as alluded to last week. Gaye plenty of air to Radishes and Lettuces coming on. Tlie Cauliflowers injured by damp, alluded to last week, were not young plants, but those with heads fit for table. \ few still remain, and BroccoU will succeed them. Sowed a lot of Tom Thumb Pea, and Sutton's Long-podded Tom Thumb, to grow in pots, and others to be transplanted under protection ; also a few of DiUistone's Early Pea and Early Mazagan and Gem Broad Beans for transplanting out of doors. DiUistone's is a few days earlier than Sangster's No. 1 ; but of all early Peas that we have seen there is none with us that equals Sangster's in productiveness. The nest best Pea for earliness and productiveness, though coming in fully a fortnight later, is Dickson's Favourite. Our other work January SO, 186G. ] JOUKNAIi OF HOKTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEBENEE. 93 was much the same as detailed last week. The change of the weather has enabled us to proceed with digging and trenching what little spaces we have unfurnished in the kitchen garden. The Dalmeny Sprouts, though not equal to other Brussels Sprouts at this season, fm-nish a nice tender little Cabbage on the top of each stem, as tender when cooked as a nice Colewort, ajid seemingly much hardier, and there is every appearance that from this land the sprouts will come firm and late after those of other kinds have begim to run. In answer to a lady who has sent a note on 'the subject, we would say. Use the common Brussels Sprouts for a winter supply, and these Cab- bage-headed Sprouts for spring, at least that is the impres- sion produced on us by what ours promise to be. Brought home a few leaves, and find that the high winds will leave us short of fermenting material this season. But for this would have had lots of Potatoes on beds before now. At present our forward stock is chiefly confined to pots : but before this appears we most likely will have started some beds under frames, with just a little heat beneath them, which is gene- rally safer than having too much. A quantity in pots are, however, in excellent order. FKniT GARDEN. Had some trouble with our stokeholes, protected merely by a flap door, as the heavy rains soaking through the ground found access to them. We fear also that the di'ains could not, or would not carry off the water sufficiently. We have made arrangements to carry off all the surface water from them, but still we did not escape altogether, and fear that the dumb weU into which the drainage goes must itself have become full. We had one stokehole, about 6 feet deep, in the Melon ground, that used to annoy us very much, though to keep the place tolerably dry a dumb well had been sunk in the chalk below the clay to the depth of nearly 50 feet ; but in heavy rains the weU used to be filled, and when the water rose above the stokehole level, that too was fiUed, and if we wished the fire to burn we had to lower or empty the well. Now we take all the surface water past the weU, collect it in shallow cesspools, and take it from thence by pipes into a pond made on pm-pose, and thus we obtain a fine sirpply of water and escape a flooded stoke- hole. A vast quantity of water may be thus collected from hard, gravelled, and, better stiU, asphalted paths in a Melon ground. Having known what it is to be without water, and to use for plants what they ought never to receive, we have re- gretted to be obliged to di-ain away so much water tliis season, that would have been invaluable in summer could we have kept it. Went on with pruning out of doors, as we could attend to the trees, and trying almost every device to keep birds from the buds ; but we were, nevertheless, often obliged to confess our- selves beaten. It is vexing after the trees are bristling with fine buds, to find all the most forward and best destroyed. On the top of a small Thorn tree, the head about 1.5 feet above the level of the Laurels, and perhaps 12 feet in diameter, we counted the other morning just as daylight was coming in, 250 little birds, and that was not all of them. Every LaiU'el bush is crowded at night. Poor things ! whilst alive they must find food. With all our sympathy for small birds, it is possible to have too many of them. Gave plenty of air to Peaches opening their blossoms, and treated other houses much the same as detailed in previous weeks. Were we in this respect to hsteu to all hints, for which, nevertheless, we are much obliged, we would in one case just state every week every httle thing that had been done, though that would be mostly a repetition of what was said the week before, or we would never repeat at all, and only write when we had something new or fresh to say, which would be very seldom indeed. OKXAMEST-tL DErAr.T5IE>;T. Looked over half-hardy plants in cold pits and frames. In the pit where Calceolaria ruttinrjs were inserted in the end of October and the beginning of November, we find all are growing now — scarcely one has failed. Wednesday being a fine day, pulled out the few weeds that were among them, however small, a very few decayed leaves, and then pulled a pointed stick between the rows, so as to loosen the surface soil a little. This will help them under any circiunstances, but it wiU help them most of all if we should be obliged to shut them up in a continuous frost. If we had the chance we would be inclined to change cuttings with some friends as respects many bedding plants. We believe that even in their case a change from dif- ferent soils is beneficial. From the bloom being very freely produced, and then from the heavy rains in autumn, we did not obtain so many cuttings of Aurantia muUiflora Calceolaria, nor so good, as we liked, and we obtained a batch of cuttings from a friend in the neighbourhood ; and even now in the ccS- ting-bed we cm see how far these cuttings extend, as they have a rich luxuriant gi-een about them, which the others do not ex- hibit, though treated in every way alike. We have no fault to find with the others, but stiD these look better, and must soon be thinned, otherwise they will injure each other. As far as we recollect, these Calceolaria cuttings received very little shading, and no regular watering since they were watered when they were ! inserted. We have no doubt that many of oiu' bedding Gera- ' niums that do well would do better stiU could we manage to \ exchange cuttings with another place at a little distance. Even i in the cutting-bed these Calceolarias, which seemed not the . least difi'erent from our own, are quite conspicuous now ; and we believe, taking the evidence of the past into account as something like a guarantee for the future, that they wiQ be more vigorous in similar circimistances throughout the sum- mer. The difficulty in effecting such exchanges arises merely from the fact that many gardeners could take what cuttings they Uked by the middle of August, whilst in other cases where there was a resident family it would be difficult to make many cuttings of bedding plants until September or October. Potted a lot of Fuchsias ; pruned more, to prepare them for potting after breaking. Cuttings inserted now wUl make nice flowering plants for the autumn. A little bottom heat is a great advantage for fresh-potted plants where it can be given them. Brought in the most forward Caladiums that were potted in small pots ; and after potting afresh in larger pots, plunged them in a mild bottom heat. The others will be potted as the first pots fiU with roots. No plants are more benefited by a little bottom heat. To have them in perfection they should be grown in a platform or bed, where a bottom heat of about 10° more than the atmospheric heat can be given them. The leaves will then have a size and a richness which they seldom possess when standing on a shelf with the pot exposed, and no bottom heat. Proceeded also with potting fresh Mosses and Ferns, and those of the latter especially, which, after having the decaying fronds cut down, were beginning to break afresh. Many Ferns are especially beautiful when the fi-onds are young. Many small Mosses, as Selagiuella apoda, can only be kept fresh and vigorous by frequent division and potting. When full grown and let alone, a drip will cause pieces to fade and decay. Either for small plants or cut flowers in vases sudi small Mosses become exceedingly useful. In covering pots in small vases, the short green moss found on trees and rocks is also very useful, as these hardy mosses stand the dry heated ah- of rooms much better than those brought either from the gi'eenhouse or the hothouse. Were we a lady or a gentleman with any pretensions even to fitness in taste, we would not have a flowering plant in a pot in a room, unless the common pot were concealed in a vessel whose artistic merits were in unison with the surrounding fumitiu'e. We know that some ladies are very clever in dressing in various ways the outsides of common pots in handsomely- furnished rooms ; but too often the makeshift is easily seen, and that spoils the efl'ect. For window and room plants see last week. — K. F. TO CORRESPONDENTS. •«* Many interesting communications are in type, but omitted for want of space. We pui'pose giving another Supple- ment next Tuesday, which will enable us to publish them. Roses to Bloom ix jAxrABv (JTHUdm). — Having no convenience for forcing, you can only have F.oscs in bloom at this time by cutting the plants in after they have done blooming in summer to four and not more than six leaves, and they will push and show for bloom in autumn. You must then prevent their flowering by keeping them on a north aspect until November, when they are to be removed to a light, aii'j", cool house from which frost only is excluded, and they wiU then give a few blooms late. Taking tp Stuattbeeeies for Forcing {Idem). — You may take up the plants, and, mailing sure of a ball, pot them now, plunging the pots to the rim in ashes in a warm sunny exposure, and early in March place them on the shelf of your greenhouse. They will give you a good crop of fruit if they have good crowns. Books {T. B. JT.)-— MUls on the culture of the Melon. " The Kitchen Garden Manual " contains full directions about Cucumber culture. It can be had free by post from our office for five postage stamps. Liquid ^JIanuke {Thomas Btirnci-).- AW ]iunU of liquid manm'e should be applied only when plants are growing. Your pig-stye di-ainage may be applied undiluted to vacant ground where Cabbages are to be planted, but for watering plants one bucketful should be mixed with Bis buckets- ful of water. 94 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Juiury 30, 1866. PsorAOiTiNii GciUNit'Mfi (A LUtU Orraniuin).~Youi Gor»DiaiiiH that have Dot bt'cD cut-in will duw ffivc a rattiof; from tho jtoiut of cTt>ry shoot, and you mny (t>rm i^Unt!* I>y tukin^ '^ff cnttiuK^ and pottinK tbeiu in flmall ptitw. Pluiijri« Ihi-ii- in a hcthid of 75 ft«r throo weeks, and tho outUotft will bo ni-U rooted. Yutir |>n)pa^ntinf;-pit will do ndiiiiraMy for tbctu. and if you do not put in the cuttinKH until Febnmry, or eiu-ly in March, they Will n-ot with more certjiiiity. The cuttiuK'* will t-aeli trive a cattinif if v^u roriiinio theni in bent, and the otd plnnti* will uiTord u H«condl<>t ill number about tho double of tbollrst; you may facllilat* )'y plaeing them in boat iifter taking ofTtbe Anii lot of ci:' pints' them there until the .sbuotci be HUlUciently loDR. Ji ;." 1 iienitnro of from r-O to r>5 at night, to Induce lliem to rout well and become quickly established in tho potij. PRoP-iOATiXG-riT tW*-m). — The only objection to be taken to your arrangeuieuts is that the flue being so closed in, the beat will be too much confined, and will warm that in contact with it, rather Iboji the atmofiphere by a^ceDdlng through the drain tiles. Were you to have ft chamber made over the tlue, and tho tile.>f conmiunieating with it, then the heat would rise suflleiently through the drain tiles to maintain the atmosphere at a >uitable temperature. The other arrangements are good. Vou will require n plant at every 'J feet 6 inches, tho plants being trained to tho roof, and from 9 inches to a foot from the glass. Over the dung-bed hhould l>e 1 foot of good rich turfy loam for the Cucumbers to grow in. Ferns would do well, the shade of tho Cucumbers being suffi- cient for them. RiioDoDENitRONs FOR FoRcixr, f ).— Rhododendron catawbiense.vars. Everestiannni, Glennyannui, .Tackmanni, Lindsayauum, Standishii, and deiicatissjmum : K. birsutum, R. odoratum, R. myrtilolium, R. caucasicum album, R. Ru^^.'-cllianum, R.atrosanguineum Victoria, K-atrosangoincam, R. Blandyanuni, and R. gcmmiferam. These ore good, as are all the R. Nobloanum vars. RiciNfs toMsrrsis ron Planting out Strong fA'. D., Salham).~So\r the seed early in February in the smallest pots, one or two seeds in each, osing a comi>ost of light turfy loam two-thirda and one-third leaf mould, just covering the ^^eeds with line soil; plunge in a bottom heat of 75-. and keep the .^oil moist. I-.ot the pots continue plunged until May, potting the plants as frequently as they fill the pots with roots, and gradually hardening oil' so as to turn them out early in June. CcsTAKP Apple {Iilfm).--U is not a native of Madeira bat of Brazil. It is grown extensively in Madeira, also in the East and West Indies. We are not aware of its haWng been successfully grown for its fruit in this country ; if it ha.e. we should be obliged for particulai-s of its cultivation. Soil Fon CrcuMUEns ili, C.I.— The host compost for Cucumbers is that lomied of tunios taken from yellow loam of good medium texture, cut S inches thick, and placed fof twelve months in alternate layers with fresh horse-droppings. Turn the whole over twice, and mix with it :it the last taming a bushel of soot to every cartload. This, chopped with a spade and made fine, will grow Cucumbers better than anv-thing we know of. Grapf.s for Markf.t (A. 5.).— None are so marketable as the black varieties, :iml you bad better have none other than Black Hamburgh and Lady Downe's Seedling. FiiNGCS iA Header, Beckenham).— It is quite impossible to detect tho Fongns from such a smashed fragment. It seems UJic young Mushrooms suddenly checked in their growth — certainly not Truffles. Landscape Gardening (TF. IFiUirtm*).— Loudon's edition of Repton's work on Landscape Gardening. Mealy Bug on Opjsge Trees.— In the Journal, issued January 16th, *' H. T." is recommended a process for cleaning his Orange trees from mealy bug. Mr. Carson, of Melbourne, showed that Orange trees in Aus- tralia (where blight appears to be much more vigorous than in England), were restored to health by means of Gishurst compound. Perhaps " H. T." will operate on oue of his trees as follows :— Rub a wetted painter's bnish over the Gi^hursl in its box. then pay the thick lather well over aU tho infected parts of the Orange tree. The result will. I believe, be as suc- cessful as that from the treatment recommended in the Journal, while tho Gislinrst treatment has the advantage of being simpler and more quickly performed.— G. W. Boo Peat iT, J5.).— If you require such as is nsed for fnel wc do not know where you can purchase it in London. If you mean the bog earth, or heath mould used for potting, any nurseryman would supply you. Waltosian Case (.-I Medical iVan).— We do not know where these cases can now be procured. If you can apply gas to it, a Bijou Plant Case, made by Mr. Stocks, Cabinet Maker, Archer Street, Bavswatcr, would do for striking cuttings. FccHsiAS FOR Wall (IF. S.).— Souvenir de Chiswick is a good dark, and Rose of Caslille a good light corollaVl free-growing Fuchsia. The only aspect suitable for them out of doors is a south one. and there thev will require to be covered up in winter to protect them from frost, and the surface of the ground mnst also be covered with C inches of litter to pro- tect the roots and crowns from frost. Moss ON Gravel Walk (£guw).— When the surface is frozen hard brush tfie green places heavily with a half-worn broom, and it will clear away the mo^^. The best remedy is to turn tho gravel, and March is the best time of the year to do it. Salt strewn on the green places will kill the moss, making the sm-face quite white as if a snow shower had fallen It also renders the walks damp. Planting Box Edging (W'-m).— It is necessary to take off the slips with a portion of n>ot to them. Your Box being old, it will be necc-^sary to plant it deeply. All the bare stem portion should be inserted in the soil : to make sure of growth the slips must have roots. Two inches of the gruutb uf hist year will not do well. Apple and Pear Pips Sowing (i>ifj(^a/r).— Voiu plan is good, and we are unable to improve upon it. They will do belter without tho frame than with it. Seeds for a IJ-achg Garden (Ign.yramu*).—lt is very difficult to state what might bo the cost of seeds for such a garden for one ye^r, unless we knew the habits and wants of the family. Wo once knew a case where a gardener paid us mueh for ^imill Salad seeds alone as his neitfhbour did for all the seeds be wanted, and both places were of about tho same size, and economy and fair dealing weru exercised in both. We may say, how- ever, that alluwing a fair price fur all the seeds wanted, with a quantity of such artieles as Garlic. Shallots, and sweet herbs, altogether about £5 might be allowed. This opinion is of course given in tho absence of all information as to the special wants of the family, and every family has wants especially its own. We cannot, however, hold oat much prospect of many oeeds being saved in a garden ; the appearance uf the plants, when in a seed-ripening condition, is rubbishy. and>>eeds are better saved on a large scale than in patches in a garden that may be visited any day. perhaps, by tho fumily. Most gariloners, however, pride themselves in saving anytbiug that is esiiecially good in the way of Celery, red Beet, ur late Broccoli: and now and then n good Lettuce, perhaps, imd a batch of Dwarf Kidney Beans or Scarlet Hnnncrs that have not i)een all wanted, are allowed to ripen their seeds ; but, with these exceptions, and any other vegetable that is especially go-td, gardeners may find more pro- fitable cmptuynient than attending to small parcels of seeds. When wo say that most market gardeneri. wh-we living depends as much on their HONings as on their gain, buy their seeds instead of growing them, wo hope employers of gardeners will »ee the inutility of enforcing this rule too far. Gas Tar for Destroying P^d Spider (D. H.).— Gas tar applied to hot- water pipes wlien hot will emit fumes that w ill kill red spider and tho leaves of plants as well, unless the latter are mature, when they will not Ite injured ; and this, wo think, must have been the case in the instance alluded to by *• Semo "—viz.. the leaves of the plants infested with red spider were so fully matured that nothing short ol an abs^flutely destruc- tive ogent would injure tbcm. If you applv gas tar to hot-water pipes when they arc cold you will find that when they are heated fumes will bo given off that will injure the inmates of the structure, and if it be applied when the pipes are hot. and they are maintained hut until dry, the fumes emitted will kill every immature leaf of nine-tenths of the plants in culti- vation; but, after it has become dry, if the pipes are not heated more than they were when it was put on, no fumes will result. When the gas tar is applied to a Hue as hot as it can bo made, the fumes will bo given off rapidly, and the tar on becoming dry will not emit fumes until tho fine is made hotter than it was when coated with the tar. Tlie fumes will kill the immature leaves and growths of nil plants if sufficiently powerful, but if the leaves are mature — as for instance those of Vines, the fruit of which is commencing to culour, the foliage will not be injured to any great extent, unless the fumes are very strong. \\*hen the woodwork of a house is painted with gas tar. the fumes are not powerful after tho tar has become dry. but every time the sun heats the boards more than thev were heated when the tar was applied fames will be given off, and this we liave found to be the case for two summers alter the application, and In the third there was often a bad smell when the boards were heated by tho sun's rays. The fumes of gas tar are injurious to vegetable life, and are too uncertain and dangerous an agent to be used as a destroyer of tho insect p«sts of a garden. Altering Pits [A AVir Subscriber). — The height of the walls of the pit you propose altering must be in proportion to the plants you wish to forward in it. For a pit 10 feet in width, and 32 feet long, and for which you wish to have bottom heat and top heat from flues, the back wall may be 8 to 8i or 9 feet, and the front wall from 4 to 5 feel high. The simplest plan would be to sink the furnace at one end, take the flue beneath the proposed pathway, or in front of it, and take it out at the other end, or return it to the same place. This simplicity must be departed from if you resolve to make the pit into two distinct little bouses, to be heated separately or tenings into that chamber so as to obtain what top heat you want out uf it at will. It would be well to have such flues for 9 feet nearest the furnace, brick on bed instead of brick on edge. Spaces for cleaning should be left at the ends. It has several times been stated how the spaces between such flues, and from them to the walls, might be filled loosely with clinkers, stones, bats, Ac, and for 4 or 5 inches above them, and then finished with fine gravel, with drain pipes set upright back and front so as to let heat up at pleasure, and al-o iiour water down among the rubble when necessary, without going on the flue, which mast be avoided. Anything may thusbe done with the old-fashioned flues, so long OS they are sound. For Cucumbers and Melons u^o from 18 inches of soil, with a little rubble below it, which you can water without drench- ing the soil, for excess uf dryness at the bottom must be avoided. Tho encumbers should be l."» inches from the glass. In changing the height of the walls the ventilators should be mode in the walls, and then there will be no necessitv for moving the glass. WTiere a high temperature is wanted large ventilators are not needed. A foot of air under each light, lyick and front, would be ample. A few inches would often be enough, as when the sun was high you would need little fire heat. Peach Tree Buds Dropping {G. .S.).— This is generally owing to extra ripeness of wood, dryness of the roots, and drjTiess of the air ; but. if the dropping is onlv in moderation, it just does for the trees what had often better be done by the gardener. There is no doubt that washing the trees even with soap and water, let alone Glsbural compound, also tin- January 30, 1856. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 95 settles many of the buds, and whenever a stimulus is given tojextension they drop. Those out of doors are free from some of these casualties, but how often does it happen that many buds, if they stand, are defective. Washing, and drjTiess at the roots are the chief causes, but, if the dry- ness is not excessive, there will generally be enough of buds left. We have often heard gardeners lamenting about their buds falling in March, and then in August lamenting that they had left so much fruit. Rustic Basket-making (H. J5., Lancmkire). — li is a trade, and we know of no one who would furnish the information. Twelve Select Varieties of Azalea indica (Jack). — Holfordi, Standard of Perfection, Delecta, Glory of Sunninghill. Magnet, Gem, Stanleyana, Gledstanesi, Iveryana Improved, Flag of Truce, Criterion, and Etoile de Gand. Cyclamen pebsicum Blooming Badly (Idevi).— They have this year, more than usually, a peculiar twist of the petals. Whenever we see this we aj-e sure the plants will he unusually prolific in seed. Give them weak manm-e water at everj' alternate wateiing, and it will help to make the petals broader. Supply of Early Vegetables (T. Z>o)r«es).— When there is plenty of glass and plenty of heating power, gardeners generally do manage to have many crops coming ou at the same time, though it would require extra management to have Potatoes, Rhubarb, Sea-kale, and Cucumbers in the same place. Om- remarks had reference chiefly to those with limited means, and would tend to show how such vegetables as Rhubarb and Sea-kale could be had in plenty where neither light nor heat could be given for Cucumbers. At this season of the year many farmers, and those keeping a horse, might have Sea-kale and" Rhubarb, but could not give the supervision and care that would be necessarv for Cucumbers. Wher- ever a heat of from 50- to 55- and 60' can be "maintained, though the place be in darkness, these vegetables and Mushi-ooms may be obtained. We have had all these doing well in a small house, used for store plants in winter, and also for Cucumbers, but the house was constructed a little singularly in this^way :— It was about '20 feet long and 11 feet wide, had a broad shelf and path all round, and a platform in the centre, under which was the tank that heated the house, formed of wood and covered with slate. The tank was supported on arches, and the openings to the arches were fitted with boarded doors, easily moved by a handle. Beneath the tank, in these shnt-in arche>. the temperature was much lower than in the general atmosphere of the house, and there Mushrooms, Sea-kale, and Rhubarb were first-rate, and with little more trouble than putting in the roots of the last two. There is little danger of Kidney Beans damping where they can have ilr>- heat. Your plan is often adopted. We have tried your plan of planting the tops of Potatoes, but we have not pre- viously heard of its being resorted to as a general practice. Plants for North and South Aspects (J. E. xV.).— For your north aspect nothing would answer so well as Ivy, of which Hedera Riegnei-iana is fine, two plants of which would cover that desii-ed better than any- thing we know. If these are objected to, Cratfegus p>Tacantha and Cotoneaster Simmonsii. On your south aspect, 25 feet high, Magnolia grandiflora, and the Exmouth variety of the same. These are not climbers, nor. indeed, are the two preceding, but you confine us to ever- greens, and there are not many of these suitahle for covering high waUs. Renovating Vine Border (R. C. S. H.}. — Your proposed plan of remov- ing as much of the soil from the border as you can, and replacing it with rotten sods a year old, is good ; but, instead of mixing large pieces of bone with the soil, use boiled half-inch bones, and do not cover the roots more than 6 inches deep. A quantity of leaves ]and fresh litter laid on the border to the depth of 2 feet will do more to bring the roots to the sur- face than a deeper covering of soil. We think the bunches and berries would have been finer if a less number of the former had been allowed to remain. Daphne indica Coltdre {Re{finald). — 'PToyide good drainage, for If that is not secured the plant soon loses its roots, assumes a sickly appear- ance, and eventually dies. In potting use a compost of turfy sandy peat and turfy yellow loam in equal parts, with one-sixth of sand intermixed. Care should be taken not to over-pot, for the plant seems to thrive best if rather under-potted ; and it should not be over-watered, for, if the soil be kept too wet, it will perish ; allowing the soil to become di-y is equally in- jurious. Do not place the plant in a moist growing heat after blooming, but in front of the greenhouse where it can have plenty of air, which all the Daphnes require. We think your plants perish from placing them in a greenhouse fernery, which is no place for flowering plants, much leS3 for those requiring, as this Daphne does, abundance of air and light. Placing the plants out of doors in a shady position to ripen the wood is all wrong, for plants in the shade can never have the wood ripened, and, the pots being exposed, the evaporation from their sides will dry up the roots and destroy the delicate fibres of these. If the pots are plunged the soil is apt to become too wet at times. For the plant to bloom well it requires a temperature of from 50^ to 55-, and an abundance of air and light after the growths have been made, in order to ripen them thoroughly. Plants for Back Wall of Conservatory (A. E. JV.)— Heliotropes used to be excellent up and around the pillars of the conservatory at the Grange — Lord Ashburton's. These might be varied with such plants as Jasminum gracilo and revolutum, and odoratissimumj a Fuchsia or two, and Habrothamnus elegans. For rafters : Passiflora coerulea, and var. Colvillii ; Kenuedya Marryattte scarlet, monophylla purple ; Rhodochiton volubile, Bignouia chirere, Plumbago capensis, Sollya heterophylla, Fuchsia microphylla, Passiflora alato-ccerulea purple, Bignonia jas- minoides, Sollya angustifolia, Brachysema latifolia. For large hanging baskets choose three or four different coloiu-ed Maurandyas ; two or three varieties of Lophospermum ; one plain-leaved and one variegated- leaved Coboea, and four varieties of the Tropteolum, of the Lobbianum and elegans varieties. For smaller more lasting baskets choose such as Cactus Mallisonii and flagelliformis, Saxifraga sarmentosa, Hibbertia grossulariEefolia, Tradescantia zebrina, Arctotis argentea, Kennedya prostrata and coccinea, Lobelias of the gracilis and begonifoHa varieties, and Verbenas of the trailing habit of pulchella. Achimenes do very well in summer. Najies of Fruits (Rei\ J. P. L. P^JIf).— Augustus Pearmain. (M. S.).~ Pears: 1, BeiUTe d'Aremberg; 2 and 4, Passe Colmar; 3. Beurre de Ranee; 5, Beurre Diel ; 6, Napoleon ; 8. Easter Beurre. No. 1 Apple, Braddick'S Nonpareil. {./. E. iJe/ify).— Apples : 1, Lewis's Incomparable ; 3, Northern Greening; 4, Augustus Pearmain; 6, Golden Knob; 7, Gloria Mundi ; 10 and 12, Tower of Glammis ; 11, Federal Pearmain ; 13, Braddick's Non- pareil. Names of Plants {Aoricola). — 1, Goldfussia isophylla; 2, Justicia speciosa. The Heath in flower is correctly named. (C. P.).— 1, Pteris sp., too young for identification ; 2, Adiantum capillus-Veneris ; 3, Polystichum angulare, var. proUferum. The other plant is a Solanum, but the scrap sent is insuflicient for determination. [A.) — .\splenium bulbiferum, var. It should be kept in a coldhouse. (J't'rft).—1, Adiantum capillus-Veneris; 2, Ceterach officinarum ; 3, Cystopteris regia; 4, Scolopendiium vulgare. IVIETEOKGLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS in the Suburbs of London for the Week ending January 27th. Date. THERMOSreTER Wind. Rain in inches. Air. Earth. Genebai Rejiabks. Max. j iiin. Max. Min. 1 ft. dp. 2 ft. dp. Sun. . . 21 Mon... 22 Tnes. . 23 Wed. . 24 Thttrs. 25 Fri. .. 26 Sat. .. 27 Mean.. 29.797 29.787 30.410 80.653 30.575 30.643 30.350 29.767 29.707 30.034 30.529 80.548 30-457 30.141 54 52 50 43 43 46 48 45 37 25 27 27 85 36 45 45* 46" 46 444 45' 45 45 45 45 44 44^ 44 S.W. S.W. N.W. W. S.W. N.W. S.W. .01 .28 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 Densely clonded ; cloudy ; mild at night. Boisterous with rain : fine. Cloudy ; fine ; very fine ; slight frost at night. Slight frost ; exceedingly fine ; clear and sunny. Hazy ; overcast ; slight frost at night. Fine throughout : overcast, without frost at night Densely and unilormly overcast throughout. 30.288 30.169 48.00 33.14 45.21 44.78 .... 0.29 POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE- GAME BANTAMS. " Of Game Bantams actually ninety-nine pens ! Why is this ? First, they are easy to breed I own I think shows are becoming overbiirdened with these easy-to-breed miniature Game fowls I am thoroughly jealous of the number in which Game Bantams muster." I extract the above from " Wiltshire Kector's " " First Impressions of Bingley Hall,'' published in your Journal of the 16th Inst. Let me ask if "Wiltshire Rector" has ever been a breeder of Game Bantams. I should say, Certainly not, or he would not have designated them " these easy-to-breed miniature Game fowls ;" or, if he has, his birds must have been as he says, " one as good (or perhaps, more correctly speaking, as bad), as another." I have in my time bred hundreds of Black-breasted Bed and Duckwing Game Bantams, as well as all the varieties of Ham- burghs, Cochins, Brahmas, &c. ; but my experience is, that so far from Game Bantams being so easy to breed, they are by far the most difficiUt variety I have yet attempted. He may con- sider himself indeed a lucky fellow who can obtain one good bird fi-om a hatch. Without exception, every fancier of Game Bantams that I have come across (and I thmk I know the majority), agrees with me that they are a most difficult variety to breed really first-class birds from. Again. Let me ask " Wiltshire Eector " if easily bred birds would fetch £25 per pen, and cocks and hens from £10 Ws.to £5 'ts. each, as we often find Game Bantams do ? Nor will I allow that they are unprofitable, for they are very small eaters. They muster so strongly at every show, that the committees are bound to give them good prizes ; they are so light, that the expenses of carriage to exhibitions are trifling compared to other varieties ; and lastly, a really first-class bird wnll any day command a first-class price. Why, then, .-ihould " "^A iltshirb Sector " desire to see these popular pets go out of fashion, and give place to inferior Blacks and worse Sebrights ? That 9G JOUBNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAUDENEB. [ Jutnury DO, 1800. tliev may long c«ntinna to hold the high poeition Uiey have bo jnstly gained is the sincere wish of — Gallcs. [" Gaixus " properly enongh might have asked if I had bred Game Bantams ; yet he, not being of my ncqnaintance, had no right to answer his own question by a '• certainly nut." "Well, I will reply quite openly. I have been a breeder of Game Bantams, and that of recent years, but gate thom up for Black?. I have also been watching the breeding of the.'e birds lor the la.-oints of difference in apparently th« same objects. In my apiary at present stand some thirty hives, and I acknowledge myself to possess a pretty good acquaintance with each matfrfamilias throughout, and on all occasions know as certainly when any change of government takes place in a hive, or when a young princess ascends her apian-throne, or, which is much the same, when the celebration of her nuptials occurs, as if a royal ealnte were fired overhead from the cannon's mouth to announce the fact. Nor do I claim to myself any extra knowledge over other close observers, if in regard to not a few even of the black monarchs in my apiary I could say. In this hive reigns a queen moderate in size, and dark and sombre in colour ; in that a smaller one. but darker still, and fleet and agile; there an aged sovereign with ruffled wing and tottering step ; here a lihput, scarce distinguished in size from her less honoured sisters, the uncouth remnant of an artificial batch ; and there in yonder hive reigns a monarch worthy of the name, large, noble, magnificent, " bom to com- mand," whose every step is grace, and every movement majesty; there, too, is a worthy rival, superior far in beauty and colour, whose saffron hue and golden tinge might well claim a closer kindred to the still more beautiful Italian. No, no, I cannot admit that there are no queen distinctions, and that it is impossible for us to note them. This, then, is my reply to " K. S." in his remarks on this subject. Every scientific apiarian should have as intimate a knowledge of the history and character of the queens in his apiary as Miss Strickland has with the Queens of England. , Jsnnary 80, 1866 ] JOUENAL OF HORXICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENER. 97 Those cases of qneen encasement which have occnrred in my apiary during the past season, I could trace, with only one ex- ception, to the entrance of stranger bees. Of this I have not the remotest doubt, and it wUl be remembered this was one of the conclusions at which I had formerly arrived. The exceptional case first. I had brought to my apiary in July last, a magnificent hive of black bees presided over by one ol the largest queens which I think I ever witnessed. Its in- mates I drove, and lodged in an empty Hnber, and I gave the hive, teeming with worker-brood, to a Ligurian swarm. Coming from an early locality every drone had been extirpated, and no drone brood even was in the cells. To aid comb-building, I fed with honey and sugar syrup, and brood-rearing proceeded at a rapid rate. Towards the end of August I noticed symptoms of the queen's encasement. I opened the hive, and found the magnificent queen imprisoned, and in fetters, for what reason, alas ! it did not appear. I simply examined the prisoner, and left her in this instance to her fate, knowing how little good sometimes follows any interference. Two days afterwards, how- ever, observing that she was stiU the object of persecution, I again opened the hive and released her on two several occasions, but introduce her where I might, her reception was of the same character. I ultimately closed the hive, and left matters to their natural course. Next day the queen disappeared, and I was under the impression that she must have taken flight in dis- gust, as no trace of her could be found. On examining the hive I found three royal cells well advanced. I then introduced a whole swarm of bees with their queen to see what would follow. A great number were killed, and the queen was rigidly imprisoned. Seeing this I immediately cut out aU the royal cells, and on examining the interior next day, I found the queen was at liberty, but the bees very excitable and furious. As I know not this queen's antecedents, I merely state the case without comments. Another case occurred in the straw hive into which I had in- troduced the Ligurians above referred to, after being brought back from the heath in the middle of September. It was placed on a site occupied by bees which were previously joined to another hive. The population being Ligmian, I had reason to feel satisfied that several of the former occupants of the site had found entrance. The quaen was encased, and I drove the bees to try the releasing system once more. It temporarily succeeded, content seemed to prevail, but the next day wit- nessed a recurrence of the same state of things. Wishing to try the effects of isolating the queen for some time, I again succeeded in extricating her from a cluster at the bottom of the hive, and confined her twelve hours in a wire cage, which I placed under the hive. After releasing her I introduced her at the top orifice, and she descended among the combs pursued by the bees. Dui'ing the night the queen had escaped, as I found her next morning lying benumbed and motionless in front of the hive. I first thought she had been extruded dead, but under careful nursing she gradually revived, though she seemed very languid, and unable to fly. I returned her to the hive by the top orifice, and she was immediately pounced upon, hundreds of bees crowding around either to destroy or defend her. Next morning I found her surrounded in a cluster at the bottom of the hive. I took the cluster away and put it down on the green grass to examine more minutely their pro- ceedings. The surface bees were excited and furious, anxious and eager to displace those beneath them, and to penetrate to the object of their concern, while those in the centre were motionless and quiescent ; but there was no yielding of those beneath to either force or fnry. Well, what am I to do ? Shall I replace the cluster in the hive again, or shall I take a look of her hapless majesty once more, if only to see how far she has recovered fi'om her exposure the night before, or rather how much more injured she would be by another night's encase- ment ? The sun shone warmly out from a cloudless sky, as I began to uiu-avel the mysterious knot. Slowly and carefully I proceeded to clear away the surrounding bees, tOl I came to the last few around the queen. Now is the critical time thought I, a rescue or a ruin ; but so, too, thought my supposed in- valided queen, for by an effort as rapid as it was urjooked for, she freed herself of her remaining trammels, and boimded away Uke a shot through the blue serene, to my scarcely sup- pressed chagrin, and inconsolable grief. I looked around as bewildered, I dare say, as a schoolboy who sees some Uttle winged favourite escape through his fingers, and soar away never to return. In the other instances the evidence of encasement being caused by the entrance of stranger bees was of a stUl more con- clusive character, I need not repeat details. In September I shifted some outlying hives, and drove others for a like pur- pose into my bee-house. The position of the shifted and driven hives was such as to cause little apprehension of many bees going astray. The exterior of the bee-house, however, was so urdike their former domiciles, that for two or three days afterwards the adjacent hives were a good deal disturbed by stray bees entering them. The result was the encasement of the queens of two hives. Apiarians may accept it as a demonstrated fact, that not a few of the queen encasements which take place in an apiary where experiments and shiftings are constantly being carried on, are caused by the unwitting entrance of stranger bees. It is quite true, as Mr. Woodbury says, that there is an extraor- dinary commingUng of bees in every apiary without any inter- meddling with them whatever — thanks to the introduction of the Italian bee for this among some other discoveries — but it is not such stragglers as these that do mischief. Very young bees find their way, I have often noticed, into hives when re- turning from their first flight, and once entered there they continue to dwell. Hence a black hive in close proximity to a Ligurian, is sm'e to procure a considerable number of yeUow- jaekets to adorn its ranks. A yonng bee, it must be remem- bered, is rarely refused admittance ; indeed, I have for a long time past been in the habit in early spring, when happening to have any weak hive in my apiary, of seizing some hundreds of young bees as they made their appearance for the first time on the stool of some strong stock, and transferring them to the weak colony before taking wing. These additions gi-eatly benefit a weak stock. But besides these stray young bees being fonnd located in other hives than their own, I also admit that adult bees sometimes fraternise with their neighbours in a similar way, but in neither case are these the bees that give rise to the turbulence and commotion of a queen encasement. It is only those that inadvertently by mistake, or forcibly from experiments, or shiftings, or some such cause, enter other hives, that become their pest and terror. Such stranger bees find themselves suddenly and unexpectedly in the midst of aliens, and are not prepared to offer, nor do they seek to re- ceive, friendly oveitures. They not only are disposed to dispute the occupancy of those they commingle with, but to look upon the queen wliich they meet as being as much an enemy as if they found her traversing theh' own hive, and hence the evU consequences which ensue. There is a cm-ious result which follows a queen encasement, which makes it doubly calamitous. I must repeat my con- viction, now strengthened by further experience, that when a queen once passes through this ordeal of imprisonment, espe- ciaUy if long-continued, there is the utmost danger of her for- feiting all regard from her own subjects. A mutual jealousy seems to spring up, or rather suspicion on the part of the bees, and alarm on that of the queen. So much is this the case, that the bees appear to be carried away by a kind of wild delh'ium when they come into contact with her, and but for the invariable encasement which ensues, I believe so temfied does the queen become that she would escape trom the hive al- together, if not thus prevented. And here I may be permitted to say that I prefer the term encasement as the best appUcable to such phenomena, for I am unwilling to go the length of de- signating all the bees that thus imprison a queen as regicides, or would-be regicides. Additional light may yet be thr-own upon this part of the subject, but in the meantime I am still of opinion that the encasement itself may be intended by Nature as the very means by which the commingling intruders and disturbers of the hive may be singled out and destroyed, the colony restored to peace, and the queen's own safety ultimately secured. I am still more unwilling to believe, because opposed, I think, to the analogies of natural law and order, that bees are actuated by regicidal dispositions towards youthful queens which return from successful wedding flights. That they are encased under such circumstances is beyond a doubt. It is sufficiently attested by Mr. Woodbury, and also by Mr. T. B. Miner, of New York, who says that " young queens are generally found in a cluster like a hen's egg dming the first few days of their inhabiting their new tenement, at the entrance of the hive, or near it ; " but I can neither indorse the opinion of Mr. Woodbury, that this clustering around the queen can be characterised as a regicidal attack, nor that of his distinguished Gennan corre- spondent, that the workers in such a case "treat her as a stranger." I would rather seek a solution, as I said before, upon principles more in accordance with the purposes and 98 JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ JanoAry SO, 1806. objects of nature. Encasements of queens are assuredly not always repicidal. lobservotbat '* A Lanauksiiiiie Bee-keeper," in alluding to regicidal attacks, wliicb he sayg, however, he never witnessed, adds, "But this I know, that I have seen qneens imprisoned by their .subjects when strange bees were admitted into their hives ;" and I think a former correspondent, "Investigatoh," held a somewhat similar opinion. I might here suggest the motive of the bees in clustering round youthful queens, which accords at least with my own t \perience in the matter. I think the object may be to prevent the queen from again ieanug the hive, to prevent further risks to her now more precious life, and to induce her to settle down to the maternal duties which Nature requires of her. I have seen a young queen on attempting to go abroad in such a case, seized by a couple of bees, which held her fast by the hind feet, and thus she was forced to return from outside the entrance, nibbled and followed after by several others. This queen commenced the work of oviposition shortly thereafter. I now avail myself of this my first opportunity of returning my thanks to your valuable correspondent, *' A Renfiiewshire Bee-keeper,*' for the kind offer which he made me through this Journal, in reference to foul brood. Did I think that my acceptance of that oJTer would lead to the well-meant objects he had in view, I should not have hesitated to put him to the trouble ; but as the hive itself seemed to be beyond cure, I could not see that any practical good could otherwise arise by my acceptance. To others who have kindly sent me specimens of foul brood, and who have detailed their experiences in these columns, I also owe my thanks ; and I may be allowed to hope that an e\-il, in whichever way originated, that has produced such desohiting ravages as they detail, will, if not already, be speedily banished from their apiaries. — J. Loas-e. PL.VKTS POISONOUS TO DO]MESTIC AXDLVLS. On last Saturday evening a flock of sheep (about forty), tres- passed on the lawn here and ate a quantity of evergreen shrubs. During Sunday about twenty of them died, the rest of the flock seeming in a rery precarious state. They ate a quantity of Andromeda (Leucothoe) floribunda; also* some Ivy, Laurustinus, Portugal Laurel, and Rhododendron. The veterinarv surgeon who examined them thinks that the Andro- meda is the shrub that has poisoned the sheep, as some of the blooms were found in the stomach of all that were opened. If you will say which of the above shrubs would be the most likely to cause death to cattle eating them, you will greatly obhge. I may mention that there was no Yew that the sheep could get at. The veterinary surgeon says that there is no antidote known for the Yew poison, as it is not known how it acts on the cattle that eat it. I think that it would be very useful to a great many of your readers, if a Hst of all the plants that are known to be poisonous when eaten by cattle were pnbUshed in your Jom-nal. — W. G. M. [We have very little doubt that the Andi-omeda, or Leucothoe floribunda, as botanists now call it, was the cause of the sheeps' death. Andromeda ovahfolia is fatal to goats if they eat it, and A. polifolia is similarly known to be fatal to sheepl They act as acrid narcotics. We think it probable that an infusion of nutgalls would operate as an antidote, as well as for the poison of the Yew and Rhododendron. The poison of the latter is so permanent that we have a record of a dinner whereat the guests were poisoned by a hare which had fed on the leaves of Rhododendron femigineum. We shall be obliged by the communication of any facts pointing out the poisonous effects of plants upon animals. — Ens.] Pollek-gatherixg is January. — The bees of the stock specially noticed in page 20 were seen to bring in pollen on the 5th, 14th, and 24th inst. — A Devonshire Bee-keeper. Size or Pess [E. B.\.—Thc Urger yonr pens are the better. The best pens wc had were those that wcrt- uiadt* ami lit by the? Uto Mr. C»K)ke, of ColchcHttT. You must bo (fnidcd bv the numlK-r of fowls to be hUowd, whether two or three. Turkeys and 6e<»Ke require Iniver pond thnn fowls ; BautaniH require them of le»s size. Two adult Uy these birds. Fowls not Wf.i.l {O. T.).— Your fowls will do better now. The wealbor has not been favourable for poultr}'. Oatmeal for Fowxs (ir. L. L.).— This can be obtained of any corn- dealer. Braised oats are merely cruhhed by the machine nued for pre* paring them for horse provender. Whitehaven Poultry Snow.— The first prize for Game pullets was won by .Tolm Kr/ore you L^opj.— You may keep them together in the space you have. Spanish (owls aud Runt Pigeons will be as good as any others. Dorking Cock Wheezing {Alpha).— Give him a deBScrt-spoonfol of castor <.l 15 28 7:1 5 29 2 37 11 24 14 29 40 lu S QCEEN Victoria Married, 1840. 44..'; 29.7 37.1 14 26 7 3 5 1 26 3 1 aftei-. 25 14 30 41 11 SD5 Shrove Sunday. 44.3 27.8 37.1 17 24 7 1 5 5 18 4 12 1 26 14 31 42 12 M Boronia pinnuta. 44.U 29.7 37.8 16 22 77 5 4 5|H2 27 14 30 43 From observations taken near London during the last thirtv-nine years, the average day temperature of the week is 45.2° ; and its nipht tempe- ratore 31.1-. The greatest heat was G'y\ ou the 10th, 1831 : and tlie lowest cold 10 , on the 5th, 1830. The greatest tall of rain was 0.67 inch. N.B. — The Calendar contains the names of plants fiowei-ing in the greenhouse. ORCHID GROWING IN LONDON. LTHOUOH to tall^ of glow- ing OrcliicLs ill London luiiy seem to many per.soiis, oven those most couversaut with theii- habits, rather Utopian, I hope to be able to show tliat it is not only possible to cultivate these lovely ilowers in the heart of om- gi-eat city, but that, with care, many of them may be flowered as well in London as elsewhei'e : and it is witli the liope that others may talce up tliis m- teresting subject that I am tempted to record mj own experience in the matter, slight though it niaj- be. Some time ago ckcumstances compelled me to reside in London for the greater p.art of two years, and as it was impossible for me to live, even there, ivithuut flowers, I deteiToined to try my hand at ciiltivatuig some of my favouiites. Of course I was laughed at by my botanii-'al fi-ieuds. I was told that I should never succeed ; It was impossible to do so : It was waste of time, with many like encouraging remarks, but I had made up my mind to try : I had seen AVavdiaii cases with plants thriving in them, even in London, and I felt convinced that I should succeed. But what sort of plants was I to grow ? for I soon found that veiy few flowers long continue in health even in Wardian eases, and in the part of the town where I was residing notliing would thrive without some such pro- tection. Here was a diineidty, but on mentioning it to a friend, he said, '" "Why do you not try your favourite Orcliids'.' I had two in a small case in my olhce in Great Tower Street, wliieh Uved and grew for a long time." The hint was not thron-n away upon me, and I soon found the truth of what he said ; for certainly, excepting Ferns, Orchids seemed to thrive better in a heated Wardian case wliich I had than anj'thuig else, and as I have always had a passionate love for these beautiful flowers, and had been veiy successfid with them m the country, I resolved to devote my spare time to theu" cultiu-e. and see what could be done. The first matter to be considered was, where to grow them. In Wardian cases, though they lived and grew a little, they did not thrive to my satisfaction ; besides, I could not have a case large enough to hold many in my window, nor was there sufficient light and air in a room. I therefore determined to try some other plan, and after turning it over in my mmd, I fixed upon the following : — Outside my sitting-room window was a flat space, covered with lead, wliich fonued the top of the doorway, it was C feet by S, siuTounded by a low wall, 8 inches liigh, of brick and cement work on three sides, the house and window fonmng the fourth. This p^ace I fixed upon as a No; 254.— Vol. X., New Series. favourable one on which to erect a sort of large Wardian case, or small gi-eenhouse, and my window being large, reacliing nearl}' to the ground, I could pass thi'ough it when needful into the miniatm-e house. "Wlien finished it resembled a small lean-to hothouse, (i feet long, .'5 feet wide, 0 feet high at the window, sloping to 2 feet in front. It was heated by hot water from a small boiler in the sitthig- room fireplace, wliich worked uncommonly weU. The follow ing sketch will explain more fuUy my meaning. Ventilation was ef- fected by a narrow shutter in front at (/, 18 inches long by ti inches ■wide, which could, when required, be shut up perfectly air-tight, and a nar- rower one, of similar construction, in the roof at (/. Inside each of these shutters was a fi'ame, fitting over the space wiiich was left exposed when the ventilators were open, containing six or eight folds of fine network made of w-ool, which coidd be changed as often as necessary. Through this mate- rial the air filtered its way, if I may use the expression, the net- work preventing all soot, blacks, &c., from entering, and per- forming the part of a respu-ator to the case. Even with this pre- caution I found it did not do to give much au' in the day- time, the air then, do what you pleased to it, being un- pregnafed with deleterious matters wliich told in time on the Orchids, so that I ahvays contrived to give air by night, wiien it is purer, particidarly towards early morning before fires are begun to be lighted. I believe this to be a ^ital pohit in gi-owing Orchids in Loudon. StiU, the great point after all is to grow only those plants v.'Mch require the least an-, and tliis I soon found by experience ; some Orcldds, such as the Cattleyas. LieUas. Odonto- glossums, &c., never doing well in town ; wiule others, such as the Aerides, Dench-obiums, Stauhopeas, Vandas, &c., with plenty of heat and moisture, tluiving as well there as an\-where, and floweiing profusely. Their treat- ment was much the same as that wiiich they received in the country Orchid-liouses. excepting that they were made to do with as little air as possible. The temperature of the house was. in spring and summer, by day 85°, by night 70° ; late m autumn and in winter, fi.i' No. goo.— Vol. XXXV., Old Series. a The case, 6 feet long by 3 feet wide. h Window of sitting-room. c A glass door, with 6 inches between it and the window, in order to prevent the drnmp finding its v.ay into tlie room. , d Ventilators. c B')dy of the case, 6 inches deep, filled with sand, the bottom being well drained. / Hot-water pipe.s. 100 JOUBNAL OF H0UTICULTU1;E AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. ( Fobraary 6, lSfi«. by day, aiiJ CO" by night. Tliin was without sun heat ; with the nun the temperature nun allowed to rise several degrees, but then the house only received the moniing and evening sun- light. Durins the spring iiud summer months the house was kept very moist, the saud. pipes, .to., being often watered, but I generally contrive 1 to have the plants nearly, if not quite, dry once in twenty-four hours. If there was too much steam it was let out by the top ventilator, but this wa-s rarely neces- sary. In winter, of course, the case was kejit drier. I purpose concluding this pai)er with the names and descrip- tions of a few sorts which I found by experience to thrive well under such circumstances, and which I have myself successfully grown in London. There are, beyond a do«ibt, very many others \^ich will do equally well, but which have yet to be tried. Aebidf.s CKisrrii and viukns are both excellent plants for a London Orchid-house, although most of the Aeriiies will thrive there. A. crispum and A. vircns, however, grow and flower well without much air. The blossoms of the former are white, tipped with pink, and are abundantly produced in .July and August. Th >se of the latter iiro of a lovely peach colour, and appear from .\pril to June. They both succeed best grown in pots. Ao.vsisu rrLCHELLi. — A dwarf plant with pretty white and yellow flowers, produced at different times of the year. Suc- ceeds best in a pot. BiussAvoLA Ac.vn.is. — A Bush-like plant with large white flowers. It generally blossoms in September or October. Ee- quires to be grown on a block. Bnoi-GnTONU s.vxcinxEv. — A lovely evergreen Orchid, with beautiful spikes of crimson flowers, produced freely during the summer. It requires to be grown on a block, with a little moss round the roots. Calantiie VESTiTA 'nmno-ocrLATA. — Bather a large plant for a case, but one which grows well. It jiroduces its delicate flowers on long sjjikes during the winter months ; they are white, with a blotch of red on the lip. It is best grown in a pot. Casiarotis purpurea. — A most lovely Orchid with rose- coloured flowers, freely produced fi'om March till June. It thrives best grown in a basket, and requires plenty of heat and moisture. CiELOGYXE CBisTATA. — .\ splendid dwarf Orcliid, with flowers 4' inches across. It thrives well in London, and blossoms in the early spring. Pot culture. Dexdrobicms. — Many of the I'endrobium tribe thrive well, although some arc rather shy of flowering. D. formosum, I). Lowii, and D. pulcheUum are very good ones for the pur- pose, but D. Jenkinsii is the best. It is a dw.irf plant, with beautiful buff flowers, most freely produced one or two at a time. It requires a small block on which to grow it, without any moss, and the plant should be hung U]i close to the glass. HuxTLEVA MAROiN.ATA. — A prcttv evcrgreeu Orchid, flowering constantly ; the blossoms are pink, purple, and white. It should be grown in a pot. L.DLiopsis DOMixi.Exsis. — A vBally beautiful little plant, with rose-coloured blossoms produced at different times of the year. Thrives uncommonly well in a confined case. It should be grown on a bare block of cork wood. Peristebia ai.ata. — No Orchid thrives better in London than this noble plant ; mifortunately, its size is against it. It flowered with me well, and its beautiful blossoms, bearing such a wonderful resemblance to a dove, were always greatly admired. PHAL.ENOi-sis amaeilis and oKAXDiFLor.A are so well known that any description is unnccossary. Thoy thrive and flowor we'd, particularly P. amabilis. They should be grown on blocks of wood. SACCoLABrcM coRviFoLii'M and 3IIXIATCM, both excellent plants for a London Orchid-house. The former is a small plant, with orange-coloured flowers freely produced in May and June : the latter is equally small, with spikes of red flowers produced in February. March, and April. Both should be grown on small blocks without moss. SoBBALi.v MACKAXTHA. — A noble Orchid, with large crimson and purple flowers, nearly 7 inches in diameter. Blooms during summer. Pot-culture suits it best. SoruRosms op.axi)ifloi:a. — One of the best, if not the vei-y best, for a London Orchid-house. The blossoms are of a lovely scarlet colour, produced during the winter months, and lasting long in beauty. It should be grown on a block. SlAXnoPEAS. — Many of these curious and beautiful flowers thrive very well in a case, particularly S. aurea, S. iusignis, and S. tigrina. They should be grown in shallow baskets, as the blossoms generally push their way out through the bottom. They are very curious-looking, and make a good variety. Vaxda suavis. — A noble plant, grows well and flowers pro- fusely in a case. The blossoms are large, of a beautiful white, spotted with crimson. Either basket or pot-cultui-e will suit it.— J. H. M.VNGOSTEEN CULTURE. Havixo been applied to for advice and further instructions, by several persons who happen to possess small plants of the Mangostcen, but who complain that they have no house of a sufficiently high temperature in which to grow them, I thought it might be as well to say a few words on the subject through the niidium of your valuable Journal. All who are fortunate enough to possess well-established plants should at once commence starting them into growth. For this ])urp()se, if there is no stove where they can be kept very hot and close, a hotbed may be made up of good stable dung, and the plants put under a frame, keeping them close to the glass. It is important that the dung should have been thoroughly turned and mixed, and it should have lain in a heap for some time ]>revious to being used. The bed should be made 5 feet high, first taking the precaution of having it well drained underneath, and, when it is a little settled, the frame may be put on, and the dung covered C inches deep with sand. As soon as the furious heat is over, the Mangosteen trees may be put in, taking care to ventilate freely at first ; if the heat is too much the pots should not be plunged until all fear of burning is over. The top temperature may range from 80" to 9(»', and the bottom heat from 5' to 10' higher. The trees mnst be kept moist and close, giving little air, and keep- ing up the heat by linings. They will soon begin to grow freely, and they must be kept growing trithout a cluck all the summer, for if once checked, though but for a few hours, the chances are ten to one against their restarting, and thus a season may be lost. Should flower-buds appear the first summer they must be carefully picked oS; this wiU materially strengthen the trees, and cause them to throw out fine strong shoots. The grand secret in growing the Mangosteen is to keep the trees growing vigorously, and, if this is done, sooner or later they will flower and fruit — it is only a question of time ; whereas, if they are grown in an ordinary stove temperature, they will live, and even grow slowly, but never bloom. This I have repeatedly proved by experiment, and I am certain that all the failures one hears of arise from this one cause. I do not hesitate to say that the Mangosteen may be fruited as easily as any other tropical fruit, but then it must have eveiy ray of light oiu" skies afford. It must be grown rajjidly under a high temperature, have plenty of water and weak liquid manure, and not too much air. Unless the Mangosteen is in a very vigorous state of growth it will never show bloom. — J. H. We think it due to our readers, a? well as to " J. H.," to state that he cannot send plants to any one of the Mangosteen, which he has received from Java and Madras — they are very expensive. See advertisement. — Ens.j POIXSETTIA rULCHERRBIA CULTURE. .\t page 4f)l) of your last Volume I note some excellent re- marks on the cultivation of the Poinsettia from your correspon- dent Mr. Edwards, and to which I wish to add a few observa- tions derived from my own experience. This interesting and important winter-flowering plant is capable of a much greater degree of perfection than is generally known. My mode of treatment differs somewhat from that recommended by Mr. Edwards, and is as follows : — After the plants have had six weeks' or two months" rest by withholding moisture, I cut them back to within half an inch of the old wood, keeping them in the stove until they have started into growth. About the beginning of May they are shaken out, potted into smaller pots, and placed in a cold frame as near the glass as possible, keeping them dose for a few days, when air is gradually and cautiously admitted. After they have filled the (lots with roots they are repotted into their flowering-pots, whidi are from G to 8 inches in diameter, and as the warni davs advance the frame is slightly raised by a brick under each" corner, keeping the hghts off excepting when February 0, 1886. ] JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 101 the 3nn is very hot, autl syringing overhead in the evenings of hot days, but avoiding saturating the ball, as they are im- patient of too much wet, at the same time they should never be allowed to flag. lu July thev are stopped, and they are continued in the cold frame until October, when they are re- moved into a stove with a temperature of from 65° to 70'. About the middle of November thej- show flower, and, if duly attended to, they will continue to bloom in perfection until the middle of February. By the mode of treatment just described I have at the present time, .January 2 1th, plants vary- ing from K to .SO inches in height, with flower-heads measuring fram 12 to 14 inches across. — James Link, Manchester. THE GLADIOLUS. I HAVE no hesitation in saying that both in Scotland and Ireland horticulturists are far in advance of us in England in the attention thiit they have given to this beautiful autumnal flower, and in the extent of its cultivation, as well as the en- eonragemeut afforded to it as an exhibition plant, .is the present is a favourable season for obtaining bulbs, it may. perhaps, give an impetus to its cultivation, and be a help to some of your readers, if I give a few notes concerning it, which a tolerably long acquaintance with it somewhat entitles me to do. That the cause of the non-cultivation of the Gladiolus in the south of England arises from the losses that growers have experienced I have no doubt. Some few years ago a disease of great virulence, and in some places of most destructive charac- ter, manifested itself amongst their collections; I knew one that cost nearly £100 that was almost destroyed, and others so materially diminished that the growers lost all heart and abandoned them ; and that this disease still exists I have had proof again this year. Personally I have never suffered severely from it. Gaps have been always more or less found in my beds, but nothing to deter me. I am inclined to think that a good deal arises from the non-drying of the bulbs, although, as in the Potato disease, one can really say very little about it. On taking up my bulbs this year I found some of them marked with black spots, apparently indicative of disease. Now, these bulbs I shall put into a nursery, and on no account admit amongst my others. My own opinion is, that although they may push both stems and roots (and some of them seem inclined to do that already), yet that they will eventually rot. Some of them that were worse than others I have already noticed to gradually become more and more black, and they will have to be thrown away. High cultivation may have something to do with it ; and although I think the idea with which some started — that the poorer the soil the better it was suited for the Gladiolus, was a mistake, yet I should be careful not to introduce fresh manure into the beds at t!ie time of planting. Let the beds be well manured in the autumn ; perhaps, indeed, if the time would allow of it, it would be better to lay the manure 6 inches below the surface, as is done by Pkanunculus growers, and then not to put any manure into the bed itself. Besides this, I should be careful to lay each bulb in a bed of wliite sand when planted, and to cover it with it before again raking over the soil. This may seem an unnecessary trouble ; but as thfc GlaiUolus is a florists' flower, and as the new varie- ties •' come out " at Ss. and lOi. a-piece it is surely worth the trouble. The Gladiolus requires littlf. management in the after-growth. Should the season be a very dry one it will be well to water the beds, but in ordinary seasons this will not be necessary. One difficulty has always been to keep the beds in good order when the fiower-stems attain any length, as they are then so apt to fall about. To stake each is not possible, and would, besides, make the bed look very stifi'. The plan adopted by my friend Mr. Lombard, of Dublin (■' Autis "J, is one which I followed last year — namely, to obtain narrow strips of the border of drugget as it is torn off before being made up, then to di'ive posts into the ground at each row, nail the drugget to these, and then weave it in and out amongst the stems. In a row containing forty bulbs I have four of these stakes, and sometimes when a stem is very tall I also affix a smaller stick •to it. There are three rows of this drugget, and by this means all the stems are kept in their place, wliile the softness of the material pre%-ents it from rubbing the stems. There must be, of course, two strips so as to enclose the stem in a sort of loop. In putting up stands for exhibition there is a great variety of methods adopted. I think myself that the holes should not be behind one another, but in quincunx fashion, as then one bloom would not hide the other ; and that either no foliage should be permitted, or else only a leaf or two of the plant itself; but perhaps the former plan would be preferable. I would expressly prohibit their being shown in separate pots, in ginger-beer bottles, in Hyacinth-glasses, or anythiag of the kind, and neatness should certainly be the order of the day. The plan adopted by Messrs. Dickson, of Newtownards in Ire- land, the best growers, or at any rate the best exhibitors, in that country, is to place wire at the back of each row and tie the stem to it. The wire, painted green, is hardly notioeabple, and each is kept in its place. So far as to cultivation, and now as to varieties. Their name is legion, but a great many are utterly unworthy of a place in a bed. Years ago they might have done very well ; but the progress has been so great, that it would be as great folly to grow such flowers as Agl.'ie, Helcne, Daphne, and others, as it would be to grow the Fuchsias of a dozen years ago. There are two sources whence new varieties have been obtained — France and Ascot, the former mainly consisting of the flowers of M. Souchet, the latter of Mr. Standish exclu- sively. Other growers are now raising seedlings, and I dare say by-and-by we shall find many of them in our catalogues. My friend Mr. Lombard speaks very favourably of some of his, and my neighbour and friend, Mr. Sladden, of Ash, has also some excellent varieties. I shall give a list of such fresh ones as I know to be good, referring my readers to the catalogues, French and English, for the descriptions, marking at the same time with an asterisk the very best bright-coloured flowers, and with an obelisk the best of tlie lighter and more fancy varieties •.\chille BeUe Gabrielle Berthe Raboiirdin Canflri +Charles Dickens Cherubim *Comte de Morny Decandolle +Dr. Lindley •Due de Malakoff tEdulia El Dorado Eudvraion +FIore •Fulton +ImpLTatrice Eugenie •.Tames Carter •James Veitch Jame^ Watt .John Bull +Le Poussin •Linu^ Madame de S^vi^ae +Mailimo Furtado Madame E. Verdier Madame Pereire Madame Rabourdin -fMadame Vilmorin Marie Dumortier +Meyerbeer *M. Lebrun d'AIbane +Peter Lawson +PIine •Prince of Wales +Princess of Wales +Reine Victoria Raphael Rubens •Stephenson ■fStuart Low fWalter Scott I say nothing of the new varieties, against which we must write " not proven " as yet. Mr. Standish has raised a large number of fine seedlings ; but instead of waiting till he has had a stock of each, he has let them out when he has had a few bulbs, consequently it is very diHicult to obtain them. Save in his own catalogue I have only seen one, Messrs. Barr and Sugden's, in which any of them appear. Amongst the best are — ♦Samuel Weymouth •Eleanor Norman •Dr. Hogg •Mrs. Dombrain •Mi.ss Howell Scottish Chief .1. W. Lane •Norma Beautv of Bagshot •Lord Clyde •Joseph iMeston Viola Mrs. E. Nott •Sir James Clark Lucy Neal Lucifer I have marked with an asterisk those that I consider very good; but Mr. Standish's catalogue contains a large number, from which a good collection can very easily be selected. It is very much to be desired that the number of amateurs should increase. There ought to be a much larger display at the autumn Show of the Crystal Palace than there is. I can bear witness to the interest that they excite amongst the visitors. — D., Deal. Death of Mr. Major. — It is with regret that we have to record the death of Joshua Major, Esq., landscajie gardener, of Knowsthorpe, near Leeds. The deceased gentleman held a prominent position in his profession, and was the author of several valuable works. In 1829 he published a work entitled, " A Treatise on Insects Most Prevalent on Fruit Trees ; " in 18.J2, " The Theory and Practice of Landscape Gardening," an important work, which met with high and desers-ed enco- miums from the public press ; and in 18tU, with the assistance of his son, who succeeds him, " The Ladies' Assistant in the 102 joubnaIj of horticulture and cottage gardener. C Fcbruiuy 6, 18CC. Formation of their Flower Giirdoii''," a work designed expressly to meet the prcvailini.' taste for the beiiaiiiK-out or groupin'^ style. He was also a frequent contributor to tlio "Gardener's Magazine," under the conductorship of that eminent man, Mr. .J. C. lioudon, who hit;lily appreciated his jilan-s nnd papers on landscape gardening and other subjects. He delighted in ■works of philanthropy. He assisted in the forinatiun of the first Sunday school in Leeds, of which he wii-; su]iprintendcnt for many years ; and all religious nnd cliarituble institutions he took great interest in and actively promoted. >lis personal qn^ties were of a high order. He was of a cheerful dispo- sition, simple in his tastes and habits, and impressed all who had the good fortune to know him as being a thoroughly kind- hearted and estimable man. Ho was highly appreciated by his workmen ; and as an evidence of this, six of them served him fifty, forty-two, forty, thirty-two, twciity-uiue, and twenty years respectively. After upwards of Imlfa century devoted to his profession with an ardour and perseverance rarely equalled, he died on theUCth of January, at the advanced age of seventy-nine years. ROSES. I THAN-K Mr. Eobson for his appreciation of my Rose articles. I agree with him that Roses on their own roots, in suitable soil, highly cnltivated, and well watered, succeed well. Still, Roses are volatile flowers, and one cannot predicate a uni- versal of them. Some that will not do well on any stock ■will succeed very well on their own roots, and vicr rcrsi'i. The character of the soil and of the summer affects some. Roses on their own roots, and also on the briar, require better soil than those on the Manetti ; they also need more manure and more ■n-ater. On their own roots, when well established with firm roots, they will withstand more severe ■neather than those on the briar or Manetti. They have this advantage also, that if the wood of the current year is injured by the wind beating off the foliage (the lungs), or by blights or fungoid diseases, you may in the year following cut them down close to the groimd. Mr. Robson says that Roses on their own roots are not so affected by aphides as the Manetti or briar Roses. Trobably this arises fi^om their slower and less succulent p^owth. Both fungi and aphides take hold of the young follicles, which, in Roses on their own roots, may be of a less succulent or less tempting character. I find here that Roses on the briar are not so fine as Roses gi-own on the Manetti. I have compara- tively few on their otvn roots to draw a comparison by. I have fine plants of Souvenir de Jlalmaison on their own roots and also on Manetti. I see no dilYerence between them. I have also a nimiber of plants of Triomphe de Rennes — a most first- rate Rose, which is never out of bloom here, and never hiis a hlind end — on its own roots, on the briar, and on Manetti. I cannot tell which is best. I observe that Mr. Robson prunes in winter. I have for an experiment pruned this winter, beginning at Christmas, every Rose here. I have just finished. This may be too early ; but I am satisfied that, in order to meet the shows, which are far too late for a well-managed rosery, we cut them back too late. Properly speaking, the time to cut them is when the eyes look full and fresh. It is true, the spring frosts may cut off the first shoot ; but that matters not, as there are usually two other eyes more or less dormant. Those will start later and synchi'onously, nnd one of them may be cut off. Usually from the 10th to tlie 15th of March is the time to cut bnck Perpetuals. Teas want but little cutting, and should be cut later. Hybrid Chinas and summer Roses may be cut back in February. Tea-scented Noisettes against south walls may be cut back earUer than any of them, if blooms are desired in Mny. I ■want not the Yellow Banksian. Solfaterre, Gloire de Pijon. Triomphe de Rennes, and Celine Forestier — four admirable yellow Roses — begin here in May, and never stop till winter is severe. They are hardier than Teas, and bear a gieater pro- fusion of bloom. I have put Gloire de Dijon and Triomphe de Rennes among the Tea-scented Noisettes, because they ap- pear to belong to that class. M. K. Verdier puts the former among the Noisettes, and the latter among the Teas. With regard to Manetti suckers, it is the fault of the planter. Briar suckers give gi'e.at trouble here, hut I hardly know what Manetti suckers are. They rarely como from the roots, and rarely from the stock after the first year. It is seldom that they spring from that here. The way to plant them is as follows : Open your trenches, and put rotten dnng along the line; put in a little earth on that, then ]iut the jilnnt on it, and ciiver with earth and dung alternately, treading it in hard, and close against the stock, till you have risen 2 or 3 inches above the point of union. By the exclusion of the air the eyes in the stock will die. By planting the Manetti stock above ground, or by admitting air, you will have a " furze brake " of Manetti instead of Rose wood. It is the easiest miiiiagcd and least troublesome slock in the world. Before planting Manetti Roses look over the stock, and cut out such eyes as you see. This leads me to Mr. Robson's particular request in the last paragroph of his article with regard to Tea Hoses on their own roots. Mine is not Ten Rose land, nor is the place adapted for them. I know but little about them. Tea Roses out of doors are out of bounds. The finest grower here is Sombreuil on its own roots. 1 have no healthier or hardier Rose at this place. It never blights, and carries its foliage in the most severe winters. I have it good also on the two other stocks. Eliso Sauvage is good on the Manetti : a strong plant on its own roots has died. I have these good on Manetti — Adam, Rubens, and Elise Vardon. I have of Uevoniensis several plants, good on their own roots. La Boule d'Or is very good on the Manetti, and is one of the liarditst. It produced at one time in summer twenty-three blooms, which opened well. It also bloomed well in September. Usually it is a hard opener. I have only one other Tea Rose, the gift of Mr. HoUingworth — La Sylphide ; it is on its own roots and does well. I have no doubt that if yon take the whole body of Teas, and mean to kee)) them perma- nently out of doors, that it is best to have them on their own roots, taking great care of their roots for a winter or so. After that, unless in the case of such delicate Roses as Elise Sauvage, you need not fear the winter more for them than for any other Roses. If their wood is injured you can cut them to the stiunp, and they will be the better of it. Mr. Hollingw orth, of Turkey Mills, Miiidstone, would be better able than I am to speak on this matter. — W. F. RAOfLVFFE, Tarrant liiishluii. THE MODERN PEACH-PRUNER.— Xo. 21. VAKIATIONS OF PEACHES AXD NECTARINES FROM SEED. (From tho Fruit Record of Sawbriilgcworth.) Tin; great increase in the number of varieties of the Peacb and Nectarine which are now cultivated is due to the intro- duction of orchard-houses. By these means a long succession of fruit is obtained. Very early and late sorts thus matured arc of immense advantage. Of course, with the increased number of sorts the difficulty of proper selection keeps pace. It is, therefore, necessary to add a list of choice kinds. The Peach-fancier, however, can now raise varieties from seed for himself, and by judicious fei-tilising obtain new ?orts, the fruiting of which will at least be a source of infinite pleasure. Having myself experienced this satisfaction, and successfully fruited some fine Georgian varieties (such as Exquisite. Golden Purple, Canary, Thomas's Late, Baldwin's Late, and Stump- the-'World), besides holding a number of fine seedlings as yet untruitcd liere, it occurred to me to obtain further information on this interesting point ; and the answer of Mr. Rivers is as follows : — " The seedlings of 1865 were about two hundied in number. Their qualities and dc\-iations from the parent stock have been accurately noted down. They are numbered for reference, and dates of ripening added. " No. 1. August luth. An orange Nectarine from Fair- child's Early. Liable to crack. '■ No. 2. August ICth. A seedling from Early York, hut having leaves with glands, and thus not liable to mildew. Flowers large, like the parent, and the only one out of twenty which deviated from the parent stock. " No. ;i. Oct. 1st. A seedling from a yellow clingstone. Small hut rich, with large flowers. "No. -1. Sept. 'iuth. A very large clingstone fromEpIy York, in tlie third generation. This is a remarkable variation, with the large flowers of the race. " No. 5. Sept. -tth. A Peach raised from the Balgowan Nectarine. Small, rich, with small flowers. " No. 0. August lllth. A large Peach from Peche Dt'^niaus. Of a delicate cream colour, slightly tinted with red under the skin ; firm flesh, and delicious aroma. The parent I found in a small nursery in Brittany as a robust standard. This re- markable Peach has been since named Dr. Hogg, and is first-rate. February 6, 1336. ] JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. 103 " No. 7. August 18th. A large and deep crimson seedling from Belle Bausse, differing from it in its flowers. Called the Crimson Mignouue. " No. 8. August 20th. A verj- large pale Peach raised from a white Nectarine, itself from the New White Nectarine, so that this Peach is the third generation from a Neotaiine. Flowers small. " No. ii. August 10th. A large early seedling from Early Albert, which was raised from an early Belgian Peach called Montague preeoce. A very valuable early Peach, called by the Fruit Committee the Dagmar Peach. Flowers small. " No. 10. Sept. 18th. A Peach raised from that large sort, Pavie de Pompone, and small, with its rind of a pale straw colour, without the least red tinge. I mention this to show the great diversity of character often originating from the same stock, as will be seen presentlj'. Exquisitely sweet. Flowers small. "No. 11. A large pale yellow seedling from Fioyal George. Flesh remarkably juicy like its parent, and totally unlike the yellow American and south of Europe Peaches. It has none of the Apricot flavour. Called the Golden Eoyal George. Flowers small. " No. 12. August 12th. A medium-sized melting Peach, seedling from Hunt's Tawny Nectarine. Named by the Com- mittee the Early Alfred Peach. " No. 13. Sept. 30th. A very large cream-coloured cling- stone from American Heath-cling. I mention this clingstone, passing over many others, as being, unlike its parent stock, very juicy. Flowers small. " No. 11. August loth. The Early Silver Peach, the first generation from the New White Nectarine. One of the most beautiful Peaches. Sldn pale silver, jiink-tinted. It is the parent of many seedlings, all of high character. " No. 15. Sept. Stu. A large late Nectarine from the Elruge, witli the Stanwick flavour. It is most curious to note the influence of the Stanwick on the flavour of seedlings, as if the pollen of this peculiar sort had ell'ected a radical change in their character, reminding one of the introduction of the Black Ca)) Raspberry from America, which has stained aU our au- tumnal Kaspberries. Flowers small. " No. IC. August 28th. A large orange Nectarine origi- uatiug from Hardwicke Seedling, which is of a totally different character, and itself also differing from its parent the Elruge. Flowers large. " No. 17. August 26th. A large green Nectarine, a free- stone, raised from the Itomau, which is a clingstone. The flavour is much influenced by the Stanwick cross. "No. 18. A large seedling Peach from the Noblesse. Much like its parent in texture, but, unlike it, has glands, and thus not liable to mildew, which all the glaudless Peaches are. To keep it in its class it is called the Alexandra Noblesse. Flowers large. "No. 19. July 11th. A remarkably early seedling Peach, pale, red-tinted, medium size, melting, and juicy. Eaisedfrom a Nectarine a seedling from New White (the Early Silver Nec- tarine). This Peach is, therefore, the third generation from the New White Nectarine. This is a remarkable deviation in avery way. "No. 20. July 14th. Amedimn-sized Peach, marbled with bright red, juicy, and rich. Raised from Early Albert, and likely to be of great value as an early sort. " No. 21. July llth. A large pale Peach like the Noblesse, melting, and rac.y. Eaised from Early Silver, and the third generation from New White Nectarine. Decidedly the finest lai-ge early Peach known, and with the two preceding, being ripe in July (three weeks before the Early York), likely to be of great value ; and probably in Guernsey with skill might be ready by the end of Jiuie, when only forced Peaches are to be met with. Called the Early Rivers Peach. Flowers large. " No. 22. Sept. 20th. A. Peach, measuring 12 inches round, pale straw, rosy cheek, firm yet juicy flesh, and rich aroma. Eaised from Princess of Wales, and so third generation from Pavie de Pompone. One fruit was ripe, and submitted to the Fruit Committee at South Kensington, and it received a first- class certificate. Named Lord Palraerston. Flowers large. " No. 23. Sept. 2Uth. A large melting Peach. Skin beau- tifully marbled ; flesh pale yellow, juicy, and excellent. Raised from Pine .\pple Nectarine, and the third generation from the Pitmaston Orange. A remarkable variation. Its parent and grand-parent produce the most beautiful, large, bright flowers of all. This has given us small flowers. " No. 21. Sept. Gth. A medium-sized Peach, with a bright red cheek. Eaised from Hardwicke Seedling Nectarine. The parent has large flowers, but this one has them small. " No. 25. Sept. Cth. A Nectarine of the largest size, juicy and rich. Eaised from Prince of Wales Nectarine, itself a seedling from a Peach. Earlier and much larger. Flowers small. ' ' These extracts from my Fruit Record show the extraordi- nary changes wrought by cross-breeding, either by accidental fertilisation by insects, or, as it seems to me, by ' breeding in-and-in ' — ;'. c, by selecting varieties generation after gene- ration, and thus conveying the peculiar quahties ajipertainiug to a race. Seedling No. 22 is an illustration of this. In making my collection of every kind of Peach known in Europe and America, I some years since received that largest of all Peaches, Pavie de Pompone. Owing to its great size and to its beautiful Eose-like flowers I always felt much interest in it, but its fruit was seldom fit to eat. It was not till 1857 that I thought of raising seedhngs frdm it, for 1 had slight hopes of raising a melting Peach from a clingstone. I planted, however, some stones ; one tree grew, and produced melting Peaches, rather late, but of good quality. It was named the Princess of Wales. This variety has much of the robust habit of its parent, and gives the same grand flowers. The seedling raised from this departed widely from the parent stock, producing small flowers and melting fruit, but not large. In 1802 stones of the Princess of Wales Peach were planted, one of which produced fruit in 1805. This seedling gives fruit firm like its original ancestor, though a melting Peach. This is a case of adherence to race. " In 1815 the late Mr. WilUams, of Pitmaston, planted stones of the Elruge, which has a white flesh and small flowers, and one of these produced a tree which gave large beautiful flowers, and was called the I'itmaston Orange Nec- tarine. It was the first full-sized orange Nectarine known in England. I planted stones of this sort in 1856, which, in due time, bore fruit nearly all identical with the parent. One, however, large and ten days later, I named the Pine Apple Nectarine, owing to its flesh being transparent like the Pine. In 1862 I planted stones of this sort, but the young trees gave slight hopes of deviation. In 1865 several bore fruit, aU like their grand-parent the Pitmaston Orange Nectarine, and were laid aside, till one day my attention was drawn to two very beautiful Peaches hanging on one of the trees. Here we have the fourth generation of the Eh'uge Nectarine, and it proves to be a large and late Peach. " I may add that till I had bought my experience of the great variation in seedlings I could never believe in the origin of the Pitmaston Orange Nectarine. I was, perhaps, more incUnedto think so from having received from the south of France, many years ago, a full-sized orange Nectarine under the name of Brugnon Musquu. This gave large beautiful flowers, but was a clingstone. " I may here mention that, as yet. Apricots have not given the remarkable variations shown by Peaches and Nectarines. — Tnos. EivEES." It will be seen from the foregoing how short a time it re- quires to test any new variety. Parents having very distinc- tive quahties should be selected to experimentahse with, and a short experience will be the best of all teachers. Other num- bers might be added on the best shapes for orchard-houses and their general management, as also on the temperatures adapted to them, itc, but such topics, besides being beyond the limits fixed for the work, are also extraneous to the leading purpose, which was — the training and pruning of the Peach according to the latest experience. — T. C. Brehaut. LIME AND SULPHUR MIXTUKE FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF RED SPIDER AND MILDEW. I .151 induced to send this, as amongst the numerous com- munications which have of late ajipeared in the Journal on the above subject this remedy has not been named that I am aware of. The mixture I make as follows : — 1 lb. of quick lime and 1 lb. of flowers of sulphur well mixed together in one gallon of water, boiled about half an hour, and stirred at intervals whilst boiling. When it is quite cold the clear liquid is poured into bottles, and in this state kept for use. About a quarter of a pint of the liquid to four gallons of water, and stirred until the whole becomes of a pale yellow, I have generally found sutticieutly strong for use ; but half as strong again will do no harm. IM JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAKDENER. I KcbruKrr 6, isee. In the case of mildewed Vines I apply it early in the morn- ing by drenching them weU with the syringe; but for rod ppider I close the house ratlicr early in the afternoon and thin ply the s\Tinge ; of course it is bettor to keep clear of the bunches as much as possible, but it docs not dictigurc them. In 8 late house of lilack HamburKhs, so treated last summer, no one coiJd sec anv trace of it except by cloi-o scrutiny. With regard to Poach trees. I generally apply it in the evening. For mildew it inav bo nocospary to use it a second or third time ; but for red spider I find that twice in the .reason is quite sufli- dent. For Cucumbers, after well sjTinging the plants, I keep the frame or pit close for a few days, thro«;ing a mat over the glass when the sun strikes it, instead of giving air. This mixture must not be used for Melons, as it will cer- tainly destroy the plants. I have no doubt that it will be found of great service amongst other plants when affected either with mildew or red spider ; but as yet my experiments have gone no further than what I have stated above, and the loss of two crops of Jfelons has warned me to use it with caution on plants not hitherto tried with it. ANTiite paint is discoloured by it, but only for a time. In conclusion, I assure your correspondents, Mr. Wills and " T. S. W.," that if, on tlie first appearance of red spider on the Vines, they will do as I have stated above they will not find it necessarj- in future to paint the stems of the Vines as a preventive of that archenemy. — J. M., Kxmoiith. ICEMACHINE. After the snow on the 10th of January, a frost of 15 occurred on the following night, and on the Friday wc were lucky in being able to till our ice-house, as Saturday brought a rapid thaw. I have thought for some years, that if ice could be ground or crushed fine before being placed in the ice-house, ■we should be able to secure a much larger quantity in the same house, and tl at a considerably greater body of air would be expelled from the house, making a difference of several months in the keeping. Could not some of the great machine manu- facturers turn their attention to the matter ? I should very much like the opinions of some of .your corre- spondents (perhaps Mr. Fish would be kind enough to enlighten us), whether groimd ice would not keep better than ice in lumps of larger dimensions. — John Pkbkins. ri have no doubt at all as to smashed or crushed ice keeping longer than that which is merely roughly broken, especially if the crushed ice is well pounded together with heavy beaters after it has been so pounded. I have had no experience in the use of a machine for smashing ice. The most scnieeable, I think, would be a powerful crusher with a rotarj- motion worked by horse-power, the crusher placed over the crown of the ice- well, and the carts being emptied close beside it. Uiiless the machine were made to suit other grinding and crushing pur- poses besides ice. there would be considerable outlay, and the infrequencv of the use would come to be looked at seriously in an economical" point of view. By breaking the ice pretty well be- fore it was thrown into the hopper of the crusher, the cartloads might be housed ncarlv as quickly or more quickly than now, and that would be a great matter, as it is often important to secure as much ice as possible in little time, the frost often lasting only a short period. I trust othor readers will give their opinions on this subject. My own is, that the more the ice is crashed the better it will keep in small houses. In large houses, where a great quantity can be lodged and roughly broken, the grinding would be of less consequence. Econotnically con- sidered, even those who have a small house might find it cheaper to make an extra ice heap or two inste.^d of obtaining a machine. I have no doubt of the desirability of the latter where it conld be obtained, and it would save many a strained wrist from the brisk use of wooden or iron mallets by those not accustomed to the work. So far as I know. Mr. Perkins is the first who has drawn attention to a machine tor the purpose, and were there a demand for such a machine, there would be no lack of a supply. Meantime. I would mention from memory two very effectual modes of housing ice. The first had relation to a small ice-house formed on tlie north side of a verj- deep bank overhung with wood. Up this bank the ice had to be carried in ba-skets, after it was better pounded than ever I have seen ice since. It was then well pounded in the well, and clean wheaten str.iw placed round the walls as the work proceeded. The position of the house prevented anything like moisture remaining, and a drain two or three times trapped prevented all air entering from below. The labour in mulleting the ice for this small ice-house, so difficult of access, was excessive; but the ice kept well, and was so much of a dense solid mass that a sharp pickaxe had to be used to fake out a pailful or two, for two or three barrowloads at a time were not there thought about. The other example was very different. The frost had been very severe. The water was fine and clear, without even a rush in it. The ice was from 3) to 4 inches in thickness, and required much mallcting to break it. As an exjieriment, a lot of ice was cut with sharp axes into blocks of 1") inches square. These blocks were taken and packed in a part of the house by themselves, and where they did not fit exactly a little water or the poimded ice was placed between to fill all vacancies, whicl] instantly, owing to the frost, set like cement in a brick building. During the next summer, when the ice pounded in the usual way had sunk considerably, these columns of blocks stood alone in their glory. I attribute their greater endurance to the clearness of the ice, freedom from every weed, and the shutting out from them of all air, except what the water contained be- fore it was frozen. Though this plan was interesting enough as an experiment, it never could he carried out largely except in very exceptional circumstances, whilst the crushing plan proposed by our correspondent could be carried out anywhere. — R. ir BRE.VKIXG OF THE VINE. " T. S. W.," in No. 2.50, says — " That irregular breaking io Vines is more owing to the different parts being exposed to dif- ferent temperatures than to natural causes," (I quote from memory and may not use the exact words), and the same ex- perience prompts me to bcUeve, that except in rare and ex- ceptional cases, it is not necessary to bend, twist, or otherwise distort the canes in order to insure a good " break," but that proper attention to moisture and temperature is all that is reijuired to bring this important part of Vine-culture to a suc- cessful issue. I say important, for the management after Vines have broken will be easy throughout ; but if, on the contrary, they break badly, after-operations are rendered difficult and disappointing. I have been employed in places where the bending of Vines is part of a system, and they have broken badly, yet the same Vines another season, bent in just the same way, have broken comparatively well. I have also seen Vines break alternately well and badly when trained straight up the raflers, in each case the health of the Vines being the same, and also the time of starting them — viz., January 1st, the best break being ob- tained in mild and dull weather when but little tire heat was required. Hence, it would appear that the evil is not consti- tutional, but atmospheric, and, therefore, more immediately capable of being remedied. I will briefly give the treatment as practised in two cases. First, then, let us start with a night temperature of 50', and a rise by day of a few degrees, not being particular to a degree or two. Admit air air shghtly at the front as well as back of the house, syringe in the morning, and again in the afternoon — say at two or three o'clock, and close the house, which will not be opened again until nine or teu the next moniing — no systematic inoisteniug of the paths and floor of the house, except syringing the pi|)cs on making up the fires at night. Who can be surprised at Vines breaking irregularly under such treatment ? they being alternately sub- jected to an atmosphere as humid as that of a swamp, and as arid as that of a desert, in each case the evil being aggravated by the current of air from the front lights. Add to this, that tiie house being entirely close, the U])per part would he for nineteen or twenty hours out of the twenty-fom- subjected to a temperature so much higher thiui the lower part as to cause the upper part of the Vines, be they beut or straight, to obtain the start, and as a natural consequence the general breaking is irregular. The least evil which follows, is that all the best bunches arc at the top of the house. In the second case, tlie same Vines shall be trained directly to the top of the house, be started at the same night temperature, keeping the paths, walls, .tc, of the house coustnutly moist, but the atmosphere not stagnant, damping them ten or twenty times aday if required. Let the day temperatiue be attained by nine o'clock in the morning, being a rise on the niglit tem- perature of 5° by fire heat, and of 15° by sun heat; in each case by unremitting and unflagging attention keep it unifoim Let there be a system of airing, and let that system be rigidly February 6, 1866. ] JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AKD COTTAGE GARDENER. 105 adhered to, givint; air gradually as the temperature] rises, and reducing the amount as gradually as it falls, leaving a little on all night at top, by every light if possible, under all circum- stances and in all weathers. A little will do, from a quarter of an Inch to an inch will be generally sufficient, but the Vines must be the guide. If the top bu(is are becoming too pro- minent give a Uttle more air, but never open the front lights on any consideration. It is soon enough to do that when the btmches are showing their blossom. The uniform moisture which is by this treatment presented to the Vine is the most natural and congenial, and the assistance of the syringe wiU not be required, except, perhaps, a slight dash very early in the afternoon of unusually sunny days. I have observed that Vines which are peeled, scraped, and polished up, do not, as a rule, break so kindly as those which have but little done to them in this respect ; the rougher surface of the unscraped Vine retaining a more continuous and geuial moisture aroimd the spurs and buds, I believe, constituting the difference. Such is the treatment which was so successfully adopted by Mr. Young, late gardener to Viscount Barrington, and by which he for several years invariably secured good breaks, and with after-modifications fine uniform crops all the way up the rafters, excellent in character as regards size, colour, and flavour. For weeks together the Vines were not syringed, yet a red spider in the house was, indeed, a rarity, although close to the back wall ran a smoke-shaft, which was often so hot that the hand could not be kept on it. I remember one night taking the air off the top of the house for experiment, and in the morning finding that part 11° warmer than the lower part, and that proves that were it not for constant top air, the Vines must have broken irregularly. I have also proved, that in the case of a Vine trained vertically up a wall in the open air and a hght placed against it, that part under the glass -will break first. — .J. 'Weight. THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. FEBRC.UtY 3rd. At the meeting held this day, Messrs. Cutfaush tt Son, of High- gate, made one of the most elegant exhibitions of forced flowers we have seen. So simple and gi-acefol was the group, and so tastefully was it arranged, that it was the admiration of all who saw it, and fully justified the Judges in awarding it a fii"st prize. It consisted of four pots of Convallaria polygonatum, or common Solomon's Seal forced (we are surprised this is not more frequently seen), as a centre ; and surrounding these were nice plants of Rhododendron Cunninghami, a Dielytra speetabilis, an Azalea pontica Taylor's Red. a Vallota pui-- purea, two pans of Crocus versicolor, two pots of Vermilion Brilliant Tulips, one of Toumesol Tulips, and one of each of the Hyacinths La Tour d'Auvergne, Vainqueur. and Amy. Mr. Bartlett. of Shaftesbury Road, Hammersmith, who exhibited so successfully last week, was again present with a nice collection of twenty-five Hyacinths well bloomed, and some Polyanthus Narcissus, for which he received a second prize. Messrs. Lucking Brothers, of Bay.swater, received a first-class certificate for a pretty exhibition of forced flowers. INCISIONS IN VINE ROOT. Is Mr. Thomson's "Treatise on the Vine" (chapter on ex- periments), he speaks of having made incisions in the old root or arm of the Vine after taking it up, and that from the lips of each incision roots were produced. I have this day bared the old root of my Vine with scarcely a fibre upon it, and have nicked it with a knife in several places. My gardener says "it will bleed to death," and that no roots can possibly come of this. Mr. Thomson says he cut " incisiong" Does he mean simply nicks with the knife, or does he (.^t, °^^' ^ piece from the back of the root '? thus, .1 A All roimd the root I have laid fine fresh turfy soil and bones. Will my Vine die, or will it be improved, do you suppose ? — A Constant Re.^deb. [We are not quite sure what kind of incisions Mr. Thomson made, but we should presume they would be simple slits — say three-quarters of an inch long, and one-eighth of an inch deep. .Just as in the case of the slit in a layered Rose, or a layered Carnation, a little bit of crock or wood might be stuck in the slit to keep the wounds open, or rather their lips a little separate. There is Uttle danger of the wounds bleeding, if made early enough. We shall be glad if Mr. Thomson will explain this process, more especially as we may have mistaken his meaning. From our own experience, however, we would direct om- cor- respondent's attention to the experiment as detailed by Mr. Thomson. The Vine roots operated upon were roots that were chiefly bare of fibres, and that had been shortened and taken entirely out of the ground. When these are treated as stated, we have no doubt, from experiments of our own, that roots would be formed at the incisions, and most plentifully near the stem. Other successful experiments have been detailed in this Journal, in which fresh roots were abundantly protruded from the bottom of stems that had no connection with roots ; but such experiments require first-rate management, and un- remitting care. What we wish chiefly to add, however, is, that when we have made such incisions on the bare parts of large roipts of Vines that were not separated from the fibres that existed at their extremities, then few of such incisions pro- duced rootlets.] ABSTRACT OF METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS FOR THE YEAR 1865. TAKEN AT W.^HINGSTOWN, COUNTY DOWK, IBELAND. Latitude, 54° 25' 52" N. Longitude, 6° 17' 56" W. Height above sea level, 190 feet. January . . February . . March ". . . . April May June July Aut,'ust September . October . . November.. December. . P IlllllllglllP c c c: 2. Q O ■ 1? 1 1 ■£ ?i f^l^u^z^'zl '?. k ^ ^ 5" ciCT-JOD-axx-i-aoicioi- COtiOK.WitO^XtOWtO'-' Highest of Month. *t} m g 1 OtBXCSXXXOItSH-'l-' ®° Lowest of g. Mouth. g 84.98 88.27 88.88 48.48 62.61 B8..91 68.62 68.26 69.06 49.49 42.83 48.11 Mean. ?- Maximum 1 H in Sun. ' .g Minimum w on Grass. 1 a. 80.89 40.38 48.00 54.28 50.12 04.46 68.24 62.68 66.51 68.89 46.18 46.80 Mean of Dry Bulb. 3 o i 35.66 38.45 39.47 49.82 53.07 59.21 58.79 57.75 61.63 60.27 48.91 43.84 Mean of Wet Bulb. 88.08 39.05 41.71 50.30 65.09 63.10 04.26 02.89 61.72 64.33 46.33 45.80 Temperature of Ground 1 foot below the surface. 000300 rfk-q*.OS.-'CSCO-4-l No. of days on which Rain or Snow fell. 5 inch. 2.76 3.25 0.59 8.80 0.64 1.28 8.16 0.88 4.91 3.65 2.36 Amount. DETECTING BARREN STRAWBERRY PLANTS. Whilst engaged in filling our Strawberry-house with plants that have been prepared for forcing, I have been led to re- member what was said last spring about barren Strawberry plants, one of our gardening friends being disappointed, after forcing his plants, to find that very few of them showed any blossoms. It is quite evident from what he said about his plants that they were barren. Now, barren Strawberry plants may easily be distinguished from fruitful plants now, or while they are being prepared in the autumn. I prepare for forcing nearly two thousand plants every year, and I have had a Uttle trouble myself with barren ones ; for, after forcing my plants, I very often make plantations of them in the kitchen garden, and 1 frequently find some that have become ban-en. When I come to look for early rimners from these plantations I find that I can take them much sooner from ban-en than from fruitfiU plants, but aU that they will give me for my trouble will be leaves and runners. In the spring they first produce a 106 JOUBNAli OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. [ Fabmuy t, USt. loaf, and then a mnnor, nnd to on alternately, and my firm belief in, that wbcn Strawbern- plants once begin to do that no one can make them prow any other vmy. It matters not how many ninners are token, fur I find that these will produce nothing but leaves and ninners again. It is quite posbible for Strawberry plants to be nnfmitful one year and very frnitfnl Hie next, but such plants grow veri- differently from the above. nOILERS. A.S ilr. Bobson has stated his experience with boilers for liot- water heating, nnd soUcits information, I beg to add my mite. We have an upright cylindrical boiler, without setting or covering of any kind, heating between 40(1 and 500 feet of three-inch piping. The boiler is set in a room in the basement of the building to heat it, and it answers the piapose very wcU, thus conCiTuing the opinion of Mr. Bobson, that such boilers give off a very great deal of heat. The piping connected with this boiler is litteJ with Truss's patent pipe-joints, the matt Bimple, ecouoniical, and efficient joints I ever saw. Any man with ordinnrj- ability may with these joints lit up a heat- ing-apparatus for any purpose, and, if necessary, conld take it down and erect it elsewhere without deterioration to any part of the apparatus. After the many useless things that have been foisted on the public by tlie aid of patents and otherwise, it is really refreshing to find something that really is what the patentee professes it to be. We have one small upright cylindrical boiler set in brick- work, and I pity the man who has it to attend to, for the fuel often becomes fixed in the boiler, and not more than a third of it is consumed — not a very pleasant affair when a fire has been banked up to keep out frost. There are also two saddle boilers, one of them has water-bars for fire-bars, but I do not think that it is in any way the better of them. Taken for all in all, the old saddle-back is as good as any boiler I have yet seen. Coke is the onlv fuel used. — F. Flittos. In one of the ((ualilies that I most desire in a boiler — en- durance, they appear to be very delieicnt. Two of them coming under my own immeect£c descriptions. " What the ' 1 rea*ary of Botjiny ' really comprises, therefore, is a short history of tliose genera of plants wliich are known to possess uspecial interest on acconut of the medicinal qnalities nr the economical tiscs of their species, or by reason of their l>eanty or utility as garden plants ; while to these two groups has been added a still larger one, comprising a selection of genera servinj; as representatives of the whole series of Natural Orders and their subdivisions. The space devoted to each separate genus is necesRarily brief : .ind. cxcvpt in the ca«e of medicinal or economicallv valuable plants, of which a rather fuller account is given, the object has been to convey some notion of the characteristics of genera or families, rather than to attempt an enumer- ation, much less a description, of the spe<'ies of which they consist. For that a massive cyclopa-dia would have been necessary." The above extract from the Preface is a fair outline of the object nnd scope of the work, and the mode in which it has been carried out is worthy of all praise. The pinn, we are in- formed, was perfected under the supervision of the late Dr. Lindley, a man who, to his great botanical knowledge, united a Febniary 6, 1866. ] JOiniNAIi OP HOETICULTUEE AJJtD COTTAGE GABDENEE. 107 thoroughly practical mind, and a gi-eat talent for arrangement; but hisfai iig health did not permit him to continue his supei- intendenee beyond the letter C ; the responsibdity, ^^^>:f<^\f conducting the subsequent portion of the workdeyolyed on his brother e^htor, Mr. Jfoore, of the Cbelsea Botanic Carden^and ; most ably has he performed his task-a task which from tne very large amount of letter-press, the yariety of the ^bjeets^ and the number of the contributors, must l^,f « "'^'^^ f^f.f^^ a Ught one. The names of the writers are— Prof essor Balfoui , EeyAI J Berkeley. Mr. A. A. Black, Mr. W. B. Booth Pro- fetlor Buctoan mI-. W. Carruthers Mr. B. Clarke, Professor Dickie. Mr. W. B. Hemsley, Mr. E. Heward Key. a .A^ Johns, , Dr Masters, Dr. Moore, Dr. Seemann, Mr. A. Smith, Mr. J. i. , Syme. Mr. E. Thompson, and Mr. W. Thompson. I This list affords an excellent guarantee of the quahty of the contents, and the articles are written in a clear and pleasant style, which, without sacrificing in the least the accm-acy of the information conyeyed, must add much to the popularity of the work. As an example, we wiU quote the article by Dr. Masters on Ai-gania :— "A geuas of plants belonging to the family of Sapotace^. The calyx has ten sepak, in two row,: the *"»'."' i'^T^^t^.nl scales orabortiv'e stamen,, alterniiting with the hvefei-tde stamens anthers opening outwardly: style awl-shaped. -4 t<,^erox,,k,n is the Argan trie of Morocco, in certain provinces ot which it grows in woods It is a spiny evergreen tree, with a trunk of considerable size ba of low stature. It gives off branches at a few feet from the ground, which incline downwards till they rest on the earth : at length at a c^u^idei- able distance from the stem, they ascend. ^ ^f . ■"^°*'"'^^*/,^iIf •Journal of Botany' for April 1854, measured 16 feet only in height, while the circnmfiience was as much as 220 feet. The ti^t is an e— shaved or roundish drupe, dotted with white. These traits are mSch reU,hea by all ruminating animals, who. in chewing the cud eject the hard seeds, fi-om which a valuable oil is extracted ihe oultui-e of the plant for the sake of its oil has been recomniended in Australia and certain parts of Cape Colony subject to di-ought=. iUe wood is very hard, and so heavy as to smk in water. In addition to the other contents there is a copious glossary of botanical tei-ms, besides which the English and French names of a large number of plants are giyen, and the whole is prefaced with descriptions by Dr. Seemaun of yegetation m different parts of the world, in illustration of which there are twenty beautifuUy executed steel engravings. There are also numerous equaUy praiseworthy woodcuts, engraved by Uran- ston from drawings by Mr. Fitch. It is scarcely necessary to add, after what has been already said, that we can heartily re- commend the "Treasmwof Botany" as a comprehensiye and reliable work of reference. nmtales en Pleinc Terre, par Comte Paris: Auguste Goin, Eue des Lei Plaiites a Feuille-'i Omc LeONCE DE LiMBERlYE. Ecoles, 82. 1 U.NDEK this title M. le Comte de Lambertye, the author of an exeeUent work on the Strawberry, has commenced the pub- ;, Ucation of one on those plants with ornamental foliage whicb are sufficiently hardy to succeed out of doors m summerm the climate of Paris. In the pubUc gardens of Pans fine-leaved , tropical plants are introduced on a scale which is nowhere else equaUed, nor, indeed, even approached, except at Battersea Park, where Mr. Gibson has adopted this new style of garden- in" with the happiest results. The plants thus employed hayintr been chieflv confined to botanical collections, and not being "for the most part remarkable for the beauty of their flowers, their merits for decorative purposes were overlooked untU the last few years— indeed, to most amateurs and gar- deners they are even now far from weU knovm. A wori, then, such as that which M. de Lambertye has commenced, giving the descriptions of these plants, and their cultivation, must be regarded as supplying a want. The work is dedicated to M. BariUet-Deschamps, head gardener to the city of Paris, by whom the idea of plautmg-out tropical phints in the pubhc gardens of Paris was first earned into effect, and who thus introduced a new style of gardenmg, which in France is daily becoming more popular. In the less-favoiu-ed climate of England the system has been successfully adopted in the warmer parts of the country. M. de Lambertye's work is to consist of three parts, of which the first, treating on the principal species of Solanum with ornamental foUage, has ah-eady appeared ; the second is to l)e confined to Cannas, and the third is to include plants of other genera. The author states in his preface that only such plants are deeoribed as he has himself gi-own, and that in the manner which he describes. He commenced his collection of Sotoums in 1862 with a few species, and in 1864 the number had in- creased to sevent^--six ; but on examination several were found to betcorrectly named, and many others not worthy of culti- ation In the part before us thirty are descnbed, a number vMch the author remarks is still too large, for not more than eighteen or twenty are of undoubted ment Each species s taken in alphabetical order, and the stem, leaves, and flowers are minutely described ; then the culture is given, foUowed by -reneral remarks on the ornamental character of the plant. ° The species noticed at length are Solammi acu eatum grow^ ing about 2i feet high, and more remarkable for the abundance of its prickles than for its beauty. S. amazonium, about the same hefgtl as the preceding at the end of its first summer s growth ■ very ornamental from its bronzy yellow young leaves Sid numerous large blue flowers; withstands the winter at Hyer^Hn the south of France. S. atropurinu-eum, very striking by its deep purplish red shoots, numerous spines, and the wMte- veins of the leaves, which are some imes 8 uichcs Ion- by 16 broad. Growing upwards of b feet high, it is suit- 'ZeL small groups on lawns. S. auncnlatuiu, giwing 5i feet high in the flrst year, spineless, eaves 18 or 19 inches ling and afoot broad. Suitable for smgle specimens S^be- taceum, when well managed growing a yard ^f^'J^^^^^- some leaves 1-5 or 16 inches long, and deep purple when young. s!"urSifolium, elegantly-cut leaves, and -XursleTMgh a lUac shade thi-oughout the summer. Grows about .3 feet high S. ci-initum-m peat soil at Monceaux t^^^^ g'^7.^^;/'°^*„5 *f„'^ high, and the blade of the leaf is nearly 2 f^et long and 21^iches across. Shoots and leafstalks <-o^ere or 7 feet bigli in the first year, and has a noble appearance, especially wlien planted singly on lawns. The leaves arc ven,- large, the blade being nearly 30 inches long and more than 2 feet across. This part of M. de Lainbertyc's work contains representa- tions of Solanum criiiitum, robustuni, and Warsccwiczii, but much cannot be said in favour of the style in which thoy are executed. It concludes with a comparative table of the thirty species described, which will be found useful as showing at a glance what are the particular merits of each in a decorative point of view. Judging from the first part, and by the reputation which the author de9er\-e(lly enjoys, this work will bo found very useful by those desirous of information on sub-tropical gardening — a now field of which but little is yet known in this country ; but, thanks to tlie excellent example at Bnttersea Park, a taste for it is rapidly growing up, and England, notwithstanding her disadvantages of climate, will not and must not be left behind in all that pertains to gardening progiess. ■WEATHER WISDOM. (ContiimcO from page 27.) As on a former occasion I endeavoured to impress upon your readers the absolute importance of a chart to assist the ob- server in remembering the previous fluctuations of the baro- meter, so now I propose to show more fully why a gardener shonld have no difficulty in noting down on a chart at fixed periods the variations of atmospheric pressure, and in the next place to consider why it is of the greatest importance for him to do so. Those persons whose various duties call them every day many miles away from the scene of theii- meteorological observations, are unable, unless they possess self-recording instruments, to note down the many changes in the barometer and thermo- meters, or the different phenomena which have occurred during their absence. They may, indeed, hear from others who have been on the spot, that there has been a violent tlumderstorm, a great rainfall, or a heavy fall of snow, at such and such a time, but unless the informant is a close observer, his remarks are not of much use to the meteorologist. Gardeners, on the ContraiT, can always make their own observations, and can be always near their instruments, if these have been provided for their use by a thoughtful master. Some people apprehending danger from the ever-watchful eyes of a thief, may hesitate before they leave a barometer in a shed or an outhouse ; but even if a barometer is not carefully secured, imless it is of very small size, or a man is acquainted with the process which renders it portable, or observations are taken by means of an aneroid, I do not think there is real ground for alarm. But to return to my subject. The great advantage which a gardener has over other observers is as follows : — He is always in the daytime, and in some places at night, near his instru- ment, and he can therefore note down at other hours, in addition to 9 A.M., the changes which occur in the height of the barometer. Very often the column of mercury falls considerably during the day, and returns at night, or by the next morning, to some- what near the height at which it stood when the original ob- servation was made, thereby deceiving any one who has not visited the instnmient in the interim. I could give your readers many instances, but I think the fact will be admitted by all observers to be true. Now, from such oscillations of the mer- curial column the gardener knows that the weather is likely to be tmsettled, and cannot be depended on; but the other ob- server, from want of opportunity, and knowing nothing of the fall and subsequent rise of the mercury, anticijiates different weather to that which ho would have expected had he known of the changes during his absence. It may be urged by some that it is bad policy to place a barometer in the hands of a gardener. " It will cause him," they say, " to neglect his work, and to be continually running away and gazing at the glass, and dotting down the result on the chart." But it must be remembered that these records of the weather are not in- tended for scientific purposes, or for comparison with other barometers, but simply as aids to determine the weather which may be expected for a few succeeding days. For such a purpose hasty glances are quite sufficient, and agardener would not, I am sure, be drawn from his ordinary pnrstiits for any great length of time. In showing your readers in the next place why a regular study of the barometer is of the greatest importance to a gar- dener. I ought to call to their recollection the great advan- tages and saving of life which have been of late years the result of the waniings which are now tent iUpwii to the seacoasts when gales and heavy weather are sujipcsed to be impending. These warnings are the result of years of careful study of the barometer in connection with other instruments, and of the winds and other phenomena in the atmosphere in all parts of the I'nited ICingdom, communicated to head quarters by the electric telegraph. A man who is forewarned is forearmed; and a gardeuer who studies the barometer, as well as the dry and wet bulb thermometer, and who obser\es the way of the wind, and the appearances in the sky, has it in his power to be forewarned as weU as the saUor. Cannot the gardeuer, then, ou different occasions say to himself, "From my knowledge of the movements of the barometer, and with the aid of ther- mometers, 1 come to the conclusion that there may be gales, or rain, or frost, or snow, and I will be prepared for such contingencies?" In conclusion, when those furious gales which burst out sometimes in the night find some inlet through an open window into the interior of a greenhouse, let an obsener of the weather rejoice that the appearance of the mercurial column gave him some indications of probable weather, and that, acting upon that probability, he wisely shut up and secured the greenhouse, which, but for that precaution, might have presented to his astonished gaze in the morning — a glass-house without a roof. — X., SiiiTfy. WORK FOR THE AVEEK. KITCHEN OARBEN. Wheki; a large amount of produce is required from a small garden it is highly necessary that some arrangement should be made and followed u|), so as to keep a succession of crops in the groimd. In all situations, and under all circivmstancee, it is advisable to keep a cropping table, and note the time of sowing, planting, and gathering, with remarks on each descrip- tion of vegetable. This table would be of grfat value in point- ing out the time of sowing in that particular locality, so as to have the crops coming in at the time required, liinim, a sow- ing of Early Raugdown Long-pod should now be made in the open ground, where the soil is sufficiently dry to work well. Caulillinccrs, the plants in frames and under hand-glasses to be kept clear of decayed leaves and litter, and to have all the air possible in mild weather. Celenj, sow Cole's Crystal '^liite in boxes for the main early crop, it is an excellent early dwarf variety. Cucnmherf, this is a good time to prepare for the piinciiial crops ; in making dung beds some brushwood or faggots should be laid at the bottom to drain olT superfluons water ; a nanow layer of the same material should also be built up with the bed under each rafter to reach from front to back, this will allow the heat from the linings to circulate freely, and at the same time will be a sa\-ing of dung. As soon as the seed leaves of the young plants are fuUy developed pot off in soil composed of two parts of leaf mould, one part loam, and one-fourth of white sand. Lethicc, remove de- cayed leaves from those in frames. Give plenty of air. ilush- nioms, after the beds have been made a few days they should be examined every morning, so that it may be ascertained if the heat is increasing or decreasing. A thermometer may bo thrust beneath the surface of the bed, and if, after two or three examinations, it does not exceed 80", the bed may be spawned. Iladixhes, a sowing of Wood's Early Frame may be made on a warm sheltered border. Clear all the winter crops from decayed leaves as soon as the ground will admit of going upon it. Sea-kale and Itliulmrlj, let the roots for next year's forcing be planted immediately in rich ground, trenched ; throw a hillock of old tan, ashes, or sand, roimd each crown to encourage it through the vicissitudes of the weather in Feb- ruary and March. Tamatoes, sow in heat immediately ; also Sweet Basil, Sweet Marjoram, &c. FRCIT G.VIIDES. Let all planting be finished as soon as possible, and stake and mulch. Remember to drain thoroughly. Nowhere is this advice more necessary than in the orchard ; although Apples and Pears are fond of adhesive soils, they will never prove pro- fitable where water is allowed to accimiulate. Examine all old or overborne trees ; many trees of this character may be soon renovated by appljlng manure to the extremities of their February 6, 1866. ] JOURNAL OF HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 109 roots, as also by good top-dressiugs. Thin pruning is also of great use to Apples which are rather free setters ; the same is also of great seiTice to the Nonpareil class, to enable them to perfect both fruit and ■wood. FLOWER GARDEN'. The plan for the coming season of gaiety should now be fully settled. All alterations should now be carried out with- out delay. In sowing the Californian annuals take care to con- sider when you most want them, they may be commenced with when wanted early. Finish top-dressing Auriculas, do not delay it while the weather is fine. Remove early blooms, and, if any plauts look sickly, examine the roots : if from canker, apply the knife ; and if from inefficient drainage, put more into the pots, if possible without breaking the ball of soil. Tulips are very rapidly coming forward, protect them carefully from frosts and cutting winds. Continue to watch for leaves that are cankered, and remove them as soon as perceived. Ranun- culuses may be planted. After the beds have been evenly raked drills shoald be opened 2 inches deep and 3 inches from each other ; into these the roots should be pressed down, cover- ing them with fine and rich compost, slightly fastening the soil over them by giving it a gentle pressure. Dahlias may be put in bottom heat, and, as soon as the shoots are 2 inches long, strike them in brisk heat. Top-dress the beds of Pansies with decayed leaves, and manure from the Melon-pits reduced to a black unctuous compost. Peg down or remove all straggling shoots, and place bran under tiles as a decoy for snails, which will now, on mild nights, begin to be troublesome. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. Still pursue steadily the directions with regard to tempera- ture, &c., laid down in previous calendars. Slight advances in heat may be made on bright days, but if cloudy skies intervene revert immecUately to decreased temperature, and let humidity proceed in the same ratio. Climbers may be looked over in the conservatory ; and if an early display of their beauties is required, some of the irregular wood may be pruned away forthwith. Passion-Flow-ers and others may receive this treat- ment ; but permanent plants, as Acacias, &c., will, of course, of themselves point out an exception. Those who are growers of the families of Epacris, Correa, Leschenaultia, Polygala, &c., will soon enjoy a rich treat. Frequent introductions and frequent removals are the order of the day here. Camellias require at this time abundance of water. Attend well to Ericas, Eiiacrises, &c., that are potbound, some of these will require liberal water- ing. The winter has been so favourable for plauts in the green- house in requiring so little fuel, that those who have been duly impressed with the importance of avoiding strong fires in plant-houses will find their account in the superior health of their stock. Increase warmth on sunny afternoons for a couple of hours, but let the thermometer sink again at night to 40° or 45°. See that all insects are extii'pated before the growing season commences, and clear or sponge away all fungus or dirt of any kind from the leaves of plants — thorough cleanliness holds equally good with plants as with animals. Keep all stock neatly tied up ; dress climbers. Tropa^olums growing should be con- stantly attended to. Shift some forward Pelargoniums into theii' final pots, and stake them out, if intended for specimens of high cultivation. Remove weak or crowded shoots, and secure a thorough circulation of air, without draught, to this house at all favourable opportunities. STOVE. Let all increase of heat take place on bright days, chiefly early in the afternoon, aiul then accompanied with a somewhat moist atmosphere. Have a batch of Gloxinias repotted and placed in bottom heat, using heath soO, loam, charcoal, and sand for compost in a fibrous state. Stove climbers on trellises, and growing in pots or tubs, that require to be shifted soon should be cut-in to fine fresh buds, preparatory to disrooting or shifting. Attend to the shifting of the Amaryllis tribe when requisite ; as soon as they show signs of growth let them be in- troduced into this structure, and give a trifling amount of water, increasing it gradually as the leaves unfold. Pot Gloriosa superba in Ught, free, rich soil, putting two strong tubers in each pot, and plunge in a brisk heat until the shoots appear. Start such plants as Stephanotis, Dipladenias, Clerodendrons, both young and old plants, and recollect that a nice bottom heat is what they delight in. FOECING-PIT. Continue to introduce Roses, bulbs, Lilacs, Sweet Briars, &c., for succession, and maintain a temperature of from 65° to 75". with plenty of moisture in clear weather. Fumigate when- ever green fly appears, and syringe the plauts whenever the weather is favourable. Some Gardenias must be started in the warmest comer of the pit. This pit will be rather too warm for the Geraniums, but a good stock of the forcing kinds should be started in some of the forcing-houses. PITS AND Fr.AMES. A calculation should be made as to how far the inmates of these structures will be able to supply the masses in the ])lea- sure ground. No doubt damp has reduced the numbers of some kinds. Strong plauts of Verbenas, Fuchsias, Petunias, Heliotropes, Salvias, Calceolarias, itc, or pots of store plants of these which had become established in the autumn, should be removed forthwith to some of the houses or pits at work to enjoy, if possible, a moderate bottom heat. These will quickly furnish abundance of cuttings, which should be slipped off and propagated. Water sparingly here at present. — W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. V(iriatioif.< of Ti'iiiperaUtre — Icc-Jiouai's. — We expect to hear many and dilTereut accounts of the results of the severe though short snowstorm ; but these can hardly be more diversified than the accounts we have received as to filling ice-houses, or the impossibility of doing so. Some of our friends and corre- spondents obtained some ice on the 11th ult., and plentifully on Friday the 12th ; but the snow commenced falling with us when there was scarcely a crust of frost, and the softness and warmth of the ground no doubt cajised it to melt all the sooner when the thaw came between midnight of the 12th and the morning of the 13th. On Friday we could not have done anything with ice. There was only a thin film on our ponds that would not stand the touch of the ice-hook ; and that was protected by a covering of snow, which prevented the keen frosty air of the afternoon and evening having much efifect upon it. From throwing water over the snow so as to melt it there was plenty of good ice on the morning of the 13th, but then the sleet and rain soon made the work wholly unsuitable for men and horses. What surprises us is, that so many col- lected so much ice ou the 12th, when we had none worth going after. The snow and the thick atmosphere in our case must have prevented freezing, and we conclude that there must have been a clear atmosphere before the snow came, or between its ceasing and coming on again, so as to permit of freezing. The only regi-et in our case is, that, tor making sure, we did not roll and cart a lot of snow on the Friday morning before the frost became severe in the afternoon, as then we might have made ourselves tolerably sure of a supply for another year, and snow does not wet and hurt men like heavy sleet. If another chance occur we must not wait for the ice to be so thick as we could wish it to be, as we are hardly safe for another season ; and what is down in the well with us always decays faster than that high up near the dome or the door- way in these old-fashioned well-houses — a fact which first impressed us with the feasibility, and even desirability, of having ice-heaps, and even ice-houses, entirely above the gi'ouud level. The latter, built with double walls, and a space of con- fined air of from 6 to 9 inches in width between them, and with a wide overhanging roof, also double — the outer one of thick thatch or heath — ought to keep ice as well, if not better than any well sunk in the earth. The ice-house chiefly used here is one of the old-fashioned wells, with a long passage and several doors. It had been built with double walls, but the inner one had been taken out before our time, for what reason we know not. The ice keeps well — has several times lasted within a few weeks of two years, but we like to fill the house it we can every season. Though we should leave the present passage for taking out the ice, we would take the first opportunity of so changing the road as to have the ice put in by a hole in the crown of the arch, and thus much labour would be saved, as it requires three men, generally, standing in the passage, to shovel the ice past them, between their legs, until it reach the well. Nor is this the worst of it, for the notes and the recollections of a good many years have convinced us, that of all the men employed on ice- days, taking it off the water, filling carts, breaking at the ice- well door, i)ounding and packing it inside, and shovelling it along the passage — those performing the latter work have been more liable than the others to suffer from colds and attacks _of rheumatism afterwards, however well their boots were protected, and their legs secured, by non-conducting materials. no JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTXniE AND COTTAGE QAKDENER. r FebnuirT 6, 19f6. Thoufib, as stated above, ice mast often be procured in car nnccrtaiu climate nndor uufavonrnble circumstances, wo may add for beginners tbat tbe most favourable circumstances for insuring ico keeping well are obtaining it from the clearest possible water, free of ijrit, weeds, straw, or chips ; securing it if possible when the tciii|H'rature is a long way below the freez- ing-point, and then smashing it at least sulliciently well for all the bits like road granite to be embedded in the finer snow- Uko smashed ice, so that all may be pounded down together with as little air left in the interstices as possible. If the air is keen and frosty a little water may be added in pounding to fill up all crevices. If, from the heat of the sun when carting, or the high temperature of the atmosphere, any water should come out of the cart along with the ice, then there will be plenty of water for consolidating the mass without adding more. We may here add that though the ice-house is very often under the care of the gardener, he himself rarely derives any benefit from its retardinc; or cooling influences, at least, unless in rare cases. We have concluded that the vegetables and fruit that were retarded in an ice-well — even its passages — suffered much in flavoiu-, and just in proportion to the time they were kept in the low temperature. Wo have also been informed by first-rate cooks that even haunches of venison, however carefully wrapped up, likewise lost in flavour when long kept in the ice-house. For the cellar, in securing ised water and iced wine, and for confectionary, for the larder, and for making ices in the usual way, ice is invaluable as a luxury in summer, and in many cases it is so valuable for meiUcal jmrposes that all gentlemen who can afford it should have an ice-house. Where much ice is wanted it would be advisable to have the ice-house as a part of the offices instead of at a distance from them, and then a stone-floored and a marble-shelved sort of ante-room close to the ice-weU could be made, where milk, butter, and meat could be kept cool, without being directly ex- posed to the'damp that ever comes from an ice-well in summer. Perhaps here, too, we may also repeat w^hat we think we stated last season — that where ice has to be brought from a distance, strong-made tubs, lined with 2 inches of cork, and with double lids, the outer one also lined with cork, are very useful for keeping the ice from a week to ten d.ays in the hottest weather. If any one choose to take out a patent on this subject we will make him the present of an idea, which, if reduced to practice, will make these tubs even better than they generally are, and that is simply by leaving a close space of lor 1{ inch between the wood and the cork. We do not see how a double tub, even of wood, each tub 1; inch thick, with a 1 J -inch space between them, closely fitted top and bottom so as to keep the space between air-tight, would not be quite as good as or better than the present tubs with theh- linings of cork. In such tubs it is very common to place a pitcher or an earthenware vessel full of water to become cooled, but when that is done the ice placed round it ought to be pure, for if taken from dirty water we should not like to diiuk the iced water if we knew it. A better plan every way is to have an iron or tin vessel fixed in the middle of the tub, with a good lid, and a pipe with a tap attached passing from its bottom through the tub, so that water may be drawn off without Ufting the lid and exposing the ice. This iron vessel should leave enough of room for bottles of wine to be placed among the ice round the sides of the tub. Some people consider a glass of water thus iced one of the greatest delicacies in the hot summer months. Judging from our own experience, such iced water should be partaken of with great reserve and care. Would some of our medical friends be so good as to give us. their opinion ? KITCHEN GARDEN. Made the most of the dry days we had in sm-face-stirring among oU young crops, digging, and trenching ; but Wednesday and Hiarsday brought us another succession of wet days, which greatly abridged all out-door operations. Clave plenty of air to everything imder the protection of glass in mild if wet days, by tiltinii the sashes back and front. '^Tiere there is much of this sort of work to do, it is true economy not to depend oij anything eomeatable, but to have pieces of wood prepared on purpose, and have these fastened by a string to the plate opposite the centre of each Ught, so that they may be used easily, and always be at hand when wanted. However small the quantity of air given, even to cold frames, in severe weather, it is always preferable to tilt up the sash instead of sliding it down. When slid down rains are apt to enter at the back, and the cold air strikes the plants at the back at once. When the sash, without being slid, is tilted up at the back, the cold air cannot at once reach the plants withont passing through the warmer air issuing out. For very Hat frames or pits good tilters-up may be formed of pieces of board 1 inch thick, I'l inches wide, and 8 inches long, cut diagonally with a saw, bo ta to form two triangles out of the parallelogram, each of these triangles making a nice tiltcr ; and tm raising the sasb, by inserting the thin point of the triangle, it is easy to give air from half an inch to (i inches. When the sashes of frames or pits are more steep, the tiltcrs sbonld be formed of squares 10 inches by 8 inches, cut in two diagonally as above, and then each triangular piece should be cut into three or more square notches like the slo])ing stage in a greenhouse, as these hori- zontal cuts in the tilter hold the sash more firmly, in the time of winds especially. The fastening these tillers with a string so as to be always ready, though a simple matter, is a great advantage. If loose, they are always out of the way, covered up, or lost. The ground being so wet, sowed more Peas in tiles, boxes, and tm-ves under protection, so as to put them out when the ground is nice and mellow. Planted out a lot of Dwarf Kidney Beans in a bed where fire heat can be given, turning them out of small pots when well rooted, and when the soil was nicely warmcl for their reception. After this time they do very well in beds ; but if we had not been scarce of nine and ten-inch pots, we most likely would have used them in the same place, as they could have been moved at any time — a matter of im- portance when room under glass is scarce. After this time a syringing in sunny days with clear soot water at a tempe- rature of 90° will do much to keep them healthy and clear of insects. After this, the soil used in growing them may with advantage be more compact and loamy. During winter a lighter loam suits them better. ■ Placed some Soa-kale and Rhubarb in the Mushroom-house ; and spawned in the beginning of the week, and earthed-up in the end of the week, another piece of Mushroom-bed. We have also turned over in the shed some manure for commencing another piece. Managed to catch some great adder-Uke snailg at night ; but not before they had scooped out all the gills from the insides of some large Mushrooms. We are never troubled with them on our first beds. Xo doubt they come in with the material of the later beds. It is of no use looking for them, unless at night. They like fresh brewers' grains rather better than Mushrooms. Woodhce have not yet troubled us, and seldom visit us much in the house until March. Potted-off Cucumbers, and will give some large plants large pots, to fruit in these in a pit where hot water will assist them. Put up a bed for a two-light box for the first out of doors, as we are very short of fermenting material. Turned over some old hotbeds, that after growing Melons had been used for many pui-poses dming winter, as for bedding plants, slowly bringing on Straw- beny plants, frc, placing all the very decayed materials in a heap, as we cannot well wheel anywhere owing to the damp and wet, and saving all capable of fermenting again, to mis with some hot tree leaves, so as to give a help to a lot of early Potatoes. A little heat at the bottom assists them verj- much ; too much heat is more apt to encourage tops than numbers of nice tubers. The shooting season being over on Thursday, must trj- and collect a lot of tree leaves for all such purposes. Set a number of figure-4 traps to catch mice, which are more than usually troublesome this season. Sowed Celery, &c., in pots where a little heat could be given. The Incomparable is a beautiful dwarf White that stands well ; but it does not grow so fast for an early taking up as Cole's White and some other kinds. The flavour of the Incomparable is excellent, and we have not for several years seen a run head until well on in the spring. To ( iise the young Onions out of doors, put a number of large Onii.iis that were beginning to sprout into leaf mould, in a warmish jdace, to produce small Seallions for salads, in- stead of so many young Onions. Chives gi-own in heat come in well also for this purpose. A good stock of Mint, Fennel, Tarragon, and Sorrel, should also be put into heat or imder proteotion, so as to have plenty as wanted. Trenched-out a lot of Horseradish. This always commands a good price in tbe market, and is best when strong and yoimg. FBUrr GARDEN. Proceeded in favourable wtather with pruning fruit trees so as to have work forward, and in wet days thoroughly washed the woodwork and glass in the orchard-houses. Vines and Peaches in houses with their roots out of doors should be pro- tected from changes of the weather by Utter-thatching and board-coverings. We have done less than usual in this way owing to being scarce of material. In early houses, Grapes February 6, 1866. ] JOUENAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEK. Ill coming into bloom, should in this mild moist -weather hare rather a dryish atmosphere, and the bunches showing bloom should have a dry hand gently passed over them to disperse the pollen. For this purpose, so as to insure good and regular setting, -we know no plan of shaking or brushing equal to the gentle touch of a di-y hand — that is, doubling the hand, taking the bunch in it, and gently drawing the hand over it. By this means we have found that Muscats set freely, even when they are not in such a high temperature. Note that during the time of Vines being in bloom, it is only in the mild moist weather we have had, that we would recommend the di'yish atmosphere at blooming and setting-time. In weather in general, it should not be too dry at such a time, as, if the atmosphere is vei-y dry, the capsule clings so closely round the parts of fructification, that the anthers cannot have full play on the stigma. More moisture in the atmosphere gives more elasticity to the capsule ring, and the anthers have more free play ; but in all early forcing of Vines, we would recommend a dry hand being drawn over every bunch when in bloom. This is soon done. The best time is a sunny day. On the other hand, Peaches when in bloom should have rather a di-y atmosphere imtil the friut is set. On a sunny day it is well to use a board rapidly waved over the trees to disperse the pollen, or in some cases to use even a feather or a fine camel- hair brush. We have known Peach-houses that showed a fine lot of bloom carry little fruit, because the house was kept much too moist when the trees were in bloom. A drier temperature would have caused them to set more freely. If trees are in bloom now in such mild moist weather, the moisture in the borders will sufficiently coimteract the little fire heat that wiU be necessary. If the weather turned cold and frosty, the paths and borders might be syringed and damped, and a few evapo- rating-pans might be placed on the heating medium ; but whilst Peaches are in bloom anything like steaming hot-water pipes and flues should be avoided. Fii/s beginning to move had better be thinned as to the shoots, when it is seen what can best be spared. The shoots left and showing fi-uit may have the terminal bud nipped through with a knife or between the thumb and finger, which tends to thi-ow the organised sap back to support the young fruit. When the young fruit appears, care must be taken that the roots are not diy, or the fruit will drop to a certainty. If from any cause the soil has become dry, and the dimness is not removed before the fruit shows, then the di-y soil must be moistened by degrees. Too much moisture at once will cause the fruit to di-op by extra stimulus. After the fruit begins to swell, the plants must be strangers alike to dry roots and stag- nant moisture. As we kept in bearing our Figs iu-doors a little into November, they are just now beginning to move. From the 1st to the middle of October is late enough for Figs to bear, if an early crop is desired from them. We covered part of our trees out of doors with spruce branches, anticipating a httle severe frost ; but as the thaw came before we finished, we will let them alone until we see the signs of another frost. Some of these trees we mean to allow to hang a little from the wall in summer. We have proved that where the place is at all sheltered and warm. Figs even out of doors do better when thus treated than when they are pinned-in with nail and shred, or string, to a wall. The remarks at pages 90 and 91 may help to convince others of the same. titrawberrifs in pota luider a Uttle protection received plenty of air ; and those imder glass, set on reversed turf, were watered in hot days, and with less care, as there could be no stagnant water. Plants set in saucers were watered with care ; and at this season of the year, and in such mild moist weather, no water was allowed to stand in the saucer. In such weather care should be taken that the water is not pom'ed over the crown or bud. Plants in bloom should have all the air possible, and in such dull weather be shaken with a small brush or feather. Wlien the blossom and the farina of the anthers are dry, a large fine feather is as good as anything else for brush- ing along them, and even the hand passed smoothly along them will do good. In fine sunny days they will set well enough without any such care ; but if they do not happen to set, and we have used no means to help them, then we are apt to accuse ourselves, and self-accusations are the worst of all to bear. Potted oft Melon plants, and sowed some more to be in readiness, though as yet we can see but little space we can appropriate to them. If we could, we woirld always raise young Melon plants iu a sweet dung hotbed. The plants generally have thus a vigour and a sturdiness which they rarely have i when raised by another heat in the diy state, either from flues or hot water, though in either of such heats they will flourish very well after they have become stout plants. There are many crops that thrive better in an old-fashioned dung hotbed than by any other heat we can give them. We have grown Cucumbers most successfully from first to last with the help of the old flap, but we never had such nice young plants of Melons from flue heat as from a dung hotbed. There was more trouble at first with dung beds than with hot water, or even with flues ; but many gardeners who now have enough of hot water are beginning to feel the want of the old hotbeds for keeping the kitchen garden all right. Some may well extol the efficacy of Cabbage stirmps. Pea haulm, rotation of crop- ping, and rotation of trenching, for that is pretty weU all the manure the kitchen garden can have. The old liotbeds were the grand foundation for plenty of luxuriant well-flavoured vegetables. OENAMENTAL DEPARTMENT. EoUed the walks when dry, but not too heavily, so as to make them over-smooth now. EoUed also the lawns, as the worm heaps are becoming ratherprominent in this mild, moist weather. Pnmed the hardier Eoses, Honeysuckles on arches, &c. Gave plenty of air to prevent damping in cold pits and frames. Will soon commence propagating what we are most scarce of for the flower garden ; but as yet have little room or heat to spare. Pricked off some Calceolarias, Lobelias, &c., and sowed more Lobelias and Feathered Cockscombs. Potted lots of Geraniums, Fuchsias, etc. Pruned many more of the latter. Took Hyacinths to the hoiise and conservatory, with other forced flowers and shrubs. Fresh regulated the conser- vatory, taking in a fresh lot of Cinerarias, and likewise fresh regulated the stove. Potting Mosses and Ferns. Brought Glox- inias beginning to show from a dark place to one where they could have more light to induce them to gi'ow before potting them. Did the same as respects Achimenes, &c. Placed Ges- nera zebrina where the tubers would ripen. Gave plenty of air and as little damp as possible to hardwooded plants, and in the worst weather proceeded with cleaning plants, washing pots, and preparing straw covers for protection. Made it a point to keep a look out for dry litter, rough hay, Lam-el boughs, and Spruce branches, to be ready for temporary protec- tion, for if a severe frost came suddenly, many tilings would suffer severely from being now so tender, rmless, indeed, the frost should be preceded by a good fall of snow. Managed in a dry day to put some burnt earth and rubbish round Holly- hock stems, which wUl preserve them in the open gi-ound to a gi-eat extent ahke from wet and frost. Bare sorts may now be taken up -with balls and placed in a mild heat for propagating, or suckers may now be removed. Cones of the dry bui-nt earth wUl be a good preservative for those left in the open ground. — E. F. TEiVDE CATALOGUES RECEIVED. E. G. Henderson &- Son, WeUingtou Eoad, St. John's Wood. — Catalorjtic of Flower, VeiietabU, and AijricnUnral Seeds. ■ • F. & A. Dickson & Sons, IOC, Eastgate Street, Chester.— Cnlalogue of Vegetable and Floiver Seeds, d-c. Eobert H. Poynter, Castle Green Nursery, Taunton, Somer- set.— Retail List of English, and Foreign Seeds, rf-e. John McHattie, 136, Northgate Street, Chester. — Catalogue of Vegetable and Fbneer Seeds, Gladioli, Seed Potatoes, dx. CO^TSNT GARDEN MARKET.— February 3. k MARKED dulness has pi-evailetl in onr market Ihis week, and all de- scriptions of out-door and forced vegetables are more tlian sufficient for the demand. The Potato trade is duU also, and prices are receding in consequence of larpe nn-ivals, both coastwise and by rail. We have received a consiffnment of Pines from ^t. Wicbael's of remarkably good growth and quality, varying from 4 to 5 lbs. in weight. Apples i sieve Apricots doz. 0 0 Cherries lb. 0 0 Chestnuts bush, Cui-rants, Red \ sieve 0 0 Black do. FiKS doz. 0 d. 5. d 6to4 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Filberts lb. Cobs 100 lbs. 0 0 160 0 Gooseberries. . ^ sieve 0 0 0 0 Grapes, Hambro lb. ) m « 5t n Muscats.... lb.; 10 0 15 0 Lemons 100 6 0 10 0 Melons each s. d. 8 0 MulbeiTies punnet 0 0 B. d 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 Nectarines doz. 0 0 Oranges 100 4 Peaches doz. 0 Pears (kitchen). . doz. 4 0 8 0 dessert doz. 4 0 8 0 Pine Apples lb. 6 0 10 0 Plums i sieve 0 0 0 0 Quinces I sieve 0 0 0 0 Raspberries lb. 0 0 0 0 StrawbeiTies lb. 0 0 0 0 Walnuts bnsh 14 0 20 0 112 JOOBNAL OF HOKTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAUDENEB. C FebruuT C, 18C6. TE0ETABLE8. Artichokes each AnpanKii' bondlo Betns Broad. . bnabel Kidner luO Beet, Red doz. Broccoli bundle Brn«. SpronU. . J kIoto Cabbage doz. Capdcums IW Carrots booch Canlllloirir doz. Celery bnndlo Cncambers each plckliDg doz. Endive score Fennel bnnch Garlic and Shallots, lb. Herbs banch Horsendish . . bnndlo a. d. ■. d 0 6toO 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Locks bunch I.tttucc per Bcoro Mushrooma pottio lluatd.* Cress.punncl Unions per bushel pickling qunrt Parsley 1 bIcto Parsnips doz. Peas quart Potatoes bushel Kidney do. Radishes ..doz. hands Rhubarb bundle Savovs doz. Sen-kale basket Spinach bushel Tomatoes J sieve Turnips bunch Vegetable Marrows dz. TO CORRESPONDENTS. ... -Wo request tliat no one will mite privately to the depart- mental writers of the •■Joumal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. AU communications should therefore he addressed «okZj; to The Editors of the Journal of Uorticulture, <£c., 171, tUet Street, London, E.C. . We al«o request that correspondents will not mix up on the ^ame sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on PoiUtrv and Bee subjects, if tUey expect to get them an- swered" promptly aud conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. NJJ.— Many questions must remain unanswered until next week. VvrrT.RiF MAKKOW(Kerici').— Any seedsman who has a large busi- nel would sup™u'^if you merely asked for " Vegetable Marrow seed " The frait ought to be of a whitish green colour and oval in shape The "Melon Vegetable Marrow " is for l,reser^^ng, the jam made from it tast- ing like Apricots. , . Es-iEX RniL Pea.-Iu reference to " Nickerbob'b - inquuies about mv Esse" Rival Pea, I wish to say that I shall have much pleasure in Srtm S^^'sandv bank in the full sun about the same time as ^^^^^f^f^^^H turned out, and thev require no further attention, ^void a wmd> o. «Id place, for otherwise the plant will not thrive ; usually, however it is of "er? easy culture, and looks all the better if well exposed to the sun. ; Peas of Goon Qcalitv (T. H.).-The varieties most admired at table ar^he various kinds of Marrow, both Green and Whi e, ""f tjiey may be sown at intervals of ten days from early spring up to the middle of June or even later if the situation is moist. The best-flavoured Peas at table ^ no?, however, the best croppers, aud many P-oy-^P P"' " ?'"?.^„f ^^^ vTrieties, of which Champion of England andVeiteh's Perfection arc gSd examples. For very early or very late supply recourse must be had to the \Vhite kinds, of which there is no lack, all more or less good. BwoD Mascre for Vise Border (Box 5).-We cannot confidently re- commend vou to use blood manure to an external border unless it is of very limited eitent, and full of roots requiring strong feeding. Blood mainre has a tendency to som- and sodden the ground to which it is ap- Sied, and unless that ground is very light and porous it is better not to Jpply such substances as blood ; we would rather use liquid manure in a cleaf stale, not thick and muddy, for when so it is apt to P-'oducc the 8«ne results as blood manure. The latter may, however, be mixed in some compost heap, and be made very useful in many ways. Baxksian Roses BEDDED-orT (.S. A. S.).-lt is but seldom that we have met with this Ro>e in the condition you descnhe-i.f.,beddcd-ont and pegged down, and wo fear it will only be in fine seasons that it will do well. It would, however, be well to cut out all rampant shoots eariy m the season. Some plants that wo have against a waU reqmre this to be done twice during the summer, leaving all short spurs, which we shorten in much in the same wav as in pruning fruit trees, and they bloom aoun- dantly. Other Roses of the same kind against pillars are treated m a like manner. We heUeve that the same treatment will do for Cloth ol Gold ■ but we have not seen it in any other position than against a wau, and tiiere it is best to thin out some of the longest shoots, and leave some of the shortest at tuU length. The treatment of this Rose, however, is by no means so sali^tactorv as it ought to be, or rather its treatment as a bedded Rose has not ensured its success in any but the most favour- able situations. Loie SIbUUtlUUO. Hotbed for Strikisg Ccttisos (Hem). —There is nothing better than horsednng for this work, and if there he tree leaves to mix with it so much the better : if not. let the dung be thrown into a heap. As il wiU heat in a couple of days, let it be turned then, two days afterwards, and also on the filth day. and if time will allow, let it remain for four days longer, after which time give it another turnmg ; the hotbed may then be made about 3 feet high, and the frame placed upon it. A covering ol sawdust forms a good medium for plunging or haU-plnnging the pots of cuttings or seeds la. Such a bed is invaluable. I LlgriD M ANlRK I /I,-r(orl.-To vacant gronnd about to Iw dug for plant- ing CnbbaKe-w,.n> the house sewage may be applied, « bucket o a ^.lu:.re ■ rod and mdiluled. Kor plants in pots it should be mixed with six <,^u•^ I Us biSk o water. To ttees and shrubs growing out of doors in ibe 1 borders it should be diluted about half a« much. Bo not apply it to any 1 i,Unt tree or shrub, except whilst growth is active in the sprmg or sum- I n^ Fo? (oirpostage stamps yon could liave, free by post, from ow > office "Manures,- in which are much fuller direcUons for the mo at ' I house sewage and other liquid manures, Ac. ' 1 Potatoes (.S).f<^n).-Vou cannot have better varieties than the Aflh- \ ! leav°Tl SScy and the Fluke. Plant very early-not later than beginning ! of March. ' Potatoes (I-arioMl.-No Potato docs so well after a ''•"P."' "y ^"^V? the previous year. Change of crop, rotation of cropping, s always dc ' sirablc. The reference you seek for is So. 231 of this .lounial. ) Vebbesa Ccttisus (J. F.l.-Where the weather was <"">.»,'"'"y "j^^ J ?"■" > bcnaJwere much infested with thrips last season; and ,', ''^'"""j ■ these iu^eets. th..ngh thev were cleaned as weU as possible, more tnM the usual qmmtily of cuttings would be apt to 8° f ^. °''';™"° ^f^ was nothing peculiar in the season to 'ni'J"""^'^'^'-;^ ^"J''"°/i°°ii*; it is true, as vou sav, that they have not done so well as i8n«l {° "^^ places. Will' some of our friends state their views on the subject? Vine Plaxtiso (IT. flo.-.)-Y„u had better adhere to the old rfJLD^ See the article by Mr. D. Thomson. . The practice of another hoad gardener corroborates most of the experiments which he has made. C.iA>n.ER rxnER GLAsa-sTRUCTrnE ( If. F-K-There ,^' ""^ouht be an advantage in having a chamber beneath the ^"'^ °' y""^;"^ heating that chamber at pleasure, having cold air »<>"""'■* »'^*'J^ and heated fresh air also taken out of it into the ''.""''^ » ''. ■° ?ff'^'^ The nearer these openings are to 'hep.pes placed inside and j^» 'f^ 'J^-jJ of the house the better, as aU your front air wTll •''"'''» X!,,;" "jh" enters. With such an arrangement we would have preferred planting tne I Vines inside. Even without this ventilaUon from the <^>'""'*'^r,"^/°i?^^ i see why there shoiUd be a necessary connection between t^f '■■^^ P'g^ placed at the front of the house, and tl?« ,dr>i';«''P ''^ '''"i" f^' ^^ plants placed on the stage, or the impossibility of settmg Muscat Grapes suffioientlv thick, as the Vat from the pipes maybe "n;'"'' ""^J^^' will, and there is no necessity for P"»K '""''' »"''>' '';'':"£,'r"iroltrn except in the hottest weather ; even then a great deal °' 'f™' "'"j""*'! does more harm than good. U your drawing is correct, then we do not see any necessitv lor your proposed chamber being so deep. Vis-fb-Eaklv Potato (J. B. Bo,id).-1he Muscat will do well in the earlv-hLsfrhutitwm riU much lft*f than the Muscadine and Ha^^ burgh. If the Muscat does so well planted agamst »'« ^"",'' " 'j" °,' '"": second house, why risk the moving it at aU to the front ? Let it ^OM^^ bring it do«-n the rafter, and cut out one of the ] .«"=''".^™' *,?•"' ?"s" to have room. If vou must remove one, we would remove t""" •\«»'J "'■ Peter's-. The Musiat is not more subject to shanking than "'ter Grapes if the roots are not too deep, or the Vine too lie^V ^f ^^ nonnd to thi and Peaches in a state of rest yon may °^'', '"'.'L Joah^t auswe? gaUon. Clay and sulphur with enough of water tp 'o™/,?*'"'; ^^S ?eiTweU. For an early crop, nothing beats the Ash-leaved Kidney Potato. Plant Case (0. H.. rorJ,).-We.tbink ya' P™P?^«* ""^ ^""^i* ^^" very well if vou could place it inside of a wrmdow of e ear S'^^s^-^^J 6 feet by 4 feet. We would only deceive you by ^»>'"":, ,'??» J°?/°?^e keep bedding plants in it, or propngate them ™'^«f "^^ '' 1 a c "e stood in the passage, and had only a verv subdued light Inj"'^''//^'^'^ and in such a position, vou might keep a number of the ™aUer ^em5 ' iTi 5Io?ses. In a better position for light the case '"""Xuer nwS ably. Instead of the tank being .5 inches deep we ""'J'' ^« "f "f P'^'^S with it if it were 3 inches or 3* inches. At 6 inches m depth you will find the lower part of the tank comparatively cool. ' IRESINE Herbstii AND VioLA CORNOTA (J. G.)-lresine Herbstu 18 a t^l^^:^i Hr^f^fSSBS Si l,nt in the flower garden ns a bedding plant its foUage i» irequenu) oi a dun dWy bro"-n,Tnferior to Beet in colour Viola eornuta is a very free-flowSing slate-coloured Violet, with tine deep green foliage, dwarf, and com;"ct*gr'o.ing, suitable for edgings to beds and fron 1^"- "' "b; hon borders It does best on moist strong soils. On dry, not, P^n™"J • "J sandv Sns it does not grow sufliciently, nor bloom contmuously enough for bedding-purposes. j.„„ Mani-rixo Lawn iF. J.l.-Failing rich compost or thoroughly dccom^ roled dX vou mav sow Peruvia^ guano over the lawn d"™«f "J^f'? S-eather^ AVn" at the rate of 2 cwt. per acre, »"<» give another dressmg rn?he first wet weather in June, applying it >?'»«'l'»'f ,, '^,';"^ a^ev? that it mav be washed in. The guano should be »'''fV,MX^? * ?i'\5' with a anafter of an inch mesh to free it of lumps, which should be broken and again sifted. Anv lumps that cannot be broken put in a tub, and watcT poured over them it the rate of a gallon to every 2 ozs. of guano. will if sUmd up previous to use, form an excellent bquid manure eiUier ?or wateriS^ the liwn or plants in a state of groivth. Peruvian guano is the best. , _,„ SCPPORTS FOB Hyacinths is Bed (Jdem).-Your proPf^ed supports will answer weU; but we think you could buy them cheaper th.an make hmSommon' Hyacinth supports, which are ™''«lv of w^re and s^d bv most seedsmen and all dealers in Dutch b"lb'-"™ld be neater than those home-made, and such we recommend you to procure. Plants in SEwLv-rAniTED Stove (On,- ia Di.lr.^i.-^^e ','l'"^i!i;?J the^imw to the plants proceeds from the paint, especially as the pUmts ecove'r^hen air?s given after the house bas been closed smnejune It is easy to account lor bedding plants succeeding well J".'' ^?Vf f*^ plants will not do at aU. for with the former btlle or no "rtific a heat i^ he reauired and the fumes given off by the paint vmII be v-er> •"'"'■_JbUst in th? rase o? stove plants the fumes will he stronger from the greater "ea^and diminished' venUlation. Had the paint bee" Put on property and each coat allowed to dry before ^n-jtb" was given tbe-meU^d noxious vapours would have been gone ■= ess'han a fortrnKdit after pv^ the last coat. Perhaps the wood was not dry w hen first paintcu. lour i.nlv remedy is to leave a Utile air on constantly. MKios-CcLTCRElHfopl.-For four postage stamps you can have free bv A from o-iTJfficeSfo- 615 of our Journal It contains an epitome of Melon culture by Mr.BaUey, late gardener at Nuneham. February 6, 1866- ] JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 113 La jARDrfiER FnriTiER (W. Terry).— This is published by Didot of Paris, and the price is 5i. monthly. Scale on Peach and Nectarine Trees (A Constant Reader). — UnnaU the trees, and wash the trunk;^ and even.- branch and shoot to its ex- tremity with 8 ozfi. of soft 8oap dissolved in a gallon of water, apply this wash with a half-worn painter's brush, brushing it well int^everj' cre\ice, and being careful not to dislodge the buds on the last year's wood, as you will do if the brush be used too forf ibly. This washing of the trees ehould be done now; but, if the buds have begun to swell, the wash should only be used at half the strength for the portion of the branches where the buds are, but for the old wood use the full strength. The brushing should be sufficiently hard to dislodge the insects. XSTien the trees become dr>' paint every part of them with sulphur vivum 2 lbs., an equal bulk of soot, and fresh lime 1 lb., mixed ^ith soft soap solution made by dissolving 8 ozs. of soft soap in a gallon of water if the buds have not swelled ; but if they have swelled considerably, then 4 ozs. must be the quantity used. Add sufficient clay to bring the mixture to the consis- tency of thick paint. Leave no part of the branches untouched, and most of the insects remaining after the washing will thus be killed or stifled. The first wash should be heated to 160^ for the main, and 140^ for the last year's branches. Collecting Water frosi Greenhouse (An Old SubKcriber). — The most economical plan is to have a large hogshead fixed so that the water from the roof can run into it. One such cask well painted will last for a number of years, and if you have two of them holding, say, seventy gallons each, and connected by a lead pipe, you will generally have sufficient rain water for watering the gi*ecnhouse. If you object to the hogsheads as unsightly, then you may sink them in the ground, and have lids to them, one being covered with soil, and the water will not freeze in them in winter. If preferred you might have a tank of stone or slate, with the joints cemented, sunk in the ground and covered with slate, except an "^'penCug to admit a watering-pot, and that opening provided with a wooden lid. We have one of these 8 feet long, 5 feet wide, and 3 feet deep, and it holds sufficient water for a greenhouse in most seasons, but in the course of the last and previous year it was twice empty. SowTNG ArcuBA BERRIES (Idem). — ^^'hen the berries are ripe, which will be known by their parting readily or falling fmm the plant, sow them in well-drained pans three-parts filled with turfy yellow loam two-thirds, and one-third leaf soil, and cover with a thickness of fine soil equal to the diameter of the berries. X gentle watering should then be given, and the pan placed in a cold fmuiL". The soil being kept moist the seeds will vegetate, if good, in due season. Pinks (C. D. .ff.).— They are evergreen herbaceous plants. Tbe stems die annually, which is a characteristic of the herbaceous, but the leaves are evergreen. Croquet Grocttd. — An QUI Sub^criher would be obliged by being in- formed what are the proper dimensions of a croquet ground. Cucumber (A. P. WA.—The Long Prickly for market, and either Im- proved Manchester Prize or Hamilton's Surprise for exliibition. We ilo not know where the Potato, a cross between the Ash-leaved audLapstone^ can be purchased. Leaves OF Forced Kidney Beans Spotted (-4. JJ.).— You have thrips on your Beans. On examining the under side of the leaves carefully you will notice a ver>' small narrow-bodied insect that is very quick and jumping in its movements. The best remedy is smoking several times, and u goi.d lashing with clear soot water at about 90. but thrips are difficult to destroy, as though every one may be dead to-day, you will have a fresh brood ere long. As the Beans are about fit to' gather we would adrise removing the worst leaves, syringing the plants well with warm water, and taking all the pods you could ; then clear all out, burn the plants, and smoke the place with sulphur, if there is nothing else alive in the house. We would th^n wash stage, walls, and floor, with water as near the boiling point as may be, and, when cleaned, introduce a fresh lot of plants. Application to the Broken Parts of Trees (£. P.).— We confess we have not much faith in the practice of using paints or plasters as a preventive to further decay. A limb that is cut off horizontally may have a piece of thin sheet lead bent over the pbice after the woimd has been made smooth to exclude wet ; but the efiort to resist decay must he made by the tree. It is best to cut ofi" aU sjilinters, leaving as small a wound as possible, and cover that wound with some plastic compound of cow- dung, soot, and clay. Resinous trees will bleed when cut or broken in spite of all apphcation, and so will souie kinds of deciduous trees when cut at a season when the sap is rising and the leaves undeveloped. Insects (M. D.). — The httle green flies found in the window belong to the genus Pteromalus, and are quite liamiless in the perfect state. In the luna state they are parasitic in the bodies of other lar\ie, most pro- bably in those of some wood-boring insect. Has " M. D." any worm-eaten furniture in his house ? We fear some other domestic insect has stung, or perhaps bitten, his inmates. — W. Assurance CoiiPANV (G. Jackt^on). — We know nothing of the office. Such a quet-tion is not on a subject within our province ; but we will add that he who trusts to any of the many recent insurance companies has not the organ of discretion largely developed. NA3IES OF Fruits {J. E. P.).— Apples : 1, Blenheim Pippin ; 2, Holland- bury. Najhes of Plants (C, GUisgou-).~l, Garrya elliptica: 2. Pinus lasio- carpa ; 3, Cupressus thujieoides ; 4, Juniperus sinensis. ( T. D.). — 2, Erios* teuiun myoporoides ; 3, Cjlisusracemosus ; 4, Acacia anuata ; fi, Veronica Andersoni ; 7, Arbutus unedo. {W. P.). — 1, CjTtanthera lutea ; 2, Co- lumnea ; 3, probably Lnmaria alpina ; 4, Iris pseud-acorus var. variegata. IJ. B.). — Picea Nordmanniana. (E. C. E.) — We believe that they are both Usneas. No. 1 U. barbata, but we are not certain about the other. JIETEOROLOGICAL observations in the Suburbs of London for the Week ending Febniai-v 3rd. Date. BABoareTEE, TREIUIOMETEB. Wind. Rain in inches. General Poimarks. Air. Earth. Max. Min. Max. Min. 1 (t. dp. 2 ft. dp. Sun... 28 Mod... 29 Toes. . 80 Wed. . 31 Thurs . 1 Fri. .. 2 Sat. .. 3 Mean.. 29.976 30.018 80.008 29.961 29JS61 29.743 29.897 29..3fi2 29.266 29.897 29.431 29.305 29.2.'.l 29.533 60 45 5U 64 55 50 49 89 29 39 43 43 32 32 45i 46 46 46 45i 49 47 44i 44? 44 45 44 45 46 W. S.W. s. s. S.W. w. S.W. .06 .00 .01 .38 .37 .06 .25 Densely overcast ; clear; overcast; rain. Clear ; 'fine ; cloudy at night. Fine ; slightly and uniformly overcast ; densely overcast at night. Fine ; densely clouded ; shght showers ; mild. Rain ; boisterous, but warm at night vnih S.W. wind. Heavy rain ; heavy clouds ; fine at night. Clear; boisterous, with heavy showers ; fine ; rain. 29.830 29.436 50.43 36.71 46.28 4471 1.13 POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE- R.V1LWAY CILVRGES— A GOOD EXAMPLE. As exhibitors of poultry are striving to obtain from raihvay companies the advautagc of having their birds sent back free of charge, wliich, sm-ely. every reasonable man would consider ought to be the case, I would hold up tlie South-'Western Eail- way Company as a good example. I have exhibited at various places, and have always been allowed back carriage for my birds by the South-Western liaihvay Company, and last week the same privilege was again granted to me by this Company, ■when my birds returned from Walsall. May other companies be induced to see this as a just principle, and follow " a good example." — J. De L. S. stated, that though they could not accede to my request in Mu, they would allow all imsold birds to return free. Now, if the Great Eastern, a Company never thought very liberal, had no difficulty in granting the concession I asked for (in part at least), I do not think many of the other companies would refuse to do as much if they were only a^ked in time, and the case were fairly and temperately laid before them. Of course, they will charge both ways if nothing is said about it, and they are not even asked to concede anything. It would be better still if poultry exliibitors could induce the principal companies to estabhsh some fixed rule, or rate, for the carriage to and fro of exhibition poirltry. A memorial signed by the Poultry Club to each company, would, no doubt, lead to the consideration of the subject, even if we did not at once obtain what we asked for. — P. I THixK if secretaries of shows would take the trouble to write to those railway companies over whoL'e lines they expect fowls to travel to and from their shows, and ask that the birds may be allowod to come and go for a single fare, the boon would not often be denied. I had the pleasure of acting as secretary for a show held in the eastern counties last summer, and I took an early opportunity of v.ritiug to the Great Eastern Company, asking them to allow the fowls to travel free both ways. I did not succeed in this ; but the Company at once I AM glad to see that this matter is likely to be well ventilated, and if your correspondent, " Y. B. A. Z.," or the Poultry Club- wiU take it in hand, I will be my share towards the expenses incurred, whether arising from the printing of a petition and sending one to the heads of each railway company, or from the appointment of a deputation of, say, six gentlemen, to be nominated by the persons contributing to the fund, to wait on the Directors or Boards of the various companies. The latter course will be much preferable to sending petitions, for I think petitions, as a rule, are hurriedly passed over and do not 114 JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEK. r F«brn*i7 6,1886. receive the attention they demand. Besides, if a deptitation wait on the Diiectors, it can set fortli the various (grievances much better in a few minutes than can be explained in pages of print, and it might at the same time make the suggestions most likely to remedy the evils complained of. That poultry shows benefit railway companies no one can doubt ; therefore, I think the Director.- cannot object to meet ns on more equit- able grounds than at present. Why cannot a uniform rate be adopted by each company for, say, distances above and under fifty miles on each line, up to an average weight for each hamper — I myself adopt a hamper of about 3 or ',) lbs., and if all exhibitors do the same, the average weight will not exceed HO lbs. — the charges to be the same cither by passenger or van train. That railway charges are a great drawback io many exliibi- tors is well known. Take, for instance, the following variety of charges I have had to contend with during the last three months, and could the most enthusiastic poultiy fancier patro- nise the company making such glaring mistakes ? I sent to the Dai-lington Show two hampers, a distance of less than two hundred miles, vii'f the (Ireat Western and Midland llailways, for which I had to pay 10.?. Od. by van train ; the same fowls and hampers came back for (j.<. 7'/. by passenger train. I also sent two hampers to the late Chehusford Show, having to go on two companies' lines, the distance being under 110 miles, and the carriage to and fro was I'tf. 8(7., besides the birds an-iving at the Show some five houi'S and a half too late for competition, though I took the precaution to asertain fi-om the railway officials at the starting point whether they woidd be delivered in time. In consequence of this I paid both fare and entrance fees for nothing, and am then informed by the Secretary of the company on whose line the delay occurred, that they are not responsible, though they detained the fowls some fourteen hours. 1 think that a uniform rate will be much better understood than the present mode of charging, and the company sending the fowls back for nothing. If both advantages can be se- cured so much the better. AVhy cannot the " frank" system be adopted, just as in the case of the newspapers carried by most railway companies ? In my opinion its adoption would be a great boon, for e::hibitor3 would then be able to ascertain at a glance the amount they would have to pay for carriage, which, at present is an impossibility, more especially when the birds have to go over two lines. I think the Poultry Club being a body, will be the most likely to take the matter in hand ; and the sooner something is done to bring about a remedy the better, for the grievance is very great at present. I also think that every praise is due to " Y. B. A. Z.'' for his able article, and liberal offer to assist as far as lies in his power in bringing about reform. Do not let either names or funds prevent the affair being gone into in a thoroughly systematic way; and if all the principal exhibitors wiU attach "their names to a petition, and express their wilhuguess to contribute their share of the exp 'm es incurred, the amount for each to pay will not be very great. As the charges stand at present we are great losers. — Caxtus. NANTW^CH EXHIBITION OF POULTRY AND PIGEONS. The promoters of this Exhibition have now for the pirioj of seven yc.irs seen their Show annually inji)roi-ins, and certamly the meeting of last week presented to jmbUc riew one of the best "collections of both poultrj- and Pigeons at any local Show that we have seen for some time. Being ever willing to take advantage of the ex- perience of former meetings, this Committee alwavs seem to look forward only to the improvement of their annual' Exhibition ; uo petty jealonsics ever intnije npon the harmonv of their actions, and hence in uo small degree may be traced the almost nualloved success that has attended it from its first institution. The Toiim Hall at Nantwich is exccecUugly well calculated to afford a perfect light to every pen, and the show pens of the Society .ire very superior iii their arrangement, whether considered merely as to the easy public inspec- tion of the comppting stock, or as offering perfect protixtlon from outbreaks of temper between neighbouring competitors. The patron- esses and patrons of the Society embrace almost every family of distinction ia the neighbourhood, and. consequently, under such favourable auspices the continued success of the Nantwich Poullrv Show is fully secured. SiMininh fowls headed the list. and. as trathfal jonrnalists, we must say not only was this breed not so gnod as at some of the previous meetings of the Society, hut also that there was an extreme amount of trimming of the faces in somo of the pens. The Aylosbnry Dwkx were excellent, nor were the Ronens less deserving of our e«pecial notice, ileex, as is always the case at Nantwich, wito of extreme merit, Mr. Jiurgess, of Bnrleydam, exhibiting both Embdens and Toulouse that would be hard to Iwat at the largest of poultry meetiii«[8 ; nor can we speak otherwise than with equal pniise of the two splendid pens of Cambridge Tmki-ijx exhibited by the same gentlenUD. Of White fiorkiKfj.i only one ]»en was entered, but they proved rery good. The Grey Dorkings were extraordinarily fine well shown birds, Mr. Burgess again being a most successful "exhibitor, with specimens of great merit and of exceedingly good jilumage. The lion. Mrs. Sugdon exhibited some extraorihnaiily good Buff Cuchiiis. as did Mr. Tudman, of Ash Grove. Whitchurch, Partridge-feathered ones. It is ver,- rarely that so nice a collection of White Cochins is to be met with," though very limited in number, bcinc only three pens. In the Selling Class were shown some perfect Silver Polanda and some very fine Dark Brahmas, all of which speedily ch.ingcd hands. The Committoo's silver cup, open to all England, for the best pen of (lame fowls, regardless of breed or colour, caused much sensation and a hard competition. Mr. J. Fletcher, of Stoneclongh. near Manchester, was the successfij competitor, \rith a marvellously well-shown pair of Brown Reds. It is a very rare occurrence to witness so great a per- fection of feather, combined with snch faultless condition, as existed in this pen ; but it must not be for a moment supposed that the com- petition Wiis an easy one, Messrs. Burgess, Gallev, Green, and Dyas, showing iwns that it would be difficult to beat when shown in the good condition that they were. The other Game classes were confined as to the competition to within a circle of thirteen miles of the place of exhibition, as in fact was the whole show, except the one class for Game before referred to. All these general Game classes were very good, and we were ghid to observe, so far as trimming of feathers was concerned, that not a single attempt at deception was discovered. There were, however, we are sony to sav, three or fonr cases m which spnrs had been most extensively tampe'red with in old cocks, in the hope to make them do good duty as cockerels. They were necessarily disqualified, but we are bound to sav that we never before saw any attempt of like kind so artistically carried out. The Game hens were very good indeed, for the Game amateurs around Nantwich are evidently breedei-s quite as much for the pit as for the exhibition pen. For exhibition, a greater amount of care m matching the colour of the legs would be most desirable. For the Nantwich AictuaUers' Cup the excellent Brown Red cockerel that proved the winner was soon clamied from Jfr. Edwards, of Nantwich, at the price put upon it— riz.. five gnmeas. The Spanjlcd Hnmburfihs were all good, but the Golden varieties were undoubtedly the best of them. The Pencilled Hamburghs were not so well shown "as thev might have been. The Silver Poluivh were perfection. The Gmm Baiitams were not so good as we expected to find them. Although the Rochdale Show, held simultaneously, no doubt took away a portion of the visitors, the attendance was "perhaps greater than at any prerious Nantwich meeting. Mr. Rhodes, the indefatigable Secretary, was unremitting in his exertions to please everv one, and the success of the meeting may be attributed to a considerable extent to that gentleman's exertions. Sp.vxish.— First. J. Sid.lorn, Over Lane. Second, G. F. Ward, Wren- bury. CTiictvn*.— First, .J. Dean, Wharton. Second, J. Siddorn. Com- mended, J. Heath, Nantwich. Dicks (Aylosburj-). —Prize, Mrs. Hornby, Damhall. Highly Com- mended. 31 rs. Hornby. Ddcks I liouen).— First, H. Prince. Nantwich. Second, T. Burgess, Bur- leydam. Highly Commended. T. Burgess. DccKS (.Uiyothorvariety).— Prize, TiWhittlngham (Muscovyl. Geese.— First and Second, T. Burgess. Commended, W. Pomival, Sound. TunKzvs.— First and Second, T. Burgess. Highly Commended, E. Bowers, Broad Lane DoRKiNiis (White).— Prize, Jlrs. Tollemache. Dorfold. DoKKlXGs I Ureyl.— First, and Silver Cup for the best pen of fowls in the Exhibition, T. Burgess. Second, .I.G. Pearson, Market Drayton. ChUlieiu. — First and Second. T. Burfresf. Cochin-Chixa ICiuunmon. Huff, or P.irtridge*.— First. Hon. Sirs. Sog- den, Stapelcy House. Second. E.Tudnmn, Ash Grove, fhickrtu. — Prize, E. Tudman. Highly Commended, J. Withiiishnw, jun.. Xmtwicb. Cochin-Chisa (Wliite).~Piize, G. Willi.im-on. Nantwich. Chickm.— Prize. J. Dodd. Minshull Vernon. Hifthly Commended, ,T. Dodd. Cochix-China Cock (Sweepstiikc.)- Prize, Hon. Mrs. Sugden. Sellixo Class.- First, G. Williamson (Polnnds). Second, J. Heath, Nantw-ich (IJrnhmas). Game.— Cup, First, and Third, .J. Fletcher, StoncclouKh. Second, T. Burgess. Fourth. A. B. Dyas. Madelev, Salop. Hishly Commended, W. Galley, Nantwicli ; — Green, Thornton-le-Moors. Game (Black Ktds).— First, R. Ashlev. Nantwich. Second. J. Thnrs- field, Lightwood Green. Cft icAriw.— First, T. Moore. Canal Wharf. Se- cond, G. Warren. Market Drayton. Third. .1. Wlmllev. L.ardcn Gl'ecn. Gajie.— iBrown Reds).— Prize. T. Burgess. Hit;hlv Commended. T. Bnrscss. (Viiclcn..— First, T. Whittingham. Second, T. Burgess. Third, K.Ashley. . b , GAME(.\ny other than Black or Brown Reds).— First, P.. .\shlev (Duck- wing Grey). Second. Miss Sadler. Whitchnnh iDuckwiiiK neld ; Hon. Mr~. \ilmtlinott Cummonded, J. Pares ; K. Slieernniu, Cbelrnstord. CSEVE CiKclis.— Firit. F. W. ZurliorBt. Second, Hon. Jlr.s. Arhulhnott. Third, Nationnl Ponltry Club (Limitedl. lironilcy, Kent. Hi){klv Com- mended, Mrs. Hurt. Commended, Mr.•^. Hurt. Hamui k<;hs (Golden-pencilledl.— First, ,1. F,. Powers. BiRKleswftde BedB. Seeond. Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Third, W. Pearee, Hiirttord North- wich. Yen. Hii-hly Commended, A. K. Wood. Buniside. Kendiil. ' HiKhly Commended, C. Tattersall, Waterfoot, near .Vamhester ■ Miss \ Wriulev ToiiRe Lane, Miildleton ; T. B. Willans, Koehdale. Commended V PittiB, jnn., .Newport House, Isle o( Wight ; S.Smith, Northowrnm, HuliJai • J. P. UiKi;. Hambi H.uis iSilver-pencilled'.— Cup nnd Second, Sir St. O. Gore Bart T, '■'■''•.'?■ P'""?- J""' 'T'""' '"""•• Kuyton. Ilifc'hlv Commended, S. Tavlor, Hibbotsholme, Windermere; VisiMimtess Holmesdale; J. Preston, Aller- ton, near Bradf.jrd. Commended, A. K. Wood. Hamburghs iGoldeu-spanuledi.— First, .7. Hoe, Hadfield. near Manches- ter. Second, T. Warinu, Preston. Third, A. K. Wood. Hifhlv Com- mended, Sir St. G. Gore. Bart. ; N. Marlor. Denton, near Manchester ; B. Hurst, Koehdale. CimimcnJed. H. E. Emherliu, Leicester; J. Oaden Hollinwood ; Commemled. K. Tate. Leeds. HAMuru.nis (Silver-spfln^'ledi.— First. A. K. Wood. Second, Sir St G- Gore, Bart.; Third, .J. Fieldinij. HiRhly Commended, J. FiehliiiK; J- Robinson, ^ ale House, near Garstang ; Jliss E. Belilon, Bin-lev York- shire. Commended, J. StcnheniOU.IWhitfleld, Crompton ; Rev. ff. Serjeant- son, Shrewsbury. HAMBinoiis '(Black). — First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Second R Battcrsby. Heywood. Third. .1. CIckk, jun., Hish Crompton, near Roch- dale. HiRhly Commended. Miss E. Bcldou ; G. Lin^ard, jun.. »elly Oak near Birmingham ; .T. Fieldina. Commended, W. Harrison, Gorse Hill Heywood ; C. Siilfewiek, Keijjhley; R. F. Goodwin, Middletou. ' PoLANDs (Black, with White Crests).— First, J. Smith, West Lane, Keighley. Second, P. Vnsworth, Lowton, near Warrint'ton. Third S Farringtou, Astly, near Manchester. Commended, P. Uusworth • J. Smith. PoLANDs I Any other variety). — First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Second 5Iiss E. Beldon (Silver). Third. W. D. Seed. West Bank. Rochdale (Silver- sp;ingled). HiKhly Commended, Miss E. Beldon (Goldeni ; W. Sylvester Hampden Kiew, near Sheffield; J. Hintoii. Hinton, near Bath '(Silver); Commended, W. Sylvester (Golden) ; Mrs. Procter, Hull (Silver). Game (Black-breasted Redsi.— Cup. Sir St. G. Gore. Bart. Second W ^Vebster, Whitwell, Chesterfield. Third. A. B. Dyas, Madcley Salop Fourth, W. M. Stobiirt, Darlinstia. Highlv Commended, E. C'.'oilbcrt, Penkridge ; S. Mathew, Stowmarket. GAME*(Bro\ni-lireasted P.edsj.—Fir.st and Second, .T. Fletcher Stone- elough, near Manchester. Third. J. .Anderson, Ruthven House Meiglo K.B. Fourth. S. Mathciv. Highlv Commended, Sir St. G. Gore Biirt • .J. Smith. Breeder Hills, Grantham ; A. Fenton. Game iDuckwings and other Grevs and Blues). — First .1. Fletcher Second, .J. Knowles, Old Traflord, Manchester. Third Sir St (i Gore Bart. Highly Commended. Messrs. J. ajid A. Briggs, Slackbeck Farm! P,awdon. Commended, .T. Goodwin, Eakewell, Derbysh-re •ame (Any other varietyl.— First, .1. Fletcher (Piles'). Second. T. ^Yest, Eccleston. Lancashire (Piles). Third, J. D. Newsome, Batlev, Yorkshire (Black). Highly Commended, T. Whitaker, Melton Mowbray (Piles). Commended, Messrs. Bullock and Rapson, Leamington (White') • H C 3Iason, Leeds. n v < i „^,^'"S B.4NTAMS (Black Rods).- First, Sir St. G. Gore. Bart. Second, •C. W . Brierley. Third, .1. \V. Morris, Rochdale. Highlv Commended, A. tenton; G. Maples, jun., Wavertrce. Liverpool ; P.. E. Postans. Game Bantams (Brown Reds..— First. Miss E. A. Crawford, Farnsfield Notts. Second and Third. D. Parsons, Cnerdon, near Preston Gajie Baxtams (Any other variety).— Cup, R. Swift, Southwell, Notts (Duckwings). Second, R. B. Postans (Duekwings). Third, J. Crossland, jun., Wakefield (Ducknings). Bantams (Gold or Silver Sebright).— First and Second, 51. Leno. Dun- Stable (Gold-laecd and .silver-laced). Higlilv Commended, .1. and A. Briggs(Gold); T. Davies. Newport (Silver); (-..Spare, Markvatc Street, Dunstable (Gold I. CommcuJeJ, S, Farringlon ; R. Adams, Haudsworth (Silver). Bantams (White, Clean-legged).— First, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Second, Rev. F. Tearle, Leicester. Higlily Commended. C. W. Brieilev ; H. Drav- <-ott, Hnmberstone, near Leicester. Commended, Rev. F. Tearle • W. 'j. Cope, Banisley, Yorkshire; H. Dravcott. Bantams (Biael;).— First, E. Button. Pudsey, Leeds. .Second, T. Da«cs. Highly Commended. H. Drayeott ; Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. ; Rev. F. Tearic Anv other Yarietv.— First and Fourth, National Poultry Company Limited) (Houdan and La Fleehe). Secon.l, F. W. Ziirliors't (bultans). Third, W . ^\ O.I.1 ( Malays). Fifth, .1. D. Newsoine (Cochin-China). Higlilv Commended, P. W. Mory, Daventiy ; F. \y. Zurhost (La Fl.chcl; Mrs. ^Nolfcrstan, Taniworth (La Fl.'ehel ; J. Hinton (5Ialavs) ; G. W. Brierley National Poultry Company (Limited) (Houdan ': R. Hur.st (Sultans); ii Hustler, Stillingtleet, York (Malay). Commended, E. Pigeon (La Fleehe) ; H. Savile (Silkv .lapanese). Ducks (Rnuen).-Cup, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. Second, T. Wakefield, Ncwtonle-Willows. Third, A. Fenton. Highlv Commended, J. K. Fowler Commended. .1. Nelson, Heaton Mersey. Docks (Aylesbnrv-).— First, A. Potts, 'Hoolc Hall. Chester. Second and Third, Miss G. Leech, Grcave, near Rochdale. Highlv Commended, H. .ToncB, Denton, Aylesbury; .T. SkLnuer,Maindee. Ducks (Any ..Iher variety).— First, E. Hutton. Second nnd Highly Commended, .7. .Jennison (Carolinas. Pintail, an' colour. X very tine highly commended Black In-n should have had tirst position, ('arriers formed two good classes ; very stout Black cocks nnd two extremely promising bens had the prizes. Tumblers had four classes, and tin* most noticeable were Mr. Oates's Bine Beards and Mr. Fulton's .Mnuinds and Black Mottles, all of which deserved tlieir positions in the prize list. Barbs were good. Mr. Robinson's wonderful Blacks having first place. In Owls the lirst-prize pen (Whites) contained a hen much out of condition, heiug minus the feathers at the hack of tlie head, the second prize went to good Blues. In Fanlails and 'I'urbits some of tlie best birds were untit lor competition. In Any other variety, Swiss Pigeons were tirst, Siberian Ice Pigeons second' and extra second, the best pair taking the latter^jt.isition, .lacohins third, and Isabels extra third. The cup for tlie most successful exhibitor fell to Mr. J. Fielding, Jan., of Koehdale. It is with great regret we have the unpleasant duty of recording a villainous tamptu-ing with I'igeous. happily jireviously nnkiiown at onr Pigeon Shows. Prior to the judging several pairs of birds, including the best Turhits nnd Faiitails. had been deliberately plucked, the entire frills of the former and the greater portion of the tail feathers of the latter having been removed, and on si^areh being made the re- moved feathers were discovered concealed near the end of the pens. -\t a nus-tiiig of the Club the utmost indignation was expressed at this dastardly trick, and it was unanimously resolved to take immediate steps for the diaeoverx' of the offender, and with that view a reward of £10 was offered for such information as would lead to tlie detection of the guilty ])arty. The birds belonged to Mr. Thaekeniy, Mr. Robin- son, and Mr. Yardley. PnwTERs. — Cork. — First. R. Fulton, Duke Street, Deptford. Second, J. R. Robinson, Nile street, .•^undcrbmd. Highly Commended. W. Harvey. HftiM. — First and .second. W. .\shforth. Highly Commended. H. E. Em- berlin, Leicester ; .7. H. Robinson. Nile Street. Sunderland. Commended, J. Tliackray. Petergate, York ; .7. Ficliling, jun. Carriers. — t'ect.— First and Second, T. CoUey. ShefHeld. Highly Commended, -7. Tbnckray ; F. Else. Bayswatcr. London. Commended, G. Ure, Dmntee. HfiM. — First. F. Else. Second, W. Mnssey, Fnlford, Y'ork. Highly Commended, J. Fielding, jnn. ; G. H. Robe'rts. Com- mended, T. Collev. Balds.— First. E. E. 5L Royds. Second, J. Tbackray. Highly Com- mended. .7. Fielding, juu. Beards.— First and second. W. H. C. Gates, Besthorpe, Newark. TiMBLEBs (Almond).— First and ^econd, R. Fulton. Highly Com- mended. .7. Ford. ToiULERs i.\ny other variety).— First. R. Fulton (Black Mottledl. Second, .7. Fielding, juu. Highlv Commended, .7. J. H. Stockall, Liver- pool (Red) ; G. I're (Black Mottled . Fantails.— First, F. Else. Second, E. E. M. Royds. Highly Com- mended, F. Else. Barbs.— First, J. R. Robinson, Nile Street, Sunderland. Second, 3L Hedley. TfRBiTs. — First, H. Mapplebeek, Moseley, near Birmingham. Second, W. Pepper. Owls.— First. E. E. M. Royds. Second. J. Fielding, jun. Highly Com- mended. .7. ,7. H. stoekall ; .7. Fielding. NfNs.— First. Rev. A, G. Brook, Rurton XI. Towns, Salop. Second, C. Bulpin. Bridgewater. TRrMPETERS.— First, J. Fielding, jun. Second, E. C. Gilbert, Penk- ridge, Staffordshire. RcNTs.— First and Second. .7. Fielding, jun. 1 Any OTHER variety.— First, E. Pigeon (Sa-iss). Second, F. Broemel Pebrnnry 6, 186C. ] JOUENAL OF HOBTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 117 Lewisham, Kent (Siberian Ice). Extra Second, J. J. H. Stoekall (Siberian Icei. Third, E. E. M. Royda rJacobins.. Extra Third, J. Fielding, juu. (Isabells). Highlv Cijmmoud.nl, C. Cowburn, CiiUs, near Leeds (Archangels) ; J. Thackray iBlacli Mj^pins) ; H. YaxiUey, Bir- mingham. Judges.— 7 u»/?H/.—T. Challouer.'Esq., ChesterfieUl ; '•!. Donglas, Esq., Worksop; ,1.' Dixon, Ksq., Br.adfor.l ; K. Teebay, Ksq., Fnll- wood. Pl^ieoM ;— F. A. Esquilaut, Esq., Brixton ; T. B. Tegetmoier, Esq., MusweU Hill. KELSO POULTRY AND BIRD EXHIBITION. The fifth annual Exhibition of this Society was held in the Com Exchange, Kelso, on Wednesday, the 31st ult. Spanish.— First, A. Eedpatb, Edinburab. Second, J. Hardie, Sorbio, Langbokn. Third, Mrs. Noble, Kelso. Commended, Bowman and iearon, Whitehaven. C/iicArn<.— First, J. Anderson, Melrose. Second,.!. Hardie. Third, A. Rodpath. Very Highly Commended, W. Patterson, Langholm. Highly Commended, J. Hardie. Commended, E. Brown, bheflield ; 1. Musgi'ove, Longtowu. , . ,_ ,, , . DoKKiNG (Coloured).— First and Third, Lord Bmning, Mellorstain. Second, .T. Elsworth, Glasgow. Vcrv Highly Commended, W. Cheyne, Selkirk; Lord Binning ; Mrs. Burns, Edu;iin. CJiifApii«.— First and Cup, Lord Binning, second, J. Elsworth. Third, J. Hardie. Vei-y Highly Commended, D, King, Aberdeen. Highly Commended, M. Hermiston, Mainbouse; T. Y. Craig, Kirkcaldy. Commended, F. Parlett, Chelmsford. Bn.iHMA PooTHA (Auv Variety).— Fli'st, Mrs. Waugli, Lochmaben. Second, C. Pease, Darlington (various). Third, — Ratbie, San Fom. Very Highly Commended, E.Sherman, Chelmsford (Dark). Highly Commended, Miss H. Scott, Ancrum House ; J. Steel, Kelso (Grey) ; Lady Marjon- banks. Lees. (Very good class.) „„,,,, ,-ry tr\ Cochin-China (Any variety).- First, W. R. Park, Melrose (Buff). Second, Mrs. Dicldns, Cornhill House. Third, J. Walker, Ivnaresborough. Vei-y Highly Commended, J. Green, Belford Hall; Bowman & Fearon (Partridge). Highly Commended, F. L. Roy, jun., Nenthorn (Partridge). Commended, T. Y. Craig (Buff). „ „ „ , ,t Game (Anv varietv^.-First, .1. Hardie (Black Red). Second, Messrs. Euston &. Ma'bon, Jedburgli l Brown Red). Third, W. Hodgson, Darling- ton. Highly Commended, .L Brougb.CarUslc ; F. L. Koy.jun. (Duckwing). Commended. Lord Binning (Black Red); D.Broomfleld, Kelso. Chu^rns —First and Cup, W. Boves, Beveriev (Red). Second, J. Hardie (Black Red). Third, .1. H. Macnab. Barrhead (Brown Red). Highly Commended, Mrs. J. Turiibull, Jedburgh. Commended, H. Goodiil, Kirkcaldy (Black Red). Coct.— First, J. Hardie (Black Red). Second, Messrs. Easton and Mabon (Duckwing). Third, W. Boyes (Bed). Highly Commended, J. Brough. Commended, J. A. S. E. Fair, GiUiestonguos (Black Red) ; 1 . L. Roy (Duckwing) „ .. „ ,, . , o it, HAMBLnr.HSlGold-spangled).— First. A. Heathe, Selkirk. Second, R. Dckson, Selkirk. Third. W. Dickson, Selkirk. Very Highly Commended, Ti Musgrove. Highly Commended, .J. Walker. .Hasebl-rohs (Silver-spangled).— First and Cup, J. Stewart, South Arthuriee, Barrhead. Second, .1. U. Somner, Jedburgh. Third, W. Iraric^, Crieff. Very Highlv Commended, J. Walker. Higlily Commended, R. Tate. Green Roads,' Leeds; F. L. Roy, jun. Commended, W. Cheyne. (Very good class.) „ . ^ .„ -r l Hambdrghs (Gold or Silver-pencilled).— First, B. Burrow, Longtown (Golden-peucQled). Second, J. W.alker (Silver-pencilled). Third, W. Bowe, Cariisle (Golden-pencilled). Very Highly Commended. \\ . R. Park, Melrose (G.ilden-pencilled); G. Walker, Selkirk. Highly Commended, T- J. Saltmarsh, Chelmsford (Silver-pencilled). „,,„,,„ -Bantams (Game).— First and Cup, F. L. Roy, jun. (Black Red). Second, W Morris. Rochdale. Thivil, J. F. Lunu, Jedburgh (Black Red). \cry Highly Commended, W. Cook, Highridge Hill, Kelso (Duekwings); A. Robertson, Burntisland, Fife (Duokwings) ; J. Walker; D. Broomhekl ; P. Pariett, Chelmsford (Game); G. TurnbtiU (Game); G. Manning, Springfield (Gamel. Highly Commended, W. Hodgson, Darlington; Messrs. Easton & Mabon. Commended, Mrs. Sheerman, Springheld, Chelmsford; M. Ballantyne, Sprouston (Duckwings). (Very superior clfiss ) Bantams (Any other variety).- First, W. Mon-is, Rochdale (Silver- laced). Second, J. Ness, liirkcaldy (Gold-laced Sebright). Thud, J. R. -lessop, Hull (Black). ,,,,.,„ j Ducks (White -Aylesbury).- First, A. O. Swan, Bush, Jedburgh. Second, J. Fair. Third, Lord Binning. Highly Commended, Miss H. Scott, Ancrum House. Commended, W. Hood. Edgerston Rigg. Ducks (.Any other varietv).— First. J. U. Somner (Kouen). Second, YV . Hodgson, Darlington (Boucnl. Third, Miss H. Scott (Rouen). Very Highly Commended, J. Jennison. Manchester. Highly Commended, J. Jcnnison ■ H. Grogen. Floors Castle (Rouen). Commended, J. Patterson, Floors Castle, Kelso (Rouen); T. C.Harrison, Hull (Brown Call); G. Hall, Bowmont Forest (Rouen); F. Somner (White Call). Turkeys.— First, J. Anderson, Melrose (Black ^o^^olk). Second, J. Hardie, (Cambridge). Third, Lord Binning (Cambridge). Dozen Hen's Eggs.— Prize, T. L. Jackson, Bush of Ewes, Langholm. Cottagers' Prizes.- First, A. Henderson, Dunion, Jedburgh (Dorking). Second, J. M'Millan, Jedburgh (Minorcas). Third, J. Fleming, Kelso (Game). Highly Commcuded, A. Purves. MayHeld, Kelso (Dorlungl; G. Mercer, Honndslow (Hamburghs) ; J. Jeffrey, Kelso (Duckwings). Com- mended, J. C. TurnbuU, Bellingham (Game) ; T. Noble, Kelso (Spanish). SELLING CLASS. Any Variety.— First, Rev. M. H. Graham, Maxton (Dorking). Second and Third, J. A. S. E. Fair, Gilliestongues (White Dorkings). Vei-y Higiily Commended, J. Murray, Kelso (nianish) ; J. Walker (silver-spangled) ; Lord Binning ( So itch Grev) ; R. Dickson (Gold-spangled) ; Ea.ston & Ma- bon (Game) ; J. Towns, Lungtown (Gold-pencilled Hamburghs). Highly Commended, J. Hardie (Silver Dorkings); T. J. Saltmarsh (Golden Se- blights); F. L. Roy (Silver-spangled Hamburghs) : T. Patterson (Rouen Ducks) ; W. Mattingliy, Chelmsford (Buff Cochin). SWEEPST.^KES FOB SINGLE COCKS. DoRKiNO (Any variety).— First, J. Hardie (Silver). Second, J. Harvey, Jedburgh. „ , . o, . B.UfTA.M (Any variety).— First, D. Broomfieia (Game). Second, A. Skin- ner, Falkirk. Very Highlv Commended, F. L. Roy (Black Red) ; Miss J. Steel, Kelso (Game); G. TurnbuU (Game). Highlv Commended, C. Pease ; F. L. Roy (Black Red and Black). Commended. W. Murray, Kelso (Duckwing) ; T. Boyd, Kelso (Black) ; J. Y'oung (Black Red) ; J. Harvey (Black Red). (Extraordinarily good class.) PIGEONS. Carriers.— First, E. Brown, Sheffield. Second, J. R. Robinson, Sniider- l»od. Very Highly Commended, H. Allsop. Birmingham. Highly Com- mended, H. Y'ardley, Birmingham. (Very flue class.) , „ „ Tumblers (Any varietv). -First, J. B. Robinson. Second E. Brown (Almonds). Very Highly 'Commended, R. Irving, Langholm ; H. Yardley. Highly Commended, H. Yardley. Commended, R. Irvmg. (\ ery good '' FiNTAiLs.-First, J. Grant, Edinburgh. Second, W. R. Park, Melrose. Verv Highlv Commended, W. R. Park ; J. Campbell. Langholm. Highly Commcnde'd, J. R. Jessop. Commended, H. Yardley. PowTERS. -First, J. R. Robinson. Second, J. Grant. Very Highly Com- mended, J. Grant. Commended, J. E. Spence, Musselburgh. Jacobins.— First, R. Thomson, Kendal. Second, G. Yule, Mellowlees (White). Very Highly Commended, P. A. Ronwick, Kelso. Highly Com- mended, A. Onuiston". Kelso. Commended, J. G. A. Spence (YeUow). Barbs.— First, E. Thomson. Second, R. Davidson, Jedburgh. \ ery Highly Commended, J. R. Robinson ; H. Yardley. „„,,„, , „ „ Tdr'bits.— First, G. Ynle (Red). Second. W. R. Park (Blue). \ ery Hii^hlv Commended, F. Keir, Edinburgh (Yellow) ; E. Thomson. HigWy Commended, R. Thomson. Commended, G. Yulo (Blue). (A splendid "'any other VARiETY.-First, H. Yardley. Second, G. Ynle (Nuns). Verv Higlily Commended, J. Campbell (Magpies); E. Brown (S«15S). Highly Com'mended, H. Spence. Edinburgh (Black Magpies. Commended, F. Somner, Jedburgh. (A goodclass.) . , ~ . , , c;„„„„j Best P.air (Any variety).-First, P. A. Renwick (Tumblers). Second, G. Gibb, Kelso (Turbits). Very Highly Commended, P. A. RenwicK (iur- bits). Highly Commended, W. Steel, Kelso (Blue Dragon). CANARIES. J T I- Dons (Yellow).— H™.— First, W. TinUne, Galashiels. Second, J. Kemp Galashiels. „ , t t> :..*..- Dons (Bnfin.-Coct.-Flrst, J. Walker, Kelso. Second, J. Bannister, Galashiels. Highlv Commended, J. B. Thomson, H.awicft. Commended J. Kemp. iIfa.-First. B. Paterson, Meh-ose. Second, W. Hardie Highly Commended, J. Blackie, Jedburgh. Commended, JIiss (31ay, Kerchesters. Best Cock OR Hen.— Prize, W. Tinline (Yellow Don Hen). Belgians (Yellow).-rocfc.-First, J. Aitken Kelso S^i^on^.A- Rut,"^'; ford, Kelso. Very Highly Commended, J. Jeffrey, Kelso. Highly (com- mended, J. Kemp. Commended, G. Trotter, Kelso Hen.-FiTBi. .). Dryden, Kelso. Second, P. Cockburn, Gordon. Highly Commended, G. Laidlaw, Galashiels. .^ TT,-rtl,ltT Belgians (Biiff).-First. G. Laidlaw. Second, J. Kemp. ^ ery H^gWy Commended, J. Aitken. Commended. J. Blake, Kelso. H''"-rF'"' X Second, J. Marshall, Galashiels. Highly Commended, A. Wood, Gala- shiels. Commended, W. Tinline. „„.„,. ^ , i Best Cock or Hen.— Prize, G. Laidlaw (Bufl Belgian Cock.) FLECKED C.AN.ARIES. Belgian |Yellow).-First and Second, P. Cockburn Gordon. Highly Commended, A. Cockburn, Gordon. Commended, J. Archibald, MeUose , ■'■b/ZgiTn reuff)' -First, W. M. Mein. Newstead. Second, A. Rutherford. Bon (Yellowb-First, G. Craig, Kelso. Second, G Park, fialashie • Commended, _R. Rutherford, Jedburgh; A. Brown, Kelso; J. Burnett, '^DoN (Buffl.-First. J. Dickson, Edinburgh. Second, Miss Clay. Com- mended, J. Archibald ; J. R. Thomson, Hawick. SWEEPST.AKES. , ^, , ^ Cage or not Less than Four BiRDS.-First, J. Dryden. Second, J. Aitken Hishlv Commended. G. Laidlaw. „ , . , c i PAIR OE CanLies (Any variety).-First, J ^'f^r^^^p^^^^ ^^S^^; A Peronson Very Highlv Commended, J. Walker ; G. Craig. Higniy ComnSed, A BulmaS, jun. (Dons); T. Reid (Belgians). (^ ery good "'best Pehching BlRD.-Pi-ize, G. Rutherford. Very Highly Com- mended, J. Wallser (Goldfinch). HALIFAX POULTRY SHOW. The first annual winter show of Poulti-y, Pigeons, K'^b^t", and Canaries was held in the Temperance Hall, Hall ax, on tt<= f 'd- "^^ ' In number of entries the Show was more successful th.an ^J'^^^^'^ pated, seeing that the show of the Poultry CUh was ^eU ''t t^e same ime. The classes for Gm,ie Fowl contained some exceUent b"'i=. ^e first prizes in each case being given to Brown Reds and the second to Blacl Reds. The Spangled a,mlmn,hs were poor, but the Pencdled were "ood It was a great mistake of the Committee to class &old and Sn. ei- tog;ther, as otherwise a large entry would have rewarded theu; endeavours. The winning pens in .SpaiuA were very good, bnt the ?est were not worth noticer In 0.n.eB.,nta,n, «'«.™°";^;-^« ^"* wings and Keds respectively ; and m other varieties of Bantams, Blacks and Golden-laced. Good Brahmas. Dorkmgs, and Black Ham- burghs gi-aced the Variety class. P!'J<^ons had but one dass, which was weU supported with good specimens of Carriers, Powters, Di'agons Tumblers, &c. : whUe SMits had four classes and but few entries ; but some excellent Himalayas were exhibited. The room was not well suited to the pui-posos of a poultry show, and in some parts the birds could scarcely be seen. SiNCLF Game CocK.-First, J. Gelherd, Kendal. Second, R. ^"^"^f Jy^siekle^! HaUfax. Highly Commended, J Dysou Q^-e.i„«^ R™^; Halifax; J. Wilson, Oveuden, noai- Halifax; J. Settle, Jiraaiora , n '^GA*ME^-Krst!-H. C. Mason,Drighlington. Seeond, «■ Noble StaincUffe, Dewsbury. Highly Commended, A Ho'i«|?"^n''\f^°l' L oS'^otta^' Hamburgh (Gold or Bilver-spanglcd).- First, h. i. «■ asuiou, lie JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, [ Fcbnmry 6, 180C. Scrond, J. IVf^ton. Allcrttm, lirnillunl. llinbly Commended, S. C. Noble, I etricklaud GnU', Kendal. HAicBcauii (Gold or Silvcr-pcorillod).— Hr^t, Mfk. Holmeft, Uanor Ueatli Lodijf. Second, J. I^rvfUn. UiKhly Cumuiondcd, Mni. HolmeH; K HeminirwaT. Spamkh (lUnrkl.— FiM. .'. Tlirf^;h. Brndfnrd. Second, J. Marchant, Hanson Lani>. Halifiix. lliclilv Couiiuciided, J. Marclmut. CocniN-CiUNA.— FiTHl, J. Wilde. CopUy Mills. Secuud, H. Crosuley, Broomfiold. III(;hIy Couiincndcd. H. Croshlcy. Baxtav (Giiiih''. -Fi^^t, .T. W. Tliomnt^. Qiiccn Uond. HiilifAX. Second, G. Nohfe. Highly Co mm ended, C. Asliiv<.rth. Tliomiis Street. Mnlifax. Baxtaiih (Any other variety). — First, E. Hiitton, Pmlsey noar Leed»:. Pecond, .1. Walker. Pellou Liiur, Haliftix. Uiuhlv Comiiiouded, J. W. Thomis. gueenV Uo.id. Ilnlifax ; W. Wnlslmw ; S. & It. Ashton. SiNOLX CiAMK Bantam Cock.— Fin-t. J. Wnlker. Secoud. C. Ashworth, Thomas Street, Hnlifax. Highly Commcuded, J. Walker; T. C. UarriROQ. Beverloy Hoad. Hull. SiXtiLE tiAMK Hf.s.— Firwt. J. DysoD. Second .1. Hodffsou, Bowling Old Ijiqc. Bradford. Highly Commended, .1. Pieklcs, Mytholmroyd. Anv Vajuktv not I'KEViovHLY MF.NTioNKD.— First," J. H. PicklcB, Bridjfe- royd near Todmorden. Second. L. J. Crossley. Willow Hnll. Halifax. HIghlv Commended. JI.M. <- Denton. Stainlundnciir Halifax ; F. Claj-ton, Bradford ; W. H. Wheeler, Nottinnbam. Pir.EoNR fAny variety). —First, C. Cowbnrn, Calls. Leeds (Carriers). Second, W. Huplies. Leeds (Almond Tumblers). Hit-'bly Commended, T. Merchant (Tumbler?! ; S. Wade. Ovcnden. near Hulifax (Turbils and Jacobins); W. Hughes (Powterh): C. Cole. Bowling, near Urndford. Rabbith \Lt.u-ff»t Knr^Ji.—First.J. Fleming King's Cross Koad, Halifax. Second, A. Cro'^hley. .s>(. Mr*/.— First, A. Crossley. Second. W. Walker. Any colour. — First, J. Warden, Fleece Inn. Halifax. Second, J. Fleming. Foreign.— First. W. Walker, Rotherj- Slrct^t, Halifax. Second, M. Hims- wortb, Church btrcct, Halifax. CANARIES. Belgian— (Co-nu. Commended. W. Walter. Belgians (Yellow, cage of six).- W. Phillips. No competition, and prize withheld. BRITISH BIRDS. Bullfinch.— Prize. G. Crewe. Breadsall. Highly Commended, A. W. Booker, Liverpool. Commended. H. G. George, Littleover Hill. Goldfinch. — Prize, Capl. C. H. Fisher. Stroud, Gloucestershire. Highly Commended, H. Ashton. Commended. A. W. Booker. Linnet (Brown). —Prize, S. Reynolds, Derby. Highly Commended, S. Staton, Derby. Commonded. G. Cnmmings. Sktlabk.— Prize, W. Walter. Commended, G. Cnmmings. EXPEXSES AND RETURNS OF POULTRY KEEPING. I SF.xD you a statement of the expenses of kecpini; a stock of poultry in tbe past year. I should be very much obliged to yon if you will give me your opinion on the subject, as I want to know whether they are kept extravagantly, or, as I hope, at a tolerably reasonable expense. The aviaiy birds consist of Pheasants, and different varieties of fancy Pigeons ; and the fowls are Hamburgbs, Game, and Nankin Bantams. The Cochins and Ducks are entered separately. I counted up the chickens as chickens till they were really, as I considered, as expensive in their food as large fowls. I added up, as you will see, the numbers fed every week, so as to make out my monthly number. If you cau suggest any alterations I should be very grateful to you. NUMBER OF FOIVLS FED IS 1866. Cochitu. Fo:rls Ducki. Aciary Bi J.-mnarv .. .. 8S 210 , 41 78 Fcbraarj-... .. S9 2*5 45 91 M.uch .... .. 29 IBO 6 chicks. . 28 76 -M'rU .. 28 168 V?fi 28 81 mW .. 28 144 2,t4 *, 28 80 .Tunc ..35 177 SfiO ., 35 100 July .. 48 226 191 M 112 88 Anffust .. 44 193 188 , 94 83 Soptember .. 72 165 1.19 . 67 80 October .. .. 88 2a') chicks now . 60 78 November .. 80 2a3 coimted as 20 69 December .. 83 2ia a^ adults. . 28 84 Totals.. 607 2426 1284 676 TOTAL Nt:^IBEn FED IN* THE YE.tB. Fowls and Aviarj- Birds, 5875 ; = per wecb, 113. FOOD EXPENSES. Peryear TOTAI. EXPENSES. £ s. d. Food 20 2 4 Stock bought 8 7 6 Extra expenses 6 2 10' Pcrweek 0 7 d. PnOFITS. £ s. d. Ponltrj- and cRgs 14 10 10 Poultry and egqs w»I(l .... 16 11 9 Present value 01" stock 9 7 6 £34 12 8 £40 10 1 You will perceive in this statement, that beyond occasional presents, no charge is made for labour. Tbe fowls being cared for by the cowman and myself, I hardly knew at what rate of wages to put him down, tbe fowls by no means taking up his whole time. If you will kindly give me an answer as to whether you think my expenses for food are more or less than they should be, I shall be very glad. The extra expenses and stock-buying, of course, vary from year to year. I should add, that in valuing my stock at the close of tbe year, I put them at far under cost price, knowing that if I sold them I probably should not re- ceive what I gave for them. — C. E. [We aie very much obliged for the statement you have sent us. It interests us much. VCe cannot point out any possible reduction. The only change we should like to see wotUd be a separation of the expenses incurred for small birds and poultr)". At present from blending the two, the price per head seems lower than we have ever been able to accomplish in oiu- experience. We think you may put the labour at is. per day. We should also like to know whether the birds have • Inchtdcs wickerwork, pans, travcllinR expenses, presents to poultry man. Fibruary 6, 1866. ] JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 119 any barndoor or accidental food. We shaU be glad of any further details as it has long been oivr opinion that poultry- keeping may be almost reduced to a system as to its expen- diture, and that fowls may have the proper allowance seiTed out weekly as easily as it is done for horses, and -with the same result of health and high condition. The want of reliable statistics misleads some, and discourages others.] VULTURE HOCKS— TRIMMING. The remarks of " Clekicus " have somewhat forestalled what I myself had been iutcnding to say on this subject. I am utterly astonished at the reply of " one of our most able Judges," that the vulture hock is a recent iutroductiou. Yon have hit the date more correctly, I imagine, at 1850. and I can myself bear you out, as I had some of Sturgeon's birds soon after that date, and I should say that vulture hock dates from the introduction of Cochin fowls. Before that time all our known ^breeds of poultry were naked-hocked birds ; Dork- ings, Spanish, Game, Malay, Polish, had this in common, whilst the vulture hock was found only in some of the booted Bantams, very seldom seen, and certainly not the source that could have given it to the Cochin. Whence, then, did it come, if not with the birds themselves ? If we look at the original plates of " The Poidtrj' Book " we find the hock feathers de- cidedly projecting ; and in the description given of the cock I find : — " Thighs wide apart, &c., feathered quite down to the hock or knee, and the feathers even projecting beyond it, as in the Falcon ;" and yet this is of n-coit origin ! ! Cochins and Brihmas have certainly this in common, that the thighs are fluffy, and the feathers veiy numerous as compared with other breeds. This abundance of feathers in all good specimens of these breeds should hide the hock joint from view, except on the inside. This has always been the case in good specimens. Soon it was found that the actual falcon hocks — the feathers reaching some inches beliind the joint — were accompanied by profusely-feathered legs ; and as heaviness of feathering is an essential in both these breeds, the actual falcon-hocked birds were probably used for breeding, and I apprehend there is no good breeder of either Cochins or Brahmas that wishes for naked-hocked birds, and none, I fancy, who would object to the soft feathers projecting half an inch or more behind and around the joint ; for myself, I should not object to an inch, j)ro%'ided the feathers were soft and curving inwards. The rage against the moderate vultiue hock is recent, if you like, and like all extremes will do, nay, is doing harm. I have quite recently had a Brahma cockerel sent me on approval. Well, the first- rate breeder to whom he belonged eWdently had the fear of the hock before his eyes, and the hock joint was not hidden from view when looked at posteriorly ; as a consequence of this paucity of feathers at the hock, the upper part of the leg was comparatively poorly feathered. There are certain characteristics of breeds, and most as- suredly the covered hock joint is the property of Cochins and Brahmas, as opposed to Malays, Dorkings, Game, Spanish, &c. In the other breeds the hock is bare, the joint fully exposed, and it coincides with the general close-feathering of these breeds. As it appears to me, to disquaUfy birds because vulture- hocked is extremely unjust, and I quite agree with you that the vulture hock is necessary in moderation. But if this defect when stiff can, by a dishonest ejJiibitor, be remedied by pull- ing, and in this condition be "very difficult of detection," surely it is an additional reason for not being so strict on the point. It would be very interesting to myself, and I doubt not to many other breeders of feathered-legged poultry, if the able Judge before alluded to would kindly describe what the leg ought to be. I myself should prefer hock feathers, projecting from half an inch to an inch over the joint, provided the feathers were soft. The stiff-feathered hock I do not like, but commend me to the feathering of leg that always attends it. The remarks of " Clekicus" are much to the point, and I hope win assist in saving the best birds from being ruined. The trimming alluded to by the Judge cannot be detected ex- cept on very close and careful examination of each specimen, and when the duties of a Judge imder such circumstance would be completed in a close competition, it would be hard to say. There are certainly some eccentricities in poultry-judging. A ^Priggy comb is a disqualification in Spanish or Cochin, but you may trim and remove it. I have bred many a first-rate Poland but for the spriggy combs. No good Poland wants a comb, although he has more hair, or rather feathers, on his i head than other breed, and might be supposed to want it more. Well, may I remove these ? If it is allowable to remove sprigs from the other combs where they are not wanted, surely it is allowable to remove it in Polands. You may trim a Game face, but woe betide you if your pincers should try to improve a Spaniard's visage. The sooner the regulation against trim- ming is removed by committees the better, for at present it is used in an arbitrary manner. Since writing the above I have read with great pleasure the remarks of " Justitia," and I heartily thank him or her for them. The exact point is touched in these words : " If what is sanctioned one year may be reprobated the next, what ground of secm-ity have we to stand upon ?" And if we are to leave our pets to the fancies and vagaries of every person who is styled a judge, we shall never know what to aim at ! Nay, we are not certain that in a year or two the very opposite may not be considered requisite, and the shifting of the points to be sought after is fatal to success. I trust your own remarks and those of other exhibitors will show the judges that wo do not intend to have our birds injured to suit their fancies. I can recollect in the early Brahma days a judge, who shall be name- less, disqualifying one of my Brahma cocks because he was pea-combed. Well, suppose exhibitors had set to work to breed single-combed birds, would not one of the great beauties of the breed have been lost ? Save us from our friends if these are aU the kindnesses they can show us ! — T. B. A. Z. DRAGOON PIGEONS. My attention was called the other day to a letter which ap- peared in your valuable paper of December 19th, from Mr. John PerciVall, of Birmingham, relative to the judging of some of the Pigeon classes at the late Birmingham Exhibition. I I regret that so much time has passed since the insertion of that letter; as many of your readers have, doubtless, taken for ' granted that the whole of Mr. Percivall's unanswered letter 1 was correct. Mr. Percivall's opinion as a breeder of this very beautiful variety of Pigeon should certainly be taken notice of, . and, henceforward, we must at least thank him for telling us i what a good Dragoon should not be. I am, however, sorry to ' say that I think his letter has unjustly influenced many fanciers who once possessed good bh'ds of this type, but who have since ! discarded them on account of what Mr. Percivall considers a blemish, and, to use his own language, sufficient to exclude them I from taking a prize — viz., the lower part of the back being '; white, or their being, as it is termed, " wbite-rumped." I must I here admit, that since the publication of Mr. Percivall's views, I have become possessed of some vei^y handsome birds having the white patch he protests against strongly marked, which, I but for that gentleman's opinion, I should have been unable to obtain. I feel convinced that the remarks he has made upon ! this subject, if left unanswered, would be detrimental to the fancy, and calculated to make a rare iind useful variety of Pigeon still more scarce, by weeding from its numbers the most beautiful of their kind ; and it is for this reason that I feel prompted to say a few words upon the subject. Had Mr. Percivall argued in favour of drawing a line of dis- tinction between the Dragoons and their very near relatives the Carriers, instead of bringing them nearer together (as he undoubtedly does, by admitting only birds of a uniform colour), he might, perhaps, have supplied a want long felt by the fancy. Dragoons, or Dragons, were unmistakeally inferior Carriers ; and the Blues, Yellows, and 'Whites, being unable to compete with the Blacks and Dnus, have, most properly, had another name assigned them, and by careful and judicious breeding are now more dissimilar than they were years ago. They possess all the beauty and symmetry of form of the Carriers, without that preponderance of wattle which so frequently makes them appear ugly, though it is the chief characteristic of the latter. Having thus adopted another name for these birds, and worked for different points to render them more unlike — to detach them, as it were, from the Blacks and Duns, and make them worthy their new name, is, I think, what the Dragoon breeder has striven for : and, therefore, to follow Mr. Percivall and his fancy would be to certainly retrograde, in- stead of progress nearer to perfection. 1 contend that the white-rumped Blue Dragoons are a purer blue, the bars a deeper black, the neck of a better metallic lustre, the eye a brighter orange, and free from the dark circle round the iris, and altogether forming a better contrast than those of a darker or more sombre colour. I am not praising 120 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. I February 6, 1800. the wbile-rumpcd birds because I bnve none other. I have nearly equal uumbcrB of each, tbougb I believe tliere ie a majority of those with the white badge, because, aa a rule, I lind them the best for the reasons I have mentioned. I would a.sk Mr. IVrcivall, through your pages, whether he would in a like mauuer discard the white-runiped Blue Owls, Bunts, Antwerps, Powtcrs, ,tc. ? If so, I think this wholesale expulsion of beautiful birds from our shows will make sad havoc amongst their respective varieties. Even the Blue Rock Dove would almost be extinct, if the same slaughter could be made amongst them as he would make in thecultivateJ varieties. Mr. IVrcivall says that he exhibited a pair of Blue Dragoons at the late Birmingham Show. I believe the pair he alludes to claimed my special admiratiou, and were, in my opinion (as expressed at the time) the best pair in the Show, though not solely on account of their being minus tlio white rump. They possessed other properties or points, which, to my mind, set them above those they competed with. These, Mr. Percivall says, were honoured with a very high commendation ; but, upon referring to the catalogue of the Birmiugbam Show, I find Mr. Percivall is credited with having taken the second prize, and his brother, Mr. Jones Percivall, of London, with the very high commendation. Is this a misprint ? How are we to know to w bom the birds really do belong ? I know that both entertain the same notion with regard to the white rump being a defect ; and I must say, whichever it was who cxliibited the pair taking the second prize, that it cither showed a great want of judgment in pairing for exhibition two birds so un- equally matched, one possessing a mark, as Mr. Percivall him- self says, quite sufficient to exclude it from prizetaking. or else it plainly evinced a scarcity of bluerumped Birds. Jlr. Per- civall acknowledges the justice of this award, but goes on to complain that the first prize was given to him for Ai-changels, because unequally matched, one bird having pearl, and the other gravel eyes. In conclusion I ask. Is it consistent for Mr. Percivall to rail against the judging, or to set up a standard of excellence, when j he, or his brother, or both, send for competition a blemished bird in each ]ien, and expect to be rewarded upon the merits of either? — \ Diugoos Br.EEDEr. then be well received by her whilom rebellious subjects, and, no matter how furious the attack may have been, she will be no more liable to a repetition of it than if it had never occurred. Althoiigh the third class, in which young qneens are im- prisoned before they have entered upon the duties of oviposi- tion, appears never to have been v,itnes';ed by Mr. Lowe, it is in reality by far the most common form of regicidal attack among bees, and is, moreover, very frequently f;ital. In these cases, also, I have found by experience that intervention on the part of the apiarian may often be beneficially resorted to whenever the danger is perceived in time. Although the attack may be repeated more than once, it is not even then necessarily attended with a fatal result ; and if by the assist- ance of the apiarian, or by her own unaided tenacity of life, the juvenile but distressed monarch can only last out until she begins egg-laying, her subjects thenceforward appear as heartily loy»l as if she had never teen incarcerated. In conclusion, I may observe, that whilst Mr. Lowe declares himself unulile to indorse my opinion that the imprisonment of a young ijueen by her worker sisters can be characterised as a regicidal attack, he totally ignores the fact that I have sup- ported this opinion by relating three several instances- whieh have come under my own observation, and in which the incar- ceration of such queens by their workers has been attended by fatal resiUts, as well as by the evidence of my lUstinguished German correspondent, who states that he has frequently had young queens imprisoned and killed on their return from suc- cessful wedding flights. According to Mr. Lowe's views our verdict in all these cases should of course be " Killed by kind- ness ;" but from this conclusion I for one must entirely dissent, and would record my unhesitating conviction, founded on con- siderable experience and many opportunities of judging, that in all cases, and under all circumstances, whenever a queen, either old or young, is imprisoned by workers, her life is in- variably in great jeopardy, and that no such thing ever occurs amongst bees as what may be termed the " friendly arrest " of a queen. — -■V Devonshire Bee-keeper. * VitU Nos. 193 and 235 of " Our .Journal.'* PtEGICIDAL ATTACKS BY BEES. I .\M glad to see that Mr. Lowe has returned to this subject, and, in the hope of assisting in the investigation of what still appears to me a most extraordinary and very unsatisfactory chapter in the natural liistory of our little favourites, I purpose stating briefly the conclusions at which I have myself arrived, pointing out. at the same time, in what respects my views either coincide with or differ from those propounded by Mr. Lowe. | Regicidal attacks bj- bees may, I think, be divided into three classes : — 1st, Those in which a matron is imprisoned by her own children. 2nd, Those wherein the regicidal frenzy is set on foot Ihi'ough the introduction of stranger bees by the apiarian. 3rd, Those in wliich a juvenile monarch is attacked by her worker sisters before she commences egg-laying. Instances of the first class, in which a matron is assailed by her own children, seem to be comparatively rare, nor do they often come under the direct observation of the apiarian ; when they do occur, however, they appear to be inevitably fatal. A queen may possibly survive several initiatory attacks, but these are repeated at uncertain intervals, imtil at last she succumbs. In such cases, and in such only, can I indorse Mr. Lowe's conclusion that a queen once imprisoned forfeits all re- gard from her subjects, and that, therefore, interference on the part of the apiarian can scarcely lead to any good result. Cases of the second class, in which the regicidal frenzy is set np by the introduction of stranger bees through the manipula- tions of the apiarian, are. of course, equally rare in well- managed apiaries, but, when such instances do arise, ex- perience justifies me in declaring that the best results may be hoped for from prompt and judicious intervention ; • since, if the hapless queen can but be kept alive in a queen-cage within the hive itseli until the regicidal m.ania has abated, she will " Mr. Lowe's mistinp with bis Li^rian qneon is a sufficient w.irBmg against too rashly lilHTalinu iiiiiiriMoiied royjUty iu the open air. As stated by mc in "our .Tonniiil " of tlie 26th of September last, a number of out>i(UTS may be previouvly dismissed, but the iiual release should only be ventured upon wHhin-doors. where the quccu may be readily recap'- tured in the event of her t:ikiug wing. OUR LETTER BOX. Incubator (J. L. 5.).— That which you first name we heljeve is Ihe best ftt present in use. There is no book on the subject. Directions are lumished with each incubator by the makers. DisTiNGiTsniXG Aylesbcry Drakes (J. CK— The drake bas always ii curl in the tail when iu full plumapc ; but as it maybe pulled onl, we will (jive you another means of knowing the sex. The drake is generally larger tlmn the Duck. There is no doubt of the four Ducks doing well with the drake ; but we do not think you will be pleased with the cross between the Aylesbury and Houen. Both breeds are very handsome when pure, and give undoubted proof of being a defined species ; but the cross produces only a pied,brown-r.ud-white, common-looking bird, with nothing to distinguish it from the ordiuary Duck of a farm-yard. Ducks do not like roosting in a house of any kind : it is against their nature. Wild Fowl roost on the water, and tame Ducks like to sit on the bank, or in a farm-yard to take up their own quarters. You may ascer- tain the bcx of Ducks by taking the bird by the iiinion of the wing; the Duck quacks, the drake gives a kind of hoarse hiss. Sometimes they are long before tliey will make any noise. It then becomes necessary to bold them off the ground. If you pers^evere in this, with a little patience, you will always succeed. Hens not L.^yino — Becojiisg Bald {CurlnoV — Your hens will not lay so early this year as last. They were then pullets ; and such by oarHe'r the first year than afterwards. V»'e do not think the breed has so much to do with early as with late laying. The non-sitters lay much later in the year than those that have reared their broods. They will lay as many eggs without a cock as with one ; but they never do so well, and gene- rally take to all sorts of fancies, as in the present instance. Wo l>clieve they eat each other's feathers. They arc healed, and you will do well if you allow them to run in the garden evei-j- day. The scraps of green food and the insects they pick up will do them good. Let them have a good heap of dr>' dust and another of bricklayers* rubbish in their house. By dusting in the first they destroy parasites, which often iuduco them to pick their feathers ; the second supplies them with shell for the eggs. Nothing is better for them than some road scrapings or grit. We think that if you will do this, and rut a cock with them, they will do better. Do not depend too much on potatoes for food, they arc not favourable to egg-producing. They should now begin to lay. The hen that layaduublc- yoiked eggs, uud that did so la-t year, will probably always do it. Such are never long-lived birds. It often cures such >\ visitation as you com- plain of, if the first appearance of a hare spot i^ rubbed with comiMnnd sulphur ointment. BcTTERMiLK FOR PiGS {li. T. C). — Buttcnnilk is given to pigs with advantage iu ever>- instance that we know of except one, and that was where the practice was to salt the cream, and of cmrse it w.*s unfit for use until mixed with meal and given to the pig.s in that condition alter- nately with other food. We do not recollect of the couplet you mention being repeated in any of the dairv' districts that wc have been in; h'lt there is one very like it, to the etfect that " Whey will starve a dog, n-Tiile it will feed a hog," and we have some faith in the truth of the axiom. Buttermilk is fireely partaken of by the working classes in tJic westom cheese coouties. February 13, 1866. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 121 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Month "o7 Week. FEBRUARY 13—19, 1866. Average Temperature near London. Rain in laet 39 years. Sun Rises. ! Sun 1 Moon 1 Moon Sets. ! Rises. ! Sets. Moon's A„e. Clock before Sun. Day of Year. Day. Nieht. Mean. Days. m. h. m. h. m. h. m. h. Days. m. B. 13 Tn Shrove Tdesday. 44.4 29.6 37.0 14 21af 7 9af5 , 46 5 1 16 8 28 14 29 44 14 w Lent Begins. Ash Wednesday. 45.7 81.8 38.5 14 19 7 10 5 1 22 6 27 4 29 14 27 46 15 Th C^'tisus filipes. 46.9 31.4 39.2 14 17 7 12 5 1 54 6 42 5 • 14 24 46 16 F Epacris impressa. 46.7 80.6 38.7 9 16 V 14 5 1 25 7 59 6 1 14 21 47 17 S Erica transparens. 44.1 81.0 87.6 15 13 7 16 5 54 7 ' 17 8 2 14 17 48 18 StTH 1 Sunday in Lent. 45.1 80.9 38.0 16 11 7 18 5 22 8 1 34 9 3 14 12 49 19 M Erica rubra-calys. 44.8 31.1 37.9 14 9 7 20 5 53 8 1 62 10 4 14 6 50 From obaervations taken near London daring the last thirty-nine years, the average 'lay temperature of the week is 45.4° ; and its night tempe- 1 ratnre 30.8=. The greatest heat was 59", on the 16th, 1863; and the lowest cold 0-", on the 13th, 1855. The greatest fall of rain was 0.50 inch. | N.B. — The Calendar contains the names of plants iiowei-ing in the greenhouse. 1 REMOVING PLANTS TO DIFFERENT SOILS. WO or tlu-ee weeks ago Mr. Fish alluded to a fact which, somehow, has never yet re- ceived so much attention from the flower gardener as it ought, although agiicul- tiu-ists have for some generations been alive to its value. Mr. Fish justly calls attention to the propriety of now and then exchanging plants or cuttings, and cites an in- stance in which some cuttings wliich he had from a neigh- bour showed much greater vigour than some of his own tliat were treated in exactly the same manner, and he attributes then- doing so to the sole cause of his o\to being to a certain extent worn out or tired of theu' quarters. Now tliis is a subject of gi'eat importance, and the judicious application of the facts "stated may no doubt save some of the old popular favoui-ites, wliich are tlii-eatening in some cases to leave ns entu-ely : wliile amongst those tliat may be still regarded as in their prime, improvement may be effected by the change, or at all events deterioration pre- vented or delayed. Hitherto the common practice has been to retain a plant or variety imtil it is superseded by somethhig better, when it is tliscarded ; but such a com'se is not always a correct one. A variet}' of plant reqiming re-propaga- tion eveiy year might be very good ia l.s.5(i, while some- thing better may be seen in 1«66 tlian it is at tliat time ; but lias the first not deteriorated dm-ing that period fi'om having been kept so long in the same place '.' In fact, has not the theory of breeding in-and-in, as the skilful herds- man would say, been going on until the result shows itself unmistakeably in tlie condition of the plants or their pro- duce '.' and instead of a moderate and easy change, a radical one seems indispensable, and the variety that six or more years ago was the gi-eatest ornament to the parten-e is consigned to the rubbish-heap, and something fresh is taken in its place. Thi.^, view of the matter is, perhaps, in nothing more clearly exemplified than in the case of the Dahlia, wliich, after being kept a number of years m one place, seems to degenerate in size, and in some instances the colour also is altered. Tliis tendenc}-, however, is more easily reme- died with the Dahlia than with many other plants. A , number of new varieties of the Dalilia are offered every season at a reasonable rate, and tlie number of plants required never approaches one-tenth of that of bedding plants in general, and the (Ufficulty in meeting the demand is by no means gi-eat: but when ten thousand Scarlet Geraniums iu-e wanted, and it is apparent tliat the variety hitheitto depended upon to supply the want is no longer I what it used to be, a change is forced upon the gi'ower, I No. 255.— Vol. X., New Semes. whether he be prepared for it or not, and, as stated above. the common practice has been to call in another plant, which in its tiu'n ^vill lUcewise be discarded. Now, though tins plan has certain advantages in bring- ing something fi-esh into notice, it would be well to inquire whether or no a real improvement takes place at each change. It is not fan- to compare the new favourite with the old worn-out one ; we should ask if the new is really better than the old was when it was a fresh introduction. The memory, it is true, ■nill not always enable us to com- pare present appearances with those of long ago without the exercise of some of tliose feelings which are adverse to an impartial judgment. Certainly we are told that ad- vances are being daily made, but it is well to ask ourselves if every change is an advance. The afiinnative answer is one calling for caution when an old servant is about to be discharged. For instance, let us take a ciu-sory view of some of the populai- flowers of the da}', and, calling to memoiy what they were, ask oiu-selves if they have pro- gi-essed much dming the last twenty years. Pinks and Cai'nations have been gi-eat favomites in their time, and were certainly better thii'ty years ago than now. The same may be said of the Auricula and the Polyanthus, and although the Heartsease is a more modern addition of the florists, it was certainly seen in better condition fifteen years ago than now. The case of the Dahlia is also some- what similar, but more pains have been taken to multiply the varieties of tins useful autimin flower than of the others, and though the kinds fasliionable twenty ago are but seldom met with now, they arc weU represented in their ofispring. Other examples might be given, but it may be as well to tiuTi to another phase of the subject. Taking it for granted that new varieties of certain kinds of plants can be produced T\ith facility to meet the wants of the pubhc, let us see in what way the judicious retention of species having more constitutional vigoiu- about them can be accomplished. Species of plants are unquestionably longer-lived and less likely to deteriorate than garden varieties, hence the advantage of using them when they are suitable ; but it often happens that improvement in some foi-m or other is wanted, and a variety is put forth possessing to a certain extent that improvement : by-and- by improved variety No. 2 supersedes No. 1, and the last is followed by others, and it is to be feared each of these changes is effected by a sacrifice of some of tlie constitu- tional vigour of the original species, and the consequence is that after a time the variety ceases to be so useful as before ; disease and an impaii'ed constitution give token that its tei-m of years is fast dra^ving to a close, and that sometliing else must be substituted for it. Now, the retanling of tliis prematm-e decay is what Mr. Fish says was in some degi'ee accomplished in the case of the Calceolaria, by liis having a batch of cuttings of the same kind from another place, which, no doubt, -nill suc- ceed better for one or more years, but will in like manner want restoring, imtil the etibrt which Natures makes to restore her offspring can be no longer maintamed, and recoiu-se must either bo had to the species or to other varieties of later date. This being the case, would it not No. 907.— Vol. XXSV., Old Sefoes. 122 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. [ FebnuiTy IS, 1P88. he better for many of us to exchange plants or cuttings, or, where the extent of the place allows of it, to take cuttings from one description of soil to plant on another, so as to afford the change that socnis so necessaiT to the well-being of the plants ? Many largo jilaces afford such opportunities of exchanging plants, nevertheless in most it woiUd seem to be better to im- port these from a distance, and from places differing consider- ably from that to which they are brought. I do not know whether the lulvantages said to result from seed Wheat being imported from a cold, bleak, imd unkindly ])h»ce to one more favoured bo real or not, but the poor place wants a change also, and this cannot he done on the same principle. Changes, however, may be beneticial, even when the uutural conditions seem to be adverse rather than favourable, where the indi- viduals occupying a particular soil show signs of being tired of it, and this is often done. That change of soil and situation is attended with other lesiUts than the mere infusion of more robustness of growth is now and then apparent in the case of distinct species. The Hydrangea planted in one class of soil produces bright pink- coloured flov.ers, while in a peat soil of a certain chiss its ■flowers are blue ; yet both plants appear heallliy. So marked a difference, however, is not met with in other plants, neverthe- less some change is often perceptible ; but a distinct species ■will retain a certain amount of vigour under all circumstances, unless, indeed, it be placed where it ought not to be. Let us take, for example, some plants that possess all the distinctions of original species, and we seldom meet with disease amongst ihem ; but changes of soil and situation are productive of other xesults. and, as in the case of the Hydiangea and some of our [popular flowering plants, these present us with slightly different .shades of colour when placed imder different circumstances. Now and then examples of such variations are met with, and I will give an account of one that occurred some years ago, and in which it happened that both ilr. Fish and myself were interested. When visiting Mr. Fish half-dozen or more years ago I "thought a Verbena which he, like myself, gi-ew rather exten- sively, differed from mine in colour. I brought a lot of cuttings home with me, and propagated them, keeping them a])art from ithose which I had, but planting them close together at the ipropcr time. The kind, I may observe, was one with which •there is seldom a mistake, being the old pulchella. Well, when flowering-timo came there was a decided difference in the tints of the bloom when seen in quantity, that produced by the cut- .tings which I had from Jlr. Fish having r. more lilac tint, while that of my own plants was more of a lavender blue. This difference was tolerablj- apparent throughout the season, and there was so much diversity of opinion as to the relative merits of the two coloiu-s, that at the end of the season a quan- tity of each sort was propagated, one being named the light, and the other the dark. In the following season, however, the distinction between the two was all but imperceptible, and although care was taken in selecting cuttings from both again, rno one could recognise any difference in the third year ; and I may add that even in the first year the difference between the blooms of ilr. Fish's variety and my own was not so marked at this place as at that from which the cuttings came. Now, to what can we attribute the above difference but to the altered conditions in which the plant found itself? the habit being alike both at Putteridgeburj- and here, and the character of the flower in eveiy respect the same, except in colour, wliich it is easy to beUeve arose from the substances on which the plant fed. This case, I believe, might be corroborated by others of n like kind, but I will only mention one more, and that is the Wue Lobelia, which I have vainly endeavoured to obtain of the .deep dark purple tint which it exhibits at so many other places. That soil and situation, or one of them, or some other con- dition, prevents the attainment of this object I certainly be- lieve ; for although I have at various times procured plants or cuttings of kinds remarkable for the brightness of their colour- ing they seem to become paler when they are transported to our soil. Neither is seed exempt from the same resiUt ; in fact, I think seedlings have a greater tendency to become pale than cuttings, although both are used. lieforring again to the case of the Calceolaria, which presents fewer varieties than most of our popular bedding plants, ren- dering it, therefore, desirable to preserve good useful varieties true to their characters for as long a time as possible, I have no doubt that changing the ground in which they are grown jrill materially tend to promote this. It has long been the custom of the farmer and cottager to have their seed com and Potatoes from other ground, and to obtain fresh ofter growing either for a few seasons on their own land ; and in the caae of a plant which is reproduced by an extension of itself rather than by forming an inde]>endent existence, the change seems to be more necessary. There are before us examples enongh of old kinds of plants falling into decay. Many people Jiow complain of Tom Thumb Geranium not being equal to what it was, and this degeneracy would doubtless be in some meaanie prevented by the same process as that adopted with the Caloeo- laria. Other plants are equally likely to be influenced by change from one place to another. This is a subject deserving of more attention than it has hitherto received, and when fully under- stood many of those failures to which mony plants ore liable will be less frequent than they now arc. Though the power to prevent them may not in all cases exist, it is something to be able to know the cause, and in the case of many of our com- mon bedding plants much may be done to effect a change for the better. I can with every couiidenoc indorse Mr. Fish's views on "the propriety of now and then having changes of plants, and if by so doing our gardens can be made more guy, and plants less liable to die off, some good will have been effected ; and I have no doubt but such wUl be the result where the plan has that fair trial wliich it deserves. — J. Bobsok. VIOLA COKNUTA AND ITS CULTURE. This was introduced fi-om Spain to the royal gardens at £ew, by Dr. Ortega, in 1770. A very correct figure of it appears in Curtis's •' Botanical Magazine," vol. xxi., plate 791. It is strange that tlie plant should have remained imnoticod by any one, with the exception of its being iigiued and described in the "Botanical Magazine" above referred to, for nearly ninety years, more especiaUy as it offers a shade of colour that has been so long wanted for toning down, and giving effect to the many strong and glowing colours which we possess amongst our bed- ding plants. The plant would, no doubt, have perished long ago but for its extreme hardiness. It thrives in any common soil without care, and when once the plant is established there is some difficulty in eradicating it, as the smallest piece of the root will grow if left in the soil, and will soon produce a plant. It flowers very profusely in a dry soil, but thrives better, and produces larger and more lughly-developed flowers, when grown in a rather moist and jiartially shaded situation. It seeds very freely, and may be propagated either from seeds or cuttings. The present is a good time to propagate it in either way. The seed should be sown in shallow pans, and should be buried in the soil about Ij or "2 inches deep; the pans should then be placed in a cold pit or frame. Cuttings may be pricked out in pans : or some good sandy loam may be put into a pit or frame, if there is enough of cut- tings at hand to fill a small box. If, as will most likely be the case, only a few cuttings are to be had at this early period of the plant's second advent, they had better be pricked out in pots or pans, and placed in a cold frame or pit as recommended above for the seed. As soon, however, as tliey are nicely rooted they should be pricked out into a small frame or cold pit in some rich sandy soil, where they will grow very rapidly, and by the end of March they will have made good, stioug plants, when they may again be divided into a great number. They should then be planted out in nurseri--beds, and by the first week in May the plants will be ready for planting out in their final quarters, where they will at once begin flowering veij' freely. The small plants" in the seed-pans should have similar treatment to that recommended for the cuttings, but should not be pricked out before they have made the third or fourth pair of leaves. ■Where early spring flower gardening is carried out, cuttings should be struck early hi August and September, and the plants placed in theii- final quarters about the end of October. I in- tend, as I before stated, when I first mentioned the adapta- bilitv of Viola comuta as a bedding plant, in my description of the bedding-out at Oulton Park, to try some experiments m crossing it with Mr. Tyerman's varieties of Viola montana, as well as with manv of the other Violas and Pansies. The late Ml-. Beaton's double bedding Pansy will be one selected for a series of experiments with Mola comuta ; and if I can suooeed in uniting the varied colours of the Pansy, and the delioions odour of the common Violas, with the habit and constitution of V. comuta, combined with its prof use flowering all through the Febrnarj- 13, 1866. ] JOUENAL OF HORTICULTUEB AND COTTAGE GAEDHNER. 123 summer months — if I can suceeeil in doing this, I shall be the means of introducing a class of plants to our gardens, that will not be easily surpassed for their beauty and usefulness. I have not yet tried the plant in heat, but intend to do so, if I be spared this spring, and I have no doubt that it will strike as easily as a Lobelia, or a Verbena, after it has been growing freely in a gentle heat for a few weeks. If this should prove to be the case, those who do not possess the plant, by procuring a few plants now, may by bedding-out time raise some thousands from these. I have no doubt that Viola corunta may still be found in the Chelsea Botanic Garden, from a plant in which theifignre above referred to was taken. Before the time for bedding-out shall have arrived, I will name some of the plants that may be used with good effect with Viola eomuta. — .T. Wills. AURICULAS. I HAVE often wondered how the doctor feels who, after having felt the pulses, looked at the tongues, and prescribed for the internal mechanism of half the county side, finds himself laid by, and cannot quite make out his own symptoms — nay, if a wise man, comes to the conclusion that he is about the worst judge of himself and his ailments, and sends off to his brother professional in the next parish to dose and doctor him. I have latterly thought, too, how the farmer feels when this dread rinderpest enters his stockyard, aud sees one after another of his fine beasts hanging their heads and showing uumistakeable symptoms of being attacked. I think I now Imow a little of it. This time last year I had as fine a collection of Auriculas as one need have seen. I had been consulted by Auricula growers far and wide, had prescribed for their maladies, had encou- raged the forming of collections, and now I am reduced so in numbers that I am almost ashamed to own I have a collection. I have seen a disease which is quite as great a mystery as the rinderpest, and quite as destructive, making a clean sweep of dozen after dozen of my finest plants ; and tliis, let it be re- membered, of a plant which one cannot propagate as one will, nor, indeed, obtain for either love or money. I can quite sym- pathise with a good imele of mine, on whose farm the rinder- pest first appeared in these parts. " I didn't so much mind those I had bought ; but when I saw those I had reared from their very calf-hood dying, it was trying work." Here were plants I had watched over from their tiny offset state, had been growing up to be blooming plants, aud they are now dwindled away. How this has come about I know not, but as it com- menced after their being repotted I must presume it was some- thing in the compost. Yet I had prepared this with the gi-eatest care : it was all old, the manure thoroughly weU rotted, aud the loam apparently good. I had repotted every one myself, had been attentive to the watering, kept them from rain, and did, in fact, all I had told others so often to do, aud yet they went. They did not damp off, but fairly dwindled away. They seemed resolutely to refuse to root in the pots, and, of course, there was no hope for them. Had I thought of this sooner, even though it was their season of rest, I should have moved them out of it ; but it was only in correspondence with Mr. Lightbody that it was suggested to me. He told me, and Mr. C. himself confirmed it to me, that Mr. Campbell a few years ago lost nearly all his collection by using loam in which iron existed. In my case I am afraid something of this kind was the cause. Unfortunately there is no grower within fifty miles of me, and hence we cannot take counsel together about them, as I could about other flowers, if they were going wrong. If Gladioluses are queer, or Geraniums spotty, one can easily find neighbours who can talk with you about them ; but the Auricula has so few friends that we are not often thrown together, and hence we must consult oiu: own judgment, which is often at fault. I have been led into these remarks by a request forwarded to me from " A. C," who wants to know about fertUising Auriculas — first, how he is to cross them, &c. : secondly, whether he is also to fertilise with their o^-n poUen those which pro- duce seed shyly; thirdly, whether anv one would exchange dupUcates with him. With regard to the first question, I do not beUeve that cross-breeding has been much attempted with Am-iculas, aud I am confident no certain results could be reUed on by any such process. The same pod of seed wiU produce green, grey, ^hite, and self varieties, and even the Alpine tyjje ; and I should say that if Cf oss-fertilisation is to be attempted, I shoaid adviae that the constitution of the mother plant be considered, and the colour or fonn of the male parent. Thus, for example, I should take Waterhouse's Conqueror, aud fer- tilise it with the pollen of Chapman's Maria, or Lovely Anne, and put on it the pollen of Violet, and in some such way endeavour to obtain the various properties which are considered essential to the maidng of a good flower. All Alpine flowers should be excluded fi-om the frames of any one who is par- ticular in growing for seed ; and, of com'se, it will be necessary to prevent the intrusion of bees, moths, &c. As to the second point, there is little doubt, L should think, that fertilising with their own pollen would ensure greater cer- tainty ; but I have never found that there was any great diffi- culty in obtaining seed, although I have never been able to afford the time and trouble necessary for raising seedlings. Asto the third point — the exchange of plants, that is a diffi- cult matter also. Probably his better plan would be to make out a list of the plants he has, affix his price to them, and endeavour to obtain a customer for them, and then lay out the purchase money on varieties which he does not possess. If he wishes to do that, and will send you such a list, I shall gladly tn- to help him in the matter. I regret that my own plants are iu such an unhealthy condition that I could not offer any of them in exchange : and, indeed, exchanges rarely answer — each party considers himself hartUy done by, however anxious each may be to act fairly. Indeed, as he is a near neighbotu- of Mr. Turner, of Slough, he woidd find little diffi- culty, I should think, in making some arrangement with him. I have come to the conclusion that for us, at any rate, in these southern latitudes, the best time for repotting "is imme- diately after the blooming season is over rather than in the autumn. The plants have by that time been growing away for some months, and I do not think they so readily make roots then as they do when in the height of their growth — at least this is the plan I purpose pursuing this year. It is Mr. Turner's plan, and there is no better grower' than he is. If I fail this year I shall close the concern, and go in for growing Cabbages or Potatoes. The only way in which I can console myself is, that I could not tell that the loam was bad. Gera- niums throve iu it lustily : but then they gi-ow in almost any- thing, while the Auricula is as dainty in its food as a countess's lap dog. I am not one of those to say die, and so I shall not give up yet, and wish " A. C." and all other lovers of the flower better success than has attended — -D., Deal. THE ESPERIONE GRAPE— WINE— POTATOES. With regard to the Esperione Vine, and in reply to "A ViXE AjiATEun, Stou-market," I beg to say that in consequence of numerous letters addi-essed to me on the subject, I wrote to Mr. Rivers, of Sawbridgeworth, offering him a bimdle of cut- tings from the Vine which I formerly received from Mr. Old- aker ; and at the same time I requested Mi-. Pavers to allow me to mention the ciicumstance in these pages, as I had no doubt that it would be welcomed by a great many. Mr. Rivers kindly answered me as follows : — " I thank you for your offer of a bunch of Esperione cuttings. I have been the great champion of this sort, which I have cultivated for twenty-five years. Some few years ago Beaton disputed with me in the Journal about it, and wished the world to think it was merely a variety of the Hamburgh ; but I would not give in, for his Esperione leaves died off yellow, while the true sort, as you well know, has its leaves in autumn of a fine crimson and purple. Once or twice, nine years ago, I bought some Vines under the name to supply orders, but they all proved wrong, their leaves at once betraying them." I was bom between Stowmarket and Bury St. Edmunds, therefore I can guarantee Stowmai-ket to be just the neighbom-- hood to suit the Esperione, and now that " A Vine Ajiatece " can succeed in procuring the true kind, I trust he may event- ually have the same success with it in my dear native county as I have had in Oxfordshire. In 186.5, from the Vines gi-owing against the stone walls in the open air, I have taken 374 lbs. of well-ripened Grapes, clear from their stalks, from which I have made forty-six gallons of wine, and it promises to be very good. I am also almost ashamed to own that I cut a hundred bunches of the Grape for eating from one Vine growing imder glass, and the same Vine produced ninety-seven fine bunches of Grapes in 1S64. " D." of Deal, is wi'ong in supposing that it was I who re- commended to him the varieties of Potatoes he mentions at page 62. I have grown Sutton's Racehorse, aud it preyed so. 124 JODBNAIi OF HOBTICULTUUE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ February la, 186C. mach like Mitchell's Early Albion Kidney, that I do not grow it now, ond I think Mitchell's the better. Myatt's Ashleaf I grew when it first came out. It is a first-rate cropper ; but I gave it up as being with mo deficient iu flavour. With some tubers of Bivers's Royal Ashleaf I was kindly i)resented by the raiser, uid I grew it for the first time this season. The Lapstone Kidney deserves all the praise that is bestowed upon it ; but Daintree's New Kidney (for which, by-the-by, we received two lixst-class certificates at the International Exhibition of the Royal Horticultural Society at South Kensington, la.st Decem- ber, one certificate for it in its most natural condition, and the other for it as a Kidney), is of the same strain, and it is earlier, and a better Potato still. I strongly advise " D." of Deal to give this first-rate sort a trial in his enlarged practice. I never cared to give the Iviug of Potatoes a trial ; why, I cannot tell. As regards round Potatoes partaking of au eartiiy flavour, I have a seedling which, if I have the pleasure of presenting some another year to your excellent correspondent, will, I hope, serve to convince him that there are round Potatoes to be grown a.s good as Kidneys. — Upwards .\nd Oswaiids. puttied frame presents, I will not undertake to determine ; bat the result is in favour of putty, and I give my experience to your readers. — G. S. I'EAS FROM MAY TO OCTOBER. There are but few who do not take an interest iu Peas, the very mection of which at this time of year is enough to make one's mouth water ; and as it has been a hobby of mine to obtain a good succession of them, and having kept a table of results, I will lay before your readers my experience on this subject. In the first place, I may mention that I grow all my crops of Peas on the natural or out-door system, having neither time nor convenience for sowing under glass, hardening off, &c. As early in .January as the ground is in good working condition, I select a piece of a south aspect border that has been preriously manured and ridged, and levelling it down with a fork, sow Carter's First Crop in rather shallow drills, putting slips of furze along the rows before covering up, to keep off the mice. I always used to grow Sangster's No. 1 for my first crop ; but Carter's First Crop is, in my opinion, far superior to it. Early in February I sow in an open (juarter of the garden two rows of Sangster's No. 1, each about 30 yards in length, drawing the drills a little deeper and putting in chopped furze as before ; but after this 1 am not so particular in the sowing and protecting ; if only the gi'oimd is dug deeply, well manured, and the si ugs kept trapped, there is not much danger of the crop not doing well. For the succeeding sowings I generally use two quarts of each variety at a time. Before the end of Fe- bruary I follow with two rows of Dickson's Favourite, and about the middle of March sow a Uke quantity of Yorkshire Hero — a first-class Pea for flavour ; and Veitch's Perfection, two rows in the beginning of April. In the end of the same mouth I sow ;Bedman's Imperial ; early iu May, two rows of British Queen ; and lastly, Ivnight's Dwarf (ireen .Marrow iu the end of May or beginning of .June. Now, judging from the selection met with in the mjijority of seed catalogues, mine to some persons may seem a strange one ; but my experience of it at any rate satisfies myself, and keeps the cook iu tolerably good humour, considering that I have twenty or more persons to supply. According to ray memoranda the following is the order in which the several crops come iu for use — viz.. Carter's I'irst Crop, May '26th; Sangster's No. 1, Jime 14th; Dickson's Favourite, July 5th ; Yorkshire Hero, .July 17th ; Veitch's Perfection, .July SOth ; Redman's Imperial, July 27th ; British Queen, August 10th ; Knight's Dwarf Green Marrow, Septem- ber 1-tth, and lasting till the beginning of October. The chief points in the culture of Peas are to keep the ground about them well hoed, to earth thcui up a good height before sticking, which should be done as soon as required ; if dry weather is apprehended, to mulch with good long manure, and to water them if necessary. I may add, that should any of your readers think fit to try my selection, I have no doubt that with ordi- nary success the result will be Peas from Mav till October. — W. C. PtiTTYiNO Orchard-houses. — As there is some difference of opinion on this subject, I directed my glazier to putty my orchard-house only in parts. During the short frost in January seven panes cracked. Every one was uuputtied. Whether the cracking arose from the freezing of water between the laps, or from the want of that resistance to the weight of snow which a CUTTINGS OF HYBRID PERPETUAL ROSES. As a Rose amateur in a small way, I have noted your corre- spondent " CouNTitv CnRATE " in your Journal of December '2(lth, and without attempting to answer the questions generally contained in his letter, yet the remark as to cuttings from Hy- brid Peqietual Roses would seem to imply a difficulty, which, from experience, I can say does not exist if only the most ordinary care is obscr\ed. My plan is to take the cuttings from about the last week in July to the middle of August — Paul's " Rose Garden " gives the exact description of what a cutting should be. Well, I simply insert from four to six, according to the size of the pot which may be handy, iu a nice light mould, composed of one- third of sandy peat, or any sweet light sandy stuff, the remain- ing two-thirds sifted loam and a little burnt earth, just to make the whole light, and calculated to encourage the quick forma- tion of the rootlets. This season I filled as many small pots as I could manage with cuttings from such as Charles Lefebvre, Souvenir de la Malmaison, Princess of Wales, Jules Margottin, Devoniensis, John Hopper, Madame Boutin, .tc. These pots were plunged in the Rose-bed, well watered, and a hand-glass placed over every ten pots or so ; then a sheet of stout paper is covered over the whole of the glass and kept there for ten days or a fortnight, or otherwise the sun would make short work of the matter. Then the covering is partly removed — say from about half the surface of the hand-glass, and in five weeks or so I find the cuttings are for the most part struck, with here and there a few which arc easily removed and not missed, because from the first more cuttings are placed in the pot than are ex- pected to strike root. About the middle of September I carefully turn out the cut- tings, and place each iu a separate pot. Now, this is really an operation requiring care ; the cutting will be noticed with long white rootlets, so brittle that if the soil be pressed Ughtly they wiU suap asunder ; therefore, I merely hold tlie top of the cut- ting iu one hand in the pot, and just drop the compost with the other gently, give the pot a few shakes so that the roots meet the soil, and then place it, plunged to the rim, in the Rose-bed wherever convenient. The sun at this period of the year will hardly be too powerful to injure them if the syringe is freely used. At the end of October I house the whole safely in a cold frame, such as is used for Cucumbers ; but raised ou a bank 2 feet from the surface. Mine is but a small one, and at this time holds about four or five dozen pots, each with a young plant from a cutting as already explained. The very little trouble required in striking cuttings from many of our most famous Hybrid Pei^petual Roses, to my mind, renders the consideration of the question as to first budding on the Manetti of little consequence. If we wish for Roses on their own roots, it is quite certain that wo can always have them so, except some few that will not strike, as Madame Vidot. With this Rose I never could succeed ; but as the same difficulty is experienced at the nurseries where every appliance exists as to bottom heat, itc, this failure need not discourage an amateur. The following are sure to strike — viz., Charles Lefebvre, Jules Margottin, Souvenir de la Malmaison, Devoniensis, Lord Pal- merston, Triomphe do liennes, Gloire de Dijon, General Jaque- minot, and Due de Rohan. Perhaps the Tea Roses may not in cool seasons be so much depended upon as the Hybrid Per- petuals. My idea from'ithe first has been in favour of Roses on their own roots ; in short, there is iu many jilaces soil quite un- fitted for the Dog Rose, and the failures must be many. How- over, as a matter of taste, let every amateur try for himself, aud act accordingly. — Henrv Taylor, Lower Edmonton. POMMIER DE PAR^UJIS. A friekd of mine has just handed me a list of fruits by a Mr. Scott,' of Crewkerne. and directed my attention to the following paragraph, " Procure your Apples grafted on the ' Pomme Paradis.' " I was so astonished at seeing such ad- vice that I could scarcely believe any nmseryman could give such directions, my own experience is so opposed to the use of this stock. Many years since I was so struck with the pretty little Apple trees grown near Paris as single cordons, that I February 13, 1336. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 125 ordered some thousands of this stock (Pommier de Paradis), on which I was told the French nurserj-meu worked their trees for the purpose. These stocks were received in spring, and made a capital growth the first season. The foUowing winter was a severe one, and more than half the stocks were killed. As I was interested in the matter, I left the others unworked, to see how they would go on, and they were hadly infested with aphis, and some died during the heat of summer. After the next winter so few remained alive that I destroyed them, and never planted another stock of the kind. As nothing is more important than stocks to the cultivator of fruits, I should like to know how far Mr. Scott's advice is found to coincide with the experience of others. In the same work persons planting Pears on the Quiuce are told to plant above the graft ; here they would root from the scion, and soon grow on their own roots. What do you say, Messrs. Editors ? —J. E. PE.iKsox, Chilwell, Notts. [We think you are right. — Eds.] KEMPSEY AND BLACK ALICANTE GRAPES. In the Number for January 30th, under the heading " Notes on Grapes," I am surprised to find you state that the Kempsey Alicante is the same Grape as Morocco. In Dr. Hogg's " Fruit Manual," edition 1860, page 107, Kempsey Alicante is de- scribed in such terms as led me to procure a Vine of the sort, which, from the foliage, appears to be correct : of the fruit I cannot speak. At page 109 is described a very different Grape, Morocco, much inferior to the other. I am desirous of having the Grape, be its name what it may, described in the above work as Kempsey Alicante. Will you please inform me if I possess it ? oi- must I apply to Mr. Meredith for it ? Perhaps it would be an assistance to some other of your readers if Dr. Hogg would explain if the Kempsey Alicante sold by nurserymen con-esponds with the Grape of the same name at page 107 of his work, or with Morocco at page 109, and also state what is the Grape Mr. Meredith advertises as the real — Black Alicante. [The Kempsey Alicante Grape described in the " Fruit Manual " has been discovered to be identical with Black Mo- rocco, but very different and very inferior to the Black Ali- cante sent out by Mr. Meredith, and which is frequently called now " Meredith's Alicante." This latter we behove to be the true Alicante of Speechly, which has for some years fallen out of notice and cultivation, except in a few gardens where old Vines are still in existence It is one of the finest late black Grapes.] THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. At the anniversary meeting to be held this day at 3 p.m., the Council propose that the three retiring members of their body shall be J. J. Blandy, Esq., John KeUc, Esq., and Major R. Trevor Clarke ; and that those replacing them be Viscount Sandon. the Eight Hon. W. Cowper, M.P., and Sigismuud Eucker. Esq. As office-bearers for the ensuing year, it is pro- posed that the Treasurer and Secretary be G. F. Wilson, Esq., and Lieut. -Col. Scott, E.E., to replace J. Kelk, Esq., and W. Wilson Saunders, Esq. The new regulations as to the admission of young men as students into the Society's garden at Chiswiek have Ukewise been determined on. The principal requirements are that the candidate shall be at least twenty years old, be recommended by a Fellow of the Society, and have served three years in good gardens, and iu one such garden not less than a year. Fur- ther, he must be able to write and spell well, and be tolerably proficient iu arithmetic. Good character, it is scarcely neces- sary to add, is indispensable. The wages of the young men admitted ixnder the above conditions are to be 12s. per week, but rewards for meritorious work will be added. The meetins:; of Febrnary lOtb was an improvement on the former exliibitions of this class in the present year, and wrvs mnch more nume- rously ntteuJetl. It is evident that there is a gi-owing desire among amateurs and nnrseiymen of decorative plants to take advantage of the opportunities these meetings afford of exhibiting their productions to a class of visitors who, perhaps more than auv others, can appre- ciate them; and now that London is '■ tilling,' "and these Saturday promenades are attended by the rli'te of the fashionable world, we hope to see a gi-eater variety of these choice little collections than hitherto. Mr. Cutbnsh again sent a collection of forced flowers, similar in every respect to that we described last week, the centre of the group beic; occupied with the graceful Solomon's Seal. Ou this occasion Mr. Cii'Jnsh rather overdid it by introdncing six plants, instead of the four wh'ch harmonised so well in his last exhibition. It seemed as if the harmony of the group was destroyed by too much of one thing. Still the plants were vei-y graceful, and were beautifully grown. For this an extra second priee was awarded. The speciality of the meeting was prizes for six ornamental plants ; and the first prize was awarded to Mr. Young, gardi'ner to Mrs. Bar- clay, of Highgate, with a handsome plant of Yucca aloifolia. Azalea inchca Nosegay, Dracima Cooperi, Rhododendi-on Cunninghami, Epi- deudrum cochleatum, and Duke of Wellington Hyacinth. Mr. Bart- lett, of Shaftesbury Terrace, Hammersmith, obtained the second prize with Rhodora canadensis, a hybrid Epiphyllum, and pots of the Hya- cinths Grand LUfts, Circe, Tubiflora, and Charles Dickens. Mr. Cutbush also exhibited a tine collection of eighteen forced bulbs, which received an extra first prize, and consisted of four pots of Hyacinths, four of Tulips, and ten of Crocuses, and also twelve plants of the lovely little Pmuus sinensis flora pleno forced in pots. They are like hliputian double-blossomed Cherries. They received a first-class certificate. Messrs. F. & A. Smith, of Dnlwich, sent a collection of eight very beautiful varieties of Primula sinensis, many of them doulbe, the finest of which were incamata, a fine flesh-coloured variety, and Queen of England, white with a blush centre. Kermesina splendens plena is a fine rosy red and very double. Some of the single varieties were also very good, such as fimbriata superba, of immense size, and fringed round the margin of the corolla ; Carnation, prettily striped, &c. These received a first-class certificate. Mr. \''oung received a certificate for a collection of Gourds, and Mr. Bartlett an extra third prize for a collection of forced Hya- cinths. Messrs. Lucking Brothers again exhibited a choice lot of forced flowers, for which they received a certificate. PORTRAITS OF PLANTS, FLOWERS, AND FRUITS. Chaheranthemum Beyrichu, var. vakiegata (Variegated- leaved Beyrich's Chameranthemum). — Nat. ord., Acanthacese. Linn., Didynamia Angiospermia. Native of Brazil. Leaves edged mth dark green, centre very pale. — (Bot. Man., '• 5557.) LuisiA Psyche (Butterfly-flowered Luisia). — Nat.ord., Orchid- ace.-e. Linn., GjTiandia Monandria. Native of Burmah ; im- ported by Messrs. Hugh Low & Co. Sepals and petals pale yellowish green ; lip tessellated with violet-purple spots. — (Ibid t. 5558.) Thibaudia cordifolia (Heart-leaved Thibaudia). — Nat. m-d., Vaccinea?. Linn., Decandria Monogynia. Native of the Andes in various provinces of New Granada. Flowers scarlet, tipped with yellowish white. — (Ibid t. 5559.) Bauhinia tomentosa, rar. glabra (Glabrous variety of Downy Bauhinia). — Nat, ord., Leguminosai. Linn., Diadelphia Decandria. Native of Benguela, Ceylon, Malabar in India, and of Natal and other places in Africa. Flowers primrose colour, with deep purplish crimson blotch at the base of the upper petal. — [Ibid t. 5560.) Eulophia euglossa (Pretty-lipped Eulophia). — Nat. ord., Orchidacea;. Linn., Gjmandria Monandria. Native of the banks of the Old Calabar River in Africa. Sepals and petals green ; lip white, streaked with purple. — [Ibid t. 5561.) TiLLANDSLA xiPHioiDES (Buenos Ayres Air-plant). — Nat. ord., BromeliacefB. Linn., Hexandi-ia Monogynia. Grows on trees in Bueuos Ayres and at Mendoza, as well as other places at the foot of the Cordillera. Flowers white and deliciously fragrant. —{Ibid t. 5562.) AucuBA jAPONiCA VAKIEGATA. — A berried specimen. — [Floral Mag., pi. 277.) Verbena — Really Blue. — A variety possessed by Mr. Bull, Chelsea ; " a really blue variety." — (Ibid pi. 278.) Chrtsasthemums. — lona, bright golden. John Salter, bright orange. — (Ibid pi. 279.) Calanthe Veitchii. — A pink-flowered hybrid Orchid, raised by Mr. Viominy .—(Ibid pi. 280.) Peach — F.arly Albert. — Eaised by Mr. Eivers, of Sawbridge- worth, who iu this branch of fruit-culture has been most suc- cessful.— " The Early Albert Peach is of rather large size, roundish, and frequently higher on one side of the suture than the other, and with a dimpled apex. Skin greenish yellow, and covered with small red points on the shaded side, but deep crim?ou, becoming sometimes almost black, when grown against a wall and fully exposed. Flesh white, very tender, and melting, with a faint brick red tinge next the stone, from which it sejjarates freely, and with an abundant, sugary, and 126 JOUKKAL OF HOETICULTUHE AND COTTAGE GAm)EXER. [ February 18, 1358. vinons juico, which is very rich. It is a first-rate early Peach ripening in the beginning of Aufjust." — (Ploritt and Pomologitt, v., 17.) THE H.VXUM. OR T^VFA-JAX lUUlT. In riding over the hills between Jericho and Bethel we fonml some fruit on a plant which was entirely new to iis, and, as in many respects it appeared to be of a description pleasing to the oyo, delicious to tlio palate, and with an agreeable aroma, I doterminod, if possible, to bring home a few seeds, that it might hiivo a chance of being introduced as on addition to our dessert fruits. From the time of the year at which I found the fruit dead ripe on the plants, I fancy that it will not be dilUcult to cultivate ; for. as the plants appeared to have reached maturity when I found them, on the '28th April — that is to say, before the really hot summer weather of that country had com- menced, it a))pears that the cooler period of the Syrian spring ia sufficiently warm ; and the best proof that it will stand a moderately low temperature is, that on reference to my journal I find that the temperature in our tent at night was 55°, and at smirise -12' on the day when I found a plant of the " Hanum " in full bearing. The plant resembles the Melon in habit, growth, and leaf on a smaller scale, and appeared to carry from six to ten ripe fruit at a time. The fruit is about the size of an Apricot, of a bright yellow colour, with a thin skin, which separates easily from the ripe pulp, in which I found from twelve to twenty pips or seeds ; upou bemg crushed or opened the fruit yields a most deUcious aroma, which of itself would make it a valuable addi- tion to om- dining tables. The soil in which the plant grows is the red stony loam like that of our Westmoreland hills, and I was told that the plant only grows on the hill tops in the neiKhbom'hood of Bethel ; but I also met with it on the high land between Samai-ia-an-Jenin. Not knowing it botanically I call it by the native names, and my object in WTiting this description of it is to inform you that I have a few seeds to spare, and shall be happy to place them in the hands of such of your friends as are most likely to suc- ceed in cultivating the fi-uit to perfection. I sent a liberal supply of the seeds to the Koyal Horticultural Society, which I have no doubt their able gardener will test this spring, and, I j hope, be able to increase the stock. As regards the cultivation, I venture to suggest a course similar to that adopted with the Melon with plenty of ventila- tion, for the plants appeared to grow on open exposed spots of the hill tops. The soil should not be too rich ; if possible, as nearly similar to the native red stony loam as can bo ; and as the plants appeared to be of rapid giowth and maturity, I do not think that the seeds will require very early somng. — W. Wanklyx. _ ExTENsrvE Rale of Fruit Trees. — We beg to draw the atten- tion of our readers to a notice which appears in our advertising columns of a verj- important sale of fruit trees, to commence at Adams's Nursery, Acton Lane, Turnham Green, on Wednesday the -ilst iust. The stock comprises upwards of 50,000 Apples Pears, Plums, and other fruit trees ; also a number of ornamental trees and shrubs, all in fine condition. ROUGH TREATMENT OP FIG TREES. After reading the remarks made by your correspondent G. Dawson on the priming of Fig trees, I believe there is great truth in his statements, for I well remember that six or seven years ago I called to see an old gardener with whom I was acquainted — he was one of those old half-century-gardeners — and after walking round to see his plants, some of which, es- pecially the Conifers, were very good, I went to the kitchen garden, and in one comer there stood a large Fig tree. It was a standard, witli a stem somewhere about 2 feet in circum- ference, or it might have been rather more. I asked him if he obtained any Figs from that tree. He replied in the affirma- tive ; and I then asked him if he ever pruned it 7 — and how ho managed it ? Then all at once he said, " Lor' bless'ee, I get up with a hatchet or za and cut off a gurt limb sometimes, and I get as many Figs as you could carry." It was the Black Ischia, as well as I can recollect. — W. Hai.lett, Cussiunton. [There are many worthy old gardeners who delight in saying strange things to astonish the "green ones." " The hatchet and the za '' are rather extreme weapons for using much among Fig trees. Yet it is no less true, as stated the other week, that wliere the climate is pood Figs will do better if the bearing branches arc allowed to hang a Uttle from tho wall, instead of being closely tacked to it. In the south of the Island, as in places in Devonfliire. they do .idminibly as bosh standards in the open air. Mr. Tillyard. at Bentley I'rioiy, gives a good deal of liberty to his Fig trees out of doors as well as under glass, and with good results, which, with other things, we hoped to have noticed long ago. The Fig does not like a too high temperature; and with shoots jiretty open, close to a wall, the heat in spring and summer is often too great, injur- ing the young fniit, and scorching one side of the ripeninR fruit. We knew of two Fig trees, close to a stable, with a good aspect, and in a warm sheltered situation, that bore abun- dantly every year, and tho worthy proprietor would allow no one to touch them but himself, and all the pruning they had consisted in his taking out a few shoots now and then when they became too thick, and putting a string round others to secure them a little to the wall, so that the winds should not break them down. Wo sh Uu also say that, when nailed to the wall in the usual way, t'p finest Figs we ever saw out of doors were against a wall with an east aspect, on which the power of the sun would cease after 10 a.m. The finest Pig trees out of doors, without any protection, which we ever saw were a row of dwarf standards at Mamhead. The largo luscious fruit were a sight We have no recollection of anything of tho sort north of Loudon.] YocR correspondent Mr. Dawson (page 90), states what 1 have often heard before — namely, that Figs bear better when not trained closely to the wall. If such be the fact, I can only account for it by supposing that shoots close to a wall are excited earlier in spring, and the young fruit, from want of protection during irosty nights, is eut off; while shoots far from the wall hardly show for fruit until the season of danger is nearly past. I do not uncover my walls till the 1st of April and cover again on cold nights. — G. S. POT.V'K ) A-AGARIES. For a rather considerable number of years I have made Potato cultm-e a small hobby on which I have taken a gentla annual trot, trying to test the qualities of the many sorts which have been the subjects of very "tall talk," ados puff- ing. From all that has passed under my notice relative to this most valuable article of food, I am not sur]>riEed to find poor Mr. Paterson feted in the north and grumbled at in the south. " A benefactor to his species, and his Potatoes a boon to mankind,"' at Dundee — after dinner; while one of our most experienced gardeners in Surrey can find but little good or exemption from disease in any of liis new sorts. This is the result of one trial in one season, and is doubtless true. I am not defending or wishing to write >ip BIr. Paterson's Po- tatoes, but only to point out the changes that talic place in even our old sorts of Potatoes in different seasons and in different soils. All experiments are of value, even that of " D., Deal.'' who planted his half a peck of each sort in his small garden, and then told us what he had done and how he cooked and ate them. I have liitherto considered the Kidney Potatoes as the only kinds fit for the tables of those who appreciate a good Potato ; and among them for many years, in my opinion, the Ashleafs have taken the first rank for flavour, wliich is so peculiar and so good. I have foimd but little or no difference in the varieties known as Myatt's, Eoyal. &c. ; but I think I have been .ible to distinguish tliat the closer the adherence to the parent of all the race — the old Ashleaf. in the varieties brought out or raised from its seed, so much nearer to perfection arc they in ilavour. Xext to the Ashleafs in tlavonr is the L.ipstone or Haigh's Kidney. It must be some fifteen or more years ago that 1 saw, spread out in a shed in the nursery of Messrs. Backhouse at York, a large quantity of a most beautiful-looking Kidney Potato. They were being greened for seed, and were called Haigh's Kidney. It was some time before 1 learnt their alias — Lapstonc. As a matter of course I ordered some, and gladly commenced their culture. The fii-st season, to my great dis- comfort, they were prostrated by disease, so that I had difficulty in saving enongli for seed' — very tmall ti.bers. Tlie second season they suffered more from disease than any other kind, and continued to do so for three or four seasons. In spite of tliis their flavour was so good that I could not think of dip- continuing their cultiu-e, and so I persevered ; still I considered' February IS, ISCC. 1 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 127 the sort delicate in constitution, and only fit to grow as a luxury. For the last seven or eight years a mars-ellous change has come over this sort. Its habit is more robust, and it has resisted disease so as always to retain its flavour. I now come to the year I8B0 and its Potato vagaries. In the month of February I planted on a rough hotbed, made of manure, leaves, and refuse, my usual crop of Ashleafs of two or three kinds — the Old, Myatt's. and the Royal. The bed was U feet wide and 60 feet long. On the 20th of May I commenced digging new Potatoes, and my supply lasted till the end of .Jime, the quality of aU excellent. Ashleafs in the open borders were then commenced and found to be equally good, the Royal producing largely. This state of things lasted till the beginning of August, when heavy rain commenced, and with it the disease, which in a day or two reduced the bines to sere dry stallss, but leaving the tubers to appearance entirely fi'ee from disease. To our surjirise we found our favourite Ashleafs from a piece of Ught soil had lost their flavour. We tried them from loam, from clay, from peaty soil near the river — they were all alike flavourless, or at least they had only the peculiar insipid taste of the Fluke Kidney. V/e endured this with patience, for on trying the Racehorse, the Imperial Kidney, the Prince of "Wales, alias " Boon to Mankind " (which said " Boon " was very rotten, and the few saved very imeat- able), Moua's Pride, almost tmeatable (how can any grower compare this to the Ashleafs ? It i^ not earlier than the old sort, and never has any flavour), the Lemon Kidney, and the Silver-skin Kidney, some of which were sound-looking, all were iound flavourless and uneatable. "R'hat a ridiculous illustra- tion of the folly of giving prizes for uncooked Potatoes ! Terily it is something like " testimoni.als " to new early Peas, many of ■which are not only alike, but very old sorts with very new names. These matters are not creditable to the age; they lower the status of tradesmen, and make people hold up the finger of scorn. Driven from our Ashleafs, which we have generally depended npon tUl late in October, we turned to our winter favottrite the Lapstone about the middle of September. Ou digging them itp the crop was found good, the tubers remarkably sound and handsome, and we thought we were safe for the winter. After our cook's ttsual mode — the only way to cook Potatoes — the Lapstones were steamed in one of Barlow's steamers, and brought to table. To oiu' surprise they looked glum and sullen — not a jacket unbuttoned as usual, and to our still greater surprise 'we found them close and almost flavoitrless. We endured this during the whole of October and nearly all through November, when, as a dernier rcssort, I ordered them to be peeled, boiled, salted, and dry-clothed. This has brought on a change for the better ; but their deliciotis flavour is gone — they are Flukish, and only fit for London dining-rooms. Not quite satisfied with the state of otn- Potato affairs, I thought of my spring favourite — I must explain that my three sorts have hitherto been Ashleafs and a few Ten-weeks for spring and summer, Lapstones for late autumn and winter, and the King for March and April ; so anticipating and hoping to find "all right," I ordered a dish of Kings to be steamed in " EiUy Barlow," as some jesters stigmatise the immortal steamer, on Tuesday last, .January 30. They came, but they did not conquer, for their jackets were closely bttttoned ; others looked like a dj-speptic an hour after being tempted into taking a glass of fine old port — isn't the feeling horrible? Well, our Kings turned out mucli worse than our Lapstones. They were close, ill-flavoured, and indeed uneatable ; so much so that, depending upon a gi-eat treat — I delight in a good Potato — no other sort was cooked, and I was compelled to dine on half a King, and not a savoui-y one, as he of the Cannibal Isles might have been. As a forlorn hope I have to-day (Feb. 2), had some Pink Fluke, or Queen of Flukes, steamed in their jackets. Like the three sorts above named, they are close and ill- flavoured. I quite hoped to find the King and Queen of their usual good quahty. It is curious to note these abnormal features in Potatoes of -the growth of 18G.5. I am not aware, and have not heard, of their quality in other places from good observers. The round sorts are, I beUeve, as usual dry and floury, but they are not usually placed on the table:! of those who do things well. Potatoes were green and flourishing here (Herts), tiU August the lith, 185.5, when, after heavy rains, on or about that ■time, the bines died oil suddenly, emitting before doing so that peculiarly offensive smell indicative of the disease. The ■tubers of some kinds, however, were full grown, and did not sitffer in appearance. The crop of Lapstones and Royal Ash- leafs was particularly abundant and sound, but their fine flavotir was gone. The sorts of Kidney Potatoes that suffered most here have been Mona's Pride, nearly all rotten ; the " Boon," alias Prince of Wales, the Imperial Kidney, the Silver-skin, and the Lemon ; most of these were masses of rottenness. The King and the Pink, or Queen of Flukes, resisted the disease to a grjat extent, for their tops were green a month after the others were brown and dried up, but their tubers are, as I have above stated, not of their usual quality. I was struck last spring ■with one kind of early Kidney Potato which I had thought so delicate and shy in bearing as not to be worthy of ctiltivation. From some pecuUarity in the weather this sort came up well, grew well, and bore a good crop, proving the earliest of all except the Ten-week. It is known as Hudson's Early May. I have thought it worth while to give this history of Kidney Potato culture here in 181)5, because it will, I think, snow that in some seasons and in some soils Potatoes vary in quality to an extent almost beyond credibihty. As to the reason why fine full-grown tubers should lose theu' flavour because their tops died oft' a week or two before their usual period, and after the roots were fuU-gi-own and nearly ripe, it is a question for the physiologist. — Fokwaeds. SEEDLING GRAPES SrOETIVE. In- an interesting article by Mr. T. M. Lindsay at page 502 of the last Volume, he remarks that he is somewhat sceptical about the crossing of Grapes, and says, " I believe that the majority of Grapes sent out of late years as cross-bred varieties are in reality no crosses at all, but simply sports from seed." I will grant that this opinion is true in some cases, for the Editors, in commenting on Mr. Lindsay's illustrations, remark that these " furnish another proof that in the vege- 1 table as in the animal kingdom, when a fixed form has once I been broken in upon, there is no end to the vagaries that 1 follow." I have been fertilising Grapes, and rearing seedlings fi-om these, for the last twelve years, but I never thought of taking the trouble to sow seeds, unless fertilisation had been carefuDy practised with a view to effecting improvement in the quality, productiveness, habit, &c. ; nevertheless, I consider the experiments made by Mr. Lindsay in sowing the seeds of the Black Hamburgh Grape, withottt crossing, very interesting and instructive, partictJarly to those who have been in the habit of growing Grapes from seed. I do not now intend to give an account of my successes and failures, I wish only to mention the pecuharity of light Grapes being produced from seed taken from a black parent, and that, according to what has been stated by eminent growers, even without cross-fertilisation. I am con- vinced, however, that the colottr is sportive, for I have this year obtained a true white variety in every respect from that new and superior black Grape the Muscat Hamburgh ; and what is still more confirmatory of this ■view is, that in the present instance the female parent, or Muscat Hamburgh, was most carefully crossed with my own new Champion Black Ham- burgh, no doubt there was white blood in the male parent, it having an infusion of the Canon Hall (white) in it. I believe that it w,ll be fresh in the memory of all the readers of this Journal that Mr. W. Thomson, of Dalkeith Park, raised a white Hamburgh Grape from the Black. The same is now, I think, named the Champion Golden Hamburgh. Mr. Lindsay's experience also fully proves that the common Hamburgh, at all events, is very apt to produce white seedlings. It remains to be proved if other varieties will do the same. Assuming the foregoing to be correct, particularly as regards Grapes with which cross-fertilisation has not been resorted to, are we to obtain new Grapes improved in their properties, more particularly in respect to flavour and size, without recourse to artificial fertilisation ? From what experience I have had, I would decidedly answer. No. I do not deny that solitary in- stances may occur of an improved Grape being produced by chance ; but from what I have proved, even with careful crossing, success is not always attained. — William Melville, Dalmemj Park Gardens. MiLB^sESS OF THE Seasok. — The mild month of January has had such an unusual effect uiion vegetation here, at Hawlchurst in Kent, that an account of the plants in bloom out of doors may not be uninteresting to your readers. On the 7th of Januai-y a Lord Suiiield Apple .tree presented us 126 JODBNAIi OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB. r Fobnury 13, 18M. with a truss of bloom ; on the '.Hh Snowdrops and Crocnses were in fnll bloom ; and on the I'.'tb the first Daffodil made its appearance. AU this, perhaps, may bo imnsual, but not so surprising as when I state that on the same day some Khodo- dendrons of the ponticum varieties expanded some trasses of bloom ; and on the 21st we had a bright scarlet one a mass of bloom, about thirty trusses heinf: all expanded at once. Sou- venir do la Miilinaison Kose also gave us some good blooms. Many hardy .^lirubs are making growth. Teach trees are on the march, and the vegetation of many other plants is becoming more or less active. I should like to know if this is the case elsewhere. If so, it will be necessarj- for every gardener to have a watchful eye to the weather, and have plenty of pro- tecting material at hand ; otherwise wo are likely to lose the bloom of many valuable plants, and have our prospects of fruit destroyed. — T. Kecobd. On New Year's-day of the present year I picked from my garden — a terrace one, and exposed to easterly winds — six ripe Strawberries of a very fair average size, and nearly equal in flavour to a summer Strawberry. — F. K., iVellington, Saloji. GLOXINIA CULTURE. I HAVE often wondered that Gloxinias, a class of plants possess- ing so many beauties, are not more generally cultivated. They may be had in bloom throughout the summer and autumn, and if we take into acconnt how simple their cultuie is, I think there are few plants that better repay the attention bestowed upon them. Where a succession of bloom is required tlie tubers must be started into growth at different times, allowing from four to five weeks between each lot ; and as the time to start the first is at hand, I have thought the following remarks on their culture might be of use to some of the numerous readers of The Jodrsal of Hobticultcfx. Early in February take from their winter quarters the pots containing the dormant tubers, and place them on a level surface, tlien with the watering-can give as much water as will moisten the soil, which will have become di-y during tlie time the tubers have been at rest. This done, plimge the pots in a bottom heat of from 65° to 70°, but if bottom heat is not at command, a vinery that is at work will answer very well. With due attention to watering, the tubers will in two or three weeks have started, and begun to grow freely. Then, but not sooner, turn them out of the pots and carefully shake the old soil from them, doing as little injury to the fibres as possible. Transfer them to clean, well-drained pots a size larger than those from which they were taken, using the following compost, which I have found to suit them admirably : — Two parts decayed leaves, one part fibry loam, and one part dried cowdung broken into little lumps about the size of cob nuts, adding as much silver Band and fine wood charcoal as will give the whole a nice friable texture. This compost should at the time of its being used be nice and dry, and of the same temperature as the structure in which the plants have been growing. The soil being in readiness, proceed with the repotting by first draining the pots, an operation which must be done elhciently, as the well-doing of the plants depends in a great measure on this. On the top of the drainage place the roughest portion of the compost, pressing it firmly down with the hand, and fill the pots until by placing the tuber on the soil the crown reaches to within an inch of the top of the pot. Then fill in between the pot and the tuber with the finer portion of the compost, give the pot a few smart taps on the bench, which will cause the soil to penetrate amongst the fibres, and finish by pressing the soil round the tuber with the fingers, leaving the crown just pe«ping through the soil. This being done, give a gentle water- ing with tepid water, and return the Gloxinias to their old quarters ; if in the bark-bed place a small flower-pot, not in- verted, beneath each, which will prevent worms from entering, and allow the water to pass off freely. After the pots have been plunged for a fortnight raise them one-half their depth, and in another fortnight lift them entirely out of the bed, placing the plr-nts where they can have as much light as possible, but not near a flue or hot-water pipes, as dry hot air is very injoi-ious to the foliage. Examine the plants daily, and see that none suffers from want of water. That used should always i:e of the same temperature as the house in which the plants are growing. Be also careful not to over- water, as if the soU becomes saturated they will cease to thrive. As soon as the plants begin to show flower remove them to the warmest part of the greenhouse, as the flowers should expand in the same heat as that in which they are to remain.* In hot weather a slight shade will be necessary during the hottest part of the day. As the plants go out of flower water must be gradually withheld, and they hhould be placed in a position where they can have all the sun possible ; this will cause the tubers to ripen and go to rest, which is necessary to their future well-doing. During the period of rest these must never be exposed to a temperature below 4.5'. — J. Hammond. GROWING ME.VLY POTATOES. " D., Deal," is quite a Coryphfcus among flowers, but I can- not say as much for his knowledge of Potatoes. He should have known that meahness or waxiness in I'otatoe.s is much under our control. If he had taken the native habitat of the Potato, the chemical constituents of the soil there, and com- pared it with the analysis of a healthy and a diseased Potato, he would have found suggestions enough. The Potato is an alkali plant. Our manured soils have a coiTCct relation to the Wheat plant, a phosphatic plant, but little to the Potato. A waxy Potato is full of developed albuminous cells ; but the cells are not all filled with starch. Phosphatic manures favour the production of albuminous compounds, and alkalies the production of starch. Now, if " D." of Deal will add alkalies liberally to his rich garden soil, he can grow even sound Pota- toes as mealy as he likes. Sulphate of magnesia is one of the best Potato stimulants we have, and it is cheap, 7.<. or 8». per cwt. Sulphate of soda, dry — i.e., not crystallised, technically the salt cake of the alkali manufacturer, is another — say 58. per cwt. Nitrate of potash is the finest stimulant of aU : but the price is beyond the reach of ordinary Potato growers ; but those like " D."' of Deal, who are verj- partial to good Pota- toes, and to whom cost is a small consideration, should use it freely — say per acre, to soil full of phosphates : — 2 cwt. nitrate of potash ; 2 cwt. sulphate of soda ; 2 cwt. sulphate of mag- nesia ; 2 cwt. common salt. A poor soil in all constituents would also require 4 or G cwt. of guano, or superphosphate. If the nitrate of potash is left out, except in manse gardens, the remainder will be found a valuable and a profit-paying manuie. — W. Eoss, Herefordslare. AVORK FOR THE •V\-EEK. KITCHEN G.^UDEN. Attekd to the drainage of your gardens, for at this season, when frequent forkings and turning over of previously trenched ground are requisite, it is easy to perceive the advantage and great importance of efiicient drainage. This, of course, refers to soils that do require drainage, because some do not. How beautifully the earth mellows and crumbles down, and how much sooner it comes into a fit state for cropping when the drainage has been properly attended to ; nay, more, the labour it requires is much less, because all pulverising operations are more easily performed. If the soil be uudrained the labour is far greater to bring it into anything like condition for the re- ception of crops, and even then the progress and produce of the crops committed to it are greatly inferior to what they are in the former case. We would, therefore, endeavour to im- press upon the minds of all who cultivate the soil with the view of receiving an adequate return for the labour bestowed upon It, that a thoroughly efEcient system of drainage is the basis of all successful cultivation. Persevere in hoeing, sur- face-stirring, and dusting with Ume amongst all advancing crops, and do not forget to put good-sized readable labels to every crop, with the name in full, and the date when sown or planted. This will save much trouble hereafter, and the results, if transfened to a journal, will be valuable for future reference. Carrot;;, make another sowing of Early Horn. Cu- cumbers, the greatest attention should be paid to the bed for the first fortnight after the plants have been turned out, the heat-stick should be examined daily, as it is a much better cri- terion to go by than a thermometer, which only indicates the heat of the atmosphere in the frame. Cover up according to the heat of the bed : if this will allow of it, a small portion of air should be left ou every night ; this may be done in the even- ing, after the frame has been closed three or foui- hours. En- din', continue to blanch the late crops. Lettuce, attend to " The greenhouse shonld be warm, and the air moist. In aji airy CTcenhouec the leaves become shabby.— Eds. February 13, 1866. ] JOTJENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 129 surface-stirring, and to the removal of decayed matter from the autiimn-planted on sloping banks. Oniotus, plant the bulbs of last year vrhich begin to grow, they will be found very useful where there is a scarcity of sound ones, they may also be planted for seed. Plant the Underground sort, if not done in the autumn. Weed and clean the autumn-sown. I'ca,s, if the soil is in good working condition juit in now the first principal crops of Tall Marrows, British Queen and Victoria, in the open quarters, sowing Spinach between the rows ; as this gi-ound comes in well for Celei-y, the Peas should have the fuU width of 6 feet from row to row, the Spinach will come off in time for the trenches to be made for the Celerj'. Continue, also, to sow successions of Early Peas, Longpod. and Windsor Beans, according to the demand. Panic;/, a sowing should be made as soon as the gi'ound is in a fit state to receive the seed. Potatoes, plant some Ash-leaved Kidneys on a warm sheltered border if the weather is mild and favourable. Eadisiu-s, sow a succession. Continue the operations of manuring, trenching, and forking over the ridges whenever the weather will permit. FRUIT GARDEN". Pruning and nailing Peaches, Nectarines, and Apricots, may be followed up with vigour and perseverance, whenever the weather is favom-able. Wall fruit trees of any kind that are becoming crowded with wood near the top of the wall should have some of the larger branches headed back, and the shoots trained below. Do not crowd the centre of fan-trained trees with too much wood, that part will always fill up enough. FLOWER GARDES. Take eveiy opportunity to forward the gi-ound operations in this department. Now is a good time for the formation of beds for Bourbon, China, and Tea-scented Roses. Take the soil out to the depth of 12 inches, tiU up with rotten dung from old hotbeds, or any other source, tread it firmly as the bed is filled, place 3 inches of soil on the dung, and plant in the usual manner. Dui'ing open weather give standards some good wateiings with drainings from the dimg-hsap. Prepare beds for Carnations and Pinks, strong turfy loam, with rotten cow or sheep-dung added, forms an excellent compost ; let the beds he 6 inches above the siurface of the ground. Have the Pansy- beds in readiness, choose a strong rich soil in a shady situa- tion, if the blooms are wanted in perfection. Top-dress Auriculas and Polyanthuses with a light loam, made rich by adding rotten eow-dimg. This is a good time to take oS the offsets before top-dressing, plant them three or four in a five- inch pot, and place them in a shady part of the frame. Sow seed in shallow pans, and place them in a cold frame. Place roots of choice Dahlias in a little heat to start for cuttings. Plant out biennials in masses, where requisite. Lose no time in finishing the planting of trees and shrubs. gpj:exhouse axd conservatory. The conservatory now should be full of interest, and ought, where much attention is paid to flowers, to be as fuU of beauty as at any period of the whole year. Any Camellias done blooming should, if possible, be removed forthvvith to some of the houses at work ; a moist atmosphere, a temperature averaging 65', and a canvass shading overhead are the requi- sites in order to cause them to produce wood freely and large leaves ; the shading must by no means be neglected. The early-forced bulbs will now be out of bloom, and should be removed to some sheltered place from which frost is excluded in order to ripen their foliage, and other plants introduced from the forcing-pit. Hibiscus, Clerodendrons, Justicias, and other half- stove plants which flower in the conservatoiy. may be primed, and some of them placed in a higher temperature, but they should not be potted until they begin to grow freely. A few Neriums and Hydrangeas may be also forced into early growth for this house. A gentle heat would now benefit the Chinese Azaleas for early flowering. Continue to give as much air daily to the greenhouse as the state of the weather will admit of, and see that all plants are watered regularly ; the great object is to keep these plants from growing early. Pro- ceed with the potting of such Heaths as require shifting, using the upland peat for the hardwooded kinds, and the rich low- land peat for the softwooded ones. STOTB. Do not at present excite Ixoras, or such plants as Franciscea maorophyUa, which have set their blooms, but young plants of all kinds, to make the most of them, must be started imme- diately. Rondeletias to be cut-in, and started in the warmest part of the house. Pot a few plants of Gesnera, Gloxinia, and Achimenes for early Hooming. Prepare tan and other ferment- ing material for renewing the bottom heat towards the middle of March. Increase the moisture and temperature gradually as the days lengthen. See that suitable composts are ready under cover for potting and sowing seeds. For.ciNG-riT. Continue to introduce fresh supplies of plants as the former ones are removed to the conservator^", also other plants from which you wish to obtain an early crop of cuttings. Common plants that do not promise much bloom should be at once dis- carded to make room for others, faUiU'es of this nature always occur more or less in early forcing. PITS and FRA5IES. Here, if the number of plants required for bedding-out is considerable, there will be plenty of employment for all hands. The whole of the autumn-propagated plants must be potted off v.-ithout delay, so as to have them well rooted and turned out into sand in temporaiy pits by the 1st of April, in order to set the pots at Uberty for a second lot of plants, w"hich should now be coming forward in the propagating-frame. Make aU possible speed in potting on the young stock of Fuchsia cut- tings as soon as struck, placing them in a kindly bottom heat. A number of Amaryllis bulbs should now be shaken out, and repotted in half-decayed turfy loam mixed with a small portion of sand and a pretty liberal supply of charcoal. — W. Eeajxe. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KIIC22N OAKDEN. Janeaky, and February, too, as far as the latter mouth has gone, have been regular •' fill-ditches." The ground has not been so soaked in this neighbourhood for years. A plentiful provision has now been made for a dry summer ; not only from the water collected in iJools and ponds, but from that which has sunk down to raise the height of the springs, which in many cases had fallen unusually lov.'. The soaking of the uadersoU will also furnish a supply of moisture to meet a rapid evaporation from the surface. It is pleasant to think of these things when we cannot do as we would like in the kitchen gar- den. Almost everything rightly viewed has a bright side, if we will only look for it : and much of human happiness con- sists in the ability and habit of looking at the bright side and not on the dark. In the one case, too, the mind is strung to energy to conquer difficulties ; in the other, every little ob- struction becomes a huge lion in the way. What complaints have already reached us that Peas and Beans and many other crops cannot be put into the ground. Well, what is the use of the repining ? We have so^\-u the same sort of Pea in November and in the month of March, and sometimes we have gathered the last-sown first, and generally within a few days of the other. We would not now, to secure eaiiiness, sow or plant either crop until the gi'ound were nice and mellow, at least not for some weeks to come. To be sure of an early crop, however, we would sow in boxes, on turf, in semicircular drain tiles, &c., and keep in a snug place, and transplant when all was right as respects the ground. Transplanted Peas and Beans will ever be earlier, other things being equal, than those that are sown. In most gardens where any potting is done, there will always be some diT stuff beneath the potting-bench, which will be useful for covering seeds in wet, hea%"y lands ; but in aU such soU it is better to refrain fi-om sowing when the groimd is claggy and wet, and watch for the first opportunity when it is friable and rather dry. Except to collect the necessary vegetables we have scarcely done anything in the kithen garden for a fortnight. If our stiffish ground were either dug or trenched when in a soaked state, it would hang together like indian-rubber or bird-hme all the summer. If we planted when the ground was in such a state, every mark made by the feet of the men would require much breaking and forking to make it friable and kindly in summer. Light sandy soils of coui-se can be worked almost at any time. Good loamy soils should never be puddled when wet. When worked comparatively dry they are nice and mel- lov," all the season. We have seen such soils dug, trenched, and ploughed when exceedingly wet, when the truest economy would have been to have kept spade and plough locked up. The fine buists of sunshine between the storms of rain and the hurricanes of wind, are the cheerful omens that better weather is coming. There need be no lack of work, though Uttle can be done in the open groimd. The garden must be small indeed, if a few weeks of profitable labour cannot be spent without even putting a spade in the ground. 180 JOUBNAL OF HORTICTJLTDRE AND COTTAGE GARDEI^ER. [ roliraary IS, 1806. Prcceeileil -willi nil in-door crop|iiiig, ns Kidney Beans, Sea- kale. MiHlirooms. Kluibnrb, Asimrngiia, .tc, as detailed in pre- vious weeks ; ntuiivcnt on with |)liiiitin(,' for cover out of doors, where holes wero nimle in turfy or liilly prouud, nud the damp was rather nn lulviiutiiKc than otherwise, the ground beiuR rendered softer ami more friable in consequence. Whore ground lies on a slope, a prnssy turfy covcrinR is almost as good for preventing anything like soaking as it is for keeping out any great cmount of frost. Trapped, and though rather averse to such a course, put poison in places where nothing else conld reach it fi>r mice and rats, which arc becoming very trouble- some. Thov have completely stumped in and destroyed most of our earliest Cauliflowers. Our reserve of Cauliflowers for the table is now over ; but Broccoli is coming in. Those garden enemies will throw us back for early Caulillowcr. The plants were stumped in one night, and tlie most provoking circum- stance is tliat the whole seemed done for mischief more than anything else, as leaves and stems were left lying in heaps, and little or nothing had been consumed. 'We h.avo a wire trap or two for rats, with the spring so strong that if caught at all death must bo next to instantaneous. It is horrible to think of even a rat being tortured for hours, caught by the leg in a common steel tra)<. Even a trap should have something of the humane about it. We may have the right to kill what we call our vermin enemies, we can have no right to torture. rnriT I>^;r.lr.T^rKN■r. Ojving to the weather and the wetness of the gi-ound we liave done little in the way of pruning or nailing out of doors. Had we been scarce of in-door or other more suitable work wo could have gone on by using planks, &c., to stand upon, thus taking the weight from the soil. Some time ago we took advantage of the snow covering to give our orchard-houses a good smoking with bruised laurel leaves, so as to penetrate into every hole Tmd comer of the house, merely by way of precaution'; and in the same way of ]irecaution we washed all the glass and woodwork thoroughly with weak soap water, so as not to spoil the paint, and syringed and cngincd the same, as well as the trees and walls, with clear water. As we see little chance of washing the trees, which we generally do, we did the next best thing — .syringed them thoroughly, also the wall at back, ■with weak soap water at a temperature of about 140°. If there should be any eggs of insects, that temperature should pretty well kill them. As soon as pruned we will paint the trees ail over with a thin paint made of lime, soot, sulphiu-, and clay, with about a pound of Gishurst to the six gallons. This, when dried, heiug of a lightish colour, will help to keep tlie trees back in opening then- buds, and the more backward they are in openirig the blossom, the less liltclihood is there of the trees heing injured by a severe frost ; and mild though the weather is now, we have known the thermometer to range from 40° to 50° in January and February, nnd yet stand at from 20° to 25° below freezing-point in the middle of March, and even a di^ and quiet atmosijherc would hardly save blossoms then, though they will stand a gi-eat amount of "cold when the atmosphere is still and dry. We do not, therefore, envy s.irac of our friends who tell us that the buds in their unhealed nrcbard-houses are ■now opening, and some are proud to think that they will gather iruit all the sooner— we hope they will ; and if there should be no frost to speak about, this will certainlv be the case. As, however, we are anything but beyond the usual time of frost, we would advise all, and especially beginners who have fruit trees in these imheated houses, to keep them b-ick as much as possible by air night and d.ay fur a few weeks ; and oven a little ehade, if the sun should be very powerful, will be useful for retarding. Ijike all trees under glass, the roots of onrs were becoming -rather dry from no water being given late in autumn or through the winter. If the soil become very dry manv of the buds •wiU be apt to drop off before the blossom expand. Some Iriends are much alarmed at a few of the buds dr-opping off before the blossom appears ; but if tliis take place moderately it just saves thinning the fruit afterwards. If the dryness at the roots, however, continues too long with troos that have well- Tipeucd wood, not only wUl the buds be apt to drop too freely, hut this will take place if you at once water too freely. In the one case the buds will drop from want of moisture ; in the other they will be thrown off by too much excitement given at once. It is advisable, therefore, in tlie case of trees planted out, to water only about a third of the roots at once, waiting a ■week or so between the times of watering ench of the other ■two-thirds. The only advantage of the compiirative dryness m autumn and the first part of winter is, that it securer greater ripeness and induration of wood, and consequently more perfect flowers. One noticeable fact of such well-ripened wood is that, under similar circumstances, it will expand the blossoms later than trees of which the wnnd was not equally well indurated. Chiefly by shutting up with sun heat we had one little orchard-house considerably earlier than another with more air left on ; but the house that was latest last sea- son has the buds much more forward this spring, and though the wood in both is studded with buds and looking well, the wood in the first house that had more sim heat shut up in it is, if anything, the harder and the firmer. On the same principle hard, well-indurated shoots of Tines break more slowly than shoots not so well indurated when placed in similar circumstances. Hence in the case of Peach trees out of doors, after a dull autumn, there will be Uttle danger of the fruit- I buds dropping in spring — they will even be more easily excited I and expanded than after a bright sunny autumn ; but most likely after a dull autumn, having consequently less indurated wood, many of the fruit-buds will be apt to be defective, either in their female or male organisation, and very likely in both. One drawback to washing Peach trees, itc, with brushes, and even painting them with a smother-up i^aint, as safeguards against insects is, do the work ns carefully as you may, some of the buds will be unsettled, and will fall off when freely swelling ; but where there is an abundance of buds the loss of a few is of no consequence, and washing and painting to keep vermin and insects away is much more economical nnd better every way than smoking and woshingto destroy them when they come. Prevention in this case is better than cure. It is well known that in some of our great mercantile establishments, insects, though kept pretty well under, cannot be eradicated : so much so, that pmchasers, especially of tender plants, should for some time keep them in a sort of hospital if their col- lections are all clean and right. In sunny inteiTals drew the hand dry through the trusses of Strawberry blooms, ami waved a hoai'd like a fan over Peach trees in bloom ; and where the flowers were at all thin brushed them gently with a camel-hau- brush, or the soft side of a feather. In consonance with what is said above, we may mention that in the case of Noblesse Peaches and other kinds that bloom very freely, it is often of great advantage to select the best blossoms — those that have fine prominent pistils and well-loaded anthers, nnd to thin the others out pretty UberaUy. We cnce had a Noblesse Pcacli tree under our charge that was said to have bloomed very freely for a number of years, and yet set its fruit very sparingly. By simply taking off fully three-fourths of the blossoms there was always plenty of fruit as long as wo knew or heard of the tree. This made less thinning of the fruit afterwards necessary. Potted off Melon plants, sowed more seed. In other departments went on much as in previous weeks, allowing everything to come on slowly until we have a change of weather. " For Peach-house and similar structures Uttle fire he.it is necessary, as, though stoi-my and windy, the tem- perature is high. We have had to ])in the most of our sashes, doors, and ventilators to keep them secure. LIME -IND SCLrnUI! MIXTURE. This, alluded to by " J. M., i:.Ttiioiitli" page 103, is none the less useful, though it can lay no claims to novelty, as, a num- ber of years ago, and several times since, we gave the recipe and the mode of its application in this Journal. We borrowed the chief part of it from a Frenchman, whose name we forget, who used it as a preventive of the mildew on the Vine, and also for effecting the cure of that evil. " J. M." gives the exact quan- tity of the materials, and what strength to use it. quite cor- rectly. Wo may just add, ns confirming his statements, that it should not be used for Melons at above half the strength specified, and never used at all if the leaves afterwards are not quite dry before the sun touches them. For nothing else in a growing state should it be used stronger than he specifies — that is, half a pint to the four gallons of water. In no case should it be given to Strawberry plants swelling their fruit. The boiling of the suliihur and the quicklime makes the mixture very strong and acrid, a pound of sulphur v.^ill thus go a great way. '\^'ben the liquid cools before bottling we generally boil a second time, and this second brewing is not so strong as the first. It is a useful wash, but for general purposes it will be safer to diminish the quautity rather than increase it, and especially for everything growing and tender. Our chief reason for alluding to it now. however, is for stating that if Peach trees and Apricots in late uuheatcd houses are not washed and ' painted -with clay and sulphur composition, &c., then such a February 13, 1863. ] JOUBNAL OF HOETICULTUaE AND COTTAGE GASDENEK. 131 wash over the walls and trees, before the blossom-buds swel much, will be no bad compromise, and in that case the wash may bo used stroncjer. We may also add that even in the reduced state it should not be used for Peaches after they take the second swelling; in fact, for red spider such awash applied carefully to the heatinp; medium will be more effectual than syringing the trees, and with the composition applied to the pipes clear w.ater may be used for the trees night and morning. A hot dry atmosphere is what the red spider delights in, and the cooler and moister the air, the less will the insect relish it. When the red spider visits us it generally commences over a hot corner, and thence spreads. Even then sulphur fumes given ofiE at about 1.50' and plenty of moisture are about the best cures ; biit the wash alluded to by cm- correspondent is also useful for keepiug the spider away, and sending it adrift. It is used most safely either where there is no fruit or when the fruit is small and j-oung. We feel sure that " .T. M." will excuse these remarks. In the case of mildew, &c., the mixtm-e, useful at all times, will be most safely applied when the trees are in a comparatively matured or dormant state. The milky liquid, as described by " .J. M.," leaves little or no traces behind it, but it does leave a strong scent about the hands and the wrists of the operator if he do not syringe carefully. We once used it three times over a short row of Peas, and it cleared them of the mildew. OBNA^rENTAL DEP.iETMEXT. We have done little in the pleasure grounds. We tried dig- ging a little, placing a boai-d on the grass verges ; but it was too wet for our liking. When not too wet, a good chance was given for moving, transplanting, and planting trees and shrubs. We have already stated how we planted a good deal for cover and future usefulness. We made holes and planted pretty well as we went on, turning the turf;\' covering into the bottom of the holes. We did so to avoid two evils : — First, the soil tamed up beneath the grassy covering was stiffish, but more dry and friable than we expected, and it packed nicely among the fibres, which it would not have done if we had waited until the fresh-turued-up soU became wet ; and again, if sud- den frost came the soil would be too hard for planting. Last year we saw some planting done in frost and snow. A great many holes had been made, and in the change of weather there was nothing to do but plant, but it would have been better to have paid the men for doing nothing. What a sight the trees presented afterwards when the thaw came ! If planting is done early in autumn the holes may be dug some time, and the soil be exposed to be aired. When holes are made in winter, and the planting is performed in spring, then favourable weather may be chosen to use the earth about the roots in its best condition ; but when ydantiug must be done in winter it is in every way safest to plant pretty well as the holes are made, and then if unfavourable weather come holes can be made when nothing else could be done. Of all times for planting and transplanting we consider the end of October and the beginning of November the best. The ground is still warm then, and roots are encouraged during the winter to meet the wants of the swelling buds in spring. Finished a good deal of pottinii among Fei-ns, Mosses, Gera- niums, Pelargoniums, &o., and must try and collect a lot of tree leaves, or we shall be at a loss for bottom heat and other heat. A little extra heat will soon be as acceptable as the want of artificial heat was valuable in summer and autumn. We shall leave these matters just now, however, to allude to some simple matters necessary to success in the case of all beginners in a small wav, like our enthusiastic oorrespondent, "H. 3." Fh-st, then, see that the plants are clean in stem and leaf, as alluded to the other week. Do not follow the example of your neighbour, and put your plants out of doors in the rain to be washed. We will say nothing of a cold soaking at the roots ; but how would you like to be set out in a rain at even iV from a room at 65^, and be kept pining there for hours ? Secondly, Be sure that the pots you use are dean-washed. Warm water is best, and the pots will dry sooner, and never use them before they are dried. In cold weather the plants will not dislike the pots being heated a little, say to GO", before using them. Thirdly, Let the soil you have collected from the sides of the highway be nicely aired, di-ied, and heated. If on taking it firmly in your hand and squeezing it, it takes the impression of your fingers, but on laying it down gently on a table it crumbles to pieces, it is just in right comlition. If on laying it down it retains its position, marks of fingers, and aU together, it ii too wet. Tou may easily heat and dry a small quantity by placing a portion in a bag near the fireplace or over the oven, and then mixing it well before using it. The soil should range in temperature from .5.5° to 05°. A cold soil often gives a check that it requires weeks of careful tending to surmount. Lastly. At present in shifting your plants keep them in the cold as short a time as possible. If you cannot do the work in the house carry the plants back as soon as you can. Thou- sands of plants become insect-covered and of bad constitution, because clever people will fill a shed with fresh-potted plants, and then they will begin and carry them, after being starved, into a warmer place. — E. F. TRADE CATALOGUEa RECEIVED. Downie. Laird & Laing, Stanstead Park, Forest Hill, S.E. and 17, Frederick Street, Edinburgh. — Catalogue of Garden, Flower, and AintcnUural Seedn. i(V. Sutton & Sons, Beading. — Sutton's Farm Seed List — Supple- mentary List of New and Choice Flower and Kitclien Garden Seeds. E. P. Dixon tt Son, Yorkshire Seed Establishment, 57, Queen Street, Hull. — Catalogue of Seeds for the Farm and Garden. COVENT GARDEN MARIOET.— February 10. Trade Ims improToil. r.nd pricfis have advanced. The demand for forced fmit and vp[*etablcs. in particular, is (greater. Of English Pines the snnjily is still short; but Grapes are amply sufficient for the demand. Lndy Do^me's is to he had very Rood, and a few Muscats ni-iy still be ob- tained. Dessert Apples andPeavsareno more than equal to thodera.and; the former chiefly consist of Nonriareils, Blenheim Pippin, and Starmer: Pippin; the latter of Beiirre de Ranee, very good, Ne Plus Meiu-is, and; Easter Benrre. For forced vegetable'* the demand is improvini?. Salada-' frnra the Continent are now comincr in verv sood; French Cos Lettuce: brings from 6.«. to 7s. per dozen, Cabbage Lettuce from 15d. to 18(i. Som©' Ash-leaved Kidney Potatoes have made theimppearance, and may be had at 2*;. firf. or 3.s. per lb. Out-dnor produce of all kind^^ in season continues to be abundantly supplied. The Potato market is still heavy. FRUIT. Apples A sii^ve Apricots doz. Cherries lb. Chestnuts bush. Currants, Red i sieve Black do. Fics d.iz. Filberts lb. Cobs .... 100 lbs. Gooseberries., i sieve Grapes, Hambro lb. ) JIuscats lb. r p. t\. s. fl 2 6to4 n (1 0 0 0 0 n 0 0 .s n 16 0 () ft 0 0 n ft 0 1) n 0 0 0 n 0 0 II ft 0 160 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 18 n in 0 n 4 ft 0 Melons each 3 0 MnlbpiTiea punnet ft 0 Nectarines doz. ft 0 Oranges 100 Peaches doz. Pears (kitchen) . . doz. dessert doz. Pine Apples lb. Plums h sieve Quinces i sieve RaspbeiTies ...... lb. Strawberries . .lb. ft 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 Q ft 0 8 0 8 0 12 0 0 0 0 0 ft 9 0 0 Lemons 100 6 0 10 0 Walnuts bush 14 0 20 0 VEGETABLES. .'Vi'tioholres each Asparaffus bundle Beaus Broad., bushel Kidney lUO Tileet, Red doz. Rroccnli bundle Erus. Sprouts.. J sieve CabbaRe doz. Capsicums 100 Carrots bunch Cauliflower doz. Geleiy bundle Cucumbers each pickling .... doz. FIndivo scoro Fennel bunch Garlic and Sh.allot s. lb. Herbs bunch Horseradish . . buntUo s. d. s. d ft 6to0 0 8 0 12 0 0 0 S 0 2 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 2 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 S 0 8 ft 3 2, 6 0 0 0 0 0 1 8 0 0 0 8 6 0 2 0 6 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 ft 0 0 0 4 0 Leeks bunch Lettuce .... per score Mushrooms. . . . pottle llustd. & Cress.punnet Onions per bushel pickling quart Parsley I sieve Parsnips ". doz. Peas quart Potatoes bushel Kidney do. Radishes ..doz. hands Rhubarb bundle Savoys doz. Sea-kale basket Spinach bushel Tomatoes i sieve Turnips bunch Vegetable Marrows dz. 3. '• ''■"'" '■■•"" no'"^!'; colour rich crimsoned purple with sliuM ivlnle nt the buse, so nrrnngod OS lo lorm a slur. What the uatjit ol the plnut in wo cannot say. FLowrnuonDEBH tC. H. f,.l.-Tiie plan wonld look very nice if (lolden- ICttved Geraniums and Bijou or .Mma (whitelonTcdt, were nsed alter- nately, and if oil gravel, n rins of blue LobeUa went round all {E .9 1 — rhe lines of the proposed borders will look very well, but thoy would be better if L'4 instead of 20 inches in width. 1 and 2, 'J, wUl do very well • \",'L*^».ri\r "• !, " "■«?"»,'■<' «» bo lii?ht-loaved Geranium and Vane(ratedAlj,<:3um. then, certainly, we would not make the circles l,e- tw,.,.Ti i and H. marked 7 and 8. white Verbenas, or it we did. we would gv,. them an edRing „f lilac or purple. 6 and 6 wUl do well as Purple w^ ..Ml"".' ,".?''."."'''' I'speciolly if you raako 4 not Christina .ind Ladv Plj-moulh, but Christine and a soft yellow. ,h^lT^i^\'' ?"*'■'■ """-^''-ot-^E iJ. It. (7.).-Tho smallest boiler and IsCt Z o'vJ"'' v"'" ''" ""rly (or what you want in a Rreenhou.e fife".ll'„^. J7^''H''■';'* ''" "'<=l"'«'»'o Plint all inside. The border of belt.; ThA i J ', '"v "■"" "" >">'l'"-"'« window lattice, so much tiie tw-. rAJim /"■■ """^'.'P^s »-^ «ould recommend are-two Espcrione, two Royal Muscadine, and three Black Hamburghs. Insect.s (.4. B. C.l— What you call insects, are the larva- of small black «Sd '""Rf •"»'<>»"* finjs of the genus Dilophus. which appear in May au e l?„v I *?'"" numbers in gardens. We believe tha in the larv i state they feed upon decaying vegetable matter in the earth.-W. Warmix(. a GREExnousK (R. r.).-We have no doubt that any of t'.e wo,'iMs'hV.^'°'''"'°'' "■'''""" .''''^■•'•"•^*'' 1"P°' fom it, heated bvgJ^ Un,^wA? V",T"'' ".■■'•"'^V'' rail" house; but wo should coiiside; It only waste and labour in %-ain to seek anv other mode of dispelling damp and heeping out cold, when there is .already a fireplace and fiue too i?."!,:,";,'" « ■«"'j'''lin«''""«^' chimney, the great fanUri^ whiVi are lit of tlfe^'f?,.; ""rf ,V '■''"^'■T,'??"';.'™ """^'' '^™'' ''°'' "■« T'ick burning reason i„.M J,- ' t^erc could be little draught obtained there might be reason for giving up the flue ; but the flue being there and the dni4l.' 80 strong, all you have to do is to lessen the draSgW To do this hl;^ a close funiace-door, also a close-fitting ashpit-door, with one hole in it which you can regulate by a pin or otherwise, giving a quarter of an "nch of an opening or more after the fire is set to work If even t is do nn^ Ttl'JZir^l"' ""'"'i'; ™""-''- ""■" P"' ^ 'J^"n' >■ > '"ur me before ill. .']"' <■'"'"?'•-'■■ " f>-™ "len the fire bum too bright or fast p ace S's°wrk'as";i;S like" "" "• ^""-^ " "" '"«""'^ - -»•'-« '" " W' EvEEc.REEX roR NoiiTH Wali, (L. ,V.1.— Crat.Tgus nvricanlha thon-h not so fine nor so quick in growth as I^T. wil l?ve?S,s ^ow W Xuaan!?EXrisn^ "'''■•■'' ";PT'^ '°- '°°- "I" Cotoneaste? micr"^ hv .r„;= Berberis Darwmii. .4s. however, the wall is partiaUy shaded welfL^al'ilJi^d^-ILTto'thT^tf.^rs.'" ""'^''"^' --^ th?y wo^ldV^clU'd lar^ge^^va'rbed'bv fZ" L"''"''-^^-'' Presume you purpose planting vour I^K .T .1 ; ,""^ carnage-drive with ow shrubs. Xothinir Vould bo better than Azaleas or Rhododendrons of the Cata vb ense y?rio tics which are moderate in price, and edge tho bed with Erica caraea been''tJibieet«l7n'J\fr-''F''^'9'';'"°'--Y'>'>"- plant. Uke many that have been subjected to cool treatment, has not had sulfieient heat durin- the growing seas,,,, hence after nine months it has not completed its^3w>«■"'• "ic'-c is ■">' sufficient heat to suSi- batep-owth in the season in which they are subjected to cool treatmm Thll,l ?r""°".''? "• """• '"""^ ■•' 'second rest instead of 4mriS or a dr> atmosphere should be maintained, t.,r if the air lecom? moW t?el;.l,f"' ''" """■'';,"' ••"' "dvanced period of the vear You wUlby sea on it wnrs'i^^eedVeTlT'' "••"'""'^ "i '"•' '"»■"■ ""■"' '^ 'he™oiSwin| Sther t e" it "hoiTld 1 '""'""J"' especially in the atmosphere, but at =i„„M I Should be kept cool and dry. Of the year six months should be occupied in growth, and six devoted to rest and the nlantthfn W tern erilurei'n ,11.^''^ are no^orse of being a Uttle yellow now. KT by d«v tV. ^"mmer is too low. It should be (W at night and ^Iv'i^ the next?bSt Tit 'l,'"* ''""''f »' "■" '^"^ "' tbis monih"r a^Sdi;;;i;;!s;th^^^;i^::?'i^™tti;:';s't:?i!S^^T ripening of the wood wi I bt secured On this den?n 1 - \ . « " "'."'■<'"^'' tho^rn.md „ ^ i ., ^^7 """} '^™" """ ''"ck "' » "ooden rako over the ground, and in the hrst week in April pass the daisy rako over it \lZf' \" ''',""' 'f %"^' ,'"'"•'" "' ""'='" "■"' -^'raws. AH ilones should wn T r,ns no sign's*" "Fi, """ """• »■"»""" "•<• flr»l mowing your u"^ an w 1 no b.Tl?„H 'i "!""'"■"• "•"'' "'"•' I™" ""' «^^ '""ch faster anu Kill not bo so liable to burning in siunmer. wh^Umiuie ^r^' «"'''■'= Trees , OR OuArTiNo (7,f.m,._We do not see the beads 1 fo^ '"" '">'"■ S»r?c"c>- proposes to ad.q.t, after cutting olT ;.r,°f,l" ■ ^.L'?.?',"'^l^,'',.":!'7?_'''''>-,"'-c to be grafte,!. unless it bo side- and nccessarv foot page tl„> ■..n.i'.ri'^.;." /'.■■' ";;'""'-' "•""• "cessarj-. ana Dy no other means can gardener mav'b;! ."!;'■' V"'\";"'"'"""' ''" ""ccossMlly performed. Yoor garaener may nave a plan of his own. - \l7ri l^i;' ''v" ^•"■f-'" Apples-Late Pears iia,m).-Kilrl,rn Apptt, : v:^rlr, »■ 'X^c'iiber to April; DumeloWs Seedling, November lo r^bi ■,>"''™'''?''°" ^""^ -^s, ,Ianuar^• to May. Dr.„rt .Tpp", :- ?uarvim!IT,™r''l'i'P'V''"' •■•'''*",""'''' Pcarm.ain, December To pib- 7J^lt„:,nV ■\'''',7 Pcarmain. .Tanuary to April, J'for..-Boarr« ^•ow t , ■• ^'^",T-' '".?'''^' • "■"■ •''■^' P'"" ^curis, Jinuaiy to April. We gi-ow these and know them to bo good. j i ■■«■ dodendr"n''„s?n {'I"'"'" '^^ *''— ^our border not being suitable for Rho- Dar^M^r^L R •^"■7!?"'' plants generally, you might plant Berberis JvX ;■, "^'"'"'"""' ^"'' """sc »ould do for the rows next tho t'ravAl B 7 "■'■'' """f^ccn and do exceeding well on light soil over eoul,^ bavf T" "1"'''? '»"■ should be next tho walk. At The back you Pli adeb,f„ "" "'.'''''". ""Other of Persian Lilacs, and a third of In 1^1 '^"""'■""'•.•''■""'"K ""'■"■ "'c first two 4 feet apart every ■1 ■i^^,?w„r inT'"',"",'^ 'i"""- " '""' "P"'''- The Berberis an.lthe Ribes June ' • ^"""° ^""" '° ''">■• """l ""» Pliiladelphns iu ver-coJrsf r,"'"" ^M^'il"^- ^^ <'•"—'«'' think that as the present sward is \"'-' f ?"se. It would bo better to sow Grass seeds, and for that the ground ttrfit. ",'° "" *-'«■' ""' '""' "" '•'»'"' "^ " Carrots were to be sowx to MK„.^n, 'V"'?-""""' '" •'^'"'''- "'"' ""' c"ly prospect of rain, sow the follow mg:-Lohnm perenne tenue. 6 lbs.; Cvnosurus cristatus, 24 Iba • Festuca dunuscula, 1 lb. ; Festuca tenuifoUa,'* lb. ; Poa neuiorolis lib • mtaorT?h'7';„TT V*;-' ™'""'™ '"V""- ■' '"'•• Lotus coSfatus s,^Sn,; \h' ,^? ?"fol>iin, minus, 1 lb. Slightly rake the ground after ?T?if' r " "■■'"cdiately. It will be green by the middle of May. ward ^,n^,?'.l -".T- "J""' f""'' """' "" "' '""1 ""■■>• ">"^c weeks after- wards until the third week in September. Roll once or twice a-week during the summer. In t ebruary give a dresshig of well-rotted manure, two tons mil not be too much. Treat the Grass in tho same way as an established lawn during the second year. Potatoes and Celery ox Damp GRotT,T) (s. Boff«-«>.— Flukes, Forty- folds, and t-kerry Blues are good cropping Potatoes, and not so liable to disease as many others. They are late kimls. If you wish foreariv, then Ashleaf and Myatt s Prohli,- : and lor second cariy none is better tli'an the Lapstonc ; but the last three are more liable to disease than tho first three. The Pink-cyod Kadical and the Eariy White Radical are largo croppers, and not so liable to disease as many. You will succeed best by growiBir them on ndges, and they will crop better and not be so subject to r^'!?'"';,",'"^ "■"" '^'' "'"'•■'' '" ''"""" '" » "et season. The Incomparable White Celery- is an excellent kind, dwarf, stiff and close in habit, solid, crisp aiidjuiey anditis the best late White kind. Manchester Champioil (riant ^^ lute Solid Celery is eariy, large, and the best While for size and flavour. Manchester Champion Red Soliil is dwarf, very solid, and crisp, keeping well up to ,\pril, and one of the best kinds of Red Celerv grown, It not the very best. Laing's .Mammoth, is large, solid, and not liable to run to seed. Cole's Defiance is also a large soUd Red Celerv. On a wet .soil growing tho Potatoes on ridges is a good plan. Grapes IN July (l.mMj.-To have Grapes in .Tuly tho house should be closed by the middle of the present month, and for the first fortnight the temperature sliould be from 4ll-- to 4V; it should then be increased to »,, • "'*''* cud of the second fortnight to l"..';'. and in another fortnight to 60_ . On these temperatures allow a rise of S" on dull days, 10 on those which are cloudy with clear intervals, and from 15' to 2(P on clear days. .•Ul increase of day temperature slionld be accompanied by increased ventilation, corresponding in amount to the increase of temperature. The fires should bo ightcd and kept going whenever necessary to maintain the day and night temperatures. At first fire mil only be needed on cold nights, but as the Vines advance it will bo required day and night in order to secure the proper temperature, and to allow of the admission of air. ^ou should not close the liouse and keep it closed ivithout air, but daily open the ventilators, or lights, in the morning when the tempera- ture from sun heat has risen lu above the night temperature, and that will be by 8 or half-past 8 a.m.. but if later give air, increasing it with the heat of the day. Close early or by the time the temperature declines. For instanco : if the night temperature be fio and by that is meant the temperature in the morning before the sun acts upon the house), yon will give air at 70 , increasing it to its full amount when the thermometer indicates 7.i\ and if the temperature rise to 8fl- or }*.", , you have not too much air on, but if the temperature fall on the giving of air. then too much air is admitted, and the amount must be at once reduced. Tho air given should bo reduced to a minimum when the heat begins to decline in the afternoon ; say if the house is at 85' and tho thcnnomoter falls lo SO , shut up the house. Worms tx Ferxery IP. Cronfei/).- The worms will make the soil very open and loose, and, besides, they will drag into their holes the fronds of the Ferns. .\ soaking of lime water will not injure tho Ferns, and it will bring many of the wonns to the surface, and these may then be cleared away. The soil in which these Feras are growing must iie deep. rich, and badly dcained ; it must also hive too little stone in its composition to be suitable for the kinds named. Egos of Ailaxtius Silkworm (IT. B. Jf.).— Write to Lady Dorothy Nevill, Dangstein, near Petersflold, February 18, 1866. j JOUBNAL OF HOHTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GAKDENER. 133 SniFTiNO FucHsiAH INTO LARGE PoT.H ( Eg»<'«).— Vou may pot your FuchBias from five-int-b into nine or ten-inch pots, which ia no uncom- mon practice in Fuchsia culture. The objections to large )*hifts are, that plants grow more freely, have fewer flowers, ami have not the stiff close- jeinted habit of plants more frequently iiotted. Another objection is, that the roots make for the sides of the pot, leaving most of the soil un- occupied with fibres, whereas when the plants are only shifted when the pots become full of roots, every particle of soil is a mass of roots from the centre to the outside of the hall. Soapsuds (S. N.]. — You may apply this washhouse liquid to Rose trees whilst they are growing. We never heard of worms congregating where soapsuds were applied. Asparagus for London Map-kf-t iA Worhitig Gardener). — Fortheaize you mention you might average '3d. per 100 after deductiu{» carriage, &c. The earlier iu the season you could get it to market the more you would realise. The larger the better, and none should be sent less than 9 inches long. Ants (A Larfi/).— Water their hannt daily with ammoniacal liquor from a gas works until they disappear, which they usually do in a few days. Ak.hctochilus Dominii (H*. Jnr/iTJtonV — It is a hybridbetween Goodyera discolor and Aniectochilus xantbophyllu-!. The leaves are of a dark olive green, with a pale vellowish copper^' tinge down the centre; the main ribs marked out by fine pallid lines, and the intervening spaces sparsely veined. Hyacinths Blooming Badly iX.Y.Z.). — The bloom of the Hyacinths and Tulips being poor is in a great measure attributable to the inferior quality of the bulbs, although your treatment would not conduce to their blooming well. You excited them too much. A temperature of from 50" to 55 from fire heat is sufficient forcing, and the pots should have been placed on a shelf near the glass, and not in a bottom heat of 70'-. In other respects yonr treatment seems faultless. Planting Lilies of the Valley (.S. £.).— It would be much the better plan to take them up from the wood now and plant them in the border, prescr\ing as many of the roots as possible. They would be much more likely to succeed in this way than if yon waited until they were in bloom, and then moved the flowering plants only. The latter might or might not flower in the following year; most prob.ibly they would not. in conse- quence of their removal when in flower weakening the gi-owth, so as to prevent the formation of bloom for another year. The blind plants one year are the most likely to flower in the next. You may now select the strongest, and it they have thick and plump buds or crowns they will mostly flower. The thin sharp-pointed buds rarely flower, but they are likely to flower well another year. A soil of two parts leaves, and of sand and loam, will suit them, but one-fourth more loam would be better in place of so much leaf soil. Netting •£. C).— N'one is better for protw^ting fi-nit tree blossoms on walls than Haythom's hexagonal netting, rather small-meshed. Botany [Economif). — Thera is no cheaper work of the same kind as " The Treasun* of Botany." Henslow's " Dictionary- of Botanical Terms '• briefly explains them, but nothing further. Saw-dust for Plunging Pots (H. JV/.).— Sawdust is a good material in which to plunge pots of cuttings, and the proposed mode of forming a hotbed over the hot-water pipes will answer very well. The temperature of the hotbed, if the pipes are kept warm, will be from 70' to I'y , and that is sufticient. The temperature of the atmosphere should range from 60^ to 65" at night, and from 70- to 75- bv day ; the place should be kept close and moist. Azaleas Growing Prematurely (A Subscriber).— It is by no means uncommon for Azaleas to make young or new growths before flowering, and their doing so results from their being kept too warm, and from the buds not being well ripened in the previous season. This premature growth will not interfere with that subsequently made, and sometimes it does not materially affect the present bloom, but in other cases the flower-buds become abortive. Some varieties are more subject to this peculiarity than others, and it is chiefly confined to those carr>ing an ex- tra amount of foliage. These bloom as "well with the new growths appear- ing as not ; whilst those that are spare in foliage through the winter and start new growths early in the season, often have the buds abortive. We know of no remedy except to secure a good growth after blooming by a moist growing heat, to have the wood well ripened, and to keep the jtbints cool and well aired in winter. Trees FOR Natal IE. S. B. G.).— Almost any plant or tree that would succeed in the south of Italy would do in the middle terrace of Natal, but from the specimens of woods shown in the Exhibition of iHGii we should think that it would not answer to plant for timber. Yellow-wood may readily be procured in the colony in logs of 40 feet long and 5 feet in diameter; and though not durable when exposed to the weather, it answers well for in-door work. Sneeze-wood, which is produced by a species of Pteroxylon, is on the contrary very hard and durable; in- stances are known of its continuing sound in the ground for more than half a century. Besides these there are Stinkwood, and many other woods useful for furniture and wheelwrights' pui-poses. We think that the best varieties of fruit trees and vegetables would be a far more useful importation. Names of Plants (E. S.). — It is Chimonanthus fragrans, a native of Japan, introduced exactly a centurv since. It is hardy, though it flourishes better in a conservatory. (K. 3T. H.). — Chimonanthus fragrans (J. S.) — 1. Goldfussia isophylla; 2, .Justicia ilavicoma ; 3, Sempervivum tortuosum. (Old Snbscrih^rt. — The following Ferns were unaccompanied by numbers : Adiantumtenerum, A.pubes?cens, Aspidiummacrophyllum, Pteris cretica, Allosorus rotundifolius. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS in the Suburbs of London for the Week ending February lOtli. Date. ^BOMETEE. THEBUOUETEB. Wind. Bain in inches. General Remarks. Air. Earth. Mai. j Min. Max. Min. 1 ft. dp. 1 2 ft. dp. Sun... 4 Mon... 5 Tnes. . 6 Wed. . 7 Thurs. 8 Fri. .. 9 Sat. .. 10 Moan.. 80.007 29.938 29.781 29.768 29.960 29.782 29.514 29.665 29.740 29.089 29.643 29.844 29.592 29.800 47 85 50 43 65 46 54 35 58 8« 52 39 49 88 45 45 46 1 46 48 45 45 i 45 48 1 4«1 49 1 46" 48i 1 46} s.w. w. s.w. w. w. s. s.w. .85 .02 .00 .10 .14 .48 .06 Overcast ; rain ; very boisterous, thunder, lightning, and heavy Clear ; partially clouded ; overcast ; boisterous. [rain at night. Fine ; boisterous ; overcast ; boisterous at night. Densely clouded and boisterous, with rain ; very fine at night. Clear, quite cloudless ; rain at night. Rain ; boisterous and wet ; heavy rain. Clear ; bright simshine; stormy and wet. 29.812 29.624 1 51.48 | 88^5 40.86 1 45.57 1.15 POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. HOW OUR POULTRY-YARD IS MANAGED. I SEE in your Jonmal of December 12th that " .J. S. how he is to obtain thirty eggs weekly, and I see you have given him very good advice respecting the breed and number of pullets he should keep. If you v,iU allow me, I wUl state how we manage our small poultry.yard, as we have for the last eight or nine weeks collected as many as from ten to thirteen eggs per day from twenty-six fowls, chiefly pullets. In the first place, we selected six good hens, chiefly Dorkings ; we then crossed them with the Cochin-China, so as to have a little of the Cochin blood in the chickens, just enough to show that they had been crossed with that breed, and under the first two hens that will sit we put twelve or thirteen eggs each. We find that it is an excellent scheme to sit two hens at one time, as they will both hatch their chickens nearly at once, and then if there be a few eggs longer in hatching than usual, one htn will take the chicks, and the other will finish the hatching. Be sure to sit hens, and not pullets. If you choose you can put both broods together ; for very often, and espe- cially at this season of the year, you will seldom obtain a fuU brood — more likely six or seven chicks from each hen, and I nothing, I think, looks so bad as a hen going about with two or | three young ones. On the other hand, it is very pleasing to see a hen with a good brood — say fifteen or sixteen chickens — something for the hen to do. I last year noticed several remarks made by persons visiting our place (I say our place, although I mean my employer's place ; when a man makes use of the word " our place," it shows that he feels himself at home, and I think he takes more interest in whatever he may have under his care ; but perhaps some employers may not hke to hear their servants make use of the word) ; they would say, " What a fine brood of young chickens you have ! How do you manage to hatch so many ? " But the above are not all the advantages gained by sitting two hens at one time, for one of the hens can be shut up for a few days till she forget her young ones, and iu a little time she will recommence laying. I find that hens crossed as I have already stated turn off their young sooner than some other sorts, besides being first-class hens to sit. As a rule we never kill any of our early pullets, although we are sometimes forced to do so ; we generally kill all cockerels, except when we see a promising young bird, and then we save him. The young pullets lay plenty of eggs for Christmas. It might be supposed that our stock must increase veiy fast, but we generally sell or kill as many old hens as we save puUets, never keeping a hen longer than four years, unless she has some good quality, and then she has a reprieve. A new young cock should be introduced every season ; it is a good plan to import some fresh blood into the stock every year. Now, as regards food. Perhaps it will be said the chickens must live well. I will admit that they do ; they have plenty, not enough to waste. I have seen some men take a gallon or peck of corn and throw it all out at one time on the ground, whether the fowls wanted it or no. Now this is very wrong J34 JOUENAIi OF HOKTICDLTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. I February 13, 1800. and very wdstoful— notliinR looks so liftil as a qunntity of fooil lying on tlio grciimil luul llio fowlR niiininp over it. It is, as I Lavo paid, verj- wuiili'ful, and. besides, it makes tljcm very dainty. They i^boiild have no inoro food than they will eat up. Tho person feediuR them can liv careful obper\ation tell how much fowls will eat ; soiuotimes tlicy will cat more than at others. If the atmosphere is moist tliey can find more worms, &c., than on cold drv' days, and they then rei|uirc les.t com. Our twenty-six fowls Rcnerally cat about three quarts of maize per day, three pints arc given tht ni in the morning and three pints about two hours before roostinR-time, and when the man feeds the pips he Rencrally gives a little food out of the pail ; they very seldom have any bits from the house. They have a very good run, plenty of vegetables to eat, and sufficient room to dean themselvps. I should advise " J. S." to do as we do when eggs arc dear, vhJch is generally about Christmas — viz., give extra food, say a little greaves and harlcymeal, and they will lay more. Always keep the fowls as warm as means will allow, and when eggs are cheap feed only on maize or barley, I prefer maize, and let them go off laying for a time as a sort of rest^period. I keep fowls for profit, and not for a hobby only. I think if " J. S." will attend to the above simple mode of treatment ho will he sure to obtain tho number of eggs required. — J. R. P., liickleij. TIIE POULTRY CLUBS XATION^VL SHOW. I \\'ENT with my birds on the Wednesday evening, and saw them placed in the Show, no jierson e.^cept ofTicials being admitted. I then .s.iw by the hand-bills that the public would be admitted at three o'clock on Thursday. So I went about that time, and found a few exhibitors like myself waiting for admittance. 'RTiile standing and talking to some friends I heard some one s.ay, " There are some Pigeons fiying about inside." I turned round and saw that they were my Spots, at least I had a veiy gi-cat suspicion that they were mine. The doors opened .at last, and I bought a catalogue — looked for the number of my Spots, went to the pen, and found only one there. I asked one of the attendants where the other was. He said it was upstairs, and would be caught when tho gas was put down, so I did not trouble any further, for I knew such accidents would happen in the bestregulated Shows. Well, I went on looking at the several pens until I came to my Fantails, and found to my disgust "that some one had nearly pulled the tail fe.athers out of both of them, for when I packed them they were quite perfect. But matters did not end here. Other fine pairs had shared the same fate ; and in going a little further on, I next detected that some one had wantonly plucked the frill out of my Tur- bits, and left the skin completely bare. I made a complaint to one of the Committee and ho said it was a pity, but he said he was certain he did not know who bad done it. Now, this mischief must have been purposely done, and by an interested p.arty too— for I heard that the feathers were all found in a corner. Who it was that had been so malicious I do not know. There is no wonder that fanciers should give up the fancy so soon when persons perpetrate such acts as the above. I have shown at a great many shows in England and Scotland, but never saw birds in such a state before. — Johx Th.\ckii.^y, York. I n.ivE just received my birds {T> p.m., Wednesday 7th), from the late Hochdale Show, and certainly think it an unreasonable time for transit (104 miles), as the Exhibition closed on Mon- day. Nearly all the tail feathers of my two pairs of Fantjvils have been pulled out. I am also informed by a gentleman who visited the Show that those of Messrs. Thackray, Ember- lin, and Kobinson have likewise been treated in the same heartless, cruel, and dastardly manner ; in fact, my birds are so badly lUsfigiired that I cannot possiblv recognise them. As it is well known to all Pigeon-fanciers that some seven or eight weeks must elapse before the tails can be reproduced, of course it prevents all chance of exhibiting them in the mean- time. I should feel much obliged by any suggestion of your own in this matter, or from any correspondent of the .Journal. I certainly do not intend, so far a? my own personal trouble and expense are concerned, to let the'matter sleep, if by any means the offender or offenders can be publicly exposed and duly punished.— H. Yabdley, Market Hall, Birmingham. GX'Sm r.ANTAMS. As a breeder of fiame Bantams, I must c>qprcsfl my great surprise at " Wii.TsmiiF. Bectoi:'s" averment in answer to " (iAi.i.cs," that Black Beds arc easy to breed, for, of course. Us means easy to breed good. Now. I aver the oontmry. I say positively and distinctly, that it is most diftiiult to breed many first-class birds, however many may be hatched and brought up. I have for several years bred (iame Bantams. In 18G4 I reared upwards of 100. and in ISfi'i nearly 1.^0 ; therefore, I am not talking at randr in. In 18(i4 I bred from a bird, bought of Mr. Kelleway, which had proved bis goodness by winning wherever shown. I put him to hens bred from Causer's. Haney Bayley'9, anil FoiTest's strains. Two of these hens were first at the Crystal Palace, and yet I am sure I am within the mark wbou I say that not more than ten of their chickens could be called first- elass. In 186.3 I bred from Mr. Kelleway's second-prize Bir- mingham cock fsaid by him to be one of the best birds he bred in 18H4), and Mr. ilunn's Kendal cup bird (18C5i. and my hens were the pick of the chickens of 1864, and two hens with which I won the first prize at the last show but one at Islington (for these hens when puUets ilr. Kelleway offered mo any price that I liked to ask him), and yet I am sorry to say I had not out of all my chickens more than half a dozen cocks and two pullets that could be fairly called first-class birds. Now, it this does not show that it is not easy to breed good Game Bantams, I should like to know what would prove it. I think " Gallus "' very fairly asks how it is that first-class birds fetch such a price if they can be so easily bred ? " Wilt- shire Rectoh" instances the tulip mania, but he is much too vdie awake. I am sure, not to see on refieetion that that has no analogy with the present case. The tulip mania was a mere gambling affair, many roots of a particnlar flower being sold at fabulous prices, wiicu, perhaps, only one root of it was i-eally in existence, and the bulb.'i did not, I believe, in the great majority of cases pass from seller to buyer at all, but were sold to be de- livered at a distant date, which never came. Now, if high prices are given for Game Bantams by a good judge of them, it is scarcely credible that he would do this if he could obtain equally good birds cheaper elsewhere. If, on the other band, these high-priced birds are bought by tiiose who do not under- stand the essential points of the breed, it really proves nothing but the ignorance and folly of the buyer. I kno^Vof £10 having been recently given for a pair of pullets by a gentleman, who, I am sure " WiLTsmRE Bectof. " would admit, knows what a Giune Bantam should be. I have been offered £10 for a cockerel within the last ten days by a gentleman who is known to possess one of the best strains of birds in the kingdom, and if I am not misinformed, Mr. Hawkcsley has been offered £15 for his reaDy splendid little bird which was first at Birmiughanj in December last. I would give him £10 for it any day. In the face of these facts can it be contended that Black Reds are easy to breed ? Is it not in fact reasonable that they should not be ? The breed has only been in existence from eighteen to twenty years, and I should think is most probably the result of a cross, perhaps that of the old Nankeen Bantam with the Game cock. Hence the breed has not vet attained that fixity which other well-known and long-established breeds possess, and the tendency to throw back is very strong. The fact is, however, that it is not easy to breed first-class birds of any variety. I have been a Spanish fancier for many yeaiB-, and I am sure breeders of that splendid fowl will bear me out when I say that not one chicken in ten comes fii-st-rate. In short, all breeders know well that good birds of any fa=hionaIde v.iriety always command a high price, simply because they arc difficult to breed. — P. DRAGONS WITH WHITE RT-^SH-S. In No. '247 of The Jonix.\L op HoBiiori.xrr.E Mr. Percivall makes some remarks on Dragons with white rumj's being use- less as prizetakeis. For the information of the Birmingham Columbarian Society, of which I am a member. I will thank you, or Mr. Weir and Dr. Cottle, to say if Mr. Percivall'.'! re- marks are " patent," inasmuch as the same birds that Mr. Percivall alludes to were shown at Manchester, judged by the same .Judges, and the awards were not only reversed, but the prize birds at Einningham did not even receive a notice. If Dragons with white rumps have gone out of fashion, it will bo- ot the greatest importance to the members of the Birmingham CoUimbajrian Society to know, many of them being breeders ol Dragons. — C. B. Febrcary 13, 1866. ] JOUEKAL OF HOETICULTIJKE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEB. 135 RAILWAY CHARGES. The first of the two suggestions by "T. B. A. Z.," wliicli apiJearcil in your issue of January 23rcl, I consider decidedly tlie better and by far the more practicable. The Poultry Club should, I contend, take the matter up with the railways, and I do not see a better plan than by petition. Some amount of .trouble and inconvenience must attend it, but in that I shall /be happy to bear a share. " Our Editors " are in possession of my name and address. If any one should feel disposed to communicate with me. it can he done through them. Not being yet a member of the Club, I can do very little more. ^Vith regard to " expense," I believe that we are urging a reduction of railway rates to save the pockets of exhibitors fi-om what we, the poultry exhibitors, consider unjust charges, at the same time generously taking into consideration the benefit of railway companies who convey our jjoultry, and not forgetting the extension of poultry exhibitions, and the same being made accessible to a class who at the present time cannot show their specimens simi)ly because of the various '• expenses " attending it, the most grievous being, perhaps, " railway charges." But why make it more expensive by devoting some part of our incomes to the attainment of the object in view ? Tmust confess I cannot clearly understand this, and, not under- .Standing, think it decidedly imnecessary. Is it not maldng bad worse ? I am open to correction on this point, being but a young exhibitor and totally unacquainted with the rules of the Poultry Club. Now, I would add to " Y. B. A. Z.'s " recommendation, ;tliat the Poultry Club advocate in their pietition — that is, if they •■will consent to take the matter up, that exhibition poultry be conveyed to and from jilaccs of exjiibition at the ordinaiy rate of parcels. This would reduce the expense considerably, for, as J stated in a previous letter, the rate for conveying poultry is 50 per cent, more than for parcels, or half as much again. I think this proposition would be more readily listened to by the railway officials, for, having unsold specimens returned free is open to much confusion and dishonesty. We must give the companies as little trouble as possible, and I would also point out to them the advantages to be gained on both sides. If these suggestions are considered of any service, I shall be hap]iy to place myself in communication with the Secretary of .the Poultry Club (a member of which I hope shortly to be), and at all times shall be only too glad to render any assistance that jnay lie in my power for the benefit of poultry exhibitors, and poultry shows. — F. H. It was my intention to have commenced the campaign with the London and South-Western Itailway. This is the railway that I mentioned in a previous Krmiber as always charging the return journey but repaying it en application, so that I was not surprised to see " J. I)e L. S.'s " commimication on the subject. Youi' next correspondent, " P.," however, would be astonished how crotchety some companies are on the point he alludes to. I know a company that for two years allowed this privilege, and when the committee, taking it for granted, printed it the third time in tlie regulatious before they asked, making sure that there would be no difficulty, the boon was refused ! I have no doubt that if aU secretaries made it a point to apply, railway authorities would begin to see that it ■was a grievance. The plan suggested liy " Caxtus," that six gentlemen should form a deputation to the various railway companies, is a very good one, if they can be found. This could be done in ad- dition to the Poultry Club, and a petition by breeders inde- pendently of the Club ; and it would be a great thing for the deputation to be able to say, " We represent the whole of the leading exhibitors, as proved by these signatures." A uniform rate by all railways would be capital could it be managed, and if printed and sent to each exhibitor and station- master, prepayment would be an easy matter. At present it is a great soirree of inconvenience and annoyance, as some of -my correspondents have already shown me, and as I have felt myself. Another correspondent has mentioned to me that one rail- way will take birds by the longest possible way to make the carriage come heavier, and monopolise it for themselves. This is very unjust. In conclusion let me urge all exhibitors to take the matter up together. " Our Editors " have kindly consented to act as treasurers of the independent fund, and, I believe, the Poultry Club have begim to move in the matter ; hut we may act independently of each other with better effect. It, how- ever, we are to do anything with a petition we must start the matter at once. Several exhibitors have written me, saying they will sign, putting down their names for lUs. C-. Abtificial Hatciuxg (G. ,V. FO.—Thctoninoratarc generally must be 104 or 105-. It may be allowed to fall t'-* 95 once a-day for h*i,l( on boar, r.R when the hen leaves her nest. If you send four postau'e .•■tainps to our office with your directions and order N<». 197 of this Journal, New Scries, you will find there a drawing and directions for treating the chickens. Egg whthin Egg (T. Bottomlett)-~-lt is not a very uncommon occnr- rence. The cause is explained in " The Poultry-keeper's Slanual,'' juet published at our office. DrcKs (A. B. C.K— BarlejTneal miscd with milk i-s as good food as any for Ducks to be exhibited. ' The cbaracteristics of R/men Duck-i in "The Poultry -keeper's Manual" are those which constitute excellence. Ulcehated Face or Si-anish Cock.— ,t. B. has a Ijluck Spanish cock which has a bard yellow substance on the white of hirf face and ear? ; it is Uffht yellow at first, and then becomes darker, and hard like a scab, and very- fast to the ear. If pulled otTii soon ctows again and becomes larger than before. [There is no hope of your Spanish cock recovering. He may serve yon to run vdih the hens during the eeason if you have no other. He has the bad face to which Spanish fowls are alone subject, and for which there is no cure known.] Poultry Diseased (PouUiy).— Yon do not tell us in what state the other \iscera were— whether the liver or intestines were ulcerated. The darkness of the comb, the food remaining long in the crop, and the flow of liquid from tlie throat, may arise from torpidity of the digestive organs. Give each bird daily a dessert-spi»oufnl of brandy: feed on soft food, and give bread soakediu ale once a-day until health is restored. Wo should be obhgcd by your lotting us know the result of this treatment. Pigeons ',S. A. C'.'.— Your yard (6 feet by 9). would be too small lor even twenty Runts. If you can breed a pair of Rimts to match of 5 lbs. weight, or nearly so. yon may make tolerably sure of many prizes. Runts are not generally considered good breeders. For that purpose a cross between Powters and Dragoons would cive more satisfaction, or any of the large moncrels. By '• Blue Rock " I suppose you mean tho common Dovecot Pigeon : they arc sharp-flying birds, and no doubt if trained would fly long distances. Two Pigeons out of one nest will breed together, pro\ided they are cock and hen ; but it is not generally advisable to pair them, the young in such cases being rather more delicate. — B. P. Brent. GoLDFrscH Mule Breeding {C. .SV./j?--!/).— Goldfinches breed about 5Iay. You may put the Goldfinch and Cannr>- tccupy. Or, if the frames are well furnished with guide-combs, the crown-board may be removed, and the swarm knocked out on the top of the ex- posed bars, between which the bees will rapidly disappear, when the crown-board may be replaced and the hivo put on its intended stance. 4th. An adapter is esseutiiilly necessan.". as without one there would be little chance of breeding being confined to the stork hive, and the combs would be so connected that much loss, both of life and honey, would be caused by rcniovini; the super. .Mb, The only entrance should be in the stock hive. 6th, Equal distances between each, wliicb will bo found to f^xti n space sUghtly in excess of half an inch. 7th, There is no objec- tion to allowing the bees to commence in a super 4 inches deep, and tnen raising it on a square frame of the same depth ; bnt it would cause them much loss of time if the two were divided so as to compel them to com- mence a new set of combs afresh from their foundations. A Good Bee-house (A lire Xo.-Ik — It is probable that in the bee-house described in page 223 of our last volume, it might be found convenient to have both the roof and back attached to tbe house itself by hinges, as suggested by you. instead of being entirely detached. Gold and Silveu Fish ( ir. P.).— W*e know of no other place than in the consen'atory over Covent Garden ^fa^k»■t. Preserving Cooked Meat iH. It. Hi7r;'i.— Cooked meat is preserved " as long as possible '' in tin coses, soldered-up whilst the meat and tin are hot, so as to expel the air ae much as may be. Febrnary 20, 1866. ] JOURN.Ui OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 137 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Month Week. FEBRUARY 20-26, 1866. Average Temper.ature near London. Rain in ' c,.t, o..« , . ' bun bun SOA^UB.] Ri«'=- Sets. Moon. Rises Moon Sets. Moon's Age. CVick before Sun. Day of Tear. Day. Night. Mean. Days. \ jp h. 1 m. h. m. b. m. fa. Days. m. s. 20 To Sun's declination, 10^ 53' s. 45.3 30.5 37.9 20 7.117 22£f5 24 9 mom. 5 14 0 51 21 W Ember Week. 46.5 32.2 39.3 18 5 7 23 5 1 10 7 0 6 IS 63 52 22 Ta Erica vemalis. 46.S 81.8 39.0 17 3 7 25 6 45 10 19 1 5 13 45 53 23 F Gnidia imberbis. 46.9 31,4 39.2 13 1 7 27 5 SB 11 23 2 8 13 87 54 24 S St. Matthias. 46.7 32.6 39.6 IS 69 G 29 5 after. 21 3 9 13 28 55 25 StIN 2 Sunday nj Lent. 47.2 32.7 40.0 19 56 6 ', 81 6 85 1 11 4 10 13 19 66 26 M Hovea purpui'ea. 47.1 33.4 40.3 20 54 6 82 5 40 2 54 4 11 13 8 57 From observations taken near London during the last thirty-nine vears, the average day temneratnre of the week is46.C^ ; audits night tern- j peratare 32. 1-. The greatest heat was 58^ on the 21st, 1859 and 1616; and the lowest cold 18", on he 24th, 18S0. The gi-eatc St laU of rauo | was 0.92 inch. N.B. — The Calendar contains th e names of plants flowering in the greenhouse. 1 THE GROWTH AND MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO FOR FUMIGATING-PURPOSES. EPiY often questions are asked about the best and clieapest mode of destroying insects in borticiiltm-al structures ; and, on the score of cheap- ness, tobacco paper and other inventions are recommended. After all the patent prepa- rations there is nothinf; that can rival Tobacco for fumi- gating-pui'poses ; but the question of expense is a con- sideration where plants liable to the attacks of gi'een fly are grown on an extensive scale. For a house of moderate dimensions little less than a pound of shag tobacco will prove ample, and then the dose should be repeated once or t^vice aften\'ards in order to prove eflectual in the de- struction of the insects whicli smn-ive. This item will in the course of a year prove considerable, and add a ratlier large amount to the expenses of tlie garden. Now, in order to overcome tliis expenditure, for several j-ears I have given attention to the gi-owth and preservation of Tobacco, and I have found by care in its proper preparation that the home-grown is quite equal to the best Tobacco procured from the tobacconists. The land I use for this pm-pose is the Nicotiana tabacum : it was introduced into tliis country about tliree hundred years ago by Ralph Lane, and either brought from Tobago iu the West Indies, or Tobasco in Mexico, whence it derives its name. In the southern counties Tobacco ■nill vegetate in the open ground witliout artificial assistance, but in a cold district like tliis it is necessary to raise the plants in a little heat. One or two pans are sown, according to the number of plants required, about the middle of April, and by the second week in Ma}' the j'oung seetUings are ready to prick-off into small fiO-sized pots. They are then allowed to remain in lieat until they become established, and are hardened ott' by degrees. By the time the first crop of early Potatoes from a warm border is taken up. which will be in the tliii'd week in .Time, the Tobacco plants will be strong and robust, and ready for transplanting. Tlie groimd is then foi'ked over, and a quantity of manure applied, as Tobacco is a gross feeder, and a great ex- hauster of the soil. The plants are then placed about 2 feet apart, and if tlie weather happens to be dry. they are watered about every other day to give them a start. By the middle of September the plants are 5 or (i feet high, when the lower leaves are gathered, and either tied in small bundles, and siispended fi'om the roof, or laid on shelves, in an early \-inery to sweat and dry. We keep collecting a quantity of leaves at intervals till the plants have done growing, when aU tliat are left are gathered, with a portion of the summit of the plant. As soon as the No. 256.— Vol. X., New Seeies, first-gathered leaves are sutficiently dry they are stored away in large pots or boxes, packed quite solid, and put away in a di-y place. Care must be taken not to store the leaves away too soon while they are siu-charged with mois- ture. othei-Tiise they viiU decay, and lose their peculiar principle. "\Mien the Tobacco is required for use, we cut it into chaft-like steeds \vitli a sharp knife. If a large- quantity were required a chaft-cutting maeliine might with advantage be employed. The produce of about seventy plants supplies all wants tlu'oughout the year. Tlie plan adopted for fiunigating is very simple, and what some of your fast-going readers might say rather old- fashioned ; it "is the system wliich I learned in my eai-ly days, it ansv.-ers very "well, and until I tliscover a better I shall adhere to it, though it certainly is not the most agi-ee- able. An eight-mch pot is employed ; near the bottom is made a liole large enough to receive the nozzle of the- bellows, a few red hot cinders arc put in the bottom of the pot. and over the cinders a good quantity of Tobacco. The pot is then carried into the house wliich is to be fumigated, and au- is gentlv blown by the bellows tlu-ough the hole m the bottom. Care is taken to keep the Tobacco equally distributed over the cinders, to prevent the Tobacco-dust escaping from the pot. A few minutes Tvill suffice to charge the structiu-e vrith smoke so as to destroy insect life. I have never discovered any injiu-y to the plants arising from tliis simple method, except on one occasion. Some shrubby Calceolaria plants had been taken up fi-om the borders iii the autumn to supply a few cuttings in the spi-ing. The house in which they were kept was rather too warm for them, and the atmosphere was charged with a superabundance of humidity ; the young foliage being, as might be expected, very tender, the first sminy day after the house was smoked some of the young leaves tiu-ned rather brou-n. but not so much so as to permanently injure the plants. Some place a little moss over the Tobacco in the pot, tliis is good plan when there is any danger of the cinders being too hot. When the yoimg shoots in the orchard-house become infested with the green apliis, wluoh rarely ocem-s, we put a handful or two of Tobacco in a vessel, and pour over it a quantity of boiling water ; the yoimg shoots are dipped in the liquor when cold, and it is quite eft'ectual in destroying the insects. This I consider a simple and effectual way of destiwing insect Ufe, and not to be despised because oi" its sunpiicity. It is worthy of the attention of amateur cultivators of plants, that the Tobacco in its groT\-ing state is rather ornamental than otherwise. Wliile on the subject of Tobacco, I would caution, my younger brethren of the spade against the inordinate use^ ot this poisonous narcotic. The habitual use of tobacco, like many otlier stimulants to wliich man becomes a slave, may appear for a time harmless, and is thought imder certain circumstances advantageous to the human system. The essential oil of tobacco acts du-ectly on the brain_ and nervous system, and applied to a wound has been said by good authorities to prove as fatal as the bite of a -^iper. The oil. given to pigeons, has been laio-s\Ti to cause vomiting and death. For a time the use of tobacco might be resorted No. SOS.— Vol. XXXV., Old Kekles. 1S3 JOUEKAL OF HORTICULTUKE AXD COTTAGE GARDEXER. [ FcbmuT SO, use. to without any npimront e\i\, after its first stupifying effects are overcome ; but its inordinate nse is followed by disease of tlic liver, ner^•ousne99, congestion of the brain, jiaralysis, loss of tone of the digestive organs, and disease in various forms, It may for a time soothe the excited nervous system, but only to render it mure irritable and feeble afterwards. A person who smokes much may generally be distinguished by a pallid couiitenanco, .Ufcitive breathing, defective action of the heart, uui'aired energy, and loss of sight. In thousands of cases these evils foUovs an injudicions use of tobacco. — QuixiDi Read, Viddiili>h. THE LATE SNOWSTORM AND ICE-KEEPING. I AM glad that Mr. Fish has directed attention, at page 109, to the storing and keeping of ice ; while in the same Number Mr. Perkins suggested the use of machinery to crush it before putting it into the ice-house ; and although at present (Feb- ruary 7th), there seems to be but little chance of any of these plans being brought into practice this season, discussion may ehcit useful information as to the best mode of keeping ice. Those who were successful in securing a quantity of ice at ;" ■■ time of the snowtlonn in January, may consider them- tei.es fortimate, for I can assuie Mr. Fish that he was not alone in being imable to obtain any. The storm here was more remarkable for the depth of rain and snow than for the intensity of the frost, so that there was scarcely any ice. The d»y3 preceding the snowstorm were fine and even rmld, the 9th and ioth of January dry, without frost, and with much less wind than before, but the falling barometer indicated that something was in store of which the heavens gave no token, BO far as most people could discern. For myself, I confess to not being gifted as a weather prophet, but another class of beings were evidently better judges. The birds, which for sevei.T.1 days prior to the 10th had been singing with all the melody of an April morning, scarcely gave out a note on that day, lUthough the air was clear and the thermometer about 43° ; but there was very little indication of frost, and I believe it was not until the snow had fallen in large quantities that the thermometer fell to 32°, and subsequently to 30°. The snow was preceded by a very heavy fall of raiu, commencing soon after midnight, and at daylight sulEcient snow had fallen to hide the giound, a thin film of snowy water covering the surface of small pools. The snow, drifting with a north wind, kept falling throughout the day, so that by the night of the 11th some roads were impassable. A sharp frost set in after the snow ceased, but the temperature evidently fluctuated vei-y much, for although the thei-mometer indicated as low as 18°, the ice on exposed pools was only half an inch thick. The 12th was mostly fair, but the thennometcr seemed to alternate between a thaw and frost, and at night there was a clear sharp frost. This, however, had not been continuously severe, for the ice on the following morning was barely an inch thick, and that only in particular places, and a thaw setting in ice could not have been housed in anj- quantity without being much mixed up with dirt. Rain falling early in the forenoon and continuing all day rendered ice-collecting unadvisable ; for it would not only have exposed men and horses to the inclemencv' of the weather, but the ice seemed would have received large accessions of mud, which in the best of times finds its way into the ice-house in greater quantities than is desirable, and I have no doubt hastens the decay of the ice. The amount of rain and snow which fell on the 11th exceeded the amount on any single day in 1S6.5, being 1.35 inch. The frost, however, of the two succeeding nights pro- ■4-idcntially delayed the melting of the snow, otherwise some disastrous floods would have occurred. As it was, the river Medway was higher than it had been for upwards of twenty years, but the rain water being mostly carried off before the 8now melted, the flood was prolonged rather than increased, and the rainfall of the 13th added to the supply. Such was the snowstorm, or rather the wintrj- periud, of the middle of January in Kent, for both before that time and since, we may be said to have experienced a long, wet, and dull autumn, there never beiu? sufficient frost to kill bedding Geraniums, .tc. One or two beds of the former, fully exposed, looked remarkably fiesli up to the time of the snowstorm ; till then the plants had not been in the least injui-cd by the frost, and were absolutely in a growing state. They were, however, killed by the frost and snow, and have since been removed. The above meteorological notes not having much connection with ice-keeping, are here only given with a view to show the impossibility of obtaining in quantity ice of a kind that is likely to keep, as it rarely happens that it can be taken direct from the pond and put into the ice-well in a clean state ; and its contact with the ground during a thaw results in more or less mud becoming attached to it, and although the ice wastes fast enough, the dirt all remains. Even when tlie greatest of care is taken, and the ice and the weather are all that can be desired, a certain quantity of mud always finds its way into the ice-house, and in summer the upper surface of the ice will be found covered with mud, and this evil is still greater when the ice has been secured in a dirty condition. Weeds in the pond from which the ice is taken, as well as tree leaves, sticks, and other rubbish, although they form but a ^raall item in the sum total at the time of filling, all help to augment the casing »f dirt and to create wonder among the inexperienced how such matters came there. The keeping of ice, however, depends on so many circumstances combined, that it is no wonder that there is so much difference of opinion as to the proper mode of securing this luxury, and as it contains within itself some of the causes of its decay, a glance at these will enable us to judge with more accuracy the means likely to arrest that decay. It cannot have escaped the notice of the most careless ob- server how much lighter ice is than water, taken bulk for balk. I am not prepared to say how much lighter it really is, but believe it must be nearly 20 per cent., and as pure water weighs 02} lbs. to the cubic foot, I will suppose that ice weighs about 50 lbs. Now, if a cubic foot of ice be deposited in a place prepared fbr its reception, it contains within itself about 300 cubic inches of air, and as it is impossible in practice to obtain such blocks of solid ice, breaking such as there are, and their stowage in a rough state, must increase the quantity of air contained in the mass. If that air could always be kept at a temperature below 32°, no wasting would take place ; but as this cannot be done, the question is how to di.-place as much of that air as possible, and render the lump as dense and solid as it can be made. To effect this object is by no means easy, for the very process of freezing is acccnipanied by an expan- sion of the water that is congealed, and a large per-centage of air is included in the ice. I believe that ice of unusual thick- ness— say 5 or 6 inches or more, is more porous than that which is thinner, clear ice about half an inch thick, or there- abouts, being in my opinion the most dense ; but the benefits of ice of this thickness are more than counterbalanced by the difficulties in obtaining it and other attendant inconveniences. It has not often been tested against ice of greater thickness, neither is it likely to be so, for excepting in cases of emergency, or to serve a temporary purpose, it is usually left to become thicker. It is certain, however, that ice aboat an inch thick is more solid than that -1 or 5 inches or more in thickness, especially if changes in the temperature take place previous to its being secured. Ice of the latter thickness, however, breaks np better, so that when it is to be pounded as advised by Mr. Per- kins, it is more convenient than thinner ice ; but the propriety of pounding it very fine has been questioned by many, and as there are evidently objections to doing so, let us see what these really are. In the first place, it wiU, I think, be admitted, that the best way to ensure the good keeping of ice, is to render the mass as dense as possible. 'Will merely pounding it do this ? In years gone by it was customarj- to break coals up smaller in order that they might measure out more. Now, if ice does this, the object is defeated ; it is true, the pounded ice is intended to be rammed together again, but unless the weather be very frosty at the time, the pieces when so broken will be liable to melt and waste before they are imited again, and I am far from certain whether under any circumstances they can be made to form so dense a mass as before. I would, on the whole, prefer a portion of the ice to be broken somewhat like road metal, and some much finer, so that in the amalgamation, all the cavities that would have been left if the mass had been nicrdy filled with rough large lumps thrown together, may be the better filled by the smaller pieces. This is the mode which we generally adopt here, and I believe it is that foUowed at most places. It has the recommendation of convenience, and is more quickly car- ried out than if the whole of the ice were broken small ; and as the tilling of an ice-house is a work that must be performed in one or two days, it is better to complete it in the time ani way specified, rather than only half do so in another manner. As the quantity has much to do with the ice keeping long, it is better in all cases to fill the house, well, or whatever place it is stowed in. Storing ice has for many years been a subject as to which Febraarv 20, 1866. JOUKNAIi OF HOETICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENEK. 139 considerable diversity of opinion h.as existed. Some of the early ^Titers in Loudon's "Gardener's Magazine," recom- mended water to be added to the pounded ice, as the ice-well became filled ; and some went so far as to say that hot water was better than cold, and this opinion is shared by some at the present day ; but I never could perceive that hot water when employed for such a purpose had any merit beyond novelty. Generally speaking, the temperatui-e of an ice-house when the men are at work in it, is not low enough to freeze cold water quickly, and I think anything likely to increase the heat of the place must be hurtful rather than otherwise. Salt has been also appUed, and at one time had many advocates, but having a great affinity for moistm'e it interfered with the sound keeping of the mass, and its use has been generally abandoned, although it is employed in the application of the rough ice to confectionary, &c. Indeed, all artificial additions, so far as I am aware, fail to prolong the time during which ice may be kept. idthough there may be a difference between the melting powers of a dry atmosphere and of a moist one, there can be no question that warmth causes ice to melt, and the temperatiu'e of an ice-well in summer, when its contents have disappeared, is more likely to be 35° than below it. The wasting of the ice is slow or rapid according to the temperature ; though I do not assert that humidity has nothing to do with the ice liquefying, still the hygi'ometer is seldom introduced into the ice-house, and I am mors disposed to attribute the wasting of the ice to warmth than to moisture. It is idle to talk of keeping an ice- house dry, keep it as cold as you can, and it will not suffer from damp — that is, if the thermometer can be kept low enough, but this being impossible, the next best means is to expose the ice as httle as may be to the action of the air. This object is usually sought to be effected by covering the ice with straw, so as to prevent as far as possible the access of air ; but any other non-conducting substance would do as well as straw. I am not sure that sawdust would not be better, tut it is not so easily applied, and its removal in order to take out the ice when wanted is more inconvenient. Surrounding the ice with a non-conducting substance, so as to keep it from contact with anything warmer than itself, is almost all that can be done to- wards keeping it. Usually, when an ice-well is filled, the ice begins to melt or waste at the sides and top, and very possibly at the bottom also, leaving a cavity between the mass and the wall of the building ; this cavity increases in size as the season advances, and towards the end all that is left is a lump of ice of greater or less size in the middle. To cover this lump with straw or sawdust is not a difficult matter: in fact, it is usually covered as soon as it has receded sirificiently far from the roof and outer walls to allow of this being done. The difference in the keeping qualities of ice-wells is due to local causes ; but most generally those wells keep ice best which are dug in dry places, and the soil surrounding the casing of the ice-well being cooled down to about 32°, it receives warmth very slowly from the almost non-conducting medium which lies next to it. When, on the other hand, water abounds in a soD it becomes a never-ceasing source of heating. An example of this occun-ed in an ice-house which was once pointed out to me. The well was sunk in a wet gravel ; but means were adopted to drain all water away from the bottom, and it was thought by well cementing the brickwork forming the lining of the well, so as to exclude the spring water, and carrying off the latter by a drain at the bottom, aU was done that was necessary. The result proved that such was not the case. The well, acting as a drain to all adjoining springs, these flowed in its direction, and as spring water is usually 15', or more, higher than melting ice, the brickwork might be said to have been warmed externally by water flowing continually towards it and trickling down its sides. To say that the ice-weU was heated with hot water was not far from the truth, seeing that that water was much warmer than the substance to which it gave warmth. The result wa? that the ice kept very badly. Although no water found its way through the brickwork, or collected in any quan- tity at the bottom, yet that trickling down the outside and dis- charged by a proper drain, was equal to about two hundred gallons per hour. Mr. Fish has made some useful suggestions about the form- ation of a box or safe for ice for household pm-poses ; but 1 fear that the demand for cork for other pui-jjoses renders its nse unlikely in many cases. A very good box may be made of ordinal^ deal, lined with zinc or zinc plates, having a cavity of about an inch bet veen the zinc and the outer deal, to be filled with pounded charcoal. This non-conducting substance is per- haps as good as anything that I know ; but of course the close- fitting of the lid and other circumstances determine to a great extent the good-keeping or otherwise of the contents. Such an apparatus has been in use for some years ; but, as Mr. Fish justly observes, it is the frequent opening of the case and ihs- turbing the ice inside that occasion the waste, and it is difficult to prevent this, although the ingenious contrivance recom- mended by Mr. Fish to obtain cool water without doing so deserves notice. As the subject of ice-stacks was discussed in this Journal some years ago, it is unnecessary to refer to that mode of pre- serving a supply now, and the few places in which it has suc- ceeded, as well as the expense of covering the stacks with straw or some substance of a similar nature, renders it more expensive than storing ice away in a well or other depository of a per- manent character. At the same time I am not certain but that a building more above the surface than under it may not answer as well as the latter ; but these are not yet sufficiently nimae- rous to be put in competition with the ordinary form of ice- wells, and the cases in which they do either remarkably well or the contrary may be owing to some local cause, so that it is difficult in the present state of the question to pronounce a decided opinion. — J. Eoeson^ ROSES. Touii correspondent " P.," at page 86, appears a little sur- prised at the character I have given King's Acre. If he will look back into Kos. 179, 185, 188, 19-2, and 226, he will find that I am not the only one who has formed a favourable opinion of that Rose. I had three blooms of it, one of which was particularly fine, indeed I had no other variety at the time that could bear comparison with it, except, perhaps, Gloire de Dijon and Souvenir de la Malmaison, but, then, I never had the former in greater perfection either here or any- where else. " P." says that from one plant he had several blooms ; now, may this not in a great measure account for the disappointment ? I am strongly of opinion, indeed I feel convinced, that if I had allowed aU the buds that made their appearance on my small plant to have expanded. I should not have had a bloom worth looking at. I never allow a plant to have more than three blooms the first season after planting, very fi-equently only one, and sometimes none at all, according to the size and condition of the plant. Whether this is a proper mode of treatment under all circumstances I do not presume to say, for I am but a very humble authority on Eose culture ; but I certainly do think that in a season so extra- ordinarily hot and dry as the last it was rather too much to expect both quantity and quality, more especially if his plant is, like mine, on the briar, and if he had not a sufficiency of water, which was a general complaint throughout the coimtry. I am fortunate enough to have a river in front of my house, within 5 yards of my garden ; I consequently had an unlimited supply, which I stood much in need of. I may here mention that I put in at the same time with King's Acre a strong plant of Prince Leon, and the blooms it produced were quite open in the centre, indeed any one not knowing the variety would have pronounced it worthless. I had also one or two others — and strong health.y-looking plants they were — that never showed a leaf until the middle of June, although they had even- attention paid them. King's Acre was the worst-looking plant of the lot, at least in regard to root, for it was very bare, but it did better than any of them. I am not sure that I know exactly the cause of all this, but I think it is owing in a great measure to change of soil and situation, and to the dry season which followed. One fact, however, I beg to state — viz., that when Eoses are received from a nursery, unless they are planted in so'l as good as that fi-om which they have been removed, and in situations equally favom-able. they cannot be expected to establish themselves thoroughly the first season; they ought in fairness to have another year's gi-aee allowed them before being condemned. " P." has left us in the dark as to the locality in which his Eoses are grown, but from his letter we may reasonably suppose his residence to be somewhere in the south of Eng- land ; if so, I must remind him that I am in the heart of the highlands, and anything I have written on the Eosc has re- ference solely to the properties of the varieties as regards their suitability for northern situations. I have grown Eoses and seen them grown in vai-ious parts of England, both north and south — from Dorset to Dmham I may say — and I com- 1») JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUUE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ l'rl>ru>r7 SO, 1806. incnc<;J llicir cultivation hero with the view of CniUngout what varieties were best adapted to the climate ; I have, therefore, recommended such only as liave done well with me. \STiat I huve naid of King's Acre I would have no hesitation in repeat- ing. As regards its merits in comparison with Jules Jlar- ROttin, I have to state that I was thinking of it at the time I wrote more particularly as a bodder. Jules is a tine Rose for this purpose we all know, but King's Acre, equally robust, appears to be more compact in habit, and is evidently a profuse bloomer ; the colour, if I may judge from his letter, is not quite so pleasing to the eye of " P." This is merely a matter ol taste : in my opinion it is equally good, and certainly a greater novelty. I have not seen Jules Margottin so fine here aa in the south, but neither here nor elsewhere have I seen a bloom of it superior to the one I had of King's Acre ; but time will settle the matter, next July we thall be in a better posi- tion to discuss their respective merits. Referring to another part of •' P.'s " letter, I have to inform bim that Gloire de Santenay opened beautifully with me ; I had only two blooms of it, as I had but a single plant, but ■they were very tine. This and Francois Lacharme, should their constitutions j rove sufficiently strong, will, I think, be fit to rank with the six best crimson I'oscs for this part of the coimtiy. I would like, however, to have them another season before speaking positively in regard to them. Their flowers are quite globular when expanded. General Washington has in one or two instances opened ■well here, but its buds are very apt to split, more especially the first crop. I therefore intend pruning late this season by way of experiment. Due de Rohan and Maurice Bemardin liave not as yet opened so well as I could wish, but I have not lost hope of either, more particularly the latter. I shall not feel greatly sm-prised to see them both in fine bloom this next season. Prince Camille de Rohan is well worthy of the character " P." lias given it, but I am beginning to fear that it is not exactly suited to this locality, which I much regret, for no dark Rose standi) higher in my estimation. That it wiU ever attain the position he has assigned it I very much doubt ; I am rather in- clined to think that with King's Acre he will sooner be in pos- session of a flower worthy of being classed Al than I shall with Prince Camille de RoJaan. — Loch Ness. been advised to discontinue this, and merely to cover the roots with dead leaves, for when covered as before the roots became dry, causing the buds to drop off when bursting. It is now in perfect health and vigour, standing on a lawn, and promises well for the future. — F. Ellman, Battle, Sutsex. PLANTING VINES. THE C-\LVILLE BLANCHE APPLE. Mast years ago I used to hear, when travelling in France, the merits of this variety highly extolled by the French cooks .and housewives. Like most of us English, I felt that French -Apples were not to be compared to ours, and I often told them so. It was of no use ; they always would persist that no Apple in the world could equal their Calville Blanche when cooked. It is only within these few years that I have been compelled to think as they do : and I fully believe that when this sort is grown on trees well cultivated in a warm climate — not on orchard trees — it is the finest of all Apples for the kitchen. In the south of England, in warm favourable soils, it may be cultivated in gardens ; but it should be grafted on the English paradise stock. In cool climates it requires either the orchard- Louse or a wall with a wai-m aspect to bring out its fine quality. .\t Treutham it is, or used to be, largely grown on trees in pots nnder glass, and warmly patronised by the French clirf. To enjoy its fine flavour it should be baked. There are two modes of doing this. Ist. Peel the Apples, cut them in quarters, place them in a closed jar, sprinkle a vei-y small quantity of sugar over them, and bake them in a slow oven till done. They give out plenty of juice, and are most deUeious. 2nd. Take a small piece the size of a sixpence out of the crown, fill the cavity with sugar, cut off the stalk, and place the Apples stalk downwards on a tin plate, and bake in a slow oven till quite tender. They become a perfect sweetmeat, and are as superior to the Normandy Beelings as a Pine is to an Orleans Plum.— T. R. Laboe St.otoard Camellia. — In my garden facing the north is a Double 'W'Tiite Camellia, more than 7 feet in height, and measuring 40 feet ronnd. It is supposed to be sixty years old, or more. It is now covered with buds in clusters, and last ■week I gathered two nearly in full blossom. It has always been covered during the winter with matting ; but we have I DAVE read with satisfaction Mr. Thomson's interestiog article upon the planting of Vines in your Number of January 30th, and as the subject is of considerable importance, I venture to ask if Mr. Thomson, or any other celebrated (i rape-grower, has tried the following method which I noticed some years ago in the columns of a contemporary. I quote from memory. A month or five weeks before the Vines ore to be planted, a hotbed should be prepared as for Cucumbers or Melons. After the heat has sufficiently subsided, a few inches of soU should be spread over the bed, and the Vines turned out of their pots and placed upon it at a few inches apart, and the interstices tilled up with suitable soil. I presume there would be no frame or covering over the Vine roots. After remaining upon the bed a fortnight or three weeks, the Vines should ba carefully lifted and planted in the vinery, and watered with warm water, the border being previously warmed where prac- ticable ; and where no heat can be applied to the border, the Vines should not be planted till the beginning of May. — IXQUIRER. [■We forwarded this inquiry to Mr. Thomson, and the follow- ing is his reply : — " The method of planting Vines, detailed by " Inquibeb," will, doubtless, answer very well where the border is heated ; but as it has never been aJojited by me, I cannot, therefore, recommend it from experience. I have, however, a decided objection to removing Vines from a strong bottom keat to ordinary,' Vine-borders, or to stimulating their roots before planting. " The mode of planting which I have always fotmd the most satisfactory, is to leave the Vines, presuming that they are plants raised from eyes in the previous season, in a cool airy house till they burst their buds about a quarter of an inch. They arc then turned out of their pots, shaken entii'ely free from the soil, and well rinsed in tepid water in order to free them from all inert soil. The roots are then dredged with tine sand, and in planting every rootlet is carefully spread out, covered with a little fine soil, and then watered with water at about 80\ The vinery is kept close and moist for a time, and the heat increased as the Vines progress. They make about a foot of growth from each bud rapidly, and then stand stUl for a little time till the roots come into action. I do not beUeve that it is natiiral for the Vine to make fresh roots till it has expanded foUage. I have at present some Vines in the pots in which they were grown last year, and they have no signs of fresh roots, while the tops are 8 inches long ; and this I have noticed for years in succession. " Sometimes Ihavo cut the Vines down, allowed them to grow a foot or so, and then shaken them out and jdanted them, and in this way they go on nicely. I have tried several other ways, but these are the two I prefer. " Perhaps the finest canes I have seen produced in a season's growth were struck from eyes early in spring, and planted in May ; and with bottom heat, or even when the Vines can be planted inside, 1 would as soon adopt this practice as any that I know. I have planted spring-struck plants in June in out- side borders, placed a hand-glass over the roots and kept it close for a time, and the Vines never retrograded in the least. " In connection with young Vines, I may refer to an instance of Vines that I wanted to grow in 1865, for planting in pots this year. These, after they had grown about 18 inches, were potted into IG-iuch pots and placed in a Muscat-house where the buds had just broken. Under unfortunate, circumstances they were allowed to remain in the Muscat-house till the Vines closed over them, and so shaded them that in the high temperature they grew tUl they completely lost their growing energy, and were so drawn and weakly that at first sight I de- termined to throw them out. However, they were moved to another house where there was plenty of light, and were cut down to within an eye or two of the surface of the soil in the pot ; they soon pushed the top bud of that same season's growth and grew away with amazing vigour. The result was, that I never saw such pot Vines before. They are from 9 to 10 feet long, and as thick as a man's finger. February 20, 1866. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 141 " I am convinced that this cutting-down system of the same season's growth is a good one, and I mean to adopt it. The main bud that in ordinary circumstances would not burst till next Tear, must be made to push by removing all the laterals. —D. Thomson."] LUCUMA DELICTO SA. Ix Tour Number for December '26lh your correspondent " Rmim " asks if Lucuma deliciosa has fruited in this country, to which you say " There is no species known to bo- tanists, we think, as Lucuma deliciosa. Our correspondent probably refers to L. mammosa, or Teated Mammee Sapota, &c." In walking through the gardens of James Bateman, Esq., at Knypersley, the other day, I saw in the old tropical fruit-house a plant about 5 feet high of Lucuma deliciosa. It is a native, I believe, of Peru, and was sent to Mr. Bateman from the continent. Mr. Bateman has just fitted up a large house for the growth of tropical fruits on the principle of " J. H.," .ind of which you will hear more anon. — Q. Read. [We find no species so named in any botanical work. — Eds.] NOTES ON CYCLAJVIENS. All admirers of the Cyclamen tribe must feel much obliged to Mr. Wanklyn (" W. X. W."), for his interesting notes on Cyclamens, and their native habitats, &c., page 378 of the last, and page 23 of the present volume of The Jocrn-A-l of Horti- cuLTUEE. With respect to the species found by Mr. Wanklyn in the spring in Sicily, I have gi-eat doubts of its being hederae- folium (neapolitanum of Tenore), as that is essentially an autumn bloomer, and the flowers for the most part rise before the leaves make their appearance. I have very Uttle doubt but it would prove to be Cyclamen repandnm of " Flora GriEca," and some other authorities, which is by no means confined to Greece, but is widely distributed over the south of Eui'ope, Turkey, and probably Syria. I can speak to its being almost, if not quite as frequently met with as hederae- folium (neapoUtauum) iu middle and southern Italy, and they are often found growing together in the same locality. Its so rapidly coming into bloom, as Mr. Wanklyn notices, and also the period of the year, quite correspond with the habits of C. repandum. The flowers vary in the shade of colour ; it does not generally rise to the surface of the soil, out of doors much before March ; its growth is then very rapid, and it is quickly in bloom. Hederrefolium (neapoUtanum) would by that time be rapidly going to rest. The large tuber observed by Mr. WanMj-n, at Solomon's Pool, near Jerusalem, would probably be C. persicum, that being a native of Palestine. I have some now in cultivation the tubers of which were brought direct from thence. Being at all times much interested in learning any facts relative to the habitats of any of the Cyclamen tribe, and not fond of guess work on subjects of this sort (of which the poor Cyclamen family have long had abundance), I would, pro- vided Mr. Wanklyn will not consider me troublesome, and will kindly favour me with his address, either privately or through the Editors of this Journal, endeavour to clear up this point by sending him some flowers and leaves of the true Italian C. re- pandum when it is in bloom, probably about April or May. Without entering on the general subject embraced in Mr. Abbey's papers on this family, I would just remark that he is rather hasty in stating (page 5'23), " there being no good white form of C. europfeum." He may not have met with one, but I can testify to the reverse, having repeatedly, though rarely I admit, found good pure white ones amongst the Alps of Switzer- land and Savoy, and still grow them. I certainly had not C. europffium album in view when I spoke of G. odoratum being with some identical with C. europ;i?um, but rather the southern variety of that species recently figured as C. europaeum Peakeanum, which, as your correspondent " S." (page 501) suggests, is certainly only the variety of C. europaeum found in several localities " on the Italian slopes of the Alps." Its habits are precisely what he describes. ■.Under shelter and with moderate warmth it is evergreen, and almost constantly in bloom, but under natural treatment has its period of rest the same as most other plants, and is benefited thereby. I have grown it ever since about 18-13, and some years since I brought home a considerable quantity from its native habitats. During the many years I have been a collector of Cyclamens, I have received it under the names of odoratum, tragrans, Clusii, aestivum, littorale, and some others. It is, therefore, by no mea ns new, though a very desirable variety, and well worthy of more extensive cultivation than it, as well as some other va- rieties of C. europanim, have hitherto received. A tuber I have on rockwork in a hardy Fern-house, commenced blooming early last Jime, and continued until the end of Januaiy. Being with- out artificial wai-mth it will probably before a great while go to rest. — J. Atkins, Paiiisicick. INCISIONS IN VINE ROOTS. I OBSERVE that "A Constant Reader," in the .Journal of February 6th, asks if his Vine, whose roots he has nicked as I did those at Wrotham Park, will bleed to death. The cases are, however, not parallel, for those that I nicked were cut off from supplies of sap, torn as they were out of the ground altogether. In his case I think it extremely probable that they wiU bleed, but not so as to cause the death of his Vine. In common with every one who has taken up a tree the roots of which had previously been cut-in, and fresh soil put to them, I observed that they made fine tufts of new roots ; and to make the long bare Vine roots that I had raised out of the old effete soil do this along their whole length, as well as at their very extremities, I cut the notches in question, which were about a quarter through the root, and on alternate sides throughout the length of the roots. The effect was just what I have stated in the work he refers to. Your correspondent need be under no apprehension that his Vine will die. If it bleeds severely, its doing so may retard the bursting of the buds, and the growth for a time may be weaker than usual ; but if he lay fresh soil round the wounds, into this, during the summer, the upper lips of the incisions wiU most certainly send young roots, and the Vine instead of being killed will ultimately be benefited. — Wm. Thomson. THE COIL SYSTEM OF PLANTING GRAPE ^^:NES. I AM .aware that no one should think lightly of anything from the pens of two such horticulturists as Mr. Rivers and Mr. Thomson ; but having had a fair share of experience during the last fifteen years in Vine planting, I must say that I have great objections to the layering system. In the spring of 1850 I assisted in planting a new vinery ; but not an inch more of the stem was covered than could be avoided, and the Vines have done well from that time to this. Again in 1855, at another place, I assisted in making Vine- borders and planting them, also in layering some Muscat and Pvoyal Muscadine Vines, which never grew satisfactorily, and which, at the end of two years, were taken out and planted again, while the Vines not layered did remarkably well, and were the admiration of some of our most successful Grape- growers. In my next situation I had the care of some very fine vine- ries, which had been the means of causing some hot discus- sions twice or thrice in ten years ; but the gardener leaving soon afterwards, his successor obtained permission to take up the Vines in what had been the early-house. They were taken up as carefully as possible, for it was intended to replant some of them, and the border was re-made on what was by some con- sidered the best plan, and there was a chamber underneath, heated by four four-inch pipes. By the way, this plan I never could approve of, and ventured to say so at the time. Well, seven of the old Vines were replanted, the rods being layered in the border and covered for 6 or 8 feet ; the rest were young Vines, obtained from Mr. Rivers's nursery, and were also layered. The house being set to work, the young Vines did better than the old ; but not one reached the top of the house, and the canes were very little thicker than a writing pen. The old Vines had a hard struggle for existence, and did not grow more than 3 feet ; in the following spring they started somewhat better. Having obtained another situation, I left ; but feeUng very much interested in these Vines, I made in the autumn a long journey to see them, and found them in a soiTy plight. I then remarked to the man who had been with me, that the Vines would not be long before they would have to be removed, and so it proved ; for after another year's trial they were taken out and the house replanted, but not on the layering system. I understand they are now satisfactory. I have had four vineries built here and planted, and if it 142 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAnOENER. r Fobrnorr 20, 1988. wonld 1)0 of any interest to the renders of Tm: JorRNAL of HoRTicrLTCKE, I wuulil rIvo ft plan of the range, as the border is above tbo level of tlic Burronndiug pround. So far I must agree with Mr. Thomson ; but with respect to trti-s I have not seen the evil consciinonces of bnrj-ing the stems, on the con- trarj-, it has had a very beneficial eUact. As an instance, I may state that there is an avonno at this place, planted abont ten years a^o, and some alterations being afterwards made, the stems of some of the trees wore covered to the height of i feet, and now these trees are by far the best, so much so, that the owners had several trees bankod-up, and in every case with sncccss. Mr. May, of the Hope Nursery, Bodale, Yorkshire, also gave two or three years ago an account of some Apple trees so covered, and of the giod effects which resulted; not that I woiJd advise such a plan with fruit trees ; but I think that it would bo beneficial to forest trees in some soils and situations. There are few rules, however, without exceptions. — T. T. ROYAL HORTICULTUR.U, SOCIETY. ANNUAL GEXEUAL MEETING. Tms was hold on Tnosday the 13th inst., tlio Dnke of Fncclcnch President, buing in the clmij'. The miuntes of the last iintmnl meeting having bceu read and coufirmcd, Mr. Fortnno and Mr. Booth were nominated scrntiueers of the ballot, which was proceeded witli whilst the report of the Council was being read by Mr. W. Wilson Simnders, the Secretary. The report states that the nnmbcr of Fellows increases, and the snb. Bcriptions still more ; regrets the deaths whirli have oecnrred : states that the exhibitions were snccossfnl ; that the income of the Soeicty hnn increased and its cxpenditnrc deeieased. The admissions were — i86.S, 11.5,o-21 ; isiil. ls5,i;92 ; ISG.i, •2H1,51'J. The Fruit and Floral Meet- ings have beou successfnl and popular ; the produce of Chiswick not EO snccessful as expected, oiviu;; to the failure of the Strawberry crop and other causes. The immher of packets of cuttings received by members has been 1530, of plants tj2«5, of packets of flower and vege- table seeds 37(i..SS-l. The appointment of the Rev. M. .T. Berkeley as botanical adriser is then referred to ; also tliat he. Dr. Hogg, and Mr. Moore arc to supervise the operations and conduct the experiments at Chi.sirick. the bitter two gentlemen also examining candidates for the Society's certilicates ; and the report concludes with notices of the in- tended proceedings of the cuiTcnt year. The result of the ballot was then reported to be that the Duke of Bncclench was elected President; (}. V. Wilson. Esq.. F.R.S.. Trea- Borer; and Lient.-Col. Scott. R.E.. Sccretaiy. for the ensuing year; and that Viscount Sandon, the Right Hon." W. Cowjicr, M.P.^ and Sigismnnd Rucker. Esq., were elected new members of Council in the room of .T. .T. Blandy, Esq., John Kelk, Esq., M.P.. and Major Trevor Clarke, the three members retiring according to the charter. Ct. F. Wilson, Esq.. Licnt.-Col. Scott, and Henrj- Cole, Esq.. C.B., were elected Expenses Committeemen ; and J. Nicholson, Jonathan Clarke, and R. Hudson, Esqrs., An(htors. Sir A. SooTT W.vuGH, in moving the adoption of the report, said that it had given him the gi-eatest satisfaction. An institution like the Society ought to he progi-essive in its nature, and he was much pleased at the improvements which had been cfTected in the gardens, as well as at the extension of the privileges of the members. These, he felt sure, would concur in the regret expressed in the report at the loss in one year of three men so eminent in the horticultural world as Dr. Lmdley. Sir .Toscph Paxton, and Sir Wilham Hooker. Ho ob- served with satisfaction panifTraph l(i of tlie report, in which the Cooncil stated their intention to carry ont experiments, which would no doubt Bone to advance the science of horticulture. Major Blknkixs, in .seconding the motion, expressed his entire satisfaction at the prosperity of the Society. Mr. Nkvillk Gbexville did not quite "understand paragi-aph 20 of Hie report, baring reference to the admission of the Fellows of the Society to the Inteniation.al Exhibition of May next. Was he to nnderstaud that there ever would be an exhibition in the gronnds from which the Fellows would be excluded ? ^r. H. Cole said that the maui part of the exhibition would not bo beld m the Society's gardens, but on tlie gi-onnd on which the Exhi- bition of 1SG-) stood ; but still, if it were to be held in tlio Society's grounds, the Fellows would enjoy greater advantages than if no such exhibition were to be held at all. Of course, the promoters of this great national exhibition k-new that it had to he i)aid for, and they ll w '"i '°°'' '" " ''™^' °^ recoupuig their adventure. They said. We shall be glad of all the accommodation which the Society can pre ns, and for that we wUl give you £300, and, further, we will give the Fellows the first public entry to this great exhibition." That took place on the second day ; on the first the admission was limited to '"f^o who had subscribed and guaranteed the money to pay for the exhibition, which would be on an enormous scale. Thus tlie" Society besides adding .£300 to its funds, secured for its Fellows a free admis- sion to a great public exhibition; and he tmsted that the Fellows were Batisficd that the Council had done what was best for their interests. Mr. Geexville expressed his satisfaction at Mr. Cole's exphinalion, but hoped that tbo course ailopted wonld not be construed into a pre- cedent for holding exhibitions by which the Fellows might be at any time del>arnxl from going into their own [n*onndH. The Chairman exidaiued that the FcIIowb were not debarred from g.'ing into the gardens, hut v.Muld have at all times free access to all l>arts of the exhibition within their own grounds, except when the plants and fruits were being arranged and judged. The motion for the ado])ti0,000, and £70.000, themselves, and the total rent paiil last year was i'lSS, and the Fellows would recollect that in the previous year no rent was p.aid at all. so that it was quite cle.:iv that the Society hold this large estate for no- thing. It was thou a question whether the general public should not have some pri^-ilege in respect of these gardens. He did not know what was the best shape that pririlege should take, but he agreed with Colonel Challoner that the better plan would be to throw open tii^ gardens at certain times free. Sir A. Wacgh considered that the gardens were not to be looked upon as being wholly for the selfish enjoyment of the Fellows and their friends, but should be regarded in a scientific point of riew for the benefit of the pubUc. Lord H. Lexno.x said the subject had been under the considei-ation of the Council, and they felt that the gardens might be made available for the use of artisans when the Fellows, for the most part, were out of town. The Council wore anxious to hear whether they had better continue the present system of threepemiy admissions, or whether the gardens should be open in the autumn on Mondays. The latter course, he assured the meeting, might bo adopted with perfect confidence that there would be no damage done. The Chairman said that it was the object of the Conucil to elicit from the meeting whether the public should be admitted free on one day, or on five days at the charge of 3(/. *0n this subject some discussion then took pl.acc, in which Colonel Challoner, Lord H. Lennox. Mr. Cole. Mr. Bnnney, and Mr. Sidney Smith took part, and a motion Avas made to admit the public free on Mondays dnriug the months of August and September; but it was withdrawn, and ultimately it was resolved that the subject should be left to be dealt with by the Council. Dr. Richardson then pnt some questions relative to the privileges of two-guinea Follows, complained that these privileges Atere not made sufficiently intelligible, and. finally, that whereas four-guinea members had forty admission orders and two ti-ansfcrable tickets, the two-guinea members had only twenty such orders and one non-transferable ticket. Therefore, he argued that the two-gninea members had not half the privileges of those paying the higher rate of subscription. Mr. Cole said that Dr. Richardson appeared to think that the two- guinea members should have aH the privilcrcs of the four-guinea ones. He himself wonld like to make two guineas do the work of four as well as any one ; but it was necessary that there should be some induce- ment held out for members to pay the higher rate of subscription, and that had not been done by taking away any privileges from the two- gninea subscribers. Dr. Richardson repudiated any idea of wishing the tAvo-gninca sub- scribers to usurj) the privileges of those pa^-ing four ; all he wanted was that members' privileges should in each case be distinctly under- stood. Mr. SvDNEV SArrra thought there ought to be a series of lectures on botany and horticulture in addition to the Tuesday meetings, than wliich notliing, howcv -r, could bo more delightful : and he imagined this could bo done Avitiiont much, if i'.ny. additional expense, as there were plenty of gentlemen who would give lectures free. The Cilueman assured the meeting that if the Council foond any- February 20, 1866. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUKB AND COTTAGE GAEDKNER. 143 thing obscure iii tho summary of tlie privileges of the Fellows it shoold be made plain ; auil then, in virtue of his office as President, nominated Earl Grosvenor, M.P., Lord H. Leunos. M.P., W. W. Saunders, Esq., and J. Bateman, Esq., Vice-Presidents for the ensuing year. A vote of thanks was then unanimously passed, on the motion of Mr. Bowring, to his Grace the Chairman and tho rest of tho Council. At the Meeting on Saturday, tho 17th inst., there was a much larger display of flowers, fraits, and" vegetables than has been exhibited on any former occasion. It is quite evident that these meetings ai-e ac- quiring a large amount of favour, and go on improving as the season advances. Messrs. Cutbush & Son, of Highgate, had a beautiful show of forced flowers, consisting of tho Convallarias exhibited last week, inter- spersed with Magnolia Soulangeana, Berberis japonica. Azaleas, Rho- dodenih-ons, Dielytra, Pronns sinensis, &c. This received tho first prize. Mr. E. Robinson, gardener to R. Benyon, Esq., Reading, sent a very meritorious exliibition, consisting of eleven beantrfuUy-groivn plants in pots of Otaheite Oranges, laden with fruit. Although tho largest of them was not 18 inches high, some of the plants bore as many as foui'teen large full-sized Oranges, and the whole formed a very orna- mental gi'oup. We cannot conceive anything better adapted to the ornament of the dinner table than such plants as these of Mr. Robin- sou's — 110 fruit in all. All honour to Mi-. Robinson. An extra first prize was awarded to them. Mrs. B. Hooke, Munster Road, Fulham, sent four pots of well-gi'own Cyclamens — a mass of bloom, aud very well grown, and to which a first-class certificate was awarded. Mr. Bartlett, of Hammersmith, again exhibited forced bnlbs, to which a tirst-class certificate was awarded. Messrs. Cutbush & Son sent a collection of forced Hyacinths, Tu- lips, and Polyanthus Narcissus, to which a second prize was awarded. They also exhibited a beautiful collection of twelve Hyacinths, which received a third prize ; and a collection of Crocus, which was awarded a first-class certificate. Mr. Young, gardener to Mrs. Barclay, Highgate, sent a collection of five Draca-nas — Cooperi, ferrea variegata, terminalig, marginata, and ferrea, which received a first-class certificate. Mr. Earley, gardener to Felix Pryor, Esq., sent a pot of the lovely little Scilla bifolia, and a good specimen in balloon shape of Francis- cea eximia, which received a first-class certificate. He also exhibited an excellent collection of vegetables, which received the first prize. Ml-. H. Beasley, gardener' to Mr. T. Wood, Twyford Abbey, Acton, received a second prize for a smaller collection ; and Mr. Earley re- ceived a third prize for six dishes of Apples. Messrs. Lucking received a first-class certificate for forced flowers. T.VBLE DEC0RATI^^3 PLANTS. As tahle plants are noiv, like crinoline, among the accepted by Fashion, though, unlike crinoline, they are oi-namental ami not inconvenient, it may not be out of place to say a feiv words in this Journal about some which experience has taught to be among the best. Feens come foremost. When I say Perns, I allude to moderately large plants of the gold aud silver varieties. For instance, nothing can present a more beautiful or graceful appearance on the dinner-table than a plant or plants of the Gymnogramma peruviana or G. Wetenhalliana, and amongst the golden varieties Gymnogramma Laucheana, G. sulphurea, and G. chrysophylla. I have seen these used extensively on the table of that great lover of horticulture, J. L. Naper, Esq., of Loughcrew, and as they are gro\vn by Mr. Burns, Mr. Naper's gardener (who, by-the-by, is quite an enthusiast in growing Fernsj, nothing can present a more rich and graceful appearance. I have also seen Mr. Burns use Marantas -vittata, omata, regalis, albo-lineata, zebriua, and Warsczewiczii, with very successful effect. He also uses different varieties of Dracjena with good effect on the side table — Dracajnas reflexa, ferrea, stricta, and ter- minahs. For tho breakfast-table, in shallow low vases, Eriocnema mai-morea, Eranthemnm rubrovennm, and several others, which at some futm-e time I may mention, have a good effect.— E. M. (To be continued.) send them local lists, notes of localities, or any information connected with the subject; in the case of rare, critical, or doubtful species, the loan of specimens mil be very acceptable. Dr. Trimen's address is 71, Guildford Street, EusseU Square^ Loudon, W.O. ; Mr. Thiselton Dyer's, Christ Church, Oxford. HANUM FRUIT. I HOPE that in the course of tho summer we shall learn the botanical name of the fruit of which Mr. Wanklyn has given us (page 12(j) so interesting a description. If it wore not pre- mature and idle to give a guess, I should think it likely to be Cucumis dudaim, called also Cueumis odoratissimus, first cul- tivated in England a.d. 1705.— G. S. [We think you are right in your surmise. Mr. Wanklyn'g further description of the plant in a private letter very closely agrees with the description in DUIenius's " Hortus Eltham- eusis." Mr. Wanklyn also sent us a leaf which agrees with the engraving in Dillenius.] Botany of Middlesex. — Dr. Henry Trimen aud Mr. W. Thiselton Dyer are collecting materials for a Flora of the county of Middlesex, on the plan of the Cambridgeshire and Essex Floras. They will feel indebted to botanists who will OAK IN THE COAL F0R:\IATI0N. Knowing the interest you and the readers of your valuable paper take in all sorts of natural curiosities, &c., I am led to send you a very brief account of a log of Oak taken out of a seam of smut or coal on Gresley Common, Derbyshire. The log is about 0 feet long aud 18 inches iu diameter, partially decayed through the middle, but otherwise perfectly sound, and the grain very beautiful, capable of taking a high polish, and very black in colour. A gentleman in the neighbour- hood, who has for many years studied geology, and is con- sidered an authority on such subjects, has seen it, also the place from whence dug. I quote some paragraphs from his letter, as giving a better description than I could. He says, " The fact is a very interesting one, much more so, indeed, than I expected to have found it." " The tree must, indeed, be one of the most ancient of Oaks, for it could only have reached the situation in which it was found by being floated in the water or frozen iu the ice, by one of which agencies the clay drift was deposited. This puts back the date to that of the existence of the mammoth and other extinct animals," &c. " I should put yom- Oak back to a date long anterior to the deposit of the so-called bog Oak, found in low-lying swamps." " The discovery of tho tree will, most probably, form the sub- ject of a paper at the next meeting of the Midland Scientific Association," held on the STth inst. I shall be most happy to show the tree to any of the readers of "our Journal" who may think it worth a journey to the Pool Works, Gresley Common, near Burton- on- Trent. — Hekkx D. Ensoe. PARADISE AND QUINCE STOCKS. I SEE at page 121 of the Journal for February 13th a Mr. Pearson has been somewhat " astonished" at my recommend- ing people to plant Apple trees on paraiHse stocks — i. e., " Pomme Paradis." He goes on to tell us that he was " struck " with the pretty little trees he saw growing near Paris, and he ordered several thousands of the stock with whicli to astonish the people of Notts ; but the " severe winter " killed more than half, and be burned the other half, or the summer did so for him — sad extremes of heat and cold they must h.ave iu his ilk. I ask you, as coinciding judges, if you or he know anything about the severity of a Parisian winter as compared with one in Notts ? I have known winters at Paris destroy trees o£ large diameter ; and Laurels, Laurustinus, &c., are, or were when I was in Paris, rather sparse, as well as many other things that thrive in our blessed isle. I never saw a Pommier Paradis hurt by frost, and I ask French nurserymen, M. Leroy of Angers for example, whether they consider the said offend- ing stock tender ? I would also ask the nurserymen of Scot- land what they have to say about it ? — Messrs. Imrie, of Ayr ; Messrs. Dickson & Turnbiill, of Brechin, aud others north of the Tay, who use the stock in question, I believe, largely. I can say myself that in 1860-1861, I lost thousands of trees by frost, amongst them more than five hundred liingston Black Apple ; and, apropos, this is a physiological question as re- gards canker, not yet taken proper account of, but of this another time. Although I lost so many other kinds of Apples and Pears by frost, I do not think that one of my paradise 144 JOUBNAL OF HOKTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. Fcbnury 20. 18«1. stocks was hurt, dot did tbo npbis and other insects follow. No mealy bug will live upon Apple trees in my nurseries, al- though I often receive tlicm from other places. After the new comers have been planted a few months here the bug dis- appears ; this is another physiological fact worth considering. Mr. Pearson is not so happily circumstanced, his soil favours aphis and kills paradise stocks. Now, as to my recommending Pears on quince stocks to be planted over the junction of the graft and stock, I have not yet found that this is bad advice. With me no Pear has yet struck its own roots into the soil from above the junction, and 1 have upwards of six hundred sorts on quince stocks. My soil may not be more favourable to tliis than to the aphis, al- though one of the best soils in the country for rooting generally. I also ask the Editors wliat proofs thev have to justify their " 'Wo think you are ripht." Let us have the truth without fear or ambiguity. — John Scoit, Merriot. [The question Mr. Pearson asked was relative to a scion on a quince stock emitting roots if the point of union be beneath the surface of the soil. W'e think, or rather should have said that we A-miic, that it does so. Mr. Scott's soil must be very peculiar if roots are never emitted from the scion under such treatment. We have expressed no opinion about the paradise stocks. — Eds. STIUWBERMES. REMARKS O.N THE CHOICE OF VARIETIES AND THEIR CULTIVATION. The strawberry is one of our oldest British fruits, having been in cultivation in this country for more than four hundred years. In a poem of the fifteenth centuiy, by John Lidgate, called " Loudon Lyckpeny," we tind the following effusion :— " Then unto London I dyde me liye. Of all the land it bearyeth the pryse ; * Gode pe.scode,' one began to cry — ' Strabery rype, and Cherrys in the ryse.' *' Although the Strawberry has been so long in cultivation, I suppose that it has made greater progress towards perfection in the last quarter of a century than during any other period of its history. Having given a considerable amount of attention to the cultivation of the Strawberi-y, I may be excused for venturing to nan-ate my experience after so many valuable papers have been written on the subject ; but I consider a very important feature of The Journal of Hoiiticuliuee is, that discussion and intercommunication are incited on all matters of interest to its readers. It is now a little more than two years since I gave a detailed account of the way in which I successfully cultivated the StrawbeiTy ; but since then, having experimented with a num- ber of varieties, and adopted different modes of cultivation, I have added a little more to my stock of Strawberry lore. Two years ago this winter I prepared a piece of ground for the pur- purpose of growing some rather new sorts, as well as some older varieties of high repute, and testing their qualities. The ground was prepared by trenching about 2 feet deep, and putting plenty of manure at the bottom of the trench. As we did not intend jjlauting before the following autumn, it lay rough and exposed to the action of the frost until spring, when it was planted with a crop of Early Handsworth Potatoes. These were off by the early part of July ; and after the gi-ound had been nicely due; and received another dressing of dimg, it was in good condition for the Strawberry plants. These were cai-efully propagated during the summer, the first rimners that could be obtained being pegged down in 48-sized pots filled with rich compost, and as soon as they were estabUshed they were severed from the parent plants and placed in their fruiting positions. I consider it most essential to success to have the plants estabUshed early, and with all due deference to the opinions of others. I would recommend autumn planting. Dtuing the last season, having had a good quantity of plants to prepare, I propagated one half by pepgiuj; down in pots, and the other half by pegging down in the beds : and after an im- partial investigation of both systems, I ftel rather inclined to prefer the latter, especially when plants intended to propagate from can be grown by themselves. Some of the varieties grown in my experimental-bed did very well, others only moderately, and others, again, refused to throw up even a single scape. Prince of Wales refused to bloom, and, therefore, suffered excommunication. I antici- pated testing the reported good qualities of La Constante, but it did not produce a single truss of bloom ; this I shall try one season more, and if with no better success I will throw it away. Prince Arthur produced a quantity of very small berries, but the Uavour was exquisite. Sir Charles Napier fruited at the rate of one plant out of ten, and these not very satisfactorily. The much-praised Frogmorc Late Pine Las not yet gratified my palate with its luscious fruit. The plants were sickly and bloomed very sparingly, and what few fruits there were never came to perfection. The whole of the above, with the exception of La Constante and the Frogmore Late Pine, have been thrown away as being of no service. To these two 1 intend to give another year's trial, and if they do not succeed any better Uiey must be rejected as worthless in this soil and situation. At Biddulph Grange, not half a mile from here. La Constante last summer did well, and was one of the lest. Eivers's Eliza, Carolina Supcrba, Marguerite, and San>pareil, did but very moderately. These remain on trial one year longer. Empress EugOnie and EcUpse in the same plantation did well. The latter is the best and most proUfic variety which I have seen ; the fruit from the first pickings measured 6 inches in circum- ference. The fruit from Empress Eugenie is large and hand- some and of medium flavour, but with us this variety is not such a heavy cropper as Eclipse ; the fruit is fully as large. Keens' Seedling, which has always been a favourite, has failed for the last two years. Uependonce was always placed on it for the general crop, but it appeared worn out and has given place to better sorts. Our other four or five old varieties of sterling worth I dare not at present destroy. Black Prince is depended on for the general crop, but if Eclipse maintain its character, I purpose planting it largely next season . The Elton is still the best we have for a late crop in this neighbourhood, it con- tinues in bearing untO the second week in August ; and Black Prince came in last summer by the 20th of June, thus pro- longing the Strawbeny season seven weeks. British Queen and GoUath did ample service, and well repaid the trouble in their careful cultivation. Fruit of Goliath measured between 8 and 9 inches in circumference. The varieties wliich I have had the opportunity of testing, and which I find the most useful, are the Black Prince, Echpse, Empress EngCnie, British Queen, Goliath, and Elton. I con- sider that half a dozen good sorts to be depended on are ample for places of moderate extent, and numerous varieties only tend to cause confusion and disappointmtnt. I w-ill now offer a few remarks on the successful culture of the StrawbeiTy. It is essentially necessary that the ground should be deeply trenched, and that plenty of dung should be placed at the bottom of the trench. The time preferred for this operation, when it can be made convenient, is winter. Sometimes it is desirable to replant immediately a piece of ground which has been previously occupied by Strawberries. When this is the case it is requisite to work in, during the process of trenching, a quantity of fresh soil. In trenching the ground of an old plantation last summer, it was found that the roots had penetrated to the depth of nearly 3 feet ; hence, the importance of deeply stirring the ground and placing the manure at a good depth. The roots will naturally, ramble away in search of food and mc'istmc, and properly preparing the giound and affording a Uberal supply of dung constitute the best safeguards against the ill effects of dry weather. For mulcliing, or for keeping the fruit from being splashed with dirt, I have generally used straw or short glass ; the latter I object to on account of its tendency to cause mouldiness and decay among the berries. Last summer I used clean fresh litter with a portion of the droppings shaken out. As soon as the bloom began to expand I cleared the plants of all nmners not required for propagation, and the bods of weeds ; a good thickness of Utter was then carefully laid down aU over the beds. This being done, and a good soaking of water (not a mere dribblet), being given twice a-week, notwithstanding the tropical summer which we experienced, and the long- continued drought, I never saw StrawbeiTies look better, and never witnessed heavier crops. I know that some ladies are rather fastidious about Strawberries lying on litter, and object to its use in consequence of its imparting a disagreeable flavour to the fruit ; but in order to obviate this difliculty I had short stick? prepared and placed round the plants soon after the fruit had set, and two or three pieces of matting tied roimd each plant according to the length <■! the different scapes. This system may appear to entail a little txtra trouble, and so it does, but the advantages secured are more than a compen- sation. I do not remember having seen it practised before, FebruaiT 20, 1866. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 145 nor ef en reading of it until ilr. Wills told us last August, in the pages of this Journal, how he successfully adopted the same plan at Oulton. A bed of the British Queen, or any of the large vaiueties, when tied up and approaching maturity presents a very charming appearance. I need not enlarge on the treatment of the plants after the fruit has been gathered. Much has been said ou this subject lately, and I would recommend all who are ambitious to excel in Strawberry culture to consult those articles. I will, how- ever, add, that I do not allow useless runners to remain on the plants, and I consider it essential to keep the beds clean and free from weeds, as every sprig of grass or intruding weed is so much abstracted from the soil, and, consequently, from the food of the future crop. Further, I still adhere to my old practice of not destroying the foliage. I will not dispute that Strawberries may be grown where the dangerous system of cutting off the leaves is practised, but I have tried both ways and consider it the better policy to allow the leaves to remain. Strawberries can only be had in perfection when they are gathered dry, for a very httle rain will destroy their flavour. Being in its natui'al habitat a rock plant, those soils contain- ing the gi'eatest amount of rock in a decomposed state, or the most clay, have been found to produce the fruit of the finest flavour. — QuiNTiN Read, Biddulpli. STRIKING ROSE CUTTINGS. Raising Roses on their own roots has been so often treated of in your Journal of late, that I have been surprised at never having there met with a plan suggested by Mr. Fish many years ago, in your " first series," and which I tried at the time, and sometimes lately, with much success. I mean inserting in April or May the soft stubby shoots of that spring, while from IJ to 3 inches long. These when treated as there desired (a slight hotbed, glass cap, and shade), became strong and vigorous plants, which gave a few flowers that same autumn, and foi-med strong plants from 18 inches to 2 feet high, which bloomed well in the following June, and far surpassed any other cuttings of the same age. Indeed, I have usually found that cuttings require a long time before making vigorous trees. One peculiarity is, that Roses raised in the manner I have described generally send up two or three stems, which makes them desirable tor pegging down. — Agnes. [We have never tried the plan fairly without being success- ful. The chief secrets of success are a rather low temperature befor-e the cuttings begin to callus, and more heat afterwards.] NOTES ON THE SPECIES OP HELLEBORUS. The Hellebores are all robust hardy perennials, and com- prise among them some of the gayest spring-flowering plants which we at present possess ; for no set of hardy perennials are so attractive as the Hellebores in the earlier months of the year, they producing their flowers with impunity at that sea- son when few others can brave the inclemency of the weather. The genus Helleborus belongs to the same natural order (Ra- nimculace.'el as the Larkspur, Columbine, Monkshood, Marsh Marigold, Love-in-a-Mist, and the Winter Aconite. Its name HeUeborus is derived, according to some writers, from " he- lien," to cause death, and " bora," food, on account of its poisonous qualities ; but, according to Bergeret, it is derived from the river Eleborus, the Black Hellebore being foimd plentifully along its banks. All the Hellebores grow freely in a rather moist and some- what shady situation, and in a soil with which a little peat earth has been mixed. In the cultivation of the different species of Hellebore, the principal error appears to consist in paying them too much attention, for they succeed to admiration in a retentive soil, rather shady and moist, and where they are allowed to remain undisturbed and unacquainted with the gardener's rake and hoe, for it is sufficient that the soil about them be kept clear of such weeds as grow taller than the plants themselves, and that they be completely free from the drip from trees. The Hellebores are all easily increased by dividing the old plants when in a dormant state ; or by seeds, which should be sown directly they are ripe. Hellebobus oniENTALis, Lamarck (The true Black Hellebore). — Syn.H. officinalis, Salisbury; H. olympicus ruber, of gardens. This is the Black Hellebore of the ancients, formerly so cele- brated as a medicine in mania, epilepsy, and dropsy. It is still kept for medicinal pvirposes in the shops of the East, where it is called "Zopteme" by the Turks. The radical leaves of the oriental Hellebore are on long stalks, pedate, aomewhat pubescent on the under surface when young, and regularly serrated on the margins ; while those of the floral leaves are without footstalks, palmate, and finely toothed. The flower-stems grow about a foot high, with peduncles usually forked, and bearing large solitary flowers having the sepals more or less pointed, permanent, and when younig white stained with purple towards the edges, but quite green when old. It flowers from February to April. It is the opinion of botanists that in reality the Black Helle- bore of the ancients was not the Helleborus niger, but another- species, called by some writers, H. orientalis, and, by others, H. officinalis. Dr. Lindley says, " A poison so deadly as thai/ which the ancients caUed Black Hellebore would naturally attract the attention of the moderns ; and accordingly from a very early period a plant occurring plentifully in the middle of Europe, and as far south as the Athos mountains in Greece, has been selected as the classical species." The oriental Hellebore is found plentifully on mountains in most parts of the Levant, on the Bithyniau Olympus, abouii Thessalonica, and near Constantinople. The roots are an acrid and \'iolent purgative. Helleborus nicer, Liimmus (The Christmas Rose). — This kind is a native of woody mountains in many parts of Europe, especially those of Austria, Piedmont, Styria, Greece, Pro- vence, the Pyrenees, and Apennines, and is an old inhabitant of English gardens, for it was introduced so far back as the j-ear 1596. The Christmas Rose grows from 9 to 12 inches high, and has rather large, smooth, pedate leaves, somewhat resembling a large bird's foot, and produced in the spring after the flowers are faded. The flowers are large, cup-shaped, with a white or rose-coloured coroUa-hke calyx, and produced in scapes from the end of December to March ; at first pure white, afterwards rather pink, and finally they become green before fading. In mild seasons the flowers begin to expand towards the end of December, which circumstance has gained for the plant the name of Christmas Rose. There are two varieties of the Black Hellebore — one the common kind, and the other with larger flowers and narrower leaves, and which latter is an Austrian plant, sometimes named vernalis in gardens on account of its flowering much later in the spring than the common or broad-leaved kind. The virtues of the Helleborus niger were formerly too much extolled in the old herbals. It is probably now imdeservediy neglected, but its use requires great caution, for its effects aie very uncertain and dangerous, as it loses its virtues by keep- ing. Its medicinal uses are as purgatives in cases of mania, melancholy, lethargy, dropsy, and for worms. Snuff made from the dried leaves causes violent sneezing, while if smoked Uke tobacco it is a good remedy for the toothache. The roots, however, are the part used in medicine, and con- sist of a black furrowed roundish head, about the size of a nutmeg, from which short-jointed branches arise, sending out numerous fibres about the thickness of a straw, blackish out- side, white or yellowish white within, and of an acrid nauseous and rather bitter taste, exciting a sense of heat and numbness in the tongue, and having a nauseous smell. The root is used in the form of a tincture, but its effects are uncertain and dangerous. — George Gordon, A.L.S. (To be continued.) THE LOVE OF ROSES AMONG THE ROMANS. The love of the ancients for Roses was something fanatical. I do not so much refer to the poets ; for probably the modern and the antique bards may vie with each other in the use of the Rose as a common-place of poetical illustration ; but I allude to a strong passion for the visible, tangible, scent-giving Rose, as something to be enjoyed by all the five senses, scarcely excluding that of hearing, for a rustle of many Boses must have attended some of the more extraordinary manifestious of idolatry. A time without Roses was a contingency to be avoided at any cost ; and the Romans, though the mildness of their climate allowed the adored flower to grow at an un- usually late season, could not submit to the privations of S) winter. Not only were whole shiploads of Boses brought from Alexandria in the inclement season, but various means MC JOtTBNAL OF HOBTICtTLTTTBE AND COTTAG'E GABDEVEB. [ Fabnurr 90, Uas. were devieod for preserving the gatliered flowers throngbont the yc«r with an much froehnes!) as was attainable. The wreath of Eoses, of which one reads and wTites about so often without any other ima^e than that of a carved twig with a tolerably rich supply of floral ornaments, was capable of a high degree of elaboratiun ; fur the Koman florists looked upon an enlaoement of whole flowers as an excecdinply meagre afTair. For a grand work of art tliey took the Eoee leaves separately, laid them over euoh other like scales, and thus produced a Eort of fragrant sausage. This refinement in the consbuction of wreaths wlU show UaA the luxorious ancients not only insisted on the constant presence of Koses, but were determined to have them in as large a quantity as possible. The anecdotes that illustrate this form of the floral passion could scarcely be surpassed in wonder by the wildest imagination :— " To enjoy the scent of Boses at meals," says Herr 'Wustemann, "an abundance of Bese leaves was shaken out upon the table, so that the dishes were completely surroimded. By an artificial contrivance, Boses, during meals, descended on the guests from above. HeUogabalus in his folly caused Violets and Boses to be showered down upon his guc«ts in such quantities, that a number of them, being unable to extricate themselves, were suffocated in flowers. During meal times they reclined tipon oashions stuffed with Rose leaves, or made a coucb of the leaves tliemselves. The floor, too, was strewn with Boses, and in this custom great luxurj- was displayed. Cleopatra, ftt an enormous expense, procured Boses for a feast which she gare to Antony, had them laid two cubits thick on the floor of the banquet-room, and caused nets to be spread over the flowers in order to render the footing elastic. HeUogabalus eaased not only the banquet-rooms, but also the colonnades that led to them, to be covered with Boses, interspersed with Iiihes, Violets, Hyacinths, and Narcissi, and walked about t^mn this flowery platform." As a source of artificial perfumes the Eose was employed by the ancients in other ways than in those oils and waters that are familiar to modem life. When the leaves had been pressed out for higher uses, they were dried and reduced into a powder, called " diapasma," which was laid on the skin after a bath, and then washed off with cold water. The object of this process was to impart a fragrance to the skin. As a medicine. Quinces preserved in honey were introduced into a decoction of Bose leaves ; and the preparation was deemed good {or complaints of the stomach. In the culinary art Boses had likewise their place of honour, and were put into many dishes for the sake of their pleasant flavour. For this end they were sometimes preserved — a delicate process, as they were very apt to become mouldy. — Bev. W. H. E. GLEANINGS FROM ROCK AND FIELD TOWARDS ROME.— No. Vi. Fbom the inn beneath the Susa mountains we began the ascent of Mount C'euis on foot, hoping to proceed leisurely a little in advance of the carriage, enjoying the pure air and the now flora. We had not proceeded far when a mountain storm overtook us, and w* had to run for shelter to a soldier's hut. The soldier mode us welcome in the most courteous fashion, giving ns seats, and at the same time a great deal of weather wisdom in an unknown tongue. Presently a poor girl, carrying a fat baby, came in for shelter also, and never did I see a more picturesque pair. The girl was dressed in a brown dress, very old and very worn ; but round her neck she wore a large gilt cross, and above that a large gilt heart, necklace and earrings. She had several rintrs on her hands, and on her head a cap of the coarsest linen trimmed with old point lace — very coarse but real, and scrupuloualy clean. And the baby ? The baby, too, had a little white cap, and laughed and crowed at the strangers right merrily. We had a grand journey np the old mountain amidst torrents of rain mingled with Uiunder and lightning, whicb broke at one moment above us, at another below, and again, as it were, in our very faces ; while vast armies of cloud rolled majestically to and fro in the valley l>eneath or about the mountains around us, disclosing now snow-capped peaks fdittcring like diamonds : now waterfalls scattering their airy spray, across which sun- beam? played at rainbow-making ; and now a tiny happy valley adorned with beds of the brilliant Oentiana aca'ulis. Primulas marginata and longifoUa, with the little Gentiana pnmila (?) growing on grassy slopes beside hnge ttbUs of snow 12 feet high. We passed fields full of the lorrely white Anemone sylveetris, much like onr A. nemorosa magnified half a dozen times its usual size ; and then we came npon other fields one mass of a pole little Crocus, which rises into life and beauty diieetly the snow melts ; while here and there the rocks would show beautiful tufts of Piimnla marginata, and the broken walls revealed masses of Cystopteris fragilis and Ceterach olEcinarmn, with banks of Polypodinm dryopteris waving at their fee*. It seemed like a new world of flowers springing up from a grave of desolation, for nothing conld exceed the savage morose look of the scene, saving when a temporary burst of light and sun- shine fell on a chosen space. As we neared the top of the ascent the storm concentrated itself into one trcmendons ox- plosion, and then rolled away down to the valley beneath, blotting it out from creation, and leaving us a bine sky shining down into a clear lake, which hcs outspread on the top of the mountain close by the hospice where snow-trapped shepherds and travellers find refuge, and where there is a diaptl and an altar at which the hardy mountaineers may meet in worship. Every now and then, while making the ascent, we came on one of the twenty-three houses of refuge, built with its thick rock-hke wall turning its sturdy back to the road, which in most cases made a sort of shelter for it. I looked in vain for the gieat dogs of St. Bernard, and yet the houses of refuge are in great request during the winter ; bat instead of dogs there ran oat groups of little children with bouquets of wild flowers, and by never refusing to buy these I used to make a tolerable collection, even when the day was too wet or the roads were too good for flower-htmting. What I saw of Ferns during this morning's drive gave me an exceeding longing " to do " Mount Cenis leisurely ; for the few 1 managed to procure by making a dash out of the carriage, or by buying from the children, seemed but as the advanced gnard of a whole beautiful army lying hidden, like riflemen, in their suit of green, in every nook and cranny of those gkrrious mountains. How I longed for roots of all I saw I could never tell. What my companions endured in the way of sundry halts after this or that treasure, from petticoats all dabbled in mud and water or fringed with ice, from bundles of cold clammy Ferns with dripping roots being nnceremoniouriy poked into their warm hands with, " I pray yon jnst hold these till I'm settled ;" or, '• Would you mind taking charge of them ? for my bag is throttling me. And where are the trowels ? Oh, here in my pocket, or there under yon. And the knife? Why, bless me, I forgot to shut it ! Do take care." All these pleasures and sundry others — such as cake f^the delicious Mi- lanese flat raisin bread which cannot be procured elsewhere), ptit unawares into the Fem-bag, or the Ferns put into the cake — 1 leave all this for their pens, not mine, to describe for me. Had I not my treasures, and was I not content ? Why do I thus linger on the mountain-top, seeing visions of the past in the clear waters of the lake ? I am taking my last leave of Italy; for almost immediately after leaving tlie hospice yon descend by Fir-clad slopes into Savoy — Frencb Savoy now — so smiling and fertile, one wonders how Victor Emmanuel could ever have found it in his heart to give up such pleasant places. By-and-by we passed fields literally covered with the 0«a- tiana pnmila (?) and Primula longifolia ; and there in the bright sunshine I dug away at the roots to my heart's content, till the carriage was filled with perfume and the siftings of sandy clay, as if we had been na\'\ies revelling in Cowshp tea. After a while we came to a beautiful valley, through which the river Are carries its rushing waters in a wild tamultaons manner, while snow-clad mountains rise on every side, only the snow was melted. All at once I hoard, " Ijook up I there is the 'Mount Cenis tunnel." I obeyed and 1 mked np. We were close upon the village or town of I'onmeaux, between Lans-le-honrg and St. Michel ; and on the left-hand side, far up a giant mountain, I saw two square framed doors, wliile perched against the mountain side were the workmen's cot- tages. Near the square doors is a large semicirciJar bole, which every now and then vomits forth rocks and stones, which go rattling down the mountain's face. This was the Savoy side of the Great Bore which is to pierce through seven and a half miles of monnfain. to make a railway, by which travellers will be taken that they may avoid the sweet air of heaven, laden with the breath of flowers, and be enabled to go rnahing to and fro Italy and Switzerland during everj- mouth of the year. February 20, 1866. ] JOUENAIi OF HOBTICULIUBE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEK. 147 A Piedmontese named Joseph Sledall for ten years is-andered about these mountains, seeking the best spot for this tre- mendous undertaking ; but it was left for a Belgian — Mans, assisted by Sismondi the naturalist, to hit upon the place ultimately chosen. They spent four years in the interesting search. The outlet, and inlet too, on the Piedmontese side is at Bardonneche, and the workmen are very gradually approaching each other. The two great problems were — how to supply the workmen with air-, and how to ensure their meeting in the centre of the tunnel. To let down vertical shafts to ascertain the natui'e of the mountain and to supply fresh air for the workmen would have taken, it is computed, forty years ! Most wonderful are the expedients resorted to for working the boring shafts and for breathing-material. The compressed air of six atmospheres is introduced in tubes — that intended for breath- ing, of course, expanding the instant it is released ; the other forcing out the perforating needle or shaft, much in the same way as a popgun. For compressing the air the torrent of the Are is put into requisition. But my poor pen could never properly explain half of the wonders of this most gigantic work ; but after gazing up at the perched cottages and inclined planes, I turned my longing eyes back up the valley, with its rushing waters and its fields of Primulas and Gentian.s ; and if ever I go over Mount Cenis again, I think I shall choose the lesser bore of the mules to the gi-eater bore of the tunnel. The cost of this undertaking is perfectly enormous. If fiuished by 1873, the share to be paid by the French Government alone is £1,287,000. St. Michel, cm nest halting place, is one of the loveliest mountain villages I have ever seen. Yon do not look on the grand hills from afar off in mysterious unapproachahlenesa, for they ai-e close to youi- elbow, iu^-iting you to scale them at every turn. Nor are they cold, and white, and glittering — too pure for aught hut worship. They are rich and warm in colour- ing, not only courting the son's rays, but, as it were, imprison- ing them on many a glade and chosen spot. On one of the lower rocks I found a mass of Asplenium germanicum, very dry and withered, but retaining sufficient vitality to repay me for my care by sending out new fronds. At first I mistook the withered fronds for A. septentrionale, they had been so fine and flourishing ; but a little inspection proved differently. I fear for the life of ;he plants in England, for I have lost all but two in trying to persuade them to hve out of doors. On the same group of rocks, but higher up, we found a very handsome orange-colom'ed Pheasaut's-eye (Adonis citrina), the Polygala alpestris, and quantities of Silene acauhs, which gave a ruddy glow to many of the surrounding rocks, from the masses which trailed over them. At the rambling old inn I found a parcel of alpine plants left for me by our pleasant railway companions of Susa. I wonder if they will ever read this little account, and my grate- ful acknowledgments with it. At St. Michel we took train for Geneva, changing carriages at Culoz. Geneva — as I write the name I put down my pen and wonder. How was it that none of the numerous accounts I had read had given me the faintest idea of what Geneva was ? For any true impression conveyed to my mind I might have read of Timbuctoo or Yucatan. Yet the clean little town, with the dark green waters of the Rhone for ever rushing through it, with its numerous bridges — its wooden pathways over the river, which laps up to the sides of the houses — with its sober-looking shops and its dark cathedral — has a life and individuality of its own, complete and utterly apart from that of any other place. " To be sm-e," you will say, " it's the lake, and the Castle of ChiUon, and all that sort of thing." No, the lake of Geneva and Geneva are two separate things. I think it's Calvin. When I remember Geneva I feel cold and idle, and very clean and intensely diiU. I feel as if I had suddenly passed from one hemisphere to another without crossing the line. The Southern Cross has set, and the northern lights stream up the cold pale sky. I miss from the shop windows the comely benevolent face of il St. Padre, which has given place to the sharp-visaged profile of Calvin. I miss the pro- cessions from the streets, the lights, the music, and the people from the churches. I miss the dear old dirty monks, the bells, the noise, the fulness and richness of the southei-n hfe ; and it does not compensate me to hear that the Genevese are a hardworking set when they are not tipsy, and that Ufe and property are respected, and safe as in England. Perhaps, too, I miss the little excitement of the dark passages and stiletto. Yes, all this is gone — passed away from me, perchance, for ever ; but there is the lake and Mont Blanc just over the water. Mont Blanc, now clear and sharp in outline, frozen, and white ; now grey and misty, looking unearthly in its robe of vapour ; now golden red like a bank of lurid fire ; and now nowhere. Yes, there is a tiny brilhant peak peering from the clouds : that is the Grand Mulets, Mont Blanc itself is to the right. A little watching, and the three-in-one mountain is visible, but only for a while. Presently all vanishes away, and sky and cloud look entirely innocent of its existence. Must I speak more of Geneva, or will it be as if a foreigner were to describe Richmond or Hackney ? Shall I tell of the wUd flowers abounding in the neighbourhood ? — of the snow- white MeUssa grandiflora, the Tragopogon major, the Orchis pyramidalis, the Dianthus asper, and a lovely white Orchis- looking plant, with a stiff stem, and buds like closed Orange flowers, that I found in a Beech wood, and which in a smaller variety I once found in a Beech wood in Hampshire, when I was told it was an Epipactis, but I do not believe it. Then growing about a waterfall I found the Pelargonium Roberti- anum, and covering an old bridge a lot of Cystopteris fragihs. I took my plants off in triumph to the Botanic Gardens, hoping to name them ; but alas ! for the system that prevails there, whether that of Professor De CandoUe or other ! I foaud obliterated names, dead plants, and disorder everywhere ; and after many vain attempts I had to desist in despair, and re- turned grumbling to the lake and the mountains, which at all times answer every demand and satisfy every craving. And so at length my little chaplet of Italian wild flowers is finished — my " Gleanings " gathered together and bound up. The sheaf is not large, and there may be here and there cockle with the barley, for there are innumerable difficulties attending even the naming of the commonest Italian wild flowers, from the lack of books and get-at-able botanists ; but loving hands and willing feet have followed the reaper's track wherever it was visible. The harves-t of the gi-eat field of natm-e is large enough for all. It cries out day and night for labourers. The more the reapers the more bountiful the store, for it knows no years of scarcity and famine, and the very wayside provides food enough and to spare for many gleaners. — Filix-fcemina. WORK FOR THE W'EEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. In light dry soils progress may be made in putting in some of the principal crops. On stiff wet ground this should by no means be attempted. Artichokes, if the weather continue mild give them their spring di'essing. A^iparagus, m;ike new betis with two-year plants, and fill up old ones. Beans, plant out Mazagans from boxes and pots. Earth-up the early-sown crops. Cabbarie, plant out beds, and earth-up those already planted. Caitlitloa-ers, plant out from frames or hand-glasses. The latter must" have but three plants left in each. Cucumhirs, the pre- sent mild weather wUl greatly conduce to the health of the plants, as it will aUow of an admission of fresh air daily with- out fear of their receiving injury. Close the frames early in the afternoon, and let them remain shut down till the evening, when a little air may be given for the night. After linings have been renewed keep a constant watch on the state of the bed. Lcehs, sow for a principal crop. Ordom, sow main crops in di-iUs or broadcast. Weed and thin out those sown in the autumn. The thinnings may be planted out in favourable situations. Pot Herbs should now be sown, or plantaticais made from cuttings. Potatoes, plant ear-ly sorts in a wann situation ; for earlier crops a few may be planted in boxes in heat, and transplanted to the open ground when they have vegetated. Those grooving in frames should have air given freely. Parsjiips, now is a good time to sow a good breadth in ground deeply trenched, with the manure at the bottom. It is a very useful vegetable, and none better repays extra care in the cultivation. FRUIT GARDEN. Proceed with pruning and nailing when not too cold for these operations. If any planting still remains to be done, let it be perfonned as soon as the ground is in a fit state for that pui-pose. Do not, as is sometimes done, over-manure. It is a great mistake to induce the production of gross loug-joiuted wood m any state of the existence of a fruit tree, wood of this description never becomes thoroughly ripened. With stone fruits, gum, canker, and premature death are sometimes the result ; and in the case of Pear.^, anything deserving tlie name of a crop is never obtained till the gross habit induced by l»d JOLiSNAL OF noivllCULTUliJS &i^U v^OTTAGE GABDtKEB. [ t'ebiuuy 10, IfiUS. plauliiig in loo rich aoU is overcome. Ground intended for iruil trees should first be effectually drained and then trenched to the depth of 2 feet, and ii the natural soil is found to be too poor for the health and growth of the trees, a sufficient tiuautity of fresh turfy luam should bo added ; but rich stimn- latiuH manures should not bo used, for they arc soon exhausted, and the trees are left to depend upon the natural soil for their support, and when treated in this way never give satisfaction. rLOWEB UAIIDE.N. As soon as the ground is a little dried it will be a good plan to have all the vacant beds in the flower garden forked over, so 08 to let the soil become properly pulverised prior to planting out the autumn-sown annuals. Preparation must also be made for a general sowing of the more hardy kinds, such as Lark- spurs, Godetias, Clarkias, Nemophilas, &c., which should now be made on the first day the ground is sutJlciently dry to admit of sowing them. Proceed with pruning shrubs and common Kosos, but leave the more tender kinds until you are i sure they will not be injured by frost. The thinning and pruning of young plantations should now receive attention. It 1 is perfectly lamentable to see so many completely ruined from j want of this necessary attention at an early stage of their growth. It was in times past totally neglected, and it is in no wise altered at the present day in very many instances. It is ' an error to plant very thickly of one common mixture, the con- sequence of which is, that the quick-growing useless sorts soon overtop the more valuable and what ought to be the permanent ' trees ; neglect in thinning, following mismanagement in plant- | irig, soon carries them beyond recover}*, and they become drawn up like whip-handles, useless either for shelter or profit. Had 3uch been properly thinned in time they would have served the purpose for which they were intended — that is, shelter or smameut. OKKEXHODSE .\NI> COSSERVAIOBV. \ Many plants will soon be fit for repotting. When plants are removed to a higher temperature, examine their roots, and see if they are liealthy, and if not, shake the old soil from them I and repot them in fresh soil in smaller pots. This is a good mode of preparing plants for the one-shift system, which may be adopted as soon as the roots begin to spread on the outside i of the new soil. The one-shift system should never be ■ adopted until you are satisfied that the roots are in a healthy | state and beginning to grow. Orange trees in tubs or pots should be carefully examined in order to ascertain whether or | no their roots are in a healthy state, and those requiring more Toom should be shifted at once. In many instances, however, H may not be possible to afford large specimens a shift ; in that case remove as much of the surface soil as can be done without injuring the roots, and replace it with a mixture of good loamy turf, broken bones, decayed cowdung, and sand, and see that the balls of the plants are in a moist healthy condition. Dis- pense with fire heat in the conservatory as much as possible, a temperature of o,5° by day and -15° by night will be sufficient for general purposes. Do not allow the heat to rise much by sunshine. There is as much skill displayed in retarding cer- tain flowers as in hastening their flowering in the first in- stance, and to this end a canvas screen of a thin character should always be at hand to throw over the roof during the mid-day hours of a bright day. Bo sure to sow a little Cine- raria and Chinese Primrose seed as soon as you can ; this, with another sowing in Api-il, will furnish a supply tlironghout the next autumn and winter, if high cultivation be carried out. Attend to your ornamental trellis plants, they should always be in fine condition, and, to accomplish this, attention is ne- cessary. Forcing-bulbs, as Hyacinths, Narcissus, >tc., should, after blooming, have their leaves tied up, and should be trans- ferred to a cold frame, and, when the most severe weather has passed away, they should be turned out of their pots to feed in prepared beds. STO^-E .VXD ORCHID-HOUSE. Continue repotting such Orchids as need that operation. Stanhopeas, Acroperas, Demlrobiums, &c., suspended in bas- kets or on blocks will now require syringing occasionally, or watering by some means. Many of these will have received little water since the end of October, and will have become ex- cessively dry. Blocks may occasionally be soaked for a few minutes overhead in tepid water, also baskets, if very dry. If syringing is resorted to, choose a bright sunny day for the pur- pose. On such occasions keep up a brisk fire, and give air freely in the afternoon, for fear of the moisture lodging on the un- folding bud, which, in some cases, would prove injurious. The temperature should now be allowed to rise freely on bright days, remembering that a rise by solar heat alone can do no harm for a few hours, even at this period, provided it do not exceed 75°. roRciNo-piT. Continue te increase atmospheric heat and moisture at fit- ting periods. Attend to plants for succession, watch for the worm in the bud of Moss Roses, fumigate for thrips, Ac, and see that the plants are duly watered with tepid liquid mauare. PITS .VND FR.VMES. Some little water will now be required here, give plenty of air all night in safe weather, and propagate stock for bedding out. Endeavour to keep the air of the pits and frames as dry as possible. — W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WTEEK. Fitness. — " Have a place for everything, and keep ererything in its place," is a capital axiom and should ever be kept in mind by the gardener, though in these days there is scarcely one in ten who can carry out the principle. It does one good to go to a place and find a separate house for every particul»r section of plants, and in which, therefore, throughout the season they can receive that kind of treatment as respects tem- perature, moisture, ic, which their circumstances require. No such treatment can be given where in two or three houses almost everything must be attempted. Hence, the complaints of plants being drawn, unhealthy, troubled with insects, covered with mildew, Ac. If a nice conseiTatory is to be kept gay all the winter, the stove, the greenhouse, the forcing-pit, must all be made to contribute their share ; but the due health of the plants must be maintained by keeping them there only so long as they are at their best, and then removing them to the place, where they will have what they need most. Tears ago we had fine displays in winter by means of Jnstioias, Begonias, Poinsettias, Euphorbias, winter-flowering Heaths, Epacris, CameUias, Cinerarias, Chinese Primroses, double and single, forced shrubs, bulbs, Ac. but to keep these in one house re- quired some care in grouping, and placing the hardiest where most air could be given ; and even then the average tempera- ture at night being seldom below .50', and oftener nearer to 55°, with a rise from sunshine when it coiild be obtained, some of the hardier plants, as Cinerarias, required extra care to keep them clean and bushy. We think it but just to mention this, as some enthusiasts with little room, but who must try every- thing, complain very much that their plants are very much drawn this winter, which in most of the cases where any ex- planation is given, we would at once attribute to the plants being kept in too wai-m and close an atmosphere, and at too great a distance from the glass, and especially when the roof is at all cumbered by creepers. The winter, too, as a whole, has not only been extremely damp, but also very sunless, and that would occasion the spindUng-up of plants under glass, when not neutralised by giving extra air, without allowing moisture to come in with it. In such cases the injunction so often given, " Keep the plants near the glass," is all very well ; but in the usual run of plant-houses, if a portion of plants are thus privileged, what becomes of those that must be on beds, or stages, many feet from the glass, and in many cases shaded, too, by creepers ? One advantage as respects the latter is, that with the exception of winter-blooming plants the other creepers that chiefly bloom in summer may be pretty well cut-in in autumn, so as to allow all the light possible in winter. Kiipiiig Plants close to the OUifs is also worthy of the con- sideration of those whose want of tliat success at which they , aim is chiefly owing to their attempting to have two or ' throe distinct crops of plants on different levels in the same I house, one tier above another, like the floors of a house, I whilst the sun through the glass lean-to roof can only admit . full light to the top tier or storey. We have done as much with storeying and cramming in one house as most people, and from necessity, in order to effect certain results with little ] room ; but no contrivance, except moving the plants, could I prevent the lower shaded storeys or tiers from becoming j weakly, if enough of heat reached them to cause them to grow. I Some people seem to think that tliey c&n have tier above tier of plants in a house, just as they have tier above tier in a draper's shop. They forget, that though such soft poods are often the better of having but little of the sun, light for the generality of plants is the great essential for a healthy existence. Keeping growing plants close to the gl^ss is, therefore, of itbraaiy SO, ISGti. ] JOUilNAL OF HOlillCULTUllE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEK. 149 more importance in pits anil frames than it is in the case of lean-to houses with front glass. In the case of pits and frames there is no light, except what comes directly over the tops of the plants, no side light whatever reaches them, and, therefore, the tendency to be dra\vu up weakly will just be in proportion to the heat applied and the distance the plants are from the glass. The position of plants in a pit must, how- ever, often be regulated by other considerations. If the pit or frame is shallow, the plants will be exposed to sudden extremes, just as they are placed close to the glass : hence, even on the score of safety, it is oftesi desirable to have the bulk of the plants near the back fully a foot from the glass, and to place other plants near the front that would for a time rather enjoy the sh«de. There are fine-toliaged plants, too, which often enjoy a diffused rather than a shaded light, and these may receive what they want by standing farther from the glass. By acting on this principle shading may to a great extent be dispensed with. An amateur, a thorough admirer of the " close-to-the-glass principle," informed us two years ago that in following our mode with his Calceolaria cuttings he put them iu in a cold pit in October, and that they were not more than 4 inches from the glass. He was resolved to have them bushy, but the very proximity to the glass necessitated shading at first, which was rather against bushiness, and worse than that, the want of covering in a cold frosty morning caused them to be much injured by frost, so that he came to have doubts as to the " near-glass principle." Our correspondent, who will see this, wiU excuse our referring to it, merely as an evidence that a good idea may be carried too far. We generally put our cuttings out at a distance of from 12 to 15 or 18 inches from the glass. This season we did not insert them until the end of October and the first days of November. They are watered as inserted, but they seldom or never have any shad- ing. In fine days the sashes are drawn off, in mild days tilted ; and if a sudden unexpected frost should come there will be fuDy a foot of air beneath the glass to freeze before the cuttings be touched : hence, even for plants in pots that have to be pretty near the glass in pits, they will be less subject to sudden extremes if the pit is deep enough to permit of a platform being placed in it, so that there may be air below the plants as well as above them. But if this old rule about keeping plants close to the glass should be followed with prudence, even in lean-to pits, it may be regarded as perfectly obsolete in all span-roofed houses with glass at the sides as well as on the roof. A stage or shelves in such a house is more a matter of adaptation and convenience than of sheer utility, so far as light is concerned, more es- pecially if large squares of glass and light bearers are used. In such houses plants will thrive as admirably on the floor as they will do on a stage, if, in cither case, tliere is tmtliiiiii above them to intercept the liciht, and, iu either case, venti- lation is sufficiently under control. Whilst, therefore, the ad- vice about keeping plants close to the glass must be attended to in old dark houses and pits, it will become pretty well obso- lete in the case of new light airy houses. Even in such houses pretty well all glass, if there are plants on the floor, a stage about 3 feet above the floor filled with plants, and the roof shaded with creepers or a fair crop of Grapes, we should ex- pect the plants on the floor to become very spindly when they had enough of heat to make them grow. In a comparatively dormant state many plants could be kept there. To meet the case of manj' inquirers as to how to obtain Grapes and flowers out of their one house, and both good, and without interfering with each other, we shall have a few words to say ere long. Meanwhile, instead of lofty houses, we have no doubt that lower ones with light all round will become more general for plant pur- poses, unless where heat and fuel are primary considerations, for then the opaque wall of a lean-to house constitutes an advantage. KITCHEN OAEDEK. Much the same as last week. Nothing could be done with advantage except wheeling on a frosty morning, followed as we expected by a drenching afternoon. On the same morning, the groimd being a little hard, cleared away a few decayed and yellow leaves from Brussels Sprouts, Savoys, &c., as a few of them, esjiecinlly in muggy weather, are sufficient to taint the atmosphere of the garden. Threw wood and cinder ashes over Lettuces, &c., to keep slugs from them, and hardened off with plenty of air Peas and Beans uuder protection, so that they can go out iu good condition as soon as the gi-ound is dry and friable. Cut off the heads of Turnips in store, and did ■* the same with Carrots, as the mild weather is causing them to shoot prematurely. Gave abundance of air to Radishes, young Carrots, i-c. Eadishes iu the open air had better be covered every night, the weather is so uncertain. Gave a little more room to Kidney Beans bearing in pots. There is nothing gained by having them too close together. Kept up successions of Sea-kale, Rhubarb, and Asparagus. As we wanted the spare room iu a heated pit for forcing and propagatiug-purposes, placed soil in the bottom for Cucumbers, and then jilunged iu it large pots with strong bushy plants of Cucumbers showing fruit. They will fruit more freely and early from the cramping of the roots in the pots, and the hole at the bottom is sufficiently large to let out the roots ultimately. By this means we make better use of any part of the pit unoccupied, than if we planted out the Cucumbers in the narrow border. All plants turned out in a bed or border suffer less or more when other plants in pots are set on the surface, as the watering of these pots pro- motes an unhealthy state iu the border beneath them. These matters are worthy of notice when every inch under glass has to be made the most of. Partly from necessity at first, and now from choice, whether in pits or frames, we now keep the roots of Melons and Cucumbers chiefly in a space of from 2 to 3 feet in width, instead of their traversing all the width of the bed, and we have less trouble and rather more fruit iu consequence. FHUIT GARDEN. Much the same as last week ; ground too wet and clammy to do miTch out of doors. Proceeded with dressing and tying trees in orchard-houses. The trees against the back wall are tied to nails driven in the wall at regular distances, and remaining stationary as so many studs. Tying is not so easily done as when wire trellis is used, but the expense is far less, and there is no trouble with shoots behind the wires. The studding with cast metal nails at once is far superior to using nails and shreds in the usual mode of fastening, as the shreds are a constant harbour for insects and their eggs, and every nail-hole becomes a nest for such enemies. In driving in the nail-studs, C inches apart every way is a good distance ; and when metal nails are used a large space of wall can be done for little money. When we thus used nails as standing studs, we heated a lot of nails on an old useless shovel placed over the tire, and then turned the hot nails into oil, and when cool spread them out to dry. If these be coloured, when the wall is covered there will scarcely ever be any appearance of lust upon them. In all other de- partments allowed growth to come on slowlj', so as not to be weakened iu the dull weather (See remarks on temperature a few weeks back.) Planting fruit trees should be finished as soon as the weather will permit. A little frost will now do great good in keeping back the buds of fruit trees cut of doors, and will most likely be accompanied with more sunshine to benefit what is further advanced under glass. A steady uni- form heat should be maintained about Pines showing fruit. Plants in pits and frames should have linings well backed-up back and front, when dung is used for heat, so that the atmo- sphere may be warmed without the heat passing though the plunging material of the bed. Such dry top heat is of im- portance in all such moist dull weather. For Melons, especially early ones, much depends on having a nice atmospheric tem- perature at an early period, without running the risk oi making the bottom heat too strong to be healthy. When dung heat, or that from any fermenting material, is used, this top tempe- rature is easily supplied by banking fermenting material round the pit or frame. Will prune and nail trees out of doors as soon as we can. ORNAMENTAL DEPARTMENT. In dryish places proceeded with planting trees and shrubs, and this was better done on grass-covered ground than on that which had come under the influence of the spade or the plough, as the groimd is still very wet. Gave plenty of air to Calceo- larias and other half-hardy plants in pits. Filled vases, &c., with bulbs for the mansion. Did little with the lawn or walks. Notwithstanding care, some Primulas in the conserva- tory have damped and become unsightly, owing chiefly to drip from the roof. Violets in pots under glass reqiiired plenty of air. Am-iculas that have become too damp from drip should have the drainage examined, a part of the surface soil removed, and its place supplied with rich fresh compost. Everything com- paratively hardy, but under glass, should now be kept as robust as possible, by plenty cf air in mild weather. Air-riiring. — Such a winter as we have passed through does much to show the importance of a heating apparatus in all kinds of plant-repositories, as a little artificial heat during the 150 JOUBNAL OF HOBTICDLTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ FebnuuT 90. 18««. day would Jiapel all lUmp, and inaure a circulation of air. As alreai'y stated, wlian one house is miiJe a flower-houso, the pbnts' requiring the higbeit temperature should be kept at one end, and no air given there. whiUt air should ho admitted close to such planta iis Oineniriiis and Primulas. In common greenhoasos foiced plunts bhould bo treated in the same way, at least until they are Imr.lened to the atmosphere in which they are placed. in mere average-tomperatured greenhouses hard- wooded plants, as Kcnnedyas, Boroiiias, Hoveas, Leschemiul- tias, Crowea;). and the most teuder Pimeleas require a closer and warmer atmosphere, and more direct li'.;ht, and less direct air comin;^ at once upon them, than would be agreeable to .Acacias, Cytisu"s, and soUwooded plants, as Pelargoniums and Cinera- ria.'!, and the general run of Heaths. One reason why a col- lection of Cape Heaths is best grown in a house by itself, is that they require a very free circulation of air, even if not much above the freezing-point, which circulation at that tem- perature would soon be fatal to a Crowea or a Boronia. Many a fine hardwooded plant from Australasia has been destroyed from standing just behind an opening for air in front of a house in cold weather, when hardier plants would even have enjoyed the draught. We arc (jnite well aware that such plants in their natural habitats often pass unharmed tlirough a de- gree of cold to which they would be rarely subject in our green- Louses ; but we must not forget that the fierce cloudless sun in such climates in summer gives a hardness and induration to the wood which it can hardly acquire under any circumstances in our more moist and clouded climate. Besides, we are too often led to forget the effects of a draught of cold air. It is a very different thing from exposure to the cold without the draught. We have known instances of delicate young ladies, aye, and young gentlemen too, who would pass from a heated ball-room, and with little more than a loose shawl or mantle in addition to ball-room clothing, and traverse the gardens and parterres of an evening, and with scarcely a perceptibly injurious effect ; but, alas ! we know of instances under such circumstances in which, when oppressed with the heat of the rooms, sitting for fifteen or thirty minutes iu the a;creeable coolness from the draught of an open window, has but too surely left its mark in the hectic consumption and the untimely death. Had we again the chance of growing a good collection of the hardwooded tenderer Australasian plants, except in extremely mild weather they should never have air directly beating upon them from the front of the house, unless it was heated before it reached them. They would have all thai would be necessary for them from top air alone. As a general rule, in ordinary cir- cumstances, with all such tender hardwooded plants front air should be given sparingly in winter. A very slight opening at the apex wUl in genersil soon set all the air in a house in motion, and the heated air that escapes will heat and moisten the heavier and colder air as it passes through it. Some time ago we were asked to look at some nice cottages for labouring men. Strange, the windows that did not open from top to bottom were in two halves, the upper half a fixture, the lower half lifting up so as to give what air was wanted about 2{ feet from the iioor. The hundred or so of windows, we are glad to say, were altered, so that the upper sash should pull down. An inch even in a cold day would soon change the atmosphere of a room, and if a person were at a respectable distance, he would enjoy the fresh air without being cooled by it. The throwing up of the lower sash admitted the cold air from with- out to mix at once with nearly the coldest air of the room. Hence for all glass houses we luuk upon top air in ordinary cir- cumstances as more suitable, and especially in winter, than front air, which shotild always be admitted with care and cau- tion. If the stimulus from expansion from heat is regulated by the presence of bright light, the whole theory and practice of ventilation will be reduced to its simplest proportions ; unless in extreme cases, sunlight, and sun heat along with the light, will not make plants weakly or diseased. In such favour- able sunlight the chief danger to be guarded against is scorching from the want of early air-giving; and make sure if a rather high temperature is reached, that it rises gradually, and after air has been given. The giving a little early is of more importance in every way than giving much at a time, and often when too late. Went on potting, iSsc, as detailed in pre- -vious weeks' notices. — B. F. TRADE CAT.U.OGUE RECERTED. H. N. Brmisby, High Street, AXlon.—Cataloffiu: of Select Vegetable and Flower Seeds. COVENT G.ARDEN MARKET.— FKBBUAav 17. In nmSfHiarfnco of the rootinned op«n westber, tbrr* is u coBjitmi and liberrO happly of winter veReUiUes, and there in UkuwiM- n Iftrire iocrftue in "ur iuiport-itiouH. nmuntj which arc i^.mc fiiir HaiuiUc) of Grcm Paas. PriLwii rule much tho fliuno as last week. Piocs are more plentiful, and a few Strawberries ar« coming in. PBTJIT. e. d. R. d Apple" j siere 2 6 to 4 0 Aprlcnts doz. 0 0 0 0 CUerrios lb. 0 0 0 0 ChostDuts bash. 8 0 IS 0 Cnrmnts, Red ) sieve 0 0 0 0 Black do. 0 0 0 0 Flat doi. 0 0 0 0 FUljtrts lb. 0 0 0 0 Cobs 100 lbs. 0 0 160 0 Gooseberries. . ^ Bieve 0 0 0 0 Grapet!, Hambro lb. Muscats lb. Lemons lOO 6 :\ 10 0 18 0 'lO Melons eacll Malberries punaat Nectarines doz. Oranjjcs 100 Peaches doz. Fears (Utcbcn).. doz. dessert doz. Pine Apples lb. Phims ^ si»rve Quinces ^ sieT* Itaspberries lb. St rawberrics oz. Walnuts bnsh 14 0 30 0 VEGETABLES. Artichokes cAeh Asparafnis bundle Beans Broad. . bushel Kidney 100 Beet, Red doz. Broccoli handle Brus. Sprouts. .^ sieve Cabbage doz. C.tpsicums 100 Carrots bunch Cauliflower doz. Celery bundle Cucumbers each pickling doz. Endive score Kennel bnnch Garlic and Shallots, lb. Herbs bunch Horseradish . . bundio s. il. s. 0 6to0 8 0 12 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 3 8 3 6 Leeks bnnch 0 Lettuce per score 1 Mushrooms i>ottle 1 Hustd. & Cre8B.punnet 0 Onions per bushel 3 pickling quart 0 Parsley ^ sieve 1 Parsnips doz. 0 Peas qnart 20 Potatoes bushel 2 Kidney do. 3 Radishes ..doz. hands Rhubarb bundle Savoys doz. Sea-kale basket Spinach bushel Tomatoes A sieve Tnrnips bunch Vegetable Narrows dz. d. •. d BtoO 0 0 3 * TO CORRESPONDENTS. •.• We request that 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. All communications should therefore be addressed solely to Tlte EdiUm of the Journal of Horticulture, <£c., 171, Fleet 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^. Many questions must remain unanswered nntil next week. Febs Mastjal (G. G.).— There is no enlarged lorm. Meait Potatoes.— oy were small, and Golden Chain were large, wc would transpose them, placing Flower of the Day in frout. RiBBoN-BORDKR (IT. C. F.).—Ot TonT two arrangcmcnU we prefer this —1st row next the grass, Ccrasliuni tnmentosum. white ; and. blue Lobelia dotted with Geranium Cloth of G..ld. blue and yellow: 3rd. Flower of the Day Geranium, scarlet and white; 4th, Christine, pink: 5th, SUUa Nosegay, scarlet ; 8tb, yellow C'leeoUrU ; 7th, .Agenilmn. alternately with Zelinda DahUa, blue and purple. This plan Would Lok very well it the flowers were taken off Flower of the Doy Geranium. For the seventh row AKcratum or Zelinda Dahlia, would be more easily nianased if only one' of them were used lor the row. The same remark will apply to the second plan. We like the first the better. Books (J5. S. B.).— For the management of plants in the greenhouse. 4c Keane's ■In-door Gardening;" for plants in the garden. Keane's "Out-door Gardening' will suit von. Yon may have either of Uiem free by post from our office liy enclosing twenty Btanips with yonr addreu, or forty stomps for the two. Orchtos ym a North House (S. t.).— When speaking of those at Mr. Low's nursery, I mentioned them as instances of conlhouse growing, so that I cannot say whether such would snit " S. L.'s " store. He might, however, try" Lvcaste skinneri, Barkeria ^pectnhilis, sophronitis grandi- flnra, Odontoglossum gi-ande. gloriosnm, &c. If ho apply to Messrs. Bnckhon.4e. of York, Ibcy would send him his catalogue, in which he wUl obtain a great deal of information, well and clearly pat.— D., Deal. February 20, 1866. ] JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 151 EosES {F. J.).— If true to name several are very good, bat some are very old. Duke of Camhridiie, William Jesse, and La Reine are Hybrid Per- ■petuals. Ch^edole, General AlLird, Madame Plantier, Duke "of Devun- sliire, and Dauphine. Hybrid China, &c. ; Siiakespeare. and Alplionee IfaiDe, Gallica ; Eugene Hardy, China ; and De Candolle, Moss. Lapageria ROSEA CoMMENxnjG Growth {W. A. 0.).—YoxiT plant will 310W, as it is pushing up new shoots the size of the little finger, require to have the soU kept wet (and it never ought to be dry), increasing the quantity as the growth may render necessary. Water, therefore, and encourage growth. KiENoyATiiiG Lawn (Salterton).~AhoTil the middle of next month apply a dressing of rich compost, or verj* old rotten manure, so as to cover it from a quarter to half an inch thick, prior to which the hare places should be pointed over with u fork so as to loosen the soil. Distribute the compost evenly; and, as early in April as there is a prospect of rain, sow over it the following uiLxture, scattering a quantity over the bare places first, about double that given in other places : — Festuca rubra, 6 lbs. ; Festuca tenuifoliu, 4 lbs. ; Festuca duriuscula, 61bs. ; Cynosurus crietatus, 6 lbs. ; Poa nemoralis, 4 lbs.; Poa pratensis, 4 lbs. ; Lotus cor- niculatu^, 2 lbs.; Trifolium minus, 4 lbs. ; and Trifolium repens, 4 lbs. As you have tried at various times laying turf we give you this heavy seeding, and we think the result will be a good lawn of fine tnrf. The quantities named are for an acre ; you will, therefore, have to take pro- portional parts of each Grass according to the extent of ground to be sown. After sowing rake with an iron rake, and roll well immediately afterwards. "You must sow and roU on a dry day. and if rain fall at night or on the nest day your lawn will soon be green. Keep well rolled after June, and do not mow before that time. If you have the bare places Tightly scratched, sow the seeds, and then manure, the seeds will very likely be buried too deeply ; thej- will grow much better bare than covered deeply with soil, in which case most of them will perish. White Clover bears dry weather well, and, so far from its being the first to go, stands with us after the Grass has been burnt up. It, Yellow Suckling Clover (Trifohum minus), and Bird's-foot Trefoil (Lotus comiculatus), last year and the year before grew so well on our dry light soil over gravel, as to render the lawn quite green after the Grasses were apparently burnt up. FOBMING Grass Steps (An Old SiifiscH&cr).— We made some steps of grass in the autumn of 18G4 in precisely the same manner as your gardener, and upwards of an hundred yards of the sides of a terrace, and the grass not only withstood the drought of 1865 without becoming brown, but now forms as green, firm, and close a turf as that upon the level. We tliink that the sides of the steps have been made perpendicular, and in that case the turves might bulge out, and, consequently, would not unite well to the soil. Had they been slightly on the slope, four steps are 9 inches in height, and slope from the perpendicuUir from 2 to 3 Inches in that beight\ been beaten firmly at first, gone over once or twice after the first rain, and watered occasionally in dry weather, we think the sods would have stood instead of crumbling down. We have steps green enough in which the risers are quite perpendicular, but these are not nearly so fine as where slightly on the slope. If you were to have the whole rclaid, the best method to adopt would be to put the sods on large enough to reach from the top of the step, beginning at the back, down to the next step, the soil being previously made rather loose on the surface, to lay them when the ground is moist, to beat firm, and to allow an inch or two of slope on the upright part. Ours done in this manner Stand well and look well. If you make little holes, say a quarter of an inch deep and half an inch apart, scatter grass seeds in them, and then slightly scratch with a rake, afterwards beating, grass wiU probably cover the steps in time, but turfing would be by far the best course to pursue. Our steps lead to a croquet lawn, and are subjected to much wear and tearduring the season. Allow a little slope and all will be well ; it is the roots that hold the turf and keep the soil from crumbling down. Hotbed on Vine-bordee (Tropic us). —Yon may make a bed of dung apon the Vine-border, and so far from injuring the Vines it will have the contrarj- effect. The only injury that can possibly result will arise from treading upon the border. There is no danger of burning the roots of the Vines. You cannot possibly make the bed so hot as to do that. Boards should be placed on the border to walk upon. PROPAGATI^■G-CA8E (Iilem). — The Bijou and Wardian cases are the best, and they may be had furnished with heating apparatus complete. They are very useful for raising plants from seeds and cuttings, and keeping them in winter. We do not know the prices of them. I\Ir. Gray, horticultural builder, Danvers Street, Chelsea, would furnish full particu- lars on request. Hardiness of Plants fJJcm).— Of the plants named by you, you can- not grow Dracaenas in a temperatm'e of fi-om 38 to 40-. except D. aus- trnlis, D. (Cordylinel indivisa, and D. Veitchii ; or Stephanotis, Caladiums, Eucharis, Hoyas, Gardenias, and Ixoras ; but Mandevilla suaveolens will do if not kept wet. The Orange tree will do well. The others must have a stove of not less than .'jO^ in winter, 55^ being more desirable. Cala- diums require a temperature of at least 60^. Grafting Orange Trees (H. M. L.).— From the middle of March to the end of April is a good time to graft Orange trees. The most eligible method is inarching; but whip-grafting will also answer. In the latter case the stocks should be plunged in a hotbed of about 70- in the middle of March, and in ten dnys they will be ready for grafting. It was not necessary to pot the stocks, as doing so only makes them take up more room. The atmosiiheric heat should be from 50- to 55- at night, and the atmosphere close and moist. Leave on the stock a few eyes above the graft to draw the sap into the scion. Employ whip or side-grafting with a tongue, and in addition to covering with clay, cover with moss over the clay to keep it moist. The best soil for Orange trees is loam from rotted turves a year old, with one-fourth well-rotted manure, adding sand according as the soil is light or heavy, so as to render it friable. Keep in heat until the grafts begin to grow, then cut the head off the stock down to the graft, and loosen the matting, covering, however, again with moss, and after the growth has fairly commenced remove the plants to an airy greenhouse. GuTTA PERcnA— Indian-rubber (A. A. F.).— Gutta percha is obtained trom the sap ^f a tree called Isonandra gutta. a native of Borneo and other islands its neighbours. The bark is wounded, the sap exudes, is collected, and soon hardens. Indian-rubber, or caoutchouc, is obtained chie0y from the sap of the Siphonia elastica. a tree found in Guiana and Brazil ; but there are some other trees which produce it. It is obtained in the same mode as the gutta percha. Growing Cucotbers in a Framb (A Subscriber, West rrf Ireland).— We think you would have a good crop of late Cucumbers without more artificial heat by proceeding as follows : — Take out another foot of soil from the inside of the frame, and thus make it 3 instead of 2 feet deep, and in June place 2 feet of hot dung in the frame, cover with 3 inches of soil, and place in the centre of each light half a barrowlul in the form of a cone «ith the top flattened. Whcu the mounds of soil are wanned through turn out a couple of plants iu each, watering, d-c., and in a fort- night cover the whole of the bed 9 inches thick with soU. The linings against the brick wall would do little if any good. To husband the sun heat you must give air early in the moi-ning, and close early in the after- noon ; and if it be done so that tho heat does not exceed 90= after shut- ting up, you have not closed too eaiiy. A sprinkling of water at the time of shutting up is advantjxgeous, and keeps red spider in check. Keep well watered, but do not soak the soil. Veronica speciosa Training — Honeysuckle Straggling (Idem).— The shoots of the Veronica should be thinned out, cutting away quite closely the weakest, those which have flowered, and the foreright shoots. Leave sufficient shoots to train-in, nailing or tying them so as to cover the wall evenly in every part, and keep them well tied-in as they grow. Do not overcrowd the branches by training them too closely, but allow room between each for light and air. After August the shoots, with the ex- ception of the leaders, may be permitted to hang loose. The Honey- suclde should be trained to the wall, cutting out the old weak wood, and distributing the rest regularly, and not too closely together. In summer remove the straggling growths, and keep those required to fill vacant space neatly nailed or tied-in. Forwarding Potatoes for an Early Crop {Idem).— You cannot do better than take a box about S inches deep and in it pack the sets closely together, eyes upwards ; then place it in a comer of your hotbed, and cover the sets with a piece of cotton or old cahco. They will soon make sprouts from half an inch to an inch in length ; then remove the cover- ing, and take the Potatoes to your dwelling for a few days to harden, and when hardened off plant in the open ground. Do not lay "them on the dung and cover with soil; they will root, and be difficult to separate when re- quired for planting, and, besides, it will not do to take them from a hotbed and plant at once in the open ground. BoisniMORTEL \H. G.). — This tree, used so commonly with the Plantain to shade the plantations of the Chocolate nut, we believe to be Erythrina umbrosa. We never met with the name E. coceinea in any botanical authority. Steudel in his '* Nomenclator Botanicus " has no such sy- nonym. We have no Burmese Flora. Destroying Weeds on Gratel Walks (TT. H. C.).— As you have tried salt, and do not wish to have the walks tarred, we can confidently re- commend the following as the best and cheapest known method of destroying weeds on gravel walks :— Dissolve 1 lb. of powdered arsenic in two gallons of cold rain water, put it in an iron pan over a fire, and stir until the liquid boil, then add nine gallons of cold water and 2 lbs. of crushed soda, stining all the while until the whole boil, and then keep boiling slowly and stirring briskly for half an hour. Apply the hot liquor to the walks in dry weather by a watering-pot with a rose that will allow of its equal distribution. A good soaking is necessary, but the liquid should not be poured on so long as to run to the grass or Box- edgings. The quantity named is sufficient for thirty square yards. It should be applied before the weeds have grown much, in April or May. To keep it from the Box-edging a board should be laid against this, and inclined so as to throw any water that may fall upon the board on to the gravel, and the same on the other side next the grass, the boards being supported from behind. ^Tiere the walks are wide and exten- sive a water barrel with a tap behind may be used, and a perforated tube to distxibnte the water, and in this way the work is expeditiously per- foi-med. Care should be taken to protect the edging as ali*eady directed. Those employingthis Hquid should be careful to keep it beyond thereach of animals. Arranging F^rn Case {D.Bavli). — We do not know where miniature rockwork for Fern cases can be i>urchased ; but you may make it youi-self of pieces of porous limestone or sandstone, whichever you can obtain, cemented together. You may foi-m the rockwork according to your own taste. Yon may have it high at the ends and again in the middle ; but it should bo confined to one side of the case, and it will then appear to form a background. You must provide a bottom of zinc or sheet lead to the case, and it should incline to one end. There should be a hole there, and a piece of lead pipe tumished with a tap to allow of water being drawn off. We have had a false bottom made of zinc, with a quarter-of- an-inch hole to every square inch. The edges of this false bottom were turned up an inch all round, and a strip of zinc an inch wide was soldered on in the centre. The false bottom being inverted left an inch cavity beneath it; and the water was let off by the lead pipe once a-fortnight or so. We find that it answers nearly as well to place on the bottom an inch of sandstone in pieces about the size of a walnut, on these half an inch or so of moss or cocoa-nut fibre, and on this the compost for the Feme. The water drains from the compost among the stones, and, passing to the lead pipe, is diawn off when necessary-. The bottom may have holes in it, and it will answer as well ; but to prevent the water dripping on the floor the closed bottom, lead pipe, and tap are necessary. In a miniature pond in the centre you may have a plant or two of Vallisneria spiralis ; and have floating on the surface a few plants of Lemna minor, but not so many as to hide the water. A newt and a few water snails will make all complete. Ptebis tricolor Culture {An Admirer).— '^aihink. that yom* plants have not sufficient heat. In summer they require a temperature of from 65' to 85- to make anything like good gro^-th, and they winter safely in a temperature of 55- from fire heat. In one of 50 they will live, and oven in one as low as 45", but such a low temperature is not good for them. However warm the plants are kept the old fronds will become brown in winter. Bottom heat is not needed, and that, if from 60" to 65", will do no good, and may do harm by keeping the soil very wet. If you place the plants at the end of next month in a moist gro^s-ing heat of between 60' and 65- by night, and of 75 and 80- by day, keep shaded from bright sun, and pot them when they require it, we think you will find a difference. Secure good drainage. Your compost is good, providing the peat is fibry brown peat and not dark brown, which when wet is like so much mud, and the loam should be turfj- yellow loam. The proportions should be two-thirds of peat, one-third of loam broktn or chopped with a spade, but not sifted, with the addition of one-sLxth of silver sand. 152 JOUllNAL OF HOBTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE UAKDENEU. [ Fcfartuu-y 90, IBU. Eon-pLAST CCLTmr. {S. B., ai/itfjou-). — Sow tho 8o«d(i aboat the middle of March In ii comport of tnrfv loam nnd nne-foarth leaf noil, and ylacv In n hottted of fnnn 70- to 75 . When tho KeedUnux are Hufflcleutly larK« to htiudlc. prick them off Niimly int«) smnM pots, and rontinue them in tho hotbed, liivinn ahundHiicool nir afttT thoy hfcomo i-HtAhlighcd.uid keepiuK' Ihr soil and nir moist so a« to enroar««o free Krnnth. Whou tlio pot« arc full of ^'^l^^ nhlft the plants into pots a size larRcr, and afford a tempornturf of from fiO to 7S. or 85 , with air daily, and a position near tho n'nsf". A Bholf in a vinery is bh Rood a placo as any. Continn« to shift into larRpr potw as may bo uoce^'sarj', nsinR a compost of turfy loam fMin rotted turvcw, and one-fourth rotten manure. Oood draiu- aco muht bo secured, espcciiilly at tho last pottintf, which will bo froni MX into eittht-iueh potR. Tho plants reqnire plenty of nir nnd a muiftt ffrowim; hmt. auf course, when tho plants In-eak :»frcyh, they must gradually receive the usual quantity of moisture ; but a very moist state of the soil, after removing most or all of the large leaves, would prevent the plants throwing out healthy shoots. It is better to feed the stems, as it wore, through a moist atmosphere. We have found several times that Cucumbers appearing like yours would do wonders after being treated as above. The stems might be washed with a sponge and clear soft water at 80 '. The sponge must be used carefully so as not to injure buds or incipient shoots at the axils of tho leaves removed. Once we had a lot of Cucumbers with all the large leaves worse burned in appearance than yours, by means of tho bursting of an old fine near them. By removing every leaf larger than a florin-piece, and treating as above, in less than a month tho plants bore no trace of tho disaster. It would bo well, how- ever, to secure fresh plants, as we did. Preserving Flowers.— J. it. would be glad to know if flowers should be dried before dipped in glycerine. I Apiielexib CuLTunc {A \orfc«).— An article will be pnbUshed Bhorily. CiiiurtNANTHUH riiAGRANH IN ISiTH (G. .S'.i.— Wo bftve flowered the CU- mouanlbus iu a pot ; hut it requires a vpr>- large ono, good loam, with a little peat, plenty of water in t>ummer, and a warm sunny plao* in tbc autunm, and the water to be reduced tht:n to harden the wood. It ro* quirfs much the same culture as a spurred Currant true would do, only that the young stubby shoots are what must he l.wked after nod prepared for winter. If a plant has several htems now, and they are bristling with hhort shoots, these m.iy all be cut in to a bud in the end <>f March. Ero long they will push ; if the shoots couje strong, pinch them back, go as to obtain two instead of one. If the shoots produced are of the size of from a crow(iuill to a gonsequill they will lie fjuitt' strouR enouRh ; and if these side shouts grow longer than fmm H to lo inches ni|> out the pointfl. Treat them much in the same way as Mr. Rivers treats his fruit trees in pots. II the shoots are too thick lo obtain light enough, thin them out. Give all the heat possible out of doors in autumn, and as much dryness as the plants will stand, to ripen tho shcmte.' If the plants must stand ont in winter protect tho roots with Utter. Ah the soil becomes damp and the weather is mild, the buds will expand. When done flowering, prune us before. Insects (irn(*ontanV — Your larva is that of the well-known and most destructive wee\il, otiorluTiehus sulcatus. We know no bettor remedy than that uf carefully sifting the earth in your ixits and picking out the gi*ubs, which are easily seen from their pale colour. A careful inspection of every pot should be made, and the earth stirred round the base of the I stems, as it will be too late to take these precautions when tho plants show bigus of being attacked, by flagging.— W. Trees and Siikuds for a Wet Hollow {Mm. F. S.}. — For the low- lying ground, formerly a pond, and filled up with stifiish soil, about a quarter of an acre in extent, and which will always be rather moist, backed now by trees on all sides except that fronting the bouse, which Ftands on a much higher l<.'vel, the planting of the old pond must depend (something on the trees already round it, and whether it would be desirable til make that harmonise with the other trees or to assume a distinct character of its own. In the latter case a quick and pleasing effect would 1)0 produced by using Willows and Poplars for light foliage, either without or in combination with some sombre-loaved Pines, and with an under* growth of evergreens and other plants if desirable. Thus in such ajplacc, first there might be planted three Rood plants of the Babylonian or Weep- ing Willow, one of the White and two of the Duke of Bedford Willow, or Salix Kusscllioua ; and mixed with these, one plant of Popolus alba, P. tremula, P. fastigiata, and P. balsamifera. Then the whole under- growth might be a mass of Ijaurels, Privet, and Box ; or walks might bo made through it, and the following arranged in groups, ^o as to be very attractivi", tlio last-named sorts being kept most to the outsidcs :— Ever- Rreen Oaks, a few Hollies, common Lam'els, Portugal Liiurols, Boxes of sorts, Aucuba japonica. Daphne laureola. Arbutus uncdo, Atriplex halimus ; Rhododendrons, if a little peat can be given them, and there is little or no calcareous matter in the soil ; Uj*pericum calyclnum, or St. John's Wort, and Laurustinus. keeping the latter chiefly at the outside. '2nd, if tho .Willows and Poplars should be too light, you may mingle with them a few Pines, as Spruce Firs, lAhios excolsa), Picea pectinata. and Pinus austriaca, and rigida ; hut if these are encouraged to feather to the giomid, nothing else must he planted near them. 3rd, the Spruce Fir. and Pinus austriaca and rigida, would flourish pretty well in such a place, and would soon form a thicket of themselves ; but if the place were desired to look well from the house, and to be a place of resort as well, then if such sombre trees were planted from 3U to 40 feet apart , walks could be carried through tho sp.ice, and the above evergreens thrown into groups in the open spaces, to which, might be added such deciduous plants as Privet. Dogwood, &l\ 4th, if the surroundings admit of it, and as economy is your object, we would jdant with Willows and Poplars, say from 30 to 40 feet apart, including a few Spruce, and then use Laurels for uudcrgrowth^ with a belt of iLanmstinas for the outside. Names of Plants (H. T. IT.).— No. 1 and 3, doubtful; specimens sent insutfieiont — 1, Gymnogranmia Mortensii (?) ; U, G. ochracea (?) ; 3, Alloso- rus (Pelltea) rotundifolia ; 4, Doodia caudata. (.V. W.). — Thea chinensis, var. Bohea. (J. Z).|. — We cannot name seeds at sight. 1, Bauhinia (?l ; 'J, Olca ; 3, Vicia (?) ; 4, Hibiscus, i ir. B.).—\, Doodia ciudata ; 2, Ony- chium japonicum ; 3, Aspidium moUc i?J ; 4, Mohria thurifraga ;5, Phyma- todes peltata. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS in the Subiubs of London for the Week ending February 17tU. DlTS. THElUfOMSTER. Wind. Rain in inches. Genebai, Reiubes. Air. Eartb. Hu. Min. Mm. Min. 1 ti. dp. 2 It. dp. San... 11 Mon... 1.! . Tucs. . 18 Wcii. . 1 1 1 Thurs. 18 Fri. .. Ifi sm. .. 17 Mean.. 29.182 29.491 29.7f.9 29.l!.''.7 29.472 29.8.^1 29.954 38.702 29.294 29.672 29.331 29.352 29.429 29.718 47 42 44 46 49 50 41 8« 24 22 24 36 82 17 47 46 46 43 43 45 445 46 46 45 44 43 48 4Si S.W. w. s. w. w. S.W. N. .60 .00 .00 .18 .85 .24 .12 Heavy rain ; very lioisterous, with constant rain. Fine; cloudy: fine; frosty at nijiht. Fine ; clouds ; ver>* clear : frost at nifiht. Frosty ; rain ; wet and cold : frosty at ni^'ht. Haej' ; cloudy ; rain. Kain ; constant rain at nieht. Overcast ; cloudy and cold ; clear : sharp frost. 29.649 29.856 45.67 27.14 44.93 44.21 .... 1.39 POULTRY. BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE- THE KOUP. Hdnting after some new breeds and varieties, I passed through CJermauy hist summer, and \Ycnt to a poultry esta- blishment belonging to a nobleman. In the course of conver- sation I complained of that bane of the poultry-yard, the roup, causing so much heartache to us poultry fanciers in England. The overseer laughed. •' Roup ! We know nothing about such wholesale destructiou as you complain of. Roup ! Your fo-.vls eat their excrements, that is tho most likely cause of it." This idea was new to me. I told him that I had my fowl- houses swept three times a-week thoroughly. " Not enough." "Shall I have it done once a-day?" "No, twice or thrica Febrnnry 20, 1866. ] JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ir,3 a-day— as often as you feeil them, and always before you feed them. Those fowls, chiefly, that receiye grain wiU be attacked with roup unless the house, or at least the place on which the grain is thrown, be as thoroughly swept and cleaned as if you polished a looking-glass ; otherwise grain may mix with their excrements and the mischief will be done, however little they may pick up with their food. It will be well to sweep the whole house every time, for, when hungry, your birds may begin to pick from the excrements any particle of food not thoroughly digested which may be found in these." I repeat the above as I heard it. I have tried the system, and it has answered. During the autumn my poultry yard re- mained free from the complaint ; but, when in December I went on a journey, I saw, when returning, three hens suffering from the roup, and was informed that the person who had taken care of my birds during my absence had "taken it easy," and frequently deviated from my instructions. I cured two of the sufferers, that had been only shghtly attacked, according to the subjoined receipt, which I owe to the same overseer ; the third died, its iUness having been already far advanced. He said, " If any of your fowls becomes ill, separate it im- mediately from the others, and place it in a run, the bottom of which consists of fresh turf. In wet or cold weather take a cage with turf in-doors. The fowl will recover in three or four days, unless the iUness has been too long neglected. The roosting upon gi-ass has in aU cases the most beneficial effect." " A most pernicious effect upon the health of fowls," he continued, " is produced by rich feeding after their having been on a long journey. Give them nothing by which they may satisfy their blind hunger too fast, no flour, no hard grain, only cut chickeu-groats or a small quantity of crushed oats, but, above all, very, very little water on the first day." — Fk-iscis Broemel. TESTING rURCHASED EGGS, As you are now commencing the insertion of advertisements of eggs for sitting, will you allow me to advise those who pur- chase them to subject them to the water test before placing them under the hens ? Last season, wishing to have some new blood in my yard, I ordered eggs from an advertiser in youi- paper : some at £1 Is. per sitting, and others at a lower price. Not one of the highest- priced sitting hatched, although other eggs placed under the same birds did. Upon complaining to the advertiser, others were forwarded ; but having my suspicious aroused, they were tried, and found to have been already sat upon, some having chickens in them, others being rotten ; so,I was saved the disap- pointment and annoyance of losing the hen's time, but did not think it would be of any avail to make another complaint. If you insert this notice in your columns you may save others the vexations which always attend the unsuccessful sitting of hens. — A Const.ixt Suesceibee. [If our correspondent had sent us the name of the vendor of the eggs we would have published it. — Eds.] WHICH IS THE BEST FOWL FOR THE TABLE? Aee the Brahma Pootras good birds for the table ? Since Dixon's Work (18.57) I have seen no comment on degrees of quality of table fowls, which, whilst fit for show-purposes in their class, still may be very useful for the spit, when a defect would preclude their use tor aught else. A Game bird is Al ; Dorking is A2 ; but a black-boned Indian fowl (very rare ?) for roasting, beats aU in my opinion. Pray give your opinion as to the comparative merits of Brahma Pootras as table fowls, in juxtaposition with their con- frires. — Peteebokough. [The "Fowl of Fowls" for the table is the Dorking. Not only is its meat of marvellous quality, but it has the property of contributing more choice and less coarse meat than any other bird that we know of at present. It has more breast, and its thighs are delicate. The backbone of a well-fattened young Dorking is said to be the perfection of poultry food. It is hard to say which is the second, as opmious differ so much ; our own is, that a yomig Game pullet is A2, but she must be IdUed in proper condition — i.e., she must not exceed sixteen weeks old ; she must have rim wild ever since she left her mother ; and she must have been dead two dayj> when she is eaten. The amount of breast on such an one is wonderfi'l ; the meat is sweet and high-flavoured, and the only fault ever found is that there is not enough of it. The Spanish chicken is very delicate, and the meat is finer in the grain than any other we know. The Hamburgh is also very good. We should put Spanish A3. Two noted breeds are the Cochiu-China and the Brahma Pootra, both most H-sc/iif; but in our opinion the latter the more so. As table fowls they are coarse, and have far too much offal meat about them. They are as a Leicester sheep compared to a nine-stone Southdown. The black -boned Indian fowl mentioned is the filthiest thing to look at as food that we have ever seen. It is by no means rare, being the Silky fowl. It has blue flesh and nearly black bones, and how- ever good the flavour may be (we have many of them, but have never tasted one), we should consider the look so repulsive, that nothing short of starvation would make us eat it. There are of late two French fowls introduced, both of ex- cellent table quality, the La Flcche and the Creve Coeur. They are high-class birds, but they are not so hardy as the Brahma. They are better birds for the table. The table you ask for should stand thus in our opinion. We class them on their food merits, without reference to their delicacy or strength o£ constitution : — 5. — Spflnish. 6. — Hamburgh. 7. — Brahma Pootra. 1. — Dorking. 2. — Game. 8.— La Flcche. 4.— Crtve CcEur. S.— Malay.] GAME BANTAMS. Having read the interesting notes on Bingley Hall Show by our esteemed correspondent " Wiltshiee Rectoh," and also the letter of " Gallus," with "Wiltshiee Rector's" reply to it, in " our Journal " of January 30th, relating to these uni- versal favourites, I beg to offer a few remarks on the subject. Of the foiu- principal varieties of Game Bantams, my expe- rience teaches me that the Black-breasted Reds are the easiest to breed true to feather ; next to them, perhaps, Piles ; then Duckwings, and lastly Brown Reds ; and of these last there is hardly a first-class pen to be seen at any of our shows. Indeed there is stiU much room for improvement in each of the varieties ; and, as " Gallds " truly remarks, " He may con- sider himself indeed a lucky fellow who can obtain one good bird from a hatch." Now "Wiltshire Rector's" reply is cer- tainly open enough. I only wish he had not given up Game Bantams, and then he might have agreed with us who find it difficult to reach the higher standard which we now aim at. If he judges the birds he speaks of having seen at his friends' by a comparison with the best birds of some three or four years ago, they might easily be considered all good birds. It is certainly not easy to breed such birds as the Black Red winners at some of our recent shows, and they are very easy to distinguish from the so-caUed "Game" Bantams that come in flocks to every poultry show. Undoubtedly five-sixths of these birds would be better killed than kept. With regard to profit I can confidently recommend Game Bantams as being equal to Blacks for producing eggs, both as to number and quaUty. During the last two years I have never been for a single week without new-laid eggs from my Game Bantams ; and the birds when fed up, though smaU, are as delicious for eatmg as any variety of fowl. In one sense they are, as "Wiltshire Rector" says, easy to breed, for, unhke the Sebrights, nearly all their eggs are fertile, and with proper care the chickens are not more liable to death than many other varieties ; and last, but not least, it is probable that the most perfect specimens wiU continue to command as high prices as have ever been paid for them. They are steadily gaining ground, and with "Gallus" I sincerely hope that they may long continue to hold the high position which they have so justly gained. — W. F. E. NAMES OF FOWLS, Wrong names are sometimes given to poultry, and, even if corrected, people persist in using them, because they are adopted in the schedules of prizes of poultry shows. The French fowl " Padoue," alias " Pouland," is named Poland. So far well— the difference is trifling, but the name, so fre- quently used, " Polish fowls," is decidedly absurd. They have as Utile to do with Poland and Pohsh poultry as -VVhitechapel with Cochin-China in Eastern Asia. Why another class of 15-1 JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENEK. [ Febnuiy 20, 1866. (owla are called Hambtirglis is a riJdlo to me. I lived fifteen years in Hamburg, aud neither in that town nor in the eur- rooudiug country are fowls of this kind bred. They were quite unknown in that part of Germnny up to It^o'J. '• I3runnen Pigeons " is another misnomer. The correct name is " Uruenu Pigeons," from the town of Bruenn, capital of the Austrian province of Moravia. The German word " bnninen " means " a well." The Poultry Club has certainly enough authority to fix the names of poultry, at least in truth to geography and nationality. — F. B. ••WILTSHIRE RECTORS" GRIEVANCE. Do not think the above a sensational heading. It is in a certain sense — a poultry sense — true. Shows as a rule take place in winter, and as a nile (I wish it were rescinded), only in the midland and northern parts of Euglaud. Well, these things being so, I am debarred the jdeasure of being present at the majority of these charming exhibitions. I like to be at shows, and I like to have my say afterwards. I like to notice vfhere httle improvements may be made ; and I like to be counsel for the birds, and look after their interests. But how- can I in winter ti'avel so far, living as I do in Wiltshire ? If I attempted to go to the distant shows there would be a do- mestic mutiny, perhaps even I should be locked up in my study. But to show that I have a real giievance I take up a Number of "our Journal," and read without alteration the "list of shows." First, Hauley, Staffordshire — too far off. Then Wentworth, Yorkshire — worse still. North British Co- lumbarian Society (Glasgow) — fancy going to Glasgow for plca- suie in December ! Then comes Heckmondwike — queer name that, I wish I knew its derivation. My " Clergy List " tells me it is in Yorkshire. ITorkshiie again ! Sensible people liva there, surely. Then, next Manchester, where it is said always to rain. Fancy facing smoke and drizzle after a journey of nearly two hundred miles ! Then comes the Paisley Show — worse still. Then Fife and Kinross. I should like once more to see Kirkcaldy, but — the distance. .Aberdeen — well, the granite city and I are old friends, but no renewal of intercourse, please, in midwinter. Next the show at Skye — no, my eye is ■wrong ; it is at Dnmfiies and Maxwelltown, the braes of which latter place we know are bonnie in summer and autumn, but not later. But what do I read next ? Cork .-md South of Ire- land. Fancy crossing the sea in a recent gale 1 it would have been no gala day to me. Then West Cumberland and North of England — why not South of England ? I read then Walsall, Jedburgh, Kendal, and lastly of the Show at N.antwich. It is clearly impossible for me to be present at any one of these shows. Have I not, then, a gi-ievance ? I am, in fact, reduced to Bath and West of England when not held in Corn- wall, and a very few small shows near me. By a tremendous effort and screwing-up of courage I went last year to Bii-ming- hom, but that was an exceptional case. I heard a whisper of a show to be held at Cheltenham, but the whisper has died out. I know of several fi-iends who would exhibit there, but Cheltenham makes no sign. On the Great Western there surely might be a show or two. Why not one at Windsor ? The king of Light Brahmas lives near— JIi-. Pares. Then the pens could be hired, as was the case at Calne, from Devizes, which is on the same line of railway, and London fanciers ■would be sure to send their birds. There is also Swindon, easy of access, and abounding with fowl-loving mechanics. Or there's Eeading. Or, again, why not have a show at Oxford? Numbers of the nndergi-aduatcs would attend. I hope this appeal will meet with a response. I do not myself exhibit, because my sense of fairness as a writer will not allow me to do so ; but I will try and induce all my poultry friends to send to such show or shows, and shall be dchghted to attend and record my impressions. It is too bad that the north-men should have all the pleasure to themselves. I am jealous, and feel myseU a badly treated — Wiltshthe Eector. P.S.— Wherever there is a poultry show I plead that there be a Pigeon show as well. Eggs ILvtchixg after being Chillec. — Some of your readers may be interested to know the following circum- stances : — I Bet a White Cochin-China hen upon eleven eggs on the 9th nit. ; she had been sitting eight days, when, by accident, she was shut off from her nest the whole of one night, upwards of twelve hours. On the 31st, she hatched eleven chickens.— H. J. Lucas, The Rcctonj, Edith Weston. ROCHDALE POULTRY SHOW. Yonn correspondent in the Journal of February (jth, gives such a favourable account of the Poultry Club's National Show, that those who were not lucky enough to bo present, would naturally suppose that the Show was a great success. My im- pressions were not so favourable. The room was calculated to hold about five hundred jiens of birds, whilst about one thousand were attempted to be exhibited. I say '• attempted," because when one class is shown in as many as three different parts of the room, fair judgment seems hardly likely to be at- tained. Some exhibitors found their birds so unfavourably placed lowing to the overcrowded state of the place), that they were not surprised their birds were not noticed in the prize list, although they were breeders of many years standing, and certainly ought to know what birds should be considered up to the mark. Complaints of unfair treatment of Pigeons have been sent to you. What steps have the Poultry Club taken to discover the perpetrators of this outrage ? If the Poultry Club make themselves responsible for another show, it is to be hoped they will take care to have room enough for the fair arrangement of all the classes, and provide servants who can handle Pigeons without mutilating their feathers. There is only one feature in the Show which is at all to be commended — viz., making the pen consist in all classes of one bird of each sex. — Audi Aliekam Pabtem. JUDGES AKD JUDGING IN SCOTL.VND. Now that poultry shows are over for the season, allow me to make a few remarks on the above subject. Some time ago I asked an old exhibitor if he was going to show at Paisley. " No," he said, " I have been once too often there." Well, I did not think anything unfair woiJd be done : so I entered a few pens, and sent them in due course — the very best I had ; and those who happen to know my birds would speak of their merits in no disparaging manner, I think. After the show I received my birds and a catalogue, and found that I had not obtained a single notice. I thought I would see who had been judging, when I foimd such a host of names, that one would have thought they ought to have judged -properly. To com- plete my siu-prisc, I found that a pen which I had just sold, and which exhibited nothing like the size of markings or the qualitj' of the birds which I had sent, had won a prize. I may mention another Show (Jedburgh), at which the deci- sions perfectly astounded some old and experienced exhibitors from England ; and I may also name that at Kelso. Some birds arrived too late for competition ; but a gentleman on the spot ascertained what position one pen that arrived late would have held in the prize list provided it had been in time, when he was infoi-med that it would have taken no position at all ; for, said the gentleman writing (and I have his letter before me now), he (the Judge) prefers small-spotted, hght hens before large spangled ones. If such is the opinion of any " Judge " of Hamburghs, the sooner he takes a look through all the principal Shows in England the better : and he should also obtain a copy of the " Standard of Excellence," that ho may be better qualified next time he goes from home. I write with all kindly feeling towards the Scotch fanciers, but my name for one w ill not appear in their catalogues again unless I hear of some better Judges being appointed. I am now like my friend, I have been once too often north, unless the change" alluded to be made. If the Committees are not acquainted with good and experienced Judges, let them ask you or the Poultry Club, and I am snre you will give them evei-y information in your power. — Justice. VULTURE HOCKS. Tbe letter of " Y. B. A. Z." on this subject deseiTes the most careful attention of all Brahma breeders. That there is a strong and growing objection abroad against any approach to the profuse feathering at the hock is very obvious. Though not a dealer, I have frequent applications for my birds, and almost every letter that I receive contains this strict injunction " Be sure not to send any that are ■\nlture-hocked ! " One cone- spondent, who has been a verj- successful exhibitor, actually remarked "A bird cannot be a true Brahma if it has the vulture hock ! " If this objection be allowed to remain, and to sway the decision of judges at our poulti7 shows, then farewell Febraary 20, 1866. j JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 155 to the finest and most admired specimens of this rising breed. I have recently visited the yards of some eminent Brahma breeders, where in former days I have seen some of the finest specimens of this class that were ever exhibited. Such size, colour, symmetry, abounding fiuff, and withal logs remarkably short and profusely feathered, that amateurs like myself came from afar to see them, and their fame rang over the country. Great pains were taken, I know, that all the birds reared in these yards should be after this particular type. Had a cockerel then appeared %vith an exposed hock joint, and a scantily feathered leg, I knew his fate ; he would have been summarily delivered over to the hand that holds the knife. Conceive my siu-prise in my late visits, at finding that in conse- quence of the strong prejudice against vulture-hocked Brahmas that has recently sprung up, nearly the whole of the magni- ficent stock in each yard had disappeared. A few poor cockerels remained in one place, like the last remnant of a once noble and illustrious family whom the hard hand of misfortune has struck down in the world, and I observed that they were in close confinement, evidently under capital law. In their walks I saw another race moving about, looking very ragged about the legs, which to my eye appeared pro- voMngly long, and as to the hock joint, instead of being grace- fully begirt with feather, lo it was quite bare and rudely exposed, making the birds look exceedingly ugly, wretched, and beggarly. I inquired for some of the splendid stock that I had seen before, and found that one was sold for a mere trifle, a second was given to a lady to run with some common hens, and a third, Iwrrihile dictu, was drawing near to his end, his death- warrant was signed. He was vulture-hocked ! This was really a magnificent bird. I felt like tne good, honest fellow who has the charge of the poultry, very sorry for it. Poor old John was almost in tears. " You caimot think Sir," he said, "how much it has put me about." " ily master has a mind, I knows, for them viilter-hocked, and he hates the sight of the new sort, but he says as how it's like this. Xou see it's the law, and he can't help it." "Well, Sir, it's a great pity, and master will be sorry enough for it by-and-by, that he will, and it will just sarve him right." Some may be curious to know if the hock feathers of this bird that was doomed to die were long and stiffly set. By no means, they were rather soft, and curving about three parts of an inch. With anxious concern I inquire. Must all the pains that have been taken, and the expense that has been incuiTed in bring- ing our birds to such high perfection, be set utterly at nought, simply because a new whim has possessed the brain of some " able judge, or judges?" But may not this dire evil be averted ? I feel confident that it may. I do not suspect that more than one or two of our able judges are thus prejudiced, and if a few of our most celebrated breeders would avail themselves of the open columns of this Journal to express their views upon the matter, I doubt not that the silly prejudice which has gone abroad would be aiTested, and shivered and scattered to the winds. If, however, it l^e left to just two or three to wield their pen in defence of tho true and the right, depend upon it nothing will be done. I'o.!; popuU will command the attention of the judge or the judges who have occasioned this grievance, and I have too much respect for their good sense to imagine for one moment that they will persist in setting our wishes at defiance. — Jusiiiia. EXPENSES AND RETURN OF POULTRY KEEPING. At page 118 "C. E." solicits suggestions upon this subject. Now, in the first place, the statement shows the total number of birds fed in the year to be .587.5 = per week 113, and surely there must be some error in these figures, for the food ex- penses appear to be very much too little for the large number, and too large for the small number. The error appears to me to have occurred by not having divided the total .587.5 by 12 (as each month's stock for the twelve months is separately stated; ; this would give an average of about 489 birds always on hand, and a number more likely to be maintained at the cost named. Are we to understand the £8 7s. 6niaii Road. Eitm Prize, W. Williamn. Very Highly Commended, F. W. Kairbra8.«. Canterbury ; G. Harritton. Highly Com- manded, G. Harrison ; J. Tarr : P. Hexney, Caledonian Road : T. New- march ; J. Waller. Coromeniieil, itov. V. >\ard, Canterbury. (Very good claas.) JoNorr. Cinnamon.— First, J. Wynn. Northampton. Second, G. Y. CoUinson. Very Highly Commended, S. Tomes ; G. Y. CoUinson. Highly Commended, H. Marshall. Commended, J. Wj-nn ; W. Gamble, Northamp- ton ; J. Wnllur; C.T. .\>T0, !^underland. (A very anperiorclasK.l Btrrr Cinnamon-.— First. .T. Waller. Second, W. Walter. Very Highly Commeuded, .1. Wynn. Highly Commended, W. Gamble. (A good class.) Mi'LE (.louquc Goldtinchi.— First, H. Aahton. Second, J. Doel. Kitra Priie, H. JIarsliall. Ver)- Highly Commended, H. Marshall: J. Doel : W. H. Mort-'nu. PljTnonth. Highly Commended, H. Marshall: H. Ashton. Commended, J. Banm. {A first-rate class.) Mci-i: (Mealy GoldHuch).— First and Second, H. Marshall. Extra Prize, .1. JnJd. Verj- Highly Commeuded, F. E. Colman ; J. Doel. Highly Com- mended. G. Hiirrisou. Commended, J. Judd ; R. Mackley. Mule (Any other variety),— Prize, H. MarshaU. Extra Prize, O. Nicholson Very Highly Commended, G. Moore. Haveloek Terrace. Northampton ; H. ABhton ; W. Barnes ; J. Jodd. Highly Commended, W. Gamble : F. E. Colman. Six Norwich rs one Cage.— First nnd Tliird, G. V. Collinson. Second, ,1. Judd. Very Highly Commended, W. Walter : G. Y. CoUinson. Highly Commended, .J. Grimoni; T. Newmnrch ; J. .Judd; K. Macklev. Com- mended, W, Walter ; G. Harrison ; T. Nowmarch. Six Beluiass in one Cage.— First, T. Koper. Sccend, J. Doel. Third, .1. Judd. Very Highly Commended, J. ,7udd. Commended, A. Isaacs, I>rincc'8 Street Leicester .Square ; T. Newmarch. 8rx GoLBEK-sr ANGLED LizARD IN ONE CAGE.— First, F. W. Fairbrass. Second, T. Newmarch. Third, G. Harrison. Six Goldfinch Mcles in one Cage.— First, H. Ashton. Second, W. Walter. Third, .J. Doel. Very Highly Commended, J. Jndd. Highly Commended, J. Doel. Commended, W. L. Chapman. BRITISH BIRDS. BOLUINCH.— Prize. H. Vine, Castle Street, East Cowes. Eqnal, W. Gamble. Very Highly Commended, T. Newmarch : C. Carver. Highly Commended, G. Moore; T. Newmarch ; C. Carver; W. Walter. Chaffinch.— Prize, J. Knibb, Northampton. Ver^- Highly Commended, J. Palmer, Upper Norwood. Higlily Commended, H. Ashton. Goldfinch.— Prize, S. Hinds, Beaumont Street, Manchester Square. Extra Prize, H. Vine. Very Highly Commended, J. Grimani : J. Judd ; C«pl. C. H. Fisher ; J. Pullen. Highly Commended, .1. Judd. Linnet.— Prize, H. MarshaU. Very Highly Commended, D. Carver. Commended, W. Walter. Skvlabk.— Prize, J. Judd. Very Highly Commended, J. Judd ; J. S. Benton, Rochester. Highly Commended, W. Walter ; .J. Pollen. WooDLAKK.— Prize, W. Walter. Vcrv Highly Commended, J. Crew, Plumstead. Highly Commended, T. Newmarch. Robin.— Prize, W. Miller. Very Highly Commended, T. Newmarch ; J. Crew. Highly Commended, .J. Crew. Commended, J. Palmer. Blackbird. — Prize, F. S. Vine. Extra Prize, W. Newman. Very Highly Commended, J. Knibb ; G. W. Teasdale ; D. Carver Song Thrush.- Prize, H. Vine. Starling.- Prize, H. Vine. Highly Commended, J. .Judd. Magpie.— Prize, W. Walter. Any other variety.— Prize. H. Marshall. Extra Second Prizes, T. Newmarch : O. Nicholson : J. Kennard. Very Highly Commended, J. H. Elliott, Sydenham Hill. Highly Commended, J. PuUen : J. Palmer. BIRDS OF PASSAGE AND MIGRATORY BIRDS. ^^OHTINGALE.— Prize, W. Hawtrey. Extra Prize. H. Jobson. Highly Commended, Miss H. Maunder, Pinner, Middlesex ; C. F.Johnson, Black- Iriars Road. Siskin or Aberdevine.— Prize, J. Judd. Very Highly Commended, W. Walter ; H. Ashton. Highly Commended, J. Judd. Titlark or Tree Pipit.— Prize, J. Pullen. Akv other variety.— Prize, L. Eraser. FOREIGN BIRDS. Cockatoo 'Lemon or Cranqe-crested).— First, G. Boswell. Second, M. Osorge. Commended, T. NeivTnarch. Cockatoo (Lead-beater or P.ose-breasted).— First, J. Judd. Second, A. Isaacs. Very Highly Commended. A. Isaacs ; Mrs. M. Williams. Cockatoo (Any other v.o.netvi.— Prize. J. Baum. Parrots (Grey).— First, J.' Judd. Second, A. Isaacs. Very Highly Commended, W. Walter : W. Rawlinga, Dalston. Highly Commended, W. Wichelow, MUe End Road ; F. Woodgate, Norwood. Parrot (Green, or any other variety except Grey).— First. J. Banm. Second. W. Westbrook. Third, F. G. Dntton. Very Highly Commended, J. Judd. Highly Commended, A. Isaacs ; J. Baum. Commended, A. Isaacs ; A. W. Booker. Liverpool. Love Birds.— Prize, J. Judd. Extra Prize, G. Billett. Very Highly Commended, T. Newmarch. Highly Commended, W. Walter. AosTRALiAN Grass Parakeets.- Prize. Mrs. H. White. Extra Prize, w.vv alter. Very Highly Commended, T. Newmarch; Mrs. H. White, Hyde I ark : J. Judd. Highly Commended, T. Newmarch ; A. Isaacs. I arakeets (Ring-necked or Beng.-ill.— Prize, F. G. Dutton. Very Highly Commended, W. Williams. Highly Commended, J. Baum. Parakeets (Any other Variety).— Prize, A. Isaacs (Turquosinel. Very Highly Commended, Rev. A. .Tohnson (Stanley). ^^BOTs (King's).- Prize, A. W. Booker. Very Highly Commended, A. Pakakef.ts (Rosebill).— Prize. J. Banm. Commended, J. Judd. Parakeets (Pennant's;.— Prize, J. Baum. CocKATEALs.— Prize, J. Judd. Very Highly Commended, J. Baam. LOBY (.\ny Variety).— Prize, A. Isaacs. Sparrows (Diamond).— Prize, J. Judd. Sparrows (Coral-necked).— Prize, J. Banm. Sparrows (Java).— Prize, H. Vine. Extra Prize, W. Walter. Extra rrtie, J. Jndd. Very Highly Commended, T. Newmarch; J. Judd. Highly Commended, W. Williams ; J. Judd, Nonpareils.- Prize. C. T. Bell. iHDloo Blue Birds.— Prize, J. Jndd. Bishop Birds.— Prize. J. Jad-, and some days old. I gave them another clean floor- board, and upon examining them two days later I found but 158 JOCBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. r Febrnjuy 20, ISCC one (lead bee, and a few, I think eigbt, Rpots of dysenteric dirt. My bees, therefore, which nbont ft fortnight ago were in the worst poBsiblo Btate from dyRentcry, are now qb well as ever, and more lively than either of the other stocks in the same house. — Z. B. [We should be glad to receive information as to the natm-e and mode of application of the remedy you employed.] BEE FOUNTAINS. In one of the old hand-books is the suggestion that a tumbler filled with water, and tumotl upside down uix)n a plate, is a convenient and cleanly mode of watering bees ; but that the water soon becomes bad, and must be changed every day. It at once struck me that this frequent change is quite un- necessary, and that a fragment of pondweed, cbpecially if rooted, would keep the water sweet for any length of time. The time of year was not verj' favourable for an experiment of the kind; nevertheless, in the middle of November, I tilled a tumbler with spring water, put into it a slip of Chara vulgaris ODrooted, and. reversing the glass upon a plait, placed it in a window, and left it to take its chance. After rather more than two months, during which the loss by evaporation has been once supplied, I find the plate covered over with a beautiful confervoid growth (which of course would allow of the larger weed being removed), and the water is as sweet as on the day it was put in. This must be a much neater and more cleanly arrangement than the shallow pan, in which not only much dirt accmnulates, but the bodies of many bee?, which are drowned from time to time notwithstanding the pebbles. If the supply of water from under the rim of the glass is not Bufficicut, it can be incixased by inserting a bit of straw or shaving. The confervoid growth should be allowed to remain, i unless it increase very fast. A propagatiug-glass would allow | of a larger body of water, and so would not require to be tilled | so often ; and if the plan really answers in practice, there are ; many ways of making the little apparatus pretty and orna- [ mental by those who are so inclined. I In connection with this matter, is it quite certain that the ' idea current in the Isle of "Wight and elsewhel-e that the bees \ go down to the sea twice a-day to drink, is purely fanciful, especially in connection with the fact of their crowding to i manure water and other saline deposits ? I ask because in ' October last, when examining a large marine aquarium, I was surprised at the number of dead bees floating in it, and they, I I imagine, must have been attracted to it by the saline matter, j The room in which the tank stands is rarely used, or I should '. have noticed the circumstance sooner. I intend, however, in the spring to place a glass of sea water alongside tlie fresh water, in order to test whether the bees really have any pre- . ference of the kind. A glass of salt water which I placed in \ the window along with the fresh, and containing a fragment of i seaweed, is perfectly clear, and a number of eutomostraca. or | water-fleas, are now rolling, and diving, and tumbling head ! over heels, as lively as if in a tide-pool. Indeed, the water in the tank just named, and which is as clear as crystal, has been imchanged for about five years, and it contains marine animals 1 in perfect health, which have been prisoners dui-ing the whole 1 of that time — a certain proof that with a little management ( water may be kept sweet for an indefinite period. — F. H. West. Bees commenced carrying pollen here on the 2Cth of Jan- nary, and on the 1st of the same month to breed, if they had ever ceased doing so, as I have seen young ones at many hives, and. amongst them, a few drones have made their appearance. A IiANAilKSHIRE BEE-KEErER. To M.iKE BcTTER Tellow IN WixTEH. — Give your cows a little bruised gorse. The fresh juicy spines ground, or cut fine, will be much relished by them. It increases the milk, improves the colour of the butter, and does not impart the slightest disagreeable taste. I tried this in "Wales with a dairy of seven cows, and we always had nice, sweet, yellow butter in winter. — Helek E. Watnet. TR.VDE LIST. J. Baily & Son, 113, Mount Street, Grosvenor Square. — Priced List and Descriptive Catalogue of Poultry ^ Game, Pigeons^ cvd Icr(:r,7i and Aquatic Lirdf:. OUR LETTER BOX. Feediso FowxH Fott ExnrniTioN (J/, jl/.).— Good Imrliy of malting quMity, occaHioimlly u UtUt- meat, and tlit- yolkH of new-ini<) c^'tf-- Many jrivo a few wbiti- ]k'iim fi-r S(nuo dnys bcfort.' cxhibitiut;. nu'l iN-* fc(d on Htalt' cniHtu Htecpcd in h1*> or wine. Tbe latter fond iisr.-t be (riT«D 5nnringly, and tliih distary U apt to make Uiuni quarrcl^umc, even to tlieir Lcuti. Eggs Missing (Bfta).—Wc have little doabt tbiU the Bittinff ben ate tbo cffn^ placed under her. AVe advice you to uxamiue your nests more fire- qnently, nml to ascertain whether the etfKS ore nil rit^hl under the ben. If her good ijuaUties are snch that it is importHiil to sove them to the Tnrd, be careful to Hccurc notnc cggB from her, niid then lot tho cook have her. If this w;is her fir-t sittinj?, you may give- hir niie more trial, bnl wjiteh her closely. Iet.i.— Take a cur%cd piiir of vcrj bbari> scissors— ynn may purchaKp them nt Pi-ic'^l's in Oxford Street— ent the comb from over the nostril to the Imek of the bend ; close to, but uot ex* poRing the skull. If it bleed much, take a buckle feather and lay it on the wound, it stuy- the lUediug. Vuu must al^o remove the gilU and denf-ears. It bleed^i ;i great deal, but it i^ a small operation, and the birds are f|uito iudifferent to it. The old cocker- alwuys cut np the comb and threw it down for the cock to cat — he never refunca. PnoLONGED iNcrnATios.— I net a White Cochin hen on eleven of her own eggs ou Jannarj- 1 Ith ; not one of them was hatched out till the 5th of February, and then ouly two, five more during the following night, and the rest the next morning.' Thus she was sittingnicrcthan twenty-tiuree dayg. Is not this an unnsnnlly long time? I had ten hatch out alto- gether. Oue of my While pullets lays eggs tho size of a FigeonEiWitb no yulk at all. A^'hnt can be the reason of this vagari,' V— M. R. B. [It is not uncommon for hens to sit one day over their time ; hnt we have seldom found them exceed that. Except win r*" the ci.'-'-* fire care- fully tended and soaked before hatching, they seldom con'< <-tr altogether. A nest of eggs seldom iialches so closely together a.-' is siipyio^ed. The eggs nearest the hen are hatched flr^t, and' the other* in degree iiltorwards. Wo often have hens that begin hatching in the evening, and do not finiah till the next day. The pullet will soon lay eggs of the natural size. It l6 not uncommon.] Sice Pioeoxs (G. J., Binningliam).—Youx Pigeons arc most likehr BuflTciing from dii\rrhoBa ; see that their house is dry and sheltered, u much affected give each patient a pill contaiuin:; one grain of calomel, then for a few days pellets of cod-liver oil — you may mix it with gronnd rice, flour, or meal — a vei-y little sulphate of iron in their water, and some old beans in their food. Some good breeding Pigeons under favourable circumstances will rear nine or ten pairs of youni; on* s during the year, hut there are so many casualties that few iu;\n:igo to bring up so many. Three or lour pairs cannot be considered had work for f.mcy Pigeons. One or t^vo really good young ones ought to satisfy most fanciers. Very much depends on accommodation, breed, and season. — B. P. Brent. Rabbits (.7. F.}.—I( yon send seven postage stamps to our office, with your address, ordering " The Kabbit Book," you will have it sent free by post. C.o:aries DYn.-G (Canary Lovrr).~-l have opened the dead CantiiT sent, but without being any the wiser as to the cause of the poc>r birds death. The bird was much emaciated and the intestines looked dark, but it was too much crushed to say if they had been iuflanud. The symptoms you describe are just those of star\'atiou. I am, therefore, inclined to think that thero must have been t^omcthing amiss with the seed — that the cannrj' seed had been heated or in some waydamixged.and, consequently, failed to nomi^sh the poor birds. I cannot otherwise account for their deaths. You may ascertain this by biting and Listing the seed. Yon seem to have taken gi'eat care of your bii-ds, but I thiuk you make them too tender by not lotting them enjoy fresh air; and covering them up at night is not V. healthful plan. If sheltered from the wind and r;iin and not exposed to draughtti the birds require no further co^illing. Birds that have been kept in a heated place and forced into snug, arc neces•^arily in a very unnatural fitaU- and require great care in burdening them off. They may be expected to cease their song on removal, but with care will soon resume it at this season of the year. The spring is a g'lod time to buy birds at any of the Loudon shops, as then yon c;in hear them singing. I do not think there is anything epidemic among your birds. If they do not seem quite well you may give them a few griiins of hempsoed, but this must not be made their constant diet. If the birds cough or are husky, put a littb^ Spanish liquorice in their water: if purged, give them rice water to driuk. lu addition to cleanliness let your birds have fresh air and water to bathe in.— B. P. Bbent. Bee Flowers (Jf. E, jP.).— Mignonette and borage will be the best in your town locality. Hiving a Swarm EXT speaks of growing Mushrooms iu pots ; I have done so with very good success. Having some 18-inch pots I filled them with fresh droppings, and spawned them at once, setting them under a stage through which passes a hot- water pipe covered with a grating, and placing a mat over the pots. I find the Mushrooms so produced veiy useful when beds are perhaps longer in coming in than calculated on. — W. McA. New Hvheid Azalea. — I send you some blooms and foliage of what I consider to be one of the greatest acquisitions in the way of early spring-flowering greenhouse plants I have seen for a long time, and I shall be glad to have your opinion of it. The plant has been brought to me for inspection, and, as soon as I saw it, 1 told the fortunate owner of it that I considered it a novelty of first-class merit. The description which I re- ceived of its origin is, that it is a seedling from the pretty and useful Azalea named amana crossed with lihododendron Princess Alice ; but, fiom the general character of the flower, I Febrnory 27, 1866. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 161 should be inclined to think that it has more of the character- istics of E. Gibsoui than of Princess Alice, altliough the fohage favours the latter variet.y more than the former. The flower is of about the same size as that of E. Gibsoui, and the colour is a rich rosy peach ; the fohage is about double the size of Azalea amceua, rather more elongated, and is covered thickly with short copper-coloured hairs on the upper surface of tlie leaf. The plant is aU that could be wished in point of habit, and it appears to possess the free-flowering character of A. ama?na combined with the large flower of R. Gibsoni. — J. Wills. [The bloom was much damaged, but not to the extent to prevent our being able to say that the flower is very large, of good substance, and of a deep rose colour. Mr. WiUs's opinion upon the plant needs no confirmation. — Eds.] TROriCAIv I'LANTS IN OPEN BORDERS. Curiosity and admiration have been largely evinced at the recent experiments, so happily conceived and so successfully carried out, in the summer embellishment of a few of om- London parks, by the employment of varied selections of plants which, until lately, were regarded by most English gardeners as only adapted in this climate to perpetual imprisonment under glass. Now, why should there not be a judicious selec- tion and association of what are called " sub-tropicals " with our present florists' flowers ? With this object in view a piece of ground favourable to their growth might be set apart in some of the extensive pai'ks belonging to the nobUity, or at least in our public gardens. The plants in question deserve the serious attention of all desirous of decorative improvement, particularly when their employment, in relation to our present system of filling up, would entail very little additional trouble or expense. The only serious objection to theu- general adop- tion in the more temperate and dryer parts of the country seems to be want of house-room for their winter preservation ; but this is more seeming than reah To many persons who visited Eattersea Park during the last few seasons it would seem incredible that what garnished a vast portion of that extensive area with tlie varied and luxuriant vegetation of a sub-tropical garden, could be housed and preserved during the winter months in the little space provided for the ijurpose. That such a multitude of plants should be turned out in summer with means so limited as compared with their number, wiU not, however, seem so won- derfid when we consider the extraordinarily rapid annual growth of most of them — such as Caladiums, Ganuas, some of the Malvas, Solanums, and Leguminosie, the different varie- ties of the Castor-oil plant, some of the Composites, Aralias, DracoBUas, the diiierent Indian-rubbers, &c. ; and when we con- sider that the facility with which most of them are raised from seeds and otherwise propagated, renders it unnecessary, nay, nnadvisable, to occupy much house-room in keeping through the winter many overgrown and deformed individuals, except a lew which may be cut back and kept to furnish cuttings in the following spring. The Canuas may be cut back on the appearance of frost, and the rhizomes stored away hke the tubers of the Dahlia, or a great many of those with short-jointed rhizomes may be left out permanently, covering the beds with old hay, &o. ; in fact, one of the finest beds of C. Umbata at Battersea Park last season was treated in this way. The Caladiums will take their sleep, either impotted or in pots, in any place where they can be kept dry and protected from frost ; and a great many other plants are here passing the winter in cold pits. Among such are the Rice-paper plant of China ; Solanums anriculatum, ro- hustum, and marginatum ; Nicotiana wigandioides ; Senecio Ghiesbreghtu in full flower ; Verbesina gigantea ; Polymnia grandis ; Ferdinanda eminens ; Cineraria platanif olia ; Acanthus mollis, spinosus, and lusitanicus ; Draciena indivisa ; GreviUea robusta ; Lomatia BidwiUi, &c. ; Chainajrops Fortunei ; Ber- beris nepalensis ; Melianthus major ; Bambusa metake and E.aurea, &c; Cassia floribunda; Phytolacca dioica; Ei-ythrinaru- berrima, E. crista-gaUi, and Marie Belanger ; Guunera scabra ; Alsophila anstraUs, and Dicksonia antarctica, &c. The cold pits in which these are sheltered are only protected during the nights with mats, ifcc. It might not he safe to imitate this generally, but there is every reason to conclude that in pits well drained, and heated with a single small hot-water pipe, they would be perfectly safe, and would do well. The more dehcate subjects serve to embelhsh and enliven the houses. These experiments, I think, afford incentives to all — to those having some of these plants already in their houses, to put them out during the fine season — to those ha^dng the con- struction of houses in contemplation, to set a section apart for raising and cultivating some of the best. — Wm. Kelly, Batter- sea Park. IJIPROVEJIEXT OF WILD FRUITS. The cultivated Apple having sprung from the mid Crab, the Pear, Plum, &c., from their wild progenitors, great encourage- ment i>; thus offered to horticultmists to devote attention to our wild fruits. The Pear scion takes freely upon the White Thorn stock, and no doubt this Thorn will take as freely when grafted upon the Pear. There are great varieties in the size and quality of the haws in the present uncultivated state ; but these circum- stances evidence a predisposition to vary and improve, and if due cultivation and selection were given, it is impossible to say what results would follow. Last year I grafted the double and single scarlet varieties, and the American Thorn, on Quince and Pear stocks, but the season was unfavourable to the success of the careless mode which I adopted, and the dry winds destroyed most of the grafts ; afterwards dogs and fowls completed their destruction, except one American Thorn, which took well and grew about 2 feet, the stock being the Quince. I propose to repeat the operation this season, and I now write in the hope of inducing some of your experimental readers to devote attention to the same or more extended objects. I intend to graft the common White Thorn on the Pear stock, also upon the Quince already grafted with the Pear, as well as on the Quince stock, in the hope that an early state of fruitfulness may be induced, so that I may take scions from the seedUngs from these grafted Thorus. At any rate, CratfEgus coccinea and lutea, with C. pyracautha, if grown upon the Quince, and then cultivated upon Mr. Eivers's system of nipping-in and repeated removals, would, no doubt, be very ornamental as dwarf pyramids and buslies. I am informed by a very talented old gardener that the Cydonia (Pyrus) japonica takes readily upon the White Thorn, and, therefore, probably upon the Pear and Quince (Cydonia vulgaris), and thus it offers results both in ornamental and fruit improvements. The Pyrus sorbus, or True Service Tree, may be propagated by grafting upon the Apple and Mountain Ash, and is said to take upon the Medlar and Hawthorn stock ; but I am working it upon the Paradise, with a view of seeing the effects after years of cultivation upon the nipping-in and repeated-remova system. As far as I have gone I find the Apple when budded upon Pyrus sorbus does not grow freely, but grafting has done better. I really think that the Pyrus sorbus gives much pro- mise of alforcUng a very useful addition to our garden fruits, and the same with the haw, at least for preserving. Till care- ful trials have been made and attentive cultivation bestowed, we cannot say what may be done, and should the effect be only to induce any of these to cross with greater facihty than they do, a new race might arise affording much interest. — W. A. Woolek, Sudbury Hall. MANURE FOR POTATOES. I MADE an experiment on a smaU scale last season, which seems to me to prove Turnip manure to be likewise a good Potato manure. I staked off exactly one rod of my garden, which is a very light sandy soU, and so\ved at plantiug-time 3 lbs. of Turnip manure (value 2id.) At taking-up time I weighed the produce, and found it to be 29 lbs. more of large and good Potatoes than the snone quantity of land on either side of the manured rod produced ; and if I had measui-ed the small and diseased tubers the difierence would have been much greater, as, although there were less small ones on the manured rod, the diseased (and they were the largest), were much more plentiful. The price of the 20 lbs. of Potatoes in this part is about ltd., leaving 3Jlan which I formerly adopted myself, but have discontinued fur this reason — in bringing the Vines into their proper position, many of tho finest and most prominent buds are often sacri- ficed. With regard to temperature, my experience teaches me that it is better to err by subjecting the Vines to a moderately low temperature, than to force them into a premature growth before there can be a reciprocity of action between the roots and fohage. I consider a high night temperature quite con- trary to all reason — all plants should be at rest during the night ; and in forcing a plant of any kind into growth before its natural season of growth arrives. I maintain that every pre- caution should be used to bring this about as gradually as possible; and I have found in the course of my practice, that (Jrapes will colour much better in a temperature of from 70° to 7")° than they will if subjected to a higher temperature. I have often had the thermometer in my vineries down as low as 46°, where the heating apparatus has not been sufficient to do the work properly, without noticing any ill effects resulting from it. I have also frequently seen a good crop of Grapes nearly spoilt by being subjected to a high temperature. For the above reasons, therefore, I hold that the system of treatment which I have given is the safest one to go by, for that class of readers of The .Ioubnal of HonTicrLTUBE for whose guidance my series of articles on the cultivation of the Vine were intended. With all due respect to " J. S. S.," No. 24«, page 519, I must beg to be allowed to differ from him in opinion as to the use of the pruning scissors. I still maintain that it is im- possible to make a clean cut with them ; ond that, however careful the operator may be in using them, the wounds never heal so quickly, and in many cases not at all. I trust that these pages mav yet be enriched by articles from some of our champion Grape-growers ; and I am sure that the Editors will not refuse to insert any articles on the above subject, written in a friendly spirit, and for the general edification of that class of readers of the Jouraal who are not slow to acknowledge the benefit they obtain from conning over its pages, and who anxiously watch for its arrival by post. — J. Wills. THE ESSEX RIVAL PEA. At page GG of The Jorr.NAL of Hor.riccLTrEE, is an in- quiry from a correspondent who signs himself " NicKEnnoR," as to the parentage of the above valuable Pea, and Mr. Eley, who has spared neither pains nor expense to introduce it to the public, has replied with the honest spirit of a true English- man, to the effect that if " Nickebboh " will give his real name, he will answer his inquiries ; but your correspondent has not thought proper to do this either privately or publicly. He, also, under the disguise of his imm dc plume, charges Mr. Eley with sending out a Pea as a new variety which has long been known in Nottinghamsliire and Leicestershire. I happen to know that Mr. Eley has been indefatigable in his exertions to prove the Pea in question identical with any known variety, ami the principal seed merchants, who send representatives all over the country, and many eminent gardeners, have failed to recognise it, but have furnished ample testimonials to proye its superiority. — T. J. S. SrssEX Floiu. — Mr. W. B. Hemsley, assistant in the Kew herbarium, is engaged in collecting materials for a Flora of Sussex, and solicits the co-operation of resident botanists and others interested in the issue of such a work. Local Usts, es- pecially of tho extreme west and north-west, also information relating to critical species and specimens of the same, wonld be of great service. It is intended to include hsts at least of the lower Cryptogamia. Names of intending subscribers will be February 27, 1866. ] jouenaij of horticultube and cottage gardener. 163 received, as the sucoeas of the undertaking depends npon se- curing a certain number. Communications may be addressed to Xlie Herbarium, Royal Gardens, Kew, W. CULTURE OF HOYA BELLA. Of the several species of this genus, mone is more worthy of careful cultivation than the subject of the present notice. It requires a free, porous soil, composed of loam and turfy peat, the latter chopped up with the spade, or broken with the hand, ■but not sifted, one-fourth leaf mould, and as much white or silver sand as will give the whole a greyijh appearance. In this compost the plant will grow luxuriantly, aud produce its lovely wax-Uke flowers in profusion. The pot must be carefully and efficiently drained, as a sour soU occasioned by an undue re- tention of moisture is extremely detrimental to the plant ; bits of broken bricks and lime rubbish form a superior drainage, and if a handful of the latter is mixed up with the soil at the time of potting all the better. During its season of active gi'owth the Hoya bella delights in a moisture-laden atmosphere, and a temperature of 70', and upwards; with plenty of moisture in the air, only a very limited supply will be required at the roots, and hence the moist atmosphere of the plant-stove or Orchid-house is that most congenial to the habits of the plant. In a well-managed vinery, however, the plant may be pretty successfully cultivated. If grown in the stove or any other glass structui'e where a high, moist temperature is steadily maintained, the plant should be removed to a drier and somewhat cooler atmosphere — say, one with a temperature of 65', when the flowers are on the eve of expanding ; the blooming season will thus be very much pro- longed, the high, moist temperature of the stove speedily causing the flowers to drop off. In order to secure a proper ripening of the wood, a late autunm growth should not be encouraged, but if the plant has been kindly treated during summer, this important result will, in general, have been pretty well accomplished by the time its blooming season is over. In winter it should be accorded a dry shelf pretty close to the glass, where the temperatui-e ranges from .55' to 60°. When gi'own as a specimen pot plant it is not unfrequently ■trained to a balloon- shaped wire treUis, and for certain pur- ■poses it suits very well. It is also occasionally used to cover the end wall of a stove ; but if we are desirous of showing flower and leaf to the greatest advantage, it should be plunged in a wicker basket of moss, and suspended from the roof of the stove or vinery. It here assumes a semi-pendant habit, and has an extremely graceful appearance. Almost the only mauagemeut which the plant requires, is to pinch the points of the leading shoots or branches during the growing season, so as to induce the production of laterals, and thereby secure a bushy habit. If this pinching be duly at- tended to, a severe knife-pruning will rarely be necessary. Early in spring the plant should be top-dressed or repotted, as may be necessary, and then be placed in moist heat and treated as above directed. It is propagated from cuttings, which root ireely iu moist heat. — J. Duijn. NOVELTY AND EXCELLENCE ARE NOT TTV^NS. Befoiie reading Mr. Eobson's remarks it had often occurred to me that after all the novelties duly trumpeted forth year after year, in reality little improvement had been made for say the last ten years. Since reading the article above referred to, it strikes me that it would prove interesting to many of your readers were you to set up in your pages a kind of tribunal, and bring before your court fruit, flowers, and vegetables. Let them all give some account of themselves — what they have been doing, or rather what has been done for them during the period stated, taking evidence pro and con. In fact, let there be a day of reckoning. After all, what is the use of going on year after year, trade excepted, saying this or that is better than so and so ? To my mind the proof of many things besides the pudding lies in the eating. Give me in the way of Pears a Jargonelle, in Apples a Cornish Gilhflower, and in Peas the British Queen. Can any new kinds be advanced that will beat them ? If so, the information wUl greatly oblige— An Old Bioot. [II our most inveterate enemy were permitted to afflict us in any way he chose, he could not deviae a more effectual torment ttat ts eompel n« to be judges oi each a tribuD»I »a jon sug- gest. We humbly decline accepting the appointment, and transfer it to the Committees of the Royal Horticultural Society. Ton are worthy of your adopted name if you admire none but the three specialities you have named. You cannot have even a succession of them. Of Apples, just try the Kerry Pippin, Cox's Orange Pippin, and Sam Young ; of Pears, Marie Louise, Winter Nelis, and Williams's Bon Chretien ; of Peas, Advancer for an early crop. Champion of England and Ne Plus Ultra for later crops ; and then, instead of " An Old Bigot," we shall have you in our pages as " A Y'oimg Convert."] SYRINGING ^^NES— INFECTED CLOTHES. The syringing of Vines is a subject respecting which muck discussion has taken place, and it has even been considered possible to modify, if not altogether discontinue its use as a preventive of red spider in forcing vineries, and thus save much valuable time. For several years I have been endeavouring to find a sub- stitute for syringing, as I never observed that the Vines derived any benefit from it. On the contrary, the results are often the reverse of beneficial, from the fact that if air is not given early next morning the sim is sure to burn or scald the tender leaves of the Vines, by its action upon the water adhering to them. In houses of small dimensions, constructed without venti- lators at frcnt and top, burning of the foliage will frequently be your reward. Here, last season, we never used the syringe, and its discon- tinuance was .attended with entire success. The Vines had nice clean foliage, short-jointed wood, and were free from red spider. I think that by keeping the walls, flues, and floor constantly damp, the necessaiy amount of moisture may be produced to hold the red spider in check. Previously to commencing forcing, pruning being done, I would have the Vines carefully painted with sulphur and Gishurst compound, and the walls with lime, Gishurst com- pound, aud siilphur ; the flues might also be washed. These apjdications, repeated several times during the forcing season, will be found effectual in preventing the attacks of red spider, should the insect not be carried to the vinery from other places. For instance, when the person iu charge has been attending to Melon or Cucumber-pits, where the red spider fre- quently aljounds, he may carry the insects on his clothes and deposit them in other structures. I would suggest that such introductions be prevented by having the clothes carefully brushed before entering the vinery. I would also warn the young gardener of the possibility of carrying mildew into the vineries, which might he done if he went there after having gathered Peas or other vegetables affected by that pest of the garden, and if it be true that the same fungus appears on the two plants. — James Keid. POT VINES ATTACKED BY THE VINE "\\^i:E^^Ii. I FORWARD for your inspection a one-year-old pot Vine which has been attacked by what I suppose to be the Vine weevil. I have hitherto been verj' successful in growing pot Vines, but this year I find they will be a total failure through the ravages of this pest. It is during the time they remain in the grub state that they feeil upon the young roots of the Vine ; and as the spring or forcing advances they assume the beetle state, and come out of the pots by hundreds. Our Strawberry plants, too, have suffered very much from the ravages of this insect, both those in the open quarters and others potted for forcing ; it was by this means they were taken into the foreing.houses. — J. E. [The bark on the specimen sent was entirely eaten off from the roots of the Vine down to the wood, and from its stem, also, as far as it was beneath the soil's siurface. The insect is the well-known Otiorhynchus vastator, and if not carefully hunted for and destroyed (as recommended in last week's answer to " WiTsoxuN "), it will in a short time gnaw oft' every bud as it appears on the stems. A sheet or white cloth should be spread beneath the Vines, and the beetles hunted for at night with a liglit. They will fall to the ground and feign death on the slightest alarm. — W.] Mildness of thk Season. — The weather here (Welwya, Herts), hsa been^o ei tremely mild as to induce some of our 1C4 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. f February 27. IRCC, Koses to U( oxn. Wo have here, on the side o{ a hill, a fine lUiododenilrou iu fall bluom. which lias been expanded since the 6th of .Januftrv, and on the loth followed numerous patches of Suowdn-ps and Crocuses, exhibiting their early blooms. Peaches and Nectarines are swelling their buds and promipc a good crop. Gooseberries are pushing into leaf, and, in fact, vegetation is. here, in an active state, and, as Mr. Record stated in your Number of the 13th inst., every gardener should keep a sharp eye to the weather, and be in readiness for any of those severe frosts and winds which so often prevail in March. — H. OOLK. 'ROYAL HOPiTICITLTrRAL SOCIETY. Fkbiuary 20th. Tlor-VL CoMStiTTKE. — Consiclerinp the cold and frosty day, this meeting may lie cou^idered a great success. Hud it not been for the int*'Use coKl niauy other specimens, wo art- informed, would have been Beut. Mr. John Grftbam, Crauford. exliil'it»tl u lur^o collectiou of The Czar Violet, which maintains its character, and was universally admired both for the size of the Hower, its swit*t scent, and the noblo foliage. Mr. Graham sent another seedling from this variety named Dapnar, bnt terv inferior. A special certificate was awarded for the collection. Mr. Vonnp. Hijihcate. sent a small collection of Drticft^nns, and a specimen of Erv-ophyllnm calycinnm. Mr. John Watson, St. Alban's. sent pl.ints of Cyathodes oxycedrns. vars. nlba and mbra. These plants appeared to be novelties. The foliage was similar to that of the .Fiiniper; but as the merits of the plants consist iu ihc hemes thiy produce, not hearing any they could not he noticed. Mr. Smally. Norton Hall, exhibited a seedhns Primula sinensis with lurpt) bright flowers ; and Mcssre. Garraway. Bristol, five seedling ITippe- astrums — Nos. 1. 2. and -i very showy flowers, hut not equal to many reared. From i^Ir. Bull came three varieties of Camellia japoniea — Benanzio. pale binsh flower, good shape, bnt small; Archduke Carlo di Toseano, bright red. with occasional white centre petals, giving a very pleasing character, flowers small ; also Countess Novello, white flowers, with pale blush blotches. Messrs. Cutbush. Highgatc, ex- hibited a laru'e and interesting collection of Azaleas, Majjnolia Sou- langeana. Primulas, Prnnns sinensis. Hyacinths, Narcissus, Tuhps, Crocuses, &c., for which a special certiticate was awarded. Mr. Lucking sent a nice specimen of Pcpcromia arifolia, one of the plants collected by Mr. "NVeir, and which has been previously noticed. From Messrs. AVatcrer & Godfrey came three specimens of Ancnba japoniea vera in full herry. One specimen was extremely ornamental. A Bpccial certificate was awarded them. W. W. Saunders, Esq.. exhi- bited a group of vei*y small -/.owe ring Orchiils, among them some cnrions and interesting species, some of them highly scented, and others of botanical interest ; a special certificate was awarded thorn. From the same Kcntlemnn came Peperomia species nova, with hri^^ht green, small, ovate foliajfe — a trailing plant, useful for baskets and wall decoration. This curious Peperomia was much admired, and was awarded a t:r?-t-class certificate. This is another of Mr. Weir's plants. Also TillantUia bulbosa, a great curiosity, growing on a small branch of a tree, and prodncintj from the scaly stems long roundish leaves, which become brif]:ht si-arlet at the part where the purplish flowers are pro- duced. Although an old and well-laiown plant, few ]>ersons present had seen it in such a state of perfection. A second-class certificate ■was awarded it. Several very excellent sp«;cimens were sent from the Society's gardens, among which wereDracu'Uus ; Cineraria populifolia ; a terrestrial Orchid, Petesia bicolor. with broad spotted folinj^e ; and Lihonia floribunda, a beautiful and decorative printer plant, with dark oranM and bright yellow flowers. To ihh a first-class certiticate was awarded; also to a Cattleya collected by Mr. Weir, a beautiful variety of C. Trianai, having a blush flower with a deeppur^jUsh lip, differing from C. labiata and Mossia?. Fp-m CoinriTTEE. — On this occasion there was an excellent, it might almost be said extensive, display of fruit, collections being furnished by Mr. Ford, pardener to W. K. Hubbard. Esq.. St. Leonard's Lodt^e. Horsham; Messrs. llivers A Sou; and Mr. Lvnn, gardener to Lord Boston, Hedsor. Each of these exhibitors received a first-class cer- tificate. Mr. Ford's collection comprised a dish of Limes (Citrus limetta), one of Oranges, and a seedhnj; Apple, which the Committee requested miuht be sent again at an earlier period of the season, as it appeared to have been kept too long to be at its beat ; also, many dif- ferent kinds of Apples and Pears. Among the former were good dishes of Norfolk Beetinp, London Pippin (very well coloured). Pear- son's Plate. Keddleston Pippin, Shepherd s Seedlint:. New Rock Pippin, Dutch Mi'-nionne, Golden Hurv. y, Conrt-PendnPlat. BUnheim Pippin, Scttilet Nonpareil. Adams" Pearmain. French Crab of ISGl and 18t>o ; Mauniugton's. Koyal. and Herefordshire IVarmains, Cornish Gilliflower, Bess I'ool, verj* highly coloured, under the name of Black Jack, and several local varieties, one of which, called Elstead Pippin. was handsome in appearance, and was said to be nsefnl both for dessert and culiuitry purposes. Mr. Ford had also some good tTvedale's St. .Germain Pc:irs,^ Heijuine Muv:.ini , another stewing variety, March Borgamot, and Easter Benrre, well kept. Messrs. Rivors's collection consinted of Apples, chiefly American, grown on dwarf boshes worked on the English Paradise stock, and was exhibited to show the effect of the warm season on the colouring and smoothness of their skins. They compriised Calrille Blanche, to tho merits of which attention was drawn Ia«t week ; Calville St. Saarenr, Melon Apple, hij^h coloured and very showy ; A'.^iopns Spitzemberg, Illi"de Island Greening. Boston Russet, Baldwin, Newtown Pippin, Alh ii'i Everhistiu^'. and some others. Mr. Lvnn sent Rlael: Harnhnryh Grapes, jdnmp and in excellent preservation ; Hedsor Winter Prolific Cncumber. of the Sion House race, and from tho cluster of young frnit accompanying it apparently juhtifyinn its name: and a collection of Apples. con^stiuR of Cox'b Orange Pippin. Lewis's Incomparable, IJcrs Pool (vtn.- sound I, Stormcr Pippin. Scarlet Nonpareil, Cockle Pippin, Domeluw's Seedling, French Crab, itc. Mr. Watson, St. Allan's, sent a ecedlinf? Apple, supposed to have teen raised from a seed of Wheeler's Hossct, bnt the Committee wiirhed to SCO it again earlier in the season before passing an opinion on its merits. Mr. Hill, gardener to R. Sneyd. Esq.. Keele Holl. sent remarkably fine frnit of the Madras Citron, alon^ with the fidiatic. likewise pre- serves made from the t,Teeu and the ripe fruit, of which tho former was declared by the Committee to be the better. This exhibition well merited the first-class certiticate which was awarded to it. Mr. Hill also contributed bunches of Ladv Downe's and Golden Lady Dovne's Grapes, to show their excellent keeping properties. Scientific Meetdcci. — Lord Henry Gordon Lennox. M.P., in the chair. The awanls of the Fruit and Floral Committees having been announced, the Rev. M. J. Berkeley proceeded to remark on the sub- jects exhibited. A beautiful variety of Cattleya Trianni first came under notice ; then plants of the common Hyacinth and Xarcissns tazetta imported from Persia, and sent by lir. Ilooker to show tho difference between the improved pardcn varieties and the s]>ecies from which these have been derived Libonia floribunda, with Correa-like flowers, from South Braxil, was next referred to, and the account of it given by Professor Morren in " La Belgique Horticole," where it is truthfully figured and described. The next subject which came under notice was a male catkin of ^VeUingtonja giirantea. from the Marqois of Huntley's, Orton Longville, ne:ir Peterborough, where there is an avenue of Wellingtonias upwards of 20<)l) yards in lenpth, and from a tree in which the specimen shown was cut. Mr. Berkeley remarked, that although this noble Conifer had borne cones in \'arions parts of Euj^land. this was the only instance which had come to his knowledge of its having produced male catk-ins. luid there was now, therefore, a chance of its seeding in this country. A Gourd grown in Mr. Berkeley's garden in Northamptonshire then occupied at- tention ; it was stated to be a variety of Cucnrbita maxima, of which the seed had been imported from Valparaiso, to be excellent for yrtf/vV.*, and to fax exceed C. o^-ifera in quality. He trusted to bo able to make up a considerable number of packets for distribution ; and whilst on the subject of Gourdt; he would mention that among the Society's collections of flower and vegetable seeds to be distributed this spring, was one called the Portmanteau de Navies, a large sort, very distinct from others, and requiring the assistance of a wall to ripen it, A mould infcstiui? the stems of Dahlias was then exhibited. Tlus was stated to be the Botrytis pi-ofnsa of Grerille, and to he very beantifnl under the microscope when tho threads were freed of air-plobnles, which miRlit be done by the aid of alcohol. Attention wjus then di- rected to the funpis attacking the leaves of the Pear tree, from which almost every cultivator suffers more or less, and which had l»cen figured by Siiwerby many years ago. This, which is known as *^"cidium can- cellatum or RuL'stelia ciuicellata, bad been identified by M. Oersted, a D:aiii-'h professor, as beini,'only a form of the Savin fungus (Podisoma Saliin.T). and M. (Ersted had succeeded in developing the sporidia of the la tir on the leaves of the Pear. It was further stated tiiat M. de Bary had found that in a similar way the ^Vheat Rust fPuccinia grnminis) and the Berl>erry Blight (j5^cidium berberidisi were fonns of tlu* same fun<^s, and that therefore there was some foundation for the popular notion as to the connection of the last two. (Some ac- count of the experiment:* on the identity of tlK- above fungosea "was given in the "Florist .ind Pomologist" of Oitober. lt>t>'».) Mr. \V. AVilson Saunders then offered a few observations on tho small gioup of Orchids mentioned in our Floral Committee report, and which some, he said, miqht call "miseries of Orchids." Altbongh their flowers were minute, these Orchicb; were not nltopethcr devoid of some points of interest — perhaps to others a.s well as to botanists, and it was the duty of all FeUows to bring such subjects to the meetings. Among them wasaLcoehilus.thc hlossoms of which possessed the merit of exhaling a dclicion? scent like that of the Heliotrope, especially when the sun shone on tliem ; those of another. Fpidendnim hormidium, had a delicate perfume like that of uewlv- gathered Primroses ; whilst Pelexia triloba was remarkable for the beauty of its stmcture. Mr. Saundftrs stated, that from preat experience in the culture of these small species ho had found them succeed 1>est on thin slabs of wood or cork, and that theso should be constantly wetted with the syringe on both sides, so as to afford a supply of moisture in addition to that which the plants obtain from the :iir of the hon^e in which they are growinj;. With respect to Tillandsia bulbosa. which t-omo found a difficultv in growing, it was merely necessary to place it on a little piece of wood, sorronnd it vith moss, and bang it np in the centre of a stove. Another Tillandsia — nsneoides, hung down from trees like tufts Febnury 27r4866. ] journaij op hobticultdre and cottage gardener. 1C5 of moes, oud woald be nu interestiug plant for oar stoves coalJ it be bronglit across from the West ludies ; but doing so al^vays tlusiccated it so much that it would not grow. A small bijecies of Peperoniia, which had accidentally come along with some of Mr. Weir's Orchids, though but a stove weed, being of creeping habit, would run over soil or cover blochs o^wood, in fact, would take anr shape, and therefore might be useful for hanging-baskets and similar purposes. No leas than thirty new members were elected — a cheering sign of the increasing prosperity of the Societ;s', and of the progressive interest taken by the upper classes in horticnltnre, and this increased prosperity and interest cannot fail to redound to the benetit of gardening and gardeners. The Society has passed tlirough many vicissitudes, but now that there is so muiiifest a desire to extend its sj'here of asefuluess, if all classes will but unite harmoniously in its support, it may be made second to no other scientific body. It will then become capable of working out great results — results not of interest or benefit to a class only, but of importance to the whole community. A PRETTT exhibition of forced spring fiowei-s was made on Saturday, Messrs. Cntbnsh ifc Son again contributing most liberally to the general effect. These gentlemen sent a collection of miscellaneous plants vei-y similar to those we have noticed as being at the last two meetings, a fine collection of forced bulbs, one of forced Hya- cinths, and one of forced Tulips, to all of which awards were veiy properly made. Besides these, they had a group of finely gi-own jdants of the double white fringed Chinese Primrose. Mv. Young, gardener to Mrs. Bai'clay, of Highgate, had a first prize awarded him for a col- lection of sis miscellaneous gi'eenhonse plants ; and Mr. Bai-tlett, of Hammersmith, received the second livize. Mr. Young also exhibited a collection of cut Camellia blooms, which received an extra prize ; and Mr, Bartlett received a similar prize for a collection of forced bulbs. Mrs. B. Hoote, of Folham, sent a basket containing a group of well-grown plants of fiinged Chinese Primrose, with Hyacinths in the centre, which received .a tirst-class certificate : and the Kev. George Cheere, of Papworth Hall, received a similar award for a tray of ex- cellent blooms of XouA Boleyn Pink. Mr. Lynn, gardener to Lord Boston, Hedsor, near Maidenhead, exhibited a collection of iifteeu varieties of Apples in an excellent state of preservation, to which a first prize was awarded. Messrs. Lucking, Brothers, of Nottiug Hill, received a fli'st-class- certificate for a line collection of forced flowers. POTATOES. SosTE little time back I saw in The Joukxal of Hokticul- TURE, among the requests of correspondents, an expressed wisb to know where the hybrid between the Asbleaf and Lapstone could be prociired. I therefore wrote to H. Taylor, Esq.. of Fencote, I5edale, Yorkshire, (who kindly sent it to me) for in- formation. The following is his reply : — ^" I have made inquiry about the Potato you mention, which without doubt is the very best flavoured Potato in England. It combines many other good points. It is handsome for exhibition, smooth, a good cropper, second early, and the top not particularly large, but very handsome. It is distinct and highly .spoken of by all who hare tasted it. It keeps well until August. I mean new ones at midsummer, as well as old ones. It can be procured from Mr. Thomas Almond, Great Fencote, Eedale, Yorkshire, at 2s. 6d. per stone, bags included, under the name of the York- shire Hero Kidney. He has great demand for it, and has only fifteen bushels of 'it left." Mr. Taylor supplies the following : — " Mr. Almond lias another Potato, which he is increasing for sale in the spring of 1867. It is particularly early. He has it regularly in Jlay in this cold part. It is a good cropper, smooth, free from disease, of handsome shajie, distinct, top very handsome. "We have another Potato here, most excellent. It is for winter. Thefiesh is white, and in flavour in myopinion slightly better than Yorkshire Hero, If you ^"ill accept a few of both the above I will send them to you, and a boiling into the bargain, so that you may taste and judge for yourself." I wiU now tell you how Mr. Almond grows his early Potatoes. The land must be pretty good, and in good heart. He opens a trench, puts in loug manure, sprinkles on this pigeon-dung, then gives a sprinkling of carbonate of soda. It appears that carbonate of soda has a great eiJect in producing eaiiiness, and pigeon-dung forces the plant away. If tliis cannot be procured, substitute a sprinkling of guano. — W. 1'. EiDCLYFrE, Tarrant Riiehton. ROOTING VINE BIIANCHES. The question as to whether it is judicious or injudicious to bury the stems of Vines in the border, with a view to their thus rooting more extensively and giving stronger wood than if the roots alone were covered, is certainly of importance. I planted Vines in both ways in inside borders, and observe no chfference in the aftergrowth, the plants having done well in eacli case, and I have not courage to dig up the stems of those buried to see if these have rotted oft' or not. Last spring I received some Vines from Mr. Rivers, to gi-ow in pots standing on hot-water pipes. The rods would average, say, 9 feet each ; but as the best wood and buds were near the tops, and I only wished to fruit the plants for one season, I coiled about .5 or 6 feet into each pot, and thus left only about 3 or 4 feet of the tops of each rod aliove the soil. The eyes broke well, and gave abundance of bunches, which ripened perfectly. By early stopping I compelled the eye next the earth in each Vine to form a cane for a futm-e crop, and each of these canes had to be stopped many times to prevent the span-roofed house being darkened too much. I have now, from each pot, as fine bearing-like wood of these Vines as need be desired; and the pots being large, I shall be surprised if I cannot this year take a dozen good bunches from each Vine. Is it likely I should have had such Grapes, and such wood, if the coiled stems of the Vines had died, and the plants had to depend for support on a new set of roots from a collar near the siuface ? — J. M.ickenzie, M.D. [There are no rules without exceptions. It you have the chance again, would you repeat the experiment, and in the case of similar Vines, merely disbud the lower part of the stems, with the exception of one or two buds near the bottom? Choose one of these for a future stem, take a similar crop from the Vines treated in both ways, give the same treatment to each, and then let us know what difference there is in the ap- pearance of the fresh shoots for next season.] Inteexational Hobticcltdeal Exhibition-. — Dr. Seemann, having to visit immediately a portion of Central America, has been obliged to resign his Secretaryship of this Exhibition. Dr. Masters has been appointed his successor. The Verbena Disease. — V,'e regret to notice that a great number of the stock plants of this very favourite flower have died during the jiresent season from some unknown cause, which has baffled the most successful and experienced growers. It is our intention to prepare a li^t of those sorts which have escaped, for the benefit of our readers ; by this means we hope to ascertain which are the hardiest and most vigorous. ■\Ve have filed a list from a grower who has lost upwards of a thousand plants since October, and we iuvite similar hsts from those of our readers and friends who have had the good luck to ]u-eserve any Verbena plants alive. In Mr. .1. Peacock's (Hough Green) collection — Velvet Cushion, ilont Blanc, Lord Raglan, Defiance, General .Tackson, Pink Queen, Foxhunter, Lord Craven, Beauty, Princess Alexandra, Grand Conle de Niege, Purple King (has struggled hard through), Mrs. Voodroffe. — (Cheshire Record.) WEST IMIDDLESEX GAEDENERS' MUTU^iL PROTECTION SOCIETY. ^ We have seen how the London mechanic has raised his posi- tion in spite of the opposition of his master, but what has been done for the gardener? I hailed with delight the rise of wages in nurseries, and it was hoped that the gentry or the proprietors of gardens would follow the example ; but they have not done so. Surely it must be from want of considera- tion ; for how can it be expected that young men will always be contented to live in a state of semi-starvation ? It cannot be otherwise at the present rate of provisions. The prospect of an uncertain futm'e has lost its effect. Young men are looking more and more to the time present, and it is sincerely to be hoped that something will be done to elevate their position. They ask not the wages of the mechanic ; but sm'ely they ought to receive as much as a bricklayer's labourer. But to keep more to the point, I wUl describe as briefly as possible what is behig done for the benefit of the journeyman gardener. There have been three meetings at the Workman's HaU, Port- land Road, Kotting Hill. The first of these took place on the 4th of December, 1865, Mr. Gardiner being in the chair, and the following resolutions were put to the meeting : — 1st, It is the opinion of this meeting that the time has ar- rived when an advance of wages ought to be made. 2nd, That a deputation be appointed to wait tipon the employers to ask for the same. 3rd, That a committee be formed with a view to take into consideration the best means to form a society. IM JOCBMAL OP HOBTICTTLTURB ARD OOTTAOB OAKDBNBR. I rerly set, is not easily beaten. If after three mouths' trial 1 am justified in giving an opinion,. I should say that the terminal variety of saddle is a decided improvement on the old form. This is very simple, of great power, and very moderate in its consumption of fuel as com- pared with the amount of work done by it. — A Uuiit GABSBiiEB. In your impression of the 6th inst. I observe that Ur. G. Cooper has expressed a desire for information as to the experi- ence of those who may be possessed of tubular boilers. As he has referred to my name in connection with a few observations I made about three years ago relative to the merits of Clarke's water-jacket boiler, in justification of those observations I am glad to be able to affirm that my subsequent experience of its capablities tends to justify the anticipations which I entertained as to its efficiency and durabihty. Its exemption from the pecnhar fissure, which appears to bo incidental to those tubular boilers instanced by Mr. Cooper, is calculated to render it a boiler of superior merit — that is, as regards non-fraugibility. As a preventive of soot or other matter accumulating on any portion of the boiler, I found that the simple application of an. occasional extra brisk fire effectually prevented that evil, except- ing in one instance, about two years ago, when I found it neces- sary to examine and scrape off a substance resembling coal-tar» which I attributed to the nature of the coal, in conjunction with, the foul state of the flue which conveys the smoke along the back wall of one of the vineries, with the view of making up. for the deficiency of hot-water piping in that house. I do not» however, absolutely advocate the system, as a more effectual draught is secured by conveying the flue vertically over the boiler. It also precludes the iucouvenience of cleaning, and the dangers incidental to flues, crazy ones especially. It is not my present purpose to discuss the comparative merits of boilers nor improvements on them — with one excep- tion— that is, my objection to water-bars, the employment of which I beUeve to be wrong in principle, inasmuch as they tend to obstruct the thorough combustion of the fuel, owing to the rapid conduction of the metal; and, further, I believe thaj prevent the air supplying the oxygen uecessarv' for oombustio:^ entering the fire as hot as possible ; but the evil may be some- what remedied by keeping the water-bars as clear of ashes as may be practicable, hence I doubt the advantage of water-bars. At some future time I hope to be able to offer a few observa- tions on the merits or demerits of another kind of boiler which it is in contemplation to employ here. la the meanwhile, like Mr. Cooper, I trust that others may he induced. Ui favour us with their experience of boUers. — W. GAra>nH;B. ■WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN OAKDEN. The operations recommended here periodically cannot, per- haps, always be pursued with propriety at the precise period in,:licated ; the position of the garden, as well as the nature of the soil, must be considered, and if these circumstances are unfavourable, they may be permitted, as exceptions, to modify the goucral rules. The preparation of the various q«art IMA. 1 JOUBMAL OF HOBTICULTUBB AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 167 designed for main crops mnst be persevered in whenever the soil is dry enongb to admit of being trodden on without being too mnch consolidated. This is of great importance on heavy stifi soils, and those who have such to deal with should take advan- tage of every dry day that occurs. On such soils, too, it will be quite advisable to defer sowing main crops for a week, and even a fortnight ; but on light dry soils the sooner the main crops are sown the better, because such soils are most hable to suffer from drought should it occur, and, therefore, the sooner the crops can be well established the better will they be able to resist its effects ; if, on the contrary, the season is a wet one, they will still be in the best possible condition to profit by it. Beans, sow the main crops, regulating the quantity by the de- mand. Cabbage, make a first sowing of the true Drumhead Savoy ; also, a small sowing of the true Grange's Early White Broccoli made now will come in useful by-and-by ; sow another patch of early Cabbages. Celery, the first sowing must be pricked out as soon as it can be well handled, and another sowing made of both Red and White. Cauliflowers, prick out the young seedling plants, as also plants of Lettuces, either on a warm border or a gentle hotbed, and shelter them for a time with hoops and mats. Cucumbers, add fresh soil as the roots of the plants appear at the outside of the hill, lay it close to the side of the frame for a few days before it is re- quired that it may become warm. Kidney Beans, if there are any in the vinery or Peach-house, keep them frequently syringed to prevent, if possible, the appearance of the red spider ; if already attacked, the better plan will be to remove them to a pit or house wliere no injury can be done to other plants. Onions, the principal crops may now be sown, the Deptford, old Brown Globe, James's Keeping, White and Brown Spanish, are good sorts ; sow them in beds 4 feet wide, and in drills 9 inches apart, and, if yon can obtain it, sow some charred refuse along the drills previous to covering in. When the beds are raked smoothly over, and the surface is a little dry, pass a wooden roller over them several times, as Onions will bear a considerable amount of consolidation in the soil. Peas, sow the main crops of the summer sorts, together with a few of the later kinds. The ground on which Peas are sown comes in well for Celery. The rows, as advised, should be 6 feet apart ; this distance might be increased with great advantage, and the intervening spaces sown with Spinach, early Turnips, Itadishes, and Lettuces, all of which would come off in time for the Celery. PirsUy, sow a good breadth of the best Curled, the finest is obtained by transplanting it at 1 foot apart on rich, deeply trenched soil. Potatoes, plant more early sorts, and re- flect whether it would not be advisable, under existing circum- stances, to plant both early and late varieties earlier than hitherto. Those who plant earUest will stand the best chance of ultimate success. We would also recommend whole tubers in preference to cut sets. Persevere in hoeing, forking, or Otherwise surfaee-stuTuig among advancing crops. FRUIT G.1RDF,N. Pruning should now be quite finished in every department, and whatever nailing is left undone must be completed im- mediately. See that newly-planted fruit trees are properly staked and mulched, and, after high winds, it is necessary to look round them, and press the earth gently round the base of the stems. All danger of very severe frost being over. Figs may have the coverings completely removed, and be neatly pruned and nailed ; do not crowd them with wood. FLOWEU GAUDEN. The digging of flower-borders must now be commenced in good earnest ; in performing which, use the fork in preference to the spade. All kinds of herbaceous plants may now be planted, either to fill up empty spaces or to make new planta- tions in borders which have undergone a course of preparation. Pay particular attention to the arrangement of these as regards height, colour, and succession of flower. Proceed with the planting of hardy Roses. If the plants be strong, prune their heads according to their classes, as advised last week ; if weak, cut them back to two or three eyes, shorten all long and straggling rooti', and prune away such as may be bruised or broken. If the ground has not been prepared as previously directed, we would recommend pits to be made, and to two pits give a wheelbarrowful of rotted dung and good loam well mixed. By aU means .ivoid deep planting. Have a quantity of stakes and tarred twine close at hand, and stake each plant whether it be a dwarf or standard ; many losses are incurred, or much injury sustained, when this is neglected. Continue the pruning and naihng of chmbers, also the arranging and tying of such as are against trelhses, verandahs, &o. GREENHOCBE AND CONSEBVITOBT. The Poinsettias done flowering in the conservatory ebonld be removed to other houses at work to make nice wood from which cuttings may be made. The Euphorbia jacquiniieflora, too, may be removed to heat, but not pruned if cuttings be an object ; they will break better without pruning, being liable to bleed. The routine here wUl now be a constant exchange with the other houses or forcing-pit. Nothing should be allowed to remain unless in blossom or in fine health. Let the heat be moderate. Secure, if possible, a small amount of atmospheric moisture without drip. Those who follow np the cultivation of Pelargoniums should have their plants duly attended to in regard to staking out, &c. They will bear shifting the moment the blossom-bud is formed in the terminal points. Water very moderately after shifting until the pot is half full of roots ; those not shifted will take water freely. Epacrises, Heaths, and others of the more hardy plants in or coming into flower, should be kept near the openings for ventilation ; while Eoses and other forced flowers in the conservatory, and fresh from the forcing-pit, require the warmest end of the house, and ought to be kept free from currents of air. This is a good time to make memoranda of the best varieties of forced bulbs, especially Hyacinths and Tulips. BTOVE. The fires should be kept sufficiently lively in the early part of the day to allow of a free circulation of air. Every leaf in the house should be dry for an hour or so at midday, after wliich period the air should be gradually withdrawn, and atmo- spheric moisture renewed. This treatment will be found to suit the majority of stove plants. FORCING-PIT. This is a good time for propagating many plants by cuttings, seeds, and grafting, and the forcing-pit is the best place for this work. Seedhngs already up ought to be potted off as soon as they can be handled. Let every shelf and comer of this pit be filled with plants as others in flower are removed from it. PITS AND FRAMES. Those who have not yet attended to the propagation of planta for bedding out must now begin with nil possible speed to put in cuttings of Geraniums, Petunias, Verbenas, Fuchsias, Salvias, &c., so as to have good plants for bedding out in May. Pay due attention to shading, watering, and to topping back weak and straggling shoots, so as to form robust bushy plants. They viiU. give a greater amount of satisfaction when they come to be transferred from the pots to the flower garden, and will amply repay all the little extra care and trouble. Have any snails or slugs found snug quarters in this department ? Zf so, they will do much mischief during the mild weather if you do not look for and destroy them as soon as possible. — W. Ke.^ne, DOINGS OF THE LAST '^^EEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Did very little here as yet in the open ground, as our soil is still too wet to be dug or moved nicely. Proceeded with raking together a few tree leaves, which are very scarce this season. Placed a little old rough hay that wo saved from some parts of the pleasure grounds over the heads of Broccoli coming in nicely. A few heads that were overlooked were injured in the sharp frosty mornings. Ice. — The frost was severe enough in the mornings in the beginning of the week to have given employment for the ice- cart if the days had been dull ; but the very bright sun follow- ing the frost dissipated all the ice that was formed in the pre- vious night, so that we could collect none beyond what was needed for filling the receptacles for present use. In Mr. Eoh- son's observations on storing ice, &c., there is much room for thought and inquiry. It often happens that theory and prac- tice do not quite agree ; so much so, that the result is very different from that which we should have expected from the general theory. We own that we have sometimes been non- plussed witli ice-houses, some of the roughest and simplest; keeping ice well, and others constructed with great care scarcely ever keeping the ice any length of time. There can be no doubt that moisture or vapour, considerably above the freezing point, melts ice very rapidly. We recently alluded to ice in wells sinking more rapidly after it had fallen below the level of the door-way. We may "mention two facts as recollections of ice- houses. One house, by our own recommendation, and chiefly for sanitary purposes, was dug out of the side of a hUl, former 166 JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTDBS AMD COTTAGE aAKDEMEB. r Fofccurr 3<> UK. cbiofly of Foftif^li chalk stone. There was a drnin from tlic bottuiu that prevcutcd anything like stagnant water ; but the rains trickling through ami clown the lull so moistened tbo chalk that the ico, amouutini; to twcuty-five or thirty loads, w x'U packed, was all gone by July. The place altogetlier was email. The circumstances of the benevolent gentleman did not war- rant a large outlay ; but it took very httle labour to widen the place to take out more chalk, and as there was a lot of old Btnds, imd tarred boards from an old bani, tit only for firewood, with these tbo sides and top were covered, 1 foot from tlie chalk. Any boles were daubed-up with tliick clay, mortar, and chopped straw, and, the door being left open, when all was tolerably dry a thin coating of hot tar was given to the old boards, and all was quite dry before winter. For several years the hou.se was capable of keeping ice >mtil Jauumy and i'et- rnary. \Vc afterwards learned that when the boards would stand no longer the ice did not keep so well, tbouKb packed round with straw. The straw became damp, and then the ice melted, leaving only a cone in the centre. It was fo\ind that tbo toji of the house, fonued of tlie natural chalk, with a covering of earth and rough herbage ou the surface, seldom showed signs of damp inside, whilst the side walls of chalk always became moist in the spring. It was suggested to run up inside a double- sparred fence of old hurdles, Ac, with a space of 8 inches between the two sides of this fence, and this space was stuffed iirmly with dry fein and straw, the inner fence being fully a foot from the wall. Hove, again, the ice kept fairly when thus isolated from the dam]) wall. It would be well if any person disposed to trj- a hole in a chalk hiU were first to make sure whether the chalk would remain dry in winter and spring. The other fact came under our notice on our last visit to Trentham, when staj-ing for the night at the admirable hotel at Stoke station. On going round the grounds of the hotel in the morning, admiring the fine sheet of water, and noticing a pioturesiiue mound in the garden, the housekeeper informed us that it was their ice-house, that it had been made at a great expense, that due care had been taken to keei' it dry, to ventilate it, &c., but that the ice could not be kept m it for any length of time in summer, and that a large sum was spent every year in obtaining ice from Liverpool and other places. Wo were vei7 anxious to examine the house, but the time-table of the trains could not be trifled with, and as yet we have no more light on the subject, than just the idea that from the proximity of the tine piece of water, damp might have been the chief cause of the failure, and that a double-walled house, all above ground, with at least a foot between the walls, either left open or packed with dry sawdust, and a thick-thatched roof reaching nearly to the gi-ound would have been more likely to have answered. As the subject is of some importance, it would be well if some of our gardening friends in the vicinity would ascertain if the ice-house at the hotel is still so far a failure, and if so try and trace the cause, as if we knew the cause of failm-e, or the remedy fonnd efifectual in such circumstances, it would be useful for futm-e guidance. Prepared an earth-pit for receiving as soon as possible some fermenting material for early Potatoes, &c. Gave air in sun- shine, and when mild, to Potatoes in pots becoming ready for nse, and to successions in frames. Did the same with young Eadishes, Carrots, &e., protecting them at night with a' little rough hay saved from the shrubby parts of the pleasure gi-ound. Gave abundance of air to Peas uuder protection, as our gi-ound is not lit to receive them out of doors, and we do not yet choose to tmu out any of the dwarf Tom Thmnb into the orchard- houses, where they did so well last year, because we are keeping these houses open night and duy, when it is safe to do so, from the absence of wind, in order tliat the frosts may nip the trees a httle, and keep them back. As yet we have only noticed a few buds of Peaches begiiming to show colour, and we want none to open in these unheated houses for some time yet. Put some unused iron rails on the top of pots in the front of the Peach-house, covered them over with moss, and on these set a row of 1-2-inch pots, furnished with nice stubby plants of the Tom Thumb Pea, and when, some time hence, they are removed to the orchard-bouse to perfect the fruit, the same improvised shelf will come in for Strawberries or Kidney Beans, though w-o generally keep the latter out of our houses. Sowed more Kidney Beans in tive-inch pots, to be ultimately planted out or transferred to larger pots. Had to shut up a cat in the Mushroom-house, for, after pretty well clearing it of snails and slugs, a colony of mice found the small sweet Mushrooms more palatable than any bait we could give them. Kidney Beans, C'uciuubers, Xc., rejoicLnl in the Banehine that attended the frosty mornings. Cucumbors needed a little shading iu the brightest hours of the clearest days, the sudden transitiou from cloudy foggy weather to clear suusbiuo affect- ing jilauts very much in proportion to the high tcmi)erature in which they are growing. Hence the importance of keeping the tcmperatDre as low as to be safe in dull weather, as heat with- out bright light leads more to mere expansion than addition of substance ; and the tliimier and more delicate the foUage, the less can it stand at once a sudden demand of evaporation in sunshine, and the roots cannot at once meet that sudden de- mand. A shglit shade, or even a syringing overhead, is generally better in such circumstances than any root-deluging, as either will prevent an excess of evaporation until the reciprocal balance between roots ajid leaves is restored. i"or all tender plants iu heat a sUght shade is more important in these sudden changes from dull weather to bright, than at any other time. tScorchinii. — In the middle of a line Cucumber leaf ou a plant growing in a pit, wo noticed yesterday a piece about the size of a two-shiUing-piece as thoroughly scorched as if a hot cinder had been laid on it, and it was some time liefore we could find out the cause. At last we found a blister on the glass, near the front of the sash, and a long way from the scoixhed leaf, 60 that from its position the one could have no iutluence on the other in the midtUe of summer, but ou holding a pole in a line with the bUster on the glass and the scorched piece of the leaf, we found the line to be identical iu position with the rays from the suu a short time after noon. Tbo blister being daubed with a httle paint, will act no longer as a concentrating lens. JIuch of the cheap plate glass is well studded with these scars, and hence scorching and burning are often attributed to the WTong cause. Went ou with other forcing much the same as last week. rr.CIT GAItDEK. Vine-borders. — ^We intended to have fresh-bordered a part at least of a vinery, but foimd we could not obtain the necessary material iu time, and, therefore, must defer it. Meanwhile scraped off the black exhausted soil from the surface. Gave a surfacing of nice fibry manure, and covered with Utter to keep out the cold, placing the warmest next U»e new Boil, and using a depth of about 15 inches altogether. We gene- rally do this in the autumn, or at least much earlier ; but as we do not mean to force much, the covering will do in the meantime. The buds are beginning to show from having been forced earlier previously. In the present case we could not help om-selves as to material, having had nothing outhe border but a httle stubble to keep frost out, and that is now laid on the surface of the litter again. With Vine roots w hoUy out of doors we prefer covering the border, so as to secure a temperate heat in it before we begin to excite the tops in early forcing, and more especially if the roots are near the surface. We do not conclude, however, though we have had scores of hotbeds and frames or Vine-borders, that there can be no danger from such hotbeds if not looked after. We Icuow that heat from such beds goes down slowly, but it does go down — so much so that, perhaps, three times in the course of our Uves we knew of roots of Vines being burned, and rendered useless, from a huge bed of fermenting material on the border. When much of this heating is done it is a good pkan to have trial-sticks and thermometers at different depths in the border. In early forcing we have several times resorted to a mode which we first saw practised by Mr. Pauiel Jndd. Iron pipes were laid longitudinally along the border some 2 or 3 inches from the surface, with ends open outside the border, the openings being stuffed with a ball of moss or a plug. In this piping a thermometer was placed, fixed fimily to a long slender pole. On puUiug out the pole so as to see the thermo- meter, you could always see the degree cf heat at that depth from the surface. If that stood at from 70' to 73° there would be no danger, as from 8 to 12 inches deeper the heat would be reduced 5° or so. Where such attention cannot be giv en it is much safer even for early forcing, when practicable, to cover the borders early in the autimin with about lo inches of dry litter or fern, and so as to throw off a good deal of the wet. If covers or canvas can be used for the latter purpose so much the better. This will secure a temperate heat in the border, with no danger of overheating. To secure such an ad- vantage, however, from mere dry litter, the covering must be applied before the ground is cooled, so as to retain a portion ol the summer heat — that is to say, put the covering on the border from the middle to the cud of Sei>tember. StraicberrU-s. — In simny days drew a brush and a dry hand Februai-y 27, 1866. ] JOURNAL OF HOETICULTTJRE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. 169 over plants in bloom and setting. We had the most of our outstanding pots in an earth-pit, set on or plunged in leaves, and so that we could protect them with old sashes or hurdles, &c. We have escaped pretty well until the other night, when the mice began on the crowns in earnest, rendering from twenty to thirty pots useless. There being a considerable quantity of litter for covering, and the pots being set with tree leaves packed between them, it was very doubtful whether we could exterminate the mice before doing more damage, so that we have moved the plants out and set them in the orchard-house, without anything to protect tlie pots, but if the weather prove very severe, wo can throw a little rough hay over them. The Strawberry plant will stand a good amount of cold, but plants in pots to be forced should never have the pots hard frozen, as it greatly injures the roots. If the pots are phmged they are not so apt to be injured. The above hint as to mice may be useful, especially if severe weather come. Cue gentleman told ns last season, that out of eight hundred plants in pots fully five hundred were rendered useless by the nibblers in a few days. Both mice and rats will commence on the best and hardest crowns. Plants protected from frost and bad weather are more liable to be thus attacked than those grown iu the open air. Took in more plants into pits and houses, where room could be found for them near the glass. This is the only mode by which many of us can produce early Strawberries ; and though good Strawberries are always useful and desirable, the make- shifts to secure them are often attended with a great amount of labour, and not uufrequently with injury to the permanent plants of the house. We have seen Strawberries taken from a series of shelves iu an early Peach-house, that would have much more than paid the labour and fuel in forcing the house, without the value of a good crop of Peaches in addition ; but though the shelves were removed before the Peaches began to ripen, the shade of the shelves in tha earUer part of the season did nothing to add to the vigour and robustness of the trees. A good Strawberiy-house, such as that at Enville, or the kind recommended by Mr. Ingram, is very desirable when it can be obtained. Such houses could be used for many purposes when the Strawberry season was over. Orchard-Iioii.sea. — Kept them open night and day when we could do so without dread of winds. The trees on the wall have been tied to the nail-studs, and most of those in pots have been staked and set in their places. Few buds as yet are showing signs of opening, and they will be early enough. It is easy to bring them on rapidly, if wanted, after the fruit is ^t, by early shutting up. An enthusiastic amateur told us the other day that his trees were coming into bloom. We would rather that rude March would show a little of the temper he was in before the blooms in unheated houses opened. If the weather should continue mild, or no more frost occur than we have had, he will be all right with his early-blooming trees. If a severe frost, say of 20° below freezing point, should come in March — and that has been the case in times gone by — the only safety for such trees would be a close, still atmosphere at night, and, if danger were apprehended, a few small charcoal stoves in the Iiouse. An Amott's stove, a small flue, or even a hot-water pipe in such houses, will be useful in such an emer- gency, if used at no other time. The first quiet dull day that we can spare the time, the trees will all be syi-inged with the sulphur-and-lime mixture alluded to the other week. Very often these precautions do away with being troubled with insects much dm-ing the season. Preven- tion in all such cases is ever better than cure. The way in which insects come to a place, or make their appearance, is often as inscrutable as the breaking out of the dreaded rinder- pest. We recoUect sometimes visiting two gardens about ten miles apart. In one you could scarcely go through, especially in the tropical houses, without getting mealy bug on yom- clothes if you brushed accidentally against the plants. The other garden was singularly free of this and of other insects. All at once the mealy bug appeared in this second garden too, although no new or fresh plant had been introduced for more than a twelvemonth. One or two young men had gone from the first to the second named garden in the course of the year as visitors, and it is possible they might, quite unintentionally, have carried a brood with them on their clothes. The rough-growing Figs in a low house are scarcely forward enough yet to enable us to prune them, which pruning wiU chiefly consist in taking out the worst-placed and most barren of last year's shoots, and stopping with the thumb and finger nails, or a sharp knife, the terminal bud when it is from i to 1 inch in length. Went over trees in the Peach-houses, re- moving the foreright and other shoots , and merely stopping a number more, so as to give no sudden or severe check to the growing powers of the trees ; we prefer removing these extra shoots at several times instead of at once. The fruit being set, we use a few evaporating-pans on the pipep now ; but in the dull weather we use little fire heat, being content with an aver- age temperature of from 50° at night to 55° during the day, with a rise of from 10° to 20° from sunshine in bright days after a little air has been given. When the day promised to be sunny after frost, put on no fire in the morning, and thus a minimum of cold air was only necessary to be admitted. There is nothing more trying to early-forced plants of all kinds than the meet- ing together of a fierce sun heat and a strong heat in the heat- ing a'ppai-atus. Letting in a large amount of cold air under such circumstances subjects the plants to another extreme. Labour and cost may often be saved from a careful noting and forecasting of the weather, which most people can do pretty ac- curately at those places with which they are long and intimately acquainted. 0ENA3IEOTAL DEPAETMENT. Much the same as last week. Little doing as yet out ci doois. — E. F. Death of Mr. Eobekt Osbokn. — We regi'et to have to an- nounce the death, on Friday last, of Mr. Osborn, at the Fulham Nursery. He was in his 8ith year. COVENT GARDEN MARICET.— February 24. Supplies coDtinue abundant, and the demand is good but not brisk. Importations froui abroad are kept up, and consist of the same articles as mentioned in previous reports. Black Grapes consist almost entirely of Lady Doynie's and Barbarossa ; White, of Tokay, Trebbiano, and a few Muscats. Pears for the dessert are scarce and confined to Beurre do Hance and Easter Beurre ; Apples to Cockle Pippin, Nonpareils, Golden, Knob, Fearn's Pippin, and one or two others. 01" Asparngns there is a rather short supply ; but Rhubarb and Sea-kale are plentiful. It is seldom there is any fluctuation in the price of Garlic, but the demand which has sprung up for it as a remedy for the cattle plague, has trebled the price and rendered it difficult to be had. Potatoes still pom* in in large quantities, and there is a hea^■y stock on hand. FRUIT, Apples ^ sieve 2 Apricots doz. 0 CheiTies lb. 0 Chestnuts bush. Currants, Red ^ sieve Black do. Figs doz. Filberts lb. Cobs .... 100 lbs. GooaebeiTies. . ^ sieve Grapes, Hambro lb. ) -.^ Muscats.... lb. I ^" Lemons 100 6 s. d. B. d 6to4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 160 0 0 0 0 18 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Melons each Mulberries. . . . punnet Nectarines doz. Oranges 100 Peaches doz. Pears (kitchen)., doz. dessert doz. Pine Apples lb. Plums A sieve Quinces | sieve Raspberries lb. StrawbeiTies oz. s. d. s. d VEGETABLES. Artichokes each 0 Asparagus..,, bundle 10 Beans Broad. . bushel 0 Kidney 100 Beot, Red doz. Broccoli bundle Brns. Sprouts.. i sieve Cabbage doz. Capsicums 100 Carrots bunch Cauliflower doz. 2 Celery bundle 1 Cucumbers each 2 pickling .... doz. 0 Endive score 1 Fennel bunch 0 GarUc lb. 2 Herbs bunch 0 Horseradish . . bundle 2 d. s. d 6to0 0 0 14 0 0 0 4 0 3 0 0 0 6 0 Leeks bunch Lettuce .... per score Mushrooms. . . . pottle Mustd. & Cress, punnet Onions . . . .per bushel Parsley ^ sieve Parsnips doz. Peas quart 20 Potatoes bushel Kidney do. Radishes ..doz. bands Rhubarb bundle Savoys doz. Sea-kale basket t^haUots lb. Spinach bushel Tomatoes ^ sieve Turnips bunch Vegetable Marrows dz. 3 OtoS 0 n 0 0 0 n 1) u 0 4 (1 10 0 (1 0 u 1) 4 n 8 0 4 n K (> 8 0 12 0 () () U (1 n 0 (I 0 n fl 0 n .>■) 0 7 (1 14 0 iHi 0 p. a. B. d fl StoO 0 1 n Si u 1 fi 2 6 n 2 0 u R n B u 1 n 1 6 n 9 1 6 ?fl n fl U s a 4 U s n 4 U n fi 1 U n fl 1 U 0 f) 1 U a n S 6 n 8 0 U .s n 4 U n 0 0 U n 4 0 6 0 0 0 (1 TO CORRESPONDENTS. *,• We request that 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 adchessed Kolely to The Editurs of the Journal of Horticulture, dc, 171, Fleet Street, London, E.G. Rabbit Trap.— B. T. wouJd be obliged by the description of a trap to catcb rabbits. He finds MUes's vermin trap of no use for catching rabbits. 170 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTUBB AND COTTAGE GABDENER. ( Fcbruarr «7, 18M. Mistletoe (J. Fcrnrick).—Tho borrlofl aro ripo In Deroraber. Febraary and March arc tbo best tnontbs for sowing the seoda. They snccood best OQ the Applo trco. Vour best chance for obtalnini; eeod would bo to apply to Rome one in Herefordshire, or Devonshire, the orchard districlK. CoiAiSixr. CrLTivxTi'-'N (A Oardfnfr) .—The journal you mention mnst not bo tmnnferrcd to our columnn. We will tako an V-iirly opportunity t« publish some information on tbo other subjects yon mention. Market GAROENiNn (C/i/if^r).— Thero is no doubt that " first-clnHS iroit will sell well in London at the rijfht time," but you mtmt ro to Covenl Garden Market nnd arronfio n-ith soutc of the fmitorcrs there ft>r its sale. If you could find a market for your produce near home, you wonld avoid risks and carriage expenses. IiEAS-To Glazed House (P.).— For your hoaso. 45 feet bv 12. ft saddle- back boiler costing from £3 10a. to £A wonld suit you, and from two to four rows of four-inch pipes, accordiug as you merely wished to keep out froEt, or to force moderately, or early. Angle op Vinery Roor (E. C. I>i/JK?n).— Forpeneral purposea. and as combining most advantages, the roof at an angle of 45 would be best, then the height of the back wall above the front wall-pIatc would be the £ame as the width of the bouse. Such a house will do for Grapes at all seasons. Sir .loseph Paiton's plan answers verj' well if the venti- lators between the sashes are in two or three pieces instead of one. GnowTNo Mealy Potatoes.— Will " W. Ross, Jlrrefurdfhirc," be good wiouph to infonn mo wbt-n, and how, the manures named by liim at page 128, are to be applied ? The ground on which I might try them has, some of it, been manured. In naming " nittn>'e" gardens, does he nicitn vege- table or kitchen gardens. Also, the cost of the mnnure per acre, nnd does it retain its properties for more than one season ?— R. G. H. " In reply to*G. P.,' I do not give much importance to the fact of how tbo alkali is applied, pro\ided a sufficient quantity bo within the reach of the plant. If sown broadcast more is required, and the alltalies being very soluble, in a wet season they wonld soon be carried beyond the reach of the plants. Impressed with these views, I have used as much dung as avail- able, and then when planting ordered a handful of the mixture (the alkalies named, with guano or superj'bosphate), to be placed between each set. The last two dry seasons I have found the alkalies, Ac, not all dissolved when the Potatoes were raised, but enough to insure mealy Potatoes. Our stock of Flukes being nearly used up, I ordered that tbo Skerry Blue should be conked. It is r.itber a coarse, round, deep-eyed Potato, bnt upon the tal'le. two dr.ys ago, the Potatoes were as mealy, white, nnd fine as any Hibernian conld desire — I should sav. perhaps, vegetarian, for I have for nearly twenty years avoided the use' of flesh as an article of diet, and of all vegetables the Potato is my irroatest friend : therefore, I have made it my study how to grow hf:nUhv. fine, mealy Potatoes. That I have succeeded is proved by the fact, that if I have .qny to sell the dealer near will give a much higher price for my Potatoes than for those of any one else ; and in the dry autumn of 1864. my cart, loaded with fine Dalinahoys. was run after as a striking sight bv iieople who were taking up Potatoes not much larger than boys' marbles. To save further trouble, I may state that the alkalies at the pricesnamed have been sujiphcd to mo by William Hunt & Sons, Lea Brook Alkali Works, Wednesbun-, StaffordBhirc.— W. Ross." Plants Infested with Insects (S. E. B.).— Neither on the Ageratum nor Geranium le.ives is there any trace of insects beyond the ofter-cffects of red spider on the former, and of thrips and red" spider on the latter. The air of the house must be exceedingly dry and hot, and much too close. Give air daily in mild weather, and employ no fire beat except to keep out frost. A good syringing or two daily for a fortnight will make I the Afferatums all right. Fill the house with tobacco smoke on two con- i secutive evenings, and syringe the plants in the morning. Be careful to "have the foliage dry before fumigating the house. CiNERAniAs FOR BEDDING OuT {/;. .S'. »('.).— Tho seod, sown in the end of January in a ffrecnhonsc. may grow. It wonld have been better placed in a hotbed. ^NTien the rough leaves appear the seedlings should be pricked off an inch apart into pans, and when they fill these, pot them off into 48, or 4i-inch. pots, aadwheu established in these harden off, and finally plant out in beds of good rich soil early in June. If kept well supplied with water, and the surface mulched with an inch of rich com- post in the beginning of July, they will, aa we have proved, flower in autumn. Pij-NiiNG [H. J. Jacfe«on).— The nurseryman you name we consider quite trubtwortby. Flueless Stove {Z)a;.-(/onian).— There is no stove without a flue that can be used in a greenhouse without injuring the plants. RiCTN us— Ferdinand A emin ess— Yucca oloriosa— Wigandia caraca- SANA Seed Sowing (Zfia).~l!\iC> seed of all should now be sown in pots, oc pans, well drained, and three-parts filled with a compost of turfy loam two-thirds and leaf mould one third, with a free admixture of sand. Sow the seeds thinly, and cover with a thickness of soil equal to their diameter. Give a gentle watering, and place tho pots in a hotbed of 70 , and maintain an atmospheric temperature of from 60" to 6ii' by night. Keep the soil constantly moist but not w.-t. and when the plants appeor admit air and keep near the glass to prevent tlieir being drawn up. When sufficiently large to handle, pot them off singly in small i>ots and grow on in :the hotbed, shifting them as they require it, and ftnallv harden off and remove to the greenhouse. The Ricinus will be of suflicient strength by the end of May to plant out in sheltered situations in the flower gftrden : but wo question whether the others will be sufficiently strong to plant out in tho first year. Thev should l)e continued in the greenhouse nntil they are so, and planted out from May to October. CUTTiNG-iN Indiak-rcdber Trees {H. .S.).— You niav cntback the trees as far as you like and they will shoot ag.-un, and now is a good time. We have cut tbein back ond found no difficulty in reppect of their bleeding. We do not know what w ill prevent their doing so. Wire Xetting to ExcLrnE Rarbits {W, -V.'G.).— Netting 24 inches high is sufficient to keep rabbits from gardens so far as height is con- cerned, but they soon find or make a wav under it. We have some netting 2 feet 6 inches high, aad olso somo'2 feet, and tho rabbits never jump over either height. The main point is to fix the wire so low that an inch or two may be covered with soil, for they soon scratch a wav for themselves when the wire is a httlo abovo the surface; but when it is below this they try to make a way beneath the petting, but flading the «'ii« they give up the attempt. Books {A. M. T.).— If yon send twenty postage stampR and yoor address to our office, and order Keane's "Indoor Gardening" yon will have it Hint free by post. It details the work to be done in tiie groenhouso OACh wei-k in tho year. Weeds on Oravel Walk rding efficient drainage. Do not give a large shift, and pot with the neck of the pbint rather high. After potting keep close and shaded until the roots are working in the fresh soil, then gradually remove the shade and give more air. Slight shade may be given on liright days up to .August, when air and light aro necessary to ripen the wood well before T\inter. It blooms from tho points of the shoots, and must not bo stopped after June. WooDLicE IN Fern Case (ir.).— Take some largo sound Potatoes, cut them in two lengthwise, and with a knife scoop out in tho centre oi the cut part a cavity of from half to three-quarters of an inch. Tho pieces being laid on the flat or cut side, there will be a hollow into which tho woodlice will find their way, and there they will remain till after day- light. The Potatoes thus prepared are to be laid within the case at night, and in the morning tho woodlice will be found secreted in the hollow of the Potatoes, from which they may be scraped off into a bAsin of boiling water, or chickens will make short work of them. Tho baits will last a long time, and by perseverance in their use the case will be completely cleared of woodlice, or a small toad placed in it will soon effect the samo object. Hellebores — Begonias for WiNTER-rLowERiNo {A Lovrr of WinUr Bloom). — Helleborus atro-rubens with purple flowers is a handsomo species blooming in February and March. H. purpurasccna has smaller flowers of a darker puriile. We have not seen the variety to which you refer. Of Begonias, Digswelliana is excellent for winter; so are nitida, incamata, and parviflora. Mnnicata and hydroootyliflora aro very serviceable for spring. They require the temperature of a stove or intermediate-house during the season of growth, but when in flower may be removed tofhe conservatorj'. Vines in a GnEENHorsE (G. ilT. F.). — Yon may manage three Vines in your small house, 11 feet by 7, two Black Hamburghs and one Royal aiuscadine, planting ono a feet from each end, and one in tho centre. For such a house a border 4 or 5 fi'ct wide would do. If you use pots wo would have them on the back stage, but we decidedly prefer a border outside, and taking the stems through tho front wall as you propose. 11 you thus establish three Vines in the house, they will interfere with your keeping many gi-eenhou?e plants there in summer; but yon may keep your general collection there from the time the Grapes aro cut and the leaves turn yellow, until tlie Vines break nnd bet'in to shade tho lioust — say froni V)ctobcr to May, if you do not force. Tho way to com- bine such a vinery with a general collection of plants will appear shortlj. Back NrsiBERS {J. C.l.— The Numbers can be had from our ofiBco it yon enclose eleven postage stamps. Specify again tho Numbers you reiiuire, and state your full direction. Vines in CniCKEN-nousE (B. J., of C).— If we understand aright, tho glazed bouse for vour chickens will be Si) feel long, have a sloping roof of glass of 10 feet, "resting against a wall at back, and a six-foot fence of wood in front. It will do very well for Grapes trained 15 inches from the glass ; bnt it wonld be better still if the front were also partly glaos. Of C4)urrse, forchickens and Vines alike, you would havo to secure ventilation. The Vines would i\n in boxes 2 feet srinare, and the same in depth, but why trouble yourself with boxes at all. when you can plant outside and tako tho stems of the Vines through the boarded wall ? If tho soil is lifiht* add a little somewhit stiff loam if you can obtain it ; if not, some rotten dung and lime, and some bruised boile.l bones. If the soil is dry you need not trouble about draining, but it is safest to havo a drain in front. You could biive eight Vinos— four Blank Hamburghs, two Ksporiono, one Royal Muscodine. and one Buckland Sweetwater, or more Muscadines il you like a white Grape. A small stove might help the chickens in spring. Aay of the oursorymen who advertiao io ourcoluums would lupply yea. February 27, ' JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 171 Remottnct Old Vines {W.Sheridan). — TN'e presume your employer has power to take up the Vines next season. If ao, ami they can be lifted with cure in October, and bo taken and planted carefully at onco, they will be better than young Vines. If this cannot be done, then wo would prefer Rood yonnt; Vines. If you resolve on lifting them, then your pro- posed plan of treiitment is very good— that is, taking the crop this year, but stumpinq-iu or shortening all the ahoots above the fruit, and bringing up one siugle hhoot from the bottom, and cutting all but that shoot away at planting-time. Green Pea3 (J. G. P.).— The Peas you saw had been preserved through the winter. Those which are brought to the London markets from Algiers are worth about lOs. per peck, but are only fit for soup, and for that puri'ose not equal to those preserved in tins. The best Peas are now worth iiJs. per quart. Pinery t.4. Burge). — We have published full particulars, with drawings, in " The Pine-Apple Manual." You can have it free by post from our office for thirty-two postage stamps. Kidney Bea\s' Blossom Falling {T. J.). — What nre'your dwarf Beans ? If Kidney Beans, the temperature by day is rather too high in dull weather ; I lut if all else i.s right, we should think that the drf>pping off of the blossoms must result from dryness at the roots. Our Beans do not drop a bloom until it is shoved off by the young pod. Temperature at night from 55-, and by day from 60- to 65 \ with 10^ more in sunshine. Very rich heavy soil over-watered, will also sometimes cause them to drop their blooms prematurely. Of com*se, you do not mean dwarf garden Beans, or Broad Beans, for none of them will stand anything worth tfao mamo of forcing, nor yet will they agree with a close atmosphere. Naxes of Plants (H. C. L.).~Y»ur Acacia is A. decurrena var. mol- lissima, a native of Van Dieraen's Land, and may be called the Very-soft Acacia. The other is an Eucalyptus, or Gum tree, native of New Holland, but we cannot determine the species without seeing a flower. {W. R. J.), —The fruit-bearing Aucuba is the common A. japonica. It never bora fruit until recently, because none but female plants were in this country. We believe your Jasmine is Jasminum heterophyllum ; it is deciduous if grown against a wall, and may be, as you aav. evergreen in a greenhouse. (.471 Old Subscriber, Surrei/).— We cannot usually name plant« from seeds, but the scarlet black-tipped seed you enclosed is so well known as form- ing a necklace for children, that we have no difficulty. It is Abrus pre- catorius, a native of the West Indies (J. Jones).~Yon.T Calanthe arrived in such a crushed condition, owing to the box having been smashed in pas:^ing through the post office, that though wo endeavnurud to compare it with the Calanthe you name, we could make nothing of it. {W. S.). — 1, Platyceriua alcicome ; 2. Phlebodium aureum; 3, Pteris cretica ; 4, Probably Pfeeris heterophylla. (Z). D. M.).~l, Scindapsus pictus ; 2, Ne- phrodium; 3, Selaginella cwsia ; 4, Aspidium molle ; 5, Adiantum tra- peziforme; 8. Phymatodes; 9, Fruit of a Clematis; 10, Erica camea. The others insufficient for identification. 1 3*. C. Hote).—^ is impossible to say what your plant is from the scrap sent. M. D.).— 1, Asplenium dimorphum ; 2, Adiantum macrophyllum ; 8, Pellaea hastata ; 4, Selagi- nella; 5, too young. METEOKOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS in the Suburbs of London for the Week ending February 24th. Date. BABOMETEB. THERMOMETER. ■Wind. Rain in incbea. General REUAsjia. Air. Earth. Max. Min. Max. Min. 1 ft. dp. 2 ft. dp. Sun. .. IS Mon... 19 Tues. . 20 Wed. . 21 Thurs. 22 Fri. .. 2:1 Sat. .. 24 Mean.. 29.962 29.496 30.024 80.298 30.160 29.Sa.S 29.924 29.904 29.989 29.960 80.179 29.992 29.677 29.271 41 43 44 45 52 58 46 20 20 25 25 26 27 86 43 42 40.1 41" 41 42J 42 42 43 42 42 4U N. N.W. N.E. N.E. S.W. S.W. w. .00 .00 .00 .00 .02 .00 .01 Frosty; very fine ; frosty. Frosty ; clear and fine ; overcast : frosty. Frosty ; fine ; cloudy and cold ; slight frost at night. Uniformly overcast ; cloudy ; fine ; Blight frost. t)vercast ; slight rain : overcast ; slight frost. Overcast ; cloudy and boisterous ; fine ; clear. Very clear ; dusky clouds, and cold ; overcast. 29.956 20.853 46.14 25.57 41.71 42.00 0.03 POULTRY. BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. RAILWAY CHARGES. Once more, then, on this subject. There are some who are said never to touch a subject without adoniin.g it. At any rate this is not mj- present object, I wish not to adorn, but rather to annihilate ; and really, although my first thoughts on the subject were penned somewhat doubtfuUy, these shall be ■written cheerfully and hopefully. I received a communication from the Honorary Secretary of the Poultry Club, that after their Eochdale Show he would be prepared to take up the sub- ject of r.iilway carriage. Doubtless, without any joke, •we, ex- hibitors, all trust that the Club will not ta!;e it vp without putting it down. Then the Club will have earned the good ■wishes of all exhibitors, and ought largely to increase its ranks. In my last, however, I wrote that independently of the Club's efforts, I thought that exhibitors collectively shoidd endeavour to influence railway authorities, and I now suggest the follow- ing form of requisition to be signed by exhibitors and forwarded to the various Boards : — " TO THE DmECTOBS OF RAILWA'V. " Gentlemen, — We, the undersigned, being breeders of esbibition poultr}-, desire to Itring the foUouTng facts under your notice : — " Ist. That poultry eihibitions have largely increased passenger trafEc on railways. " 2nd. That all exhibitors cannot be successful, yet the expenses of entry aro large, and the addition of railway carriage tends to diminish the number of exhibitors, and thus imlirectly passenger tralfic. " 3rd. That railway expenses form a very heavy item to exhibitors. " 4th. That in the case of a crate, or hamper, containing goods being returned ' empty,' the charge is merely nominal, although it cannot have added to the passenger tratiic of the line. ** Lastly. That exhibitors consider that their poultry hampers, if not carried free on the return journey when unsold, should at most be charged only as ' empty,' and they believe that with an abolition of the return charge altogether railways would be gainers, as distant ex. hibitors would send more specimens, and, in consequence, probably attend themselves, whereas, now, they are often deterred by the double railway expenses. " ■W^e, ther^jfore, beg you will give the matter consideration, and give such orders that in future all poultry returning from exhibitions may be carried free. " We are. Gentlemen, &c." This, it appears to me, embodies the inatter in aa few words as we can, but I throw this out merely as a suggestion, and it depends on exhibitors themselves whether such requisition would be successful. It requires to be, like that presented to me when I was a -visionary " railway king," influentially signed.— Y. B. A. Z. Provided the means are forthcoming, I should advise the printing of some fifty copies or more, with the names of those signing the requisition, which I am now quite ready to receive, if the requisition is considered to meet the circumstances of the case. One of these copies, with the printed signatures, I ■will then forward to the head quarters of every large railway company, requesting a reply, and the names of those respond- ing favourably can at once be pul)lisbed in " our Journal," perhaps in " letters of gold." — Y. B. A. Z. P.S. — I have only to add, that since the matter has been mooted some of our most successful exhibitors have expressed their willingness to assist — a proof, were any needed, of the fact that the grievance i.s deeply felt even by those who have been supposed to show successfully. It needs not much con- sideration to determine how the shoe must pinch the unsuc- cessful class. The following breeders have communicated ■with me, and I shall be happy to add others, and wUl, as time serves, commu- nicate with others. ■Viscountess Holmesdale, £1 Sir St. George Gore, £1 J. Roilbard Rodbard J. K. Fowler Charles Peaso R. B, Postans, 10». Bd. H. Beldon E. Pigeon, ,£1 paid G. llannng, 10.<. 6ijg ™f "^" " A Dragoon-breeder," and who states that his attention ha^ been called to a letter, in your paper of December 19th, from Mr. John Percivall, of Birmingham, relative to the judging ot some of the Pigeon classes at the late Birmingham Show. 1T4 JOUBKAL OP HOBTICXJLTUBB AKD COTTAOB OABDENEB. r Febnurr S7, MM. Now, in the first place, I htg to inform him that the letter referred to, Binned " John Percivall," (through an error of the printer), was from mvsclf, with my addrcsn as at foot, although no address appeared in print, po that how your rorrespondent arrived at the conclusion that the address was Birmingham I am at a loss to understand. I am pleaded to find your correspondent expresses his thanks for the information conveyed in my letter as to what a good Dragon should be. I am quite aware there are more who do not know tlian there ore who do, and I cannot help thinking your correspondent is one of the first-mentioned, or he would at once disnird what he terms the very handsome birds with white rumps that he has lately become possessed of, and which he says, but for the expression of my opinion, he should have been unable to obtain. I beg, however, to inform him that snch very handsome birds may be bought in any qnnntity at Is. 6d. or 2s. ench. Perhaps he would not object to a few white feathers in the flight or tail, which, in my opinion, would not be any more objectionable than the white rump. I am glad to find your correspondent state that many fanciers have taken the hint conveyed in my letter, by discarding the white-rumped birds they previously possessed, such birds being comparatively worthless. I cjinnot see any reason for explaining the distinctive pro- perties between the Carrier and the Dragon, these birds being BO entirely dissimilar as to be well understood by all really com- petent judges. Your correspondent goes on to say that white-rumped Blue Dragons are better in most properties than those uniform in colour throughout. This opinion, however, is quite erroneous, as the strain I possess fblue-ruraped), are matchless in colour and metallic lustre in the hackle, so striking as to eUcit the admiration of all good judges who have seen thcra. In answer to the inquiry as to whether I would discard white-rumped Owls, I reply. Most certainly ; but as to Eunts, Antwerps, and Blue Eocks, they aU rank so low in the estima- tion of the fancier as to make it a matter of indifference whether they be white-rumped or not. I am pleased to find after all that the pair of Blue Dragons I exhibited at Birmingham, which were highly commended, and which the following month I exhibited at Manchester, where the same two Judges officiated and awarded them the first prize, elicited your correspondent's special admiration at Bir- niingham, and compelled him to admit they were the best pair in the Show. The pair which took the second prize at ISir- mingham belonged to my brother Mr. John Percivall, of Horborne, and were entered in his name, so that your corre- spondent may now know to whom the birds really belonged. Your correspondent admits that my complaint of not having the first prize awarded to me at Birmingham for Dragons was not without good cause, as he acknowledges they were the best pair in the Show. My complaint, on the contrary, that the first prize for Archangels was awarded to me, in consequence of their being two odd-eyed birds, was intended to show how very badly the prizes were awarded in this as well as in the Dragon class ; badly matched for showing the Archangels were, I admit, but having lost one just before the Show, and having but the one pair left, I had no alternative but to send them. — JoNts Pbecitau,, ilontpellier Road, Peckham Rye. CRYSTAL PALACE BIRD SHOW. On Saturday week I went to the annual Bird Show at the Crystal Palace, and, by your kind permission, will make a few remarks on what I saw there. I have nothing to say against the judging in the classes for Clear and Buff Norwich Canaries, but if Mr. Welch's birds had been in time for competition Mr. Collinson would have run a good second with liis. I likewise pass by the other Norwich classes (3, 4, and 5), and merely re- inark that they were good ; but as to classes 0, 7, 8, t), and 10, I can find better Belgians at any small public-house show in either Manchester, Oldham, Bochdale, or Stockport, than I saw there that day. The winner in the Crested or any otlier variety class (IfM, ought to have been disqualified at the very beginning, for he had a split crest, and all fanciers know that on account of that he ought " not to be admitted as a prize bird." The owner only sent him to sell, and was certainly surprised when ho saw the award, as he never expected it. In classes 11 and 12, respectively for London Fancy Jonque and Mealy, there was not a perfect bird certainly, but London Fan- cies are hard to meet with very good. Class 13, German or any variety, except Norwich or Belgian, was fair; but 14 and 15, Lizards, were bad, bad, bad. There wa.s hardly a fair bird in either class, and light-coloured legs, feet, and beaks, run caps, white-tipped wings and tails, and washy colours, seemed to be the order of the day. Some of the Silver birds looked as if they had been in a snow-sform, their spangling was all indistinct and bhirred. About classes 16 and 17, Jonquo Cinnamon and Buff Cinnamon, I have nothing good, bad, or indifferent to say. Classes 18 and 19, Jonque and Mealy Goldfinch Mules, were capital — very good indeed ; but now let me a.'ik, What are the rules for judging Mules ? One Judge advocates a bird as like the Canary as possible, another man puts an evenly-marked bird first, a bird having the properties of both parents — which is tlie sort we are to breed ? Both these Mule classes were good — very good indeed. Why was the Linnet Mule class struck out this year ? Siskin and (iroenfinch Mules, A-c, ought not to be mixed up with Linnet Mules — they have no chance. Class 21 (six Norwich Canaries in one cage), was capital ; 22, (the same number of Belgians), good ; 23, (six Golden-spangled Lizards), bad ; and 24, (six Goldfinch Mnles) first-rate. Now, this Show is an annual treat, but would be better, greater, more success- ful, if, in my humble opinion, the following ideas, which I respectfully submit to the consideration of the Managers of the Show, were carried out : — Firstly, let us have an extra Judge for Canaries — three in- stead of two ; let one of these three retire everv- year by rota- tion, so that each year there may be one fresh man among the three. Secondly, take away the prizes for Magpies, Titlarks, and Chaffinches, and give the money as a prize for the best collection of Foreign birds in one cage. Thirdly, make separate classes for Clear and Marked Mnles, both Jonque and Mealy ; and, lastly, do let us have a standard of excellence to breed np to just as the Poultry Club have. I can name lots of men com- petent to draw one up. Messrs. Moore, Willmore, (Joodwin, Barnesby, (of Derby) ; Carnally and Varley (of Nottingham) ; Hawkins, &c., including a few well-known amateurs, might he asked to state their views on the subject. — Henry Bedwell. THE BIElSirNGILVM COLUMBARIAX SOCIETY. Birmingham has long been noU-d for the excellence of its Pigeons, many lireeders of liifjh staniling residing in the riciuity: bat until Wednesday ln.«;t the midland metropolis neT*T posi»eHsed its Colnmba- rian Society. A few of the most ardent breederd of Pigeons in that neighbourhood, however, thought it most expedicut to form snch a Society, at which friendly discussion on the merits of their respective birds might take place at given short intervals, and an occasional ex- liihition be held to still farther tej;t the perfection of tho Pigeons belonging to the resj>ective members of the Society. The energy of the promoterK of this scheme, and the almost univerjyil fjnpport of all who were solicited, resulted in the gathering together of seventy pens of snch Pigeons as would form a great acquisition to the best of our long-established Pigeon exhibitions. It must be home in mind that only a single month has elapsed since the idea wu-s first promulgated, and any one who attended this first meeting niut^t have been qoito tuken by suqirise to tind the whole collection so good, that not a single inilifferent pen could bo selected from the numeronf r...i.s (V. I. ir.l.— Yonr BveniKo (ooo itonv from ••»»»• leon1icnR:miliinU.t9i. is a bod one, 1ml lar better than our »*"• "" Imvi' I.1C11 at a Ins3 to nci-onnt tor between two iind three hnntirea nem TnidneliU! enly hwn twelve tu aixteya o»;i;a duil.v— soniL-Uimu le«a, noror iii(.r.> Wo an- ol.liwi'.l ut la.-t to seek I.r the rei<«(.n tluit iiilkes yomig, well ted. and healtliy Jowls lemporarilj- L.trnn; an.l having exhnMtea our kiiu«rl.'Jt,'" uiid oliscrvaUon, wi- fall l.aek ..ii that miulUl.le i.hicia nod r.-i.urce— Ih.- weather. JIanv weeks ol eiiiUesa rainii au.l t.'injiesls b«TO «ltered the fcurhioo ..! the eaill.. and deprived io\vl» ol ►oluu e»»enti*ls to tlieir he allh and ruuifort, and the result Ui\i Iwea delnmeiiUU to Iholr lertiliri-. Conudaiuts ut tliid nature will siKjedily diHipP'" when the Hue weather pels in. When V We mubI, however, ww-u you against one thin(!—i( in tho winter vou have one out .J (oor lowhi laying every ultry. BaSIy, Monnt btri»t,Jbri)»- venor Square, will send vou estiuuitci, on ;,i.plieiitiun, for any sombac or deseription of fowls. The higher y.mr honset .ire the better for their tenants. They should not be less than 10 feet in heiglit. 11" lowU Bnoajd have 40 feet in length and 2S in hreadtli. Sneli a nombar ol fowls anonia have the s-pace divided in three— it is better i.>r tlieiu; and whore 80 manv are kept no ceilinx is necessary, it is only robl.mK Ulion. Compound sulphur oinl- menl wiU cure it. We do not know the cause of out-growing spurs. Ml wo would not breed from a cock that had them. Do not be disturbed ll yoiu' fowls appear restless under this regime. It will be tho sign ol re- tiiniiue health and streutrth. _ , , ,.,.^ Cross betwt,f.n Bkaumas Ai-D ILimbceghs (i. V. P.).— We do not hie your cross. Both lireeds .are good lavers; no harm can come to the egg from the cross ; but tho Hamburgh does not sit, while the Brahiua is a good sitter. Yon might by the cross make two bad sitters in the room oi one good one. , ., ^ PorxTEv IS SaAiL Space (A Beginner).— Vo recommend you the Brahma Pootra as the hardiest bii-d and most prolific m coclinemeni. You may in tho space von name (25 feet bv IR feet, besides a roosung- house), keep fourteen hens and throe cocks. They will hiy wcU and keep in perfect healU), with a Uttle painstaking in iirovidiug ,them with large sods of growing grass from time to thne, with nccasiou.ll lettuces, can- bnges when nothing else is to be had, a barrowlond of road gnt, anda bushel of brioklayer's rubbish. Mr. BaUy's address is U3, Mount btreot, Grobvenor Squ:ire, London, W. Ground oats mean the whole corn en- tirely ground, and pulverised so fino that it mixes as weU as thougn ino bran h«d been removed from it. It is made principally m Sussex. Moveable Hen-uouse (T. iViorO.— We h.avo not pubUshed a drawing of one, but it is briefly described in tho " Poultry-keeper's Manual, published at our office. There are several at Linton Park. , ., ,, Gates [J. BoicAcr).— Give each chicken a piece of camphor d.iily the size of a small pea. Put also a lump of camphor into their water-trough. In the "Poultry-keeper's Manual," pubUshcd at our office, the remedies for all poultiT maladies are detailed. Pii' ox CnicKEx's Tosc.i-E IE. C. K.I.— The homy substance you en- closed was nothing more than the usual covering of the point of a chicken 8 tongue. It is painful to the bird to have it removed, and certainly of BO effect as a simitary measure. . , ... Blce Axdalusiaxs ((;. /r.).— Thev are a large variety of Spamsii jrnn slnte-eolourcd plumage. They hiv'as large eggs as any other variety, their eggs weighing from S^ to 3S ozs. You wiU find them fully described in the "Ponltrv-keeper's Manual," published at our ofBce. ... Spanish Hen (.1. O. r.).— Your hen going on to the nest and not laying, intimates that her egg-organs are deranged. She is probably too fat, and the egg-passage obstructed. Give her a dessert-spoonful of castor oU (ma a pill containing a grain of calomel and one-twelfth of a grain of tartar emetic overv second dav for a week. Feed chiefly on boiled ipotatoes, witn Ten- little barlej-meal and plentv of green food, especiaUy lettuce leaves. rioEoss (J. B. B.I.— Wc have pubUshcd such a volmue. "The Pigeon Book," by B. P. Brent. You can have it, free by poet, from our offlee for twenty postage stamps. , Pabrots (J. B. E.I.— Brass cages are not injurious to Parrots unless verdegris be allowed to accumulate on the wires. There is no worn on their management. ... „_. UsiTixo Stocks (H'.H. P., Or/orrf).— If yon decide npon mntmg yonr two weak colonies, March will bo a good time for performingthe operation. With common hives we know no better mode of proceeding than that described iu page 59 of the fifth ediUon of " Bee-keeping lor the Many, and as it is possible that one colony may be queenlcss, we should maBe no attempt to remove the driven queen, but leave tho bees to settle thiB matter in their own way. There is, of course, a certain or, rather, un- certain degree of risk in'aU these operations. Rats (G. H. O.i.— The most efi'ectual mode of driving them away IB to fetiet them, and then to poor gas tar into their holes. Haich 8, WK. ] JOUKNAX OP HOBTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 177 WEEKLY CALENDAR. ^7 Month Week. MARCH 6—12, 1866. Averaae Temperatore near London. Rain in last 39 years. 1 Son SuQ Moon. Rises. Sets. [ Rises Moon Sets. Moon's Age. Clook before Sun. Day of Year. I 9 10 11 12 To W Th F S Sus M Acacia Drummondi. Brachysema latifolium. Boronia pinnata. Bossijea ovata. Prince of Wales M.irried, 186S. 4th or MIOLKST SfNDAY. Bossiiea rotuudifolia. Dav. 49.0 49.6 49.7 49.5 611.0 49.5 50.8 Nicht. 32.8 82.9 SI. 7 81.1 31.fi S2.» 82.3 Mean. 40.4 41.2 40.2 40.3 40.3 40.4 41.5 DavB. 16 1? 11 15 16 19 m. h. m. h. ' ra. h. 37af6 1 46af5 , 19 11 35 6 , 4H 6 1 morn. 33 6 , 50 6 1 17 0 30 6 51 5 13 1 28 6 1 !)3 5 7 2 25 6 I 55 5 55 2 23 6 1 67 5 38 S m. h. 29 8 69 K 35 9 14 10 1 11 56 11 after. Days. 19 20 31 (C 23 24 25 m. B. 11 29 U 14 10 69 10 44 10 29 10 13 9 57 6.-. 66 67 6S 69 70 71 From observations taken near London dnrinp the last thirty-nine years, the average (lav teraperatnre of the week is 49.7° : and its night tem- perature S2.1'. The preatest heat was e7", on the 10th, 1826; and 12th, 1841; and the lowest cold T", on the lOtb, 1847. The yreateit fall of rain was 0.70 inch. N.B. — The Calendar contains the niunes of plants floweriuy in the greenlionse. A FEW GOOD ANNUALS. T would seem that annuals, after experiencing several changes of public opinion, are again likely to come into favour. Some of tliis very extensive class of plants have always been held in high estimation, others not so much as they deserve, many are of little value for decorative purposes, and every year new ones make their appearance. Thus the lists of the seedsmen are swelled to such a degree that they would become bewildering were it not for the descriptions given of the plants enumerated ; but such notices are hardly suilicient, and the amateur linds himself in a diihculty wb.en he undertakes the task of selecting twenty species out of a list of as many liun- di'eds. In endeavouring to do tliis, altliough he may recognise some familiar aiiuiiintances among the names presented to him, lie not unlikely, and very properly too, wishes to have something which he has not had before, and he wants that to he good. In taking the advice of the catalogue he finds that a far greater number than he wants are mentioned in terms of commendation or high com- mendation : indeed, there are but few species ottered for sale that do not admit of something being said in their praise. This is all very well, for it is no part of the seeds- man's duty to record anything but the bright side of the (juestion, the otlier side is for the buyer to tiud out. or, at aU events, it is for some one to do so for him. The latter is by no means an easy task, as there exists such a diver- sity of opinion tliat no one can curtail a list t'l any extent witliout shuttmg out what, perhaps, his neighbour would rcgai'd as deser\'ing of being retained. Nevertheless, it must be admitted that most of om' catalogues of flower seeds want a good weeding. One firm, a year or two ago (I believe it was the Messrs. Henderson), did put forth a list of such annuals as they tliought might be discarded, and they did not receive the thanks which sucli a judicious step deserved ; but as considerable additions are made every year, a good thinning out must at length be effected. It is not, however, my intention to go into this at present, but to call attention to a few of the most popular annuals which have come under m\' notice as deserving a place in most collections. At the same time I would invite others to point out those which may he eijually deserving, and if some one would imdertake the herculean task of telling us how many names in some of the largi>r seed catalogues ought to have the pen drawn tlirough them he would con- fer much benefit on tlie community. Beginning, tlierefore, with a few amiuals that are generally known, the notes on each will be very brief. Asters. — These have been multiplied to a fault ; but the No. 2SS.-V0L. X., New Series. amateur might grow the French varieties, which are broad- petalled, and some arc more or less recurved, and tlie (ierman or Chinese Aster, which ia quilled. The varieties of each are endless. PirrrNiAs. ■ — Though not strictly annuals, yet these flower \vell in the iirst season, and generally do much better than plants raised from cuttings. If seed from good purjiles could be depended on as coming true, they would be invaluable, as they continue flowering till frost. ZiN.NiAs, — Good varieties of the single look well, and the double still better : but the latter are not so robust. As a plant there is a stiu'diness about the Zinnia deserWng attention. Laukspurs. — These are most beautiful when they sow themselves and flower where they come up. They trans- plant badly, and the slugs being very fond of them in a young state, they cannot be depended on when sown where tliey are to remain, especially if in a continuous row ; otherwise their beauty entitles them to a place everywhere. The perennial kinds bear transplantuig well enough. Stocks. — German and Ten-week exhibit great \'ariety of colour, and a good proportion of double flowers may be generally obtained. Both are favourites. Helichhyspms. — Good varieties of those are not only showy all the latter part of summer and autumn, but they furnish materials for wmter bouquets. A row of about 250 feet ill length, which we had last summer, was most use- fid. In good ground they become nearly as tall as Dalilias. Phi.o.v DRrMMoxni. — On soils suitable to this plant it rivals the Verbena, alike in the variety of colour and free- dom of blooming. It requires, however, a rather moist situation, or a soil inclining to peat. I'oRTft,.\cAs. — A dry sunny bank is best for them, and there they are not excelled by anytlung I know for the variety and brilliancy of their cise of burdening oneself with a great number of varieties, and think that if we can have three or, four good ones that is all we require. It is doubtless true, as "ioRWAr.os" suggests, that the last season was a peculiarly trying one to Potatoes, and therefore one must not condemn hastily before another trial ; but Racehorse and Royal Ashleaf were found wanting before the change of season, which so completely dashed one's hopes of a good crop. As to Paterson's Seedlings, this is now the second season that I have observed them, and I have seen nothing about them to lead me to suppoF^e that they will be different in any other circumstances. There are, as I have observed, numbers of Potato-eaters to whom flavour is a very secondary matter, but I am not one of them ; and it is in the hope of clearing away some of the rubbish and obtaining a really good supply that I have ventured to obtrude my httle experience. I see " Forwards " unhesitatingly condemns Mona's Pride, while Mr. Myatt, who ought to know something about Potatoes, praises it highly ; so does Jlr. Wheeler, whose Milky Wliite I have already spoken of as apparently a valuable sort, and cer- tainly very excellent as I tasted it. I quite agree with your correspondent that it is ridiculous to give prizes for uncooked Potatoes. Why not make each exhibitor do as the vendors of Potatoes do in London — boil one or two, and leave them on the top of the dish ? A Fluke is a handsome Potato, but in- sipid to a degree. To give prizes as now, is ouly to be equalled by giving prizes (as I have known to be done during the last season), to Melons without tasting them. In addition to those I named in my last communicntion I have some Kidneys from Mr. Webb's, Calcot Gardens, Reading, supphed to me through Jlessrs. BaiT & Sugden, and Early Don, a round sort, highly spoken of by Mr. Turner, of Slough, besides one or two other round sorts ; and I feel convinced that if some of your correspondents would kindly make notes of the sorts they grow, the character of the soil in which these are planted, and the manures used, it would be very useful to many who, like myself, are looking out for a good table sunply for home consumption, and not for market purposes. — D., Deal. the exception of the serrated one alluded to ; of this I cannot be certain without seeing the bloom. The loaf is much like that of the europmum I have collected iu one district. " One means of determining this, as well as distinguishing some of the others, would be to ascertain whether the leaves rise with, before, or after blooming, and, also, the presence or not of a coronet, or teeth-like protuberances, at the base of the petals — and are any fragrant ? — some of the Greek ones are delightfully so. •' I hope before long to see the species satisfactorily reduced to some eight or ten at the utmost. Of upwards of fifty so-called species which I have received since I have been a collector, I am satisfied they will not exceed, if they even amount to that number. — .Tajies Atkins." CYCLAMENS. We received some Cyclamen leaves and blooms, and some relative queries from a correspondent " S.," whicli we for- warded to Mr. .^.tkins, aud he has obliged us by replying as follows : — " Thanks' for the sight of the leaves and bloom from your cor- respondent ' S.' With the exception of repandum, fwhich is that of Sibthorp, true), and possibly the one marked on the hack, and mucli more serrated than the other, they are all of the heder:Hfolium type, though some of them belong to the Greek group. Of the latter I am not at present quite satisfied whether there are distinct species or only varieties ; but from researches now making I trust this will before long be satisfac- torily determined. I believe I have all of them, with, perhaps, PE.VR SCIONS EMITTING ROOTS — PARADISE STOCKS. I AM much obliged by your having inserted my defence anent the Paradise stock, and I was not surprised that you bad no proofs to offer against its hardiness. And I cannot but think that you prejudged the case, and thereby did me an uninten- tional injury. I think that the editorial " We think you are right " was uncalled for, it would have been best merely to have given space to Mr. Pearson's little spurt, and left the public to decide between him and me, as it is you have made yourselves parties in the matter at issue, and I think partial parties. You have not been able to show any proofs against the hardi- ness of the Paradise stock, and I am inclined to think that you have not much root to sustain you in the other case — i. e., the protrusion of roots by the Pear from above its junction with the Quince. I was engaged yesterday taking up a large number of Pears worked upon the Quince, and I examined many of them minutely, but found no appearance of the little phenomenon you and Mr. Pearson speak of as sure to take place. It struck me that it v,-ould be well for me to send you some of my trees, that had been planted an inch or two over the junction of Pear aud Quince, that you might see upon what good reason I advise Pears worked upon Quince stocks to be planted an inch or two over the junction. Tou, I think, will do me t'ne justice to see that iu neither of the three trees sent are there any indications of Pear-roots being pushed out. The trees sent have been planted four years, and I think you will allov? that they are not destitute of Quince-roots, if they have none from the Pear above. Any one who knows anything about Quince and Pear-roots cannot be deceived. I could have sent you trees that have been planted ten years, iu the same way, but deemed them rather bulkj-. I now challenge you and Jlr. Pearson, and the other fellow, behind the scenes, who draws the strings for Mr. Pearson, to send mc a Pear tree that ha.^ rooted from abaee the junetion of scion and stock. If you, or any of you, will do this, I will pay £1 to the fimd of the " Gardener's Benevolent Institution."' But should you fail to do this, you will each of you pay £1 to the same fund. I claim, as a matter of fairness, to have this letter printed rerhatim, as I consider it a little out of the way for parties to take up a trade catalogue and try to make them- selves appear sapient by their hypercritical remarks on sub- jects they are evidmthj not acquainted with. We all know that trade lists are not, as a class, very correct ; I know mine are not, so much so, as I could v;ish them to be, although I think that they will bear comparison with most of my conttm poraries. — John Scott. [We insert the above without any omission or mitigation — though it would liave been more merciful to Mr. Scott to have left out much, and to have softened more. Controversy does not reciuire improper motives to be assigned to those who differ from us, and Jlr. Scott, if he reflects for a moment, will fee! that he was no more justified in charging us with partiality, than we should be in charging him with being prompted by self-interest. Tho'e />■ such a motive as the desire to establish truth, and we claim that as our motive in all which we insert in these columns — and certainly the present discussion is no ex- ception — loe have no interest to serve whichever opinion prevails. ilr. Scott had acted more discreetly if he had allowed the Pommier dc Paradis stock question to remain without further I agitation, but since he intimates that we refrained from the 180 JOUaMAIi OF-HOKTICULTUKB AND COTTAOK 0ARI>E1.-ER. r March 6, leaS. enbJQct because no vere not " nble to show any proob against ita hnrdincMR, " we will uildiico Sir. Itivers as nil uvidviiuu. *' Tho romuie de I'arudis soi-uis identiuai with tbo • l)warf Apple of Armenia,' rcl'orred to in the ' Joiinial of the Hurticnl- turnl .Society,' Part 2, Vol. :i, page J 15. It is frfifdintjlij dwarf in its habits, and too tender for this climate, unless in verj' nami :ind drj- soils. Out of 2000 impurtud in 184."i, more tluui liuJf ditd tlie tirat season, and two thirds of the re- mainder the fffllowiii;]:. 'i'hey were jiluiiteil in line fertile loam, fairoiirablo to the growth ol Apples, and uu which tho Doncin, planted the same season, grew with the greatest vi;{our. The same result attended an importation of 2000 iii 18-16." — [Rivers's '* ^iiiUitiirc I'niit Uarden,^' p. 53.) Passing on to tho iiucstion whether the Pear scion emits roots when worked upon a Quince stock. Wo received from Mr. Scott three Pears so worked, and apparently four years old ; the junction of the scion with the stock had been about nn inch below the surface. But these afford no evidence that the scion will not emit roots. W'hen the trees are eight or ten years old, and tho diameter of tbo scion then more exceeds tho diameter of the stock, then, if tho junction has been buried from 'A to G inches below the soil's surface, the scion often will emit roofs, and as we have seen tlie roots so emitted, no assertions to the contrary can prevail with us. We do not ask Mr. Scott to admit our testimony ; but to show our readers that we are not without corroborative evidence, 'we add the following quotations: — " In the planting, should the ground be moist and rich, I plant the trees at the same depth as they were previously planted and had grown in the quarter ; but if, on tho other hand, it is rather dry, I plant a little deeper, as I find they do better by being so planted, and roots often proceed from the Pear wood as well as from the Quince. — C. B. SAtrsriERs, CtrnarciDi XiirsiTtj, Jfrseij," — {Cottape (jardi'ner, xi., p. 2fi().) The late Mr. Errington, one of the most experienced of fruit- gi'owcrs, remarking on that statement said — " Mr. Saunders heads rather low on the stock in order to plant low ; and others call into action the fibres from the graft or bud, as well as the roots of the Quince ; for, as he justly observes, such a course wUl cause libres to protrude." — (Ihirl.. p. 417-8.) Tliese are unexceptionable witnesses, but wo have inquired of ' Mr. Fish. Mr. Abbey, and Mr. Kivers, and the following are their replies : — " Peau Tkkes on Quince Stocks. — I have several times examined trees and found roots protruded at the swelled pro- tuberance, where stock and scion meet, but not at all so uni- ' formly as to make the rooting a general rule. I regret now I that I did not take that interest in the subject, as to ascertain j what kinds of Pear are most apt to root, when the grafted part is covered with earth to the depth of 2 or 3 inches. Apples will also root from the grafted part in similar circumstances. I — R. Fish, PutliTiiliirliunj." I " Apples on the Crab and Paradise stocks emit surface roots j freely, particularly on light gravelly soils. We have some | trees on both stocks that have rooted above the surface, and i they root as freely above as below the junction of the scion and ! stock, as also do Plums. Pears on the same soil also emit surface roots abumlantly, aud nothing will prevent them doing Bo_ providing a bud or eye starts from the part covered with soil, and if a cut be made through the hark down to the al- barnum roots come plentifully from the cut. " Mr. Scott, however, obtained no surface roots from plant- ing so deeply as to cover the junction of graft and stock, and we are left to conclude that the jiart of the stock buried will emit roots, but the part ol the graft covered will not do so. Tliis is not conscmant with my experience. " In 1.S5'.), I had under my caro some Pear trees on tlie Quince in jiols, and these had a swelling above the junction of the graft and stock, similar to that which is found in most fruit trees when tlie stock does not thicken correspondingly with the graft. They had been worked from H to li inches above the surface of the soil. From the unsiglitlincss of the excrescence, and to obtain roots from the part of the stock not covered, it was decided to plant them out in a border so deeply as to cover tho junction of the graft with the stock. This was done, and the union covered about H inches. The consequence was, that some did root from the lower part of the graft at its junction with the stock, and one )H'Culiarity of these trees was, they did not emit roots from the part of the stock buried. The others rooted neither above on the Pear, nor below on the Quince on the parts newly covered with soil. They were examined annually, and some were found to have rooted both from the Ponr and the Qninco parts of the stem buried, but it was not nntil the year 1S(;2, that they all had rooted from the I'unr port of tho Htem buried, with the exception of one, and tliat was Ueurre d'Aremberg, and that had not rooted in 1808, on either tho stock or graft part buried. — (i. Aubkv, Staiutg Hall." Since the foregoing was in type, we have been favoured by Mr. Kivers with a communication relatiTC to the rooting of the Pear scion when grafted on the Quince stock, and he says that we are " perfectly correct." We shall puldish his communi- cation next week. It is replete with sound valuable information, not only on Qnince but ParatUse stocks. Such an amount of testimony needs no comment, and we now leave the subject ; but, for the sake of the Charity, hope Mr. Scott will pay over his wagered sovereign to the Oardoners' itoyal Benevolent Institution. — Ens. J. or H.] THOMSON'S STYITIC TO PRFAENT BLEEDING 01'' THE ^"I^E AND IN VINE GU.VFTrNG. In the year 1820 I was put in possession of three rather large vineries. I was then very young. Since that date I have been more or less a cultivator and, I may say, devotee of the Vine, and during these years I have been a careful observer and ex- perimenter. Few works were then out, aud gardeners then, as a ride, would sooner mislead on interloper into their profession than afford him any reliable information, so that I was left to my own resources ; but my motto was, aud is — " Nil desperan- dum." I must apologise for this egotism ; but I have merely stated it to show that it is not the fancy sketch of yesterday. Bleeding of the Vine with me is an exception, not a rule, and may be easily avoided, with few exceptions — such as having to prune just before the sa)) rises, on account of late-hanging Urajjes, or in eousequenco of unripe wood and some minor causes ; but as there is now a certain antidote to bleeding, I will at once state my humble opinion as to how it is to be avoided. First, prune as early as possible ; secondly, let prun- ing be done when the atmosphere of the house is perfectly dry, or light a firo to make it so, and then keep the atmoajihere dry for a few days at least ; but the longer tho better. Avoid pruning in damp, muggj- weather. I have found the best time for either early or late pruning is when the atmosphere out- side is dry, aud the readings of the barometer are high. In the first instance, if you examine the cuts, in a mouth or two you will find the wounds cauterised, if I may use the term, and you may in many instances cut the ends off with a sharp knife, and for the sixteenth or an eighth of an inch find the wood and pith perfectly dry, or healed ; whereas in the case of a damp jiruuing time, and much damp in tho house afterwards, you will tind the cuts almost green, or, if not green, no particle of dead wood, or contraction of the sap vessels will be seen. Such is my experience in Vines in good health and vigour, aud witli well-ripened wood. With Vines, the wood of which is not well ripened, it is of double importance, as well as with loiig-hangiug Cirapes. Now, 1 believe in the old saying — •" There is no poison with- out its antidote ; " and in the bleeding of the Vine the autidote or preventive lies in " Thomson's Styptic," advertised in your Journal, &c. A friend knowing I was fond of trying anything new, sent mo a bottle as a present. I am hapjiy to say that I did not require any for that purpose ; but, considering the re- putation of its inventor. 1 determined to give it a faithful trial. Having some Vines to graft, the sap of which was on the move, 1 repruned tho whole length of one rod, some twenty spurs, aud a]>plied tho " Styptic " as it is called, choosing a drv' sunny day, and in no case have 1 lost a drop of sap ; this was about tho 'JOth of .January. 1 have since treated several Vines in the same manner, and with eijually satisfactory results. Upon two or three spurs, it is true, I observed a kind of capsule at the end of the cut sjmr, I opened one, .•\nd by doing so a few drops of sap wore lost ; I waited till next day about noon, when tho sap ajqiears less active, made a fresh cut, and appUed the " Styptic " again with the desired effect. The result to me is, that Vines pruned about tlio proper time and dressed with that composition, will be much bcuetited as far as a cer- tainty of not bleeding with the rise of the sap is concerned, and that Vines may be pruned even a few days before tho buds swell, if carefully dressed with that composition, with perfect satisfaction and success, (iiuftiug Vines is now occupying a good deal of attention. March 6, IStJC. ] JOURNAX OP HOBTICULTURK AND COTTAGE GAEDKNEB. 181 My attention was directed to it more than thirtyyears afto, and on the whole mj' practice wils attended with very marked success, and I hope before the end of the year to he able to introduce a simple and efficacious mode of grafting the Yiue, by which a year or more may be saved. Being desirous of working some new sorts upon established Vines and some young caues, I determined to try " Thomson's Styptic " ri;rxiii my fifaftiug-witx. I received some cuttings or grafts about the :20th of January, at which time the sap of some of the Vines had risen, and the buds were swelling. For graft the first I prepared the scion, the sap of which was rather np, 'and out the spur in which it was to be inserted; then j drop, drop, drop, away went the sap. I inserted the scion as i speedily as possible, but before I could apply the wax the sap was dropping out of the end of the scion. I then put on the hot wax, but it soon seut the sap up in bubbles, and drop, drop, ag.iin, but " Nil desperandum," so I took the scion out, dried the end, dipped it into " Thomson's Styptic," and placed it in the sim to dry quickly, then took a piece of strong copper wire, and with a pair of pliers twisted it round the spur close to the main stem until it ceased bleeding. By this time the " Styptic " was dry on the end of the scion. I inserted the latter again, tied it, and applied the " Styptic." As soon as this was thoroughly dry I gave it another dressing, and in two or three hours took off the wire, and it and No. 2, four weeks atter being grafted, have shot out nearly equal to the parent stem. Graft No. 2 was equally forward ; but I took the precautious of dipping the end and putting on the wire ligature, and in cutting the spur lost a drop or two of sap owing to its pressure. I inserted the scion, tied it, and applied the " Styptic " twice, with complete success, judging by the vigorous shoot. No. 3 not being so forward, I did not take the precaution of dipping the end of the scion, but inserted it in the same way as the others. Next morning I found it bleeding from the end; but by a little perseverance with the " Styptic " the bleeding stopped, and the graft is now doing well. I also found some small bubbles at the junction of the grafts, burst one, and a little bleeding resulted ; but by taking advantage of a dry at- mosphere and the sun, I gave another coating, and all was right. I should have mentioned that only one coating was given at first. The other grafts, numbering more than thirty, for use and experiment, were made when vegetation was not so forward, and they have all done well so far, except in a few cases where the scions were not ai)propriate in size, but I think every one will grow. — YoitK. to be found in the pro^dnces in Ireland. His Caladiums are grown to an immense size, more like Ehubarb than anything else to which I can compare them, although by the skilful management of Mr. Burns they retain that great beauty of foliage for which they are so justly noted. Mr. Naper has a plant of Sphierogj-ne latifolia upwards of 0 feet high, .nnd fur- nished to tlie pot with its immense leaves. In bedding and ribbon work the place is not surpassed in Ireland, as nearly forty thousand plants are bedded-out every season. I have often wondered that " D.," of Deal, has never visited that pretty part of Ireland. I have no doubt that if he called Mr. Burns would make him very welcome, and perhaps give him one or two of his secrets, that I can testify are worth knowing. — B. M. TABLE AND VASE PLANTS. I NOW fulfil my promise to enumerate other plants that Mr. Bums uses with good effect at Loughcrew. He uses at the dinner table different kinds of Centradenia, for instance C. floribunda and C. grandiflora ; also Ixora java- nica aurautia and I. coccinea, which, when full of fiower, look really beautiful, and with cai-e Last in bloom a very long time. Vinca alba and V. rosea look well ; but the flowers soon drop. Pentas carnea rosea is a very useful plant for table ; Gardenia citriodora, when nicely gi-own and full of flower, is most useful for either table or vase ; Euphorbia jacquiniieflora, nicely trained on small wires, h.as a very pretty appearance. Of fiue-foliaged plants Adelaster albivenis, Pandanus javanicus variegatus, and the Marautas meutioued at page 143, form tho principal ; but the Paudanus is the king. Fine-foliaged plants for the breakfast table are Pothos ar- gyroea, Sonerila margaritacea, the Eranthemura, and others mentioned before; also Solaginella Martensii, S. stolonifera, and S. dichrous ; but S. plumosa is, for table purposes, the best used there. For vase plants in the rooms are used different varieties of Begonia, small plants of Cyanophyllum magnificum, Kivina humUis when full of berries, and Croton discolor, C. longi- folia, C. picta, C. vaviegata (I may just mention, in speak- ing of Crotons, that Mr. Burns has a sjiort, which, if it re- main true, and it is likely to do so, wiU prove a most valuable addition to the Croton family), Cyrtanthera magnifiea, iEsehy- nanthus splendidus, and different varieties of Francisceas, Gardenias, Alocasias, and Caladiums, besides all those men- tioned for tal)le decoration. ■Before concluding 1 may state that Mr. Naper no doubt pos- sesses the best, or one of the best collections of stove plants KAPHANUS CAUDATUS. OR LONG -TAILED RADISH. Will you allow me to call the attention of your numerous readers to this new and valuable vegetable, the seeds of which, I see, are now being sent out by Mr. Ball, of Chelsea? It is a native of Java, and is much used in some parts of India in .salads, and being perfectly hardy here, it is likely, I think, to prove very useful. It appears to bo one of the Radish tribe, but unlike that esculent the seed pods, not the root, are eaten ; these are very curious, attaining an immense size in a wonderfully short space of time, sometimes growing 5 or G inches in twenty-four hours. The pods are usually from 2 to 3 feet long when full grown, some being straight, others curled into the most fantastic shapes ; they are of a most agreeable flavour, and when half grown can be eaten in the same way as a Radish, which root they greatly resemble in taste, though their flavour is more delicate. It is, however, when the long pods are boiled that they are most delicious, tasting then much like Asparagus, with a slight green-Pea flavour. They should be served on toast, and will form a most agreeable addition and novelty for the table. Tlie pl.ant is easily cultivated. The seed should be sown in sliglit heat about tho middle of May, and the young plants, when fairly up, planted out in the open air in good rich soil. No further attention is needed except to keep the soil well watered in dry weather, and to keep the ground clear of weeds. In two months from the time of sowing the plants will begin to produce most freely their long pods, which must be gathered young — ('. f., half grown, if required for eating raw or for salad. For boiling and pickling they should be suffered to attain their natural size. — J. H. [It is called Dlovfiri in Java, and the specific name " tailed,'' refers to an appendage of the pods. — Eds.] RAINFALL AT TR-SVAITE, SUFFOLK, IN 1B64 AND ls(i.). I k-ii indebted to Mr. Orlando Whistlecraft, meteorologist, Thwaite, in this county, for the accurate statement of the rain- fall in 18(U and 186.5, showing the remarkable disparity of the two years. The mean annual rainfall in Suft'olk is 22j inches. iKfi4. ima. .Tanuarv 0.7fi 1.9H February 1.1)4 1.73 March 3.02 2.07 April O.Gl 0.5S Mar 2.25 Julio 2.49 .July 0.87 .\uKUSt 1.1)6 September 2.3f) October 1.50 November 2.S0 December 0.75 Total 19.71 . 1.85 . 2.02 . 5.40 . 5.67 . 0.00 . 8.30 . 2.12 . 1.15 82.81 Mr. 0. Whistlecraft has watched very closely from boyhood the various phenomena of the atmosphere, and is the author of the " Climate of England," " Rural Gleanings," " The Weather Almanack," &c. The latter has gained for him a world-wide reputation, the correctness of his predictions surprises even the most incredulous. Out of fifty predictions in one year, only four errors occurred, and in 185',) scarcely one decided failure. If a man, by close observation, can arrive at such just conclu- sions, his predictions are worthy of the attention of all those who are in any way interested in the weather. Both the farmer 182 JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB. r Murch 0, 188&, and the gardener, and even the pcdefitrian, may consult the almanack with f^ent advnntnRc ere tliey commence operations. — John I'erkins, ThornlMm Uardrnt, SiiffvlU. LAXGTON, The Skat of John James FAnQi:n.vnsox, Esq. Amono the pleasant reminiscences of my horticultural visit to Dorcetsbire last summer, tlie pleasure I experienced in in- specting the frariltns at Liington. is still fresh, notwithstanding that some months have since elapsed. Grnlifyiug as it is to Bee horticulture practised with skill, and carried on in a spirit worthy of the art, and I may also add the word science, for it must be acknowledged to be both, it becomes almost a duty to record instances that come under notice, where the teachings of science are api lied in aid of jiractical experience. It was through the interest of my kind friend, Mr. Eadclyfte, that I was enabled to visit, and to be introduced to Mr. Knox, the gardouer ut Lungtou, and to him I have to tender not only acknowledgments for the opportunity of seeing the place, but also a sincere apologv- for the delay in forw.arding my notes to the Editors, knowing that it was expected that I should do so. Iwas fully aware for some time that the space in " our Journal " would be required for important matter, and it happened, too, that many circilmstances at the time combined to prevent putting my notes into a form suitable for publication. The drive from Rnshton to Langton, though not exceeding three miles, is both beautiful and interesting; the undulation of the country rendering it beautiful by the variety of scenery presented at every successive turn of the road, interesting espe- cially in summer, by the fine appearance of the crops on the arable land, and the luxuriance of the herbage in the meadows and pasture fields, testifying to the high character of the agri- culture for which the county of Dorset is famous. This is par- ticularly ihe case along the valley of the Stour, the slopes on both sides of the stream vividly calling to mind the lines of the enthusiastic poet in his eulogy- of England — " Wrinn with culture, the thick clustering fields Prolific teem." This is no ideal picture, it is an actual result obtained by the intelligence and perseverance of the occupiers of the land, several of whum I have had the pleasure of meeting in com- pany, and whom I have found to be thorough-going, kind- hearted Englishmen. Their good tillage is, doubtless, favoured by considerate and equitable landov.ners, and supported by a sturdy and hard-working peasantry. These remarks are in- tentionally introduced from the fact that the condition of the Dorsetshire labourers has recently been brought prominently before the public in an imfavourable light. However true may be the particular instance that has been the cause of so much comment in the London and other newspapers, it is evidently illogical to apply the case of an individual to a whole class. Hence honourable and worthy gentlemen, their employers, have been brought into disrepute (indirectly, it is true) for causes from which they are as free from censure as those who have been so ready to invoke it. I have more than once seen many of the Dorsetshire labourers at their daily work, and assembled together oh the Sabbath in the House of God, clean and neat in their attire and person, attentive to the duties that led them there in company with their employers, and others above them, independent but respectful and cheerful in de- meanour. I have also visited some of them in their cottages, clean and comfortable homes, inspected their productive and well-managed garden plots, admired their ingenuity and thrift in the care of their bees and pigs, and have witnessed the honest pride with which they have related with many words how they won a prize for honey, another for Potatoes, and so- forth at the ncigbliouring local shows. Langton is situ.ited one mile from the town of Blandford. It is the seat of John James Farquharson, Esq., a gentleman much beloved and respected by all classes, and an old and ■valued friend of Mr. lladclyfTe's familj". The residence is pala- tial, and of costly construction. It was designed by the dis- tinguished architect, Cotterell, and was the last built under his direction before his death. It took five years in construction, and cost, it is said, £100,000. The internal arr.ingements of the mansion are most complete, and the stables, with the other necessary oflices of a first-class establishment, are on a corre- sponding scale of excellence, the whole construction being that of a master mind, and the materials the best that wealth and art coidd put together. Mr. Farquharson, or as he is generally denominated, "the good old squire," is an octogenarian, and is, it is to be hoped, in good somid health. Txmg may he he pre- served to the count}' of Dorset, and neighbourhood of Dlandiord. Besides for his hospitality, the county ow es him a debt of grati- tude for hunting the whole county at his own cost, with his celebrated fox hounds. One can tell pretty well the character of a gentleman by the conduct of his scr^■ant.s. From them I received the most polite attention, especially from Mr. Knox, formerly with the Duke of Northumberland, at Ahiwick Caatle, and now Mr. Farquharson's head gardener, and truly it is no idle compliment to speak highly of an intelligent, industrious, and hard-working man, who seems to have nothing so much at heart as his employer's interest. Mr. Knox fully shares in the distinction gained by his countrymen, our northern brethren, in their successful fruit culture, the vineries and Tine-houses being a marked feature in the horticulture of Langton. A cir- cumstance of which I was afterwards informed is deserving of note. So careful and anxious is Mr. Knox, that the plants under his care, particularly the fine specimens to he presently noticed, are strictly attended to, that he does all the potting and re-potting with his own hands, notwithstanding that he has sutlicient help at his command. Under such efficient guidance, I now note what the various houses contained. The tirst is occupied chieBy by tropical and sub-tropical Ferns ; specimen plants of the following were con- spicuous, both for size and healthy ap|iearance— Woouwardia radicans, Adiantum formosum, Asplenium nidus, Adiautum trapeziforme, Dlcchnum australe, and some of the Lycopods. The second house, a vinery, was occupied by Bhuk Ham- burghs, and Vines in pots for dessert and dinner-table de- coration, and the third by finc-foliagcd plants. Among them the following well-known species were remarkable — Dracaena ferrea, D. terminalis, Caladium argyrites, C. Chantini, C Bel- Icymeii, C. bicolor splendens, C. pictum, DicfTenbachia picta, Croton variegata, Tradescantia discolor lineata, with some of the most distinct Begonias. The fourth house was devoted to Melons, the kinds in cultivation were Meredith's Cashmere, Scarlet Gem, and a seedling of Mr. Knox's (green). The sixth was a Pine stove for succession ; the seventh a forcing stove for various subjects ; the eighth wns for Pines then being cut. The fruit in this stove was one of the most interesting features of the place, on account of the size, weight, and flavour obtained. Many of the Pines when measured were found to he 12 and IB inches in height, thus attesting the perfection of the culti- vation. One may devote particular attention to the cultivation of one kii'.d of flower or fruit, or to a class of plants, or to the intro- duction of ornamental species, that would give a novel and im- proved appearance to the garden (and, indeed, striking and even great results have been obtained by the concentration of the energies of distinguished men upon the subject to which they have devoted their especial care — instances of this are evident in the case of the Eose, Gladiolus, Strawberry, Orchids, Ferns, and Conifers) ; but if I were asked, " In what department of horticultural art have the most useful, aud the greatest general services been rendered?" I should without hesitation reply, " In the kitchen and fruit garden.'' 'When, therefore, these departments show the highest development, so fur as the present state of gardening admits, a corresponding feeling of satisfaction predominates. Such was my impression while looking over the kitchen garden at Langton, at a time when the greater portion of the principal crops were approach- ing maturity. The fine climate of Dorsetshire is assuredly favourable to these departments, and last season particularly so ; and not at Langton only, but in other places which I had the pleasure of seeing, the remark holds equally true. Among them I may mention Bryanstone, the seat of Lord Portman, where the superb condition of the wall fruit, and the produc- tiveness of the crops were, to me, matters of astonishment. To single one case out of many : several roots of different kinds of Potatoes were dug up at random in my presence in different parts of the garden, and the jield was in everj- instance not less than twenty-five good-sized tubers, in many thirty ; and as many as forty, and even forty-five, were coimted on one root. Had his lordship's courteous permission to take notes of what I saw during my inspection been received in time, I should have felt bound to have forwarded you those notes. I can now only offer my best thanks to Mr. Leach, the head gardener, for his kimlucss, and the great trouble he took in showing me over the sjilcndid gardens and grounds at Bryanstone. The Strawberry crop at Langton last summer was light, owing, no doubt, to causes that have aheady been sufficiently UiiTch 6, 1866. ] JOURNAL OP HOETICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 193 discussed in former Numbers of the Journal. The kinds found to be most seneriillv serviceable, are — Rivers' Eliza, Eugenie, Pi-iuce of Wales, and two or three other esteemed and well- known varieties. For forcing, Ahce Maud, and Keens' Seed- ling, are chiefly used. The flower garden is on the south-east side of the mansion. The arrangement is simjile but elegant, consisting of beds for summer decoration, with borders for the best perennial plants, with clumj-is of shrubs planted here and there. As description without a plan is not intelligible or oven possible, it will be suflicient to state the kinds of bedding plants used. The display was briUiant without being gaudy, and the harmony of the colours all that coiUd be desired. The plants employed were : Geraniums — Trentham Rose, Christine, Tom Thumb, Beauty of Briuton, a variety with large trusses, very good, Zonate kinds; Cerise Unique, Compacta, Variegated Alma, Bijou, Flower of the D.ay. and ilrs. Mangles. Verbenas — Firefly, Ariosto, Purple King. Lord Raglan, Mrs. Holford, Desdemona, Perfume, Madeleine, White Perfection, and a seedling pink of Mr. Knox's raising, a very useful and effective colour, distinct and free blooming. Mr. Knox does not think this seedling of sufficient merit to send out; but I thought at the time that there was room for a different opinion of it. It is invidious to set up one flower to distinction against another, as the bedding Geranium has sometimes been against the Verbena, much to the disfavour of the latter, and I share in the regret which some florists have expressed, that Verbenas generally, excepting Purple King, have been greatly discarded without suflicienl reason, and often replaced by other subjects by no means surpassing them. Though one season may prove un- favourable to the Verbena, and favourable to the Geranium, the conditions as reg.ards these two flowers may be just the reverse in another year. Last season showed that where good kinds of Verbenas were bedded out. in nearly every instance a satisfactory continuous bloom resulted. I hope that we shall see more of them than we have of late ; the beds at Laugton were excellent. Besides Geraniums and Verbenas, the following plants were u.sed, either for edging or otherwise — Cerastium tomentosum, Kaniga maritima, Peiilla nankinensis, Ceutaurea argeutea, Cineraria maritima, Mentha rotundifoUa variegata, Tropa^olum Lobbianum, and Calceolaria Aurea floribunda. The parks in which the mansions of the principal landowners of the county of Dorset are situated, are surpassed by few in the fine appearance of the deciduous trees with which they are adorned. This is especially the case at Langton, CritchUl, and Bryanstone. At the last-mentioned the appearance in summer is veiy manifestly improved by the intermixture of exotic species, that have now attained considerable size. Among them I noticed Acer eiiocarpon, A. platanoides, and some of the American Cratsgus. I mention this to remind your readers that the planting of exotic deciduous trees, which would eo ma- terially add to the beauty of our park and woodland scenery, is stUl deplorably and unaccountably neglected, excepting in the public parks, and a few other places. Coniferi-B are not ex- tensively planted in Dorsetshue — i.e., in the places I visited, it being found that the soil is not very favourable to their growth. As it has been announced that the worthy rector of Rushton will shortly retire from his clerical duties, permit me in con- clusion to join cordially in the wish so aptly expressed by your correspondent, " D., Dral," that he may long enjoy his utitim rum di^nitatf, a wish which I am sure will be heartily con- curred in by all who have the hajjpiness of knowing him. — AnoLPHCs il. KzxT. BURYIXG THE STEMS OF ROSE TREES. I HAVE always thought that to bury the stem of any tree more than 1 or 2 inches is contrary to nature, but mention being made by " T. T.," at page 142, of some trees, the stems of which had been buried 4 feet, I was reminded of some Bose trees which the head gamekeeper planted at his cottage here. They were planted 4 feet deep, the only object in doing so being to have them dwarf. Well, such wood and such blooms I have never seen before nor since, scarcely a sucker makes its appearance, f.nd the watering-pot is never required. I have made it a practice for several years to put clay on the branches of Peach, Nectarine, and Apricot trees, when the sun has in any way ruffled or cracked the baric, and I always found at the end of the season that some nice new bark had been made. Some years ago we cleared the stems of several Oak and •other trees which had been buried several feet, but I never saw ithat the branches were injured at all; the only case that I remember was a Lime tree which had been earthed up several feet, and the tree will never recover. With respect to Grape Vines, I am in favour of keeping the stems above ground, the bark being more tender than that of most other trees, and, consequently, more Ukely to decay. Perhaps " T. T." will kindly give us the names of tlie trees which have done so well on the " landing-up system." — John Pekkixs, Thornham Gardens, Suffolk. ROY.:Si HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Wk are authorised to state that the Council of the Royal, Horticultural Society, having received an application from Mr. Wilham Earley, DigsweU, that the Journal of the Society should be supplied to gardeners at a cheaper rate than to the public, have determined that any honn fide gardener sending to the Assistant Secretary, Royal Horticultural Society, South ICensingtou, the sum of 4<. id. in postage stamps, being one- half the charge to the public, will be supplied with the Journal quarterly for twelve months. THRoron the continuance of the severe frost that commencetl in the midille of last week, the Meeting on Saturday last was not well sup- plied with exhibition snhjects. Messrs. Cntbush it Son were almost the only exhibitors, and they filled one of the large tables entirely themselves with a large collection of forced fiowei-s and a very fine ex- hibition of forced bulbs, to both of which iirst prizes were awarded. Messrs. Cutbu.sh .also exhibited some well-bloomed plaut.s of forced Ldy of the Valley, which received an extra prize. Mr. Young, gar- dener to Mrs. Barclay, of High'.;ate, sent a large and handsome speci- mexi of Oncidium sphacelatum majus, full of bloom, and which elicited much praise in favour of Mr. Young's successful cultivation. It was awarded an extra Iirst prize. Messrs. Lucking, Brothers, sent a fine collection of fox'ced ilowers, which received a iirst-class certificate. VERBENA CUTTINGS FAILING. C.ej there really be a disease amongst Verbenas? I thought the only reason they have done so badly this season, is, as stated in the Journal of February 6th, being covered with thrips. A friend of mine, a large and generallv a very successful grower of the Verbena, has the following plan. Early in July he takes a few cuttings of each kind and dibbles thom in the alleys between his Asparagus-beds. After well watering they require no further .attention, except a sprinkling with the syringe to keep them from drooping, as the Asparagus stems give a nice shade. When grown a couple of inches high the tops are pinched off. By the end of August they are taken up, three or four plants put into a 48-pot, kept out of doors free from worms, and the branches stopped as required. By the usual time to take into the greenhouse they are strong and bushy. This season he finds, is no exception. I should scarcely like to say how many dozens of cuttings could be taken from each pot at the present time.— W. C. WINTER TREATJIENT OF POT "\aNES. The fruiting of Vines in pots often le.ods many young be ginners into difficulties, and in some cases they lose their situations through buying from the nurseries, for fruiting in pots. Vines which have been growing in bottom heat aU the summer, in many cases up to the end of August or September, when they are ready for sale. They will then have filled a l(J-inch pot with good, well-ripened roots and masses of fibres ; and the canes will be fi feet long, short-jointed, in fact everything that can be desired. A gardener obtaining the per- mission of his employer to buy some pot Vines for starting early, say in January, would most probably order them in October. The employer would then inquire if the Vines had come, and the gardener would answer in the affirmative, and say they were in excellent condition and sure to produce a good crop of Grapes. Such a result would not be nuhkely if they were treated properly from October to January. Now, where are the pot Vines put when the gardener receives them ? Any place will do for them till thej' are wanted, he often says — out of doors exposed to all weatlier, cold rains, frost, and hot sun. It is very certain that the canes will look all right throughout ; but how is it with the good roots and masses of fibres, without which we cannot have fruit? They are too often dead by the time they are wanted, in consequence of ex- posure to too much wet and cold, or from drying in a shed. 164 WOBMAIi OF HORncULZUBE AND COTTAOE GA}a>BMEBt (iSsf^i.nm^ The toaiteqnence is, the Vines will break Terr \r«U. bnt verr Bomoin thow faiiit, and th« garni"n.i. continue the main sowings. A rather strong, deep, and rich loamy soil is roost suitable for this crop. Where very large bulbs are desired, soil of this nature is required, and it is observed that Onions grown on a strong soil are less liable to be attacked by the maggot than in light sandy soils. Pids and /frnjw, in sowing , these, if there is any fear of their being attacked by the wire- worm, it is a good plan, after they are sown in the drills, and previously to covering them in, to water them with spirits of j tar, diluted with water in the proportion of one pint to six gal- lons of water, and mice do not take to them so readily when I they are tlins treated. Advancing crops of Peas and Beans should have more earth drawn to them, and some branches of Spruce Fir or other protecting material stuck in on the wind- ward side of the Peas. J'arfnij>s, sow the main crop; they succeed best in deep free soil, and, a« the application of manure tends to the production of forked or badly-formed I roots, the ground to be trenched 2 feet deep and manure , applied at the bottom. rotalocs, .ittend to putting in this I crop. Salsit/ij, sow full crops of this, as also of Scorzonera. Hfrbs, dress Mint and Tarragon beds with light decomposed manure. Look over Herb-beds, prick them up, and add fresh soil where necessary ; now is a good time to divide the roots, I and make fresh plantations. Sea-hile, make fresh plantations ! of this and IJhubarb. They delight in a deep rich soil ; it should be trenched 2 or 3 feet deep where it can be done, working in a good quantity of rich manure during the opera- tion. These multifarious directions betoken a busy season ; they must be systematically followed up with attention to neatness ; whatever is commenced should be completed, and left as neat as possible. FRCIT GAnOEN. We must look out for the opening blossoms, and be ready on I the first emergency t-o afford protection. Woollen net, stout I straw ropes stretched upon poles, or light frames covered with I oiled calico, are among the available materials for the purpose. If not alrea 0 I) a 1 ti ss » 0 2 0 0 3 0 5 0 'i 0 » (» 0 9 1 6 •20 (1 0 0 2 fi 4 » 8 0 4 0 n H 1 0 (1 0 1 0 1 n •2 0 2 0 a 6 0 « u (* .■; (1 () 0 n 0 0 0 0 4 0 e u 0 u 0 TO CORRESPONDENTS. •»• We request that no one will wi-'ite priv.itely to the depart- mental -^Titers of the "Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications should therefore be addi'essed solely to The Editors of the Journal of Horticulture, dsc, 171, Fleci Street, London, E.G. North American Plants iH. N. JE:.).— We do not know any North American nm-scryman to whom we could refer you. Tobacco for Fumigatikg (A Comfant .St(b«cr(&fr).— The Nicotiana tabacum is tiic best species to grow ; but any of the other species will be effective. Any seedsman can procure the seed if he has none in stock. EspERioNE Grape (I'orfc).— Write to Mr. Fcnn, Rectory, Woodstock^ Oxon, aud ask for a gi-aft. We shall be glad to hear from you on the subjects you mention. Flower-pots (.S. Fttrs(}lovr).^0\]iX correspondent wishes toknowwhere he can obtain a quantity. Surely the makers would find it pay to adver- tise their wares. Lobelia Snowflake.— " Have any of the readers of this paper grown Lobelia Snowflake fi-om seed this year? I purchased a packet, and sowed three-fourths of it three weeks since, and not a vestige of a plant yet to be seen! Two acquaintances who also purchased •is.^d. packets, which have been sown a mouth, have not obtained a plant. One of these acquaintances is a nm'seryman, and the other gardener to a nobleman. —Nemo." Imperfect Greenhouse {A Regular Sub3crJhfr).~As the roof leaks, and the rain comes in round the door, it cannot be properly constructed. It is quite wrong to aver that the roof cannot be made waterproof. Call in some competent builder of such structures, and if he snys the green- house is not built in a workmanlike manner, you will have a full justifi- cation for not paying until it is done better. We cannot give nn opinion upon the legal points. By beginning to putty the laps the builders ad- mitted that the glazing was imperfect. Seed Drill {A Subscriber).— Very simple, ingenious, and useful. It should be made of iron, and the hantUe arched like that of a plough to^ i render stoox)ingunneces«r.iy. 188 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ M&rcfa 6. 16G6. Tan avd I>i-y<» ah Socrcks or Hkat (3f. S.)~Wc have brouffht tnn bomo (rt-.-li lr..m the yard, aud at ..nro traDNferrrd it to lUo pit it wa« Intcndid Ui heat ; bcrt we Uko better to brinji it home and throw it in a heap in nn ofeu Kbi-d, and. if the wtiather in cold, to cover it over witli mt*r, or aiivthtnK else, until It bctfins to boat freely— then it may be used at ouce; but if time aud labour cau bo Hpared, it would b« bettor for tender pliuitn if it were taraed over aK'ain, the Hides to tho middle and top to the middle, Ae. Then, in n few dayn. if the weather i-* Nueh ns to promote feniu'iitition, it mny bo taken and f*IiK'htly und eiiuuUy trodden OT bcjiteu ill its place ; and provided extra beat bw jfuarded ;i;^'"aim(t. lb* heat will be ho wweet us .generally to suit anytbini; that likes o hi«h tum- perntore. Dium. nirely worked and sweetened, will do as well as tnn for Allinf* the inside of a pit for Cucumbers and Mel-.n^. We have not touched tau for a number of years; but one of the bent combinntiuurt for such purpoHen, and liUn l^uea, und for briuKin;; on tender plants is milking the main p;irt of the bed of Hweet fermenting duuR, and then covcnug with a depth of from 12 inches with sweet tan. Even the fumea from fresh tun are seldom injurious ; but they are not so nice even to tho smell BB those from tan thrown in a heap to Hwecten. When liuiuKs are required to add to or keep up tho hoot, it matters not whether tun or dang be umd; only tan wtU bo the safer, uulesn tho walls are secure and care IS taken of ventilation, for othermse dung in the crude btalo might Bend its gases among the plants and injure them. IcE-i'LAST (/-/^-mL-WehaveHoIdom found the birda meddle with tho Icc-plant. \ ery hkely it was the moislnre in its st.-ms that enticed them. Hie plant will stiuui hardly any frost. To keep it fresh and green all tho !l*r ° *",!! «h..uld have a dryish atmosphere, and a temperaTure of from 4.> to50 . A few boxes mny be grown in the usual wav. and be moved under gUss m tn-toher. For thi.> purpose, if vou sow 'in May it will be time enough, tor suuimer use >ow iu Mareh on a )iotbed. and plant out m the bek'innmg of Jnne. It will reiiuiro very Uttlo water in winter but the 6oii must not be dust dry. SBtTTEHs ion Shelter (Llem).-"n. F." has not used wooden shutters lor a long time. They are beat made of three-quarter-inch seasoned deal. accorduig to size braced beneath with narrow cross-pieces 2 inches wide audi Inch deep. II a strip 1 inch deep goes all round the ont^de the cover is perfect, as that wiU rest on the sides and top of the «ash and enclose a body of air. The mode of making straw mats was given not long ago, aud al'^o the mode of making straw covers. The latter mav be so far repeated. Take three pieces of wood the length of the snsh t.'. bo covered, each 3 inelus wide and from three-quarters to 1 inch thick. 1 ifloe these so as to be of tho width of the sash, one in the middle and one on each side. Then have cn.^^s pieces of wood of that width, say from 3A to 4 feet in length, aocordin- to the width of the sash, and each i: inches wide nnd half an inch thi.-k. N'ail one of these to the three long pieces top and l>ottom, others in the intenuediate space at about a foot apart. This makes the frame for the cover, and is intended to go next the glass. Reverse it i.fter thus nailing it. and till it neatlv with straw. Fisten down one of these cross pieces at each end, and secure the straw by tarrtJd strmg just abovo oU the intermediary cross pieces. Five tacks for each string wiU enable this to be done expeditiously-one at each side piece, one in the middle and one in tho intenal between the middle 5?^«^f^ ■"^'i'"^''''- ,1^'*!"^^' ^^-'^^ D»«de thus secure the straw would ?«^L.?iS'",> "^'Z?*^?:, -^°y ft'-'^ ^i» '»«. but wheat straw, drawn Lelore It is threshed and the heads cut oflF, lasts bv far the longest, and a cover thus made wiU be as serviceable in severe weather as three or four ordinary mats Good deal would he the be.t to use : but " R. F." never had It, but worked up any old stuff that came in the way. and he has even cut up elm on purpose that cost little more than the sawing, as othen^ise 'sVpp^rte "on f'ramV."^'' ''' ^"*^"*'^*'- ^^^^^^' ^^^'^^^ ^^ ^-^- ^^^^ ^l^^ «?^'.?.^'''''''*'.^''^^^''^,^''"'' (W<-nO.-They and rats have cleared ^n^^.r T ^^^""^^r""^*^"^'" P^^"*^ '"^ the first crop in spring and f .^ „ ; , ".'' "^'i^' '"h'''' «^"*^n:lhiug else failed to entice theni. we have found a number done for by mixing barleyn.eal and arsenic ^i{h a littlo water putting it where no domestic animal could reach it. Ue mixed it up with a stick, and put down thelumps with a stick. If the hand touches ii i*^.^''- '"i ^"^''•"B to taste it. however hnngi-^- he mav be. If water or milk IS placed near the bait the sufferings of the rut wUl be short. L.S'^/^'' ^ y^^^'«,^' f^- »'i".'7;ifl«).-Fartherthan that vou contemplate Sfv?^^ nTd^r^^l orchard-house, 50 foot long, against a south walh vou give us no data whatever to guide us in giving vou advice as to "the Sf.W^?<,n f. *"l '" iT"; \1^«"^^- ^f yo« t«» "S what is the height of tho thin ue ; hnn i^^'^'^S"* l^^ ^r"' "^ ^^^ ^**"-^*^' ^"'^ ^^*^ "•i'ith Of The house. then we thull be able to adv.se you us to a pit, aud whether a pit in ^n^h-^i *^'^^°°^^tances would he desirable. For a mere unheated himse imil we i''^r"''"'^i ^""""'".^ Peaches. Nectarines. Vines, and other ImiiniT Ti -^i "!'''' *'"'''^ ^**" ^■°°^** ^"^ ^'^^^ fermenting dung in >our pit The Pimplest arrangement of t^uch a house would bo I'J feet iu tehes .ri^.^'ic^r'^'^^'r^ '^^ '- '--' ^ width, planting c W «t..j; ^^^^"^'^^*^^ «eainst the back wall. Vines up the roof at 5 or £iowiiic^n'."i1n'' l^"''-^,^^^ With good soil, either for planiingout' or ^f^c^;*"!"^"^ ^"^ ^^'/^ 5w6»cnVr).-We think that your arrangement l^nf ^^^"''^,' "P»^ ''«^*ii"fc' plants will look verr well. If we suggested CenSfrea -3-1'^"'°^"' ^ ^'^'l'* ''^ ^^"'^ seariet Geraniums,''?r he Centaurea condidissnna round tha centre bed of Aucuha • and then re^?hu.'"n'"l? 'u' f^y ^'^' J^' ^^* ''' 1^- *■*-■ ^-'><» ribbon or band Rii^ fi.r^^i.^; ' M^H''\?P';* ^^'"^'* floribunda Calceolaria, and then ? ?rn^ fl .^.^ ? ' '"^"^ ^,'*'. *^' ^^y\*"^ ^^*"*=« Seariet Geranium for centre. Asters in^e.r" 'i''^'^ **' ^""^ '^'^^ ^^^'^"'^ Paxtoniana, Your mixed Asters will scarcely be good enough for 17 and Is; better have mixed \ erbenap, or nbbon and lino them in contrast with 15, 12, and 16. CONSciUNn Smoke (J. Maeken^i^i.^We know of no cheap svstem of oonKuming smoke. If the coal is onlv put on at the from of tie fire ^Trid'o ':iT'''-'*r'' '^' '■'^'-''^ or caJumaceous particles arrchiefly fl?e behind? ' ^""^^^^ """^ *^'' *>"g»'tly burning portion of thi Hamusi Sefd.— Gentlemen wishing to try to cuUlTale lids Pale-itina plant muj have a fow sovd^, by encloi«iug a utaiuped ouTolupe, with tbair oddre^-i. to W. Wanklyn. Ksq., iJury, Laucashiru. (jKOTHHniiAL Urn {Suburban). — In our No. 143, Now Serieo. yoo will find a de*M*ription of the gcothermal bed at Welton I'lac**. near UaTentry. You ran have the Number if you encloM four postaj^ Kt«mp« with joor direction. DiKLYTRA HPErTADiLis FoRCiNr, {Country Cura/*-).— The causes of tho failure are io>>uflluient Vip beat, and tho ptAOtsDotluinng beeo pretioaaly established in pots and preptired for forcing. Keep the plants in tho greenhouse until after they have flowered, giving Ihi-m a light nnd airy situation ; and when frosts are over removo them to a warm open situ- atiuu out of doors ; plunge the pot^ until July, and then remove them to a south aspect, aud give no water except to prevent llie foliage flaffging.i The plants will go to rest in good time, and from the time of the fotiaga| decaying they must bo allowed at least six weeks' rent. To make them! flower ut L'briutnias, which is verj- early, thoy shi^>uld to plunged in »', hotbed of 60 or 65' in October, and he gradually withdrawn from it by the end of tho month. This will make the roots active. The planu uhnuld then be placed in a house having a temperature of ttf^ from fire heat, aud in a fortnight increase tho heat to S5 at night, allowing a rise of 5 on dull days, lU' on those which are cloudy with clear intervals, and from 15^ to 20 on clear days. Iu these temperatures, with a moist atmo- sphere, gentle bedewing overhead, Hufticlent but ni't excessive waterings nt the root, plenty of light, and abundance of jiir ou favourable opportu- tunities, your plants will flower by or soon after Christmas, but the bloom will Dot bo nearly so good as on plants started at a later period. If the plants are in small pots and require potting, do it immediately after flow- ering, using a compost of turfy loam two-thirds, leaf muolu one-third, and a free admixture of sand. Provido good diainago. FoBciNO liiiLBARB ( J(i-rin).— We are at a loss to accomit for yonr lallure in this, for you seem to have gone the right way to work. We find that by taking the plants up and plucing the roots in soil, usually in a Mush- room-house, wo can have very fine stalks in a month or six weeks. Tho temperature is from 55^ to 6U , and uniform, of oou»-se. from the poRltion. We have also potted the roots, covered them with an inverted i>ot, and placed the pots in a temperature of from 55' to 60' at night, and we have thus had stalks for use in aix weeka. We think your failure duo to au insufficient amount of heat. VisB-oRowiNG FOR WiNE-MAKiNG (Viti*). — Tho pricc at wliich foreign wine is now to be obtained in this country renders the cultivation of Vines under glass for the purpose of making wine uunecessarj-ond unpro- fitable. The varieties are too numerous for us to specifj them, unless yitu want to kuow tho sorts that produce some particular kind of wine. Orchids for a CcconjER-HocsE {J. L. S(o<-*/)oi(«f).— The foUowing three are recommended for your Cucumber-house, which you say is at work all the year:— Atrides odoratum majus. Calanthe vestita. Phalie- nopsis grandi'flora. Dendrobium nobilo may also be grown in the Ca- cnmber-house, and removed to the conservatory when in tlower. The house (70' to 70 without sun, and higher with.l.'is too hot for Odonto- glossums. Varikgated Dianthcs fT('. D.).— We liavc never seen this plant in a variegated form before, and should much doubt whether, fnim the nature and habit of the Dianthus, the variegation would remain perumnent. To judge of its meritii the plant must bo seen. Fungus abTjut Vine Roots {A Con*/ant K/o/i^r).— The -white mould is the mycelium of some minute fungus. The other specimen is not a fungus', but the fibrous root of eome plant. They are not injurious to ihQ Vine. Vine CrLrrRE (B. d- If.).— As you have " ever)-thing to leam," we re- commend you to buy *' The Vine Manual," which you can have free by post from our otlice if you enclose thirty-two postage stamps with yonr address. After reading the directions it coutains for growing the Vine in a greenhouse, if you need any question answered we sh;Ul reply readily. Rock Plants for North Aspect (3f. E. H.).— Alpines rejoice in sun- shine and dislike shaded.'darap, close places. Your situation wouldanswcr admirably for Ferns. You may also plant Anbrietia deltoiden, and its variety graudiflora; Arahis albida and alpina, Cerastium tomeutoaum, Saxifr'agas juniperina, granulata, cotyledon, aretioides. aizoon, aizoidos, cjTnbaluria, h\^nloides. umbr«.isa, palmata. and KhiTi; Statice alpina and siuuata, Silene alpestris.Trientalis europiea, Vinca minor, aud its variety plena; Vinca major, and its variety elegantissima, aud Vinca herhacea. Sediim acre, kamtschaticum, and spurium, I'ulniouaria angustifolia, offi- cinalis, aud graudiflora, for the base only. Pinguicula vulgaris. Lotus coi* niculatus flore pleuo. Linariac^'uibalariannd its variegated variety, L. ori- ganifolia. lit-paticas, aud the varieties of Primula acaulis, for the lower parts. These would be likely to do moderately well. Camellia Tlanting Orr-DooRS (/drm).— A white Camellia would not, we think, do well out of doors, cither as a utandard or trained against a north wall in a cold valley in Sussex. Pr.ANTS FOR Town Garden (M. A. £.).— The best of all to flower in May and June are herhacoouis Pieonies and Pironia muutan, Dianthus eruentus, deltoides, and fragrans ; Dielytra spectabilis, and its white variety ; Pnhiiojiarin officinalis, Trollius europa; us. Tulips in great variety, t;onvullaria majalis, and the gold-striped, pink, and double varieties; I'ulygouatum vulgare, Cerastium tomentosuiu. Campauula aggregata, car- patica, mmalis, pusilla, and its wliite variety; Bcllis perennis aucuba- folia, Dodccathcon elcgaus and meadia, Donuiicum cancasicnm, Iberia ^axatalis and I. sempervirens, Lj"thrum roseuui snperbum, Narcissoa l>oeticus plenus, Pyrethmms in variety; Saxifragra aizoides, umbrosa, aud Andrewsii; Silene Schafta, S. alpestris, Polemonium ctsruleiim. and the variegated variety ; Phlox frondosa, Nelsoni, and vema ; OrobttS vemus. Antirrhinum varieties, Columbine, and Ajuga alpina. IlFBnACEors Plants (hUm). — Yon will find just such a list aa you re- qnest us to give at page 72 of the N'nmber for January 2:>rd. Select Pompon Dahlias (AVmo).— The following are very good free- flowering varieties: — Crimson Beauty, Multiflora. Rosette, .■■now Rose, tloldflnch, Little Wonder. Little Julius, Little Darling, Little Arthur, Dr. Webb, Gold Pheasant, Little Mistress. Flower Seeds (.4. B. Wycombr). — It Is Impossible to answer so wide a question. All flowers probably nught be improved by judicious crossing. We cannot ask for cuttings. March 6, 1866. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. -«9 Naues of PRriTS iLemon—Tootin^), — Yeralam Pear. [E. H.), — TJTe- dale's St. Germain Penr, Nahes of Plants ((\ s. G.). — Solnnum ranrffinatnm, or White-ed(?ed Nightshade. It is a native of Palestine. (A. A.). — 2, Aspleniam balbi- f enun ; 3, Nephrolepis ; 4, Aspleiiium daccidum ; 5, Prnnns japonica florepleno; 6, Deutzia fjracilis ; 7, Aspleniummarinum ; 10, Pteris oretica albo-lineata ; 12, Xipbobolus lingua. (^, IT. R'iils).— SciUa peruTiana. fr(i?irarfa).— You must send better specimena if,,yQV^,wi3li tio liave your Fema correctly named. . • ' METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS in the Suburbs of London for the Week ending March ;^ril. DiTE. . THEBMOMETER. Wind. it Air. 1 Earth. Rain in inches. Genkiujl Remarks. .x ': Uax. 1 Min. Ma:i. Min. 1 (l. dp. 3 ft. dp. '.'. Son. . . 25 Mon... 26 Taes. . 27 Wed. . 28 ThnrB. 1 Fri. .. 2 Sat. .. 3 Mean.. 29.5S1 29.39.1 29.411 29.877 29.491 92.ti6fi 29.680 29..318 29.167 29.382 29.152 29.462 29.693 29.599 47 49 SS 87 40 41 42 30 30 27 17 S2 19 23 42 42* £i 41 41 40i 4U 42" 42 41i 40 40i 40 S.W. S. N.E. N.E. B. N.E. N. .08 .48 .04 .00 .00 ' .00 .00 Rain ; showery ; overcast ; cloudy. ' \ Uniformly overcast ; heavy clouds ; rain at night. '\ Hiizy. overcast, and cold ; fine ; slight frost. ./, Densely clouded ; snowing; sharp frost at night. Frosty and fr.ggv; cold uniform haze ; densely overcast; frosty. Frostv ; cleaT and flm* : frosty at night. Clear "and frosty; overcast; cloudy; frosty. „___^ — - — . ■ - ' ■ - -"^ P 29.512 29.382 42.00 [ 24.00 41.50 41.07 .... 0.55 '~ POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE- A DAY AT LINTON PARK, KENT. The Seat of the Viscount Holmesdale, M.P. Foe some years I have had always a stereotyped reply tn'the question : " Have you been in many of the counties of Eng- land ?" It was this — " I have been in all of them except Kent and Cornw.all." Poultry has now led me into Kent, and, there- fore, only Cornwall remains as yet utterly unseen and unknown. Ever since I saw the prize birds of the Viscountess Holmesdale at the Bnth and West of England Show, held at Clifton, in 1864, I had felt a great wish to see her ladyship's stock in its entire- ness. That wish has recently been gratified ; for a letter having reached me in which Lady Holmesdale informed me that " it would give her great pleasure to show me her poultry," and I being desired to take an early opportunity of going into Kent, as the family were about to remove to London for the season, I proceeded to Ijinton Park forthwith. It has not been a very good season for birds, owing to the great fall of rain ; in many poultry yards and walks the fowls almost needed stilts in addition to legs to keep them out of the water. (X.B. — Were I a fowl I would be a Malay — i.e., if it were always such weather as we have had this winter.) I start for London the day the Queen opens Parliament, for of course it will be fine (it was). As I passed through Berk- shire I pitied the poor folk there, and registered this verdict concerning their county — " Found di-owned." In London I met with a well-known and well-knowing poultry fancier and judge, who told me, after I had informed him whither I was going, " You will see poultiy to perfection at Linton Park." i With expectations still higher raised I get up next morning very i early to proceed into Kent, as it is Lady Holmesdale's wish that I should see ber fowls in the forenoon. The first train, then, finds me at Charing Cross Station, and I look upon that very gorgeous Station and feel thankful thai I own no shares in that line. Ah! what have we here? Arestored Queen Eleanor's Cross in a station-yard. Poor King Edward was unlucky in his site ; at any rate he did not foresee what an unquiet place it would prove in after ages. But no, it is not a restored cross, but a bran-new cross in front of a spick-and- span gaudy station. Bad taste surely, besides a waste of money. I feel no reverence as I look upon this entirely new cross, erected on, perhajyx, the spot where Queen Eleanor's body rested for the last time before interment, just 575 years ago. Had it been a restoration I should have felt reverential ; but all new, not placed, as surely it might have been, in some quiet nook, but where every viilgar 'bus and cab rattles by and draws up close to it, just on the spot where, in front of an inn the horse- block was commonly to be found — "my gorge rises at it." And yet bow one respects King Edward, tbat good husband, who, not in tbe first heat of a bridegroom's passion, showed such love to his spouse ; but he, an old husband, went to such cost and care for his old wife, the mother of fifteen children. ' Tis the newness of the cross and its position jars upon the sense. How different it is when tbe new and old are brought side by side, as in the case of tbe railwaj' that runs close by i Fumess Abbey ; there, there is food for much reflection. There, j on one side, is the crumbling ruin, the evidence and token of I the highest civilisation of its day; and the flashing railway train type of the civilisation of the present day. There in the Abbey were gathered together the few books and few readers of a whole district. There were the men who could plan the rich tracery, erect the pillars, and bid the arch span the space be- tween. Surely the dark ages were blind in many respects ; but they certainly were not sto)u blind. And in the Abbey, now so "old, were the men who cultivated flowers and herba with thought and care, and, mayhap, were proud and careful of their breeds of fowls when others were indifferent. And there close by is the nineteenth century railway station and electric telegraph. But I am growiug desultory. Off for Harden, for two hoiu's or more of travelling. I lite, in going from London, to watch how gradually, very gradually, on ibis Kentish side, town melts into the country. First after actual streets come, to use the happy phrase of Cowper — " The villas with which London stands begirt. Like a swartb Indian with his bolt of beads." I love to think of the retired citizen, or the man of business, who scarcely more than sleeps in the country air, enjoying when able his rural home and his garden, perhaps his live pets. Then after villas come the patches of building ground andthe oue-half-finished house, the very last Unk to the town, till a few miles further and it is actual country — real farm-bouses, unmistakeable labourer's cottages, and yes, surely, that is an old coimtry mansion. How bright green is the grass, and why, the stations have creepers growing up their iron supports ; all looks rural ; not the blackened look of a Lancashire, but the pure look of a thoroughly agricultural county. But surely those must be hop poles piled hke a number of giant's pikes in tent-like patches all over the fields on both sides of me. Oh ! had I been a teetotaller, how my heart would have ached. By tbe way, as teetotallers are the greatest consumers of animal food in the country, for he that drinks nothing but water eats much more than other men, ought not the Chancellor of tl« Exchequer in these cattle plague days to tax every teetotaller extra ? I think so, and wonder the thought of such a tax has not come into tbe fertile brain of Mr. Gladstone. VerUy Kent is a beautiful county, how emerald gi-een its grass ; how well cultivated and garden-like its fields ; and that ridge of pleasantly- swelling hills to the left of me, running on and on, how agreeable to the eye. I do not wonder that " the men of Kent " are proud of their county. It is such an old- inhabited part of England. It was for ages the key to the kingdom : it had the post of honour because it had the post of danger. Shakespeare says of it — " Kent, in the " Commentaries " Csesar writ. Is tenn'd the civil'st place in all this isle : Sweet is the country, because full of riches : The people liberal, valiant, active, wealthy." Then, too, the antiquity of its families is noticed by Lord Macaulay, who says of the signal fire telUng that the Spanish Armada had been sighted in the Channel — " And eastward straieht, o'er wild Blackhcath, the warlike errand went, And roused in many an ancient hall, the gallant squires of Kent." How, too, a common danger must have boimd together the people of Kent. They could see, while other folks of other counties could only hear of, the old enemy's country, France. Should there have been an invasion, in days preceding steam, the French would most likely have landed in Kent. Hence, 190 JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GABDENEK. I March 6, 1866. Wordeworth's address to the men of Kent, in a sonnet dated 1803— " Vanfmnrd of liberty, ye men of Kent, Ye children of a aoil that doth lutvanco TIkt hauchty brows aj^'iiiiist the soil of France, Now is the time to prove your hurdiiucut.'' Then, too, the sitnation of Kent in other respects is a proud one. Above it the Thames, along whose waters has for apes been borne the wealth of the world ; the Straits of Dover be- neath it, up which how many a great pcrsouago has come to land in Kent. Well may you be proud of your county ; what thoughts are conjured up by even the words, Thanet, Dover, Canterbury. Kent is, indeed, a graud historic county. With my mind full of these thoughts, and enjoying myself to the fuU, I reach Harden Station, a little place where few trains stop. I soon found my way to the village inn, and in the snuggest and cleanest of inn parlours eat a crust of home- made bread and cheese, on what Izaak Walton would have called, " a fair white linen cloth," and I drank a glass of most excellent beer, so good, perhaps, because brewed in the land of hops. I drank it to the health of all the good people of Kent. Linton Park is, I am told, four miles distant, and eschewing that stuffy thing on a line day, I mean a fly, I mount a dog-cart and am driven by " mine host " himself. I admire the horse, and am told it was in the Crimea. Lucky horse to get back safe and sound ! Probably your rider did not. " That is Linton Park I imagine," said 1, pointing to a long 'white mansion showing plainly on the brow of the opposite hill. A fine position and a fine frontage, a centre with wings far-reaching. Part of the park haugs ou the slope below, while evidently the ground rises sharply at the back, or the timber is very fine, as the tops of the trees, of apparently au avenue, overtop the highest part of the house. I am right, it is Linton. On we go, the Crimean horse has some go in him. ^Miat a pleasure there is in a drive in nn entirely new country, the air so fresh to the lungs, and everything, every feature of the country, fresh to the eye. But I am ncaring Linton Park. To the left of the park fence is a model village formed of substantial cottages, built in pairs with good gardens. This is to me a veiy pleasant sight. Landowners often say, " You cannot build good cottages that will pay even a decent interest for the money so spent." Granted, but I hold that such building is yet a good invest- ment for money in certain localities, and under certain re- strictions, and that, indirectly, such cottages will pay. Thus, if a farmer can offer a good house, making that dearest thing to an Englishman, and still more to the Englishwoman of every grade, a comfortable home, he will secure from emigration a respectable labourer ; and if on the estate there be good cot- tages, a good class of poor will be permanently established, and this will be a gr.in to the owner. I have usually found the doubtful character, who poaches a bit and pilfers a bit more, living in a poor wretched cottage. But while I am moralising, there is the church — happy vicar of Linton with such a re- Bpectable-looking village, and a fine church too — and here we are at the park lodge. A pull, a stiff pull, a gate opened, and passing by a newly laid-out garden with a broad straight walk leading from the house to the church, in a minute or more we stop at the chief entrance of the mansion. A few seconds alone in a drawing-room admiring the view from the window — the terraced garden, the park, the lake, and far-stretching view of the Weald of Kent, and then Lady Holmesdale is with mc, and ready to show me her fowls. First to the poultrj--yard properly so called, to the right of the house. Here I find solid buildings with spacious yards in front enclosed with wire netting. First came D.irk Brahmas, but cared for at Linton chiefly for their sitting virtues. While look- ing at them, Martin, Lady Holraesdale's well-known poultry- man, devoted to and thoroughly understanding his business, made his appearance. Woe to the fancier whose poultry- man, woman, girl, or boy, is not so devoted. A poultry-man, like a poet, is not made but born to it — i.e.. bom with a strong love of live things. Next Dorkings, then Golden Hamburghs, and living with them an odd Turbit Pigeon, a pet of Martin's. Yes, pet love meets one cverjwhcre. Years ago I found the owner of a bird shop keeping a Linnet as a pet, as if he had not birds enough and noise enough in the way of business ; but 30 it is, doctors have their pet patients, often, God bless them for it, the poorest, and pet cases usually the worst ; but I never heard of a lawyer having a pet client, perhaps the touch of parchment chills the blood and freezes the heart. " One touch of parchment makes all lawjers kin." But to pro- ceed. Martin, with voice and scattering food, invites some wan- derers near, among them a rose-combed Dorking cock freah from his triumphs at Rochdale, and a truly magnitioent bird he is. It may be well to state that Lady Holmesdale, though pos- sessing many other varieties of fowls of first-rato quality, chiefly values her Dorkings, and her taste runs for the rose- combed, as rarer and handsomer. Those who have never seen her ladyship's Dorking cocks can scarcely imagine their great size. A Dorking cock at Linton Park is iiuite a different bird from even a prize Dorkmg at small shows. His size approachee the majestic, and that and his tine points quite raise him above the run of " they vanner's fowls," as I once heard Dork- ings called. A peep at other birds enclosed near, all of merit — some Spanish, also just come home from liochdalc, and then we retrace our steps to the touth front of Linton, and are off, joined by a gallant general, to look at the poultry kept in differ- ent parts of the park. One glance in passing, but only ooe, at the beautiful garden ; thnt and Lord Holmesdale's head gar- dener, our Mr. llobson, I am to see after luncheon. We verge towards Linton church, and on a high bank among some low shrubs find another Dorking cock, a young one, and pullets. It is the effort at Linton to breed the liens of as dark a colour as possible, and although I have a lingering prejudice for the Silver- Grey, yet I must own that such dark birds as seen here are very beautiful, and are said to weigh heavier than any Silver-Greys that can be bred. Wherever I found poultrj- in the park, there was near each group a moveable wooden house, like a tiny cot- tage without a chimney. I did not look into one, being told there was no particular arrangement inside ; they are painted of a dark colour, and are on low wheels, so that they can be easily moved. If a run becomes tainted or is too damp, away go fowls and house. Chatting pleasantly we proceed np the avenue leading to Maidstone. I was all the while a beguiling poultry recruiting- sergeant to the General, being determined to enhst him in the valiant army of fanciers. Away we stroU, talking politics and — poultry, enthusiastic on the subjects of Governor Eyre and — cocks and hens. Having proceeded some distance, walking beneath those lofty trees, which had caught my eye on my way from Marden Station, we find more Dorkings and their wooden home. Thcir's a kind of Australian life compared with the denizens of the wire-fenced and trim poultrj-yard ; the inhabitants of the latter weaUhy stay-at-ht.cies, while the others are younger and poorer relatives who emigrate to make their fortune. I prefeiTed this cockerel to the one before seen, his points were better and his hackle clearer, for even in Dork- ings I do not like a black-tipped hackle any more than in Duck- wing Game cocks. — Wiltshike Eecior. (To be continued.) EXPENSES -\ND RETURNS OF POULTRY KEEPING. There is, I am sorry to say, a mistake in my account, though not the one your correspondent believes. I lind I have understated my expenses. I ought to have put down the food at £'21 12.S-. id., or about Ss. oil. weekly, instead of the amount stated. This I beUeve to be the only mistake. 1 had not at any t irae. as I think your correspondent understands, 489 in- dividual birds. The actual number of fowls I possessed I set down each week, and added them at the end of the month, and thus obtained my grand total for the year, which I divided by 5'2, giving me my weekly average of 113. Take, for instance, the month of June : — ■Week enilins Cochins. Fowls. Bnclcs, Chickens. Aviary Birds. June 3rd 7 88 7 70 -20 „ 10th 7 .... Sti .... 7 .... 70 20 „ 17th 7 .... 40 .... 7 .... 70 20 .. 34lb 7 .... SS .... 7 .... 70 20 July Ist,.... 7 .... 32 .... 7 .... 80 20 35 177 35 SCO 100 Tlins the actual number of individuals in the last week was IIU ; some weeks I had fewer birds, and, as I stated originally, my average number of months fed was 113 ptr week. With regard to the other questions, the £8 7s. dd. is entirely for stock bought in 18G5. I have not entered the value of the stock I had at the beginning of the year. I should put it at about £8 more. With regard to the cost of labour. 1 fidly ex- pected that if that were taken into consideration the balance would be on the wrong side ; but I think It. per day is too much to charge, as I do so much myself. I think poultry alone arc very profitable ; but in my case it must be remembered March 6, 18«6. i JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEB. 191 that aviary expenses are Lnclnded (I cannot at present separate them), and though I have sold aviary birds well, their profits are uncertain. In yonr first ansv.er to my questions, you ask what extra or accidental food the fowls obtained. They mostly have free range of the shrubberies and grass fields, and some have access to the stable, pig, and cow-yards. There are no grain stacks. They share with the pigs and dogs what scraps there may be from the house- The only extra not entered is a little hempseed, which I gave as an occasional luxury. — C. E. GAME BANTAMS. The "Wiltshire Kectoe " tells us that his plan in life is never to enter into any controversy, but openly to state his opinion honestly formed on any subject that lies in his way. This is all very well in private matters, although there it will not bear examination ; but when an opinion is given in public, and affects the interests of others, a man is cleai-ly bound to defend his opinion, or to hold his tongue. It is not my in- tention to involve the Rector in a controversy. It so happens that I do not agree with him, and so far a? he is concerned I am content to use his own words, " Doctors differ, that is all." It is another matter, however, with Mr. .J. Crossland's letter, quoted by the " Wiltshire Eectoe," because it comes from a practical and experienced man. He says, " From a single yard in Yorkshire there have been sold upwards of £180 worth of Game Bantnms in twelve months. The breeder has also taken himself, I see from this Journal, from December 1S64 to December 1865, four silver cups, cup and second at Darlington 1864, cup at Thome for two years, 1804 aad 18C.5, cap and second at Darlington 136.5, cup at Birmingham, given by sub- scribers, in 186.5 I have only crossed once in ten years, and I gave £5 5s. for the bird — first at Bii-mingham, first at Plymouth, and first at Liverpool." Surely Mr. Crossland knew without the help of The Jocrxal of Horticcltcbe how many prizes the breeder he aUuded to had taken. At an average of £7 a-pen — no bad price for birds so easily bred — it would require about twenty-six pens, or seventy-eight birds, to make up the £180. Game Bantams must be easy indeed to breed, their powers of production must indeed be mar- vellous, if, between January, 1864, and this time seventy-eight birds could be bred from one stock which would realise such prices ! Will Mr. Crossland venture to say that all these birds were in a bon'i fide manner bred by the breeder and exhibitor in question? Was nothing added or purchased from other stocks? Was he never at a loss for birds to make up a pen, and glad to fall back upon the assistance of others ? If not, then he is indeed a prince of breeders, and fortunate must Mr. Crossland be in his confidence. If it be so easy to breed birds of this kind, how does it happen that the greatest part of this breeder's birds were " sold to our well-known exhibitors in the Game Bantam classes ? " Surely they could not have wanted to buy. — A Cheshire Pile. Being a constant reader of your Journal, I have noticed all the correspondence which has resulted from the " Wiltshire Eecior's" " First Impressions of Bingley Hall." If you will allow me a little space I will endeavour to give you a specimen of my experience in the breeding of Game Bantams, wjiich has extended over a period of five years. At the commencement I claimed three pens at different shows, and put them out on separate walks, and bred from them, fully expecting they would produce some first-class birds. However, I was doomed to dis- appointment, not one first-class bird came from the whole lot. I tried another year, with the same result. A short time afterwards I was present at a show, and ad- mired verj- much the pen which had taken the first prize, and on referring to the catalogue to ascertain if the price was one I could afford to give, I found I knew the exhibitor well. The remarks of the fanciers present were, that he must have some good birds, from the fact of his name appearing so often in the prize-Usts. However, as I fully intended buying the pen if possible, I took an early opportunity of calling upon him, and requested to see his Bantams, and he at once compUed, remarking, however, that his best were from home. The day being fine we walked down to his runs, and I there saw birds which threw my own at home completely in the shade, and I at once determined to clear my own stock off, which I did, and, as in the drapers' advertisements, at an immense sacrifice. After viewing the whole of his stock, I conclaled a bargain with him, and bought a cockerel and four pullets on the ex- press condition that I sold him all the chickens I had to spare ' from them at a guinea each ; so you may judge that the prise I gave him was not a very small one. However, he gave me his word that they would breed as true to feather as the par- tridge in the stubble. When they commenced laying I collected all the eggs, and sat four Game hens with seventeen each, from which I obtained forty-nine chickens, and reared forty-two — thirty-one pullets and eleven cockerels. On their being ready I advised the per- son of whom I bought the fowls to come over and inspect them, and not wanting many myself, and also having others coming on, I agreed to sell him, as per agreement, thirty-seven of the birds, and had the satisfaction of receiving £38. On meeting with him some time afterwards, he informed me that out of the lot he had made in sale and prize-money the handsome sum of £80 ! which, of itself, I submit, is a sufficient guarantee of their worth. If breeders would only be carefiil in selecting their stock, and not purchase from so many yards, but breed from some well- known strain, mark the eggs from each hen, and send their chickens to separate walks, they would at once find which were the best hens to breed cockerels and pullets from. I am of opinion that a great many breeders do not take notice of that. I should be glad to see a few remarks from some of our oldest breeders and exhibitors on this subject ; but I hold the opinion of the " WiLTSHiEE Eecior," that Game Bantams are easy to breed good if proper care and judgment be exercised, — A Wes-t Yor.KSHlEElIiN. ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION IN CHINA. M. Darry, French Consul at Han Keoo, in China, has just published an interesting paper ia the " Bulletin de la Societe d'Aclimatation " on the process employed by the Chinese in hatching eggs artifically. The places where this trade is practised are called Pao-jang ; each consists of a mud hut, 3 yards in height, exclusive of the roof, made of tUes ; the inside of the hut measures 8 by 4, and its entrance is situated due west ; the north-east wind is provided against by a layer of straw applied to the wall ; the door is made of planks, and measures 1 yard by 2. Light is admitted through four apertures in the roof. Within, there are eighteen brick stoves, '2i feet high, along the wall, and close to each other. Each of these stoves supports a large earthenware dish, sunk into the brickwork and just above the fireplace ; and inside this dish there is a basket of nearly the same shape, resting on a layer of ashes about 24 inches deep. It is in this basket the eggs are to be hatched ; 1200 in number are arranged in three layers, and the whole covered with a cane lid half an inch thick. Kine of the stoves are lighted at a time, but only eight have eggs, the ninth being in- tended to regulate the temperature of the room, which must be maintained the same throughout. The combustible employed is charcoal, and the temperature in the basket never exceeds 38' centigrade (100.4° Fahr.J The eggs are shifted five times during the twenty-four hours — viz., four times during the day and once during the night, the upper layer going to the bottom, and the bottom becoming the middle one. On the fifth day a small hole is pierced through the door, and by the pencil of light penetrating through it each egg is ex- amined, in order to ascertain which of them are in course of incubation. On the twelfth day the eggs are taken out of the baskets and arranged on shelves above the stoves, provided with layers of straw, 2 inches thick, and mats over them. Upon these the eggs are laid, with a cotton quilt nearly 3 inches thick between each layer, and another quilt just above, the whole being weU secured by means of a thick straw rope to pre- vent the air from getting to the eggs, which are regularly shifted as before, five times a-day. As soon as the eggs are taken out from the baskets, the fires are put out in the stoves which have been used ; the nine other stoves are lighted, and the process re-commences with a new batch of eggs. On the 21st the former lot is hatched, yielding about 700 chicks for every 1000 eggs. Every egg costs G sapeks, and each chicken obtained is sold for 14; the sapek_being the 130th part of a franc. HrVTSS. Ix your Number of the 20th ult. Mr. C. F. George describes a plan for making the square straw hives, and he says thatmy " native hives " seem " exactly like " his. Now, as my hives can be purchased (see advertisement in your Niunber of the 20th ult.), I ought, perhaps, not to notice Mr. George's com- mimicatiou, but, as our object is doubtless the same, the en- 192 JOURNAL OP HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Mareb 6, l&X. cotiraging the bar and frame system by remlcrinp the hivoa obtainable at a lower price, I will describe the mode of mauu- lactme according to my plan. The accompanying liketch is that of the {mme I nse ; it is made of half -inch deal, the sides 3 incheii deep, the cross pieces only 2 inches deep, and set in the sides 2 inches from their ends. This frame is 14 inches square from external cor- ners to external comers. I have other frames made on the same plan for nu- cleus, hexugon, or foran\' number of bars as re- quired. The sewing the straw (and my man never uses a ring), is conducted from end to end, not along the side pieces, and when the end of the side is arrived at, the frame is lifted out, turned one- qaarter round, and replaced, for the sewing to be carried along the next side, the cross pieces being set back for that purpose. This moving of the frame keeps the inside dimensions per- fect ; the side pieces, with a little beating of the straw, give a flattened surface to the inside. 'When finished the hive retains its shape admirably, is perfectly uniform in diameter, and I have never noticed any bulging or conical form whatevei- with this frame. The maker can turn it in his lap ; there are no incon- veniencing wires or laths ; and any degree of tightness can be exercised that is desired, a point upon which in reality the goodness of the hive depends, jly man now uses nothing but cane. I would recommend Mr. C. F. George to purchase one, from which, if he can obtain any hint, I am sure he is heartily welcome. — J. H. Blount, M.D., BaysJiot, Siurcij. LIGURIAN BEES. Whem taking steps for raisiag queens from the brood of my pure Italian mother, upon the 20th of May, I introduced her with a considerable number of her subjects into a frame hive furnished with several frames of empty brood comb, selecting for the centre tlrree combs consisting in a great measure of drone cells, as I wished, if possible, to rear and preserve a number of di'ones for the fertilisation of queens late in the season. Towards the end of June these combs were well filled with drone brood, and as the honey season began t-o break up early in July, I was apprehensive lest the workers should begin to oast out the immature drones. By Mr. Woodbury's adrice I reimoved the queen, placing her again at the head of a new colony. The bees In the parent hive at once constructed royal cells ; but these having been all excised before they came to maturity, the bees were unable to take aay further steps for supplying themselves with a new monarch. They continued, nevertheless, to work pretty nearly as well as usual, but were rather more irritable than their neighbours ; still, had I not been acquainted with their internal history, I should not have supposed that they were both destitute of queens and young brood. On the 4th of August I supplied the hive with a frame of bees and brood from the young colony founded upon the 6th of July, and governed by the pure ItaUan queen, which was now a populous and flourishing family. Many royal cells were at onoe foimded upon tliis comb, but, owing to the unsettled wet weather then prevalent, I did not inspect the proceedings of the bees very closely. On the 15th of August (the eleventh day from the time when the bees were supplied with the brood), I found one cell open. from which a queeu had evidently emerged. " The shades of night were falling fast," and I was unable to do anything fur- ther that evening ; but as no time was to be lost, early next morning the hive was again inspected, and I found five royal cells were already torn open, the work, as I thou supposed, of the senior princass. I soon detected a queen with her head and nearly the whole of her bodyiu one of the worker eclLs ; having carefully excised the piece of comb, I gently broke open the cell into which the queen had retired, and having ascertained that she was very beautifully marked and perfect in all respects, though rather below the average size, I at once removed the comb containing the royal cells (seven of which were still in- tactj, and returned the queen to her native abode. On Soturday, .August I'Jth, I found this queen l.Wng in front of the hiv« almost dead, and feared that the hire wai then queenless. In the afternoon, to my surprise, I found another queen, of rather a dork colour, lying in front of the hive, and still able to move a little, proving that she too had only recently received the mortal wound. On opening the hiv» I soon de- tected a third queen perarabiilating the combs. It is evident that in this instance at least three queens at Uberty co-existed in one hive for three days. The victorious queen was duly ler- tiliKcd, but did not begin to lay before the middle of September. I have upon several occasions introduced strange queens (both virgins and matrons), into my unicomb hive when it con- tained a queen regnant, and in every instance the stranger was gradually surrounded and imprisoned by the workers ; but the legitimate queen has never been in any way molested or inter- fered with. Supernumerary queens are, I know from actual observation, frequently disposed of by the workers; but the queens are in all probability often allowed to engage in single combat for the supremacy, and this was doubtless the way in which the matter was settled in the hive alluded to, as neither of the dead queens presented the usual disfigurement observ- able in those which have perished from encasement. — J. E. B. OUR LETTER BOX. .loDOF.s AND JuDoiNci IN ScoTLiSD (.Scolfliimin).— The Tomnrki wcro ((eiieml, and do not require a defence of the Paisley Show. Snub t!ener«l remarkK direct attuutiuu to the subject, oud if they are not wcU-groimded are best allowed to piitis unnoticed. Cochin Crossed with Dorkino (.5.1.— Sow that the hen has sot and brought off a brood, the taint will most probably cease. It prevails, as iu the Turkey, for many more than one egg. Vicious Gander (w. It,). — Your parting with him will not prevent the GtKjsc continuing to sit. Perhaps you are not aware that .1 gander very usually shows a violent temjier whilst the Goose is incubating. It is his mode of showing his anxiety to defend her during her own defenceless state. The noleut temper ceases when the goslings attain a large growth. Wire Kencing (Carolina Duck\. — Any wirework manufacturer adver- tisinj ill our eolamns will give you the information you need. TcMouRs ON Turkey's Head {.4. F. S.}. — Open th'e tumour with a pair of very sharp scissors. Itemove the matter, and wash the cavity thoroughly with warm water. Then draw the edges of the skin together very loosely with two or three stitches by means of a needle and thread. No ointment is needed. Perform the operation in mild weather. Give a tablespoonful of castor oil, and on no acouunt give stimulants, such as " Cayenne pepper and chopped onions." The food, rather, should be cooling — mashed potatoes and a little barleymeal, and plenty of green food. If you send to this office five itostago stamps with your address, and order " Bee-kewping for the Many," you will have it sent to you free by post. Peafowl lay in spring ; usually beneath some bush ueir the tree where they perch. The " Poultry-keeper's Manual," with coloared plates, price Ik, 6(f.. gives full directions for keeping all kinds of poultry, treatment of diseases, &e. You OAn have It from our office. Satikette Pigeoms.— Mr. Noye informtt us that he did not oxhibit Satinettes at the Birmingham C'olumbarian Society's Show. Mr. Noye's name appears, howevor. as having done so in the printed catalogue. Food Hbu Kinoed BENtiAi, Parroijuet {Jtf. S.l. — "To keep the bird in health give it canary and hemp seed, aboat one-third of the latter to two- thirds of the former; bread siMiked with water, squeezed diy, and given cold, fresh every morning ; occasionally one or two ehilies as a stimu' lant : and for a change give it a little sealed riee sparingly, also a small quantity of water to drink in a small tin pan to hold about two table- spoonfuls — not sufficient to wash in. The bird is very fond of fruit in season, such as apples, pears, &e. By no means give it meat or fat to cat, or bones to pick. Honet HAR\-BaT FOR 1866.— Mr. S. Bevan Fox informs us that the amount of his last year's iioney harvest in the concluding article on " Apiarian Notes," at pag« 176. w.as understated. It should have been 8.S0 lbs., instead of 233 lbs., as there given. Opbning a Woodbcry-Hive — Spring Feeding {A. JI.).— I have alroedy examined all my stocks and seen either the queen or young brood in each, but can scarcely be said to have commeaeed spring feeding, although I have everything ready for it aa stKjn as the weather becomes favourable. Birmingham being so mnch colder than Exeter, I think you lirtd better defer all these operations a few weeks longer. — A Devonshire. HEE-KEBI'ER. Bee Dysentery {12. .*». — /). C.J.). — There can be little doubt that when dysentery exists among bees the insects themselves are in a morbid con- dition, which may arise from various causes. Dysenteric excrement is profuse in quantity, of a dark colour, and emits a very otTensive smell. Dr. Donhott", a distinguished German apiarian, gives the following de- scription of his analysis of the excreta of healthy bees, iu which he found three ingredients. *' 1. iWmaiiu of Pollrn. — I boiled the excrement in caustic potash lye slightly diluted. After filtering. I washed the residuum in hot dilute muriatic acid. What was left after again filtering colrid, from its insolubility, be only the remains of pollen. It appe tred under the microscope like* an indistinctly granular mass. -2. f'nV .Icirf.— I im- mersed the excrement in concentrated sulphuric acid, in which uric acid remains undecomposed. .\fter carefully decanting the liquid from tha re-ulliug carbonaceous mass, I added water, and then washed the preci- pitated matter iu water. I now added one drop of liquor amoioniaci and one drop of muriatic acid. Oa heating, the mass assumed a jmrplish h«e. the characteristic reaction of m-ic acid. 3, Hippuric Aciil. — 1 boiled some excrejnent in caustic potash lye. After filtering, I added dilute muriatic acid, and obtained a precipitate which i)rovod to be composed of uric and hippuric acid. According to an approximate estimate the excreta of hoes consist of about oue-third uric and hippuric acid, and the residue of indigestible poUeu.'' .^'^ ¥'}^ ^ JOUBNAIi Q?, WeTItSULTWBE AUD: COTTAGE GAKDENEIR.": 193 "■Wii"i"Klir CAUENDAB,,,, —a-i baa -e; s.-t :;rth,PtS;^ Mpntli ■Dky' o( Week. Tc W Th F s Sun M MAROH 18— 19, 1866. Boaaifeacordifolia. CameUlas. " Cftlf eoLtria s. . Carnations. ■:■:• ^-.r':' CaUistemon pli<£xij^i»n; 5 Sunday in Lent. Pbs. Lon.iKA Chorozeiiiavariura. [Born, 1S48 A-verage ■Temperature near London. Day. 50.9 51.4 51.1 61.5 50.0 60.5 D1.7 NiRlrt. 34.4 a5.3 84.S 34.0! se.9 sa.3 S3.5 Wean. 42.6 43.3 4-3.7 43.0 41.4 41.9 42.6 R.iin in ' laat J9 yeara. Days. 14 18 19 13 li 11 13 Sim- lUaes. in. h. alafS 19 6 Son Seta.' I Hoop. Kiaas m. h. [ m. 68al6 I 17 0 6 I 51 2 6 |,22 Moon Sets. m. b. 4 a 17 S Moon^E Age. Days. 26 27 28 ■• " 1 Clock before Sun. m. a. 9 40 9 23 9 6 S 49 8 82 »• 14 7 66 fifty Year. 72 73 74 ?i -77 73 From ol>se^ations taTion near London during the last thirty-nine years, the ayerage d.iy temperature of the week is 51.0^; and its night tem- perature gliO'. The (Ti'eatest heat was 67', on the 15tb, 18i8; and the lowest cold 17", on the 17th, 1846. The greatest fall of rain was 0.70 inch. N.B. — The Calendar contains the names of plants flowering in the greenhouse. - THE ROOTING OF PEAKS ON QUINCE STOCKS —PARADISE STOCKS. :..j^ ijVHAVE read your remarks on the rooting of Pears on Quince stor.ks from the junction of tlie graft ivith the stock when it is bm-ied, and am able, after many years of observation of such subjects, to assert that you are perfectly con-eet. It is now about twenty- four years since I formed a plant- ation of two thousand Louise Bonne Pears budded on the Quince. Tliey grew and bore well ; but as some of them were planted "before the ground was trenched, when that was done the earth was raised above the junction of the buds with their stocks. This did not seem to affect the gro%vth of the trees for some few seasons ; but after a time, from five to seven years, I observed a marked difference in some of the trees. They made shoots of great vigour, and ceased to bep.r such fine fruit as the others. The few fruit produced were green, small, deformed, and much spotted with large black spots. This induced me to have the earth removed from tlie bases of the trees, and I then discovered that the vigorous-growing trees had made large roots from the graft, and that the Quince roots were rotten and perfectly' eSete. The foUowmg season I observed that these vigorous-growing trees were more or less afi'ected with canker, and the shoots dead or dying from thefr tips to half way down their length. My curiosity was excited as to why this should take place, and I had some of these Pear roots followed with the spade. They were found to have run through the staple — a sandy loam 20 inches deep, and to have penetrated the clay to a depth of upwards of 6 feet : tliey had numerous ramifications, but were destitute of fibres, seeming as if they had hard work to do — i. e., a long way to go to pick up inditi'erent food. On examining trees of the same kind, standing in the same row, with the junction of the graft with the stock just clear of the surface of the soil, the Quince roots were found close to the sui-face and very fibrous. I should mention that they were bearing fine crops of very hand- some clear-skinned fruit, were in a veiy healthy state, and so dift'erent from the Pear-rooted trees as to appear a different variety ; yet they wore all Louise Bonne Pears. I immediately had the earth carefully removed from the bases of all the trees, taking up and replanting some that were bimed too deeply, and have had no trouble since. I must confess that tliis experience of the ill eft'ects of the deep rooting of fruit trees made me a more strenuous root-pruner and remover than ever, and I have never for- gotten the lesson. In closely observing for some years the Pear trees I Ko. 259.— Vol. X., New Seeies. / -T have alluded to. I was much struck with a curious fact. In spite of all my care, my labourers in digging the groimd would, through carelessness, cover the junction of the gi'afts with earth. In looking over the trees in summer, I was soon made aware of this by seeing some of the trees maldug shoots of great vigour, and on examination the Pear roots were found thrusting themselves into the earth vritli gi-eat determination. The curious fact was, I could never find any fringe of fibres on the gi'ai't, or any small roots. There were in all cases but one or two (the fonner the more frequent), large bare roots, tlie commencement of which I never could see. As far as I remember, I found some of these Pear roots not so far advanced as to have killed the Quince roots : I then had them cut off with a saw, tlie tree staked, and it was restored to its fertile , state. .. •:', ,. . ■ ' ■ Some large trees of the Vidar tfWinkfield Pear, now twenty-five years old, and in a healthy state, have rooted from the gi'aft. They have not suffered in health as did the Louise Bonne, but they are very large and unmanage- able. 'Xa f'./Tr.'-f^.r.r" Ever since the experience gained as I have related, I have been very careful to keep the junction of the Pear graft with the Quince stock just clear of the siu'face of the soU, and have told my fiieuds to do the same. Your cor- respondent Mr. Scott is, I presume, a young cultivator, and has some experience to gain. I must not omit to state what so strongly impressed me at the time — the power of what we should call in animal life instinct : let us call it " vegetable in--;tinct" — the term is not inappropriate. The trees while deri\'ing their sup- port from the Quince roots were confined in tliefr growth ; yet they patiently awaited their opportimity, and as soon as " mother earth " by contact tempted them with a more abundant supply of food, they gladly put foi-tli tliefr natui-al feeding powers — -then- own roots, and took advantage of it. The subject was full of interest. Again and again I turned to my half-reasoning trees, and felt more than ever the womfrous incomprehensible power of Nature. There is something trite and not by any means new in what I have written as to the power of the instincts of plants. The observing cultivator may have them under liis eye daily ; but I never remember to have been more forcibly impressed ^vith what to me seemed vegetable reasoning than the rooting of my Pears from the graft ; they " bided thefr time " so cleverly. With regard to the Pommier de ParaJis. not " Pomme Paradis," IMr. Pearson is right, and Mr. Scott, well — decidedly i\Tong. Tliere are many trees and slmibs that brave the severity of a continental printer only because they gi-ow under a powerful sim, and have well-ripened tissue. This is the case in France with the Pommier de Paradis, wliich Mi'. Scott should have seen. There is some confusion in the terms used to designate the Apple stocks called Paradise stocks. I have hitherto in all that I have ^vritten called the Pommier de Paradis the " French Paradise, ' and have warned cultivators against employing it except for pot culture. The English Paradise, still grown by the stock-growers in Surrey, is a very distinct No. 811.— Vol. XXXV., Old Sekies. 294 JO0BNAL OP HOKTICDLTUBE AND COTTAGE OABDENER. ( Htrch 18, UBB. sort, but of the same relative viRonr as the Doucin of the French coltivators : consequently I have tried to make them bear one name, and have called this stock the English Para- dise or Doucin, hoping that we should settle down to two names, both distinctive — %iz., the French Paradise (Pommicr do Paradi?), of but little value here, and the English Paradise, comprehending all the vigorous-growing varieties of tlio Doucin. There are in France probably eight or ten sorts of dwarfing Apple stocks called Doneins, some of them with small leaves and a dwarf habit, approaching in character to the French Paradise, but hardier — one of these may be the " Pomme Paradis " of Mr. Scott — others more or less vigorous. As far as I have experienced, almost every department in France has its Doucio stock. The best of them is that sort which approaches nearest to our English Paradise stock. Our climate requires a vigorous, hardy, surface-rooting stock — surface-rooting is the alpha and omega of fruit-tree culture in England. The slowness with which a thorough knowledge of fruit-tree cnltnre is acquired can be known only to those who have passed their lives in carrying it out. The knowledge of fruit- tree stocks, so slightly appreciated in England, is a life study. The changes brought on by grafting, the stocks to be employed, the experiments in grafting that may be tried, and which as described in your columns amuse me by the zest with which they are told — Pears on Thorns, and j'igs on Thistles — the Apple on the Pear, and the Pear on the Apple. By the way, an American friend told me the other day that the finest Pears he ever saw were from grafts on an Apple tree. The tree, as usual, did not live many years. To return to Apple stocks. One feels half vexed that the name " Paradise " has been applied to them ; it is so absurd, bat, like other ancient things, it cannot now be changed. The Pommier de Paradis is evidently from the east, is identical with the Dwarf Apple of Armenia, and may there, by some eastern tradition, have been pointed out as the Paradise Apple, and thus have travelled to the west with its imposing name, tt must, however, be acknowledged that the fruit of the Apple tree bearing this name would scarce tempt a very hungry boy living in Clare Market. Among these surface-rooting Apple stocks the Burr Knot has a high character. Its habit is stout, healthy, and robust, 30 that when grafted it gives to the giaft a healthy prolific character. It may be propagated from cuttings made of shoots two years old, but it is slow in rooting. The English Codlin will also strike from cuttings and become a surface-rooting stock, but it does not form a healthy tree. The great desideratum in garden Apple-tree culture is to employ a robust-growing but snrface-rooting stock. The Eng- lish Paradise and some of the robust-growing kinds of Doucin are of this nature ; but the nearest approach to the Burr Knot, and consequently to perfection, is No. 1, a stock raised here from seed forty years since, it is presumed from the Nonesuch Apple, as its shoots are full of spurs and knots like that sort ; yet, mnch like the Burr Knot, it makes stout shoots as thick as one's finger in one season, is most robust in its habit, and yet roots very freely at the surface, and by doing so promotes ■a most healthy vigour in the graft. Of this very remarkable stock, which French pomologists are in raptures with, it is intended to propagate here 100,000 a-year, and its name is the Nonesuch Paradise. No. 2, another seedling raised at the same time, has the .same tendency to make roots at the surface, is almost equally vigorous, but is quite distinct. Its shoots are smooth and dark in colour, like some of the best varieties of Doucin ; but its leaves arc broader, and it is more vigorous than any kind of Doucin. This will be distinguished by the name of Hivers's Paradise. No. 3 is another seedling Paradise stock, raised in the same year as those above described. This is a hardy healthy-grow- ing stock, more humble in its growth than the French Para- dise, and calculated to make trees of very diminutive growth. No. 4, also a seedling raised at the same time, is the most dwarf of all fruit stocks, and is a perfect miniature Apple tree, forming itself into a bush only a few inches in height. As compared to the French Paradise it is as an ant to a bluebottle fly. It is, of course, only a curiosity. I have mentioned it merely to show the illimitable variations of trees when domes- ticated— i. e., nnder ciJtivation for a long series of years ; and it reminds me of the curious Pear which I am employing as a dwarfing stock — the Nain Vert, which when grafted on a vigorous stock never makes an annual growth of more than 2 inches. The history of my seedling Paradise stocks illustrates what I have advanced as to the length of time required to obtain a thorough knowledge of fruit-tree culture. Twenty years ago the Englisb Paradise was well known, but it was rarely planted and but little understood. It is forty years since I raised my seedlings. I kept them because I was interested by their tendency to root at the surface of the soil. It is only within the last twenty years that I have been impressed with the value of Nos. 1 and 2, the impression slowly but steadily in- creasing, receiving an occasional fillip from clever French cul- tivators, till, at the present time, I believe they will supersede all other Apple stocks for garden trees, giving a healthy, robast, yet prolific character to the varieties grafted on them. Miller seems to have been well acquainted with the French Paradise (Pommier do Paradis) ; and I commend the follow- ing extract from his folio dictionary, 1759, to the notice of Mr. Scott, whom I have not the pleasure of knowing — it may make him a wiser man. " The Paradise Apple hath of late years greatly obtained for stocks to graft or bud upon ; but these are of not long duration, nor will the trees grafted upon them ever grow to any size, unless they are planted so low as that the Cyon may strike root into the Groimd, when it will be equal to no Stock,' for the graft will draw its Nourishment from the Ground, so that it is only by ^Yay of Curiosity [I quote capitals as printed], or for very small Gardens that these Stocks aro proper, since there can never be expected any considerable Quantity of Fruit from such Trees. These Trees have been much more esteemed in France, where they were frequently brought to the Table in the Pots growing with their Fruit upon them ; but this being only a Curiosity, it never obtained much in England, so that the Gardeners do not propagate many of them here at present." Miller alludes to our English Paradise as follows: — " There is another Apple, which is called the Dutch Paradise, much cultivated in the Nurseries for grafting Apples upon in order to make them Dwarfs, and these will not decay or canker as the other, nor do they stint the Grafts half so much ; so are generally preferred for planting Espaliers or Dwarfs, being easily kept within the Compass usually alloted to these Trees." I hope I have in this rather lengthy article thrown some light on Apple stocks. There is almost as much to be said on Quince stocks, of which there are several varieties, some of them very unfavourable to the Pear graft, and making the trees short-lived. It must be thirty years since I received from M. Leroy, of the " Grand Jardin," Angers, one plant each of all the sorts of Quinces he possessed. In the course of a few years I discovered that the Angers Quince, " Cognassier d'Angers," was the most easy to propagate and the most favourable to the growth of the Pear. I made this known in that part of France, and it soon became the most popular of all. It deserves to be so. There are still too many other kinds of Quince employed in France and Belgium for stocks, some of which are most unfavourable to the growth of the Pear graft. In conclusion, I must recommend your numerous readers, when they plant Apples on the Paradise stock, to avoid the French Paradise, which, as Mr. Pearson justly says, will not do well in our eUmate ; and this seems to have been well known upwards of a century ago, thanks to our good old friend Miller. Those who assert that I he French Paradise — the Pommier de Paradis, or " Pomme Paradis " of Mr. Scott — has done and does well in Scotland and other places with cool moist climates, have not planted the true sort, and probably do not know if. — Thos. Kiveks. Allow me to say a few words with regard to Pears grafted on the Quince. In 18.58 or 1859, I forget which, I had three small Pear trees, grafted on the Quince, planted deep enough to cover the graft. This was not done for any particular pur- pose, but more by accident than anything else. Last year, when leaving my old place, on taking them np I found one had rooted strongly above the graft, both the others sUghtly. I have also seen Pears root in this way several times, and I am surprised that Mr. Scott should think it necessary to use such very strong language in denying what many gardeners must know to be true. As to the Paradise stock, it Ui.iy be as hardy as Mr. Scott says, on this point I say nothing ; but I know from experience that the trees are easily injured by frost here, and very liable to be attacked by insects (aphis) in sum- mer. Out of ten trees, five were killed by frost, and two by • I need scarcely to point out how this illostrates all that I have 8»id about Pear trees rooting from the gmft. March 13, 1S66. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICDLTUEB AND COTTAGE GAilDENKB. 195 insects and the summer heat ; but I am bound in justice to say that the others have made very good stocks, and the Apples grafted on them have done well. — J. H. THE COILING OF "SINES. It was not till I had waited some time after the appearance of Mr. Eivers's illustrated communication on this question that I took it up. I wished, and waited to see, others offer their experience, as I was well aware that many could state impor- tant facts very similar to those I related at page 83, and with which Mr. Rivers deals in his usually acute way. Passing over the opinion of Mr. Rivers's venerable French friend, upon whose experience, as it seems to me, and not on his own, Mr. Rivers recommends so confidently the layering or coiling of Vine stems, I will shortly refer to the remarks which Mr. Rivers makes on the facts which I stated in my former communication ; and this I do, not for the sake of inaugurating a controversy with Mr. Rivers or any one else, but still further to assist in bringing out what may be regarded as the soundest practice on this not unimportant point of horticulture. I will still leave the circumstances connected with the experiments I have already related to be compared with Mr. Eivers's theory. He states that I " confound the coUing of the shoot of a Vine lightly covered with soil with the layering of a Vine deeply;"' but my comparison was not between the layering of a shoot deeply, and another that had been or was to be lightly covered. It was between those that I had layered 8 inches deep and the directions given by Mr. Eivers's misprint to cover them 10 inches deep, so that on that particular point I was reasoning from premises furnished by what I supposed to be his and my own figtires ; and from what I am about to state it will appear that the correction of the misprint does not alter the deductions or the correctness of the opinion formed in the course of my own experience. Mr. Rivera asserts that to bury the stem of a Vine 8 inches deep is to place it too deep to receive any benefit from those grand sources of life — light and heat, consequently it puts forth no roots. I will not here controvert the idea that light is more favourable than darkness to the formation of roots, any further than to say that I agree with our great physiologist in believing that darkness is more favourable than light to the formation of roots. Heat has, beyond all question, much influence in pro- ducing roots, and in the case of the experiments I detailed this only tends to strengthen the deductions that I made — namely, that it is unnatural and injurious to layer the stems of Vines in the soil. The Vines which I layered across the border from the back to the front wall, and those I planted, and the stems of which were layered from the centre of the inside border, where their roots were fixed, to the front waU, were all layered in below the hot-water apparatus, which runs 2 feet from the front wall. Close to the surface of the 8 inches of soil which covered the Vine stems rested the pipes. I need scarcely say that at the point below the pipes the stems had by far the most warmth, much more than where the whorl of roots was produced, close to the cold front wall, yet this did not cause the stems to emit roots where there was most heat, but where I conceive it to be most natural — near the union of the Vine with the border. Now, I have always found that Vines planted in the usual way send their roots into the soil heated by the proximity of pipes or flues, and in these cases at least Mr. Eivers's theory as to the Vines being buried away from the influence of heat being the cause why they did not emit roots on " every inch of stem " does not hold good in my experience, for the roots were pro- duced close to the front wall where the soil was coldest and shaded from the rays of the sun. As to the greater amount of light and heat which a Vine covered 2 inches deep with fine soil receives over one covered 8 inches in the inside of a warm vinery, I could not really determine ; nor does this seem to be any more than a theory with Mr. Rivers. In reference to the other case of which Mr. Rivers says " that the stems of the Vines were most probably too deeply covered, and shaded from the direct rays of the sun by the front wall : under such circumstances they could not put forth roots," facts are very difierenl from surmises or guesses, for it was just in the shade of the front wall that the strong whorl of roots was produced, exactly below where the stems entered the soil. My experiment with the pot Vines may be accepted as a "great mistake" in the same sense that many other experi- ments may be so termed ; at the same time I cannot, with my experience of the depth at which Vine roots will act, and act vigorously, accept Mr. Eivers's theory in this case either. He says that the results I stated arose from the roots being buried to the depth of 15 inches, and the Vines were ruined by their roots being placed out of the influence of light and heat. Surely Mr. Bivers is not in earnest when he aSects to tell Vine-growers that the roots of Vines wUl not act at a depth of 15 inches, because they are out of the influence of light and heat ! I would simply ask if ever he ripened Grapes in April from Vines having their roots entirely in an outside border without bottom heat, and thatched over with a layer of dry leaves and straw ? and if he has, whether he thinks under such circumstances their roots were under the influence of light ? But this is not aU, the border in which I plunged the pot Vines in question was more than usually open, and heated from be- neath with air-drains. As to roots not acting at a greater depth than 15 inches I will leave that question to all those who have either put an addition to the front of a Vine-border or lifted the roots of Vines that have been planted for any length of time. Have they not found them down 4 or 5 feet deep, where light and heat from above could not have any influence on them ? The reason of these Vines not doing well was not the wants of which Mr. Rivers speaks ; and their not doing well cannot, from anything that has come within the range of my experience, or that Mr. Elvers has advanced, be attributed to the want of light and heat at their roots. I feel perfectly confident that had they been buried much deeper, but not having soil in con- tact with their stems, they would have done as well as their contemporaries. If roots of Vines are so fond of light why do they not root up to it ? as they do when covered over deeply with manure or leaves, stUl more ceiling them from light, although they wiU not do so when the border is not mulched. I am inclined to look upon the coiUng as a delusion in more respects than this. It is practised with the view of increasing the roots of Vines ; but is not root-vigour more dependant on the amount of healthy foliage that the Vine is allowed to make than on burying in the ground what Nature designed should climb into the air, and induce the emission of roots at fresh points ? I feel convinced that if a fresh set of roots are thus produced the old roots will be deserted in the long run ; and if so, what has been gained ? Not anything ; but the result will be injurj- to the Vine, to say the least of it, for the lime being. In the order of Nature the Vine wUl come to depend on the roots formed at the junction of the Vine with the border, thus proving the correctness of the theory that the descending sap is interfered with by placing the liber of the stem where only roots were intended. If I might suggest to Mr. Elvers that he leave a portion of the Vines he proposes coiling as they are, for comparison with those coiled, his experiment would then be much more satisfac- tory, and if spared till the International, " may I be there to see." This quotation prompts the thought that this hobby may prove as unruly as .John Gilpin's horse. "With these remarks I leave this question in the hands of others who may feel inclined to favour us with any experience they have had, and leave future experiments to be related when carried out to their results, as I purpose to do in the case of some I am now making. — D. Thomson. MEARXS'S SYSTEM OF COILING YTKE SHOOTS. If I may judge from a short article in the "Florist and' Pomologist " for this month, the coiling of a Tine shoot with- out a root, after the system of Meams, which was much written about some years ago, has been confounded with the coiling of a rooted Vine. — T. R. [A drawing and description of Mr. Meams's " coiling system " are in the " Vine Manual," published at our office.] NOMENCLATURE OF GARDEN PLANTS. Sh.uj, I be taken for a Goth if I plead the cause of the ladies, the country gentleman, and the general pubUc, in favour of a natural English system of nomenclature for all the vegetable kingdom, instead of the present hybrid classical system ? Very few know the meaning of the names used, and I am sure that equally appropriate scientific names could be devised in our own tongue, while for all ordinary purposes the common popular English names are sufficient. The puzzle caused to most people by a seed or plant catalogue is immense ; and I see 196 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEB. ( Much 13, 188C no reason Tvh; seeds sboalil be catalogued as Ipom.-ea, Bellis, Tagetes, Matkiola, &c., v,hen they ore well known as t'onvol- vtJus, Daisy, Marigold, Stock, t Vines, supplied by Mr. Meredith ; the other two contain a miscella- neous collection of Pines, stove plants, &c. During the spring these houses arc to be altered, and they will thenceforth be used as vineries. At the end of this range, and parallel with the walk, a site is set apart for a fine range of three-quarter span-roofed houses. The range will be 104 feet long by 20 wide. This brings us across the present kitchen garden, where we enter the field before mentioned. In the front of these houses will be a sort of terrace-wall, on which will be placed ornamental vases for plants. On the opposite side of the walk, in front of the houses, will be a border for mixed flowers, such as Hoses, Dahlias, herbaceous plants, &c. After passing through the kitchen garden wo enter the field, or what will be the fruit garden. Here the mixed border will be continued on each side of the walk, after passing the houses, tin we come to and pass across the main central walk. The rest of the walk westward I purpose covering with wire trellises in the form of an arch. This will be for training Apples, Pears, &c., on, and at the end of this walk will be a summer-house. The effect when looking from this point I think will be very pleasing. At the back of the borders on each side will be planted a row of fruit trees to be trained as pyramids. The four quarters, divided by the walks above described, will be laid out in beds of about 30 feet each. These wUl be thrown con- siderably above tie general level of the ground. In the centre of each bed will be planted a row of pyramidal-trained trees, on each side of these a row of bush-trained trees, finishing off the edges on each side with a row of cordon-trained trees. The whole 5 toMnrch 16th. 1856 to Sept. 21 St, 1856 to Sept. 1st. 1857 to Jannan- 7th, 1858 to March 3l9t, 1858 to Jnly4th, 1858 to Novomhor 26lh, 1858. . to Jane 19tb, 1859 to July 18th, 1869 to Nov. 26th, 1859 to November 10th, 1860 to Angust lith, 1882 to Februan- IKth, 1883 . . to April 4tb. 1H53 to Julv IHtli, 1HG3 to Mav 1st. 18(;4 to October 19th, 1864 . . to Mav 4th, 1865 to Juno 29th, 1865 to September 20th, 1865 to October 8th, 1865 being 14 lays „ 16 ,^ „ IS „ „ H „ „ 19 „ „ 14 „ 15 „ 18 ,j „ 15 „ 15 „ 18 ., 27 „ 17 ., 14 „ 14 „ 18 ,j „ 15 „ 24 „ 19 „ 21 „ 25 .. 14 „ 16 ., 16 ., 14 „ 16 „ 16 „ 15 .. 14 ., 17 „ IS ,. n ,. 14 „ „ 15 .. 15 ^j „ 14 „ 26 „ 15 „ 26 „ 22 „ 17 Only seven times during twenty years have the number of dry days exceeded twenty at one time, and two of these times were in 1865. The following shows the number of days in each year on which no rain fell, from 1846 to 1865, inclusive: — Days. Tear. DaijK 1846 . .. 201 1847 . .. 2.S0 1848 . .. 169 lNi9 . .. 193 isr>0 . .. 223 1851 . .. 217 1852 . .. 204 Year. Days 1853 . .. 194 1864 . .. 230 1865 . .. 226 1856 . .. 214 1857 . . . 220 1868 . .. 240 1859 . .. 219 Year. 1860 1861 1862 1863 1864 1865 204 IM 284 2S0 From these figures it will be seen that it was iu 1864 that there were the greatest number of days on which no rain fell ; also in that year the least fall of rain took place, being 5.564 inches below the average of twenty years. Cardington is situated about three miles from Bedford, one mile from the river Ouse, 12 feet above tho level of the river, and 100 feet above the sea level. The weather ia generally very dry in summer, and very damp in winter. — John McLakes, Gardener to S. C. Whitbread, Esq. WEATHER WISDOM. {Continued from page 108.) The chief cause which tends to throw discredit on a baro- meter is the introduction on the scale of the words fair, rain, stormy, &c. It is not my present intention to consider why these words were introduced, but rather to point out the reasons why they ought to be disregarded by those whose object it is to study the barometer, and by its fluctuations to anticipate probable wcatlier. I may here observe that in instruments made for the National Lifeboat Institution the words I have mentioned do not occur, as it was considered they did more harm than good. In their place, however, are inserted short practical hints, informing the observer on what occasions the barometer rises and falls, and what future weather may bo expected from such variations, fee. In the first place, tho height at which a barometer is fixed above sea level is not always taken into account by observers. It has been explained on a former occasion (page 27), that the mercury does not stand so high when a barometer is taken to the summit as it does when observed at the foot of a hill, and, therefore, the inexperienced are placed in the following dilem- ma : — A man observes his glass (one I wUl suppose by a good maker), and he sees the mercury iu the tube is level with the March 13, 1866. ] JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 201 word change on the scale (29.50). He then visits a friend who lives in a house situated at a much higher elevation than his own. Passing through the hall he sees a barometer reading considerably lower than his did. Perhaps he calls the atten- tion of his friend to this fact ; the person thus appealed to says his instrument is right, and accordingly the other thinks to himself, "Both cannot be right ; " and yet both are right. What is change (29.50) at sea-level will become rain (29.00) about .500 feet higher than sea-level, because one-tenth of an inch must always be added to the- readings of a barometer for every 100 feet the instrument is placed above sea-level. Your readers may say, " We do not know the height we are situated above sea-level, and how can we find out ? " The answer to such an inquiry is to be found on the ordnance map, where the height at which different localities are situated above the sea- level is clearly marked out and defined. From what has been just remarked it will be at once per- ceived that there is a disadvantage in the use of the words fair, change, &c. Why should an observer who hves some 100 feet above sea-level be obliged to remember that on his glass change does not mean change, but fair ? Now, in baro- meters without these words, although of course an observer at a lower station would find a difference when comparing the readings of his instrument with those taken by one at a higher level, there would not be that discrepancy in the words just alluded to, and I apprehend that a person who has in his possession a barometer on whiph these words are omitted pays more attention to the rise and fall of the mercury, and makes his own deductions more accurately, than others who are mis- led by the words previously referred to. Assuming in the next place that an observer knows the height at which he is situated above sea-level, and therefore in his readings of the barometer makes the proper allowance for such elevation, why is it that the words fair, &c., are liable to mislead him, and to become a stumbling block to his know- ledge of weather ? The reason is as follows : — A barometer is never to be judged by its readings at the moment of observa- tion, when any one wishes to know the probable weather which may be expected at that time. The instrument, as a rule, is always beforehand, and does not tell present weather. Weather wisdom is attained by looking at the previous movements of the column, and accordingly if the mercury has risen to fair, but the rise has been very sudden, or the barometer has oscil- lated to or from that point for the last few days, heavy and un- settled weather may be expected. However, the bad weather will not be so long in duration with a high barometer as it would have been had the glass been very low for some days. On the other hand, the column steadily rising towards fan- does show settled and fine weather, and in that case the words fair and set fair on the scale of an instrument at sea- level, or reduced by correction to that level, are reaUy right. I would ask your readers. Is it not better to pay no attention to words which have a double signification, and do most un- doubtedly mislead the inexperienced?" Doubtless many per- sons know of instances where an umbrella is never taken out of a stand when the glass is above change, and what is the re- sult ? — vei-y often a severe wetting ; the barometer is blamed, but who, I ask, is really to blame ? Again, has the science of weather taken deep root in a family where such remarks as the following are heard ? — "My barometer is rising fast, and we shall have fine weather," when the present state of weather wisdom suggests the very opposite — viz., imsettled and change- able weather. — X., Surrcij. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S MEETINGS. The Anniversary Meeting of tliis Society was held on the 22nd of January, F. P. Pascoe, Es(|., F.L.S., President, in the chau-, when the appointment of the Couucil and Officers for the ensuing year took place, Sir John Lubbock, Bart., F.K.S., being elected President; Mr. Pascoe's teiTQ of office having expired. The other oificers were re- elected. The President announced that the Council's offer of prizes to be nwarded to the anthors of essays on economic Entomology, had produced three competitors, and that the Coancil had awarded one of the prizes, of the value of live guineas, for an Essay on Ailanthi culture, the author of which proved to be Dr. Wallace, of Colchester, and in which an elaborate account was given, from personal experience, of the Ailanthus Silk Moth (Satnmia Cynthia), tlie practicabibty of the cultivation of which, as well as of that of the Ailanthus tree itself in the most unpromising situations, was fully demonstrated. The President, before leaving the chair, read an address on the progress of ' entomology during the past year, which, as well as Dr. Wallace memoir, was ordered to he printed for distribution among the members. The meeting held on the 5th of FebruaiT was presided over by Sir .John Lubbock, the newly-elected President, who retnraed thanks for his election, and nominated Messrs. Wilson Saunders, Pascoe, and Wcstwood, Vice-Presidents for the ensuing year. Amongst the numerous donations to the Society's library, were the publications of the Entomological Societies of New'South Wales (Part 4), and of Stettin. The prize awarded by the Couucil to Dr. Wallace, for his memoir on AUanthi culture, was presented to that gentleman, who, in returning thanks, stated that the cultivation both of the Ailanthus tree and of the Silk Moth itself, appeared to be even more flourishing in this couutiy than in France, where it has now become an object of much importance. The President announced that the Council had deter- mined to renew their offer of two prizes of tivo guineas each, for memoirs of sufficient merit, and di-awn up from personal observatioQ, on the anatomy, economy, or habits of any insect, or group of insects, especially serviceable or obnoxious to mankind. The essays to be sent to the Secretaij on or before the iJOth of November, 1866. " M. Gaerin Mcueville, of JParis ; and M. Bohemann, of Stockholm, were elected honorary members of the Society. Mr. McLnchbm exhibited, on behalf of Mr. Doiwille, Stei"rha sac- raria, captured near Exeter, and a number of remarkable varieties of British species of Butterflies and Moths, including a gigantic CjTithia Cardui, or Painted-lady Bntterfly, Hipparchia Tithonus, with an ad- ditional ocellus, Agrotis Segetum, nearly black, &c. Mr. S. Stevens exhibited the male of PapUio Semperi, remarkable as being the only known Lepidopterous insect with a brilliant scarlet body and jet black wings. It is a native of Mindanao in the Philippine Islands. Professor Westwood exhibited a pan- of the Dog-tick, which he had kept without food in a glass tube for twelve months, having been a portion of the specimens presented by Major Cox to the Society in February, 1865 ; shortly afterwards a number of young ones were observed in the tube, which, however, soon died, but the tube wag now again thronged with young in the hexapod state, but the female was no longer alive. He also exhibited the interesting larva of Tipula replicata, found in damp moss by Mr. Edwin Brown, of Burton, re- markable for the strong' analogy wbioh it exhibits in the long branchial filaments upon the sides and back of its body, with the aquatic larvae of the Neuropterous genus Sialis, and the Lepidopterous genus Hydrocampa. Mr. Wilson Saunders exhibited a veiy extensive and beautiful series of Butterflies belonging to the genus Hehconia, which had been captured in a siu'^'le locality in Cayenne, and which varied to so great a degi'ee, both in their markings and colours, as to have been regarded as a number of tbstinct species, but which Mr. Saunders considered were only varieties of a single species, Heliconia Melpomene. This exhibition led to au extensive discussion on the geographical range of the species, and on the effects of situation on the modiflcation of the specific characters of the insect, in which Mr. Bates stated that he had taken nearly all these varieties on the Amazon, and that he was induced to consider, that in cci-tain localities the species appeared to be constant in its colours and markings, but that in the hilly districts of Guiana the species was subject to endless variation, whilst else- where it appeared to resolve itself into three distinct variations, which had been named H. Melpomene, HeUxiope, aud Vesta. He had suc- ceeded in breeding H. Erato, aud had found its catei-pillars to be gi-egarious. The President exhibited magnified coloured di-awings of two curious larvffl of unlcnown forms. Mr. F. Smith communicated a note from Mr. Heni'y Doubleday, in which the doubts expressed by the fonner at a previous meeting, as to the origin of the tapping noise often heard in old houses, alleged to be made by the Death Watch, Anobium striatum, were completely dis- proved, Mr. Doubleday having repeatedly obsen'ed that insect m the act of making the noise in question, by .striking its head against the surface upou which it was standing. He had kept the insect in confine- ment and could make it reply by tapping any hard material with a pencil. Mr. Wallace mentioned, that in repairing an old church at Col- chester, the Oak beams on the south side of the roof were chiefly attacked by the Anobium. Mr. Stainton annoimced the death of Senator Van Hyden, one of the oldest and best entomologists of Germany, and the aiTival of Mr. WoUaston, on an entomological excursion to the Cape de Verd Islands. Memoirs were read by Mr. Bates on new Phytophagous Beetles ; and by Mr. Hewitson on new species of Hesperidan Butterflies. NOTES ON THE SPECIES OF HELLEBORUS. (Continued from page 145.) Helleborus olympicus, Lindley (The Olympic Hellebore). — Syn. H. guttatus, of gardens ; H. colchicus, of gardens ; H. olympicus albus, of gardens ; H. abchasicus, Fischer. The radical leaves of this species are palmate, with the segments oblong-linear and toothed on the margins, except near the base, which is entire. The floral leaves are large, stalkless, 302 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. [ Much 13, 1888. and sharply serrated on the upper half. The flowers are cnp- sbaped, greenish-white, with the sepuls bluntly egg-shapod ; persistent, and produced on lorked flower-stems a foot high and which, as wtU as the leafstalks, are beautifully mottled with reddish brottii spots. This kind is a native of the Bithynian Olympus, and flowers from Febniaiy to April. ^, , , Dr. Lindlcy, who tirst described this species, gives the fol- lowing as its'distiugiiishing characters from the other species of the genus— viz., " From Helleborus orientalis it dillers in having palmate not pedate radical leavo.'^, which are less acute and more finely toothed ; in its two-flowered stems, and in its smaller flowers, which are pale green and not coloured like flowers. From Helleborus niger it differs In its leafy scape being much longer than the leaves, which are palmate and not pedate ; in the form of its leaflets, which are serrated almost to the base, and want the almost rhombic form of that species From Helleborus odorus it differs in its white and earlier flowers, thinner and smaller leaves, and an entire want of the coarse prominent ribs that stiffen the foliage of that plant. From Helleborus purpurasceus it differs in its larger floral leaves and finely toothed leaves ; from Helleborus atrorubens, to which it is nearest, in its much larger pallid green flowers, rounder sepals, and broader, palmate, not trifid, floral leaves ; the leaves, moreover, are much more leathery thau iu that species." Helleborus odorus, Walchtein (The Sweet-scented UeUe- tore).— Syn. H. odoratus, of ganU-m. The root-leaves of this species are palmate, pubescent on the under surface when young, with the segments oblong, quite entire at the base, but serrated towards the apex. The flower-stems are about a foot high, forked near the top, and bearing large, solitary, sweet- scented, gieenish-white flowers, the sepals of which are ovate- oblong and permanent. This kind is a native of Hungarj-, and flowers in February and March. Hellebords puRruR-iscENs, n'ahUtein (The Purplish-flowered Hellebore).— Syn. H. purpureus, nj gardens. This species has the root-leaves palmate, with the segments wedge-shaped at the base, pubescent on the under side, and from three to five lobed at the apex. The floral leaves are nearly stalkless, and the stems two-flowered, with the sepals roundish, permanent, and of a purplish colour when young. This kind grows about a foot high, and flowers in March and April. It is a native of Hungary, Podolia, and Volhynia. Helleborus atrobuuens, Waldstein (The Dark-purple Helle- bore).— Tlie radical leaves of this fine species are very smooth, pedate, shining, and paler underneath, with the stem-leaves nearly sessile and palmate. The flower-stems are somewhat angular, bifidly-branched, and about 18 inches high. Flowers, when young, dark purple, particularly towards the edges of the sepals, which are roundish and permanent. This species is found plentifully in woods and bushy places in Hungary. There it flowers in February and March. Helleborus multifidus, r/Kinni' (The Multifid-leaved Helle- bore).— Syn. H. Bocconi, Tenore. The root-leaves of this kind have long footstalks, are very large, leathery, smooth, and pedate-parted, with the segments narrow, lanceolate, taper- pointed, sharply-seiTated, very veiny, dichotomously-lobed, and wedged-sh,iped at the base. The flower-stems are tall, angu- lar, bifid, and with broad, ovate, greenish floral leaves, pal- mate-parted, and almost sessile. Flowers large, cup-shaped, with broid ovate sepals, of a light greenish colour. This species, according to Professor Visiani, resembles Helleborus dumetorum, but is larger in size and flowers more freely. It is a native of the Apennines of Etrnria and Dalmatia, where it grows from 1{ to "2 feet high, and flowers from Feb- ruary to April. Helleborus dumetorum, U'tihlsli'in (The Thicket Hellebore). — Syn. H. laxns, of gardenn. The radical or root-leaves of the Thicket Hellebore are pedate, very smooth, and spreading, while the stem-leaves are almost sessile and palmate. The flower -stems grow about a foot high, are round, bifidly- branched, and bear large, cup-shaped, soUtary flowers, with round, greenish-white sepals. This species is a native of Hungary, and flowers in March and AprU. Helleborus v^RIDIs, Linncnis (The Green-flowered Hellebore). — The root-leaves of the Green-flowered Hellebore are very smooth, pedate, and on long footstalks, while the stem ones are almost stalkless and palmate. The flower-stems are 18 inches high, forked, and bear solitary cup-shaped flowers on the ends of the peduncles. The sepals are ronndish ovate, and bright green. This kind is a native of many parts of Europe, and is found wild in woods and thickets, in chalky soil, in England, where it flowers in April and May. The roots of the Green Hellebore are frcrinently substituted for those of the lilack Hellebore of the Fast, and are said to possess nearly the same medicinal qualities. Helleborus lividds, Aiton (The Livid or Corsican Helle- borej. — Syn. H. argntifolius, Viviani; H. trifolius, Litmceun; H. corsicus, of r/ardavs; H. trifoliatus, of ynrdcrm. This is a very singular evergreen species, with a many-flowered leafy stem about a foot high. The leaves are tcmate, leathery, very smooth, glaucous beneath, and pale green above ; the segments of the leaf are ovate-lanceolate, irregularly incised, with large, wide, sharp-pointed serratures along the margins. The flowers are cup-shaped, light green, and a little larger than those of the Fa?tid Hellebore. The Livid-flowered Hellebore is a native of Corsica and the Balearic Islands, particularly of Majorca, and flowers from January to May. Hellehorus FfETiDUB Litino'us (The Bear's-foot Hellebore). —This is a well-known evergreen herbaceous plant, with very smooth, deep-green leaves, having oblong-linear segments, and a many-flowered leafy stem from 1 to 2 feet high. The Fatid Hellebore is found wild in many parts of Europe, and is a native of England, where it is common in shady places in the chalky counties. The whole plant is fu"tid, acrid, and a violent cathartic, especially the green leaves ; but these, when dried, are sometimes given as a domestic medicine to destroy worms. It flowers in March and April, and produces a very pleasing effect in shady places during the winter months. — George Gordon, A.L.S. GAS LIGHTING A CONSERVATORY. I DAVH lately seen some inquiries in the Journal as to the best means of preserv- ing plants in conserva- tories from the effects of gas ; but none of your correspondents mentions anything Uke the following, which I gaw fitted up and frequently used for two years. I send you a description of it, in the hope that it may be of use to some who are thinking of lighting their conservatories with gas. On the top of the glass was a copper plate, to which was attached a funnel, passing through the rafter to the out- side, for the escape of the heated air. A tube at each side of the funnel was brought in and entered at the bottom of the glass, to supply fresh air to the flame. The small door at the bottom, to allow of lighting the gas, had an indian-rubber flange, which made the whole perfectly air-tight. I may men- tion that the gas-pipe was run up under the rafter, where it entered one of the cold-air tubes, and was brought down it into the glass. The tubes were bronzed, and the outer two twisted in imitation of a rope. The whole had a very ornamental appearance, and, as it was air-tight, of course had no effect whatever on the plants. — A. A. a. Glass. b b. Air-tnb€s. f. Funnel. !enient to Catahgtu of Alpine Plants. 906 JOCBKAL OP HOBXICtJLTTJEE AND COTTAGE GABDEKEB. Uaieh U,18K. TO CORRESPONDENTS. ..• We request thit no one wiU wnte privately to the depart- mental writers of the " Jonmal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they are subjected to nnjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications should therefore be addressed icUly to The EdiU/Tt of the Journal of Horticulture, de., 171, FUet Street, London, E.C. ,..„.. .. W« also request that correspondents will not mil 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 eommtmications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. j;3. Many questions must remain unanswered until next week. Booss ii- B. O.j^Thoee yon n»me are pabUshed by Heasn. Bmitli. Elder* Co. „ „ .^. Ma. Bcix 18. Eoj^ri).— We presnme yon mean Mr. BnH, >iiTS«ijm«n, Else's Eoed, CteUea. SracLiso CnreaiBii U. F. .S.i.-Thc peUli »re free from the notth which florUts deprec»te, otherwise there »re many similar m colonr. and SJ^J^perior. -Vo Judgment can be Jormed of any plant from a single flower. GaanncBB'9 Day's Woei (Bo!>).-From 10. to IW and 10} nsed to be the namber of hoora ronnd London. We beUere mj^^ pUce« haTeth«r oira iS^ents. and lU stickler! to time shonld settle that beforehand. Woonrse (rardeners do not work tbe«e hoars m winter, and very long hours are g'eneraUy an injnry even to the employer. Potatoes foe Ptisrwr, as Acbe (DoIm*o»).-How can we tell how many von will require without being ar« informed what sized sets you Strad uirfng. and how far apart in the rows, and what distance between Sc rows ' If the sets weigh 2 ozs., and are placed 9 mches ap«t m each row, then if the rows are 18 inches apart, you will require S8,/20 s^. eaual to « cwt. U the rows are SO inches apart you will reqmre 23.S2 ieuTeqnal to nearly 26 cwt. From these data you may calculate the quantity you will require. Euei ErvAi. Pea.— We hare had several letters (" A Gaecetee raoK T.ncUTEBSBlB£," " Plscx.' 4c..) and we decline to insert any more upon ttT^eet. The Committee of the P-iy^l Horticultml Society have decided to repeat the trial this year, when the pubUc win be able to judge for themselves. HEATno BT Hot Wati. (Z).-We do not lamk that • «"» "^ poMess any snperi^rity over pipes for heating your rtore and Cncnmbei- K^. UyooEr«m<%eabU opening In the tank, yon can jd|rit«I»« from thew Into the atmorohere of tie hon« when the water u "ot so «™ ^ caniTth. ™^ur to «»ld. TU. U almo* «i« "i^^-f- ™nSg"of a tank in such clrcumstuicea. Ton are 1"««,'*^» J" "?: cludiS? that in beatinj the two house, from oDf fire the t«nk must b« liveUid higher than the pipen. The Unk would »!>"«*" .* ^^^ .nnolv the Siiler. A tank 2* feet wide, with aides from 44 to 8 inches dm f"S^?f riSliSng materii ™:h a, daU. brick, or. b«Ur. «nm^ cov«^ with sUte or iron, the sides exposed, and wltha ''•'.<'Pf°J;«»^{?*jS would give you enough of heat for Cucumbers and "^'^^^f^^ March, but Would «»rcely be eaougb In winter. .^°?,-„'',;*^L^?^ one or two four-inch pipes. Werewe to have such a house o"«l"5™ !«, there were reason, for having a tank, we would "« "?i°'^S pir*5 for U-,ttom heat: but if we reso ved on having t>icnmb«2J? {,"", inour. then we would have three pipes for top h»t. it "•"«" °°; little where placed, but it wonld be well to bare one at least at the «>«« o' toTboiG^ Of^^ such a house mun be b«l«i '»'»^?^^°'J^ Seenhou«. For Ihiis two pipes for the "■^- "f • ^* T!l^ 60 feet, would keep the honse safe in winter. We would P™'" 'J^;^»J^ SenU yon wisbS^you could keep up • Wgher temi«ature. W e pr«nme you kn^ how to arrange the pipe, and '°™,f .""fST^^J^'J^li^ different levels. It does not answer so weU to "J", "'" j^,!^ tanks to heat other places. In your case the '^P'*^ P^ '°^^ tSTthe flow-pipe into a cistern, say 20 inchM ^°f^'-''^t^fSirS iS7of the pipls,.nd from thence take a flow for ^,^^\^% Sttmn heal, aS a flow for the greenhouse, to be regulated by plng^ an having a return to the main return pipe. Excnn.»o FEosT (An Old S«*'^»'') -''''' ''J°i°Vr^bSSl»« used for heating a greenhouse, unless the products of ««=''?^«'V" SSrf InSTthe open «mo,T>bere We would prefer « ^^o?""" 'S^ "^JJ with a smaU pipe leading out of the root or through the b«k w«a i^ have only to put in a thin slate with a hole cut m it, or a P»««"' ">£" Sm instLdof a square of gU.s. if the pipe go through the roof. We wonldpSfCT the pipe to go from the side of the stove ^'"^^l^ not from the top ; id if the top is level an ■""» 7"«' ~^?!J^^ on it U. be snppUed with water. This is 'i'tT"'''/^!!?^. ,SS5l??o5 of healing such a honse. The next cheapen and b«t "■■P^»«*^ r"" have a tiled or brick floor, to have a small flue below the floor. EEXOvnto Veres rEoa Pots (/d/n»,.-In m//st «'»«''* '""^^^ aUlhe earth from the roots of Vines mi^b*^'/P«f^'jJ^^i for planting. As to Fern cuUore, yoo had better buy the Fern Jlanuai, pnbUshed at our office. . , . ,. LOBEI.1A SsowruKE.-I bought a 2.. M. P«^ ?* «''f.«f«^ °'i°S','iJ SuOTflake, which were sown a month ago and plunged m • '><>\'>«^ rnrnShSi a niece of paper being laid UehUy over the soiL I speak T^C^^ ^AElTOC. rP. P.,.-The seed, sowu now^ a green- , ^ J^Ua ^J^ »Vc"^ 4"w"oSeJ?o;;S^n'feS5 tS^^" hiSTwoid not vegetate unless the temperature were at ^^^^-^ not '"P* "™ "* °',''^;-^'I-^ fromtTeVo^^"? I did. and have So^ recommend you to defer sowing MtU yon could command a t^- lows :- Did Jsemo f 'ijf j^f^^^ilXfi • - I bought • Snowflake' JSrSnre of from 55 to 60 . and a bottom heat of about ,0... So- the s^d | a ^%^^^^.:^. j^S^^JHTwed t a dav or t-o^Lfterwards in a S^,ns of good Ught turfy loam two-thirds, and one-third leaf mould, wed on ^^<^J='^°lJ;^flJ^2i.'^^„- and covering the seed very Sli^'l^'^hSt's^eSSIsL^-uSi-el'.Ld'V^^'^^^^ ;STh.i^'r'S?^"te^'^c'Sy as. I could expe,.mnnMe.g YMlmata. and aixoon. Phlox I vincrv It certainly was six weeis oeiove i »»» . . ^"»~ .r'ZZT'ii "uTIT hai come up%uite as thickly a, I co^d ^I^^^^^^^ quantitv of seed sown, and is now growing well. The Lobeliaj^p^iosa, which I sowed at the same time, is nearly '»dy to prick ont^ A ntn^ mil in this town sowed a packet of the Snowflake ^*J*^"^^ S^m heat, which came up much mo« 1"?"^, ^T- " "sin« ^S2a has not sown his too deeply he need not de»p«ir.-J. »«■*• „f """^^S? S week a few of mv Snowflake Lobelia seed have come "P-»o«°i» ^o;r^hS°^m;"po2:'^i^m-xr^rrp^H^H^ ""c.f^ha^r^-do^xe^n^Si^-J^'^i-d'ni^'^if^ PEAS. Peeszevwo Geeet (B. S.).-They ""iT be P^fTf^ ^-VSk neitSiing if some of the summer crop are treated as JoUow.^ ftck to^^nfun grown. sheU them, ^^^ 8«"^''°' ^f^^, Ji ^ then store them in canvas bags in a dry place. When "^fl"^ '.?' °ff, S^J thS in water for a few hours until plumped up, and ^^ l^,"^ ^e foUowing mode has been reported to ^ "^ VJ«^Slv J^ellS^^i^ judge of such matters as being very sncceasful :-Carefnny «^<" ^ ^^ thS put them in tin canisters, not too large ones : Pn' 'n a '"^ P*^ rhntna hederacea JoUis vanegaiis. seoum acre, rurs^:.".— .. ■ — -,;- of alum, about the size of a horsebean. to a pint ol "l^^ , .""™ [r: ritST^^wi^ PoW*. hvpnoides. palmala, «.d aixoon Phlox ; ^^^'j, ,aU of Peas fln up the interstices with «ter and soId«ont^ TQfjia, uroDUS Teruua. ajv^\xo ...^.».i„w— .— . — , — and its variegated variety, and Alchemilla alpina. Patstiso Hot-water Pipes (Ah Old Sulicribn-l.-Painticg with lin- Beed on and Ump black wiU not prevent the free radiation of heat, but SSer promote it. In reply to "CH." on the same subject we wotUd not advise snch work being done now when the house is at work and the weather U cold, as the fames sent off will be apt to mjure tendCT pl»n«.< theS^Ve them^ k cool place and they -U be found mJ.na«7 tat litff. inferior to fresh, newlv-gathered Peas. BottUng is not so gooo— av ^^l«hi?enotSSiditi>rthe air ?<^i°- 'J? "l"^'! 'r?\«™i ^^ t^ Peas acouire a bad taste. The - Garden Manual, which y«« ««n live Si^^ from our office if yoo enclose twenty fff^^"^ Slth your addl^ contains the information you mention. A larser work on garden plans is preparing. Meascees (Soall. CorawoHi.-" A quartern of OaU" is a J"J^»«« peS -Covent Garden Measures" are in onr No-iSipubbshed Janony 23rd List. „ . ^. ■ r-, -...» Goon EEAEixo FEvrr Teees (A. O.'.-^P^f" ' ^*;?„r'^e!ff5S ES^I-a^'A-tf^or^STall^'^- ^^^ilSSiSl loiariJLnt growiVind u some time before it wbers down, bat when U becins bearing is rery prolific FEE1.S I, WAEniA-V CASE - li.sh some notes and drawings shortly. SowrSG ASSCALS (S. A. .V.I.— Seeds of Tagates signata. Phlox I>rum- mondi. and the Ice-plant, may all be sown in pots in gentle heat, m the coarse of the present month, hardened ofl; and planted out towards the end of Mav, when aU danger of frost is past. The annual Lupines may be sown out of doors, when the son is in good condition, about the begin- ning ol April. If required to bloom early, they may be sown in a little heat, or out of doors in the present month. The plant is Acacia decur- rens var. mollissima. EiaGEATioK (G. B.).- We never advise upon this Bubiect. Too much depends upon circumstances of which we know nothing. AucuEAS 'W. B. 7.).— There are male and female plants in a" *he species, so we cannot aid you. Of course plants of both sexes must D« present to obtain fertile seed. Xamxs of Fecit [E. W. A.).— Applet .-—1, Beanty of Kent ; 2, apparenUy the B«me, bat of a paler colour ; S, Lewis's Incomparable. '209 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. r March IS, ISflS. K.UISK or Plant* (If. Jr. K. .—We cannot name pUaU from ueda. In all caaca a flowsr sbonld bo ««nt. The ojMial sraenbouAe treatment will suit jroor Swan KiTernci^d. iA Subtcriber^. — We cannot name a plant from seeing three amall dried leares. (T. Jonet). — A^ain 70a moat be diiaspointed. The rirchid Sower wai qoite black, and there are screral of toe Calanthee ao nearly alike that a perfect and freah bloom most be aeen to justifjr identiflcation. The flowen ahonld be placed between layers of damp moss and sent in a small box. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS in the Suburbs of London for the Week ending March 10th. DkT*. THBanomrxK. Wind. Batailn inc^ea. GtvzuL Bciunu. Air. . Earth. Mai. Min. Max. Min. 1ft. dp. ! ft. dp. Son... 4 Hon... i Toei. . 6 Wed. . 7 Thnrs. 8 Fri. .. 9 Sst. .. 10 Uean.. 29.727 29.749 29.457 29.6«1 S0.114 29.971 30.297 29.542 29.629 29.212 29.178 29.577 29*75 30.281 43 41 41 45 46 46 « 28 25 23 2S 33 29 80 40 41 40 f 41 40 E. 40 E. 40 S.W. S9J S. 89i E. 40 X.E. 40 NX. .00 .00 .10 .02 .03 .(JO .00 Hazy; fine; duskvhaze; fine; gUght frofL Cloady ; fine ; OTe'rcaHt ; sligfat frost. Fine ; rain ; flne ; Irosty. Hou- froBt ; showers ; dusky rloadH ; flne at night. Cloady; abowcn and dusky cIoadi> ; fine. Fine, W cold ; densely c'.oadcd and cold ; slight frost Fiitc ; cloudy and cold ; OTcrcast at night 29.838 29.61.3 1 44.00 27.43 40.43 89.86 I .... 1 0.15 POUITRY, BEE. and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. A DAY AT LINTON PARK, KENT. The Seat op the Viscount Holuesdale, M.P. (CandvJed from paye 190.) Back we turn towards the hoMe, and then verge to the right, and are in front o£ a group of most beautiful Spani.sh — black and glossy ; as they proudly stand on the green turf, I ask, Can any fowls be more beaatifol? A Spanish cock, if well- bred, looks such a gentleman, and the hens such high-bom dames. I look on and am enamoured. I am glad that the General admires these noble birds. We next find Lady Holmesdale's pet Dorking hens, her largest birds, the heroines of many and many a poultry show, which, if they could write their travels, could tell of more admir- ation expressed, and fervently expressed to them, than any ball- room belle in the country — what attention had they not re- ceived, what praise heard of their beautiful selves. " You will see poultry to perfection at Linton Park." These words kept sounding in my ears, just as a line of poetry will do sometimes, and I kept giving an inaudible assent to their truth. Now we are bound for a distant part of the park, so south- ward we stroll, now and then coming to a standstill on an oozy bit of turf (Oh ! this wet weather), and being obliged to alter onr course from a straight line to a curve. Admiring the scenery, and falling more and more in love with Kent, I come to a wood where more Dorkings are picking about — one an old cock, which had evidently seen bis be^t days ; but Lady Holmesdale parti- cularly wished me to see a young cock at a walk at one of the afore-mentioned model cottages. So di^-ing into a thickish wood, and climbing the park palling, I stand, or rather try to stand, for 'tis a giddy height, and an uncertain foothold, and I obtain a view of the bird across the road and in a cottage garden, it being driven in sight, much to its disgust, by the cottager, and with huge strides and wide wings escaping as soon as pos- sible. This cock is, perhaps, the most promising bird which her ladyship possesses ; but I owe him a grudge, as the sequel will show. We now turn back, and in a direct line seek the house, ascending the bill fat first a very gradual ascent), upon which the mansion stands. No country house could have a finer position, and few possess a finer frontage. And now I noticed a peculiar ha.-;y yellow light hung upon the park, and gardens, and house front, not unlike that often pictured by Turner, particularly in his view of Petworth Park, now in the posses- sion of Lord Leconfield at Petworth House. As we walk on I admire very greatly a number of Silver-pencilled Hamburghs, which, as far as my individual taste went, I preferred to any poultry seen at Linton. Farther on. and now no yellow haze to admire, but a sharp shower, and then a tremendous down- fall of rain — a pitiless, pelting, hard-blowing storm. Oh. that Dorking cock! 'tis his fault that his noble mistress will be drenched, and we all late for luncheon (however, that is notliing, for it is always the case when looking at poultry). Sheltering, but vainly sheltering, by the trunk of a tree for a minute or two, where, most considerately for us, quite near to view were a number 0' Dorkings ; but in vain — we must nm for it ; and the gallant General, who never ran before his country's enemies, runs before the attack of Pluvius. Drip- ping and breathless, we reach at last the kindly shelter of the kon^e. Welcome secure !:helter, drying fire, and satisfying food, three blessings which soon pat all to rights. After luncheon I am shown the cups won at different times I by Lady Holmesdale's birds. They (the cups), are brought in i upon a large tray — a very large one, and present a very biw!- chanalian appearance. By the way, cotdd not poultrj- com- I mittees give sU%er prizes in some other than the cup form ? ; What can be done with them ? Look at my triend Mr. Eod- I bard with his fortj' or fifty cups. They would be very suitable I if every fancier were like the most paternal gentleman of whom ' the poet says — " Father of twenty children was he. and more than a hundred Children's children rode on liia knee." Then each child and every favourite grandchild conld have each a cup ; but we are not all, happily, so very patriarchal. Lunch being over, and the weather again beautiful, the various guests at Linton scatter in search of recreation or exercise. My noble host most kindly proposed to devote himself to me for the afternoon. First, I am shown a photograph of the garden in its summer trim, and very lovely it must then be. Even now, owing to Mr. Bobson's skill, it presents il am speaking of the bedding portion), a picturesque appearance as seen from the windows, for the large ted shows distinctly three colours — white, red, and black ; and yet, though the effect is good, it is caused by humble materials — cockle-shells, broken red brick, and cinders. By these means the eye is pleased, and we are spared the cold- looking bare mould. Before descending to the terrace I must say one word about the interior of the house. The pubhc rooms are handsome and well proportioned, and all opening into each other. The effect of this, seen from end to end of the whole length of the honse, is very prettj- and pleasing. In the dining-room hang the portraits of her ladyship's ance.=tors, the Lord and Lady Comwallises of other days — one that of a former Governor- General of India, another in episcopal robes. (How often the church is entwined with the peerage !) Then bright fair eyes look down upon us^ — eyes long since clo.sed, and rosy lips and rotmded arms that had admirers in their day, doubtless. Then there was the full-length portrait of a youth, a mere bey, fair- haired, and fresh-looking as a mountain daisy ; but his antique garb told the tale of his being no more in the flesh. Oh, triumph of the painter's art I The picture Uves and glows, almost breathes, when the reality is but dust. I deUght in a room full of family portraits. I could sit down and write a good sermon there. I love the company of snch — they supply thought. I like, too, the varied dress, telling of the time when each one lived ; and perhaps, as here, there is an historic I name and face, one of England's worthies, and I feel, " I, too, ' speak your language ; I likewise am an Englishman." But while I am moraUsing his lordship is waiting. ] .Just in passing Lady Holmesdale points out to me a Uttle and most choicely filled conservatorj- of semicircular shape, at I the one extreme of the suite of rooms, as the dining-room is at . the other. I To the garden. Here in the soft air of Kent, and in a spot ! most sheltered, I fotmd a very fine cork tree, finer and less ! ragged-looking than the two at Goodwood, if my memory is ' correct. Being an evergreen, and in snch a stormy snow- I falling country as England, I was surprised to see it without March 18, 1666. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 209 a single break — not even one limb is gone. Next we tnm into the large and new conservatory, a fine structure, wliich. when the iron pUlars become clothed with creepers, will be fairy-like. Through it we reach the fern-house, and oh ! the beautiful ferns, from the palm-like tree ferns to the little wee ones at my feet, every gradation of size and form. What a charming grot to sit and read in ! But I must say no more about it, I am not a " Filix-f<£min-a," I neither have her knowledge nor hold her pen. Greenhouses, vineries after vineries, garden after garden came nest, until we stroll along the terrace, then plunge into the mazy walks among the shrubs. It is worthy of remark, that the choicest shrubs grow very vigorously at Linton, soon joining each other, growing across paths, so that I found many new walks planned, simply because the others were not passable. Lord Holmesdale seemed to be keenly alive to the pleasures of his garden, and knew each tree and flower as well as loved them — perhaps loves because he understands them, for love is the child of knowledge. His lordship took me to Mr. Robson's cottage, the bfau ideal of what a head-gardener's house should be, but he was not at home. We found him, however, soon afterwards, among his men superintending the restoration of the paths, the materials of which had been literally washed down the hill by that most drenching shower. (Oh ! that Dorking cock ! ) There is no gravel in this part of Kent, so the walks are coated with broken shells from a river's bed near. We next, leaving the paths to be righted, walk on to the newly-laid-out garden between the mansion and the church, which in summer wOl look grandly, having such a ribbon-border so wide and long. I pause now and then to feed upon the view lit up by a bright watery sunshine, and admire nearer at hand the shrubs, with the yellow sunlight upon their still wet leaves. But I must be away in order to catch the train at Maidstone. I would fain have lingered, but — that train, and to jog memory there stands the carriage at the door. So I am off, and presently the park is left and we break out into the high road. Hop poles on all sides far as the eye can reach. Oh, ye teetotallers ! never one of ye retire to live in Kent, you would not have a single^happy hoiu'. Marks of old inhabitancy meet one at every few hundred yards. I see Kent bathed in yellow sunhght, that peculiar light which comes after a very heavy shower. I am one who beUeve that a merciful compensation runs through all things. The heavy unpleasant rain, then the brilliant sky. and the more golden sunlight. Wordsworth describes in two lines what I saw — " The rain came heavily and fell in floods. But now the sun ie shining calm and bright." He might have added all the brighter for the past rain. Sun- set is fast coming on. I reach Maidstone just in time, jump into a carriage, and am all to myself — just what I like at the end of a day's pleasure, then I can ruminate uninterruptedly npon the past. Soon the stars came out one by one, and nothing caught my eye save the flaring gaslamps of the stations, then came the lights of the houses, then of the streets, and I am again in busy, bustling, thronged London. A few conchiding words upon my day at Linton Park. " I saw poultry to perfection," and beautiful gardens as well, and I spent a day, one of the few I should like to live over again — but that is a heathen wish, so I recall it. for it is our part to press on to a better world. I was most kindly received, and my noble host has the happy and enviable gift of making a stranger feel at once at home. England has an aristocracy fulfilling its duties as a class (and I do not speak without some knowledge), as thoroughly well as any other class in the community. They may now-a-days invite comparison with any class. They build the comfortable cottage, making the poor man happy, and they have, where they are known, the respect of the middle and richer classes. They give time as well as money to help others, and in urging forward what is good, and they fulfil their part of the world's work manfully and well. I hope, therefore, never to see our dear old England Yankee- fied, but that its nobility will always have their just and pro- per influence. Blatant levelling demagogues (I have come across several), are seldom men who fulfil their own duties, vyhile they rail at others, and they are never in taste or feel- ings gentlemen — from such, and their pernicious doctrines, may we be long preserved. — Wilishiek Rectoe. in January, 6.5 ; and in February, 130 : therefore I do not think the weather should be blamed because the fowls of others do not lay. I attribute my success to their having a clean, comfortable roosting-plaee. I had six eggs yesterday, and seven to-day, and the weather is very frosty. — W. H. S. (A Sclioolboij). [A clean roosting-place is very conducive to health ; but pro- per feeding must also characterise your management. We have eggs in abundance now.] DEFICIENCY OF EGGS. I HAVE noticed your remarks on this subject. I am inclined to think that breed has more to do with it than the weather. I keep AVhite Dorkings, having come to the conclusion that they are the best of aU fowls for general purposes. I have twenty-eight hens, the oldest is ten years old ; of course she must not be counted, as she has not laid for two years ; the others vary in age from seven years to seven months. Except for a fortnight in November last I have not been without eggs for three years ; to-day eleven were laid. I have had several broody hens that I turned off on account of changing my resi- dence, so that I only set my first hen last week. We have so good a supply of eggs that we cannot use all. I feed once a-day on barley, and once on potato-parings boiled and mixed with sharps, and the fowls have a good run. I am a great advocate for white plumage, it keeps the birds warm in winter and cool in summer ; and it I could induce others to try White Dorkings I feel sure they would like them, but they must not have puny birds. — B. P. Ekent. GAME BANTAMS. Egg Babvest. — I began keeping fowls in December, and fiom three hens and five pullets I had in December 45 eggs ; With every respect for the opinion of " Wiltshibe Rector,'" I must decline to accept " the great Yorkshire breeder's " letter as setting the question between us at rest. First, I must say that I do not think "Wiltshire Rector" is quite candid, he now rather backs out of his averment that Game Bantams are easy to breed {good), for I appeal to every reader of his answer to "G.ALLUS," at page 9t;, whether that is not what they un- derstand him to mean by what he there says ; nay, I will ask " Wiltshire Rector " himself to read that reply again, and then to say whether that was not what he really did then intend to have your readers infer. Well, I replied, and I gave instances that " Wiltshire Rector " was altogether mistaken, and I again aver, "the great Yorkshh-e breeder" notwith- standing, that Black Bed Game Bantams are as a rule exceed- ingly difficult to breed first-class ; and I will say fmther, and echo the words of a very noted breeder of Game fowls who recently wrote me, that " not half a dozen Al Game Bantams " are produced in a season out of the thousands that are hatched. I have had correspondence with, or know personally, many, indeed I may say all, of the Game Bantam breeders of note, and I am perfectly satisfied that, with the exception of Mr. Crossland, they would endorse all that I have said on this subject. Mr. Crossland, I dare say, bred an unusually large number of good birds last season, but that the majority of these were first- class I utterly disbelieve. In fact, I saw his Birmingham prize birds, for he sent them to me when we were some little time since negotiating for an exchange on approval. Now, though I suppose these were not the worst Mr. Crossland bred, they certainly were not first-class. The pullets had silvery deaf-ears ; and the cock was, in my opinion, too dark, and did not carry his tail close or low enough for a first-class bird. Mr. Cross- land must excuse my criticising his birds ; he has brought them forward himself, or I should not have done so. I believe, how- ever, that he has shown two of the best pullets of the season ; they now, I think, belong to Sir St. George Gore ; but I am in- clined to think that with the exception of Mr. Hawkesley's cele- brated bird (for which, by-the-by, I hear he has refused £20), I have shown the best two cockerels. In fact, Mr. Crossland, in a letter now before me, assured me that his strain of birds and mine are the best two out, and in proof that he believes so, he wished for a cock and two pullets which I showed at Man- chester, to cross with his own two birds, though, as a rule, he evidently objects to crossing. I merely mention these facts to show " Wiltshire Rector " that 1 am not quite a novice, that I do not write altogether at random — in short, that I know something at least about the subject I am writing on. But to retui-n to Mr. Crossland's statement. I contend that if 310 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGK GAllDENEB. c uwch 13, laes. it bo true, as perhaps it is, that he has bred alarRer proportion of good birds from a pivon number of chickens than any other breeder, it may fairly bo attributed to his breedinp in-and-in for so many years, so that ko has fixed the breed to a certain extent, and I should certainly expect from such birds to obtain a larger number of good birds than if I bred from those oh- taineil from sources of which I know notliing ; but I will venture to say that neither Mr. Crosslnntl, nor any other breeder in England, can always breed from (iamo Bantams, or any other variety of poultry, a largo proportion of first-class birds among the chickens reared. I say emphatically that any man who says that he can, is making a statement which will utterly mislead those who believe it. " Wii.tsiiie;k Kector " will re- member that his original statement was, that Game Bantams were so largely exhibited at Birmingham, because they are so easy to breed. I, and I think every one else who read hia communication, understood him to mean breed good. If he meant that, then I have said what I think as to that ; but if he meant that so many eggs are fertile, and consequently so many chickens may be reared, may I ask Uim whether this reasoning would not equally apply to the Black and Wiite Bantams which our favourites are fast superseding ? Since WTiting the above I have seen " \ West YonKsiriRK- MAN's" letter. He evidently had hia birds from Mr. Crossland, as to whose breed I have already spoken. I do not think £1 each for the birds taken altogether was a high price, and cer- tainly no indication that they were all very good. I have sold many birds this season at two and three guineas each which were anything but good— that is to say, what I understand by good. The fact is, that if " A West Yorkshireman's " birds were all good — i.e., first-rate, the cocks were worth from £10 , to £20 and the pullets from £3 to £.5 each, and Mr. Crossland i himself must have sold them considerably under their value. I I will now conclude by again asking with '• Gallcs," How it is that good birds fetch such prices if they are so easily bred ? | How is it that Mr. Hawkesley refuses '£'20 for his bird ? I ', mention him, as be is no novice at brooding Game Bantams, and, of course, if they are easily bred, he has plenty more as BOod._ How is it I refused £15 for a bird I bred last year? i How is it that Sir St. George Gore recently gave Mr. Crossland ' £10 for a pair of pullets? I want some more definite answer to these questions than a reference to the tulip mania, which is not in point. Again I ask, How is it that the gentlemen who found Game Bantams so easy to breed good do not sweep off all the prizes ? How is it that so few really good birds are shown — so few, in short, are in existence ? The first-class cockerels of the year 1865 may be counted on the fingers : how is that, if they are so easily bred ? And as to pallets, it will astonish those who can breed them so easily to learn that, though I began to inquire before the Birmingham Show for some first-class pullets, I have been unable up to this day to obtain them, though I would willingly give £10 for a pair; and yet, notivithstanding these facts, Game Bantams are easy to breed ! — P. Not knowing the address of the " Wiltshire Rector," I cannot directly compliment him for the stand he has so firmly made, and held so well, about my pets, Game Bantams ; and 30 clearly has he spoken the sentiments of my mind as to their being easy to breed, that I could almost fancy, whilst reading hia communications, that he was looking over my notes on their breeding, and then strolling amongst my stock. Your correspondents, "Gallus," and "W. F. E.," seem to think, as our " Wiltshire Rector" has parted with bis Game Bantams, and not continued to be an e\liil)itor of them, that he only holds his ground. They are droadfully mistaken, and if stock is gone, there is more than one vard left that con- tains birds that In-ecd both good and true;" and if " Gallus," "W. F. E,," "Wiltshire Kkhtor," or anv other fancier of Game Bantams, wishes to prove whether they are easy to breed good, then I say Iiere is evidence. f..r I have bred Game Bantams for eight years, and so closely have I given the Black Reds ray attention, that very rarely indeed have I at- tempted to rear any other class of "birds, and, perhaps, not so many of these as I ought. However, I have exhibited rather more than sixty pens of Black Red (iame Bantams in my own name, and that of Mr. George Noble, and have won up- wards of fifty prizes, and only on eight or nine occasions have my birds been shown without either obtaining a first, second, or third prize. Again, last year (1865), I bred seventeen cockerels and nine pullets, and I realised upwards of £50 for fourteen cockerels out of this number, and for two pullets besides. I fancy I kept the best for myself. Again, I do not considct that my cockerels are anything so near perfection as my pullets are; and if I may be allowed, I will construe the words of "Gallds" into "very good," in place of " certainly not have written," and I must say after that, that I believe the rest of the sentence, " they are easy to breed good;" at least I have the opinion of some of the best breeders and dealers, that they have not seen any pullets to beat, if equal, mine. Now, as to breeding one good bird in a hatch, why, such words make my .shoulders almost touch my ears, as they recall to my recollection how I stood in the Bantam category about three years ago. I can fancy the stock of " Gallds," and " W. !•'. E.," and how angry I feel just now, and I suppose they do the same, as most likely our positions were somewhat similar. Only lost year a certain Yorkshire fancier, Mr. W. F. Entwistle, of Otley iperhaps the " W. F. E."), told me he had bred and killed up- wards of seven hundred birds as worthless. When I write of my ill-luck of three years ago, I am reminded that I then had a fancy that a cross would bo beneficial, consequently I gave £3 :is. for a pen, and their produce and stock, with the ex- ception of one hen, I killed. She %vas good-looking; and a friend of mine, Mr. R. Smith, of Hull, was in love with her, and even offered me £5 for her. However, I lent her to him. and the result was similar to that which occurred in my own case. Whites, Blacks, Browns, Grey, Spangled, and even pie- bald Blacks and Whites, were the colours they bred me ; but now, before mine are hatched, I can tell any one pretty nearly what they will be, and if I were to have one photographed, I could safely say that nine out of every ten would be the exact facsimile. If "Gallus," " W. F. E.," or "Wiltsuirb Rector " in particular, give me a call at any time, I will make him as comfortable amongst Bantams us he seems to be amongst his own fowls, if looking at a few choice birds will do so ; and if his visit be delayed for a short time, he will see rather more, as my breeding stock is showing fruit. I will pay his ex- penses of coming, if he is afraid of being again disappointed in the colour, head, neck, legs, or style in particular, and I say my birds will not disappoint him. Like my fellow fancier, Mr. Crossland, I do not believe in crossing with any one's strain to such an extent as some people would lead us to believe is the proper method. Here is the history of my strain. In the first year I picked up in the country for a mere trifle a cock Black Red Bantam, and a hen not related to him. I bred from the two, and some little improvement was the result of this cross. Next year I crossed with the cock the pullets that were bred from him, again I fouud some improvement, and for the following year I obtained a Duckwing cockerel from Mr. Crossland's yard. From this date my strides began to bo more rapid, until I introduced another str.ain, then I was placed hnr.i de combat ; but such reliance did I place in my old stock, that I felt more success would attend my efforts another year, and I crossed with birds from the yard of Mr. Smith, of Hull, behaving kindly lent me his old cock and four hens. This was the greatest hit I ever had in my Game Bantam breeding. I have not introduced any fresh strain these two years, and do not intend to do so, my fear is not half so much in not breeding quality as quantity. Mr. E. Hewitt, of Sparkbrook, saw my birds last September, and he wUI, perhaps, tell you what they were, as most likely he will have some faint recollection about their evenness in (iu.ality, although not so many in number. By-the-by, here is an instance which, perhaps, may in some measure illustrate the case. At Keighley Show last year, Mr. Hewitt was judge, and he was somewhat puzzled betwixt two jiens in the Black Red Game Bantam class, as to which to award the first and second prizes to, so much so that he had them taken from their positions and placed in two pens close to each other, so that he might be the better enabled to make his award satisfactorily, and when he had so done — both pens had left my yard not many hours before — the first-prize pen was mine, the second I had sold two days previously, and Keighley was the appointed place of transfer. Not so very uneven, " Wiltshire Rector," when I bred then less than thirty birds altogether, and one of the best judges was thus driven to this extremity. Two more instances and I have done. First, Mr. Smith's strain, if I mistake not, has sprung from the brother to the bird on which Mr. Crossland lays his foundation. The other is : I was a breeder of Game Bantams for four years, with tho advice of an old exhibitor and careful Gome breeder for teu March IS, 1866. ] JOURNAL OF HOKTICtrLTUBB AND COTTAGE GARDBNEB. 211 years pre-vionsly, Mr. Noble, before I threw down the gauntlet and became an" exhibitor, and my first essay was in a class of upwards of forty pens, and I came off with success, which duly gratified me for my past exertions, and stimulated me to in- crease my care of these little pets, which I, with " Wiltbhike Rectob," and scores more, say are easy to breed, but still all feel soiTy we cannot have the best. — Jno. D.Newsome. STEALING FOWLS AT EXHIBITIONS. Charles Listeb, of Mirfield, a man respectably connected, was committed on the 5th inst., by the sitting magistrates at Dewsbury, to the House of Correction, for stealing a Black Bantam cock, the property of Mr. Matthew Eidgway, of that town. On the 26th of December last there was a poultry show at Heckmondwike, and Mr. Eidgway, through a man of his named Williamson, was an exhibitor. He took the second prize for Bantams in one of the classes with this bird, and after the show was over Williamson placed it in a room in the inn where the exhibition was held, intending to remove it when he was ready for going home. In a short time he went to look for the Bantam, but it was gone, and, though a strict search was made (the prisoner assisting), nothing was heard of it until a few days ago, when, by a little stratagem, it was traced to the prisoner's possession by Police Sergeant Lee, and it was ascer- tained that he had sent it to Hull to a dealer there, on approval, the price he set on the bird being £5. Witnesses were called who identified the Bantam produced by the police sergeant as the one stolen, and it was valued at the sum asked for it by the prisoner. Lister, when before the Bench, pleaded guilty. He said he took the bird more for fun than anything else, not being sober at the time ; that he was afraid to return it ; and that had he disposed of it to the Hull dealer for the sum he asked he should have sent the money in an anonymous letter to Mr. Eidgway. Another case of fowl stealing came before the Bench — indeed, there were three instances where theft was proved. The delinquent was James Kuddlesden, and it was deposed that he had robbed hen-roosts at Earlsheaton. The prisoner was committed for trial to the sessions. — (Leeds Mercury.) [We rejoice that one villain has been caught ; and his pub- lished conviction, like a gibbeted felon, we hope wiU serve as a warning to other thieves " respect ly connected." The gentle- man who sent us the above repo. . adds — " Mr. Eidgway has done well in trying to put a stop to fowl-stealing and muti- lation, which are now so common at poultry exhibitions. Ibelieve Mr. Eidgway would not have pressed the case, but it was not the first offence. The presiding magistrate, Mr. Greenwood, sentenced Lister to three months imprisonment with hard labour."] CITY BEE-KEEPING IN AMERICA. Probably some of your readers ruLiy be interested in the ex- perience of a city bee-keeper. If ji.u think so I will, with your permission, introduce them to the apiary of an amateur in the City of Philadelphia. Pastcbe. — First let me describe the situation. For city bees mine are favourably placed, having around them more than an acre devoted to trees, shrubbery, and grass ; besides which, many of our neighbours have small yards planted with shrubs aud flowers ; but the closely-built city extemls in all directions around us. To the eastward, at the distance of three- quarters of a mile, flows the river Delaware, which has about that breadth. To our west is the Schuylkill, a much narrower stream, but at a greater distance : so that in either of these directions bees must fly more than a mile and a half before reaching partially open country. Southward, a flight of a milo and a quarter takes them to commons and vegetable gardens. To look northward is hopeless ; more than three miles of brick and mortar might well drshearten any bee. One advantage my bees have over those in England is a generally clear atmosphere, our common fuel being anthracite coal, which burns without smoke. LiouEiAN Bees. — One of my colonies, occup)-ing the double- storey Langstroth-hive, figured in that gentleman's book as a '* moveable comb-hive with full glass arrangement," was Ligurianised in the autumn of 1863. The following year was not a very good one for honey, and I did not obtain much from any of my hives. This stock would probably, however, have done better than it did, had I not neglected to furnish supers until aU the available space below was so filled that there was scarcely room for the bees to pass up to them. The result was quite a moderate yield— not more than about 25 lbs. in the supers. I did not then remove any honey from the main hive, as I wished to leave an ample supply for the winter. In April, 1865, this hive was examined by an expert, who assured me it had so much honey that there was insufficient room for brood. I therefore had three frames removed, with honey weighing about 20 lbs. Some weeks afterwards I took out yet another frame of honey and brood to replace a drone- breeding queen in another hive, an operation which proved successful. The bees then entered upon their summer's work, to facilitate which, and to avoid the error of the preceding year, I took a super of the same dimensions as the hive proper, furnished with a full set of frames, and, first removing the crown or honey board, placed this super directly upon the hive. The bees entirely filled it with fine honey, which I removed on the 6th of October, and found to weigh 83 lbs. nett. I also took, a few days later, combs weighing 15 lbs. from the main hive, leaving still an ample store for the winter. In addition to these 98 lbs., I had taken, as before stated, at least 25 lbs. from the same hive in the i spring, most of which, however, was gathered in the previous year. Still this stock of Italian bees has yielded me this season upwards of 100 lbs. of honey ; while black bees, having the same range, have never given me much more than half the quantity. The industry of the Ligurians is very remarkable. As an example of it, I may state that the three frames from which honey was taken having been returned to the hive, the bees, although so late in the season, at once set to work to repair damages, and have actually filled up two-thirds of these frames with new comb, aud even deposited honey in a portion of it. Supers and Collateral Boxes. — So far all my experience has tended one way, and that in favour of ample supers. The smaller and more numerous the supers, whether tumbler, bell- glass, or box, the less has been the surplus honey ; and my success has been least of all when trying to induce bees to travel late- rally. I believe it to be about as unnatural for bees to work ia collateral boxes as for hot air from a furnace to travel horizon- tally. You may force either, but it is not economical to do so. Mr. Langstroth tells me that I erred in removing the crown or honey board before placingi the super, as it rendered the deposit of brood in the upper box more probable. He recom- mends leaving this division of the hive, but with ample cuts in it for the passage of the workers. He also advises simple bars, instead of frames, for these large supers ; coinciding in this, I beheve, with your " Devonshiee Bee-keeper." Wintering Bees. — Our winter cUmate is a very variable one. A difference of 20° or more Fahrenheit in as many hours is by no means unusual, nor unaccompanied by corresponding hygro- metric changes. In this chmate my hives, wooden boxes of Langstroth's design, have been freely exposed, without the least protection. For winter ventilation I have merely removed the supers, leaving the passages in the crown board uncovered, giving both the air and the bees free access to the upper part of the hive, aud have found this a sufficient winter ventilation. I have, however, this season, at the recommendation of Mr. Langstroth, removed the crown-boards from the hives, and placed pieces of old blanket directly upon the frames. This I think will improve the ventilation, dryness, and general condition of the hives, although I do not think that my bees have ever seriously suffered from dampness, while numbers have occasion- ally perished from the low temperatm-e upon the outer combs, when no winter passage has been left or made through these. This passage should always be made in the autumn. It is easily done by passing the blade of a knife vertically through the middle of the comb on each frame. If this is done late in the season the mutilated cells will be cleared away by the bees but not rebuilt, and they wiU then have the means of rapidly retreating to the central part of the hive ; while without this passage they might be chilled and die upon the outer combs, Comparative Lonoevity of the Ligurian and Black Bee. — . On the 7th of June, 1862, I introduced a Ligurian queen into a strong colony of black bees. She was courteously received, and laid some eggs, but afterwards was probably killed by a rival raised from the larva of her predecessor ; as your old acquaint- tance Mr. H. C. Hermann, author of " The Italian Alp Bee," examined the hive about a month after her introduction, and assured me she was missing. I observe that Mr. Neighbour, in his late book, reports the 212 JOtTRSAI, OF HORTICXJLTDRB AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { Much 13, IcM. death of Mr. Hermimn. Allow me to assure him the report is fflToneous : Henninn Btiil lives and is working amoDR bees *or several years he kept a cigar shop in a snbnrb of Phila- delphia, and attended to the bees of amateur apiarians One of my neighbours sent him to Europe for Ligiirians He secured many stocks, but had e long return passage and lost everybee In the spring of the present year he removed to the oomitay, hopmg to improve his fortunes by going more largely into bee-keepinc than he could do in the city ^ ^ To return to the bees. I very soon found the progeny of the ^gunan queen among the workers, and hoped aJeo to find Hermann mistaken. Next spring, however, the number of Itahans was stationary, and all the young bees were black I frequently watched the return of the workers, counting them to ascertain the proportion of Italians, and arrived at the coT elusion that they were about the thirtieth of tWorki^g po^u! pother Lignnan queen, which was introduced by Mr. Hermann ?,l• «■•'• ««' ^Ong Lochms are subject to this at an earUer age than any ether breed. «i.h,!;,'(^.h?,-,;^i: '^' ^iT^, ""■" "P'oion, no breed can be rar.intaincd o lo c c„s?o «nJ n'lr,'?'""'."''' "? "/ ^""^ """d- To breed in-aS^iS is s^"becans„ .b. /^.f iJ- " ^n "ifenor cross som<.time6 Locomes nece.- Bar> oecausc the inferior bird poSECSaes the quality its sunerior lacks l^Z^Tu'S.:;'^ r ""■ """' "' '"« PriJe H.Ts Sl-em'lhoiseut- 6uccessf!il. " ""^ ^ '^OP''"''^" ""»* » Web has h«en already Black CoCBras fZrffrn).— Those birds were first bred in Cambrid-esbire Id by a cross between Whitj< .n,l T!n(r ki.j. %iiu._ _._ ™? 'j: .? ._ I cross between White and BalT birds. They were 8ho-.\-n at an men, a u.ilified. being N-o?hmr?fi,^.w., ''■".,""'"'''' "•'■■""^•''i- «o»l?''»™ "■»£«' i-r ten niL-iates or rn^^li ^e^on- chickens in them an oarecring and tUting ia all Mck has a • a milky s you can e vou may PowTEn Cock Ir.r, (.5u6i.» "ttle sulphate of iron or green copperas in nis drink.^B. P. B. in^tbf«'''iy?,rJ'^T';'''-~f ^ f "" ''«" Erindley-s Incubator, a-lverti«ed c^mni.. ,;,.?.' '■\^'.r'"l'. It is v.ry simple, easily m^.agcd, and so compact that it mignt stand by (Le Sreside. The cover is of glan, eo that the whole process of natehing may be witnessed. Cakabies Dvmo (Canan, Lorcru-l have examined the teed neat. ^'„5 J^*^^™'-'",';*'''' '^e*''-'-;'''"'»'0"> o' "sot seeds; but the re- mainder, though small, were fresh and good. The Canary seed looked !? ;t^ '^,' i°1 ""'" ^""^ '""''y whitish seeds among it. On tasting, the third seed had a hot nnpleasant flavour, not r.nhke bad nuts, and a large proportion of the seed was so iJ.ivonred. There was a grain of rye among that sent, .ind that had a malted taste. I am inclined to think that nnZfMT^'f^r" ;, ■''''■' " ^^"^ '"•'■^ damaged and kilc-di-ied, and coDse- ?< fhi -.1 ^5, 7'" ^"^ '^=°^* "' f <""' "''■^^ '1>''"»- I "°> •■•'^ «OTr\ to bear of the death of so many nice birds, but it does occasionally h.\pi)en to others besides •• c.vxaby Lovek," .ind we are M liable lo lose oni- pets, {"."^iT" ?. !"'■ P""'™.?? ™-S'ilves by other |.eop!e-6 ign .ranee or care- lessness. It IS impossible for me to Bay where immunity from ^och acci- dents can be lusnreu against. I cannot recommend ..ny dealer in parti- cular, nor do I know anything about foreign birds.— B. P. BuESx. u-?'"^^^>' I^'^'^'O THE WiEEs 0,-one).— The trick yc.r.r bird has fcf biting his wire cage, I think, is merely a habit and not a sign of illness : but It thcwu-es are brass they may make him ill: therefore it would be adTisaUe to put him in a cage with iron wires.— B. P. B. PvEDBREASTsWoWa 7Jtd4rt.— Mr. Woodbury, of Momt liadford, Exeter, will supply .veiu with a stock of Liguriuns, and will state their price upon appUcation being made to him liirett. The month of April is about the best time f,.r obtaining them, fnthrashed rye straw IS the best materia] for straw, and yellow pine for wooden, hives. Full working instrncfous for making Woodhur\' fcime-hives are given in the hfth edition of " Bee-keeping lor the ilanv, ' published at this office, and sent free by post for five stamps. Common axd Ugikiax Bees »• Oxe Apiaev M. B., Sirm.n(,ii.4y. Lady Day. Caphea e?dniia. Day. 62.0 51.1 50.7 50.9 48.6 51.1 51.8 Night. 34.3 32.8 84.6 83.3 31.9 32.7 3.23 Mean. 43.1 41.9 42.6 42.1 40.2 41.9 42.0 Days. 15 17 18 16 13 14 14 m. h. 5af6 3 G 1 6 58 5 56 5 54 5 51 5 m. h. IB. h. 10af6 ; 1 8 12 6 1 42 8 14 6 33 9 15 6 1 29 10 17 6 28 11 19 6 after. 20 6 40 1 m. fa. 6 11 mom. 16 0 17 1 9 2 53 2 30 3 Days. 5 6 5 8 9 10 m. 8. 7 as 7 20 7 2 6 44 6 25 6 7 5 48 79 80 81 .*2 88 84 83 From observations taken near Londondnnngthe last thirty-nine years, the averaRe davtemreratnro of the week !,t *.m perature 33.1=. The p-eatest heat was 69'. on the 25th, la33; and the lowest SouTl" on the L^th 18lo The neatest fall of l^iLw^s" l.U inch. N.B.— The Calendar contains the names of plants flowering in the greenhouse greatest lau of ram was STRA'SMBERRY CULTURE. UDGING from what I have seen and heard, many failed last season who had been successful m obtahung fau- average crops of this fiiiit in pre\-ious years : the fol- lowing ma}', therefore, interest some of your readers, espe- cially as in my case the crop of 1805 was the finest I ever saw, particularly that of the British Queen. In 18(i4 I gathered in one day from six rows of Black Prince, twenty- fom- plants in a row, '-JO lbs. of fruit for preserving. Tliis crop was seen by many gardeners, who pronounced it to be the finest they had ever seen. My cultm-al operations do not differ much from Jlr. Read's (see No. 'iSCi of tliis .Journal). In fact, while WTiting this I feel I am occupying space which might be better filled; but, as Mr. Read justly remarks, " a very important feature of The Jocrxai, of HoKTicuLTCRE is, that discussion and intercommunication are invited on all matters of interest to its readers, " and I may add, that if such intercommunication, &c., is carried on in a friendly spuit it «iU do much to advance the cause of gai'dening and gardeners : therefore I oti'er this for insertion. The sorts whicli I have foimd most satisfactory are the Black IMnce for earlj% Keens' Seedling for second, and the British Queen for late production. On a north border tlie British Queen does well, and the fr-uit is about ten days later than when gi'own m the open bed. Several otliers of the older sorts have been tried, but are not so good as the above. The comparatively-new sorts I have not yet fairly tested, but the following I have now under trial : — Sir Charles Napier, Sfr Hany, Frog- more Late Pine, Elton, Eleanor, Carolina Superba, Princess Alice Maude, and Oscar, of all wliich I ^\'ill speak when i they have fruited this season. I also intend trying all the new sorts as soon as I can obtain them, as good Straw- berries are a great featm-e with my employers. The %-ai'ieties I first named supplied the table last year without intermission from the first week in April tOl the last week in July, a period of four months. I commenced picking forced Strawberries to-day (March Tthi, and hope to continue somewhat later tliis season than last with some of the sorts above-named: therefore still farther prolong- ing the season of tliis fruit. I may mention that the soil here is a very heavy loam of one foot deep, resting on strong brick earth ; tliis soU I believe to be more natural to tlie Strawbeny than any other, for I have always found it do best in tliis description of soil. The following is the mode of cultm-e which I have practised. No. 260.— Vot. X., New Smaaa. As early in the winter as possible I select a piece of gi-ound well exposed to the sun, trench it to the depth of ■2 feet, putting a good dressing of manure at the bottom, and laying the siu-face rough for the action of the frost. In spiing a crop of Potatoes or any other vegetable of quick gi-owth may be planted, but cai'e should be taken to keep the soil quite free fi-om weeds : for, from experience, I find that Strawberries dislike weeds as much as any jdant 1 know. Early in .Time I select fr'om each weU-estabhshed plant eight or ten of the best runners, and layer them in pots filled irith rich soil (I prefer this method to pegging on the gi-ound m hea%y soU), keep them well watered till they have taken good root, wliich they -nill have done in about fifteen or t^venty days if they have been properly layered, and the soU. has not been allowed to become diy. They are then severed from the parent plants, and ti-ansfeiTed to a place well exposed to become a little more hardened ; meanwhile the crop is cleared fi-om the gi-ound, and a good dressing wheeled on, and dug in to the depth of 14 or 15 inches. The ground is then worked down nicely, and the plants carefully tm-ned out of thefr pots, and planted in rows 2 feet ."! inches apart, and i feet asimder in the rows. Thi-ee rows ai'e planted in a bed, leaving the space of 2 feet 9 inches between the tlui-d and fourth row : there is consequently room to pass between the rows to water, gather fr-uit, &c., -nithout treading the bed all over alike or brui.shig the fi-uit at every step. The planting should be perfoi-med duiing the afternoon if possible, as water can be copiouslj' given towards evening -without much chance of damage ; wliilst if the plantation is watered in the fore- noon, and the sim happen to shine brightly soon afterwards, more or less injuiy wiU be the result. " Tlie plants vriR now reqiure plenty of water in tlry weather. Liquid ma- nure will greatly benefit them till September, by which time they will be well established, cai-e being taken dming the whole of then- progress to keep the nmners cut off and weeds pulled up as soon as seen : but I never allow a spade or fork to bo used near the plants after they are planted. As early in November as I can prociu-e it I cover the ground irith a lot of seaweed fi-om the beach, and let it remain all the winter untouched : hi spi-ing the weeds ■«-ill reqim-e attention again, but now and during the whole of the summer vrill be foimd the advantage of the mulcliing ; it vrUl prevent the weeds gi-owing so fast as they other- %rise would do, save watering to a great extent, and keep the fniit as clean as plates woidd. and as fi-ee fi-om slugs, &c., as any precaution that could be adopted, whether tying or anything else. If seaweed fall short, I use short litter fi-om the stable-yai-d, but, as I\Ir. Read remarlvs, ladies do not Hke the idea of eating Strawberries that have been la^-iag on such material. Besides, the seaweed has another beneficial effect on the plants — the salt con- tained in the weed, when procm-ed from the beach, is washed down to the roots, affording food to these, and keeping them nearer the sm-face. The dh-ections for after-cropping &c., are the same as for the first year, only sfronger hquid manure may be given as soon as the crop has been gathered. My experience on light soil has taught me that the ground lNo. 91-2.— Vol. XSXV., Old Series. 214 JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUr.E AXD COTTAGE GABDEMEB. [ Mucb 30, Ie6& should be nmdo firm by treodiiiR, ftfi soon as the plants are established and nnilchod ns above : I have never found this to fail in producing a pnod crop of fruit. — John 5Iav, IVciliield, Havant, JiaiUt. STOCKS FOR GllAFTIXG ON, AND THE 3. RESULTS. '•HowE\-EB artificial the process of grafting may appear to those who for the first time see it performed, it has its counter- part in nature : branches of trees ovorlying and prossinR against each other eventually unite, and no doubt it was an example of this kind that first led some exporimeutftlist to try to bring about the same result by tying two such branches together, or perhaps branches belonging to different trees. Success would induce further experiments, and eventually a scion taken from one plant and inserted in another was found to grow when the operation was performed at the proper season and in a suitable manner. The process mo.'it likely to lead to success was no doubt found out by degrees and after a due number of failures. How many centuries ago this portion of our craft was in course of perfecting itself, it is needless to inquire ; but as there was no JorKNAi, OF HoRTK-ULTt'RE in those days, and the modes of disseminating information of evei-y kind were slow and im- perfect, we may readily infer that a new mode of effecting the desired abject might not unlikely remain for a longtime known only to the operator, especially if he assimied that "mysterious secrecy in the matter which stUl lingered amongst some " knife- men " in large nurseries as lately as thirty or forty years ago, or perhaps still later than that. \ stranger happening to stop and look at these mysterious workers was a signal that their knives wanted sharpening, that some scion had to be sought after, or that some work or other iu the distance had to be done ; thus the inquisitive looker-on never came at the right time to see the operation performed. Happily these times have passed away, and though dexterity iu the manipulation enables one man to be more successful than another, there is no secret in the affair, and practice and expenence, aided by other favourable circumstances, usually meet with success. The out-door grafting of fruit trees is a very common affair in counties where orchards abound, and is often done vei^y ex- tensively by ordinary labourers. Certainly some little know- ledge is necessary, but the time at which the work is done has more to do with the success than the mode of carrying it out. In Kent it is deferred till much later in the spring than is the custom in many places, and the result is usually satisfactory. I have seen several thousand scions put on in May, and nearly all grev.'. There is, however, a description of grafting much more difficult than that of ordinai-y fruit trees, the parts oper- ated upon being so much smaller, and in some cases the affinity between stock and gi-aft is not so great, leading to more uncer- tainty, and these cases seem muitiphing every year. Thus any choice plant that it is necessary to propagate quickly, is at once " worked " in some way or other, and this " working." as it is called in nnrsen,- phrase, comprehends a considerable series of objects differing materially from each other, and, as stated above, their number is yearly extending ; for not content with operating upon the class of plants having woody fibre, fleshy-rooted herbaceous plants now and then are grafted, and with success. Of all the jilants subjected to the operation of the knife, in the way of grafting, the Cactus is perhaps the most quickly and easily grafted, while some skill and dexterity is required to operate on a hundred Camellias and get ninety-nine of them to grow, and I believe there are many plants more difficult than this, and resinous plants are not always the most success- folly managed. With many of the classes of variegated pLints the chances of success are greater. Hollies are worked by the hundred, and the new deciduous plants with remarkable foliage, recently introduced from Japan, are no doubt thus propagated to tlie utmost extent that a skilful propagator can, and where stocks of a suitable kind are forthcoming, there seems to be no reason to doubt the after-success of the worked plants, whilst the peculiarities of each sort will in due time he presented by a greater number of individuals than there could have been had each plant been supported by its own roots only. Grafting is also often performed by amateurs and experi- mentalists for purposes of curiosity only, and sometimes with rather singular results. I remember its being stated, about forty years ago, that when the purple Cytisus was budded or grafted oa the Laburnum (which it often was in those days), and did not succeed, the contact of the bud or scion with the stock nevertheless exorcised on tlio latter an effect thot could be dis- cerned in the bark, sap, or foliage. I believe the name to be the case with the Copper Beech, but of this I am not so certain. Grafting, however, is often practised on plants that may be termed only half-sl»rubby, or, in some cases, purely herbaceous. ^Vhen double Dahlias first made their appearance, it was thought that the best way to increase them was by grafting the yonng shoots on the fleshy tubers of single varieties, which, like the single Camellia, were obtained in greater abundance. Geraniums have also often enough been giafled, but more for curiosity than with a view to multiplying the variety ; and the same may be said of the Fuchsia. Azaleas, however, are now almost all subjected to the " working " system, and with good results ; and Ithododendrons of the best varieties could never have been increased so rapidly had recourse not lieen had to the assistance of other less-favoured members of the family to act as stocks, ^any other plants are in a like manner in- creased to a wonderful extent by grafting and budding, and more are daily being subjected to these modes of propagation. It need not be wondered at that a proceeding so fraught with advantages should also have its drawbacks, that now and then dillerences of opinion should exist as to some of its de- tails, that there should be differences of opinion on the merits of the stocks used. I believe Mr. Barnes, of the Camberwell Nursery, was tl>e first to point out the best stock on which to work the Indian Azalea, and a few years ago there was some contention amongst Bose-growers, as to whom was due the merit of first trying the Manetti stock for the Rose ; latterly, however, there has been some difference of opinion about this stock, and the liriar has been again put forward. Of the re- spective merits of these stocks it is not my intention to offer an opinion ; but I would Uke to see both dispensed with if Roses could be coaxed to grow on their own roots. This sub- ject, however, has been already discussed by several writers in the JouBNAL OF HoKTicvLTriiE, and, in connection with it, I wUl only allude to a plan that has been of late adverted to by several — that of planting Roses worked on the Manetti so deeply as to bury part of the plant as well as the stock, a proceeding which is said to facilitate the production of roots above the graft, and some writers have advised the stock and lower roots to be cut away when the upper tier are formed. If the Manetti is of no further use than this plan would imply the sooner it is done away with the better, and the plant started on its own roots, instead of having to suffer the in- convenience of its foundation being cut away. Besides, un- less the plants are worked very low indeed, planting them in their final quarters so much deeper in the ground than they were before, must be hurtful in other ways, as there are comparatively few plants that like to be pltinted so deeply, how- ever prone they may be to send their roots downwards. We ought as far as possible to imitate Nature in all her works, but we see no instance in which she buries the collar below the surface, why, therefore, should we do so ? Assuredly the result is no better". It ma}', however, be said, that transplanting is an artificial proceeding altogether, and so it is, for with the ex- ception of trees or plants being tora up and washed away by floods in rivers, or such tornados as we hear of in tropical countries, and deposited somewhere by accident where they can glow, the transplanting of trees by natural means is less common than grafting, so that there is no analogy between the two; but layering is a purely natural mode of midtiplying plants, and seed stUl more so, and rooting in both these cases is from the suiface. All this has been repeatedly urged by the advocates for shallow planting. Instead of pursuing the subject of Rose stocks further, I will now enter on that of stocks as adapted for fruit trees, which has again, for at least the twentieth time, occasioned discussion in the pages of gardening periodicals, and latterly I was sorry to see' that a bitterness of spirit was imported into the matter which ought not to have been, especially as the difference of opinion seems to be one Ukely to affect all kinds of grafted or worked plants, and I may add many that are not worked. In other words, it may be taken for granted that every tree planted deeper than is good for it, endeavours to correct the error that it made, by directing its roots to the surface, or if it is in- capable of so doing, it will in many cases emit roots from that part of its stem which is just sufficiently below the surface to protect the roots when young from the effects of dry weather ; or, where sufficient moisture can be obtained, the roots are formed on the veiT surface, as sometimes is the case with Willows in swampy ground ; or a still more notable example is March 20, 186fi. ] JOURNAL OP HOKTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. 215 that of the (irape Viue, which under favourable circumstances sends out roots innumerable into the tempting humid atmo- sphere. But more on this head when the subject of stocks has been adverted to. It would be dilfieult to trace back the history of the stocks that have been at times recommended for our ordinary fruits. The Peach and Almond lor the Peach, Quince and White Thorn for the Pear, and the Paradise Apple for the Apple, must assuredly have been tried lonp ago, and by successive writers and practitioners recommended at varioiis times in preference to the stocks most generally in use. Now, though foreigners, especially Americans, say we are slow at availing ourselves of advantages within our reach, assuredly if the stocks above named had possessed superior merit to those they were tried against, there is, and has been, sufficient discernment in the cultivators of these fruits to perceive it, and these stocks would have made their way into general use long ago. How- ever, these stocks are not the most generally used at the present day, and it behoves us to find some solution as to, in schoolboy phrase, " the reason why." Commencing with the Peach — I well remember the time when the Peach stock was hailed as a step in the right direction, and was expected to do wonders, the knotty protuberance so manifest in most Peach trees worked on the Plum stock, was an eyesore said to give way when a Peach stock was substituted, and I have certainly seen some fine trees so grown, but by-and- by it was whispered about that now and then such a tree would fall into ill-health, and in spite of its being supported by one of its own kin, death would overtake it at an early age. The Almond, I believe, was still more liable to this misfortune, and though trees on both stocks may occasionally be met with, they are not in sufficient number, nor in such a healthy and vigorous state as to warrant the general adoption of these stocks. The reason of the Peach stock not answering would seem to be its inability to perfect itself and the variety worked on it in our cold soiJs, and in the dull summers of this country ai compared with those of its native land, while the Plum, being probably indigenous, performs the task better. Local circumstances, doubtless, modify these results, and some places favour the growth of the Peach stock ; but as a rule these places are few, and there are, perhaps, fewer trees worked in this way now than twenty years ago. Taking the Pear next, the comparative merits of the Pear and Quince stocks ought not to be judged by the same standard as that which guided the decision in the case of the Peach, for both are hardy. I will say nothing of the Pear on the White Thorn, Moimtain Ash, and other stocks on which it is said to be grown, but most generally as an object of curiosity, but will proceed to the merits of the two stocks on which the tree is most commonly worked, and on which the controversy has lately turned, and endeavour to offer some solution of this knotty question. In the first place, let us examine the two plants as they generally present themselves, and, reasoning from that, the truth may, perhaps, be arrived at. On examining the two what a difference will be perceived in their growth, that was not before thought of. In this county both fruits, espe- cially the Pear, are gi'own somewhat extensively. The Quince is certainly not so much grown in this neighbourhood, and only now and then a tree is met with until we travel a few miles farther, and then this fruit is seen in all its glorj-. Now, it is not my intention by any means to condemn the Quince as a stock for the Pear, on the contrary, there are some cases in which most likely it may be used with advantage. I am, nevertheless, of opinion that there is no instance in which a Pear so worked has produced anything like the quantity of fruit it has done when grown on a stock of its own kind. The Quince seems altogether of more limited growth, and in no case when I have seen it has it approached the majestic growth of the Pear tree, when on a stock better suited to its requirements. Taking the quantity of fruit that full-sized trees of each kind may be said to produce, I have in no instance seen a Quince tree yield more than one-fourth of what the Pear will do, and this is a wide difference. Certainly this immediate district favours the Pear tree more than the Quince, but I have not heard of the latter assuming anything like the proportions of the former in any place where it is grown. It is just, therefore, to assume that the Quince is of humbler growth, and, consequently, more likely to check the growth of what it has to support than to augment it, and as such may be more useful when trees are grown in a dwarfed or stimted condition, as small pyramids, or against low trellises, walls, or tho like, instead of assuming the lofty proportions and vigor- ous condition that would result from the tree being worked on a stock of its own kind ; but this condition of things is also modified in other places, where it is possible that the Quince may be of service ; for the Pear and Quince do not by any means both like the same soil, and here is the secret of much of that difference of results which is sometimes attributed to mere opinion. The Quince grown as an independent fruit tree thrives best in a damp place, say by the side of a ditch, or in a similar position not too dry nor light. The Pear, on the contrary, seems to thrive best on a dry stony soil that will allow its roots to descend to a good depth, and still to find nourish- meut in the open stratum through which they pass, the whole being free from all stagnant water, and ready to receive any amount of rainfall without showing much difference at top. Such a soil is the one in the immediate neighbourhood of thia place, where the Pear is to some extent cultivated, though not to the same degi'ee as the Plum, Apple, and Filbert. Still there are many thousands of bushels grown in favourable years at no great distance from us, and these are mostly pro- duced on large standard trees on stocks of their own kind, with trunks a foot or more in diameter, and scarcely showing any signs of ever having been worked, the stock and scion keeping pace with each other. I will not say how many sieves repoii; has given credit for one of these large trees yielding in a favourable season, but the produce is said to exceed that of any Apple tree. The fruit of the Quince may veiy often be all gathered without the use of a ladder, the trees being so low; but then I am not certain the Pear tree would not be small in such a place also ; therefore, we must not confuse the relative position of the tiees, but, taking the matter in its broadest sense of competitive merit, ask whether the Pear grown on the Quince stock in the most favourable situation for that stock, or the Pear grown on its own stock in its most suitable position, produces the more fruit of good quality. I, for one, have no hesitation in giving the palm of merit to tho latter ; other growers may, perhaps, think differently. Wiat is here stated may, perhaps, provoke discussion ; if so, let it be of that courteous kind which becomes the calling in which we are all engaged. Jly remarks on the Pear having been extended further than I purposed, but Uttle will be said on the Paradise stock for the Apple. Its only merit, so far as I could ever learn, is, that it tends to dwarf the growth of the variety grafted upon it. Some of its admirers assume that trees on the Paradise begin to bear sooner, but that is questionable, and most certainly a smaller quantity of fruit is produced on a given number of trees of, say, ten years old, of this kind than by those on other stocks, when the advantages are aUke ; and possibly in cases in which the trees supported ou the Paradise stock do so well, this result is due to the soil and situation favouring that variety. I imagine, however, that it is not the same sort of soil as that mentioned as being the best for the Quince, but, on the contrary, a dry soil ; yet ou this point I am by no means certain, for I have had little experience with the Paradise stock, and have yet to learn any advantages it pos- sesses over the more common Crab. The desire for novelty and a wish to have something different from their neighbours are inherent in many persons, and these feelings are laudable too in their way ; they have at various times during the last fifty years called the Paradise stock into notice, but it has never to my knowledge made that figure iu the world that its antagonist has done, and for every basketful so produced, some waggon- loads may be set down on the other side ; therefore, unless as above stated for some special purpose, the use of the Paradise stock is not advisable. It may, nevertheless, be worthy of notice from those who prefer a single fruit to a bushel of the same obtained in the common way, and such persons are justified in riding their hobbies as hard as they like, but the market basket would be long in being filled by this plan, and that after all is, perhaps, the truo way of looking at the matter. With regard to planting fruit trees so deeply in the ground as to bury the part worked 4 or 5 inches under the surface. and induce the upper portion to emit roots, no better argument could be used against working at all ; but, independently of that, is not planting so deeply bad practice ? In general shallow planting is recommended, everywhere I might almost say, and to reverse this merely to induce the formation of roots where none existed before will no doubt effect that object, but that does not by any means justify the means adopted. Within a mUe of wliere I now write, there are hundreds of Apple and Cherry trees that have been planted on the surface and the soii heaped on the roots, making a mound of about half a cart- 216 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GAJ5DENEK. ( Mmrch 20, 1866. load or no aroond the colUr of each tree, and the result is favourable. Gooseberries and Cun-ants have sometimes been treated in the same way, but tlie plan is all but abandoned, and in the case of Apples only a few practise it. Cherries, liowever, on stiff ground seem to be benefited by tlie practice, but on dry stony soils of ujiland districts the benefit is less apparent, and the plan has been abandoned by many growers ; nevertheless, some old hands still adhere to it. There is an inconvenience attending it where the ground is in tillage, but when in grass this is not the case. I cannot conclude this article without thanking Mr. Pearson for his excellent article on the CameUia, a phint which is managed the reverse of well in many places, and though I hardly agree with him altogether as to the soil he recommends, I am far from being certain that he is wrong, ilost eicellent Camellias are grown in different parts of Yorkshire, and, no doubt, in the adjoining counties also, and advice from growers there is valuable ; but .somehow I have always been of opinion that the water a plant is fed with exercises as much influence on its well-doing as the soil it is grown in. For instance, water from a chalk well, continuously supplied to Heaths planted in peat, in time is fatal to the plants. Itain water we are perfectly assured is in all cases grateful, and for tender plants ought always to be used. — J. Kobson. PE.VR SCIONS ROOTING. I EAVE read with lively interest the discussion on Pear scions emitting roots above the stock. The affirmative I can fuUy endorse by practical proof. I have very recently been trans- planting a number of Pear trees, and one of them is ready for Mr. Scott with a beautiful bunch of roots " from above the junction of the scion and stock." The spongelets are very fat and active, whUo those of the stock are dormant. The tree is a standard, about 5 feet high, stem 2 inches in diameter. If Mr. Scott will send me a dozen Mrs. Pollock Geraniums I will send him the tree for occular demonstration. Of course he will pay the £1 to the Institution. — T. Middleion, Ganlemr to Sir W. W. Wynne. WINTERING "STiRBENAS iUNDKR BELL GLASSES. Having for the last four years adopted a particular method of wintering Verbenas, Calceolarias, Lobelias, Ageratums, and even Pelargoniums, which I have never seen described, I ven- ture to give my experience and mode of proceeding, not for the purpose of instructing professed gardeners, but in order to bring this class of plants more within the reach of such ama- teurs and cottagers as cannot or will not afford themselves the luxury of a greenhouse or frame. Even by those who possess these useful adjuncts to a garden, this mode of keeping them through either a wet or frosty winter will be found easier and more certain than the old systems. That it may not prove a success with all on the first trial is probable, but it should not, therefore, be hastily condemned, for many will set about it the wrong way, or omit doing something essential to success. The advantages of the method are, that the first outlay is small, that the skill required to succeed is only such as is pos- sessed by evei-y one who cultivates plants as a pastime, and that very little labour is required. That I was not so successful the first season as I now am is true ; but since I adopted this method I have never been without a sufficient supply of these nsnally fastidious pets, and most seasons I have plenty to spare for my more unfortunate neighbours. The time for commencing operations is not the same for all the above-mentioned plants. Verbenas should be put in from the beginning to the end of October ; though I have done so and succeeded as late as the 2.5th of November, I do not advise waiting so late. For Ageratums and Calceolarias my advioe is. Wait as late as you possibly can, but insert the cuttings before the plants are affected by frost. This is my mode of proceeding : — A fortnight before propa- gating I dig a border 2 feet wide and long in proportion to the number of bell-glasses required. It should be immediately nnder a south w.iU, and slope from the wall so that the water may be thiowu off. Over this border spread sand an inch thick, and fork it well in, so as to make a sandy open soil in which to plant the cuttings. On this I place the bell-glasses for a few days before planting, that the soil may become heated. I make my cuttings in the usaal way, and dibble them in as thickly as possible — say about half an inch apart. I have now of Purjile King Verbena a bell-glass 10 inches in diameter, in which were put a hundred cuttings ; eighty-eight are looking well, and have already furnished one set of cuttings, the others were devoured by a slu^ which found its way in, and grew fat on Verbenas for a few days, but rrr/uiocQf I'li ;«id-. I then give a good drenching with water at iH)% put on the bell-glass whilst the soil is still muddy, press the glass down Jirmly, shade from strong sun, and water over and around the bell-glass every third morning until the cuttings begin to shoot. As soon as they start I give air by remoWng the glass on every fine day, and occasionally wipe the inside, and I fork the soU among the plants. If kept well aired and tolerably dry a little frost will not hurt the cuttings, though if the frost become severe pro- tection must be given by means of a sheaf of straw, tied to- gether at one end, and of a convenient length, so that when pushed over the top of the bell-glass it may cover it all round. Treat the Ageratums, Lobelias, and Calceolarias in the same way, and in March each Verbena will furnish two cuttings, which may be struck as before, and each Ageratum and Cal- ceolaria will afford one cutting. I have wintered Pelargoniums and Fuchsias in precisely the same manner. Though I do not recommend this method for them, it is better than fagotting them in a cellar. The objections which may be raised against this system are : — Firstly, That the roots are necessarily more or less injured at bedding-out time. Secondly, That the plan may do for a mild climate, but will not answer in a cold one. Thirdly, That i£ the climate is very wet, damp will be the destroying agent. To the first objection I will answer, that though the roots may be a little broken, and the plants reciuire water and a little attention for a few days after planting out, they do not sustain material iujiuy, and will prove hardier and less liable to mildew than if they were pot-bound, or allowed to become too dry in winter. To the second objection my answer is, that where my bell- glasses stood last winter the thermometer registered 25° for three consecutive nights, yet not a plant suffered. With regard to the third objection, 1 may remark that this winter has been a severe test, for we have scarcely been two days without rain, yet not a single plant has damped off, or shown an inclination to do so. The Lobelias and Calceolarias are, perhaps, a trifle too tender, but exposure to March winds will put that all right. — Pcrpljj King. [We know that most of what " Pirple King " relates can be done, but only by care and watchfulness. In such positions hand-lights have been used pretty successfully. In fine weather they are better, in bad weather they are not so good as large bell-glasses. As our correspondent speaks of the little expense, we presume he uses those of coarse coloured glass. Good bell- glasses of clear glass, 16 inches in diameter, cost about 'is. Gd., and they are expensive and liable to break in carriage. We once had a narrow pit close to a wall under our care, and there Neapolitan Violets and bedding stuff flourished amazingly, the glass being protected by straw covers and straw mats, and the ground in front rough-asphalted with tar and gravel to throw off the damp and wet. With rough glass in large squares at lid. per foot much may thus be done with narrow pits — say 2 or 3 feet wide, in front of a thick wall. The bell-glass system might suit some people much better, as they are made all ready for use, and our correspondent would confer a further favour by telling us the size and price of his glasses, and the quality and colour of the glass. We duly appreciate the skill and the unwearied watchfulness he has exercised over his pets.] CULTURE OF ^^2RBENAS FOR BEDDING-OUT. Some of your readers seem to find a difficulty in the cultiva- tion of Verbenas ; my mode of growing them always success- fully is as follows. In the latter part of July I take cuttings, and insert them in a mixture of light loam and leaf mould, with a spriukling of silver sand, in -IS-sized pots well drained, and plunge these up to their rims in some old tan in a two-light frame on a gentle hotbed. When the cuttings are rooted I pot them off into 00-pots, and place them in their previous quarters till they have roothold. They are then placed on a shelf in a cool vinery, and remain there till spring, to be then removed to a cold frame to await their being transplanted into the flower Ibich 20, 1866. 1 JOUBNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 217 garden. Should any of yonr readers try the above plan, I feel sure they will not fall in siiccessfully cultivating the Verbena.— H. C. 0. HEATING BY A FLUE, AND CHIMNEY DISTANT. I HAVE a small span-roof greenhouse, 16 feet by 9 feet, and 10 feet high, which I intend heating with a flue. Opposite and paraUel to the greenhouse, and distant from it about 9 yards, stands a brick summer-house. It stands about 2 feet higher than the greenhouse. I intend puUing it down, and putting two frames in its place. As I do not wish to be at the trouble of building a chimney to the greenhouse, I have been thinking it might be possible to use the summer-house chimney for carrying away smoke from the greenhouse flue, and wish yonr advice about the following. I intend building the fireplace outside the gi-eenhouse at the door end, and at the back of the door close to the greenhouse ; the flue to enter the greenhouse and run along the back, then along the end, and back along the front to within a foot of the doorway, and leave the house there. On leaving the house I intend it to dip down about IS inches, and pass along under- ground in an uphill direction about 9 yards. At the end of the underground part I intend it to rise into an aboveground flue, which wiU be about 14 feet long, under the two frames, they being placed on the present site of the summer-house. After the flue passes through the frames it wUl end in the present summer-house chimney. My reason for having the underground part is, the flue would require to cross the prin- cipal walk of my ground. Query 1st, Would it be better to build the iire altogether outside, or inside with the door to the outside of the house ? 2nd, By the above plan do you think there would be a suffi- cient draught of air to keep the fii'e going and heat the green- house flue ? 3rd, Would there be any heat after passing through the ground, to be of use in a frame for raising plants from seeds and cuttings ? — W. B. M. L. [There are two things against yom- proposed plan answering weU. First, the proposed dip of your flue, 18 inches, after going round your house, and then passing in a lower level, though rising for 27 feet, until it gets above the ground again for 14 feet, and then passes into the garden arbour-house chimney. The dipping would be of less consequence if at once you rose from the dip to the original or a higher level. It would require a high chimney to secui'e a draught with such a dip and the low level afterwards, as heated air, like heated water, has a disinclination to descend. Then, again, yom- 27 feet of flue sunk beneath the ground wUl be apt to get damp, as we see nothing of the flue being protected, and that will impair the draught. Then, again, you will waste more fuel than is necessary if, after making a flue some 40 feet long for your house, you continue that flue some 27 feet out of doors, and then 14 feet to heat two frames in the position of the summer-house, and chiefly for the sake of the summer- house chimney. Now, first, as a question of economics, we would be content to heat the greenhouse as you propose with the flue, and have a small chimney at the end to which the flue returns ; and that need not frighten you, as an iron pipe 7 inches wide and 7 feet long woiUd do, or three or four hard-burned earthenware pipes, some 0 to 7 inches in diameter and from 2 to 2i feet long, as used for drainage purposes, would make a chimney at once. After the flue had run more than 40 feet there would be no danger of cracking. We think this would be a much easier thing than building 27 feet of a flue nndergroimd, in order that it might give out a little heat to 14 feet further on, so as to get to a chimney. But 2ndly, It is natui-al that we should like our own ideas best if they can be at all carried out ; and we think you may do all and more than you propose if the ground wiU pei-mit of your sinking your furnace deep enough, so as to have the flues in the house lower than the level of the path outside which you must cross. We do not know the arrangement of your span- roofed house 9 feet wide inside, but we think the best would be to have the pathway down the centre ; and if you put your flue or flues beneath the pathway, the top of the flue forming the pathway in fact, then you might pass your outside walk without dipping, and continue in the same or a rising level all the way to the summer-house chimney ; and if you hked you might cover the flue all the way from the outside pathway with I frames or pits, the greatest heat being found nearest to the greenhouse. This would be a capital plan for keeping lots of plants, and securing early vegetables, &c., and the flue would act better than when exposed to all weathers for 27 feet. We should like to know how you decide. We have said flue or flues beneath the centre pathway of the greenhouse. If single, it would require to be 14 or 15 inches wide, outside measure. If double, each 9 inches wide at least, outside measure. Now to the questions. 1, Have the fireplace outside the house by all means, the outside flush with the end wall of the house. The furnace- bars may therefore be inside the house, and should he 18 inches at least beneath the bottom of the flue. 2, We think the xmprotected (except by earth) covering of the flue out of doors, would promote dampness and arrest draught. 3, The heat outside the house for raising cuttings, seedlings, would be most effectual in frames placed as near to the green- house as possible. Would it not be possible to have a small pit outside your greenhouse, the side wall of your greeiihouse forming the back of the pit, and turn your flue into that ?] FUMIGATING — SYRINGING "\\^TH HOT SEWAGE— LAPSTONE KIDNEY POTATO. I WILL answer "A Beginner" by stating that I never syringe my orchard-house trees from the time the blossoms first peep from the buds till the fruit is set, a diy aiiy atmo- sphere being necessary for the dispersion of the pollen. My orchard-house adjoins another house filled with a mis- cellaneous collection of plants, and the latter I watch nan'owly at this time of year in order to detect the first sign of green fly. About a fortnight ago I observed this insect on some Calceo- larias, and, to take measures against it, I merely waited for the glass to become coated with snow, according to Mr. Fish's ex- cellent hint, for I knew by the appearance of the sky that I should not have to wait very long. In the eighth volume of the Old Series of this Jom-nal I gave the accompanying illustra- tion of the contrivance which I use in fumigating a single plant in a large pot, and I have the original by me now. It is made of hoops joined to uprights, and is covered with some old moreen curtains so as to confine the smoke. I have always found it excellent for the purpose of fumigating a single bush tree, or a limited number of small plants. The mode of operating is very simple and very effectual. When we receive a loaf of sugar from the grocer, with a wrapper of blue paper coarser than common, I seize it, and cut it into strips about 10 inches broad. I then place on the fire the hquid- manure saucepan containing about two quarts of water, a quarter of a pound of coarse shag tobacco, and one ounce of saltpetre, and boO the ingredients for half an hour. I next strain the liquid from the tobacco, retui'n the former into the saucepan along with the strips of paper, which are loosely rolled up, and allow the hquid to become agaiit heated and to thoroughly saturate the paper. I then place the pot on one side till its contents become cold, imroU and thoroughly dry the paper, and what liquid remains in the pot uuabsorbed by the paper may be added to six times its bulk of water, and be employed for syringing. The paper thus treated becomes like touch-paper, and is used to form self-acting cigars for fumigating. To fumigate a house say 20 feet long by 14 feet wide, six cigars would be re- quired. I form them thus : I divide three ounces of tobacco into half ounces, cut six pieces of the prepared paper, each about 8 inches long, spread the tobacco equally over their sur- faces, roll up loosely, and merely fasten the end of the paper at the bottom with a pin to prevent its uncoiling. Now if the roof of the house to be fumigated is covered with snow, or if not, at evening or on a dull day, place six small empty flower- pots equidistant on the floor of the house, and let each of them be furnished with a cigar ; then apply a lighted match to the latter, and the tobacco will be gradually consumed through the smouldering of the touch-paper. The operator who dislikes the fumes may immediately make his or her exit, and return next morning to find the insepts all dead, which is exactly what I did. I fumigated the orchard-house at the same time as the plant-house, to prevent the insects finding their way from the 218 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. r Hareh 30, 18«<. cue t(i the olhiT ; but always, excepting from the burKting of the buds up to tLe time of tbo fruit Betting, and from the be- ginning of the softening to the ripening of the fruit, eommend me to the hot nmmonmcal fumes of house sewnge. One cigar would be Fiiflloient to fumigate the crinoline contrivance, or a two-light Cueunibir- frame. Now with regard to the inquiries of " A Beoinsei!." " First, how often the syringing is recommended to be used to trees in an orehard-hiiuso when free from insects?" I answer, That de- pends entirely upon " A Beoinneii's" inclination and time. From the setting of the fruit up to its last swelling for ripen- ing an application every evening, if bright fine weather pre- vails, would benefit the foliage ; and the same may be said from the gathering of the fruit to tlie maturation and fall of the leaf. AMicn, however, the wind is in the east, and dark murky clouds move sluggishly over the firmament, if fruit and a healthy foliage are the objects in view, the trees must be in- dcfatigably syringed with the sewage morning and evening. " Second, how often is it recommended for borders in an orchard-house, to be syringed for the purp ose of filling the house with steam ? " I answer. As a matter of course the borders must necessarily become moistened every time the trees are syringed ; but if roots arc there, give the border a thorough deluging with sewage once a-wcek whilst the fruit is arriving at maturity, and the same may be done to the soil in pots, and in tine hot weather the latter must be watered with pure water every day on which the sewage is not applied. For a vinery, by sjrringing the hot sewage from pail to pail, the house soon becomes filled with steam. Soak the borders both inside and out once a-wcek, only desisting as soon as the Grapes begin to colour. In 181)4 I continued syringing over- head my Vines in the house till the Grapes became ripe. The hloom stood it better than I could have thought possible. Last year I never syringed after the Grapes were set, but con- tinued the sewage-steaming and saturated the borders once a-week. I shall continue the latter plan for Vines under glass, as being what I consider much the best. The heated ammoniacal gases prove sufficiently pungent to maintain the jia;;o(cth iiut., m ihv iaitU>m coDfi«rrfttorj arcade, and uotwilhRtnndiuf; the ktcn wmd aud un^t-niul Ujmperatare, wliic-h iiu doubt had the (;fTect of diterrmKniany <-\h])»itors from comixif; forward, and of kt'CpiiiR owuy a lar;^'e mimtit-r of Tisitorn, there was au I xctllcut iittendanci- of both. The diajday altofietbfr was ono of the btkt that have been seen of late years so early in the Beason ; not only did tlie Hyatiuths present au impoRiuR array mo>*t brilliant and varied in colour, but there were g^y Tnlips in abnndanre, long lines of Croonses, beantiful Kobc-s, and a good number of stove and grecuhoofie j)lants, forced Bhrabu, Arc. Hyacintlis have certniuly never been seen iu ^renter perfection, if, indeed, tht-y have been equalled at any previous bbow ; and tboagh. Mr. ^'illiant Paul and Messrs. Cnthntsh were, \\n usual, pre*eDiincnt. other eihibitors came forward ; and that which is not so asoal, their productiouB, though falling short of those from the above veteran growers, were of conf-idcrabk- merit. Iu Clafis 1, for eighteen distinct varietioR from nnrneryinen, two splen- did collections were shown. That from Mr. Williani Paul, to which was awarded the first prize, contained spikes which for size, aud for freeh- ness and brightness of colour, even surpassed his prerious efforts. There was an air of nobility about the spikes thot it is difticnlt to de- scribe, but which was most striking. Foremost auioug the single blue class in this collection was King of the iJlues, and a maguifieent Epike it was ; the others were Grand Lilas, Charles Dickens, and Marie. Double varieties of the same colour consisted of Van Speyk. Garrick, und Laurens Koster; and the very dark shades approaching to black, were represented by Feruck Khan and General Havelock. Of reds — ■ Garibaldi. Von Schiller. Solfaterre. Koh-i-Noor, and Macaulay. were most brilliant, and the spikes ven,- tine ; and so, too. was that of Lord Wellington, double pale blush, seizing as a connecting link with the white class, of which there were Mont Blanc and Alba maxima, tlic latter remarkably fine. Ida, the best of the yellows, completes the list, Messrs. Cutbush, as already remarked, had also a splendid set of eighteen, but some of the llowcrs had nut reached tbatperfei-tion which they would evidently have attained a week later. This collection re- ceived the second prize. It consisted of blues — Charles Dickens, Bleo Aimable. Marie, Grand Lilas, Baron Von Tuyll. and Laurens Koster; reds — Von Schiller. Solfaterre, and Macaulay, very brilliant ; Howard, Florence Nightingale, Princess Clothilde. and Cavaignae ; Itobert Fortune, mauve ; Grandeur :i Meneille. ]>ale bln^h. a splendid spike; La Vestale aud Mont Blanc, wliite ; and au excellent spike of Ida, yellow. Mr. Kirtlaud, Albion Kursery, Stoke Xewingtou, came third with a very good coUectiou, in which the most noticeable wore Oroudatcs, Von Scliiller, Sultau's Favoxirite, Charles Dickens, Van Si>cyk, Mont Blanc, Gigautea, and Mimosa. The next class was for twelve Hyacinths, of six kinds, amateurs only. The competitors were Mr. Young, gardener to K. Barclay, Ksq.. High- gate, and Mr. Bartlett, Shaftesbury Koad, Hammersmith, who were awarded the first aud second prizes respectively ; and it is worthy of remark that their collections, both iu tlus aud other classes, were much superior to those generally shown iu previous years by amateurs. Among the kinds shown were — Queen of the Netherlauds, Sultan's Favourite, Vou Scluller, Mout Blanc, Kiuirod, Mimosa, Chaxlee Dickens, Ac. Class .*t was for six Hyacinths, and open to nnrserymen and ama- teurs. Here, again. Mr. \V. Paul was first, witli splendid spikes of King of the Blues, Van SjH-yk, Macaulay, Koh-i-Noor, Alba maxima, and Ida. Messrs. Cutbush aud Mr. Kirtland were eijual second, and Mr. Young third. Of Hvacinths grown in pots and glasses in windows, the best came from Mr Bartlett. and were in pots. Mrs. L. Young. Kentish Town,. Hud Mr. Beach, gardener to W. Rogers, Esq., Bedhill, were respec- tively second and third. New Hyacinths were shown by Mr. W. Paul. Me.^sr«;. Cutbush, and Mr. Young. Tliose from Mr. Paul, who took the first prize, were \'unxba.'ik, a brilliant scarlet crimson, which, as well as Priicess Mary of Cambridge, lilac, appeared to be decided acquisitions ; Sir Henry Havelock, pnrjilish plum ; Adeliua Patti. like Robert Fortune in colour; Bird of Paradise, resembling Ida m colour; and SirE. Land- seer, a sho-ny rosy crimson. Messrs. Cutbush, who were second, had Arnold's Princen, purplish plum, a desirable colour : Grand Vainqueur, pale rose strijied with pink ; Oriou, violet, with good-sized bells ; Au- ricula •; Oog. purplish violet with a white eye ; Hogarth, a pleasing rose piiik : and Mrs. .lames Cutbush, wliite, iu the way of Snowball, but with a lai-ger truss. From Mr. Young came Sir E. liandseer, deep mauve, good spike ; General Pelissicr. porcelain blue ; Mary, a promising white ; Annie Lisle, rosy red ; aud OmpUale, blush. A third prize was awarded for thefie. Mjyrch 20, 186^ ] , J0U3N^ OF HORXICULTUBiE AND, COTTAGE GAKDl^NEB,. 219 . Jtnow only remaiuatp notice. a collection of 1^20 pots, faruished by iCr. W. Panl". and comprising magnificent examploti of most of tlio best known varieties. Among blues, hero, as clsewhern. King of the Blues was the finest of tlie dark slinaes of that colour, and of thi- lighter varie- ties Charles Dickens, Grand Lilas, Couronne de CeUe, Lord Cowley. Bioksborg, and Van Speyk, were oonspicuoue. / Thie very dark, almost black shades, were represented by General Havelock, Prince AJbert, Fernck Khan, and Von Humboldt. Keds wore numerous, and l>csides those already enumerated, consisted of Reiue desJaeinthes, Ornemeut de laNaturef Cavaignac, ai^d Beauty «f Waltbam ; whilst of the blush varieties, Lord Wellington and Grandeur a Mei-veille were particularly fine, Haydn and Adelina Patti %tei*e conspicuous on account of their mauve tinge, and Ida was apimrently the best ynllow. Of the white class there were besid(ts Queen of Netherlands, Alba maxima, and Mont Blanc, very good examples of Orondatos, Mirandoline, Snow- ball, and Madame de Sta6l. . ^ '•' _ Tulips wore shown in twelves in two classes by nurserymen and ama- teurs respectively. Of the former Mr. W. Paul was first with Keizers- ki-oon, vei*y show;^'. Proserpine, a vei-y fine purplish rose, the well-known Yellow anil White Pottebakker. Globe de Rigaut, puqilish streaked ^vith white, and Couleur Cardinal, a show\- retl. Messrs. Cntbush, who were second, had Keizerskroou, Cramoisie Royalc, Cramoisie Superbe, Dnc d'Aremberg, and Duchesse de Parme, red and yellow, the latter very showy. In the Amateurs' classes Mr. Young was first, Mr. Bart- lett second, the kinds being Toumesol, Vermilion Brilliant, and others alreadv named; and in addition an extensive and fine collection was exhibited by Mr. W. Paul, and one came from Mr. Bartlett, which was also vei-y good, though not so numerous. ■ Narcissi were not numerous. Those from Mr. W. Paul were first, aad consisted of Baaelman Major; Newton, yellow; Grand Primo Citronier, white and yellow : Que-en of Yellows ; Gloriosa. a fine white with a yellow cup. From Mr. Macintosh. Hammersmith, who was second, c-ame Paper White, a pretty pure white, Grand Soleil d'Or, Grand Primo, and others ; and collections were also furnished by Messrs. Cutbush and Mr. Young, to whom equal third prizes were given. Crocuses made a fine display, and some sorts, such as Albion and Ida Pfeiffer. striped ; Marie d'Ecosse and Mammoth, white ; and Pi-ince of Wales, blue, were verv effective. CoUections also came from Mr. Macintosh. Hammersmith, Mr. Young, and Mr. Bartlett, to each of which a prize was awarded. Of Lilies of the Valley good pots came from Mr. W. Paul, Mr. Barrtlett, and Messrs. Cutbush : and Chinese Pnninlas from Mr. Tod- man, gardener to R. Hudson, Esq., and Mr. Fountain, gardener to Miss Wood. Ealing. There were also several miscellaneous collections of Hyacinths, Tulips, and other bulbs from the above exhibitors. Beautiful groups of Roses were furais^ed by Mr. W. Paul and Messrs. Paul & Son ; and several boxes of cut blooms by the former. Catoellias came from Mt^ssrs. Lee. Bull, and Young. For the prizes awarded we must refer our readers to our advertising columns. Re- specting the Roses and the new Hvacinths some notes will be supplied by " D., 7)ea/." Forced shrubs were not unTflerong; Messrs: Cutbush had a first prize, and Mr. Young a second, for collections consisting of Gueldrps Rose, Rhododendron Cunningharai, Deutzia gracilis, double-flowering Peaches, Andromeda buxifoUa. Forsythia viridissima, and a Philadel- phus ; and Rhododendrons were furnished by Mr. W. Panl, Mr. Young, and Messrs. Cutbush, the former taking the first prize for six, and for a single specimen, a bushy weU-hloomed plant of Blandyanum. The six were smaller plants of Illuminator. Atrosanguineum, Sir I. New- ton, Pardoloton, and Schiller. Second and third prizes were awarded to Mr. Young and Messrs. Cutbush respectively. Greenhouse Acacias made but a small show, being only exhibited in threes, and as small plants. Messrs. Cutbush were first with A. Drum- mondi. criocarpa, and grandifiora magnifica, with spikes an inch or more in length ; and Mr. Y'oung second with the first two and nitida. Epacrises were only shown by three exhibitors — viz., Messrs. Lee, Cntbush, and Young, who stood in the prize list in the order in which they are named. Messrs. Lee's consisted of a large specimen plant of Eclipse, and of Ornata and Salmonea ; other sorts were Copelandii, miniata splendens, and Walkerii. Hyacinthiflora, lively rose, and Sun- set, crimson, in Messrs. Lee's miscellaneous collection were very pretty. Among miscellaneous gi'onps of plants Mr. Bull, of Chelsea, con- tributed different varieties of Aucnbas. some in fruit and one or two in flower, Peperomia ainfolia, a beautiful azure bluolpomica from South America. Dracienas, Yucca quadricolor, variegated Podocarpus, several pots of the show)* Imantophyllnm miniatum, Costus zebrinus, Arau- cana glanca, Ela^agnus jajjonicus, with well-marked yellow variegated foliage. Bignonia violescens argjTa-a, with leaves variegated with white, and with violet in their young state, the handsome Bertolonia margari- tacea, Lomaria gibba, and Azalea punctulata, which has sported into two other forms ; also, twelve Orange trees in pots, forming handsome little standards, bearing numerous fruits. Mr. Bull was awarded a first prize for his collection, and a lilte award was made to Messrs. Lee for a fine group, comprising Dendi-obiums moniliforme and nohile, ten Auoubas bearing an abundance of their bright red berries, Ixora Griffithii, in excellent bloom, Epacrises, Azaleas, Camellias, and Heduroma fuchsioides, in good bloom. Mr. Beasley, gardener to Mrs. Wood, Twyford Abbey, Acton, sent a well-grown specimen of Choro- zema Lawrencianum, exhibited at the previous weekly show, Azaleas, Cyclamens, &c. ; F. J. Graham, Esq., bis large and very fragrant Violet Czar ; and Mr. Bartlett, Todea pellucida, and other Ferns, and a miscellaneous collection of plants in flower. Mrs. Mitchell. Ang^lesea Terrace. Buttersea, exhibited wax flowers creditably executed, con- sisting of Gloire de Dijon and other Roses, Camellias, Ac. Mr..Gardiner,-Eatington Park, Stratford-on-Avon, contributed .fine specimens of Ai)ples, grown on the blue lias clay of south Wanvick- shir-o. They consisted of Stnrmer Pippin, Reinetto, du Cauadii, Han- well Suurijig. Dumelow's Seedling, Yorkshire Greening, aud others uunamed, luid were in such, excellent preservation that not a speck was to bu seen on them. They had, it was stated, been kept in a dark, dry room, where an almost uniform temperature of 40*^ was maintained. •, A number of extra prizes were awarded, foi* wliich we Hii;st refer oA^ re&defstothe prize list inanother colfljin. 'l^plJi uu ^i:t ; . ■ • ' . Sijyvr ,?!ig5V '/'.>. ■ ' '.~^: ——^—_ — ^^,.^., .^y, ..,^,.,-1 HORTICULTimAL SOCIETIES IN UNION WITHi THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. . '; The Coimcil offer tbo foUowiug ajvaotages to Provmcial Horticol-, tni-al and Floral Societies wliii'li may desire to enter iuto cmion with tliQ Koyal Horticultural Society : — 1. The Couocil iciU traasmit free to each Society in union one eogy o{ the " Proceedings " and "Jonvnal"' ai the Royal Horticultaral; Society. .--..: ■.-, ... .;, ! .: . ■2. They will iusert either in the " Proceedings " of the Royal Horti- ' cnltnral Society or in its " -Journal " according to the charafter of the contribution, the more important notices or papers the Society in union nmy msh to have published. ■ : ... - i- .j: :. : -. j.c 3. They •xHl transmit to the President jof the Society in. nnier.^, a transferable ticket, conferring on the bearer of it the following advantages : — n. The right of free admission to the Gardens whenever they are open. ■ .J b. The right of introducing two friends personally on any day ot the. week e?LCepting' on Saturday, ivhen one only can be introduced. - c. The same right as a Fellow of purchasing tickets at a reduced rate, before the day of the show, for the gi-eat and special shows, and on the day of the show, for the Saturday weekly shows. 4. They will transmit to the President forty orders, each ordet: giving admission to South Kensington or to Chiswick to one person. ■.. .5. They will allow to the Societies in union a two-guinea Fellow'% chunce in the ballot forplautsfor each two-guinea subscription paid, ; 6- They will send to the President of the Society iu union for the use of its members, one share of the seeds distributed among Fellows, and will procure for the Society seeds of the best description at whole- sale prices. ' * 7. They will allow tliS Seciretaries of tKe Soeietiea in anion, to' pro- cnre for its members such cuttings as can be spared from Chiswick Garden. 8. They will exchange plants and seeds, ifec, with the Society in union. 9. The terms of aobsoription are an annnal payment of two guineas, but a Society may, by payment of two or more two-guinea subscriptions, obtain increased privileges in proportiou to the subscription paid. It is to be understood that the privileges are offered to the Society for subscriptions paid by it as a body, and not to individual members of it. ' INTERNATIONAL HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION AND BOTANICAL CONGRESS. In our article last week under the above heading there vras an omission or two, and there is a correction which wo have to make. In the list of local committees formed in Scotland, that for Elgin aud the north of Scotland has Mr. H. Bose, of Floors Castle, named as the Hon. Secretary. It should be Mr. John Webster, The Gardens, Gordon Castle, Fochabers, N.B. In the list of local secretaries the name of Robert Warner, Esq., of Broomfield, Hon. Secretary for Chelmsford and the county of Essex, was unfortunately omitted. A very numerous and influential local committee has jast been formed at Dublin, of which the Eight Hon. the Lord Mayor is the Chairman, and the Hon. Local Secretary W. E. Steele, Esq., M.D., the energetic Assistant-Secretary ot the Royal Horticultmal Society of Ireland. We have great pleasure iu "recording this fact, as it manifests that a lively interest is being taken in this national movemoat in the great capital of the sister Island. RoYJSX HoRTicutTn'RAii SociETT. — The blossom of the beau- tiful Amherstia nobilis, so rarely flowered in England, and to obtain which was the special object of a mission sent to India by the late Duke of Devonshire, will be exhibited at the meet- ing of the Society this day. Mr. Bateman, F.R.S. aud a Vice- President of the' Society, will deliver a lecture on this glorious plant. . ' 220 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE: AND COTTAGE GARDENER. t M ufeb 90, UB8. THE ilOYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY'S FIRST SPRING SHOW.— Mahcu 17. This took place on Satnrday lust, and was a cbarnnng diBpIay of spring tlowprs most t'ffcctivily nrrant^ed on turf banks in tbe oxbibitioii tent. lu ibe backjn*ound, iilonR the cauvaa wuUiut;, wuro runted Arnurarifts on the one side, specimen Camellias on the otber ; iu front, Hjraciutlis, Talii>s. Crocuses, and other pprinj,' bulbs ; in llie centre, a basJt of Roses in all their freshness and beauty ; at oue end, Howori&f; and fine folluji*-'d stove and f^reouhouso plants, at the otber, a group of rich-coloured HbododonJrons. Following so closely the show at Keu- singiou, Ibu subjects exhibited there were to a great extent reprodncod OD this occasion, and as these hare been already uotlced, it wul be on* necessary to do more than mention their presence. Hyacinths were nnraeronsly shoim, both in special classes and in coUtH-tioU'^. In the Xurseri'miuis Clast for twelve, Mr. W. Paul was tirst, vv-ith Lord Wellington, King of the Bines, tiaiibalJi. Vun Siwyk, Koh-i-Noor, a magnificent spike; Macaulay, SolfateiTc, UranJ Lilas, Al)^ maxima, Lanreus Koster, Garrick, and Ida. Of the size and beanty of these it would bo superfluous to say more than that they were characterised by the Bume excellence as at Kensington, and ou a second ins])cction it even seemed enhanced. The second prize was awarded to Mr. Ba\'ies, Stanley Nursery, Old Swan, Liverpool, a new - exhibitor ;it these tdiows, for a very creditable collection, in which Von Schiller, Macanlay, Grand Lilas, and Ida were particnlarly good. Due de Malakoff, Madame Van der Hoop. Mont Blanc, Sultan's Fa- Toorite, Gmndenr a Men-eille, Grootvoorst, Laurens Ivoster, and Charles Difkvus completed the number. In the Amateur^i" Class Mr. Young, gardener to R. Barclay, Esq., High^ftte, was tirst ; Mr. Wheeler, gardener to Sir F. H. Goldsmidt, Bart., Kcgent'fl Park, second ; and Mrs. Young, Kentish ToTrn, third, those from the latter being in glasses. For six new ITyacinths Mr. W. Paul was fir.^t and Mr. Y'onng second, the kinds brinj:: the same as those shown at KLUsiu^tou. The former al^o exhibited a beautiful collection of established kinds ; and others C^e from Mr. Young and Mr. I>a^'ie3. For eighteen Tulips the two exhibitors aboTO named took a similar position in tb.c prize list, and both fnmished numerous collections in addition. Of the single kinds, Keizerskroon, Yellow and White Pot- tebakker, Rose Luisante, Proserpine, and Cerise Oris de Lin on account of its affording a change of colour, were six of the best ; and to these may be added Vermiliou Brilliant, and of doubles, Tonmesol and its yellow variety, and Leonardo di Vinci, very showy, red, edged with ycUow. Lac Oris de Lin, similar in colour to Cerise Gris de Tan, but double, will afford a further variety of colour. Unfortunately the day was too dull for the Tulips to be set. n in perfection. Of other bulbous plants fine collections of Narcissi, Lilies of the Valley, and Crocuses came from Mr. W\ Paul ; of Narcissi from Mi". Young; and of Cyclamens from Messrs. E. G. Henderson. Mr. Wiggins, gardener to W. Beck, Esq., Isleworth, and Mr. W^heeler. All the Cyclamens were iu ^^ood bloom, but those from Messrs. Henderson aad Wiggins were particularly so. Prizes were awarded to the three exhibitors in the order in which they are named. Chinese Primulas in good bloom, and of good colours, were shown by Sir. Todman, gardener to R. Hudson, Esq. ; and Mr. Wheeler, who were first and second ; bnt the greatest attractions in this way were two new and remarkably fine varieties exhibited by Messrs. E. G. Hender- son. One, called Stt-warti. had flowers as lar^'eas a five -shilling -piece, white, beautifully mottled and striped with piu^>lish crimson ; the other, Mrs. Eyre Crabbo, was smaller than Stewarti, but double, and the white ground suffused with pink. Both are decided acquisitions, and a great advance on older kinds. Camellias in pots were furnished by Messi-s. Lee and Mr. Bull, to whom first aud second prizes were awarded. The varieties were Fulgens nova, Valtcvuredo, Mailame TiOngelicr, Rossii. Alba illustrata. Prince .iVlbert, Sarah Frost. Double ^Vhitc, aud Marchioness of Exeter, large deep red. Cut blooms iu great beauty were furaished by Messrs. Lee, Todman, and Trussler, gardener to D. J. Kay, Esq., Hoddesdon. and Y'oung, Among the varieties seen to most advantage were Double Whit-e. Fimbriata ; Reine des Flenrs. Mathotiana, red; Optima and Caryopbylloides, carnation-striped ; Varie^ata, very showj-, red, with some of the petals nearly entirely white; Valtevarcdo, fose; Fra Axnoldo da Brescia, rose, with a white stripe up the centre of each petal ; Countess of Orkney, and Lady Humes Blush. To Messrs. jjee and Todman fii-st prizes were awarded, Mr. Trussler and Mr. Yonng being second and third. Of Roses in pots, though no j^rizes were specially offered, beautiful examples were shown by Mr. W. Paul aud Messrs. Paul & Son. to each of whom a silver medal was given. Those fiom the former comprised Dr. Lindley, very rich in colour ; Senateur Yaisso, Elizabeth Vigneron, Mrs. Bosunquet, Duchess of Sntherland, Madame de St. Joseph, verj- full of bloom ; Victor Vcrdier. and G( utral Jaequcminot ; whilst from the latter came Model of Perfection. Maurice Bemardin, Louise de Saroie, Victor Verdier, Alba liosea. Madame de St. Joseph, Beauty of Waltham, Prince Camille de Rohan, Princess Mary of Cambridge, President, and others. Among novelties, Calauthe Tomeri, pure white, with a purple eye. :ind Deudrobium primulinum gigauteum, with a pale primrose lip, and lilac .sepals aud petals, came from Mr. Williams, of Holloway ; aud from Messrs. Paul & Son, Philadelphos grandifioms speciosissimns, with fragrant white flowers 2| inches across ; and Dienilla mnltiflorn, with tnbalar maroon flowurri, with white anthers and a long ])istil, snrmonntcd by a whito stigma. Both the alxivc appear to be acquisitions iu the way of flower- ing shrubs. Mr. Bull u^^ain exhibited a lar^^u collection of new aud rare plants, the same as tliat shown at Kensington, as well as handsome standard Orange trees, aud was awarded a t^tlver medal. Some seed- ling Cinerarias were also showu by Messrs. F. il* A. Smith, of Dulwich, but the season was too early to form a dcllnite opinion of them. Groups; of flowering imd fiue-foliaged stove niid greenhouse jtlants from Mr. Williams, Messrs. Lee, and Mr. Wheeler, nceived first, second, aud third prizes, and consisted of Azaleas, Camellias, HedA- ronia fuchsioides, Eriostemou pulchellnm, a fiue flowering specimen of Frauciscca confcrtiflora, Yucca aloifolia variegata, Dracnnas, Cordy- linc iudivisa, Paudauus juvauieus variesntua, handsome plants of Diiksonia antarctica, and a verj- fine sjn-cimen of Alocn-ia mctuUica, which came from Mr. W'hteler, who also exhibited half a dozen exotic Ferns. Messrs. Lee again produced their handsome fruiting Aacubas, Mr, W. Paul a fine group of Rhododendrons, and Mr. Yonng green- house Acacias and forced thrubs. From the Rev. George Cheere came a pot of Anna Bolevn Pinks ; and lastly Mr. Reeves of the Jjadbrook Nursery, Notting liill, showed a dozen admirable specimens of Deutzia gracilis, which, though only in six-ineh pots, were corered with a pro- fusion of their pretty white flowers. CRYST.VL PALACE SPRING FLOWER SHOW. Tuis was opened on Saturday, and will reuiain open diuing the present week. The flowers are from Messrp. Cutbueii, of the Highgate Nurseries, and. as usual, are of very enperior excellence. They are tastefully arranged on a platform at ono end of the Palace aisle. We shall notice them fully next week. .UDING IN FERTILISING BLOSSOMS. It is a custom among gardeners to perform a work wluch they deem necessary — namely, fertilising or setting their Peach aud Nectarine flowers, a practice which I consider useless in line weather. I presume the gardener considers that the pollen is carried from the anthers to the stigmas by the means he uses, con- sequently conducing to the setting of the fruit. Do you con- sider such assistance really necesi^ary ? ^^'hy has nature provided pendent flowers with a longer style than those growing erect ? Most assuredly that the work may be performed natiii- ally. — Investigatoh. [Precisely so ; hut all flowers are not pendulous, nor ai-e all stamens and pistils uf such disproportionate length. If we had the trees in a Peach-house in bloom iu February or March, and in cold weather, and we did nothing to move the air so as to scatter the pollen, an4 the fruit did not set to our mind, wG should blame ourselves afterwards. The cultivator must not always depend on Nature. How many of the handsomest Cu- cumbers never will produce a seed if left to themselves ? How seldom do the fine flowers of the Gmnadilla set fruit without being helped ? Again, how many flowers, especially those which are dioecious, depend for fertilisation upon insects carry- ing the pollen to the female flowers ?j CUCUMBER CULTURE. TiTE cultivation of Cucumbers in winter is a subject which, though very useful, ip very little touched upon ; for this reason I will endeavour to give a sketch of the system I adopt, and which has invariably proved successful in my hands, and with others will no doubt do the same. It is very simple. About j the end of September I cut down the old planls, which have I been bearing since the previous Christmas. The house then i undergoes a thorough cleansing and fumigating ; the walls are | whitewashed with good lime and sulphur; the pipes are also painted with boiled oil, which, besides adding to the neatness of the house, keeps them from rusting. Thus cleaning the house 1 consider to be one of the greatest advantsges to the young plants, it destroys the haunts of insects ; and where do insects thrive so well as in a dirty house ? | I shall now suppose the house to be clean ; I will therefore | proceed to detail my method of raising the young plants neces- i sary to fill it. I have for many years used plants from cuttings I in preference to those from seed, and although there is thus a little more trouble at first, it is amply repaid afterwards, I have never found the plants degenerate under this treat- ment, as many persons aver they will. The sort I cultivate is i a black spine of my own raising, an improvement on the old ' Lord Kenyon's Favourite. It has alwayB given me great satis- j Uarch 20, 1866. ] JOUENAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 221 faction. I believe the black-spined varieties are far superior to the white for winter cultivation, setting better, and not reciuiring so much sun as the white. I pot the cuttings singly in small thumb pots, and plunge these in a moderate hotbed. Great care should be exercised in shading them from the sun, and giving them air towards the evening. A moderate supply of water only should be given, otherwise they are liable to rot off. They should also be syringed occasionally. Here we will leave them while I describe the preparation of the house. My own is a half-span, with one bed in the front about 3 feet deep. At the bottom of the bed I place a layer of brickbats and crocks as drainage, and on this cotton-dust well saturated with water. This I find affords the necessary heat, and retains its heat well — an important point in Cucum- ber-growing. After allowing the cotton-dust to cool down for a day or two I put in the soil, which is composed of the soil of a meadow, taken from below the grass, mixed well with spent horse-droppings, to keep it open. This I also allow to remain for a day or so, after which the plants may be put in, providing, of course, they have prospered. Be careful to choose a dull day for the work ; if not, shade them well from the sun. When well established the plants should be syringed daily with tepid rain water, if the sun is shining. This is very beneficial to the plants, it freshens the foUage, and, above all, keeps down insects. Occasional fumigations with common tobacco paper are also necessary. Towards the beginning of February the plants will have reached the top of the house, they should then be tied down to the bottom wire, when they will start up again beautifully. Another important point to be attended to is damping the house. This should be done three times a-day, or oftener if necessary. The floor and pipes should be well watered with a rose, so as to raise a steam. Evaporatiug-troughs placed on the pipes, and filled two or three times a-day, will also aid this object greatly. By persevering in the above treatment Cucumbers can be obtained from Christmas to September, or if there are two houses, all the year round. — Peter. FLOWERS OF THE PAST SEASON. BEDDING GERASIITMS. Fashion — which is fast consigning florists' flowers to oblivion, and seeking to heap ridicule and contempt on those whose enthusiastic love for their favourite Tulip, Auricula, Pansy, or Carnation did so much to encourage a love of floriculture amongst a class who, without these florists' flowers, would never have thought of it — has brought into prominence and raised to the very first rank of favourites what a few years ago would have been a mere ■' outsider ;" and the common scarlet Geranium, which was at one time considered only fit for the cottage window, is now the petted child of the first gardeners in the land. There are some of us, who sigh for the days that are past, who remember with feelings of pleasure the meetings of former times, when .John Dickson of Brixton was in his glory, and Turner of Slough a "'prentice hand" at those flowers of which he has since become the king of cultivators. I met one of the heroes of other days lately in a railway train, and a pleasant little chat we had over those times. He after- wards became a great Orchid fancier, and his name figured in many a prize list. We cannot, however, be out of the fashion. I question now in these days of push, and bustle, and love of novelty, whether we shall see a resuscitation of this love of florists' flowers, and so we must bend to the prevailing current. In giving these notes on new flowers I do not pretend to give complete lists. I only speak of those I have seen either in my own garden or in that of my friend and neighbour Mr. Banks. These indeed comprise a great number, but not all of the novelties ; and while not pretending to infallibility, I am inclined to think that, as far as circumstances will allow, the judgment will be found correct, BULI,. I have repeatedly spoken of the excellent strain of Zonale Geraniums which Mr. Bull has obtained, and when his flowers become better known I am sure they will be more appreciated for their size and bedding qualities. I this year in my small garden substitute Editor for Tom Thumb and Attraction, and hope Clipper will be in the same honourable position. Governor. — A large rich scarlet. Flowers of eicellent form and substance ; trusses large. Serena. — .\ beautiful and attractive flower, in the style of Eve and Charmer, but superior to either of them. Manfred. — A fine, large, and striking flower of great merit, brilliant scarlet in colour, and free in habit. I have noted this as Al. Maiden's Blusli. — A delicate beautifully coloured pink flower, and hkely to be useful. E. G. HENDEBSON & SON. Bridal Beauty. — In the style of Francjois Desbois and other foreigners. Centre of the flower bright rosy salmon ; margin pure white ; colours constant. Excellent also for pot purposes. Rose Perfection. — Light clear rose ; upper petals with white centre. In the style of Rose Rendatler, &c. Medium in growth. HALLET. V'emif:. — A beautiful flower. Bright scarlet with white eye. Foliage very prettily marked with a dark horseshoe, splashed with brown. I imagine this will make a very effective pot plant. SAI.TMABSH. Luna. — A fine flower of the Mrs. Milford section of Gera- niums. Last season seemed to be peculiarly trying to this class, and in many cases Cloth of Gold and others of a similar character made no growth at all. Lima was more vigorous, and did well. Little Treasure. — A very pretty dwarf-gi'owing variety. Very free-blooming, and well adapted for small beds or for the edgings of larger ones. T. & A. SMITH (dULWICH). In the catalogue published by this firm there is perhaps the largest and most varied assortment of bedding Geraniums to be found, whether continental or home-grown, and hence thel-e is every opportunity for obtaining good sorts. I am very muth mistaken, from what I have seen myself, whether there are not at Dulwich some varieties of the Mrs. PoUock style, which will exceed anything as yet out. Messrs. F. & A. mith sent out twenty-four varieties last season. It was no' to be expected they would be all first-rate, but some of them are without doubt flowers of great merit;. of these I think the fol- lowing are the best : — Biondetta. — In the style of Franijois Desbois, fcc. ; but the centre a deeper orange salmon, shaded with the same colour, and with white margin. Connpicua. — A fine flower, of a rosy blush colom-. Good form and substance. Glow. — Well deserves its name. Truss large, individual pips very large also, measuring nearly 2 inches across, a rich deep scarlet ; foliage with dark zone. An excellent flower. Loveliness. — Colour rosy blush with salmon centre ; foliage with dark zone. Good flower. Mafinum Boniim. — Orange salmon ; eye Hght. A very large well-formed flower ; trusses very large and fine. Pre-eminent. — Somewhat in the way of Excellent as to habit, fohage, &c., but deeper in colour. An excellent variety. Prinee of Oraniie. — I believe this wiU be found to be a most useful flower. Its habit is dwarf and compact. The colour is a bright orange scarlet, and the trusses are very abimdantly produced. Premier. — Very deep scarlet ; white eye. WiU make an ex- cellent plant for vases or pots. Rev. H. Dombrain. — Modesty forbids. It is, however, a rich dark cerise flower, with a shot of lake through it ; flowers good and large. A very desirable variety. G. SStlTH, TOLLINOTOS NURSHRT. How many good things have come from this Uttle nursery, and how much care must have been exercised in fertiUsing in order to procure so many ! Of the Geraniums Mr. Smith sent out last year two struck me as very good, and one as being but a little behind them. Glnn/. — Flowers of a bright orange scarlet, in the way of that well-known and valued flower Herald of Spring, but its colour is even brighter than that. The individual pips are very large, and the truss fine. Highriate Rival. — Rosy salmon ; truss large ; flowers well shaped. Very free bloomer. Prineess. — 13right rosy pink ; truss large. Promises to be a good bedding variety. It will be perceived that I have not mentioned any Nosegay varieties, for I cannot as yet school myself to admire them. I admit that many of them are brilliant in colour, and that there are, moreover, tints in them that have not as yet been obtained in the Zonale section ; but I have never yet seen a bed even of Stella or Cybister that pleased me when I came to close quarters, however brilliant at a distance. The 222 JOUBNAL OF HOKTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENER. I Maroh SO, 1666. centre of euob truss diea off first, lea\-iiig a blank space, and giving a very dingy look to the bed. While the process of cross- fertilisation is gradually introducing into the Zonale section the desired tints, I may be behind the age in preferring sym- metry to laggednesa, but I really cannot help it. — D., Deal. THE AMATKUKS AND COTTAGERS FORCING PIT, AND PIT FOR GENERAL PURPOSES. I H.vvE sometimes obtained the character of a retrogressionist. because in those days of heating by hot water I have now and then had a good word to say for brick and iron stoves, and the old-fashioned stoves, as the cheapest at first and by far the most economical afterwards for heating small places. I am fully aware of the pleasant and safe heat obtained from hot water with means of evaporation at command ; and I believe that there is no other mode so economical when several houses and pits have to be heated from one boiler, as then there is only one chimney to take away the heat unappropriated by the water ; but in all such cases of economy there is always the risk of the one boiler giving way at a critical time, when all the houses heated from it might be greatly injured before the boiler could be repaired or a fresh one substituted for that which is faulty. Then, on the other hand, when a boiler heats only one or two small houses there will always be a waste of heat up the chimney unless there is a longish flue, no matter how careful you are with the damper and the ashpit-door, and that due carefulness will rarely be exercised unless by the person who has the strongest reasons for doing all this in the best and most economical way. After considerable practice I have come to the conclusion, that for keeping frost out of a small house where a temperature of not more than 40' or 4.5° ifl required in cold weather, nothing beats a well-built brick stove, fed either inside the house or from an opening outside the wall ; and where a higher and more regular heat is wanted in a small place, then I conclude that nothing for first economy and future economy in fuel will compare with a small well- built Hue. In former volumes I have several times alluded to the many things that farmers might grow from the beat of the manure and litter in their yards, and amongst the rest have instanced Cucumbers, as there would almost always be plenty of fer- menting material to apply as linings to cither frame or pit to keep up the requisite temperature. Influenced by such re- marks from myself and other friends, many artisans, mechanics, and the better-to-do labourers, have bought their two, three, or more loads of farmyard dimg, prepared it properly for a Cucumber-bed, and placed a frame over it, finding that the manure paid itself well when ultimately transferred to the garden or the allotment. Many, however, failed to succeed with Cucumbers according to their wish, because they began too early, and, though they obtained enough of heat at first, they could not afterwards afford manure to keep up the heat by linings. Those who can obtain only a load or two of fer- menting manure should be content to put the most of that underground, set the frame on it, and plant out in May, de- pending chiefly on sun beat after the plants are fairly in growth ; but then, if disposed to sell, much less in comparison will be obtained for tlie fruit than if it were produced in May and iTune. This difficulty in obtaining fermenting material, and the additional trouble in preparing and watching it to secure a regular heat, have led some of our enthusiastic amateurs among our artisans and tradesmen to try other modes of effecting their object. For many years the most successful in cutting early Cucum- bers among unprofessionala in this immediate neighbourhood has been Mr. Attwood, boot and shoe maker, in the pretty Tillage of Lilley, four and a half miles from Luton and Hitchin. As there are now the Messrs. Attwood, father and son, and both equally enthusiastic in gardening, it need not be wondered at that the garden is a picture of neatness and good taste. Until about three years ago Mr. Attwood used the old-fashioned frames for his Cucumbers. Never have I met with a better example of the rest and the zest which are obtained, not from doing nothing, but merely from a change of labour, every run out from the seat to the frames, or a short spell in the gar- den, imparting fresh vigour for prosecuting the regular profes- sional work. In the gloamings from autumn to spring — those witching moments of the twUight between the fading of the light of day and the lighting of the lamp, in which so many of us like to indulge in a quiet dreamy mood — again and again have I met Mr. Attwood with barrow or bag, scouring the roads and lanes, collecting withered grass and tree leaves to add to his valuable fermenting heap. These sources of supply gradu- ally became more meagre, the collecting of them more labori- ous, the purchasing of fermenting material more precarious, and little to be depended on ; and it became apparent that a pleasant and a profitable hobby must be given up, or other means of obtaining heat resorted to, and what I call the model pit for such amateurs was the consequence. This pit, 5 feet in width and 25 feet long, outside measore, is a very neat-looking affair, and was built and is worked very economically. I dare not say how much, or rather how little it cost, as with the exception of the flues and the tanks of Portland cement on the top of the flues, the work was mostly done by Mr. Attwood, junior. During the heating season, the cost for fuel is from Is. to Is. 3d. per week, and Cucumbers are generally turned out about the beginning of March. There hod also been a collecting of brickbats and old bricks for some time previously, but all the flues and part of the walls were now bricks, purchased at the market price. The simpUcity of every- thing secures the first and ultimate economy. I shall now describe this useful pit as it stands, of wliich the figure is a cross section, and drawn roughly to a scale of 4 feet to the inch. 1, Is the bottom of the pit, formed of brickbats, stones, etc. 2, Back wall of pit, 3 feet 8 inches in height, 2 feet 4 inches above the ground level (9J. This wall is formed of single bricks on bed — that is, 4 J inches wide, or nearly so, bound with a wood plate at top of the same width. 3, Front wall built in the same way, 3 feet 4 inches in height, and 2 feet above the ground level. 4, 4, Flues along the front, round the farther end, and along the back to a small chimney. These flues can scarcely be more simple or substantial. Suppose on the floor of the pit, close to the furnace end of the front wall, you level a space 10 inches wide all the way round to the furnace end of the back wall ; or, if you choose, in that length of 55 feet or thereabouts, you make your level, so that at the furnace end of the back wall the level will be 2 or 3 inches higher than where you began, though if all is a dead level it will do well enough — on this level place a layer in mortar of brick on bed — that is, 9 inches wide, which will form the bottom of your flue. Then on each side of this nine-inch base set, with good mortar, a brick on its side — that is, 4i inches deep, connect these crosswise with another brick on bed, with good mortar bttween the joints, and your flue is made, leaving a hoUow .space for the heated air of from 4 to 4j inches wide and the same in depth, which is amply suffi- cient to secure from 70° to 80° even in cold weather. You will perceive that the base and the sides of the flue abut against the outside 4 1 -inch walls, and 5, 5, The inside walls, which are built with brick on edge — that is, 2i inches wide, with a couple of wider piars in the length ; buUthe walls have stood very well. 6, Shows a little hot dung, put in the bottom of the pit to help to heat the soil sooner. 7, Is 18 inches deep of soU for the Cncumbers. 8, Represents small spars of lath that go across the openings between the walls to prevent the vines of the Cucumbers falling down. It has been noticed that Cucumbers that bang down above the flues gi-ow more quickly and straighter than those on the bed ; but for the slight expense of a treUis right across, we would have it, and have the earth in the bed lower to permit of it. 9, 9, Is the general outside level of the ground, which per- mits of work being done easily either from the back or front of the pit. A few supplementary remarks may here be added. First, The stokehole is sunk at the end and covered \rith a flap door, and is snfGci*Dtly low to permit the fumBce-bars of Ihnh 20, 1866. ] JOUKNAL OF HOETICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAHDENER. 223 the small furnace being some 18 inches below the bottom of the flue. Second, The flue, though so small, would give out far too much heat at the furnace end, and, therefore, for 6 or 8 feet the brick covering is double instead of single, and for about 3 feet, I believe, the thickness is about triple brick on bed. Third, In front especially, there are at least three large cis- terns, or evaporating-basins, formed by plastering with Portland cement the top of the flue, the side walls, and the bricks across to make the cisterns, which stand well, give off abundance of vapour, and supply hot water for watering and syringing. Fovirth, The bed 7 is 2 feet in width, a width which, as I have often stated, will render Cucumbers more fertUe than if the roots revelled in the five-feet width. The hot dung at the bottom win help to heat the soil when first put in ; but not to be troubled with such dung at all, some rough stones might be placed in the bottom, and openings left in the walls .5, 5, oppo- site the flues ; but even without that the flues would soon heat the soil, as now arranged, if the bags and cloths used for cover- ing the glass were placed along the latticed parts 8, 8, as then the heat from the flues would tell more on the bed. If cold soil is now putin, it generally becomes hot enough in eight days. Fifth, Along the length of the flue there are five or six openings left in the brick covering, and on these a paving tile is fixed above the level of the bricks. By moving off these tiles, the flue can be rapidly cleaned without disturbing any part except these tiles. It is always cleaned before commencing Cucumber work, and the exposed portions of the flue are washed with fresh lime. All the waDs are washed with lime and sul- phur, also, before commencing forcing-work. Sixth, It wiU be easily seen how such a pit, with shelves or without them, might be used with the least or with more heat to keep plants for bedding, A-c, in winter before commencing with Cuciunbers or Melons. Seventh, Some improvements might be suggested, such as, for early forcing, having a few pipes along the front, one end opening above the flue, and the other communicating with the air outside above the surface level, and furnished with a plug to let air in or not at pleasure. The flue along the back will enable air to be given early by tilting the sashes there. UntU the season is advanced Mr. Attwood uses covering for the glass at night. This keeps the heat from the flue more genial. Eighth, Along the front of the pit outside a yoting Vine is trained, which, in addition to the sun heat, was no doubt much helped by the wall being heated by the flue inside, so that some fine bunches were produced. Like a good many of us gar- deners, who will not let well alone, Mr. Attwood thinks of taking a part of the Vine inside, so as to have early Grapes ; but of course if he do so he must lose so much space for Cu- cumbers. He might have fine Grapes when the wall is covered with the Vine, by having a moveable small glazed box placed against the wall, as indicated by dots (10), and to have them early, half a dozen or a dozen half-bricks in the length of the wall might be moveable, to admit when open the heated aii' to the Vines. There would not, however, be the same easy access to the Cucumbers. Ninth, I by no means infer that there is mnch of the novel in this neat little pit, but I think it will be interesting to ama- teurs, among tr^esmen and artisans especially, from its being built and successfully managed by one of their own class, just on the principle that what is done by one, others may at least tn.- to accomplish. Let it not, however, be supposed for a moment that the possession of such a pit will ensure success unless to its possession there be added, not only practical skill, but unremitting attention. — B. F. CULTURE OF \TNES IN POTS. .Judging from the frequency of the applications for informa- tion on the management of Vines in pots, it would appear that the culture of fruit trees, and especially of Vines in pots, is not losing but gaining ground. Though Vines have been grown in pots for the greater part of a century, it is only of late years that this mode of cultivation has been generally practised. Now, in almost every garden they are grown more or less ex- tensively ; and this has created such a demand for what are known as fruiting Vines, that the supply is barely equal to the demand. Only a few years ago the propagation of Vines for sale was limited to those for planting out ; but now we find them grown by the thousand, more for fruiting in pots than for planting new or replanting old vineries. It is by no means uncommon to meet with thousands of Vines at otur principal nurseries, and yet we are told that great as the supply is it is hardly equal to the demand. Partly for the latter reason, partly from the oft-repeated applications for information, and partly for the supposed reason that many like to raise and grow their own Vines for fruiting in pots, and derive as much if not more gratification from doing so as from fruiting them, I am induced to offer some hints on the cultivation of Vines in pots. At the same time I hope that others will also state their experience on this subject. In propagating from eyes select the most plump eyes upon a cane of the previous year, as thick as the little finger, and brown and hard, showing that the wood has been well ripened. Reject all canes of which the eyes are large and flat, or have the appearance of being double, and more particularly all canes as thick as the thumb, and not well ripened. The wood from which the eyes are taken should be kept from the time of pruning to that of inserting the eyes with the lower end in moderately moist soil, in a house from which frost is excluded. Take care to use no eyes but those from Vines which have not been affected by thrips, red spider, or mildew in the previous year, as the leaves, being robbed of their juices by these pests, can only form imperfect buds at their axils. In preparing the eyes proceed as follows : — Having fixed on one, place the edge of a sharp knife behind where the tendril was, and where the wood is slightly raised make a clean cut through the cane in a slanting direction, so as to bring it out three-quarters of an inch below the eye, and on the same side as that on which the eye is situated. Turn the cane upside down, and make another slanting cut nearly from the same point as the first, but beginning it one-eighth of an inch higher up, and bring the knife out three - quarters of an inch above the eye. The eye thus - -.rlj^ ,-'-''' prepared will mea- —-■ sure IJ inch from cut to cut on the upper side, and be exactly of the form shown in the engraving. For potting the eyes prepare the pots by placing a piece of pot or crock over the hole, then an inch of smaller pieces, and upon these half an inch or so of the sittings of the soil. Fill the pots to within half an inch of the rim with soil chopped pretty fine with a spade, but not sifted ; and a portion of the soil should be sifted through a sieve with quarter-inch meshes, which win give fine soil for covering the eyes, and rough pieces to put at the bottom of the pots over the drainage. The pots should not be less than 3 nor more than 4i inches in diameterj and the soil should have no manure in it, but be turfy light loam from turves a year old. In potting place the eye in the centre of the pot, flat, and pointing upwards, and press it in so that the cut part may be imbedded. Now cover the eye, or fill the pot level with the rim, with the finely sifted soil. Passing the thumb rovmd the inside of the pot will lower the soil half an inch or so there, leaving the centre elevated over the eye. If the soil is in the right state no water will be necessary, bnt if dry give a little round the thumb mark inside the pot, which will keep the water away from the eye, or not wet the soil much over it. After potting plunge the pots to the rim in a bottom heat of 55' for a fortnight, and that temperature must not be the read- ing of a thermometer at 1 foot below the surface, but at 2 inches below it, for it is there that the eyes are. Keep them plunged until they raise the soil over them, which will be in a fortnight, or at latest in three weeks, then transfer them to a bottom heat of 75' at 2 inches below the surface. If plunged in a tan-bed it must have a temperature of 90' at 1 foot below the surface, to give one of 75' at 2 inches beneath it; if a dung-bed covered with soil and dry, 85', and if the soil be wet, 80'. The tempe- rature where the eyes are situated should in any case be 75'. The top heat should be 65° by night. In this heat, top and bottom, the shoots will soon appear, and then the surface of the pots ought to be sprinkled through a syringe, morning and evening, with water of the same temperature as that of the house, causing the water to fall upon them like a fine but thick mist. This will generally keep the soil sufliciently moist ; if not, give water so as to keep it moist, but not wet, otherwise the eyes may only give a shoot which will rot off, and, on the othLr hand, if "dust dry the eye will show growth only to the extent of an inch or two, and then be dry and withered. 224 JOUBNAL OP HOBTICDLTUKB AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. r Much so, lees. When the eyes have rooted and made growth alike at top and hottom, and the pots are full of roots, bring into the house a quantity of soil suilicient for shifting them into larger pots, and keep it there two or tliree days and nights to air. The pots I now propose to give are fi inches in diameter, and only one piece of crock should be placed over the hole, and then half an inch of the fibrous parts of the soil, and over this sprinkle as much soot as the thumb and two fingers will take out of a flower- pot. This is to keep worms from coming through the hole at the bottom of the pot, for I find them very trouble- some in this respect when the pots are plunged in tan-beds. The following is the soil which I prefer to all others for Vines in pots : — From a piece of old sward where the soil is hazel or yellow loam, and the subsoil gravel, take off the turf 3 inches thick, and lay it up in nn open situation, grass side downwards. On this place a layer of fresh horse-droppings 3 inches thick, without straw, another of sods, and so on to the top of the heap. If sheep-droppings can bo Lad, use a layer of them an inch thick in preference to horse-droppings. Lot the heap 1 e six months, and then turn it over in dry weather chopping it roughly with a spade, and sprinkling over it in the turning a bushel of soot to every cartload. Allow the whole to remain three months longer, and then turn it again when the weather is dry and frosty. In three months more the dung will have been mostly washed into the sods, or there will be very little of it to be seen, and what there is not the heavy, soapy mass, such as we have from manure rotted by itself. If soU of the above description cannot be procured, as a substitute collect from any wayside or place where the hedges are thin from being choked at bottom, as many tufts of gi-ass as pos- sible, aud not only take the tufts but their roots, and an inch or two of soil along with them. Pile the tufts up, mixing with every cartload half a bushel of salt, and the same of lime. These materials should be left six months, and ought then to be turned over, adding half-reduced horsedung, such as that from an old Mushroom-bed, equal in quantity to one-sixth of the whole. This mixture, turned over again in three months, will at the end of three more constitute a compost that will gi'ow Vines well. Failing the above composts, throw up in spring some good, rather light soil, in alternate layers, with an equal thickness of fresh dung ; after being twice turned the mixture ■will be soil of fine quality for Vines. If the compost is natu- rally full of fine sandy particles no further addition of sand will bo necessary ; but if the soil is of a heavy nature, sufficient should be added to bring it to the state of a rather sandy soil. A quantity of the compost being taken into the house" where the Vines are, to warm, and the pots being in readiness, turn out the plants, and, after removing the old drainage, place them in the fresh pots, but without taking them out of the house. Pot the plants an inch deeper than they were before, press the soil gently, though not very firmly, about the ball, which is not to be disturbed, and give a gentle wntering, plung- ing the pots at once in the hotbed as before. Sprinkle them overhead twice daily, morning and evening, with water, which must always be of the same temperature as the house, whether used for syringing or watering. It sometimes happens that two shoots come from the eye. Take away the weakest with the point of a sharp knife ; and if there is a show for fruit, remove it in like manner, in both cases early. The plants, being kept in the hotbed, will quickly fill the pots with roots, and begin to spindle up weakly enough. Endeavour to avoid this by affording them all the light possible, and air on all favourable occasions, maintaining a temperature of G5° by night and 70° by day, with a rise to 80° or 85° on cloudy days with clear intervals, and to 85° or 90° on those which are clear, air being given in propoi'tion to the increase in tempe- rature. When the pots are full of roots repot the Vines at once into nine-inch pots, plunging them for a time, or until the roots reach the sides of the pot ; then withdraw the latter by degrees fi-om the plunging material, and finally remove them to a house where they have abundance of light and are not far from the glass. If there is room in the place or house where the eyes were raised, do not shift them out of it, but continue them in the bed. After the canes begin to run a neat stick should be placed by each, a small one at first, and a stronger one after- wards, and the shoots tied to it loosely. I do not approve of keeping the canes trained to upright "stakes the first season, for it tends to render them weak at bottom, and the eyes there are poor, and the shoots that proceed from them in the follow- ing year fruitless, or productive of very small bunches. I do not consider that the canes ought to be kept trained erect after the Vines are put in their fruiting pots. The canes after their last potting should be trained to the roof of a light well-venti- lated structure, having the roquisito heat, and at a distance of not exceeding 16 inches, nor less than '.( inches from the glass. — G. Abbey. (To be contiaiud.) AMOUNT OP SAP LOST BY A \TNE BY BLEEDING. Ax experiment I tried with a Vine twelve months ago may be deemed of sufficient interest to be allowed a corner in the .TonuNAL OF HoRTicci.TUBE, as showing that Vine-cultivators need not be very nervous if a httlo bleeding do occur at start- ing-time, owing to late pruning or other causes, although it may be, and no doubt is, advisable by proper management to prevent such a waste of sap altogether. The Vine was a Tokay, the roots of which were in an out- side border. It had been planted sixteen years, and had to be dispensed with to liberate its rafter for another Vine growing in the inside pit. It was cut close to the bend below the bottom of the rafter, leaving one spur, on the 7th of April, 1865, at 10 r.u. OzH. Drs. April 8tli, 10 P.M., the Vino had bled 14 0 ., 9lh, „ „ 15 3 „ loth, „ „ 18 8 „ ll'li, ., „ 19 0 „ 12th, „ , 16 0 ,. 13th. „ „ 9 6 „ nth. „ „ 8 0 „ 15th, „ „ a 0 „ 16lh, „ „ 10 ., 17th, „ „ 0 4 „ 19th, „ ,, in 48 hours .. 0 4 105 2 or, Clbs. 9Jozs. During the first day or two the sap came perfectly bright and insipid ; afterwards gradually more turbid, especially as the diminution became considerable towards its cessation, sur- rounding and sealing the wound with a mucilaginous or starchy deposit. Then the Vine quickly developed embryo buds in its old stem, throwing out strong and vigorous shoots, and, when these were removed, others with surprising persistence ; and when all within reach were cut away, others followed from the lowest parts of the stem to the very end of the growing season, and the Vine is now, pxobably, waiting the return of warmth to renew its efforts. — Thomas Wilson, Thomton-in-Craven. WORK FOR THE VkTEEK. KITCHEN GAKDEX. WniLE the present favom-able weather continues the prin- cipal sowings of summer crops will be completed in most localities, and there will be more time to attend to hoeing, surface-stirring, and earthing-np amongst advancing crops. The pulverisation of the soil is one of the best preservatives against the effects of frost. Ufi(, make a small sowing of Bed. Broccoli, trench ground where this crop and Brussels Sprouts are past use. The former cut, and the latter where not picked running to seed, pull up the stalks and lay them regularly over the whole surface of the groimd, then spread a few barrow- loads of hot lime over them previous to their being trenched into the ground, it will kill snails and hasten decomposition. Sow (irange's Early White and Early Purple Broccoli, and Brussels Sprouts. Carrots in frames, thin out. Attend to the pricking out of all seedling vegetables sown in boxes. See that birds do not take the seeds of any of the Cabbage tribe just as they are vegetating. Pieces of glass on a siring between stakes are rattled by the wind and glitter in the sun, and are a means of scaring them. Jerui-akm Artichokes, plantations of these and Horseradish should be completed with the least possible delay. Pciis, sow these and Broad Beans for succession, to- gether with Spinach. Advancing crops of Peas should be shaded from tiie effects of the snn on frosty mornings, the earth to be kept well pulverised and drawn up to thsm as they advance. Potatoes, if any of the eariy crop are peeping above ground they had better have a little soil drawn over them, or ho otherwise protected. Continue jdanting. Sarutjx sow, also Chou de Milan and Scotch Kale for early winter supply. Snc- cRsaions of saUids of all kinds must be kept up, and those advancing thinned out. The backwardness of the season will enable us to perform many operations which, generally speak- March 20, 1866. ] JOUBNAL OF HOETICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. 225 ing, ought to be completed before tbis, such as making fresh beds of Kbubaib and Sea-kale. FKUIT OAKDEN. Apricot blossoms are now fast expanding, and, of course, protection must be afforded in time. Coverings not intended to be often removed should be light and airy, thick heavy material must be so an'anged as to be removed in all season- able weather. Where it is intended to head-down Qld trees for grafting, this should be done at once, and young stock should be grafted as speedily as circumstances will admit. Finish the root-pruning of all luxuriant trees. Most persons will have observed the effect of moving a large Pear tree very late in the spring, it generally becomes covered with blossom-buds. Such may be the effect of root-pruning at this period. Strawberry- beds should be dressed, remove all dead leaves and superfluous runners, and stir the surface of the soil. Make up aU vacan- cies in the young plantations of Strawberries put in in the antumn. Fresh beds may also be planted if required. FLOWEE GAKDEN. See that rolling, mowing, &c., proceed in due order. Now is the period for laying the foundation of a fine lawn. Provided the weather is not too frosty, let all fresh turfing be com- pleted forthwith. It is a good plan to scatter old tan thicldy over fresh-laid turf as a screen from the sun until the roots take hold. Occasional waterings are also essential. Cut all coarse evergreens and shrubs before the bud becomes too much ad- vanced. This is a good time to cut-in HoUy hedges. Over- grown herbaceous plants may still be divided, the exterior portions of the stools should be reserved and the interior rejected. Planting done after this time will require much attention in wateiing, and this at the very busiest season of the year, especially if large plants are removed, and it is too common a practice to put off such work to the last. Look over beds planted with bulbs, and where necessary stir the surface soil so as to keep it open and fiiable, and also to give it a fresh appearance. Auiiculas and Polyanthuses will now require par- ticular attention. Air must be admitted daily and freely. Watch the trusses as they appear, and pinch off all the weak ones, for if it is desired to have them strong and in full perfection, only one flower-stem should be allowed to remain. Stir the surface of the Tulip-beds, and give some occasional waterings during dry weather with manure water. The Tulip delights in abundant waterings, unless the soil be naturally wet and stiff. Stir the surface of Pansy, Pink, and Carnation-beds. Keep a good look- out after mice, slugs, and wireworms. Take advantage of the present state of the ground to stir the surface soil of shrubbery borders, to prevent the growth of weeds and give the whole a fresh and clean appearance. Do not neglect to put in plenty of Mignonette, and if not already done, hardy annuals should be sown without further delay, except in cases where they are wanted to bloom in the autumn. GREENHOUSE AND CONSEKVATOEY. Climbers in the conservatory wiU soon want frequent atten- tion. Prune off all superfluous shoots, stop or pinch the tops of luxuriant leaders, in order to induce a flowering habit in those which produce blossoms from the axils of their leaves, and keep them neatly tied and trained. Many conservatories are unfit places for Heaths, being generally too lofty, and kept too warm for them. Some of the winter-flowering varieties are, however, very ornamental, and should be largely employed in other decoration during the spring months. As soon as they have done flowering let them be pruned back, and give them a Uberal shift when they start into growth, using good fibry peat for the purpose, and if they are well attended to during the growing season, they will overcome any injury they may have sustained, though occupying an unsuitable position while in bloom. Azaleas, Camellias, Roses, early-flowering New Holland plants, and forced bulbs will keep show-houses gay for some time yet. Let aU plants be pfeced in the best possible position as regards effect, and aim at maintaining a pleasing variety of arrangement, and displaying the colours to the greatest advantage. Pick off decaying flowers and leaves. In gi-eenhouses keep up a lively circulation of air aU the early part of the day, and dispense with fire heat as much as possible. Make a sow- ing of tender annuals if not already done. Pot off Balsams and Cockscombs, &c. These, however, will do better by far in a frame, with fermenting material, close to the glass, well matted up at night. STOVE. Attend to shifting, watering, and maintaining a free cir- culation of air. Continue to cut down, disroot, and repot such plants as have been flowering through the winter. TheBe would be better removed to a bottom heat of 80' in some spare pit or frame, and shaded. Follow up shifting, top- dressing, &c., of Orchids. All Orchids that have commenced growing and require potting should be attended to forthwith. This is a good time to shake out and repot Cyrtopodiums ; they thrive best in good-sized pots, well drained, in a com- post of equal parts good turfy peat, loam, leaf mould, crocks, and charcoal, broken rather small, mixed well together, and when the plants are growing freely they must be well supplied with water. Treat in like manner Sobralias, and give them abundance of water both at the top and bottom when growing freely. Pot in the same compost, omitting the loam, the follow- ing genera :— Houlletia, Acauthophippium, Mormodes, Lycaste, Cycnoches, Catasetum, and Hnutleya. This is also the best time for parting and shifting Ciongoras, Brassias, and Acro- peras ; they succeed well either in baskets or pots, and should be potted rather high in sphagnum moss, with a few large lumps of charcoal built in amongst it in the process of potting, and all made fast with a few deal pegs. Look well after those noble plants, the species of Saccolabium, Vanda, Aerides, Camarotis, and such like, and as soon as their bloom-scapes have fairly bm-st through the leaves — say one inch long, they will be gi-eatly bene- fited by plunging them in a tub of water until they are quite saturated ; after this the judicious use of the syringe will be of great service to them. Continue to withhold water from Onci- diums, except such as are making new leaf-shoots. The gene- ral collection of Orchids will now enjoy a good steaming every clear morning for about half an hour ; this may be done by sprinkhng the pipes or flues when they are warm, and must be done before the fire is banked down. Vandas, Aerides, and all such plants are increased by merely cutting oft' a branch having one or more roots. Advantage should be taken of solar heat at all times. Take care that the air admitted to the plants is mild, that all water applied to the plants is warm, and that all plants not clean be washed. — W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GAKDEN. DuKiNo the past week we have had cold north winds, with bright bursts of simshine during the day, followed by sharp frost in the following night and morning, sufficiently severe to make short work of anything at all tender that was not duly protected. Rain, hail, sleet, and snow have come duly in their turns. After the mild winter, it is fortunate that the cold has come in the beginning rather in the end of the month, as then almost everything would have been gi-eatly injured. As it is, not many hardy things are sufliciently forward to be hurt much as yet. Unless the weather change soon we shall have a late spring ; and the pastures are looking bleak and bare, but even after a cold March it is amazing how fast everything grows in a fine mild April. In the frosty mornings wheeled manure and compost for the kitchen garden and pleasure grounds from carefully-preserved lubbish-heaps old hotbeds, &c., and as we are deficient in aU fermenting material, saved every bit that would produce heat when mixed again with fresh manure or fresh-collected tree leaves. Dug and trenched ground, and tirrned over soil-heaps that had not been collected and built in narrow stacks, to which we never give any turning. When such stacks can be made of turf, a sufficient amount of air can pass through them to sweeten them, and allow them to slowly decompose, aud if at all large, the same object can be attained by running open drain-tiles through them, or some well-tied bush faggots. If not more than from 2J to 3 or 3i feet wide they will not need such care, and if topped up with a ridge, span-roofed fashion, all the rain that fallswill never injure them. All the centre will be nice and dry, well aired, and fibry, ready to cut down for potting, &c., when wanted, after it has stood a year. The turning over such stacks would merely waste the fibre, and render the whole heap likely to be permeated by rain. Kept as a nice ridged heap we can have dry soil without resort- ing to much shed-room. It is always best to coUect such turfy soil when it is dry. Out-ihmr Cmpping. — Notwithstanding hail and snow, the frosty nights and mornings, with sharp winds and bright sun, have dried the drenched ground amazingly, and enabled us to put out a good piece of early Potatoes in good order, and to sow early Peas, Beans, Spinach, and Radishes in the open air. The ground was wetter for Peas than we like, but covered UQMTfCVhTVm /tK0' OOTTAPB Gi^ia>Sl!lBB. [ llMvb so, urn. them ovec witb burol; «ATti) O'lid {urui^ce ashes, tbo latter Act- ing, too, as a preventive to a certain extent against wieo and birds. Whenever there is a hole made by a bird, we shall run a string or thread along the row a few inches above it. Turned over the upper npit of riJpes intended /or Carrots, Parsnips, .tc. Took up a lot of Celery, and set it close among earth and fujnac'o dshe?, after pnttiug a little *arth to the roots and watering it, iu order that wo might trench and ridge the ground orossxrise, so as to make the dung from the Celery-beds go ejttajlj' over tlie gronnd as preparator;' for Onions. It "would be of no use sowing cuj-lj- in such weather. Onion seed will stand almost any amount of cold, and young Onions, when fairly up and established, are anything but tender ; but many Onion-beds prove failures from a severe frost attacking them when the seeds have pushed from' half iin inch to au inch. Prepared a border for sowing vegetable seeds, and for Turnips out of doors as soon as it becomes milder. It is of little use just now, las, after the Tiuuips are \i\k a very little frost will so injure them ae to cause tliem to spend their energies iu throw- ing up flowoY-stems, instead of making nice juicy tubers. Planted Potcilm-^ in an earth-pit, covered with old patched sashes, as alluded to last -week. There will be very little heat from a few leaves below tho Potatoes. Until tlie lladishes are fairly up, and the Potatoes appearing, will take all the help from sun heat possible to warm the soil, and, therefore, give little or nO aid, and throw a little clean litter over the gl.-iss at night to keep the heat accumulated from radiating away again. In the case of early Potatoes in frames, removed the pots and tiles oS other things placed temporarily between the rows that the sun might act more fi'eely on the soil. Such intruders do little harm until the Potato tops are from C to 8 iuches long. When ours gi'ow as much as 12 inches, wo often nip out the terminal bud, which docs nothing to check growth, and yet keeps the plants more dwarf and bushy. Doublr Cmpjnnij. — Tho making the most of every inch under glass, by temporary or intermediate crops, is not all gain, as much of what'is obtained in room is wasted in extra labour in moving, and tho head of the gardener is kept constantly at work in contriving that all this moving shall be done to the best advantage. In other cases double cropping is not all gain, there are disadvantages to counterbalance the profits. For instance, we generally have a nice supply of Radishes from au early Carrot-bed. These Il.adishes iu alternate rows with the Carrots have been good for some time, and do not yet interfere ■with the Carrots farther than this, that to keep the tops of the Radishes short and stumpy, and near tho root, we are obliged to give more air than we otherwise would give to the Carrots, and thus, for the sake of the Radishes, we cannot take the help wo might from the sun to hurry on the Carrots for pulling, and few luxuries beat a sweet, nice crisp Horn, or early Dutch Carrot as thick as your thumb and not so long. It is hardly possible to have every advantage by any one system of opera- tions. -...!-■ We have a lot of Peas and Beans in tiles and boxes, which ■we shall keep under protection a little longer before turning them out iu the open ground. There are sad complaints of autumn-sown Peas iu some places being injured and destroyed. For Sea-kale, Rhubarb, French Beans, &e., see last and pre- ■("ious week. V,, '. , -. Cucumbers — jPt'fa Ver«its Frames. — Though we like biick pits heated or not heated, we have still a lingering partiality for the old-fashioned frames. They are easily moved from place to place, and are never much out of ouiployment. We also have a weakness iu liking them for hotbeds ; and one advantage they have over a fixed pit is, that by the level of your bed on which the frame stands you can place the glass frame at au angle so as to command the greatest amount of sunlight. Our partiality for them, not yet quite gone, may be owing to the fact that in our young days we were nearly as successful in obtaining early Cucumbers and Melons from such hotbed frames as ever we have been iu pits heated by hot water, unless, indeed, in the midwinter mouths. Our earliest Cucumbers are in a small pit. We could not well take uji more room iu tho pit, owing to a crop of Kidney Beans ]uodueing freely ; and for the purpose of giving more room iu the meantime, we planted out iu a frame, as stated the other week, strong plauts .showing fruit. Tho bottom heat was about SO , the top heat at night a little above fiO', and we allowed a good rise from sunshine, and the plants were going on capitally ; but one morning on uncovering, our partiality for hotbeds and frames received a damper. Several large holes were seen in the bed, earth was thro\vn over the leaves, part of the leaves were eaten. and every little fruit and stem of the plants was cut and gnawed, se«n)ingly more for mischief than for food. Wu Uid the blame to rats ; but attar borrowing a ferret we found none about that bed, but half a dozen huge barn and grass mice, finding, however, some rats ehsewhere. Wu could not expect the plants to do any more good, and it is fortimalo thoy were not the earliest ; and even now we fear to turn out o^bcr strops; plants, iu case they should share tho same fate, beiofi . inches on the slope all round the frame, where it touches the hotbed, with clay or stilT loam, kneaded and watered, and left with a smooth surface. This is to prevent any noxious smell penetrating there. Then wo will smear the lower part of the frame outside, aud part of the dung beneath it, with coal tar, the smell of whicii is disliked by mice and rats, aud the touch of which ou their fur coats they detest stiU more. This, with watchfulness, traps always in use, and the visit of a ferret now and then to leave at least his scent behind him, is about all we c.iu think of at present to enable us to conquer these intruders. If any of our readers can suggest something better, we and many more will be thankful. It is of little use recommending tho best friend of the gar- dener— a good cat, or a company of them, as if kittens are ob- tained in most places they disappear as they emerge from their kittenhood, and begin to be really useful. The gamekeeper knows that no animal is so easily enticed from its usual haunt to its own destruction, and acts accordingly ; and poor, faithful, affeoLionate pussy is hung up. March 20, 18C«. ] JOURNAL OP HOBTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GABDENEK. 227 TKUIT GARDEN. Much the same as last week, which see. Shut up the or- chard-house at night in this cold weather. In a lean-to house the blooms against the back wall in the most forward house are beginning to open. Those in pots in the front of the house are not yet showing colour. As soon as the sun melted the hoar frost on the glass gave plenty of air, as we have no wish to forward them ; but as soon as the bloom is fully open in the first house, aud the weather becomes milder, we will shut np early, and give less air to bring on the crop a little earlier. This is a safer plan and more effectual than encouraging the blooms to open early in spring. We would not have grieved if the trees were not in full bloom until towards the end of March, but they will open in spite of us. A correspon- dent directs our attention to the expression in this department last week, page 204—" Placed a surface-dressing of hot dung all over," &c. This should have been, " Placed a surface- dressing of rotten dung from old hotbeds all over." We would also take the opportunity of drawing attention to what was there said of covering the surface of the soil with dry earth after watering. This diy surface all over was a good preserva- tive if the frost had been more severe, and yet the watering prevented the buds suffering from dryness at the roots. With the surface of the soil dry, and the atmosphere still and rather close, the blooms of Peach trees will stand a good deal of frost uninjured, and Apricots will stand much more in a dry air. The fine bursts of sunshine just suit the setting, swelling, aud and ripening fruit of Strawberries, and yet the early crops have given no reasons for dissatisfaction. Canvas Screcnx.—SVe agree in all that Mr. Keane says, page 203, about canvas coverings, moveable at pleasure, being the ' best protection for tender fruit trees out of doors, and, with the exception of glass, the cheapest in the end. In a great number of gardens, however, the motto of action would seem to be " Sufficient for the day is what must be done," and therefore no end of merely temporary modes of protection must be re- sorted to. We allude to this matter here, however, for drawing the attention of those fortunate enough to possess such move- able canvas, to a use of them, not so much employed as it ought to be, and that is, for retarding the opening of Peach blossom on the open wall. What we have stated above as re- spects trees in an orchard-house, as well as many other facts, prove that the temperature of the trees against the wall is much higher in sunshine than is the atmosphere or the soil ordy a few feet from the wall. In a March distinguished for sunshine the buds will therefore be too forward — much too forward in general in proportion to the heat of the soil in which the roots are imbedded. The screens, therefore, should be used early, kept on during sunshine to keep the buds back, and yet allow the ground to get mellow and warm, and kept off at night and in dull cold days until the buds are so far advanced that it would not be safe to do so. This retarding will help to bring the buds into full bloom when the weather will in general be milder, and the ground more genial and warm. Canvas, unbleached calico, frigi domo, and even fine Nottingham netting, will last many years if kept for such purposes alone, and put away thoroughly dry. The first expense is the only drawback ; and OE this account hundreds must do their best with make- shifts, though well aware that " What is worth doing at all is worth doing well," and that a penny thus saved is often not a penny gained, but a sixpence lost. OKNAltENTill. DEPAKTIIENT. We have not room to say much here ; but much of our work was a repetition of that of previous weeks. lu a dry day swept and rolled the walks, which had been left a little rough from sweeping snow off them. Rolled the lawn, pruned Laurels and other shrubs. Prepared for future turfing, dug and turned beds for bedding plants, washed glass when mUd and wet. Gave plenty of air when mild to cold pits. When wet washed pots. Potted Geraniums, Fuchsias, &c. Prepared soil for Begonias, and made cuttings of Lobelias, Verbenas, Geraniums, Ageratums, &c., and in a week or so will take off great quantities more, when they will stand in a slight hotbed. Pricked-off seedlings of Lobelias. Sowed lots of the tenderer annual seeds, aud will leave such half-hardy plants as Mari- golds, Asters, Tropa;olums, Stocks, for a fortnight or three weeks longer. Our ground is too cold aud wet for sowing any but the hardiest annuals out of doors ; but in warm, light, dry, soils, the North American annuals may be sown, but even they will do as well if sown later. For an early display an autumn Bowing is more desirable. Looked after plenty of potting and striking material under cover, that it might be sweet aud worm when used. — K. F. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— March 17. A FEW new Grapes, chiefly from pot Vines, have made their appearance. The market in couBequence of the recent frost is not 8o much glutted with Greens and other out-door vogetablea, and the prices of some have therefore advanced. Large quantities of the usual kinds of salading, also Artichokes, Early Frame Potatoen, &c., continue to arrive from the Continent. Pines are more plentiful, but find a. ready sale at last week's quotations. The arrivals of Potatoes are large. R. d. s. d e. a. S. d Apples J sieve 2 6to4 0 Melons . . each 8 0to5 u Apricots . . doz. 0 0 0 0 Nectarines . . . . .. doz. 0 0 0 u Cherries .... lb. (1 (1 0 0 Oranges ....100 4 0 10 u Chestnuts . . bush. B 0 IB 0 PeachcR ...doz. 0 0 0 u Currants. Hed i sieve 0 0 0 0 Pears (Ititcben . . doz. 4 0 B u Blacli .... .:.. do. 0 0 (1 u dessert . . . . . . doz. B 0 12 u Figs . . . doz. 0 0 0 0 Pine Apples . .... lb. B 0 12 u Filberts lb. (1 0 (1 0 Plums sieve sieve U U 0 u Coba 100 lbs. 0 0 160 0 Quinces 0 0 0 0 Gooseberries. . A sieve 0 0 U 0 Raspberries.. . ...lb. 0 0 0 u Grapes, Huthoube. .lb. 15 (1 2.5 0 Strawberries . oz. 5 0 7 0 Lemons .... 100 6 0 10 0 Walnuts .. bush. 14 0 20 u VEGETABLES. R. d. R. d 3. d. 8. a Artichokes . . . . . . each n 6 too 0 Leeks . bunch 0 8 too 0 Asparagus . . . bundle fi 0 12 0 Lettuce per doz. 2 0 0 u Beans, Broad. . bushel (1 0 (1 0 Mushrooms . . . pottle 2 0 8 u Kidney. . . 100 a 0 4 0 Mustd.dt Cress punnet 0 2 0 u Beet, Red.... . . . doz. li n K 1) Onions bushel 8 0 5 u Broccoli bundle 1 fi 2 6 Parsley ...sieve 0 3 u Bras. Sprouts •i sieve 2 0 S 0 Parsnips . . . doz. U 9 1 ti Cabbage . . . doz. '2 (1 « 0 Peas . . quart 20 U U u Capsicums... .... 100 n n U 0 Potatoes . bushel 2 6 4 u Carrots . bunch 0 4 « 8 Kidney .. .... do. 8 0 4 u . . . doz. 2 n 6 0 Radishes . . doz. bands 0 6 1 u Celery bundle 2 0 8 0 Rhubarb bundle 0 9 1 u Cucumbers. . . . . . each 1 <> 4 0 Savoys . . . doz. 2 0 8 u pickling . . , , doz. n fl 0 0 Sea-kale basket 2 0 2 6 Endive . . score 1 0 2 n Shallots .... lb. 0 B 0 u Fennel . bunch n » 0 0 Spinach . bushel 5 0 0 0 Garlic lb. « 0 0 0 Tomatoes A sieve . bunch 0 0 0 u Herbs . bunch 0 3 n 0 Turnips 0 4 0 6 Horseradish . bundle 2 6 4 0 Vegetable Marrows dz. 0 0 0 u TRADE CAT.ILOGUES RECEIVED. John Salter, Versailles Nursery, William Street, Hammer- smith, W.—Descriptirc Cataloriue of Clir!isantiifiu.ums, Dahlias, PieonifS, Fldu:ces, Pi/ietUrums, Hardy Varir. Saponaria CAI.ADRICA SowiN'o IN RosE CiTiCLES (A Suhiicriher).~~lt will not injure tho ll-ises beyond impovorishing and kcopinK the soil dry arotindthora. Rnnd plact^d on the surfnco and pointed iu wouUl make it allUie better for thi? Snponariu. Ivy Bekries, Sowing (J' weather. Ctittings so treated will be fit for planting ont iu the following spring. Newto\vn and Paradise Pippin Apples (Mnru .Tone/:).— Tho Newtown Pippin is a large yellow .\merican Apple, good alike for table juid baking', but does not do well in our climate except in wiu-m localities, and re- quires a wall to be first-rate. A south-west or M-est a.spect is most suit- able. The Paradise Pippin is better knomi as the White Paradise or Lady's Finger, its flesh is muro yellow tlmn that of the Newtown Pippin, and it is not ribbed, even obscm-Vly, as is tho Newtown. RosF.s, Raisino from Skkd (M**™).— Take some pots or pang about 9 inches in depth, drain them well, and fill to witliin throe-quarters of an inch of the rim with rich sandy loam two-thirds, adding one-third of sandy fibry pent. The hips should be broken, ami di?*tributed over the surface (lom half an inch to an inch apart, and covered with half an inch of soil. The pots or pans may be placed in a warm open situation in the open gi'ouud, plunged to the rim in coal ashes. Over the pots place a cap of wire so closo as to prevent mice getting through, aud so high as to allow of tho plants coming up; an inch space between tho soil and wire will he ample. The wire assists in keeping the soil moist, and water should likewise be given in dry weather. Some of the plants will, in all probability, make their appearance iu May, if the seeds are sown at onco ; but very often the seed dons not germinate until the following spring. When tho plants have made three or four rough leaves in adtlition to the seed leaves, take them up enreiuUv with the haft of a bnddinij knife, or some such implement, pot them singly in small pots, and place in a cold frame for a few days, or iu a shady situation. In throe weeks or a month they may be planted ont in good rich soil, and by August tbey will have grown strong, some of them of sufficient strength for budding. Two stocks may be budded with each seedling. These will make strong shoots in the following year, if the budding prove succe==ful, and these, if left nnpruucd, will prodnce tlowers in the follo\vinp or third year. On their own roots the seedlings -will not flower until tho fifth or sixth year. Slugs, DESTRo^^N(; (Ccsirta).— We do not find any plan answer so well as strewing a little dry soot around the pots or pans, and going at night Titb a lantern and catching them at their meals. They are then easily destroyed. A few fresh Cabbage leaves laid down at night will be found to have slnffs under them in the morning. Perseverance in either of the above plans will soon clear tho place. Eripmr-LCu TRt-NCATUM I-osixG the Points of its Shoots (A. C. C. H.). — This arises from keeidui^' the plants in too low a temperature. You cannot keep them too dry if the wood or shoots do not turn soft and shrivel, but water should bo given to prevent thif. You have kept them too dry as well as too cool, and now that moisture is given the shoots drop off at the joints. Keep them in a temperatm-e of from 4r)- to 50- in winter, and not so dry as to cause the stems to become soft and shri- velled. Pi.axt:ng Cyclamens (7ed iu tho miJdle, which you can appropriate to any purpose that will not canso tho Peaches on tho back waU to be shaded. By snch n plan the roots will be confined entirely inside the house, and in the openings between tho Vines you could grow low-fruiting plants, as Figs, CUerrics. ^c in pots on the bed or floor. By surface-dressings you could keei> Peaches and Vines long fruitful by such a plan, and you would have them completely under control, as respects moisture anil drj-ness. To do justice to the Peaches, the Vines sliould be planted about fi feet apart, and pruned on the spur system, say seven in the length of the house, and for an un- heated house we would have fonr Black Hamburghs, two Royal Musca- dine, and one Buckland Sweetwater. By the second mode we would have the front wall built on arches, or have pillars to support the silli extend the border on the same slope as inside, from 6 to 12 f*et beyond the wall, and In that case we would plant the Vines Inside, from 18 to 2i inches from the front wall. This would give more room to tho roota of the Peaches, and offer less risk of the roots of Peach trees and Vines interfering witli each other, but would require more labour and material. In such a ease the great thing to secure is, to have the insido ground higher than the outs"ide. In cither case yon could use the centre of tho house for tempi)rary purposes, and might have fruit trees of any j-ort in pots before the Peacn trees and Vines wero established. A good Peach-house alone could be made of such a house, by planting the back wall as yon propose, and then planting similar trees within 2 feet of the front wall, and training them to a circular trellis 4 feet in height at back, and 4 feet from back wall. We have seen sncli a hooso with Vinos also up the roof, but if not very thin thej* were sure t* iniaro the Peach trees with their shade. As to terra cotta or other material as boxes for ^vindows, there used to be plenty of kinds in the New Road, Lon- don, such as at Austin & Seeloy's, and there are so many inquiries that it would be worth while for makers to advertise, giving prices and sizes. 3Ir. Franklin, at the Stevenage Depot, keeps a good assortment of elegant vases, and we liave no doubt there are jilenty of makers. .\ rich brown tint generally looks best for houses tliat are painted a stone colour: but where there is a difficulty in obtaining elei^ant figured terra cotta boxes, much may be done by making neat wooden boxes, which may be painted of any colour and sanded to rf^emhlo stone, and may be tessellated, striped, or engraved, by tacking suitable pieces on, so that when sanded they would resemble diflfereut kinds of stone, and have the advantage of being much easier to move. Terra cotta boxes, however, may be had in great variety in London. AVe do not know how you are in your neigh- bourhood. The last time we were at Messrs. Veitch's nursery, there were plenty to choose from. Pruning Mobello CrrERBiES 1866. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTURE AKD COTTAGE GAKDENEB. 229 KAijnA LATIFOUA CULTURE IN A PoT (A Subscriber from the Begin- mnp).— Your plan will be to give it a somewhat larpe pot, drain it weU, and use a compost of turfy peat chopped with a spade but not sifted. If you will do this, aud plentifully supply the pluut with water when making ne-w growths, and keep it at all times moist, with the pot plun^'ed to the rim in coal ashes in a warm open situation, you will find it a free-bloom- ing shrub. This is all the pains we take ^Wth ours for forcing. Wc take up good strong bushy plants, pot them in pots sufficiently lar^je to hold them comfortably, draiuiug the pots efficiently, and using a compost of turfy brown peat or bog soil, plimge the pots to the rim in coal ashes in a sheltered open situation, and keep the plants weU supplied with water throughout the summer, and at all times mois-t. and we find them set plenty of bloom, which we bring out by placing them in a house with a temperature of SO' bv night and not exceeding D5\ They are placed in a house having a temperature of from 40 ' to 45 for three weeks, aud are then introduced into the above temperatui-e. They are taken outside after blooming, and placed in the same situation as before, where they remain overwinter. Being potted in spring they make a good growth, and are eligible for forcing Hgain in the following winter. They require a rather large pot for their size, and plenty of water in summer. Soot Water for EvAPORATrao-PANfi (C. P.).— Take a peck of sooti place it in the bottom of a butt or baiTcl, work it into a stiffish paste ^-ith an old scrub-broom, with two or three quarts of water so as to wet the powdery dry soot, then add from forty to sixty quarts, stirring all well to- gether. If you wish the water to be clear, add a pound of fresh lime, and in a day or two you may fill the pans with strong clear soot liquid. Take flowers of sulphur, say "one pouud, mix it up in a paste with a small quan- tity of water, then add a dozen (quarts, or more if you like, and put by it- self in the evaporating-pans. or mixed with the soot or other water. In this case the sulphur will fall to the bottom, and may want brushing up at times. When the water in the pans gets hot, weak sulphur effluvia will bo given oflf. This is a safer plan than putting sulphur paint at once on pipes or flues. Heating a Moshroom-house fFM(i/7w-»).~Two three-inch pipes will be ample for such a small Mushroom-hou8e (10 feet by 6 feet), if the walls are secure. The house seems low {5i feet at back), to do work in comfortably. The pipes should not go below the beds, there would be danger of over-heat as well as over-drj-ness. It is of little consequence whether the shelf or platform-bed have the bottom open or close ; when open. Mushrooms fre- quently come through ; when polid. as slate. woodUce are less troublesome. Open-spar slating is the worst roof for such a Mushroom-house, packing with hay or straw will be advisable. A thatched roof would be better. Have a stop-cock as proposed. If the bed out of doors has been wet. and has been made four months, most likely the spawn has perished. Try a bit of the bed and see. If the spawn is soimd, it will no doubt prtiduce yet. Removing Leaves from Cuttings (TT. D. T.).— The propriety of allow- ing leaves to remain ou cuttings, or removing a good portion of them, depends entirely on the treatment you are able to give them. Remove not a leaf, say some— and right enough too. if you can so arrange that by a close atmosphere, shading from sun, &c., you can keep these leaves from flagging, in other words, force them to absorb rather more than they perspire ; then the more leaves on the cutting the sooner will roots be formed, aud the plant established. Remove most of the leaves, say others— and if cm >ugh are left to keep on gi-owth, the cutting will bo longer in striking, but it will require less trouble in preventing flagging from extra evaporation. Generally the medium mode is resorted to, a few leaves are removed from the base of the cutting, and some of the other larger leaves are shortened, the smaller allowed to remain to keep on the growth. In the case of Calceolarias, to wliich you refer, we generally remove the two leaves at the bottom, or the joint at which we cut across, and leave tho others mostly as they are ; but then making the cuttings in the end of October, they sufi'er little from the evaporation of their juices. Were we making cuttings of similar plants in April, wo would reduce the foliage or shade them. Forming a Vinery oct of a Pit (An Eight-years Subgcribcr).—U you cement the bottom of the pit as you propose, place 6 or 8 inches of open rubble over it, and then a layer or two of fresh tiu-f, grass side downwards. You may use from 9 inches to a foot of such fresh turf with a portion of broken bones ; you may use the rest of the turf, mixed with other soil, for another layer, and a portion of the bones and lime rubbish, but have nothing to do with the stuEf dug out of the foundations for the green- house. Surely you might get a couple of loads or two of good loam from the sides of a highway to mix with lime rubbish. &c. ; if not, take some of the best aired sweetened soil from the kitchen garden. Any Vines may be grown in such a pit, heated as it is by flues. We have given hsts to-day and last week to suit cold houses. Four Vines will be enough, or thi-ee if you confine them to the rafters. If entirely for Vines you might try five — Bay one Sweetwater for earliness. one Muscat of Alexandria, two Black Hamburghs, and one Lady Downe's for late cutting. Use spur pruning. Radishes in Potato Frame (Cantab).— You did quite right to keep on the Ughts, the Radishes will not become tlrawn, air being given in mild weather, especially as the bed is cold. After the seed leaves appear it is necessary to give air plentifully, but when there are rough loaves it is not possible to keep the Ughts otherwise than closed in frosty weather, air being given in mild periods. They will not draw up so much as to sustain injury, only they do not stand too close or rank a heat. Rhdbarb Forcing (Idem).— The roots should be laid on a few inches of soil, and pretty closely together, and soil should then be packed or placed between them so as to fill up the intervals ; soil should likewise be placed agaiust the sides so as to cover the roots. They will assuredly root into the soil if it is kept moderately moist. The rotting of the stalks is due to the roots being so closely packed, cei-tainly not from the ab- sence of soil. Good strong roots only are eligible for foi'cing, those planted three or four years answer well. Brown Varnish for Woodwork (W. J".).— Sorted gum animo81bs.; clarified oil '6 gallons ; Utharge aud powdered dried sugar of lead, of each i lb. ; boil till it strings well, then cool a little, thin with oil of turpen- line 5^ gallons, and strain. Pine-Apple Plants (M. W.).—Wii do not Imow where you can obtain any. You had better insert a short advertisement stating precisely what you require. Hyacinth [N. C, AVrioflft).— The spike you mention is fine ; but at the Royal Horticultural Society's Show last week there were many still finer. Caqiellia Flowers Poor (A Lady Gardener).— V>'o fear that it is now too late to thin the blooms of your Camellia plants, which you say are five or six on the tip of each shoot on trees only 2 foet high. The bloom-buds ought to have been removed in September or before, leaving only one at the point of each shoot. It is, however, good practice to thin such buds by degrees, taking ofl' a few at a time, and, when they are about the size of a Pea. You may remove some of the smaller ones now, but it is too late to expect large blooms this year ; after blooming, if the plants want potting, let that be done, and keep them rather close and warm until .Tune, when they may be gradually inured to the open air, and buds will then be forming. Thin them in .\ugust, or at latest in Septem- ber, and you will have more success another year. Flower Border Planting {A Regular Subseriber).—l( your border abuts at once on gravel, with a box edging, or tile or stone bordering in- tervening, then wc would like the " master's " choice as well as your own ; but if there is a grass verge between the border and walli, then we prefer your proposed mode of planting— namely, beginning at the front with Bijou Geranium; second row, Calceolaria Aurea floribunda ; third, Perilla nankinensis ; fourth, Punch Geranium. Ventilating Two Adjoining Greenhocses {D. 7).).— By opening the door of your first house, or having larger openings above the door, and in the opposite end, you would have a lower temperature and a rathi;r close moist atmosphere to suit your Ferns, and there we would chiefly place them. lu your new house, 10 feet by G. and with glass merely on the roof, if you did not open the door we would either have three openings, say 12 inches by 18 each, in the front or back wall, or two large openiugs a yard square in each end. Then on the shelves you propose, you could glow Fuehsiag, Geraniums, &c. ; and if you wish. Ferns, Ac, as you inti- mate, then we would keep them chiefly on the shelf inside of the front wall, as that would keep them from a tierce sun. Six Roses for North Wall (J. TW B.).—For quick growth and flowering early in the season, we would have Felicitt perpetue, lone of the best-foliaged Roses known; then you might either have Jane Hardy, Yellow Noisette, and Fellenberg, a crimson of the same class ; Bouquet de Flore, one of the best Bourbons; and Aimee Vibcrt, a good old Rose of the Noisette section. We fear the Bauksian Roses would not succeed against a north wall, but you might ti-y Gloire de Rosomine, a showy Rose less rampant than some others. We would not recommend you to try Teas, as they are too tender, and so, too, is the Macartney Rose. Peach Tf.ees Shedding their Fruit (NorfoVc),—We think that your trees cast their fruit in the process of stoning, and this is mostly due to over-cropping, and in some cases to the roots being deep and wet. In the former case thinning tho fruit bo as to leave three to every two square feet of wall covered will prevent it to a gi-eat extent ; but if it proceeds from the roots being deep and wet, thorough draining is the best remedy, the trees being removed next autumn and the roots brought nearer the surface. If the fruit drops when the second swelling takes place, then it may result from want of moisture. A good watering a fortnight previous to the swelling for ripening, would cause the fruit to swell well, but it is of no use giving surface waterings, one good soaldng is worth ten of them. The fruit drops very often prematurely from the leaves beiug destroyed by led spider. Frequent sjTingings will prevent this evil. Gladiolus Seed Sowing {Idem).~The seed should be sown in pans of good, rather light, turfy loam two thii-ds, and sandy peat one third. PUce the pans in a steady heat of from 50' to 55\ The seeds if sotsti in October will produce by this time nice little plants from 1 tQ 3 inches high, and these, rested and hardened for a month, may be planted out in a warm border. In autumn they will have plump Uttle bulbs calculated to bloom in the following year. Plants for Walls or Piers in Conservatory lSnmex).—Cissn3^ ant' arctica, Cobcea scandens variegata. Clematis indivisa lobata, Dolichos lignosus, Hibbertia gi-ossularisefolia, H. volubilis, Kennedya inophylla floribunda, Habrothamuus elegans, Sollya linearis, Mimosa prostrata, TropiEolum speciosum, Solanum jasminiflortmi variegatum, Jasminum heterophyllum, Bignonia jasminoides splcndida, and Abutilon striatum. Roses for Conservatory (Idevi).— Noisette : Celine Forestier. Miss Gray, Jane Hardy, Aimee Vibert, Ophirie. Tea-scented : Adam, Gloire de Dijon, Devoniensis, Alba rosea, Josephine Malton, La Boule d'Or, Madame Falcot, Marechal Neil, Niphetos, Triomphe do Luxemboui-g, and Smith's Yellow. Acacias for Pot Culture (Id^m). — Acacia Drummondi, A. juniperina, oleifolia elegans, gi'andis, hybrlda, longiflova magnifica, and eriocarpa. None is more beautiful than A. ai-mata, which you have. Flo^ver-beds {J. P. M.).—We think either plan would look very well, but viewed from the window, we ourselves would prefer more variety — thus, 1, 1, centre Golden Chain, band of blue Lobeha, edging of Cerastium ; 2, 2. Scarlet Geranium and Manglcsii for edging ; 3, 3. yellow Calceolaria and Pui-plc King ; 4, 4, Scarlet Geranium, edged with Flower of the Day, thick, and the flowers removed ; 5, 5, the same as 1,1. In order that all the edgings may be light, you might sltirt round 3, 3, vith a naiTOW belt of varfcatod Arabis or variegated Alyssum. Notices of Shrublaad Park by Mr Beaton will be found in Number 261. '262, 417, 418, 421. Old Series ; and by Mr. Fish in Numbers 472, 473, 47G, aud 477, all of which may be had from our office. Raspberry Canes having Lateral Shoots (A Lady Gardener).— It is seldom that much good is done with them, and they may as well be cut off or shortened ; if, however, these shoots have produced fruit last year, we fear your chance of a crop this season is not good. Some kinds, as the Fastolfl, are with us very liable to bear on the current year's shoots, and as a consequence these shoots are useless for the next year, and ought to be cut out at pninmg-time ; but. as you say yours are vigorous, it is likely they have not borne fruit, aud may do well. We shoiUd be disposed to leave some of these shoots on the canes newly planted, for their foliage will help the plant to make fresh canes, and much fruit can not he expected. Names of Fruits (Ov. D.).— Old Colmar Pear. N\MES OF Plants (I/fa;).— Your correspondent's handwriting must be diflicult to decipher. The plants intended by him are Bursnna spmosa, a native of New South Wales. Melaleuca dccussata is also from New South Wales. Sida mollis, a native of Peru, requu-es stove culture. Isopogon anemonifoUus, a naUve of New South Wales. Arthropo^mn paniciUatum, a bulbous-rooted plant, also from New South W ales. The 2S0 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AKD COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Bforcb 20, ISM. Now Soath WnlM pUntn require frrpcnhoae well for nil to remember, as appa- rently lio docs, George Herbert's words — •' Fii'JcencsK makes ' Error a fiiult, and Truth discourtesy." In passing, I must assure " Eoomet " my not continuing my " Notes on Pigeons " has not willingly been delayed by mc. Aly good friends at 171, Fleet Street, wished me to go to Bir- mingbani, and writing my " First Impressions of Bingley Hall " took up my time. Then they wishe' one of those Icttere denies the correctness of " Justicia's" complaints. It isprobable that they were written under the excitement of diHappointment ; but they have called attention to the subject, and. as the lettern before us state that the jud(?ing at Paisley, Jedburgh, Kelso, and other places gave general satisfaction, there is no need for fearing that " Justicia's " comments will be detrimental to the Scottish poultry shows. Poultry-keeping (Annif).—! will do ray best to reply to my fair in- quirer. First, I would advise her to send seven stamps to the office of **our Journal," and beg that a copy of " Poultry for the Many" may be sent to her ; then let her master its contents. I would recommend her to obtain a sitting of Black Bantam epcs from Rev. G. W. St. John, of Woodstock ; if he has none, I dare say Mr. Cambridge, of Bristol, would sell her some. " Annie " should look out for a broody hen. taking care that she has nothing of the Spanish or Hamburgh breed in her. A common half-bred Bantam would be the beatheni that overlap and almost hide them, especially at the abonlder and at the 6X- tremititis, go that little of the wing is exposed, and that only the middle. Floor or Poultrv-house {A Xcuf Su6«cn6- of ** A SuBscaiBER." Sand to b« rakod only, or Ioom earth to be frequently dug and changed, are the best flooring. Materials fob Ear.-sHELLs (Old Cocfc).— The best supply for laying heus is a heap of bricklayers* limy rubbish. Oystcr-shcUi burned in the fire until they can bo easily pounded, are also efficient In supplying cal- careous matter for the formation of the egg-shella. Buckwheat {Brahma). — It is a common field crop in (tome counties. It is also known as Brank. Whoever told you that it is Indian com did not know what he was talking about. A little is not a bad food for fowls, but there is nothing better than two daily feeds of barleymcal, mixed with mashed potatoes, for soft food, and crushed oats or crushed barley once daily. We never use mixtures the composition of which we do not Imow. Fowls in Small Enclosure IAmaUur).--The number of fowU yoo can keep in the space you name, 20 feet by 10, must depend much oq the breed you select. Of Spanish, Brabmas, or Cijchins, you may keep two cocks and ten hens. They will require but a small house, say 5 fe«t of the 20 feet in length, and the whole height of 7 feet. The door, 24 inches wide, to be in one comer ; the perches at the other end 2 feet from the ground ; three laying-boxes in front of the dour ; a good large window in the bonse. Turkeys' Eggs bv Railway fP.V— The eggs will travel very well if packed in moss, and there is little doubt of their batching if they are well managed. MARKiNii Chickens (ChiiUau Vallon).~Kda\i birds are marked with a ring of brass or iron wire round the leg, That, however, is a dis- qualification nt a show, and must be removed before they arc sent to one. A ver>- efficient mark, but one that is not perceptible without handling the bird, is to mark the web of the wing with a hot iron, boring boles through it. This mark never wears out or fills up- Another plan is, to tie strong coloured thread in the web of the wing. This lasts a long time. None of these are perceptible, and. consequently, do not disqualify. Silver Dorkings (/n^uir^r).— Silver-Greys belong to coloured Dork- ings. The hen has robin breast, black and white-striped hackle, grey feuthers with white abaft, light grey head. The cock has black breast and tail, li;;ht almost white hackle and saddle, metallic bar on the wing on white ground. Silver-Greys have long existed, but it is only of late years they have had separate clashes. They are more bred in Scotland than anywhere else. French Fowls (r. Z.).—The Cr-ing it in a common straw hive, to look over the combs in the parent stock, cutting out every royal cell and destroying the voung queen or queens if there bo any. Having done this, the swarm mav be returned by bein? knocked out on the top of the exiv>sed frames, and will then probably either remain at home altogether, or be so long deUyed as to complete the super. We prefer bars seven-eighths of an inch in width for all purposes. In order to Ligurianise your apian- vou require a pure Ligurian st'x;k to com- mence with, and should then proceed as advised by Mr. Woodburj- lo reply to ** W. L." in page 61 of our eighth volume. Altering a Nutts Hive to a Wooddurv Hive (A AVir B^^inncr).— If vou lower your set of Nutt's boxes to 9 inches, and enlarge the pavilion to Hi inches from front to back (all inside measure), it will accommo- date eight Woodbur>' frames, and will form a useful hive without further alteration of the -side boxes. In making a new hive we should prefer a pavilion 14* inches from front to back, by 13 inches wide, to accommo- date nine frames, and side boxes 13 inches square, fixed with eight bars in each. Whilst altering the Nutt's hive the bees and their cnmbs should be transferred to a Woodbury bive, whence they can be shifted into their former domicile when the alteration is completed. The middle of a fine dav in April is the best time for pcrforrainc the first of these operations.' Stewarton hives are made of inch wood de a large one, and has been in its position long. If it be removed to better soil, and a more favotirable situation, the tree jnay after a few years show more vigour and improvement than it would have done if left at its first abode ; but this only proves that the situation is a better one, not that the operation of re- moval effected the improvement. This paper having extended to a much greater length than I anticipated, I find I must leave the subject of removing shrubs and trees of smaller size to another opportunity, and as much greater success invariably follows the transplanting of small than of large trees, I would in most cases advise planters to be satisfied with such. To be able to point out a large tree that was transplanted without losing a leaf is certainly something to boast of ; but it is well to wait and see what the condition of that tree is two years hence. I once heard a pushing builder assert the possibility of transplanting a deciduous tree of large size without losing a leaf, and in the middle of summer, and sure enough he did it, for the leaves were still on at Christmas, but it bore no more, and instances of this kind are not by any means uncommon. — J. Robson. STOPPING VINES IN POTS. JIe. D. Thomson in his reply to " iNQuniEB," in the Number of February 2iHh, and referring to the cutting down of the canes of pot Vines of the same year's growth as a good plan, adds that it is one which he for the future intends to adopt. Now, 1 have not grown pot Vines extensively, but I always laboured that my few should bo good, so far as I could make them so. I tried different plans to secure my object, the best of which was somewhat similar to the system noticed by Mr. Thomson. When my Vines had fully expanded and matured a few fine leaves, I ciit them down to the lowest good leaf, and after making a growth of 2 feet, I again stopped them, con- tinuing the stopping at two-feet inter%als until 1 had secured my length of cane. The shoots after each stopping pushed with increased strength, and the eyes below it became much m«o prominent. The result was, that the Vines so treated o»rried a better and more regular crop than by any other means which 1 practised. My object i:i stopping was I ■ obtain increaoed root-action, or in other words to bring a more abundant supply of food to a given point, a system which I had observed to increase the vigour of other plants. After three years' practice the Vines so treated were in every instance the best, and gave the most satisfactory returns. Some time has elapsed since I practised the above plan. I was not then, nor am 1 now aware, that there is anything new March 27, 1866. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 237 in the course ; but this I know, that were I again required to grow pot Vines, I should follow the plan here stated. — J. Wbigui, Gardener to the lion. A. L. Melville. SOMETHING MORE ABOUT FRUIT TREE STOCKS. Mk. Robson, I am quite sure, will allow one who has seen more than most people in fruit-tree culture to notice and correct some of his notions. The •• knifeman," I trust, belongs to a past age. In former days he was a man who employed a sharp knife and a blunt intellect. With the former he " cut back " trees year after year till they were pollarded stumps, and " whip-grafted " trees qnicldy and dexterously — an operation not requiring much nous. I well remember the old foreman of my grandfather, who was an active man in my youth. He could neither read nor write, yet he was reckoned a good " knifeman," and always boasted of his haTing grafted a thousand Apple trees per diem for many consecutive days, when a "quarter" — (. c, large piece of crab stocks, was operated upon. He had, he said, a tyer and two puggers — lads who clayed the grafts. This must be " sixty years since." The quarter contained 20,000 stocks, and such stocks as are rarely seen. They threw up shoots li'om the graft the first season from 5 to 7 feet in height. The budding of the purple Cytisusonthe common Laburnum has never to my knowledge been followed by any stain in the stock iu England. The Purple Laburnum, as is well known, was originated iu France by the live shield or plate of a bud of the purple Cytisus — the bud having died — staining appa- rently the common Laburnum in which it was inserted, and thus producing that odd variable tree, the so-called Purple Laburnum. What an imposing name ! and what a number of guineas it drew out of the pockets of Englishmen ! In the many, many thousands of Purple Beech annually grafted, I have never seen a shoot below the graft, either aUve or dead, stained ; the same with variegated Hollies and other varie- gated trees. The way to bring about this staining, if at aU possible, is to prevent the graft putting forth leaves. This is easUy done by rubbing off the yoimg tender shoots as soon as they appear, so that the graft has a dormant life. The varie- gated Jasmine has a great tendency to stain the stock it is grafted on ; and I think I have seen staining in some other shrub or shrubs, but it is very rare. Roses budded on the llanetti Rose stock are not now planted deeply. Rose-growers who are at all worthy of the name bud them so that the junction of the bud with the stock is within 2 inches of its roots : consequently deep planting is not re- quired ; 3 inches deep will do. The growth of Roses thus planted here is remarkable. I liave now in sight from my window Rose pyramids, the last year's shoots of wliich are 9 feet iu height. If Mr. Robson ever reads " our Journal," he would know "to whom was due the merit of first trying the Manetti stock for the Rose." There is nothing new in employing Peach and Almond stockj for the Peach and Nectarine. It was common in France two hundred years ago ; but even there they were used only in the dry hot provinces. They have never been common or popular in England, our climate being too cool and moist. The Peach stock is very unfit even for warmer climates than ours ; for after a few years the disease called " chlorosis." or as the Americans call it, the " yellows," nearly always attacks the trees. Even trees in pots in orchard-houses in England do not escape this fatal malady. I have never seen it attack trees on Almond stocks, and I have recently told some Ameri- can friends they should leave off budding their trees on Peach seedlings, and use Almond stocks. The yellows destroys an- nually thou?ands upon thousands of trees in the United States. 3"et I have not heard of the Almond stock being employed to counteract it. I folly believe that in the south of England, in dxy, gravelly, or chalky soils. Peaches on Almond stocks would succeed, when those on Plum stocks invariably fail. The knowledge of such things as fruit-tree stocks seems to be but little thought of by men otherwise well up in horticulture. One day they will think differently when their inner knowledge comes — t. e., when they practise with their hands and their heads. With regard to ilr. Robson's remarks on the Pear on Quince stocks, I can most promptly support what he says as to the cornparatively small quantity of fruit borne by a Pear on the Quince stock^and that " there is no instance in which a Pear so worked has produced anything like the quantity of fruit it has done when grown on a stock of its own kind ; and iu no case when I have seen it has it approached the majestic growth of the Pear tree when on a stock better suited to its require- ments. I have in no instance seen a Quince tree [I suppose Mr. Robson means a Pear tree grafted on the Quince , yield more than one-fourth of what the Pear will do, and this' is a wide difference." This is all most true. I have seen in Wor- cestershire some most majestic Peai- trees. I remember one most particularly in the vale of Evesham, which one fine day in September seemed a golden tree, so thickly was it studded with fruit, computed at 100 bushels. The Pears were of a brilliant clear yellow, and most beautiful. Now this was really a " majestic tree." On inquiry I found it was called the Cheat-boy Pear, on account of its often enticing strange boys passing along the roads to pluck the fruit growing on trees, as is usual there, in the hedgerows, and then finding their jaws glued together by its powerfid astringency. I have seen other majestic Pear trees ; but with the exception of the Aston Town and Autiunn Bergamot, of which there is a tree here still alive three huncbed years old, I have never tasted a fine Pear from a majestic tree. I think your readers will agree with me, that one or two pecks of Louise Bonne Pears from a well-trained pyramidal tree on the Quince stock, would be of more value for the dessert than a hundi'ed bushels of " Cheat-boys " from a majestic tree, or even twenty or thirt.t bushels of Swan's Eggs, or " Grey BeurrGs," a sort which used to be grown here, large trees often bearing thirty or forty bushels. Mr. Robson, under his peculiarly happy circimistances of not being in the mercantile world of gardening, and of course not knowing much of what is taking place iu it, will excuse me for giving him a few words of enlightenment. Such great advantages have been found iu France from using the Quince as a stock for the Pear in gardens — a custom, I may add, two hundred years old — that in the French nurseries for a hundred Pear trees sold grafted on the Pear, there ai-e five thousand trees grafted on the Quince, the demand annually increasing. In this country the custom of gi-afting Pears on the Quince for garden culture has existed not quite so long, and for many years was confined to those skilled in gardening — not professed gardeners, but amateurs. Well, it has gradually spread, tUl the demand for such trees is very large. Taking my calcu- lations from what passes here, I should say that for fifty thou- sand trees on the Quince stock sold annually, there are only five thousand on the Pear stock, and as the cultirre of the former by double-grafting becomes better known, this pro- portion will soon be exceeded. There is, indeed, nothing more charming than a plantation of Pear trees on the Quince stock, either as bushes, pyramids, or cordons. They never faU to bear if their- blossoms are protected. They are always f lUl of blossoms, filling the heart in spring time with that which ought always to come in spring — hope. When I look at my plantation of Louise Bonne Pear trees, some of them twenty- five years old, all standing not quite o feet apart, I am annually struck with the pleasant facility of their culture. They are all on Qiunce stocks, all pyi'amids some 8 feet high, and are all pinched-in during the summer, so as to keep the trees nicely within boimds. There are about two thousand of these trees, and they stand on a slip of gi'ound less than an acre in extent. Now, the question is. How many "majestic trees " I could grow in this space ? Possibly about forty of some such Pears as I have named, worth but little to eat, and less to sell. The forty majesties would, probably, at the end of fifty years bear twenty bushels per tree. The two thousand pyramids on the Quince, after twelve years' growth, bore half a bushel per tree of fine thinned-out fruit, of more than a quadruple the value of the others. No comment is requii'ed. With regard to the culture of Apples — by which I mean their careful cultivation in fruit gardens, not rudely growing large quantities on "majestic trees," we have to thank Mr. Robson for his candour. He says, " I have had little experience with the Paradise stock, and have yet to learn any advantages it possesses over the more common crab.'' He has all to learn ; but, then, placed as he is in a climate and soil the best in Eng- land, with a well appointed large garden, with wall trees, espa- liers, and standards, all doing well, and producing more fruit than can be consumed, he has no stimulus to make liim gain experience, to try experiments, or to learn whether one stock is better than another. The Paradise stock has been known upwards of a centm-y, and has been largely used by our oop5; tinental neighbours, who are infinitely our superiors in fruit- tree culture in the open air. It is only within these last twenty^ 238 JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ( March S7, 1666. years that it has made mach progress in England, owing to that peculiar national dullness in all matters relating to the cul- ture of the soil. We take a new mechanical invention readily «nongh from our neighbours, but a now idea in gardening is hummed at and haw'd at, till many years have passed and much valuable time has been lost. As with Pear trees on Quince stocks, I must be allowed to go into statistics. Twenty years ago 1000 Apple trees on Paradise stocks supplied the usual de- mand here ; this has gradually increased till 30,000 scarce snffico to do it. The produce of Apples trees per acre on good Paradise stocks woald bear about the same proportion to or- chard trees on the crab, as pyramidal Pear trees on the Quince do to the " majestic trees," and owing to the trees being culti- vated— the ground kept clean, the trees pruned, and the fruit thinned — it is far more valuable. I was offered this week a guinea a-bushel for my Newtown Pippins, grown on dwarf trees on the Paradise stock, by a Covent Garden fruiterer ; besides this, the crop seldom faUs, owing to the fruit being thinned and the trees not distressed by bearing too many — in short, they may have careful culture, such as it is impossible to give to orchard trees, which, in plentiful seasons, bear too many, and in seasons the converse none. There is nothing " question- able " abovit the early fertility given to Apple trees on the Para- dise stock. They commence to bear the second year from the graft. It is true that such sorts as Hawthomden, Keswick Codlin, and some others do the same on the crab; bnt such sorts will not supply our desserts or all our wants. No good enltivator would plant a Pear tree on the Quince, unless it was budded or grafted near the surface. It is true that the Quince makes roots near the surface, consequently its stem may be on an emergency buried more deeply than the stems of other trees without injury. With respect to the bearing of Apple trees on a good liind of Paradise stock, if life were not so un- certain, I would wager that twenty trees on it woiJd bear double the quantity of fruit than the same number on crab stocks. Mr. Eobson acknowledges to having had no experience in this matter, and yet he makes most confident assertions ; this is not prudent in a writer. No one can admire more than I do a fine orchard of Apple trees, such as one sometimes sees in Kent and in Nottinghamshire, more particularly with Mr. Pearson, whose giandfather and father planted the trees — they really are '• majestic," and owing to the heavy demands in a large manufacturing town, where all sorts of fruit are wanted, doubtless pay well ; but I confess I fly at higher game, and wish to grow only the finest fruit, such as will command a high price — something in the way of my Newtown Pippins. At the end of his fourth paragraph Mr. Robson tells us that " We see no instance in which she (Nature) buries the collar be- low the surface." Nature sometimes tries her hand at grafting in a Hawthorn hedge by uniting two branches, but I never re- member her taking budding in hand, consequently she does not, and never has known anything about buiying the " collar " — i.e., the junction of the bud with the stock. — T. K. MR. WILLLUI PAUL'S SHOW OF SPRING FLOWERS. On Wednesday last there was opened to the public one of the most charming floral displays which have been seen for some years, a display worthy of one who enjoys a high repu- tation, not merely as an enterprising nurseryman, but as a scientific horticulturist as well. Th^ exhibitor is Mr. W. Paul, of the Waltham Cross Nurseries, the place of exhibition the eastern conservatory arcade of the Royal Horticultural Society's gardens at Kensington, and the subjects those which are em- braced in the comprehensive term, spring flowers. This exhibition may be regarded in two points of view — first, as an example of tasteful and effective arrangement as a whole ; and, secondly, as showing the results of successful cul- tivation in the merits of the individual flowers. Into the latter it is not our intention here to enter, for a large proportion of the subjects exhibited are the same as those with which Mr. W. Paul has taken no less than twenty-nine first prizes at the recent shows, a fact which is sufficient evidence of their ex- cellence. Those majestic spikes of Hyacinths which carried all before them, reinforced by others equally fine, those TuUps so showy and rich in colour, those gentle Crocuses, and those ^oriouB Rhododendrons, are here in all their beauty ; and to these are added numerous miscellaneous greenhouse plants, snch as Azaleas, Camellias, Eriostemons, Epacrises, Cinerarias, Geraniums, double-flowering Peaches, &c. Bat the Rose, that flower of all ages, and for which Mr. W. Paul is so famed, most not be forgotten ; two beautiful groups of it, placed one at each end. serve as the points on which rest the right and left wings of the whole arrangement. Among the varieties are several new ones, such as Dr. Lindley, Elizabeth Vigneron, Glory of Waltham. and Black Prince, several others of the best of the Hybrid Perpetuals, and the delightfully fragrant Teas. The next group, on passing from the conservatory eastwards, con- sists of miscellaneous greenhouse plants interspersed with flowering-bulbs, and flanked with double-flowering Peaches. Then we have another group composed of Tulips, Hyacinths, and Crocuses ; a fourth has masses of rich-coloured Rhodo- dendrons on each side, with three lines of Tulips, and sii of Hyacinths, stretching along the centre ; the fifth is a mixed group of greenhouse plants, supported on each side by Lilacs, Bichardia icthiopica, and tall Scarlet Geraniums ; and the sixth, the terminal group of Roses. Opposite the pillars of the front of the arcade a series of semicircular tables are variously filled with Dielytra spectabilis. Cinerarias, Narcissi, Cyclamens, Lily of the Valley, and Hyacinths of various colours, edged with either white or red Chinese Primulas. The arrangement of the groups above briefly described may appear simple, and it has that merit, but it is very effective as a whole ; and on inspection it will be found that the details in each group have teen carefully studied as regards the contrast and bannony of the colours. The exhibition will continue tUl the 3rd of April, and besides affording an example which may be consulted with advantage in conservatory arrangement, will afford, it is to be hoped, gratification to thousands during the Easter holidays. To the lovers of fine flowers it cannot fail to do so. PROPOSED HORTICULTURAL DINNER. A MEETING was held at Anderton's Hotel, Fleet Street, on the aftei-noon of Thursday last, to consider the propriety of holding a dinner at some date during the continuance of the Inter- national Horticultural Exhibition. Upwards of twenty gentle- men were present ; and Mr. William Paul, of Waltham Cross, being called to the chair, the following resolutions were unani- mously adopted. 1st. That a public dinner be held during the week of the International Horticultural Exhibition, and that a Committee of Management be appointed to carry out the same. •2nd. That the dinner take placeon Thm-sday, the 21th of May next. 3rd. That an advertisement be inserted in the gardening publications announcing the dinner, and requesting that those intending to dine send in their names at once to the Secretary ; and that the price of the tickets for the dinner be fixed at lOs. Gd. each. 4th. That the following persons be a Suh-Committce to carry out the arrangements with respect to the dinner : — Messrs. C. Lee (Chairman), C. Edmonds, B. S. Williams, T. F. Wilding, J. F. Meston, Mr. E. Dean (Secretary). Several letters were received from leading horticulturists re- gretting their inability to attend, but cordially approving of the proposal. DESTROYING THE BROWN WEEVIL. From your description given to " Wat.sonian " in the .Journal of February 20th, I am inclined to think that it is the same weevil with which we are troubled. It first begins its depre- dations in the autumn and spring months by eating away the bark of our young Hollies, Yews, &c., a little below the surface of the gromid. It formerly committed sad havoc among our two and three-year-old seedling Rhododendrons ; but by an- nual and biennial transplanting we have almost banished it from our "bog ground." Our mode of proceeding is about the month of May to take up the plants, and give each s slight shake or two, when out rolls from the neck of the plwit a white crescent-shaped red-headed grub, about half an inch in length. In June it changes into the beetle or weevil state, which at first is of a white, soft, pulpy matter, gradually becoming brown and hard, when it commences its ravages above ground, in the summer and autumn eating the foliage, and in the spring the buds and bark of our fruit trees, Pears and Plums especially. If " J. B." will try the following, he may at least save the buds March 27, 13G5. ; JOURNAL OF HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. 239 of his Vines : — Take half a pound of mutton suet, melt it, and while hot mix with it half a pound of chloride of lime, keep- ing it stiireJ till it cools, to prevent the chloride of lime settling. Put a ring of this about an inch wide round the stems of the Vines, a little above the surface of the soil. I have used this mixture for the last tiiree years on some thousands of young trees. Pears, Plums, Apples, &c., and in not one instance have I found the weevil cross it. I find that the best traps for catching the weevils are pieces of rather stiff grafting clay, fitted loosely round the stems, leaving suffii;ient room for the weevil to creep down between the stem and the clay. Divide the clay on each side of the stem. If these rings are examined every morning numbers of the insects v,'ill be found to have crawled underneath after their night's raid. — A Nueseey Fohf.man. A FEW HINTS ON THE CULTURE OF THE BALSAM. After having obtained the seed of some variety which has been very highly recommended, and seeing in perspective its beauties developed in summer, nothing is more annoying to the grower of this beautiful plant than to find, after having grown the plants for a month or two, that they must be put out of sight to hide their lanky stems ; and as now is the proper time to commence growing them, perhaps a few hints as to their culture would not be unacceptable to some of your readers. Having procured seed of the Camellia-flowered varieties, if a year or two old so much the better, sow towards the end of March, in light sandy soil, about ten or twelve seeds to a 48-sized pot. Place the pot in a Cucumber or Melon-bed at work, or wher^er there is a brisk heat to start them, taking care when the seedlings are up to keep them close to the glass to induce stubby growth. When the plants are 3 or 4 inches high pot them off singly into small pots, using Ught loam and leaf mould, with a sprinkling of sand. Place them on a hotbed, and keep them close to the glass as before, using a little shade in very bright weather. When the plants have rooted suffi- ciently they should be kept rather dry and cool for a week or two, which will induce them to show a few flowers, when they can be sorte;l over, the worthless thrown away, and those with double blossoms and the brightest colours retained. After this the flowers should be rubbed off, and the plants shifted into 32-sized pots, using richer soil than before, and plunging them to the lim in an old Potato hotbed, or something of the sort, where there is a httle bottom heat. Keep the lights on, and supply the plants with abundance of water ; give plenty of air, syringe them overhead every afternoon, and shut up for an hour or two, tilting the hghts a little at night. As soon as the roots have reached the sides of the pot, and before the plants become pot-bound, shift into the blooming- pots ; ten-inch pots are the most suitable for that purpose. Use a compost of two parts friable turfy loam, one of two-year- old dried cowdung, and one of leaf mould and sand. After potting plunge the plants as before, and shade them tUl esta- blished, when the lights should be taken off altogether, except in rough stormy weather. They should be liberally supplied with maniu-e water tiU they are placed in the house which they are intended to decorate. The flowers should be picked off the main stems should they appear before the side shoots are fur- nished with buds. A few plants treated as above will give more satisfaction than a larger number grown indiscriminately, and they will be good plants, and of select sorts ; and coming in as they do, when the usual inmates of the greenhouse and conservatory are out of doors, they will be as highly appreciated as they are easily grown. — W. C. MESSRS. CUTBUSH'S SHOW OF SPRING FLOWERS. To the admirable display which Messrs. Cutbush, of the Highgalo Nurseries, have this year made at the Crystal Palace, as well as to the very superior excellence of the flowers com- posing it, we have already directed attention. It therefore now only remains to say a tew words as to the arrangement. Along the centre of one of the naves is a double line of tabling, divided down the centre, and 300 feet in length, and on one side of this are arranged about 300 pots of Hyacinths and a like number of Tulips, comprising the best varieties of those favourite spring flowers — flowers, be it remembered, which can be cultivated by all, which display their full beauty almost before the icy hand of winter has relaxed its grasp, and which, by a little encouragement, may be brought forward to adorn the conservatory, the drawing-room, or the window, even amidst the frost and snow. Of the Hyacinths, it is not too much to say that all the spikes are good, and a very large pro- portion of them are of a size, and of a perfection as regards form and colour, that no ordinary grower could hope to attain. The Tulips, too, are extremely gay, and had the most showy varieties not been noted as being shown at the recent exhibitions, it was our intention to have named a fev,- of the most effective. They are well worthy of more extended cultivation than they at pre- sent receive, more especially as it is not difficult to flower them well either for conservatory or out-door decoration. On the opposite side of the stage to that on which the Hya- cinths and Tulips are ranged is a miscellaneous collection of spring-flowering plants, including some of those already named, Snowdrops, Crocuses, and other bulbs ; Dracsenas, Azaleas, Kalmias, Ehododendrons, Andromedas, Camellias, Heaths, Epacrises, Acacias, Deutzias, Cytisus, Gueldres Eose, Cinera- rias, double-flowering Peaches, and the pretty httle double white Prunus sinensis. The whole of this excellent display is covered with a new canvas awning prepared for the occasion, and this, whilst it serves to prevent that dwarfing effect which all large structures hke the Crystal Palace have upon plants, by the subdued Ught which it affords, is most favourable to the brilliant colours of the flowers being seen to the greatest advantage. This exhibition will continue open up to, and including, the 31st instant, and we can commend it to our readers as one that will weU repay an inspection. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Florai. CoirsirrxEE. — New Hyacinths and Roses were on this occa- sion exhibited by Mr. WUliam Paid. The foi-mer consisted of Vmixbaak, Sir Henry Havelock, and Bird of Paradise, to each of which a first- class certificate was awarded ; and of Princess Maiy of Cambridge, Sir E. Landseer, and Adelina Patti, all of which have been already noticed in recent reports. The Koses from the same exhibitor con- sisted of Dr. Lindley, large, full, and rich in colonr ; Elizabeth Vigneron, very large, rosy pink ; txlory of Waltham, said to be a iine climbing Rose ; and Black Prince, a dark crimson, shaded with black. To this was awarded a first-class certificate. Of Orchids there was a very good display. W. W. BuUer, Esq., Strete Raleigh, was awarded a special certificate for a collection in which were Dendrobiam spe- ciosum with two very fine spikes, D. aggi'egatum, Vandas, &c. ; and a similar award was made to Mr. Anderson, of Meadow Bank, Glasgow, for cat spikes of Lycaste Skinneri, Odontoglossnms, Epidendrnm rhi- zophorum, &c. Mr. Robson, gardener to G. Cooper, Esq., Old Kent Road, had a first-class certificate for Dendi-obium densiflorum thyrsi- florum. with an orange lip and white sepals and petals ; and from the same came also Odontoglossum Alexandra? ; O. Cei-vantesii, white with, some crimson bars ; O. hystrix ; and O. gloriosum. Mr.Wdson, gardener to W. Marshall, Esq., Enfield, also exhibited the Dendrobiam above referred to ; and Mr. Willcock, gardener to Dr. Pattison, St. .John's Wood, had a special certificate for a collection of Orchids, in which were included Dendrobiam ehrysotoxum, Oncidiam sarcodes, Epidendrnm atroparpai-eum. an unnamed Odontoglossnm, Lycaste Skinneri, and Cattleya pallida. From Messrs. Backhouse, York, came Odontoglossum luteo-purpuream, referred to in the report of the Scientific Meeting. Mr. Bull famished a large collection of new plants, &c. Special cer- tificates were awarded him for a group of Imantophyllum mmiatum in fine bloom, and for the handsome Bignonia argj'rffia violescens. Dammara Moorei received a first-class certificate, and Camellia Emilia Lechi, rose-coloui-ed, one of the second-class. Of Chinese Primulas, a fine collection of twenty came from Messrs. Windebank and Kingsbury, of Southampton, who received a special certificate for the collection, and first-class certificates for the following varieties — viz., P. sinensis magnifica, rosy pink, very double ; alba gigantea, large, single white ; tilicifolia rubra, single, very large, glowing rosy purple, beautiful in colour; and filicifolia alba, a fine single white. Mr. Toombs, gardener to W. S. Roots, Esq., Kingston-on- Thames, received a first-class certificate for P. sinensis filicifolia rubra plena, the first of a new strain of double-flowering Fem-leaved varieties, and as such an impoi-tant acquisition. The flowers were perfectly doable, of a purplish rose, bat pale at the edges of the petals; Mr. Shepperd, Bedford, likewise exhibited a variety called Distinction, but no award was made for it. From Messrs. Osbom, Fulham, came a yellow Sinningia ; from Mr. Brown, Elmdon Hall, a dozen cut blooms of CamelUas ; and lastly, from Mr. Green, gardener to W. Wilson Saunders, Esq., Sonchus platylepia, iptereating om account of Orobanche minor succeeding so well upon it ; NicotianA wigandioides, loaded with white blossoms ; Maxillaria picta, Pleoro- tliallis dichroa, Comparettia rosea, and other plants of botaaioal in- diO JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. (. Utrch 37, 18G6. torest. A >^maU standard Wistaria in excellent bloom came, in ad- dition, from the Society's Chiswick Garden. Fbutt CoMinrTKK. — G. F. Wilsou. Esq., F.R.S., in the cbair. The only subjects cxlubit«d vero Black Alicaut«, Muscat of Alexandria, and Lady Downe's Grapes, of which excellent bunches came from Mr. Tillyard. gardener to J. Kelk, Esw]., M.P., Stanmoro Prion,-. They were in very tine condition, and excellent in flaronr. A special cer- tificate was awarded them. Scientific Meeting. — Lord H. Gordon Lennox, M.P., in the chair- The award*; of the Committees having been announced, the Rev. M. J. Berkeley made some remarks on the subjects exhibited. The distinguishing features on this occasion were, he said, the Amherntia nobilis and tlio collections of Orchids, but of these Mr. Bateman would epeak. Attention was then directed to Odontoglossnm luteo-pnrpnrenm, exhibited by Messrs. Backliousc ; and O. hystrix. notwithstanding the difference in the spikes and leaves, was stated to be merely a variety of it. Mr. Berkeley then read a letter from a gentleman, whose name was withheld lest the locality being disclosed collectors might divest it of the plants, stating that in his neighbonrhood the Lizard Orchis (Orchis hircina) attained great perfection, and in proof instancing one near his house which had a spike 31 1 inches in height, bearing fifty perfect lizards. Chinese Primulas next came under notice, particu- i larly a double Fern-leaved variety : and the stmctnreof donble-flower- I ing Primulas being a matter of considerable interest, a paper on the i subject would probably appear in the " Proceedings." As an instance of fie abnormal production of flowers, a ca<-e was cited in which Clarkia elegans was fonnd to liavo produced a perf^^ct flower from the side of a i petal. Of Sonchus platylipis, from Mr. Wilson Saunders, it was re- j marked that it appeared ptrculiurly favourablu to the growth of the ' j^rasitieal Orobanchc minor, which, when once established on the Sonchus, was very difficult to eradicate. Cultivators experienced I great difficulty in endeavouring to grow parasitical plants, but if it i were once known which were the plants mort favourable to the ; growth of partirular parasites, tlie cultivation of these would be much I facilitated. Chloranthus inconspicnus was mentioned as being very } cnrious in respect to the structure of the flowers, and Dammara ■ Moorei, from New Caledonia, as an elegant plant for table decoration. I A section of a branch of Pinus Lambertiana. from a tree recently cut j down in the course of the improvements at the Society's Chiswick j Garden, was next exhibited. The branch from which it was cut was i pendulous, and then grew erect, and it was remarkable that the dis- tance from the pith to the outside was only Ih inch on the upper side, bnt as much as 8| inches on the lower one, being a difference in the thickness of the woody deposit of 7 inches. This result was partly to be accounted for by the gravitation of the sap. but there were other circumstances as well that might exert an influence in causing the great inequality in the thickness of the woody layers on the two sides. A little mollusc, which had attacked Mr. Wilson's Cucumber plants at Weybridge, then occupied attention. This was found to bo identical with Bulimus Goodallii, a native of the West Indies, al- thongh of larger size than the specimens which had for some years ex- isted at a Bristol nursery. It was there mostly fonnd at the bottoms of the Pine-pots, but did not attack the roots : in the case of the Cu- cumber-plants, on the conti*ary. it had proved troublesome, and not- withstanding that the house had been thoroughly cleaned and white- i washed, and the old soil removed and replaced with fresh, this little ! snail was as plentiful as ever. Mr. Gwyn Jefifreys. to whom speci- i mens were shown, was surprised to hear of its attacking Cacumber- ' plants, as the species is considered to be carnivorous, but several in- ' stances were taiown of carnivorous molluscs becoming herbivorous. and vice versd. Mr. Berkeley then read a letter from M. Nandin, of Paris, stating that he had found Cncurbita melanosperma, an annual at Paris, perennial at Hvires. There was a plant there, five years old, which had a hard stem upwards of tO yards in length, and even i then its growth was not complete. The difficulty experienced in grow- | ing some kinds of Gonrd in this country was an interesting point in ' the theorj- of horticulture, for although the summer temperature at I London was nearly as high as that of Paris, yet Gourds were found to thrive better at Paris than near London, whilst at Bordeaux, though warmer than Paris, they were not grown so successfully as at the latter place. The explanation of this was probably to be found in the sky being clearer at the one place than the other, hence that light was : as important to their ripening as heat. The Chairman in calling upon Mr. Bateman to address the meeting | on that plant which had been called the pride of Bnrmah — the Am- herstia, said that Mr. Bateman required no introdnotion from him, as that gentlemen hml contributed so mnch to the success of the fort- nightly meetings. Mr. Bateman said that before dealing with the most attractive ob- ject in the room — the Amherstia. and the Orchid^;, which were his nsnalprovincp. he would direct attention to an outsider — nz.. Andro- meda floribunda. a plant which in the last few years hid risen rapidly into favour. It shonld be known, however, tliat it was most poisonons to cattle. His first suspicion of its being so was awakened two years ago, when a goat at Biddnlph (Jrange was seixed mth what appeared to be an epileptic fit, and in the foaming-i from the mouth ho saw some leaves suspended : bnt a short time ago, however, two cows be- longing to a neighbouring fanner were taken ill with what was snp- p<>sed to be the cattle plagae, and one of them died. On examination it was fonnd that she had eaten some withered leaves of the Andro- meda, whirh had formed part of some schonl decorationii that had been incautiously thrown away within the reach of the animals. Wln-tber dead or alive, no jwrtion of the plant should ever Ik; within the reach of cuttle. He did not wish to disconrage the cultivation of the plant, but only to inculcate caution as to where it was planted, for it had proved hardier even than the Oak, and the flowers, though formed before winter, refuse to expand till spring. Next with reference to Orchids Jlr. Bateman remarked that Odoutoglos^um radiatum of lleichenbnch. and O. hystrix, named by himself, must, he thought, be merged in O. Inti'o-pnrparenm of Lindlcy. The disadvantages under which those who first describe new Orchids, often from wr-'t^hed specimens, labour were then referred to. and as an illufitratixu of the develop- ment of such Orchids under cultivation, he held up a small plant of Dendrobium luteolum, newly imiwrted, and a fine spike grown by Mr. Anderson, gardener to T. Dawson. Ehearing long pendant clusters of ver- milion-coloured blossoms, such as those exhibited before the meeting by Mr. Taplin. He also observed that the flower >vas greatly prized bv the natives, being found by handsful before the gloomy images of Buddha. Ten years elapsed before any other notice was taken of the plant, and up to* 1835 no living plant had been seen in Europe. That time was a memorable one in the annals of horticulture, for then the Horticultural Society's collectors were ransacking the world ; then Dr. Lindley and Sir William Hooker were in theii- prime ; and then, too, was in his prime the late Duke of Devonshire, who detcrmimd cot'ite fj}ie route, he would have the Amherstia. and he sent Mr. Gibson, now of Battersea Park, to 1 ring it and certiiin Orcliid-i over. Mr. Gibson succeeded in brintring home, in 18.^7. a liring plant, and a house was specially prepared for its reception : but unfortunately at that time the process of kyanising had jnst been discovered, and thongh known to preserve wood, it had not then been also discovered that it had just the contran.- effect as regards growing plants. It was. then, placed in a kvanised tub. and vear by year grew worse and worse, and seemed so likely to perish that Sir Joseph Paxton had determined to send some one to India to introduce another plant, and was just on the point of carrying that determination into execution when the evil effects of kvanised timber on plants were found out, and the plant was removed from its tub, and thenceforth it began to flourish. Although, however, the Dnke of Devonshire was tho first to introduce the Am- herstia. he was not the first to flower it. for Mrs. Lawrence, of Kaling Park, in lSi9 had the honour of pre-euting to Her ilajesty a bouqnet from a plant sent home to her by Lord Ilardiuge. Since that time the flowers of the .\mherstia had not been seen, till happening to be at a soirrc of the Manchester Field Naturalists, he found a spike there, and he was infoi-med by Mr. Taplin. the Duke of Devonshire's gardener at Chatsworth. tbat it was the last of fifty or sixty racemes that the tree had produced this year. Mr. Bateman "added, that the present Dnke is so charmed with hisjrroUg^^ tbat he is going to enlarge tlie honse, aaad Marcli 27, 186C. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 241 he (Mr. Bateman') woiild also suf:;;^est that the Duke shoxild stretch out his arm to the Andes, aud introduce that plant which bears the name of his family, and is said to be the glory of the new world, as the Am- heretia is of the old. And here he would remark, in connection with botanical nomenclature, that the honour of having a genus named after one would be more appreciated twenty or twenty-five years hence, for by that time the world would be so thoroughly ransacked that there would be few new genera to be named. Returning to the Amherstia. Dr. Wallieh had described it as the most beautiful object in the Indian tiora ; and just as the celebrated Bouplaud, the companion of the still more celebrated Humboldt, \vrote after a long imprisonment in Paraguay, that the remembrance of their first botanical ex- cursion was still rivid in his memory, so, too, it was likely that the eye of Wallieh to the day of his death still rested on — Amherstia nobilis. [We have seen the Amherstia in the Botanic Garden at Calcutta, and well do we remember the sparkling eye and hilarity of Dr. Wallieh as he brought us into the presence of his pet tree. He had had a wooden palisading foi-med round it to prevent visitors gathering its flowers, and well did the tree merit such care. It wa.^ in full bloom, and as the breeze from across the Ganges waved the light pendulous branches, the gentle motions aud blendings of the crimson racemes and the long pinnatt^ leave?, rendered it the most brilliant and grace- ful tree we have ever looked upon. — Eds.J After a few remarks from Mr. Wilson Saunders on the Sonchus and Orobanche, it was, on the suggestion of the Chairman, resolved to send the Amherstia blossoms to Lady Sarah Williams, the daughter of the Earl of Amherst. At this meeting twenty-one new Fellows were elected, and seven Societies admitted into union, among which was the Royal Horti- cultural Society of Ii'eland. The attendance at the lecture was ex- tremely numerous, the visitors nearly filling the large Conncil-room, and altogether the meeting must be considered the most successful of those held this season. Weekly Show. — The interest of last Saturday's meeting was greatly enhanced by Mr. William Paul's splendid show of bulbs and spring flowers, which everybody should make an effort to see. The prizes offered on this occasion were for a collection of six mis- cellaneous plants, the first of which was taken by Mr. William Young, gardener to R. Barclay, Esq., of Highgate. His collection consisted of forced Rhododendrons, Acacias Drummondi and eriocai-pa, Deutzia gracilis, Epacris giandiflora, aud Azalea ardens. Mr. Beasley, gar- I demer to Mi*s. Wood, Twyford Abbey. Acton, was second ; but it must have been a stretch of imagination on the pai-t of the Judges to have regai'ded four Azaleas and two Pelargoniums as a " miscellaneous collection," in the sense in which the schedule requires it. Mr. Bart- lett, of Hammersmith, exhibited a collection also, which received an extm prize. In the competition for a collection of twelve bulbs, Mr. Young was again first, and Mr. Bartlett second. Mr. Young received first-class certificates for a collection of Tulips, a collection of Hyacinths, and a tray of very good Camellia blooms ; and a second-class certificate for mixed bulbs. Mr. Bartlett received a first-class certificate for a col- lection of mixed bulbs, and an extra prize for a collection of Hyacinths. Mrs. L. Y^oung, of f>, Blenheim TeiTace. Kentish Town, exhibited a dozen well-bloomed Hyacinths in glasses, which had been grown in the window of a sitting-room, and received a first-class certificate. ■ INTERNATION^ili HORTICULTUR^VL EXHIBITION AND BOTANICAL CONGRESS. TuE following Hon. Local Secretaries have been appointed in addition to the list already published : — For Leicester, Mr. Wm. Penn Cox ; for Huntingdon, Mr. John Ingram, The Nur- series, Huntingdon ; for Chepstow, Mr. .John PUlinger, The Nurseries, Chepstow ; and for RedJitch, Mr. .John Gould, Eose Cottage Nursery. The Uight Hon. Lord Lurgan has kindly consented to act as Chairman of the Belfast Committee. As eridence of the success of organisation of this kind we may mention that the following sums have akeady been an- nounced by the Secretaries of the places named : — Glasgow and West of Scotland, £127 3s. ; Doucaster, £50 8s. ; Bristol, £18 18s. ; Ascot, £14 14s. ; Warrington, £24 3s. ; Chelmsford, £63 ; Coventry, £26 5s. ; Manchester. £31 10s. ; Oxford, £5 5s. ; Derby, £21 Is. ; Belfast, £36 15s. ; Hertford, £10 10s. ; Elgin and North of Scotland, £24 4s. To show the strong interest the proposed banquet is exciting in the City, we may say that the Eight Hon. the Lord Mayor has nominated a C'ommittee of six gentlemen from the Corpo- ration to assist and advise the Banquet Committee, nominated by the Executive Committee of the International Horticultural Exhibition. It is composed of the following gentlemen : — Mr. Deputy Obbard, Mr. Deputy Charles Eeed, F.S.A., Messrs. J. E. Saunders, Chairman of the City Lands Committee, John Kelday, Wm. Lawley, and F. Wyatt Truscott. THE LATE Mr. FRANCIS DICKSON, OP CHESTER. Mk. FKiNcis Dickson, who died at the Upton Nurseries on the 3rd inst., was bom at the Nurseries, Leith Walk, Edin- burgh, on December 25th, 1793, and was the youngest son of the eminent nurseryman of this name who was the founder of the well-known nurseries of the Dicksons of Edinburgh. The late Mr. Francis Dickson was the last direct representative of that family in the profession. After making himself tho- roughly master of the nursery business as practised in Scot- land, he went to the then celebrated nurseries of Malcolm, at Kensington, where he distinguished himself by his enthusiasm and love of his profession, and made the acquaintance and lasting friendship of many of the foremost men in the botanical world. After remaining there for a considerable period he returned to his brother, Mr-. George Dickson, in Edinburgh, and in tiie year 1819 came to Chester, where he established the well-known nurseries with which his name was so long and so honourably associated. The collection of hardy plants, and especially of rare herbaceous aud alpine plants, which he brought together, was considered at one period to be unequalled. He was the intimate friend of the late Mr. Loudon, and was frequently consulted by him in the pubUcation of his botanical works, as well as by the late Thos. Andrew Knight, Esq., by whom he was nominated, in the year 1825, a corresponding member of the Eoyal Horticultural Society. From his earliest years he was an enthusiast in his pro- fession, and his chief delight was in cultivating those plants which were considered the most difficult of management, and in which he was so successful. He was well known for his integrity and uprightness of character. His genial heart warmed with kindly fellowship towards those of his immediate profession who came into contact with him, and his generous hospitaUty was ever proffered to them. His erect and manly frame gave indication of the vigorous mind it enshrined — a mind stored with great and varied information relative to aU branches of his profession. He was borne to his grave in Chester Ceme- tery on the 8th inst., followed by a numerous throng, 'who paid in this manner their last respect to a worthv fellow towns- man and a valued neighbour. He is succeeded in the manage- ment of the business by his two sons, Mr. F. Ai'thur Dickson and Mr. Thomas Dickson. NEW BOOK. A Practical Treatise on the Culture of the Pine Apple. By David Thokson. W. Blackwood & Sons. The name of the author, one of the very best gardeners of the British islands, guarantees that this volume contains no directions that are not sound and tested by experience. He says that his object was to be as " strictly practical as possible ; " he has attained his object, and we commend the work to any of our readers who need truthful information on Pine-Apple culture. One or two extracts will give an idea of the contents. '' HOW TO KEEP UP A CONSTANT SUCCESSION OF RIPE ERUIT AT.T. THE TEAE. " Where a regnlai' supply of fruit has to be kept up with the least possible intermission all the year round, it is more ceitainly accom- plished by potting a quantity of suckers at frequent intervals. Sup- posing that a number of Queens ripen in May. .June, and July of 1866, these stools will f^ve the suckers that supply the earliest fruiters for 1868. And those that ripen in August, September, aud October, give the suckers that will succeed the earUest lot, so that these two sest of early fruiting sorts cover sis months of the twelve. The other six months of winter and spring — particularly spiing — are those in which Pines ai-e most valued, as other fruits are then scarce. March and April are the most difficult months of the whole year in which to have ripe Pines. '' In .June and .July I always endeavour to stait a quantity of the true Smooth-leaved Cayenne. This is a noble Pine when well gi'own, being unsui-passed for appearance and long keeping after it is ripe, and swells better after October than any other Pine I know. The Black Jamaica is also a most useful Pine for ^Tinter swelling. ,ind probably is unsurpassed for davour at the dullest season of the year. The Queen is comparatively worthless as a winter Pine compared to these two ; it does not swell kindly, and is always dry aud juiceiess com- pared to them. " There should he two sets of Cayennes and Jamaicas. as recom- mended in the case of Queens aud other early sorts, for summer and autumn fl'uit. The Smoothdeavcd Cayenne is so very shy in maldng suckers that I always endeavour to save as many crowns as I can. and take aU the suckers that can be got in Oetoher from the fmiting plants, whether the fruit be ripe or not. These suckers and crowns are potted generally into six-inch pots, and shifted in spiiug as soon as sufficiently rooted, as described in the former part of this treatise. These are 142 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. r Much 37, isee. afcifted into 11 and 12-inch pots, and grown on in the asnaJ way. only thai they arc not kept so dry in antamn and winter as is desirable for earij-starting plants. The tempcrataro, too, is kept 5'' higher than for QaeenB at rest ; the object being not to ripen, as it were, the growth of these so as to predispose (hem to start in spring. The heat is qoickened, both top and bottom, in Febmary, and they make a spring growth; are rested in May and .Tune by being kept drier and cooler ; and then, with increased heat and moistnrc, I rarely over fail in starting them all in June and July. Care must be token that thry never get too dry at the root, particularly in spring, as that wonld be likely to start them before this is required. This applies with the same force to Jamaicas. These will keep up the supply of fruit till the end of the year. *' It is necessary to have a later lot of these two varieties to come in for spring, and this I find rather ditlicult in the ease of the Smooth Cayenne. It makes suckei-s still more tardily from late plants. The method 1 geuerally adopt is to save the old startly sunk, with an open space all ronud it, and take the upright funnel through the roof, substituting a stout square of galvanised iron with a hole in it, for the usual square of glass. As stated last week, for merely keeping frost out from rather small places, bat roomy, there is no other plan so economical in first cost, or that will use less fuel afterwards to produce the desired result, provided the draught is duly regulated by a cicse-fitting ash- l)it door. Most people run away with the idea that for any purpose, be the house never so small, heating by hot water is the most economical, as well as the best. We own at once that for all places it is the best mode for diffusing something like an equality of heat ; but we contend that to heat a small single house by hot water involves the loss of a good deal of heat np the chimney, ho^vever carefully the damper and the ashpit door may be attended to. Ucatitifi l);i Gax. — Besides what appears in answers to corre- spondents, many inquiries reach us as to the practicability, utility, and economy of the plan. In everv- case we reply, we have had little or no practical experience, but we have paid con- siderable attention to the subject, and seen what we could of the plan when in operation. The result is the conviction that such a mode of heating is chiefly applicable to small places, such as the neat little conservatories that in suburban dis- tricts often abut against the folding-door window of a sitting or drawing-room. These may easily be heated by gas-burners passing through tubes, or first heating a small boiler to which pipes are attached. We recollect of a neat little house thus heated that abutted against the folding-door window of the sitting-room. The kitchen, Ac, was beneath this room. In a corner in the kitchen, not far from the ceiling, a block-tin boiler was fixed, about the size of a teakettle, but hollowed-up or con- cave at the bottom. A strong gas-burner was placed beneath it, and a tin cover when the gas was lighted went over all, with means of regulating draught when the pipes became hot. The pipes were also of block-tin IJ inch in diameter. Two of these were suflicient to keep out frost, except in severe nights, and then a late fire was put on in the parlour and one of the doors left open. The ])lace altogether was about 7 feet wide, 11 feet long, and 10 feet in height. This simple apparatus would haye done very well with soldered joints, if it had been kept constantly at work, b\it though painted the metal rusted inside when not in use, whether the water was left in or taken out. The pro- prietor toid us that ultimately when the pipes wore out he should use two or three one-inch stout iron pipes, and most likely do away with the boUer, and allow the heat from the burner to go at once through the pipes, and then out of the house by means of a small gas-pipe. The place conld have been comfortably heated from a close kitchen boiler, but the head of the kitchen would not hear of it, nnd the master con- sidered he had batter not ti-y to conquer her prejudices. Suc- cess by all such modes will be very uncertain, unless the manager of the kitchen fire be made a firm ally, and then all wiU be plain sailing. Again, there are many who have a greenhoase close to or March 27, 1866. J JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTDEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. 247 near their houee, heated sufficiently to keep the plants all right, but who want a little place warmer, shiit in by glass, for propagating, seed-sowing, &c. Now, in such a case, a jet of gas, either with or without a boUer, will often do all that is wanted. One of our correspondents to-day has set off a place 2 feet wide and 5 feet long for such a pmpose, and has had a small boiler made and two-inch pipes connected with it, to heat that little place, shut in with glass for this purpose. If gas could have been obtained it might have saved a good deal of labour, and the waste of fuel that is complained about in heat- ing such a little place separately. For such a purpose, were we near enough to a kitchen boiler whence once a-day, if necessary, a pailful or two of water not far from the boiling point could be taken, we would have a stout wooden vessel made of the neces- saiy length and width, and about 3 inches deep, covered with slate or sheet iron, and that with sand or ashes for the pots. We would have a funnel placed at the top of this vessel, and a tap or plug at the bottom, the latter to remove the cold water, and the other to put in the hot water, which would seldom require to be oftener done than once a-day, and in mild weather not so often. In such a wooden box, with no outlet for the heat, ex- cept to the pots, and that, too, covered, the heat is retained a long time, and under such circumstances it can be regulated to the greatest nicety, by taking in some cases part of the cooled water away, and everything would be as thoroughly under control as if gas or hot water were used. Of course, such a plan would only be applicable to small places. For nice Fern-cases, plant-cases, and propagating-boxes, in parlour windows, there is no more simple plan for heating them, and perfect cleanli- ness may be secui-ed if ordinary care be used. There are inquiries as to how to keep Peach trees in unheated houses longest in bloom. Our first reply is. Keep them as back- ward and iu as dry an atmosphere as possible. Our next would be, If you let them come early, by early shutting up, &c., then you should try some simple plan to prevent them suffering from cold. We cannot agree with "W.," that a lot of Peach trees in full bloom is the most beautiful of all sights ; but we do allow it is a very beautiful one, and so is an Apple tree in fuU bloom, and hence the fruit-grower has a great advantage over the mere flower-grower, as he has the beauty and the utUity together. Eegulated and stopped Vines, and attended to other houses much as detailed in previous weeks. Have been obliged to move Strawberry plants from a vinery where they were becom- ing too much shaded. They neither set nor swell well without plenty of light, and if they do swell in plenty of heat, and a Uttle shaded, the flavour is never anything to boast of. In fuU light Keens' will be as firm and nearly as black as the Black Prince. In shade they come flabby and too pale red in colour. OKNAMENTAI, DEPAKIMENT. Went on potting, repotting, sowing, pricking-off, and giving general attention to what needed it, as detailed last week, and of which we shall have more to say next week. See Mr. Keaue's directions last week about Orchids, &c. — B. P. TR.\DE CATALOGUES RECEIVED. James Service, Corberry Hill, Maxwelltown, Dumfries. — Descriptive Catalogue of Florists' Flotb'ers, d'c. J. C. Padman, Providence Nursery, Boston Spa, Tadcaster. — Catalogue of Dahliax,Hulbjhock':, and Mixcellaneo^is Bedding Plants. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— JSLusch 24. Thebe has been scarcely any alteration worth notice, the demand and supply being about balanced. There is no difference in the continental imports. Pears and Apples for de..sert are limited to those varieties lately mentioned ; and forced Strawberries are coming in very good for so early in the season. We hear great complaints of the appearance of the out- door ones, many of the market gardeners having ploughed them all ap, ■la they showed no trusses. We should be glad to know if this is at all general. FRriT. s. d. 3. d Apples J sieve 2 6 to 4 0 Apricots ". doz. 0 0 0 0 Cherries lb. 0 0 0 0 Chestnuts bush. 8 0 16 0 Corrants, Red \ sieve 0 0 0 0 Black r.. do. 0 0 0 0 Figs doz. 0 0 0 0 Filberts lb. 0 0 0 0 Cobs 100 lbs. 0 0 160 0 Gooseberries.. A sieve 0 0 0 0 Grapes, Hothouse. .lb. 15 0 25 0 Lomoas 100 6 0 10 0 Melons each Nectarines doz. Oranges 100 Peaches doz. Pears (kitchen) . . doz. dessert doz. Pine Apples lb. Plums i sieve 0 0 Quinces | sieve Raspberries lb. Strawberries oz. Walnuts bush. 14 0 20 0 ' s. a. s. d 3 0to5 (1 II 0 0 0 4 0 10 0 1) (1 (1 0 4 0 H I) li 0 12 n S (1 12 (1 0 0 0 n 0 0 0 n 0 0 0 0 '2 u 5 0 VEGETABLES. Artichokes each Asparagus bundle Beans, Broad. . bushel 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 doz. Fennel bunch GarUc lb. Herbs bunch Horseradish . . bundle s. d. s. d 0 6 too 0 0 12 0 0 0 4 0 3 0 2 6 3 0 3 0 0 0 0 8 1 0 2 0 0 3 2 0 0 3 2 6 0 0 0 0 Leeks bunch 0 Lettuce per doz. 2 Mushrooms pottle 2 Mustd.iS; Cress, puimet 0 Onions bushel 3 Parsley sieve 2 Parsnips doz. 0 Peas quart 12 Potatoes bushel 2 Kidney do. 3 Radishes . . doz. hands 0 Rhubarb bundle 0 Savoys doz. 2 Sea-kale basket 3 Shallots lb. 0 Spinach bushel 5 Tomatoes J sieve 0 Turnips bunch D Vegetable Marrows dz. 0 d. 9. StoO 0 4 3 0 CORRESPONDENTS. W.). — We think yon have seen Helichrysum TO Everlastings (Mrs. orientale. the Immortelle of the French, which is dyed of various colours. Many species and varieties, however, are treated in a similar manner. Bala-phool (B. Godbold). — Bala is the Hindoostanee name for the Hibiscus tortuosus of Roxburffh. Phoo!, in the same language, is a. flower. Mats and small cordage are made from the fibres of the bark. Bed in Rotal Horticultural Society's Garden (A. F. S.). — The plant you describe we believe to be Coleus Verschaffelti ; the correspond- ing bed on the opposite side was Amaranthusmelancholleus ruber, edged ivith Centaurea caniUdiasima. Window Gardening (C). — If you send ten postage stamps with your address, and order " Window-Gardening for the Many," you will have it sent to you free by post from our office. After reading that, if you need further information we shall readily give it. Cranston's Greenhouses. — " A. M." wishes to know what rolling blinds, or sunshades, are most suitable for these ; and at what distance they should be from the glass so as not to interrupt the ventilation. Orchids for Cool Greenhouse (An Old Subscriber). — The twelve Orchids you name for a coo! greenhouse, with au average temperature of ! from 50" to 60-, with a rise from sun heat — namely, Laelia anceps, Cypri- I peilJuni insigne, C. barbatum, Maxillaria Harrisonii. ^I. gi-aminifolia, I Dendrobium nobile. D. Kingianum, Cattleya Mossiai superba, C. Skin- ' neri, C. crispa, C. Korbesii, and Lycaste species would do ; but the fol- lowing we consider a better selection : — Lycaste Skin neri. Odontoglossum I gi-ande, Aerides odoratum superbum. Brassia verrucosa major, Calanthe vestita, Cattleya MossiiE superba, C. Skinneri, Ccelogync cristata, Cypri- pedium barbatum superbum, C. insigne, Dendrobium nobile, Phajus grandiflorus. Heating a Church (K F.).— We have most faith in your proposed plan of heating the church by a saddleback or other boiler. The objections as to excavating, &c., do not apply where there is a basement storey. In some such cases, when the lower storey was used as a schoolroom, a good-sized furnace boiler— that is. a stove with water all round, without any brickwork, did for heating the school and the church above. We have knowTi many chm-ches made very comfortable in winter by hghting the gas a couple of hours before service. We have no doubt that the church could be heated by gas and a boiler as you propose ; but then, as we have only seen small places heated by gas, we would not at present be inclined to think that we were consulting the economical in using gas to heat a boiler 5 feet long, about 8.^ or 9 inches in diameter, and supphed with twenty-seven tubes of copper inside, 1 inch in diameter each, and the attending piping. The cap with the small pipe to allow the gas to escape are all very well, and the form of the boUer for the purpose we consider also to be good, being simply that of the letter L reversed, with the short leg over the burners, and the long leg horizontal ^ ; but with our present lights we rather think the consumption of gas to heat that boiler and about 1200 feet of three-inch piping would be such as to make some church officers stare. Very likely, however, you may know more of heating large places by gas than we do ; all we know is, that the simplest boilers generally do their work best. We shall be glad to know the expense of such heating. Potting Caihellias [Jae. Keay).— In potting those received from Ger- manv with turi. the soil or peat in which they gi-ow may be picked away from" amongst the roots, being careful not to injure them ; but beyond picking awav tho loose soil and loosening the sides of the ball, the roots should not be fui-ther disturbed, for nothing is move brittle and sooner injured than Camellia roots. Destroying Moss on a Lawn (H. W. IV'.\— Wood a;^hes and gypsum, because thev promote the growth of grass, are good destroyers of moss. It is mainly due to the poorness of the ground. Apply a dressmg of rich compost, sav one-half well rotted manure, and the other half good rich soil, well mixed, first scratching the surface with an iron rake, which will remove much of the moss. Use enough to cover the groimd from a quarter to half an inch deep. Now is a good time to apply it. About the middle of April rake the ground again with an iron rake backwards and forwards, and this will again remove much of the moss, also any sticks or stones ; and then, on the fii-st prospect of rain, sow over the lawn the following :—Festuca duriuscula, 2 lbs.; Festuca tenmfoUa, l.Ubs. ; Poa nemoraUs. 21bs.; Cvnosurus, 4 lbs.; Trifolium minus, 2 lbs; and Trifo- lium repens. 4 lbs., in mixture for an acre. After sowing, gently rake over the ground, and roU immediately. The ground should be dug at the time of sowing, and if rain fall on tho following day, or soon afterwards, the seeds will soon vegetate. The lawn will please before autumn._ IX vou object to the appearance, which will not be long barren -loolang, though it wiU be so at first, you may give a dressing of guano m tbe Dm showery weather in May, and again in July, and this will promote the growth of the grass and the destruction of the moss. a48 JOURNAL OP HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. C iUreh HI, 1866. OAnnES Plan (]'tx).— Tliero is noUiinf; in your plan to induce as to incur the expcnso ol onfrmviiifj it, iind especiiilly fts no planlinK is stated. Fixed ok Si^iDiNn Sashkm (»'. /;. ./.).— If yon have no opininifti in tbi' back wftU vou hftil U-tttT have moveiiMo wishoH I foot wido at the top of the roof. For a Htovc. four ot those 18 inches lonK and a foot vndn would do. The rest of the nwif could then be lixed. We are prosumiug that yon could hnvo al.-..> v» utilatiuu in tho front wall. The chief advontafto of a fixed ronf i*i itr. »«i.ni>niy, othen\it70 moveable roofs are bettor, espe- cially if yiiu ^hould wish to employ the house for different purposes. Vnrea Declisisc. \J. Dmrn). — If troubled as some of us hnvo been with very dry surainerv, we think it very likely the roots of your Vines hftve (jont? down ti^i deep. If so. most likely the covering tho border with fi-nnentins materinl, as yon have done, ami a little more Arc boat iu the autnnin, will make the Vines actiin viponms in another year without Ifftints' the ro. bottom heat for one house or for both on the plan you propose, as your return-pipe, dippiuf? into the water, is much below the bottom of the boiler, and no pipes net well if below the bottom of the boiler. 4th, With your stop-valve at z, you may beat the bottom beds of one or both houses, but only provided that the lowest of the pipes are not lower than half the heiKht of tho boiler. They would do if not lower than the flanpe at the bottom of the boiler. bnt they would do better if the return-pipes in the houses were not lower than tho top of tho bniler. 5th, In section a. called present state, tho return-pipe is shown ii lone way below the level of the boiler. Even with air-pipes we have seldom known such a plan to r.nywer well. Gth, Except thiH sinkiupT of the pipes, we have no fault to tind ^vitb your i>roposed plan either for bottom heat for one or two houses. The stopping of the valves at z will send the heat into the bottom-heat pipes : but the less these bottom-heat pipes go below the level at y the better they will act. 7lh. We do not know from your description whether it would not be possible to have yoor bottom-heat pipes on much the same level as tho top-heat ones, which would be the best imder the circumstances. Soil fop. Pajtpas Grass lA Ncir Sufccrrj&tT). — The Pampas Grass delights in a deep, rich, and moist soil. Wo knew some plants of it that wonld crnrcely prow; they were taken up with jrood balls, the bottom of these loosened, the soil taken out to the depth of 18 inches for a yard all ronnd. and replaced with turfy loam, well rotted manure, and leaf mould. in equal parts, well mixed. In summer a good drenching of liquid manure was given in dry periods, and the result was that they grew amazingly. We recommend a similar course to be pur.-;ued with even.- Pampas Grass that has been planted more than three or four years. The difference in the growth of the pli»rts is due to the richness orpoorness of the ground, and their being supplied with water or allowed to suffer from drought. COCOA-NFT FrDRF- (SubiffTiher, K. BX—Tho fibre of the cocoa-nut is not suitable for any kind of plant. It is very different from tho dust which is the waste of the cocoa fibre mat, brush, and rope maker. The refuse of the husk is the liind eligible for compost for plants, and it is like mahocftny sawdust. In its fresh state it is one of the best of comjwsts for Orch'ds. and mnv be used for them in place of brown fibr>' peat, to wtiich it is equal, if not superior. In its fresh state it is excellent for mulchinir plant> iu pots or tubs, and also for surfacing flower-beds. For iwtting plants it is bet^t laid up along with other soil, or by itself, for a couple of years to decomjiose, and then it becomes closer in texture, and resembles mould. In this state almost anything will grow in it. It is nsed in place of peat for Ferns, for all plants that i*equire peat soil, and for softwooded plants in place of leaf soil. CYTEp.rs ALTERNiFOLius vARiEGATrs CrxTniE (Dull FeUoic).—By pemi-nquatic is meant that it requires abundance of water during the growing season, and should then be kept with the soil wet, or tho pot set in a saucer full of water. We have not found it do woUiua warm green- house, though it may do so with others who treat it differently. With us it requires a winter temperature of not less than 50- at night, but does better in one of ^>')^. In winter, or when not growing, the soil should not be more than moist. We find that a compost of equal parts of sharp sand, peat, and loam, with an inch of sand at tho top, suits it well. In rich soil the leaves become green, and in a greenhouse the plant tlies. Unless kept wet at the root, and in a moist atmosphere, it scarcely grows, and ia eaten off by red spider. The green-leaved species is a" greenhouse plant, but the variegated fonn is more dcUciite than the original. ToRAcco Seed, — I grew a hundredweight last summer, and some of the plants were 8 feet high. An old captain remarked it was much tiner than in its native country. I should have no objection to send any correspondent a packet of the true seed of Nicotiana tabacuin for twelve postage stamps. — ^^OMAS Elcojtbe, Oardfncr, Ithitg Gardrtif, Near Carwrn, NoriJi Walet. Melon Vegetable JIaehow (C. J. H^).— It was advertised by Messra. Small, Colnbrook Nursery, Slough, Bucks. PnAL.EVOPSIH GRASDlFLOnA LEAVER BkCOITING SoIT {A Sultfcrihrr). — The cause of tho b-ives turning soft is tho ntraoiphere not hnvinir been f.>r somo time snflleiontly raoist, and from the teraprnture beim; too low. Having no pHucdu-bulbs. thii^i cUish of Orchidd will not bear the dry heat in which many others wiU thrive. .\NT^ IS OaciiiD-iiorsE (/(i/mi.— If they have their nests in tho floor or other parts of the house away from the plmt", wat t them daily with nmmoniacal liiiuor from the tras-works, and thi-y will dis^ppoar in a few days ; but if thoy are in the pots, or where ammitniaeal liquor cannot t>e used, your best plan will bo to mix together equal proportiuns of honey and arsenic, placing it thinly on saucers or pastirboard near their haunts, jFitrsALEM ARTicnoKEs t Al/ffd CroxrUti).—Vk^o are unable to account for yonr Artichokes not boilint? noft. We-may help you by stating how w© ^'Tow and cook them. Tho ground is dujf deeply in autumn, and a droit* iug of half-rotten farmyard maourc applied. In Febru.in.', il tlie wentbor is mild, and the ground in good working order, or on the first favourable opp-.rtiinity, drills are drawn from 4 to 0 inches deep, and '2 feet tj inches apart. In these tho medium-sized sets or tubers are planted at 1 fixit iipart, and the soil is drawn over thorn. \Vhen tho sUilks are 8 inches or so high, soil is drawn up to them as in earthing-up PutaUies; the after- treatment consists in keeping down weeds, which are not very tronblc- some in Jerusalem Artichoke plantations. A sheltered yet open sitna- tion is selected. In autumn, after the stalka are leafless, we dii; up a portion to ser\'e fur a month's or six weeks' con^^umption, and store theio awny in moderately dry sand in a rout-house, which is a shed at the back of the garden wall closed on all sides. Our soil being dry, we do not mind taking up more than enough to serve a month or so. and more to save trouble iu taking up in frosty weather than for any other reason- When tTown in stn»ng ground they are best taken up in November or December, and stored away in sand : but if the ground is light they keep more plump in tho ground. Tlie tubers are cooked as follows: — They aro well washed, pareil, and put into the pan with the water boiling. They are boiled fur hall an hour, and are then strained, placed in a dish, and served with melted butter. In some cases they are fully cooked or boiled in twenty minutes. Ours aro nevor hard, and wo liare grown them in eight different soils and localities. DAnLU.s POR ExHmiTioN (J. ThrelfalD.—Tho following aro first-rate, and nearly all of them are very constant: — Leah, ileep golden yellow ; No Plus Ultra, bronzy rose; Charlotte Dorlinff, white ground, edged and tipped wth rosy crimson ; Lord Derby, rosy crimson ; Andrew Dodds, dork maroon : Bob Ridley, red ; Miss' Hcnshaw. white : Anna KeyDoa; white, tipped mth lilac rose ; Willie Austin, buff; Criterion, delicate rose ; Lihic Queen, lilac ; and Beauty of Hilporton, purple. Oke Chdikey for Two Geeekhocses (N. C.).— We have no doubt that the flues would do better if you had a separat'^ chimney for each ; at least, if there were a separate chimney for part of the beitrht. A friend of onra had a greenhouse heated by a flue which communicated with the parlour chimney, perhaps some two yards above the fireplace, but it was a perfect nuisance, as when the fire was lighted the parlour was filled ^rith smoke. The flue was carried up outside, so as to enter the chimney about 10 feet hitrher up. and there was then no more annoyance. Biut for having another chimney-pot, it would be better not to 'go into the house chimney at all, Manj' chimneys in a house, if they terminate on tho same level, outside even, will swirl smoke into the next chimney, and it will come down and fill the room. We have no doubt that another chimney will remove your smoke nuisance— that is to say, if theru in a. good dxiiught in your fines. Growiso Pin*e Apples (Mig* Hu(ih^*).— To learn the whole method of culture, purchase "The Pine-.\pple Manual." You can have it free by post from our office for thirty-two postage stamps. Book (F. E. Z.).— Paxton's Botanical Dictionary is out of print. Garden Plans (A GartUiur). — There is no such work as you inqtiiro for. We are now preparing one for publication. You had better refer to the back Tolnmes of this Journal. They contain many such plans. Gardeners' Wages [H. .?.).— Wc cannot annotate upon communica- tions which liave not appeared in our own columns. We are always ready to refute mis-statements wherever they oppear. Earthworms— WooDLiCE {R. ST. T.).— Earthworms do no harm to flowers beyond drawing seedlings into their burrows. Toads will eat woodlice. Brick and DRADfiNO-TiLZ SIacbike (3/ i« Xair/- rain at night. Fine ; overcast ; showery ; overcast, showery, and boisterous* 29.491 \ 29.819 47.85 32.00 1 44.28 42.71 .... 0.89 March 27, 18S6. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE G.VRDENER. 249 POXTLTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE- NOTES FRO:!J MY POTTLTRY JOUEK^VL. Egos in Wintek. — Wlule reading a late Number of The JouRNAii OF HoRTiCDLiUBE I noticed the number of eggs given by three hens and five pullets during the winter months as instanced by a schoolboy, and your remarks thereon as regards feeding. Perchance a lady's experience in the same school may be equally interesting to your readers ; and they may perhaps profit by what I tell them of my Utile yard when the dark wet days of winter come again, the time when the bright coral colour is so apt to leave the comb, and the clear, ringing, morning crow, that should make the hills echo, sounds like the croak of a raven. ^YeU, on the 10th of last December I turned out in my yard ten pullets and two hens — viz., six Spanish and six Light Brahmas, with a, Black Spanish cockerel, ily yard is a space 14 feet square, in which the hen-house, 4 feet square and 7 feet high, is buOt enthely of wood, placed upon joists with the ground taken away underneath, thus leaving a free space for air all round and under the house. Two small doors, slung on hinges at the top of the hen-house, are aids to ventilation, and a little latticework in the front gable end admits, day and night, pure air when the doors are closed. The floor of this hen-house is kept covered to the depth of an inch or two with ashes, which are sifted carefully every morning, thus rendering it clean, sweet, and free from vermin. The nests are separate boxes placed in each comer of the house. The yard has a border all round, 2 feet in width, planted with laurels and other evergreens, the ground beneath being covered with gi-een turf renewed every fortnight, over which the fowls in fine weather love to walk and trim their plumage, cackling under cover of .the shrubs. The yard is of fine gravel, with a high mound of -the same in the centre for the fowls' scratching and eating. The fence enclosing the yard is of galvanised wire netting, 6 feet high, supported by iron posts, and has one door, with strong wooden posts and frame, for admission to the yard and hen-house. All is thus under lock and key. Now for an incident which may serve as a warning to others. I had not roofed my yard over. Jly fowls came in the after- noon, and all-desirous of theii' comfort, I turned them into the yard, and fed them for the first time with my own hands. They were very quiet, and I left them, of course thinking they ■would naturally seek the shelter of the hen-house at roosting- time ; but fancy my horror and affright when, in less than an hour, my maid came rushing to me with the news that my valuable fowls "were up in the trees like so many crows.'' 'Never shall I forget it. A fall of sleet had set in, and every- thing was wet and sloppy, but there was no help for it. 'V\'hat a hunt it was catching them ! and oh ! the looking up in the trees, with the snow and rain drizzling down my face, and the wind, and my ribbons ; but at length we were rewarded, though the gardener had to cUmb the trees for the last two. When all were safely shut in the hen-house we soon threw ■wire netting over the yard, drawing it tight to the iron uprights, and binding it with wire. After this aU went well for a time, and eggs began to come in. I fed the fowls according to my usual regime, to which I shall allude by-and-by ; but the weather became so miserable, rain- ing day and night, and several of the birds had begun moulting heavily, and their consequent tenderness made them so sus- ceptible of damp and cold, that my utmost care would not prevent their becoming sickly. That beautiful gloss, like the snn on a gipsy girl's hair, left the Spanish plumage, and the delicate penciUing of the Light Brahma faded away in wet and dirt. I saw plainly something must be done to help them. I at once determined to make them a nice dry day run, where they would have sufficient protection fi'om rain, and wind, and wet ground, and yet enough of liberty. I therefore erected alongside the hen-house a wooden building, 10 feet long and 4 feet wide, thus running parallel with it ; a door opening out- side the henyard, so that I could pass in and out of this covered building without going into the yard. It is all of wood, with strong plate glass windows in an asphalted roof. The front, down to within a foot of the ground, is of galvanised wire netting, which, however, can be closed in by shutters during heavy rains and severe cold. This building communicates with the hen-house, and the floor is covered 6 inches deep with fine old mortar rubbish, the surface of which is raked and sifted <3aily. This was finished by February, and since the fowls have had this retreat there has not been an ailment amongst them. They are all in the most perfect health and feather. They are as sleek as moles and eat like hunters, and up to the 10th of March, thus including the three winter months, have laid me 230 eggs. I do not boast of this as a great number ; but when I remember that all the Brahmas moulted during the time, and the damp and cold of the season, I am satisfied with the result. So much for housing them ; but after all, as you say, there is a great deal in the mode of feeding. I like a generous diet for fowls as well as for children. In the morning I give my thirteen fowls one pint of Indian com and barley mixed, a plate of boiled potatoes, and about sis spoonfuls of Tyler's patent meal mixed with water. Then I place in the build- ing a large cow cabbage, which is always entirely devoured by four o'clock in the afternoon, at which time they are fed again with the same quantity of mixed com and Tyler's meal, and about 3 ozs. of barleymeal in paste. About every second day they are allowed 2 ozs. of meat saved from the table, and cut very fine. I always take great care that the bii'ds have fresh spring water in clean garden saucers twice a-day, and I believe there is nothing more conducive to their health. In keeping all live stock it should be, I think, our constant endeavour to subject them, as nearly as we can, to the great guiding laws of Nature. V,'e shoiUd enable them to employ their instincts, such as running under cover in rain, and dusting themselves. We should give them imitation bowers, and food which assimilates as nearly as can be to that which they would gain in the wilds. Then their animal Ufe would become plea- sant to them, and their various functions natural and not matters of pain ; and we shoiild have our reward, if not in the retm-n they made, at least in the obsen-ation of their perfect health and thorough enjoyment. I am about rearing chickens, and if you care for my expeii- ence I may tell you by-and-by how I progress. — L. W. RAILWAY CHAEGES. I SEST to the late Rochdale Show a basket containing a cock and hen Bufi' Cochin, tied with another- basket containing a cock and hen Sebright ; also two other baskets tied together, containing each a Game Bantam cock and hen. All the baskets were dii-ected lia Peterborough. In the freight-note of the Great Eastern Railway the charge for carriage to Roch- dale stands thus : — s. d. To Rochdale, one basket 12 lbs. each 2 0 „ one do. SOlbs. „ 4 0 G 0 On the 7th of Eebruary the baskets began to come back. On the evening of that day arrived the Cochins ; on the morning of the 8th came the Sebrights ; in the afternoon one basket of the Game Bantams appeared ; the fourth basket I received on the following morning. All the baskets were marked lio Peterborough, yet two travelled by the London and North-'Westem Railway. For thi-ee I paid ; for the fourth no charge was made. I have this day a demand sent up from our station for 3s. ijd. for a basket of birds from Rochdale, delivered on the 8th of February, being one of the four above mentioned. I paid on the return journey : — s. d. For the basket of Cochins 2 10 For the Sebrights 8 6 For the Game Bantams 1 o For the other Game Bantams 0 0 7 10 I am now asked to pay 36 11 i Compare the charge to Rochdale— viz., 6s., with the charge back, lis. id. ; note that all but the basket of Cochins were ■within a few ounces of the same weight ; add also Is. Gd. telegram to Rochdale, to know why my birds were delayed ; be- sides, damage to the birds in a delay of one day whOst con- fined in their baskets, the attendance of my man at nearly every train to meet the expected birds, and correspondence with the Secretary of the Rochdale Show, and I think I have just ground for asking an alteration of railway charges and ar- rangements in the matters of poulti-y carriage. I do not mean to pay the amount claimed ; but I shall refer the claimants to the railwav authorities at Rochdale, who may, if they Hke, try whether they have a remedy in the County Court against me. — Geoege Maknikg, Chapel House, Spri»ajield, Essex. 260 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Mtfcb 27, 188S. I'ROFITAhLE DUCK-BREEDING I vENioiiE to offer a few words upon llie rearing and man- agement of Dncks — those general favourites in the farmyard and of the cottager. Tlio IHick in particular is the country boQsewife's bird. Its hardiness renders it independent of that care which other fowls require, and it is one of the very best Ecrap-savcalls or scavengers. Potatoes and vegetables of all kinds well cooked, with n little sharps or pollard, constitute good food for the Duck, which swallows whatever you give to it in the shape of food, not refusing young frogs, toads, and garbage of all kinds, and that with a relish which is truly pleasiug to witness. My favourites for years have been the Ajlesbuiy and the Rouen; but <1 tiring the last two years I have bred from a cross between the White Call Duck and the Aylesbury drake. The birds so prcpduced are not quite so large as the Aylesbury, but they arc much the hardier of the two, lay more eggs, and aro better sitters and foragers. At 6ve months old I have had them weighing from 5 to 5i lbs. The produce from six Ducks the last two years was — Eggs, 9,S2 ; young Ducks hatched, 281. In IWA : — Eggs laid, 200; eggs used for sitting, 137 ; yoimg Ducks hatched, 131. In 186.5 :— Eggs laid, ()72 ; eggs used for sitting, 202 ; young Ducks hatched, 14G ; and the maiket value by August was for all lit for sale, 5». per pair. The eggs, when I have any for sale, are 3». Gd. for fifteen. Your readers will no doubt remark the great difference in the number of eggs in 1864 and 1865. In 1864 the Ducks had their own way, and laid where they liked ; but in 180.5 they were deprived of their usual laying-places, in a way beyond my ability to remedy. Profitable Duck-breeding depends a good deal upon the situ- ation and convenience of a farmyard. That at this place is in every way excellent for Ducks, being close to a fine pond of water fed by springs from the hills in rear of the farm build- ings, and there is a small paddock also. The land, pond of water, and paddock, are altogether about an acre in extent, and fenced in on all sides. The soil is a sln.ng, heavy, wet. brown loam, near a close and adhesive calcareous clay ; the formation oolite, and presenting great varieties of soil in the neighbourhood ; and the aspect, south and east. The poultry- house is built of bricks, and the roof is of red tiles. About the middle of March we commence sitting hens upon the Ducks' eggs, to have ducklings for green peas in .Tune. If three or four hens wish to sit within a day or so, about eleven eggs to one hen are sufficient ; if a good old sitter and mother, thirteen are allowed. By the time these eggs are hatched we manage, if possible, to have six or eight more hens sitting upon Ducks' eggs. Should four hens bring out thirty or forty ducklings, two hens take charge of and nurse them. I have had five hens hatch fifty-two Ducks, have put them to two excellent mothers, and have not lost one while they had charge of them in the coops. As soon as the ducklings are what we term nest-ripe —sprightly, strong, and hungry, they are put under coops with the mothers out of doors, and between the coops is placed a feeder for the ducklings to feed under. One of an oblong form is best. Mine, for Ducks, is about 8 feet long by 4 feet wide, and is made of dry elm boards 1} inch thick. Its depth is 8 inches by 4, and in it are cut pigeon- holes— viz.. one at each end and one in each side, to allow of the Ducks going in and out to feed. The top is covered with galvanised wire netting, with one-inch meshes, to prevent small birds, .fcc, devouring the food. AVe commence feeding with chicken rice boiled in skimmed milk for the first six weeks, both for chickens, Ducks, and Turkeys. — J. D. young queens were bred it would probably be in the old hive, and the result would be the issue of one or more swarms is the ordinary way. The bee you enclosed looks rather dark for a Lignrian, bnt the point cannot be decided without an actual examination of the stock itself. No reliable opinion can be formed merely from the inspection of dead bees.] REMOVING STOCK.S. I'REVENTING SWARMING. I AM absent from home during the day, and find it impossible to take runaway swarms, and am a little nervous at changing bars from one hive to another for the purpose of multiplying swarms. Do you think if I were to make a small, long passage from one bar-hive to another that the bees would enter the empty hive, fill it with comb, guide-comb being previously attached, and breed a new queen therein ? I should close the entrance to the empty hive until I thought it pretty full, then open the entrance at front, and close the connecting passage, so as to leave them to their own resources. — Smo ketows. [It is very unlikely that bees would take possession of a second hive far detached from the parent stock, and with such restricted communication. Even if they were to do so they would not raise a young queen therein, as you suppose, but would remain one family under the original sovereign. If I HAVE had a new bee-house made, and wish to move the hives I now have into it from their stands. How am I to lift the hives off as I conclude they would adhere to the wood ? and will not the bees come out at the bottom ? Would it be safe to move them now, or better to wait till they swarm in the summer ? The distance to the new house from their pre- sent abode is about 20 yards.— A. F. S. [You will find no difficulty in merely removing your stocks, if, after previously loosening the hives from their floor-boards (we imagine these latter to be fixtures, or they should accom- ])any the hives), one day you lift them quietly, and towards the evening of the next, convey them to their new position. So many bees will, however, return to their old place from such a short distance as 20 yards, that we should advise the old stocks being left where they are, appropriating the new bee-house to the reception of swarms.] OUR LETTER BOX. Spanish Pcllet (Percy Crow).— Nearly three weeks having clapflcd you may now conclndo that her proffeny would be pure. You will Bce fioiuc notes on the manatrcment of Docks in our present Number. In " The Poultry-keeper's Manual," published at our office, are coloured and other drawings of various kindn, as well aa directions (or managing them. Paisley Show (Fair Plait).— All tl^at you say may he quite true, bnt so great a lenp^th of time having elapsed, and as we have declined to insert defensive statements, we must not revive the complaints. Incubator {J. T.). — The temperature is 10^ too low, It ought to range from 100 to 105^. Testing Egos (E. A. P.).— They may be put into water not hotter than 100 with perfect safety. UNFEUTiiE Eggs— Incubator {Captai ti).~ After cffffs have been under the hen for a week, those which are unfertile may be detected. A descrip- tion and drawing of the mode of detection are in the " Poultry-keeper'a- Manuol,'' published at our office, price 7". 6d. As the incubator yon mention failed, but we do not think it can have been properly managed, trj- Biindley's. His direction is St. Alkmund's, Derby. Food for Zebra Parroquets (J. Worthin/tton). — Chopped egg, bmised hemp sopped with crumb of bread, and started rape, are good food for Zebra Parroquets. Brahma Pootras (Idem). — The origin of the Brahmas is n vexed qucs- tion. The general opinion is that the Dark is the true bird. If they were the result of a cross between a Dorking and the Light thoy would throw clean legs, five claws, and all the different shades that come in Dorking breeding. The best and largest breeders of the Pencilled variety can prove they never breed a faulty bird cither as regards clean legs, five claws. Light or Dorking birds. All crosses will throw back at times, it is an ine%itable result. — B. Food for CIoslings {Tdi^m). — Meal mixed in water, and put in a vessel that has a growing sod of grass at the bottom, is the best food for Goslings. Crcshep Oats and Barley (/;. C. if.).— They are merely crushed flat, the outer skin being thus broken facilitates digestion. In the best con- ducted stables there is a machine for the purpose. It is formed of two cylinders, with just sjMice enough to have the grain crushed as it passes between them. Horses supplied with oats so crushed are kept in as good condition with one feed less daily as horses fed with oats uncrushed. Distinguishing a Cock from a Hen Pigeon {Inquifitive).— The cock is bolder, more prone to fight, coos louder, is thicker about the base of the beak and neck. In playing he turns round and round, which the hen rarely does. The hen when cooed to twinkles her eyes, seeuis to swallow, raises the ehouhlers of her wings, and curtseys to the rock. Two cocks, also two hens, will occasionally pair, and go ihrough all the actions of a pair as far as possible ; hut two cocks will also coo after other Pigeons. Two bens will lay four eggs. Lastly, in billing, the hen puts her bill in the cock's. Thus, two cocks will both open their mouths : two hens will both try to put their beaks in that of the other. Perhaps your corre- spondent may tell by these signs what sex his Fantails arc. I do not know of better food than old tares and small beans; a little buckwheat barley, or canary seed for a change. — B. P. Brent. POULTRY MARKET.— March 20. The tendency of prices is still to rise quite as mnch as they generally do at this time of year. s. d. s. d f. d. B. d Lftrpe Fowls 8 6to 4 n Guinea Fowls . . . ....2 6to S U Smaller do .... 2 6„ S 0 Partridges 0 0 „0 U Chickens 2 0 „ 2 B Hare« .... 0 0 „ • *l Goslings Dncklings . . 6 6 „ 7 n .... 1 4 „ 1 ,1 8 6 „ 4 0 Wild do .... 0 8 „ 0 9 I'beaeante 0 0 „ 0 u PiaeonB .... 0 » „ 0 V Aprils, 1866. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 251 WEEKLY CALENDAR. of UoDtb Week. APRIL 3—9, 1866. Average Temperature near London. Rain in last 39 years. Snn Bises. Sun Moon. Moon Sets. Rises Sets. Moon's Age. Clock before Snn. Day of Year. 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Tn W Th F S Son M Acacia eriocarpa. Acacia Dillwynisefolia. Acacia juniperina. Acacia taxifclia. Prince Leopold Born, 1863. 1st or Low Sunday. Actus incaoft. Day. 67.0 66.7 66.6 57.0 67.3 55.8 54.7 Night. 36.0 36.0 36.5 36.6 36.9 35.8 35.8 Mean. 46.5 46.4 46.5 46.8 47.1 46.8 45.2 Days. 20 15 18 14 18 21 19 m. h. 33af5 31 5 29 5 27 5 24 6 22 S 20 5 m. h. ! m. h. 34af6 i 8 10 35 6 1 5 11 37 6 1 morn. 39 6 0 0 40 6 ! 48 0 42 6 ' 32 1 44 6 12 2 m. h. 1 7 84 7 12 8 55 8 45 9 42 10 45 11 Days. 18 19 20 21 c 24 m. a. 3 21 3 3 2 46 2 28 2 11 1 54 1 37 93 94 96 96 97 98 99 From observations taken near London durinR the last thirty-nine years, the average day temperature of the weelt is 56.4° ; and its night temperature 36.2'. The Rreatest heat was 79", on the 7th, 1859 ; and the lowest cold 21', on the 6th, 1851. The Ki'eatest fall of rain was 1.19 inch. N.B. — The Calendar contains the names of plants flowering in the greenhouse. MELON AND CUCUMBER CULTURE. HE cultivation of the Melon has been so well treated of in a series of papers by Mr. Abbey, that I can have but very little to add, as mine and liis ideas on the sub- ject are so much alike. I am obliged to " A.v Old Subscriber," for the compli- ment he has paid me, although he is wi'ong in assuming that I once lived at Cricket Park. He is correct, never- theless, in stating that Mr. Da\'ies grows Melons and Cu- cumbers well, and, indeed, everything else he takes in hand is well done. I may here state, that I attribute a great portion of my success to the kind encouragement which Mr. Davies gave me when a boy. At a veiy early age the love of flowers had taken strong hold of me ; I thought notliing of walking ten or twenty mDes if I could procure cuttings, or plants, of any good flowers. The lessons I learnt when chance gave me an opportunity of visiting tlie beautiful gardens at Cricket Park, m my early boyhood, have been aJwaj-s fruitfiil of good results, and are so deeply engraven on my mind, that tliey have ever since formed prominent landmarks in my memory and models for my guidance : and if I had a son who wished to be a gardener, Mr. Davies is the man. and Cricket Park is the place, above all others, I should like to send him to. But to retui-n to the subject wliich forms the heading of my present paper, I will, as it has been requested, give a few plain hints on the cultivation of the Melon in houses heated by hot water, referring " An Old Subscriber " for general details to Mr. Abbey's articles on the cultivation of the Melon. Wliere it is necessary to liave a moderately early crop of Melons, no time should be lost in sowing the seeds. I generally sow about five or six seeds in a large 60-sized pot. As soon as the seeds are up tlie plants should be carefully separated, taldng care to preserve theii- roots from injury ; they should then be potted singly into large 60 or 48-sized pots in any good soil, and placed in a temperature of 70° or 75°, in a position as near the glass as possible. A bottom heat of 70° will be sufficient to cause the seeds to vegetate. As soon as the plants have well filled the pots with roots, they should be sMfted into Iti or 24-sized pots, and a stick put to every plant to prevent its sullering injury. The bed in which the Melon plants are to be planted out may in the meantime be prepared. The house in wliich the Melons are to be grown should have an ample quantity of pipes in it, so that the desired temperature may be obtained without the necessity of ever making them very liot. Where the heating surface is in- No. 262.— Vol. X., New Series. suflicient, there red spider and thiips will be sm-e to appear and when once these insects obtain a hold, there is very gi-eat difficulty in extirpating them without sacrificing the crop. The pipes should also be distributed as equally as possible over the house. The bed in which the Melons are grown should be about 4 or 5 feet fi-om the glass, and a wire or wood trellis should be fixed about is inclies from the glass to train the vines on. If the bed in which the Melons are to be grown is .5 feet wide, there should be two four-inch pipes in the bottom for bottom heat ; but if only 2 feet wide, one pipe will be sufficient. There should be about 1 foot of broken bricks placed above the pipes for the pui-pose of distribut- ing the heat regularly all over the bottom of the bed, and on these should be placed a layer of charcoal broken rather small, with the small dust sifted out of it, to keep the soil from passing down amongst the drainage. The soil, which should be about 2 feet deep, may then be put in in layers and made moderately firm. A good stiff loam, without manure of any kind, should be used for Melons. It is a good plan to put in some drain-pipes at intervals along the bed for the purpose of poiu'ing down water amongst the drainage in order to produce a moist bottom heat. As .soon as the soU of the bed has become well warmed through, and the plants have nicely filled theii' pots with roots after the second shift, they should be planted out. and to each plant a nice straight stick should be put, reach- ing from the bed to the trellis. The plants should not be stopped, but ought to have aU the encouragement that can be given them in respect to heat and moisture, to cause them to reach the trellis as quickly as possible. They must also have all the air that can be given on all favour- able occasions. The night temperature most suitable for them dmnng their season of rapid gi'owth — that is, before they begin to show fruit, should never be lower than 65°, and the day temperatiu'e should average about 75° or 80°. None of the leaves sliould be touched fUl after the plants have readied the trellis and been stopped. As the plant makes fresh leaves above the trellis, those on tlie stem may be gradually taken oft', beginning at the bottom. In dohig this care must be taken not to cut the leaf off close to the stem ; it is better to pinch the leaf off by degrees, and allow the stalk of the leaf to wither-up and fall off of its own accord. I like a clear .stem of about I or 5 feet long, as I find such plants are not so liable to go off at the collar as when the vine is nearer the ground. As the vine grows it should be stopped at every second or third joint : and as soon as the plants are in flower, choose an opportunity when the atmosphere of the house is pretty dry, to fertilise v/ith the pollen of tlie male blossoms. The best time to do this successfully is in the morning after there has been sufficient sim to dry the flowers after syringing, and tlie house should be as free from moisture as possible for an liour or so after the young fi'uit have been set. As soon as a sufficient quantity of fruit is set on each plant and they begin to swell-off freely, the plant should be hberaUy supplied with guano water in a clear state No. 914.— Vol. XXXV., Old Sekies. 152 JOURNAL OF HOBTICUlfTORE AKD COTTAGE GAEDENEB. [ AprU S, UK. three or four times a-wock, nntU vritbin ten days or so of the {mit'B ripening, when all water should bo withheld, tlie tam- perature of th« honsc increased, and abundance of air giyen. This will impart tho necessary llavour to the fruit. When the fruit are fairly set and are swelling off, aU the fresh shoots made by the vino should be pinched out, so that tho whole of the energy of the plant ma}- be concentrated on the fruit. All the first and principal leaves made by the plant must be pre- served in a healthy state as long as passible, as these are the ohief langa of the plant by which it receives its atmospheric food- To guard against greon &y and thrijis, the house should bo well fumigated two or three times during the free growth of the plants ; the syringe, too, should be freely used before and after the fruit is properly sot, but in order to prevent scorching syringing should be done pretty early in the morning, so that the fohage may be dry before tho sun shine very strongly on the house, and in the afternoon the house should be shut up, and the plants syringed, as soon as the vertical rays of the son are off the glass. The Cucumber requires similar treatment to that recorded above for the Melon, with the exception of the dryingofl pro- ■oess, and the difference in the soil, which cannot be too rich for the Cucumber. It will also do with a higher and more humid temperature than the Melon, and this temperature must bo continued till the fruit be ht to cut. To be successful in setting the young fruit of the Cucumber during the winter months, care must be taken in choosing an opportunity when ihe pollen is quite dry. l''ertilisation is best done with a small hnish, as the fruit is often injured by pressing the male Uoesom on it too hard. A plan of a new range of Melon, Cucumber, and propagating houses, &a., will shortly be ^ven, showing the positions the plants occupy. — J. Wills. CULTURE OF VINES IN POTS. {Conlinued from jiaife 245.) VTiTEnE the convenience of a house with a suitable tempera- ture, and means for plunging the pots in bottom heat is not at command, it will answer nearly as well to plimge the pots in Cucumber or other hotbed-frames ; the temperature of the bed being 75', and that of the atmosphere G5° by night. In this the pots are to remain until tho eyes have started, and have grown so as to fill the pots with roots. JJy this time another hotbed will most likely be iu readiness for successional crops of Cucumbers or Melons. SoU in which to pot the Vines should be brought into the frame to become warmed, which it murt be, forty-eight hours before they are potted. The Vines, being potted in six-inch pots, should be plunged iu the bed again if the heat is suflicient and can be kept up by linings, or they may be transferred to another Bnd new bed, choosing a warm calm day for the operation of potting or transferring the oanes, so that they may not receive a check. Here they may remain until they can be removed into a house with a tempera- ture of not less than 00" at night. The house may be a vinery at work or any similar house. Previously to removing the Vines from the frame, the pots should be gradually withdrawn from the hotbed, so tliat when removed to tlie house they may not receive a severe check, as they would were they removed direct from the hotbed and placed at once on a cool bottom. In the house the Vines are not to have an inferior situation, bnt the best the strnctnre affords, and that must be light, and not -very airy at this early season. If there is a pit filled with fermenting materials plunge the pots therein to the rim, and vfaea they become full of roots shift the Vines into nine-inch pots, and ultimately into 11-inch or larger pots, after which they are to have a position near the glass. The canes raised in this manner will be of the thickness of the Uttle linger by autumn if at all Uberally encouraged, and the wood will hi- brown and hard if they have had the benefit of all the light possible, by being 1 foot from the glass of an unshaded roof, and had a snfKciency of heat with abundance of air. Many of them will fniit in tlie following year, but will not be eligible for very early forcing. Where there is not the conTenience of a vinery that is started in .January or February, so as to have by the time the eyes are removed from the hotbed (where they were placed in January or February), a temperature of from DO' to li.">' at night, anil the means are limited to a greenhouse or other cool house, the eyes may be inserted in the beginning of February, and be plnoged in a hotbed such as is used for raising annuals, and in this they may remain until April, when they may be removed to the warmest and least airy part of the house. If there is no hotbed at command in February, they may be inserted in March, and plunged in a mild hotbed ; they then grow rapidly, and, when the bed becomes cold, may be removed to the cold house, giving them a light and airy situation. Pot the young Vines in six-inch pots in April or May, and by June they will have filled those with roots, when they may be transferred into nine-inch pots, training the canes as tLey grow, to the roof if possible, and watering when the jjots become fuU of roots with hquid manure at every alteniate watering up to September. The use of liquid manure should then be discon- tinued, and only half the quantity of that preWously given should be afforded, gradually reducing the supply so as to leave off watering altogether when the wood becomes brown and tho leaves turn yellow. Let the canes grow as they like, and without heeding the laterals. By autumn the result will be strong canes, considering the means, but of no value for fruiting in the succeeding year, though they will do for plant- ing out in the following spring in borders ; but, if this is con- templated, cut in the laterals in September, which will admit more hght to the leaves and cane, and cause the latter to ripen more fuUy. Where tliet« is not the convenience of a hotbed, the eyes may he made and inserted in pots in February or March, and be placed on a shelf iu the warmest part of the greenliouse ; the soil being kept moist, the eyes will commence growth when a minimum of 50° of temperature is reached. The soil must not be kept wet, etherwise the eyes will rot, and if kept dry they will not grow. When the Vines have grown so as to till the pots with roots, shift into six-inch pots, and if by July they have grown sufficiently to fill these with roots, give nine- inch pots, and, under hberal treatment, they will merit the name of Vines by autumn. Eaised by any of the above means, the canes after the leaves fall may be kept in any place free from frost, though it is not absolutely necessary to exclude it ; only, if no fiEC heat is used to keep out frost, the pots must be protected by a covering of dry hay or litter so as to preserve the roots from injury. The temperature when the Vines are at rest should not exceed 4.5° from fire heat. The soil in the pots should not become so dry as to cause the wood to shrivel ; a httle water should be given if necessary to prevent this. The canes intemded ior fruiting should, immediately after the leaves are off, be out in to the length required, and those not Btrong enough for fruiting should be cut in to two or three eyes. The parts cut off may be kept until required for taking eyes from, with their lower ends in moist soil. The Vines not sufficiently strong for fruiting in the follow- ing year being cut in to two or three eyes, may have the soil shaken from the roots and be repotted in nine-inch pots. Spread out the roots as much as possible, and work the soil in between them. This should not be done later than the middle of February, even for the Vines that are to be grown iu oool houses, for though they may not grow they will, nevertheless, make roots. If from these Vines ripe Grapes are desired on New Year's- day, select some of the strongest of such as had the wood ripe early in the season ; those from eyes put-in in January and grown throughout in a strong heat, having the wood ripa in August, are the best, and they cannot be too strong. Cut them in to two eyes early in October, him them out of tha pots, shake the SoU from the roots, pot them in nine-inch pot?, and keep them in a cool honse until November. They may then be placed in a house having a temperature of 50°, plung- ing the pots in a hotbed of 75', haH their depth at first, aad then to the rim in a fortnight afterwards; increase the tempera- ture 5' every fortnight, and when a heat of 00' by nigtt is at- tained, that degree is not to be exceeded imtil the let of Feb- ruary, when an increase of 5° more is necessarv\ Whon the nine-inch pots are full of fibres, pot the Vines in 12-inch pots; these will be filled with roots by Februari-, and a shift into 18-inch pots will tlien be necessary. The canes, from the first, are to be trained to the roof or rafters, and the laterals are to be stopped at the first leaf; but after the final shift allow the laterals to grow, keeping those at the upper part of the cans closely stopped to one joint — that is to say, when the lateral has been stopped at one joint and it has grown again, stop that I growth at the first leaf. The cane should be stopped, or have [ its point taken off, when it has attained the length of 'J feet, and the laterals for 3 feet beneath it are to be stopped to one I joint as last as growth is made. i By May the canes will be strong, and the wood turning Aglil 3, 1866. ] JOUBNAIi OP HOBTICULTDEE AND COTTAGE GABDEXEE. 253 browm. Now reduce the laterals gradually, diminish the sup- ply of water, and give more air and a temperature of 60" by night, and from 85° to 90° by day with sun, and 7o° without it, and the wood will soon become of the colour of amber, and be as brittle as glass. Early iu June place the Vines with the pots en their sides close to a south wall, and on Midsummer- day strip off the foUage, then prime them. After pruning set the pots upright on boards, and not on their sides, and after allowing them to remain thus for six weeks, they may be placed iu a house with a temperature of 60° at night, and which is kept very moist and' rather close ; they will soon break freely, showing fruit from almost every eye. Now, these \Huea, or others of this description, if kept in the house until midsummer, will have the wood even better ripened, and if then placed at the foot of a south wall will go to rest, and be fit for forcing so as to have fruit ripe in March, which is much more dilficult to obtain than iu Januaiy ; for almost any strong Vine, if well furnished' with sound, plump eyes by the end of June or July, if it then receive a sudden check from the leaves and laterals being taken off suddenly, will start most of the principal eyes, and the shoots from these will mostly show fruit at the fifth joint, which, under favourable conditions of heat and moisture, wUl ripen at a late period of the year. Another batch of the non-fruiting canes being placed in heat and grown oc iu a house having a temperature of 50° at night to begin with, and an increase of 5° fortnightly up to 65P, wiU, with the treatment before-named — viz., shifting into 1'2-inch pots when the pots become full of roots, and into 15 or 18-inch pots in April if stajted in January, or in May if started in February, have strong and weU-ripeued canes by August in the one case, and by September in the other. The first are calculated to ripen with greater certainty a crop of fruit in April and May, and the second in May and June, than those radsed from eyes in the same months as the above were started. The Vines that were raised in a greenhouse in the previous year are to be shaken out and placed in nine-inch pots by the middle of February, or not later than the beginning of March. These, with the soil kept moist, will shoot strongly at the end of March, and are to be trained to the roof of the house at 1 foot from the glass. The first laterals should be stopped at the first leaf, and this continuously until the point of the shoot is taken out at the height of 7 or 9 feet ; and the uppermost laterals for a distance of 3 feet or so downwards are to be elosely stopped to one leaf at every succeeding growth. The laterak situated lower down should be allowed to grow if they will. In June give the Vines their final shift into 12, 15, or le-inch pots, according- to their strength. Syringe them in the evening, and never allow them to suffer from want of water, and give liquid manure at every alternate watering in July and August. Under these conditions, and with a moist atmosphere, they will make strong canes by September, when they are, after the last week, to have no more water than is sufficient to keep the leaves from flagging, and the laterals are to be reduced by degrees', and finally cut off close to the cane in the beginning of October. These Vines will mostly bear fruit in the follow- ing season. If bushes are desired the ca/ne ia to have a strong stake placed by it in the pot, 3 feet long for two-feet bushes, and longer for those of greater height ; three-feet bushes are, in my opinion, high enough. The stake must be 1 foot in the soil, and if it be charred a httle it will neither be so apt to rot, nor will fungus be so likely to attack it, as would otherwise be the case. To this stake the cane.is to be loosely tied, and when it has gro-wn to the top of the stick take out the point. The laterals will then break strongly ; stop them at the first joint or leaf, and pick out the eyes from the canes for a distance of 6 inches from the sou. Above this point wiU be seven or eight leaves, with eyes in their axils, and laterals coming from the sides of them. Pinch in the three uppermost laterals to one leaf as they are made, and let those below grow and hang at freedom. In June give the Vines 11-inch pots, and throughout their growth keep them near the glass. The laterals are to be removed in Sep- tember by degrees, and take care to give no water beyond that needed to keep the leaves from flagging. These canes will fruit another year, but are not so good nor certain as canes cut-in to eight joints, not counting the three lowest, which are mostly embryo eyes, which ought to be picked out with the point of a knife. This should be dome immediately after the leaves have fallen. We have now, Ist, Strong canes raised in Januaay and by September fit for forcing to produce fruit in the following .ipril and May. 2nd, Canes raised from eyes in Febmary, and by October ripe enough and strong enough to afford fruit in July ; or if started later, in August and September. 3rd, Canes two years old for fruiting in January and February. 4th, Two- year-old canes for fruiting in March. 5th, Canes one and two years old for fruiting in September, the fruit hanging up to Christmas, or March if needed; and, 6th, Vines for bushes for cool-house cultirre in pots. All these I will notice in future articles. — d. Abbey. MORE GOSSIP ABOUT ROSE-&ROWING. I A3t much obliged to your correspondent Mr. A. H. Kent for Iris reply to my oommnnication in your Number of December •26th, on the subject of using the Manetti stock as a means of getting Roses on their own roots. I have derived some valu- able hints from that reply ; and if it wiU not be trespassing on his kindness, or that of some other of your correspondents, I shall be very glad to have farther information on one or two points aUuded to therein. First, as I shall, of course, be very glad to arrive at the knowledge of the form of P«09e-growing hkely to be best suited to my soU, through the speedier process of benefiting by the experience of others rather than by the more tedious one of proving this by my own experiments, I herewith send what I call a popular description of the nature of the soil of my garden, premising that I do not possess such a knowledge of agricultural chemistry as to enable me to give a scientifically or chemically correct description. The soil of my garden is heavy, but in- clined to be boggy or dark in colour, rather than clayey or red. It 13 shallow, not being more than from 21 to 3 feet deep, and at that depth rests upon a particularly bad subsoil, consisting of clay and gi-avel, the water running fi'om which leaves a peouharly rusty-looking' deposit. When from any cause the gi'eater part of the roots of any of om- fruit trees find their way down into this subsoil, the tree speedily dies, the decay appa- rently beginning at the extremities of the youngest and thinnest branches. These die a-way in lengths of fi'om 6 to 12 inches in a single season, and in two or three seasons lead to the death of the tree altogether. I find I can grow Broccoli and Cauliflowers, and indeed the whole Cabbage tribe to perfection, but have hitherto failed to grow good CaiTots, for which I expect my soil is too rich and heavy. I imagine, also, that it will prove too good for the Manetti, unless I can reduce its over-luxuriance as a stock by annual removal or root-pruning. I fancied last year that my plants made too much wood, and produced much fewer blossoms that they ought to have done ; but as the ground was a 'virgin soU to Eoses and liberally manured, this tendency may be corrected after two or three years' gro'wth in the saoie situation. When I describe it as a virgin soil to Roses, I mean that other plants — those for bed- ding-out, for instance — had been grown upon that part now occupied by my Eoses, but not Roses. It was carefully and fully drained about four years since. As some proof of the character of my soil as to richness, I may state that some of the free-growing Hybrid China and Bourbon Eoses, as Blauii No. 2, Charles Lawson, etc., have made shoots of 6 and 8 feet long in the first season after budding — that is, they were budded in the end of August or the be- ginning of September, 18G4, and made this growth during the following year. Mr. Kent speaks of " well-budded Manetti plants in nine cases out of ten maldug strong shoots the first year," and again that " if budded early in the season a plant is formed at once, which may be removed in the autumn." Would he kindly say how early he thinks might be desirable to bud the Manetti in this neighbourhood (Shropshire) ? I have hitherto budded in the last week of August or first week iu September. I also owe many thanks to your well-known correspondent, the Rev. W. P. Eadelyffe, for his remarks in No. 250 on my communication about Eoses published in your Journal of De^ cember 26th ; and I am sm-e that he, cr Mr. Kent, or botb, would confer an obligation on many of your readers if they would give some plain and precise directions as to the propa- gation and budding of the Manetti. I do not know how it has been with others, b'ut I have found some difficulty this year in procuring Manetti stocks. One of our principal growers, of whom I ordered sis dozen, supplied me with two dozen, with an apology that the demand was so great, that he was himself a buyer instead of haTing any to sell. Therefore it is desirable, if not necessary, for amateurs to be able to propagate the Manetti stock themselves if they wish to experimentalise ■with it to any extent. 254 JODBNAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. r April 3, 1866. lu tlio antumu o( 1H61 I put in about a hundred Manetti cottings in a west border under a wall in tbe early part of September, and tlicy si cmed all to do well until they began to grow iu the siiriuR. auJ then all died with the exception of about twenty. This autumn I put in about the same number nuder a north wall, and about ten per cent, of these have rotted already, owing, I am sure, to a superabundance of moisture at the roots. I have also about fifty more cuttings in the west border before alluded to, protected by a frame, and which so far seem to bo doing well. My experience thus far goes to show that it is not so easy to strike the Manetti as some people represent. Then as to budding the Manetti. The plan that seems to answer best on my soil is to plant shallow, and earth up the stocks about 3 or 4 inches, much in the same way that you would earth up a row of Cabbage ; and when you come to bud, this ridge of soil must be opened, and the bud inserted 2 or 3 inches above the roots. I have found the success of budding on the Manetti to depend very much upon there leing three or four fine days immediately after budding. When the budding has been followed by wet, especially if continuing for two or three days, I have found many buds fail through the wet penetrating to the junction of the hud with the stock, and so causing the bud to rot. This is especially the case if, in opening the trench with either trowel or spade, in order to bud the stock, simply a port of basin-shaped hollow is made instead of the ridge being thoroughly levelled to fully an inch below where the bud is inserted. In such instance, in the case of rain the tying of the bud is kept constantly wet, and the bud is almost sure to rot : therefore every precaution shculd be taken to preserve the bud and its 8urro"undings, for some days at least after insertion, in a state of comparative drvuess, and to bud when there seems to he the greatest probability of settled fine weather. There is a point connected with this part of the question opon which I should be glad of the opinion of your corre- spondents before allultd to, and that is when this ridge of soil should be replaced about the Manetti— in the case of early bud- ding, probably in a month or six weeks' time, or as soon as the bud has made about 4 inches of growth ; and in the case of hght soils I should s,iy always before the winter, as I cannot help thinking the soil would prove a great jirotection to the newly inserted bud. In heavy soils like mine, I am inclined to think that the earthing-up of the budded Manetti before spring, would be likely to lead to the rotting of any buds that had not formed a perfect junction with the stock. I have thus contributed my mite of information on this subject, and shall be glad if the propagation and budding of the Manetti can be thoroughly ventilated in your next two or three Numbers. I have for some time been convinced that when rightly nsed, and for soils for which it is adapted, it is by far the best means of growing Roses. If it has a fault it seems to be its excessive luxuriance, which in heavy rich soils causes the Eoses budJod upon it to make too much wood ; but this may, I suppose, be corrected by an annual removal or root-pruning. I have had no experience a.s yet of its use in growing Roses iu pots, though I have seen it recommended as the best stock that can be used for that purpose. — Cocntbv Cdhate. In reply to " Locn Ness," I beg to state that I live in Essex, about twenty miles east of London, and the soil in which my Boses are grown is a tolerably light one, resting on a sort of gravelly clay. I have from twelve to twenty plants of all the leading kinds (about 1800 plants in all), and s"o am able to form a pretty good opinion of what a Rose is after having it a season or two. I must confess that I did not pass judgment on King's Acre so much from the blooms which mv plant bore as from Uiose which the raiser of this Rose exhibited at the Crystal Palace Show. I concluded that if this gentleman could "only show about one good bloom in some two dozen specimens, it ■was at least not at all a constant flower. Perhaps " Lorn Nkss" lives in a moister climate than this. Last summer was a very trying one for Roses in this part of Great Britain, it was so hot and dry. Should the coming summer be more favourable than the" last. King's Acre may prove a better flower than I at present take it to be. I sincerely hope it may, for it seems to be a Rose of good constitution, and IS, moreover, an English-raised flower. I f'^fget whether "LocbNess" mentioned Olivier Delhomme. If he has not yet obtained that variety, I can confidently recom- mend it as a first-class flower of very fair habit. I think, tooi that if he has not Madame Clcmence Joigneanx he would be pleased with that tlower. — P. ^'ERBENAS OUR HANGING DAY. Yks. we had a grand battue of new and old varieties at Shob- den Lodge one day last autumn ; and if we killed a good many it was not to fill our bags with them, but the dungheap, while those that were spared were for the stocking of the preserves again. We make, by-the-by, a great outcry about French Boses, the numbers that are brought out, and the few that are kept afterwards ; and yet may not our French friends cry out in return and say we give them a Roland for an Oliver ? Nay, do they not ? Pathetic have been the complaints that I have heard from Messrs. T. & K., Mons. B. C. and others. " Ah, sir ! I buy every year your new Dahlias, Geraniums, and Verbenas ; but there is verj- little diflerenee from one year to another, and I shall give up buying any at all. " Now, my wonder is, that they buy any of these novelties, considering how few are the amateurs in France. My object, however, in mentioning it is to show that the complaints are not all on our side. Are they groundless on theirs '/ Every year we have a multitude of new Verbenas, and I am constrained to say that a very large ]iroi)ortiou of them do not come up to the standard they claim to have reached. Let it be borne in mind that there are two distinct objects for which the Verbena is raised — for bedding-purposes and for exhibition. Would it not. then, be only fair that that for which a new variety is useful should be fairly and distinctly stated ? for while many a tedding variety would be useful in a stand, many of the pot or exhibition varieties are useless for a bed. Why is it that Purple King is still the best bedding Verbena out ? It is neither the size of the pip nor the brilliancy of its colour, but its habit of growth, the profuseuess of its bloom, and the uni- formity of its colour. There is no white or coloiued eye, but it presents one mass of purple to the spectator ; and while other varieties more or less eyed are used, undoubtedly, for bedding, yet the nearer the approach that could be made to it the greater would be the acquisition for such purjioses. To have the habit of Purple King is the standard which each raiser claims to have reached. How many have yet done so ? The lists will answer this. Instead of giring the lists of the new varieties of last senson, I shall give the list which we selected of those to be retained, adding a few observations on some of them at the end. 1 Admiral Mitford 20 Waverley (Banks) 40 Nobile Carolina 2 Anuie (Cooling) 21 Madame Lelevre Franzini 3 Chieftain 22 Faust 41 Garibaldi 4 Purple Emperor 28 Lord Raizlan 42 Grande Ducbesse 6 Effie Deans 24 Brillant de Vaise 48 Fantastic 6 Lord Leigh 25 St. Marguerite 44 Admiral Dundas 7 Lord Clifden 26 Nemesis 45 Reine des Amazones 6 Foxhunter 27 Geant des Batailles 46 Merry Maid 9 Princess of Wales 28 L'Avenir de Ballcut 47 Gloire de St. Louis 10 Ruby 29 Madame Mattras 48 Velvet Gem 11 Grande Boulo de SO Striata Perfecta 49 Emblem Neipe 81 Le Bon Nicolas 60 Glovrworm 12 Snowflake 82 Mrs. Elphinstone 51 Princess of Wales IS Mrs. Holford .SS Leon Manser 62 Lilac King 14 DeRance 84 Quelcbi 58 Beatrice 15 Ariosto Improved 85 Desdemona 54 Purple Queen 16 Warrior 86 Great Eastern 66 Ne Plus Ultra 17 Rubv King 37 Vicomte de BaUiere 56 Paul Duport IS Beaiity ( Banks) 88 Purple Kin^ 57 Dr. Prony I'J Urb;m 39 Marquise Pallavicini It will be seen that this list comprises many of the very old varieties, such as No. IH, 15, '24, '25, '27, and comparatively few of those of last season, 2, 49. 50, 51, 52, 54, being the chief; but there are one or two things to be considered. It was a very difficult season to judge of Verbenas, the intensely hot weather in the earlier part of the year interfering very much with their growth, and, in many instances sweeping away whole beds, as was the case in the ground of my friend Mr. Banks, and then they did not afterwards recover sufficiently to afford a fair trial. No. 2 is decidedly a striped flower; but there is a washiness about it that makes it very difficult to show even in a stand, unless you can manage to keep it entirely away from the scarlets, &c. 4G is a good flower, in the style of Lord Raglan. 52 is a magnificent lilac flower. 6, 7, 8, are so like one another, that it would be almost impossible to discern the difference between them in a stand, and yet one hardly likes to discard any of them. As I am frequently asked to give lists of Verbenas, especially April 3, 1866. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 2.55 those suitable for Email gardens, it may, perhaps, save some trouble if I say that I consider the best Verbenas, taking in all their points, to be Admiral Mitford. Lord Clifden, Snowflake, Warrior, Kuby King, Beauty, Faust, Lord Raglan, Nemesis, L'Avenir de BaUent, Mrs. Elphinstone, Grande Duehesse, Fan- tastic, Admiral Dundas, Geant des BataiUes, Merry Maid, Lilac King, and Purple Queen. — D., Deal. p.S. — On referring to Henderson's list I find that in it are retained about 80 varieties, and in Turner's about 100. VINE CULTIVATION. Can Mr. Thomson or any other Vine cultivator give his ex- perience in the following mode of cultivation? — Instead of planting the Vines at 4 feet apart, plant them at 2 feet, and fruit every alternate Vine once in tv?o years. What would be the effect 'in quality and quantity, the plants being under glass and each having the same advantages ? The finest crop of Grapes I ever had was by inducing the root-fibres to come to the surface by top-dressing with well-rotted dung and leaf mould. I have seen very fine crops of Grapes grown by digging a trench inside the house and filling it with fresh leaves every year. This continued feeding seemed to answer remarkably well, and it was very instructive to watch the roots passing into every part of the leaf mould, which became rapidly ex- hausted.— CoNST-iNi Reader. TRANSPLANTING LARGE TREES. The following mode of transplanting trees of large size has proved very successful here for some years past. The trees are never lifted, so that the ball of earth is seldom broken. No rollers or wheels are required. Mr. W. Thomas, the landscape gardener, was the first person who introduced the plan here. The apparatus, consisting of a stout plate of iron, say 5 feet by 4, with an iron ring near each corner, is all that is necassary. It can be made by any blacksmith at a cost of about £1. This iron plate is introduced under the ball of the tree, which is kept in position by being tied to each of the rings. Two horses are now attached to two of th- rings, when the tree can be taken away to any distance. When it has arrived at the re- quired spot it is untied, and the iron plate is withdrawn. A large number of trees have been moved here this year in the above manner without a ball having been broken. I am acquainted with the various modes of transplanting, and never found any method so simple or efficient as this. — Constant Readep- APPLE SCIONS ON THE POMMIER DE PAR.VDIS STOCK. To show you that I know as much about the Pommier in question as any of your correspondents that have as yet written upon it, let me say that whilst on a botanical tour in the south of Russia I crossed from the Sea of Azof to Astrachan, and along the shores of the Caspian, over the Caucasus to Teflis, thence to Mingrelia and Batoum in the north of Armenia. I had, therefore, an opportunity of seeing our little friend in all his pride of place in those mighty mountains that stretch from the Black to the Caspian Seas and divide Astrachan from Georgia, Armenia, i-c, and whose summits may be said to be capped with eternal snow. There, amidst some of the most sublime sceneiy in the world, our petit Pommier, or, what I know for it, the Pyrus malus prsecox, revels and luxuriates, forming jungles of considerable extent, and throwing up its in- numerable progeny in thousands around it. It is found at great elevations, reaching almost to the snow line ; however, at these altitudes it is a " wee thing ; " lower down the moun- tains, where the Walnut, Chestnut, and Vine grow to mam- moth proportions, it attains considerable dimensions. Tour friend of Sawbridgeworth says that " The Pommier de Paradis should be grown in dry light soils." He may have got this out of his quarto edition of MiUer, but I do not think it bespeaks much knowledge of the plant under consideration. My experience of it is just the contrarj-. The tree in its wild habitats luxuriates iu dark, deep, rich, boggy soils, where its roots are always in contact with moisture, and iu summer es- pecially so, from the melting of the snow above continually run- ning down the moimtains, and watering aU the vegetation below copiously. I think those who attempt to grow it in " dry warm soils " will be like the two friends who klDed it by the thou- sand. They may roast the little Pommier, but they will find it difficult to freeze it to death. I have seen it in too many frozen localities to allow me to think that ; iu fact, were I to trace its geographical distribution from Persia to Astrachan, and from thence northward, I think it would be found a fellow denizen with the Siberian Crab itself. This I know, that both the Pyrus astrachanica and P. pra?cox are hardy at Warsaw and Moscow, and the two are found inhabiting the same localities as far south as Persia. As to Mr. Eivers's supposition that this and the Dwarf Apple of Armenia are the same, I cannot say whether it is correct or not, as I have not seen the article in the '■ Horticultural Trans- actions," but I may say that the Pyrus communis and malus have each of them other representatives in these regions, such as the Pyrus communis flore pleno, &c. Now, to return to the observations of your correspondents about this tree, I may say that no one has killed it but Messrs. Rivers and Pearson, whose importations and kiUing, to my mind, are wonderfully alike in time, place, and quantity. Mr. Rivers's having such and such a stock has very little to do with establishing or proving the hardiness or tenderness of the tree in question. I have also my Nos. 1, 2, &c., of surface-rooting Crabs, but I have not taken forty years to bring them into action. I send you some of them that you may judge of their rooting propensities. No. 1, I call Geant des Batailles. I think you will allow that it is a good specimen of a surface- rooter. No. 2 is also very good, and No. 3, Nain enfant, as dwarf as you could wish to see. I do not find that the surface- rooting stocks possess any of the dwarfing nature of om- Pom- mier ; they are each good in their several spheres, the one to grow large trees upon, the other to grow little trees for little gardens, or where several sorts are required in a small space. Your correspondent Mr. Robsou, I think, mistakes the pur- pose for which Paradise stocks are advocated. He says a less quantity is produced by trees on this stock than by the same number of trees on a free-growing stock. This is, I think, ad- mitted by all parties. What we claim for the Paradise is its dwarfing nature and early-bearing character, making it a use- ful stock for such as have small gardens yet require to have a diversity of fruit. We all know that a tree spreading over 20 or 30 square yards will, possibly, yield more Apples than the twenty or thirty trees on Paradise stocks which wUl stand on the same space of ground. In the one case you have one sort of Apple to repletion, in the other twenty sorts in moderate abundance. This is all we advocate, and do not deny the con- trary proposition ; yet to all who want to have large Apples quickly in bearing, we say. Use the Paradise stock. I had a tree here iii 1865 that weighed, with roots and branches, half a pound, and this little tree, 18 inches high and no thicker than a little lady's little finger, bore three fruit, one weighing 1.5 ozs., the other two just over 1 lb. Here was an instance of a tree producing four times its own weight of fruit, and the more I see of the true Pommier de Paradis stock the more I am convinced that it is the stock to graft large Apples upon. SaiaU-growing Apples are generally produced upon small-grow- ing trees, and, therefore, are less needed upon the Paradise stock. May I ask what Dr. Hogg means, in his "British Pomology," by recommending certain sorts to be worked on the Paradise stock ? Is it a fact that he had any other stock iu his mind's eye at the time than the said Pommier? If so, I would urge ail writers on pomology, when speaking of stocks, to give right names to things. Why give the name of Paradise to the Doucin, or the Dutch creeper, or to any other surface-rooting stock ? The Pommier de Paradis seems to have had the priority, and why deprive it of it ? I have now tosay that what are called Doucin and English Paradise stocks are nothing more than some surface-rooting Crabs, chosen for their free-rooting propensities by somebody, just as Mr. Rivers and myself have chosen our No. I's, and which we both mean to make so much of. Some years ago I bought five hundred Doucin stocks from Mr. Rivers, and five hundred from a Woking house. I planted them as fol- lows :— Mr. Rivers's first, and the Woking ones second, with three thousand Crabs following ; now I declare and affirm that I never could tell the difierence between the trees grafted on auv of the three lots ; they all grew alike strong, aud threw up" stems G feet high the first year after grafting. So much for the dwarfing character of the said Doucin sent by Mr. Rivers, which, I must say, was quite true to name and description, aud the right sort, as far as I am a judge. The Woking stocks as6 JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 8, ises. were EnRlisb PnraJise, or at least whnt I liave always ecen (or it ; and both stocks, as alreaily stated, forced on the trees as well as did the Crabs planted in the same quarter and at the same time, and this is the case with every Apple stock I have yet grown excepting the Pommier de Paradis ; only that good sur- face-rooting stocks ripen the wood better than do the deep- rooting kinds, thereby causing the Apples grafted on them to bear sooner. As to Mr. Rivers saying that there are several sorts of stocks used by the French, and called Doncin, I know it to be so, but these stocks are just of the category that Mr. Bivers's and mine arc — surface-rooting Crabs. I have now said my say about the little Pommier, and will leave it for time to prove whether I am right or wrong about its hardiness. — John Scott, Merriott, Suiiursct. ORCmVUD-HOUSE IN DEVON. The cultivation of fruit under glass is largely extending in the west of England, and becoming every year a subject of greater interest to amateurs. Several instances of success in this mode of culture may be noted in this part of the country. More particularly would I call attention to the successfulmanage- ment of an orchard-house situated at BiUacombe, in the parish of Plyrastock, near Plymouth. This house is 60 feet in length by 23 feet, and has a span-roof, the ends of which are north and south, a plan which persons building orchard-houses would do well to adopt, as by this arrangement the early and late sun is secured, a matter of vital importance in the cultivation of fruit under glass. I paid a visit to this house on the 7th of March. Here I found three modes of culture practised — namely, trees planted in borders and trained as half standards ; trees planted in borders and trained to wire trellises ; trees planted in pots half plunged. Peaches. Nectarines, and Apricots constitute the_ principal feature ; wlule to Pears, Cherries, and Plums is assigned a limited space. While struck with the neatness, arrangement, and order of the house, the health and beautv of the trees were remarkable, every tree in full bloom constitut- ing a mass of flowers. Several varieties of Peaches and Necta- rines could be seen in the differently-formed flowers, which of themselves are an interesting study to every intelligent culti- vator of fruit. This house is the property of E. Arkell, Esq., to whom was awarded seven first prizes for" pot fruit, at the hor- ticnltura! exhibition in July last year, in connection with the meeting of the Royal Agricultural* Society held at Plymouth. The mode of treatment Mr. Arkell adopts certainly reflects on him great credit. Giving plenty of air in favourable weather, opening the house early in the mominf- and syringing the trees, also syringing and closing early in the afternoon, form the principal features of the summer-management of this house. A very large quantity of fniit of the best q'uality is here pro- dnced. The proprietor kindly informed me, that last year he grew in pots Peaches measuring 'Ji inches round, wliile the flavour was very good. This I can verify from having seen some of the fruit. Another and uot the least interesting feature in this house consists in the Vines planted in borders and trained to poles, and not allowed to touch the roof or in any way obstruct the light. Here are about thirty varieties of Grapes, all of which looked remarkably well. These constitute nothing less than a vine- yard under glass. There are in addition some hundreds of Strawberry plants in pots in the best state of cultivation. This house is well worth a visit. The proprietor afterwards conducted me to another glass house. This structure is of smaller dimensions, 30 feet by IS, half span, heated by hot-water pipes, with a hot-water tank in the centre, 12 foet by 4. This house, also, is devoted to the growth of fruit in pots under a high condition of temperature. Ob the tank I found fourteen Vines in pots, principally Black Hamburgk, and these for health of foliage and promise of good bunches I have never seen excelled. I fonnd Mr. Arkell had left only five bunches on each Vine. This in mv opinion is much preferable to a larger number if size of bunch and berrj- is to be secured. These Grapes were in bloom. In this house I also found several Peaches in pots covered with fmit the size of walnuts, and looking remarkably healthy both in the foliage and fruit. These trees appear to enjoy th'e temperature suit- able for the Vines under the management pursued. In the same house are also some fine Orange trees in pots, consisting of the Tangierine, Blood, Oval, and St. Michael TVietias. Mr. Arkell informed me that tho Tangierine Oranges were delicious. The fruit of this variety was all gathered, while the St. Michael's were covered with fine fmit, which afforded us an opportunity of testing the excellent quality of this fruit, which it has often been said cannot bo grown to per- fection in this country. Hero I fonnd about a hundred pots of Strawberries in a very forward state locking remarkably well. This house, as a whole, was exceedingly clean and healthy, and reflected great credit upon the proprietor, who, as an amateur, has given considerable attention to the growth of fmit under glass, and who has everything carried out under his own directions. — J. Snow, Sallrain Gardens. ROY.\L HORTICULTUR.VL SOCIETY. The following pro%Tncial Flora! and Horticultural Societies have been admitted into union with the Royal Horticultural Society : — Alton Floral and Horticultiual Society, Boston Floral and Horticultural Society, Bury St. Edmunds Ilorticnl- tural Society, Darlington Horticultural Society, Devon and Exeter Botanical and Horticultural Society; Durham, Northum- berland, and Newcastle-on-Tyne Botanical and Horticultural Society, Faversham Horticultural Society, Fermoy Horticultural Society, Lincoln Horticultural Society, Maidstone Horticul- tural Society, Manchester Botanical and Horticultural Society, Newbury Horticultural Society, Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland, Shepton Mallet and East Somerset Horticultural Society, Southampton Horticultural Society, South of Scotland Horticultural Society, Staffordshire Floral and Horticultural Society, Swansea and Glamorgan Horticultural and Floral Society, Watford Horticultural Society, and Wrexham Floral and Horticultural Society. ^^ARC^ 31sT. — The prizes offered nt this meeting were : — 1, For the Lest collection of eighteen bulbs iu flcwer. for which Mr. Young, gar- dener to IS. Barclay, Esq., of Highgatc, was first, and Mr. Bartlett, of Hammersmith, .'second. 2. For the best eollectjon of twelve miscellaae- ons plants in tlower. In tliis claes a very effective exhibition was made by Mr. AVilliam Paul, of Waltham Cross. It consisted of a saccess- fuUy bloomed pink Hawthorn, Pninus sinensis, Khododcndron faa- tnosnm, Deutzia crenata fl. pi.. Rhododendron randidnm, .\zaleas Belle Gantoise. Roi Leopold, and Beante de Ledebprp. Kulmia lati- folia. Diosma purpurea, and Cinerarias. This received the first prize. Mr. Young received extra prizes for collections of twelve Uyacmths, distinct, and for five Amaryllis in pots, and on© also for n tray of Camellia blooms. Messrs. J. & C. Lee, of Hammersmith, also exhi- bited a tray of Camellia blooms of great beanty, among which were the lovely Lavinia Maggi, Valtevaredo. and Countess of Orkney, and these received an extra prize. Mr. Reeves, of Ladbroko Nursery, Notting Hill, received un extra prize for six handsome plants of Dentzia gracilis. Messrs. Lnck-inp. Brothers, received a first-class certificate for a fine collection of forced flowers. DAPHNE INDICA. I OFTEN wish that a plant of such easy culture as this were more grown, for it is a general favourite. As soon as the shoots are 2 or 3 inches long slip them off with a bit of heel, and plunge in a stove or Cucumber-bed ; they will soon take root. Then pot them off, and keep close for a few days, and when the plants are well rooted in their pots pinch out the top of each, and place them in a house or, better, a pit. They will soon shoot out, and when they have grown 3 or 4 inches pinch off the leading bud of each shoot ; by doing this twice or thrice nice bushy plants can be secured the first season, and these w ill always bloom in the following year if tho wood be properly ripened. By following the same plan a second year the plants will be quite large. This system does not seem to weaken them, as their leathery leaves and strong shoots indicate that they are in good health. — W. C. FAILURE OF THE VERBENA. If gardeners could carry out the plan of your worthy con- tributor, Mr. Robson — namely, giving a change of soil and situation, I have little doubt that it woidd go far not only \o prevent tho failure of the Verbena, but to improve all other bedding plants. In proof I can give an instance that came under my own observation. Not quite two years ago I entered my present situation, and knowing that there wae a scarcity of April 3, 1866. ] ■ JOURNAL OF HOETICDLTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 25T Verbenas at the place, I brought cuttings of ten varieties which I had grown for three jears. I had them struck in 4B-sized pots, and in the spring I took cuttings from them, and tlii'oughout the hot weather last summer the plants were a mass of bloom, wJiile those which I found at the place dwindled away in the beds, and before summer was over had to be pulled up and thrown to the rubbish heap. Verbenas have never succeeded better with mc than they have done this winter ; the mildness of the season caused them to throw out strong short-jointed shoots for cuttings without any extra heat. In putting the cuttings in if I find any insect on them they are drawn through a little tobacco water. The following I have alwaj-s found to keep well through the winter : — Defiance, Purple King, Annie Laurie, Tommy, ilrs. Wood- roof, Rosa, Snowllake, Lady Palmerston, ImpSratrice Eliza- beth, and Beauty of Acton, a seedling of my own raising. — R. HoLLiDAV, The Eliii-i, Actoti. PLANTING \T;NES. In answer to your correspondent "Ixquikek," I beg to detail the following experiment, as bearing on his question. About ten years ago I had occasion to plant three large vineries, the borders being made of the best materials within my reach. I selected strong canes one year old, which were cut down to one or two eyes in autumn. Early in February they were started into growth, receiving from time to time a liberal shift, and being plunged in a gentle bottom heat. About the first week in May I had a trench cut in the border close to the front wall, about 2 J feet wide by 3 feet deep, and filled it with well-prepared stable-manure. When the heat had a Utile subsided, the ridge of dung was covered with soil, the Vines turned out of the pois, the roots carefully spread out, and the Vines shaded for a few days. The operation much resembled the planting of Melons in an ordinary dung-frame. The result has been most satisfactory. Stimulated by the gentle bottom heat the Vines grew vigorously, and I had the satisfaction of cutting very fine bunches fit for table sixteen months after planting. — A. McK. NOTES ON BEDDING-OUT. As we are all now settling in our minds what our planting- out is to be, I shoirld like to invite a few papers from your correspondents on the subject of last year's results, chiefly as respects omamental-leaved plants. Though my experience is on a limited scale, still, as I live in a very ungenial climate, and with one of the worst soils in Ireland, it may not be uninteresting to note down what I know wiU give satisfaction. Coleus Verschaffelti, I find, will succeed well in a sheltered situation. I had some very wretched plants which it was not my intention to have made use of, but, having au empty bed, I put them into it on the 20th of July. By the 15th of August they had covered the bed, though they bad scarcely a leaf on them when they were planted out. The colour from that time till the frost killed them could not be surpassed. Amaranthns melancholicus ruber grew stronger than I ever saw it, rather more than li feet high, and broad in proportion. I certainly think, however, that its colour was not so good as it was the first year I had it, being more of the ruby and the copper. Is the plant, like PerUla, gradually losing its beauty in our climate ? or was this simi'ly the fault of the seed ? I am inclined to think the latter was the case, for some plants which sowed themselves in another bed, where it had been for the last two years, were decidedly better in colour. Iresine Herbstii did very well, retaining its beauty longer than either of its rivals, and ?mproving in colour as the season advanced. The Amaranthus lost its beauty by the 10th of September, though it was not killed till October 24th. The Ii^esine was kUled about ten days later, and the Coleus on October 14th. Have any of yom' correspondents tried Amaranthus tricolor ? I intend to attempt it this year, though my neighbours laugh at me, aud say it will not do ; surely it carmot be more dehcate than Coleus Verschaffelti. I found that no Calceolaria stood the dry weather last sea- son so well as Victor Emmanuel, and it is a very handsome variety. Cloth of Gold Geranium did splendidly, it was put out on the 24th of May. I find that this Geranium suffers more fiom transplanting than any other variety. It always with me takes a full month to recover itself, but after that is grand for the rest of the season. Its effect at a little distance is quite equal to a bed of Calceolarias, aud I need not say in- finitely more lasting. In a dry season Cockscombs, with a double band of mow- white Chrysanthemum-flowered Asters, are lovely. I should like to know which is the better Oxalis, I mean as to colour of leaves — " corniculata atropurpurea "' or " tropaeo- loides ;" and whether would Cloth of Gold or Bijou Geraniums be the better edging to a bed of Eicinus sanguineus glaucus ' — Q-Q- PORTRAITS OF PLANTS, FLO^VERS, AND FRUITS. H.iEKjVSTHUS FULGENS (BrilUant Habranthus). — Kat. ord., AmarylUdea?. Linn., Hexandria Monogynia. Native of tropical and southern extra-tropical America. Flowers scarlet, with yellow centre and tube. Introduced by Messrs. Backhouse, York. — (Bot. Maij., t. 55G3.) Dendp.oeicm dixasihum (Double-tinted Yellow Dendrobium). — Nat. nrd., OrchidaceaB. Linn., Gynandria Monandria. Na- tive of Moulmein. Introduced by Messrs. Low & Co., Clapton. There are two tints of yellow in the flowers. — (Ihid., t. 55ti4.) Gladiolus I'AriLio (Butterfly-flowered Gladiolus). — Xat. ord., Lidacefe. Linn., Hexandria Monogynia. From the Cape of Good Hope. Flowers various tiuts of pini, yellow, and purplish crimson. — (Ibid., t. 55G5.) Pebisteophe lasceolakia (Lance-leaved Peristrophe). — Nat. ord., Acanthacea;. Linn., Diandi'ia Monogynia. Native of Moulmein. Herbaceous. Flowers pale purple. — (Ibid., t. 5566.) Batehannia grasdifloea (Large-flowered Batemarmia). — Nat. ord., Orehidaceie. Linn., Gynandria Monandria. Native of low elevations in New Granada. Flowers white variously streaked with purple, aud stained with yellow. — (Ibid., t. 5567.) Sphacele ciERULEA. — Nat. ord., Labiate Flowers pale purple. Very like a Stachys. Probably a native of Chili. — (Floral Mag., pi. 281.) Nerixe Fothergillii. — Scarlet-flowered. A very old kind. —(Ibid., pi. 282.) Makan-ta rosea-picta. — Native of equatorial regions of the upper Amazon, between Loreta aud Iquitos. Leaves of darkest sap-green, with the midrib, and a band near the margin, pink. —(Ibid., pi. 283.) Po-iipoNE Chrtsanihemums. — The following are introduced by Mr. Salter, Versailles Nursery. Fairy Ni/?nph, white. Rose d'Amour, white, with rosy-tipped petals. Torfrida, golden je]low.—(Ibid., pi. 284.) Lobelias. — Distinction, rose cerise, mth pink s-hade. Peach- blossom, beautiful peach- blossom coloiu". — (Florist and Fomo- logist.) HOUSE-CULTURE OF CUCUMBERS. FCLLT agreeing in the truth of the sentiment expressed by Mr. Read, " that discussion and inter-communication will do much to advance the cause of gardeners and gardening," and having read with interest " Peter's " account of his system of cultivating Cucumbers (although I must say I wish he had been a little more expUcit), I venture to send a few remarks descriptive of my own system of management. Miue is a six-sided house, four sides of the roof being double- glazed ; the other two, towards the north and overliung by trees, are slated; the sides are single-glazed. It is fully ex- posed to the east, south, and south-west, aud from its peculiar shape is adapted to catch every gleam of sunshine ; it is, therefore, very suitable for the winter forcing of Cucumbers. It is heated by one of Pierce's patent boilers. The eight-inch flow-pipe passes through a chamber covered with slate ; on this is a layer of fine sand, which affords a nice bottom heat for propagating-purposes, aud, being kept constantly moist, insures a humid atmosphere. The return, a single four-inch pipe, is brought out of the chamber aud carried round the house for surface heat. The bed being on the north side, and generally occupied with other things, I am reduced to the necessity of growing my Cucumbers in pots, and by following the system I sh.all detail, I have been very successful. I am expected to keep up a constant supply of good Cucum- bers from the middle of October till June, and to accomplish this, I commence operations about the last week in July by sowing some seeds singly in small pots, placiug them in a com- paratively cool house. The young plants soon make their 258 JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEK. [ April 3, 1866. aprearance. When one rongh leaf is formed, I repot them into four-inch pots, using a rather rich compost ; and as they grow they are tied loosely to a small stick till about 18 inches high, when they are stopped. They are then ready for their fruiting- pots. For this purpose I use pots of about 15 inches in diameter, thoroughly drained with potsherds and broken bricks. Nowl^r the soil. While the plants have been growing the soil has been undergoing a little preparation. Unlike " Peteb," I prefer freshcnt turf which has been a week or so in the middle of a bed of strong fermenting borfe-droppings ; by this means it is heated sufficiently to kill all the roots of grass, &e., contained in it, and becomes highly charged with am- monia. I use this in a rongh, lumpy state, warm and steam- ing from the heap, without any admixture whatever ; the roots immediately strike into it, and the plants grow amazingly. At first I only just cover the ball, adding more soil as the roots advance. When the soil in the pots becomes exhausted, I top- dress with a little of the same kind of soil, and water with liquid manure. When the plants throw out their laterals I only leave the upper three or four, and as the plants grow and spread I stop every shoot at the first joint, unless wanted for cuttings. About the' middle of December, and sometimes earlier, 1 commence taking cuttings whenever an opportunity offers, to replace any plants that may seem exhausted or weakly, which they will some- times be dming the dark days of winter, in spite of the utmost care. This plan of replacing worn-out plants with vigorous yovmg stock must be closely followed if handsome fruit be desired. , The plants are never syringed, but a moist atmospnere is insured by copious spiinidinj;s of the bed, pipes, and floor twice or thrice a-day. The thermometer is never allowed to exceed 70° with fire heat. It sometimes rises to 85'", and even 90° by sun heat. The average night temperature is 58'. The pots stand on a slate slab close to the front lights, and are kept about an inch above the slate by some pieces of tile in order to aDow the warm air of the house to circulate under as well as around them, and also to insure a free drainage. 1 have tried many sorts, but find nothing to excel, or, indeed, equal the Sion House Improved. Perhaps at no distant date I shall give the details of my practice in growing and ripening a crop of Melons in pots, in the same house, in the intervening months. Will "Peter" Idndly give us a few more particulars as to temperature, what depth of cotton waste he uses, &c ? — Peter's Brother. RAIDS AFTER FERNS— No. 4. WINTER RAID.— TEIGNMOUTH. About fifteen miles west of Exeter the English Channel takes a gentle sweep inland ; lapping up to the base of old red sandstone cliffs and leaping over a sandbar, it carries itssalt waters by the side of a Fir-crowned headland, called the Ness, into the picturesque river Teign, which proudly swells itself into lake-like proportions at high water, giving additional love- liness to meadows of emerald, and com fields golden in sum- mer and ruby-coloured in winter. Facing the east, with a barren sandy flat, caUed the Den, in front, where wild-beast shows contend for pre-eminence with photographic studios and uproarious games of football, there are crescents, and places, and Belle Vues, and public rooms, and baths, sheltering a bright little town of about six thousand inhabitants which finds congregations for two Enghsh and one Roman Catholic church, and for chapels of a variety of incongruous theological opinions. Teignmouth, or. as it is called, Tingmuth, is a town of con- siderable spirit, which developes itself in sundry spasmodic efforts to distinguish itself, in many of which it succeeds with tolerable effect. It has its lifeboat, which presents a " very swashing and martial outside " to the beholders as it is occa- sionally paraded through the town on a triumphal car, looking BO very bright and new as to be suggestive rather of sunshine and blue seas, than of those grand heroic times when Devon- shire Drake gained a world's applause by his deeds of sailor daring. A pier is in course of building, which will bring yachts, and a still greater number of pleasure-seekers ; while the good drainage and salubrious air invite those who are seeking for health, and who, with care, may enjoy a happy combination of health and pleasure. The amusements are, perhaps, scarcely of the same aristo- cratic nature as those of its sister watering-place Torquay. Concerts and balls are of rare occurrence, and but moderately attended ; but there are plenty of cheap entertainments, and the pubhc who one day pay a shilling to see spiritualism in full blow, the next day pay another to have their new-bom faith shivered to atoms, and one is inclined to wonder how any errors exist, so many shillings are paid to have them exposed ; M. Dobbler cuts the Gordian knot that binds the Davenport brothers, and Signor Gavazzi takes away all standing-groond from under the Pope's revered toe ; and every error picks the pocket of its neighbonr. And, lest these amusements should not suffice for all minds. Nature has stepped in, supplying others with a liberal hand, so that few places have a greater share of them than Teignmouth. Beautiful madrepores strew the shore across the ferry at Labrador, and sea beasts and rare seaweeds and shells are to be found lurking amongst the sea-laved rocks. Within a pleasant walk there is a sandy waste called the Warren, which furnishes many rare wild flowers, amongst them the little pale blue Trichonema columnar, or Bulbocodium, the Warren being its only English habitat, and it resists every endeavour to naturalise it in other soil. The winter in Teignmouth scarcely deserves the name of winter, some flowers grace every month of the year, and ere February blows itself into March the Galanthus nivalis foUowB the wake of the Primula vulgaris and the Vinca minor ; the 'Viola palustris encroaches on the white V. odorata, and the Narcissus pseudo-narcissus weeps at the loss of its neighbour the sweet- scented Petasites vulgaris ; while in the hedge-bank the fragile tiny Potentilla fragariastrum is the herald of the more welcome Fragaria vesca, which promises not only beauty in spring, but also a fruitful summer. The winter in Teignmouth has all these, and added to these it has its Ferns. When the Filix-mas, the Filix-fctmina, and the Lastreas are for the most part ■' gone nnderground to see their mother root," the more hardy Polystichum still flourishes, and furnishes many a beautiful variety to reward the patient himter. Nor is the decoration of Fern-land left to the Polystichums alone, the .\splenium adiantum nigrum may be sought after with great effect, the absence of other leaves and blossoms making its bright fronds all the more apparent. Aspleniums trichomanes and marinum may also be found ; but where ? XIarinum has a wayward choice, and has located herself in the tunnels of the railway, where hardy spirits, furnished with permission and a lantern, may find her. In the overhanging clififs she also makes her home, but is fast disappearing beneath the keen eyes of Fern-collectors. But it is not on the walls of railway tunnels, nor on the scarped cliff that my winter raids are made, but up sheltered lanes, whose high banks, covered with grassy foliage, from which delicate blossoms shine like stars, afford thousands of specimens of the, par exct'lhjice, Devonshire Fern. The evergreen character of the Polystichum angulare. with its endless variations of dehcately chiselled fronds, must ever make it a general favourite. There is, first, its common form, soft, feathery, lanceolate fronds, bi-pinnate, or divided into pinnie, and these again into pinnules, which are attached by a distinct stalk to the rachisof the pinnfe ; the shape of the little pinnules somewhat obtuse, with an ear-like projection at the base, running in an outward direction towards the apex ; each pinnule serrate, and the serratures have bristles ; the sori ter- minal or en the upper part of the frond. Should there be any distinct departure from the above description, such as the anterior basal pinnules being much larger than the others, or divided again, thus becoming tri-pinnate, or nearly tri-innnate, the Fern-coUeetor will at once know that he has a variety of the species, and not the original type. The Teignmouth lanes fur- nish a goodly company of these beautiful varieties, each pre- senting some distinct feature, which separates it entirely from any approximating form. As I was lately hunting up the Holcomb lane I chanced to meet with a magnificent specimen of decompositum, of all the varieties of P. angulare the most free-growing and jolly-looking; it rivals subtripinnatum in size, but the latter has a stiffer growth, and its pinnules are more acute. Soon after I came on subtripinnatum. and for the moment I thought I had found tripinnatum, so much divided were the basal pinnules, but as the little pinnulets had no distinct and separate stalk, my first transport settled down into a quiet satisfaction, and I was rewarded by finding a little fmther on the pretty hastulatum. In this variety the entire frond is so finely and regularly cut that w hen held up to the hght it appears like lacework ; the pinnules are small, distinct, sharp in outline, and with a lobe or ear which stands out clear of the next pinnule. Still further on I fcund Polystichum angulare acutum. the name of which defines I its character, the apex of frond, pinna?, and pinnule being acute AprU 3, 1866. ] JOUBNAL OP HORTICULTDRE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEIl. 259 in a Tery remarkable degree — so acute, that having once heard the name I think no one could mistake the Fern. But it is not Ferns only that I have found in that Holcomb lane. Wandering there one day we came on a poor, almost shoeless, footsore sailor lad ; looking so tired and hungry, we stopped to speak to him. A stranger, knowing no word of Enghsh, he told us in French that he was from Holland, and on his way to Plymouth. Walking from Exeter he had lost his way. " Had he money ? " Only a few halfpence, but he did not wish for more. " Oh, no," he said, when we offered him silver ; " you see I did not beg. You know I did not beg." He spoke so vehemently that I wondered ; so I said, " Certainly you did not beg; but, nevertheless, accept a little gift." " Oh! no, it was not possible. He was only out of Exeter jail that very morning because he had found himself without silver, and de- manded some. Ah ! he did not like England, she was hard to strangers. He was hungry, and he could not beg." I looked in the honest face and believed the lad, so we took him home. He had never seen an English home. I offered him a chair. " Never, never in your presence," he said. We gave him meat and breatl, and spirits, and then we took him to the railway, and gave him a ticket to Plymouth, with money for a night's lodging. Tears came in the poor fellow's eyes. It could not be true. He had never seen me before. Was I Enghsh ? and then he added softly, when I told him why it was, •■ Yes, yes, I also have a home, and a sister married to a pastor." And so we parted, never to know each other's name on earth ; and I often wonder how the Dutch lad will describe the party who helped him in his need ; for verily it must have seemed a strange one, that party of latlies and gentlemen armed with steel weapons and huge baskets, searching so diligently for weeds in the hedgerows of England. Within a walk of Teignmouth I have lately found Poly- stichum angulare intermedium, and, I believe, biserratum. The texture of these Ferns, so far as my experience goes, differs considerably from those of other varieties of P. angulare ; both primary and secondary rachides are stiff, and the pinnules are connected with the rachis in all but the lower pinnfe by a winged stalk. I found in the same hedge dissimile : this is a very curious variety, the pinna; being scarcely in any two aHke ; some are forked at the end, some do not contain more Ihan five or six pinnules, while others end abruptly in only two ; the pinnules are also different in shape and size, while the texture of the whole frond is something like that of intermedium. Another very interesting variety of Polystichum angulare growing near Teignmouth is the densely pinnuled quadi-atum, with its stiff narrowish fronds, the piunie of which have im- bricated pinnules, neat, roundabout little things, the ear-like lobe of which hides itself beneath its neighbour's sheltering wing. It is unlike any other variety known to me, and had not a high authority named it for me, I fear I should have called it imbricatum ; but this latter has a slightly " winged petiole," which quadratum has not ; moreover the basal anterior pinnule is but a trifle larger than those next succeeding. Other varieties that I have found still remain unnamed, and I doubt not but that there are many others still to be found. The beautiful forms of proliferum WoUastoni and cristatum are natives of Devonshire, and to these Holeaua has lately been added, the latter being found within a few miles of Teign- mouth. Of the Asplenium adiantum nigrum, Teignmouth furnishes many a goodly specimen. I have found them acute and obtuse, with intermediate forms. The flabellatum was found near Bishop's Teignton, and the Bellairsie, in the neighbourhood of Haldon : and all the Ferns that have been eniunerated can be found on a winter's raid while inhaling purest oxygen with a fair mixture of ozone (if ozone can be exhibited in winter !) is one of its component parts. — Fern-huntbess. I VISITED a friend of mine a few days ago, who showed me a flower-border plan, which I send. It struck me at the time as being well adapted for planting bulbs in the small compart- ments, bedding plants in the large ones, and standard Eoses in the cir- cles. In winter it is eligible for co- loured materials in the small com- partments and in the circles, with some nice dwarf plants in the beds. With a judicious arrangement it would look well all the year. It is not laid out at any place to my knowledge. It may not be out of place for me to describe the sort of compasses I use when doing such work. It is nearly similar to the beam compasses described in the " Gardener's Assis- tant," at page 134. I took a piece of deal board 1 inch thick, 2J inches wide, and 10 feet long ; I cut it straight along the middle from end to end ; then I took a piece of elder wood 2i inches long, removed the pith, and tied it at the end of the beam between the two sides. I then took two pegs, one a. FLOWER-BORDEE. about 12 inches long, and the other about 8 inches in length. The end of the long peg, a, I cut unite round, so as to turn freely in the elder, and the end of the other peg I cut flat nearly to the same thickness as the elder, and so that the beam would rest on the shoulder, as shown at 6 in the engraving. To se- cure the peg, b, from moving from its place, I cut a piece out of it above the beam, so as to form an eye, as at h. I then made a pin in the shape of a label, with one end smaller than the other, so as to put it in the eye above the beam to tighten it. There is no trouble in pulling the pin back, shifting the peg to the required place, and putting the pin back again. It is scarcely necessary to say that the peg, «, is put into the ground in a per- pendicular position, and the elder end of the shaft dropped down on it, so as to revolve around it as the axis. The peg, b, describes the circle, and passes over any peg that may be put in the ground to mark other parts of the figure. — M. O'Donnell. \l & Beam-compasses. WORK FOR THE 'WEEK. KITCHEM G.\KDEN. DnEiMG the last month we have had such a continuance of wet and unsettled weather that little progress has been made in the sowing of seeds, or even the digging and trenching of ground. The late drenching rains will convince the owner and occupier of every plot of ground, of the necessity and importance of thorough drainage. Ground that is thoroughly drained takes but a few hours to drain off the superfluous moistiu'e, and, under such circumstances, it is soon in working condition ; whereas, ground that is imperfectly drained will be days, and in some instances weeks, before it be in a fit state for the re- ception of seeds. The gardener who has his ground thoroughly drained will have his crops appearing above the surface before those whose ground is undrained will be able to deposit the seed. Proceed without delay at every favourable opportunity in preparing and cropping the ground, according to last month's directions. After the late rains it will be advisable to pass a heavy roller over the gravel walks to set andbiud them well for 3S0 JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. [ April 3, ISM. 1^^ scasou. Take orery opi>ortuiiitj' to destroy flags, which fbe reoeiit rains have broiiRlit out from their winter ([uarters in abandanee ; the use of CONST.nViTOEY. Pelargoniums, herbaceous Calceolarias, and Fuchsias ai-e now advancing rapidly, and the early plants of the former two are showing blossoms. Take care to stake and tie the plants neatly without loss of time, and some of the old gi-owers say that manure water is good for them after Good Friday. This, how- ever, I think, depends more ujion the pots being filled with roots than the day of the year. One of the best growers of the Pelargonium never watered with manure water until thfl trusses were up and the pots filled with roots. Fuchsias will now be the belter of a little shade during bright sunshine, and ver)' liberal treatment will not be thrown away upon them. The shifting of all specimen plants should bo now completed. Too much care cannot be taken in watering to see that the water does not escape by the side without moistening the old ball, also to guard against over or under-doing the supply. Kee}) a moist atmosphere, spriniding the plants with tepid water once or twice a-week, und pay due attention to the ei- tirj'ation of insects directly you can perceive them. If the plants in the borders of the conservatory are drj-, or any of Uie climbers, give them a good soaking of weak tepid manore water. Sow liberally Chinese Primroses and Cinerarias; these well attended to will make strong autumn-llowering plants. The Himalayan Primula denticulata, although hardy, foi-ms a nice dressy little plant for the mixed greenhouse. Let C!ameUias malring wood bo shaded and frequently syringed. Those who wish to have Camellias in blossom from October to Jlay must take care to force their plants into wood succes- sively. If a given stock be divided into three portions, one portion to be subjected to this process in February, a second in March, and a third in April,the object will be effectually accomplished, provided the subsequent treatment he what it ought to be. PITS AND FBAMES. Continue potting-off stock for the flower garden, also making cuttings constantly of Verbenas, Fuchsias, Petunias, Dahlias, Geraniums, itc. ; they will all be wanted for some purpose. Shade newly-potted Stocks, and more especially cuttings, care- fully; and remember that in making cuttings the leaf should not be first allowed to flag, and then an attempt be made to restore it by abundance of water : the leaf must never be allowed to droop. See that such climbers as hhodochiton, llanrandya, Lojihospcrmum, Tropteolum, &c., are propagated and culti- vated for blanks or treUissing, &c. — W. Kease. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. EIIC3EN GABDEN. A FEW dry days and a bright sun have done much to dry the soaked ground, and prepare it for the reception of Onion and other seeds, such as those of gicens, BroccoU, Peas, and Beans. There ai'e just now many complaints of the vast extent of catalogues of seeds that perplex by their very variety. For small gardens especially we may mention what, if received true, will not be likely to disappoint. ())iiu;«.— Sow James's Keeping and ■\^^lite Spanish, and Silver-skinned for pickling. Ganh-H Beans. — Early ilazagan for earliest imd latest crops, Longpod and Green Windsor for summer, and the Dwaif Fan where there is little room, as the Beans may be giown in rows a foot apart. i', u.f.— IJillistone's Early and Sangster's Ko. 1 for earUness, the first the earUer, the second the better bearer ; Ne Plus Ultra the best for a late Pea. Burbidge's Eclipse, Veitch's Perfection, and Harrisons Perfection are tine medium-height Peas ; and Dickson's Favourite is a good Pea that beais heavily, is of fair flavour, and comes in between Sangster's and the earliest Mar- rowfats. Dwarf Peas, as Tom Thumb, Bishop's Longpod, &c., are useful chiefly where room must be economised. They come in eaily at the foot of a fence in a warm place. Carrots, we will only sow moderately as yet. We prefer the Eiuly Horn, the Long Surrey, and the Altiingham. Li rather stiff thinnish soil the Horn often does wonders, when the longer kinds come forked. Farsnijis should be sown as soon as possible. We prefer the Hollow-crowned ; the Student comes of a lai-go size, but some- times it is a little hard at the core. Cafc/iayis.— Some of the Battersea may be sown for summer use. We prefer for the main crops Atkins's Matchless when it can be oblained true ; ours has not been so for some time, and our groimd is too small for seed-saving. The Rosette Colewort is the best to sow in May for autumn and early winter use. CutdijUm-cr. — Not to "perplex, we find the London Early Cauliflower suitable for all sowings. L'riiMo/i. — Cauliflower Broccoli, Snow's 'Winter Broccoli, Early Purple Sprouting, Willcovc, and Miller's Dwarf ^^^lite wiU furnish a good supply. BorecoU. — For one sort choose Scotch Cabbaging Kale. Cot- tager's Kale is good, and the 'Variegated pretty. April 8, 1863. ] JOUKNAL OP HOKTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. 261 Bnis^els Sprout<:. — Tlie common, from imported seed, is still, all things considered, the best. The Dalmeny -varieties are good ; but on the whole are not so profitable for general purposes. Tiimijfis. — A few White Dutch. For main garden crops the American Ked Top is the best, sweetest, and most crisp. Leeks. — The Musselburgh is as good as any. Radishes. — We almost entirely use three sorts — Scarlet Short-top, and White and Ked Turnip-rooted. Kidney Bcaiis. — Unless in warm places it is too early to sow Kidney Beans out of doors. In our opinion nothing beats the China Dwarf, called often Kobin's Egg, for general purposes. Next is the Cream-coloured ; and theNewiugton to be gathered young and cooked whole. Scarlet Kunners of course. Celery. — Incomparable White for main crops, it takes so little room, should now be sown under glass, if possible — a hand-light will do. Cole's and other varieties are much larger. Spiiiuch. — Kound-leaved, and round-seeded, for summer, Prickly-seeded, or Flanders, in autumn for winter. These are the seeds to which attention must now be chiefly directed, and more depends on getting them into the ground in good condition than sowing them very early, when the groimd is in a clammy wet state. A little time lost in sowing is soon made up if the ground is nice, sweet, and mellow. A great deal of seed is destroyed by being put into the ground when this is in a wet clammy state. There is the risk when at all deeply covered that the seed absorb so much moisture as to rot, and besides, if the soil is rather stiff, the seed is wrapped in it, as in a piece of soft indian-rubber, and perishes for want of air and its oxygen reaching it. Ground so puddled will scarcely become kindly all the season, as rains do not pass freely through it. Seeds sown in nice, dry, mellow soil scarcely ever suffer from wet afterwards, as the showers pass freely through it. All these considerations point to the importance of having some March and April dust for seed time. We mean not dust on the fields and gai-deus, but dust on the highways, for if the soil is too dry the germination of the seeds is unduly arrested. Ran the hoe through growing crops, and hoed and raked some walks that from being shaded had become a little green. Swept the others hard to give them a fresh appearance, and will fill up some blanks in the edgings as soon as possible. Gave a little more earth to Potatoes in frames, as the tubers were running rather near the surface ; watered Peas in pots in an orchard-house beginning to show bloom ; gave abundance of air in sunny days to Eadishes, Carrots, Lettuces, Cauliflowers, &c. Sudden changes affect all plants under glass less Or more. In the brighthot sun of Tuesday, after a period of dull weather, Potatoes, Kidney Beans, &c., began to flag, though the ex- amination of the soil showed they were quite moist enough. A slight syringing and slight shade for a couple of hours made them all right. After a course of dull weather the plants are unable to bear the rapid evaporation which the sim so suddenly causes, and hence a slight shading will often be of great use for short periods under such circumstances. The great point is to allow the shade to remain no longer than is absolutely necessary, as all growth in shade is comparatively weakly. Spawned a piece of a shallow Mushroom-bed, and prepared a piece more with fresh material, working up a part of the old bed with the fresh dung, owing to being scarce of materials. The only objection to these shallow beds is that they generally do not bear long, or regularly, and hence the necessity of suc- cessions. One reason why we make even these shallow beds of poorer materials than we used to do, is to humour the prejudice for thinnish Mushrooms. The thick, fat, juicy fellows which we used to delight in, do not suit every one. For Sea-kale, Khubarb, &c., see previous weeks. FRUIT GARDEN. As to general work, we are rather behind with naUing, &o., out of doors. We deferred pruning Gooseberries, and we presume the delay will matter little, as after all our washing, and dredging, and stringing, the birds will have it pretty well their own way. We stated the other week, and repeat it, that if gardens are to be made preserves for game, they will soon be little else than pi-eserves for that game and its atten- dant vermin. There is scarcely even a Laurel bush that does not become the roosting-place for at least its hundred of small birds. Not only do Pear trees, &c., suffer terribly, but we noticed that some nice Thorn trees were having the most for- ward buds regularly picked out. As a rule, no class in the community are greater admii-ers of the little birds than gar- deners ; but when there are innumerable thousands instead of scores, and trees loaded with bloom-buds to-day are cleared pretty well to-morrow, a man begins to feci that he may have too miich of the poetry of birds. It is of very little use netting under such circumstances. Do what you will the biids wUl find their way under it, and take what they want, and espe- cially in the morning as soon as the day breaks, tinder such circumstances there will be no safety except in securely netting vegetable and fruit gardens all over as high as the walls for a number of months in the year. Netting individual places seems only to entice the robbers to see what is there, and no fastening will keep them out. The orchard-houses, especially the first, have been a picture,, and Tuesday, with its powerful sun, and the free ventilation, would pretty v;ell secure the setting of the fruit. There has been quite enough of wind to render any brushing of the strong prominent blooms unnecessary. This house we shut up early, the other is left open in favourable weather tiU bedtime. In the first house, Tuesday was the only day lately in which all our ventilating power was at command, as even now, and especially when the fruit is set, we will use more sun heat shut in, to bring the house on in succession to the Peach-house. The trees at the back will not be such a show after Tuesday, as the bright sun, and the breezes of wind, have caused a good many of the petals of the bloom to drop. No insect of any kind has as yet appeared. Judging from the frequent directions about smoking houses, plants, &c., the bill for tobacco must be no small affair in some places. A few of the Tom Thumb Pea pots are showing bloom, and if there be a few sunny days a good many will be out. This Pea must be gathered early enough when under glass, or it is apt to eat hard. It must not be so large as it might be out of doors. The glass seems to harden it. Peach-house. — Thinned out shoots, tied them, and exposed the fi-uit in the Peach-house. Took off a single twig carefuUy, as it had some cui-led leaves, and in these were a few gi-een fly — the only appearance of anything in that shape not wanted that we have yet seen in the house ; and removing the twig, which could be well spared, was better than washing or smok- ing. This house as yet has had nothing done to it for insects, because except ou that twig none as yet have appeared. We had more than our share of them three years ago ; and were we left untroubled this season, which it might be too much to ex- pect, we would still in another season use such preventives as. were detailed as being used in winter and spring. This Peach-house, of which the roof is at an angle of 45°, is the best place for setting early Strawberries that we have, and a shelf of plants with the fruit swelling was cleared off to finish in the pits and vinery, and they were replaced by plants showing bloom from a pit and frame. This all makes work, but in the back of the Cucumber-pit we could swell the fruit more quickly, and with enough of light to flavour them, than we could do in the Peach-house, whilst neither in the Cucimiber- pit nor the ^-inery could we give air enough to suit the Straw- berry when setting. Owing to the gleams of sunshine the fruit has been good in flavour. We mention this shifting of the Strawberry plants to show that much may be done in this way in little room, but at the expense of a much greater amount of labour than when plants can be set in and perfect their crops in one place before being removed. A place for every- thing is by far the most economical as respects labom' ; but, then, to have a Strawberry-house, a Melon-house, a Fig-house, a Geranium-house, a Heath-house, a New HoUand-house, a bedding-plant-house, a Eose-house, &c., involves a considerable sura for a first outlay, and this in general is so deterrent that the most that can be obtained from a small space is too often the great object, though that causes a greater amount of labour and of continued consideration. For Vines, Figs, &c., see previous weeks. ORNAMENTAL DEPAKTMENT. EoUed the lawn and walks in pleasure grounds. Turned over ridges and numerous beds left rough for bedding jilauts. Pi-uned shrubs and Roses. All Briars for budding should now be planted. Picked up all wood and leaves broken and drifted by the late high winds ; the half-rotten hotbed dung, consisting chiefly of tree leaves that had been used as a slight dressing for the beds, was turned down as above stated, by a very shallow spit of the spade, as if very dry it would blow about on the gi-ass, and the birds would scratch it, and it had lain long enough exposed to be quite sweet enough tor the purpose. The airing and sweetening of this slight surface-di-essiug is a matten important to success. Of course, for vegetables we .should not like to waste its virtues on the air, but would dig it down at 262 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ( April 8, 1668. once ; but, as stated a week or two ago, it beoomea rather a dif- ferent matter when we wish abundance of bloom instead of mere luxuriance of foliage. In cold pits too much air cannot be given in mild days to Auriculas, Carnations, Wallflowers, Stocks, and Mignonette s )»ii in autumn. Fine useful Mignonette may be had by sowing nos- in a mild heat, with a rather close atmosphere until the plants are an inch in height. Now is a good time to sow or prick-off for bush or tree Mignonette in pots. Calceolarias want all the air possible. We have not yet been able to plant oat, so as to thin the November-inserted cuttings, but we must do so ere long. Ran the fingers and then a pointed stick through the surface of Violet-beds, Neapolitan and others, to let the air into the soil, and render it sweeter. Of all Violets, the Neapolitan are our favourites for scent, but bunches of them and bines look very nice when placed alternately. We hope to have the new ones next season. The double blue is a great favourite with many. It has suffered much with us this year in the borders, owing to the excess of wet, and so has the Lily of the Valley, which, in general, can stand a good deal of moisture. Pelargoniums in a vinery which was becoming too hot for them have been removed to the conservatory, and the cold or late vinery, which is beginning to bud sooner than we want it. The stage, itc, in the vinery has been filled with variegated Geraniums, fresh-potted singly, to bo turned out and hardened off afterwards, as there is plenty nf lij^ht still for them, and the heat will bring them on a littL. Newer kinds of Fuchsias have also been repotted and placed there, just to give them a move before they go to a colder place afterwards. In the vinerv- farther advanced, the stage is covered with some for- ward variegated Geraniums, fine-leaved Begonias, just shifted, and Gloxinias the same, where, as the Geraniums are re- moved, the latter will find themselves at home in the heat and the comparative shade, whilst the syi-inging of the shelves and the floor will give enough of atmospheric moisture for them and the Vines. A little sweet dried caked cowdung, made rather fine, helps these Begonias and the Gloxinias very much, and the former often produce the finest leaves when rather wnder- potted, and in that state and size come in better for house de- ! coration than when in larger pots. The leaves, also, will con- i tinue a long time fresh in a room when separated from the plant. In halls, &c., where there are no fires. Cinerarias will remain fresh a long time in pots, or planted in vases ; but in winter and spring they stand a very short time in rooms with large fires that dry the air, unless the large leaves are frequently ; damped or sponged. For this purpose the older small-leaved kinds arc the best. However fashionable it may be to stud entrance-halls, ottIe 2 0 > Mustd.£ Creas, punnet 0 0 ' Onions bushel S 6 Parsley sieve 2 0 i Parsnips doz. 0 0 Peas quart 12 0 Potatoes bushel 8 Kidney do. 0 I Radishes . . doz. hands 0 Rhubarb bundle 0 ' Savoys doz. 0 ' Sea-kale basket 0 ; Shallots lb. 0 Spinach bushel 0 Tomatoes .... V; sieve 0 Turnips bunch 0 Vegetable Marrows dz. d. e. 8 too TRADE CAT.VLOGITES RECEI\'ED. Charles Turner, Royal Nursery, Slongh. — Gcncial Sjmng CaUiJiifiue, 1806. J. A. Bruce & Co., Hamilton, Canada West. — Descriptive Catahpue of Secdg for the Farm, Kitchen Garden, Flower Garden, of Itnots, i"«'l,f «Pf '^^f ''^^S^FSme Pea being represented as synonymous witu the ordinarj Early frame, where" there exists not a p;\rticle of similarity between these two Peas^ Mr Elev the proprietor of the Essex Rival, would therefore respectfuUy begof the pubUc^to suspend their Judgment untU they have seen the result of the Society's trial this year, the seed for which Mr. Eley hopes to fui'uish. Books IE. V. J.).-You can have " The Cottage G.ydener s Dictionary free by post from our office if you enclose 6s. Bd. with your address. CiLCEOLAKiA Cdttings NOT STRmiNO iEdnn:,l-The cause of the cuttings not striking is most probably their suffering from green fly Your (Upping them in tobacco water, if it is at all strong, might destroy the insects. We strike aU our Calceolaria cuttings m cold frames, put- ting about 8 inches of pit sand on 6 inches of soil, cumposed of one-half loam and one-half well-reduced leaf mould. Last year we put m the cuttings in the third week in October, gave them a good watering and they have had nothing from that day to thi3, excep air in mild weather and a double covering of mats in severe weather, left on day and night nn?il the plants were thawed, as they have been «P«a f -1 >' f5;«e° fiff. Thev are now strong plants, and not one cutting in a thousand has faded Since we took to this svstem, for which we are indebted to Mr. Fish, we have not had so much as a green fly or insect of any tmd; but when we struck and keot the cuttings durmg the winter m a heated house, tney were eaten up bylreen fly and thrips. Victor Emmanuel is as easy to propagate asCy other variety, and as easily kept over the wmter. Cal- ceolarias are almost hardy. . Pm»^rTx•r ak Artertan Well.— " A. Y. Z." wishe3 to know, when boring fofra^for afoS^!what sized pipes should be sunk so as to have anroneriet and what is the' general expense of buring. T^ho are tne prS people to undertake this kind of work'? Nothing of the kind evTbeiug mentioned in THE JoCENAi. or Horticoliuee, any informa- tion on the subject would be of much service. Cdttino down PAMPA3 GRASS [E. A. P.).-We find it best not to cut awavthedecaved grass untU spring, as it acts as a protection to the croJn; but afler ffosts are pa^t it can serve ^ Jo°« P^^i^' "g*^^ unsi"htlv if left ; it should, therefore, be removed after fresh growth nas commenced. The price of ''The Cottage Gardener's Dictionary" i3 5..8d. post free from the office of this Journal. Growing Tobacco (J. E. M. E.).-It is not illegal to grow Tobacco for your own use. „ . , vt b,^=^^-?=^^?^fej^«^55SS? ^^ rp^.'^^li^n^^l^e^SSSSg them at this season, for that wiU cause eve'-y leaf to tu n bro^ a^ the RAISING Ehododendkons feo.iSeed ^P:B■)■-rf'ocnreJ^^^?^'^^ the bottom, and on this 6 mclies of '"7,^ "^^^ P;? ^^'^^e growth of moss of the same sifted, covering the seed with fine soil. ^ be growin 01 is due to keeping 'be. seedhngs or the ^d to° ^^^V t?e g?orh of moss. EASPEEERV Sm.poRTS (C. R'P'"»V-''^a^ ''ef ^"hetilrnch-squar'e'^Son ^^f^I^e^^laJ^SlS^S^^f^^SSr^^^'^ s^-i^i|tojS3l3i2^ S=f'^j? be four wires, the hrst at 1 loot from 'be groun ^^^^ tS^^V^roilZ t;tbe't?its';rthos?^I ?r"n! but nof 30 durable and Son^^;^^il"/w:57t pT^t^VauT lu^inTf °. " ^^ f-^Vw- NEEiUM OLEANDER LEAF I^'^f -^''..V^pl'surface'v^fh i1,fack ft'- ,„,„).-The leaf sent --;=^7X?rthe'unX'sirof thrieaf secreting a gus, caused by the flat nsect on i j^^n^^w known as honeydew. fluid which faUs upon the leaf, and is tami > ^^ ^^^^ j^ This substance dries, and on 't 's P™«^<=e'' ^ 4 ^j^jgri^g t^eir does not injure the leaves to any ^e^'o^^^f ^"'^e a pecuUarly thick epi- powers of inhahng an* exhahng Nerium. na p^ ^^ ^^^.^ ^^^^.^^ ^j dermis, and so have Oranges whicli are a J ^ j^ known to gar- scale insect and consequent black fungus in ^^^^^ ^^ doners as the Orange scale To free the leaves »' ' ^' j„ ,\^ uon of washed with a solution of s"" .^°^P, r„ glinged with water at a tempe- water. The plan hrst of all f-°^,f ""J'^^^fi ^ the plant ; but if the rature of 140% which is not too high if ^S^^^^ed on ^ P .^^^^,^ ^e latter be immersed the water must be a' t;" a y^ ^^ ^^^^ kept in the water o°e mmute Jbe leaves a^et _^^ ^^ ^.^^^^^^ the insect with a sponge, pressing whilst wasnm„ lue , washed on and remove the "ack fungus. After the leaves nave ^^^^^^ ^^ both sides they shoiUd be allowed to d'y.and then ^,^ ^p^^^ ^^ ^^^^ s>Tinged with water at 140 la?^°Vi,7i P^Jets near the midribs may be hot water may not "'et the soil, inei cashing with soft soap t^"gtta\^yTe?;r/iSs?crrd/r:fui replated washings arenecessary to keep plants subject to iUlean. p„ntingwill do Flower Garden (J. B. i;)- "e J.™, 'lantiio it might be balanced. {^« 'wfw^oS^-^.eTertiie^^larbe'^SyiaiS o'ut'r'^avel -ber than ^ass^ '"p°r::ulas ,T. M. «;.'«'--;"'>,-2'-Z,^^S!S:m?edre!e'sTciaTy single flowers, appear to be very good 'be hign coio jesses, they so.°If the plants are o dwari hab^t and pn^^ce^l^ ^ ^^ Z!ii "^iSe^rinTaXseed sa?eT??ot wlu^^electld rlants is almost cer- tain to produce promising seedlings. 3ftb JOUBNAL OF HOBTICUIiTCEE AND COTTAGE GABDENER. t April 8, 1866. Applf.8 Oil Peah Stocicii (Inquirer).— xpjflr fteioo9 will take on Fear Ktocka, doing well for a (ow yfFarn, buttlun itru Dot loau-Hvcd. lyAiraPLANTiXd Hpi.Ln-s (//iirinf .— Your IloITIcs, n frothtfth, may bo foifely remon.'d, only yoa innM take tb«ni up cirpfajlr. bcinj; particular to ■ prcBcrrc ns many of tin* flbma-* rootjf ft* fio' niblc. Now is n Kood timo to transplnnt llollii's; n.\c ft ^'(KKI wntcrinij after rcmovnl, nnU afterwartLi (Inrin^ dr>- wrather. Abnnt thp niidUlo of May ym nhnuld cut-hi Ih* trees considembly, it n'»t bt-iii' nice trees in a year or two, caro Iieint; tnUt-n to water Ibcra in dry weather. Pi-i\xt makes a vorypoodoverCT'^eii hedfic, and one that rtowcrs with UP rather freely; but wo arc unable tu saj- whether bec3 make anv 020 of the flowers. BniKDs FOB "CrtANSTON-HocsEfl."— Mr-W-W. Harvay, of BitminRhftia, filed mo a most complete and effective net to aiy ran^te of 15 yards lont; laat year, and they have alraady ^-aved Iher cost ia mca's time, t> j-ay notbinp of prcPcrvinfT plmts ia flowi-r. as tbe plan adopted given perfeet command over sun without iuterferiuj? witli the circulation of air.— A Constant Scbscriber. Law?* Oyr.Ronovm with Bawiks iDaity Pent).—V{'e advise ycm.f« set to work some women or boys, witJi a m.'ji to superiDtend. Let thoia cut off the Paisirp by the root with rui old knife. When this is done, cover the fmrfnce with from a fjunrter to half na inch deep of sod and well- rotted manure, mixed topotber in equal quantities. Spread this com- post equally all over, nfter harinff t.t>ne over the la\vn with au iron rake. drawing the latter backwnrJs nnd forwiird?*. As soon afterwards as there is a prospect of min how, in mixtnre. for one aero Featuca dmiugcul.-i, 4 lbs.; Pestiica teuoifoliii, U lb. ; Pojv nGmorali?. U lb. (if shaded by trees a pound more) ; C>-nos«ruBcristatui;. 41bs. ; Trifoliunirepens.^lbs.'; and Trifolium minus, 2 Ib.':^ and if the jfround in liable to bom the tjrass in snmmer, add 1 lb. of Lotus comiculatus. Sow on a dry day, rako over the gronnd lightly with r. wooden rake, and roll well the same dav or before the seeds have germinated, taking caro that the ground, be dr>-. After sowing let the lawn alone for a month, and then mow. Roll well throughout the summer, and go over the lawn with a spud and grub up the Daisies by the root. By pursuing this treatment we have known a lawn in whicb Daisies and Plantains were very plentilnl, become a good torf. Gerasttx CrmNGs Dying (.V. E. 73.).— The rooted and evidently atrtmnn- struck Geranium cuttings sent have rotted aA the surface of the soil from being kept too wet at the surfnco. .and from the soil being murh too rich. Such an occarrence is not uncommon. Your best remedy vnh be to repot them, or rather pot them off singly at once, using a compost of good, sweet, turfy, yellow loara. One of those sent was not in the least injured. Do not water more than, is sufficient to prevent the leaves flag- ging from the time tJic cuttings are put in till they are growing freely in spring, and use a rather poor, sandy, li^t soil. GuAKo FOR r.osE Trde-s iS, E. C.).— You moy. during the first showerv weather in this month, measure a circle of 2 or 3 feet from the stem, and sprinkle over that are.i G or 4 czs. of PtTuvi.''n guano ; 1 oz. is sufficient for a circle 2 feet in dinmetrp— that is.l foot from the stem all round, and pive 1 oz. more for cver>- .^dditionttl fo(>t. Another application during the first moist weather iu .T;;iy will be nil that is required, liberal snjq^lics of waler being given during dry wcntlier. Keapolitan Vioiet?* Faiung AYT:Trpis Variettes PLANTrar, {Q. Q.).— In your cold damp climate it would be well to iVfer planting until towards the end of April, as they will then be more likely to avoid tJie cohl radns. and wet c<^d state of the soil from the rain find snow. They will sustain no iiqury if keut in the cold frame until the end of April, only give them plen^ of air. PrHi.-JATiMrt OiurHARD-notrsB Trees ix Bloox {H. 71.).— You m*j nafelT fill tbo huu-ic irilh the nmoke of tobacco paper of good quality, only be carrful to havi- the air of the house dr\' at the time. ftrtrntTi A^^> S«frTr rus DEBTBOTrNrr Red SriDER akd GaEEie Flt (/Vfrmt, — Ton may diiwt the leaves and young shoots with the snlpbur anil snuff mi:ted, only the foliago must be dry when the annff Is ducted over the Tonnff ^hools, or, if wet. the snoff will be converted into tob.ux:o wHlt r. iiuil Ibis if t'to strong will iojora the tender sht>jl«. The Hulphor will niit injurfv the leav.'s or young shoot.? in th»- lenst, but It will n jt wn red *i>ider by being bn.noht into contact with the insect : it i8 the f;;me9 that arc destruriivo t'» it. A weak solution of soft soap ia the best <»t all i-cmcfHcs wr- huve tiied f.ir rinl 'q)ider ; and for Pi-ncbc-i. whilbtthe rthootg iirf young, it shoald not be t^tmnger thxin 1 oz. to the gallon of water ; bat after the leaver h«^■e attained their full sizo a good (-jTiucing of -iuft Koap ;*olutTon at the rate of 2 ozs. to tbc gallon o\ boiling w the leavt* free, sud clear Ihom if neecf^sary, of red spi'ler. The safest and most cort:iiu meana of prcrentiag red spider is to proceed against it with its natujral enemy — water, syringing the pl.auls or trees subject to it freely. CcTTiNO-rx 0IU5GK TfeEEs (7(/rm).— Orange trees may s^fc^y bo cot in to the old wood ; but it is by far tbo smJost plan to thin oat* tbo Old wood, leaving tht be'*t- situated' of the young frefdi growths; of preceding years. Prom the thinniug out of the old wood more light and air will be admitted, and those left will grow tlio more vigorously for it. If you could place them in a vinery at work after catting in, or in a house ha^-ing a temperature of 55 at night, and which Ls kept nn^itit, thry woolJ ])T»h more pnrfly aud freely. Keep them in the same house uuUl tho gron-ths have been made, when a li^'htcr and more airy structure will be preferable. If yon crrt them in to the old wood, plunging the potji in a hotbed of Tff^ would help the trees to break: withdraw them from tbo bed \ry degreos after they have broken weQ: maintiin a temperature of TiS^ at night, and a rather close moist atmo^dierc ; and syringe overhead twice daily. Wild Flowzhs or Giteat BmiTAiKf J. C.-Ea.ownnr).- Thowork is still ta course of publication. The6mh Xumberwa.s pnbludied on the Ist instant. Your bookseller or his agent '\< tri blame. Yon can have theattven Num- bers free by post from onr ufilco. if you enclose with your address the :uuouut in post-olUce .stamps and fonr additional for postage. Repottisc Heaths, Camellias. ast> Azaleas i.S.E. flfatc).— The mo«t suitable time to pot Ifeatbsis in springr; March or the bccinning of Ajrril is a good time, and repotting may be contimied up to July. CamelUaa and Azaleas arc best potted from a fortnis^t to three weeks after bloom- ing, the plants being placed in heat anda more bamid atmosphere, espe- cially if they have b<^n cat in : in winch case they should not be potted imlii the new growths are somewhat advanced, or the promise oi new growth is apiMirent. Tlioy are then to be irotted, and kept closo and bhaded for a few days. Azalea Isfested with Timips [Robert 5uJcU).~The bud sent wM worse infested with thripa than any which we bad previously seen. Y'our remedy, if the plant is not beyond recovery, will be to fiunigato \vith t(»bacco when thi) lojives are dry on two con^eontive eveningsi lining the honse so that a plaiit cannot be seen from the outaido. .Vftcr the second smoking s>Tinge the pLants morning and evening, and this daily nntil the growths are made and the dower-badn set or fonnod. Should ever And a small bliick or white insect on the under tdde of the leavL-s, fill tlie bouse witli tobacco smoke the first calm evening after- wards, being careful to have the foliage dry. Moss RosGS PnaGED Dowk {S. J., Cork}. — Having pesiped down th« shoots repeatedly until tht- iHid is too fuH, you may now, to make room ' for new shoots, thin out the weak old shoots after blooming, pegging down the best of the new in thur place. Removimo Mvlchihg from Stakdaicd Roses (7(i^m).— Yon may remove the mulching now, forking or pointing in the sbortfst of it, but not forking so deeply as to disturb the roots. The jipplicatioiis of gnano water proposed will answer if not given in too powerfnl doses. The planting of a small climber to cover the stem is a bad practice, inter- fering with the well-doing of the Roses; Names of Plants (Old Sub^riber).—l, BTypnura nndolatum; 2. Bryum ruspidatura ; 3, Bryum pnnctatum. (Seir Forest. — ApparentJy a cone Tnee. . 27 Wed. . 28 Thurs. 29 Fri. .. SO Sat. .. 31 Mean.. TiraRsrosiETER. Wind. Rain in incbes. Ge^'SJUI. &EJHU1XS. Air. Earth. Max. Mln. Max. Min. 1 ft. dp. 2 n. dp. 30.1.M ;i(M.« 30.1M 30.133 30.123 30.154 29.9S4 2S.627 30.09» 30.0(15 30.051 80.109 30.078 29.674 48 50 52 60 Gl 61 6S 27 48 85 41 48 4S 29 45 46 48 48 49 61 51 43 43 44 44 44i 4« 464 N.W. 8. W. s.w. s.w. s.w. N.W. .00 .02 JO .Ot .00 .14 .06 Clondy ; fine ; slight Irost at nigbt. Sli^'bt fog ', overcftst ; very fine. Clondy; Kliowom and snii^ine; very filie st nigllt. Fine : cloudy ; rain at nijrW. Fine : cloudy and hot ; overcast and vmra flt night. Fine : ovepcast : warm and very fine: ovorcn^ Rain ; ddndy and dnll ; orercailt ; sUglit frost ; rain. 1 30.11S 20.957 54.28 88JW 48.28 44.44 I .... 0.36 POTJLTEY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE- M.Vr.KING FOWLS. Is jonr answer to " Chateau Vallon- " in your Nnmber of March 20tb, he was told how to nmik his fowls in the web of the wing, either by a hot iron or a coloured thread tied in. " Chatkau Vallon " may mark his fowls quite distinctly enough to swear to them if stolen, or to recognise them if strayed, by nicking the edge of any of the toe-nails, always mai-king the' pame nail in the same manner, and on the same side. The importance of marking fowls was made very clear to me this winter, when a person claimed a Silver-pencilled oocluEol of> April 3, 1836. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 265 mine on his -n-ay home from a vralk. I thus -was able to swear ielore the magistrate to thfi fowl, owing to my mark, when hut for that I might not have been able to have asserted my claim to my own property. It is also useful to mark birds previously to their being sent tor exhibition, as sometimes birds have been accidentally substituted for others ; and though you may be quite sure in your own mind that the bird returned in the stead of yoirr own is not yours, I do not think any one could swear to a bird without a mark. I have been told that Game fowls are nicked in the eyelids, or when dubbed ; but not having been a breedjer of Game poultry, I cannot speak from experience. Another advantage of nicking the nail is that you can feel your mark in the dark if necessary. Of course my man knows my mark, which never varies ; and I can thus substantiate my own assertion. — E. 0. K. SOUTHERN rOULTRY SHOM'S. I HAVE been waiting anxiously every week to see if any of your many readers and writers would propose as a fit place for a southern poultry show my native town, Bristol, and I am glad to see the right man to do so has mentioned it in your Numbei' of Marci 20th. It has been my idea for sometime, but I did not mention it. I will most willingly work with all my heart in getting it up if some, only, of the breeders will give me hopes of their snpport, and propose a time which woTild not dash with many otier BhowB B. Lasg, Jus., Redlatid, Bristol. UTHTTE-RUMPED DRAGOX PIGEONS. I MUST apologise for again troubling you with a reply to a letter in your Journal of the '20th of JIarch, signed " A Dra- goon- Breeder." As I before stated in your paper of the 27th of Februaiy. the si^ature " John Percivall " to my letter of the lilth of December was an en'or of the printer. It is not ibecause your correspondent calculates that three-fourths of the Blue Pigeons in existence are white-rumped that, therefore, the white rump is correct ; it only goes to show the difficulty in breeding to perfection, and the scarcity of the pm-er and more valuable strain — I mean those with the blue rump. If your correspondent is not thankful for my having enlight- ened him as to what is correct, I can only say he ought to be. He very wisely withholds his name and the names of the com- petent judges, as he terms them, whose opinions, he says, he has sought ; the publication of which would only result in then- opinions being matter for ridicule by all really competent judges in tbe fancy. A Dragon breeder your correspondent may be, but certainly not a Dragon fancier ; hence his entire ignorance af the properties the bird should possess. I still maintain that the white rump is a glaring defect, and that birds so foully marked may be bought in any quantity at prices varying from l.<. lid. to ii. each, and no bargain, being far too dear for the table, which is certainly all they are fit for. In my opinion I am not singular. I have for many years been a member of a society established for the cultivation and improvement of every kind of Pigeon — a society second to none, numbering amongst its members gen- tlemen known to be really competent judges, and I can faiily Bay I never heard one of them express an opinion on the pro- perties of the Dragon but that condemned the white rump. Your correspondent states that blue-rumped birds are generally ticked with small black spots. I beg to inform him such birds are not Blues at all, but are known to the fancier as " Chequers,"' and that blue-rumped birds, both Dragon and Fantail, may be had quite as good in colour as those foully majked with the white rump. I again say that the defect is quite as glaring in the Blue Owl as in the Dragon. I have some beautiful powder- blue Owls blue-nunped: were they the reverse I would not give them loft-room. I am quite willing to refer the matter to Mr. EsquHant, as suggested in your paper, and, indeed, to a dozen other gentle- men, if need be, in snpport of my views, and I feel satisfied their opinion will at once convict your correspondent of the attempt to decide on that of which he is not competent to judge. I find, also, in your impression of the 20th ult. a letter signed " Wiltshire P.ncTOR." That gentleman's view of the mattei- is, that as white-rumped bii-ds recently took a first prize at Bir- loingham the feathering cannot amount to a disqualification. This, however, is no criterion, as the award in the Dragon class was ridiculed by many Dragon fanciers, and that it was not the only blunder committed at the late Birmingham Show. Whether from want of knowledge on the part of the Judges, or the hurried manner in which they had to perform their duties, I will not say, but certain it is that many of the awards gave very great dissatisfaction. — Joxes Pekcitali.. IMPROVED FRAME HITE. So much has been wi-itten of late years on the subject of bee-hives and hoses, and so many opinions have been put forward as to their right form of construction and requisite dimensions, that it may savour somewhat of presumption to suggest anything by way of improvement in this department of apiarian science, especially when the public have been made acquainted with the almost perfect frame hives of Messrs. Langstroth and Woodbury. These two, whether for the pur- pose of experiment, or for obtaining the largest quantity of honey, are far in advance of any others which have come under my notice — the former, as described in his interesting and exhaustive work on the honey-bee ; the other as well known in the perfect specimens which are sent out in such numbers from the manufactory of the Messrs. Neighbour, in London — and what I now venture to submit as an improvement upon these, is a slight modification of the bar- at the top of thfl fi-ame, which, I think, will be found greatly to facUitate the removal from the hive. Both in the Langstroth and Woodbury hires it is necessaiy to thrust the finger and thumb into the hive (when the top has been taken off), in order to lift any single frame requiring to be either examined or removed ; but this is not always so easy a matter when the two ends of the top bar have been well glued down by the bees, and the fact of these ends resting upon a ledge or rabbet, prevents a backward or forward movement for breaking the seal before hfting the frame. It therefore occurred to me, that it would be attended with advantage to elongate the top bar of the frame, and carry it right through the front and back of the hive, allowing it to extend beyond the outside about half an inch, so as enable the operator to lay hold of it firmly with thumb and finger outside, instead of inside the hive. Accordingly I constructed all my hives on this plan ; and, having now tried it with considerable success for about four years, I have been persuaded to submit it to my apiarian friends through the medium of these columns, and thus afford them an opportunity of testing it when they are making or ordei-ing any new frame hives. The dimensions of my frames vai-y considerably both from those of Langstioth and Woodbury, but this is a matter of little importance, as iny plan of elongating the top bar may be applied to any size of frame. Bar. Ten-frame. Dimensions or Hive. — Depth, always 10 inches ; length, from front to back, always 1.5J inches; width, varies accord- in'' to number of bars, eight-bar hive, 13} inches ; size of frame may be reckoned from the length and depth of the hive, allowing a" clear space of three-eighths of an inch at top, bottom, and sides ; top bar IJ inch wide. The size of my boxes is also different fiom any other that I know of, being always of the same depth — viz., 10 inches, but, of com'se, varying in width, as constructed to contain fi'om four to ten frames, as the locality in which I reside is by no means favourable for bee-keeping; the wolds of east Kent being about the same in character as the wolds in other parts of the kingdom — viz., high, windy, and open. My boxes are usually made with eight frames, but I must, in justice, add, that the greatest yield of honey I have ever obtained was from 266 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ( April 3, 18C6. k ten-fraine hive, in a nnper of last year, and nbich veighed 381 lbs. nott, realising in the market 2s. per lb. Should any of our apiarian readers be desirous uf obtaining a specimen of my hive, they may do so by application to Mr. W. Pettitt, the practised apiarian and skilful hive-maker of Snargato Street. Dover. I may also add, that Mr. Pettitt has invented a metallic bar-holder for the tops of the frames to rest in, at the back and front of my hives, but which may be applied to any other frame hive for the same purpose. — SiBEhT-III-Tire-WOLD. CHANGING A NUTT'S TO A BAU-HH'E. Having been much interested by the account published at page 234, in The Jodknai. of Horticulture, containing sug- gestions for converting a Nutt's hive into a bar-frame hive, it may be useful to ■' A Nkw Becinnek," as well as to others, who, like myself, are advocates of the bar system, if I inform them of some of my " doings " at alteration. I have several sets of " Pettitt'scollateral-hives," which con- sist of two separate boxes. I saw away so much of the end of each of these boxes, that on uniting the sawed edges I have one box 21 j inches long internally, giving room for thirteen frames, each IJ inch wide. I now take a pair of Pettitt's patent metallic bar-holders, which I purchased from him at Dover in the winter. These I screw on to the top edges of the boxes, thus connecting them at top. The bottom edges I connect by screwing strips of deal 1 inch square all round. I have thus a hive 21 j inches from side to side, 11} inches from back to front, and 10 inches deep, ready to receive thir- teen bar-frames. I obtained the thirteen frames from Mr. Pettitt, with one "dividing" frame, which is a panel fitting the inside of the hive, and which enables me to contract or enlarge the hive at pleasure. The top bars of these frames are of sufficient length to project about half an inch through the back and front of the hive. This projection gives much greater power and facility in loosening and removing the frames from the hive when required. Mr. Pettitt has also. I found, adapted metallic bar-rests for the Woodbury and Laugstroth hives, and I was so much pleased with his ingenious contri- vance, that I purchased a few pairs, and intend to apply them to my hives forthwith. — F. C. V., Weybridge. LIGURIAN BEES IN THE HOLY LAND. Olive oil, goats" hair, and tobacco, seem to be the principal produce of the district ; the latter being exported in some quantities by way of Acre to Egj-pt. Bee-keeping, also, is not an unimportant item of industry, and every house possesses a pile of bee-hives in its yard. Though similar in its habits, the hive bee of Palestine is a different species from our own. We never found Apis mellifica, L., our domestic species, in the countrj-, though it very possibly occurs in the north; but the common Holy Land insect, Apis ligustica, is amazingly abun- dant, both in hives, in rocks, and in old hollow trees. It is smaller than our bee, with brighter yellow bands on the thorax and abdomen, which is rather wasp-like in shape, and with very long antennic. In its h.abits, and especially in the im- mense population of neuters in each community, and in the drones cast forth in autumn, it resembles the other species. Its sting also is quite as sharp. The hives are very simple, con- sisting of large tubes of sim-dried mud, like gas-pipes, about 4 feet long, and closed with mud at each end, leaving only an aperture in the centre large enough for two or three bees to pass at a time. The insects appear to frequent both doors equally. The tubes are laid in rows horizontally, and piled in a pyramid. I counted one of these colonies, consisting of seventy-eight tubes, each a distinct hive. Coolness being the great object, the whole is thickly plastered over with mud, and covered with boughs, while a branch is stuck in the ground at each end, to assist the bees in alighting. At first, we took these singular stnictures for ovens or hen-houses. The barbarous practice of destroying the swarms for their honey is unknown. When the hives are full, the clay is removed from the ends of the pipes, and the honey extracted with an iron hook ; those pieces of comb which contain young bees being carefully re- placed, and the hives then closed up again. Everywhere during our journey we found honey was always to be purchased ; and it is used by the natives for many culinary purposes, and especially for the preparation of sweet cakes. It has the delicate aromatic flavour of the thyme-scented honey of Hybla or Hymethus. But however extensive are the bee colonies of the villages, the number of wild bees of the sanve species is far greater. The innumerable fissures and clefts of the limestone rocks, which everywhere flank the valleys, afford in their recesses secure shelter for any number of swarms ; and many of the Bedouins, particularly in the wilderness of .Tudea, obtain their subsistence by leehunting, bringing into Jerusalem jars of that wild honey on which John the Baptist fed in the wilderness ; and which Jonathan had long before unwittingly tasted, when the comb had dropped on the ground from the hollow tree in which it was suspended. The visitor to the W.idy Kurn, when he sees the busy multitudes of bees about its cliffs, cannot but recall to mind the promise, " With honey out of the stony rock would I have satisfied thee." There is no epithet of the Land of Promise more true to the letter, even to the present day, than this, that it was "a Und flowingwithmilk and honey." — (Tristeam's 'Journal o/Trartli in Palestine.") SnEFFiELD Poultry Show. — As will be seen by reference to our advertising columns, it is again determined to hold a poultry show at Sheffield, imder the management of a few of the most spirited poultry breeders. It has the promised pa- tronage of the Mayor and most of the leading families of the district. The prizes in the aggregate amount to about £170. The poultry premiums are £2, £1, and 10*. ; for Pigeons, 15». lOf. and .5s. ; the Rabbits having prizes of £1 and 10». allotted them. The show will be held in the Brownhill Cricket Grounds, near the Botanic Gardens — a site undoubtedly the best suited for the purposes of such a meeting of any in the neighbourhood of Sheffield ; and it wiU take place on the 19th, 21st, and 22nd of May next. As we are informed the Committee intend per- sonally to carry out all arrangements, there can be little donbt the meeting will be well supported. OUR LETTER BOX. Fowls with Swollen Feet {li. F. JJ. — Appearances snch as yon mention ftre often caused by improper flooring lo poaltry-houhcs — wood, brick, asphaltnm, f;t<^ine, will all cause it. It is not natural for a fowl to be nlwftvs standing on a bard surface ; the toe? are thereby spread out, the ball of the foot comes to bear the whole weight, and the nails take no hold of the jrround. Loose earth and gravel are proper flo'Ting, bat none is good where the impress of the foot is not left wherever it is put down. Ulcerated Eye axd Heap n." Fowls {W. G. B.).— You would enable us to answer your question more easily, and probably more usefully to yourself, if you told us what breed the fowls are. and whether all the same; because am\t fowls lack something, or else ihey are overfed. When they take in feathers they are sufl"ering trovx fever, or plethora. In the first case, lUey eat all sorts of unnatural things in the hope of finding a remedy ; in the second, they have an unnatural cra\ing. Supply them with growing sods of grass, and let there be plenty of fresh mould taken np with them; let them have lime and bricklayers' rubbish in their haunts. If you have lettuces, give some to them. Fowls will stand still to be eaten by their companions. Bantams vnrn Cochins (Eftoracum).— You may let them run together without fear of cross-breeding. As you object to dubbing, yon bad better keep your other pets. Black Bantams. We know nothing about the book you mention, and have no dependance upon its contents, excei't so far as borrowed from good authorities. Pocltry Fuod, &.C. (Brahma).— By "crushed" we mean flattened by being passed through a mill invented for the purpose. Your hen's egg- organs were inflamed, and well they might, so fat as you say sny she was. f>he died of apoplexy in consequence. Hives (B. i/ammon.it.— For cheapness and simplicity we advise yoa to use Payne's. If you write to Messrs. Neighbour & Son, Regent Street, London, they will send you a list of prices. April 10, 1866. ] JOUBKAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDEKER. 2C7 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Month ''o7 Week. APRIL 10-16, 1866. Average Temperature near Lundon. Rain in last 99 years. 9un Biaea. Sun 1 Moon. ' Moon Sets. 1 Rises i Sets. Moon's Age. Clock before Suu. L.«y o( War. 10 11 12 IS 14 15 16 To W Th F 8 Sun M Anthocercis yiscosa. Arum crinitum. Athanasia tomentosa. Azaleas. Princess Beatrice Bork, 1857. 2>"D SU.SDAY AFTER EaBTBR. Borouia latifoUa. Day. 55.6 B5.7 55.7 55.3 57.2 69.1 S7.0 NiRht. 83.8 85.6 86.3 86.6 86.2 37.8 36.4 Mean. 44.7 45.7 46.0 44.4 46.7 48.5 46.7 Days. 15 19 25 15 14 19 24 m. h. 18a»5 15 6 13 6 11 B 9 5 7 B 4 5 m. h. 45af 6 47 6 49 6 50 6 52 6 54 6 55 6 m. h. m. h. 47 2 after. 17 3 5 2 48 3 ■ 22 8 17 4 1 40 4 48 4 0 6 18 S j 23 7 54 5 ; 42 8 1 Days. 25 26 27 28 29 • 1 m. 8. 1 20 1 4 0 48 0 32 0 17 0 2 Oaf 13 IDO 101 102 103 104 105 106 From observations taken near London during the last thirty-nine years, the average day temperature of the week is .''.6. 5" ; and its uiuht tempemtore 36.1". The greatest heat was 73'^, on the 14th, 1852 ; and the lowest cold 20-', on the loth, 1800, and 16th, 1847. The greatest fall of rain was 0.56 inch. N.B. — The Calendar contains the names of plants flowering in the greenhouse. GARDENING PROSrECTS IX QUEENSLAND. away over a wide waste f waters there is a goodly nd, the coast of which is circled by the South Pacitic cean. It is a land of rivers and of woods, of large sweeps of down oU'eriuf; rich pastiu-age to a thousand herds — a land, if not cxacth' " (lowing with milk and honey," yet answering so promptly and .so liberally to the laboui'er s call, tliat I tliink a little intelligence about it, coming for the most part from working men themselves, may be alike interesting and useful. It is a land where, I am told, the settlers live at first in tents, with " no rent to pay, nor firing to buj-. nor poor's rates, nor any other rates : no dog tax nor shooting license ; — where we live, in fact, just like we read of in the Bible." After a while the tent is transformed into a " humpy," or house built of logs of wood, where " I sit," says an emi- grant, '■ sixteen thousand miles away from the old city, with a cloudless sky above me, the deliciously soft and balmy breeze of a Queensland spring morning wliispering tlirough the Gums and Cedars in the valley below, and stealing in at my open window, tlie magnificent river (Brisbane) creeping slowly roimd tlie foot of the hills on its way to the sea, and all around giving promise of com- petence, if not wealth, to a man who has the sldll and the heart to work hard for a few years, live economically, and keep both Ids eyes wide open." The cost of building the humpy would be but a few shillings, " as it could be built of bark, and the black fellows would bring in from the forest sufficient to build a house for a few figs of tobacco, which at the most woidd only cost four or five shillings ; or if built of logs, and you could not spht the wood yourself, tlie rail-spUtters would bring you a sufficient number of logs to build a house for a pound or thirtj' sliilUngs." Were I to describe the furniture of this very primitive dwelling it might startle all ideas of comfort from an Englishman's mind in England. " I am my own cabinet- maker," says another emigrant to me, " and you would be surprised to see how handy I have become, and what lovely articles of fmiiiture I can laiock up out of an old box. Everytliing comes in — bits of tin from old packages — old calicoes and cloth — in short, an)' and every thing." The humpy wiU probably be situated on a " bit of land of my own," the produce of the "land order" given to every emigi-ant who pays the i'lH for his own passage ; or it may be acquired after this fasliion : — " My father." writes a young settler, " has a piece of land — not a very large piece to be sm-e, but it is sufficient to build a house upon, and also to grow garden stufi" to serve liim all the year Ko. 263.— V"L. X., New Series, roimd. It is not quite three-quarters of an acre. The price was to be i'fl. with i'l for the transfer. Father was to work the price out." " Tlie " bit of land of my own ' may, if near a to\ra, be tm-ned to most profitable accoimt as a market garden, and it ■ivill be found to produce a little more than tlie I'otatoes, Cabbage. Peas, Asparagus, &c.. of England, and with infi- nitely less trouble. " There is a heap of rubbish," writes one of my friends, " by the side of the footpath. Out of five Pine-Apple tops which seem to liave been thrown down promiscuously, one has taken root, and if left alone wiU bear fruit. Here are Tobacco plants springing up too. Water Melons, Pumpldns, and a number of plants, only seen m forcing-houses in England, all starting into vigorous life from this heap of rubbish." But there is more than the produce of the rubbish heap, or every man would be his own rubbish-gardener, and market-gardeners have little custom. " It is now i Sep- tember) spring with us," says the same friend ; " the Peach trees, with which every garden hereabouts seems crowded, are all covered with blossom so thickly that you cannot see the wood of the branches. The Rose trees, that through the ^vinter have only had here and there a bloom upon them, are now bursting out on every spray." StUl. I'caches tliat are ready to drop into every open mouth can hardly pay for the trouble of growing : nor would they and the rubbish heap combined satisfy the demands of cooks — a class noted for being a little uppish, particularly in a land where " our Clara," a gui of about twelve, " is gettuig ilH a-year ; " but there are many vegetables as well as fruits. " We get plenty of Bananas," writes a market gardener's assistant to me, " and Sweet Potatoes to eat raw ; they taste a good deal like the pig or ground nuts. We also get very good Cabbages, and the same kind of Potatoes as we had at home. My master and I have planted a large piece of land with Cotton [the Queensland cotton shown at the Exhibition of lnnv! was pronounced fine, evenly grown, and good], and he is growing acres of Arrow-root. The plants look Uke great Onions, only they have very broad leaves. We have also planted Indian Corn and Lucern. We are now (October), mowing the Oats for the cattle, as the ear does not fill. We gi-ow Sugar, Oranges, Lemons. Peaches, Pine Apples, Locusts [Ceratonia siliqua], Guavas, Tea, and Tobacco ; also Carrots, Turnips, Radishes, Lettuces. Onions, and Cucumbers, with many others the names of wliicli I do not know." That there is some gar- den produce which is not easily found in Queensland may be learned from a request made by the same wi-iter to his brotlier, about to join him in Queensland. " Please bring," he says, " roots of Thyme, Sage, Rue. Rhubarb. Cunants, Gooseberries, Horseradish. Leeks. IMarigolds. and Box, in air-tight boxes ; bring also some hips, haws, aconis. Chest- nuts, and Willows, also all sorts of English flower seeds." The writer was in IHti'i a weaver in England ; and during a great depression in the trade he, with several brothers and sisters, togetlier with Ids parents, euugrated to Queens- land, where he learned a gardener's profession to such good purpose, that in 18(;.') I hear •' W , A , and D have taken a farm to work it as a market garden. No. 915.— Vol, XXXY., Old Series. 2G8 JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 10, 1866. and fatlicr and A Imvc been fencing acJ clearing it, wliilo W and D remained at service, so as to have the meo&B of purchasing Btore.s until the first crop curao in. The farm is vcri' jileasantly situated on the banks of the river Brisbane. I went out into the forc-t for a day's shooting about a fort- night ago (September), and towards night found myself rather nnexpectedly ut their fence, when I got over and looked at tho firm for the fir.st time. They had cleared about four acres, and a very i>romising crop of Maize was just ])eeping through the ground among the old tree stamps. About three more acres had been cut down, and was just being burnt off. The great (lum and Iron-bark trees, which had been prostrated a few weeks before, were flaring up to the sky, and the llamcs, fanned by a stilj evening breeze, were roaring and crackling grandly." And while the crops are growing and the wages coming in, " there is any quantity of fish for tho catching, any quantity of walabegs [I wish I knew what these were], kangaroos, opos- sums, ilying squirrels, flying foxes, ducks, turkeys, parrots, and emus for the shooting ; and as to the wood to bum, there is more than enough to supply all the rest of the world, for the cutting, anywhere in the bush." The labourer in the bash will by no means lack company, for he will have " snakes and lizards ; frogs green, white, and blue ; a great variety of butttrllies and moths (the death's-head moth is very common) ; parrots "uy thousands, blue, green, yellow, red, and grey ; and laughing jackasses 'unfortunately not confined to Queensland]. One kind of bird makes a noise like au imgreased wheelbarrow wken it is drawn along. Another is continually saying ' Six o'clock, Jack ! Six o'clock. Jack ! ' Another croaks out as if from down .1 long soi:g!i, 'More pork I More pork'.' Another is continually going ' W-r-r-r-r-r-r-r ! ' Another says, 'WTiip poor Will!' [one would hope interrogatively]. There is one that I call the Jenny Wren. This Httle fellow has a beautiful rich black body coat, his head and tail being of a bright red. They are exceedingly tame, and will come close up to you. They have a sweet, soft, little song, something like the wren at home. Besides these there are the pelican, heron, stork, cor- morant, curlew, wild turkey ; and, above all, there is a little fly called a musquito, that keeps you awake at night, so that j you may hear the cucl;oo singing." And when the tired labourer leaves the bush for his humpy, there beneath its eaves | he may find " the swallow building her nest just as she does in the old country, only our swallows have little russet-coloured heads, and brown and white-speckled backs and wings." Ye.^, I am afraid that that " old country," with all its varied associations and memories, now gleaming out of the dim past, now shining with the brilliant light of yesterday, rises up for ever and anon before the emigrant, dimming his eyes with tears, while his strong right hand hews away at the giant trees with '■ vines as thick as my arm, like great ropes, growing straight up from the ground, clinging to the high branches, while funny parasitic jilants trail all over them.' Nor is it the earth alone which reminds him of vanished times ; when his eyes glance upwards in reverent questionings of a still fairer brighter home, the old clinging memories are there also. " I thought." writes one, " when I lost sight of the North Star, and afterwards of the last star in the tail of dear old famili.ir Ursa Major, that I should have to make acquaintanre with new constellations of stars altogether, and lose all tho old ones. Judging of what the others might be by the Southern Cross. I made up my mind not to like them. Imagine my pleasure and suqirise, then, when 1 found that two or three of the constellations had not deserted me. Orion and the Bull still look down upon me, but I feel somewhat sorry to sec them so altered. They gradually changed their position as we came from the Cape of Good Hope ; and now poor Taurus is flat upon his back, and Orion comes up heels first. I cannot hut feel that such treatment of old friends is imwarrantable, and only to be tolerated because one cannot prevent it. However, I would sooner see them heels uppermost than not see them at all, and I therefore take it very kind of them to come out and see me home night after night, especially when they have to appear under such disadvantages." How terrible this home sickness is they only who have felt it can tell. The longing that comes to see old familiar places, to hear old familiar voices, with that strangest yearning of all in death — to have our bones laid amidst the graves of our kindred — all these thoughts and longings are unavoidable ene- mies that the dweller in Queensland has to do sore battle with ; but these foes are not so hard to deal with as those that lurk behind an empty cupboard, or tuni a brave man into a coward at the sight of a tax-gatherer. The drawbacks to Queensland are floods and drought, yet these are partial ; and by the March mail of this present year an emigrant writes, " The first part of this present summer has been hotter than usiuil, and we are still suffering from drought, but nothing to be alarmed about at present : indeed in some respects the season has been a most favourable one. The vineyards in the Brisbane district were never k-nown to look so well. I was over one at Eedron Brook the other day, from which the proprietor is gathering four tons of Grapes per acre. The Sugar and Cotton crops are both looking remark- ably well." Of the beautiful Ferns of Queensland and of the few plants sent to me I have no space to write ; but they deserve special notice and a future paper to themselves should more informa- tion be sent to me. — Devonia. HOW TO EN'TRODUCE PLANTS OF THE MAXGOSTEEX (G.vucisu jiAN.iosTANA, L.). Several articles having lately appeared in The Jocbnal of Horticulture, giving an accouit of the free propagation from cuttings and fruiting of the JIangosteen. it may, therefore, be considered quite unnecessarj' for any person to go to the ex- jiense of importing plants from their native countrj-. Dtiring my long experience I have seen but few plants of it. Some years ago there was a very fine plant ot Kew, and the only place at which one has been known to fruit was at Sion House gardens. It is, therefore, not without a little surjirise that I have seen " J. H.'s " account of his plants, how he strikes them from cuttings, and fruits them. Now, without knowing anything of " J. H.," or having even seen his plants, I, nevertheless, unhesitatingly venture to say that the plant he is calling Mangoeteen is not that plant, nor even belongs to the family of Guttifern; ; and I will be safe in saying that no plants of Mangosteen have yet been obtained from cuttings. Cuttings will callus and root, but refuse to grow upwards. Indeed, the whole of the Guttifertp, more especially the large-leaved species, do not propagate from cuttings. A few weeks ago half a dozen plants said to be Mangosteen were advertised for sale, as having come from Singapore. Coming from that country it is reasonable to believe them to be tho true plants ; if so, they are, therefore, with the Sion House plant, the only representatives of this rare fruiting plant known to me in this country at the present time. The many inquiries that have been made during the last twenty years al Kew for plants of the Mangosteen, have been a mattir of surprise to me, seeing the facilities that are now afforded by steam navigation for the quick transport of plants from distant countries ; but on account of the trans-shipment and frequent delay at Calcutta, with the hot passage through the Red Sea, considerable expense and risk attend the trans- mission of living plants from the East in Ward's cases. In tho case of the Mangosteen, however. Ward's cases are not necessary, as will be seen by the following successful experi- ment. Some years ago a correspondent at Singapore was re- quested to seud Mangosteen fruit to Kew, which he did by placing a single layer of fruit side by side in a thin wooden box, just sufficiently deep to hold the fruit without any pack- ing. On the box being opened the fruit looked like Apples with the skin a little shrivelled. The inside was still pulpy, and it was fovind that a portion of the seeds had germinated, and in a short time, without disturbing them, the others also gei-minated. By this method I consider Mangosteen plants may be made quite common, or, at least, sufficiently so to supply the demand. I have to remark that the success of this method depends on having only one layer of fmit in a box ; two might succeed, hut any gieat quantity together are liable to ferment and destroy the embryo. The ill-success that has hitherto attended the growing of the Jlangosteen is consequent on the too general practice of pot culture. If garden pots were scarce, if our hothouses were adapted to meet such a contingency, and if the nature of the plant were better studied, then hopes might he entertained that dishes of JIangosteens would be seen competing at the fruit exhibitions of the Koyal Horticultural Society. — J. SjtrrH, K-t-Curator, Royal liotanic Garden, Kew. — Park House, Kevc. TiiE Seasok fae North. — ^We are infoi-med that even so far north as Stomoway, Primroses and Polyanthuses have been in tlower since December ; Willows in January ; Hazel, in shel. AprU 10, 1866. ] JOURNAL. OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 2G9 tered places, in February ; and in exposed places Alder, Hazel, Crocuses, Snowdrops, Mahonia, all coming into flower since the 12th of March. Daphne mezereum is in full flower now (April '2adj, as also the pretty little blue Scilla. THE RELATIVE MERITS OF THE STOCKS USED FOR THE APPLE AND PEAR. Whex I incidentally remarked in my article on stocks for grafting (page 215), that I had not had much experience with the Paradise stock, I did not intend to imply that I had not had any ; on the contrarj", my acquaintance with the Paradise stock dates back thirty-five years or more, when I perfectly remember having to cut some dead and cankered wood out of trees which ought to have been just in their prime, as other.s of the same age worked on the Crab were. I may add, that some unworked Paradise stocks were also at the same place and in much the same condition, the tops in many places dead, and canker eating through the thicker branches. About ten years afterwards I had also to operate upon a number of trees on the Paradise which were not so bad, the situation being more favourable, and they were younger, but they certainly were not so good as others worked on the Crab. Since then I have occasionally had to manage trees worked on the Paradise stock, but they have been less numerous than before, and those I have met with presented the same features as others which came under my eye many years ago. I legitimately inferred that the Paradise and Crab in 1866 were the same as they were in 1820, and gave my opinion accordingly ; most certainly I did not give that opinion without a fair share of experience, for although I have not absolutely had under my care many trees of the kind your correspondent, " T. R.," so strongly recommends, I have seen a great many, and their ap- pearance confirms what I have said. Tidy, neat-growing, young trees are plentiful enough, but by the time they arrive at a size capable of yielding half a dozen bushels of fruit, decay has set in ; the trees are no 1 )nger healthy, and in a group may be picked out at once, as was done by a friend of mine not many days ago, when looking over an extensive orchard belonging to a third party, and such a tree he pointed out at a long distance as a Ribston, another as a Hawthorndeu, and on a closer inspection it was admitted by the owner that some un- healthy specimens had come from a distant nurseiy, and had been worked on the Paradise stock. These facts go far to prove the superiorit.y the Crab has over the Paradise stock when a permanent orchard is desired, but when a tree is planted to assume some fanciful shape, regard- less of fruit, the dwarfer stock has its advantages ; and where the soil and situation are favourable, the Paradise may even supersede the Crab for esjialier and pyramid trees ; but fruit obtained by these means fills the basket slowly, especially when the latter mode of training is adopted. At the same time the appearance of pyramid-trained trees is so good, and there are so many points in their favour, that I for one admire and adopt them ; but the quantity of fruit thus obtained forms a very small fraction indeed of what is required for the consumption of the country, so that in advising the general adoption of the Crab stock, I am justified by the practical experience of the growers of more than nine-tenths of the .Apples produced in the kingdom. So much for my own vindication of opinion, let us now see what " T. R." says in criticism. I beg to tell " T. R." that I have seen the stain I alluded to, made by budding the purple Cytisus on the Laburnum, or I would not have stated so, and I believe such an occurrence was recorded in one of the earliest volumes of the " Transactions " of the Horticultural Society, by a gentleman having ample means of observation, as he had upwards of one hundi-ed acres of nursery ground in full crop ; and as " T. R " admits having seen a similar stain from other things, he has no right, especi- ally under an anonymous signature, to deny its being so. " T. R." is wrong in supposing that I meant the Pear grafted on the Quince as being only capable of producing about one-fourth of what the Pear would do. I meant exactly what I said, that I had never known an instance in which the Quince tree (as a fruit) produced more than one-fourth of what the Pear would do. Has " T. R." known it do so ? He mentions an instance of one hundred bushels of Pears on one tree. Has he ever seen more than twenty-five Irashels on a Quince tree ? I have never seen anything like that quantity on a single tree, and I always understood the recommendation of the Quinci: as a stock for the Pear, to be its less luxuriant and dwarfer habit of growth ; and I find several nurserymen who propagate the Pear extensively, recommend the Quince stock for this reason, and a very good qualification too, and one for which I admire and cultivate trees on the Quince. StUI I am not blind to the merits of the more free-growing stock, and where the soil and other circumstances favour it, the produce is more in quantity and better in quality. This may appear to be saying much, but if the history of the prize fruit at oar great metropolitan shows be searched out, and also that of more than three-fourths of the fruit at Covent Garden, it will be found that the Pear stock has produced them. I have more than once in my life been curious in ascertaining this. I therefore see no reason to depart from the views put forth in my former article recommending both, but the Pear especially, lu favourable localities. From the little I said about the Briar and Manetti as stocks for Roses, criticism was uncalled for. I can only repeat what I have several times stated in the pages of The Jocr.s.u, of HoRTiciTLTrp.E, that I ignore both stocks except in the case of standards, and I find other growers are doing so also. It would have been better if " T. R." had made a comparison between the best fruits grown in Worcestershire on the Pear stock with the same grown on the Quince, rather than have taken the extreme case he has. I believe the comparison is often enough made on the tables of our fruit shows. The in- ference drawn from his remarks would be, that if the tree of Cheai-boy Pear had been worked on the Quince instead of the Pear, there would have been only twenty-five bushels instead of one hundred, a result by no means commendatory of the Quince. " T. R," next goes into figures to show the advantage of having a large number of trees, and points to a plot of some- thing less than an acre of ground having two thousand trees upon it. Now, let us follow these figures out and see what ought to be expected from an acre of ground with such an expensive crop upon it. In the first place these two thousand trees would cost the buyer, at 2s. each, just £200, and the price is only a fair and just one, such as a niu'seryman who can assure the buyer that the trees are true to name ought to receive. I may add, that I paid this sum lately to a London firm for some, and I saw some from Mr. Rivers, -of Sawbridgeworth, lately that were the same price. Well, then, " T. R." tells us that each tree ought to be trimmed by professional men — amateurs — and not by the " knifeman," whom he scoffs at, and the gardener who does the work with his hands. Now, how much per annum has to be placed against the account of this acre of trees ? Learned men at the present day expect to be well paid, and so they ought to be, and two thousand trees are a great number to attend to ; therefore, some large sum will, doubtless, be yearly expended in their management, to say nothing of tha more vulgar operation of preparing the ground beforehand, and similar work afterwards. More explanation on this head is wanted, so as to let us know how much has to be added to the £200 per acre at first expended on the trees, by the em- ployment of those well skilled in gardening, not professional gardeners. In the same paragraph " T. E." tells us " such trees never fail to bear if their blossoms are protected;" but what an awkward qualification the latter part of this sentence is. Pro- tecting the blossoms of two thousand trees must necessarily call into operation some costly contrivance, which a guinea a-bushel for the fruit will hardly be sufficient to pay for. Now, it would have given myself and many others more information if " T. E." had described how this protection was to be af- forded, rather than told us that he had several thousands of such trees to sell. If recourse to protection has to be made through such means as our friends in Manchester, Bradford, and Nottingham can supply, a very heavy bill will soon be ran up in this way, for such fabrics are not by any means cheap. Some eulighteument on this score will be very acceptable. Now, in relation to the paying capabilities of a plantsrtion of trees like that described by " T. R.," in the paragraph alluded to, I will relate a ease, which, though occurring upwards of one hundred miles from here, I was, nevertheless, well acquainted w th. A gentleman retiring from business with an ample com- psti n 'y, built himself a house in the country, and planted and look especial pride in his garden. The situation being favour- able things generally flourished with him, and being still active and enterpi'ising, he did much of the work himself. Like many others, he planted a plot of ground with fruit trees trained in the pyramid fashion. I think he allowed somewhat more room than " T. E." speaks of, but in other respects they 270 JOURNAL OF nORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ( April 10, JS66. were trontcJ the samp, auJ they looked well and bore ns well as trees siiuiliirly tniiteil KoiiiTaliy do — tlmt is to Bay, iu favour- able seasons like IHM iind 18(15 there was plenty of fruit on I'ears and I'lunis, while in latjl there was scarcely any. The trees were, I believe, somewhere about eight years old or more, and had come from Mr. llivers, of Sawbridgevvorth. I believe the gentleman hud received many llattering couipliments from friends to whom he had given fruit in seasons when this was plentiful ; such ciim|ilimeuts the u.sages of society never deny, and are mistaken by some jieople for opinions. \\\i\. time rolled on, and in the great uncertainty of most earthly things. our worthy gentleman was suddenly called to another world ; as is not unusual in such cases, the estate was speedily offered for sale, and it being determined to make every shilling from it that could be done, the fruit was to be sold, and an eminent salesman of Covcut IJardeu consulted with, and made fully aware of the advantages the fruit had over such as ho hud sent him from elsewhere. The fruit was in due time sent up ; but, alas ! for the dulness that " T. It." speaks of, the buyers could not see in which way it differed from other fruit of the same kind ofTered to them, excepting in being somewhat smaller, and they would only give a second-rate price for it ; and after deducting commission and carriage, the estate realised the sura of 17.<. ;ii/. on the jjroduce of about 100 trees, and that mostly for Plums. Now, these trees had been carefully attended to, looked well, and I understood had a fair crop upon them. So much for absolute, not ideal, £ .■;. d. remuneration. " T. H." seems fond of quoting the practice of our French neighbours ; in this I cannot hold much argument with him, not having seen sufficient of their practice to warrant an opinion. Certainly I have seen some of the gardens around Paris, and those of some other towns, and that too in the height of the fniit .-ieasou, and from what I saw my ojiiuion would be that a better dessert could be obtained in Covent Garden from English-grown fruits ; and taking into consideration the ad- vantages which the climate of France affords, I think English fruit-growers may take some credit to themselves. This matter, however, deserves to be carefully considered, and the forth- coming International Horticultural Exhibition will, no doubt, throw much light on this subject. " T. 11." alludes to my not being in the mercantile world of gardening, and not kno^Ting much of what is taking place in it. I certainly do not propagate fruit trees for sale, aurl am, there- fore, not liable to the imputation of puffing any particular class of tree, but as a disinterested person I wish for nothing but the truth. I am, however, far from classing the Paradise and Quince stocks amongst absurdities ; on the contrary, both, more especially the latter, may be and are useful in their way, but are they of such national importance as those opposed to them ? I am verj' much mistaken indeed if the verdict of the fruit-growing and fruit-eating public will not be a decided negative, whatever fruit-tree propagators may say to the con- trary. It is not my intention to deprecate any particular mode of growing fruit, but if a certain mode present a chance of growing two good fruits instead of one, it is my duty to advise that. Let " T. R." inquire of the great salesmen of Covent Garden whence they receive their supplies, and follow up his inquiry, and he will find that the large orchards which furnish the best fruit are all worked on the Crab stock, and liis own remark of the Paradise stock being known and used in England for a century, and being still not general, is a tolerable proof that its superiority is more than questionable, excepting for growing small quantities of small or medium-sized fruit on trees from which elderly gentlemen can gtither it while stand- ing on the ground. These advantages it would be wrong to undervalue. With respect to the Quince stock for Pears, I will go further, and admit that it is of service in more ways than the Paradise has been for Apples ; but has fruit so growu ever excelled that grown on the Pear stock in size, llavour, or abundance ? The test of our fruit shows and fruit markets is a better criterion to go by than the words of the sellers of young trees so worked ; and if " T. K." rebukes me for giving an opinion on the Para- dise stock, the public can judge for itself whose opinion carries with it the least appearance of self-interest. Fruit-growers as a body can well afford to hear themselves called dull and slow ; but few classes of men are more alive to their own interest and that of those for whom they provide than are some of the large fruit-growers in this neighbourhood. Not content with visit- ing other parts of the kingdom famed for good fruit, they occasionally take a tour to Belgium, the Channel Islands, and France, and observe the modes of cultivation practised there. A very near neighbour of mine sent upwards of 1300 bushels of Plums to Covent Garden last year; but there are other still larger growers, and Apples and Pears are, of course, still more exten- sively grown. Growers have followed their calling long enough to know what is likely to answer best in their respective locali- ties, and though there are but few wlio do not make experi- ments, the result arrived at is, that the situation that will grow a fruitful tree to a large size, and healthy and vigorous, is the one to plant with that fniit, and there the tret will be likely to till both the basket and the pocket. Those who prefer dis- torting a tree into whatever fantastic shape the fashion of the day may dictate, be that fashion a cylinder, basin, um- brella, or cone, can accomplish their object ; the tree will endure it, and the term beauty may be applied or misapplied, as the idea may be, to each or all of them. Be it observed, however, 1 do not mean to say that some of these forms are not beautiful, but the question arises. Is the fruit better or more plentiful ;' If it were so, those who grow for market would have adopted it long ago. Filberts are all i>runed-in with a severity and exactness to shape and size which from long study and careful practice the growers have found is the best way to secure a cro]i, and the same would have been done with other fruits had a similar practice been attended with a like result. — .1. Robso.n. APPLE TREES ON THE FRENCH PARADISE STOCK. Havino planted a number of young Apple trees from Mr. Scott's nurseries at Merriott, I have naturally felt much interest in reading the various papers relating to the Paradise stock in The Jouunal of Houticcltubk. It is a matter of no small interest to gardeners and others, for we are anxious to produce as quick and permanent a return as possible for the outlay we incur. In the absence of large orchards, and being confined to the kitchen gardens and strips outside, dwarf trees are un- questionably the most convenient, interfering but little with the general cropping of the garden, and of these we can plant a goodly number, making up in some measure for the produce of larger trees, which would shade the ground too much for vege- table crops. I know well the value of a good large orchard. For sixteen years I lived where there is, perhaps, one of the finest orchards in Somerset, and I have gathered as many as twelve or sixteen bushels of good marketable fruit from one tree, and there are many such trees in the same orchard. In the autumn of IHdii I paid a visit to Mr. Scott's nurseries, and selected a number of dwarf .\pple and Pear trees to plant in thehe gardens. Nothing could look better than the trees in the nurseries, no canker nor the least bit of moss was there to be seen on the trees, and the bark looked as though it had been polished ; again in the autumn of lsna, for whicli lie njcfiTpd a fipcciol cortilicate ; ami Mewirs. Haag ■ ami Schmidt. Krfurt.tvro Kvi'dUof^ Myosotis, uot iu condition. SoTem plinits from the .Society's ^'iirdcn were placed on th»- tuLle. and amon;^ thuui were Ficus Cooperi. and Jlr. Weir's Odoutot'los^iim .Xlexandrie. _ Fbi-it Cojimittee.— ti. F. Wilson. Esq., F.R.S.. in the chair. From Messrs. Ivery* A: Son, of Dorkinp. came a seedlin;; .\pple raised by Mr. Buh-hin. of that {dace. It was rather Ixdow the medium size, YfUow. streaked and dotted \rith red next the stin. It was awarded a tirnt-class certificate as a pood late .\pjile. Mr. -T. Standish sent a wcU-prowu I'iue .^pple ; and Mr. Feun. i,'ardcuer to the Rev. G. W. St. .Tohn, Woodstock, several bottles of British wines, made from Royal Muscadine and Esperiono Grapes, as described in the papes of this Joarnal ; also, Gooseberry wine, Rhnbarb wine, mead, and mead vinegar. SciEXTiric Mektixo. — G. F. 'U'ilson, Esq., in the chair. The awards of the Committees having been annonuced. the Rev. M. J. Berkeley said the first plant to which he would direct attention was a Bpceies of Anprucnm, from Madagascar, shown by Messrs. Vcileh and Sous, which was sometbinp in the way of A. pertusum, but in all pro- bability pi'rfectly distinct. The genus .\ngr.xcum, it was remarked, was almost entirely African, and its representatives were particnlarlv nbunilant in Madagascar. Bouatea speciosa. sent by Mr. Wilson Saunders, then came under notice ; it was one of llie Cape Orchids, among which there were many beautiful species, such as Disa <^andi. flora, bat on account of the diihculty experienced iu their cultivation, they were less generally grown than they deserved to be. With re- spect to the varie,i.'afed Cynosurns cristatus, Mr. Berkeley said there was auother varie^^atcd variety, but with a great deal more* green in it. It was worthy of remark, that in some districts almost every plant be- came variegated, and as an instance, the neighbourhood of Hounslow was mentioned. At Hatton. near that place, the Lord Chief Baron had in hi.s garden an excellent collection of variegated plants wliich had been found in the distritt. The flowers of Lysincsia floribnndum were next refen-ed to as forming pretty objects under the microscope ; and the extremely fragrant white-flowered Rhododendron Griftiihii. from Mr. Standish. was slated to be a Bhotan species, of which E. Aucklandii was by some considered to be only a form. 'With re- ference to Camellia L'Insubria, Mr. Berkeley remarked that lusubria ■was the ancient name of Lombaidy, whence, and from other parts of Italy, so many varieties of the Camellia had been obtained. The mention of Italy recalled to his mind a circumstance in connection with that kingdom and the Camellia. Some years ago a gentleman sent to him a Camellia leaf, attacked by a peculiar fungus, and he (Mr. Berkeley) wrote ask-ing whether the plant came from Italy, for lie had seen the same fungus on Orange trees from that country, and the answer was in the aflirmative. This happened four or live" years ago, but be had heard no more of the fungus, and he hoped he should not, for its effects were very disastrous. Ficus Cooperi. which had been exhibited at a previous meeting, was now produced with ripe fruit on it ; but on tasting them they had been found absolutely in- sipid. In connection witli Figs, he might mention that a curious dis- cussion had arisen as to whether it was not possible to ripen Figs on standards out of doors in the midland counties. He kniew in one of these a Fig ordmrd wliich had been planted a great number of years, but the trees had never rijiencd fruit more than once in forty years, and that only in an exceptionally hot season. He, therefore, "could not recommend any one to make the attempt. .\t Hastings. M.irgatc, and other places on the south coast. Figs would ripen abundantly and well ; and near -Margate, he had seen them lying beneath tlio trees a« thicldy as Mulberries, ripe, and of line flavour. Before concluding his remarks. Mr. Berkeley observed, that amongst other experiments instituted at the Chiswick garden, was one commenced the day licfore. It was an attempt to cnltivntc the Truffle, and though considerable difficulty had been experienced in obtaining Tmliles for the experi- ment, a basketful had at length been procured, and the bed for their reception was to bo at once prepared. Many similar attempts had been made, but all had turned ont unsuccessfully, still it was to bo hoped that thongh late in the sea,son, some result'might be obtained. if not this year, then in the next. Mr. Berkeley then instanced several attempts which had been made to grow Tmttles, such as that of Comtc Xoc. a French emigrant during the revolution, who. being one of the few who were fortunate enough to recover their estates, on his return to France, fenced in part of a forest, and watered it with water in whinneau, Morel, Ma- dame Millet, and Bellissime d'Hiver. These received a iir^t prize, and the second prize was awarded to Mr. Tonkin, gardener to G. T. Kakewich, Esq., of Exeter, for a very handsome Smooth Cayenne Pine- THE ROY.VL BOTAXIC SOCIETY'S SECOND SPRING SIIO^V.— ArRii. 7. This took place on Saturday last, and as Azaleas constituted the principal feature, the Exhibition tent presented quite a gay appear- ance, notwithstanding the mther gloomy character of the day. From Mr. Turner, of Siongh, came half a dozen pyramidal plants staijding about .*) feet high, pots included, and covered with bloom. The va- rieties were Criterion ; Due de Nassau, with large rosy juirple flowers; Perryana ; Magnifica, white ; Prince .lerome : and Variegata sui)erba and Etoilo de Gand constituting one ])lant called Union. Messrs. Lane & Son, of Great Berkhampstcjld, contributed well-bloomed examples of Magnificent, Chelsoni, Couspicua purj>urea, Heine des Blanches, very large, pure white : Petunitfloni. and Eulalie Van Geert. a large richly-spotted sort. Messrs. Lane likewise furnished a numerous collection of smaller plant.s, among which were Madame Ambroise Verschaffelt, a very pleasing rose, bordered with white, and conspicuously sjiotted in the upper petals with dark crimson ; Leo- pold I., very large, rose : Perfection, bright rosy crimson ; President Claeys. salmon, edged with wliite : Sir H. Havelock : Ele'^'antissima, white, occasionally flaked with red; and Duke of Cambridge. Of Azaleas sent oat in 18()2, 1S63, and 18li-I, Me.s-srs. Lane exhibited Souvenir dn Prince .-Vlbert, semi-double, rose, broadly edged with white, very showy ; Advance, in the way of Perfection, but larger and deeper in colour; and Secretaire Clans, ven,- large, blush, spotted with crimson. From Messrs. Ivery ,t Sou, Dorking, came F'lag of Truce, white ; Madame Dominique Ver^-aene. delicate rose, spotted in the upper petals with crimson ; and Madame de Cannacrt d'Hamale^ lai^c and very tine, white, occasionally striped with crimson. Mr. Turner had BeUe Gnntoisc, pink, edged with white, boldly spotted in the upper petals with crimson ; Sir J. Outram. onuige scarlet, very free-flowering; and Louise Von Baden, a very tine white, of good sub- stance. Of absolutely new kinds. Messrs. F. it A. Smith contributed several, one of which. Magnum Bonum, received a second-class eertifi cate. It is an orange. red, slightly spotted iu the upper petals with crimson. Mr. Bull exhibited Azalea punclulata in its different forms ; President Humanu. rose. s]>otted with crimson ; and President Victor Van den Heckc. white, striped with deep rose. Awards: — For six (amateurs); first. Mr. Wheeler, gardener to Sir F. Goldsmidt, Bart.. Regent's Park. For six (nurseiynien) : first, Mr. Tnrner; second, Messrs. Lane. For three varieties sent out in 1862^ IHUS, and 1S64 : first, Messrs. Lane ; second, Messrs. Ivery ; third, Mr. Ttimer. Collections of ornamental-leaved Begonias from Mr. Wheeler, Mr. Young, gardener to R. Barclay, Esq., and Mr. Marcham, gardener to AppU 10, 1866. ] JOUENAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEK. 273 E. Oates, Esq., Hanwell. were awarded prizes in the order in which the exhibitors are named. Thouj,'U not large, all the plants were in excellent condition. B. riciuifolia macalata. was noticeable for its deeply-cat foliage of a deep velvety gi-een on a paler ground, and Madame Albert and Madame Oldham as having fine silvery markings. Messrs. F. it' A. Smith contxibnted half a dozen plants of Erica Will- morei in good bloom. Miscellaneous collections of fine-foliaged and tlowering plants from the same. Mr. Williams, and Mr. Wheeler, com- prised Dicksonia antartica. Alocasia metallica. Pandanuses, Erioste- mons. Azaleas. Heaths, Acacias. Cytisns, itc. ; and from Mr. Williams we noticed excellent plants of Cordyline indivisa. the variegated Aloe- leaved Yucca, and Hedaroma Hookeri in very good bloom. Mr. William Paul had likewise a miscellaneouscollection. consistingof broad-leaved Kalmias, Dentzias, double-tiowering Peaches, and Rhododendrons, among which Bylsiaunm and Ponssin were very bright and attractive, and Fa£tuosum was blooming very freely. Rhododendrons, dwarf plants, in small pots, and in fiue bloom, also came from Messrs. Lane. Collections of Cinerarias in good bloom were furnished by Mr. .James, gardener to W. Watson, Esq.. Isleworth ; Mr. Cox, gardener to Capt. Cahill, Southall; Mr. Miu-cham ; Mr. Clarke, Whitton, and Mr. Beech, gardener to W. Rogers. Esq., Redhill. Several seedlings were also exiibited ; by far the best was Perfection from Messrs. F. & A. Smith, which received a first-class certificate. It is of a rich violet purple, with a nan-ow ring of crimson at the base of the ray florets, ■and a nan-ow ring of white round the disk. It is a very large and showy variety, and a decided acquisition. A small collection of Amaryllis was exhibited by Mr. Young, and a dozen Gloxinias, chiefly erect-flowering, came from Mr. Balleuger, gar- dener to F. Shadbolt, Esq., Highgate. Messrs. E. G. Henderson con- tributed a collection of Cyclamen persicnm, beantifuUy grown and bloomed, and the same remark applies to a dozen pots of Lily of the Valley from Mr. William Paul, who also exhibited Zouale Pelargo- nium Rebecca, remarkable for its fine, large, rosy scarlet flowers, and breadth of petal. X tii'st-class certificate was awarded for it. Messrs. E. G. Henderson, in addition to the Cyclamens already noticed, had a collection of tricolor-leaved and variegated Geraniums, Sunset and Sophia Cusack being two of the most beautiful of the former ; and the variegated Cyuosorus, noticed in another column, was also again produced. Of Roses Messi-s. Paul & Son, of Cheshunt. showed four boxes of cut blooms, conspicuous among which were Teas Marechal Niel in great beauty, Gloii-e de Dijon, and Ro.sea alba, and Hybrid Perpetuals .John Hopper, Seuateur Vaisse, Lord Clyde, Lord Raglan, Beauty of Waltham. Pierre Notting. and Piincess Mai-y of Cambridge. Of other subjects hardy British Feras were shown by Messrs. Ivery and Mr. Bull, those from the former comprising a nice Wardian case of Tri- chomanes l"adicans ; and among those from Mr. Bull were very good examples of Hymenophyllum tunbridgense and Trichomanes speciosum. Mr. Bull also contributed a variety of novelties, and received a fir.st-class oei-tificate for Maranta spleudida. and second-class ones for DieJfenba- chia gigantea, and Aspidistra Siebnl.lii, with dark gi-een foliage broadly striped with pale yellow, one half of the leaf being sometimes entirely yellow, and the other half gi-cen. Other plants were the pretty yellow- flowered Berberis stenophylla. Psychotria macrocephala. with ample deep-green foliage, and heads of white flowers : and Meyeuia Vogeliana, violet, with a yellow thi'oat. Imantophyllum miuiatum superbum in excellent bloom, and a leaf of Coccoloba pubescens, about 3 feet across, were also shown by the same exhibitor. Awards: — For Cinerarias (.Vmateurs) : iii-st, Mr. .lames; second, 3VIr. Cox ; third, Mr. Marcham. (Xurseryuien) : fii-st. Mr. Clarke. For Amaryllis : first, Mr. Young. For LUy of the Valley : iii-st. Mr. W. Paul. For Biitish Ferns : first. Messrs. Ivery : second, Mr. Bull. For Miscellaneous Floweiing and Fine-foliaged Plants : first, Mr. Williams ; second, Mr. Wheeler : third, Messrs. F. & A. Smith. Miscellaneous : Silver Medal to Messi-s. Lane, for Azaleas. Small Silver Medal to Messrs. Lane, for Rhododendrons ; Messrs. Paul and Son, for cut Roses ; Mr. W. Paul, for Miscellaneous Plants : Messrs. E. G. Henderson, for Cyclamens. Bronze, Mr. BaUenger, for Gloxinias. METEOROLOGICAL NOTES— LINTON PARK. Water ! water ! the very name of which last September had so refreshing a sound, threatens now to deluge us with its abundance. Eain, varied by sleet, or now and then falls of snow, has so far soaked the ground as to apparently leave no room for more to be absorbed ; and, consequently, our rivers and streams become flooded with only a fraction of the rain- fall that would be required after a period of dry weather in the latter part of summer, the thirsty ground at that time swallow- ing up more rain than I have ever known faU in one day in this district. Saturated, however, as the ground now is (March), a small quantity will suffice to make an impression on our streams. Mr. Perkins's record of the rainfall of Suffolk bears a great resemblance to that of the place from which I write, only we have had somewhat more rain in the seasons he notices, and the present year has been unusually wet also. Subjoined I give a table of the monthly rainfall of 1858, 1860, 1864, and 1«6.5, the figures denoting the fall in inches and hundredth parts of an inch : — January . . . . February . . . March -A.pril May June July August September.. October November . . December . . I95S. 0.79 0.77 0.80 1.93 2.16 0.67 2.69 1.20 1.19 1.45 0.77 1.01 1%.-.. 4.48 2.49 2.14 0.38 2.89 1.17 3.48 5.28 0.08 8.04 2.74 1.93 1868. 3.83 4.55 Total 16.38 83.66 21.25 35.08 By the above it will be seen that more rain fell last year than in 1860, the wet year as it is called ; but the fall was better dis- tributed, and accompanied by a much greater amount of heat than usual, and besides that, the rain that fell in the summer months came down in something like a succession of thunder showers, withintervals of bright weather between. Tso evil effects followed it« during the months of July and August, when we had such a plentiful supply. September and October were, however, the most remarkable months, the former being the driest and the latter the wettest I have any record of ; in fact, from the •24th of August to the 8th of October only 0.08 inch of rain fell, and the heat dm-ing the first twenty days of Sep- tember, taking both night and day together, exceeded that of any like consecutive number of days since 18.57. Eain, how- ever, set in on the 9th of October for two or three days, but the wet period did not commence until the 18th, from which time to the end of the month upwards of fij inches fell, being fully half an inch a-day. November and December were mild, and more remarkable for dull, drizzling rain than for any heavy fall. January and February of the present year have, however, been unusually wet, the latter month especially so ; for here, taking the average of ten years prior to 1865, February is the driest month of the year, and September the, wettest. The rainfall of the last three months of 1865, and first two of the present year, has been excessive ; but of snow we have not had much, neither have the sharpest frosts produced ice more than half an inch thick ; still the many changes, combined with some sUght frosts about the end of February, destroyed many plants that withstand a mild winter. Eetuming to the meteorology of 1865, I may say that January was wet and changeable ; February cold, with frequent slight falls of snow ; March also cold ; but .\pril very warm, dry, and fair, only one frosty night being recorded — a most unusual circumstance. lu May there were three frosts, and on the whole it was a favourable month. June was very diT, no rain falling from the 3rd to the 29th. July was a showery and growing month ; August equally so up to the 24th, after which it was dry and hot, the drought con- tinuing throughout September and up to the 9th of October, when three wet days were followed by four or five fine ones, and then the rest were all wet. November and December were mild. dull, and wet, with scarcely any frost — so little, in fact, that Geraniums out of doors were quite fresh up to the 11th of January of the present year, when a rather heavy snowstorm and two nights' frost destroyed them. High winds have been frequent during the winter, and during the summer of last year we had very little thunder. To all interested iu the amount of rainfall in the different parts of Great Britain, I would recommend a perusal of Mr. Symons's --Eainfall for 186.5," and former years. That for last year gives upwards of one thousand stations in the United King- dom, and, of course, there is a considerable difference amongst them ; but, as a general rule, the western parts of the king- dom are wetter than the eastern, the driest of all being Nor- folk and Suffolk. At certain stations on the Cumberland hUls, in some years as much as half an inch a-day is recorded for the whole year, and on some occasions even 0 inches have fallen in one day, and upwards of 15 inches in four consecutive days. At none of the Scotch stations, although similarly placed as to elevation, &e., does the amount approach this. For the information of those who take an interest in other meteorological observations besides those of rainfall, I may add that the prevailing winds during the past year at this place, as noticed at noon each day, have been from the south and south- west ; for, taking the eight cardinal points as they come, the wind has been as follows : — East, 28 days ; south-east, 45 ; south, 59 ; south-west, 74 ; west, 36 ; north-west, 29 ; north, 35 ; north-east, 55 ; and four days were not ascertained. The nnm- 374 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [April 10,! Iwr of rainy days wan 172, BRninet '21G, in 1860, and there wafl frost on 80 days. Tlic hottCRt day was June '21st, and the coldest Februarj- 15th. The highest reading of the barometer was on December llith, ;i(P..S7 inches, and the lowest on January 14th, 28.14. I may further add that the average rain- fall at this place for the ten years ending witli IHC), is 24.75 inches, so that the fall in 1865 was nearly 'iD percent, in excesB of the averape, and what we have already hsid in the first two months of IHliO is more than three times the average of these months. — J. Robsos. CULTURE OF VINES IN POTS. {Continued from par^f 253.) It is a common practice after preparing the eyes to insert a dozen or more in a pan, and after they have struck and begun to grow to pot them off into small pots. The advantages of this system consist in the necessity for watering being dimi- nished, and they are, conse- quently, not so liable to rot or become blind, and a more ecfuable temperature is secured than were they inserted singly in small pots at first. These advantages, however, I have found more than counterba- lanced by the check received on potting the eyes after they have been struck. I find they receive a serious check on being taken from the pun, and potted into small pots ; for however carefully the opera- tion may be performed, it is not possible to avoid breaking the roots more or less. Some, again, grow the canes for fruiting in nine-iuch pots, and supply them largely with liquid manure. Of this practice, also, I am no advocate. lu small pots fruiting canes are either highly fed by liquid manure, or the roots have been allowed to extend from the pot into a border of rich soil. In the first case, the continual stream of liquid manure converts the soil into a soapy black mass, and the roots lose most of their fibres at the fall of the leaf ; besides, there cauuot be nearly so many roots, and consequently mouths, in a small pot as in a large one. In the other case the roots, from being allowed to extend beyond the pot, arc for the most part (and the better, portion of themi lost to the cane the year of fruiting. To in- sure the Vine breaking well there cannot be too many fibrous roots in the pot it is to be fruited in ; but when the canes have been allowed to root through, or are potted into larger pots, it is necessary that these should be plunged in a hotbed of about 70' for a fort- night or three weeks, the top heat from fire heat being kept at from Vr to 4")'. The accom- panying end sections will show means for furnishing bottom heat for a time, and after- wards a medium for the Vines to root iuto. Fill. 1 shows a span-roofed house 12 feet wide, with a walk in the centre and a border of soil on each side, 18 inches deep, over rubble. The pots are placed a couple of inches deeper in the soil than the side holes in the pots, through wliich, and that at bottom, roots will be protruded in due course. It is not a desirable form of house for early forcing, but will do after Christmas. The soil of all the borders should consist of turves a year old, chopped with a spade, and one-sixth of boiled half- inch bones. Over the drainage a layer of sods, grass side down- wards, will keep the rubble from becoming choked up witli Fig. 2. soil ; and under the drainage or rubble should be a drain to carry! off the water. Ko manure is to be mixed with the soil, as it is best given on the surface. Figs. 2 and S are the same in their internal arrangements, both having convenience for fruiting Vine.i and raising young ones in the centre bed u, which should be filled with new tan April 10, 1866. ] JOTJBKAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 275 abont Christmas, ready for the eyes early in January, and it will be useful for other things at that season until the young canes require the whole of the space. The side borders, !>, Jig. 3, are of soU, for this house is not eligible for early forcing ; those of fir). 2 may be filled with dung and leaver, the pots being plunged therein to three-quarters of their depth until the Vines break, when they are to be gradually lifted out ; soil should then be placed on the dung and leaves to the depth of Fig. 3. 6 inches, the pots remaining plunged that depth always. Fig. 2 will answer for early forcing. Fig. 4 is a narrow lean-to, 7 feet wide, with a walk at back rim, and the canes carry a much heavier crop in thie way than in any other with which I am acquainted. Fig. 5 is simply a narrow lean-to, y feet wide, and this and the preceding are the most suitable for early crops. They have guttered pipes back and front, and in the front wall is and a border in front, in which the pots are plunged about an inch deeper than the rim, and the roots not only come through the bottom of the pot and the holes in the sides, but over the Fig. 5. an opening at every 2 feet for a circular ventilator, 6 inches in diameter, which can be opened much or little at will. The air entering there becomes heated before it reaches the Vines. The scale of all the sections is 5 feet to the inch. — G. Abbet. (To be continned.) WORK FOR THE W^EK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Eterythinq connected with tbis departaient should now be kept in good order. Take every opportunity of eradicating weeds ; hand-weed where practicable, as it more effectually answers the purpose than hoeing and raking when the soil is moist. Cut Box-edgings, and keep the walks well rolled. Ba.iil, a warm sheltered spot may now be chosen for a sowing in the open ground ; bat as it is a rather tender annual it is generally the best plan to sow in pans, or on a slight hotbed, and after- wards plant it out. B<>(m-i, earth-up the early crops, but be- 270 JOUENAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. [ April 10, 1B66. fore doing so lay n little soot close to the stems an before re- commended, and branches of evergreens stuck pretty thickly on each side of the rows will be found serviceable in protecting them from frosty winds. Keep the soil between the rows free from weeds, and open by frequent stirrings. Vniccntr, make a sowing for the early erop ; what is commonly called the Scotch Kale is the best variety. Cabbaric, pull up any of the plants that are running to seed in the autumn plantation, and till up from the reserve-bed. During dr\- weather the plants should be snpplied with water, and the soil kept free and open by a frequent use of the hoe or fork. Ci-h-ry, the main sowing for the winter crop should now be made. Continue to prick-out from the early sowings. Clean and earth-up any that has stood the winter, as, if it is of no other nse, it will do for soups. Ciicumhers, keep a brisk heat in the beds as the days lengthen and fine weather increases, bearing in mind that light and heat should be proportionate to each other ; give air daily in a greater or less degi-ee, and keep the lights free from dirt. If green fly or thrips appear, recourse must he had to fumigation, which will generally exterminate them. Kidney Beam, the bearing plants will now require a good supjily of water at the roots, as well as frequent sprinklings overhead. A sowing may be made on a warm sheltered border when the soil is favour- able for early crops, or make a sowing in pots for planting-oat as soon as all danger from frost is over. Lettuce, give air to the plants in frames night and day in mild weather. Loosen the soil about those planted in the open air. If the crops of Onions, Leelcs, I'arsnipx, JSeet, Snl.safy, Scor:nnera, and Hkirret are not yet sown they should be no longer delayed ; and the main crop of Carmt-t should be sown if the ground is in good order. In sowing Peas, it is the most workmanhke method to put the stakes to them at once, as, by so doing, the barren appearance of the ground is removed, and no more trampling on it is necessary for a long time, besides which they afford a slight shelter to the yoimg plants on their first appearance above ground. Spinncli, sow once a-fortnight, and Peas, Beans, and Tuniipn once in three weeks. Sowings of all salads should he made with strict regularity ; and proper attention must be paid to protecting all kinds of seeds from the ravages of birds and insects. Ilhnbnrh will now be coming forward so rapidly out of doors that the forcing of this useful vegetable will no longer be necessary. FKCIT GAKDEX. Look to blossom-protection on the walls. Clean Strawberry- beds, and thin the suckers from Raspberries, leaving three or four strong ones to each stool. If strong young plants of the Elton Strawberry are Ufted this mouth and planted behind a north wall, they will produce a crop in August and Septem- ber, and will keep up the succession, along with Alpines, to the latest period. On the first appearance of green fly on the Peach and Nectarine trees syringe these with tobacco water two evenings in succession ; if done properly it will stop their career for the season. The mining grub, so destructive to the Apricot and Plum, may be easily detected by the leaves being folded up ; the best cure is to crush them between the fore- finger and thumb. See that wasps are destroyed, as every one that appears now forms a colony in the summer. FL0^VEK G.IRDEX. Now, with April showers and bright and occasional wtnn sunshine, we must be in readiness for mowing. Have the turf swept, well rolled, and made thoroughly firm without loss of time, and remember if the first mowing is deferred until the grass become long it will require much time and labour to bring the turf into proper order. Patches of some of the more showy of the harrly annuals may now be sown in the vacant places which usually exist in the herbaceous beds, and in the edgings of clumps and borders in the shrubbery. A suflicicnt quantity of cuttings and seedhngs should be potted for planting out in May. With such plants as Coba'as, Mauraudyas, Lo- phospermums, Tropreolum canariense, many bare places on the walls and trellises may be covered and made ornamenta'. Also plant-out Wallflowers, Double Rockets, and young stock of herbaceons plants generally. Prune Tea and other Koses not already pruned, and attend to anj- shrubs that may require that attention. GREESnOUSE AND CONSEEVATOKY. Besides the permanent plants in the conservatory, many choice plants in pots will be required to keep up a succession of gay flowers during the summer. Among the finest for this purpose are Brugmansias, Erythrina crista-galli, Thunbergias, Stephanotis, Mandevilla suaveolens, jVllamandas, Echites, Achimencs, Ipomceas, with Heaths and Pelargoniums. Let these have all possible attention, and bring (hem forward in several lots, so that one sot may succeed another. Pay par- ticular attention to the Lilies now in pits, by giving them a liberal supply of water, and by neatly staking them. A top- dressing of tui'fy peat, sand, and wcU-dccomposcd cowdung, will be of great benefit to them, and they will bo very useful for conservatory or drawing-room decoration late in the au- tumn. Let Fuchsias, which are so useful for summer and autumn flowering in the conservatory, be repotted as they re- quire it in rich compost, watering them occasionally with liquid manure. Nearly all the varieties have a natural ten- dency to form conical bushes, and, by a very little attention, they may be guided into this appropriate form. One strong shoot should be selected to form a leader, and should be trained perfectly upright, the remaining shoots being regu- lated by stopping any which are growing more luxuriantly than is consistent with the proper shape of the plant. Violets are everybody's flowers, and, to have them fine and in abun- dance, they require and-well merit some share of attention, particularly where they do not naturally succeed well. In some situations they grow so strongly, and flower so abundantly, that they merely require at this season to be taken up, parted, and replanted, and, if kept free from weeds, all will go well ; whilst in other places they frequently cause more trouble than a collection of Auriculas. A frame on the north side of a wall is the most likely situation for preventing the attacks of the red spider, to which they are very li,able, and which cause them to lose their foliage during tlie winter. About the be- ginning of September they should be planted in a frame upon a spent Melon or Cucumber-bed, where they will have time to establish themselves well before winter, and if frost is ex- cluded, and plenty of air given at all times during fine weather, perfect success may be expected. In the greenhouse the lead- ing shoots of Epacrises, Chorozemas, Corrcas, Heaths, together with many other choice plants that produce the best effect in a bushy condition, should be frequently pinched or stopped in order to form good specimens ; also those of Calceolarias, Ver- benas, and other young stock intended either for decorating the flower-beds or for succession in pots. STOVE. Proceed with the repotting of such plants as require it, and give all necessary attention to those in active growth, using every means to induce rapid growth, combined with strong short-jointed wood. The only way of effecting this is by securing vigorous root-action, and keeping the plants near the glass. Ixoras, Clerodendrons, Allamandas, itc, " feeling their pots," will be greatly benefited by a careful supply of manure water, but see that it is given in a tepid state. PITS AND FRAMES. Attend carefully to the stock of bedding plants, pot-off rooted cuttings as soon as they are in a fit state, and encourage them with gentle bottom heat and careful management to make quick growth, for after this season there is no time to be lost with young stock. Calceolarias, if well established, may be planted out in a turf-pit in poor sandy soil where they can be protected from frost or cold winds, but thej- must be pre- pared for this by previously inuring them to full exposure to sun and air whenever the weather will permit. — W. Keake. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. The weather has been still too unsettled, and the stiff ground too claggy to permit of all being done that is desirable. Caidijioirrr. — Forked over the soil among the earliest, which will be later than usual this season, owing to mice and rats having stumped it in as detailed some time ago. a cironmstanco which precluded their producing good heads. Whilst a lot of fine, strong plants in pots, which if let alone would soon hav-e been showing heads, were thus almost cut down to the surface of the soil, others, smaller and in a simUar box, but growing in the soil in which they were sown, were not touched at all. Wiat was if anything more annoying, was the fact that the depredators seemed to have deriveij no benefit, except amuse- ment, from their work, as though the plants were cut over and nibbled, hardly a bit seemed to have been eaten. The most kind-hearted in such circumstances would be apt to give httle mercy in arresting the results of poisoning, trapping, and fer- reting. Hough barlejTneal, made into a stiff paste with a Uttla water, is much relished by rats, and if mixed with a stick, and laid down with the stick in pieces near their runs, it will soon April 10, 1866. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 277 be eaten up, and when that is done tlie same process may be repeated after mixing arsenic with the meal. Care must be taken that no useful animal touch these lumps. We find that mice will seldom touch this mixture, though, on the whole, they are much more easily trapped and poisoned than rats. Sowed the main crop of Parsnips a week ago ; if the ground had permitted would have liked them to have been in about a month earlier. Sowed also the main crop of Onions in good order, and a piece of Horn Carrots. Have been watch- ing for a suitable time to put in the main crops of Carrots, but the gi'ound is not yet so nice as we would like it to be. We generally make two or three main sowings of Carrots ; the later ones are sweeter for parlour use, though not so large as the early ones. To have fine Can-ots the ground should not only be deeply stirred, but the surface soil should be the poorest, the richest being at the bottom, which will make them run straight without shouldering, itc. A piece of Newington Kidney Beans in a pit has grown so very strong, that we have had to remove some of the larger leaves to give more room, light, and air to the numerous swelling pods and clusters of bloom. In general this Beau only requires about half the room of such kinds as the Robin's Egg and the Cream-coloured. A row of Robin's Egg, in pots in the front of the Peach-house, just in bloom must be removed to another place, soon, or they will shade the Peach-house. A lot in six-inch pots will succeed them ; some to be potted in 12-ineh pots, if we can find room for them, and others to be planted out under glass protection, and covered when neces- sary. We shall be glad when they are all out of the houses, for, though clean enough now. a mi'ss in watering, &c., after they have borne sometime will be apt to gi"e them company which we would not like to see in the houses, and removing plants after thrips or red spider is seen upon them is apt to leave behind them some of these insects for future breeding. A single pot of Kidney Beans well looked after in a vinery or Peach-house maj' be used as testing plants at times for thrips and red spider. If one appear on the Kidney Bean plant, not only should it be carefully removed, but means should be taken by watch and ward to see that the insects do not take possession of the stationary residents of the house. FKUIT .\XD ORXAMENTAIi DEP.IRTMEXTS. In these, in which we have been busy regulating Peaches and Vines, giving the best places for securing good flavour to fine ripening Strawberries, doing a good deal of turfing, potting, and propagitiug, the work with one exception has been so much a repetition and continuance of what was alluded to last week, that in compliance with several requests we will repeat,, somewhat as stated long ago, our Simple Moilc of ilaoariint] Hotbeds for Cncumhcrs nnil Melons. — This involves less labour than the old plan of planting in hills and earthing-up gradually afterwards. We adopted the plan at first from a scarcity of fermenting material, and the desire to lessen labour afterwards. The same mode may be adopted in its general features for a pit heated by dung, as well as for a frame. At present, however, we shall confine our outlines to frames, which are from 5i to G feet in width, 12 inches deep in front, and 18 or 20 mches deep at back, at which size two- hght boxes are easily moved, and which, managed as stated, are quite deep enough for Cucumbers and ilelons. We have several times stated, that we never work the bulk of the fermenting material sweet enough for such beds, being content if we have a covering of from 6 to 12 inches deep of sweet hot material for the surface. For a substantial bed that is to be pretty early and stand the most of the season, we shall suppose that the bed is to be 3J feet in height at back, and .S feet in height in front before the frame is set on it. We mark out the space for the bed, which must be from 30 to 36 inches wider than the frame, so that when the frame is set on, the bed shall be from 1.5 to 18 inches wider than it at back and front. This first seeming waste will prove ultimate economy and gain. \Mien the bed hasbeen neatly made, and raised by the roughest and rankest of the hot fermenting material for 2 feet in height, 6 inches of sweetish hot material are placed all over it, and then the bed is continued upwards, back and front, but leaving an open trench of .30 inches in width in thi middle, keeping the best and sweetest dung next that trench, and the roughest and rankest to the outside of the bed. When the above height is reached, 3J feet at back, and 3 feet in front, the frame is set carefully on, and each side of the trench in the bed is well beaten back and front, and a board or slab put down on each side to keep the earth that will be put in the trench from the dung. This trench wiU be about 30 inches wide, rather more at the top, and from 15 to 18 inches deep. The glass is kept close for a few days until the heat has risen kindly. Then the trench is filled with suitable soil, the top of the soil being vei-y little above the bottom of the sides of the frame. Some soil is firmly beaten round the sides of the frame inside, to prevent steam entering, and a couple of inches or so of soil is placed on the bed, between the boards of the trench and the sides of the frame, and this covering, if even the upper layer of dung, &c., is pretty sweet, will keep all noxious steam down. By this plan the following, among other advantages, are secured : — 1st, Not much more than a third of the soil which would be wanted if the whole width of the bed were filled, need be used. 2ud, All the soil necessary is put in at once in the centre of the bed, where good-sized plants are at once inserted, and can be trained to back and front without opening the lights for fresh earthings-np, often of cold soil ; and we avoid the neces- sary moving of the plants and exposure to cold draughts, often foUowed by hosts of insects, requiring much fumigation with tobacco to eradicate them. Sudden changes in temperature under such circumstances are often the jnost fruitful sources of an abundant supply of insects. 3rd, If the sides of the frame are well secured, it will need no moving afterwards, if the soil is 12 or 13 inches from the glass at front and 18 inches at back, for the frame will sink as the bed sinks. 4th, The soil being placed as it were in the middle of the bed, there will be no dangerof an excessive, burning bottom heat to injm-e the roots, whilst the soil wiU be nicely and quickly heated from below and from the sides. .5th, The width of the bed permits of a lining being placed round the box to give a nice healthy atmospheric heat, without undiJy increasing the heat at the roots. 6th, Such box-beds have been kept in good order from March to the end of September merely by topping up round the ' frames with litter and grass, and placing wattled hurdles or leafy branches of trees roimd the sides of the bed to keep the j air and wind from them. ; 7th, and lastly for the present, such a trench of confined j earth will render Melons and Cucumbers less luxuriant and j more fruitful than if the roots revelled in the whole width of I the bed. The one exception alluded to had reference to Caladiiims. — These, as last year, were plunged in a nice mild hotbed of dung and leaves. We noticed for some time many of the leaves more pale than they ought to have been, but did not sufficiently examine them to find the cause, as the tempe- rature, &c., seemed all right. Onr young man on taking some out and narrowly examining them, found lots of the stems en- crusted with a small green fly, myriads on myriads of them. They were carefully smoked, and next day were thoroughly syringed with warmish water, and lest any insects should linger in the soil the surface soil was removed, and a fresh surfacing given where fresh potting was not resorted to, and already the leaves are coming of their right and healthy colour. We have as j'et been so free of insects this season that we never thought of the Caladiums being infested. If they had stood in a house we could scarcely have missed seeing them ; but in a pit, with- out examining them carefully, we could only look at the top sm'face of the leaves. We have no recollection of seeing Cala- diums so infested before. The fly seemed a kind that was veiy easily settled ; but the vast number would soon have spoiled any plants. Lumhatio. — We have known but little of the horrors of lum- bago smce we tried this simple remedy — viz., wearing a band of brown paper round the loins. We v,'ill here say nothing as to how the gentle, almost constant, friction produces the desired result ; but to every gardener who is a sufferer from this trouble, we would say " Try the remedy." — E. F. TRADE CAT.VLOGUE RECERT5D. Louis Van Houtte, Ghent, Belgium. — Catalogue dc Planter de Serrcs, et de Flein Air. CO\^NT GARDEN MARKET.— Aran. 7, The demnnd anil supply are now well balanced. Grapes Jind forced Strawberries are both very good, and of both there is a fair sapply. Dessert Pears now oonsist almost exclusively of Ea&ter Beurre. Out- door vegetables of various kinds are abundant ; and consigumeits of 278 JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTURB AND COTTAGE GAKDENEB. I April 10, 1866. H.ilndw from the continent rnntiDTic amplo for nil roiiuirrm»*nts,iin- couiprehenwive, nud ho would send it you by x>ost, free, if you sent him 6^. iu posta^^e stamps, with your address. Large White Petcnta.— Mr. W. Herbert, 22, South Street, Durham, informs us that he can supply this Petunia to "E. S. B. G." if the ad- dress be sent. Cherries Grcb-eaten (Lastrea F. Man).~'Vhe p-nbs which pierce the Cherries in your orchard-house ar? certainly not the larvae of the Goat Moth, but of some much smaller species, probablv a Tortrix. We can sutfuest nn remedy ; but the best preventive will be to destroy all the fruit attacked, and to look iu the evening for the parent moths. Chrysanthemums (A Comtant Rradcr).—yoa will find full directions lor their culture in " Florist's Flower-i.*' You can have a copv free by post from our ofHce if you enclose five postage stamps with your tlirectiou. CorL-TRAiNiNG Vines (Vin^>t Tu-iMt'-d \~hnsi year Mr. Fish noticed a vinery near Hitcheu, in which the Vines were planted in the centre of a span-roofed house, and the Vines twisted in corkscrew fashion until they reached the apex. These Vines bore reffularlv from the (jround to the apex of the roof, and. as was described, came down a little. The mere twistinp of the stems will do no harm to the Vine^. Crnckinjr the stems and splitting them would be carrying the twistintf too far. The Vines would soon recover from a little Kplittinq here an*! there. If vou were to cover these split parts with a little eowdung and clay, and wrapped this plaster firmly mund with a cloth to exclude air aiid hpht, the cracks would soon disappear. The object of twisting was no doubt to cause the sap to circulate more re^'ularly through the stem. Greenhotse Flue in Parloi-r Chimney.— Hiving read a replv at page 248 rclntive to one chimuey for two greenhouses, and a flue" not answering which communicates with the parlour flue, I write to state that I have a greenhouse at the end of liiy house. The parlour chimney being next the trreeuhouse, I took my flno about 3 feet up the parlour chimney, and made an elbow joint, no matter how short, to convey the smoke upwards, and this answers verv well. A goose-necked pipe'? or 8 inches in diameter goes thrnuk'h the wall, and about 6 inches up the chimney. This flue has no effect on the parlour fire, whether in or out. By this plan the flue is not seen, being below the stapinff. — Edward Todd. Aorth Shitld^. * Thi>'NINg Peaches on Trees in Pots (.'. .S'.).— We have no doubt that your proposed plan will answer — namely, filling the two baHkets on Rrass with Pnuipan (traHH in the centre. Gladioli round it, and Farfuidum at the out- side, with Perilla between that and the Gladioli ; but if the plnro will do (or Farfunium. it micht he made more gaj in Hunimer, even if a shidy plricp, in front of the drawin^j-room windows. Thus, fill the eentre with (VIndioli iuiu(;Ii'd with lnrt;e-leRved CttniiAs, then have a inixturo of Perilla and Amttranthus molnucholicuH, and for the outside a broad band of Clolb of Gold Geranium or Uta. Pollock. The Cloth of Gold will do all the butter in the shade, and then you could plant the Pampas Grass in the ground further off. Even on your first proimsed plan wo would have a few Pcnl- stenions to fringe the Gladioli, then the Cloth of Gold in^ttend of tho Farfugium, and a string of the Viol t •' iruuta for tlio outside lino. The worst of Gladioli is that they are temporar)' flowors, and the Pampaa GrasB is nothing until late in autumn. CrrrMRERs Thick-ended (C. H. J.\~We would advise yon to thin tho Cucumbers considerably ; and to make sure that the roots seldom toach the top of the tank, it would be welt to have some rnbble, aud then somo rough itlates below the soil between it and the tank-covering. Culture of Oasterias (-1. .S.).~Thc Gastorias belong to tho -Moo section of the Lilyworts. They are very nice plants for a succulent col- lection. They will do well in a house kej>t from 4r» ' in winter to fii/' and more in summer. They flourish best in sandy loam with a little peat and very rotten dry cowduug. and somo lime rubbish and broken bricks— say two parts sandy loam, half a part of cowdung, Ac., and half a part of broken bricks and lime rubbish. Tho chief circ they require is to keep them rather dry, almost dry, when in a slate of rest in winter. If tho pots stand on a damp stone or damp gravel they will absorb enouKb of mois- ture in the dark months. All tlio title-pages and indices you namo can be had free by post from our office if you enclose nine post-office stampii with your direction. Cutting Camellia Flowers (A. B.).— When the flowers are cut by a practised person it does not interfere with tho future flowering, for tho blooms will only be cut from a part where the f-ub-.e(iuent growth will not be interfered with ; but when they arc taken indiscriminately from every part, then the future growth and flowering are materially aflTeeted. When the plants are "cut hard" for their blooms they should be gone over after flowering, and any irregular growths removed or shortened, so as to make the shixits equally thin, and theso sliould be regularly stopped throughout in order to secure their breaking etjually at every part, the plants being afterwards placed in heat to secure a regular and free growth CoLECs Verschaffrlti for Bedding fF. T. C). — The soil you employ for potting— viz., two-thirds loam, one-third leaf mould, and one-sixth silver sand, is good. The soil of the border is also good, providing you enrich it by pointing in a dres'^ing of good loam and well-rotted manure. The top-dressinK oufiht to be 3 inches thiek. The plants should be placed 1 foot apart every way, and be well watered in dry weather. Vou should grow the plants to a good size, and well harden them ofT before planting out. Do not do this until the second week in June. Flower-beds Planting (J(f?m).— lu.stead of edging the bed of Pnrplo King Verbena with yellow Calceolaria, we should put the Calceolaria in the centre and the Verbena round it ; or, if your bed is sufficiently large, have Perilla in the centre, then a band round it of yellow Calceolaria, edging with Purple King Verbena; and it would be bolter, again, if tho Verbena were made a Dand 3 feel wide, eduing it with Ccrastiimi Bieber- steinii. Your plan of pultinR the Verbenas in the centre and edging with yellow Calceolaria is good as to contrast, but the Calceolaria would grow too tall for the Verbena. The bed of Scarlet Geranium, edged with Flower of the Day Geranium, is good, the flowers being removed from the latter. Cutting Ivy (T. J.). — Removing the leaves or cutting-in the Ivy closely will cause the new shoots to come more strongly, and the foliage will bo more pleutiful and finer. Any time from now until the end of April is a good time to cut Ivy in closely. Twelve: Distinct Verbenas for Planting in Circles (frfcm). — If yoa plant the circles in order we think thev would look well. 1, Velvet Cu^ihion; 2, Mrs. Moore; 3, Melindres splendens ; 4, Mrs. Holford; 5, Purple King; 6, Firefly; 7, White Lady; 8, Ariosto Improved; 9, Mrs. Woodrofife; 10, Snowflake ; 11, Garibaldi; 12, Spark. Manure Water in the Evaporating Troughs of a Viwebt {Sub- acrifc^Ti.— Now that the leaves have attained their full size you may keep the troughs filled with manure water from your stock of sheep's dung, soot, and guano. A peck of sheep's dun^', the same of soot, and 2 lbs. guano should be diluted with 60 gallons of water. You may iustead fill the troughs with manure water of the same strength as that used for watering plants. It acts as a check upon red spider, and invigorates tho Vines. Stopping Peach Trees in Pots i/Jcnil.— If the trees are as large as you wish, and you desire to keep thorn close and compact, stop the shoots at the fourth or fifth leaf, and at every leaf afterwards, and there will be no necessity to prune in winter; but if you wish the trees to become larger stop them at the fifth leaf, and at the third afterwards, discon- tinuint; the stopping after the fruit has taken its second swelling. You may also allow tlie shoots to grow without stopping, cutting them back to a triple bud— that is, two fruit buds with a wood bud between them, re- ducing them to 9 inches if longer, but if not so lonj,' and having no triple bud to cut back to, leaving them entire. We recommend the first prac- tice for trees in pots, and the second for those planted out and having plenty of room to grow, whilst the third we do not recommend for trees under Rlass as bushes or pjTamids, but only for trees on treU'ses and against walls. j Manure Water for LvcopomrMS (/dcm).— We do not recommend I anytliing stronger for Lycopodiums than clear water ; your plants will I be all the better of rain water. Ferns and Lycopodiums do as well, if not better, watered with rain water only, and to some manure water is j positively injurious. I CYPERUS ALTERNIFOLlTfl TARIKOATUS (W. F.). — ItS HSUal height 19 from 9 inches to a foot tmdergood cultivation, but we have seen it as low ' Uki 8 inches and as high as 18 inches. If placed in a saucer of water ' whilst growing, or in summer, tho temperuture of tho water should be the same as that of the house. Our correspondent wishes to have tho I namus of any semi-aquatic plauta for a house having a winter miaimmn , temperature of &C'. April 10, 1866. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 279 GvMNOGRAMMA CRRYSOPHYLLA CnLTCRK (H. G.).— Your plant doe3 not f^ow hecaii<:e the temperature is too low. It requires a night tempera- ture of not les^ than 55" in winter, and a moist atraosphero without the foliaf^e heine wetted. Your plant is prnhablv old; such plants never do So well as tho^e which, from l>eins very small, are liberally tr-^ated until they becnme specimens, after which they ni'adually decline. If you have nnw a small jilant in, say, a 4i-inch pot, we would pot it at once into an ei'^ht-inch jint. dmininj? thepot to one-fourth it.s depth, and ufiinu a com- port of uld ciH'oa-nut refuse one-half, turfy yellow loam one-fourth, and fibrous bro\vn pent one-fourth, nddinc one-sixth of silver sand, the whole well mixed and l»roken with a spade, but not sifted. Pot rather deeply, but not so much so as to cover the crown. The plant should be set in the lifihtest part of the house, have room on all sides, and bo not more than 18 inches from the glass. The soil should be kept moist, but not wet, until the roots are working freely, and the temperature may ranpe from 60'^ to 65- by night. By diiv it may be 70^ without sun, and from 80- to 85 with it, shade being atTorded from 9 a.ii. to 4 p.m., when the sky is dear, but when cloudy do not >hade at all. Xo shade will be needed from September to April. The plant must always have the soil moist, but no water should be given until it is really needed, then afford a supply sufficient to show itself through the bottom of the pot. If your pLtnt grow as well as we expect, it wilt need n shift by the end of July, or at liitest by the third week in August, so that the pot may lie filled with roots before winter, as it will be in six weeks after pottJng if a 10-inch pot be given. From this time no more water should be given than is sufficient to prevent the soil becoming dry, and if a suffi- ciently moist atmosphere be maintained, it will winter safely in a tem- perature of CO^ at night, and occasionally as low as 55" or even 50\ but this degree must be seldom reached. In March yon may give a shift into a i5-inch pot, and we think you will have a specimen large enough for anything by .\ugust, and it may remain good a year or two longer. Cinerarias Attacked by BRtJWN Aphi^ {A Suh^cribrr). — From your description of the insect infesting your Cinerarias we should think it is the brown or black aphis, and if so, it is most injurious, especially to young plants. ^Ve find the following destructive to it : — Pour one gallon of boiling water over 4 ozs. of the stronge-^t shag tobacco, cover it over closely and allow it to stand until cool, then add to it 1 lb. of soft soap dissolved in ii gallon of water, strain through a piece of muslin, and add three gallons of water; there will then be nearly five gallons of liquid. In this, at a temperature of 90", the plants should be immersed with their heads downwards. A cure will thus be generally effected; if not, repeat the application. Garden Designs (Bo6\ — It is a great mistake to suppose that variety in the form of the beds contributes to the beiuty of a flower garden. The simplest forms correctly planted and well balanced are the most effective. Belladonna Lily (.4 {Suhacrihpr). — If you turn out the plants next month in a warm sheltered situation, tliey will flower in the end of September or early in October. Horticultural Glass (Mhs H.).— We do not know any of the manu- facturers at Liverpool, Sunderland, or Durham. Yon will find their names in the County Directory. Plunging-material {W. A. 0.).— The safest material for plunging pots in is sand or coal ashes. Sawdust from old dried hard wood will do very well ; but all fresh sawdust from green wood has a tendency to clog up the drainage-holes in the bottom of the pot, and is also liable to become a breeding-place for fungi and conferva-. Sheds ilfjnoramm, Dublin). — They arc the seeds of some Pinus or Abies, but we cannot name plants from seeds. Destroying Red Spider [A Constant Rendcr).~Yoxxr% appears a very had case, and we recommend the following remedial measures r—l-it. Wash the glass inside with clear water. 2nd. Wash the woodwork with ! a strong solution of soft soap, 8 ozs. to the gallon of boiling water, using I it as hot as possible, washing it clean off and all the dirt with a flannel, but keeping the soap from the glass. 3r(l, Whitewash the walls with two- , thirds lime, one-thu-d flowers of sulphur, brought to the consistence of 'i whitewash by adding a solution of 4 ozs. of soft soap in a gallon of boil- ing water. 4th, Keep the evaporating-troughs full, and the floors sprinkled I twice or thrice daily with guano water, made by dissolving 2 ozs. of guano to the 'gallon of water. 5th, Sj-ringe the plants vigorously twice daily, morning and at shuttiog-up, with water of the temperature of the house. If you do this, and still have red spider at the end of ten days, then, Gth, Mix sulphur to the consistency of thick paint with the soft soap solution previously named, and apply this to the pipes, hoated to 160", shutting-np the house quite close, and coating the pipes from one end to the t>ther. Put on the sulphur wet, and when done commence syringing gently with water at 120^ until you fill the house with steam. 7th, Syringe the plants in the morning with soot water, made by putting a peck of soot in a tub, pouring over the soot 30 gallons of wator, and stirring it up until it sink. Allow the whole to stand until clear, and use the clear water for syringing the plants morning and evening, conticuing to moisten the floors with guano water as before, and within a week of the first coating of the pipes with sulphur repeat the process. The only danger you have to fear is not giving air by the time the sim shines powerfully on the foliage whilst it is wet. We should think that the houses have been kept as dry as dry stoves were in fonner times, to bring about the state of affairs described in your letter. We agree with you, that the fact of the houses not having been washed and thoroughly cleaned for a long time has been favourable to insect life ; thorough cleanliness is the great safeguard against tiisease and vomiin. The two inches of soot over the crocks at the bottom of the Strawberry pots is one-eighth in excess ; that and the frequent applications of manure water in winter fully account for there being few roots in the pots of fruit- ing Strawbenies. Liquid manure cannot benefit plants when at rest. Names op Plants {G. H. A.). — The leaf sent is that of some Caladinm. (A. No(/man).—We believe it to be only a fragment of a Moss, Hypnum proUf crura. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS in the Suburbs of London for the Week ending April 7th. DlTB. TBERKOaiETKR. Wind Rain in inches. General Remarks. Air. Garth. Max. Uin. Max. Min. 1 ft. dp. 2 ft. dp. Son. . . I Mon... 2 Tnes. . 3 Wed. . i Thurs. 5 Fri. .. 6 Sat. .. 7 Mean.. 29.512 29.414 29.(i22 29.673 29.9.i7 80.099 29.936 29.405 29..S9H 29.400 29.608 29.7.S7 29.975 29.865 58 50 50 64 54 55 4S 28 35 26 28 87 38 88 60 49 48 48 48 48 47 47 46i 46 46 45i 45 W. N. N. S. E. E. N.E. .06 .00 .04 .10 .02 .01 .01 SliRht haze, and damp : verv fine ; slight frost at night. Overcast ; cloiuiv and cold ; sbnwery. Cloudy ; fine throughout ; slight frost at night. Fine : overcast ; fine ; frost at night ; rain. Foggy and drizzly ; fine ; overcast. Partially overcast ; fine at night. Drizzly ; hazy, sunless, and cold ; overcast .-it night. 29.74S 29.684 62.00 82.85 48.50 46.21 1 .. 0.24 POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. ROUP IN POULTRY. We have felt thankful for months that we have had no pest among our poultry ; but we eauuot help remembering what we sufiered years ago, and the recollection of it gives us hope that the sore visitation under which we are now lying, may in like manner either yield to remedies, or disappear before pre- cautions. ^Vhen first poultry was imported in quantities from Holland, almost every bird within a week of its arrival sickened with roup of the most virulent kind, and carried it wherever it went. We have a painful recollection of turning down two Polands bought out of a Dutch lot, at a small farm where we had about a hundred good sound fowls. We heard of their being sick in about five days, in a fortnight all in the yard were so. Nearly all died. The place was whitewashed, tlie house new gravelled ; but it was long before we got rid of the infection. Some amateurs will recollect at the tirst show at the Surrey Zoological Gardens, the rows of empty pens labelled " Removed on ac- count of disease." It was in those days oue of the duties of the judges to cause diseased birds to be removed. Those ex- hibitors who thoroughly understood the question, used to have their fowls put as far as possible from the Hamhurghs and Polands. Roup was considered to be the natural state of both these breeds. The poultry mania, as it was then called, had just sprung into existence in England. It had always existed in Holland, and when the Dutch found tliere was a ready sale here for anything they could send over in the way of fancy fowls, they" loaded every steamer with huge basketsful of them. They were on dsck, and in bad weather were closely covered with tiirpauling ; they had no food during the voyage ; many died : the rest were lauded reeking with steam, half starved, and then exposed to cold draughts and bitter winds on quays. After fasting many hours they were allowed to eat any quantity of any sort of food, and worse than all, to drink an unlimited quantity of water. Disease always, and death often, followed. So long as the loss was confined to the buyer in this country, no alteration took place ; the fowls were still sent as before, but as soon as purchasers became wary, and only those parcels could find a market which were carefully packed and tended during the passage, then an alteration took place, and birds were properly sent over. From this time the disease that had raged fatally, and that had been carried wherever one of the birds went, began to decrease, and now for years past our " pest " has been a thing of the past, unknown to many, and dreaded by none. Among the fifteen hundred or two thousand pens at the Birmingham Show, there is never a thoroughly roupy pen to be seen. This is the result of a little painstaking. 260 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. C AprU 10, 1800. RAILWAY CHARGES FOR POULTRY. Since we publislied the lust list the following subscriptions havo been received townrds defrn,\'inR the expenses of present* ing a Memorial to the Directors of the railways : — Mr. .T. D. Xewsomc. 10». 6d, Mr. G. U. K4jborts. Kin. GU. Mr. Stfvcn^. £\ ),«. Mr. K. E. M. Kovd, la.. W. Mr. J. R. RoMuson. 10s. Gd. Mr. K. Joues. lO.^. C<1. Mr. J. F. Newton, 10». M. Mrs. Wolforstrtu, lOjr. 6d. Mr. T. S., 10s. 6d. ytT. S. Lanp, jnn.. 10*. 8*/. Mrs. Scnninns, Hit. dd, Mr. Ptires. Ua. M. Miss Milwiira. 10*. Gd. Mr. Stockiill. 10a. G*l. lion. 5Irs. .Vrlmthnot, 10.<. Gd. Rev. R. C. Rov, G<. Mr. Pomfrct. "5«. Gd. Mrs. Hart, 10s, 6(f. PROFITABLE FOULTRY. Your readers may like to know the results of a twelvemonth's experience ns to the profit of keepint; poultry, such as I have found it. I began at the end of llarcli last year (after build- ing a weather-board fowl-house, and bringing together thn needful apparatus), with a lot of poultry, mostly barn-door fowls, including, however, three Spanish hons and a cock of the same breed. There have been from eight to twelve hens and two cocks iSpanish) during the year, one of the latter of my own breeding; also, I reared a quantity of Ducks and chickens. The balance sheet is as follows : — Expenses. £ s. d. Fowl-honse nnd npparnlus 5 14 0 Poultry and Ducks 1 18 G Food 4 14 7 Total expenses 12 7 1 Deduct receipts 8 8 11 Balance 3 18 2 Rkceipts. £ ». d 11 Ducks at 8,s. Gd. per jair 0 19 .S 1 chickens at 3n. 6d. „ 0 7 0 8 „ at 4s. „ 0 IG 0 1 cock at a-f 0 2 0 Eggs, 727. at lOrf. per doz. 2 10 fi 170, at U 3d. „ 0 17 G 2 16 8 680, at U. 8 8 11 If the cost of the fowl-house be not reckoned, neither the actual stock of potiltrj' (two cocks, twelve hens, and three ducks), which we value at £1 14s. (not reckoning them as -fancy fowls), and only the actual cost of food be taken into account, there will appear a gain of £3 9.v. lOd. on the year. I should add. that my poultry are not confined. They lay and roost in the fowl-house, where they can be shut up at pleasure, otherwise they have an almost unlimited range of grass land, with various dust and manure heaps to amuse themselves with. They are fed on barley, Indian corn, and barleymeal. — B. & W. "\VIGTOX rOULTRY ASD PIGEON EXHIBITION. It gives us mnrh pleasure to i-eport that the Show of this year, held on the 5th and tJth inst.. far excelled any of those preceding it. the entries pro^'ing gi-eatly in excess of the number at loiiuer meetings, whilst the perfection of the specimens throughout showed an advance apparent to every one. "We feur, however, that the receipts for admis- sion will tell unfavoorably when tested by comparison ^rith past years. It hag always been arranged to hold the Wigtou Poulti-y Show at the time of the "VTirrtou Spring Cattle Fair, as at that time the town is nnasually full of visitors engaged in busmess t i-n n sac t ions, and they mostly become risitors to the Poultiy Show. This year, however, in accordance with the orders of the Pri\w Council, no cattle could be Bent to Wigton : and the paucity nf attendance at the Horse Fair, onlv. at once told hew much both the local Itaihvay Company ami also the Exhibition Committee would iueritably be sufferci-s. AVe are glad to say, however, that, nothing daunted, the Poultry Committee look for- ward to a more happy state of thiugs, and express themselves *' as quite too plucky to thiui; of abandoning their Snow through one had year." No doubt the cattle plngue restiictious will tell most unfavour- ably throughout the whole coming season on those ponltrj- shows in any way connected with agiiculttu-al meetings. But to the Show itself. Thi; lai-gc increase of entries this year proved unfavourable to the display of the poultry exhibited, as it necessitated the Pigeons being shown iu a ]irivate room in connection with the Odd Fellows" Hall : and iu the Hall itself this greater number of poultrv- pens, in a space li-jhted only from one side, caused the spe- cimens in many portions of the Show to l>e very obscure. In all such cases it is the prudent course for committees to place the darkest- coloured varieties in the brightest jwiiion of the exhibition, as the lighter-plnmaged birds show to less disadvantage so circumstanced than their more sabU- brethren. The Gauif fowls qeuerally were very good : but as the breeding season is uow somewhat advanced, the hi^h condition we meet with in winter was very rarely attaiuable — a feature ou which, in all varieties of Game fowls, so much depends. Referring to the awards, it ^rill be seen that many of our best-known breeders comjuted. The Sjumish class was by far the best ever yet seen at \Vi;/t<>ii ; and the tirey Dorkiiwfa shown by Messrs. Rowleudsou and Kobinson won their lanri'U in a vf. Bowm m .V Fearoii svc4)nd-prize birds were also nnasUQlly good. The (toldi*u-s]>ftngl' i Jliimftiin/Ifi wiTC a very excellent class, pjrhui*s one of the best in the whole Show, but unfortunately laboured under the disadvantage of being placed iu the darkest pens in the room. Messrn. Beldon, Ro- binson, Wowl. and Hend^*rsou were the principal comp titers. The Silver- spangled Hamburj;bs stood ne\t in order in the prize schedule, and, though few in numbers, those shown were of unuiQol merit ; it is only u very rare occurrence, in fact, that such good specimens arc ahovn at eveu onr largest exhibitions. We regret to record, however, a circnmstauce that hero came to light that desen-efi animadversion. After the prizes were awarded, hut before the admission of the public, it was discovered that the hen in the first-prize pen of Silver-spangled llarabnrgh'i. the propertv of l\Ir. A. K. Wood, of Buniside. Keudal. had, by some one or other, been most ci-uelly tampered with. The extreme poiut of a common sowing-needle was noticed as shghtly protruding near the peak of tho comb, so little as to be scarcely discernible excejit when under pressure, and. after some considerable ditKcnlty. it was finally extracted ^rith pliers by the Judge m the presence of some half dozen or more of the Committee. It hod eridently been forced through almost the .whole length of the hen's comb, and the portion of the needle colled tho eye had been broken off abruptly. It is scarcely needful to re- mark ou the evident injustico of such pmctices. much less to insist on the gross barbirity of thus treatijig an unoffending bird, for its Buffer- ings must have been scarcely conceivable. The exposure resulted in tho Judge at once disquahf\-ing the pen altogether, Messrs. Beldon and Robinson taking the Society's premiums. Ou 'looking at the *' disqualified " pen a few hours afterwards, the hen's comb slightly drooped over to the side on which the needle had been extracted. The Golden-pencilled Hambnrghs were superior to the Silver-pen- cilled ones, but it is geltijii; too late in the season for exhibiting adult Pencilled Hamburghs. The Any other variety class of fowls was jiecnUarly good. The Game Jiantam.iik. Take away the fowl. Let them Ix* fed often with chopped etr^ri, brend and milk, oatmeal flaked with milk, scraps of fat chopped fine, and a littlo bread and alo. some ploces of potato for a chau(;e : but it in Itad food. If the ken U In a confined mora or house move her out, but keep her under tho coop. Recollect, chitkeni want to be fed very often, and to pick up mor?*eU at a time, and it in well for them to have to seek them. It is ak"^inst nntur<' for them to take a mouthful, and if the fcg baited at one end with suet, which also secures them. It can scarcely lie made intelligible without a drawing, bat most bojs know how to construct it. OUR LETTER BOX. SjLVEn-GREY Dorkings (Katf).~Acock with the feathers you enclosed cannot be a Silver-Grey Dorking. POULTRY MARKET.— Apuii, '.). We shall have little chanue to note for the next few weeks. Prices will probably remain good, with little variation, until the advancing season increases the supply uf poultr}*. s. d. Large Fowls S Smaller do S Chickens 2 Geese 0 GasUngs 6 Ducklings 3 1. B, d 6 to 4 0 0 „ (1 0 6 „ 3 0 0 „ n n 6 „ 7 n 6 „ 4 0 Guinea p'owls 2 Pari ridged 0 Hares 0 Rabbit* 1 Wild do 0 Pigeons 0 L 8. d 6to3 0 0 „ 0 0 0 „0 0 4 „ 1 5 8 ,. 0 9 8 „0 » April 17, 1866. ] JOUBNAIi OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 283 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day of Month °o7 Week. APRIL 17-23, 18S6. Averape Temperature near London. Rain in last 39 years. Sun Kises. Sun 1 Moon. Sets. 1 Rises Moon Sets. Moon's Age. Clock alter Sun. Day ot Year. Day. NiRht. Mean. Daye. m. h. m. h. ' m. h. m. h. Days. m, B. 17 To CameUins. 67.6 S5.9 46.8 14 2 af 5 67 af 6 , 35 6 , 58 9 2 0 27 107 18 W Cinerarias. 68.6 85.6 47.1 15 0 6 69 6 i 23 7 j 6 11 3 0 41 108 19 Tn Cyclamens. S8.6 84.8 46.7 8 68 4 0 7 18 8 mom. 4 0 54 109 20 F Chorozema Henchmanni. 60.2 31.7 47.4 14 66 4 2 7 1 18 9 4 0 5 1 7 110 21 S Sun's declination 11 53' X. 59.0 37.2 48.1 14 64 4 4 7 23 10 52 0 jl 1 20 111 22 SDK 8r» Sunday after Easter. 58.6 37.3 47.9 20 52 4 5 7 81 11 83 1 7 1 32 112 23 M Chorozema macrophyUum. 58.6 86.7 47.7 20 50 4 7 7 after. ' 5 2 1 1 8 1 44 113 From observations taken near London during the last thirty-nine years, the average day temperatnro of the weet is 57.3° : and its night temperature 86.0°. The greatest heat was 77', on the lOth, 183-1 ; and the lowest cold 22", on the 17th, 1847. The greatest fall of rain was | 0.52 inch. N.B. — The Calendar contains the names of plants flowering in the gi-ecnhouse. 1 M.VNETTI STOCKS FOR ROSES. ^^.S FTEN lately I liave intended to add 11 few remarks of inv own on tlie iimcli-Tentilated Bubjcot of Manetti stocks, and the letter of a " Country Cur-vte" in yoiu' impression of tlie .'^rd inst. has indnced me to send you the follomiif;, though I am afraid, as so much has been said by such able rosariaus as Mr. Kent, Jlr. Radcl3-ft'e, and others, I shall not be able to add much that is new. First, I will begin by replying to " CoDNTnY Cun.iTF.'s " question as to the form of Rose-gro-n-ing best suited to his soil. I apprehend that his soil may be said to be a tenacious loam with a good deal of humus in it, and very likely, from its retaining the moisture a good deal in winter (as appears to be the ease from the manner in which many of his JIanetti cuttings perish), there will be a considerable amount of humic and geic acid in the soil. The natiu'e of the subsoil, also, leads nie to suppose that there is in the gravel a consideralile quantity of ii'on, ■wliich is very injurious to the roots of all fniit trees, and of Roses also. ^Manetti stocks being more fibrous-rooted. and less inclined to produce tap roots than the Briar, their roots mil not be so liable to penetrate into the subsoO. as those of the Dog Rose. The length of shoot that " Country Curate's " Roses have made in one year from the bud. would lead me to think that the best form in wliich he could gi'ow Roses on the Manetti stock would be as dwarf pillar Roses, encouraging a strong, or two or three strong, shoots from the bottom of the plant eacli j'ear, and cutting a'5\'ay all old wood wlien it ■was more than two years old. He %\ill not obtain so great a head or, perhaps, so many blooms in this way. but he will have the satisfaction of tind- ing liis blooms far finer than if he cncoiu'agcd the plants to make bushy heads, and also that the strength of the shoots from the gromid will each year materially increase. I have found, too, by experience, that the yoimg vigorous shoots, when well ripened, are far more hardy than the old wood. I have suifered severely this year from a frost on the 1st of JIarch ; all my Roses up to that time had been gi'owmg, many of the yoimg shoots expanding leaves. On the even- ing of the 2Hth of Febniary a sleety rain was followed by '.i or :i inches of snow, and in tlie middle of tlic night a severe frost came on, the thermometer, 4 feet ii'oiu the ground, falling li° between eleven o'clock at night and seven the next morning, when it stood at 15° Fahrenheit. This was a most severe ordeal for the Roses. Coming after such a warm winter, the consequence was every yoimg shoot that had pushed was cut back, and in many instaujces Uie old wood has sutlered too, but hardly any of the j'ounger and more vigorous shoots. Another advantage of con- tinually cutting away old wood and inducing shoots from No. 264.— Vol. X., New Series, tlie base is, that the gi'owth is so much stronger, that it is thick enough to supply a sutficiency of sap to obtain more perfect show Roses on one stem than by any other means, and it does not require the same tying up and support as weaker shoots do. I always allow the shoots to grow in the autumn as long as tliey choose, having had some General Jacqueminot on foiu'-year-old plants with from 10 to ll.J feet shoots from the base in one autumn : these I shorten and tie up before winter, but I do nut finish tinal pruning till March or tlie beginning of April, according to season. Of course if quantity and not quality of bloom is the object desired, then more of the old stems must be kept m, and the plant trained in bush or pyramidal fashion. Now a few words as to the propagation of !Manetti. One of tlie chief points is to choose the right sort of wood for cuttings ; for this purpose it is better to devote a spare corner to some old plants, which may be allowed to grow un- restricted to fm'uish strimg shoots. The longer, straighter, and cleaner the shoots for cuttmgs the better. Cut them into lengths of from '.) inches to a foot ; pick out all tlie bottom eyes, and cut the shoot square across at a joint. Plant them about 4 or 5 inches deep, and earth them up in rows, lik'C Potatoes, to within 2 or .') inches from the top. The cuttuigs are best put in from the second weelc in August to the last week in September, and should be •watered for the first three or four weeks if the weather is very dry. The cuttuigs may be transplanted in the foUowhig autmnn, and planted in the same way in rows about :3 feet apart and 1 foot from plant to plant ; but some of the most forward of the cuttings wHl be fit for budding on the next spring where they were struck. I need hardly add that the best way of budding is to insert the bud ill the stem wliich formed the cutting, by levelling down the ridge. I do not agree -with " Ciu-ntuy Cuuatk " in ever tliinldng it a good plan to earth up the plants asjain after they arc budded : it is better to put a little clean straw on each side of the rows to protect them in the winter, mulching the ground inth manure between. If " Country Curate " wishes to have the buds push, so as to make plants to transplant the same autumn, he may do so by budding !n..July as soon as he can obtain good buds. As the part of the INIanetti on wliich the bud is inserted is always covered with soil till the time of budding, the stem is kept moist, and is not hardened by the sun, so that the bark will almost always separate easily for the insertion of the bud. I have kno^Ti stocks bud very well in the first week in July. Next, with respect to planting Roses on the ^lanetti stock. Many persons used to fail by not burying the bud. but now it is universally allowed that the collar of the Ruse shoidd be covered with soil, and many persons err in the opposite extreme, and plant the union of the scion and stock from 0 to 8 inches below the surface of the ground. I have now gi'owu Roses on the Jlanetti stock for twelve or thirteen years, and my rule has always been to plant about -i inches below the surface ; by tliis means I have never been troubled with ^Manetti suckers, or rather shoots ; for the Manetti stock, in spite of what No. 916.— Vol. XXXV., Old Series. 384 JOTJBNAIi OF HORTICTJLTDBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. r April 17, 1868. the late lamented Mr. DonalJ Beaton used to say, never makes root suckers, and the roots of the Manotti are not buried too deeply so as to bo away from the inllacuce of the sun and air. Two inches also are quite deep enough to induce the Itoso to push out roots of its own. I caunot agree with Mr. Robson, that if the Manetti stock is merely a medium to obtain Rosea on their own roots, the sooner it is done away with the better, because by budding on a Manetti and then planting, we obtain a fine bed of Roses two or three years sooner than by plants from cuttings. Moreover, in the case of a new or a rare Rose, we obtain ten plants on the Manetti to one by cuttings ; the stock also imparts a vigour to weaker sorts which they would never have on their own roots. In short, I think that one of the greatest advantages of the Manetti stock is that it supplies strength to the Rose, so as to enable it to make a perfect plant on its own roots, and thereby to give it a permanency, in which the old Dog Rose signally {ailed. I do not mean to say that there may not be many very fine old trees found on the l)og Rose, but there are two draw- backs to it — one is that in its wild state the Dog Rose is con stantly renewing itself by root suckers ; every year the suckers tliat are sent up are stronger and stronger, aud the old wood dies back. Any person may see this for himself, if he will examine an oldhedge where the Dog Rose has been allowed to run wild, without being cut for many years. He will find it foil of dead and dying old wood, while the tree is spreading itself with suckers. Now, by budding Roses as standards on the Dog Rose we are budding on a stem which would naturally die in thirteen or fourteen years, and is constantly seeking to renew its life by pushing out suckers, which are the constant plague of all rosarians who adhere to the old-fashioned standards. We are, consequently, lighting against Nature, and only keep up the life of the stem of the standard by cutting off the root suckers, and encouraging the growth of the head. The second drawback to the old Dog Rose is that all the head of the Rose budded on it is above ground, and is, therefore, subject to frosts. In the winter of 1800 I lost every standard that I had but two, and not a single plant on the Manetti stock. This was the case all over the north of England. Mr. May, of Bedale, did not, I believe, save one standard in every thousand out of an extensive stock of Roses. One word about soils. The best soil for Roses on the Manetti stock is a good, rich, garden loam, not too sandy or too yellow ; it is not suitable for a clay soil unless the beds are specially prepared with plenty of leaf soil and manure, and well mulched both winter and summer with short manure or cocoa-nut refuse. Wherever, then, the soil is a tenacious clay it is better to adhere to the Dog Rose ; and after all there is no soil that gives so much colour to Roses as marly clay. Where do we see finer colour than in the Roses shown by the Rev. S. R. Hole ? Manetti will also do in light and sandy soils, where the Dog Rose entirely fails ; but in these soils it is better to plant deeper, and to encourage the growth of roots from the Rose itself. In concluding these remarks, I digress to " P.'s " letter, and agree with him, that the blooms of King's Acre, shown by Mr. Cranston at the Crystal Palace, were certainly not up to the mark ; but we must remember they were cut in exceedingly hot, dry weather, and had travelled all the way from Hereford- shire.— C. P. Cleaveb. THE MANGOSTKEN. this fruit are not quite so rare, either, as Mr. Smith snpposeB, nud I could name many places where the true Mangosteen tree may bo seen growing. Mr. Smith's suggestions about the carriage of the fruit and seed are most valuable, and will doubtless be acted upon by many persons, myself among the number. It is so infinitely superior a way of obtaining them to the modes now in general use, such as packing in .soil, coating with wax, collodion, &c., that he deserves the thanks of every tropical plant growei. — J. U. Having noticed in your last Number a letter from Mr. Smith, ex-curator at Kew, touching the mode of propagating the Man- gosteen, allow me to say a few words in reply. In the first place, then, I think I ought to be a fair judge of what is and what is not the true Mangosteen, having received many trees myself from Ivarang and Singapore, which were selected with the greatest care by an experienced person there. A friend, too, in India, who is a first-rate botanist, has frequently sent me seeds of many varieties of Mangosteen and Platonia. In the second place, while quite agreeing with Mr. Smith that raising the JIaugosteen from seed is by far the preferable way, I feel certain that any variety may, with care, be raised from cuttings, and that the cuttings will strike in from six to eight months. Several of our largest nur.serymen have, and aro now, raising them in this manner. Paxton, too, in his " Ma- gazine of Botany," speaks of Mangosteen cuttings rooting in sand under a hand-glass, and I have reason to know that he successfully raised plants in that way himself. True plants of THE COILING OF VINES IN POTS. I THINK I remember telling your readers that I should this season try the effect of coiling some Vines in pots. I there- fore early in January last operated upon a dozen Vines, by coiling the lower part of each rod, just within the rim of the pot, so that each coil was covered from 1 to 2 inches in depth. The pots were then placed on a hot-water pipe in their usual place in my Orange-house. They seemed at first not to break BO quickly as usual, but they are now growing very vigorously and showing very fine bunches. A few days ago I was induced to examine the coils to see if they were rooting as freely as my old friend predicted they would. I found roots protruding from every portion of the coils, but more profusely from those nearest to the surface. They, in fact, have put forth more roots from those parts barely covered — i. <•., covered with a quarter of an inch of earth, than from those covered U inches in depth. I ob6cr^•ed, also, that the portion of coil very near the surface put forth roots earUer by a fortnight than that more deeply covered. I have thus advanced a step, and if I am spared I shall in future cover the coO with only half an inch of compost. The young fresh roots spreading themselves over the surface look so plump and healthy, with their dehcate pink and white tints, that I cannot help looking at them with interest, and I cannot but think that they must give much additional rigour to the Vines. To help on this I shall very shortly give them spme fresh surface food with my usual surface -dressing compost — malt dust and horse-droppings saturated with hquid manure. Allow me to correct myself. On reading to-day {April Cth), my article which you inserted at page "287, I find that I have made an incorrect assertion, which I should have corrected if I had seen a proof. At the foot of the seventh paragraph the sentence should read, " Many of the two thousand pyramids on the Quince," instead of " The two thousand." The truth is, the plantation was commenced upwards of twenty years ago, and took some years to complete. I am this season adding to it six hundred trees, 3 feet apart. Last year I did the same, so that the aggregate will be much above two thousand trees growing in ground less than one acre in extent. — T. B. WATER, AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF ITS IMI'URITIES. I WISH some chemist would study the subject of water as it affects the plants to which it is applied in an artificial manner ; for I am confident that it has more influence on their well- being than the character of the soil in which they aro planted. In allirming this much, I mean the assertion to apply to that class of plants kept in pots, and of which the existence is maintained from day to day by what may be termed regular meals of water ; and as the number of such is very great, it may be inferred that the class of food most reUshed by them is not always that which is given to them : hence disease is the con- sequence, or, if the evil do not advance thus far, lack of Tigoat or health. Plants are created to hve in fixed stations, and at such sta- tions they are furnished with all the requirements necessary for their well-doing. The chalky hills arc clothed with Yews, Junipers, and Box, and amongst the herbage we find Wild Thyme and numerous British Orchises, while such water as is to be obtained there is much impregnated with the calcareous constituents of the substratum. On the other hand, soils of a peaty character have the Scotch Fir and Birch, with an un- dergrowth of Heath and ^Tiortleberrj-, with Ferns in greater or less variety, aud the water obtained from them is widely dif- ferent from that foimd in the other locality. It contains iron aud vegetable extract. Such water is just the kind that is wanted to secure the well-being of the plants there, and they thrive with it, and the harmony which Nature presents us April 17, 1866. ] JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTDEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB. 285 with in all her works is here as well as in the former case fully borne out. The above cases represent what water is after having been in contact with the various substances that constitute the sur- face, or, it may be, the substratum. The one is impregnated with substances hostile to the plants growing in the other soil. Taking the practical view of the subject, it is only necessary to step into the first garden of note where there may happen to be as many as one hundred different kinds of plants in pots, and on inquiry most likely we shall find that these plants are from districts diSering widely from each other in their geo- logical formation. The sandy plain, limestone ridge, the morass charged with ferruginous matter, and the lofty peaks of granite, have all been explored to find these plants, and, until lately, instructors in the art of plant-growing contented themselves with merely describing the soil they were to be planted in, not giving the subject of water the least attention, or rather not saying a word about the quality of that water, beyond pointing out how much water such a plant ought to have, and making similar remarks. This advice, no doubt, is good enough, when pure rain water can be had, but water is so very seldom found in that condition, that evils must arise to some of the plants to which it is appUed ; and, no doubt, one of the causes of parti- cular classes of plants not doing well at certain places, is the water with which they are fed not suiting them. Taking, for instance, the case of a potted plant which receives water almost every day, it need not be surprising that where such water is of an exactly contrary kind to the soil which the plant delights in, such a mixture cannot be otherwise than injurious. Let us take, for instance, a very common c;ise, and one that may often be met with. A collection of Cape Heaths is formed by some skilfiJ and attentive culiivator at a place where we may say that chalk or hme forms the substratum, and, con- sequently, is a component of the soil of the district. Peat, however, of excellent quality is imported from a distance, and for a time things go on well, llaiu water is collected and sup- phed to the plants ; but dry weather sets in, and the rain-water butts fail, and recourse must be had to the well at a time when the plants require more water, and all classes of plants are perforce supplied with spring water. The effects of this are not apparent at first, but a continuance tells, and some of the more deUcate of the Heaths show unmistakeable signs of declining health, if not absohite disease, when, perhaps, their down- ward career is arrested by a copious rain refilling the water- butts, and the plants are again put on more befitting food. Another dry period may, however, succeed, and the conclusion may be arrived at, that as the Heaths do not seem to thrive, there must be something wrong. ,Such cases are numerous, and call for some mode of remov- ing from water those substances which it has acquired in its contact with the earth, and restoring it to the condition in which it fell from the clouds, and that is unquestionably the best possible form in which it can be supplied to plants. Can our chemical friends effect this by any simple, cheap, and efficacious means ? Assuredly something can be done, and it is well worth the consideration of that class of experimen- taUsts whose aim is to improve the many necessaries of the pubUc, and this is one not merely beneficial to the vegetable world, but to animal Ufe also. Water cannot even remain long in contact with the vessels or substances contrived to hold it without imbibing some foreign matter from such receptacles. The difijculty of preserving rain water pure and fresh for a lengthened period is greater than may be expected. Tanks sunk under the surface are often used ; but if the ground be porous, such tanks have to be lined with something that will render them water-tight. Lead is thought too expensive in many cases, and accordingly cement is used, and Portland cement, which has the reputation of being the best, certainly imparts an extreme hardness to the water at first, rendering it worse than even ordinary well water. This tendency to cause hardness goes off by degrees ; but it is often years before it entirely disappears. Water from tanks having such an effect, I need hardly say, is very hurtful to plants, and it should, theiefore, if possible, be avoided. Remedies of the ordinary practical sort have not yet become sufficiently known or brought into use. Some years ago it was said that a charcoal fire made in the tank before it was used would counteract the tendency to produce hardness ; but practice soon discovered that such a mode was destructive to the tank, and it has only been partially adopted. With time and patience a tank will become seasoned ; but three or four years are often required to do so, and this cannot always be allowed. Much more might be added on this head, but enough has been said to prove the importance of the question ; and as the sm-face of the earth on an average receives in the eastern parts of the kingdom about 24 inches of water in the form of rain every year, it is not too much to say that the quantity given by hand to plants in pots amounts to at least ten times that quan- tity, and must, as it assuredly does, convey to the plant much of its daily food. It is not assuming too much to say that far better results would follow if such food were of the same kind as supphed by Nature. — J. Koeson. SOWING AND AFTER-MANAGEMENT OP PELARGONIUMS, VERBENA!?, AND OTHER CHOICE SEEDS (Continued from page 85.) The Vekbena.— It is often difficult to induce the seeds of the Verbena to vegetate ; great caution is, therefore, necessary in keeping the soil as nearly of an equable temperature as possible after the seeds have been sown. Care must also be taken to keep the soil in the same state of moisture till after the seedlings appear above the siurface, when they should be immediately pricked out into small pots or pans. If either of the above conditions be allowed to vary, the vegetation of the seeds may be prolonged to an indefinite period, and then it often happens that the seedsman falls into tUsrepute, although the fault is not in the seeds but in the management of them after they have been sown. Sometimes under favourable con- ditions Verbena seed will vegetate in five or seven weeks, and I have known it remain in the soil for more than two years before it germinated. Some of my very best flowers have been obtained from seed that has rem.ained dormant in the soil for upwards of two years. This fact should teach us the necessity of exercising our patience when we have sown a pan of choice seeds, and, if the seedlings do not appear at the proper time, not to throw the contents of the pan to the rubbish-heap. If the seedlings do not appear in seven or fifteen weeks, my plan is to carefuUy turn out the soil in which the seeds have been sown, have some fresh pans crocked, and then place the soil in these, mixing with it a little fresh soil, and finishing off with half an inch of fresh soil on the surface. I then water the pans through a fine rose, and place them again in a similar temperature to that in which they previously were. I have often found Verbena seeds vegetate very freely after having been thus treated. If, notwithstanding, I do not obtain the number of plants which I consider I ought from the quantity of seed sown, and if the seed is particularly choice, I give it a third chance. I first select a comer that is not likely to be wanted for fifteen or eighteen months. Here an old box is placed on a very gentle hotbed, some good soil is spread over the bed, the contents of the pans are turned out and levelled all over the surface, and, an inch or two of good soil having been placed on the top, a good watering is given. I have often on looking over the box on the fifth or sixth day afterwards, noticed lots of the little lance-shaped leaves appearing above the soil, then with a small saucer or a leaf in one hand and a piece of wood, in shape something like a table-knife, in the other, I quickly remove them, but in doing this the piece of wood must be ])ushed down below the root of tlie plant, which should then be lifted gradu.ally up so that it may be loosened from the soil without breaking it, for if this is not done very carefully it will be sure to snap off midway between the root and leaf. When this happens in most cases all the skill that can be brought to bear will prove of no avail ; but if the plants, however small they may be, are taken up without injury to their roots, they will grow if proper care be taken in pricking them into fresh pots, or pans, of good soil and in attending to them afterwards. I prefer pricking-out the plants round the side of the pot, and as close to it as possible. They should also be pricked into the fresh soil to just the same depth as they were at before taking them out of the seed-pan or box. If they are placed in a temperature of 75°, they will soon grow very freely, and as soon as they have made three or four pairs of leaves, they should be again pricked out into boxes, or potted singly into large CO or 48-6ized pots. As soon as the plants have become partly established in the pots or boxes, if the seed is from very choice varieties, I take off the top of each plant and strike it. This will be very soon in flower, and the parent plant in the meantime will become stocky. By the time the latter is ready for planting out the cutting will have flowered, proving whether it is worth while to 286 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENER. ( April 17. ISM. grow on the parent plant or not. In any caso, whether the top be struck or not, it should bo pinched out at the time stated, in order to cause the plant to furnish itself nicely at the base. If this precaution is not taken there is some difficulty in judging of the habit of the plant the first seasou. In planting the seedlings out choose a nice open piece of ground, and plant thim in rows about 3 feet apart, and at 2 feet apart in the rows. As soon as the plants have taken hold of the soil all the points should ho again i>inched out ; this will increase the number of shoots more tlian tenfold, and about the second week in July the plants will produce a mag- nificent display of bloom. ^Vhen the cutting is taken off a label should be put to each plant and cutting so that no mis- take may take place, and if the colours are noted down as the flowers are produced, the plants may be so placed that wheu in bloom their colours may harmonise in the beds, and prove more effective than would otherwise be the case ; or if the seedlings are planted out on a border indiscriminately, nothing produces a more pleasing effect to the eye than the varied colours of several hundreds of seedling Verbenas in mass. I find old seed always vegetates quicker than new ; for this reason I always keep a year's seed in hand. If the seed is sown iu pans or pots these should be prepared as recommended for Pelargoniums. The same sort of soil will suit the Verbena and Pelargonium, but the seed of the Verbena must be sown quite "2 inches deep. The plants must be well watered after they are planted out. If there is a slug or a .snail anj-where it is sure to find out a seedling Verbena, and the only sure way to get rid of these troublesome marauders, is to catch and kill them. The best time to do this is about 11 p.m. I then generally find them very busy enjoying their supper at my expense ; and although they are not very pleasant to handle, I find the only way you can be sure of destroying them is to pick them up and drop them into a vessel containing a little hot water or lime. I hope to produce some varieties this season that will please even " D." of Deal, who has given us his ideas on the merits and demerits of the best Verbenas sent out up to the present time. "D., Deal," is qnite right in stating that of the new varieties sent out every year many do not come up to the re- quired standard, either for bedding-purposes or lor pot-culture; but he is not right in stating Purple King to be the best bed- ding Verbena out. JIany of the varieties sent out by Messrs. E. G. Henderson during the last five or six years are equal to Purple King in point of habit and profusion of bloom. The reason more of the Verbenas sent out do not possess the de- sirable habit of Pui-plo King is, that the latter is the most shy of all Verbenas in producing seed. Last summer, however, its character was verj' much altered, and we may hope to see another year varieties of other colours with the habit of Purple King. — J. Wills. (To be continaed.) PHIZES FOR ALLOTilENT GARDENING. I iNTENn offering at the next exhibition of our local floral and horticultural society prizes for the best and second best cultivated allotment gardens, but being doubtful what the points of excellence should be, I venture to ask you for advice. I propose that the gardens shall contain an area of not less than "iOO and not mure than -lOO yards ; that they shall have belonged to the exhibitors for at least six months previous to the show, and have been cultivated by the owners themselves, or, at all events, without paid laboui-. Flowers and vegetables, of course, must be grown, and the smaller fruits also ; but in this cold climate (close to the sea, on the north-east coastj, other fruits, except probably Apples and Pears, are out of the question. Order and neatness must form essential points of excellence. Will you give me your advice as to the conditions I should make?— S. I. R. [We think the terms you propose for prizes for gardens are very good. In awarding prizes for such gardens good culture should form the first feature, bulk of cropping from the land a second feature, and neatness and good keeping the third feature. It will tend to give more satisfaction to all concerned if the number of lands of vegetables for competition be stated — say twelve varieties ; and the kinds of fruit should also be specified, or there will be heartburnings. As the result of some expe- rience, if we gave prizes for the best cultivated and the neatest- kept allotments, we should have them judged on general prin- ciples, independently of varieties of vegetables and fruits ; but even then the satisfaction would not be so general as would follow the giving prizes for the best collection — say ten or twelve kinds of vegetables, best of fruit — say six kinds, and best of flowers. It should always be kept in mind in judging cottagers' produotions that bulk of good eatable matter should bo a primary consideration. A Cauhflower for a gentleman's table will be most esteemed when small and compact ; for a cottager it will be best if hrmish and close, though as large as a little parasol.] VISITS TO GARDENS PUBLIC AND PRIVATE. Pia:STON HALL, AYLESFORD, NEAR MAIDSTONE. THE SEAT OK EUWAKD L. BETTS, KSQ. TnERE does not seem much advantage to be gained by visit- ing a garden in the mouth of April, in the midst of a downpour of rain such as even in this " pluvious " season one has seldom seen equalled ; and probably the vision of a respectable and more than middle-aged parson tnidging through it, with um- brella overhead, and dodging in and out of houses, and peering into this or that frame and pit, was more suggestive of mental hallucination than of anything else. A long-made and often- deferred promise, however, induced me to make the attempt ; and business having brought me to Maidstone, which is o^y a few minutes by rail from Aylesford, I made tlie attempt, ami did it ; but I thought as my little daughter and I trudged up to the Hall, Well, I dare say we shall be taken for some respect- able kind of tramps, who chose such a day because they thought no one would be hard-hearted enough to refuse them. I need not say how we were looked at — we certainly were not turned away. Of this, however, I am certain, that if a garden at such a time is worth looking at, if all is in order, and neatness prevail, then you may be quite sure that things are done well, and that if you can drop in at a more convenient season you will in- fallibly find much that is worth noting : and such was the case here. Mr. Bradley is evidently up to the mark, and all I saw showed that he understood what was wanted, and had it done. He knew exactly what his employers wanted, and set himself to meet their wishes ; and this is what I conceive is a gardener's work — not to have whims and crotchets of his own, but to study hip employers, and, if they choose even to have whims and crotchets, to humour them. Preston Hall was the seat of the old Kentish family of Miluer, and came into possession of Mr. Betts upwards of twenty years ago. The present mansion is entirely new, and is a very handsome edifice, built of the finest Kentish rag, and in the palatial or Italian style. Its rooms are beautifully pro- portioned, and all that wealth and taste can supply are to be found in the reception-rooms, which contain, pur excellence, some chefs il'o-uvre of our first modem artists. In the dining- room, a handsome oak room beautifully carved, are some marvellously fine paintings ; on panels on either side is the second scene from "As You Like It" by Maclise, fidl of his marvellous drawing, and with less of his defects than in any of his works. The contrast between the brawny Charles, the wrestler, and the stern and supjile Orlando is admirable ; while Rosalind suggests the idea that he could not fail to win when her smiles favoured him. An exquisite Clarkson Stans- field, representing the port of La Rochelle, " fair city of the waters," hangs next to it — a masterpiece indeed ; while on the other panel is a beautiful Cope, representing the patient Gri- selda claimed as the Prince's bride. On the other side of the room is a fine landscape by Creswick, " Clearing up after a Shower," which many will recollect in the Academy, the figures by Bottomley ; and on the other side of the fireplnce is a won- derful sketch by Maclise. The space was not filled up; and so one day, with a piece of charcoal and a bit of chalk out of the billiard-room, he drew a masterly group, which Mr. Belts with rare good taste has allowed to remain, and has had it glazed over ; but perhaps the gem of the room, though hung too high up, is the magnificent painting of Sir Edwin Landseer, familiar to many from the engraving, of " The Hills above Braemar ; ' a magnificent stag, with some hinds, and the high- land hare, displaying all the artist's masterly handling. Here are also fine portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Betts, Sir Morton Peto (Mrs. Betts's brother), and Mr. Betts's father. But here am I writing about paintings instead of gardens. Let my excuse be, that it was raining so tremendously that we were fain to keep under shelter for a -while ; and so my little gossip is par- donable, I hope. April 17, 1866. ] JOURNAL OP HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 2S7 Opening from the dining-room there is a very handsome consen'atoi"y surmounted by a dome, which at the time of my visit was fiUed with fine speeimens of Azaleas in full bloom ; while in the passage up to it were aiTanged flowering plants, Hyacinths, Laehenalias, Tulips, itc, in pots. Nothing can be more satisfactory than a conservatory like this, ailordiug as it does a treat at all times to the lover of floral beauty — in weather when, perhaps, a person would be very unwilling to trudge down to the garden. The house is situated on a terrace, and in front is a well-arranged geometric garden, which, doubt- less, further on in the season wUl be resplendent in those varied hues of the rainbow which the modem system is so well calculated to supply. The walk from the mansion to the garden is ilined on each side with some fine pillar Roses, backed with specimens of various conifers, among which were two of the best feathered Araucarias that I have seen. The range of hothouses and greenhouses, frames and pits, is very extensive, and they were all well at work. In the Muscat- house were some very promising bunches of the Muscat of Alexandria, looking as if they would sustain the fame that Preston Hall has acquired for its Grapes. At the other ex- tremity of the range was another house, the Vines in which had suffered from the extreme heat of the autumn of last year. They had been pruned back in August in order to get an early Stait for this season ; but the hot September had started many of the eyes, and hence the crop was irregular. Peaches and Nectarines were forward, as large as hens' eggs, and the trees evidently in healthy condition. In the plant-houses there was an excellent assortment of plants with finefohage, &c., suitable for the decoration of the conservatory, &c. ; while in the pits were appliances for forcing flowers of all kinds, and Camellias and Azaleas, which had already yielded their sweets, were being started into fresh growth for another season. Straw- berries also were bloomed in these pits, and then brought into the houses to be placed on shelves to be fruited, Mr. Bradley preferring this plan. The Cucumber-pits were filled with an excellent crop of Lord Kenyon's Favourite, this, I believe, being generally considered the best kind for winter purposes. The fruit is not long, has no spines, but is straight and well-formed. Personally I do not think it in flavour or crispness equal to some others, although it is used here all through the year. All Mr. Bradley's plants are grown from seed' not cuttings, so that each process seems to answer when properly managed. Leaving tliis portion of the garden you pass down a long shrubbery, in the centre of which is a handsome aviary, to the kitchen garden, where there is a long range of glazed walls, which, however, I find are not much in favour here ; and after all, if you want to obtain flavour, richness, and size, there is, despite all that has been said to the contrary, nothing like the regular Peach and Nectarine house ; and to my mind one good fruit is worth half a dozen of inferior merit. Everything in this garden seemed to be in admirable order, and I only regretted that weather and season were so against my seeing it. How- ever, I promised Mr. Bradley I would pay him a visit again at a more propitious season ; and I have no doubt that if any of the readers of " our Journal " (for we had a little chat about it, too), are in that neighbourhood, they would be cordially received. I believe that the house may also be seen on the presentation of a visiting card ; and if the visitor has even a sovpron of a taste for art, I warrant that he will not consider the time thrown away. — D., Deal. VINES FRUITED IN ALTERNATE YEARS. I HAVE grown Grapes in a late vinery for many years on the jilan suggested by your " Constant Keadee," page "255 — viz., the Vines are planted '2 feet apart, and fruited alternate years. The Vines which bore fruit last autumn were cut down to the ground about Chi-istmas, and are now making new rods for fruiting in 1867. The plan answers well. I had upwarda of five hundred btmches last year, many large, out of a house 30 feet long by 12 feet wide. These rods of last year's growth are now show- ing two and three bunches of fruit from each eye. The sorts are Black Hamburgh and Muscadine, or Sweetwater. — ^Robert Wabjjeb, Bruomfield. round. It may be interesting to know that I had soEie fruit on trees in my orchard-houses last season that measured 11 J inches in circumference. — Richard Smith, Nursenjmait, Worcester. Size of Peacdeb. — In your Number of the 3rd inst. I see Mr. Snow, of Saltram Gardens, speaks of having seen Peaches that were grown in an orchard-house measuring 9i inches 1 TOBACCO CULTURE IN ENGLAND. Undeii the title " Growing Tobacco," page 263, in answer to a correspondent, "J. H. M. K.," there appears the following reply- — " It is not illegal to grow Tobacco for your own use." Now, it seems to me that this statement is too broad and ought to be qualified, and my reason for saying so will appear more plainly if the Acts which prohibit the planting, setting, or sowing of Tobacco in England, Scotland, or Leland are referred to. 1 & 2 WiUiam IV. c. 13 (1831), seems to be the last Act on the subject, and at the end of section 1 of that Act the following passage occurs : — " And that it shall not be law- ful to plant, set, improve to grow, or cm'e either in seed, plant, or otherwise, any Tobacco in any part of the LTnited Kingdom, save and except in the places and in the quantities and for the purposes in the said Acts mentioned and allowed." The first Act, referred to in the Act of 1831, is 12 Charles II. c. 34 (ICGO), which was passed for prohibiting the planting, setting, or sowing of Tobacco in England or Ireland. Section 4 of that Act contains a saving clause — " Provided always, and it is hereby enacted, that this Act nor any thing therein con- tained shall extend to the hindering of the planting of Tobacco in any physick garden of either University, or in any other private garden for physick or chirurgery only, so as the quan- tities so planted exceed not one-half of a pole in any one place or garden." This Act, therefore, last quoted confines the growth of Tobacco to certain limits, to certain places, and for certain purposes in England or Ireland. The same saving clause occurs in 15 Charles II. c. 7 (1663), also referred to in the Act of 1831. So much, however, of the two Acts of 12 & 15 Charles II., which prohibited the planting of Tobacco in Ireland, was repealed by 19 George III. c. 35 (1779). The Act of 1831 was passed to repeal the Act of 1779, and contains in section 1 the following passage : — " And whereas it is exjjedient to repeal the said recited Act of the nineteenth year of the reign of his said Majesty King George the Thu-d, and to revive in and extend to Ireland the said recited Act of the twelfth year of King Charles the Second, and of any other Acts since passed for prohibiting the growth and culture of Tobacco, be it enacted," ■tc. ; and at the end of the section appears the passage above quoted, ending with "mentioned and allowed." Another Act, containing in the 13th section the same saving clause, was passed in 1670 (22 & 23 Charles 11. c. 26), to con- tinue in force for nine years. This Act was coutmued by 5 George I. c. 11, sec. 19, so long as 12 Charles II. c. 4 (1660), should continue; and by 22 George III. c. 73 (1782), the Acts prohibiting the culture of Tobacco in England were extended to Scotland. Now, there is no doubt in my mind but that the question of " J. H. M. E." was suggested when reading the article on " The Growth and Manufacture of Tobacco forPumigating-purposes," which appeared in your Journal (page 137). On seemg that paper I myself was suqirised that no mention was made as to the quantity allowed by English law to be grown on EngUsh soil or elsewhere, and my curiosity was aroused into a search for the "Tobacco Acts," when the reply appeared to " J. H. M.R.'s" question at page 263. In Tobacco cidtiu-e it is best to be care- ful ; for section 4 of the Act of 1831 provided (subject to tho above-mentioned saving clauses), " That if any Tobacco the giowth of any part of the United Kingdom, manufactured or unmanufactured, or mixed with any Tobacco of foreign growth, shall be delivered to, received by, or found in the possession of any manufacturer, dealer in, or retailer of tobacco or snuff in any quantity whatsoever, or if any such tobacco shall be de- livered to, or received by, or be found in the possession of any other person or persons whatsoever in any quantity ex- ceeding 1 lb. in weight, the person offending iu any of the cases shall forfeit the sum of £100." Is there not then some limit to the growth of Tobacco for private use ? Can any of your readers throw any light upon the subject? — X., Surrey. [Yon are quite correct in observing that our answer was too broad. We intended to reply that any one might grow a few- plants of Tobacco for his own use for gardening purposes. Even this may not be strictly legal, but would not be visited 288 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBB AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. [ April 17. 1806. by any penalty. It is quite certain that no one must grow Tobacco in England eitlier lor Bmoklng, or to sell for uny purpose. — Eds. ] ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Skooni) SrniNo Snow — Apimi. l-iTii. On this occasion tborc was a hrilliftiit iiml effective dieplar in the consenntory arciulfs. the principal fLuturc hoiu^; gorgeous muRses of Azalcao from Mr. Tumor and Mt.-Ksrs. Lane. Those from tliu former, especially, were perfection us re^urds blooming', iiud the pyramidal train- ing, it raiiy to remarked, was not ko close and Btiff as in past years. Messrs. Ijane's sptcinienB, though not fio Uirpc as Mr. Turner's, were also wonderfully line, notwiths landing the comparatively small pots in which Ihey were grown. In the class for nine Mr. Tnruer was first with Loaiso Von Baden. Qneen Victoria, Belle Gantoise, I'crrvana. Union, being Ktoilo de Gand and Variegata snperba on the same jdaut. Uoi Leopold, Due de Nassau, Magniticans, and Knlalio Van (iccrt. Messrs. Lane were Hecoud with Holfordi, Sonveuir du Prince Albert, Kosca alba, Advance, Souvenir de I'Kxposition, President, Secretaire Claus, a beautiful variety, Pcrrj*- ana, and Eulalio Van tieert. Most of the above had already appeared at the liegt nt's Park on the previous Saturday, and were noticed in the report of that Show. For six Mr. Turner was again lirst with Flower of the Day, white, tlolced with red ; I'riuec JL-rome, Brilliant, Maguifica flore pleno, rosy purjilc, and Jlai^iet, vrith large rose-coloured tlowers. Messrs. Laue were necoud with Chelsoni, Violucea superba, a verj- showy rosy purple ; Magnificent, Pctuni:rHora, Conspjenu jmrpurea, and Knlalie Van Cicort. For a single sjieciraen Mr. Turner was Jirst with Criterion, a handsome pyramidal plant, ahont 5 feet high, and densely covered with bloom ; Messrs. Lane second with Keiuc des Blanches, a tine lttr;^'e-tiowered white variety ; and Mr. Vouug, gar- dener to H. Barclay, JOsi]., Hi;- rrimson ; Prince Eugene Beanhamnis : John Keynes, rongh ; Triompbe des F'ranvais, well-shaped, rose ; Slarechal Nicl, fine ; Ma- demoiselle Amelie Halphcn. fine and full ; Marcello, light pink ; and Souvenir de Beruardin St. Pierre. Messrs. Paul & Son were second, and exhibited Xavi< r Olibo. fine rich crimson, good petal and shape ; •Pline, promising flower; General d'Hanti>oult : Madame Morean; Dr. Andry. line crimson: Duchessc de Cay Ins, fine; Duche.sse de Medina Coli, poor : Elizabeth Vigneron, rough ; Duke of Wellington, splendid rich colour, fine flower ; Madame Roussel, bright lively pink; Souvenir de Wm. Wood, very dark; Marguerite do St. Aruand, rongh ; Rushton Radclyffe. full ; Belle Rose, rongh ; and SouTCnir de Beruardin St. Pierre. Mr. Charles Tnnu r, of Slough, had John Ke\-ncs, very beautiful; Madame Hermann Steuger, rough ; M&dame Morean, fine ; Madame Fillon, rough ; Madame Eugene Appert ; •Mademoiselle Marguerite Dombrain, very full, like her momma Ltt Reine. and having, I fear, her defect; President Mas; Abraham Lincoln ; Madame de Pontbriaud, not open ; King's Acre, inclining to be coarse ; Dr. Andry, very brilliant; Josrphine Bcauharnais. I have marked with an asterisk the very new oue^^. In the class of nine Roecs in pots, Mr. Charles Turner was first with sora** beautiful plants of Madame William, Jules Margottin, Souvenir de la Malmaison (not quite open, and rough). Souvenir d'nu AprU 17, 1866. ] JOURNAL OF HOETICULTXJEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB. 289 Ami Gloire de Dijon, Genwal Jacqucmmot, Victor Verdier, Le SS>;e, £ba rosea (ier^ beautiful), Messrs. Pan! & Son were second ^^ gLod plants. alBo.'of Mademoiselle Julie ['"an ,Tohn Hopper, Souvenir d'un Ami, Madame Damaizin, Anna AlexieS, Lord Kaftan, Charles La,vson, Virginal, Madame ViUermoz. Mr. WlUmm Panl had some lari^e plants of Madame Clemence Joignoaux, Madame Sired Rougemont" Jean Gonjon, Beauty of Waltham, Sonvcnjr d nn Ami, John Hopper, and Le Khone, and also a hue "■igl%l^^°* «' President FinaUv, Messrs. Paul & Son had some boxes oi cut blooms, ve"tifal! comprising most of the old favourites-P.erre No mg Charles Lawson, Senateur Vaisso, Gloire de D.jon, Marechal Vaillant Anna do Diesbach, Charles Margottm, Charles Lefebvre, Madame Charles Crapelet, Lord Clyde (-"V Rood), Marechal N,el Duches«= de Medma CffiU (very fine), David Prade.Vurgmd, Gl°"-« J^' P'J™; Loois XV., Eugene Desgaches, Madame Charles Wood, Mannce ber ""■N^withstanding the mild winter, there is evidence on all sides that w are havrng a late spring ; and ^ence Aunculas whrch w^ not submit to forcing by any means, ''f «/l^°"° ™ '^'^'^;' °Xd as there being but one competitor m each class. ^^^.^-^.^'^l^^ll'S usual, e^ellent plants. In his twelve "f^^, I^\S^t^/''y \.f„ J.' ^^C' Maclean's Uninue, Lightbody's Admiral of the Blue Tajloi s Wory, P^e's Champion, Tram's Florence, blue self ; Traill s G^^erf f^U- s^ewhat foiy in colour ; Gaines' Lady K''^'^^''^^""' P^'^^'^.J^"!^'™ thin- LiBhtbody's Countess of Dunmore ; and Read s Miss triddings, wh.C James had Conqueror of Europe, Smithy Mrs. Smith S^th's Ann Smith, Oliver's lovely Anne, L--e Stuart (hkeWy Anne), Taylor's Glory, Warris's Umon, Sims s Eliza. Of Alpines the 2^4 was equally small. Mr. Turner ^ad Brilliant Emperor, SUr Attraction, Hector, and Conspicua,al seedlings except the last. Mr. James had Beauty, Leigh Wilson, BrilUant, Lilac and ^ovelty. Polyanthuses were also exhibited, but not named Pansies were al.so exhibited by Mr. James, and comprised Black Douglas, Mrs. H. Hooper, Rev. H. Dombrain, Father Gavazzi, Seed- ^g (poorr Mrs. White, Perfection, Ladyburn Beauty, Alexander Tait,&ful Star, Mr. J. Ramsay, Czar, David Inghs. .T^ey were not very fine, and out of twenty-four blooms there were sixteen dark .selfs, most of them very much aliie. ■!,•.■„„ ^„A nt Roses formed one ot' the chief features of the Exhibition, and at- tracted a large number of admirers as usual. It gave one a taste o^ coming pleasures, and showed, too, what I suppose pleases all ol us that one^! judgment as to the Roses of past seasons was not very far out-as well as could be gathered from ilowers g-"™ "«1«; ^^^ We shall see more of them as the season advances, and then be better able to " make our book." — D., Deal. been added to the General Committee— viz., Dr. Masters; Messrs. Bull, Barnes, Barr, Fleming, McKenzio, T. Osbom, Standish, and Turner. At a meeting held on the Oth inst. it ■was resolved to secure St. Martin's Hall for the dinner. Weeki-y Show, .1;;^? U.-There is a more than usuaUy extensive exhibition this day, which was attributable to the presence of Mr ^Uam Paul's beautiful pot Roses and Mr. Turner s masnificent Azaleas, which had been left from the =V™S^?^eetLug of Thursday The classes for which prizes were oSered ^Z'''^''''r;,°JhT^on1^^i in flower, the first prize being taken by Messrs. Cutbush ct Son^ ^d the second by Mr. Bartlett. while an extra second was awarded to Mr. YoiirS-Ld, for miscellaneous plants in fo--' ^e-- C;itbusli received the first prize, and Mr. Young an extra first An extra first was ako awarded to Mr. William Paul for his coUection of Roses m ^Ts,wM:h were still in fine condiUon. There were a so eoU^ciions of miscellaneous plants exhibited by Messrs J. & C- Lee "f Hainmer smith, which received an extra first, and by Mrs. Hooke, of Fulham, and Mr. Bartlett. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S MEETING. Thb March Meeting of this Society (in the absence of the Presi- dent), was presided over by W. W. Saunders, Esq., F.R.S., one of the Vice-Presidents. Amongst the books presented to the library since the last meeting, was a valuable memoir on the Neuropterons insects of Spain, by M. Pictet, jun. A very remarkable and extensive collection of Beetles, Butterflies, and Moths, was exhibited by Mr. Stevens, collected at Hakodadi, in Japan, a great number of wliich could scarcely be distinguished from the common English species, the whole having a very European character, there being but a very few exceptional species of the Indian type. Amongst the Beetles there were only representatives of two genera not European. Mr. Tegetmeier also exhibited a collection of Lepidoptera, from Nagasaki, in Japan, but this series was composed of larger-sized species, much more oriental in their character than the former. Mr. S. Stone sent for exhibition some nests built by workers of Vespa sylvestris, after the original nest, with the queen, had been removed. These nests were very bungling and irregular in their form, showing that the workers needed the superintending attention of the queen, or master builder. A curious fact had been observed by Mr. S. Stone in connection with these nests— namely, that the cells con- tained eggs. Mr. Tegetmeier stated that the same fact had been also well ascertained to be the case occasionally with the workers of the hive Bee, but the eggs were laid irregularly, several in a single cell, and they always produced male insects. The physiological cause of this strange fact, as also of the power of the queen Bee to deposit male or female (i. e., workers'), eggs at wiU, was explained by Professor Westwood. 1 . o Mr. McLachlan exhibited a twig of Mulberry collected at hanger, in India, by Captain Alexander, on which were arranged, in three rows, about sixty eggs of a species of Ascalaphus (a genus allied to the Ant Lion), from which some of the young larvai had been hatched. Geoffrey had stated that a female of this genus had deposited several large eggs, but he had not obtained the young from them. The pre- paratory states of the genus had, however, been more recently pubhshed by the late Rev. L. Goulding, and by M. Brauer. Mr Pickard Cambridge, exhibited an extensive coUection of insects of all orders formed by himself in Syria, Palestine, the Styrian Alps, &c and which were intended for publication in the work undertaken by Mr. Tristram, on the Fauna and Flora of Palestine, as part of the .Teat work projected by the Palestine Exploration Society. ° A valuable Memoir,'by Mr. Edward Saunders, was read, containing the description of a considerable number of new species of Buprestidse, coUected by the late M. Mouhot, in Siam. ,, •»_ t A note from Mr. Groser was read, confirmmg, on the authority ot Rev Leonard Jenyns, Mr. Doubleday's statement as to the noise made bv the Death Watch. A conversation took place relative to the insects found in amber, copal, &c., founded upon Dr. Welwitsch'a recent communication to the Linnean Society. AT the usual fortnightly meeting to be ''^l'' 'J^^^ ^''^y^'^. J''^^; formed that Dendrobinm MacCarthrie ^J P™'"'"/ ^« <'t'^''f„„3 i^' beautiful snecies is found pendent from the trunks of large trees m tte f"ests of Cey on, whe e it is known to the natives by the name of %tT^.^J^^' 'the 'signification of which is Ka-y.--'^^!™-';" May Flower. A plate and description of it were given m Curtis s Botanical Magazine " in 1855. AMAllANTHUS TRICOLOR. In reply to a query put by one of your correspondents (page 257^1 beg to say that in 18G3 the gardener of Count Borromeo ofthelBola Mate, Lago Magglore, gave me ^o^^^^^J'^^^^^^ Amaranthus tricolor, which, sown m pans and placed at hrst in moderate heat, made strong plants about a foot m height and remarkably effective from their bnllmnt fohage. Last tSmmer the heat and want ot rain caused the ?!''"»•* ° 1°«« fheir colour more quickly; but with '^l^'^de and wate, hey may be kept bright late into the autumn.-'W. C. W., baltjoia. The HoRTictJLTDEAL Dinner proposed to take place during the week of the International Horticultural Exhibition con- tinues to progress favourably, and the following names have TEMrERATURE-RECORDING APPARATUS. {Cuntinued from page 244.) I HAVE a few more remarks to make on the above-mentioned apparatus which more particularly concern those who, possess- ing a maximum thermometer, find that the mercury does not always divide uniformly at the obstruction o (see page 24d), but separates sometimes above, sometimes a little below, the compressed portion of the tube. Should any person possess such an instrument, and be unwiUingto have it altered so as to causa the mercury to divide with accuracy at a given pomt, which alteration can be very easily effected, I will show him how he can learn with certainty the maximum temperature between any given times, though he himself be absent. Instead of arranging the thermometer in a vertical position, as shown in lin 1 page 243, the instrument must be suspended exactly as it wolild be placed by an observer should lie wish to know the maximum temperature— i.e., in a horizontal position. When the alarum weight descends the mercury runs down to the end of the tube (see fig. 2J, and thus the greatest temperature o! the greenhouse between the time of setting the alarum and the descent of the weight, say midnight, is leamt in the mormng. The temperature-recording apparatus would also, 1 believe, De of some service to those who wish to keep a register of maximum heat, or of temperature at any fixed time, but who are, perhaps, unable to be present at the usual time for observation.— A., Smrey. 290 JOUBKAL OP HOBTICUIiTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. ( April 17, leae. TLEROMA ELEGANS CULTURE. TnE 6ne, purple-tinged, yet intensely blue flowers of this plant render it iuttrcsting and valuable, as it furnishes flowers of a colour much wanted in greenhouse plants. It is not exactly a greenhouse plant, nor will it thrive in a stove, but requires a ■warm greenhouse. In a cool greenhouse it acquires a starved, brown, sickly aspect, and in the stove it grows too straggling, and being kept continually in a state of growth the wood docs not ripen sufliciently for blooming well. The flowers are pro- duced on the wood of the previous year, and to have that well ripened is the greatest point of all; for unless the previous year's growths are well ripened the flowers at their points will he few. It is propagated by cuttings, and early in April is a good time loputthemiu. Side shoots are the best; they should be 3 inches in length, brown and iirm at the base, and the points green, or in the condition of the wood when about three-parts ripe. They are to bo cut transversely below the lowest pair of leaves, which, as well as the next pair, should be removed. The cut- ting pot having been half tilled with crocks, and a little moss placed over these, the remaining space should be filled up with sandy peat, with a layer of silver s.nnd at the top. In- sert the cuttings round the sides of the cuttmg pot, and place it inside one of larger size, keeping the rims of both level, and filling up the interval between the t%vo with crocks to within an inch of the top, and then to the level of the rims ■with silver sand. Give a gentle watering, and place the cut- tings in a bottom heat of 7';', covering with a bell-glass when the leaves become dry. Shade from bright sun and that only ; tilt the hell-glass a little on one side, or, better still, take it off at night, replacing it in the morning. Avoid the necessity of watering the cuttings by keeping the atmosphere moist, but the sand must be kept just moist. Continue this treatment until the cuttings are struck, then gi-adually expose them to light and air. The cuttings having been struck pot them off singly in small pots, draining well, and using a compost of turfy sandy peat three parts, turfy light loam one part, and one part of silver sand. After potting they should be kept close, and shaded for a few days until established, giving a gentle bedewing of water morn- ing and evening, but avoiding watering as much as possible. ■When established remove them to a cold pit, giving the plants a position near the glass, and where they can have abundance of air. They should be housed in good time, and have a hght and airy situation in a house having a temperature of 4iy^ and not exceeding SO" from fire heat. In April they should have a shift into pots 4.) inches in diameter, and now, unless very carefully watered, they wiU not take to the new soil kindly ; a gentle syringing will be better on sunny afternoons than too much water at the root. Unless the plant grow up without showing side shoots it should not be stopped ; but if it grow lip with a single stem take out the point of the shoots a fort- night after potting. This will induce side shoots, and unless feathered at the bottom it is best to throw the plant away. The side shoots, if inclined to grow erect, should be tied down, and when the leader has broken choose the most likely shoot for a new leader, and let it make six joints, then take out its point. The strong side shoots are to be stopped at the third joint, and so on repeatedly until August, when stopping is to be discon- tinued, the plant exposed to more air, and less water given at the root. This treatment will assist the ripening of the wood ; for, though the plant is not expected to bloom the following year, it will winter better, be more healthy, and shoot more strongly and regularly, than one kept too warm and moist, and allowed to become large nud straggling before being stopped. The plants will by the following April be stiff and bushy, such as can be had from a nurseryman in 4} or 6-inch pots, at a much less cost than any gardener can propagate them. The plant should be potted early in April from a 4}-inch pot into one 8 inches in diameter. This is certainly a large shift, but ■we must bear in mind that our plants are young and strong, and that they are impatient of either small or large shifts. It is well to give a good shift and nurse the plant afterwards, for if small shifts are given it follows that the plant must be nursed for a time after every shift, no matter how small. Drain the pot to one-fourth its depth, and on the crocks place from one-half to tbrcc-quartersof an inch of pieces of charcoal about the size of a pea. and on this again a very thin layer of moss. The pot, bear in mind, must be clean inside as well as outside, and not hardbumt. The soil to be used may consist of three parts sandy heath mould, one part yellow loam from rotted Curves a year old, and one part of pounded charcoal not larger than a pea, with the dust sifted out, and silver sand in equal quantities. The peat and loam should be broken tolerably fine, but not sifted, and the whole should be well mixc-d. Before turning the plant out see that the soil is thoroughly moist, but not newly watered or very wet; turn out the plant, pick away the crocks, and loosen the sides of the ball a little in order that the fibres may the more readily lay hold of the fresh soil. Pot with the compost neither wet nor dry, keep the neck of the plant slightly elevated in the centre of the pot, and press the boil pretty firmly around the ball. After potting give a gentle watering, and until the roots are working freely in the new soQ afford slight shade from bright sun, and sprinkle the plants overhead two or three times a-day in plac. of frequent water- ings at the root. Just keep the toil moist and no more nntil the roots are working freely in the fresh soil. The temperature now should range from oU° to 55 at night, and if there is a late I'each-house no better place could be found, for, from the air circulating corstantly and the moisture kept up by syringing or otherwise, it will cause tlie plants to grow freely and strongly. When the plants begin to grow freely stop the strong shoots to three joints, but let those which are weak remain untouched. Commence training the plant at once by tying or pegging-down the shoots, so as to have it well furnished quite down to the rim of the pot. The stopping is to be continued up to August, for the plant is not intended to bloom in the following yeai. ■\Ve will, therefore, if the roots have reached the outside of the pot, shift the plant into a 12-inch pot by the middle of June, proceeding as before, with this difference, that it is to be placed in a cold pit and kept rather close, shaded, and frequently syringed overhead until the roots are working in the new soil, ■when more air should be admitted, continuing syringing over- head on the evenings of hot days up to the end of August. By this time the plant will have made short little shoots from the last stopping ; to harden them more air should be given, and the supply of water diminished, but never so much as to affect the foliage. Water, whilst the gi-owth is forming, will require to be plentifully given. The plant should be housed by the middle of September. If two plants or sets of plants can be grown, they may be treated differently. Due plant or set of plants should not be potted in June nor stopped after that time, and should receive i a syringing on bright afternoons up to the end of July, when a cold pit will be a more suitable place. Tilt the lights back and front, and by the end of August lessen the supply of water, and this, with air and light, will ripen the small shoots, and by the middle or end of September the plant will need to be placed iu its winter quarters. If the wood be well ripened this plant or set of plants will bloom in the following year, and the other, potted in June and stopped up to August, may do so also ; but this will depend on the wood being ripened and the shoots not being stopped iu spring. If the plant is not wanted as a specimen for summer shows, or is not required to bloom until the following or fourth year as a plant i^the fifth from the cutting), we have to pot it in a 15-inch pot. At this potting use peat and loam in equal portions as the staple of the compost, with one-fourth of charcoal and silver sand in equal parts. With the same treatment as given the year before, the plant will grow freely ; stopping must then be commenced, and it should be continued uji to the end of June, syringing over- head daily to keep down thrips, to which tlie plant is Uable. In June, if the soil quickly becomes dry, which shows the pot to be full of roots, clear, weak liquid manure may be given once or twice a-week from that time up to the end of July. The plant should then be set in a cold pit, the syringing dis- continued, and air given back and front, and by the end of Augiist the supply of water should bo gradually diminished, so as to reduce it to a minimum by the third week in September. Re- move the plant then to a light and airy part of some house where there are no creepers overhead, and no plant so near aa to crowd it and prevent its receiving light sideways. Give air plentifully, but avoid giving it iu front when the external at- mosphere" is frosty, affording at such times a change of air by opening the back "lights instead. The temperature should be 15', aud not exceeding 50', from tire heat, and as to the water- ing, confine that to giving enough to wet the soil when it ex- hibits signs of dryness. As to training the plants, I have an inclination for cones or pyramids, and to secure these it is necessary that the plant iiave a leader, which will involve a change in the .system ol stopping. The shoots at the upper part of a plant are invari- ably the strongest, and if these be stopped as closely as those April 17, 18fi«. ■] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 291 lower down they will always be strongest. Now, to cheek this, the npper part of the plant should not be stopped beyond four or six joints at a time, shoots midway up the plant to three, whilst those near the rim of the pot will hardly need stopping at all. All weak shoots are not to bo stopped tmless they become straggUng or otherwise interfere with the formation of an evenly- balanced specimen. The shoots will need tying down and regu- lating so as to have every part furnished. It is well, however, for those shoots tied horizontally if the ends curve upwards a little, for horizontal shoots do not grow nearly so strongly as those more erect. In April an increase of from 5° to 10° by the end of the month wiU tend to encourage the swelling of the buds, water being given corresponding in amount to the increase of tempe- rature and solar heat. When the plants are in bloom their beauty will be prolonged by placing them in a cooler tempera- frnre, and shade from sun is indispensable. After flowering let the plants have a fortnight's rest by keep- ing them cool and dry, then prune or cut back the growths aU over the plant rather closely, leaving, however, enough of the last year's growths for new shoots. If the plant is to bloom in the following year it must not be cut-in much ; the pruning should, therefore, in this case be confined to removing or short- ening irregular shoots. Subsequently, growth should be en- couraged by a close and moist atmosphere, and ahadiag from bright sun. Pot, if necessary, at once if the plant is not cut-in much, but not until the growths have attained an inch or two in length if the plant has been cut-in hard, it being then shaded and syringing overhead until the roots are working freely in the fresh soil. Afterwards admit air and Ught, exposing fully (still keeping the lights on), in August, and housing in good time for the winter. For old plants nse a compost of equal parts of turfy peat and loam, well turned and aired, chopped with the spade ; and to this may be added one-third of leaf mould, old rotten manure, and bits of charcoal, in equal proportions, and one- sixth of silver sand. During growth, and when the flower-buds are showing and swelling, manure water may be given at every third watering ; but not when the wood is ripening and in winter. The great point is to have the young wood well ripened. To have very &ne specimens it is well to have two sets of plants, so as to allow one year's rest for preparation, whilst the other is brought on for blooming. If aphides attack the plant fumigate with tobacco ; and if thrips appear syringe freely when growing, fumigating with tobacco when syringing c8,nnot be practised. — G. Abbey. WINTER CUCUMBER-HOUSE. YotJB correspondent, Mr. O'DonneU, has given in your last Volume, page 524, a description of a winter Cucumber-house, and as he thought it would be beneficial to some of your readers to have a description of other houses, I shall proceed in a simple manner to give the particulars of one that has been erected about five years, and has afforded me great satisfaction. It is a span-roofed house, as will be seen by the ac- companying section, and is 48 feet long by llj feet wide. The height is 8^ feet to the ridge. There is a bed on each side, with a walk in the centre. I have a partition in the centre, which divides the length into two parts, which gives me the advantage of growing Cucumbers all the year roimd. In the summer I grow Melons in one pai-t and Cucumbers in the other. It is heated by a largo square boiler, of which I wiU give a description at some future time. There are four four-inch pipes for top heat in each house, two flows and two returns, and one four-inch fiow-and-retm-n under each bed for bottom heat. In each house there are four evaporating-troughs attached to the pipes to give moisture when required. Air is admitted at the top and sides by ventilators 18 inches wide by 1 foot deep. The plan I have sent is on the scale of a quarter of an inch to the foot. The pipes are represented by small circles ; b b, beds ; w, walk ; c c, chamber ; r r, ventilators ; s s, iron stays to sup- port the centre of the roof. In reading your Journal for the last eight or nine years I have at different times come across inquiries made respecting the construction of treUises. I have adopted a plan which may not be new to your readers, it is simply Barnard and Bishop's galvanised wire netting (commonly used for the purpose of making sheep-folds), strained on frames made of small round iron. The mesh is sufficiently large to allow the hand to pass through for the purpose of training the plants. This netting is stretched about 15 inches from the glass on small crooks fasteued on eyes, which are screwed to the rafters. This is vei-y convenient, as the netting can be removed at any time when the house requires cleaning or painting. I think this preferable to wooden trellises, which are adopted in a great many houses. Mr. Veitch, of the Koyal Exotic Nurseries, Chelsea, saw my Cucumber-house in January, 1S65, and said that the Cucumbers were the best he had seen for the season, some being 18 inches in length or, I may say, even more. I think it is more economically constructed than the house described by Mr. O'DonneU ; but still I must allow that that has one advantage over mine, which is the inner door and partition at the entrance, which excludes the cold draughts on the outer one being opened. — W. Halleit. GRAPE BUNCHES BECOMING TENDRILS— VINES BLEEDING. The Vines from which the enclosed specimens were taken are Muscat of Alexandria and Canon Hall Muscat. Thoy have only been planted about seven years, I beUeve, and I think they have been heavily cropped, as I found on taking charge last summer that some of them were carrying seventeen or eighteen bimches, and scarcely any of the Vines are more than IJ inch in diameter, some not more than 1 inch. They are in a good- sized weU-coustructed house, heated by hot water. The house was closed in the end of January, heat applied on the 1st of February, not much, and the temperature kept at about io" at first, and gi-adually increased, with plenty of moisture; the highest it has ever been since starting was 73'. I give these particulars in order to make it plain what sort of treatment the Vines have had for the last few months. Among other Vines in a late vinery we have two West's St. Peter's. One day in February, when the Vines were being cleaned, one of the St. Peter's was left hanging, partly tied to the rafter, and the end resting on the floor all night. lu the morning seven or eight of the topmost spurs were bleeding pro- fusely. I crushed the ends with my teeth and bound them tightly up with a bit of fine wire, which stopped the bleeding at once. There has not been any heat on the house since the last Grapes were cut in January, only enough to keep out frost, in fact, it was so all winter. The buds are pushing no\y 1 or 2 inches long, and about a fortnight ago almost every Vine in the house commenced bleeding. I give a little heat now, so as to bring them on quietly after the first house. I do not know what sort of borders they are in, but am told these were well made. In the early house the Vines are planted inside the house ; in the late one they are planted outside. Both borders •292 JOUKNAIi OP HORTICULTUBE AKD COTTAGE OABDENEB. [ April 17. ISM. arc covered with Utter ; in the early one with a thickness of 7 or 8 inches, in the late one of 4 or 5 inches. Will you give me your opinion in the next Number aa to what is the cause of the hunches rimning to tendrils in this way ; and also what is the cause of the tirst bleeding of the St. Peter's, and the later bleeding of the whole lot ? — E. Yineuy. [You have, apparently, acted quite right with the Vines. The cause of the bunches running to tendrils is most likely pre- vious overcropping and the roots being too deep, or having too mnch moisture in this wet season. We have some on two Muscats, though we had lessened the heads considerably ; hnt they had borne immense crops for a number of years, and not received much countervailing nourishment. If the roots are not too deep the Vines will most likely recover themselves in another season. If you think the roots are rather deep, the Vines will require extra firing in the autumn. As to bleeding, we do not think in the case of the West's St. Peter's it was owing to the top of the shoot being bent near the ground. We attribute it and the bleeding in the late house to the mild winter, and the rather active state of the roots in the border. Aa a general rule, the sooner Vines are pruned after the fall of the leaf the better. In the case of verj' late Vines, where we could not prune owing to the Grapes, it is a good plan to cut out all the buds not wanted, before one is able to prune. This matter of bleeding is referred to in " Doings of the Last Week. " j WORK FOR THE V\TEK. KITCHEN GAKDEN. As soon as the principal crops are in the ground, and the supply of dung to serve for the season has been wheeled on the principal quarters, proceed to make good any part of the Box edgings, either by taking the whole up and replanting, or filling up such blanks as may have occurred during the past year. Thrift and other similar edgings require taking up and replanting every two or three years. Although Box edging looks neat and helps to set off a kitchen garden, yet on account of its harbouring slugs and the annual repair which, even with the greatest care, it always requires, we prefer stone or earthen- ware for bordering, which though more expensive in the first place, will in a few years repay the additional outlay, besides the appearance of stability which the stone or earthenware edgings give to the walks. After the edgings are put in order, turn over or regravel the walks, and after rain let them be well rolled till they again become firm ; the garden will then present through the season a clean well-regulated appearance. The minor paths or alleys to be kept in an equally tidy state, for which purpose place scrapers at each intersection of the paths or walks, or, in fact, wherever they appear likely to be required. Beans, make a sowing of Taylor's Large Windsor, to succeed those sown in the end of last month. Broccoli, if a sowing of Snow's Winter Wiite, the Walcheren, and Knight's Protecting has not yet beei made, it should be done without delay. Srusteh Sprouts, make a good sowing for winter use. Cabbage, a sowing of the Champion Early Dwarf should now be made to produce plants for winter and spring use. Cardoons, the seed may now be sown in trenches where the plants are to remain. Wlien preparing the ground the manure to be covered with about 3 inches of soU. Place three seeds together, 14 inches apart. Only one plant, however, must be allowed to remain at each spot. Cucttmbcrs, keep the shoots well regu- lated, as on this particular their fruitfnlness in a great measure depends. Seed should now be sown to produce plants for ridges, ilxmhrooms, m making beds to produce through the anmmer, a portion of loam should be mixed with the dung to give greater solidity to the bed. NasturtiiLms, sow. The seed if gathered when quite young and pickled in the usual way forms an excellent substitute for capers. Trained against trelliswork the plant is highly ornamental. Potatoes, if the main crops are not yet in, lose no time in planting them. Savoys, another sowing may be made for a late crop. Turnips, make another sowing. FBDIT GAKDEN. A portion of the protecting material should be removed from Peach, Nectarine, and Apricot trees. Do this gradually, that the bloom may not suffer by a too sudden exposure. 'When canvas screens on rollers are employed, of course they are rolled up by day, and let down each night. If the nights, however, are warm, they need not be lowered quite down, as a little extra air by night will be more beneficial than otherwise to the bloom, ^yhere spray or netting is used, and which could not conveniently be removed daily, a part may be taken off at once, only keeping it on hand in case a return uf severe weather should render its use again necessary. FLOWKU bJUlDEN. Showery weather should he taken advantage of to complete the pbuitiog of deciduous trees and shrubs without deUy, and likewise of any evergreens left unplanted from the autumn, as from the present time to the end of the month is the most suitable season, next to the autumn, for removing most kinds of evergreens. In planting avoid exposing the roots to the sun or drying winds. Mulch immediately after planting, to prevent undue evaporation from the soil as well as to save watering. A good watering overhead with the garden-engine on the even- ings of bright days wUl prove of great use to newly-planted I evergreens, and when the plants are large, the stem and some of the principal branches should have haybands tied round them, which, being damped once or twice daily, will keep the bark moist and facilitate the How of sap. Proceed with the planting of hardy climbers against walls, trellises, and veran- dahs. Select some of the most showy species, such as Capri- fohum. Wistaria, Bignouia, Clematis, Tecoma, &c., and intro- duce amongst them some of the strong-growing Noisette, evergreen, and hybrid climbing Koses. If it is desirable to hide some disagreeable object from view, we would strongly recommend the following Boses — Rampant, Donna Maria, Triomphe de Bolwyller, Madame d'Arblay, Garland, Queen of the Prairies, and Baltimore Belle ; these are in every respect suitable for this purpose, being rapid and strong growers and abundant bloomers. OBEENHODSE AND CONBEBVATORV. In watering pot plants, great care should be bestowed, as it is an important process ; too much, too little, or an injudiciotia modeof application being equally fatal to high cultivation. Very many plants are seriously injured at the periods of shifting or potting off, by improper watering. A very fine-rosed water- ing-pot, and slight applications of water, at intervals, soon after potting, constitute the best way, as a general maxim, to penetrate tlje mass, and to cause the particles of soil so to arrange themselves, that the atmospheric influence shall be | somewhat modified, but by no means intercepted. There is, | however, no good reason why all plants should be watered im- mediately on shifting them. When 'a plant has no ball of earth, the water should, of course, be made to penetrate the whole mass, in order to prevent desiccation, which would some- times ensue through extreme porosity in the new soil. 'When, however, the subject is a plant with a hard ball, a steeping overhead in water for an hour is a preferable course. After j this, frequent syringings or waterings with a fine rose will be the soundest policy for a week or two. Proceed at once with the staking and tying-out of plants requiring such assistance. Turn each plant frequently round, that it may not become one- sided. Epacrises and spring-flowering Heaths will bear close pruning after flowering is over. Correas that have been flower- ing during winter should now be rather closely pruned, and kept indoors all summer, when they will take the place ol Fuchsias after September. The cuttings we advised to be struck for a stock of winter-flowering plants will now require potting off. As it is not desirable that those should be grown to a large size, keep them rather short of pot-room, a hot-water pit will answer best for growing these and similar plants. The plants can then be brought close up to the glass, and by a little attention will form stout, bushy subjects, with well-ripened wood by the automu, and they may then be brought into bloom at pleasure. STOVB. Pay due attention to the watering, shifting, stopping, Sec., of stove plants in general. Make cuitings as they can be obtained in a young state of Geissomeria, Plumbago, Erantbemum, Jna- ticia, Clerodendron, Vinca, Euphorbia, Brugmansia, Begonia, Thunbergia, &c., in order to keep up a succession of clean young stock. Syringe freely in fine weather; shut up early with solar heat, give air freely, and fumigate with tobacco in due time. PITS km) FBAMES. Cultivate plenty of HeUotropes, Aloysias, and the sweet- j smelling Pelargoniums. Part the roots of (Enothera macro- carpa, or by-andby cuttings of the shoots may be made when about 3 inches long. They soon root if put in a little heat. Increase Gladioluses and Lilies, as they are very useful in re- lieving dark masses of foliage. Cistuses and Helianthemums should also be had in abundance. — W. Keahb. April 17, 1866. ] JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTUKE; AND COTTAGE GABDENEK. 293 DOINGS OF THE I^VST WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Yeey much the same as last week, the heavy rains making the ground too soaked to do much. Prepared for fresh beds of potherbs, and sowed such kinds as Basil, Sweet Marjoram, Ice- plant, &c., under glass. Sowed also in a mild hotbed Capsi- cmns. Tomatoes, pickling Cucumbers, Vegetable Marrows, &c., and put in some cuttings of Cucumbers, as we are always rather short of desirable seed. Turned a lot of Kidney Beans from five-inch into ten-inch pots, and put a row of them in the orchard-house, where we think they will be safe. Planted more in five-inch pots, five Beans in a pot ; they will be turned out after they are some inches in height, and be pro- tected with a few laurel branches. We find, even if the ground were more suitable, it would be of little use planting them out of doors, as the pheasants are so keen in looking after all fresh- stirred ground that we might just as well have forty fowls brought to the kitchen garden from the farm. Planted-out more Cucumbers, as detailed last week. Those in our earliest three lights, though healthy, are shovring the effects of hard early cropping. Early Cucumbers are an object, and hence the first crop is frequently injured by heavy crop- ping. When it is desired to keep the same plants long in bearing, they should produce but sparingly, until the vines of the Cucumbers pretty well fill the space allotted to them in the frame or pit. Like almost everything, if they bear heavily before they have made plenty of growth, they are apt to pro- duce but little for some time afterwards. Amateurs should also recollect that a large Cucumber, from 16 to 24 inches in length, at an early period and from young plants, wUl injure the plants more than four or half a dozen Cucumbers crisp for the table at from 7 to 8 inches in length. To ease young plants we frequently cut the stalk of the Cucumber half way through, or more, as then it keeps more crisp than when cut, and injures the plant less, though when covered with leaves of Broccoli or Khubarb Cucumbers will keep well some days in a cool place. Particular people like them best cut only a short time before they are used. 'SMien the most fruit possible is wanted from young plants in an early frame or pit, it is ad- visable to follow with another bed from which little shall be cut until the plants are established, and then, when they are in full bearing, either give a rest to or renew the first bed with fresh plants. This will explain how some persons find their Cucumbers standing stUl after yielding fruit from small young plants. They must have a few weeks' rest to recruit their energies, and then most likely they will do well enough. " W." has a deep pit, plenty of bottom heat and top heat, but his bed is 5 feet from the glass, and he thinks that would not do for Cucumbers. We have not a doubt of its doing first-rate, and without setting up the plants on reversed pots. We would advise growing the plants in pots, and without stopping, train- ing them to one stem until they were nearly 4 feet in height, then to tm-u out the plants into the bed, and in a few days stop tbe plant by picking out its point. All the buds on the stem below the trelhs should be picked out, and the shoots trained as they break, to a trellis 15 inches from the glass. Such plants are more easily kept from woodlice, &c., than those grown on a bed, and, as a genertl rule, they will be more fruitful. Cucumbers and Vermin. — The strong plants in the frame that were eaten and spoiled did no more good. The process re- sorted to, as detailed some weeks ago, seems as yet to be suc- cessful with the fresh plants turned out, which now half fill the box, and are showing fruit. We may as well repeat the process. Earth was beaten firmly all round the inside of the box, and from 4 to G inches above the level where the box rested on the dung-bed. This was to prevent any steam or smell coming in from the outside — a good plan where fresh rank material is used for linings. This done, the lower part of the box outside, and the bed on which it rested, were smeared with coal tar, and a little was sprinkled farther down on the bed. Litter was then placed over it, so as to cover the box considerably outside. When mice and rats find their way into such beds, they seldom go much lower down outside than the bottom of the box. The heat of the linings would keep the tar there in a moist state, and so long as it is so none of them will willingly go near it. At any rate, they have not meddled with this bed since. We would, however, strongly urge upon any who would try this preventive to make sure that none of the fumes of the tar penetrate into the frame or pit, or that will be as dangerous as the rats themselves. A keen amateur, to make assurance doubly sure, plastered some tar inside of his frame, after reading our previous notice, and was inclined to lay the blame on us for the unfortunate results, though then, as now, we were particularly urgent that no fumes from the tar should pass inside. Moles and Tar. — Moles have been wonderfully plentiful and active this season. In fields, in pastiires, pleasiu'e grounds, kitchen garden, and in slight hotbeds for Radishes, Carrots, Potatoes, i-c, they have been hard at work. In common fields and pastures we doubt very much if they do not do more good than harm. They put out of the way lots of worms, wire- worms, &e. Their deep runs help to drain the land, and so long as their galleries are deep they do little or no injury to vegetation, and several times in our experience, when they have so taken possession of a Uttle meadow, as pretty well to cover it with their heaps, the spreading of these has acted as a valuable surface-dressing in spring, and the interfering with, these heaps is apt to give the mole offence, and he decamps for a while, until it would be advantageous to bring some of the subsoil to the surface again. In pleasure grounds he does in- terfere with high keeping and neatness, and more especially when the runs are just under the surface, the whole rendered visible by a slight rounded ridge, underneath which you may safely calculate the roots of grass are so cut as to present yon with narrow, withered spaces in summer, if you do nothing to prevent it. Well, having tried iu our hotbeds gentle deterrents which would not keep moles out, if already comfortably nestled there, we were obliged to trap some in the usual way, and the less of the scent of the hand there is about the trap the more easily will the mole be caught. As respects the pleasure ground and gardens, however, we were ahke kind enough to the moles, and selfish enough as regards ourselves, merely to desire them to shift their quarters, and let others trap them who were fonder of the job, and this object we think we have effected by making openings with a trowel, in the shallow runs especially, pouring into the openings a little tar, and then shutting them up. We have scarcely observed a new run since. The mole is such a cleanly creature, that the scent and touch of tar are too much for his delicate sensibilities. Peas, Pheasants, and Tar. — This wiU almost appear a ta,r article, but the simple hint may be serviceable to some. Until this season we suffered comparatively little from pheasants. From a small quarter of winter Greens it has not been uncom- mon lately to start twenty in a morning, and they managed to obtain more of the hearts of Brussels Sprouts, &c., than those for whom they were intended. We knew of old how fond they were of Peas and Beans. We began to think we should have to go through the labour of raising all such crops in various ways, and planting them out when 0 or 9 inches in height. We know very well what would stop them— a rather close- meshed wire netting, in a somewhat semicircular shape, the open base a foot in width, and from 9 to 12 inches in height to ths dome of the arch. If the mesh were more than 2 inches across the pheasants would reach the Peas and the yoiuig growth through the meshes. If it is from three-quarters of an inch to an inch, there is the risk that they would get their head in and not get it out again. Such wire guards coidd either have iron feet to go in the ground, or be fastened to stakes ; and the wire if galvanised would last a long time, be useful for many purposes besides Peas, and could be put away in little room when not in use. Common cord netting with meshes not less than an inch across are less useful, as the pheasants will tear them, and find their way imdemeath and, what is a more serious matter, will often hang themselves. We could have used common netting, but we have a vivid recollection of seeing half a dozen beautiful cock birds that had committed involun- tary suicide in a net thirty years ago. The gardener and the keeper wisely kept the matter to themselves ; and the latter, being an obliging man as well as a faithful servant, turned cut every morning early for a week, and made the pheasants so uncomfortable close to the garden, that they went farther afield for their chief feeding grounds. The recoUection of this hanging in the nets kept us from using them, and until the last sow- ing a fortnight ago not a single Pea or Bean was left of aU the previous sowings out of doors. We had sowed in the usual way, only covering with rough ashes as being disagreeable to small birds and mice ; and then we laid firmly along the rows branches of larch, &c., pretty close in texture, which we meant to remain until the Peas were several inches in height. The pheasants saved us all that trouble, miiting their strength to turn the branches aside, and then clearing the rows as they went. Our last sowing, a fortnight ago, has as yet remained un- disturbed. We based our operations on the proud cleanly iU JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTCBE AKD COTTAGE GABDENEB. r April 17, laat. character of the bird, and resolved that he should meet with enongh of nastiness before ho reached our Peas. We sowed and covered as formerly, placed the branches along the rows, then stretched a stout string about a foot above the rows, fastened pieces of paper and rag to the string, smeared the string, paper, (tc, with tar, and shook some tar, with a brush, over the branches, scattering a little on the ground along the rows, the tar being heated over one of the furnaces to make it shake easily from the brush. This will smell strong, and keep rather soft and liquid for a considerable time at this season, and if we find it necessan.- we can run the brush again along the stii- •. By the time the Peas are up the httle tar ou the ground \mU have become rather dry and comparatively scentless, and will not at all affect their growth under such circumstances. The next morning at half-past four o'clock there were the pheasants at their old feeding-ground, chuckling defiance, just as if from wall or tree they had seen the fresh seed put in the ground. It was very amusing to see them strut and stare, march and run up and down and round these rows of Peas and Beans, not able to nurse their wrath, but giWng free vent to their indigna- tion, as, what with the filthy string above the row and the spattered branches and ground immediately over it, they coiJd not find a comfortable spot on which to employ either bill or claws. During the whole time not a single hole in the rows has been made, and so disgusted did the birds seem on account of being foiled that they almost left off their attentions to a quarter of Broccoli near at hand, where they were not only reducing the leaves into threads, but had pecked the heads in the centre. As tar is cheap enough, something Uke Id. a-gallon at most gas- works, and as heating it will cause it to go a good way, it may be useful for keeping off more enemies to the gardener than pheasants. Would like to give more air to Peas in pots in the orchard- house, which would cause them to swell and set faster ; but in these stormy days we like to bring the one orchard-house on by giving much less air, and this, so far, makes the haulm of the Peas grow more strongly than we care about. That row in pots will yield a fine lot of gathering, and standing as the plants do close to the back wall, they are much stronger and earher than those planted-out nearer the front, where they do not receive quite bo much sun heat. Sea-ka!e. — Trenched and enriched some ground for planting- out the roots taken up to be forced. The crowns will be all planted by themselves, and the pieces of roots without Inids, from fi to 8 inches long, will also be planted by themselves. These seldom make such good plants as young plants a year or two years from the seed, and they do not do so well from" forced plants as those pieces of roots that are taken up from the open air. All the roots forced, except the latest ones put in, have been standing in dry earth in a shed, so as to harden them off well before placing them in the open ground. We shall git what wo want in a week or ten days in the open ground. Here we have an example that litter keeps heat out as well as keeps heat in. We covered some time ago a couple of rows with common pots, filling up the hole in the bottom, and merely covered the pots with litter to protect them and make ail dark ; but though a few plants are coming ou nicely, as a rule this piece covered up is not so forward as other rows fully ex- posed to the weather. The warmish rains and a httle sun have rendered the exposed ground warmer than that merely covered with pots and htter. Of course if there had been auv heat in the htter it would have been different. Being deficient of pots we have covered a couple of rows with old wooden hurdles. Pots some 10 inches in height were set along the sides of the rows, on which the hurdles with some branches drawn through them were placed ; the spaces at the sides along the pots on which the hurdles rested were packed firmly with litter to keep the light out ; and some Htter and rough hay were throvra over the hurdles for a similar purpose. The hurdles can be easily held up on one side to cut the Sea-kale as wanted. Plenty of Sea-kale enables the gardener to keep the table well supplied in winter. That which is to be forced should not be cut too late in spring. Ehubarb will now come fast enough out of doors to dispense with forcing. It is generally plentiful in the markets in this neighbourhood, brought from the south of the island, a fort- night or three weeks before we can have it in the open ground here. Roots, taken up for forcing, when divided and planted- out, will generally be fit for raising again after they have had two summers to grow. Now is a good time to sow, either at once in Ught land, or under protection, and then to be planted- »nt ia the case of heavier and later soils. rnCIT OARDEK. A press of other matter has prevented us getting on with naihng as we wished. In the outside border of the Ute vinery which is now breaking and growing fast, independently of oar efforts to keep the ]'infs back, we removed the httle stubble from the border, and scraped off and wheeled away all the black surface soil, chiefly decayed dung, wliich had been left on all the winter. Then shghtly forked the border, as the roots were near the stu'face, and gave a top-dressing of fibry loam, with a fair dressing of lime and soot, and covered with a couple of inches of horseduug, chiefly droppings. Wo expected to have renewed a portion of this, and other borders, but conld not get at them, nor yet the material in time. Voting Vines planted the other year, intending to take them up again, are coming on very strong, eo that for this season or more they will take no harm. It is no such easy matter to procure the necessary material for a Vine-border, when made as it ought to be, and though wonders are often seen without drainage or border- making, as at Messrs. Lane's, at Berkhampstead, still it would not do to depend on such modes when the gardener can do better. As a general rule, in all cold, stitT soils, in addition to cross and front drains, we should like the most of the border to be above the ground level, and in addition to concreting the bottom, we would like a foot of rubble between the concrete and the soil, and rough material for this purpose is vei-y scarce in scime neighbourhoods. We have done nothing but give a httle top- dressing to our old borders for many years, with a pinch of superphosphate or guano at times, the superphosphate being the safest to use ; but such dressings we look upon as just serving a temporary purpose. For various reasons, we generaUy used to tie the Tines of this late vinery horizontally along the front of the house, and we think they not only broke very regularly, but broke a week or so later, which we were rather anxious to secure, as the house bemg crammed with a number of bedding and other plants, tier above tier, as soon as the (jrapes were cut, we wished to use hardly any fire in this house, except when the bunches approached the blooming period. As the sun was becoming strong by that time, the chief help in fine weather was derived from sun heat, as the house could be kept pretty close after all the hardier plants were removed. For two or three seasons, instead of bringing the Vines down to the front of the house, and tying them lengthwise there, each rod when pruned and washed was suspended at from '20 to 24 or more inches from the glass, and they have uniformly broken very regularly ; but, as stated above, rather earlier than when tied along the front pretty close to the glass. This might be owing to the two circum- stances, that the Vines close to the front air were in the coldest part of the house, and we could make them cooler still by whitewashing the glass roof immediately above them. For early forcing we think the Vines break more regularly when placed horizontally, or lengthwise jilong the front of the house. The late vinerj- above referred to has scarcely ever had a dash from the syringe, except one good washing immediately after the fruit has set. During spring, if for no other reason, it would not have been ailvisable to have used the s\-ringe on account of the plants growing in the house, some of which do not Uke to have the sun on them whilst the leaves are wet or moist. Pelar- goniums, for instance, should scarcely ever have wet foliage presented to the sun's rays. In earlier vineries proceeded much the same as in previous weeks, stopping, tying, and regulating shoots, and drawing the hand over bunches of Muscat and Sweetwater in bloom. Tied roughly Fig shoots in low pit-house, thinned and stopped. Tied Peach shoots in the Peach-house, and left the best-placed fnut. Disbudded in the first orchard-house, or rather removed the fore- right shoots, and took away and stopped a great many more, not making the trees too bare, however, at first. The fruit has set excessively thickly. No buds dropped from this house, but if more than half of them had fallen there would have still been more than enough to give plenty of thinning as they grow. The bloom has hung a very long time this season. In our early Peach-house we never knew the bloom last such a short time. There was an imusual day's sun shortly after the flowers were open, and in a few days the bloom began to fall ; but the fruit set very well notwithstanding, but nothing was re- quired in the way of thinning in comparison to what will be wanted in the orchard-bouse. The Vines planted-out in the orchard-bonse are jnst moving, the most forward buds being from a quarter to half an inch in length, and just as in vineries and Peach-houses, unless where care is taken to keep them late, they will incline to come earlier April 17, 1866. 1 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 295 by a little eyery year. This leads us just to notice " An Old Friend's" case, who has neglected to cut back his Vines planted last season in the orchard-house, and which are not very strong, but which he meant to shorten by 5 feet at least, yet he never thought of it until he saw the buds bursting, and now he is afraid to cut back. We have no doubt that Thomson's styptic might even suit his purpose it the Vines were cut back, other- wise they would bleed very much, and be much weakened in consequence. If he do not choose that mode he may manage pretty weU in this way : — Begin at the top of the shoot, and as soon as the buds are from half an inch in length rub them oft roughly with the linger, going down the stem until you come to the shoot or shoots you wish to leave. When this selected shoot has gi'own from 20 to 24 inches in length, then, if you choose, you may cut off the old naked disbudded shoots or main stem. If yon rub off these short bud-shoots, there will be no bleeding ; if you cut them off with a knife there wiU be plenty of bleeding, in fact, almost as much as if you had cut the shoot in the usual mode of shortening. Fines Bleeding Unexpectedly. — We have known this take place several times when fresh borders of fibrj- turf had been made with a good mixture of lime rubbish, boiled bruised bones, &c., which, with a little protection on the border, caused a mild heat all the winter to the roots from the decomposing turf, i-c. The Vines were primed at the fall of the leaf in the usual way, and showed no appearance of anything peculiar tintil they began to ooze and bleed from every cut about three weeks after they were pruned, and some six weeks before it was considered suitable to begin to start them for forcing. Whenever from the peculiar circumstances such a result may be expected, it is advisable to keep the roots drj'ish until six weeks after pruning, and immediately on pruning to daub every cut with a thick paint made of white lead chiefly, and a little linseed oil and turpentine. Burning the cut parts and daubing the places with various paints was of little use after the sap began to flow. No doubt styptics would have been used if they had been to be had. What surprised us most was the fact that, with one or two exceptions, the gi'eat bulk of the Vines that we last saw under such circumstances, after weep- ing in this way for fully six weeks, broke, and gi-ew seemingly as strong as if they had never dropped the smallest quantity of their sap. Of course in this and the previous case of neglected pruning alluded to, whenever the leaves expand there will be no more bleeding from the Vine. OBNAMESTAL DEP.IRTMEXT. Our work here has been very varied, and some of it, such as moving shrubs, turfing. Sec, had often to be left, owing to the weather. On the front border of the earUer vineries, to which heat has been appUed, and which was protected by leaves and litter just slightly warm, a bank was made of the Utter back and front, a few hot leaves added, a narrow board placed length- wise well on the ridge, and ou these boards old sashes were laid back and front. Under these were placed a great many scarlet Geraniums potted from boxes into small pots ; they were watered, plunged, and the pots covered with leaves, as no more water at the roots will thus be needed until the pots are fuU of roots. Lots of hardier Geraniums were turned out into an earth-pit, though not so dry as we should have liked the soil to have been. Calceolarias in a pit are now suffering from not being removed, wanting sadly to bo from 4 to 6 inches apart instead of 1} inch. They are a perfect thicket, and have been pretty well exposed of late. Auriculas, showing trusses nicely, should be defended from cold rains and east winds, and if manure water- ings are given not a leaf should be touched. Finished pruning Eoses. It is well to defer the tender sorts until late, as then if the most forward buds are injured no harm is done. We have seen aU the forward buds of unpruned Eoses blackened in March, whilst the buds just swelUng nearer the base of the shoot suffered not at all. If these Roses had been pruned in winter, and the lower buds pushed, they would most likely have been ruined for bloom that season. We hear of a good many so injured this season. This is certainly one ad- vantage of not being able to overtake our work as we would wish to do. Planted out lots of Hollyhocks, and divided some of the larger stools. Stools that are too large may have the shoots thinned out when from 4 to 0 inches long ; and, with a piece of the older stem attached, if these are planted thickly in a warm place they may be lifted again in early summer, and will bloom late the same autumn. Hardly one will fail in light soil, even in the open air. Potted young Pelargoniums for late blooming, picked Orchid-baskets, potted Gloxinias, and Be- gonias, and shook Gesneras out of their pots, and set them in shallow boxes just to begin' to move, as the sooner they ara started after this the better they do for autumn and winter ornaments. \Mien too wet for general work, mended old sashes and straw covers, made tallies and washed pots, tied up plants, and picked and fresh aiTanged plant-houses. — E. F. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— April 14. The demand is bnt niodernte, and last week's quotations liavo barely been maintained. Dessert Apples are confined to Golden Enob and Non- pareils ; Pears to Easter Eeurre and Ne Plus Meuris. Pines and hot- house Grapes continue sufficient for the demand. Vegetables are abun- dant, and ol Potatoes there is a heavy supply. New ones bring from 4d. to 6d. per lb. FBBIT. Apples ^ sieve 3 Apricots doz. 0 Cherries lb. 0 Chestnuts bush. 8 Ciurrants. Red ^i sieve 0 Black do. 0 Figs doz. 0 Filberts lb. 0 Cobs 100 lbs. 0 Gooseberries ^2 sieve 0 Grapes, Hothouse, .lb. 15 Lemons 100 6 Artichokes each 0 Asparagus .... bimdle 6 Beans, Broad. . bushel 0 Kidney 100 Beet, Red doz. Broccoli bundle Brus. Sprouts fi sieTe Cabbage doz. d. s. 0to5 0 0 0 0 0 16 0 0 0 160 0 0 0 25 0 10 Melons each Nectarines doz. Oranges 100 Peaches doz. Pears (dessert) . . doz, kitchen doz. Pine Apples lb. Plums ^2 sieve Quinces .... % sieve Raspberries lb. Strawberries oz. d. B. 3 0to5 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 0 12 0 0 0 2 Walnuts bush. U 0 20 0 VEGETABLES. d. s. 6 too 0 10 2 2 1 0 1 Capsicums 100 0 Carrots bunch 0 Cauliflower doz. 2 Celery bundle 2 Cucumbers each 0 pickling doz. 0 Endive doz. 2 Fennel bunch 0 Garlic lb. 1 Herbs bunch 0 Horseradish .. bundle 2 Leeks bunch Lettuce per doz. Mushrooms pottlo Mustd.ii Cress, punnet Onions bushel Parsley sieve 0 Parsnips doz. 0 Peas quart 0 Potatoes bushel Kidney do. 0 Radishes . . doz. hands 0 Rhubarb bundle 0 Savoys doz. 0 Sea-kale basket 0 Shallots lb. 0 Spinach bushel 0 I Tomatoes J-a sieve 0 I Turnips bunch 0 ! Vegetable Marrows dz. s. d, 0 8 too 0 0 2 0 0 9 0 6 0 0 6 0 6 2 0 d 0 1 6 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 Q 0 TO CORRESPONDENTS. »,« We request that 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. All communications should therefore be addressed solely to The Editors of the Journal of Horticulture, dsc, 171, Sleet Street, London, E.G. We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those ou 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 untU next week. In-dex {E. a. p.).— Ton can have the Index for the last half year if yoa enclose four postage stamps with your direction, and repeat what you want. Proncxoiation of Botanical Terms (O. .V.).— Henslow's " Dictionary of Botanical Terms " shows where the emphasis in each is to be laid. Guano Liquid Makcre [W. itf.).— Hall an ounce of guano to a gaUoil of water is quite strong enough for watering flowering plants. For" kitchen vegetables it might be made fully twice as strong. If you enclosa four postage stamps with your direction, and order "Manures, or Muck for the Many," vou will have the book sent to you free by post. It con- tains ample directions about making and using aU sorts of fertihsers. Flower-heds in Lawn {L. E. S.).—Vfe cannot dep.art from our rule not to detail the flower-plsnting of beds or gardens we have noyer seen. If you will stale Iiow you propose to plant the bed wo will readily point out anything in your plan which we think would be objectionable. Seedling Auriculas (.Y. 1'. 2.).— There is nothing remarkable in your seedling Auriculas. They are, as Alpines, very pretty, but deficient in quality as florists' flowers. The centres of the flowers are not sufficiently bright and circular. Daisy Knife (J. '^.j.— There is a description and drawing of it ia No. 113, New Series, of this Journal. You can have it free by post Jrom our office for id. Any blacksmith conld make one. Jasminum not ExpAscrNO ITS Flowers (.S.).— Wo tlunk if the plant were to have abundance of air and light, with a posiUon near the glass, plentiful supplies of water, and occasionally applications of weaS UqulO mauttro, that the flowers would open another year. 296 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. I April 17, 1886. B0TI.ER8 (J. Wavfllf).~'Wo bftTO no donht that the boiler (sftddlc- bftckeil). is A very guud oqo : but neither in tthiipo nor setting o any diffcrcnro from thoBc usmdly cnipluyt'd, jxccpt in the two inctiil plates thftt pass from tho boiU-r tbroui.'h the flue into the arched brick- work. Snch boilers if set low fuou^h will biiru Any fuol that i^ pre- sented to thoiu. Wu Arc doubtful if tbo metal plates aro of much advan- tage. If anj-thing happened to the boUcr It would be more difficult to take it ODt. 8a.lt to AKi'ARAcrsnEDs (,V. H.). — It is bcHt applied to the beds during; the period of the ^rr^wth of tbo ABiinmRua— that i«, from March to S<.'p- tomber. Wood ashes are chiefly valuable an a mnnuro for the salts thoy contain, wliicb arc wnahcd out if the at^hcs are exposed to rain. TumipK, Pots, Beous, and lawus are benefited by tbom if used at the rate of forty buaheljB per acre. Flower-garden Pi^ntiko (Thin 0««).— Wo think your simple planting will look well, but we would omit the Asters, as they will not keep on with the others. Sowing I^t Berries (A Stih^criber).~-Tha leaf sent, wo think, is an Aucnba leaf, nnd not a Laurel leaf. The berries of the Ivy will bo shrunk or shrivelled by the middle of May, when they may ho sown at onc«. Birds, &c., care little for them after the pulp is cone ; but unless for eome particnlar purpose, why sow the needs at all, when cuttings a foot long would root so soon In a moist Rhady place ? Vines (.1 Yoitng Gardener). — The Froc de la liuulaye, which you have, ia the same as our Prolific Sweetwater, an unrly white variety, ripenintf its fruit well in a cool viner}'. Its fruit sets more readily than that of the old Sweetwater. Your Chasselas de Fontainbloaa is our Royal Muscadim>. CccuMTiEn (A Constant Suhseriber). — For your own use, prow in your hotbed the old Long Prickly. None excels itin prolificacy of good friiit. Amateur's Forcing Pit iS. Oooch). — Yen plan is a very good one. and a much finer and costlier affair than Mr. Attwood's, but fumishiuK you with the fTTcat pleasure of doing everything inside, and in any woatlior. Wo presume the ground is tfolid on which you build your fines, othei-wiso wo would not have raised it, as the stems of the Cucumbers can easily be taken up to the trellis, and a bed for various purposes is most easily managed when the side walls are not too high against the person of the operator. Now. for what wo think would easily improve your little house. Wo approve of your two upright drain-pipes communicating with the tank between the pipes, but we would hiive more of them to let the heat into the atmosphere of the house without too much heating the ?oil. The soil, also, at present seems to rest on the flues, as well as the slate cover- ing of the tiink, and the roots that touch the flues will be apt to be in- jured. A verj- simple plan would be tocovorthe flues likewise, 3 inches or so above them, with slate or open rubble, allow the vapour from the tank lo pass over the fiuew, and have a small drain-pipe — say 1 to 1^ incli in diameter, with its open end fastened in this chamber, and the other end Standing up close to the side wall — say one back and front every 4 feet — and the upper end furnished with a plug, to let a moist heat into the at- mosphere of the hon?e at will. This is merely a little matter, and if yon adopt it, we shonld like to know with what result. Both you and Mr. Attwood have dissipated the prevnUnt idea that Portland cement would notstand dry heat. Mr. Robson used to have houses heated by round pipe- fliiefi 60 formed of cement. Air A Tint's "Pit (Ardent Lover of FJoirers). — The amateur's pit, page 222, Is, as yon observe, one chiefly for first economy and continued utility, but, of course, like all mere pits, it does not afford the means for the pro- \ prietor working inside. Your proposed little house, 6j feet high at hack. [ and 4 feet in front, with a bed 3 feet wide, and a path 3 feet wide, will enable you to walk comfortably at the back ; but if yo!i can either raise ! your wall or sink tho pit to make the back wall 7 feet in height, it will be still better. Your new house for propagating Cucumbers, &c,, will stand at right angles with yonr present potting-shed nnd greenhouse. In your I cose we would place the flow-flue nnd return-flue beneath your bed, so as 1 to have no obstruction in your path. If the wall of the flue next the path | is made of brick-on-bed, yon could continue the wall of your bed al)ove I it. For giving you moist as well as dry heat, see the plan suggested to Mr. Gooch, in making a tank between the two flues. You conld do po I easily by placing your two flues a little nearer eoch other. With such a I contrivance you could always command dry and moist heat, and if the [ bottom of your bed were covered with &late, abont 4 inches from the flue, you would always have plenty of bottom h^at ; and if yon had drain-pipes set on end. one end open into the chamber, and the other end open above the soil or plunging material, and that eud furnished with a plug, you could let heat np as you liked. Even on the proposed arrangemeut of your section, without tank or anything of that kind, you could always obtain plenty of heat for the atmosjihere of the house, by having a wooden brick made like a plug, every 4 feet, to place in the side wall of the chamberneit the path, which youcould pull outor put in at pleasure. Some mode of having a tank, however, would bo uBeful. Yon could easily heat your two houses from the same shed, but we think you would do it most economically by two small fireplaces, ns the greenhouse would need little fire except in frost. If your iron boiler is sufficient, there is no diffi- culty in joining the one-inch, which you now have, to three-inch pipes. Tho bcKt way is by sockets to fit the three-inch pipes, nnd with inch holes in the socket to receive the one-inch pipes. The simplest mode where there is little pressure, is to insert a plug of wood in the three- inch pipe, and take the one-inch pipe through it secured by white lead. This will not impede circulation. We agree with yon, that hot water is the best mode of heating ; but we contend that for heating a small place tho flue is tho more economicaL We. therefore, have given such pro- minence to the pit of Mr. Attwood. The grafting will do very well if scion and stock are joined on one side. That is one of the quickest and best modes of grafting. HoDRS OF Employment (M Suhseriher). — It is common when a man has a particular charge in a garden, when he has his Snnday out. to see that all ia right before he goes, give suitable directions as to air, &hade, &c., to the man left in charge, and see that all is right when be returns home. If he feels on interest in what is committed to his rare, he will do all this without any specific agreement. Were he compelled to stay at home to see another man do the necessary work, ha would have no rest or change on the Sunday. It ia always best to have a clear under- Standing, and not to trust even to the use or cuBt^>m. We have known cases of foremen who scarcely ever had a Sunday to themselves; but it told badly on all concerued. Fi.rn Heating iJ. Pn/or).— Yon Bun»ri«o us by stating that in n honso '^0 feet by I'J feet, and heated by Kouio M feut of tlur, M inchen doopt and 7 inches wide, you cannot have a high>T temperature in a frosW night than 35". though liigb enough for a vinery when you go to bod. tf yttti consult a coal merchant be will tell you that ttomo (-*uaU will cake even in a common fireplace, and go uut if thu poker is not urted, and that others will fall as they bum, and need no touching until they are burned out. The latter would suit you best. With the goful draught in your fiuo wo would bum anything in it, and trouble our3elvi.» very little about the kind of fuel. Such a bngtb of fine ought tn retain the heat a lung time, even after the fire is ouL Wet cinders luid a-hes should be used for banking up at night, but to prevent e^kin;;. and the firo going out. you must lessen or prevent air passing through the bars from tbo ash-pit door, as that is the chief cause of tbo fire going out and learing a cake of unburued coal above ; and if even that do not auitwer, Toa must widen your furnnee 6 inches witliout using mure bnrs fi.r tho flro- grating. Mr. Fish recollects a case in point. He, and another young man, had to attend to tho fires (d a stove in tho evening, and tbo foreman attended to them at other times. During his comrade's week of firing there was always grumbling that the fires were out in the morning, though the heat was gencrallv about the mark. He rakeJ the bars bt-furo putting on the fuel for tho nigKt. HaWngmadcsureof theheritMr.F.putted down the live fuel on the bars before putting on the fresh coul. with its covering of ashes, and there was always plenty of fire in tbo miming, with a good clinker for the foremau to draw out. It wan one ()f the cases in whicli doing the less was attended with tho desired result. The patting tbo live fuel on the bars prevented the air passing through tbom, and combustion was much more slow. We think that such a mode, and keeping tho ash-pit door close at night, will help to keep the fire in ; but, even now, with 2 feet in depth of fuel, and all burned out, we can scarcely reconcile how the fine should become so cold during the night. Vines from Last Autcmn's Cuttinob FRCiTrNo (5.).— Vinos, cnt- tings last autumn, rooted in iTanuary, and showing a good appearance of fruit now, axe not at all common. We have seen and done such tilings as experiments, by taking long pieces of the severed stems, or shoots, of a Vino, and causing the lower part to root before the sap moved much in the part above ground ; but the result in general was not equal by any means to that obtained from Vines treated in the usual way. Perhaps wo do not quite imderstand your statement. Hard Water for Plants (IT. H.).— The water of which you sent us a sample is bard, and probably from containing much lime and magnesia, kept suspended in it by carbonic acid gas. You can render it fit for watering conservatory plants by exposing it for a considerable time to sun aiicl air, or adding to it a little soda, such as is used by washer- women, or potash. By exposure to the atmosphere and heating it at the same tinie.'thc softening — that is, the depositing from it of the calcareous salts, would be hastened. You will see what Mr. Robson says to-day about water. We knew one very successful gardener who always mixed peat soil with the water he intended for his American and Heath plants, some hours before using it. HouBi-E VioLF,TS BECOMING SiNOLE (Pro»per(i). — The Violets you planted last siiring as double-flowered were certainly single at the time, tbouifh you did not know it. It is rare that double flowers become single, but it is not unusual for single to become double- flowering. Heating by Hot Air (A Corutant Header, Stockport). —Heated air, pure, free from smoke, will answer all the purposes you want, if the dry- ness is sufficiently neutralised. We believe you may carry out your plan if you superintend the working yourself, but we should be doubtful if the working were left to others. Besides, we much doubt if the air from the retort will heat 100 feet nf such piping, and also doubt if it would be sufficient to beat the different houses. We also fear that unless you haTC a chamber round the retort, tho sheet-iron pipes will last but a short time, and the having three of these pipes, one two-inch and one four-inch inside of an eight-inch pipe, makes it rather intricate. ^Vhat is chiefly in your favour is the gradual rise in the 100 feet. We must Bay that we are doubtful of the successful heating of so many places by such means, one large place is so different. Washing Vines— Prfn inc. (B. it IT.).— The best time for washing Vines is immediately after they are pruned, and the best timo to do this I is immediately the leaves turn yellow and fall. No better mode for I doing this exists than to remove merely the loose bark witli the fingers, 1 and then scrub the stems with soap and water, and then wiien dry danb them all over with a paint made of water, sulphur, and clay. If the ' stems are well washed twice with soap and water, the clay daubing may be dispensed with. Its chief nse is to imprison any of:g^ of insects that may be left. As your Vines will now be budding, you must give up all ide.a of such washing for this season, and the best plan you can adopt is to mix a good deal of sulphur with the limewash you use for washing the walls, &c.. of your greenhouse. As respects the Vine on which you have left two shoots, and one of which you would rather have cut back, do not think of cutting it now, and resorting to any mode to prevent bleeding, but just wait until the buds have pushed to an inch or more in length, nnd then simply rub off with your fingers all the buds above that near the base which you wish to leave. The rubbing oflTwill not bo attended with bleeding. Cutting off the buds will cause bleeding. Cyclamen not Growing {R F. Wheelm.— The jwts of C. coum and C. europteum should be plunged in ashes in a cold frame, and be kept there with the soil moist imtil tho foliage decay. C. persicnm should be kept in the greenhouse nntil June, and then be placed out of doors, returning it in-doi^rs in September. i>y which time it will be pushing new growths, and may then be repotted. C. coum may bo potted in the end of August or earlv in September, and C. europmum will then bo showing for bloom. It is ^srdy, and may bo planted out on rockwork. coTOring the corm 3 or 4 inches with light friable soil. If it have a position shaded from tho midday sun all the better. It is not unusual for Cyclamens to grow indifferently the first year, in consequence of their being deprived of their roots by taking them out of the ground, but they recover in a year or two. RosKS FOR Pot Crr.TtmE th flREENnocsE {Idem\ — Tea-?cented — Dovoniensis, Gloirede Dijon, BarilletDeschampB, Safrano. and Niphctoe. Noisette— Miss Gray, Polonie Bourdin, Celine Forestier. and Triomphe de Rennes. Bourbon— Baron Gunella. Emotion, Rcveil, and Souvenir de Malmaieon. China — Madame Br^on. Triomphe de Gnnd, Arcbduc Charles, Mrs. Bosanquet, Henri Cisq(.and Infidilit^s de Lisetto. April 17, 1866. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 297 Gdano for Roses (F. J.). — Two applications of guano on the surface nre sufficient for one year, if the plants have been well manured in winter ; but your proposed weekly application of guano water is not too much, we have given it as often with gnod resnlta. Pegging Down Moss Roses (Irft;«)-— The shoots to be pegged down in place of the weak old shoots after they have flowered should, if they in- terfere with the cfl'ect, be pegged down loosely until the blooming is past ; then, removing the old shoots, train in their place the now ones, but do not peg down closely until autumn. Adcubas (J. B. Hutchinson).— Thevo is no particular treatment required for a male Ancuba in bloom, farther than applying its pollen to the female flowers. We are not aware of a cross between Aucuba japonica and himalaica. If in bloom at one time, that crossing could easily be tried. Names of Plants (J. Su^e).— Yon wore correctly informed. It is popularly known as the Artillery or Pistol plant, the anthers discliarging their pollen in miniature explosions. Its botanical namo is Pilea mus- cosa. {John Baker). — 1, Malvastrumcapense ; 2, Pilea muscosa. [Sophia). — A form of Aspleniuni adiantum nigrum ; but not the common English one. {A*. W.). — 1, Aponogeton distachyon ; 2, Zenobia floribunda; 3, Casiandra calyculata ; 4, lUicinm floridanum. (6'. Forrf-.— 1, Hypnum triquetrum ; 2, Dicranum scoparium ; 3, Hypnum proliferum ; 4, H. den- droides. {A Twelvs-yeaTs Reader). — 1, Pernettya mucronata ; 2, Nar- cissus incomparabilis. (T, Shaw). — The pieces of fronds sent are nearly all of them insnflicient for naming, and we name only six at one time. 3, Selaginella Martensii ; 8, Onychium japonicum; 10, Cyrtomium fal- catum ; 11, Nephrolepis exaltata ; 13, Ptoris erotica (?}■ METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS in the Suburbs of London for the Week ending April 14th. DlTE. THERMOBTETEK. Wind- Rain in inches. Genehai. Reuabsb, Air. Earth. Max. Min. Max. Min. 1 ft. dp. 2 ft. dp. Son... 8 Mon... 9 Tnes. . 10 Wed. . 11 Thnis. 12 Pri. ..13 Sat. .. 14 Mean.. 80.019 29.950 29.805 29.665 29.788 29.858 30.068 30.007 29.798 29.782 29.290 29.673 29.818 29.938 65 49 56 67 58 60 65 40 86 87 42 48 80 34 48 49 49 49 49 61 61 45{ 46 46 464 46 47 47 E. N.E. S.W. S. S.W. S.W. S.W. .00 .21 .00 .25 .03 .02 .08 Foggy ; overcaat ; cloudy and dull ; overcast at night. Overcast ; cold rain with N.E. wind ; showery. Overcast; overcast, damp and sunless; overcast. Hazy, overcast ; showery, constant rain ; wet throughout. Cloudy; fine; overcast at niffht. Densely clouded ; fine ; slij^lit frost. Very fine ; heavy showers, 12—1 p.m., hail ; Tery fine at night. 29.879 29.758 65.71 ) 38a4 49.43 46.29 0.68 POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. RAILWAY CHARGES FOR POULTRY. We have at various times adverted to the great trouble aud annoyance which exhibitors of poultry suffer from railway charges and railway neglect. It seems strange that any body of men should act so suicidal a part as do the directors of some lines iu this country. Possibly all this may be done in ignorance, and the minor officials may be the chief parties to blame, but in any case we can very well understand why many exhibitors should determine on relinquishing a fancy that even if they are successful in prize-taking is often a positive loss to them. Moreover, it is not every individual who likes to have his digestion impeded by the presentation of a "railway bill," that on the face of it looks like an imposition. We return to this subject again at the present time, because it would seem that the great body of exhibitors appear dis- posed at any rate to make their grievances known. An Eng- lishman is said always to have some satisfaction in grumbling. Let us hope that some better result than grumbling will attend the present efforts. We are informed that the Poultry Clnb are intending to bring the difficulty before the various railway companies. Our columns of late have been much occupied with the subject, and, as many of our readers are aware, one of OUT contributors is endeavouring to find out by application to all the leading exhibitors their views on the subject, and we have already published three lists of exhibitors who are willing to sign a requisition to the various companies ; we shall publish another shortly, and we apprehend that when the roll shall have been completed very few of the names of the leading potUtry exhibitors will be absent, and, most probably, if absent it will be because the names are attached to the Poultry Club memorial. We cannot ourselves see any objection to an exhibitor signing both memorials; their object is the same, and there ought not to be any rivalry in the matter. The railway companies themselves would appear to have no regulations at all to guide them. If they had, surely the curious charges complained of b-y Captain Heatou at the Poultry Club meeting and by Mr. Manning in our columns could hardly happen, and we sincerely trust that this effort may be the means of settling the question and fixing some regular but moderate rate of carriage that shall apply to all lines. There can be no question that these exhibitions very greatly increase the passenger traffic ; as some return for this Qie companies may weU afford to carry the specimens at a more reduced rate. We believe that this moderate rate, below the usual parcel rate, both ways, would meet the views of ex- hibitors more than a " free " return of the unsold poultry, many exhibitors believing that this means their being " free" to wait about at any station for an indefinite time. It is hardly possible that any change can be for the worse. Our contributor "Y. B. A. Z." will soon have communicated with all the leading exhibitors; and we would remind those whom he may have overlooked, and those who have not yet replied to his communications that they can do so, as his address has been given in our columns. THE DISQUALIFIED PEN AT -WIGTON POULTRY SHOW. No one regrets more than myself the necessity of your reporter's remarks on my Silver-spangled pen shown at Wig- ton, and reported in your last impression. I desire to say that I am as entirely ignorant of how the needle got into, or who put it into, the comb as those who saw it pulled out, and am prepared to make an affidavit to that effect. I never knew about the matter till I heard from a friend, who detaOed the circumstances under which it was found ; but this, even, not until I had found a " disquahfied " card, and written to the Secretary to know what any pen of mine was disquahfied for, being perfectly assured in my own mind that there was some mistake about the matter. I fetched the hen myself on Tues- day evening at seven o'clock from her run, and put her into a pen with the cock that was going with her, and I put them both into the hamper myself on Wednesday morning, and am positively certain that she was not trimmed in any way for the Show. Until I took her off her perch I did not know which I should send, and I only chose her as I thought she was in capital condition. How long the needle had been in the comb to me is, there- fore, a problem I am unable to solve. I am sorry to see your reporter's concluding remark, as it seems to hint that it had been put in to keep her comb straight. I have repeatedly been to see her since this, to me, unpleasant affair has happened, and I confess I cannot see that her comb droops on any side, and I scarcely think the Judge would deny that the pen wag the best even after the needle was withdrawn. Do not mis- understand me : I do not complain of losing the prize under the circumstances, as, of course, the Judge and Committee would not be aware of my ignorance of the needle's presence. ^A. K. Wood. SOUTHERN POULTRY SHOWS. I AM delighted to see that Mr. Lang, of Redlands, has fallen in so willingly with " Wiltshire Bectok's " proposal that a poultry show shall be held at Bristol, and has expressed his readiness " to work with all his heart in getting it up." If two or three can be found who wiU take the matter up with equal energy and determination, there is no reason why we should not "have a first-rate show at Bristol, I for one, as a breeder of poultrv, will give all my support, and doubtless numbers wiU come forward from the surrounding counties, to 298 JOUENAL OF HOBTICULHIIIE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 17, 1886. say nothing of tliose at a diBtancc, and encourage and help the nndertaking. Mr. Lang asks breeders to propose a time whicU will least clash with other shows. I have been looking through last year's Numbers of " our .Journal " aud have come to the conclusion that in or about the first week in November would be a very suitable time for holding the Bristol Fooltry Eidiibi- tion. — A. K. C. DRAGON riGEONS. I AM pleased that my previous remarks upon Dragons and the little controversy between Mr. Percivall and myself have called fortli the opinions of some fanciers and questions from others, and may bo the means of bringing about a settlement of a subject which would appear to many of your readers of trifling moment, but wliich is of great importance to the fancy. For this reason I was, in the first instance, desirous of promot- ing a discussion upon the respective qualities of the two sorts of Dragons under notice, in order that the merits of each might be laid before those of your readers interested, and that these might judge for themselves whether or not it was folly for Mr. Percivall to e:^claim "without reason or argument" against white-rumped Dragons, which have long been acknowledged, and ought to bo admired, for the superior colour " they un- questionably possess" over those of Mr. Percivall's choice. Again, Mr. Percivall comes forth without any argument, simply reiterating former declarations without one iota of evi- dence in support of his fancy, or a word to refute what I have said in favour of the birds he would discard. I do not wish Mr. Percivall to infer, as he does, that because the white-rumped birds form the great majority they should necessarily be the best ; nor do I allow that because those of his fancy are so few that such should go in their favour. I ask any fancier to test for himself by placing one of each sort side by side, and I think I can safely say he will agree with my views. It does not require the educated eye of an artist to decide which is the better colour ; for, as a rule, the superiority of the white-rumped birds is obvious to the casual observer. I do not feel satisfied to remain a silent reader of sitch prejudiced notions as those of Mr. Percivall, and by that silence sanction any crotchet or foible until such is acknowledged at the sacrifice of some of the best Dragons that can be bred. Blue Dragons are under- stood to be white-rumped, it is the exception to obtain them otherwise of a good blue colour, and, therefore, I think it un- justifiable for Mr. Percivall to persist in calling them worth- less, and to wish to force his opinions on others, which, instead of making out the points of Dragons more clearly, would only cause the judging of them to bo more complicated, and would necessarily lead to discussions as to whether they were white- rumped or not, as there are white-rumped ones, blue-rumped ones, and the various gradations of shades between the two ; and as a matter of eoui'se, the nearer they approach Mr. Per- civall's choice the more dowdy is their colour, aud the less attractive and beautiful are they as aviary birds, and conse- quently it is an essential point against them. Although Mr. Percivall does not flatter me in some of his observations, it serves his purpose in Ueu of argument, and does not offend me. He has, however, given me credit for being wise in withholding my name ; which, if that constitutes my wisdom, is a virtue I have no wish to retain. Having no desire to be an anonymous correspondent, I append my name and address to this letter, with the request that it may be published. Mr. Percivall says, I may be a Dragon breeder, but certainly not a Dragon fancier. Not so certain, I say. The Pigeons I keep (solely for my own hobby or amusement), consist chiefly of Dragons, so Mr. Percivall may term me a breeder, fancier, or anything he likes. He has been bold enough to call me ignorant of what I have not attempted to describe — viz., the properties of a Dragon. As yet I have merely pointed out the difference between the birds under notice, although I flatter myself, my delineation of a good Dragon would be of service to Mr. Percivall, though I should feel it presumptuous in me to describe in your Journal what to many is so well understood. Mr. Percivall says he has for many years been a member of a society for the improvement of every kind of Pigeon. I cannot think the members of that society would say that white- rumped Dragons and Owls are worthless, and ought to be ex- cluded from prizetaking. That birds which for years have so frequently occupied the most prominent places upon the prize Uets of our exhibitions, and yet possessing such glaring defects, should have passed the notice of such a society, seems strange. I know of one pair of white-rumped Dragons which have been shown at most of the exhibitions in England, and have been successful in taking upwards of fifteen prizes, so that they must have been closely scrutinised many times, and most likely have passed through the hands of those whose opinions are valued. Mr. Percivall has thought proper to so far misconstme my meaning relating to the black ticks, which I say so often appear upon the upper wing-coverts of the blue-rumped birds, as to call them " Chequers." 1 think I understand the mean- ing of chequers, and, had I thought proper to describe the small ticks in the exaggerated sense, I should have used the word Mr. Percivall suggests ; but I think my meaning would be un- derstood by those who have had experience with Blue Pigeone. The ticks, or specks of black I allude to, resemble those upon the tail feathers of Pile Game fowls, or the wings and taU of many of the Dun Antwerp Pigeons, and are not proper chequers, but graduated stippling of black from the top por- tion of the bar downwards ; and again I say such are generally to bo found upon blue-nmiped Pigeons, and the darker the hue the plainer they are to be seen. In your Number of March 'iOth a correspondent signing himself " An Amatelu " suggests the names of Mr. Hewitt and Mr. Esquilant, whose opinions, "lie says," would carry great weight ; for my part, 1 think the more opinions we obtain the better, the majority of which I think would endorse my views. Mr. Percivall selects from " As Amateub's " suggestion the name of Mr. Esquilant to whom he would refer. \Miy he omits that of Mr. Hewitt I can only surmise. In my opinion this last-named gentleman has shown himself of keen percep- tion and good judgment when his decisions have come under my notice, and, therefore, I hope we may hear from each of the gentleman named. I see Mr. Percivall noticed the remarks of " WiLTSiimE Rec- tor," and in one particular, singular to say, I agree with Mr. Percivall, when he says that because white-rumped Dragons have been successful at Birmingham that that is no criterion. It does not necessarily follow on that account that they are perfect ; but their beauty will recommend them, and they must be acknowledged, and when placed with others, and judged upon their merits, at the discretion of good judges, will be found, if not at the top always, still amongst the winners. As Mr. Percivall appears not to have noticed Mr. Brent's observa- tions, I would recommend him to refer to the Number of March 20th, where that gentleman describes in a few pithy lines what is part and parcel of the true blue colour— viz., " the white rump." Mr. Brent has gained celebrity by his writings on Pigeons, and as I consider his opinion is of impor- tance I take this opportunity of otfering him my thanks. As an ardent admirer of all kinds of Pigeons, and especially Dragons, I ask that those who read this controversy and are called upon to officiate as judges, may not be biased by what Mr. Percivall has said, but that they will exercise their own discretion in the awards they may make. — A Diuooos Breeder (■T.W. LrDLow, 9G, Edward Place, VauxhallRoad,Binning]tavi). The Salisrcrt Meeting op the Bath and West of Exolaxd Society. — It will be seen by an advertisement in another column that, in order to meet the convenience of numerous Exhibitors, the time for entering poultry has been extended to the 1st of Mav. CooKiNT. AN Oli> Hen. — The Slassaehuffttn Ploiiffliman gives the following directions for " serving up an old hen so that she shall manifest, to mortal palate, all the delicacy and tenderness of youth :" — " .Tust cut her up into joints, taking care to go by the joints so that j-ou do not get in any splinters of bones Pick up all the bits of meat you have in the house, bones too if there is any meat on them, any odd pieces of ham or bacon, leg or shoulder of mutton, and a slice of salt pork, and cut a few slices of fat bacon and some bread. Take an earthen vessel with an earthen cover, with a bit of a hole in it, the covei, we mean, and put a layer of bread at the bottom of this vessel, then a layer of bacon, and then fill in with all the scraps and joints you happen to have — they must be sweet and clean of course— "till the vessel is full. Then fill up the hollows and cracks with water, and tie down the lid. Put it at night in a verj- warm, not hot oven, and let it stay till morning. Take it out at your leisure and put it in a cool place, and when perfectly April 17, 1866. ] JOXIBNAIi OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. 299 cold, you will eat with gusto either for breakfast, luncheon, dinner, or supper, and you will find it not only tender, but juicy, and delicately flavoured, and highly nutritious. The water that you put in will have turned into jelly, and the whole will cut like a red-veined marble. There is no way in the world you can work up an old fowl so economically or so splendidly. BRINDLEY'S INCUBATOR. This incubator is an oblong wooden case resting on four feet ; the apparatus for thirty-six eggs being 2 feet long, 1 foot wide, and 7 inches deep. At the left-hand side, enclosed in wood, is a metal boUer, attached to which is metal tubing, which goes round inside the incubator, between, but not touching, glass. This space between the two glasses forms a chamber for the hot air. In a drawer at the bottom of the incubator the eggs are placed on a tray fitted with spiral springs covered with flannel, one for each egg, and by means of thumb-screws they are pressed so as to lightly touch the lower glass, which glass is to be kept at the heat of a hen's body. The heat is greatest at the top of the eggs. The necessary mois- ture for the eggs is draivn by the heat above, from water placed in the bottom of the drawer, which is metal. The thermometer is placed between the two glasses,, and may be seen, as also may the eggs, with- out opening the drawer. The lamp is neatly en- closed directly under the boUer, and is easily re- moved for trimming, which is required twice a-day, and if the best colza oil is used there is little or no smeU from it. There is not the slightest danger of any part of the woodwork taking fire. The incubator has been constructed from taking the natural means as closely as possible for a guide ; there is no loss of room, as little loss of heat as possible, and, if attended to, it will not faU to give satisfaction. Instructions for Working. — FiU the boiler with boUing water half an inch from the top, and supply the waste every morn- ing, turn on the brass tap for a moment every morning to let out the air. Trim the lamps and replenish the oil morning and night, and look at them two or three times in the day to see that they are burning right ; if too high, and the flame touches the bottom of the boiler, soot will be formed, which wastes much heat and oil. Colza oil should be used, and the end of the wick be well soaked in it before lighting ; the wick will biun better if soaked in vinegar and dried before using it. When putting in the lamp-case, or removing it from under the boiler, do so quickly, otherwise the woodwork may scorch. The loose flannel cover is for the glass outside, it keeps in much heat. Cover the bottom of the drawer with cold water, say half an inch deep, place the eggs, one on each spring, on the tray over this water, and, when the drawer is shut, screw it up so that the top of the eggs shall Ughtly touch the lower glass. The eggs do not require sprinkling, the necessary moisture for them is drawn by the heat above from the water below ; as this water wastes it should be replenished. Keep the thermometer up to 110'; uo harm will be done should it rise or fall a few degrees from this, but a temperature of from 10.5° to 110" should be maintained as far as pos- sible. If too high, the ventilator opened and the loose flannel cover removed will soon lower it. The eggs should not be put into the incubator unto it has been work- ing several hours, has ac- quired the proper heat, and is in working order. Turn them once a-day. In four or five days it may be ascertained whether or not the eggs are birded by their being held before a candle in the dark ; if aUve, the veins may be seen moving. If it appears certain that they are not birded they should be replaced by others. Eggs may be added any time. The date of putting in should be pencilled on each egg. When the chicks burst the eggs the thumb-screws must be lowered to give them plenty of room, and they should be kept in the incubator a few hours ; they require uothiug but the requisite warmth for the first twenty-four hoiu'S after hatching. Should the temperature of the incubator by accident fall very low or rise too high, it may not follow that the vitality of the eggs is thereby destroyed ; get the heat right again as quickly as possible, and keep the incubator working on. The top may be screwed off when it is required to clean between the glasses. BEES' RECOLLECTION. The following particulars show the recollection which bees retain of locality after nearly six weeks' absence. On May 12th, 186.3, I had two swarms within an hour of one another, both of which settled on a Deodar tree on my lawn, a favourite place, by-the-by, for settling, for two out of three of my swarms. It is my almost invariable rule never to remove swarms to their destined locality imtil the evening of the day of swarm- ing. This was done, but the next day began with a drenching rain with high and cold winds, such as was prevalent during that unfortunate summer. Some of the bees coming out and, of course, going to the Deodar, were at once chilled with the cold, the hives not being there. This was too much for my philosophy, and I accordingly replaced the swarms where they had pitched. The next day was as bad, and the next not much better, the bees going out a little during gleams of sunshine in the afternoon, when I was absent in the city. The result was, that I was afterwards afraid to remove them to their in- tended stands, and resolved when the weather settled to send them to a friend's house a mUe and a half away, to cause them during a five or six weeks' absence to forget their domicile, and then place them where I originaUy intended, without causing that puzzling and often loss of bees, which result from re- movals to short distances. This was done, and though this is not the point of my letter, I may add that the next day, not- withstanding they were a, mile and a half removed, 1 saw tea or twelve bees hovering roimd and sticking to the old places showing that at this distance in fine weather bees will find their way back. In about six weeks' time I had them baok again, and then, feeling sure that they must have forgotten where the swarms had pitched, I placed them on the site originally intended. To my utter astonishment, the next morning I saw fifteen or twenty bees again flying round the old places on the Deodar where the swarms had originally settled, this being about 50 feet from where the hives were now located. These bees continued at this off and on all day, and, I believe, never went again to their proper place. All swarming was long since over with me, so it could not have been from any other hives, and all my bees were at that time busily engaged with the Lime blossoms, so abimdant in Blackheath Park and the vicinity. Having been a bee-keeper for more than a quarter of a century, I like to remember these and other traits of my special favourites, and could give you, also, other proofs of their peculiarities from my own personal experience which might interest you. I am rather an enthusiast upon the sub- ject, but can bear a joke consequent thereon, notwithstanding that I am — A Blackheath'an. [We shall be glad to hear again from you.] 300 JOUBKAIi OF HOBTICULTORE AND COTTAGE GABDENEE. [ April 17, 1886. IMPROVED FRAME HIVE. The snggestion in page 265 respecting bars with projecting ends, iB, donbtlogs, a good one for those who are commencing with bar-and-framo hives ; but the alteration vfould bo found exceedingly tronble?ome to make by those who have already adopted another pattern. Moreover, the projection cannot be used in a bee-house, when it is necessary for the front of the hive to fit closely. Having experienced the difficulty referred to in handling heavy frames, I have used a couple of square hooks — if the bull may be allowed — that is, the hook simply bent at a right angle, and not returned. This I often find useful when the frames dre tightly fastened in, especially in a house where the front of the hive is not easy to reach. Of course, the frame is first loosened, and the hook inserted sideways between the comb is merely used for lifting out. — F. H. West. OUR LETTER BOX. Eaos NOT TTATCinKO (S. T. H.).~Vi'c fully Bympathise with you, for after payiog *J8*. for nineteen epps, and these having to travel only abODt Uuriy miles, you were entitled to expect more than two chickens. At the same time you have no claim apainst the vendor. Ho is an bononrable man, but, if he had no contrary reason, we should have expected he woold have sent you a dozen as a compensation. Lacino on Wings op Spangled Hamburghs (J. P. F.). — Lacing has been decried becanso it is difficult to obtain. Jt should belong to Spangled fowls, and always did. Look at the wings of Silver-spangled Polands. It is effectual in those classes. Every breeder of Spauf^led birds knows how difficult it is to breed colour into one part of the body and out of the other. It is difficult to obtain the spangled breast and barred wing Nsith a clear tail. We can recollect the time when all had barred wingp. but they had not clear tails. Lacing is a serious difficulty, bat it is anything rather than a defect. PotTLTRT FArnTREs (M. C).— You do well in all things except chickens, and there is no reason why they should fail. We havo a dozen lirahma hens with chickens, and they havo never done so well as this year. Our loss is not 5 per cent. We are great admirers of the Brahmas for their sitting properties and their maternal \-irtuoB. Your feeding is good, but if>you can find any miller who will grind your oats into fine flour, without taking anything from it in the shape of bran, you will find it very profit- able, more so than whole oats. Indian coru is good for a change, Lnt it does not make good chicken meal. You do not seem to require any other knowledge, as success is a fair test, and you are successful. Let your sitting hens have plenty of room. When they break their eggs it is generally because they are cramped for room; and when they crush the chickens it is because their rips are too small. Wo have om's 24 inches each way Ducks Laving Soft Eggs {A. €.). — Aylesbory Ducks, like hens, will sometimes lay soft eggs. This arises from the lack of that which forms the shell. In Ducks the cure for soft eggs is genen-illy to feed for a few days on oat^ put in some vessel, with gravel and a sod of growing grass. Cochin hens often lay very early after batching their chickens, but seldom at the end of a month. The hen in question must supply the breakfast eggs. The chickens are too young to be left, especially at this season of the year. Buttering Eggs for Expout (Mrg. Tatboi).~'^'e think it would spoil eggs for hatching if they were buttered. That is a process used for keeping them fresh for the table, but it is an unnatural process for hatch- ing, and we follow Nature in these things as nearly as we can. We think eggs might go safely to South America packed in a basket with dr>' moss, each egg being rolled in it. They should be kept in a cabin, or some place where there is air. Eggs will keep a long time and yet hatch — cer- tainly a month. Deficiency of Cocks (S. P.). — Yon have too many hens for two cocks. You should have at least fonr. Last month, and earlier in the year, five for your fifty hens would not be too many. Sometimes cocks are recon- ciled by being placed in pens where they can Bee each other through wire netting or other open work without being able to get at each other. Our own idea is to let them havo their quarrel out, care being taken that they shall not fight to t^^e death. We always adopt that plan. If you object to that, do as follows : "Take a long rod 8 or 9 or more feet long ; to the end of it tic an empty bag, such as an old pillow-case. When the cocks are sparring, and intent upon it, they will allow yon easily to come within reach. Measure your distance, and buffet them right and left with the bap. They will be astonished, and will desist for a minute or two. They will thtn begin again. Repeat the operation, and after two or three applications a cure will be effected. If the covered runs are to protect the chickens during the night, use them by all means ; but if they arc for the day, discontinue them. Let the hen be under her rip, but let the chickens have free cour-^c through the bars. Choose a dry (if possible^ and a somewhat sheltered spot, and if the rata are troublesome place a board in front at night ; but yon must recollect that chickens want their liberty at daybreak. Giddiness in Fowls {B. O, H.).— Your chicken mnning sideways and taming its head has the " gids." and will never grow up to be a good one. We advise yon to kill it, and thus save the food it will eat without making any retiuTi. It is the sort of chicken kindlv little girls take to as a pet, because it is so funny. If year Cochins were Dorkings or Ham- borgbs we should say they had roup ; hut as Cochins are not subject to it we believe it is only a cold, which may be removed by feeding on bread and ale for a day or two. Spanish Fowls (A Mtchanic).~yon will find plenty of Spanish fowls and eggs advertised in our columns. The Spanish fowls as originally im- ported had white faces. We have known one cock sold for £bi), and two §ens containing each a cock and two hens sold at Liverpool for £200. bur garden is largo enough for a Spanieh run. Eggs hatch well after travelling. GooHF. IRVING Many Egoh {B. £.).— If the Goose in qacstloa is ft ToulouiM Goose she will not sit ; if she is not, she wilL One of oar Ton- louse Geese last year laid furty-flve eggs. EnrcTiNG A Hen-hoi'he (A Kcdd^r).— Yon may make an excolTbnt honso with the iipace you mention— viz.. 6 feet in depth and 18 feet in Jongtb. Hrickwurkis not necessary ; bo.^rdiugwill doporfrctly well. Let the house be at liabtG feet high ; if higher ho much the better. Have a wooden, slate, or tile roof. As the length is three times the depth, and as light is very essential, yon must havo an opening or window at the cud, near to the roof— one that can be opened or shut as the season may rei|uire. The door should be at one end, the perches within 2 feet of the other, ronning acrtms the liouse; the laying-buxes facing the door. The water should not be in the roosting-honeo. Ilecollect, the larger the mnyon can allow your fowlti the better they will do, and nothing is so good as grass and shrubs. The flooring of the house should be gravel on earth, the latter well rammed down and the funner loose on the surface. The mortar and ru)>bish may form the foundation of the floor, but there should also be a heap of it in the run. They du>^t in it, and the hens find the material for the eggshells among it. You will not have room to rear chickens in the smaller space; they shonld be in the larger place where you propose allowing the fowls a run once a-wcek. Wire netting will make all nccurc, and the covering at top will depend on the l>reed yon keep. Wo do not recommend Dorkings for confined spaces. The best breeds are Cochins and Brahmas. These are not wanderers, and will remain contented without any covering at top. Another advantage of those breeds is, that their cbickens are hardy and easy to rear. We should advise the purchase of useful birds of either of these breeds, and that you buy some good eggs to put under the bena as fast as they become broody. Aylesbury with Carolina Ducks (An Irnjuircr). — There would bo no risk of any evil consequences if Carolina and Aylesbory Ducks ran to< getber, but we are bound to tell yon it would be incongruous. Aylesbory Ducks are large, hea%'y, and common-looking; foul feeders, and thriving best in a yard where they forage in search of food. Carolina Docks do well in a small pond in a flower garden, where they can always bo soon and fed, becoming tame pets. The peculiarity of the latter is, they will not make a nest, but will lay their eggs abont, takingnonote of them unless they are provided with a proper place for nesting, which should be exactly like a small dog-kennel fastened above the water to a pole in the middle of the pond, and having a plank to reach the water. Small ridges of wood must be nailed across this plank to 0ve the Docks foot- hold. The back of this kennel should ho lower than the front, and there should be a bead to prevent eggs from rolling out. Caiolina Ducks are verv hardy, as much so as common Wild Docks. We believe their price vanes between 50«. and 10s. per pair. We do not think the eggs are to bo had. Golden Pheasants (Id^m). — They want no particular management. They will thrive and lay well in a small place. Their food is barley, with a little i)read at times to keep them tame, and to attach them to their feeder. There is risk in allowing them to mn wild in a garden. Golden Pheasants cost about GOs. per pair. Their eggs are to be purchased, but we do not know the price. BcssiAN Bantams with Cr£ve CrEURS rights, which weigh 17 ozs., and if the Crtve Cceurs are small, there is risk. Ak a rule we do not consider Bantams dangerous among fowls of a large breed. Silver Hamburgh Eggs Unfertile (Don« For). — We believe yonr suspicion to be correct, and age is the cause. You can easily ascertain by examining some of the dfegs that have been under the heu. If they ore not impregnated they will bo apparently as fresh as when thev were laid. Cochtn-Chinas not Laying (A. F. W.). — The continnal wet is bad for the condition of poultry, and that which takes from their condition in- terferes with their laying. Feed on barley and good oatmeal, with Indian com only fur a change. We think with finer weather you will have more eggs. We do not understand why the hens should lay about. If they eat their eggs yon most lay some hard composition ones about, they will peck at them till tbey are tired and will give up the habit. Ticks on Chickens (Idem). — Our experience is that chickens have done well tliis year. We have not before heard of any ticks about poultry. Wood ashes mixed with black sulphur, nineteen piu-ts of one to one of the other, and small dust of any kind laid about the hannt« of chickens, arc considered effectual in removing parasites of any kind, as the chickens dost freely in them, and thereby get rid of the parasites. If by " warmly " you mean that you employ artiiScial heat, discontinue it. It never does anjr good in the long run. Managing Ligubian Bees (A. B. C). — Yon most either super your Li- gurians or let them swarm. If yoo decide on tho former plan the super should be put on towards the end of this month ; if the latter, you had better get a couple of hives made at once, after tho pattern of the frame hives you already possess. The probability iv that your black colony is defunct, and the Lignriana have been plundering it. Preventing Swarms Absconding (A -V^ir Bfginncr}.~~V/e cannot tell you how entirely to prevent the loss of natural swarms. All that can be said is, that with trees and shrubs in the immediate neighbourhood of tho apiary they generally cluster in them and submit to be hived. A strict watch should, however, be kept during tbo swarming season, and we should certainly give chase with the view of recovcringan errant swarm, instead of merely watching its departure in solemn silence. Prosperous Bees (JS.).— You can do nothing more to advancethopros- peritv of your bees. Even feeding may be an evil, if carried to excess, since' if nil the cells were choked with food the queen could lay no eggs in them, and bi-ecding would bo checked, if not entirely stopped. Yonr bees will fill their hive with comb as soon as they are numerous enough, and then the super may bo put on. A bee which is licked by others hA8 probably been soiled with honey or food. Which is the Best Bee Hive ? {Proapcra).— All depends on the degree of skill possessed bv the apiarian. For those who never advance beyond the wisdom of their forefathers, the old-fashioned bell-shaped straw hive is the best and most convenient, whilst th.>se who go a step f.irtber and put un an nccasional super will be contented with the same kind of hive improved by one or more orifices in the top ; but for the true bce-master • frame hives are for superior to aU others. April 34, 1866. ] JOUENAI, OF HOETICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 301 WEEKLY CALENDAR. ■. ■ Month Week. APRIL 34—30, 1866. Average Temperature near London. Rain in last 39 years. Sun Rises. Sun Moon. Seta. Rises Moon Seta. Moon's Age. Clock after Sun. Day of Year. 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Tn W Th F S SCN M Cytisus filipcs. St. Mark. Princess Louis of Dielytra spectabilis. [Hesse born. Daviesia angulata. Daviesia juniporina. 4th Sunday after Easter. .\belia tloribunda. Day. 68.3 69.4 59.6 68.2 C0.2 58.4 61.4 NiRht. 40.8 37.3 85.9 35.6 35.6 37.7 39.5 Mean. 49.6 48.3 47.8 46.9 47.9 4S.0 6C.5 DavB. U, 16 17 ir, 16 13 16 m. h. 48af 4 46 4 44 4 42 4 40 4 38 4 36 4 m. h. 8af 7 10 7 12 7 13 7 15 7 17 7 18 7 m. h. 44 1 49 2 63 3 67 4 59 6 1 7 1 8 m. h, 83 2 58 2 23 3 48 3 11 4 86 4 8 5 Daya. 9 10 11 12 13 O 16 m. B. 1 66 2 7 2 17 2 27 2 87 2 4fl 2 64 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 From observations taken near London dnring the last thirty-nine years, the average day temperature of the week is 59.3° ; and its niffht lemperature 37.5". The frreatest heat was 81", on the 28th, 1840 ; and the lowest cold 18°, on the 29th, 1861. The greatest fall of rain was 1.40 inch. N.B.— The Calendar contains the names of plants flowering in the greenhouse. SOME HINTS AS TO THE ARRANGEMENT OF FLOWER-BEDS AND BORDERS. I NTS on the above subject ai-e desirable, now that the season for bedding-out is rapidly approacliing, and accordingly I ofi'er a few, in the hope that they may prove useful to the readers of the .Journal. Any of the following arrangements will look well if the beds are surrounded by grass. No. 1. Centre. Verbena Velvet Cusliion, about 2 feet wide ; next, a band of Geranium Manglesii, 2 feet wide, with the tlowers kept on : tliis Geranium, however, \vill require to be kept pegged, so that it may well cover the space of gi'ound allotted to it : between it and the grass put an edging, 1 foot wide, of Viola cornuta. This would make a magnificent bed. No. 2. Centre. Iresine Herbstii ; 2nd row, Viola cornuta ; :3rd row, Cerastium tomentosum. The centre in this ar- rangement should be 2 or y feet wide, and each of the other rows about 15 or 1<> inches in width. No. .'H. Centre, I'urple King Verbena ; 2nd row, Gera- nium Bijou, with the tlowers picked off; :ird row, Lobelia speciosa ; 4th row, Anibis lucida variegata. No. 4. Centre. Geranium Flower of the Day, with the flowers left on ; this should be 8 feet -wide. Next to it plant 2 feet of Vei-bena General Lee. tlien IH inches of Viola cornuta. finishing off next the grass with a margin, a foot wide, of Geranium Golden Fleece. No. 5. Centre, Ccutaurea candidissima ; 2nd row, Colous VerschaffeM ; ■'ird row. Cerastium Biebersteivii. No. G. Centre, Mrs. Pollock Geranium; 2nd row. Lobelia speciosa ; .3rd row, Cerastium tomentosum. Tliis should be kept pinched-in very closely, so as to form a very close and compact edging. No. 7. Centre, Amaranthus melancholicus ruber, ;! or 4 feet wide ; next to this a row of Golden Fleece or Cloth of Gold Geranium, 2 feet (i inches wide ; then a band of Ijobelia speciosa, IH inches wide ; finishing off with a nine- inch margin of Variegated Alyssum. No. 8. Centre, Verbena Ariosto Improved ; 2nd row. Geranium Christine ; .'ird row. Verbena Ruby liing. No. n. Verbena General Grant. This is a very large pink flower, of fine shape and substance ; next row, Viola cornuta. This was one of the finest beds at Oulton last summer. No. 10. Centre, Geranium Cybister; 2nd row. Verbena Mrs. Holford, or Snowflake ; 3rd row, Amaranthus melan- cholicus ruber. No. 11. Centre, Calceolaria Bro^^^l I'rince of Orange. So. 265.— Vol, X„ Nkw Series. This should be planted pretty closely together, some small pieces of wood being stuck around each plant to prevent its being broken by tlie wind ; if nicely put in the sticks ^vill support the plants all through the summer, and the foliage will soon hide them. A good margin. 2 feet vdde, of Mhnulus cupreus ^^■Ollld look well, and if the bed is situated in a shady part of the garden it will not easily be sm-passed for beauty all through the smumer months. No. 12. Centi-e, Calceolaria Victor Emmanuel : 2nd row. Geranium Flower of the Day ; 3rd row, Verbena Claret Queen ; 4th row. Lobelia Paxtoniana. No. 13. Centre, Geranium Chi-istme ; 2nd row. Gera- nium Spread Eagle ; 3rd row, Geraniimi Queen of Queens. No. 14. Centre. Geranimn Bijou ; 2nd row, Pm-ple liing ; 3rd row. Golden Fleece. No. 15. Centre, large bed, twelve large plants of Carina discolor, covering a space of 4 or 5 feet ; next a band of Cineraria maritima, 3 feet wide ; then a two-feet band of Iresine Herbstii ; tinisliing oft' with a margin, 1 foot wide, of Viola cornuta. No. 10. Large bed. Centre, seven good plants of Humea elegans ; fliese occupy 6 feet, let the tallest and best plant be put in the centre, and plant the other six in a circle round it ; then plant A'erbena Maonetti Princess Victoria between the Humeas. and allow it to cover the whole sm-face of the bed between them, allowing it to extend about i) inches or a foot outside of the circle formed by their stems. Next put a two-feet-six-inch band of the true Lobelia speciosa, dotting this band alternately with two rows of Cloth of Gold or Golden Fleece Geranium about IS inches apart. These, however, should be very nicely-shaped httle plants, and must not l)e allowed to gi-ow too large ; they can be easily kept within their proper bounds by frequently pinching them in. Finish with a good margin of Cerastium tomentosum, a foot \ride, next tlie grass. This would be a magnificent bed. No. 17. If it is desirable to have a pair of large circular beds similar to No. 1(1, the centre of IT should be planted tlie same ; but the two-feet-six-inch margin, ujstead of being planted with Lobelia speciosa, may be planted witJi Cerastium, and dotted with neat little plants of Iresine Herbstii or Colons Verschafl'elti, using Lobelia speciosa for the outer foot margin. No. IW. If Nos. 1(' and 17 form a sort of triangle with No. in. the latter should be planted as follows : — Use lln-ee good Humeas for the centre, fill up tlie space between them ivith Verbena Velvet Cushion, let (l feet of the centre be covered with Verbena Velvet Cushion, using a row of Fuchsia Meteor outsiile the Humeas. These should be kept nicely pinched m, so that they may form handsome- shaped plants, and they must be planted altenuxtely. Next plant 2 feet U inches of Geranium IMauglesii, allomng the flowers to remain on, and finishing off with a fiiot margin of Viola cornuta. The eft'ect of these tliree beds planted and situated as above described would be very fine. No. 111. A lied planted with Lobelia speciosa. and dotted with nice little plants of Fuchsia Pillar of Gold, would look well. Tliis bed maj' be improved by edging it ^-itli Lobelia Snowflake. No. 9n.-VoL. XXXV.. Ou) Sepjes. 302 JOCBNAL OF HORTICULTUBB AND COTTAOB GABDENEB. r April «4, UN. No. 20. Centre, Stelln (rornriiim ; 2nd row. Calceolaria Aarcn floribunda, with an ejRing of Jjobelia speciosa, would look well. No. 21. .\n entire bod of Mrs. Pollock Geranium, with a simple edging of Vinla comuta, would bo very effective. No. 22. \ bed of Ijobelia speciosa, margined with Lonicera aureoreticulata. would also look well. No. 23. A mixed bod of Verbenas planted indiscriminately is always very effective. No. 24. Mignonette and Intermediate Stocks, with a margin of Jenny Liud Stock next the grass, are always looked upon with great interest by almost every ono having a taste for simplicity and sweetness. No. 25. A bed filled with some of the choice hybrid Pyro- thrnms, Dianthus, Pansies, Mignonette, and Carnations, is always very interesting and sweet. No. 2fi. Nothing is more beautiful nor more highly appre- ciated than a good bed of Clove Carnations. No. 27. Troptrolum Elegans malies a good bed edged with Mentha variegata. 28. Verbena Scarlet Cushion. This will produce one of the moat dazzling effects that can be imagined. For small beds or front rows in a ribbon-border this is the finest Verbena ever brought before the public, offering the greatest depth of colour and substance of flower. No one would think that a plant of so dwarf a habit could pi'oducc such wonderful trusses of bloom in such profusion and of such substance. It is one of my latest productions, and belongs to a race of hybrid Verbenas originated by me, and which, I believe, are destined to super- sede the greater portion of Verbenas at present such favourites for bedding-purposes. — J. Wills. (To be continued.) CULTURE OF VINES IN POTS. (Continued from page 275.) Frciting. — To have fruit ripe in March and April, forcing should be commenced in the middle of October ; to have it in April and Jlay, in the middle of November ; to Lave it in May and .June, in the middle of December; to furnish ripe fruit in .Tune and .July the Vines should be started in Januarv, and in February for the same in .July and August. The Vines not started until March, and only assisted by a little fire heat in damp, Cold periods, will afford fruit in August .ind September; whilst for fruit to ripen in the latter month and to hang till Christmas, the Vines should not have any forcing, but be allowed to come on in a cool house, employing a little fire heat in autumn only, to dispel damp and assist ripening. For fruit- ing at the first two jjcriods the canes should have the wood ripe — brown and hard — by the beginning of August, and the leaves should be off, or be in a fit state to be pulled off, by the end of the month. The best Vines for early crops are those two years from the eye. For forcing in and after December, those from eyes of the current or previous year will do if of sufEcient strength, the eyes plump and round, and the wood brown and hard. Pki'mng. — Considering that the best eyes are invariably situated at the upper part of the cane, and that the eyes for "a foot or more at bottom do not generally ."how fruit, it is well not to reduce the canes too much. I allow from a foot to 18 inches of the lower part of the cane to go for nothing, leav- ing 5 or C feet of sound, well-ripened, plump-eyed cane above that, and thus reduce the canes to 7 feet in length, a few inches more or loss. On that length of cane there will he a sufficient number of good eyes to give as much fruit as the Vines will carry. If the Vines are to be trained to the roof, the length of cane required to reach the roof must be counted as non-producing. and there shonld then be a length of bearing cane which need not exceed 7 feet, nor be less than .5 feet. The cane should be reduced to the length required for early forcing as soon after the leaves become ripe as practicable, for though it may do to pull off the leaves when they become yellow, to prune, and to force the Vines at once, still they will not be so liable to bleed, and they will do better if allowed a rest. It is not desirable' to commence forcing the Vines until they have had at least six weeks' rest ; thus, for starting in October the canes should be denuded of leaves and pruned in the end of August ; for start- ing in November, by the end of September ; and for starting in December, in the end of October or early in November. P'or starting in .January prune in the end of November or early in December, and for starting in February prune about the middle of December, and Vines for later crops by the bcgiiming of .January. The laterals should have been removed when the vigour of the Vino lifts been controlled by lessening the supply of water, and when the rijiening of the wood warrants it. In no case ought they to be left on until the time of pruning, for their removal at an earlier period is essential to the ripening of tha cane, and left on until the time of pnming, their removal then is only making cuts that may bleed, and this close to every eye along the cane. Bleeding may not induce a bad breaking of the cyos, but it does materially weaken the strength of the shoots. Though I would always have the canes trained 16 inches from the glass, it is not always practicable nor desirable ; but I am convinced that Vines never do so well as when trained to the roof with the shoots producing fruit carried to the right and left of the rod ; their ends, or where the fruit is situated, being 3 inches nearer the glass than the rod. Nevertheless, the canes are sometimes, I might say commonly, coiled round stakes from three to five in number, put in round the pot, and these may bo 2j or 3 feet out of the soil, and be so far thrust in as to be firm. The stakes should therefore be 3j or 4 feet in length. The canes are coiled round the outside of tho stakes and fastened thereto, care being taken not to twist or wrench them, otherwise they will assuredly bleed. The only merit this system may have, at least the only one I ever ob- served, is that the eyes break well from bottom to top. The best bimches are those at the upper part of the coil, these re- ceiving the most direct light. Tho canes for coiling should not be less than 7 feet, nor mure than 9 feet in length. Sometimes, but rarely, the canes are trained upright, and the side shoots tied to side stakes put in for the purpose. The canes in this system are never suffered to become so long as those trained to a roof, but arc kept stopped to 3 or 5 feet, depending on the laterals for the strength of the rod. Beyond removing the laterals, the pruning is confined to cntting away the stoppings at the upper part down to a good eye. The Vines being pruned and in their fruiting-pots, the drain- age should be examined, and if not good it must be rectified. If not in their fniiting-pots the Vines should be put into them at once, loosening the roots a little around the outside of the ball, but not to any great extent. If not potted, remove as much of the surface soil as can be done without injuring the roots, and replace it with fresh. I find turves, cut 2 inches thick, and laid up in alternate layers with sheep's droppings, an inch thick between each layer of turves, form an excellent top-dressing after having lain twelve months and been turned over twice. The compost previously advised for the last shift will answer admirably, adding to it one-sixth its bulk of bone- dust. As abundance of water will be required, the drainage must be good. After the Vines have been pnmed the soil should be kept dry, but not dust drv', and as cool as possible — merely protected from frost. A few degrees of frost will do the canes no liann ; but the pots must be protected by a covering of hay or dry litter in frosty weather. FonciNG. — If the Vines have been fresh potted it is essential for their well-doing that they have the benefit of a mild hot- bed of well-fermented dung or leaves, in which tho pots can be plunged to the rim. Its temperature should not exceed 70°, nor be less than do'. Where a bed of leaves or well-fermented dung can bo made, whether the Vines have been repotted or not, I would strongly advise the pots being plunged in it at least two-thirds their depth for a fortnight or three weeks, by which time the heat will have declined, but not until the roots have been excited and become active. With a good root-action there will be no difficulty in making the eyes break freely and strongly m the dull autumn and winter months. The pots may remain plunged in tho bed of fermenting materials, and the roots striking mto it will contribute to the vigour of the Vines. If the bed sink considerably at the end of a fortnight, it may be raised by the addition of fresh fermenting materials, so as to bring the pots to the required distance from the glass. If rooting into the bed is not desired, the pots must be removed before that takes jilace, and the heat of the bed should be so reduced as to be equal to the temperature of the house. The top heat, whilst the pots are plunged in the hotbed, should for a fortnight not exceed 40° from tire heat. This fortnight is over and above that usually allowed. The house for the reception of the Vines shonld be thoroughly cleaned, the glass washed with water, and the woodwork with softsoap and water, taking care to keep it off the glass, the walls whitewashed, and the flues swept and put in good order. A good limewashing of the Hues is excellent for stopping up April M, 1866. ) JODENAL OF HOETICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 303 cracks. The pots having been placed in the position they are destined to occupy, each cane should be tied to tho rafter at the point immediately over the pot, and there only, the cane being allowed to fall from that point, the end on a level with the rim of the pot. If it will not do this of its own accord, or through its weight, it must be fastened thus low by a stone at the end. This will cause the eyes at the bottom of the cane to break well, raising or lowering the cane as the eyes seem disposed to break at the lower or upper part. The main point is to secure their breaking equally well from top to bottom. If trained to the rafter at once the canes will only break half a dozen eyes at the upper part, and the highest of these will be the strongest, and they will be so, even after measures have been taken to prevent it. When the eyes have troken well the rod should be fastened to the rafter. Temperature. — To start Vines in autumn a higher tempera- ture is required than in spring. For the first fortnight the temperature should, therefore, be 45° to begin with, increasing to 50' at night by the end of that time, and in another fort- night it should be gradually increased to 55° at night. By the end of the third fortnight the thermometer should read G0° irom fire heat at night, and this should be the maximum night temperature until the Vines are ia flower, when it should be increased to 65° at night. The night temperatures are to be counted from the readings of the thermometer at daybreak, when the minimum is attained. From that time the tempe- ratm-e should increase gradually until 1 p.m., and it should then be 5" higher than the night temperature on dull days, 10° on those which are cloudy with clear intervals, and from 15° to 20° on bright days. After the fruit is set the night tem- perature may be 65°, and not less than 00°, though it is well to have it 5° lower, rather than 5° higher, than the necessary night temperature. An excess of 5° in the night temperature will do more harm than 5° too little. The day temperature after the leaves are fully formed may be allowed to rise to 85° or 90° on clear days, these extremes of temperature being from sun, and not promoted by increased fire heat. When the Grapes change colour the night temperature may fall 5°, or be 60° ; they will colour much better in that than in a higher temperature. The Grapes fully ripe, a lower degree of heat vrill keep them more fresh and brisk in flavour ; the tempe- rature may, therefore, be 55°, or as low as 50° by night. Atmospheric Moistdre. — At the shutting-upof the house on starting the Vines, they should be syringed morning and evening with soft or rain water always of the temperature of the house, until they are in leaf, when, if the weather be cold and dull, they should not be syringed more than once a-day, and that in the morning ; but if the day be clear so that air can be ad- mitted, then they should by syringed in the morning by 9 .\.m. (i am speaking of winter, from November to Marchj, and again in the afternoon at the time of closing the house. In addition to syringing the Vines, the floors, walls, and those parts of the flues which are not very hot, should bo kept moist by wetting them in the morning, at noon, and in the evening, and this must be continued until the Grapes change colour. If the day be dull, then a thorough wetting of the paths, walls, and other available surfaces will be ample provision for keeping the air moist ; and this should be done in the morning or early in the afternoon. It will be well on such days to dispense with the syringe, but whenever the weather is mild and the days clear, then the syringe must be used twice a-day until the Vines are in flower, then discontinue its use as regards the Vines, but still keep the house moist by wetting the flooi-s, walls, &e. When the flowering is over syringe twice daily — in the morning and at the time of shutting up the house, or very soon afterwards. The water should be directed at the foliage, so as to strike upon it like a brisk shower of rain, and it will fall upon the bunches like a refreshing shower. It must not be directed against the bunches so as to strike them on the under side, or upwards, for that injures the bloom, but coming down upon them it does not. The scorching of Vine leaves is often attributed to syringing the foliage, but I have practised this for many years, using clear rain water. I have no attacks of thrips or red spider, and I can recommend gently syringing the foliage at all times, except when the Vines are in flower, and after the Grapes have changed colour for ripening. Heavy syringings seldom given, like heavy rains, are not desirable ; they break and injure the foliage, and it is better not to syringe at all than do this. After the Grapes change colour leave off the syringing, but keep the floors and walls moist so that the berries may swell well, diminishing the supply of moisture, however, so aa to discontinue it altogether by the time the Grapes are ripe, after which keep the atmosphere dry, no water being allowable if the Grapes are expected to hang. Watering. — At starting the soil should be no more than moist, and clear water will do until tho eyes have broken, and for a time until the Vines are in leaf, then more copious supplies should be given — thorough wettings, and not driblets. Weak liquid manure may be applied once a-week. No water should be afforded uutil the soil has become so dry as to render a thorough watering necessary — one that will reach the bottom of the pots ; but it will not do to wait until the leaves flag. When the Vines are in full leaf thoy will require thorough waterings daily ; vigorous Vines once, twice, or thrice, according to the weather. Liquid manure may bo applied twice or thrioe a-\veek in not too strong but yet in good doses, for though strong ones are injurious, ver)' weak and frequent applications do not seem to do much good. A most excellent liquid manure for pot Vines is made by dissolving a peek of sheep's-duug in thirty gallons of water ; let it stand half a-day, then stir it up well, and after it has been allowed to stand half a day more, stir well up again, and then strain through a coarse bag or cloth. One pound and a half of Peruvian guauo to thirty gallons of water, and treated in the same manner, will form an excellent liquid manure. A good watering with either once or twice a-week will be found more eflicient than frequent water- ings with weaker solutions. Copious waterings are to be continued until the fruit is ripe, when water is only to be given in sullicient quantity to main- tain the foliage and fruit fresh. All water used should be heated to the mean temperature of the place in which the Vines are grown — for instance, if the temperature by day be 75°, and that of the night be 60°, the water should have a tem- perature of 67° or 08°. — G. Abbey. (To be coDtinued.) THE MANETTI STOCK FOR ROSES, Is compliance with the wishes of " Country Curate " (page 253), I will join the mite of my contribution with those of Mr. Kent, and others. I am amused with his description of his shallow soil. He describes it as not being more than from 2i to 3 feet deep. I have no such depth here. At my future residence at Okeford Fitzpaine, I shall have a strong rich soil 3 or -i feet deep. I dare say I shall have to learn and unlearn much. I should say from his description of the dying of his fruit trees, that it is occasioned by iron in the land, the very land for the British Queen Strawberry. I recommend him to keep the perpendicular roots cut back, and to encourage the horizontal roots. As his soil is strong, it will cause strong succulent Rose wood on the Manetti stock, and he will do well to root-prune, or remove the Koses annually, and prune the roots tolerably severely. Perha]is I shall have to do the same. If he can grow Broccoli and Cabbages to perfection, he ought to be able to grow Hoses on either the Manetti or the Briar. As regards budding the Manetti stock, he may bud it as early, or late, as the stock will run. Early in the year the bud ueed not be fully developed ; but late in the year, both for Briar and Manetti stocks, I think a full, ripe bud would be more likely to staud. In the sultry season much depends on the quickness with which the operation is performed, and also on the "tie." A bud will fail from opposite causes— from being tied too tightly, or not tightly enough to exclude the air. I do not practise raising Manetti stocks, nor do I bud many. I put the novelties on Briars, because it ia more agreeable. I believe that Manetti cuttings should be about 10 inches long, with a leaf at the top, and that one-half should be buried, and the ground trodden tightly. September is the best time for striking cuttings, because the earth is then hot, and the air is cold. I saw in September, 1860, at Mr. Ke.vnes's, a quarter of Manetti for budding, consisting of, probably, 10,000 stocks. Not one in a hundred had failed. They were planted in Sep- tember, 1859, and when I saw the m they were strong trees, nearly up to my chest, with wood as strong as one of my ringers. As "Country Curate's" land is strong, and probably the Shropshire air in winter is cold, he would do well to scatter leaves amidst the slips,orhorse.litter, or straw, all of -which are excellent " frigi domes." I know two good propagators of Manetti Koses. One plants the slips in a shallow trench, and the other on the flat. They both bud from 2 to 4 inches above the radius of the roots. I recommend " Country Curate," if he bud in either fashion, and wish to protect his buds, to put 304 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. I April u, xm. on lenvps or litter before lie returns the earth njjainst the stock and Imil. Wien lie i-iita away the stock, and the shoot grows, he mny then close the soil CArofiiUy against the shoot, covering the "point of union at least 2 inches. Nino inches from slip to slip, and 2 feet between the rows, are sufficient room for simple propagation. The closer the plants are to- gether the better they grow in hot, dry weather. In the au- nmn they can be removed. As regards the scarcity of the Manelti stock, I believe that to be a"fact. Some years back Sir. Cranston told me, "1 have 20,000 Manetti Roses. I want 100,000 stocks. If I had them budded I could sell them." In these parts Manetti Hoses have entirely superseded the Briar Roses. I hear from Mr. Taylor, of Fencote, Yorkshire, who lives in the fine vale of Mowbray, that the Manetti Roses beat the Briar Roses. Of course, I know that the Briar fails oftentimes from persons being ignorant of its requirements, and that in first-rate Briar land. The same miiy be said of Manetti llnso failures. I be- lieve, at present, there arc very few real rosarians. The fact is, they are general florists, and take care of nothing. Their floral establishment is a " curiosity shop." For strong, deep, unctuons, well-drained clays, and rich deep loams, the Briar is still a first-rate stock. For careless and ignorant people, in any kind of land, the Manetti Roses are the best, for if they are free growers they will make a better fight against ignorance, neglect, and the various shocks of time. I have no prcjiulices on any subject. Sfy future garden is Buited to Briar Roses, and I have just planted 120 stocks. In autumn my Manetti Roses, Briar Roses, and Roses on their own roots, will be moved into that land, and, of course, I do not expect my experience to remain exactly the same ; but, whatever the alteration may be, I shall make it public. I would advise all the readers of this Journal to keep their Stocks well watered before budding, if the weather is hot. Then the hotter the weather is (l tie a leaf over the bud) the qiiicker is the union. Early in the morning, or in the evening, in hot weather, is the best time. I sometimes after budding pour a little water over the bud. I budded my Briars this season in intense heat, and hardly any failed. I think people cut the slits for the reception of the bud imnecessarily long. Half an inch is long enough. — W. F. Radcltffe, Tarrant Ruslttoii. THE COILING OF VINES AGAIN. I H.u-E been interested with the recent discussions on the coil- ing of Vines. When two such mighty gladiators as Mr. Rivers and Mr. Thomson cross swords it must be on some important matter, and some important facts must be elicited in their dis- cussions. One scarcely knows which the more to admire, the home thrust of the one or the skilful parry of the other. There is a possibility of both being right, and I as an on-looker think BO. In offering an opinion, however, I know how dangerous it is for pigmies to interfere in the battles of cranes for fear of utter annihilation, or at least a fillip of chastisement ; and a young practitioner of a score years' standing ought to think before indulging nn opinion, lest a ponderous piece of experience of four score, with its accumulated inertia, should send him with one bound back to begin a second novitiate ; but fools some- times step in where angels fear to tread, and I do so on the strength of one piece of experience which I have to produce, since the opinions of others seem to be invited. Last vear, in February, I had ten excellent pot Vines left of different sorts, with canes (i or 7 feet long, in 10-inoh pots, with fine plump eyei on the 3 feet at top. I determined to have them fruited' to stand on the table : so the pots were plunged in a spent bark-bed near the glass, the rims just covered, and about 3 feet of the stems laid down on the sur- face of the tan, and just covered over for the sole purpose of hiding that part of the stem and pot. The top 3 feet was passed through the hole of a six-inch pot, which was made to stand on the surface of the tan, the pot filled with soil, a stake with cross pieces applied to the Vine to keep it upright, and so the Viuf s were started. Throughout the summer many were cheated into the idea that the Vines were gi-owing entirely in the six-inch pots until undeceived. The Vines broke well, and showed well for fruit, and all went well until about the second swelling, when away went the Vines into strong growth, the berries ceased to swell satisfactorily, and they were long in ripening ; in fact, they became useless for ovir purpose, they continued to grow so determinatcly and so gross. They were, however, cut over at the surface of the bed, and removed with the small pots. The 10-inch pots, with the 3 feet of layered stem, were left in tlie bed until this spring, when, on removing them, the cause of the gnjss growth of last year, though well known, was doubly apparent. The whole length of the stems was found to bo densely fringed with roots striking horizoDtally into the old tan, and when drawn out resembled immense oen- tipedes ; the old routs in the pots did not seem to have made any further progress, and really seemed as if they had been dormant. I think when these new roots from the layered stem came into action in their imlimited pasturage, that then the Vines started into woody growth, and the old and fniit-giving roots were superseded, and the successfol iinishing of the fruit completely frustrated. Now, although the layering of the Yine in the tan may at first sight seem analogous to the coiling of the Vine in a pot, still the result might have been di£ferent. Had the Vines bieen merely coiled round the surface of the large pot they would have rooted centipede fashion, but would have only had tho original potful of soil to root and feed in ; still I should be shy to allow tho new roots to interfere with the action of the old in perfect- ing the crop of fruit. This is, however, the point where it will be interesting to know the result of Mr. Rivers's experiment. In my case the Vines rooted freely all along the stem, but then they wore only just covered with the tan, and I am satis- fied tlint they would not have done so if covered H or 10 inches. I think there is no doubt but the contact with the influence of tho atmosphere was the cause of their rooting so profusely. It is often seen in striking Roses or Geraniums, or even Wil- lows, that the part in the soil may die or d.amp off, but a whorl of roots is produced at the surface, and this invariably happens when the soil is too wet or close, so as to exclude the air ; beat has, apparently, not by any means so much to do with the matter. I am interested in this discussion, as, at the opening of it, I had just laid down some three-year-old Vines across an inside border from back to front to fill up some vacancies, but merely pegging them on the surface. They are making roots freely, and the Vines are growing strong ; I fear I shall not have well- finished fruit from them, but that I anticipate. — A. Pkovinxiai.. KOYAL IIORTICULTUR-^ SOCIETY. Aprii, IVth. Floiul CoMMTrTF.F. — Mr. Murdt'Il. gardener to J. C. Pirkersgil], Esq., exhibited two plants of Kmmpferia ovalifolia noticed last veelc ; and seedlings of Myosotis from Messrs. Haage & Schmidt were again placed bf^forc the Committee, but not in a condition to form any idea of their merits. Mr. Hopwood. Cheltenham, sent two seedling Cine- rariiis — a white one, jiunied Virgin yneen, and Chancellor, a rosy pcqtle. Mr. AViUiams. Finchley, exhibited two neatly-arranged baskets containing cut flowers of two seedling TropmoUims. Attrac- tion, if of good nud dwarf habit, is a Tcrv promising flower, deep yellow with scarlet markings at the base of the petals : Beanty, the other was a pale yellow variety. A special certilicate was awarded for the simple, yet pretty, arrangement of the flowers. Messrs. Veit^h sent a verv- interesting collection of plants coutaia- ing Orchids, Azaleas. Rhododendrons, Anthurinms. Arc., which re- ceived a special certiticate. The Orchids were particularly tine. Among them were some yen,- superb specimens of Trichopilia suavis, T. snavis superba. and T. crispa. The Committee recommended these Orchids OS worthy of the Lindley Medal, which was granted them by the Council. ' In the collectioii of plants we noticed a very biaulifnl hardy ■Inpancso shnib, Raphiolenis ovala. It had been before the Com- mittee when first introilnced. and received a label of conmicndation. Now that it has bcrn better grown it proves itself to be n first-class plant ; it has not been seen before in snch perfection. The white spikes of its 8weetly-scentt Son second with Kings Acre, PUne, and Madame Moreau. Mr. Turner also exhibited Prince of Wales, a pro- mising rosy crimson seedling ; and Messrs. Paul and Son half a dozen boxes of fine cut blooms. , In Pelargoniums, six plants in excellent bloom from Mr. >\ ig,gins, pardcncr to W. Beck, Es<|., Islewortb, took the first prize. The varieties were Vestal, Madame Reisct. Plenum, Beadsman, Rosenm, and Monte Christo. Jlr. Clarke, Whitloii, who was second, had Kosenm, .Tames Lodge. Venus. Alma, and Bracelet, several of which were in good bloom. Of Calceolarias. Mr. James had likewise an excellent exhibition, the plants, seedlings of his own, being fine, both as regards the size, colour, and profusion of the bloom. Lord Derby, large, with rosy salmon markings on a buff ground ; and Beantv, dark crimson, marked with yellow, were two of the best. Cine- rarias'were exhibited by Mr. James and Mr. Laeey, gardener to C. S. Mortimore, Esq., Carshttlton, the former also contributing a stand of FRUIT CULTURE. To Cottimenee with Jlr. Eobson's experience as stated at page 2(39 in paragraph 1, it seems to me so confined, lie has " had occasionally " to manage trees worked on some kind ot Paradise stock, has neither denoted the sort, the soil, or ili»' climate, the number of years the trees had been planted, or wliether growing in grass land or a garden. I beg his pardon'' He names " a friend of mine," with trees growing in an exten- sive orchard, among which were some on Paradise stocks "no longer healthy." Most undoubtedly this is true. The Para- dise is a surface-rooting stock, and requires the cultivation of a garden. An orchard under grass would destroy trees grafted on that stock. This is so evident, that one cannot help feeling surprised at a sound experienced man like Mr. Robson omitting, to observe it. The great advantage of employing the Paradisa stock is this — it is incalculable — that such kinds as are aL all inclined to canker (and in some deep soils it will affect txees),. can be lifted and replanted, so that their roots are broHght to- the surface and canker arrested. I have done this so efteDr and have seen the unvarying effect, that to me it seems ehiUisb to mention it. In paragraph 2 Mr. Eobson talks of " filling the basket.'^ Now, this is all very well with market-gardening ; but the amateur, if I may judge by my own feelings, would rather see a peck of tine Apples ripening on his bush or pyramid secure from " stormy winds," than live bushels of inferior fruit on a standard exposed to them. But even in market-gardening there is no comparison with regard to the profit of growing Apples in an orchard and of cultivating them in a well-managed fruit garden. Any clever industrious man, who would plant an acre of ground with dwarf Apple trees on good Paradise stocks 3 feet apart, or 4840 trees per acre, and graft them with his own hanJs, and afterwards attend to them by summer- pruning, would reap a harvest such as no orchardist ever ex- perienced. He must be a man not moving in the groove of old ideas, but " upwards and cnwards." The difliculty he would have to meet would be that of procuring land, for at the end of seven years half the number of his trees would have to be removed, and an additional acre of land provided for their reception. Vnlile Mr. Eobson, I do not go to my neighbours to look and loam ; but I first try if an idea is feasible, and then make it known to the world. In paragraph 3, the notice of the stain in the Laburnum in the " Horticultural Transactions " was relative to the discovery bv Mons. Adam, a nurseryman at Paris. I am trusting to- nicmorv, but at that time the purple Laburnum was a recent introduction, and led to much controversy. I have seen hun- dreds of the shields of the buds of the purple Cytisns full of life, the bud being dead, but I have never witnessed the like stain ; and what has struck me as a curious fact, the I'ytisuB elongatus pm-pureus, a variety between C. purpureus and C. elongatus, very distinct and beautiful, never has stained the stock, although it is here budded on the punde Labumnm ; and in 18fi4, after the winter which killed the buds but left the shields alive, not a stock was stained, although I quite expected to find them so stained. Some of your readers vflu> 4gta,at,-i|66.j ,,J0UBNAl4 OF HOBTICUIiXUBB AND C03?TAGE; GABDENKR. 307 have leisure will perhaps look into the Horlicultural Society's " Transactions, " and put this matter right. I had no thought of being discourteous ; but one o£ my age has seen so much of culture, that a firm expression often comes to hand when writers on horticultm-e give expression to opinions not founded on experience, the parent of truth. Paragraph 4. I did mistake Mr. Eobson with respect to the Quince tree. In this county it is a tree of humble growth, and owing to its dwarf habit it dwarfs the Pear, making it a garden tree rather than an orchard tree. Mr. Eobson gives qualified praise to Pear trees on the Quince stock. I pray his pardon when I say that his experience in this matter seems to me very limited. If he had studied the cirltiire of Pears on the Quince he would see how much there is in the future. In my opinion — and it is not given without much thought and practical experience — we are mere tyros in Pear culture, and twenty years hence our present imperfect management will be looked at with contempt and surprise. It is only within a few years that some new kinds of Pears, which were probably raised from fruit gathered from Pears grafted on the Quince, have shown a tendency to a perfect union with the stock — more so than any of the old varieties (this is a most interest- ing question for the physiologist) ; and in my opinion, owing to this, their growth is vigorous almost beyond beUet, often putting forth shoots from the bud thick as a stout finger, and from 6 to 7 feet in height in one season. This is the advan- tage to be seized upon by the observant cultivator ; for if these varieties are grafted with kinds difficult of culture when grafted directly on the Quince stock, a healthy, vigorous, pro- lific habit is given to the graft. I may instance that most excellent but shy-bearing sort, the Gausel's Bergamot. I have known a tree of this sort double-grafted — i. c, grafted on a stock as described above, to bear three dozen of fruit the third year after being grafted ; and I am fuUy convinced that it might be made a profitable article of culture by that simple operation. Moreover, by cultivating it as a bush or pyramid, so as to be within reach of the cultivator, its blossoms may be fertilised with the poUeu of some common free-bearing sort, as its blossoms are often deficient in poUen : hence its tendency to be what is called a shy bearer. I may also point out here the great advantage of careful culture as exemplified in this variety. I have known a Gansel's Bergamot Pear tree grafted on the Pear stock to be ten years before it produced blossoms. There are other sorts of Pears equally benefited by this method of cultm'e — one in particular, which I feel would be a fortune to a poor man. Some thi-ee years since I took occasion to regraft some large vigorous trees of the Vicar of Winkfield Pear on the Quince. Last year they bore a fine crop of the largest and most beautiful Pears I ever saw. They were sent to market in December, and made 10s. and lis. per half sieve, or a guinea a-bushel, my salesman at the same time sending me word that I had kept them a fortniglit too long, or they would have made considerably more. Now, any clever persevering cultivator might plant 700 trees of this sort, 4 feet apart, on a rood of ground, keep them pruned in as close pyramids, and make a little fortune. Like all good things, some trouble must be taken to arrive at a good result. Quince stocks must be planted, budded with the proper sort, and then double-gi-afted. This will be the work of three seasons, and seasons well employed. As to the prize fruit Mr. Eobson writes about, they are all "leather and prunella," being gathered from wall trees, the fruit carefully thinned for the purpose. I wish to see good Pears in the gardens of the people as well as in those of the great and grand, and 1 shall continue to try and teach how they may be cultivated. In paragraph 7, Mr. Eobson is just as erroneous in his calculations as was a "Kentish Fruit Grower" last year, in a contemporary. If he wished to buy ten thousand Spruce Firs, would he think of buying them at the retail price, 3berrie3 to the number necessary for next year's crop. By this means the canes will bo stronger, and will ripen better. ILOWEB GARDES. The cultivation of annuals for garden decoration has in soma degree given way to the more permanent class of beddin4;-oat greenhouse jdants ; yet some of the former will always tind a place in the best-arranged gardens, and a pretty general selec- tion should at the same time be grown for tilling up vacancies in borders of herbaceous plants, bulbs, &c., and particularly for dressing-up the margins of shrubberies where the space be- tween the line of turf and shrubs may be occupied with them, so as to hide the bad effects which bare soil always produces, and afford a gay appearance through the summer, and this at a trifling expense. For the latter purpose the present will be a favourable time for sowing, the ground having previously been well dug and prepared. The varieties are so numerous that it is scarcely requisite to give names ; we will therefore only observe that the seed should be sown thinly, and as soon as the plants are large enough they should be well thinned to allow a free growth. Where the possessors of gardens can en- joy their country seats through the months of March, April, and May, it becomes an important matter to pro\-ide abundance of very early spring flowers. The early-flowering bulbs arc too well known to need comment here ; there are, however, a few old-fashioned plants which should never be lost sight of, and which should greet the returning spring from every nook and corner. Of such are the following : — The blue and white Squills, the Sisyrinchiums, the Dog's-tooth Violets, the Pulmonarias, the Omphalodes vema, the Arabis and Aubrietias, the various Primulas, with self Auriculas, and the lovely little Sangninaria canadensis, not forgetting the old Christmas Rose, which forms as it were the connecting link between the expiring year and its successor ; the Colchicums, autumn Cyclamens and winter Aconites having duly ushered it in. Such should be much more encouraged than they have been, for they must ever be favour- ites with the many. Amongst shrubs, too, theCornus mascula, the Mezereon, the Cydonia japouica, the Chimonanthus fra- grans, the Kibes, Corchorus, &c., should be much grown. GBEENHOCSE AND CONSEnvATORY. Any attention which will serve to prolong the beauty of the Azaleas and New Holland plants, &c., with which the show- house should now be gay, will be well bestowed, as where these are over it will in most cases be impossible to furnish the house with equall}' handsome specimens and the same variety of colours, &c., which these afford. Get shading into use without loss of time ; also carefully examine the plants on the fore- noons of bright days, and see that none of them are suffering for want of water, for with bright sunshine accompanied with drv'ing winds, it will be no easy matter to properly supply plants with water, particularly specimens that may be pot- bound. In ventilating, endeavour while parching winds pre- vail to avoid allowing currents to blow through the house, es- pecially near recently-potted specimens or plants not long brought from stoves. Bring forward the stock of plants re- commended for blooming in July and August, by shifting such as require it, and allowing them more room. Kalosanths will require neatly tying-ont ; these form beautiful globular-shaped plants by a little management. Fuchsias will require a second shift, which should now be into their blooming-pots, using a light, rich soil for the purpose ; also the different varieties of Nerium, so seldom seen, and yet we scarcely know more beau- tiful plants or any that repay cultivation better. Look tcfScarlet Geraniums grown for specimens. Attend to repotting such as have been started after being cut back, and keep them moist and rather close until the roots have taken hold of the fresh soil. Give frequent attention to climbers in free growth, regu- lating the young wood before it becomes entangled. Keep the conservatory as cool by day as is consistent with the health of the iimiates ; this will keep the plants longer in bloom and be more enjoyable for parties seeing them. STOVE. Give every necessary attention to softwooded plants in free growth, keeping them near the glass and regularly stopped, so as to secure close, compact growths; also attend to supplying them with plenty of pot-room. Give air freely at every favour- able opportunity, but guard against drying currents. Give proper attention to Acbimenes, Gloxinias, and other summer and autumn-flowering plants. The latest succession of Achl- meues to flower late in the autumn should now be placed in April M, 18fi6. ] JOUBNAL OP HORTICULTUBB AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. 319'' heat. Repot and propagate Begonias. This is one of the most useful families of plants that can be grown. Orchids are now progressing fast, and will require attention iu shading daily and gradually increasing the humidity of the house, so as to keep pace with the increase of solar light and heat. If the roof is covered wi'.h creepers, a Uttle management in training them is required to effect a judicious shading of the plants be- neath. See that plants on blocks or suspended iu baskets are not allowed to get dry, which would have the effect of causing a check to the young growth, which should be encouraged as long as possible to obtain strong, healthy plants. — W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHES GARDEN. Put in the main crop of Carrots in good order. Planted a lot more Potatoes to succeed the earliest out of doors. Sowed just a little Beet for early supply, as May is soon enough for the main crops, small clean roots being more in demand than large ones like Mangolds. Planted out Cauliflowers ; watered and earthed those under glasses. Sowed the main crops of Borecole, Brussels Sprouts, Savoys, and pinches of Broccoli and Cauliflower, reserving the main sowing of Broccoli till a little later ; these were branched and netted. Sowed also Tur- nips and Radishes, and secured by netting, generally sowing the two together— the Turnips 2 feet apart, and the Radishes between them, for the latter will be all gone before the Turnips occupy the ground. Gave plenty of air to Turnips, Radishes, Carrots, Potatoes, Lettuces, &c., imder protection. Sowed Lettuces in the open ground, and transplanted those raised under protection. Have had more bolted Cabbages this season than we ever had, though the seed was sown in August — a cir- cumstance partly attributable to the mild winter and the sharp frosts of spring, and partly to the hearts having been nipped by pheasants. Sowed plenty of garden Beans and Peas in semicircular drain tiles under protection, the yoimg plants to be planted out and staked when several inches in height, for not a Pea, and scarcely a Bean, have we left, except those which were planted out, as the whole from three sowings have been cleared off by pheasants, though we thought we had beaten them by branches, strings, and ground being all smeared with tar. It did keep them off for a few days, imtil they became so determined that they did not care about tar on their feathers. We find that nothing will keep them off except small netting, either wire or string, so that they cannot put their heads in. We were in hopes that the tarring alluded to last week would have kept them at bay. We could not with propriety withhold this statement as to its inefficiency. Turning from such outside annoyances, it is pleasing to obtain such gatherings of Sea-kale, Kidney Beans, Potatoes, and to see Peas coming on so nicely in the orchard-house. These orchard-houses are very valuable even for the produc- tion of early Peas, Lettuces, itc, with little trouble in spring. We thought we might venture seed of Kidney Beans out of doors, but a few sown have also been torn up ; and we must BOW them, too, in small pots, and then transplant. The next Peas we venture out of doors we shall stick as soon as sown, placing the stakes at least a foot from the row, running a tarred string on each side along the rows of stakes ; and then the space between the latter we will stick with brushwood, and that may keep the pheasant's bill at a distance. Planting out when from i to more inches iu height and staking at once is the safest method, except wire guards, or using string nets with small meshes, so that the gardener shall not be blamed for hanging the favourites. FRCIT G.4RDEN'. Went on disbudding or dis-shooting the trees in orchard- house, in which the fruit is set so thickly, that one in a dozen, or twenty or thirty in some eases, will be enough to leave. Proceeded in dull days, and night and morning, with thinning Grapes, and attending to other work much as stated in previous weeks. We ought to have mentioned above, that though the tar has not quite kept off the pheasants, we have as yet been no more troubled with vermin in the Cucumber-beds, and that we have not perceived one single fresh mole-run on the pre- mises since we dropped a little tar in the runs about three weeks ago. 0RN.i5£ENTAL DEPARTMENT. Here we have not been able to overtake the half of our work. Turfing, much needing to be done, we have been obliged to defer till we have a showery day. Lawns have been well rolled preparatory to mowing, as the grass is now growing vigorously, and one of the least seen but most expensive things about a gar- den, will be wanting continual attention. In the general routine of gardens, a large lawn is constantly demanding attention from other departments where labour would be more profitably employed. A vast number of proprietors fail to perceive that it is better in every way to keep a rood, or an acre, in first- rate order, than ten roods, or ten acres, that always need at- tention, and never receive so much as ought to be given. Of course, we are well aware of the grandeur derived from a large lawn of tens of acres ; all we contend for is, that there is any- thing but grandeur in attempting to keep up a number of acres, as is often done, with the labour power tit only for a small proportion of these acres. With all our advantages from mowing-machines, Daisy-knives, &c., it is generally best in particular lawns to run the scythe over them the first time. Many herbaceous plants may still be divided, and such plants as Daisies, Primroses, and I'olyanthus may still be divided in shady places, especially as they do all the better for trans- planting every year. Polyanthuses are now obtained very fair from our seedsmen, and at one time we used to grow a great many of these border flowers ; but since we have had so many birds about it is of little or no use, unless they were all se- curely netted, as the birds were sure to pick all the flowers as soon as they expanded, or even before they opened. The little honey at the bottom of the cups might be an inducement, in addition to the love of mischief. We have seen a good-sized basketful of flowers cut over in a forenoon. The borders are now in good trim for sowing all the hardy annuals. Where beds are made of them they will come more regularly now than when sown earlier, and they will want but little looking after. Uuless where beds are made, or lines of colour are desired, there is no better plan than scratching a circle with a stout stick in the old-fashioned way, sowing thinly in the rut, covering according to the size of the seed, and thinning the seedlings after they are large enough to be handled. . , Half-hardii Aimuah we often Sow at this season in an earth pot, p'ricking-in some rotten dung on the surface, levelling it, and then placing some nice fresh soil on the surface. We then sow, cover with fine soil, patting down, and place under move- able sashes, kept close until the seedhngs appear. Asters Stocks, Marigolds, Zinnias, Indian Pmks, &c., do very well thus treated, without a hotbed of any kind, and being m the groimd can look after themselves better than if sown m pots. Everything in a pot requires watering, and is subject to much gi-eater changes than if the plants had been iu the ground. Primula sinensis, Cineraria, etc., should now be soNvn for winter-blooming. The best plan is to use well-drained pots or pans, and Ught sandy soil, with a little fine leaf mould or peat ; press the surface level, sow the seeds regularly, cover slightly with sand or very sandy soil, press again, cover with glass and a piece of paper over it, water in three or four days, and keep rather moist and close until the seedlings appear, and then give more Ught and air. Good plants of Primulas now done flower- ing may be divided or reduced, fresh-potted, and grown on a-aiu, and will make fine plants if first potted m small pots, aud larger ones given as needed. These will bloom before the seedlings, and come in late in autumn. Good kinds of Cine- rarias having nearly finished blooming may be cut down and planted in a shady place, where they will produce nice sucker offshoots, each of which when potted may be grown to be a large plant. Early herbaceous Calceolarias may be treated m a similar manner ; and every shoot taken off towards autumn with incipient roots, will make a better plant grown on and shifted from pot to pot than could be obtained by any doctor- a or treating of an old plant that had once flowered, t-'"' This is "the secret for keeping on favourite kinds of the herbaceous section true. One healthy shoot in August may be a plant half a yard across in April and May. Made up a temporary protection between two pits, and there removed quantities of Scarlet Geraniums, &c., in boxes, which we have not been able as yet to plant out temporarily or pot, but to some of which we will do so as soon as we can. ue wanted all these cleared out of vineries, &c., as, though we have kept them back by a cool temperature, the heat the \ines will now require will be too much for tho Geraniums, and if continued longer would make them tender. Besides we want room to go about the Vines to rub off extra shoots, and room on the cround for Fuchsias, Camellias done blooming, &c. Commenced moving Calceolarias from striking-pit, and turn- ing them out into earth-pits, where they will have a mouth or 310 JOUBNAIi OF HORTICOLTURK JlND COTTAGE OARDEKEB. ( Apta M, IMS. so to grow and be well rooted for ultimate transplanting. Thia ongbt to be completed soon, for the plants are now mostly healthy and strong; in fact, we have for a groat miiny years had little trouble with these shrubby bedding t'alccolarins ever since we made thorn complete strangers to artificial heat irom any soiuce, and especially fire beat in any shape. We have not been able to put in enough I'irhenax, &c., and to save trouble we have made up four lights on purpose, covered by two frames of two lights each. These bad been used (or other purposes, as Asparagus and Badishes, and the soil being removed, the beds were turned up, and mixed with a foot of hot tree loaves and dung, between G and 9 inches more were added to the surface, well trodden, then about 3 inches of rotten dang and leaf mould placed ou the surface, well beaten, and 3 inches or so of li(»ht sandy loam put over all, and then a surfacing or scattering of drift sand. In ihis the cuttings wtre dibbled about 2 inches apart, and we shall not meet with our Qstial success if we do not obtain nice, bushy, leilthy plants in a month. We would have liked those cuttings to have been in eight days ago, but most (gardeners know what it is to be nnablc to do as much as the head and judgment woi Id wish. Ail plant and other houses during these fine, sunny days have made great demands on the watering-pot, and to save thia in some measure and prevent the plants feeling the change so much from dulness to brightness, &c., spattered the glass in many of the houses with water coloured merely with whiting. Wednesday being such a bright day, we gave a slight spat- tering to the glass of the orchard-houses. The frames we have spoken of above for cuttings we whitened slightly inside of the glass, and in ordinary weather that will suffice ; but on days like Wednesday a little extra shade must bo put on out- .side. We admire blinds for all houses, and the advantage of them is that they need give no shade except in sunny weather ; but there are many places where the expense of shades must not be thought of, and simple modes must be resorted to. We find we have neglected to say that the Calceolarias turned out into earth pits will receive a little protection from calico, old mats, straw hurdli-s, wattled hurdles, &c., and being watered when turned out, they will receive Uttle more until final planting-time. — R. F. CO\TENT GARDEN MARKET.— April n. Tbabe is still (lull for the season, and scr\rpply any alteratinn worth notice has taken place. A few doasei-t Apples anii Pears mfiy still be had. French produce in a fresh state comprises Lettuces, Endive, young Carrots, Aspara^'ue. new Potatoes, Artichokes, and Peas. The first out- door Asparajjus of English prnwth has come to hand thi^ week ; we have also to report large arrivals of nevr Potatoes of jjoud quality from Malta and LisboQ, aJso some from Cornwall. Appleg Ji sieve 3 Apricots doz. 0 Cherries lb. 0 Chestnuts hash. 8 Currants, Red ^a sieve 0 Black do. 0 Pips doz. 12 FUberts lb. 0 Cobs lOOlbs. 0 Gooseberries ^^ sieve 0 Grapes, Hothouse, .lb. 15 Lemons iOU 6 FnuiT, d. R. d j s. d. 0to5 0 Melons each 3 0 0 0 Nectarines doz. 0 0 160 0 0 0 20 0 10 Peaches doz. 0 Pears (dessert) . . doz. 10 0 OranKes 100 6 0 " n 0 0 0 0 0 0 kitchen doz. Pine Apples lb. Plums ^2 sievo Quinces ?a sieve Raspberries lb. Strawberries oz. Artichokes each AsparajniK bundle Beans, Broad, .'bushel KJdney 100 Boct,Rod dnz. Broccoli bundle Brup. Sprouts ^j sieve Cabbage .'. doz. Capsicums lOO Carrots bunch Cauliflower doz. Celery bundle Cocombers each pickling .... doz. Endive doz. Fennel bunch Garlic lb. Hert>s bunch Uozseradish . . handle VEG a. d. 0 6 too 6 0 10 0 6 0 0 s e 0 1 Walnuts bush. 14 ETABLES, di B. 0 , Leeks bnnch 0 0 Lettuce per doz. 1 0 I Mushrooms pottle 2 0 ! Mnstd.A Cress, punnet 0 Onions bushel S Parsley sieve 2 Parsnips doz. 0 Peas ^ sieve 10 12 0 0 0 d. s. d 3 too 0 Potatoes bushel 2 Kidney do. 3 Radishes . . doz. hands 0 Rhubarb bundle 0 Savoys doz. Sea>kale basket Shallots lb. Spinach bnsbel 0 Tomatoes. ... S sieve Tumip'* bunch Yettetjible Marrows dz. 0 2 6 TO CORRESPONDENTS. KJB. — ^[any questions must remain unanswered until nest week. SowTNQ Bdckwhbat (Cambrian). — Tho best time for sowing it is early in May. BoiiKM (/?. Z. A'.t.— " The Gardener's Mngazino of Botany" ceased to he publixhod fourteen yean) ago. {F. IV. L.\.~-T)\oto is oo botanical dictionary t*uch aa you iuqnire for. Loudon'n " Kncyclopiedia of Planta* Rivrft iho informalion you need, with very niinientn-* drawinga of tbem. It U published by Messrs. Loncpnan 4 Co. (.9. .H.).— I>t. Uogifa Fruit M.iuuil], Tliird Edi'.iou, will be publit^hod on the 1st of May. OLP.A FRA'iRASs NOT Fx-owERtNo {An OUl SuhteribfT). — We think that Vftur plant will nev«r flower unless you give it more enconrngomonl. You will do well to thin out the bend and cut it in now; and when th« plant has broken, and made new shootn an inch or two in length, pot lt« removing a^ much of the old soil as can be done without destroying thft root!<. P'lt it in the same size of pot as before, draining well, and oinploy- ing a compost of turfy sandy peat and fibry Inara in efjual parts, witb S lr»i! admixture of wand. Syringe the plant frequently, and keep ahadftd and ratluT chiso f»»r a few days ; then give a light and airy situation, and when the pot becomes full uf roots give n shift into a 15-inch pot. Glva plenty of air and light, and you will he rewarded by llowers in due time, if you strcuro a good growth, and liavo that well ripened by autumn. la winter keep in a ool hou^o just free from frost. Acacia pubescens not Flowkring {Idem). — T)io beauty of thisconsirta in its foliage, and it is not a shy bloomer when it is liberally treated and has plenty of room. You do not give it one-tenth the encouragement it reqr.ires. In order to flower, it sliould be planted out in tho border of ■ ctinl well ventilated greenliouse, and have abundance »if head room, and light and air from all points ; not that it will not tlower if grown in a pot, but 't needs considerably more encouragement than Acacia armata, A. Druirniondi, and A. grandis. which bloom and do well with a ^'*^7 moderate amount of pot room, (iive it more enconr.xgement, and it wiU be hand.^ome in foliage and bloom in due season. OuANfiK Trees SvitisoiNG (Idrv.). — It is well to syringe Orange trees np to tho time of the blossoms expanding, but to discontinue the 83rrinfl« ing for a i-hort time, or until the flowering is over, then syringe as nsoaL Ai'RicoT-PRUNiNO I Idem).— The shoots 1 and 2, being unhealthy, had better bo cut in to good, ^ound, plump eyes lower do'.vn ; and the other shoots should he reduced to correspond, or you will have a lop-sided tree. If you cut in the shoots 1 and 2 to half their length, that on the right. 30 inches in lenqth, should be reduced to 15 inches; the one on the samo sido, 24 inches long, shonld be cut in to 12 inches; that above on tho same side, Itf inches long, to (s inches, the leader being reduced half iti length. ^ , . Frame for Cctttnos (X. Y. ^.).— The best plan is to make up a bed of leaves or dung about a yard in height .at this season, and It inches wider than the frame all round, making the bed a foot higher in front than at back. On this bed set the frame, putting on the lights, and in about a week tho heat will have risen ; then take olT the lights, level the surface, and cover it with a couple of inches of fine rather dry si^)il. The next ilay tho bed will bo ready for the pots or pans of cuttings, and tho Cncumber seeds may be sown at the same time in a pot by themselves. When the first rough loaves show put the plants i iff. two in a pot. and grow uu, pinch- ing out their points at the hccnnd rough leaf. You will obtain two batches of cuttings and tweeds from this bed. and Cucumber plants for tho bed. Itt order to make a permanent setting for a frame, excuvate a pit U feet wide, or 12 feet allowing for walls, and the length of the frame, which, if wo understand your letter, is 0 feet. At the sides and ends of this pit, which shonld bo 2 feet fi inehe? deep, have a 4!-inch wall built of the depth of the pit. Then hnvc an upper course of brick-on-edge, which will project on to the ground level half a brick, and consequently have a straight face inside fln-^h with tlie 4i-inch wall. Tliis upper course will not bereiiuircd at the ends, for on that the frame will rest, and both ends are to be taken up 1 foot more. Now build two walls pigeon-hole fashion from the bottom of tho pit, the width of the frame apart, so that you will hare an interval of 2J feet between these walls, which are to carry the frame ,and the outer side walls. Take tho inner walls 1 foot higher than the solid side walls, and on this place the frame, having first found means to keep tho Cucnm- ber plants in a neighbour's frame for a few days. The cuttings and seeds, it is presumed, will by this time be cleared out of the frame. Upon the pigeon-li'ded wall the franie is to ho fixed, the wall at back being carried liigh enongli to give the lights a fall of 1 foot 6 inches in their length. The upper course of bricks shonld not be pigeon-holed, and the frame should be laid in mortar. A 4^-inch wall will bo ample. You may divide the frame by carrying up a solid 4J-inch brick wall, so as to come in the centre of the rafter, and thus partition ofl" one light, in which you can grow Cucumbers; and the other you can use for Melons if you do not require it in summer for plants. 'You can fill the pit to tho light with dimg and leaves well trodden down, and these materials will settle suffi- cientlv to allow room for soil and tho plants. Tho heat when declining can be renewed by filling up the two-feet-six-inch spnces with the mowings of the lawn, weeds, &c. The linings should be kept higher than the pigeou-holerf, and it will be well to line only one side at once. The pit should have an open situation, the lights sloping toward the south, and it will bo all the better if protected from the north. Catxeolaria Ccttinos 1 7nncnt for those tickets. There will be a shilling ad- mission day at the cjuclusion. You wQl see by the advertisement to whom you must apply. Cineraria Seedlings (J. r.).— .Mthough mnch bmised and faded, th« pips could bo sufficiently examined to discern that they are all inferior to many olhers of the same colours named and long known. PrxE Apples {Old Sub!teribrr).—V!o could not tell the names front seeing the leaves only. The lessons on botany will not extend for more than three or four more lumbers, we boliore. , _ ,-, April 2-1, 1866. 1 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 317 Mushroom-bed Unproductive (G. H'tHianw).— We have little hopes of the Mushroom-bed coming into produi-tion that was spawned in Novem- ber and has yielded no Mushrooms. Whnt the caiiNe is we could not say unless we knew more. The spawn mit;ht be bad, or the bed might be too hot, or too wet, or too dry. Lean-to Vinerv {A Subscriber). — Your border 5 feet wide will do for Rn eight-feet-wide house, more especially if you have a border rIso inside, and plant Iho Vines inside, with means for the roots SndinR thoir way outside. For such a small house your five-inch metal pipes will do for a flue, pro- dded you have a sort of brick cesspool at the turn-comers into which the pipes terminate, and this being covered with a tile, you can raise the tile at any time, and run the brusli through the pipes. This will require to be often done iu such narrow pipes. Peach and Nectarine Blossoms Falling (E. C.).—'Wc have closely examined the blossoms sent. The male fructification seems strong and vigorous, but the female parts of the flower very weak. We attribute this to three circumstances : First, the youth of the trees, having only the growth of IHGo — that is, if the trees were young when planted. Secondly, their free growth instead of that being arrested last autumn. Thirdly, the too great drjTieys at the roots in spring. Greater dryness in the autumn, and moisture at the roots given gi-adually after Christmas might have kept the blossoms on. In the case of such young trees, however, a quantity of frut this season would have been anything but an unmixed advantage, Tlie young growth seems all right, and we have no doubt that the trees will do well next year. A few blossoms fell from some of our trees that had become rather dry, but it would have saved much labour in thinning if more had dropped. See what has been said fre- quently in "Doings of the Last Week" as to watering gradually when the soil becomes dry. Dryness is a great help to ripening wood in the autumn. If the dr>-ness is continued mitil the buds swell, the flowers are apt to drop or be imperfect. If, after such dryness, all the roots are soaked at once, the too great stimulus is apt to throw the buds off. Moderate moisture after Christmas is the easiest and safest plan for beginners. Flowxr-bed (G. B. B.). — Your bed would be improved by mixing Eicinus borboneasis, microcarpus, and sanguineus, with communis, and such Cannas as Warscewiczii and discolor, with indica ; then as you propose ; but a band of Golden Chain Geranium with the flowerti taken t)ff would greatly improve all. Aerides odoratum Leaves Spotted {J. Bafflcti). — The spots are caused by a parasitic fungus, such as is depicted in the first Number of the •* Journal of the Horticultural Society," published last January. Begonia fuchsioides and B. Knighth not Flowering (/rf^ni). — Yonr plants do not flower because you keep them too warm and close, and they consequently grow amazingly, but do not bloom. Cut away all the old stems, repot, and encourage the young growths, giving plenty of air, with all the light practicable. Secure a good growth, ripen it well by exposure to light and air, and dryness at the root, and keep the plants in a tempe- rature of from 50- to 55- in winter, and they will assuredly bloom ; but yon must give them a rest instead of keeping them constantly growing as we imagine yon do. Bedding-out Seedlings (Eboracum). — Amaranthus melancholicus Tuber, Petunia. Verbena venosa. Phlox Drummondi, sown in a hotbed in April for bedding, will only need pricking ofl" when sufficiently large to handle ; afterwards continue to forward them in heat. They will make Dice plants foi planting-out by the end of May, and those ci^tiv.T.ted for iheir flowers will bloom well late in summer and in autumn. Meyenia erecta and Bougainvilljea speciosa (A Subscriber, Brad- ford).— Meyenia erecta is a stove plant, and requires a compost of turfy fibry peat and loam in equal parts, with a free admixture of silver sand. It requires plenty of air and light, with good drainage,'and is then a free-blooming plant, needing well cutting-in to keep it compact. The Bougainvillflea speciosa needs a warm greenhouse, and should be en- couraged to make a good growth in spring, and by August be exposed to the full sun in a greenhouse, with abundauceof air, keeping drier by half at the root than when growing. The main point is. obtain a good growth and well ripen it. Any further information we shall be glad to furnish. Insect in Tan (H. J. C;.K— It is an Acams or Mite, quite harmless, and living on decaying vegetable matter. j Brughansia suaveolens Culture (J. J. D.i.— Th^ plant would do ' admirably planted-out in the border of the conservaturj-, but it requires abundance of air and light. It must be kept dry at the root in winter to induce rest, and would not. therefore, do planted-out in the borders of the conservatory in which the Camellias are ; but you might partition off by a brick wall a part of the border for the Brugmansia. Drain it well, and for soil use 15 inches of turfy loam t« o-third-^, and one-third leaf mould, with a free admixture of sand. A pit 18 inches square would do, top- dressings of rich composts being given in spring. The plant must be syringed freely in summer to keep down red spider, be well supplied with water, and occasionally with liquid manure. Diminish the amount of water in October, and keep the plant dry in winter. In spring cut-in the head, thin it where too thick, and merely shorten if not too thick. Fre- quent syringings and copious watering will induce free growth, and the plant will flourish, only it must have plenty of light and air and be kept free of red spider. Cedronella canahieksis (.4 Siibnerihcr).— This, usually called Draco- cephalum cauariense, Canar}' Dragon's-head, or Baha of Gilcad, belongs to the Lamiacex, or Dead Nettle Natural Order. Height, about 3 feet ; leaves green, and the size of those of the Archangel or Dead Nettle; flowers, pale purple ; the plants not more than 2 feet apart in a bed. It requires a shght protection in winter. Rhododendron (C F.). — Decidedly it ig not Falconeri, which is white with a chocolate -coloured spot. It appears identical with that shown by Mr. Cos at the Floral Conunittee last Tuesday under the name of E. campylocarpum, but which docs not correspond with the plant figured under that name in the " Botanical Magazine '" for 1857. Mr. Cox, we believe, has compared his plant with Dr. Hooker's work on Indian Rhododendrons, and considers it is the true R. campylocarpum. Netting to Exclude Birds from Cherry Trees (iT. C). — When made on pui^iose for this, a one-inch mesh will not be too close, as small birds are apt to wriggle through. Very often it happens that netting of a large mesh is used and put on double. It is not advisable to tighten netting at any time ; let it hang loose and free, and tho mesh will be closer ; be- sides, if hempen netting be used and made tight, the contraction with rain will bind somewhere, perhaps to the injuiy of the bearing spurs of the tree. Grafting Buckland Sweetwater or Duchess of Buccleuch Grapes ON Lady Downe's {A Subscriber). — We can hardly give an opinion of the merits of these two Grapes. The Duchess we know to be of excellent flavour, perhaps the very best grown ; but it is far from being a showy Grape, and we expect will not figure much at e:Uiibitiou tables. Either of these, however, will do on Lady Downe's, and we shimld certainly pre- fer that stock as it is there, to removing it and planting anj-thing else in its place. As you are anxious to multiply varieties, perhaps the stock will admit of two gi-afts, and then you can have both kinds. We would, however, recommend you to try Alicante in your late house ; it promises to rival Lady Downe's iu keeping, and is a larger bunch. Sluch as has been said about Vine stocks, it is not unlikely but it will be found out hereafter that each variety on its own roots is as good as any. Squirrels Destroying Gooseberries and Walnuts {A Tuelre-yfars Reader). — We fear we have no remedy to offer to this unusual enemy. Netting, we imagine, will be ineffective with the Gooseberries, but it may be tried ; and we have not mnch faith in tying gorse around the stems of the Walnuts if the tips of the branches reach within 6 or 8 feet of the tips of other trees to which the squirrels have access, for the nimble de- predators take flying leaps a long distance. Shooting, we apprehend, is the only resource. We have often enough known rooks to carry off Wal- nuts, and of course squirrels are verj- fond of them, and if your garden be in the vicinity of game preserves, we expect you will suffer ; but we never heard of Gooseberries being destroyed by squirrels before, and per- haps the publicity given to your case may induce some of our readers who have suffered in like manner to record their remedy, if they suc- ceeded in discovering one. Plants (ir. JI. J".).— Those you name are recently introduced. Scbi- aostyUs cocciuea is a half-hardy bulb. Osmanthus ilicifoiius variegatus nanus, Japanese evergreen shrub, probably as hardy as the Camellia. Thujopsis dolabrata is related to the Arbor Vitie, and quite hardy, and so is Euonymus japonicus variegatus. LIETEOBOLOGICAIi OBSERVATIONS in the Suburbs of London for the Week ending April 21.st. DiTK. THERMOUETBB. Wind. Rain in inches. General Reuaeks. Air. Earth. Mai. Min. Mai. Min. 1 ft. dp. 2 n. dp. Sun... \i Mon... 16 Tubs. . 17 Wed. . 18 Thurs. 19 Fri. .. 20 Sat .. 21 Mean 30.237 30.2.59 29.9)0 29.969 29.PS1 29.906 30.220 60 68 59 68 65 58 64 43 42 28 82 38 36 29 51 51 61 i 62 62 62J 52 47 47 48 48 48 4lf S.W. S.W. S.W. S.W. S. S.W. N.W. .10 .04 .00 .00 .00 .14 .00 Fine ; cloudy ; rain at night. Rain ; densely clouded ; iine. Fine ; brisk wind ; tine ; verj- tine : slight frost. Clear ; quite cloudless ; verj- fine throughout. Fine ; verj- tine ; fine nt night. Fine ; very hot sun ; cloudy : fine ; rain at night. Fine, slight haze ; verj- fine hot sun ; very slight frost. 80.109 29.H46 29.837 29.937 29.733 29.bl6 80.026 30.056 29.930 61.71 35.43 61.71 47.85 0.28 POULTRY. BEE^nd HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE- COMPARATIVE HEALTHINESS OF DIFFERENT KINDS OF FOWLS. It is said that a boy on the top of a Swiss mountain throws a snowball, which becomes an avalanche and destroys part of a village. In an inverse senee we cannot help thinking that our poultry experiences may in some very small degree lead to measures that may form one of the many trifles that will eventually make the rinderpest a thing of the past, susceptible of treatment; not requiring the Draconian method of stamp- ing out by wholesale slaughter, nor imposing restrictions that will limit our supply of meat for a long time to come. We left off by saying, at page 27'.), that when the Dutch, from whom we imported the birds that spread illness and death everywhere, found that these birds from their diseased state when they arrived were unsaleable, they adopted precautions 318 JOURNAL OF HOBTICUIiTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. [ April 34, isec that caused the birds to nrriTO in better condition. But people hud learned their lesson. It was not enough to get fowls stronger than those thov had had, but they wi.shed to possess some that would not ktep them in constant eicitement as to whether the hearty, frolicsome fowls of Tuesday would not be the moping moribund things of Thursday. They found certain breeds were prone to disease, and they gave them up. Ham- burghs and Polands went to the wall. These were the breeds that with very few exceptions brought contagion with them. As wc are writing on poultry, and not on the cattle plague, we must observe here, that in many parts of Yorkshire Ham- tnrghs bad been known for years as healthy birds, and re- mained so ; but few yards introduced imported birds for the sake of fresh blood witliout payin;,' the penalty in the shape of sickness. Spangled Hamburghs, or Moonics, are not included in the breeds that could bo regenerated by foreign blood. They are little, if at all, known abroad. Common-sense men did ■not trouble themselves about causes, but accepted results. Hamburghs and Polauds were subject to roup ; then they would not keep them, and they gave them up. Scientific men thought they would inquire into causes. Dr. Horner, of Hull, was the first, as he was, perhaps, the most distinguished. He first said the roup was not contagious. Everybody laughed at him, but everybody was wrong. It is not contagious. You may take the roupiest fowls that were ever seen, and may put a dozen with Spanish, Brahmas, and Cochins. Not one of these wUl take it, or bo affected by it. Not so with Ham- burghs or Polands ; it would almost seem that with them con- tact with a healthy imported Dutch fowl would produce roup, as we are told the contact with a thoroughly vaccinated Euro- pean gives smallpox to the Indian. There is a predisposition. Hamburghs in England now, without contact with foreign birds, are as healthy as any others. They are bred here and acclimatised. Something of the same may be said for the birds recently introduced from France. No one can deny the merits of the Creve Cceur and La Flfiche breeds, but numbers will endorse what we write when we sav that even the healthiest undergo a period of sickness, especially the cocks. It is diffi- cult to assign a cause. We have imported them from a low dainp district in France, we have put them on a dry gravelly soil with every appliance we know of that is conducive to health, and yet the cocks sicken unto death ; the hens sicken and swell at the eye and face, but they, nevertheless, are rubi- cund, they lay and do well, and acclimatise. The same cannot be said of the Houdans. We have imported them at the same time with La Flcche and Cri-ve Crenr. It is our duty to try experiments, and we have given them the place where they would be subject to every disadvantage, but they are verit- able gallinaceous Mark Tapleys. They are always jolly. They ail nothing, and nothing ails them. They came frora France together, and they have been left together ; one grew worse, and the other improved in condition daily. Our counties that are not in the first "odour for high fann- ing, and that have kept to their own stock are free from cattle ■disease. We have milk to drink, butter to eat, and our stalls are full of calves. Tbey are healthy at night, and we look at them in the morning without misgivings. Poultry fanciers are not retrograde people. Professional men swarm among them. These generally draw correct conclusions, and by their help poultry-keepers have done the same. They found certain breeds were prone to pest, and under some cir- cumstances sure to have it. They found others never had it, either spontaneou.sly or from contact. Thev have kept to the latter and eschewed the former. The result is, that which threatened to destroy poultry years ago is almost unknown now. May not the same be true of certain breeds of cattle ? was a shock to ray nerves. However, almost by the same post came a letter from one of the largest and most successful exhibitors in Yorkshire, in which he said he had sbown 23'.> pens during the past year, but only sent 63 pens by rail, the cost by this conveyance being so enormous ! Sorely this is a case that speaks volumes. In a month or six weeks I propose to send you the last list. I have therefore to ask all who feel interested in the matter to commnnicate with me. Many have not replied at all. As regards the signing the reqnisition, it is not necessary that a subscription in money should be made in every case. The railway companies will know nothing of these amounts. They are simply published in the columns of " our Journal " as a kind of acknowledgment. If any who have written to me feel themselves aggrieved at not receiving replies I must beg their kind indulgence, as my spare time is taken up in communicating with other exhibitors. — Jossra HiNTos (Y. B. A. Z.J, llinton, near Lath. .T. Holme. H. Tomlinson. .1. I>. N'cwsome, 10«. M. Mrs. Proctor, lOj. 6d. II. Pickles, Jan., 10j.6ii. W. R. Bull. n. Tate. •■ Clcricns," 2». M. Mrs. YoimR, 5j. I'.ev. F. Wntson. Miss E. lieliion. Samuel Shaw, lOi. paid. Kuv. F. Tajlor, 10». 6d. .John Gould. O. A. Young. • A. R. .Tessop. 5«. A. K. Wood. Joseph Wood, 10». M. p»id. •T. l)ixon. G. Clcmeuts. Rov. W. SerjeantRon. J. Clark, lOi. 6d. paid. M. W. Stobart, lOi. Oa. paid. A. B. Dyas, lOt. 6d. paid. Wm. Massev. Rev. A. G. Brooke. F. Pittis, joii., 10). Sd. paid. Mrs. Hay, 10». GA paid. r..VILWAY CHAKGES. Is sending you the fourth list of those who have replied in the affirmative, I may mention that several have written to jne expressing their approval of the effort, but declining to do anything in the matter, believing it hopeless. I can very weU understand that an individual effort to alter these charges would be hopeless, but I am not yet convinced that it is so under our present circumstances, and I trust that events may prove the contrary. 1 liave had two or three refusals ; but I have been more than astonished by one letter, containing quite a glowing eulogy of one company. This was, I suppose, to prove how badly exhibitors are treated, for our French neigh- bours say that "the exceptions prove the rule." Certainly it THE DISQUALIFIED PEN AT \VIGTON POULTRY SHOW. No one can be more sorry than myself that the letter from Mr. A. K. Wood, of Burnside, Kendal, inserted in your last week's Journal, should necessitate still further observation respecting the " disqualified " pen of Silver-spangled Ham- burghs at the late Wigton Show. As, however, this gentle- man's letter conveys, by the most direct inference, to the minds of those of your readers who are tinacquainted with the actual antecedents of this particular bird, that the hen's comb was beforetime firmly set on the head and upright, it becomes my imperative duty, in correction, to reply. As the owner openly assures us he is " entirely ignorant of how the needle got into, or who put it into the comb, as those who saw it pulled out, and that he is prepared to make an affidavit to that effect " — I beg to assure Mr. Wood (though personally unknown), the latter course is entirely unnecessary, for I am quite ready to give full credit to his personal assurance alone ; wliilst to my mind affidavits in such cases are altogether misplaced. After .stating •' he is perfectly certain she was not trimmed in any way for the [Wigton] Show, " Mr. Wood pro- ceeds thus : " How long the needle had been in the comb to me is, therefore, a problem I am unable to solve. I am sorry to see your reporter's concluding remark, as it seems to hint that it had been put to keep her comb str.iight. I have re- peatedly been to see her since this, to me, unpleasant affair has happeued, and I confess I cannot see that her comb droops on any side, and I scarcely think the Judge would denj- that the pen was the best, even after the needle was withdrawn. Do not mistake me : I do not complain of losing the prize under the circumstances, as, of course, the Judge and Committee would not be aware of my ignorance of the needle's presence." As to the probability of the needle being imbedded in the comb by accident, the fact is such an occurrence amounts to a sheer impossibility, as any one m.\v individually test by en- deavouring to force a needle lengthwise into the comb of any fowl already killed for the table. The comb's substance, being rather cartilage than muscle, offers a very considerable resist- ance to such an impalement, and the excruciating agony pro- duced if the attempt were made on a living fowl could only augment the difficulty. I find that though the extracted needle appeared to unassisted vision las was described in your report) '• broken off abruptly at the eye," by the additional aid of a very powerful microscope in my possession, it evidently proves to have been not broken off at all, but nipped off with a pair of very sharp-cutting pincers. This renders the proba- bility of mischance more remote than ever. As an arbitrator, it certainly in no way devolves en myself, as a duty, to seek out the actual transgressor, but simply to unreservedly expose the deception practised. Still, as Mr. Wood declares himself " unable to solve the problem of how long the needle had been April 24, 1866. ] JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GABDENKR. 319 in the comb of his hen," a few general items may tend to aid him in his investigation. On .January the 1.5th last, this cruelly ill-used fowl was shown with another equally good hen in all points at the Walsall Poultry Show. The second hen was perfect in comb, bnt the one in question had her comb loosely hanging on one side, and for this sole reason I only " highly commended " them. Almost immediately after the decisions were made public at Walsall, a very angry and hotly- worded telegram from Mr. Wood demanded the fowls' " imme- diate return by the next train," with a very abrupt comment on my decision of a high commendation only, that certainly here needs not repetition. From Jlr. Wood's present letter, this telegram seems to have slipped from his memory altogether. Of course the Committee did not comply with the request. After the receipt of the telegram, and before learing the committee-room, I answered the inquiry of the gentlemen present by at once referring them to my award-book, and op- posite the number of this pen was the pencil note made by myself whilst judging — "hen's comb over." As after the re- ceipt also from Mr. Wood of a very angry letter to the Walsall Committee, and again another of like nature to myself, it was suggested by some one else present " It would be well to be able to give conclusive proof of the individual identity of this particular hen in case of any prolongation of the dispute " — I myself placed a private mark on one of her feathers ; but nothing farther after that time transpired. At Wigton, after the discovery and extraction of the needle, I at once looked tor this feather, marked by myself at Walsall, plucked it out, placed it in an envelope, and it remains still in my hands. I have per- mitted the needle to be inspected by two medical friends, whose joint opinion it is, "judging from the corrosion of the needle alone, without seeing the bird itself when suffering, it might possibly have been imbedded in the comb some few weeks, or even months, and that though Nature was attempting the re- moval of this foreign substance by a process closely approxi- mating to the exfohation of a splintered bone, it would most probably, if unaided, have taken even yet a considerable time to work out a thorough cure." Any one, therefore, who has suffered from a thorn in the flesh only can give a very faint guess of the suffering endured by this poor hen prior to the extraction of the needle. Mr. Wood suggests the question, " That he scarcely thinks the Judge himself would deny that the pen was the best, even after the needle was withdra'STi." I am decidedly of that opinion, and will even also add, that I firmly believe that Mr. ■Wood has the best pair of Silver-spangled Hamburgh hens in England, if the comb of this one hen should now remain as "free from drooping on any side," as represented in his pre- sent letter. Time, I fear, will prove this not to be the case ; the comb's ultimate uprightness, being, to my notions, ex- tremely problematical. In conclusion, I did not myself at Wigton (where she was shown singly), recognise this from the fellow hen that with her I have so frequently seen at other poultry shows, for her comb being erect, I passed her with first honours, as, no doubt, most unwittingly, I have many other deceptions of a like character (perhaps far more than I conceive), from different exhibitors at a variety of meetings. It is in my opinion, however, the fixed duty of any public arbitrator, when deceptions are in the first instance detected, or afterwards revealed, as in this case, from information received, to visit the offence with open exposure of the affair, and im- mediate " disqualification," carrying out the unvarying rule indifferently to all alike. — Edward Hewitt, Sparkbrook, Bir- mingham. NOTES ON PIGEONS.— No. 3. FORMER ENGLISH WRITERS ON THE SUBJECT. " THE TREATISE " OF A.D. 17G5. After John Moore's " Columbarium," published, we must remember, in 1735, there was, as far as I can learn, a pause in regard to the issue of works on fancy Pigeons. I follow the idea that the book did not sell, or that few copies were printed, and that, as with the works of many disappointed authors, certain copies were destroyed in the writer's own house in a fit of disgust. People do not like to be reminded of a failure ; and a whole bookcaseful of an unsold edition (I once saw such a bookcaseful in an old clergyman's house, whose wife had in an unfortunate hour written two volumes of terrible trash on the Church catechism) — must be a painful reminder. Be it as it may, Moore's work is a marvellously scarce book now; but so good a book must have been prized by genuine Pigeon- fanciers ; it must have been welcomed by such, and pored over many a winter's evening by the fireside. But think of what England was in 173-3. George II., of uninteresting memory, was on the throne. Walpole — every-man-has-his-price Walpole — was bribing all round. The state of manners and morals was deplorably low. Gaming was the vice of the age. Gentle- men gambled at their clubs, ladies in their drawing-rooms, and it was no unusual thing to lose or win £10,000 in a night at cards or dice. Within ten miles of where I am writing an estate of great value came into the hands of the noble family who now possess it as a stake won at cards, and its total value then was less than its yearly rental now. If such was life in the higher classes, we may be sure that the lower were good imitators. At any rate, it was a time when the taste was low, and pure home pleasures not much cared for — when there was little love of poultry, though great love for fighting cocks. But much was against the circulation of any book written upon what always has been, and always will be, but the hobby of a minority : thus, each coimty was more isolated from other counties than the whole country now is from France ; books travelled down into the provinces very slowly ; those were the days of slow coaches and bad roads, when a wooden-legged man, being offered a ride by the coachman, declined, saying, " No, thank'ee ; the fact is, I'm in a hurry, and so must walk." Hence, to come down to our subject, Moore's book would have, I fear, few readers out of London. I can, however, well imagine the deUght of, we will say, some Yorkshire fancier (Yorkshire always has been foremost in these things), upon receiving from a town friend and brother fancier — some cousin gone to seek his fortune— a copy of Moore's " Columbarium."* But yet in these days each man with a hobby had, as a rule, to depend on his own immediate neighbourhood for supplying him with friends having a fellow feeling, as means of commu- nication were so difficult. Hence it was that breeds of fowls remained in certain counties and localities ; thus I have heard old people belonging to Lincolnshire tell of zealous Game breeders riding with their favourite birds carried on their saddles ; but these, of course, would be short journeys. How many or how few readers old Moore found, he found one who admired and approved his work so heartily, that he reproduced nearly the whole book. This was the author of "A Treatise on Domestic Pigeons," printed and sold by C. Barry, Fenchurch Street, London, in 1765, just thirty years after" the pubhcation of the "Columbarium." I have a first edition lying before me as I write. Strong and very dark with age is the old calf binding, and yellow the substantial leaves. It is by no means closely printed, but contains only 141 pages ; but we must add to them sixteen pages of preface. It must be noticed that the writer does not give his name ; but ha dedicated his work, or rather compilation, to one John Mayor, Esq. In a very lengthy title-page the writer tells us his work was " carefully compiled from the best authors." The plural might almost have been spared, as it is chiefly from Moore, and very frequently even word after word. There was one great addition, however, of which the lengthy title-page informs us in these high-sounding expressions, " Illustrated with a frontispiece, and cuts elegantly and accurately engi-aved from life by the most able and eminent artists, under the immediate inspection of very experienced fanciers." Moore had deplored the want of illustrations. He says " I am very sensible that proper icons [a queer word for pictures] are of very great service to illustrate a work of this nature ; but this piece being in its kind new, and not being able to guess at what reception it may meet with from the world, I knew the expenses of exact cuts would swell the price too high for many that may have a mind to purchase this work ; and on the contrary, that if they are not delineated with the utmost accuracy according to their various characteristics, they only puzzle the mind, and render the description of them more obscure ; and therefore I choose rather to have none than bad ones." Wise John Moore ! But the author of the " Treatise " evidently knew the value of pictures bad or good, and wished his book to catch the eye as well as please the mind. The "icons" of the "Treatise" are thirteen in number, and I cannot say much in their favour. First, the frontispiece presents us with a portion, I presume, of the interior of a loft. On the floor is the hopper, on which stands a Pigeon meant to be an Almond Tumbler. In front of the hopper stands a mouse in a supplicating attitude, while a skinny cat is pretend- ing to look at the water-bottle (an inverted carboy), to her right, while of course she intends t» catch the supplicating 320 JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENER. ( Apni M. laec ttonse on her left. Did mice pray for their lives in the early days of the reign of George III. ? or did tbev, as now, run away at the eight of a cat 7 In a dark recess" stands an epg- tasket with two eggs in it, set on a piece of stone, the whole Jookinp very like one of those birds'-iiestsvou see as ornaments on a coUege mantelpiece. Something like a couple of rabbit- Imtchcs hang up high on the wall, and a landing-net hangs on the end of the hutches. The doors of the hutches arc closed In regard to the other " icons," we have an .Mmond Tumbler that would not most certainly take a prize in these days • a Mottle that any fancier would kill at once, being painfn'lly light-coloured ; then comes a Camer shaped like the little birds one s children cut in paper with a pair of scissors. A dumpv Powter follows, being fearfully thick in the waist ; a Leghorn Knnt intensely ugly ; and then come a charming Jacobin, which gives rehef to the eye; a Nun, none of the handsomest, an ui^ f- ""'""P' ^^^ * '^'"■'''' ^^rr so-so. Then a Fantail robbed of its graccfnlness, a shameful robberv indeed • a Trnm- petcr exceedingly like the Mottle, with tinv'tuft and'top-knot rr,? er-short boots ; next a fair Barb, and finally a Lace Unlike Henry VIII.'s Flanders mare, fancv Pigeons even in tbe time of the " Treatise " were much better-looking than T^ rortraits, or few people indeed would have kept them. Ihe " TreatiFe " passed, I imagine, into the hands of many as It IS constantly quoted with or without acknowledgment by succeeding writers. The book ought to have been called " A Second Edition of the Columbarium, with Additions " Thus we have in it the first mention of the Bald-pated Tumbler and the Beard, and of the beautiful Black and Yellow Mottles • also the Lace and Frillback are described for the first time Then we have here and there an additional bit of description as in the fuller account of the Owl ; then a practical remark, as in the case of the Leghorn Hunt, drawn from the writer's cvm experience. Although the compiler of the "Treatise" Old not act quite fairly to old Moore, yet his compilation did much good. The pictures -and our forefathers were not hard to please— helped to bring the book into notice. Young people attracted by the cuts, not being severe critics, would tease to be allowed to keep fancy Pigeons, and " Love me once love me always might be the motto of these charming birds Then there are four booksellers' names attached to the book— four interested in its sale; and so the "Treatise" made its way and made Pigeon-fancjing more and more popular. Hence let tiB give a word of praise to its compiler, though his name we know not and never shaU know.— WiLTsniuE Hector. degree of dormancy in the insecta. — J. A., Wlnttinghem Gardem, Iladdiiifflontkire. [The snccessful result of this experiment was donbtless owing to the straw packing, which protected the hive from moisture and insured sufficient ventilation. A similar method of a\-oiding the intense cold of the winter ig Bometimes re- sorted to in Germany, and, we believe, also in America ; but it IS generally deemed more advisable to deposit the bees in a dark cellar or outbuilding adapted for the purpose, instead ol resorting to actual interment.] BURYING A HIVE. I-s the autumn of last year a cottager in this locality, after having brouglit his hives from the heather, found one of them '^f'?!, i ' ""'' '' '^^^ ^'^''y l^ecoming more so, in consequence i .t '° ^"^ """"^ ^'^'^^ having made an attack upon it and they seemed likely very soon to complete their work of spohation. The owner, after trying several plans to keep off tie marauders, but without success, saw no chance of saving the colony from the lawless attacks of their neighbours except toy entire separation from them. The following is the method tie took to effect this, regardless of results. A pit was dug in the ground ; into this the hive, floor- board and all, was put, then packed round, or in a manner thatched over mth straw to the depth of several inches • over Uie straw was placed the soil, around and above, forming when finished a smuD mound. The hive was, in short, literally tuned, with no apparent means of air gaining admission. It was buned on the 8th of November, and exhumed on the 12th of March^ having been fuUy four months in its subterranean fiome On hfting it out, to the owner's surprise as well as delight, he found the inmates lively and weU, and on examina- tion could find no traces of their numbers having diminished Ihey ere still very- active and working well, bidding fair to rival tbeir more favoured neighbours and once implacable enemies I am sorry I cannot give the weight of the hive when buried nor when exhumed, but the sensible decrease was very little I am not aware whether this plan has been much practised or not, or whether it is consistent with the natural habits of tbe bee. The only other similar instance of which I have heard was that of a Wve left on the hills in autumn, and which m early winter was encased in snow, and remained so tiU late jn Bpnnp It worked well all the season, and at the close re- jrarded the o%Mier with a large quantity of honey. -Would not this plan of burving in the winter be admissible "with weak and light stocks ? The darkness and cold would induce a greater OUR LETTER BOX. Catdga DuniB (B. C. P. 0.).-All that wc know .boat them is c- much inflamed. Thevaro fedtooUberaUv and kept too warui. Give each a de6sert-sp<»,nful of casUrr oU, no corn, but boiled potatoes mashed up with a Utile barle\incal, a pill containinu one Brain of ea omel and one-twelfth ota Brain of tirtar emeUc. three times with inter- vals of a day. Give abundance of (rreen foi.d, especinllv loltuce and grass. . fOWLB DviNG SCKDRNLV (n't(.n-a().—" Suddenly drippins down dead ' IS too indeflnitc a description. If thev had previous twitchings of the head, or fell, or were Biddy, death arose from apoplexy, a blood-vnsacl of the bram having given way. This usually arises from the birds being too lat. A dessert-spoonful of castor oil and a low diet, such as boiled pota- toes with a little harleymcal, no hard com or animal food, but plenty ol grass and lettuce leaves. VAniocs (.Saiu«).— The cross you mention (Cochin mid Chittenratl, would hardly produce a good sitting hon. and wo arc not surprised «he left her eggs. The symptoms you mention are those of gapes, but adult Jowls are not subject to them. We should therefore believe she has a cold. This would cause mucus in the throat, and tbc action you speak of is caused by the desire to get rid of it. Your friends' cbickena die of gapes. Small pillsof camphor,and camphor in their water, will cure them. Fo«-i.s Bbeathtko with I)irrici-i.Tv (.4. F. X. —Your fowls aro only suffering from cold and damp weather. Dry davs and warm nighta will cure them. You will find bonelit bv giving' them occasionally a pill of cainplior the size of a pea, and by putting some in their water. (.V. 1'. Z.) —The trentment recommended aboTc, with the addition of bread and ale, will suit your case. Keep them on the driest spot von have. The pill of camphor for a chicken should be about the third of a pea, and their water should be strongly impregnated with it. Food ron Fowi.s (Hnrrirfl.— There is always a difficulty in naming a proper quantity of food, unless the nature of the mn is fullv known. One yields three times as much natural food as the other. 'Six large fowls will consume more than a breaktastcupful of com in a morning it their run affords them nothing. Your middav meal is a sorrv one. There IS httlc support and no health in pf,ta(o jwelings. The litUc good in this food is from the meal. Give them the cupful of meal slaked with water, and minus the peelings. Feed your young chickens on chopped egg. bread and milk, cranibs, table scraps cut very fine, l>raised wheat, and give them beer to drink. Your feed is neither good enough nor sufficient. At the same time we can lay down no rule for vou. vou nius-t draw yonx own conclu.sions. Feed them in the momiog' eo long as they will ron after and appear anxious about the food ; when thev become listless give no more. Follow the same rule midday and evening. They will eat more at first than they will afterwards, because thev are in low condition. Afterwards, they will eat less, but vou will alwavsfind some irregularity in quantity. You must not let them have food by them. Nature at this time of year teems with food on the surface of the earth where it is grass land. When they have had enough from vour hand they 11111 spread over the ground, and find a hundred tilings we cannot perceive, but that are all beneficial to them. Lot your chickens have the run, but keep the hen under the rip till thev arc two months old. Let them fcavo dust or ashes to bask in. If you foUow these rules you will rear all your chickens. IlVCKS NOT LaVIKG, ASD CASTINT. THEIR FEATHERS (Bu(A).— YODT DOCkS are poorly fed. Potato peelings and Indian com are not good osoogh. Give them whole oats, and for a time thev will want plenty of them. If you do this you may add the kitchen sira'ps, and they will do weU. The casting of perished feathers at this season of the year in poultry ia like the mange in animals— a sign of bad and low condition, arising geneially from being fed in quantity with that which lacks quality, or from hicking something Nature demand.s. Your Ducks have plenty ol eiercisc, hot, like Oliver Twist at meal times, they ask for more. Give it in the shape of oats, and it will expedite their recovery and their laying if you Joed them first in a milkpan. Put a large sod of growing gro'ss at the bottom, then put a layer of oats, and cover the whole with water. Eschew potato peelings : the whole root is poor food ; bntwhen you give only the refuse It tends to poverty, the plumage perishes, and eggs are desiderata. Er.os NOT HATCHlXfi (G. if. F.i.—Tbe heat in vour incubator at some time went down too low. Lite was generated, but it was allowed to perish. There are no means of ascertaining the fitness of eggs for sitting; but vou can ascertain at the end of four or five days whether the process ol hatching is going on satisfactorily. Goats (S. £.).— As the period o'f gestation is five months, kids might be produced twice in the year, but it would weaken the mother. «he con- tinues to breed until six or se\-en years old. Kemovisg Bees nv Railway '(.'. Collini^— The great risk of removing bees in June or July arises from the probable heat of the weather, if, however, you can choose a cool day , night w ould perhaps be still better), and contrive to give plentj- ol air by tying the hive up in a cloth of open texture, such as cheesecloth, wc should think that under your own charge they might travel uiicly. Ua7 1, 18M. ] JOtTRNAL OP HOBTICULTtmE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 321 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Month "o? Week. MAY 1-7, 1866. Average Temperature near London. Rain in last 39 years. Sun Rises. Sun Moon. Sets. Rises Moon Sets. Moon's Age. Clock after Sun. Day of Year. 1 2 S 4 5 6 7 Tn W Th F S Sotj M Bt. Ph. AST) .Jas. PaiscE Akthuh Acacia grandis. [Bobn, 1850. Acacia Drummondi. Adeuandra fragrans. Adenandra uniflora. ROOATION Sdndav. Anthocercis viscosa. Day. 61.7 62.9 61.8 62.2 62.4 61.7 69.4 Night. 39.7 39.5 40.3 38.5 88.6 88.9 89.7 Mean. 611.7 51.1 51.0 50.8 50.6 50.3 49.6 Davs. 14 14 18 14 20 15 17 m. h. 34af4 82 4 80 4 ?9 4 27 4 25 4 23 4 m. h. m. h. 20a«7 i 1 9 21 7 1 65 9 23 7 i 45 10 25 7 I 31 11 26 7 morn. 28 7 11 0 30 7 46 0 m. h. 35 5 11 6 52 6 39 7 34 8 34 9 38 10 Days. 16 17 18 19 20 21 ( m. B. 3 2 8 9 3 16 3 23 8 28 8 S3 8 38 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 From obaervatione taken near London daring the last thirty-nine years, the average day tempe rature of the week m 61.7° ; and its night temperature 39.3'. The greatest heat was 8t\ on the 6th, 18(53 ; and the lowest cold 20'", on the 2nd, 1855. The greatest fall of rain was 1.26 inch. N.B.— The Calendar contains the names of plants flowering in the greenhouse. SEEDS, AND ^^'^AT TO DO \\'ITH THEM.— No. 1. WIDE subject is this, and one of sufficient importance to UTite a volume upon if full justice had to be done to everythiug : but the object of the present paper is merely to offer some remarks on the seeds which most commonly come before us, and such as chiim special notice either from tlieu' character or the peculiar conditions necessary to insure their germination. Commencing vdih the Grasses, let us examine them before we determine on the mode of committing their seeds to the gi-ound. Grasses are amongst the most useful and widely dis- tributed of all the families of plants, aftbrding food to both man and the most valuable animals : and as they produce seeds in abundance, the multiplication of an in- diWdual species when wanted is oulj' difficult or other- wise according to the skill used in cultivation. As treatise after treatise lias been ^^^•ittcn ou the culture of such cereals as we depend on for our sustenance, the conditions under which the more common Grasses are generally met with need only be glanced at, in order to see how far these con- ditions agree wdth the mode of cultivation wliich we adopt when we want to increase the number of any particular species. Grasses, it is well known, produce seeds in great abundance, which ripen about the time that the hay crop is cut, or rather later, for it is seldom allowed to remain uncut until the Grass seeds aj-e ripe. The seeds remain a longer period attached to the husk or stem that supports them than those of many other plants ; eventuallj', however, they are shed, and the clmnces are very remote of theh faUing upon such a prepared seed-bed as is often made for them when thej- are sown artificially. Most commonly the seeds fall by the side of the plant, and if tins is growing in a pasture field the ground is dry. hard, and already occupied ^vith Grass ; or if by the side of a road, the place is often as hard as a macadamised turnpike. Neither of these con- ditions, however, prevents the seed vegetating when the proper time arrives, wliich is usually September, after the early autumn ijpins have soaked the seed, and given it that impulse which it follows up : hence we have the best pos- sible time pointed out to us by Nature for makiug a fer- manent sward, and by sowing the seeds in the last week in August or first ia September the best residts are likely to follow. If any one be sceptical on this point, let him only notice the innumerable plants of Grass that will often make their appearance in tlie early autumn months in walks and other hard places not too much trodden upon. The progress of such little plants is certainly not rapid at tliis time, but they survive the winter, and are ready to start into growth early in spiing ; in fact, if the No. 266.— Vol. X., Net Sebibf. winter is mUd, they never cease growing. If, instead of sowing Grass seeds in autumn, tliej- be sown in spring, the result will not be so satisfactor}- ; for, though a great many will gi-ow, the proportion will not be nearly so large as when the}- are sown at the time which Nature points out — viz., early in autumn. Many seeds possess a coating of some substance designed to protect them whilst in an inert state, from the time they become detached from the plant until they commence to vegetate. Gum, oil, and resin form a covering to a large number of seeds, and these substances preserve the seed until it is required to grow ; for, unlike the Grasses, many of the seeds so protected require a considerable time to un- dergo the changes that occur before germination fauiy com- mences. Some remain in the gi'ound a considerable time, while others swell and commence gi-osving very soon after being committed to the ground. Of the latter, those cased over with an oUy substance seem to germinate soonest, as in the Cabbage tribe and its allies ; resinous seeds, as those of the Conifeiie, requu'e more time, contact with mother earth in their case not efiecting the change so speedily as with those previously mentioned ; but it is accomplished, the agencies at work in the soil being generally sufficient to fi'ee the young plant from its resinous covering. I may here remark that there is every likelihood that the soil best adapted to the growtli of a plant is also that best calculated to insure the proper germination of the seed ; for such soils, doubtless, ofier the natural conditions most fa- voui-able to such a result being brought about in the shortest space of time. Seeds of leguminous plants present gi'eat diversity, some of them having but httle external covering to hinder germination, while others — some Australian seeds, for instance — are cased in an armour of gum. which re- quires more than ordinary artificial help to enable the embryo plant to make its appearance. Such seeds are therefore often soaked in warm water, which removes a gi-eat part of the gum, and leaves the remainder so reduced as to allow the plant access to the cuter world. The arti- ficial means here advised ought not to be resorted to if it can he dispensed -ivith, as it is an operation not intended by Nature, hut merely one artificial process adopted to cm-rect another, these seeds being of foreign not indigenous gi'owth, and having been brought man}' thousands of miles under conditions never occurring in nature. In consequence of tliis the gummy substance hardens into a sort of case, impenetrable to the influences at work in the soil in an ordinary state : hence the necessity of using extraordinary means. Besides the above there are many other ways in which seeds are preserved until the proper time for their germi- nation. Some seeds are embedded in a pulpy substance destined to protect them uutU the proper period for the commencement of gi'owth arrives, and of such Goosebenies, Ciu-rants, Strawberries, Tomatoes, &c., afibrd examples. Seeds of this character shoidd always he presen'ed when practicable with the pulp adhering, as they are deprived of the most important part of their keeping quaUties when it is removed. Tlii.s section embraces man}' kinds of plants in general use, and flliich are often propagated by other No. 918.— Vol. XXXV., Ou) Sebiis. 322 JOtJKNAI. OP HORTICnLTUBE AHD COTTAGE OARDENEK. r luj 1, uai. means thuu by seej. Somo eeods remain (or a long time attached to the plant tliat jiroducea them, and some, though oast off, are still fonn'l in numbers enclosed in u shcuth, cap- sule, pod, or iithor covering, from which the.v are liberated when the proper season arrives. I will not, however, follow this subject further, but will now make a few romarlui on another feature peculiar to some seeds. The modes in whicli the seeds of plants are disseminated are not less various and wonderful than the means for their pre- servation. Some seeds are armed with a thorny substance, rendering them formidable to the birds or animals that would otherwise consume them ; some are also remlercd capable of being transported to long distances, either by their extreme lightness or by being furnished with a sort of substitute for wings, as in the case of the common Thistle, which floats in the air to long distances ; others attach themselves to animals, as the seed of the Goose Grass, and may tlius be c;irried a long way off ; while others, again, arc contained iu a sort of pod, out of which they are jerked at the jiroper time to a consider- able distance, as with the Balsam, Laburnum, and I'cllitory of the wall. The dispersion of seeds is likewise effected by birds and animals congregating at the place where they are produced ; thus a bird carries off a Cherry to somo distant tree, cats the pulp, and drops the stone. In addition to those glanced at, many other natural modes of transit arc met with. We now come to the conditions necessary to insure a long continuance of vitality iu seeds. Ground has been turned up which there is every reason to believe has not been disturbed for a century, and perhaps plants spring up in it without having been sown there, leading to the inference that they had been deposited there at some time, and, being excluded from the air, could not germinate, but still were able to withstand the decaying influences of the medium sunrounding them. Seeds buried by the spade or plough very often appear after a year or two, but as to whether it is true or not that certain seeds have preserved their vitality for such long periods as they are sometimes asserted to have done, I will not hazard an opinion ; and there is some doubt whether those seeds yielded by the mummy caverns in Upper Egypt were really as ancient as the mummies themselves. I now come to the important subject of how to treat seeds which we wish to turn to account, or rather in what way we are to preserve and sow them so as to insure a successful result. The latter is a question of sufficient importance to demand a separate paper, and the former has been in somo degree treated on in the remarks made on the natural means by which seeds are preserved ; and if we follow as far as we can the rules of Nature we cannot very well err. Some depar- ture from them must of course be made, but let such be as little as possible, and the result will most likely be successful. These remarks, however, relate only to the preservation of seeds, which, as objects of commerce, too often are subjected to processes calculated to please the eye rather than promote germination ; but the sooner that the latter become the para- mount consideration the better. As the subject of sowing seeds deserves more space than can be given in a single article, it must be deferred till another time. — J. Robson. BLEEDING OF VINES. If a Vine shoot bleeds from the wound made by the knife in pruning, if the cut has not been so made, let it be made so as to leave an inch or two of stem above the bud. Cut clean in a slanting direction as iu ordinary pruning ; then take a Potato, and, cutting off a slice, press the Potato carefully upon the shoot, so that the Potato may not split, but completely cover the wound. The Vino will not afterwards bleed for more than a few hours at the most. The sap of the Vine and juice of the Potato seem to form a sort of starchy compound effec- tually stopping up the pores of the shoot. The Potato must not be removed until the leaves are growing vigorously, and, therefore, elaborating the sap. f I have tried this remedy for the last two seasons, iu both cases having had my Vinos pruned too late, and sometimes have had the half of a Potato on every third spur, aud I have never known it fail. This year I cut" down, about a fortnight ago, young canes that were just breaking to within a few eyes of the base, applied the Potato at once, and in none of the three cases has any bleeding whatever occm-red. — Con.stant Beadek, Lincoln. P.S. — The Potato should only be cut at the part at which the shoot is inserted. It would not do to use merely the middle part of the Potato with both ends out ; at least, I hava only tried it as I describe. MY NEW ORCHARD-HOUSE. TiiK winter, now happily past, has been a remarkable one, if only for its high temperature and destructive storms. The Channel Islands, situated as they are iu a large bay, the fonn of which greatly influences the tidal wave, and lying at the ex- treme edge of the vast European continent, while the open Atlantic encircles their rocky shores, have experienced theil full share of the dangerous winter gales. Guernsey, as the outlying island of the group, of medioia size and elevation, is peculiarly disposed to develope the per- nicious influences of contending land and sea ai-riul currents, which, in their action on each other, tend to produce rotatory storms of a destructive character. That of the 11th of January was of this nature, and did considerable damage to the island in consequence. It will, no doubt, be of interest to the readers of this Journal if I describe some of its effects, and note chiefly the dangers which the numerous vineries in the island imder- went, and especially my own houses. These dangers arose mainly from the cyclonic character of this awful storm. This CDiisideration leads me to hope that some of the intelligent writers in this Journal will devote more of the fruits of their oxporienco for our benefit in such very important matters as the ability of wood and glass to resist storms with a pressure of more than 28 lbs. per square foot — that is to say, when the pressure reaches 30 lbs. per square foot during frequent squalls (of tolerably long duration too), that the danger to which glass houses of the ordinary construction are exposed must be enormous. If this happen, then, during a rotatory storm, which tries all parts of the houses in succession, it is evident that wo require all the appliances of science to pre- serve them. I doubt, therefore, it a large span-roofed house would have weathered the gale of the 11th of January during the period when the house received the fullest force of the air current ou its broadside. In such houses, therefore, wa must mainly rely on extra solidity of construction, joined to the advantages of a naturally well sheltered position. On this, and on other points, however, experience and mechanical skill may best decide. Living, as I do, in an island, which my friend Professor Anstcd in his " Channel Islands " describes as the battle field of all the blasts under heaven, and having had one large orchard-house completely destroyed in a gale in 18C0, and the new house just added much injured on the 11th of January, these matters are of importance. Mr. Clay, of Hampton Court, writes to me that his large house was several times flooded by the Thames. This, by loosening the foundations, could it have occurred with us, might have caused the destruc- tion of all the buildings in even an ordinary gale. To understand, then, our risk, let me briefly describe the situation of our houses, now seven in number. By the addi- tion of the new orchard-house, which is a lean-to like all the others, the whole now present three sides of a square, which I consider to bo a form well calculated to resist ordinary gales from the usual quarters. The fourth side (of shrubbery), being on tlio quarter least exposed to damage, allows the current of air to escape freely. We are thus only subject to injury from the east, which, however, would be unsafe in many other places. To the south and south-west, to the west and north-west, all points whence proceed customary gales, we pre- sent either the strong back walls of lean-to houses, or else, as in the case of the new house, a front of glass framed in rafters of extra strength, with thick stone walls for gables, and a high back wall, at least 18 inches thick, which also protects the upper side of the square. "We are sheltered naturally by an adjacent hill, the elevation of which, however, at times causes a plunging current, which those who live in valleys know to be dangerous ; but the square is adapted to meet this, and the open side is invaluable. The effects of this cold evaporating current on vegetation are painfully perceptible. To the north and north-east we show only solid walls, aud the dwelling- house itself, continuing this side of the square, materially pro- tects it. The strength of glass used is generally 18 ozs., most of which comes from Belgium. The sizes vary from the largest sizes in the old houses to much smaller in the new house, which is most exposed. AVe experienced, however, during the Hay 1, leee. ] JOTJENAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 323 whole winter a variety of gales ; one of these, ■with a pressure of about 24 lbs., from the south-east, hroke panes of small glass in the hothouse, while those of 26 inches by 22 in close proximity were uninjured ; but they were in much peril, ami we were obliged to introduce soft substances, such as rags, be- tween the edges, as the elasticity of the rafters was too great. Another violent storm, not of a rotatory character, from the south-west broke a number of the small panes of glass framed in Bolid rafters, and left the large panes uninjured. The squalls of this storm were frightful, and reached a pressure of 28 lbs. per square foot, damaging the roof of the dwelling- house, and levelling many fine trees. At other times, many large-sized panes in the old orchard-house were broken along the upper ridge, while none of the lower was injured. This was by the direct action of the ground current. Again : at other times, when the wind struck the back walls it leapt over them, and, penetrating under the edges of the large panes, broke them by rattling them together. JIueh glass is lost in this manner, and it would be well to have the glass of the upper part and of the extreme ends of greater thickness. On the whole my experience tends to this, that the largest panes are safe if the glass be of 21 ozs., and the rafters not too elastic. There can be no doubt as to the appearance and orchard-house look produced by the use of such large-sized glass. It must, however, be carefully laid on, and the edges should fit accurately. The storm of the 11th of .Tanuary was in this wise. It blew continuously, as, indeed, it does in this island generally, from the Sunday night to the Wednesday afternoon, previous to the fatal Thursday. The wind oscillated wildly during this period from south-west to north-west. It then fell calm for four hours, the aerial current backing to the south-east. At night, however, a circling storm from south-west to north-east true , reached us finally from the south-east. This was an exposed quarter for me, but the pressure was only very moderate, being 12 lbs. per square foot, or a velocity of forty-nine miles an hour. Then, about midnight, a sudden lull fell on the island for two hours. During this period the vortex of the cyclone passed over us. The clouds at this time presented a menacing appearance — heavy and black cumuli, hard-edged and rolled up in unshapely masses of dense and confused vapour, while from their bases a drenching torrent of cold rain fell. In one hour a rainfall of 1 inch was registered. The effects of this were disastrous ; the ground became soddened, banks were under- mined, and trees lost their hold on the subsoil. The baro- meter fell to 28.41 inches, an p.lmost unprecedented reading ; at any rate here we only know of one resembhng it, on Decem- ber 2oth, 1821. About 9 A.M. on the 11th the wind veered from the east to the north-east with startling suddenness, and the inner whirl of the cyclone passed over the island, somewhat partially. In a few minutes the velocity rose to forty-three miles an hour ; by noon it was sixty-five miles, equal to a pressure of 21 lbs. per square foot, according to Ostler's self-registering anemo- meter ; and, during the numerous squalls, it reached seventj'- two miles, or 2C lbs. of pressure. Prom 1 p.m. to 2 f.m. the storm was fearful, and the pressure per square foot increased steadily to 28 lbs., with more violence in squalls. The damage done to trees was universal. Many buildings suffered, and, but for the fact that the stonn reached us when at its worst from the north-east, a point on which all the vineries in Guernsey, being lean-to's, were best defended by their back walls, the damage must have been great. As it was, one large •vinery was blown bodily away from its wall. The shifting nature of the storm added materially to its dangerous charac- ter, as most of the houses had one or more weak sides. They are, however, generally very strongly built, and placed in sheltered localities whenever possible, and there are no span- roofed houses except of small size. We were fully employed all day in securing the houses, much glass having cracked by the vibration of the structures, and slipped down. Thin planks are always in readiness to naU under any broken pane, which, with hay stuffed between, effectually secure the houses. Warned, however, by these ex- periences, I am dividing the houses by glass partitions, so that if any were damaged during a gale at night the other divisions might not suffer. Large branches of trees were blown across the houses into the open square, and a huge tree narrowly missed falling on the houses, being caught in the fork of another tree. A row of trees which somewhat shaded the new house had been topped, which saved them and it. The high bank, however, on whiah the new portion stands gave way, together with palings and trees, and slipped down bodily about 20 feet. With the as- sistance of numerous workmeu, obtained fortunately, the house was shored up and secured with large beams. Cracks in the green mortar threatened instant destruction, and the work, during the roar of the storm, was not done without some risk, and had to be speedily executed. The expenses incurred in under-pinning this house have since been great. In the grounds many fine old trees were levelled, especially some Quercus ilex about seventy years old. These trees fiuurish well in the island, where the sea-blast dwarfs most of our timber. Had my state of mind been cajiable of rehshing a joke at that period, it might have been found in the country people returning home, sitting obstinately in their carts until the public way was cleared, and steadily refusing to take any other road, vowing all manner of legal penalties. To see them thus, the women especially, wearing the ill-chosen national dress of dingy crape, and clearly demonstrating to us how wrongly we were acting in thus blocking up the highway with fallen timber " 'twixt the wind and their nobility," was indeed a curious sight. On a subsequent occasion a litigious farmer actually unloaded a large cart of hay which could not pass freely nnder the beams placed to shore up the orchard-house, sooner than take another path close by. Failing in persuading us to remove the obstacles (there being some risk, of course), he deliberately unloaded his cart and then he actually lodged an information against me. Numerous grave authorities were invited to inquire into this matter. They did so, but the obstacle was already gone ! A Fir tree which we tried to pre- serve contributed also some mistimed hilarity ; for about twenty of the good neighbours having'" tailed on" to a pon- derous tackle, under the guidance of a much-flogged old man- of-war's man, the rope of course yielded, and I cannot say how many gallant oflicers, clergymen, and medical men were prostrated amidst the applause of numerous juveniles. The tree, however, was saved, but we can always observe that •carriages quicken their pace when they pass under it. I This was our experience of what a rotatory storm can do. The pressure, at times, was greater than that of 28 lbs., nearer j 30 lbs. in fact. The mean temperature %vas 41°, never lower I than 40' and never higher than 42°. This was a remarkably 1 high temperature even during an exceptionally mild winter. Geraniums and other plants have not suffered at all. We had frost only during a few nights, and the thermometer in the new orchard-house has never registered lower at night than 40°. It was also from G° to 8' above the outward air. What an advantage if others would also record the lowest night temperature during the winter. I must, however, defer this portion of ihe matter, and other changes introduced in training in the new house, for a future paper. On the more immediate part of the subject — the right situa- tion with respect to natural shelter for orchard-houses, their disposition with respect to protecting each other, their size and form, the dimensions of the glass and its arrangement, the strength and proper elasticity of the rafters — all these and many kindred questions seem to me to be of the utmost im- portance in orchard-house matters. We have made a very fair start, and I am, for one, surprised that panes of glass 26 inches by 22 should resist gales of 28 lbs. of pressure per square foot as well as panes of the ordinary greenhouse size. They should, however, he of 21-oz. glass, and overlap with the greatest accuracy. — T. C. Eeehact, Rkltmond House, Guernsey. WARNING TO T0BACC0-GE0^\T3RS. I ruvE had the supervisor of excise to take account of my tobacco. The Revenue authorities seem alarmed at my grow- ing so much, and thought I must be manufacturing it for sale. I told the supervisor that I had none on hand at present. He wanted to know how much seed I had left. I told him I had 1 cwt. including stsms and all. I suppose we shall have a duty on home-grown tobacco next. I, for one, shall decline growing it then. I grow it as much for ornamentation as anything, ad- miring, as I do, its Begonia-like flower.' — Lachenalia. Crtstai- r.u^ACT!.— The thirteenth season, commencing Ml May-day, opens with great promise. Among other attractions the great Flower Show of the season will be held imder the most favourable auspices on Saturday, the 12th of May. As a feature of additional interest, and to afford additional accommodation, S34 JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. ( M&r I, tSM: the beantiful gardens of BockhillB, adjoining tho Palace, and the residence of the late Sir JuBuph Puxtun, will bo thrown open to visitors. As in front of tlio surrouuiUng verandah there is growing one of tho largest trees of Wistaria sinensis in the country, and as at tho time of this great Show it will be in full beauty, Ruch an opixirtuuity affords additional interest to tho great Show of the cominR seaBon. Tlieao gardens will be again thrown open on tho day of tho groat Itoso Show, Saturday, June Titd. THE MANETTI STOCK EOR ROSES. TuE constant accession of new readers to The Jouun.\l of Houticultcbe renders it necessary to ruvert occasicnally to subjects that havo been already discussed in its pages, in order to satisfy iiujuiries that arise from time to time. It may happen, too, that additional facta may bo elicited by the re- newal of a discussion upon any subject. I um inclined, there- fore, to ugreo with " t'ouNiitY Cuiuri; " that it may not be without advantage to return to the question of llanutti stocks. The soil in which Hoses on the Manetti arc grown must, of course, be the chief means of determining the adaptability of the stock to the end in view, which 1 assume to be this — to produce better flowers, and a greater number of them, than can be obtained by any other means in tho same situation. A secondary con.'^ideration will also be — that the plants, resem- bling in airpearance those on their own roots, which in soils that are hght and not naturally strong they soon become, are therefore more manageable and less unsightly whtn out of bloom than stiuidards or half standards on the briar ; for there is scarcely a shrub les.s attrective to the eye than a flowerless, leafless liose bush, and the ugly appearance of pruned and un- pruned standards in the same naked state is noticeable to every one, but we readily pass this out of mind when we look on tho lovely forms produced bj- them. The soil in this part of Surrey is very different from the de- scription " CouNTKY CuuATE " givcs of that of his garden in Shropshire, and both again differ from the soil of Mr. Had- clyft'e's late garden at liushton. The superiority of the Manetti stock having been fully establislmd both hero and at Rushton, " Country Cvkate " is quite justified in asserting that it should be tried in other places, and, I wish to add, the resiUt of the trial should be made known. We have read frequently in these pages and elsewhere that the Manetti stock is not advocated by rosarians who have heavy soils, and not without reason, because generally the briar does well on those soils, and the propagation of Hoses on it is so simple and easy that satisfactoiy results are obtained without having recourse to any other means. It is also affirmed that the Manetti stock proves too strong for the Ivoso budded or otherwise worked upon it. Eoses on their own roots also do well in heavy soils. Instances of both have come under my notice, and in submitting thtso notes in reply to " CorN'TKY CciiATE's favourable mention of my former article on this subject, cognizance is taken of these circumstance.s. As regards the intJueme of climate, it is sufficiently estab- lished that the Manetti is hardy enough to with.stand the generality of English winters, as well as the varying character of our springs and summers. I have heard of its succeeding well in Durham and Yorkshire, and hence there is no reason to doubt equal success in Shropshire and other north-western and midland counties. It may be assumed, also, that since the Manetti stock is found to maintain the Kose grafted or budded upon it in better condition in the earlier stages of growth in light soils, which retain a higher tempenitiue than hea\7 ones, the south of England may be slightly more suitable for it than the north ; and, further, that in rich soils in a favour- able situation the eiLuborance of vigour in the stock ma.v some- times prove too strong for the Kose worked upon it, and hence the reasonable objection of those who have tried it under these conditions. The inquiry of " Cocstby CnRATE " embraces two principal but connected subjects — namely, the propagation of Roses on the Manetti stock, and the propagation of the stock itself. All the other points of information sought for in his recent article may be included in these. 1st, I'rojutiintinn of Rnsfs on the Manrtti. — The stocks should be obtained in the autumn that they may be well es- tablished for operating upon in tho following summer. They should be planted in rows not loss than 0 inches apart ; 9 inches or even a foot would be preferable if space permit. If several rows are planted, and it is intended to remove them when the plants are sufficiently advanced to allow of removal, space may be economised by planting the rows at alternate longer and shorter intervals — that is to say, if the first and second rows are about 18 or 20 inches apart, the second and third should be 2 or 2) feet, the third and fourth tho same as tho tirst and second, and so on. This will allow room for working the stocks with less inconvenience and risk than if the rows were at uniformly short intervals apart. The stocks should not be planted deeper than is necessary to secure the roots tirmly in the soil. Before planting it will be well to notice if any buds have appeared within a few inches of the roots, and if so, they should be removed. The same precau- tion is even more requisite when removing established plants, as these buds in time become developed into shoots, or suckers as they are frequently but improperly called, and which prove a fruitful source of annoyance afterwards. Tho neglect of this precaution has added to the complaints that have, unjustly, been brought forward in argument against tho Manetti. For propagation in the open ground budding is more certain, easier, and in every respect preferable to grafting. As I stated in a former article, a carefully inserted bud in good condition will in nearly every case produce a good jilant. As soon as spring indicates signs of genial weather, towards the end of March or early in April the stocks may be earthed up 3 or 4 inches. The object of earthing up is to keep the bark moist, and this is indispensable when the stocks are to be budded, for the bud should be inserted in that part of tho stock that has been covered with soil ; and it should be remem- bered that it is not nccessarj- to have wood of the current year's growth, but the bud should at all times when practicable be inseited in the main stem of the stock, which would, therefore, bo of the previous year's growth or even older. Stocks of the previous year's growth should be preferred, as they can be operated upon nearly as easily as the current year's shoots of the Dog Kose. If the stocks are more than two years old there will be more difficulty in performing the operation, and some doubt about the success of it ; also, if the earthing up is done in the autumn when tho stocks are first planted, they will sometimes throw out rootlets where these are not wanted — that is, where the stock is to be budded, rendering the bark too hard for successful operation. By the end of May the stocks will be ready for budding, par- ticularly if the spring has been favourable. A day or two be- fore it is intended to bud, so much earth should be removed from the stocks as had been drawn around them by earthing up. It is advisable to make the siurface level or nearly so ; the stocks should not be left in a kind of in-egular trench, other- wise, if continuous rains follow, the water will settle around the stocks in puddles, thereby acting injuriously upon the in- serted buds, which should be as low down as possible. When the ligature of the bud i; fleecy worsted, a soft and at the same time pliable and strong material, which I have always found preferable to any other, if the lower end of the ligature is in contact with water that settles around the stock, the bud will be kept wet too long by the capillary attraction of the worsted, and soon rot. In heavy soils these points cannot be too strongly insisted upon, and even in light porous soils like mine inattention has been followed by casualties. Before budding all lateral and superfluous shoots from the stock may be cut off, and, if the budding is performed early in the season, the stem in which the bud is inserted should be slightly shortened. By early budding I mean as early in the season as buds can be obtained in a condition fit for propagation, or, as we or- dinarily call them, " ripe," and the weather sufficiently warm to insure success, it being always inadvisable to bud when the temperature is k.w and likely to continue so for a time. Now tho sap of the Manetti is so active that as soon as the genial warmth of spring puts it in motion tho stock soon becomes fit for the operation, so that it is by no means imprudent to bud in May from Roses that have been forced and have sufficiently ripened their wood. It is thus useful for procuring plants of new or desirable kinds earher than by late budding. We may, perhaps, consider last season an exceptional one, for I do not recollect cutting buds from out-of-door plants so early as the end of May, which I was enabled to do last year. The first week or ten days in June were also very propitious. When advantage is taken of an opportunity to bud early, the bud will soon " take ; " in a fortnight or three weeks the liga- ture should be removed, and the stock further shortened to en- couraga the growth oi the young ahoot from the inserted bud. - May 1, 1866. ) JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE iND COTTAGE GARDENER. 325 As soon as this has attained some length, it is advisable to tie it gently to a stick, or some other support, to prevent accident by wind, and when the wood of the new shoot becomes firm the stock may be cut down to within a couple of inches of the point of union ; and, if it is not intended to remove the plant for some time, it should be earthed up, covering the union with at least 2 inches of soil. I have heard it affirmed that it takes a longer time to form as strong a union of the bud with the Manetti than it does with the briar. I am inclined to believe this to be correct, and the rationale of it appears to be the greater activity of the sap of the Mauctti, and the longer duration of its action. The tjing and earthing up, therefore, may materially assist in preventing fracture. The months of July and August are recommended as being the best time for budding ; it may be done in September, but it is not advisable to defer it too long. All buds inserted in August and September should, if possible, be kept dormant all the winter. This may be effected by not shortening the stocj. The Ugature should be removed when the bud has taken, and it may then be left till the following spring. When it is found that the bud is about to start, the stock should be shortened as above stated. It is advised by some to cover the budded stocks with straw or other light material during the winter, but if the weather prove wet after their being so covered more injury than good resiilts, and I think it best, on the whole, to leave them improtected. I confess, however, that this is only a matter of opinion, and not of actual experience. Dormant buds should certainly not be buried in soil duiing the winter ; exposure to the weather is safer. 2nd, Prdjiagation of the Manetti. — The preceding notes were penned before I saw the excellent article by Mr. Cleaver in the Journal of April 17. As I fully concur in the statements there made, and believe them to be founded upon a careful observa- tion of facts, it would be superfluous to repeat now what is there given in reference to the propagation of the Manetti by cuttings. Another mode of propagation, equally simple, is by layers. If a few old plants are reserved for this purpose, all the shoots of sufScient length sent out from the collar or bottom of the stock may be pegged down according to the usual practice of laj'ering, as soon as the wood is ripe. If the shoots are long, more than one new plant can be obtained by slightly incurving the shoot between the pegs. The complaint of a deficient supply of stocks has been fre- quently expressed of late. The reason is undoubtedly the greater demand for them arising from the increasing apprecia- tion of the Manetti, and the growing conviction that its merits have been faithfully recorded by those who have advocated and advised its use. The adoption of it is yearly becoming more general, and the careful rosarian will value it as one of the chief means at present within reach for enabling him to obtain a permanency for his plants, and a succession of good bloom year afcer year which the Dog Rose very rarely affords. Another point of inquiry in connection with the Manetti stock ought not to be passed over without notice. I allude to the selection of kinds suitable to the stock. A list of such would indeed be a long one, and among them would be several desirable varieties whicii are not naturally strong, but which receive from the stock more vigour than can be imparted to them by any other means. I have noticed, however, anomalies which as yet have not been satisfactorily accounted for. I have, then, to ask for the experience and testimony of other contri- butors. Another season may do much towards clearing up some of these discrepancies, and having extended this article beyond the limits at first intended, with the permission of the Editors, I think it will be better to postpone for a few months the consideration of those points of inquiry. — Adolphhs H. Kent. PURE BROCCOLI SEED. I WAS surprised by a friend venturing to remark that I should not succeed in raising Broccoli seed true, unless I covered the flowers with muslin. I had raised fair seed from Osborn's Winter White, and then, as in the present instance, having no other species of Brasaica in the garden, I felt the result sound ; but my friend says bees and flies will impregnate with pollen foreign to the Broccoli. What sueh a hybrid would be I cannot say. Give me your ideas.^GEORGEntii. [To preserve any of the varieties of Brassica, or the Cabbage- Worts, is very difficult. Broccolis, Cauliflowers, Cabbages, Char- look, and Rape, are all capable of impregnating each other. Gees will carry the pollen from the varioas species and ▼»- rieties to the others. Your friend was wrong, if by " foreign" pollen he meant any but that derived from plants belonging to the same tribe.] BOILERS. Mb. Cooper (page 106) treats of tubular boilers as it they were of recent ijitroduotion, and not fully tested — as if, indeed, sufficient experience of them had not been gained to warrant their being recommended. This is in the main correct, as regards the majority of that description of boiler ; but there are some that have been at work for more than ten years, and of which the qualities and defects would, one may reasonably expect, have been found out in that time. The question of ex- perience with tubular boilers falls to the ground, from the simple fact that Mr. Cooper is able to give an account of their defects. Your correspondent draws a very unfavourable picture of the power, economy, and endurance of tubular boilers, and though he offers no data, pronounces in favour of the saddle form of boiler, and puts certain questions at the end of his communi- cation, which I presume he anticipated would be answered in accordance with his own views. Mr. Cooper recognises three points as essential to a good boiler — viz., power, economy, and endurance, and upon these points I beg to say a few words, fcoth in respect to tubular, saddle, and other boilers. 1st, Power. — A boiler derives its power from the extent of its surface exposed to the action of the fire, the proximity to the fire of the parts exposed, and the resistance which they offer to the passage of the heat to the flue. Now, a tubular boiler is so constructed that some parts are immediately in contact with the fire, others immediately over it, all so arranged that the fire must come in contact with more than one part, if not all, before its heat passes into the flue. A saddle boiler does not expose one-half its surface to the direct au J indirect action of the tire, the parts in contact with and directly exposed to it being those from which the water within derives its heat, for the parts indirectly exposed are so coated with " soot and other products of combustion," as to be next to valueless as regards heating power. These principles applied to a tubular boiler mean that one of £20 value exposes to the direct and indirect action of the fire 150 feet of surface, and is calculated to heat 1500 feet of four-inch piping, or 800 gallons of water. A saddle boiler of the value of £20 does not expose more than one-half, or 75 feet of surface to the direct and indirect action of the fire, and can- not be made to heat more than 700 feet of four-inch pipe, ox about 373 gallons of water. Take one hundredweight of coke for the tubular boiler, and a like weight of slack or small coal for the saddle boiler, with 14 lbs. of wood to each ; let fires be kindled under them simul- taneously, and allow in each case ten minutes grace to get under weigh or obtain a fire, and then let us see how they act. The tubular boiler will now take the whole of the hundred- weight of coke, and the saddle its remaining quota of slack. It is well with the stoker minding the tubular boiler, for he may open wide the ash-pit door, and ere long he will hear the sound of the water being rapidly heated in the boiler, and in a few minutes more the noise increases. It is now high time to close the ash-pit door to such an extent as to check the draught, and thus prevent the water being heated so quickly as to rush through the flow-pipes faster than the return-pipes can bring it in to be heated. The saddle boiler, on the contrary, will give the stoker a large amount of care and labour for the whole of the time requisite to heat the water. The time required in each case will be as follows :— Fires lighted at 9 a.m., both boilers having good fires under them at 'J. 10, when the tubular ia charged with the remainder of the hundredweight of coke, the saddle being atill worked on. At 9.55 the water rises through the flow-pipe of the tubular boiler at a temperature of 180°, which is BuSiciently hot for all horticultural purposes. The tubular boiler fire may now be slackened, and at ihe end of three hours the water atill leaves the boiler at a temperature of 180°. The saddle at 9.55 does not circulate through the flow water of a higher temperature than 90°, and it is 11.40 a.m. before the water comes through the flow-pipe at a temperature of 180°, the quota of fuel being all on the fire, and more re- quired to maintain the temperature attained by the water. The tubular will also require at the same time another 1 cwt. of coke, which will serve to maintain the water at a temperature of 180 from six to eight hours. A tubular boiler, therefore, heats double the amount ol water in one-third of the time with ths 326 JOCBNAIj OF HOBIICnLICBE AND GOTIAGB OABDKNBB. r JUf 1, 1816. same consumption of fnel as a saddle boiler o{ the same value. So much, then, for the power of a tabular, as comjiarcd with a saddle boiler. 2nd. Economy. — I find that a tabular boiler of the value of £20, and a saddle one of like cost, differ but little as to the quantity of fuel consumed. A tubular boiler consumes 1 ton of coke per week for the twenty-six weeks of winter, and 1 ton in ten days durinp the other twenty-six weeks of the year, or 44 tons per annum, which at 7s. per ton amounts to £15 8<. A saddle boiler consumes 1 ton per week for twenty-six weeks, and 1 ton in twelve days for the other twenty-six weeks, which for 41 tons of slack coal at 6s. 'Jd. per ton amounts to about £13 Ifo. ihl. Now, this is when the whole of the piping is required to maintain suitable temperatures in stoves, forcing- houses, nud pineries, and this testn the power and economy of boilers more than where the boiler is employed to heat a mis- cellaneous range of hou.ses, some being stoves requiring arti- ficial heat at all times, others viucries that need artificial heat for six or eight months, or it may be only as many weeks, the same remark applying to greenhouses and cool houses generally. For such I lind a tubular boiler consumes 1 ton in ten days for twenty-six weeks, and 1 ton in twenty-one days during the other twenty-six weeks, or 1!7 tons of coke per annum, value £9 9s. A saddle costing £2(( employed for a like purpose con- sumes 1 ton of slack coal in eight days for the twenty-six weeks of winter, and 1 ton in eighteen days for the other twenty-six weeks, or 32 tons per annum, and this at fo. 9ii. per ton amounts to £10 13.s. llff. A tabular boiler heating 1500 feet of four-inch piping costs, when employed for heating houses requiring high tempera- tures, £15 8s. per annum ; a saddle boiler heating between 600 and 700 feet of four-inch piping, £13 16s. 9t querj- 1 will not presume to answer, but I have no doubt the best boiler that will burn any kind of fuel, is the terminal saddle boiler. In conclusion, I would point to the old and long-tried flue for economy iu heating small detached houses, or where much capital would have to be invested, if heating had to be effected by hot water ; to a boiler of the saddle pattern for large de- tached houses ; and to the tubular form where coke can be had, and there is much glass. — G. Abbey. A LITTLE MORE ABOUT TOBACCO. ToDR correspondent, " X." (page 287) seems to infer that when I wrote the article on " The Growth and Manufacture of Tobacco," I ought to have stated how much might be legally grown on Enghsh soil without infringing the law. I must confess that when I penned the above paper I was in ignorance as to the quantity allowed by law to be grown, but fancied it was about a pole. I may also state here what I omitted in my last, that I sow my seed about this time (April 2Qrd), because by the time the seedUngs are ready to prick out, the tirst bedding plants will be put out iu the flower garden, so disengaging plenty of small pots. Ab many tobacco plants as will be required are then potted singly, they are started in any warm house where there is room, and hardened off in the cold frames which have been used for bedding plants. Were it not for the want of space, a want felt iu most gardening establishments in the months of April and May, I would sow and put out my plants earher. I do not think that the system adopted by your correspondent, "Ehcg" (page "270), of allowing his plants to remain entire until the approach of frost, is preferable to gathering the lower leaves as they become ripe. When the plants are luxuriant, the lower leaves are liable to decay before the plant is fully de- veloped, they then become useless, and the best and largest leaves are lost. I prefer securing the lower leaves, and di'ying them as they attain maturity, which will be about the middle of September. I have gathered the plants entire, but found it attended with waste. I am glad that the subject of growing Tobacco for fumigating- purposes seems to be gaining in interest. I was in conversation the other day with a gaidener who is at the head of one of the first cstabhshments in the kingdom, and he told me that the expense of fumigating for the year was becoming a very serious item, and one which it would be very desirable to obviate. There are very few gardens in which there is not as much space at command as will afford room for a sufficient number of Tobacco plants to serve for the year. I may also add that a sixpenny packet of seed from any respectable seedsman would plant a quarter of an acre of land. Since I wrote the communication at page 137, 1 have changed my position, and having to supply the wants of a large estab- lishment from only a limited area of kitchen garden ground, of which every inch has to be cropped with vegetables iu order to meet the incessant tUmand, I purpose growing my Tobacco plants this seasonbetweeu the Asparagus-beds, and as 1 find the ground is very rich, X expect an abundant harvest from them. Allow me to state in conclusion, that those who intend to grow Tobacco must be careful iu the drying and storing it away. If it is too dry it wiU not sweat, and then its essential oil, in which its value consists, is lost ; or, if the leaves are too full of moisture they are hable to decay. As the pages of " our Journal" are always open for amateurs as well as the professional gardener to relate their practice on all subjects of interest, I trust some of its numerous readers. who may be induced to try the experiment of growing their own Tobacco, will ia the autumn, when their plants are gathered and stored away, give us the result of their experience. — Qci:siis KsAD, Fort Uill Gardens, near BunUm. MILDEW ON ROSES. MrLDEw, or while fungus, is a sad malady when it attacks Roses early in the year, before the new wood is confirmed. If it appears late, it does not so much signify. Anything that ob- structs the lungs must affect the plant. FloTrers of sulphur may be beneficial under glass, but out of doors I never saw any good result from its use. Mildew is called " the daughter of di-onght," because long- continued drought thickens the juices of the plant, and makes the young folioles sticky ; fungus then adheres, and in favour- able weather it ia developed. Abundant watering at the root and over the leaves in hot weather, would probably prevent it ; but when it has once obtained a hold of the plant, an abster- gent lotion is the best remedy. Put 2 ozs. of blue vitriol into sufficient hot water to dissolve it, and then put the solution into a stable-bucket of cold water, and pour it with a fine-rosed watering-pot over the leaves. I have known it cure thoroughly a line of Gf-ant des Batailles (much given to mildew, discarded by me now), when the mildew has been rooted deeply into the texture of the leaves. If " Hele!( " (your inquiring corre- spondent) has only a few Fioses, she may sponge it off or rub it off with the finger and thumb on its first appearance. Baronne Hallez is another Kose which is never free from mildew. In hot, showery seasons mildew seldom appears on the Bose, nor does it then do any amount of harm. — W. F. R.ii>clyefb. [Mr. Eadclyffe now resides at Okeford Fitzpaine, near Shil- lingstone, Dorset. He has left Tarrant Rushton.] ROYAL HORTICULTUR.iL SOCIETY. Weekly Show, April '2Sth.- — For the best collection of twelve mis- cellaneous plants the first prize was awarded to Messrs. Cutbush and Son, of Highgate ; and also for the best collection of eighteen Hya- cinths and eighteen bulbs in ilower. Mr. Morgan, gardener to the Marquis of Townsbend, Hertford, received a prize for a Tei7 fine punnet of Keens' Seedling Strawberries, which were large and handsome. Rev. Geo. Cheere. of Papworth Hall, received a first-class certificate for a tray of .\nua Boleyn Pinks, and one for handsomely grown plants of the lari^e-flowered or Giant Mignonette, heantifally done. Mr- Bartlett received a first-class certificate for a collection of bulbs, and a prize for a fine specimen of Adiautnm cuneatum. Mrs. Hooke, Fulham, received a first-class certificate for a collection of Cinerarias ; and Messrs. Lacking. Brothers, for a collection of Calceolarias and Pelar^'oniums. Mr. Beasley, gardener to Mrs. Wood, Twy-ford Abbey, Acton, obtained a prize for a collection of miscellaneous plants ; and Mr. Young, gardener to E. Barclay Esq., of Highgate, received a first prize for a very meritorious collection of vegetables. HoBTicuLTUEAL DissEB. — ^We Understand that Lord H. Gor- don Lennox, M.P., has kindly consented to take the chair at the dinner to be held at St. Martin's Hall (May 24th), during the week of the International Horticultural Exhibition. THE MANGO AND MANGOSTEEN. I, IS common with many of your readers, have been much interested in the papers by " J. H." on the cultivation of tropical fruits that have from time to time appeared in The JocnxAL OF Hop.Ticci.TUEE. Several of my friends who take a great interest in these matters have gone to considerable ex- pense in the endeavour to rival the doings of "J. H.," and to secure, as he would lead us to expect, such a supply of the fruit of the Mangosteen as would not only furnish their own tables but those of their friends. I have lately heard in more than one quarter considerable doubts expressed as to whether " J. H." has really done what he professes. On the one hand, highly skilled cultivators assert that the instructions given by " J. H." cannot possibly succeed, as they are contrary to the conditions under which the tree naturally grows ; others say. Could such a feat in horticul- ture be performed in England without some person having seen it ? Now, I should be glad it "J. H." will, for the satis- faction of your readers, state where he " obtained fruit for three successive years (1859-60-Gl), from one small tree." It 6 -'ems strange that such a circumstance should have occurred 828 JODBMAI. OF HORTICnLTUBB AKD COTTAGE OABOEKEB. [ iltj I, isoai and created no excitement in the horticultural world, when the production of a solitar; (rait at long intervals in some of our most extensive eatabliehments throns the whole community into ecstacies. — B. H. FRUITS IN THE ORCHARD-HOUSE AND GARDEN. I HAVE heard and read of orchard-houses in various parts of the country, but I am not aware that they exist to any extent in this county, Shropshire. My first experience in this matter dates from last autumn twelvemonth, when I had a Ican-to, 20 feet by 12, erected. The I'each and Nectarine trees, owing to the pots not being ready when they arrived, remained in an outhouse in the baskets, only portially unpacked, for nine or ten days, being kept too dry ; and when afterwards potted, being overdosed with water, they cast their buds, and so far for the first season were a failure. Perceiving, however, from the character of growth last summer, and a nice sprinkling of Plums and Cherries, that orchard-house cultivation was likely to be a success, I, last autumn, built another house the same size as the preceding, and matters at present are very promising. Having understood that Apricots were not easily fruited in pots, I am pleased to lind that the two I have, a Kaisha and Moorpark, have their fruit set very thickly, so that the scissors will have to be used pretty freely in the thinning process. Here let me say how well orchard-houses are adapted for re- tarding as well as protecting the blossom. This matter was Etrongly recommended by the late Mr. Errington, and is, I conceive, extremely important. Having had occasion to go some distance from home on the 23rd of February, I was sur- prised to see the walls covered with Apricot bloom at that early date, while my trees were scarcely showing white at all. I hod had the ventilators of the house for the most part open night and day throughout the whole of that unusually mild January, and hence the buds were still in embryo when others were bursting into bloom. AVe may easily suppose where pro- tection has been withheld what has been the result of an in- clement March. A friend in the neighbourhood, who had a fine bloom of this fruit on his wall, told me a few days ago that half a dozen would be the outside of the produce, ilr. Bivers, in his book, recommends the ventilators to be shut night and day during January. The advice is, no doubt, sound in the main, but the best rules must occasionally be departed from. Though the Peaches and Nectarines are at present pictures of beauty in their full bloom, it is yet too soon to speak about results ■ but I hope in the autumn to report good progress in that direction. The Plums seem especially promising, and I can see already that a Keine Claude is setting its fruit so thickly that some hundreds will have to be taken off. With regard to fruit generally, it is remarkable how little the theory of thinning in productive seasons is understood and practised, the results of its neglect being deteriorated produce in the current year, and a total failure in the next. I cut off last year three thousand from one Orleans Plum tree, and it would have been all the better if 1 had taken off a thousand mere. A crop of two bushels still remained. The soil of my garden, a tenacious loam on a clay, or, other- wise, rocky subsoil, seems to be very suitable for the gene- rality of fruit trees. The Itibston and Hawthornden Apples do not canker in the least ; and from that decaying of the ends of young branches so often seen, my trees never suffer. Strawberries never (ail with me. The British Queen, of which complaints are so freq'.mt, always fruits abundantly. The last two dry summers have been no exception. I make fresh plantations every other year. Like other people, I have been plagued from time to time by the birds taking the hnds. Let not person, however, rashly charge sparrc^ws with the offence. They are bad enough in their way, and those who have Peas coming up where sparrows abound must be on the look-out, or the rows will present a very naked and unsatisfactory appearance ; but my opinion is, these birds never injure a bud. The real depredators are bull- finches, tomtits, and, I am inclined to think to some extent, chaffinches. These are sometimes sad nuisances. I never found till this year the buds of the Quince taken, but one in my garden a mcnth ago, had in two days every incipient blossom devoured or deetroyed. Gooseberries, however, are the special objects of their attacks. A gentleman in the neighbourhood in(ormed me, that ho had on this account every Gooseberry tree in hie garden grubbed up. One does not, however, like to bo beaten after that fashion. For some yeare I delayed pmning till late in the epnng, and persevered with the thread and egg-shell system, but to little purpose. For the last two years I have pruned early, and well whitewashed every shoot and bud with considerable sucMae. I had a good crop last year, and have at present the prosp«ot of an extra largo one. I think I have derived one advantage by the buds being so taken formerly. Not enduring the naked appearance of the trees, I cut them in close, and am now decidedly of opinion that the young wood for the Gooseberry ig the best, especially for the preserving sorts. Most of my trees, now twenty years old, might well pass for five or six, all the wood of some of them not being older than three years. People are sometimes astonished to see the strength of the shoots, some of them upwards of 2 feet long, and covered with bads or fruit. There are various specifics for extirpating the Goosebeny grub. I have managed for years to keep it down by taking off the first perforated leaves. The grubs are easily enough seen, and in five minutes as many are destroyed as might constitute a legion. — i. M. PEACn-GRO\\TN'G IN NEW JERSEY. I AM a subscriber, and on the principle of distance lending enchantment, derive, perhaps, as much satisfaction from yonr Journal as those nearer your door. A writer en the " Meteorology of Fmit-tree Houses," in the Number of December 19th, says, " It would be highly interest- ing to learn from the United States, taking New Jersey for instance, wh^re Peaches are grown so largely, how the day and night temperature varies in the ripening season, and whether it is ever as low as our brick walls and orchard-houses." As I live in New Jersey, and, indeed, in the Jfrseijist part of New Jersey, I propose to give you a few facts on the subject referred to. Peaches ripen here chiefly in August and September. The maximum temperature in August is about 95°, and the minimum is from 52° to 55°. In September the maximum is from 78° to 80°, and the minimum about 40°. In August, the weather is generally of a sultry heat both by day and by night, especially during the earlier part of the month ; but towards the end of the month the nights become more cool and refreshing, often with very heavy dew. The minimum mentioned above is chiefly reached during a cold storm from the east or north-east. I live three miles from the salt water, and fifteen miles from the sea. In my neighbourhood the soil is extremely sandy. Indeed, in verj' much exposed situations, the wind drives the sand about to such an extent that scarcely anything in the way of vegetation finds a resting place long to grow, even if it conld find any nourishment for support. On one of our small hill sides, fully exposed to the violent north-west winds, a sort of Heather (Hudsonia ericoides), is the only plant that has gained a foothold, and maintained it. This is only found in dry sand near the coast. For milts about me, certainly not more than one acre in ten has ever been cultivated. The woods having been nearly all cut away, a low growth of Pine, scrub Oak, and underbrush has sprung up, clothing most of the rounding hill slopes as far as the eye can reach. This underbrush is, in great part, com- posed of Blackberry and Whortleberry bushes, the fruit of which begin to ripen early in July. The berries are picked by women and children, and sent to New York, twenty-tive miles distant, where they find a ready sale, at prices varying from '2d. to OJ. a-quart, of your money. When this woodland is cleared, the sand is found to be rich in vegetable matter, as you may suppose, and, with the aid of a dressing of farmyard manure, grows many fnits, flowers, and vegetables in per- fection. I'each trees in this soil make an astonishing growth, and the flr.vour of the fruit is the concentration of excellence, far finer than when the trees are grown on the heavy land a few miles distant. The trees themselves will not live so long as in heavier soil; but I'each orchaids are easily renewed, and in fruit ten years of perfection are better than twelve of me- diocrity. In this case, " a short life and a merry one " is no bad motto. At the risk of troubling yon with too long a letter, I want to say a word or two regarding the soil, as influencing the flavour of fruits, a subject, I think, not sufliciently considered. As an example : Melons which are wonderfully fine in our new and sandy ground, when grown on a heavy clay loam, about seven miles distant, are reallv not worth eating. So, too, the Pear Hay I, uee. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 339 Loiise Bonne of Jersey, on the Quince stock, is of very first qujlity with ns ; on the heavy soil it is astringent and hardly second-rate. Then, too, there is an American Grape, the Diana, highly esteemed in many parts of the country, but in our soil BtrJngly and offensively musky. Should you care to hear from me again, I may write about some of our New Jersey wild flowers, Ferns, &c. In none of your English catalogues do I see the name of the climbing Fern (Lygodium palmatum), of which I send you two leaves. It is rather rare. In all my wanderings I have only found it in one place in our woods. It gracefully twines among the bushes, reaching a height of from 2 to 4 feet. This Fern is so hardy, that the leaves I send yon we'-e picked yesterday (March 29th), perfectly fresh and green, after having endured a frost of 20° below zero this winter, the coldest weather ever kfiown here. — George Such. [Such communications are always interesting, and we shall be glad to hear from you again. The Fern which you sent was correctly named Lygodium palmatum ; it is to be found in several English catalogues. — Eds.] A NEW HOE. I THINE I have a good thing now ; and, with your permission, will tell your readers what it is. Being some time since in the store of Mr. Alfred Bridgeman, my attention was attracted by a curious-looking implement, painted red ; in fact, it was the red paint that first drew my attention. On examination, this curious implement proved to be a hoe. At first I thought it had been made " wrong end foremost ;" this, however, was not so ; still, I am inclined to believe that it might be made both ways with advantage. It will be seen that the hoe is in the form of a wedge, both the front and back edges being sharp. It thus has a double motion, or, in other words, a pushing and a draw cut, which enables one to get over the ground very rapidly. From the form of the hoe, the cut on both sides is a draw cut, like that of the knife, the very best that can be used. The wedge form, too, while it presents a very large cutting sur- face, causes the hoe to enter the ground and pass under the surface with a comparatively small expenditure of power. It win naturally be inferred, on looking at the engraving, that the draw motion of this hoe is easier than the thrust, and this is the case. I have nsed this hoe during most of the present season. It is decidedly the best tool of the kind I have ever used ; so good, indeed, that I am unwilling that others fhould remain in ignorance of it. At first I thought it was just a little awkward, as many others may ; but I soon gol the " hang of it," and then it worked like a charm. I use it with both motions, backwards and forwards, and am astonished how rapidly I get over the ground. The draw motion is admirable. I am sure I can do twice as much work with it as I can with the common pushing hoe, and do it easier, if not better. With the draw motion I can cut down with ease weeds so large that I cannot move them with the common hoe. Of course, nobody should let weeds of any kind grow to a large size ; but they will sometimes in spite of you, especially in a wet season, and then it is well to know that there is an implement that will cut them down hke grass. This it does because of its draw-cut. Another advantage possessed by this hoe is that you can cut close up to a row of plants without danger of catting them off. The points on the lower side pick out the weeds nicely from between and around the plants, and thus save much stooping and hand-work. If this should meet the maker's eye, I would suggest to him that he make the handle longer: it is now too short. He should also make at least three sizes — 6, 8, and 10 inches wide. The present one is 8 inches, which is too wide for much work to be done in the garden. — P. B. Mead, New Yuri: (in American Gardener's Monthly). PORTRAITS OF PLANTS, FLO'S\'ERS, AND FRUITS. Peperomia MARMonATA (Marble-lcavcd Peperomia). — Nat. ord., Piperaces. Linn., Diandria Monogynia. Native of South Brazil. Leaves dark green, variously marbled with very pale green. — (Hut. Mag., t. 5568.) Ericinella Masnii (Cameroons Mountain Heath). — Nat. ^ ord., Ericacea. Linn., Tetrandria Monogynia. Native of . Fernando Po and Cameroon Mountains, at elevations between 4000 and 10,000 feet. Flowers rose-coloured.— (I6i(i., t. 5569.) PoLYCHiLos coRNU-CEEVi(Stag'6-horn Polychilos). — Nat. ord., Orchidaceffi. Linn., Gynandria Mouandria. Native of Moul- ■ mein. Imported by Messrs. Low. Petals yellowish green striped with reddish brown. — (Ibid., t. 5570.) Tacsonia Van Volxemii (Van Volxem's Passion-Flower).— Nat. ord., Passiflorie. Linn., Pentandria Trigynia. Native of the temperate region of New Grenada, and promises to eclipse the Lapageria. Flowers crimson. — (Ibid., t. 5571.) MiLTONiA ANCEPS (Two-edged-stemmed Miltonia). — Nat. ord., Orchidaceie. Liiin., GjTiandria Monandria. Native of Brazil. • Re-introduced by Messrs. Low. Sepals and petals yellow ; lip ;■. white, dotted and striped with purplish crimson. — (Ibid., t. 5572.) Muss^NDA LUTEOLA (Captain Grant's Musssenda). — Nat. ord., Rubiaceae. Linn., Pentandria Monogynia. Introduced by Captain Grant, companion of Captain Speke, from the country near the head of the Nile. Flowers primrose-coloured ; one segment of the calyx forms a yellowish white leaf. — (Ibid., ,) t. 5573.) Epiphtllum tbuncatum elegaks. — Flowers scarlet, with purpled centre. Sent out by Mr. W. BuU, Clelsea. — (Floral Mag., pi. 285.) Pelargonium pkltatum elegans. — An ivy-leaved kind. Sent out by Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son. Flowers delicate pink.— (Ibid., pi. 286.) Marasta illustbis. — Native of the High Amazon in Ecuador. Leaves deep green above, barred with still deeper green, and a zig-zag band round near the edge coloured yellowish white ; underneath dull purple. — (Ibid., pi. 287.) Double Primulas.— Sent out by Messrs. F. & A. Smith, Dulwich. Kennesina plena, rosy carmine. Queen of England, white with rosy tinge. — llbid., pi. 288.) Glaiiiolus.- Owr Little i»ci/.— "This is one of the beautiful varieties of Gladiolus which have been raised by Mr. Standish, of Ascot. It is due to the successful efforts of Mr. Standish to state that he has contributed very largely to the improve- ment manifested among these showy popular flowers. He has, indeed, as respects the status of English-raised varieties, placed them quite on an equahty with those of continental origin, and what M. Souchet's Gladioli are amongst those raised in France, Mr. Standish's novelties are amongst those of English parentage. Indeed, we question if some of his flowers— that named John Standish, for example, now unfor- tunately lost to cultivators — have ever been equalled in those characteristics which mark high quality in the flowers. "The variety we now figure, by a process which scarcely does it justice, has already won a position for itself in the ranks of floriculture. It was shown at a meeting of the Floral Com- mittee on the 27th of September. 1864, and on that occasion won a first-class certificate. In the report of the meeting re- ferred to, it is spoken of in the following terms :— ' A very fine and novel variety, of a rosy magenta colour, striped and splashed with white; the lip segments feathered with purple. It will be quite an acquisition among these showy autumn flowers.' " — (FlorUt and Pornologist, v., 65.) Fritillabla meleagris.— This is now in blossom in several of the moist meadows about Oxford. I picked a good handful am JOXniNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. C Majr I, U6S. this afternoon (April 21), in Christ Church meadow, on the south side, near thi> University barges on the river, among which were several varieties — red, brown, white, and yellow.— Hesby BCBNEY. WORK FOR THE "WEEK. KITCHKN GA.RUEN. CoNTTXtTE the trenching of ground as it becomes yacant, and daring the dry weather keep it well forked about. Atparagus, the young plants will now be ready for planting ; if the ground has been properly prepared, stretch a line and take out a trench suthcieutly wide and deep to allow of spreading the roots, then cover the crowns about 'l inches deep. In stron;; imperfectly drained Boils, sand should be placed about the roots and over the crowns. The roots .should be taken up care- fully, and any which appear to be decaying about the crown should be rejected. Now is also a good time to sow the seed in drills about an inch deep, scattering it thinly, and covering it eyenly with the finest of the soil. The seeds to" be sown in drills 15 inches apart, thinning out the plants in the rows to 4 inches apart to furnish plants for transplanting after one or two seasons' growth. Broccoli, sow Early I'urple and Myatfs WTiite Capo, also Waloheren for late autumn use. Beet, sow a full crop of Red, if not already done. BmsseU Sprouts, prick out the seedling plants of the earliest sown, and also of Savoys, to make them stocky for final transplanting. Caulitlou-rrs, draw the earth up to the most forward, and give plentiful applica- tions of liquid manure. Celfry, continue to prick out ; this must always be kept well supplied with water, rapid and con- tinuous growth being a very essential point in its cultivation if it is required large. If the earliest sown plants receive any check from drought the chances are that they will run to seed. V-warf Khbirii Beam, sow a full crop, and Scarlet liumien if it be preferable to sow in the open ground, instead of transplant- ing, as recommended last week. In some soils wireworm is very apt to attack the cotyledons during the progress of ger- mination— to remedy which, after the Beans are laid in the drills, water them with a Uquid formed of one gallon of am- moniaeal Uquor from the gasworks, diluted with six or eight gallons of water according to the strength of the liquor, after which let them be covered with 2 inches of charred wood or refuse, and the ground levelled over them. The charred ma- terials appear to be peculiarly agreeable to them, as they come of a most luxuriant dark green, and are very prolific. Lettuces, repeat the sowings of all sorts, and thiu out and transplant those advancing as occasion may require. Turnips, sow a good breadth, the ground for which should be well dressed with wood ashe ■ r charred refuse. Hoeing, surface-stirring, and thin- ning out advancing crops must be persevered in with diligence and activity. nttllT GARDEN. Great activity must prevail in this department. See that the soil is well pulverised about the roots of the trees, and that all uewly.planted trees are sufficiently mulched. Keep a good look out for the numerous tribes of insects, and apply remedies in time. Continue moderately the disbudding of Peaches, Nectarines, and Apricots. When Vines have puslied suffi- ciently to distinguish the fruit-bearing shoots, let all super- fluous ones be immediately removed. The blossoms of Pears and Plums are so thick that we would suggest the propriety of removing a portion, but perhaps it may be said. Let frost do its work first. FLOWER GARDEN. The present is unfavourable weather for planting evergreens, owing to the prevalence of dry cutting winds. As it is more than probable that where much planting was intended, part of it may yet remain on hand, wo may observe that some kinds of evergreens may yet bo safely removed, taking the precautions to water them at first planting and occasionally afterwards, to well mulch the surface, and to damp the foliage over in the evenings of dry days. These attentions, which are indispen- sable should dry weather occur, will enable late-planted ever- greens to start in most cases freely. We have found Hollies, Portugal Laurels, Evergreen Oaks, Eed Cedars, Arbor Tittp. &c., take root freely now. Another sowing of annuals may now be made either on an open border for transplanting, or on small squares of turf laid with the grassy side downwards. ^Vhen the plants are up, the pieces of turf, w"ith the plants, may safely be removed to their final quarters. As the plantirg-out season approaches, have everything ready for hardening off the plants, tliat they may experience no check by removal, and turn over and well work the soil toibring it into a proper stat* for planting. GREESnoCSB AND CONSKRTATORV. Among winter-blooming plants we have few that are so at- tractive and so useful as Uesnera oblongata and Kuphorbik jacquiniaflora, both being profuse bloomers and remaining long in beauty. These should be extensively grown wbereTor winter flowers are valued, and if at the expense of neglecting some of our more recently introduced subjects, they should be afforded every necessary accommodation and attention at the present season, in order to secure good specimens for next winter. Also, attend to Correas, affording them suAicient pot room and a growing temperature, so as to induce free growth at the present season, and have the wood well matured early in autumn, which is the secret of having them finely in bloom throughout the winter. Primula sinensis, especially the double varieties, is also deserving of every attention and should not be neglected at the present season. Fuchsias intended for large specimens will require to be shaded from bright sunshine, and will be greatly benefited by a liberal supply of manure water. With cold nights and scorching d.iys, there is some diQiculty in managing the plants in the conservatory. The shades, if not already on, should be put on fortbwith, as until we have more genial weather it will be found more advan- tageous to shade during the middle of the day than to admit strong cunents of dry air. The newly-shifted plants in the greenhouse are now beginning to feel the benefit of the new soil, and if properly encouraged will grow rapidly, endeavonr to secure clean, short, stubby growth, and strong foliage. Those plants which have fairly taken bold of the new soil — such as Boronias, Pimeleas, &c., and which require stopping to make them bushy, should be stopped at once. Keep a moist atmo- sphere by sprinkling the house twice or thrice a-day. STO^-E. Attend to training the twiners as they advance in growth, and do not allow them to become entangled before giving them attention. Attend, also, to the stoppir,: .and training of other plants, and afford those growing freuly plenty of pot room. Continue shifting all Orcliids that require it. Now that the growing season has fairly set in, care must be taken that nothing suffers from want of water, -^pply the syringe liber- ally, but not using too much force, and early in the morning before the sun shines strongly upon the house, at the same time giving a little air to prevent scorching until the shade is let down. Continue this treatment during the present month, and about the 10th discontinue fires, and between eleven and twelve o'clock thoroughly wet all the paths, walls, itc. This will suffice for the day unless it is very warm weather, when a sprinkling from a fine-rosed syringe will bo found necessary, but in no case must water be supplied after midday, when the fires are discontinued. In dull, cold, or wet weather little or DO water must be applied ; on the contrary, a little fire for two or three hours may be necessary. The natural lowering of the temperature would be attended with much harm if the atmo- sphere were overcharged with moisture, for the condensation which takes place under these circumstances settles upon the flowers and destroys their beauty. This can be prevented by proper attention to airing and a judicious application of water. Keep up a pleasant temperature of from 70^ to 80° by day, and by night it mav be safely and beneficially allowed to go down to CO". PITS ASD FR.VMF.S. Continue to pot-off rooted cuttings. Those potted off at a former period will be now becoming estabhshed in their pots. Eemove them from the hotbed to a cold pit, and plunge them in sand. See that they do not want for water and shading during hot sunny days. Attend frequently to the stopping of the shoots to induce a robust bushy growth. — W. Kease. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. Hardly ever knew such a week for the water-pail. A fierce, cloudless sun, and a dry parching wind, tried everything, and especially whatever was fresh planted, or fresh potted. All the nice rules frequently given for watering had to be set aside, and the spout and the rose of the watering-pot, in conjunction with shading and syringing, had to be brought into requisition with- out ceremony to keep things alive. Tho change that the sun has made in the pastures and fields is wonderfiU. Now is seen the impropriety of ploughing or digging heavy soil when in a Ma; 1, 1866. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENER. 331 wet, claggy condition. It is now like eg many lumps of iron, defying rakes, rollers, and clod-crushers. A farmer told us the other day, that it would have paid him better to have kept his liorscs at home, and paid the men for a holiday. The wet weather so long continued, and other causes, have thrown us behind with our work, and now it would be a privilege to be able to make each man into three. Now is a good time to turn a horse in to roU the laimis thoroughly, as little mark will be left by his feet. It is a sad waste of time and labour, except in small places, to make three or four men draw a heavy roller, and a light roller is of little use at present. If lawns are thoroughly and heavily rolled this month, they will be much more easily mown and machined during the season. As we are very busy, on a part of the lawn, instead of mowing, we merely swept the Daisies off with the Daisy knife. Several readers have written to us hoping and believing we make too much of the expense of a lawn. We know full well that when hope is buoyant and strong, it requires only a short journey to reach belief; but "facts are stubborn things." The pro- prietor of a pretty small place informed us lately, that he was coaxed into enlarging his lawn, en the faith that it would not involve more than an extra twenty-pound note per annum ; but hve times that sum was nearer the mark. It is all very nice to dream of switching it over with the scythe, or vastly more economically running a small hand-cutting machine over it ; but disappointments and untidy lawns would alike be avoided if it were borne in mind, that in general seasons, lawns to be nice ought to be gone over at least three times a-fortuight, from April to November, and several limes before and after these periods. From a mass of other work we have never been able to have the lawns here presentable until the middle of June, being obhged to content ourselves with keeping the most exposed and particular parts. In many places, part of what is considered lawn, or kept grounds, might be left in a comparatively rough state, mown merely several times in the season, and with little detriment to the general effect ; but such a mode of managing email lawns close to a residence is altogether out of character, and no lawn, or one half or quarter the size, would be better in every way. To a number of explicit inquiries as to the time and labour involved in keeping certain spaces of lawn, we would give, and can only give, the general answer, that there is such a difference in grass, and in the expertness of men becoming nsed to their work, that before making additions it is well to note carefully the time required to manage a certain portion, going over it on an average three times in a fortnight. In par- ticular places we have often found it necessary to machine the grass twice a-week. In many submban villas the grass plat in front is often a great eyesore. Many men engaged in business from 9 a.m. to 4 P.M., would do much to keep thiir little gardens nice, but the grass is a difficulty, as they cannot work a machine well in the morning. In many such cases, it would be far better if the flower-beds were on stone or gravel, as all tidying could be done in the morning or evening. To a certain extent it is well for every one to stick to his occupation, and gardeners should have their appropriate work ; but then everybody is supposed to be more or less of a gardener ; and it is well that it is so, as whatever pleasure there may be in looking at a garden, that pleasure and interest are easily enhanced when the pleasing effect is at least partly the result of our own labour. This dry weather has stopped some alterations and turfing operations. That already laid down is standing the weather well ; if it should crack at the seams we will scatter some fine soil along them, and then the first rains will make all right. In extreme cases, we have thrown a little soil all over, and swept it off after rain and dryness before the grass grew much. One gentleman is going to a new house in May, and wishes to have a grass plat, but is afraid to ventm-e this season, but would like to set about it if practicable. There is no question as to the practicability, if, as he says, there is no difficulty in procuring the turf. We have laid turf in all the summer months, and for small plots there need be no difficulty, so long as ahttle extra labour can be given. We would proceed thus — Mow the grass short, whence the turf is to be taken, a few days beforehand, so that the grass shall be growing afresh, and if a shower comes all the better. Then level the plot so as to have all ready for the turf ; bring the turf home carefully, and have two tubs if they can be had ; fill both with turf, and let it soak in water for a quarter of an hour, and as soon as the first tub is empty fill it again, so that the torf may soak whilst that in the second is being taken out. Water the ground, if dry, through a rose, before putting the turf on it. Beat and roll in the usual way, and growth will commence at once. We have scarcely ever found more work necessary, except tilling up the seams with a little earth if the weather proved very dry after turfing. Thus managed, turf laid in May may be a nice grass plat in June and July. Of course, less labour would be required if the work were done before March, but the above mode may suit some entering on new residences at this season. KITCHEN G.IRDEK. The general operations were vei-y much the same as those detailed in last and previous weeks. Fresh-sown seeds were watered and shaded with a few branches. lUdge and pickhng Cucumbers, Vegetable Mai-rows, <^'=''; "> °?, '^?^'' 1 oz. ; white resin, 4 ozs. Grind the acetate with a little of the oil, then add the rest and the resin. Incorporate thoroughly in a large iron pot over a gentle fire ; and, with a large brush, apply hot to a flue calluo stretched loosely previously, by means of tacks, upon the frame. On the foUowing day it is fit for use, and may be either done over a second time, or tacked on tightly to remain. The quantity made according to this receipt will be sufficent for about 100 square feet ol cahco. PiiNTiNC, Beds and Borders (ir. B. H.).-We cannot do this for you AU that we can do is to correct what we consider wrong m the planting submitted to our judgment. , , , ^ , i „ „„.. f„„.. Ribbon-border («. P.l.-We cannot plant: but for colours say four rows, beginning at the front-1, white ; 2, purple ; 3, yellow ; 4, scarlet. We know nothing of the position or the suiroundings. HORTICULTORAL Inventiok (/mpccum(i).-Not kuowiug anything of Ks nature, it is quite impossible tor us to offer any suggestion. Imple- ment makers and wireworkers are very different manufacturers. Epiphyllum troncatum (.4. C. C. H.).-The rooting of your plant from every joint is a sign that it has few, if any, roots m the snil.^ hch ias, probably, become sour through imperfect drainage. \ou will do well to have the plant repotted, removing all the soil from the roots if an), and using a compost ol turly sandy peat and loam in equal parts, with one-fourth pieces of broken crocks and charcoal, from the size «» hazel nut down to that of a pen, and a free admixture of sand. If the plant have no roots place it deeper in the soil by two or three joints. Water sparingly until new roots are formed, and then give more copious supp les. Plants for a Shady Place iM<.z«rfo,.).-Few plants will do well in such a situation as yoo describe. The best plan would be to conveit it into a rockerv, and grow there the more common kinds of hardy 1 ems and aliiines. the shrubs that would succeed fairly are-Aucuba japonicn Berberis aquifolium, B. repens, and B. Darwinii, Box, common and variegated HolUes, common Laurels, Cotoneastcr microphylla, Pmet, Rhododendron ponticum, St. .John's Wort, Spurge I-^^'i'-'' 1 .SnoY'f "^J Ivy of sorts for the waUs, and Periwinkle to place where nothing else will grow. If you add common Yew, Alexandrian Laurel, and the common Butcher's Broom, you have nearly all the plants or shrubs calculated to arow in your situation. _ ,.-,,. i „ ..»„ Proit Trees not Beariug (P. d.-Yonr Pear and Cherry trees pro- ducing abundance of bloom, but little fruit in proportion, may, Probably be rendered productive by thinning the trusses of bloom. We h''?^e found this answer with trees from whch we could not "b*™, Pfarly the quantity of fruit that we wanted, although they were annually covered with bloom. We simply removed half the blossoms and this «e would advise you to do at once, giving a good watering with liquid manure aftc setting; and again in July. Mulching the surface ^vlth 3 inches of short manuri would be advantageous, placing it on the border in autumn and pointing it in in the spring. Try thinning the blossoms. „„ „,„ ^ QuiKCE Barren (I'' ?f suitable. It likes a somewhat moist soU, but not water stagnant in the aubsoih Perhaps your trees are very vigorous ; il so, taking them up next autumn and replanting them would check their vigour and induce the formation of fruit-buds. Digging out a trench a yard '"" the tiee all round, and below the roots, would also check vigour, ^nd might induce fruitfulness, the trench being flUed in again after cutting all roots thicker '^Woon''i"c"°;N'METoN-P.T .P. C.).-Wrap a ■iti'^'^^y 'j^^ l--'^ ™™* a boiled Potato and place it in a small flower-pot, lay the pot ™ ''^s.de within the frame at night, and in the morning you will hud the wood- lice secreted in the hay ; shake them out into boiling water. A number of these baits, and perseverance in setting them will soon clear the pit MONOCniTDM ENSIFERIIM (T. E. H. -^ l-rY'^^S ,""*?,' -^ f„ LvcMleut Cocoa-nut Fibre Refuse as a Mulch (f- »■ «•-" " f ° f"f "?* mulch for Roses if put 2 or 3 inches deep on the surface. It is one of the best retainers of moisture, and, consequently, is a good pieventive of mildew on the Rose leaves. ... . , „„ i,«„w nf Black Aphides [R. A. F.).-After smoking with tobacco we know of nothing better than softsoap water, clear, and quassia water, made by boiling 4 ozs. of quassia chips in a gallon of water. ^S"'",, "'bf " f ^ '° " Doings of the Last Week " as to using hot water. 1 ou mu»t not expect to free your trees of the pest at once. i\,„„^„^^ Tanoierine Oranoe Dnfrditful (ir.«<^,u.H.-We would stop the young shoots, and give the plant all the sun possible. Grape Bunches becominc. Tendrils (G. P.).-The want of a mado border, and the want of drainage after such a wet winter and spring, aJB the causes of your Grape bunches degenerating into tendrils. As pall>- atives that may answer in the case of your strong-growing Vines, dig a deep drain in front of what you may consider to be the border, and use plenty of fire heat in the autumn to ripin the wood. From such Vines under su.* circumstances, we have obtained good crops, and especially when the bearing wood was on rods and n..t spurs. For a thorough remedy the Vines should be Ufted in October, and, a good drained border having been made, they should be replanted can I I'ly-^. , ., , ,, „ , _„ , . LUMDAGO.-In reply to " A Sufferer," Mr. Fish says that the hand ol brown paper round the loins lasts, with h.m, from one to seven days, ac- cording to the work ho is engaged in. For instance, on Friday ho was thinniSg Grapes from 4.30 a.m. to 9 a.m., and the paper was reduced to a pulp. When he has been tying and regulating Vines, Ac., above his head, the paper would split and creep upwards over the back, ■■'stoad of over the loins. He is not particular as to the paper; thin or thick, "hite or brown, the gentle continuous friction is the tliuig. Ho uses a hght band or holt to keep the paper pretty weU in its place. His sufferings on the slightest movement used to be dreadful at times, and all he can say is that since the paper remedy he has suffered next to nothing; and if he goes without for a few dnys and has a hint of the old enemy commg, a fresh paper stops its advances. The remedy was f 7™ '» h™ ^y J^^ different people who used to be great sufferers, and he will be rlcased ' by such a simple means others should escape such tortures as he c?dured. Hyacinths NOT Kootino IF. 0.).-We thmk your Hjacmths did root, and have been supported by these roots up to this time. Your deep plant, ing and very rich soil, added to fresh manure, would he'ikely to cause the base of the bulbs to damp or ("ccay, the roots perishmg. Ours this year have been and are particularly fine and wo first d'B tbf K™^°^i'j' deeply as wc can, which on our light gravel y soil is not more than J^f "^bes. We then take up the bulbs, and replant, with the crown 3 inches below tho surface, in the first week in October, and m November and not lat«rthan the middle of December, mulch the surface with 3 'n-^be^ "ftho short litter from a spent Mushroom-bed. Th s becomes monld by |P™J. ¥"^ what there is left is pointed-in in sprmg serving '" 1°^^^° '^^^"'^J'^f tween the rows. These are 9 inches apart every way mth Crocuses of the same colour between, so that wo have a line "' '"'y "'I'j^nera spring bloom. We merely take up the roots in autumn, "'nc,ve the ofl sEts, and replant at once. The offsets are planted around tree bulbs of bloomin- size in clumps, and these are not removed annnall; , but a™ a lowed to grow for two or three years, and then we have fine ciumps ^thrdoze'n spikes of bloom. Taking up the roots of Hyacinths and other bulbs where the soil is not nnsmtable t°'b"i^fO"th is the cause of the diseases which sooner or later seize th^m »s m the case of the Tulip and Gladiolus ot late in many places. J"" Hyf'"' ?^^™j^to have cone off in the same manner, for just when about to bloom iney suddeSy withe'ed!^ Do not plant so deeply, 3 -li^-^^^:il^t:Ttol do not use fresh but well-rotted manure, and ^™? '' '^„\''°,'';i',^° ,i'nd heart ; and place the bulbs with their base on a thm layer of nveraanfl. and cover the crown with the same. Protect from frost by .1 top ^csf in| of short litter not more than 3 inches thick, and ■fJP","\« »»'"' i'^^tS in between the plants. If you follow these recommendations wo think you will have a good bloom. nod charcoal broken to the size of a pea and not larger than a naze nui ESSsiiS^SiS^i^^nt'-i^^qSi^SHSa^ ^^;^? ^„:;i;'rSaSli«S;^'lSa9^»?a9\ l^afl^ left free, but not too open. . „„ ,. ,•,,;„ t.i,„ Names of Plants (i«o;..-,aha-.-The Fern is PeU|a adiaiUifoh^ T^ Primulas are not f P'=™-;v"';"8fB'^°?f '..^''oudia epfpact s. pllvera). -The specimen sent was insufHcient for determmation^(F pendrium vulgare var. cristatum. «J. R. ,<^i-s ^•^^"'^"rvery incomplete; 2, Peltea aOUantifoia pr.,bahly (^. ^^. J Spec^e^ 6,'polystichum 1, Lastrea sp. ; i, Pteris ion.?iiuua, ^, 'J" „ „ , _jj Leptosipboo aculeatum; 7;,Z«"';f'„^/'i.Pj;;''!''^ ? ^cKeodron ffagrans floto pleuo ; scopanuui; U, mvina l.evis , ^i>' ^ bicolor; 17, Erantbonmm ner- Itsu*^,^ •'TJ:'£na^yt's^Vs?nitS"^/ontsi sim^ ; 20, Brugmansia sangSiea ; 21, Coieoncma alba; 23, Cautua buxifolia. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS in the Suburbs^^Londonfo^th^Wee^ THERMOMETEB. Wind Rain in inches. DATS. baeometeb. __Air_ Earth. Mai. Min. Uax. Min. 1 ft. dp. 2 ft. dp. Son. . . 22 Mon... 23 Tues. . 24 Wed. . 25 ThUTS. 26 Pri. .. 27 Sat. .. 28 30.430 30.367 30.195 80.079 29.974 29.827 29.851 30.837 30.3'22 80.099 30.022 29.854 29.649 29.428 68 66 60 66 75 79 68 84 81 36 30 46 48 37 62 62 52 52 63 54 64i 48J 49 49 49 49J 60 61 E. E. E. E. E. E. N.W. .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .74 Uean 80.104 29.960 65.71 37.85 62.85 49.83 0.74 Geneeal REMARas. Fine ; dry haze ; very fine. _ „„„ Cold, dry, easterly wind ; flue ; very fine. Pino- drv air' fine ; very fine at night. Diy haze'; cloudless, witl excessively dry air ; very flno. Dry haze hot and dry; very fine at night. v\ie. ■ verv hot with excessively dry air ; nne. cloudy a2i warm ; cloudy; cold and heavy ram at mght. 334 JOUBNAIi OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEB. [ Mar i> UK- POULTRY. BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE- RAILWAY CIIAKGKS FOR POl'LTRV. TuK following is a cory of the memorial Bcnt by the Poultry Club to the Directors of various railways. We hope it will be sustained by other memorials, for the greater the ntiinber the more likely is the object to be attained : — " The breeders and exhibitors of poultry whose names are herennto attached, being members of the Poultry Club resident in diffi'reut parts of the kingdom, beg respectfully to call the attention of your Board to the grievances under which they labour. The high rates chargeable for carriage on poultry going to or coming from agricultural meetings aud poultry shows are felt by them as a serious obstacle to the extension of such exhibitions. In many cases exhibitors living at the ex- treme ends of the kingdom, and even those not very far distant from the shows, are deterred from sending their poultry by the high charges made for carriage. They would respectfully sug- gest either of the following plans for the consideration of the Directors, as meeting their wants and tending to increase traffic, both of poultry and visitors, to shows throughout the kingdom, either — "First, To permit such packages to be sent to shows at the nsual full rates, and to be returned, when unsold, free of charge ; " Second, To allow them to go and return at half the usual rates when unsold ; " Third, To carry all poultry to and from every show at van- parcels rate, hut by express or passenger trains ; "Fourth, To adopt a uniform rate of one halfpenny per pound for the first hundred miles, and one farthing per pound for each hundred miles after, for conveyance by express or passenger train. The two latter would be, probably, the most easy to accomplish, as they would not interfere with general arrangements, and would be a great boon to your memorialists. " The objections to sending by slow or luggage trains are, that the poultry would be so long on the road, and it is of the ntmost importance that they should be deli%'ered with the greatest dispatch at their destinations. " Your memorialists would call special attention to the ano- malous and uncertain nature of the charges made, wide dif- ferences often occurring between the outward and homeward charge on the same package, as well as in the rate of charge from different stations, thus debarring your memorialists from making any calculation as to the probuble end of their expenses when entering their specimens for exhibition. " Your memorialists hope that, considering the national im- portance that poultry-breeding is assuming in the present time of scarcity of animal food, the amount of traffic which such exhibitions promote upon your lines, and the jirobable increase both of the pens exhibited and of the exhibitions, you will take their case into your favourable consideration." [Here follow the names of the members.] My notice last week relative to this subject promised the concluding list in the course of a few weeks. Since sending the same to "our Editors" circumstances have taken place which induce me to alter my determination. The facts are simply these : It will be in the recollection of the readers of " our Journal," that in my first papers on this subject I urged the propriety of the Poultry Club taking this matter up, and Mr. Tudman brought the matter before the meeting at Roch- dale. Though absent I was his supporter on that occasion, but I also urged a memorial independent of the Club ; but I think all must have understood that I meant our memorial to be in support of that of the Club, not to cut away the ground from it, and certainly in no spirit of opposition — this, indeed, ■would have been utter folly. To this end 1 entered into com- munication with the Secretary of the Club, asking him to sign, and begging him, as I could not be at Kochdale, to procure me some signatures to the independent memorial. To this I received no reply, and on a second appeal I found that the Secretary did not like to have his name appended to two me- morials. I then asked what the Poultry Club intended to pro- pose to the railway companies, that we might ask the same, and strive for the same end. The reply said that the memorial would soon be completed, and that I should hear further shortly. Accordingly, last week I had a few lines to say that the me- morial would be published on Saturday the 21st ! I was not piepaied for this, aud I can hardly gather whether the memo- rial has been presented or not ; but I feel that if it bare onrs ought immediately to follow. Accordingly, I propose to fasTe the following lithographed, with the names of those who haTe permitted me to sign their names attached to it, and to forward the same as soon as possible to the head-quarters of thoTorions companies. This is not exactly the plan I wished to adopt, but I am willing to sink any minor differences. I feel that the signatures appended to our memorial are well known in the poultry world, and must carry some weight ; so we must laonch our venture and hope for the best. We will wish the PotUtry Club all success in their effort. " Gentlemen, — The breeders and exhibitors of poultry whose names are attached to this memorial beg respeclfully to draw your attention to the hardships they have to complain of. Poulti-y exhibitions are now very general over the country. Their establishment has materially increased the passenger traffic and added to the revenue of railways, whilst the exhi- bitors themselves, in the support of the various exhibitions, have already hea\'y expenses to bear. The varied rates for the carriage of the baskets, the different rates charged for the same hampers on the same journey, the delay that frequently arises in transit, — all tend to disgust exhibitors, and lessen the nmu- ber both of exhibitions and entries. Y'our memorialists are aware that the National Poultry Club have forwarded yon a memorial on this subject ; and as they agree with the tenor of that memorial, they trust that your Board will favourably con- sider the subject and give them some relief. " Your memorialists beg respectfully to suggest that a mode- rate rate, the same on all lines throughout the country, would best meet the difficulties of the case ; but either the third or fourth proposition of the Poultry Club would be a great boon, and would be gratefully appreciated by all those who are inter- ested in the welfare and stability of these exhibitions. — We are, &c." I intend to enclose with this a note from myself, stating that the documents authorising the appending of these signatures are in my possession. There will probably be time for other names to be added if any other exhibitors choose to write me. I have beard in the affirmative from Mrs. HajTic, 10«. M. Mr. .1. .J. Fos. Mr. T. Wnlmslpy, 10s. 6d. Mr. E. Sheerman, 5x. pnid. — JosEPU HiNTON (Y. E. A. Z.), Hintoii, near Bath. Mr. F. Parlctt, 5». piiil. Mr. E. Ilntton. Mr. J. R. Jossop, 5i. paid. IIOUDAN, LA FLECHE, AND CREVE CffiUR FOWLS. As I have imported some very choice specimens of La Flfche, Crcve Cicur, and Houdau fowls, I am much interested by your mention of those breeds in your article on " ComparatiTe Healthiness." I find, with you, that the Houdan are certainly the most hardy, and thrive excellently in confinement, and mine are now laying at the rate of six eggs in seven days. The La Fleche have also rapidly acclimatised themselves, and with me the Creve Ca-ur have proved the most delicate. You may be interested to know that a sitting of Houdan eggs that I put under a hen some days ago weighed 29} ozs. troy, the four largest being short of 2.i ozs. each, respectively 8, 49, CO, and 83 grains. I fancy few English breeds lav such fine eggs.— A. H. S. W. [The weight of the eggs is much less than that of the Spanish, whose eggs average 3J ozs. — Ens.] BEWARE OF PICK-BOXES. It is not Bernard, the fox, that, as he does on the Continent, tliins a poultry yard in England — he is too well taken care of, and is seldom obliged to eke out his breakfast with a yotmg chicken — neither is it the marten, nor the cat, nor the roup, that is most to be feared. In all these cases prevention is not quite out of the question ; but, when the birds disappear from the hamper or the box whilst left at the mercy of " queer fre- quenters " of railway stations, then it is that safety becomes quite a matter of chance. In the first week in April I received a box from the Con- tinent, that ought to have contained five pairs of Pigeons, but there were only four ; and an almost irreparable loss, the only pair of the rarest of crested yellow Tumblers, was conspicuous by its absence. The thief must have had ample time to forcibly May 1, 1S66. ] JOITKNAIi OP HORTICULTOEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB. 3SS pick his way through the wooden bars that let the air in from the top, and to tastefully select just the only pair of Pigeons, that even Mr. Breut in his book believes to be almost of fa- bulous origin. However, the unknown connoisseur did not atop there. During the second week another box arrived, which ought to have contained eight pairs of Pigeons, chiefly Hun- garians and Siberian Ice Pigeons ; but in realitj' there were no more than fifteen birds, one Siberian Ice Pigeon having taken flight through the oak boards of the box, as I am led to believe. Question, On which company to fix a claim for compensation? The journey extended over six or seven different railways, foreign and English, the birds having originally been entrusted, and complete in number, to a royal post office. I suppose I have to confine myself to grumbling, and to find consolation in the well-known phrase " There is no help for it" Therefore, now, when the gathering of the winged clans will commence, exhibitors beware of." nimble hands ;" they are more real than those which the Brothers Davenport ever made appear in the window of their magic closet. The purpose of this communication, however, is not merely to serve as a caution for the benefit of Pigeon fanciers, like myself, but the motive is rather a selfish one, and shortly this : I am, to the best of my belief, at present the only possessor of Siberian Ice Pigeons in England, and I am equally sure that nobody else has imported crested Pigeons of the variety named, and, therefore, I should feel exceedingly obliged if managers of Pigeon shows would kindly communicate with me as soon as any other person may enter for exhibition birds answering to the names given. — Fkancis Bboeilel, 2, Church Grace, Ladij- loell, Kent. BEES IN THE HOLY LAND. My attention has been drawn to a note in your impression of the 10th nit., by " A Devonshire Bee-keeper," correcting a statement in my volume, " The Land of Israel," that the bee of Palestine is Apis ligustica. I did not make the statement without the authority of emi- nent naturalists, and in support of the opinion that A. ligustica and A. fasciata are identical, I beg to forward the following extract from a letter of Mr. Frederick Smith, of the British Museum : — " The authority on which Apis fasciata is con- sidered to be identical with A. ligustica is that of Gerstacker, who has reduced the number of honey-bees of the genus Apis to four. I have published my own opinion in the ' Trans- actions of the Entomological Society,' and have more material in hand on the subject which I hope to publish shortly." There cannot be much higher authority than Mr. F. Smith. Though I have reserved the details of the fauna of Pales- tine for my forthcoming work, under the auspices of the F»ay Society, I have been careful in " The Land of Israel " never to introduce scientific names without the best authority within my reach. Your correspondent has rightly corrected me about the yellow bands on the thorax, but the antenna) do appear to me on comparison longer proportionally than those of Apis mellifica. — H. B. Tristram, Grealham Vicarage, Stockton-on- Tees. [As I most cordially indorse the opinion advanced by Mr. Tristram that "there cannot be much higher authority than Mr. F. Smith," I imagine he will at once accept the following passage, which I quote from a letter just received by me from that gentleman, as conclusively settling the point at issue between ns. " Since I published my paper, you sent me such material as at once settled the question of A. fasciata being abundantly distinct. ....... I certainly could not reject Gerst.^cker's opinion eighteen months ago, but I am in a very different position now, and I am quite as satisfied that A. fasciata is distinct from A. ligustica as a species as I am of A. dorsata being distinct from A. mellifica." I may state in elucidation of this last sentence that A. dor- sata is the large and beautiful honey bee of the tropics, which, in point of size and brilliancy of colouring, may well rival our English hornet. The difference between this magnificent Apis and the ordinary English honey bee, A. mellifica, is, of course, so great that they may be deemed " wide as the poles asunder." Dr. Gerstacker himself declares that Apis fasciata is the form of honey bee " wliich is most distinguished from all others by its smaller size and light colour," and although he afterwards states that " the identity of the ItaUan with the northern bee is demonstrated by the perfect mutual fertihty of the two forms, and the African form approaches much more closely to the Italian than the latter does to the northern bee," he sepa- rately mentions A. fasciata and A. ligustica as two out of the six principal varieties which he enumerates as being comprised in one of the three perfectly distinct species into which ho considers the genus Apis should be divided. How, therefore, the idea originated that this distinguished German naturaUst declares these two varieties to be absolutely identical I am perfectly unable to discover. With regard to the supposed " very long antennjE " of A. fas- ciata, I have carefully compared the antennie of this species with those of both A. ligustica and A. mellifica, and find that there is really no difference whatever in their length. — A DeVOMSHIBB Be£-K££FEB.] FERTILE WORKERS. Early this month (April), I missed a Ligurian queen which I had placed at the head of a stock of common bees driven from a cottager's hive last autumn. Notwithstanding her apparent absence, there were a great number of eggs deposited with the utmost regularity in the cells of one of the worker- combs, the presence of which caused me many unavaiUng searches after the missing sovereign. At the expiration of ten days, however, all doubts were set at rest by the discovery that the cells occupied in this manner were being elongated for the accommodation of drone larvw. Finding, therefore, that the hive was indeed queenless, I speedily united the remaining bees to the stock which stood next to it, but deem the case worth notice as an unquestionable instance of the existence o/ fertile workers. — A Devonshire Bee-keeper. NEVER DESPAIR. For the encouragement of those inclined to despair when a calamity of any sort befals their bees I write these lines. During the heavy gales of last November one of my strongest stocks was capsised. Those who love their bees may imagine my surprise and horror. I was, as it were, thunderstruck and helpless. There lay my splendid stock prostiate on the ground, and I felt at the moment more inclined to rush from the garden and leave the hive to its fate, than to do anything else. Shame and remorse, however, for such a feehng soon rallied me, and calling my man to my assistance, we set to work to replace the hive on its stand. When this was accomplished the honey poured out in streams, and with it the bodies of many be- honied and half-smothered bees. I found then that the only thing I couid do was to raise the hive an inch from the floor- board all round, by thi-s means giving free egress for the honey, and, above all, giving the bees an opportunity of collecting at the top of the hive where they might clean themselves, and be free from the broken combs. Having put saucers to catch the running honey, I, with a low heart, left them till the next morning. When I then went to them I found all the honey had run from the broken combs, and so, gently raising the^ hive, I discovered, to my dehght, the bees that were alive all collected in a bunch at the top, and quiet. This gave me hope that the queen had escaped with her life, and so it has proved. The stock I write of was a last year's swarm, at least it was two swarms joined, and, consequently, they were very strong ; but, curiously enough, they bad begun working on the floor-board, so that when I raised the hive there stood the combs, except those parts that were broken, erect on the board, and hardly a bit of comb left in the hive. I determined if possible to save the stock ; so giving them a fresh floor-board, I put them on it, set them in their place, filled a super with about 10 lbs. of their honeycomb, and gave it them on the top of the hive, did them up for the winter, and left them to their fate. On the 1st of February I examined them, found them alive and well ; gave them some more honey, as they had nearly consumed the 10 lbs., and now they are working hard making comb, and giving every promise of doing well. The weight of honey taken from the hive was 34 lbs. The bees are in a wooden hive with a large glass window, and a hole at the top for supering. Through the window I can see the progress they are making with their comb, and as Goon as they can rear a few young bees, no doubt the work will proceed more rapidly, and the hive will soon be filled. 33« JOtJBNAL OP HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEB. t lCi7 1. 1M8. These particulars may intorcfit eomc, Ibcrefore I give them ; for I do not imapino that tlic tenants of many hives in bee- history have escaped with their hves when they have had the misfortune to meet with such an accident aa that which I relate. As I am writing on bees, I will just mention my last year's finccess. I commenced the year with four stocks, and from these I had seven swarms, and took in snpers, and from the hive that was blown down, 1*28 lbs, of virgin honey. — A Glou- CBETEK6HIBE BeE-EEEPER. IS THE TOMTIT AN ENEMY OF BEES:" Noticing the reply to '* A SuBScuntKn " in page 282, I wish to raise the question whether the tomtit, alias the "Hampshire bee-biter," is the friend of the apiary or its foe. I am inclined to believe he is only a scavenger, never having seen him seize & bee in an active state. When benximbed by cold, or paralysed upon the snow, the unfortunate bees in such circumstances afford him a lich repast ; but then this is just as it should be. In any case the bees would be lost if the bee-master failed to collect and cherish them. — li. S. IMPROVED FRAME-HIVE. In reference to the remarks under the above heading, in page 300, allow me to state that the alteration there referred to will not be found the least troublesome, even by those who have adopted "another pnttem." It never ought to be neces- Bary for the front of any kind of hive to fit closely to the front of any bee-house. I invariably allow certainly not less than 2 or 3 inches space, which allows a free current of air to pass all round the hives, materially assisting the ventilation, and preventing the bees feeling the etTects of a hot summer's sun playing upon the front of the bee-house. Many bee-keepers have experienced the difficulty of loosen- ing and lifting out the frames with the finger and thumb, which is obviated by the bars projecting through the back and front of the hive. The ends of the projecting bars can be held by both hands, and if the bar is placed at the proper distance from the front of the bee-house, there can be no difficulty whatever in manipulating. It is true that when the top bar was cut through the solid wood, the divisions sometimes broke quite away, thereby caus- ing great inconvenience and trouble; but ths is entirely ob- viated by the use of Pettitt's patent metallic bar rest, as men- tioned at page 266. These rests are made on the eeven-eighths or Woodbury scale, the one-inch scale, and the 1 J -inch, or Langstroth scale, and can be adapted to any frame {a Wood- bury frame for instance), by the addition of a top bar of the required length, which can be attached to a Woodbury frame with a couple of screws, without in the least interfering witli its present construction. — Wyait J. Pettiit, Tltc J}-iary,I)oicr. OUR LETTER BOX. DOKKiKO CocKEHEi, WITH DISEASED IIead {F. JJ.).— BlccdinR in the foot wns a mistake, nnd v.e imflpine wnw rnrried to excrpg from the look of the comb, which wns blmiched rs mu<;h nB if the bird had had its throat cut. Bleedint.' should only be resorted to where there is piddiness and sta^grring, and then it Bliouldbe from the comb, which in those cases is dark and lead-coloured. An ejrj^-spoonful is enough tn tike. Tho eyes were gone, in n manner we have never before peon in a Dorking. It is a disease almost peculiar to Spitniyh, and incurable. We do not know the origin ol it, and there is no treatm<'nt for it. It is not, however, likely to occbr again. The brain w-ib quite healthy. ARTmciAL iNcrBATiGN FAiLiNr, (G. M. F.).— Tliere is little doubt but that tlip temperatnre of your incubator fell too low, and the chit-kenH died. The water in which you trj- your eggs need not be at 10S^ all that is necessary is that it should be warm. DoBKiKG Chickens' Feet Diseased (A. L. ^.).— Snch a complaint as you describe will ^risc from bad flooring, such as stone, brick, or wood. This induces paralyt-is, and caucd. then she leaves till the eggs are cold, and then really does sit closely. These eggs are spoiled. She is eating the Duck's eggs. If the hens lose their tail feathers it in probable that the places in which thoj lay are too small for them, and the feathers get broken. It is a serious dis- advantage in some breeds for a cock to lose his sickle feathers, especially In Game and Cochins. If the slumps be pulled out, tho feather will grow again in about ten weeks ; if there is not time for them to grow again, it is better to leave the stumps in than to pull them out. The growth of the tail is considered to bo a greater effort than miLking any other part of the plumage, but it is not injnrioas. Cayuga Ducks f/f. C. P.).— The account of these Docks we cxtract«d from one of the American journals. They could be obtained, we have no doubt, by application to a friend at Boston, or Chicago. We shall be obliged by being informed where they can be obtained. Bees Ceased from Working (A Lady Bee-keeper). — The qaeen boo which accompanied your note wae alive when bhe reached us. We warmed and fed her, and, when somewhat revived, introduced her to a queenless colony where she seemed well received, but was too far gone to recover, being cast out dead in about an hour. We then dissected her, and found her perfectly fertile. She was, in fact, a very fine queen, and we doubt nut quite capable of keeping up the pt)pnlalion of a strong colony. The nymphs contained in the five cells which were sent with the queen were those of workers. Cleaning Floor-board of Hive (G.W.).~lt your bees are healthy and strong they have probably eleart-d out their hives ere thin, and it would, therefore, now be useless to meddle with them. The floor-boards of weak stocks may, however, still be cleaned with advantage. Tho white specks on tho floor near the hive's entrance you mention are probably the waxen covers of the honey cells which, during winter, have been gnawed off by the bees ; or, if comb-building is going on, they may be newly secreted scales of wax, many of which are at such times droppod by the little artificers. Creak Cheese {A'aff.— Hang the quantity of cream to be mads in a wet cloth in a cool place for bix or t^even days, which will depend upon the weather and the state of the cream. Put it into a mould hned with a cloth ; put on the press with a light weight; turn it twice a-day, and it will be fit for use in a short time. Roberts on " Wine Making " will suit you, and bo will Ward's " World in its Workshops."' Aquarium Requisites (Julia J/.).— Apply to Mr. King, Naturalist, Great Portland Mrcct, London. Breeding Pied Goldfinch Mules (A A'ori«).— Pied Goldfinch Mulofl are bred from hen Canaries reared on purpose. They arc bred from Pied birds, and in-and-in bred to make them break in colour. Instances arc on record of Goldfinch Mules breeding, but they are so rare that they can only be regarded as the exception to the rule that Mules do not breed. Your food for young Bullfinches is good if you do not use much hcmp- eeed ; rape would be better if well scalded, and washed to remove its pungency. I think the reason of their dymg is apoplexy, they being too fat, owing to the egg and hompseed being too stimulating a diel Death huems to occur after they have complettd their plumii(,'f, when the drain on the system owing to growth and plumage-making is at an end. Bird organs may be purchased uf most London dealers. — B. P. Bbbkt. Hand-rearing Young Blackbirds and Thrushes i C. iVd^/ryi.— Feed tho nestlings on ground outs and sharps mixed with milk, and with a flalteued stick feed them ever>- two hours as long aa they will open their nioutbs. Keep them very clean, and you will be rcw.irded by fine, large, healthy birds. Sharps, I think, is sold in London under the name of toppings or tigdust.— B. P. B. Books to Ameiuca (J. P. CMrfc).— Tho bill of exchange was duly received, and the books sent as you desired to the Liverpool firm, on the ISth of February. There is no safer way of sending money than a« you did. POULTRY MARKET— April 30. The supply is moderate, but the trade is unusually dull, and there Is little demand. , _ . B. d. fl. d 8. d. B. d Large Fowls 4 0 to 4 6 Guinea Fowla 2 6lo 3 0 Smaller do 8 6„ 4 0 Partridges 0 0 „ 0 0 Fowls 8 6„0 0 Hares 0 0 ,. 0 0 Chickens 2 6„S 0 RabbiU 1 ^ •■ * ^ Goslings 7 0„7 6 Wild do 0 2"? a Ducklings S 6„4 0 , Pigeona 0 8„« * May 8, 186S. ] JOCENAIi OF HORTICUIiTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENEK. 337 WEEKLY CALENDAR. D»y Day of of Month Week. 8 To 9 W 10 Th 11 F 12 S 13 Sos 14 M. MAY a-14, 1866. Eutnxia pangeng. EucUilus obcordatuR. Ascension. Holy TirCRSDAV. Gardoquia miiltiflora. Gastrolobium speeiosam. Sunday after Ascen-^ion. Gastrolobium ubovatujn. Average Temperatore near London. Day. 61.4 61.7 62.0 62.2 63.0 63.9 63.7 NiKtat. 39.2 39.7 40.0 40.8 41.2 38.9 41.0 Uean. BIl.S 50.7 51.0 61.5 C2.1 51.4 52.3 Rain in last 39 years. Days. Hi 16 17 17 18 18 15 Sna Rises. Snn Sets. Moon. Rises Moon Sets. 22af4 31af7 h. \ m. b.. m. h. 47 11 after. 14 i 81 8 52 4 12 e 31 1 Moon's Age. Days. 23 24 25 26 27 28 Cloek after iSun. 3 42 3 45 8 in 3 50 S 62 S 53 3 53 Day of Year. 128 129 130 181 132 138 ISl From observations taken near London during the last thirty-nine years, the averasjo day temperature of the week is 62.5° ; and its nioht temperatnre 40.1". The prreatest heat was Sr, on the 12th, 1*33 ; and the lowest cold 21% on the 8th, 1855. The greatest tkil of rain waa 1.14 inch. N.B. — The Calendar contains the names of plants flowering in the greenhouse. CINERARIA CULTURE. WARF and compact in growth, profuse in foliage and bloom, and withal of easj' culture, Cinerarias are general favoiu'ites. They are raised from seed, and the named sorts and desirable seedlinjjs propagated by ofl'sets. From Seed. — Good seed, and saved from tlie line.st flowers only, should be sown. Cheap seed is not wortli sowing, let alone the trouble of rearing and gron-ing the plants from it. For plants for autumn bloom the seed should be sown in the beginning of March in pans drained to one-tlurd their depth \\-itli broken pots, some large pieces being placed over the holes, some smaller ones above tliem, and then half an inch or so of the siftings of tlie compost, wliicli may consist of turfy loam two-thirds, and leaf mould one-tliird, adding one-sixth of sUvcr sand. With this com- post fill the pan to the rim : then take a flosver-pot, and pat the surface of the pan gently \vitli the bottom of the pot. Tlus will lower the soil half an inch or so, and make tlie surface quite smooth. Now scatter the seeds tliinly (half an inch apart) over the soil, just cover them with finely-sifted soil, give a gentle watering, and place the pans in a fi'ame wlicre there is a bottom heat of 70° and a Vjp heat of from 55° to (ii)''. Keep the soil just moist, and immediately the pliuits appear place them within a foot of the glass, for they must not be allowed to become drawn. A gentle sprinkling of water from a thie-rosed watering- pot or syringe in the morning will generally keep the soil sufficiently moist ; but whether that is the case or not the soil is never to be allowed to become thoroughly dry. After the plants are up, and the rough leaves appear, give ail' whenever the weather is mild, and harden off gradually, so that they ^^•ill bear potting wlien sufficiently large to handle. Pot them singly in three-inch pots, using the same compost as in sowing the seed ; place them in a frame with a gentle heat, and keep close and shaded for a few do.ys, sprinl-ding them overhead in the morning. Keep them thvis until they begin to grow, then gradually harden them off, aad place them in a cold frame ivith the pots set on coal ashes, or, whilst the plants are small, let the pots stand on those to be used at the next shift, so as to bring the plants nearer the glass. Give abundance of air, and draw down the lights whenever the weather is mild and showery, but keep them on diu'ing dry hot weather, and when hea^'y lains occur : then tilt the sashes, for abundance of air and light are tlie essentials to success. Never allow the plants to suffer from want of water, hut keep the soil moist, yet let moistm-e be needed before it is given. Preserve a moist atmosphere by sprialding water overhead morning and erening, and especially in the evenings of hot days. No. 867.— Vol. X., Nkw Sbbceb. Under the above treatment the plants will grow well, and must liave a shift when the pots are full of roots, and before the latter become matted so as to resemble muslin. Shift the plants into l;J-inch pots, then into 0-inch pots, and when these become full of roots select the best plants, and place them in w-inch pots. In all cases the drainage must be good, and consist of one large crock over the hole, two or three of good size above that, and then from half an inch to an inch of smaller ones, and over these again an inch or so of the rougher parts of the compost. The smaller plants may remain in (i-incli pots, and though not so large they will be none the less useful on that account. The compost to be preferred is that from turves cut 2 inches thick, and laid up in alternate layers with fresh cowdunp from the fields, an inch of this between every layer of sods. Tliis compost laid up for six months, then turned over, and again turned at the end of three months, will in. thi'ee months more be fit to be chopped up witli a spade, and placed under cover. When it is neither wet nor dry add to it one-fourth of leaf moiUd tluree-parts reduced, and one-sixth of silver sand : and this compost, well mixed together and incorporated, •nill grow Cinerarias to perfection. Chop up tile compost with a spade, and break it as fine as you like with the hand, but no sifting is to be allowed. Pot firmly, but not very tightl.y. If the. plants are to be well watered the soil should not be soddened witli moisture, and if tliey are not to become pot-bound tliey must not be repotted until tlie pots they are in become filled \rith roots, nor should too large a sliift be given. After .Tune use the lights onh' during windy and very wet or dry weather, and wlieii kept on tilt tliem. at the same time elevating thi; frame on bricks laid flat at each corner. Thus the air will play all round the plants, and air, coolness, and moisture are their delight. After the last potting, when the roots reach the sides of the pots, water once a-week •n-ith liquid manure, and when. the plants show for bloom give a weak appUcation twice a-week. Keep them in frames as long as possible, and then remove them to a light airy situation in a house having a temperature of 50°, and they will be fine when bloom is becoming scarce. For the general spring bloom seeds should be sown from the middle of May to the end of .June, the plants blooming early or late according to the tunc of son-ing. If sown in May the pan slioidd be placed in a gentle hotbed until the plants appear, and when hardened oil these should be removed to a cold frame : but if not sown until an ad- vanced period in .Tune it will suffice if the pan be placed in a frame kept close. The above directions as to potting oft" and repotting the plants are equally applicable to these sowings ; and though they are later, the}' will produce the finest plants. By October these will have spIentUd foliage, and if sown in May will be in theii- last pot but one — viz., a six-inch pot. So long as the weather continues mUd they could not liave a better situation than a cold frame ; but mats or other material for covering must be in readiness to protect them on frosty niglits. Wien tlicy can no longer be kept in frames on account of the frost and damp, remove them to a cool house witli a temperature of from 40' No. 919.— Vol. XXXV., Qu> Sbbhs. '# JOtlBNAli OP HOETICUXTURE AND ' COT^AIgE GABDENER. [ Hr»T 8, i9«r to 45" from firD heat, and put them as far from the heating apparatus and as near the glass as possible, and where the air is admitted into the house. Air must be given wlienovor the weather is mild. If the plants arc kept near the heated surface the air is too dry for them, and aphia is the oonsecpience ; if they are not near the glass they become drawn, and if they are not afforded enough of air they will mildew, damp-off, grow lank, and flaR with the first gleam of sunshine. By tlie middle of October the jdants in six-inch pots which have tilled these with roots should ha-e their blooming pots, and this refers to the earliest sown. Kight-iueh pots are a good .size, and large euough for plants to bloom in, as these will, in February or March. Those in smaller pots should have a shift, say from 4J to fi-inch pots, in October ; in December they will need 8-iuch pots, which they will fill by the end of .January, and they may then have lO-ineh pots, which are large enough. In this way they are to be grown on until they are jdaced in their blooming pots, and when these become full of roots liquid manure once or twice a-week is applied instead of allordiug another shift. Seed may also ho sown in August for late-blooming plants. From the lime they make their appearance the seedlings are never allowed to stand still. They are potted off, repotted, and all the while kept growing slowly up to the time of bloom- ing, and that is the grand secret in growing Cinerarias. Feom OXF.SET.S OR SccRKTS. — When the plants have done blooming the flower-stems should be cut away to within an inch or two of the soil, and they should then be placed in a frame and fumigated with tohacco, as there is generally plenty of apliis. The frame being kept close and moist, suckers will be freely produced; when they appear give abundance of air until they are of a size fit f"r potting, then pot them directly into small pots, and keep them dose and sliiuled until esta- blished, afterwards admit air, and treat them in the same manner as seedlings, only they will not grow so rapidly, and will never be so robust. The first suckers may be taken off in .Jime, or e.arly in .July, and these, potted then in three-inch pots, will require a shift in six weeks, another shift six weeks later, and by October they will be in six-inch pots, and be ready for shifting into their blooming pots. These plants will flower early. For general spring-bloom, plants are obtained from suckers taken off in August from plants which after blooming were turned out into the open ground, in a moist, shady situation. Such suckers are to he potted and idaced in a frame, kept close and moist until established, then hardened off, and the lights drawn off whenever the weather is mild, and kept over them tilted when 1 it is very wet, or dry and hot. They must be potted on as ! they require it, and they will need a shift early in September, which should be into pots -tj iuches in diameter. If tlie lights over them are tilted day and night, the plants will grow strong ' and stocky, and will not be so apt to run as those exposed to all weathers. In the evening a sjirinkling of water resembUnga slight shower will do them good. Keep the soil moist, and do not allow them to stand too clo^e together, allow room between each 'or light and air. Continue them in the frame until the nights become cold, and the air damp, then remove them to the lightest and most airy situation which the greenhouse affords ; placing them on a shelf so as to be about a foot from the glass is best. This will be towards the end of October, and as the atmosphere of greenhouses is often much drier than that of frames and pits, a gentle bedewing of the foliage in the morn- ings of bright days will be of advantage ; but unless the day bo such that air can be given, it must be omitted. If there is the convenience of a pit affording accommodation for the jilauts at 1 foot from the glass, and provided with means fur air being given whenever tJie external temperature exceeds oV. aid having a hot-water pipe or two in front to keep the tcmperiitine liom falling below 35°, and also to promote a cir. ulatiou (if nir in dull, damp weather, that is tlie most suit- able plaie of all for Cinerarias. The plants should have a shift prior to beLi;g removed from the frames to the giccuhouse, or if kept iu pits, the second shift is to be given iu the second week in October, always bear- ing in mind lliat they are not to be shifted into larger pots until t'lose in which they arc a» the time are full of roots. The plants will run for flower, luid as it is not desirable to have them all alike, the points may he taken out at the third joint, though .some plants may be left unstopped, and will have all the flower.s.Qu a single .stem. Ilie stopping will induce side shoots, three ormcire, and as tlieje grow the largo leaves should lie pegg^ doA\-n,.sOja;^„to keep, the centre of the plants clear, which will caiise the shoots resulting from stopping to become strong. Be careful not to OTer-water, and be very particular not to allow the plants to suffer from drjness, or the loss of the best leaves will bo the consequence. When the shoots have made four joints peg them down, and take out their pointt above the fourth leaf of the last growUi ; by this time they will require eight-inch pots, and that will be early in .lanu&ry. The plants will now grow rapidly, and if the shoots still come strong and make three joints without flower showing in the axils of the leaves, and the pots are full of roots, shift into ll-inch pots, pegging down the shoots towards the sides of the pot, but not so as to break them, and take out their points at the third joint. If the plants are required to bo grown in eight-inch pots, and if the shoots produced are still strong, and do not show for bloom, they may be stopped at the third joint, pegging or tying them down as in the case of those potted into larger pots, and water once a-week with weak liquid manure. Should the plants ^how for bloom, the shoots must not be stopped, but be tied out to neat deal stakes painted green, and remember that the shoots must not be huddled together or two tied to one stake, but so distribute tlie stakes that every stem shall be so far from its neighbour as to allow of each displaying its head of bloom ; and aim at a close, flat liead, and yet not so close as to have some flowers liiding more than those seen. Allow room enough, so that the plants may have light and air on every side, and turn them round frequently, if inclined to become lop-sided, for nothing is more ugly in a Cineraria. The plants stopped should be staked out, stojiping ought to be discontinued, and regu- lating and tying out the shoots must be attended to frequently. AVheu the pots become full of roots, water once a-week with liquid manure, and as the plants advance for blooming it may be given at every alternate watering, until the flowers have for the most part fuUy expanded, when water only is best. To- wards blooming a slight shade from bright sun is advantageous, and the beauty of the plants when in bloom will he much pro- longed if the roof lie sliaded from sun by a covering of tiffany ; they should also be well attended to as regards watering. Suckers taken off iu September will make small plants for blooming in April, and larger ones maj' be obtained by stop- ping them up to March, and shifting them in the first week of that month into their blooming pots. The latter will bloom in May and .June. The temperature for growing plants should never exceed 4.5° from fire lieat, and to grow them slowly it should be from 40' to 45°. They will sustain no injury in a temperature as low as 35°. For plants coming, into flower a temperature of 50°, and not exceeding 5o° from fire heat, is essential. Air, whenever the external air will permit of its being given, cannot be too hberalh- afforded, nor can they be kept too cool if only protected from frost. If allowed to be- come pot-bound they start for bloom, and then specimens can- not be expected. Moisture with air they flourish in ; but a moist stagnant atmosphere brings mildew and ajdiis, and a dry atmosphere, even with air, causes the leaves to curl tlirougn the attacks of aphides; and if dry from fire heatthrips appear on the scene. If the jdants suffer from want of water the foliage becomes miserably poor. IxsKCTS. — Green fly is the most troublesome. The honse, pit, or frame should be smoked with tobacco whenever an in- sect is seen, taking care to let the smoke reach the plants cool, and to have their foliage dry. It is a good plan to fumigate every fortnight by way of precaution, and even if this be done once" a-week it will not be labour in vain. Should the plants become much infested, smoke on two consecutive evenings, and syringe the plants in the morning forcibly, but not so as to break tiie leaves, laying the pots on their sides and then turning tlvj plants so as to give a thorough cleansing. Thrips are t<^ be dealt with in the same manner. Black fly is frequently a most troublesome pest on ronng plants. Fse the following wash :— A pound of soft soap and a quarter of a pound of tobacco placed in a gallon of boiling water, stirred until tlie soft soap dissolves, and then covered over and allowed to stand uutil cool, when it is 'o be strained, adding five gallons of soft water. Iu this the }ihints are to be immersed with tlieir heads downwards. It is an excellent wash for vouug plants infested with this pest, thrips, or green fly, and "drawing the suckors through the mixture priot to potting frees them of these pests. It must not be'tised for plKBttr showing for bloom. ■. , - i , Snails and slugs make great havoc among the seedlings and offsets ; the succulent leaves of the Cineraria they always like. Lay fresh Cabbage leaves near the plants at night, and on ex- amining them in the morning on the under side of the leave9 May 8, ISCfi. ] TOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GA^p^f^llB. 339 some will be fonnil. Search for the marauders at night with a lautern, or sprinkle a little dry soot around the insides of the frames, around the plants, and on the surface of the pots or pans. Mir.DEw is too well known to Cineraria-growers. Dust the infected parts with sulphur vivum, and wash oS in a few days. •rrG. Abbey. OJJK'J ilt It. r. 1- NEW PLANTS AS-SE^N* AT Jin. W. BLXI.'s, CffELStiA. AnouT two years ago I visited this now well-known establish- ment, and endeavoured to describe the large collection of novel- ties that were then to be found there ; and now again " the cry is still, They come." From all parts of the world, and from all departments of the veg'jtable kingdom, it not "from the Cedar of Lebanon to the Ilyhsop that groweth on the wall," at any rate from the raagniticeut Palm to the tiny Lycopod, are con- tributions levied to satisfy the ever-increasing cry for new things. Wherever anything good is to be obtained Mr. Bull is sure to have arms long enough to reach it, and the result is seen in the constant change of novelties that Ins houses dis- play. Of those which I spoke of last year I am glad to find that a large number have established the reputation that was then predicted for them ; and of those which I have now seeu I am sure that many will bo found as great favourites as their predecessors. Let not any one imagine that it is only the owner of some large cstablisliment who need apply here, for while there are denizens of the stove and Orchid-house, the lovers of Ferns whether iM-itish or ex.otie will find something to gratify their taste; the " bedder-out" may see some of tho very best strains of Geraniums in existence ; the exhibitor will linl Verbenas ■.vhich will help his stands : and the lover of herbaceous plants may add to his stock of gems. The diffi- culty is really where to begiu, and how to obtain a supply of adjectives which shall be adeijuate for the demand made on them. However, to the Palms must, I suppose, be accorded the first place, especially as the taste for their cultivation seems to be rising in EugUvnd. Foremost amongst these was Yerschalfeltia spleudida, a beautiful fottthery-looking Palm, with the stem completely covered with thickset and sharp spines. Equally good is the plaut now popuUirly known as the Thief Palm, a namo which I should think had better be dropped, its true name being Phujnicophorum sechellarum. Here I would also mention among Cycads Zamia cycadifolia from Port Natal. Here, too, is the true Latania rubra or Bourbon Palm, the one ordinarily sold as such being Com- mersonii (?), very handsome ; audCycas plumosa, very feathery and beautiful. Of the now very popular family of Maranta, a good example was Maranta spleudida, from Para, whicli has been already exhibited and obtaiued a first-class certificate : it has light green foliage banded with darker green. Amongst Orchids was Schistocasia Portei from the Philippines. Amorphophal- Ins nobilis, from .Java, was a remarkabledookiug plant, with stems 4i inches in circumference. Of those plants remarkable for their variegated foliage tlie greatest gems were Bertolonia margaritacea, a name thoroughly well deserved, for the leaves look as if dotted over with pearls ; and Eranthemum argyro- neuron, similar in its habit of growth to Gymnostachyum Ver- sohatfeltii, but entirely dift'ereut in colour,- which is a very bright lively green, and the nervures of a beautitid silvery whitt . This has been obtaiued from the High Amazons, and the entire stock of it is in Jlr. BulPs hands. Peperomia argyrea has a large ovate leaf beautifully marked with spiral hands, while Dioscorea amectocliilus is now well known. Its large leaves, 8 inches in length by 44 in diameter, are jiroduced first quite green, but gradually change to a bright olive and gold, very similar to some of those little beauties from whence its specific name is derived. Bignonia argyrea violascens has been so fre- quently exhibited lately by Mi-. Bull that it ought now to be well known. It may suffice to say that it fidly maintains its cha- racter for its beautifiU soft colouring ; and a variety of Trades- cantia, white and green, will form a nice contrast to zebrina, so wtll seen and so much used in baskets. There was also Ananassa Porteana, fi-om the Philippines, variegated olive, green, and white. To remarkable-foliaged plants there were also some fine addi- tions, such as Paudanus latissimus, a rare plant, with the broadest foliage known in this family, and Pandanus Porteanns item the Philippines. There waa likewise from Madagascar a very pretty plant, like Pavetta borbonica, but trifoliate. There was also to be seen Cossignia borbonica, not a new but a rare plant, with orange midribs and cinnamon-coloured stem, ex- ceedingly handsome. Amongst curious-foliaged plants were some remarkable productions : — Nidularia Pinehi, with its in- florescence almost like a nest settled down in the heart of tho plant, and Coccoloba pubescens, with a most curious character of foliage. The leaves are .3'2 inches by 28, slightly pubesxent, and are produced apparently one above tho other, giving, doubt- less, to the plant naturally a most curious appearance ; not more singular, however, than Pitcairnia tabula>formis, a plant about 11) inches across and as Hat as a table, from the centre of which rises a spike of orange-coloured flowers. Amongst Orchids was a variegated-leaved variety of Phajus grandifolius, and Vanilla phabtnopsis, very remarkable for its flowers. In plants that come more within the reach of everybody Mr. Bull has a varied assortment of novelties, in Verbenas, Fuchsias, Pelargoniums, and Petuuias. Many of these I have seen, and about their value there can be little doubt. His new Lobelias, for instance, open out quite a new field, and we cannot do better than quote the opiniou of a contemporary, which says, " AVe hail these as great acquisitions; for the Lobelia is one of the good old summer flowers which have been elbowed oat of tho garden by the bedding system, though few subjects are more brilliant than it under good management." The colours of these new seedlings comprise many quite new, such as pink, carmine, apd ruby ; and we certainly see no reason why we should not have as great varieties in this flower as have rewarded the labour and skill of the hybridiser in other departments of floriculture. When the Italian Verbenas were introduced, poor as they doubtless were, I hailed their advent as being, I hoped, the precursors of a new race, and these anticipations have soon been realised. Mr. Bull has this season several, which I look upon as a great improvement on any that have been as yet sent out. They wiU not from their very character be of much service for the garden, but will be very pretty for pot culture and for the exhibition table, where their contrasts will be much valued. His double Mimnli are too well known now to need any comment. Their value is greatly increased by the lengthened duration of their blooms, the single Mimulus lasting only a very short time ; whereas the calyx of these, equally ornamental as the flower, remains on for a long period. I have more than once alluded to the superior strain of bedding Pelargoniums which Mr. Bull has possession of, some of those of last season being wonderfully fine in colour, and the individual flowers very large. He has this year again eight new varieties to send out, among which Edith, Cherub, Peach Blossom, and Speaker are spoken of as being very fine. Of Hybrid Nosegay varieties he has also a selection ; and having chosen Clipper as one parent and Stella as the other, he has obtained for those who admire this class some telling novelties. Fern-lovers are so niunerous that acquisitions to this tribe are sure to be of interest, but where they arc to stop one hardly knows. Thus, for example, from a crested f.um of Nephrodium moUe, the spores of which air. Bull saved in the hope of ob- taining the same variety, he found that when once the di- vergence begins there is no Icnowing how far it may go ; for a number of varieties have been produced, some of which have been named, as ramosissimum, grandiceps, ramosum crista- tum. Athyrinm Fdix-fcemina cemtributes a very beautiful variety called sagittatum, with very sharp arrow-shaped fronds, somewhat in the style of Fieldia>. Polystichum angulare gran- diceps is a fine form of that well-known species ; while amongst exotic Ferns, both tree and herbaceous, are many fine sorts. It is well known that Mr. Bull has a large collection of oSi- cinal and medicinal plants. Here may be seen the various spices, such as Pepper, Allspice, Ginger, Cinnamon, and Clove ; the fruits of the tropics, the delicious Mangosteen, the Loquat, the Mango, and tlie Date; the plants from which castor oil, ipecacuanha, sarsaparilla, and all such "nasties" are ob- tained ; the pl.ints or shrubs that produce our beverages, tea, coffee, chocolate, &c. ; those in wliich ladies, and even men, like Hotspur's fop, " perfumed like a milliner," delight as Bcents — that queer " opoponax," who.se letters puzzled the town last winter, and patchouli, suggestive always of a dread of soap and water in those who use it ;,— in fact plants (mtny of them small, doubtless), whose interest is derived not from their extreme beauty but from the uses to which they are put. Some people say you never can bo tirSd of a good thing. Well, I honestly confess, grp^t «8i^ -n|y love of flowers and JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTUEB AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. r iitj », laea. plants, I do become tired when, one after another, novelties are produced, and their boautieB are to be recognised ; and as 1 began this tour throiigli Mr. Bull's houses at six o'clocjc in the morning, I can safely Fay I was ready for my breakfast when the time came. Many cif the things whidi I have noted will be brought before the jiublic ere long, and I thall not be surprised to lind them much appreciated. All jjraiso is due to those who, like .Mr. Bull, Messrs. Veitch, and others, spare no expense in introducing new plants — doubtless with an eye to their own advantage, but I believe in many cases out of a sincere love for the objects of their care. — O., Viple in our own stoves, and resulted in its cultivation being more fully understood. The impetus given to the erection of glass structures by the removal of the duty cannot fairly be said to have been of so much advantage to Pino cultivators as to those engaged in some other branches of gardening, and some of Uie great ad> vances made in the cultivation of the Pine Apple took place before that period. Supplying bottom heat by mea'hs of hot water had been successfully carried cut, and the steady heat afforded to the roots by that mode of communi.cating warmth led to the use of pots being altogether abandoned, the plants being merely planted in the bed which was heated from below, and great and manifold were said to be the advantages of this plan. By-and-by, however, it was found to have disadvantages, and recourse was had to pots again ; but hot water was still used as the medium for supplying bottom heat. Some other inno- vations in Pine-growing were tried, and I believe a Providence Pine upwards of 13 lbs. in weight was grown ■without the nse of fire heat in any way. Soils, too, began to attract attention, and as is common in such matters, people went to great extremes. At one time some pinned their faith to charcoal, while another urged brick- dust as being as good as half-burnt wood, and great advantages were said to be derived from peat. This was strongly recom- mended in consequence of such extraordinary results attending its use in France, where it was stated frmt excoeiling in weight any that had ever been grown in England were produced by the use of this material. The reign of peat, however, was not a long one, neither was it saccessful to any gieat extent, and growers had again to fall back on their own resources, and to adopt for themselves such substances as best suited their particular cases. In the latter view of the matter they were materially assisted by an excellent paper contributed by Mr. Barnes to one of the last numbers of Loudon's " Gardener's Magazine," which was backed by some remarkable fruit ob- tained by the means he advocated. On the subject of soils, Mr. Banies startled many who thought that mixtures of some half a dozen materials carefully and accurately compounded were abFolutely necessary to anything like success, while the sub- stance which he nsed for potting his plants was obtained from some moorland of very indifferent character. Mr. Barnes affirmed at the time, that land that would grow good Wheat would produce good Pine Apples ; and certainly some very fine Queen Pines were sent by him to the metropolitan shows up- wards of twenty j-ears ago. This, as well as tho other results above recorded, all happened prior to the cheapening of glat* SiFay'8,re6«. 1 JOUBNAlj OF HORTIODLTUKB AND COTTAGE G.VRDENEK. 341 fltrOctnres by the removal of the duty. After the latter epoch, however, the number of I'ine-houses and Pine-pits was much increased, and all the old and new modes of culture were in re- quisition, and fresh attempts were made in order to discover a more rapid and easy way of obtaining this fruit in perfection. Mr. Hamilton, in Lauonshire, advocated the planting-out system, with closely confined pits, and a greater amount of heat than had hitherto been afforded. The planting-out sys- tem was also adopted at Treutham with good results. The number of places where Pines were grown increased rapidly, and certain districts appearing to have a decided partiality to particular varieties. In the neighbourhood of Manchester, where excellent Pines, and Grapes too, are grown, the Black Jamaica, or Montserrat, as it is there called, is the pre- vailing fruit. Queens certainly predominate near London, while our neighbours across the Tweed seem to give the pre- ference to the Smooth-leaved Cayenne. The large Pines, as Providence, Charlotte Kothschild," and Enville, seem to gather in greater strength in the central and northern counties than elsewhere ; but they arc yearly giving way to the kinds before mentioned, and others of like quality at table, size having ceased to be regarded as a point of merit, unless other good properties accompany it. The above outline of the cultural history of the Pine .\pple, which the reader may, perha]is, complain of as being long and tedious, was intended as a preface to some notes which I purpose tomake on a treatise on the cultivation of this fi'uit by Mr. David Thomson, of Archerfield, whom the readers of this Journal will remember as being one of the most able writers in its pages, i and from whose pen occasional articles still appear. Of the j merit of the work as a literary production I must leave abler critics to give an opinion, but as a work conveying a clear idea of the mode of culture adopted at Archerfield, and the re- sults there attained, the testimony of an eye-witness may. per- haps, not be regarded intrusive by the author, nor mistaken by the public as being akin to puffing, for it avUI be perceived that something has, in my opinion, been omitted. Do not, however, let my saying this prevent the reader ordering the work at once, for I can affirm that it fully and faithfully reflects the practice of one of the best Pine-growers in the United Kingdom. More than this need not be said, and had I not seen the garden at Archerfield I would not have said this much. However, as generalities are useless without details, I propose in my next article to take the little work in hand, and commencing at the beginning, follow the author through such portions of it as may appear necessary. — J. Kobson. (To be continued.) ROYiVL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. May 1st. Floral CoMjnxTEE. — Mr. Cox, pordeuer to W. 'Wellg, Esq., Red- leaf, bronglit cut Howers of a RL-edluig Camellia, a light rose colour ; also, RliododeudxQU AiuklauJii, and two kinds of Maguolia. Messrs. Veitch exliiLited a new Lycaste with strong foliage aud a laiiic dull yellow and j^eeu llowec ; also, a collection of plants, cousistiug of Rhododendrons, Azaleas, &c., for which a special cei-tificatp was awarded. Mr. Turner, Slough, sent a very large and beautiful col- lection of Auriculas, affording good examples of this old favourite in its varioas forms of green, gii;y, and white-edged ilowcis ; also many beautiful selfs or one-coloured" flowers, and a beautiful toUection of Alpines in every shade of colour. Never was such a group of Auriculas seen before ; they were most deservedly the admii-ation of all who saw them, and well merited the Lindley medal which the Committee awarded them. Two of the seedling Alpines, Defiance, a dark-shaded violet flower ; and Victorious, a Ini^t- shaded chocolute with cou- spicuous yellow centre, received first-class certificates. Mr. James Hedges, Birmingham, sent cut flowers of Cattleya amethystiua and Rhododendron lancifolium, a delicate rose-coloured flower. A very nice collection of stove plants was sent up from Chiswick, and a special certificate was awarded lor them ; also, a collection of Orchids from the stoves at South Kensington. A first-class certificate was awarded to Psychotria macrocephula, a beautiful plant exhibited by Mr. Bull at the previous meeting, some doubts being then expresstd as, to its liaving receivtd an award. FiiciT Committee. — Mi-. Tillery, gardener to the Duke of Port- land, Weibeck, sent Lady Downe's Grapes, damaged on the jouraey, Lut very good in flavour ; and from W. Burrell. Esq., Ockeuden House, Cuckfield, came two Iduds of Apjiles, the names of which were not determined. Riclimoud Lat« White Broccoli, a large-headed kind, ,ma,3 shown b^- Mr. Turner, of Slough. T'oRT^^GHTLY MEnriNG. — W. Wilson Saunders, Esq., F.R.S., in the choir. The iuvard.-i having been reported, and nineteen new Fellows elected, the Rev. M. J. Berkeley offered some remarks. Th© first subject touched upon was Psychotria macrocophala exhibited at the lust meeting by Mr. Bull, and respecting which some doubts had' been eutt-rtained as to whether it was really a new species of Psychotria or not ; but Mr. Berkeley stated that he had been to Kew herbarium, and without venturing to say that he had comi>ared it closely with some 17U Bpecica of Psychotria and twenty or thirty of Rudgca which he there found, he had great reason to believe it to be quite distinct. Rhododendron Princess Alice, from Messrs. Veitch it Sons, and another Rhododendron, unnamed, from Mr. Cox, of Redleaf, were then adverted to, the former as a hybrid lietween H. oiliatum and Edgworthii. and the latter as probably a fonu of R. einnamomeum, Mr. Cox had also sent two forms of Magnolia conspicua, one cut from a tree covered with an extraordinai-y profusion of flowers, as well as an intcrcatiug collection showing the fructification of various Conifers. Rubus Ciircoudiana, which was exhibited among tlie plants from the Society's garden, then came under notice, and it was stated to hiyre been received from Berlin, but in the absence of flowers it was im- possible to know whether it was a Rubus or not. It appeared, how- ever, to be new. Two beautiful Gourds, both grown in the Botanic Gai'den at Hyeres, next occupied attention. That named Lagenarift splia>rica came from Natal, aad had been exhibited before ; but the other, L. Monteiroi (Naudin), which was a native of the west coast of Africa had, Mr. Berkeley believed, never before been seen in this country. There was, in addition, a fungus sent by Mi*. W. G. Smith, which was evidently a Morel, but api>arenlly different from the ordi- naiy" one. Disease in Peach trees was the next subject to which at- tention was dii-ected. This had btcn vei-i,- prevalent, and on examining shoots which had been submitted to his iiisx^ection. he found that it had commenced in the terminal bud. and that the wood below it ex- hibited a number of little cavities. lu the case of some trees in the Isle of Wight, the roots were found to be covered with little knots, aud these were studded all over with facets from which adventitious roots would have been emitted under conditious favourable to their development. Those who had visited Chatsworth had no doubt admired an enormous Peach tree gi-owing in a housu at that place, and which was remarkable for the size and beauty of the fruit which it produced, but it, too, had fallen into badhealtb. as well as some other trees at the same place. The Duke of Devonshire applied to the Society to send some one to examine these trees, and Mr. R. Thompson went down to Chatsworth aud made a valuable report on the condition of the trees. There was nothing apparently wrong in the management, but on ex- amining the roots he thought that the bad condition of the trees most have been caused by some fungus. Shoots and roots were, therefore, submitted to Mr. Berkeley, and he found in every case, even when to all outward appearance sound, indications of incipient decay, and cells containing mycelium. The soil of which the border was made contained a large proportion of fibre aud vegetable matter, such as was likely to favour the development of the spa\vn of fungi, and it was in a peculiarly solid and sodden condition. On mentiouing the subject to Dr. Hogg he said that he recollected the trees beiug in the same condition some years ago, but on the soil being removed and the trees root-pruned, they again pushed vigorously. Some gardeners, Mr. Berkeley remarked in continuation, ai-e in the habit of using forcing manures, but it is a dangerous practice, which, though it may canse increased production for one or two years, is often the cause of lasting iujurv; and he further recomuiended especial caution in employing those of which the comjjositiou is not known. Mr. Saunders said that, before calliug upon Mr. Bateman for hia remarks on the Orchids, he ift-ished to direct attention to a little Radish which by some extraordinary freak of nature had tied itself into a knot. This he ascribed to the tap-root having come in contact with some hard curved surface in the soil. Mr. Bateman said, that before proceeding with his observations he had a grievance to complain of, which he hoped would be made public. On several occasions plants had been dispatched from the country to the Society's meetiugs, but had not an-ived in time. Taught by ex- perience, ample time had been allowed for the journey — as much as was consistent with the plants arriving in good condition, but whether theii- delivery was left to the railway companies, or special messengers were sent after them to the terminus, the result had been the same ; and, as an instance, it was not necessary to go further back than tho lajt meeting, when Dendrobium MacCarthia; did not arrive, though dispatched in good time. He hoped, therefore, that something would be done to redress this great grievance. Tlie first subject to which he would allude was a remarkable Pear tree giowing in the vicarage "ardens at Holme Lacy, the seat of Sir E. Scudamore Stanhope, Bart., aud of which he had received a photograph. The tree formerly covered nearly an aero of ground, but nnich of it had been cut down from time to time, owing to its too closely surrounding the mansion. From fourteen to sixteen hogsheads of perry, of ouo hundred gallons each, had been made from its produce in some years. Mr. Bateman expressed a hope that the example of sending photographs of remark- able trees would be followed by others. With regard to the Orchids, the show was rather meagre, owing to the weather being so cold as to make those having valuable plants afraid to venture them from home. There were some, however, well deserving of notice, and among such was a fine specimen of Cattleya amctliystina, which was only a variety, but a beautiful one, of "the old C. intermedia : also, Lycasto Harrisoniise, one of oui- oldest Orchids, of which a magnificent spekjimen 348 JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENER. [ M«r 8, ISM. came from the Society's garden. The next snbjcet to which ho would refer «as an Kpidendrnm of pccnliar interest. Last year when lectur- inK on Dendrobia, he referred to a map showing the aislnbnt.on of Orchids OTer the world, and he wonld again revert to it m order to point out that in eaeh continent a ceriain Renus prevailed. 1 bus in Africa it was AnRra-cnm ; in Asia, Dcudrobinm ; in America, lipi- dendrum. Between the last two genera no great diflerence existed as regards the number of their species. Last year there wore some- what more than two hundred species of Dendrobium, and about the same number of Kpidendrum. and in the present year it would be dilBeuU to sny which genus had the lead. Although thus on an equality as reiiards numbers, there was a wide difference in point of beautv. for while a large proporiion of the Dendrobia had found their way into cultivation, not more than hiUf a dozen Epidendra were con- sidered worth growing. In the genus Dendrobium, ugliness was the exception, and beautv the rule ; whilst with Epidendrum the case was iust reversed. Of the latter, however, several fine species had yet to be introduced, and among such until lately was E. embesccns A coloured plate of it which in no way exaggerated its beauty had been made by Miss Drake, for his work on the " Orchidace.T of Mexico and Guatemala," and this was exhibited to the meeting. Thu Epidendrum ill question was thought to belong to the section of the genus havmg Icafv stems, and collectors were, therefore, instructed to look for such a plant, but their researches proved fruitless, for the flowers arc in reality produced from the pseudo-bulbs a fact which was only cUs- eovered the other day by Mr. Skinner, at a sale at Stevens s. It hap- pened that on that oceasiou several new species of Epidendrum were put up for sale, and accompanying one of these was a dried flower which Mr. Skinner recognised as being like that of erube.scens. He accordingly purchased half a dozen plants for 'lU.. although had the fact been known that they were the loug-sought-for E. erubescens they ■would have brought many pounds. _ ■ r tt Mr. Skinner here observed, that another importation from the same collector was on its way to this country. , , , , Mr. Bateman having remarked that cool treatment would probably bo the most suitable for this Epidendrum, passed on to his special subject, Dendrobium MacCarthi.-e, of which a plant with a smgle flowtT was shown by his gardener, Mr. Sherratt. This beautiful species had been described about ten years ago in the " Botanical Magazine, where it ■was stated to grow pendent from the trunks of large trees in the forests about Katuapoora, aud towards Galle, in Ceylon, where it was pretty generally Imown to the natives as the Eainy-month flower. Its purple and white flowers are produced to the number of four or five, m racemes 1 foot or IJ foot long, during the rainy season, hence its native name. It might sen-e as an encouragement to plant col- lectors to state, that after all the island was thought to have been ransacked this beautiful species was discovered. Mr. Bateman then remarked that the annual rainfall in Ceylon averaged 1'>I) inches, and four-fifths of that amount fell between November aud May. It would, however, be interesting to know what was the climate of the particular district of the coast where the plant is found. Mat Show —The first principal Show for the season was held on the 3rd inst., and was well attended by exhibitors notwithstanding the cold and unfavourable character of the early part of the day, ■which no doubt served to deter many from risking their valuable Orchids and other tender plauts from home. The afternoon, ho-w- ever. was tolerably tine, and there was a numerous and faslnouable company to witness what was altogether a very gay display of flowenng plants, prominent among which were Orchids, remarkably hue Azaleas and Roses, and for the season very good Pelargoniums. , , „ Stove and (.reenhocse Plants.— Mr. Donald, gardener to J .G. Barclay, Esq., Leyton, contributed an excellent collection, consistmg of Medinilla magnifica, with fifteen fine spU;es of bloom ; a fane spe- cimen of Stepbanotis floribnnda, which when more fully m bloom will be very beautiful ; Yinca oculata ; a fine plant of Eriostemon Imeari- foUum ; Azalea purpurea, aud Iledaroma tulipiferum. From Messrs. Lee of Hammersmith, came a fine plant of the last-mentioued, mea- Buring about 4 feet through in every direction, and with its numerous pendulous blooms very bright in colour ; Eranciscca confertillora ; Spacris grandiflora rubra; a good plant of Erica ventncosa coecmea minor; Hibbertia ReecUi, and Boupainvma.a glabra trained as a balloon-shaped specimen, and m that fonn having a yei-y good appear- ance as an exhibition plant. In a miscellaneous collecUou from the same firm were Adenandra fragi-ans, not yet in perfection ; the beau- tiful Clerodendron Thomsono-, Chorozemas, Hedaroma fncbsioides a Stepbanotis, two or three Heaths, Azaleas, Camelhas, and a ^vhlte. flowered Epacris from New Zeahmd. Messrs. Cutbush also exhibited a collection of small plants, among which were a number of dwarf standard Azaleas in good bloom, Heaths, Eriostemons, Boromas, Aphelexis, and Chorozemas. Awards— First, Mr. Donald. Second. Messrs. Lee. Orchids constituted one of the principal features of the Show, but were not so numerously shoivn as would have been the case had the Vfcather been finer. They made, nevertheless, a veiy good disylay. The only collection of twelve put up for competition m the Mirssry- men's class came from Messrs. Lee, and included Phala-nopsis amabdis and grandiflora, Cattleya Skinueri aud amethy.stina. Acndes roseum Saccolubium guttatum and ampuUaceum, Cypnpedium barbatum and its variety snperbnm, Oncidium rosenm, and Dendrob«im noblle. Mr. Bnll also exhibittd a collection of twelve, in which were • Phajus with nil spikes of bloom, Cypripedinm Hookeri aud Tillosnm, and a Lycastc unnamed ; but as tlie rules with regard to entries had not been complied with, it was excluded from competition. In the closs for nine several good groups were shown. That from Mr. Penny, gardener to H. H. Gihbs, Esq., Regent's Park, consisted of two yanc- ties of Cattleya Skinneri, Cvpripedium I.owii and Tillosnm, A onda snaris, Phala-nopsis grandiflora with two remarkably fino spikes of bloom, Oncidium sarcodes, very handsome ; Dendrobium albo-sotgmn- eum, and Trichopilia crispn. 'From Mr. I'age, gardener to W. Leaf, Esq., came Vonda tricolor and iusignis, Phalanopses, Cypripediam barbatum, a Lvcaste, supposed to be a variety of Lawrenciana, Acndes vircns, Dendrobium tortile roseuni, and Oncidium ampliatnm majns, the last one of the most effective t)rchids in the Show, having two fine spikes bearing numerons flowers. Mr. Hill, gardener to R. Haubu^, Esq.. The Poles, Ware, also contributed some fine specimens, cspeciaUy two large Vandas, being Rolhssou's and Veitch's varieties of Vanda suavis, some excellent Dendrobiums and Cattleyas. Phajos grandl- folius with ten fine spikes, and Chysis Limminghi in fine condition. Mr. Robson, gardener to G. Cooper, Esij., Cobnrg Koad, had also a well-gro^wn example of Phajus grandifobus vrilh nine spikes; Pha- la-nopsis SchiUeriana with a tine spike : P. Luddemanniana hcanng two blooms, the older P. amabilis and grandiflora ; Vanda tricolor, Trichopilia tortilis, and Cattleya Mossia-. Mr. Howard gardener to J Brande. Esq., BaUiam, sent a collection of six. among which there were a fine specimen of Cattleya intermedia, Dendrobium pnlchellnm, forming a pretty mass of pinkish lilac aud orange blossoms, and severar others of the same extensive and ornamental genus. In the class for single specimens Dendrobium Farmeri with eight fine spikes, and Lycastc Skinneri vrith upwards of a score of blooms, the one from Mr. Howard, the other from Mr. Penny, received equal first Awiird-^— For twelve : second, Messrs. I,ee. For nine ; first. Ml. Penny; second. Mr. Page ; third. Mr. HiU ; extra, Mr. Robson. For six : first, Mr. Howard ; second. Mr. Robson. For smgle specimens : Equal first, Mr. Penny and Mi-. Howard. Azaleas. — Mr. Turner again produced magnificent pyramidal plants, ranging in height from 5 to ti feet, some perhaps more. Ihc varieties were Holfordii dazzling in colour. Gem, Louise Margottin, Pemana. Petunia-flora, Coronata, Mai-y, Madame MieUez. and Empress Eugenie. Mr. Carson, gardener to Vl. R. G. Farmer, Esq., had also half a dozen fine specimens, consisting of Duke of UeTOD- shire, Stauleyana, Optima, Lateritia, Sir Cliaries Napier, and Hol- fordii Half 'a dozen good plants wore shown by Mr. Penny, and a like number by Mr. Young, gardener to R. Barclay Esq. Smgle speci- mens consisted of a fine plant of Iveryana from Mr. Turner, a very large example of Rubra plena in excellent bloom from Mr. Carson, and Macrantha puqnirea from Mr. Young. Awards— For nine ; first, Mr. Tunier. For six : first. Mr. Carson ; second, Mr. Penny. For a single specimen: first, Mr. Turner: second, Ml^. Carson ; third, Mr. Young. Pelaegon-toms.— There was a gay banh of these, although the majority of the plants did not exhibit that profusmn of bloom which they miv be expected soon to attain. Those from Mr. Turner were the" furthest adve-nced. and constituted a very attractive exhibition ol themselves. They cousisted of Beacon. Rose Celestial, I airest of tHe Fair, Patroness, Candidate, Lady Canning. LUacma, Celeste, and Empress Eugenie. Mr. Fraser. Lea Bridge Road, had good plants of Lurline, Fairest of the Fair. Mer Polaire, Rose Ce estial. Leviathan, Roseum, Fair Rosamond, Beadsman, and Candidate. Mr «ai;rt, gardener to F. G. Wilkins, Esq., Ley-tonstone. had Fairest of the hair. Nestor, Sii^ CoUn Campbell, The Bride, Bracelet, aud Lilacina ; and Mr. %Viggrns likewise sent a collection of six. Single specimens, con- sisted of Desdemona in fine bloom from Mr. Turner Empress Kugeme from Mr. Eraser, aud Rose Celestial from Mr. ■\\ ard. Awards— For nine: first, Mr. Turner; second. Mr. Fraser. lor six: first. Mr. 'fl'ard ; third. Mr. ^^■ig,^'ius. For single specimens: first. Mr. Turner; second. Mr. Eraser; thii-d, Mr. ^Yard. Roses.— From Mr. ^Vmianl Paul came an eNcellcnt group, com- prising Victor Yerdier, Souvenir d'un Ami, PanlPerras, Jo'i° HoPP"' Anna Alexieff, and others : also, a tine specimen plant of President . and other gionps were exhibited by Mr. Turner. Mr M iggins, and Mr. Beaslev, gardener to Mrs. 'Wood, Twyford Abbey, .Vton. Awards-For nine : first, Mr. W. Panl. For six : first, withheld , second, Mr. 'Wiggins ; third, Mr. Beasley. , , Eekss.— An excellent collection of exotic kind.s was exhibited by Mr. Barnard, gardener to .1. ^V. Taylor. Esq., }\ oodberry Dowri, in which were fine specimens of Cyathea meduUans, Cooperi, and deaJ- bata; Cibotium princeps, Dicksonia autarctica. and Gleichenia 6i>e- lunca-. In another collection exhibited by Mr. Bnll, there were a very handsome exomple of Marattia elegans. large specimens of Dicksonia antarctica and Cyathea dealbata. Alsopbila anstralis, and Platycerinm alcicome. Mr. I'reece, gardener to ]■:. Wood, Esq., Acton, and Mr Young also furnished groups. Ot Hardy Ferns, the finest group was that from Messrs. IveiT, of Dorking, which incnded several rare Mid beautiful forms of Ath'vrium FUix-famiua, such as plumosum, F leldia- and its variety diflissum, Vemouia-. crispum ; Pseudathynum HexUe. aud a Wardian case of Trichomaues radicans. From Mr Bull came A F.f. thyssanotum. Jervisii. Vemonia-. aud sapttatum, the crested Roval Feii, Lastrea Stondi-shii, "^Yoodwardia orientalie, Polystichum May 8, 1866. ] J0UB^4Ii OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 343 angnlare Holeana, a fine mass of Tridipmanes Bpeciosnm, and "Hymenopliyllum tnnbridRense. ■■*''- '■ '^ Awards — For six Exotic Mnda: first, Mr. Barnard ; second, Mr. ^Bnll; third, Mr. Preece. For twelve Hardy kinds: first, Messrs. Ivery ; second, Mr. Bnll ; third, Mr. Yooug. MrscKLLANEors subjects, as nsual, were nnmerons. Three fine plants of Adiantum onneatnm were shown by Mr. Bartlett, and a Rroup of Cinerarias in good bloom hv Mr. Lavey, gardener to C. 8. Mortimer. Esq.. Morden Park. From Mr. Parker, Tootin«, came eight plants of Rhododendron Conntess of Haddington, bearing a number of its large blnsh flowers ; Rhododendrons of the hardier kinds were also shown by Messrs. Ivery, who received a third prize in the class provided for such. Mr. Bull contributed a collection consisting of Rhododendron Dalhousianum, Palms, Dractenas, new double-flowering Mimnlns, Primula intermedia, Zonale Pelargoniums ; also one of new plants, noticed beneath. Of Auriculas, Mr. Turner again produced the fine collection exhibited before the Floral Committee on the previous Tnes- dav ; also a plant of Trillium grandiflomm, covered with its large white flowers. Of Nosegav Pelargoniums a tine collection was exhibited by Mr. W. Paul, and among them Salmon Nosegay was noticeable for its large trusses and the size of the pips. Calceolarias, Pansies, and Auriculas were again shown hv Mr. James, and a number of handsome and tastefully filled plant-cases by Messrs. Barr& Sugdcu. A Prickly Cayenne Pine Apple of 7 lbs. weight, was also exhibited by Mr. Page. Floral Sub-Committee, Ma'j SnA— Mr. Bull sent a, new plant, Machicrium firmum, which was requested to be sent again ; Brownea princeps ; Abutilon vexillarium ; and Kbododendion Bianca, a very pretty plant, producing small compact trusses of pure white flowers. The whole plant seemed to be a miniature form of Rhododendron. Its history we did not learn. As a useful decorative plant it received a first-ete.s5 certificate. Azalea Reine des Roses, Azalea Grande Duch- esse de Bade, Az.alea President Humauu, Azalea JIadame Dominique Vervaene, and Azalea Mont Blanc, also came from Mr. Bull, but were not considered equal to existing varieties. He also exhibited three seeiUing Petunias— Granville, a white-striped flower ; Feresco, a white flower \\-ith broad puvpl.' Imud ; and Aiirita, a well-formed dark puce flower. Mr. Page, gar.l-ner to W. Leaf. Esq., exhibited a Phahenopsis, which was determined to be a good vai-iety of P. giandiflora, but with darker yellow markings at the centre : it was a very tine variety. Mr. Turuer'sent a large specimen of the old well-k-nown hardy plant Trillium gi-audiflorum, producing a mass of its conspicuous three-petalled flowers. A special certificate was awarded it. Mr. William Paul, Waltham Cross, sent a collection of his seedling Pelargoniums ; but it was much too early in the season to judge of their merits. Two were selected for awa'rds : St. George, the darkest scarlet yet raised, with globular trasses of flowers— first-class certificate; Salmon Nosegay, after the style of Duchess, but a brighter shade of colour— first-class certificate. Rebecca, a fine rose shaded with purple, flowers of good form and truss large — it will prove a first-class plant when seen later in the season ; Phcenix, bright scarlet: Peach Nosegay, fine deep rose with large truss ; Caiiliual, dark orange scarlet ; Sir Joseph Paston, a very distinct bright scarlet Nosegay ; Zephyr, pale pink Nosegay, and Wood NjTuph. When these plants shall have been seen later in the season, and in a more favourable condition, they will all take their stand as first-class flowers. Weekly Show. May 5tt.— In the class for the best collection of three Pelargoniums, Mr. Beaslev, gardener to Mrs. Wood, Twyford Abbey, Acton, received the first pnze ; and in that for six miscellaneous plauts, Mr. Young, of Highgate, was first, and Mr. Beasley, second. For three Azaleas, Mr. Young was again first, as well as for the best collection of cut flowers, for which Mr. Bartlett was second. Mr. Morgan, gardener to the Marquis of Towushend, obtained a prize for a fine di.sh of Strawbonies ; and Mr. Beasley one for a fine dish of Black Hamburgh Grapes. In the miscellaneous class, Messrs. Cut- bush, of Highgate, received prizes for twelve Hyacinths, for twelve misceUaneous plants and Azideas, and for six very fine pots of Forget-me-not. Mr. Baitlett exhibited three handsome specimens of Adiantnm cuneatum. for whicli he received a prize ; and Mr. Young was equally successful with a collection of Fems. Messrs. Lucking received a first prize for a collection of Pelargoniums, and Ml-. Morgan a first-class certificate for flowers of Gloire de Dijcn Rose. judge from tlieir repetitions of orders for it, and their letters expressing the satisfactory results in the variety of uses to which it has been applied.— J. BarshIsi & Co. THE MANGO AND MANGOSTEEN. Having received several oommimioations impugning the cor- rectness of the statements made by our correspondent " J. H." relative to the cultivation and fruiting of these tropical trees, we thought it due to the public, to our correspondent, and to ourselves, to ask him to inform us where and when he had produced those fruits in England. Several letters have been interchanged between us ; but on our asking permis.sion to pubUsh them, our correspondent declined giving that permis- sion. He has sent us, however, the following, which is a fau- summary of his various replies : — " Dear Sir,— In answer to your letter of the 4th inst., re- questing me to allow our correspondence to be published in The .Tourn-vl op Houticclture, I beg to say that, as the letters were all written without the very faintest idea of their being made pubhc, I must decline to accede to your request. At the same time, as I sajd cefore, you ai-e perlecUy at liberty to give my name and address to any one asking for it. " With regard to the small Mangosteen tree alluded to by your correspondent in last week's Number, it was fruited by me at my father's residence at AUestree, near Derby, m the years 18.59-60-01 ; hut much of the fruit was not ripened, as my means for growing it consisted of only one small house at that time, and I have, since writing the article on the subject, made the discovery that it was not the true Mangosteen, but the sort commonly sold as such. I must, however, ruention that aU the Mango or Mangosteen trees I have sold during the last three years have been, with few exceptions, imported by myself from Karang, or Singapore, where our gardener at the time I speak of is now living ; and I say to you, as I said to those ordering plants, that I am always ready and wilhng to take back any Mango or Mangosteen trees if m as good a state as when I sent them out. , t j. ■' I have for some years, as I mentioned to you when J. sent my first papers to your Journal, given up growing tropical fruit trees for fruiting-purposes, as I hiive not the means now for so doing ; but whether my instructions are contrary to the condition under which the tree usually grows or not, I will guarantee to take any moderately sized Mango or Mangosteen tree now, and before this time next year, by my mode of ciil- ture as detailed in your pages, have it in blossom if not in young fruit, provided any one interested in the experiment 'WiU pay the necessary expenses should I succeed. •'I must add, in conclusion, that I am truly sorry I was ever persuaded by friends who have had trees from me to send the papers on tropical fruit culture to your Journal, and I am still more grieved that my statements shoiUd have been taken to mean more than I intended when writing them ; but I can truly say that my one only object was the ea,mest wish to see these noble tropical fruits more generaUy cultivated.— J. H. We do not coincide with our correspondent m regretting the pubHcation of his communications, accepting them as trutbfu . They have aroused attention to the subject ; and but for such arousin" he would have gone on inculcating that about the Mangosteen which he now finds was based on error. More than one inquiry has reached us relative to another "tree" which our correspondent has been offering for sale under' the name of Passiflora macrocarpa splendens, stating that it bears an exccUent fruit weighing from 10 to 14 lbs. We can only say that it is not mentioned m any botanical work that we know, nor do we know any Passiflora that assumes the habit of a tree. There may be some mistake here also. COCOA-NUT FiBRfe REFUSE, Fob thirteen years this refuse had been accumulating, and we thought it would ultimately become a trouble and expense to us. In 186'2 we had just commenced burning it with coal tar under our steam-engine boiler in lien of coal, when the late Mr. Donald Beaton drew our attention to its valuable uses for the garden, and induced us to advertise it. In the course of four years we have sold about three-fourths of these mountains of refuse, besides what we have been producing in the mean- time, so that shortly we fear there will be very little to be had, for during the last few years the supply of Cocoa-nuts has been decreasing and the price increasing. We, of coarse, lament this, and so -vfill all those who have used this refuse if we may HoKTicuLTUR.lL Di.s-N'ER.— We are glad to hear that a large number of gentlemen holding leading positions in the horti- cultural world, have given in their names as stf7"™f^of *f « dinner The meeting at St. Martin's Hall on the 24th pro- mises to be one unparallelled in character in this country, and the seats are rapidly filling up ; gentlemen intending to dine should make early application for tickets, or they may be too late A better chairman than Lord Henry Lennox could not be obtained-at once genial, sympathetic, and ^ graceful and fluent speaker. The dinner will be provided by Messrs. bpiers and Pond, and it being the first public dinner they have attempted in London on a large scale, there is no doubt their 344 JOURNAL OF HORTICTDLTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ M«7 8, 18M. eztonsivo resources will famish maKriel worthy of the occa- sion. We are desired to announce that through au error of the engraver the tickets liave been printed Tuesday, May 21th, instead of Thursday, May 2-lth. CULTURE OF VINES IN POTS. (Conlinued from payc 303.) Am. — Until the Vines break the house may be kept closed, for then a much more humid atmosphere can be maintained; but should ventilation be necessary to keep down the temperature, air must be given, advantage being taken of sun heat to close early, for such heat is vastly superior to that which is artifi- cially supplied. After the eyes have broken air must be given, but, from the dulness of the winter mouths, if we wait for the sun before giving it the shoots may become as weak as straws. A little air should be given daily if possible, if only for an hoar or two, so as to afford a change of atmosphere. When practicable, affording a little air constantly is the best way to avoid lank growths and thin leaves, neither of which give fruit wortli the pains. It is galling to devote a house to Vines in pots for early fniit, and find the loaves scorched by the sun, or flagging after dull periods, and the bunches twisting or curling into tendrils, as is commonly the case. I am certain that the principal e^Hs attending the early forcing of Vines are to be traced to a deficiency of air in the early stages of growth. Until the leaves attain their full size air is particularly essential, in order that the parts that are to feed the crop maybe capable of performing their fimctions. A little air, then, on dull days does good, and it should be given more abundantly with the increase of temperature. On dull days, when the temperature by day may be only .5° higher than by night, a little air may be given for an hour or two, which will be sufficient to cause a change of atmosphere. On cloudy days with clear inter%'als air should be given when the thermometer has risen 10' above the night temperature, and on clear days when it registers 10° higher than in the night, increasing the amount if the temperature rise more than 5° after the first admission of air. Ventilation should never bo resorted to to lower the tempera- ture ; but the latter, whatever it be, should increase after ven- tilation is given, or at least be maintained. If ventilation lower the temperature either the house is too warm or air has not been admitted suilicientlj' early. When the temperature deohnes, then is the time to shut up the house, and not to admit much air. Provision being made for the admission of a little air at all times, the house being heated sufficiently to admit of this, air should be afforded when the thermometer reads 10 higher than the night temperature, which I will for the purpose of illustration suppose to be (>()'. Air will then be given at 70", not in such quantity as to lower the temperature, but so that the latter may increase. The temperature increasing 5° more, if the sun's power is likely to raise it stUl higher the maximum amonnt of air may be given, but so that the mercury may rise ever afterwards. It may rise to 80' or 85' and will do good. The amount of air shoiild be reduced when the thermometer first begins to faU, and, beyond the little left on day and night, no ventilation should be afforded by the time the heat has fallen to between the maximum day temperature (75), and the highest extreme (HO' or 85') ; but in any case the house should be shut up by the time the temperature has fallen to 75'. On clondy days with clear intervals it will be impossible to adhere rigidly to this rule without continually opening and shutting up of the house, but it will be found that any trouble taken on such days has not been misspent. When the Grapes change colour more air may be admitted ; and if not hitherto given at night and in dull days it should now be afforded, otherwise moisture may condense or be depo- sited on the berries, and it is destructive to the bloom. At this period air must be given early, or before the atmosphere has become heated to any considerable extent ; for the heated air will deposit moisture on the berries, because they wUl not become heated so rapidly as the surrounding atmosphere, and BO long as they remain colder moisture will be condensed on them : hence the necessity of increased ventilation when they are colouiing, so that the atmosphere may not be rapidly heated, or become much warmer than the berries. This is an impor- tant point, for an indifferent or spotted bloom on the berries is frequently to be attributed to allowing the moisture to con- dense on them after they change colour, and not to syringing up to the time of colouring, as is often asserted. Providing air be given early (and it is of no use giving it late), no harm results to Grapes from a judicious nso of the syringe. I say. Use it, employing clear rain water only, and heated to the temperature of the house. It is want of air early that causes the leaves to scorch, or allowing moisture to condense upon them whilst the sun is causing rapid evaporation. The foUage of trees under natnral conditions is not scorched after a shower, but under glass the leaves suffer from this evil, because we do not give air to carry off the moisture. The berries very often spot from the same cansc. Bad glass is also a frequent canse of the leaves being scorched. Syringing has nothing to do with it. It does not matter whether the leaves are wet or dry when the sun's rays fall upon them, if only there bo air to kee]> the atmosphere from being more suddenly heated than the water on the leaves, and to carry off the moisture evapo- rated instead of allowing it to condense. If the moisture is not carried off by giving air early, it will condense upon the leaves, and they will scorch without being syringed. Fresh air cannot be admitted too early, but it may be in too great a quantity, and so cold as to lower the temperature, and thus stagnate the growth. Various schemes have been adopted to effect the heating of the air before it comes in contact with the Vines. I find nothing answers so well as a piece of tiffany naUed over the ventilating openings. It breaks the current of air if it is disposed to rush into the house, and the heated and vitiated air is driven out at the upper part of the house. It is of no use admitting air in front if the vitiated air is not allowed to escape at the back. We want to displace foul air by fresh. It is hardly necessary to admit air in front in the early forcing of Grapes ; but if it is given there tho openings should be on a level with the hot-water pipes or flues, or, better, when a little below them, and so contrived that the cold air entering passes over or comes in contact with the heated surface, and thus becomes warmed before it reaches the Vines. To prevent currents, a piece of tiffany or hexagon netting doubled should be fastened over the external openings. — G. Abbey. (To be continued.) NEW' BOOK. THE FRUIT MANUAL. The Fruit Manual: containing llw Descriptions, Synonymfs, and Clniifilication of the Fruiti and Fruit Trees of Great Britain, irith Selected tints of the best I'arieties. By Bobebt Hooo, LL.D.,F.Ij.S.,Pomoiogical Director of the Royal Horticultural Society of London; Author of "British Pomology," "The Vegetable Kingdom and its Products;" and Co-Editor of "The Journal of Horticulture." Third Edition. London : Joomal of Horticulture Office. This, the third edition, is really a new book, and contains many varieties and kinds of fruits not described in the pre- vious editions. These fill many more than one hundred addi- tional pages ; but we cannot do better than quote a passage from the Preface : — '' In the present edition the main features arc. — a great increase in the unmber of varieties described ; an entire rerision of the svnonymes, in which some errors in the prcvions edition have been corrected ; new classifications of the vftrions Fmits, with the exception of the Apple and the Pear, which I have not yet sncceedod in arranging to my satisfaction : and greatly enlarged and re-constmcted lists of the most select varieties of the different kinds of Fmits, serring as a guide to tho?c who have no other moans of knowing what are and what are not worthv of cnltivation." CHERRIES AT CANTERBURY. NEW ZE^VL.VNT). That the Cherry is equal to the Peach in the shape of stone fruits in this part of the world, there is abundant proof this season in my fruit garden, for the greater part of my trees are heavily laden with abundance of fruit, and of the finest quality. The first I will mention is Bigarreau Napoleon ; for size the fruit are more like Plums than Cherries. It is a French Chen-y. It is also a good bearer, resembling the old Bigarreau, but darker-coloured, and of first quality and first size. The second is the May Duke, not so large as the first, but possessing many other good qualities. The third iscalled Black Tartarian, generally considered to have been brought into England from Russia. It is also stated to have originated in Spain, whence it was transmitted to the Russian gardens, and through them into England. .\t any rate, let its history be what it may, it is a Cherry of great ex- May 8, 1866. 1 JOUKNAIi OF HOETICULTTJKE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. 345 ceUence. It is also, like tbe May Duke, valuable for its earU- ness, and is a good bearer in this country. I have picked 336 lbs., or 3 cwt., of ripe early Cherries from December 11th to January .5th, 1866, inclusive, and exclusive of the Morello, Kentish, and other late sorts, which are now (January 8th) , ripening. They have realised me Is. per lb. from first to last, and were grown on very young trees.— W. S. , ^ vvn- side Botanic Garden. NOTES ON THE WAY TO THE HOLY SEPULCHRE— No. 1. It we take the map of the world, and cast our eyes on the Mediterranean Sea, how insignificant it appears ; save for the narrow inlet of the Straits of Gibraltar it might be taken for an inland lake ; and yet when England was inhabited by " bar- barians," and America was even more problematical than the North-west Passage, the blue waves of the Mediterranean bore on their bosom the wealth and civilisation of the entire known world. Yea, and more than this— how much more many a christian can tell. In those days of the "long ago," when the Roman empire extended far away beyond the countries washed by the waves of the " Great Sea," a poor prisoner was being sent in " a ship of Alexandria " to answer for conscience sake at Rome — Rome the central point of civilisation and of idolatry. Strong in the power of a faith that made even bonds and afflictions unworthy of comparison, the prisoner stood amidst his fellow passengers always ready with words of encouragement and of needful help. He was no common man ; learned, even amongst the most learned, he possessed an inteUigence so keen and subtle, that at times his great power of reasoning led those who listened to him without the power of foOowing his argument, to accuse him of madness, and yet so humble withal, that he counted all his acquirements as "less than nothing, so only he might be clothed with a stronger faith and a deeper love in Him for whose sake he was a prisoner. He had gone through much-— loss of friends, loss of power, loss of wealth ; he was on his way to bonds and death : but these things had no power to move the deep tranquillity of a soul at rest ; and as he stood on the deck of the rude vessel making its slow progress against a contrary wind, he watched tbe sun sinking, as it were, beneath the waves, and as its last edge dipped below the horizon, he saw it emit that instantaneous dazzling light of emerald green that is never seen save in stormy weather, and then only for a moment. Did the sun setting in the troubled waters speak to him, as it speaks to us, of light unquenchable ?— hidden some- times from our sight, but never less dim than when our stram- ing eyes watch its momentary eclipse. We cannot enter into the deep loneliness of that poor prisoner. Surrounded by men who did not recognise in hira other than a common malefactor, they neither beheved his word or Ustened to his voice. They knew not what they did, nor what great message theur ship was bearing through the sea ; the very elements themselves ministering to its pubhca- tion and success. At Sidon, at Myra, and then in the Alexan- drian vessel passing onwards to Crete, the good tidings were heard— tidings which fell Uke good seed on a fruitful soil, and have brought forth the most glorious harvest this earth ever witnessed. We can follow the weather-beaten vessel on its perilous way tUl it comes to its rocky anchorage within the protection of the " Fair Havens." Through the able researches of others*, we can almost see the very spot where the vessel anchored ; tbe graceful sweep of the waters, as in their tideless beauty they wash the sandy, rock-surrounded beach. The bold rocky islets advancing into the sea, forming the main shelter of the Havens. We can also notice how the Havens, by being ex- posed to the east and south-east winds, would be unsafe, and •' not commodious to winter in ; " and what is even more to the purpose, we can land on the island and wander about amidst the records of the past, amongst the most interesting of which, perhaps, will be the ruins of the Uttle chapel on " the dark slaty ridge rising immediately over the western bay," and still dedicated to St. Paul, most probably marking the very spot where the Apostle himself used to preach to the natives of Crete in their " own tongue, the wonderful works of God." From this spot we can pass on over mountains bright with Ranunculus, the Fritillaria tulipifoUa "white as a Snowdrop, * " Travels aod Researches in Crete," by Capt. T. A. B. Spratt, R.N. and as dehcate as a wax plant," and the Salvia cretica, " a fine and beautiful shrub," bearing purple blossoms— or throngb vallevs abounding in Vuies and Dates, in Oranges, Lemons, and Pomegranates. We may rest beneath the dark evergreen shade of the Ceratonia siliqua or Carob tree, or hsten to the nightingale of our native woods pouring forth floods of har- monv from groves of Olives ; we may pass through villages in- habited onlv by lepers, where the watercourses are shaded by Oleanders, giving forth their gracious beauty to the poor leper & gaze as freelv as when thev dipped their trembling buds m the- lake of Galilee, as the shadow of the Saviour passed by ; w© may stay to look at an evergreen Plane tree, the existence of which was mentioned by Pliny ; or we may examine Koman remains, or those of classic Greece, aU speaking of ancient prosperity, and of grandeur passed away. Thus wandering on, still bearing in our mmds the memory of the ruined chapel over the western bay, and of the prisoner brought by the ship of Alexandria, preaching glad tidings to Ustening Cretan crowds, let us enter the village of tiafra on a summer's afternoon in the year 1851, and we shaU hnd that the echoes of the good news are still nngmg through the island. „ ,, ,, " As I entered Khadra," writes Captain Spratt, there was a bustUng activity going on with every male inhabitant present, twenty or thirty of whom were carrying stones to a particular building, whose walls were just rising a few feet above tie ground. It was the rebuilding of one of the village churches Old and voung, priest and layman, were for the moment aU builders ind masons under the guidance of a hired master, and were carr^-iu" large stones from some distant rum, or bringmg the mortar to cement them in then- appropriate places. It was an interesting sight ; for this half-hour's earnest individual labour at the close of the day was thus devoted to religion. Some were evidently past labouring for their own subsistence, yet they too carried their load, although with distress under the mere pebble they could bring; yet it was carried by some- 1 of threescore and ten or more, and was thrown into the ■ general heap, as the widow cast her mite into the common receptacle." ^ . . .,,„ 1 So the gift of the Cretan tongue at Pentecost was no idle gift and the detention of the " Prisoner of the Lord at the Fair Havens no accident, but rather the interposition of Pro- vidence for the salvation of souls. . ' How bountiful Nature has been to many a favoured spot m ^ this beautiful island is proved by ancient as well as modern i writers It has been called the " garden of the whole universe, "the goodliest plot," "the diamond sparke, and the honney i spot of aU Candv." One district-Melavisi, is famed for its ' wine • another— Sfakian, is celebrated for its fresh cheese, called " Sfakian masethra," which is described as being as delicious as that of the island Samothraki ; another produces "Wheat from which is made the most deUcious bread. We read of Chestnut groves, of wild Vines, Uke gigantic creepers, en- twining tall trees of Plane, and Elm, and Oak up to their very tops • the pendent tendrils, together with leaves and bnght red Grapes hanging from their branches in graceful festoons ; while Myrtle and Yellow Broom, and numberless bulbous plants, form a carpet at their feet. And it was from this goodlv land that the Alexandrian vessel, contrary to the advice of the Prisoner on board, turned away to continue her voyage, as was hoped, to Phcemce, another haven of Crete. When the south wind blew softly, they thought thev had chosen wiselv and weU, and how fooUsh they should have shown themselves had they " hearkened " to the prisoner and remained in the less commodious haven ; but the course of the Alexandrian vessel was guided by a Master whom even the " winds and sea obey"— she carried merchandise to which gold and sUver are as dross. Rising up from the waters of the Great Sea there was yet one other island destined to hear and to lend a willing ear to the good news the prisoner had to tell. Ere long a violent storm arose against the doomed ship. I'or fourteen days the fasting shipmen strove against the tempest till all hope seemed gone, and then the Prisoner stood forth amongst his fellow men in liis true character as the messenger of God, and in their hour of terror, and, as they feared, of ap- proaching death, they recognised his mission and obeyed his ''"we can all picture to ourselves the shipwreck that foUowed the storm- the low white coast of the island of Mehta— the "barbarou.s" yet kindly-hearted people hurrymg down to the beach with words of welcome to the poor manners, "tt e can as it were, see them Ughting the unwonted fire, " because of the 346 JOUBNAL OF HORTICtJLTUBE AND COTTAGB GABDENEB. r Mir 8> UM. present cold " — the serpent coming out of the fire and fasten- ing on the prisoner's hand ; the barbarous people, ready then, as we are now, to mete retribution and judgment to others ac- cording to our own ideas of right, eagerly watching for what should follow. We can note the change from suspicion to vene- ration, as in Arabic the prisoner's persuasive voice addressed the wonder-stricken people, for this picture has been familiar to us all from childhood, St. Paul's shipwreck and his residence at Melita being one of those striking recitals that lay hold on the mind witli enduring tenacity; and we do not wonder as we read of the attachment of the descendants of these very bar- barous people to their faith, and of the sacrifices they are ready to make for the maintenance of their churches, which in even some of the villages surpass in splendour many a cathe- dral in Italy. For three months St. Paul remained on the island. 'We cannot help longing for a more minute record of his visit than that bequeathed to us, so that we might follow his steps as he went about on his errands of healing and mercy, and see as he saw the face of Nature as it rose from its wintry sleep. By looking at Malta as it is now, noting its produce, its trees, and flowers, we shall find some features that remain un- changed ; we shall in some sort see as with St. Paul's vision, and know a little of what those " things " were with which the grateful, kindly natives loaded the apostle when he departed from their island on his onward journey to Rome. The great difliculty that the agriculturist has to contend with in Malta is its want of soil. Naturally the country is rocky and sterile, excepting in the valleys, where the earth is good and productive ; bat where Nature has been less bounteous, there the skill and industry of man have compensated for her shortcomings. Terraces are cut out in the rock, the earth carefully collected and placed — sometimes in depth not exceed- ing 18 inches — on layers of broken-up rock, and on these ter- races plentiful crops of com and cotton are grown, the want of rain in summer being supplied by hea^-y night dews. The gardens of the flat-roofed houses are protected by hedges of Cactus or Prickly Pear, the fruit ol which is eaten profusely by the natives. The chief sweetmeat of Malta, Caramilla, is made, or rather flavoured, from the expressed juice of the pod of the Carob or Locust tree, while the pods themselves, which are produced in clusters from the knotted parts of the tree, are useful as fodder for the horses and cattle. The Hedysarum coronarium, with its large clusters of crimson blossoms, is used largely for fodder, as alao is green Barley. Oats are not grown, nor is there meadow land to any extent. There are a few Olive trees, but no Vines. Pomegranates are to be met with, and considerable quantities of small Figs, the latter being always eaten on St. John's day, and called St. John's Figs. Malta has been celebrated from very early times for its manu- facture of fine linen cloth, which was much prized by the Romans even in their most luxurious days. An English loom has lately been introduced, and shows to great advantage by the side of those of native manufacture, which at best are but rude performances. The natives of Malta — the true descendants of the barbarous kindly people of St. Paul's day — are a fine, dark, athletic race. The heiiddress of both men and women is peculiarly pictur- esque, the former wearing a long conical-shaped cap of bright blue, falling over the head and hanging down at the side, while the women add to a dark dress the Spanish-looking black fal- di o Ventilators. d d Pipes for aUowinp hot air to escape from the chamber. X X Hot-water pipes. z Sliding door to chamber. For ventilating the hot-oir chamber I have two pipes above the pipe without the evaporatingpan, and three on the one with the evaporatingpan. I have also two sliding doors in the bottom of the chamber, so that I can have any heat I like under the roots, and either moist or dry.— Cucumis. CHEILANTHES ODOEA CULTURE Aeoct six weeks since I received a small box of plants of this most interesting little Fem, direct from Mentone. plants were; found within a walk of the town These and were v\eU May 8, 1866. ] JOUBNAli OF HORTICnLTTJBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. 347 grown and very healthy. Having experienced considerable diflScalty in cultivating Cheilanthea on a former occasion, I determined to try a plan of my own, which had answered with another very tender Fern. I took a large pot, filling it for about 2 inches with drainage ; in this I placed a smaller pot, with about an inch of drainage, filling up both pots with peat earth, mixed with a very little silver sand and a small, very small, proportion of cocoa-nut refuse. I planted the Fern, placing s. glass over it, the glass removed from the soil about half an inch by broken bits of rock, so that air is admitted at all times. I keep the Fern in the window of the drawing- room, watering it every two or three days, taking off the glass while the moisture evaporates from the fronds. Some ten or a dozen new fronds have sprung up, and the whole plant looks as fresh and healthy as possible. In the same window I have four pots of the Cyclamen enro- piEum, which I brought last year from Florence, and which have been in bloom several weeks. Both leaves and flowers are considerably larger than they were when growing wild in Italy. Some Ixias (crocata), that I brought from Bologna are in full bloom ; but the size of the flower is much smaUer and the colouring far less briUiant than when I saw them in their royal home at the Villa Beale. — Filix-fiemina. \\TNTER LINGERING IN THE LAP OF MA*Y. The past week has been one of the most severe I ever re- member in the north of Ireland ; Pears, Plums, and Apples, both late and early, are totally destroyed, although mostly covered with spruce branches and hexagon netting, which ap- pear to have been useless. Young growths of forest trees, young Broccoli, Savoys, Cabbages, and all young seedlings are very much injured. The following are the correct temperatures taken by one of CasseUa's registering thermometers — viz., April 29th, 9° ; 30th, 4° ; May 1st, 11° ; 2nd, 4° ; 3rd, 8°.— E. Welch, Palace Gardens, Armagh. There was a fall of snow at Teignmonth on the 3rd instant. At Chiswick, on that date, the thermometer fell to 26°, and in the succeeding night to 25°, or T below the freezing point. FROST AMD PROTECTINO MATERIALS. I WISH it were in my power to say with Mr. Brehaut, " that the winter is now happily past." We, who live amongst the hills of Yorkshire, have been enduring for the last ten days a most cutting wintry blast from the north-east. The distant hills are still white with snow, and the frosts at night are most severe. I shall never forget the destruction which the frost of the night of the 29th and morning of the 30th of April worked in my garden. The blossom on all the unprotected Plum trees was completely destroyed, even the more forward buds of the Morello Cherry were also killed. I do not, however, desire to relate the injury my garden has sustained, but rather to make known for the benefit of others the lesson which these frosts have taught me. Three different kinds of protecting material are used here to cover the fruit trees trained to the walls. Frigi domo, the improved make, 3 yards wide, at 2s. 8d. per yard, is used to cover Plums and Cherries and several Pear trees. This material was in excellent condition, had not a single hole in it, and was fastened against a south brick wall under a stone coping, which projected about 6 inches. The frigi domo hung down to the ground, and was prevented from press- ing too close to the bloom by poles reared up against the wall, and yet, notwithstanding this careful protection, a most abun- dant crop of Plums has been almost entirely destroyed, and the blossom of the Pears has shared the same fate. About two- thirds of the bloom of the May Duke Cherry have also been cut off. Fifteen Pear trees on another south wall, and which were in full flower, were protected with stout harden. These trees have suffered but little injury. The blossoms of Easter Beurre and Fondante d'Automne, a delicious Pear, have been injured to some extent, but the other trees have sustained no damage worthy of mention. .\pricot3. Peaches, and a few choice Pears were protected with a woollen material, a pattern of which I enclose for your inspection. Under this covering all the fruit trees were pre- served from injury, even the tender bloom of the Marie Louise Pear has not a single mark of frost upon it. This is the eighth spring that this material has been in use, and it has never yet failed to resist the utmost severity of spring frosts. It was purchased on the 6th of January, 1858, of Mr. Ashworth, ' wooUen manufacturer, of Haslingden, near Manchester. It is IJ yard in width, and cost Is. Id. per yard. It is still in ex- cellent condition, as the enclosed pattern will show, and will in all probabiUty continue to be serviceable for several years to come. I hope I am not out of order in mentioning the name of the maker, for when I applied about two years ago to Messrs. Ashworth for a further supply, I was informed that they had ceased to make it ; still, it is possible, in the event of a good demand for this material springing up, the firm might be in- duced to resume the manufacture of this invaluable protecting material. The frost, then, has taught me— First, That frigi domo is a most ineflicient protecting material ; moreover, its cost is con- siderable, and it does not wear well. Secondly, That stout harden wUl exclude frost far more successfully than the frigi. It is also cheaper, as it can be bought 6 feet in width for Is. 5d, per yard. It will last much longer than frigi domo, and can ba easily procured of different widths to suit the height of wall. Thirdly, That the Haslingden woollen drugget is far superior to either frigi domo or harden as a protecting material, and if its efficiency and durability be taken into consideration, it would still be cheap at a higher price than Is. Id. per yard. If, however, this sort of drugget cannot now be obtained, an efficient material for protecting fruit trees from frost is still a desideratum. — C. M., Cargrave Vicarage, May 1st. ■WEATHER WISDOM. (Contimied from page 201.) It has been previously remarked that in calculating the pro- babilities of future weather, the observer must never neglect to make use of a thermometer, and to note the readings of that instrument as well as those of the barometer. Such obser- vations are always necessary, and of the greatest importance, because a rising barometer with a falling thermometer shows quite a different prospect of probable weather to that which a rising barometer and a high thermometer would lead observers to expect ; not, however, when a barometer and thermometer are placed in a hall and hung up where both are influenced, more or less, by the rays of the sun, or by the heat of a fire. Then an attached thermometer is not of much use for weather wisdom, and only informs the observer of the temperature of the air surrounding the column of mercury, and for closer ob- servations gives him the means of finding out how many hundredths ought to be deducted from the observed height of the column, the mercury in the barometer being affected by temperature. Such temperature must be taken into account in order to obtain a true reading in all critical observations. While on the subject of thermometers, I think it may be of service to point out some of the chief causes which bring about such discrepancies in the readings of these instruments. I do not by discrepancies mean difference in temperature as com- pared with the temperature of the previous day, but discrepan- cies in the temperatures of places close to each other. Many of your readers, doubtless, remember the time when the readings of their registering thermometers differed considerably from those of their neighbours close by. All were good instruments, by good makers, and yet the difference caused some anxiety as to the dependance to be placed on the observations, in cases where, had the thermometers been suspended side by side, the readings would, no doubt, have been identical. It is a common remark to hear on a frosty morning, " My theimo- meter registered so many degrees of frost," and another person living close by will say, " Mine registered a greater number," making a difference, perhaps, of three, four, or even more de- grees. The cause of such discrepancies in temperature is generally as follows. When comparisons of temperatures aie made, no allowance is given for aspect, or for the place where the thermometer is fixed. Now, there is a great difference between the readings of a thermometer on the grass, and of one placed 4 feet above the ground, or again of a thermometer placed on the snow. It was recorded by Mr. Lowe, writing from Highfield House, at the time of the great frost, on the 25th of December, 1860, that a thermometer at 4 feet from the ground was 6°, and another on the grass 8°, below zero ; and at Beeston Observatory, one 4 feet from the ground, 8.3°, another on the grass, 11.7°, and another on the snow, 13.3°, below zero. Again, some thermometers are placed in very sheltered situations — near a window, or where the true temperature is really never arrived at. Others are placed facing the north or the south, and in all cases where there is a difference it can 348 JOURNAL OF nORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. r Mar ^ IBM- generally be accounted for by the circumstance that locality, aspect, or position, has affected the reading of the instrument. Sometimes a good instrument in the hands of a novice may from bad hanging read incorrectly, owing to a portion of the spirit becoming detached, and fixing itself at or near the end of the thermometer tube, causing thereby a diminution in the true reading equal in amount to the number of degrees which are in tho upper portion of the instrument. And, again, such error may be occasioned by the evaporation, and subsequent condensation of the spirit at the upper surface of the ther- mometer, a fault which can always afterwards bo remedied by placing the thermometer in a position slightly out of the horizontal. Should an observer have any doubts as to the correctness of the instrument in his possession, it is much better at once to test its accuracy rather than to continue any longer in doubt. A good instrument furnished by a neighbour will give every facility for testing and comparing, and finding out the true readings. Such a comparison is very simple. Plunge both thermometers in water, covering the mercury in the stem, and after an interval compare the readings. If the thermometer whose accuracy is doubtful reads identically with the standard, of course no corrections are necessary ; but if there is a dif- fereiice, the observer knows tho error of his instrument, and provides against it accordingly in future readings. Such a plan for testing gives only one reliable degree of temperature ; therefore, the comparison should be carried on with water heated to different degrees, so as to correct the instrument throughout the whole scale. An accurate thermometer is an essential to a gardener, and quite as important as good garden- ing tools. He should be most careful that both for in-door and out-door purposes the instrument be suspended in such a manner, and in such a spot, that he obtain tho tnic tempe- rature of the air existing at the place. Fallacious temperatures caused by tho bulb being in too close contact with hot-water pipes, or exposed to tho rays of the sun, are too often the cause of great mischief in hothouses. A thermometer should be so suspended that tho instrument tells its tale truly — viz., the exact temperature of the external air, or the actual heat of the forcing-pit or greenhouse. A good thermometer is one of the greatest boons to a gardener, and one of the best aids to weather wisdom next to the barometer, but without correctness no good result can follow the study of the thermometer, either taken by itself or in connection with the barometer. — X. Surrey. INTERNATIONAL HORTICULTURAL : EXHIBITION AND BOTANICAL CONGRESS. _We have had much gratification in learning, and the feeling will be shared by botanists and horticulturists generally, that at the Oxford Commemoration, on June 13th, it is proposed to confer the honorary degree of D.C.L. on M. Alphonse De Candolle, President of the International Botanical Congress, and on Dr. Hooker. We also leam that the Belgian Government, as well as the raUway and steam-boat companies, have accorded very great facilities, by the reduction of fares for the transport of passen- gers and goods by way of Antwerp or Ostend to London, on the occasion of tho lutcrnational Horticultural Exhibition. The Netherlands Government have also accorded a like boon in regard to their fiscal arrangements. Through the kindness of Dr. Hooker, the Royal Gardens, Kew, will, during the Congress week, be open to our foreign guests at 10 A.M. instead of at 1 p.m. as usual. The Council of the Boyal Botanic Society, Regent's Park, and that of the Zoolo- gical Society, have also most hberally thrown their respective gardens open to the distinguished "foreign members of the Botanical Congress. PARIS EXHIBITION OP 18r.7. A MEETING of horticulturists was held at the Roval Horticul- tural Society's Garden, South Kensington, on Tuesday last, tho 1st instant. Mr. Henry Cole, C.B., presided, and among those present were Messrs. J. G. Veitch, Tamer, Laing, Ed- monds, J. Lee, BuU, Moore, T. Osbom, A. Waterer, W. B. Booth, &c., and Drs. Hogg and Masters. The Chairman're- marked that it would no doubt answer the purpose of horticul- tural builders to send subjects to such an exhibition as that to be held at Paris, and the object of the meeting was to ascer- tain if it would be practicable for British growers to exhibit their plants there, and how this might best be done. He under- stood that it would be permissible to sell the plants exhibited, which might save the cost of transit one way. He farther stated that a park of thirty acres would be devoted to this ex- hibition, and that three acres were assigned to the English, who would be free to erect there what houses and fill them with what plants they liked. Besides, a good deal of ground outside could be planted with subjects for sale. Some discussion en- sued, in which Messrs. Edmonds, J. G. Veitch, Lee, Tomer, Waterer, and BuU took part, the points mooted being the free transit of plants to the exhibition ; its duration ; the possi- bility of keeping a certain space gay with any plants that might be in season, such as -inriculas, Pelargoniimis, and other special subjects ; and the mode of judging. Several gentlemen having expressed themselves in favour of a continuous exhibition by the removal of plants when their season was over and replacing them with others, the following resolution was moved by Mr. J. Gould Veitch, seconded by Mr. J. Lee, and adopted — viz., " That British horticulturists will be happy to accept the in- vitation of the Imperial Commission to support an International Exhibition of Horticulture for a period not exceeding a fort- night, such exhibition to take place in a special building to be provided by the Imperial Commission, and would suggest for consideration that such exhibition should take place in the latter end of May or the beginning of June." On the motion of Mr. Turner, seconded by Mr. Laing, it was also resolved : — " That British horticnltnrists would be willing to co-operate mth the British Executive in exhibiting from time to time speci- mens of various plants and flowers which may be in season." A PEEP AT THE WOODS IN ODD PLACES. No. 3.— THE MANGROVE (Rhizophora mangle). " Oh ! there's the land ! " I exclaimed, as on a bright, warm morning I was standing on the poop of a vessel talking to the captain and looking out for land. The man at the mast-head had sung out " Land ho ! " more than an hour before ; but the whole of this coast is so low, that it is scarcely ■<'isible nnti] one is closely upon it. By this coast, I would have the reader understand that I mean the land at the bottom of the Bight of Benin, at the delta of the Niger, the coast where the chief part of the Pahn oil trade is carried on. The place we were bound to was Bonny ; and I may here notice that the daughter of my old friend King Peppel, of Bonny, recently arrived in Liverpool, to be educated in England. I need not tell my readers that the Princess Peppel is absolutely a negro ; but I can tell them that her nncle, .^jina Peppel, the King's brother, who was educated in England, wrote a most beautiful hand, and expressed himself in pure grammatical English, as a note requesting the loan of one of the ship's boats, and which was for some time in my possession, would amply testify. But to return to the particular morning on which the vessel I was in came in sight of the land. We were on the look-out for what is by seamen called the mouth of the Bonny river, but which is really only one of the many arms of the delta of the Niger, and on which the town or village of Bonny stands. Now, the land which we saw was in reality no land, but only trees, for the land here is so low, that in many places, indeed for enor- mous districts, it is only above water at low tide, and at other times covered or partiaUy covered to various depths with salt water, thus causing a most extensive salt-marsh country. The whole of this marsh is most wonderfully and richly covered with vegetation, and that of a truly tropical character, often being of that fearfully rank and pestiferous nature which, to a mind acquainted with tropical growth, screams and howls alond " fever ! " — fever, that fearful foe which, whether coming as the well-known ague or the horrible putrid fever, is equally pain- fully dreaded. Almost all the edge of this district is clothed with the Mangrove tree, forming a most beautiful dark green edging, which, at a distance, presents nil the appearance of a verdant grass-covered shore, but of a deeper tinge than grass usually possesses. But we will not keep at a distance, for I want you to see with me these Mangiove woods more closely, for yon will find them worthy of inspection ; so blow, good breeze, and let us get over the bar, for this is a bar river, and its passage is often attended with a great amount of danger, and when we have seen the trees I will tell you of a curious and painful custom relative to this said bar. Well, we are over ; and now while the ship is May 8, 1866. ] JOUENAL OF HOKTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. 349 going up to the anchorage we will get into the Crew canoe alongside, and go away to look at the trees ; but wait one moment whilst I tell you something about this canoe. It is made of a single tree, and, as it will carry four of us, is from 25 to 30 feet long, and about 2i feet wide. It is tapered at both ends, each end being terminated by a kind of knob or knot, and both are formed nearly alike, at any rate quite suffi- ciently so to permit of the canoe being propelled either end foremost, though of course it will travel better with one end forward than the other. It is made of a soft kind of maho- gany, and is first hollowed out with fire and then finished with a kind of chisel; it is round in the bottom, both inside and out, ha^dng no partitions, but merely in the longer and larger canoes sticks or pieces of wood placed across from edge to edge, having holes at each end, which correspond with holes in the sides of the canoe, and by passing bands through which each end of the cross piece of wood is firmly fastened to its corre- sponding side. The paddles, which are made of a hard, heavy wood, are long-hamUed and shaped iu the blade much the same as an Apple leaf, though vei-y much broader at the base — I mean where the leafstalk is inserted. Now, let us embark and away to that beautiful grove of trees, and see what we shall find there. In our light canoe we soon reached the trees, and shooting at once out of the bright sun- shine into the shade caused by the leafy canopy above us, came all of a sudden into comparative darkness. It was half tide, and looking around, on all sides huge stems of trees with curi- ously arched roots, disfigured by a thick coating of mud and slime, met the view, seeming like some strange wild di-eam verified and realised ; for these Mangrove trees are tall, straight spars running up to the height of 80, 100, or more feet without a branch, and having roots shooting from the trunk which are frequently as much as 10 or 12 feet long before they meet the mud from which the tree grows, and of a thickness varying from 2J feet to a few inches. The leaf is small, ribbed, with serrated edges, and somewhat simUar to that of the common Alder of England, not at all resembling the general nm of tropical foliage, but being more like that of the temperate zone. On the roots of these trees and on the mud at low water are con- stantly to be seen numerous little fish, which would seem to be almost amphibious, since they exist for a long period out of water, remaining in a perfectly lively state, and swimming merrily away when they again reach water. The pectoral fins of these little fellows are not placed verticaDy, as in most fish, but horizontally, and so closely together that, spreading out fiat upon the mud, they answer the same pm-pose as the fore feet of animals, and the tail being likewise horizontal the creature is enabled to move on the mud by springing. The head is very large, in shape much like that of the gurnet, with enormous eyes ; the fish is short and thick, being only from 2 to 2 J inches long, and altogether a most sinister-looking little fellow is this said fish. But I will now tell you of the custom I referred to when speaking of Bonny bar. This bar swarms with ground sharks, the most terrible and voracious of all the shark tribe, and to give you some notion of their audacity, I will relate a circumstance which occurred during my stay in the river. Some Crew-boys, i. c, natives of the Crew coast, were sent on shore with a canoe, which strik- ing the beach with her bow they aU jumped out to haul her up ; the water where the steersman was reached half way up his chest, and whilst pushing the canoe to help the others, he threw out his leg to enable him to push with greater force ; but during the time he was in this position a ground shark swam at him and literally severed the entire leg, thigh, and a portion of the hip from the rest of the body at one snap ; the mangled remains of the poor fellow were immediately conveyed on board the ship to which he belonged, but to no purpose, for he died in excruciating agony in rather less than a quarter of an hour. This will give you some notion of the ferocity of this terrible monster of the deep. Now for the custom. The natives have the utmost fear and terror of these brutes, and to propitiate them, offer on the bar a yearly human sacrifice, thereby hoping to gain their favour in case of any of their canoes upsetting. A young man is chosen whose life, accord- ing to their ideas, has bee* the most exemplary ; he then undergoes a year's probation and purification, and becomes juju — i.e., sacred. On a certain day he is taken by the priests or juju men to the water's edge, clothed in a long white dress made of calico. He is now placed standing in the bows of a large canoe, carrying as many as a hundred paddlers, the canoe being also decorated with white calico. In each hand of the sacrifice a sword is placed, leaning against the corresponding shoulder, and thus standing, his canoe commences to move a-head of a long procession of other canoes, all of which carry a greater or less number of drummers, who keep up the most diaboUcal noise with their drums and shouting. In this man- ner they proceed tUl they reach the bar, where they all pull up. Here the young man is stripped of all his finery, and forthwith plunges overboard and is straightway devoured by the sharks ; the length of time elapsing between his plunge and the water becoming crimsoned with his blood, in consequence of his being torn to pieces by the water demons, being taken as an indication of the greater or lesser acceptability and propiti- atory power of the sacrifice. Let us now turn from this sad and degrading scene in savage Hfe to the lovely works of natm-e, here to be viewed in all the wonderful luxuriance of the tropics. Here is seen besides the hard, soUd, and heavy Mangrove (its specific gravity being greater than that of salt water), a species of bastard mahogany which is soft, light, and porous, though capable of resisting for years the action of the weather, and which is therefore used by the natives of this coast for the purpose of making canoes. Prominent amongst other trees is likewise seen a most splendid tree towering above its feUows in grandeur and majesty, but, alas ! like many of the pretentious of the world, apparently but of little use, for the wood is very soft, porous, and spongy, utterly unfit for either buUding-purposes or any use where strength is required, and at the same time worse than useless for burning. The foliage is large, heavy, and succulent, as is generally the case with tropical trees and plants. The stem is large and noble-looking, several that I saw being at least 5 feet in diameter at a man's height from the ground ; the branches are numerous and of proportionate size to the bole ; and the whole tree is worthy of admiration as an object of beauty. The bark even of the trunk is smooth and very thick, and so soft as to be easily indented by a blow from a light stick. The first I ever saw I was amazingly struck with, and not bei«g at that time nearly so well acquainted with timber, especi- ally that of the hot climates, as I am now, I imagined that I had fallen in with a grand prize, for I was out with a wooding party and in search of a large stick of timber which I required for a roof-tree for a house. I called out to one of the hands who were with me to come and help me to cut down this magnificent tree, and not waiting till he came up, I thought I would set to work at once, for I carried with me a first-rate heavy American felHng axe. Fancy my disgust on making my first underchop, preparatory to making the upper one and bringing out my chip, at seeing my axe-head sink almost out of sight, and finding myself literally splashed all over my chest and face with a thick, wloite fluid, exactly similar in appearance to milk, or the juice which exudes when the tender gi-een shoots of the Fig tree are fractured. The man I called had by this time come up, and he was so tickled at the softness of the wood and its white fluid, that he began chopping away at the trunk, which was more than 3 feet in diameter. I therefore told him to cut it down, for I wished to see the thickness of the annual rings of so soft-grained a wood, for it was softer and more spongy than the Lombardy Poplar, the specific gravity of which is about the same as that of cork ; but I found after all the juice had exuded, and the wood became perfectly dry, that its specific gravity was even less. Some of the creepers are most beautiful, especially those of the Pea tribe ; whilst the eye is constantly attracted by a bright blue flash, amongst the trees and flowers, caused by a beautiful light-blue kingfisher darting fi-om the bough of some bush through the vivid sunlight, as he pounces with un- erring aim upon some luckless landcrab, who has most impru- dently strayed from his hole in the sand ; and to complete the strangeness and discord of the scene, large flocks of grey par- rots scream noisily overhead, passing over the river high in air ; and huge iguanas and Uzards, which here not unfrequently reach 5 feet or more in length, and are held sacred, or juju, by the natives, crawl lazily along in the shade of the bushes which come down to the shore, or sleepily bask on the sand, luxuriat- ing in the mild wanntli of the sun, whilst the thermometer stands at 98' in the shade. — A Scegeon. Bleedixg of Vines. — I have found a simple remedy of my own always unfailing, which is to apply with a penknife a httle cement made into a stifl' paste to the bleeding part, first drying the wound with a rag ; repeat the process in two or three hours' time and the bleeding wiU be effectually stopped. — Novice. 350 joubnaij of horticulture and cottagk gardeneb. [ uaxmsm. ";■ THE COST OF A STINK. M\NY cultivators have an affectionate likiuf; for a stink. They imagino that a punnent stench Kiveu off by a dung-heap in a sure sign of gomlness and btrengtli in the maniue, and, in fact, they ehtimate its vahio very much by the scuso of smell. " Ike Marvel " hits ofl' this idea very well in his well-written book, "My Farm of Kdgowood," where he makes "Nathan," one of his oharactere, deliver himself of the following opinions, in oonverBation with a scientific gentleman. " Guess it's all right ; pmells pooty good, doan't it? " " Yes, hut don't j-ou lose some- thing in the smell ? " " Wall, d'n know ; kinder hard to bottle miu:h of a smell, ain't it ? " " But why don't you compost it- - pack up your long manure with turf and earth, so that they will absorb the ammonia?" "The what?" "Ammonia; Vreoisoly what makes guano act so will now require to bo sown very often in small quantities. Scarlet Uunners, sow full crops of these and of Dwarf Kidney Beam. Turnips, keep up succcssional sowings. FBCIT OAIU>EN. Proceed with the moderate disbudding of Peaclies, Nec- tarines, and Apricots. Plums will now require a share of attention in this way by removing all the foreright shoots from the young wood, taking care not to leave more than can be kept well nailed in without crowding. Continue to remove all super- fluous wood from Vines. Stir the surface of the earth well among Strawberry plants ; have ready a well-prepared piece of ground for planting out all the forced Strawberries as they are brought from the forcing structures ; they will produce strong runners for the next year's forcing, and the crops the next year from those left in the ground will be superior to any grown in tho usual way ; the plants will require several ap- plications of water after planting to give them a fair start. FLOWER G-IKDEN. Tho late rains will be favourable for recently -planted shrubs, and now that the soil is damp, no time should be lost in com- pleting whatever in the shape of planting or bedding-out young nursery stuff remains on hand. If not done previously the her- baceous ground should now be well cleaned and neatly raked over ; this cannot well be done sooner in consequence of many species being late in vegetating. Fill up vacancies either from the reserve ground or by sowing annuals in the intermediate spaces. Large plants of some genera, as Phloxes, Asters, A-c, generally throw up too many (lowering shoots ; where such is the case thin them out at once, so as to obtain not only fine heads of bloom, but incre,ised strength in the remaining shoots, to enable them to need less assistance from stakes. Hollyhocks, for late blooming, may still be planted, as it is better, where they are grown extensively, to plant at two or three times so as to insure a succession of bloom. Those showy plants are admirably adapted for planting in long lines and parallel to straight walks, walls, ,tc., where they produce a grand effect. One of the principal points in pleasure-ground scenerT.- is the beauty of the turf, which should be kept at all times closely- cut if perfection is aimed at, but more particularly at this season, when by frequent mowings, cutting tho grass as low as possible, the foundation of a close-bottomed turf will bo laid for the season. On poor, sandy, or rocky soil the verdure must be maintained by occasional waterings with Uqnid manure, or dressings with guano, itc. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. As soon as tho cold frames and pits become clear of bedding plants they should be occupied with young stock of hardwooded plants, for the summer growth of which they are better adapted than large houses. Such places will also be found suitable for dwarf LobeUas, Salvia splcndens, S. gesnera>flora, and many other things which are generally grown for flowering in the conservatory in summer and autumn, indeed most plants which require only a moderate temperature will be more manageable here and thrive better than in lofty houses with double the at- tention. As early-flowering New Holland plants go out of bloom they should be treated in the way most favourable to secure compact growth, placing them in an airy part of the greenhouse. When tho buils have fairly started will bo the time for shifting such as requir* more pot-room, as they can then be kept somewhat close for a fortnight to encourage a free root-action without incurring the risk of the buds breaking scantily. No tribe of plants is better adapted to keep np a con- stant display in the conservatory than Azaleas. Many of the Indian varieties are remarkable for brilhancy of colour, whilst the hardy Belgian kinds are favourites on account of the agree- able ira^ance. The treatment recommended for the Camellia May 8, 18M. 1 JOURNAL OP HOBTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. 351 to cause it to produce flowers in winter, is in the main appli- cable to the Indian Azalea. Forcing into wood botimeH in the spring, a trifliuR amount of check to induce it to form flower- bads, and partial rest foraconsiderable time before excitement, are the main features reqiiirinj; attention. The Azalea, how- ever, will stand more heat than the Camellia and less shading. Those intended for flowering next January and February should be forced into growth without delay. Let Ericas and tlie various hardwooded plants inclined to grow straggling be fre- quently stopped whilst growing freely. Let all the exhausted stock of Cinerarias be cut over successively in order to favour the development of suckers for next winter's flowering. They may be cleansed with tobacco if foul, and removed to a cold frame until the end of the month. Shift on Balsams and other tender annuals. Pot off Achimenes, and repot, where necessary. Gloxinias, Sinningias, &c. Put in a stock of Chry- santhemum cuttings for autumn display. PITS AND FRAMES. Encourage Cucumber plants for the ridges, let them be kept near the glass where they may have abundance of air and light to cause them to become sturd}', stiff plants for turning out. The ridge should be placed in a sheltered situation. The method of preparing it is as follows : — Dig out a trench about 1 j foot deep and 3 feet wide, fill up with well-fermented materials to 2j feet in height, cover the whole with about 1 foot of light rich soil, then mark out places for the plants at 4 feet apart, on which place the hand-glasses ; turn out the jdants when the mould becomes warm, give them a little tepid water around the hall to settle the earth, and cover with the glasses. — W. Kkane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. If " changes are delightful," then may we islanders be happy and contented. Up to Friday week the weather was what might be expected in Jime, hut a closeness in the atmosphere and a falling barometer told us that ere long rains would come, and they came so softly and warm on the Saturday afternoon, that all bedding plants, whether under glass, or mats, or canvass, planted out or potted, were freely exposed to its in- fluence, the rain with the warmth being so much better than any application from the water-pail. One great advantage of the Cranston system of building glass houses, would be the possibility of so managing the planes of glass that they might be made to stand vertically when so desired. It is almost impossible to secure all advantages by any one mode of struc- ture, or any one mode of conducting operations. He is the prudent and the wise man that makes the most of his circum- stances, without vainly sighing after other circumstances and appliances which he cannot obtain. We should be afraid to state the very little that the simple fixed roofs of our orchard- houses cost, as if let alone they would have been less than Mr. Rivers stated in his " Orchard-House ;" and that was cheap enough in all conscience. That book and the curate's five-pound greenhouse, amazingly tickled the public, who had come to the conclusion that the smallest glass house must cost them at least from fifty to one hundred guineas. In running a good chance of rlieumatism from luxuriating in the delight- ful rains of the Saturday afternoon, and having everything that would stand it freely exposed to such sweet watering, we could not but regret that the fixed squares of the orchard- house could not all stand up vertically to allow the warm fluid drops to fall all over the trees and plants in the house. As the next best we could do for them, we had them syringed, that they, too, after so much fierce sun might know something of the moist balmy air that enveloped everything out of doors ; but the syringe at best is only a compromise for the gentle rains. On any other night but Saturday we might have left the most of things uncovered ; but, though wann. the veering of the wind to the north told us the rains might become colder, and then there would have been much shutting up and covering on Sunday morning. All covers, therefore, were replaced ; and it was as well, for on Monday morning we had a severe frost, with ice the thickness of the sixteenth of an inch on shallow water, and leaves of Geraniums, &c., that touched glass or cloth coverings were slightly blackened, though no injury was done to the plants. That frost, as we expected, has been followed by heavy rains, hail, sleet, and snow, just sufficient to remind us that the weather of July is not to be expected in the first days of May. KITCHEN GARDES. Planted-ont Cabbages, pricked-out Cauliflower for succession, made the nets more secure where seeds of vegetables were sown. Scattered wood ashes on the ground to keep slugs, &c.,at bay. Our netting is too small to let birds through ; but though raised above the ground and fastened at the sides, Radish seed, i-c, near the sides can be obtained by their sitting on the stretched net and sending their bills through the openings. All tlie Peas, sown three timss, liaving gone to feed the pheasants, planted out a number of rows from semi-circular drain-tiles, the I'eas being from 2{ to 3 inches in height, staking them at once as soon as planted. Of course, this takes up a deal of time, but we hope we shall thus secure a crop. A kind correspondent tells us how he secures all his crops from all kinds of birds, and two-footed and four-footed game, by a number of " trained cats," and of this we will have some- thing to say ere long. By his system, with plenty of cats, the crops of vegetables and fruit may bo pretty well secured, even though the game have access to the garden, or to its immediate precincts, as the game must be stupid indeed to let the cat catch them when so much under control, whilst its seen pre- sence and activity, and freedom of motion over a defined space, will frighten them and keep them at bay. In times gone by we derived, as respects birds, similar advantages from hawks that could not fly far, until the birds became knowing enough to perceive the hawks could not catch them, unless they were culpably careless and stupid. We noticed a few flowers on Uillistone's Early Peas out of doors open on the 1st of May. These, too, had been trans- planted. Pods are swelling on some ol the same age planted out in the front of the orchard-house, and allowed to run over the ground as they like. Tom Thumb, in pots, in the earliest orchard-house, and from plants turned out, yielded a good gathering ou the Ist, and might have been gathered earlier, and the plants are densely clothed with pods swelling fast. We never had Tom Thumb so strong, and it is ju.st possible we may have used Sutton's Tom Thumb in mistake ; but as there is a row of that in the late orchard-house just coming into bloom, we shall be able to perceive if there is much difference. All Peas under glass require plenty of water, and a syringing overhead also does them good, or they are apt to eat harder than when they are grown out of doors. A little clear soot water also improves their crispness. Beginners that grow Tom Thumb should bear in mind to gather before the pods are at all large, as the young peas lie flat in the pod. In answer to an in- quirer who is an epicure in one thing, and that is pea soup, and who would have it of the Green Pea flavour every day in the year if he could, but has only a little heated greenhouse to help him, we would advise his sowing boxes of Peas in his house from October to May, thickly, just as h? would do Mus- tard and Cress, and cut them over when 2 inches high, and slice the plants small, and use them as Green Peas. These make a capital substitute for those who are so fond of the young Pea flavour. Unlike Peas, we always think Dwarf Kidney Beam are sweetest and cnspest when grown imder glass, unless, indeed, when gathered out of doors in warm showery weather in July and August. A row in pots is knotting for bloom in the orchard- house, and they will enable us to clear them all out of the Peach-house, and also from a pit where they have been long bearing. Sowed a lot in boxes and in five-inch pots, five Beans in a pot, which will be transplanted as they are without breaking tlJe balls, except a little disengaging of the fibres outside. Potatoes. — ^\'e planted a lot more, but were stopped by the heavy rains, which made our ground anything but kindly to work. Drew a little earth over the forwardest tops out of doors in case we have another Monday's frost. The most of our supply for the table as yet has come from pots ; but two frames of two lights each are ready. Took the frames off them, and protected by hurdles placed over them at night, and merely resting on pots set at back and front. Gave plenty of air, except in these coid nights, to a wide earth pit where the tubers at one end are about fit for use. A little litter, leaves, and rotten dung were placed below the frames, and a little soil on the surface, and in these hulf-hardy aimuals will be set fiom Melon-frames or pricked out, and at least one frame of good stout plants of early Celery. A great number must be pricked out, with a little shelter out of doors, as soon as we can get time and opportunity. There is no danger of early Celery bolting if it is never allowed to have a check. It suffers more from being checked before it is finally planted-out than is generally imagined. This moving about so easily gives a great advantage to frames 8(2 JOUBNAL OP HOKTICULTURB AND COTTAGE GABDEKEB. taqrs,iew. over pits, as what was prown under them may be protected by sometljiDg more simple than glass, and the plass and box be re- moved for another purpose. The glass that is used for Carrots, Turnips, &c., may be diBpensed with in a few days, and, there- fore, though fixed roofs arc by far the cheapest, we could not get on well in limited space and with limited conveniences with- out moveable fmmes and sashes. We would be afraid to say how often some of our two-liRlit boxes have been moved and made to serve different purposes in a twelvemonth. A good deal of the seme system is pursued with glass that covers a brick pit, the sashes being placed over earth and turf jiits, with merely a rail on each side on the ground to prevent the sashes resting on the earth. Sowed more Onions and the main crop of IJect, Salsafy, and Scorzonera. The Onions succeeded the Celery, which was taken np and packed in an out-of-the-way comer in a heap of lurnace ashes, whore it has kept very good. We think it keeps all the longer when lifted with good bulls in March. A late bed tliat was never earthed-up. thus treated, and well banked with ashes, will come in well for soups before the earliest of this season's sowing comes in. Though bolted a little, if white, it will do for that purpose much better than what is young and green. Karly Celery, however, may be had very early if there is room and labour power. More "than half of the difficulties of the gardener in half the places in the country arise from so much being expected, and from such httle means and resources. FRUIT CrAJJDES. With the exception of syriuging a single tree with quassia water, and taking out and thoroughly washing a small tree in a pot, our work in the orchard-house has been merely keeping a look-out for insects, caterpillars, JL-c, a few turned-np leaves appearing on a forward Plum tree. For want of anything more handy we put as much soot as could be held between the thumb and three fingers on each tree pot in the orchard-house, and watered it in with a rose watering-pot. As soon as we have time and opportunity we will water one-third of the ground with drainings from the dunghill, getting over all the ground at three times, at something like a week's interval. Expecting these lean-to orchard-houses to be continued, we made a small border in front of one of them (the earliest), and planted Vines S feet apart, so as to let in hght to the back wall. These, cut back well, are breaking very strongly, and showing many bunches at every eye. A walk goes in front of the hoiiK', and our intention was to have made the under part of the walk some day into an extended border, and convert that orchard-house into a late vinery, as our other houses are rather flat-roofed. W^tli the steeper roof of the orchard-house late Grapes could be kept well into April, and these could be suc- ceeded by early ones in a pit. Of course we are aware that ul- timately these Vines will have to be sacrificed, or the plants as Standards and dwarfs on a trellis in front of the house will have to be done away with, excppt in the openings between the Vines. However, it is easier talring out than putting in. Any simple mode of heating would keep such a house of Grapes safe in winter, and such kept Grapes will ever be more economical than early forced ones. Peacli-li'visr — fitrniihrrrifs. — Tied-iu a number of shoots, and will require an evening or a morning to do so effectually, and ex- pose the fruit more thoroughly to the sun and air. Thi.s house mnst also be more or less thinned of Strawberry-]iots. For early work we set the flowers here to a great extent, and move them elsewhere to swell and ripen. Most places in permanent cropping are becoming too shaded for this purpose, and there- fore we shall fill some hghts in a pit thinly, taking them from the orchard-house whore they are showing bloom, but where they would be too dark to set well and have good flavour. The flavour question renders it now unsuitable to gather fruit from under the shade of Vines. We obtained some fruit from the back of a Cucumber-pit, fully exposed on a shelf to the sun ; but we have removed the shelf, as the moisture was too much fw the flavour; and if the air was all shut oft in a cold night some of the ripest were apt to damp in places before the berry was fully ripe all over. It always goes against the grain to bo under the necessity of gathering a basket of forced Strawberries shortly after the pots have been watered, as they neither carry so well nor eat so well. At the back of pits, such as those filled with Beans, there was no fear of damping, but being close to the wall on a shelf there was such danger of hardening and burning the fruit in the late bright weather, that we ran a brush coloured with soot water along the wall above the plants, to lessen the reflection of the light and heat. There will be less likelihood of this in a pit filled with Strawberries, and the sun has now gained such an altitude, that there will be plenty of direct light to set, swell, and flavour the fruit. As we fear we shall scarcely have enough of Strawberry-pots, most likely we will take up a lot of youug plants, planted on a border on purpose, now throwing np their trusses. I'art of theae we shall Lift witli bolls, and plant in a bed with heat below them, and part we shall pot singly in six-inch pots, and plmige the pots in a mild hotbed out of doors, with the tops of the Strawberries exposed to encourage roots reaching the sides of the pots before the plants are in bloom. We may calculate on its being fully live weeks before we gather fruit out of doors, and thoush the last-planted-out plants look well, wo notice that some that have been two and three years in the ground are patchy from the excessive wet of the winter and the frosts in spring. We may here also add, as respects forced Strowberries, that though they like a variety of mannre waterings after the trusses show, we prefor cleur water after the berry begins to colour. Fiii-hiiusc or Pit.- — Wo went over the most of this in a shady day, e.xposing the fruit tD the light to a certain extent, as a little shade from the leaves prevents burning and scorching, removing lots of extra shoots, and stopping the points of those intended for the second crop. When much of this has to be done, let us advise beginners to put on some of their cast-aside clothes, and partly, at least, to cover their faces and hands. Much of this work had to be done by getting beneath the rough- ish wildish bushes with face, brow, and hands pretty well ex- posed to the droppings of the milky juice, and notwithstanding our care, and a state of skin which rarely festers from cut or tear, the viscid juice managed to raise some ugly blisters on our brow and hands. Of course, when trees are trained to a wall or trellis, there is less likelihood of the jiiirc hurting the operator. For ease in managing and fertility in cHij'ping we prefer under glass the somewhat rough natural style of growth, with the tying of a shoot now and then, so that it may not rob its neigh- bours of light. We mention about the juice the more particu- larly because a lady gardener last season had her hand spotted and blistered. The bad effects pcnernlly soon pass away, but the juice leaves ugly stains on black cloth and black sili, and indeed on cloth of all kinds. Vincriis. — We have had a good deal of work in these of late, thinning Grapes morning and evening, regulating the second vinery, and commencing thinning bunches, and regulating and thinning shoots in the late vinery. In the second vinery went over several times in the sunny days the bimches in bloom, slightly shaking, brushing, or drawing a clean dry hand over them, beginning at the top and passing along the bunch. We have found nothing to equal the dry hand in a sunny day, and a temperature of from 70° to 80° and onwards. Where pollen is at all scarce, a piece of white paper may be held in one hand below the bunch, and thus the pollen of one kind plentiful in fertiUsing-dust, will help to set another kind whore the pollen is deficient. By such simple means we have rarely failed in setting Dutch Sweetwater, Black Morjcco, Black Damascus, and the different kinds of Muscats when wo grew them. A man may thus go over the bimches of a large house in a short time. On large bunches of Muscats this may have to be done several times, as the shoulders will sometimes be in bloom before the points. In the late vinery, we managed in the dull day of Tuesday to raise Vines nearer the glass, and to stop most of the fruiting- shoots. It is of little use stopping too soon when growth is desired, and the Vines have more room than ours. These Vines had been suspended about 2 feet or more from the glass, have now been raised to from 15 to 13 inches from it, have broken every eye almost, and never had a syringing, and possibly will never have water on the leaves and fruit until the Vines are washed after the fruit has been cut. Our water is so far from pure that we lessen syringing. We have just cleared this house of Pelargoniums, and not too soon, as they were becoming a little drawn, and we must keep the conservatory a little closer in consequence to suit them for a few days. OIINAMENTAI. DErAETllEXT. On this we can say nothing further this week, than that wo have been very busy with bedding plants, giving them a little protection, in fresh arranging plant-houses, conservatory, &o., removing lots of Cinerarias and Primulas, taking Camellias, Epacris, itc, done blooming, to the vinery ; and in placing .Azaleas where they will be best seen and a little shaded, Pelargoniums where they will have more light, and Fuchsias where they can have more light still. Many tilings will be freshened np a bit, and be brought back again when in full May 8, 1886. I JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 3SS bloom. Potted-off Balsams, Amaranths, &c. The change in the weather enabled ns to do mnch work, which we could not attempt in snch scorching days, when from morning to night there was a continuous demand on the watering-pot and the syringe. One thing required more labour and material — the furnaces ; when the bright sun left us we were obliged to fall back on more coke and coal. — R. F. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— May o. Very few remarks are called for this week in connection with onr market, except to notice the lar^e quantities of Cacuinhers now raised, we may safely say 50 vir cent, more than will supply the demand ; and the importation from Holland having just hegnn, it will tend to lower the prices still more. Continental supplies are well kept up, and now include Cherries, 5. d. s. Apples }-2 sieve 3 0 to 5 Apricots tloz. 0 0 0 Cherries lb. 3 0 5 Chestnuts bush. 0 0 0 Currants, Bed !-j sievo 0 0 0 Black do. n 0 0 PiRS doz. 8 0 15 FUbertg lb. 0 0 0 Cobs lOOlbs. 0 0 160 Gooseberries . . quart 3 0 0 Grapes, Hothouse.. Ih. 10 0 1.5 Lemons 100 6 0 10 ■\Ielons each Nectarines doz. Orances 100 Peaches doz. Pears (dessert) . . doz. 10 kitchen do^. 0 Pine Apples Ui. 8 Plums ^2 sievo 0 Quinces .... ^.j sieve 0 Raspberries lb. 0 Strawberries oz. 0 Walnuts bush. 14 fl. s. 0tol2 0 0 0 12 0 15 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 i 0 n 0 n 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 VEGETABLES. A^ichokes each Asparapus .... bundle Beans, Broad. . bushel Kidnev 100 Beet, P^d doz. Broccoli bundle Brus. Sprouts ^^ sieve Cabbatre doz. Capsicums ino Carrots bnnch Canliilower doz. Celery bimdle Cucumbers en ch pickling doz. Endive doz. Fennel bunch Garlic lb. Herbs bunch Horseradish . . bundle s. d. s. d { 0 StoO 6 1 0 3 0 0 1 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 S 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 8 6 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 H 0 0 1 0 n 0 n S n 0 2 6 4 0 Leeks bnnch Lettuce per doz. ^lushrooms .... pottle Mnstd.& Cress, punnet Onions bushel Parsley sieve Parsnips tioz. Pens '^ sieve Potatoes bushel Kidney do. Tladishes . . doz. bands Rhubarb bundle S:ivoys doz. Sei-kale basket Shallots lb. Spinach bushel Tomatoes. ... H sieve Turnips bunch Vegetable MaiTows dz. d. R. d 3 too 0 0 16 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 TO CORRESPONDENTS. *»* We request that no one will write privately to the depart- mental writers of the "Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they aj*e subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All comraunicationa should therefore be addressed solehj to The Editors of the Journal of Uorticulture^ &c,y 171, Fleet Street, Lond/yv, E.C. We also request that correspondents will not mix np on the same sheet questions reliftinj; to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them an- swered promptly and conveniently, bixt 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. Madras Radish (H. M. K.). — It is a variety of, but tbe same species as Raphanus e ludatus, or Tailed-podded Radish. The pods, however, are very much shorter. The Midras Radish has assumed an altered fonn, probably from beinc* loni? cultivated in n. different climate. R. caudatus is a native of Java, where its pods ftttain always a lencrth of between 3 and 4 feet, trailing on the ground. The natives cull it Moogree. EnPHROu oTioRATTssiMA (^07(011^ — Wo Unow of no such plant. Eu- phronia hirtellnides i>^ the nenrest name at all like it. and the plant to which it is applied belongs to the Natural Order Rosaceae, and is a native of Brazil. Peach Trees Shedding their Blossom (A. H.).— If the wood was strong, most likely the want of ripeness has something to do with the flowers droi>pin£». Extra dryness, or extra wet would also cause it. and 80 would extreme dryness followed by a thorough watering at once after the buds were swelling. We linew of a similar case years ago, where every blossom fell from want of air during a bright son, but there is no reason for supposing that to be your cnae. GLADIOI.TJS Ci'LTTJRE (J. J. S.). — The fleason is now too far advanced to make any observations on the Gladiolus to be of service, but if ynu mil look at page 101 of the present Volume, you will there find ail the infor- mation you need. GROwrNpT Tobacco Tanthes Candida and Z. rosea. These last are mostly herbaceous perennials, and may be had as plants at moderate prices from most nurserymen. HoLL\'HOCK Leaves Spotted (TT., a Sttbscrihn-). — The leaves are badly blotched, and this, we think, from frost. There are also traces of a fungus or mildew, and this if the same as we were some time ago pestered with, will yield to a dusting of the leaves with fresh slaked lime. Water in summer with manure water. We apprehend your soil is light. Black Xsts (A Constant Rcad>^r).^Sprin]i\c guano, or pour ammoniacal liquor from the gas-works over their nests and runs. trOLiATH STRAWBERRY -dressings of manure and copious manure waterings, you may have' plants in the circles without injming the Roseet to any considerable extent. Acacia deaijiata Unhealthy (A Lady Suhsrriher).—V?o think that the bron-nness and faUing of the leaves must be caused by the soil not being kept sufficiently moist, or bad drainage would produce the same result. The ill appearance of the foliage might also arise from a de- ficiency of licht and air in proportion to the heat. The growth.s, judging from that sent, are very weak. Is the house well ventilated, no plants on the roof overshadowing the Acacia, the soil free, suitable, and well drained, and the temperature not mure than sufficient to keep out frost? Plant for Wall of Conservatory {Idem).— Of the plants which yon have. Plumbago capeneis would be the most suitable. Wo do not know of any more suitable for a hot wall in a coaaeryatory-tliiu BoM^vjU^a speciosa andLuculia gralissima. 'iq" Si nj eiiiij i-j i^vHtitLi^^ ^-J- mp. JOURNAL QF hqeticulture; AND cot?;agb PA^p^i^jf^y Waues aki> PniCES IS ACBmii-iA (^uhn Z.atrran«).— We have made inqatriun of a reliable nutliorit)-, but we ehall not have replica until at least six monthK luivo paHKcd. Strxnuixo I>i.\NTa TN Town GAnnEHn ili. W. S.).— Syringing the foUa^u o( plants iu ti>wn Kardens itt Tery dofirnblo, as it frees the leaveti of dit^t and t^outy deiH)i«itM to a ^oat extent, and tund^^ to Icttseit the evils consr^ncnt on tlio execsnivo evaporation or cxhaliition to which plants ID towns arc liahlo from the dryuesu of tho atmosphere. A (^ood H>*riD|L(* ins, therefore, iu the evonlni;; of hot drjr dayn will, iu a great degree, aeutroliso the bad cITectH of a towa atmosphere on plautt). TuLii'H CoLOLULrsa {SUbnQuth).—'Y!o can only nttribnto tho want o' colour in the Tulips to tho soil beiriK very rich, made ho most liktly by b^avT drefl>)lnR« of mannr«. One thine \* certain, tfap plants are in ihoA exceudlnftly TifloruuB couditioa wlilch iudueus double tlouura. Would you kiiitUy favour us with partirulnrit of huil and oultivaliou |iritcti>ed, uiul tho name of the varit-ty '.' Surely it i-* of the Parrot wection, and that known ati UcUo Jautie, or Tulipa lutoa major. Double Vioi.kts (ft. Tf.).— The ftowen* were loo much withered to form any opinion of thoir merit<<. Could you not itend a plant lor the Floral Committoo to examine niid rep<^rt upon ? Name« or Plants {P.I. iV-rirMut,— PaRsifloraprincop^. {G. SlaUh).^ Asplonium trichomano3, Uymouupbylluiu Wil/^nnj, KM, METEOROLOGiaiL OBSERVATIONS in the Suburbs of London for tho Week ending May r,th. DATS. TOSRMOltKTZB. ^ffin d Bain In inches. \ Air. Eartb. Grn'Riul RfacAnxB. ' Max. Min. Max. Min. 1 ft. dp. 3 ft. dp. .Sm. .. 29 Mod... ho Tues. . 1 Wed. . 2 Thnrs. 3 Fri. .. 4 Sot. .. & Mean 29.821 29.746 29.181 20.602 29.670 sa.sug 30.133 29.781 29.C34 29.413 29.403 29..S54 29.727 3J.040 48 50 44 42 52 48 60 32 83 34 32 26 25 39 52 oot 49 50 60 51 62 SOS 60' 50 19 48 49 •19 N.E. N.E. N.E. W. W. w. s. .10 .00 .01 .14 .10 .01 .14 Cold easterly wind ; overcast ; rain. Overcast ; culd and buiiiterouti ; tiuu bat cold at nigUL Overcast ; cloudy and cold ; min. Cold and overcast ; sliglil tjut very cold sliowors; rain at night. IJftin ; densely overcast ; thunder, with some hail ; fine ; Irosly. Frost early ; ilno with slight hH/.e ; inusse.t ol w hito clouds ; finef Clour ; cloudy, with cold though S. wind ; fine at uight. (iroaty. f I 29.787 29.654 9.14 32.36 .■■10.64 49.85 1 .. 0.40 POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE- RAILWAY CHARGES. Amongst the many who have supported ilr. Hinton's inde- fatigable exertions to obtain a reductiou of charges, I have failed to observe that any poultry association through any one of its officers has given any advice or opinion upon tliis important question. Now, I think that opinions should be obtained as far as practicable from different poultiy committees, or, to bring the matter into a smaller compass," I should say through the secretary or chairman, who themselves are able in many cases to give a vast amount of information upon this subject. My own opinion is that all poultry committees throughout the kingdom should take up this matter with a determination to use their best endeavours to obtain a uniform tariff of railway Charges. I am led to believe if they did, that in many cases of failure success would attend their exertions. It really is a matter equally for the fidl consideration of the promoters of shows themselves as it is for exhibitors ; and I may suggest to llr. Hinton the consideration of obtaining committees' opinions, and further, in forming deputations to any railway company, the desirability of selecting gentlemen who represent some of the principal shows — say one-half should be composed of exhibitors and one-half of promoters. If some such plan as this were adopted I feel assured that success must attend the labours of those who are desirous of seeing this evil of exces- sive railway charges reduced to a uniform scale. I can only add, I should be at all times pleased to assist in promoting such a result, and to give any information desired upon as ub- ject which all jioultry-keepers must foci a great interest in. —Philip W.wuibn, Uoh. Sicretanj oj the Hampshire Poultry Show, Southampton. 2udly, I will undertake the whole of tho correspondence and arrangements of this proposed show, and I have no donbt as to its success if proper care be exercised. 3rdly, It would be well if those who feel inclined to assist 'niopathic chemist. In '■ cold in the eye," one or two doses of aconite have been attended with the best result. In " infiammatio epidemica " (of the vent), a dose or two of nux vomica has been of speedy effect. In "the pip or thrush," he ridicules the scraping of tha', tongue, and recommends a few homwopaihic grains of " spon- gia" as a medicine, which would cure the bird without an^' operation becoming necessary. '' Nothing is said iu regard to the way of feeding during the 'treatment, except to abstain from stimulants. So far homiiiopathy. He says in other respects, " In Ger- many the swelling of the crop is cured in a few hours by simply rubbing the tongue at night with salt, and giving the bird some pieces of garlic to eat. By swelling of the crop is not meant the hardening of it, but its swelliug caused by fluid matter, akin to roup." I treated Creve Caur fowls in this way, and restored them entirely ^sithin two days, repeating the experiment no more than once, their crops having swollen to the size of a man's fist. He gives a caution also against coffee-grounds, thrown away near a sink, as a deadly poison to poultry. Lice are immediately expelled from the plumage of poultry' and Pigeons by letting a few drops of turpentine-oil run through tho feathers down from the necV. Birds suffering from the "worm" [gapes?] are effectually cured in Germany by dipping a few pieces of bread iu spirit of turpentine, and forcing them down the throat. The tur- pentine is absorbed into the system, and destroys every worm without foil. " But," the author continues, " above all, separate a diseased bird at once from the others, and Hay 8, 18£e. ] JOUBNAli OP HOBTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 355 let it have its full liberty on grass land. There it finds medicine prepared by nature, better than any human help can procure." — F. B. NOTES ON PIGEONS.— No. 4. FORMER ENGLISH WRITERS ON THE SUBJECT. DANIEL GIBTON. Following " The Treatise of a.d. 176.5," came the stiU better known "New and Complete Pigeon Fancyer, by Mr. Daniel ^jrirton, of the county of Bucks." This gentleman had a greater love for a lengthy title-page than even the author of " The Treatise," and he had in addition a pleasing self-complacency in regard to his literary labours. He thought highly of his work ; this shows that he enjoyed his authorship — as he rounded his sentences he was pleased with them. He says in his title- page (and title-pages are usually, like prefaces, the part of a work last written), that his book is "An useful, instructive, and sure guide to Pigcon-fancyers in every sphere of life, com- prehending all that is necessary to be known in the whole fancy of Pigeons." He tells us in his preface, that " the most in- defatigable pains have been bestowed to make this treatise equally beneficial and curious !" and that " without flattery or deception he offers to the public the best, the cheapest, and most useful work on the subject ever yet published in the English language." " A Daniel had indeed come to judgment," in his own opinion without doubt, and I am not sure but that he was right, although he sliould not liave praised himself, as our copy-slips told us at school. Self-complacent Daniel, in the title-page, in the preface, and in the body of the work, still praising yourself for looking back upon the part finished ! Daniel says, "Having presented my readers with a copious, useful, and entertaining natural history of the Pigeon." Com- fortable-minded, self-congratulating Daniel ! sitting under the Beeches of Buckinghamshire, feeling certain that on the Pigeon subject you had done your duty. I have said that Daniel Girton's book followed " The Treatise," and soon after I am pretty sure, but how soon I am, alas ! unable to state. I have what I think is a copy of the first edition. The spelling is old, the word fancier spelled thus, " fanO)/er." The type is poor, and the paper very coarse ; indeed, more impure paper to print on can scarcely be seen anywhere. At the bottom of the title-page I read, "London: Printed for Alex. Hogg, No. 16, Paternoster Kow," but date I find none. My copj- has been closely bound, and a portion of the bottom of the title-page was cut off in the binding. Under the words just quoted I can trace the upper parts of some figures, or letters, but there is not sufficient left for me to be able to make them out. If they are a date, perhaps some one possessing a first edition will iindly furnish me with it. Guton's book has, I fancy, found far more readers than either " The Columbarium," or " The Treatise." The work has been printed again and again ; five-and-twenty — no, eight- and- twenty-years ago (how time flies !), I had a copy lent to me then just bought new. Soon afterwards I saw another, and in 1842 I bought a new copy in Bristol. Tliey were in paper cases, and exactly alike, and Uke the one now lying before me. Self-complacent Daniel was scarcely just to other people. Unlike the nameless author of " The Treatise," he does not say his work was " compiled," but he calls it " new." Oh, Daniel ! this was not quite right. Even when he speaks of his book being " embellished with a set of engravings, elegantly executed from drawings accurately taken from life," if he implies that these were done for him he is hardly correct, for with simply the frontispiece of skinny cat and suppli- cating mouse notoriety excepted, and the over-gay Mottle, we have merely the old cuts of " The Treatise." The pictures in Girton are printed altogether as a frontispiece to the work, opening out like a map in a school geography. Here we have again the dumpy Powter, the ungraceful Fantail, the Almond over-coarse, the inelegant Carrier, the charming Jacobin, and the Trumpeter, &c., all feather for feather like those in " The Treatise." Then when we come to the matter, especially the descriptions of the varieties, we have much of " The Colum- barium" and "Treatise" over again, with the sentences a little alters d or their order changed. Girton's " Fancyer " is closely printed, and contains 140 pages, and appears to have been well known by even those who -were not fanciers. Thus Southey in that curiosity of itferature, " The Doctor," mention's, if my memory does not deceive me, this very book of Girton's, devoting a whole chapter to it. Although not wholly an original work, yet, I think, there are many good reasons to show that the fancy were wise in accepting it as the standard book on the subject during many years. It was portable, cheap doubtless, and better arranged and more complete than either " The Columbarium " or " The Treatise." Girton is the first writer on fancy Pigeons who gives U3 the natural history of Pigeons generally. He writes of the Stock Dove, the wild Pigeon, and the Turtle Dove, thus being naturalist and ornithologist as well as fancier, and so commending his book to lovers of birds. He writes, too, pleasantly enough. Then he speaks of the Dove-house Pigeon and its habits, and gives us an anecdote of a farmer who com- plained to a gentleman of the injury done in his fields by that gentleman's Pigeons, and getting the reply — " When you see them trespassing pound them." Upon which the farmer steeped some peas in an infusion of cocculus indicus, which peas the Pigeons ate, and soon lay lifeless on the field. The farmer picked them up, put them into an empty bam, and gave the gentleman notice that he had taken his advice and pounded the Pigeons. This first chapter of Girton especially is plea- sant reading. Then follow full directions for keeping Pigeons for profit, building their cote, stocking it, laws relating to Pigeons, and methods of preventing them leaving their home ; all this, including forty-eight pages of useful matter not in either of the former books, and though not meant for fanciers, yet very instructive, and almost every one begins by keeping common birds, and after a while grows into a fancier. These useful pages having been given, Girton remarks, page 48 — " Having now given full and plain directions for the choice and management of those Pigeons that are most ad- vantageous for country people, or others who breed them for the market, we shall now turn our thoughts to gratify the taste of breeders who delight in the fancy birds." Girton also in- troduces to our notice two varieties not before mentioned, the Smiter and the Chinese Pigeon. In describing others he not unfrequeutly gives us additional matter. Indeed, Moore was^.'^ improved upon by the author of " The Treatise," and Girton '* improved further. If we cannot quite grant to Girton that his bonk is " new," yet we willingly allow that it was more " complete" than its predecessors. Some may say concerning these three old books, Moore was an originator, the writer of " The Treatise" an improver, Girton a completer, he producing a compendium which was for many years the book for Pigeon fanciers. Some years ago I was in the habit of buying every book on Pigeons that I saw advertised. Many times did I foolishly spend my money ; some smart handbook arrived, at the best it was old Daniel Girton over again, much curtailed indeed ; or it was evidently compiled by some one who had never kept Pigeons, and with pictures by those who were not fanciers. Buy and burn— this was my plan. Then those ex- = cellent books for boys containing a description of all the amuse- ^'j ments suited for youth. In these works there were usually a '| few pages devoted to Pigeons ; but if old Girton was not followed ' ■ as he was m "The Boy's Own Book," a dearly-loved com-"^ panion of mine in my school days, the information was meagre' '" and valueless. I ))ave now finished with the writers on this subject of the '' eighteenth century, and shall next proceed to those of the present one. — "Wiltshibe Rectob. DRAGON PIGEONS. Mb. Ludlow says he was induced in the first place to pro- mote discussion upon the respective qualities of the two sorts of Dragon under notice— viz., those with the blue rump and those w°ith the white rump, so that your readers might judge ' whether or not it was follv for me to exclaim against the latter , without reason or argument. Now, I contend that there is no ^ room for argument as to the relative properties of the two, , simply because the one is cleariy right and the other egregiously wrong- the one worthy the attention and admiration of the ^ fancier, the other only fit to be consigned to the shop of tha ^ poultei-er. , j The superior colour which Mr. Ludlow says the white-rnmped birds possess— namely, the light blue, is not at all in favour. _^ of the Dragon, which is, or should be, of a totally different ^ blue to the Owl or Turbit. Moreover, when the hght blue iS,,, found it is almost invariably accompanied by a white beak, , equally as objectionable and worthless as the white rump. 35C JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AKD COTTAGE GAIIDENBR. [ May e, 18661 Mr. Ludlow goes on to say I came forth without evidence in support of my fancy. Not bo. I have offered to refer the matter to Mr. Esquilant, a gentleman well qualified to offer nn opinion, from his long experience not only as a Dragon breeder bat as a Dragon fancier. But lest Mr. Ludlow may think that Mr. Esquilant is the only gentleman in the fancy to whom I tun willing to refer. I beg to mention tho names of Mr. Bellamy, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Else, Mr. P. Eden, Mr. Bidpeth, and Mr. Betty, any or all of whom, I am sure, will be willing to point out to Mr. Ludlow the error he has fallen into. Blue Dragons, Mr. LuiUow goes on to say, are understood to be white-rumped, that it is the exception to obtain them other- wise. I admit that the common white-rumped birds may be obtained much more readily, but surely this is no argument in favour of such being perfect or correct ; on the contrary, it only goes to show, as I before stated, the difficulty in breeding to perfection tho Dragon as well as all other birds, for where one perfect bird is reared there are fifty imperfect and valueless. What, I ask Mr. Ludlow, would he think of a white-rumped Bed, Yellow, or Black Dragon ? If consistent or correct in the Blue, he csannot surely disclaim it in other colours. Mr. Ludlow says he loiows of one pen of white-rumped Blue Dragons which have taken fifteen prizes. If this be so, I can only say there must either have been an absence of blue- mmped birds or a great want of discrimination on the part of the judges. — Jones PjiiicivALL. [Here this passage of pens between Mr. Percivall and Mr. Ludlow had better close. Each abides by his opinion. We shall be glad to hear, however, from any or all of the gentlemen named by Mr. Percivall what is their opinion on the question. —Eds.] drones enter one CwcilUld, Switex. of my hives.— H. D. HinuigoN, iUjtUnr THE MEMORY OF BEES. 1 All able to confirm the statement of your pagan correspon- dent (" The Blackheath'an "). a week or two ago ; having had a very similar case, but extending over a longer period. It has been so repeatedly said that the winter sleep of bees impairs their memory of localities, nnd allows of their safe removal to a new stand, that I resolved to try the experiment. A strong hive had been unusually quiet all the winter, only turning out on exceptionallj' fine days, and this I determined to move into an adjoining garden should the opportunity serve. Accord- ingly after nearly three weeks of cold weather, during which not a bee stirred out, I effected the removal very quietly. This was on the 3rd of March, and for eight days more the bees re- mained prisoners. On the 11th, being a fine bright day, they were out sunning themselves, and a few went back to the old place. The same thing occurred on the 17th. This I had ex- pected, and I was prepared to lose two or three hundred bees ; but, although the numbers were never large at any one time, they continued to visit the place up to April 15th, six weeks after the removal of the hive, and nine weeks after their last flight on the old spot. The hive is now rapidly recruiting, but it has received a check which I did not expect, and I shall have too much respect for the memory of bees to repeat the experiment. — P. H. West. THE TOMTIT A FOE OF BEES. If the large tomtit is alluded to by your correspondent " R. S." of last week, I reply it is an inveterate enemy to bees in the winter season. On visiting some years ago a friend who kept bees, we noticed a bird of that kind at the apiary, and on closer inspection observe! that he came a second time and tapped with his bill at tho entrance of one of the boxes, and after waiting a short time knocked again, when one of the guards rushed out in a great rage with wings erect, and was instantly picked up and carried to the branch of a neighbouring tree, from which we noticed the wings of the bee fall upon the snow underneath ; and shortly afterwards, the visit by that or another was repeated with a similar result. My friend, being a good shot, stood guard himself, and soon bagged several of the enemy. — Wm. Goodsaix. OUR LETTER BOX. SExnreo FOWI.B TO the AsTtroDBs (.^mrfin).— We lire onnblo togiTO you tho oxfict diiucnsions of the coop yoa will require, becaiuM ^n do not Htat« tho !>reP(l of the fowls you are ftl>out to send. CoCbina, Dorkiogi), and Brabmas require almost aa lunch again a>i H.iinburjfha or (.fame. Tho eoop must l>e kiph cnoiu;b to admit «( a perch ; tlic front »;lo8cd all but one-(inarter space, uhiih should be square and In a comer opening on tlio water vessel, and ofTordinp tho ineana of foedinK. The eoop should bo raised 6 incbos from the dwk, to aliow water to rax^ under instead of thrr>uKh it, and the roof should have a fall to the back of :i inches to f^'et rid of any water that falls on it. Tho flooring abnujd also slant from front to back, and there should nt the bnek be an openlne of ail inch for the facility of cleanini;! out. If the rise from back to front be 2 inchcH, tho fuwk will do part of thu cloauiug IhumstiWaa by scratching. IlENR Eatino their Er.os M in THEN HATCHED (/T. ^.).— Your man is clever and has his poultry wits about him. The operation of pasting paper over the hole in the egg has been performed before, and we have scon an egg containing a live chicken patched ;ip in all directions. We hope he was wise to the end, and assisted in bringing the duckling into the world, as assistance is generally needed after these accidents. Failing this, the chick diea in the shell. It is a ver}- common mistake for people to forgot that Ducks sit longer than fowls. Hen Leavtsg nr.n Eggs (ITarrift). — Leaving them for an hour, especi- ally at the very commencement of sitting, will not have the slightest ill effect upon their batching. Food for a Caudinai. (if.). — Give it Canary, rape, millet, and hemp seed mixed, but not tou much of the latter : and in a separate pan place some oats. German paste, and a large (jnantityof bread crumbs mixed with it. Keep also tho food which the bird has been accustomed to in the cuge. it being rather a difBcult bird to keep any length of time in con- finement. It will pintj away, probably, if its regular food bo altogothor withdrawn. Tr>- for a change a little fig dust, mixed so as to be rather stiiT with cold water. The fits and poorness have most likely been brought on by not having a change of food. Varj* it about once or twice a-week. Canaries (J. 8. D.).— Yon can have Brent's '* Canary " from onr offlco post free, if yon enclose uineteeu postago stamps with yonr address. You might do worse than apply to 5Ir. Walters, Bird-fancier, Bydo Street. Winchester. Frame HrvEs (T, A,, Writmfluth). — Wc believe no frame hives are more simple and efficiout in working than those devised by our corrospondent Mr. Woodbury, and named after bim. I LiGtTRiAN Bees (.V. .S'.. Pelham Plntr). — The dead l»ees bad all broken loose from their moorings before they reached us. so that it was qnlte impossible to identify them. One or two were fairly marked, but we can- not undertake to give any opinion as to the purity of a Ligurian stock I from the examinatiou of a few dead specimens. Bees Mistaking a Hive for tiikir Owv (A. S.^.—ln your two hives standing together in a wooden house with separate entrances, the bees of which on returning from their work on entering the house are some- times attacked by several others and killed — this evil nrises from the returning bees mistaking their hive, .and will probably oratc and ripen the sap, and improve the quality of the fruit, and there will be no necessity for root-pruning, unless canker or some other disease show that the roots have struck into a subsoil which they do not Like. I do not think it wise, on the other hand, to plant standard trees by way of making a permanent orchard ; every orchard, however managed, begins after a certain time to deteriorate ; of course, it much depends on the nature of the soil, how long trees may continue to improve, and bear good fruit, but it is far better to replant and he content to sacrifice trees after they attain a certain age ; and with the system I wo>dd advocate o£ leaving open spaces, those open spaces might be planted five or six years before the other trees are sacrificed. I fancy, wilh |* some "few exceptions, that after twenty to thirty years, trees •''' become too large and unmanageable, and the fruit begins to ;' deteriorate. I dare hardly say much on the n'.rala ipursl'w of orchard- houses, for fear of bringing a hornet's nest about my ears ; but unless on a large scale, and in the hands of very competent per- sons, they rarely if ever succeed. I confess I have never seen a small one in the hands of an amateur that really answered or repaid the trouble or expense. Small houses are liable to such changes of tem- drought, with cold and moisture, that two or three hours' neglect on a sunny day in Ajiril or May may ruin all the care of the rest of the year. No doubt large houses in the hands of such persons as Mr. Bivers, Mr. Pearson, of Chilwell, P.ev. T. C. Brehaut, and others, will answer admirably, but in the generality of cases small houses are pleasant toys, and pot trees are like spoilt children that require a great deal of care and attention, and very often after aU but little repay the care bestowed. So I am afraid my advice to those who wish to build small unheated orchard-houses would be (like " Pimch's " advice to those about to marrj-), " Don't ! " One great objection in my mind to small pyramidal trees, and very dwarf hushes, is that they are so liable to have their blossom's injured by spring frosts ; for though Mr. Rivers is quite right in saying that the radiation from the ground is an essential henefit'in ripening fruit on dwarf trees, yet the -very same causes bring them into premature blossom in the spring, and I need hardlv say that on still frosty nights the nearer the bloom is to the ground the more it is liable to suffer from frost. ^^ and the smaller the tree the less protection it has froin its own leaves and branches ag.iiust the radiation of a spring frost. On a still night iu May, I have known more than 5° difference between a thermometer on the ground, and one 4 feet oft the ground. This often accounts, in my mind, for Apricot trees bearing freely at the top of the wall, while they have but few fruit or none low down.— S. X. Z. The above, at 8 feet apart each way and S2 feet Ijetwecn the rows, wonW ropreseut about one quarter of an acre, and would lake eigbtf-eight butih trees. rose' MILDEW— FRUITS IX NEW JERSEYv- - Is your Number of the 1st of May Mr. Radclyffc repeats the remedy formerly given bv him for Rose mildew. If it came from liny less trustworthy quarter I certainly should hesitate before I allowed so poisonous a salt as blue vitriol to find its way to my Rose roots. Last year I applied the remedy to the lea'ves ot" some Nectarines under glass, and it injured them. I had previouslv tried sulphur, but that had failed to cure. Strange to say.the onlv plants affected ■were Hunt's Tawny, which, although it has glandless leaves, never mildewed with mo before. Last year tlurcc trees out of four were affected. May 15, 1868,. ]' JOUHNATi OF SORTiCtTLTURlS AND'OCCrt^iWE GAEDJ^NBWOIi 30^- la the same Numlier was an intorestins letter from New Jersey ; but your readers should be cautioned that the Peaches which succeed so well in America on sandy soil, are on their own roots, and not on Plum stocks. I am surprised, however, to hear that Melons attain such perfection on similar soil, as all our cultivators here seem unanimous in recommondlng atiffish loam. I have, however, heard of Melons succeeding in mere leaf mould. — (J. S. ':.'•■(":. .; INTERNATIONAL HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION. It is quite evident that the vast space of nearly four acres which the great International Exhibition is to occupy will be barely sufficient to receive the collections of plants that are entered ; and as the arrangement of such a quantity of plants will occupy an unusually long time, and be attended with con- siderable difficulty, we would suggest that inteniUng exhibitors of hardy trees, shrubs, and such plants as will not suffer by exposure, should send them in as early this week as possible, so that as much of the work of aiTangeraent as can be done may be got over before Monday, the 21st. Every preparation is now made for the reception of the subjects entered, and the sooner they are delivered the better. according to the directions sent with it, I have no doubt it will bo found equally valuable for other plants ; but I only speak of it as I have myself experienced its efficacy.:— B., Veal. FLOWERS OF THE LAST SEASON. rURYSANTHEMUMS. The ever-increasing varieties of this favourite autumnal flower would seem almost to defy improvement ; and yet those who narrowly watch, as only connoisseurs do, the varieties that are produced year after year, are able to see that this improvement does take place, and that, while some of the older flowers still maintain their position, by far the greater number are jostled out of the way by the newer sorts ; and in size, substance, shape, and colour, each year witnesses some ad- vance. Mr. Salter still maintains the position he has for so many years occupied as the introducer of novelties in this class of flowers ; and the following varieties which I have both bloomed myself and seen at Mr. Salter's, were exclusively sent out by him ; and as an aid to purchasers I give the following notes. Albert Hehjer. — A large rosy purplish flower, fully incurved. A fine sort for cut blooms. Blandic of Cu.'^tile. — A beautiful clear white, thoroughly in- curved, and with broad petals. Gohh'n I'.dll. — Bright rich orange, with golden orange back and tips. Fine shape, and beautifully incurved. Golden Dr. Ihvclc. — Fine rich yellow. A sport of that fine variety Dr. Brock, partaking of its good qualities, but of a different colour. Hcrcuh-s. — Very large, reddish carmine. Incurred after the style of Garibaldi, but far superior to it. Lady Cai-eij. — Large, rosy lilac, with silvery back to the petals. Well incurved, and a fine show flower. 3Iiss Marpiret. — Pure white Anemone flower, with fine centre. Mr. Bninlees. — A large flower of an Indian red, tipped with yellow. A fine flower for cut blooms. 3Ir. Wi/nncss. — Violet puce. A fine flower, of rich colour, and well incurved. Mrs. Kaiiies. — A blush flower, blooming very late, and of excellent quality. Pink Pearl. — Pink, with a silvery shade. Well incurved. Prince of Wales. — Dark violet, shaded. A well-shaped flower, with large petals. Sam irf(if7-.— Indian red, tipped with yellow. WeU incurved and good. Venus. — Large, lilac peach. A beautifully shaped full flower. Virgin Queen. — Pure snow white. A plant of good hnbit, making a line specimen. ■ - •.■,.;•.• -•: ' POMPON'ES. Golden.' Anrore. — Bright yellow. Sport of the old and well- known Aurore Boruale. Of good habit. White Trevenua. — .A fine sport of Eose Trevenna, blooming eirly, and very pretty. A good deal has been said as to artificial manures and their effect on the growth of various flowers. Having used Standen's manure during the last season, I can bear witness to its effi- cacy as a most valuable stimulant. Applied to both Chrysan- themums and Hvacinths, its effects were soon seen ; and used DESTROYING tub GOOSEBERRY CATERPILLAB^iJ Much has been written, and many directions have beeifcai! given, as to the destruction of the Gooseberry caterpillar throughifl the columns of this .lournal, but I have never seen recom-jv-i mended the moans tliat I have ado])ted with unfailing success j-j for several years. This consists in dusting every bush with powdered white hellebore as soon as a caterpillar makes its appearance. I obtain it of a chemist at the trifling cost of.. Is. 8J. per pound, which is suflicient for fifty bushes. It iftri.i very rare that there is any need to repeat the dose, as the-n caterpillars are found dead on or beueatii the bushes the next day. The bushes should be dusted in dry weather, as the rain is apt to wash much of the hellebore off the leaves. I apply it by the means of a common sulphurator. Shoidd any one try it, it will be found effectual. — J. S. S. [The use of fresh white hellebore powder has been frequently recommended in our pages for destroying the Gooseberry cater- pillar. It should bo washed off the berries before they are eaten, as it is poisonous. — ^Eds.] THE LATE FROSTS. The first week in May in this locality will not be soou for- gotten for the disastrous effect on vegetation of the blighting frost of April SOth and May 2nd. On the 27th ult. the ther-i moraeter registered 05' at 7 o'clock p.m., with a gentle shower of rain. The expansion of the leaf was surprisingly rapid, and the atmosphere was sulfocatiug. On the 30th at half-past o .\.ji. the thermometer registered 2.5' Fahr. ; but the night previous being dry, this low temperature did not do so much damage, and that was principally confined to the Potatoes, Asparagus, and Cherries. On the 2nd inst. .v.m. it registered 2i°; snowing all day on the 1st everythini; was soaking, so nothing escaped. Nectarines, Cherries, Apricots, and Fears were fearfully cut up ; Peaches not so much. The Oak and Beech foliage are frozen black. The Ash and other hardy trees in bloom are completely scorched. The Brassica tribe received a severe cheok.^P, Middletom, The (gardens, Wijnmtaij, North Wales. , !!' i;:..;'j GARDENERS,! AND ' THE INTE RNATIONAL HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION. The subject of my letter must be my only apology for tres- < passing upon yom- valuable space. The great International Horticultural Exhibition is now at hand. Scores of gardeners, who have not the means wherewith to go, would like to be there. As a class of men they are generally expected to be iip with the age, and there are very few ladies or gentlemen who like to see their gardeners behind their fast-going neighbours ; but this is inevitable nnless they have an opportunity now and then of brushing the nap and rubbing off the rust by commg in contact with the most skilful of their order. When wa call on neighbour .lohu across the way, who can boast of having filled the same position for thirty or forty years, and has never been awav from the place for a day during the whole time, how we si'nile at his antiquated notions and his old-fashioned stand-still place. His Camellias and Acacias are pot-bound, and he knows it not ; his Geraniums, towering up on a single stem, are 3 or 4 feet high, or thrusting their heads through the roof of his house, and he considers this the way to grow them. As a matter of course we set him down as one of the " old school." There are hundreds of gardeners who wish to go beyond our neighbour described above, and who would gladly avail 'themselves of the opportunity of visiting the great Inter- national Horticultiu-al Exhibition ; Init the fact is they cannot. Their stipends compared with other artisans are low ; pro- visions and wearing habiliments are dear, and the wants of the family are numerous. What is to be done ? Let every lady and gentleman who possesses an intelligent go-ahead gar- dener who is desirous of taking the lead among his neighbours, send him to tlie great Show and pay his expenses. I fancy some of your readers saying, " Tliat is a capital idea! -And so it is ; but it wiU be better still if it bo put in practice. The description and ground plan which you gave us in No. '-bo 360 JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Ut7 15, isat. of the 3J acres, to be devoted to a monster bIiow in London of the best and finest protluctions from all nations — then, too, the congregation of tlie cream of horticnltiirists from the three kingdoms, besides nnmbors; from tlio continent, — why, when we think of all this it makes us long to bu there ; but when we talk about it in the family circle, our good and frugal wives say, " No, Robert, you must not think of going. Look at the expense of travelling two hundred miles there and two hundred back, besides staying in Loudon for several days. There is little Mary wants a new frock, Johnny wants boots, and Joseph, who is to be a gardener, has not yet completed his education." And so there the matter has to rest. But if our good employers would send us, witli the means in our pockets to pay our expenses, what a fresh tide of life would flow through our services for the future ! I am sure, while we enjoyed the pleasm'e combined with the profit, our employers Tvouid reap the advantage. —P, H. B. ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY'S SHOW.— May y. The first of the summer sliowa at tho Rogeut's Park was held on ^Veduesday hist, and was hououred with an iuspectiou at an early hour of the day by their Uoyal llijjhiiesscs tho Prince aud Princess of "Wales, tho l!)ucncss and Print-ess Marj- of Ciimbridgc, aud Prince Tcck. The displaj-, though saircely so eNtcusivo as at the corre- sponding shows of previous years, was nevertheless very etfective, and had a brightness and freshness which gave it a pceuliar charm. The weather, too, so imporiiuit an clement in the success of flower show-., or, indeed, out-door ;,Mthcriugs of any kind, thouj^h by no means promising in the moruiiijji became favourable in the after part of the day, enaliling tho visitors to promenade in tho grounds and listen on the lawn to the Life Guai-ds' bands. Stove and (.iiiEKXirousi; I*lants. — Of these, numerous collections were shoun, but the plants generally were not sufficiently forw;ird to have reached their full perfection as regards bloom. In collections of ten, Mr. Peed, gardener (o Mrs. Trcdwell, Lower Norwood, had among others a large bush of Teti*atheca ericrofolia covered with bloom ; Cho- rozema cordatum splendens, fine ; Cyrtoceras reflexum, Pimelea Heu- dersoni, Hedaroma fncbsioidcs, and Eriostemon intermediujn aud neriifolium. Mr. J. Wheeler, gax-deuer to J. Philpott, Ksq., SLimford Hill, exhibited in tho same class Medjnilla magnifioa, Chorozcma variiUB. nauum, and Epacris miniata splendens in excellent condition, iBoroniii serrulata, Azalea Triumphaus. Ac; and another collection came from Mr. G. "Wheeler, gardener to Sir F. Ooldsmid, Bart. Collections of eiglit were shown both by nursen-mcn and amateurs. Among the former Mr. Khodes, Sydenham Park, had a large specimen of Iledaroina fuchsioides in lino bloom, a most excellent example of Dracopbyllum gracile, by far the best in the Show ; Choruzema cor- datnm in fine bloom, Eriostemon intermedium and neriifolium, a line plant of Erica Cavendishii, Erica dopressa, and Ai>helexis macrantha rosea. From Messrs. Lee, of Hammersmith, came Gompbolohium polymorphum splendens with showj- salmon scarlet and pni-ple flowers: Erica reutricosa coccinea minor, in fine bloom; E. Caven- dishii, a large plant of Epacris graudiflora rubra, Hedaroma fuchsi- oides, Stephanotis iloribunda, and Eriostemon pulchellum. Mrs. S. Glendinnijig it Sons also contributed a good collection, in which were the yellow Azalea sinensis in fine bloom ; Extranel ; tho white- flowered Kliododondron Gibsoni well covered with bloom, but the flowers not individually so large as we expect to see in that species; Erica suavcolens. and Hedaroma tulipiferum. A collection from Mr. Baxendine, Guildford, included Chorozemas, Epacrises, and Rhynco- Spermum jasmiuoides. In the Amateurs' class for the same number of plants, Mr. Donald, gardener to .T. G. Barclay, Esq., Leyton, had a fine collection consist- ing of Epacris grandiflora ; Stephanotis fioribuuda, in excellent bloom ; Boron ia tetrandra with charming wax-lilio flowers ; Medinilla mag- nifica, with ten spikes of bloom ; Eriostemon liuearifolium ; Adenan- dra fragraus, not sufficiently out ; and Azalea Lateritia, forming a dense cockscomb -shaped mass of bloom. From Mr. Kemp, gardener to Earl Percy, Albury Park, came Pimelea spectabilis, bearing numerous heads of its white flowers dclicntely tinged with pink ; Boronia serrulata ; the deeu blue Leschenaultia biloba major ; Diosma speciosa, and Chorozema varium nanum, in fine bloom : Allamauda neriifolia, and A/.aleas. A good collection of eight plants was like- wise shown by Mr. Kaile. gardener to Earl Lovelace, East Horsley Tower; and one of six, by Mr. A. Ingcam, gardener to J. J. Blaody, Esg^., Heading, comprisijig cxcePtCut specimens of Clerodendron Thorn* soufE, Rhyucospernmni jasminoides, Aphelexis macrantha rosea, and Boronia microphjUa. The mixed collections of floi^ering and fine-foliagcd plants also con- .'•titnted an attractive feature, grou()s being contributed by Messrs. Lee. Mr. Gill, gardener to Mrs. Beaufoy, South Lambeth. Mr. "U'lUiams, HoUoway, Mr. Carr, ^Ir. Khodes, aud Mr. Young, of Higlt- gate. Hi Messrs. Lee's collection were fine examples of Cyathea SmitJui. Croton variegatum, Tbeophrasta impcrialis, Aloc-leRved Yucca, Hedaroma tolipifcrum, and Erica v dealbata, medullans, Cooperi, and elegans ; Cibotium princepe, Gleielienia spelunca*, an Alsophila, tho Bird's-nost Fern very tine, Blechnum corcovadense, Dicksonia autarcticu, and Todea africana. A gi'oup from Mr. Young, gardener to K. Barclay, Esq., Hij:bgate, was second. Collections of six fiue-foliaged plants were tontributed by Mr. Donald, Mr. Baniard. Messrs. F. & A. Smith, aud Mr. Young, to whom prizes were awarded in the order in which their names occur. Among the subjects exhibited in this class were g^iod examples of Pandanuses ; .fUocasia matrorhiza variegata. the loi-go while-sj^tlashed leaves of which were rerj' effective; the Bird's-nest Fern, vanegatcd Crotons, Yuccas, Drac.-enas, Pteris cretica albo-lineata, itc. Azaleas constituted the p-andcst feature of the Show. Sncb mag- nificent plants as those exhibited by Mr. Turner and Messrs. Veit^'n were alone worth a long, a very long, journey to see ; and it was most pleasing to observe that though the p^-ramidal fiishiou of tmiuing had been preserved, the etiff crinoline character which was so much and so justly complained of in past seasons had been in a groat degree avoided, and nothing could have been prettier than tlie few bright green leaves here and sad green leaves there that now aud then i>eeiied forth from among tho gorgeous masses of bloom which these fine s]>ecimens presented. Mr. Turner's eight consisted of Sir C. Kapler, Magnifl- fcut, Coronata, vei-y brilliant. Optima. Variegata, Gledstanesi, Juliana, and Conqueror; Messrs. Ycitch's of ExtrancJ, dazzling in colour ; Stella, a glorious flower both in form aud colour : Herbcrlii, white, ven,' fine ; Criterion: Prajstantissima, Ivcryaua. Coronata, and Ccdo Nulii. In sixes the same two eminent growers were ugain com- petitors, and Mr. Turner was again successful in taking the first place with a set of plants nearly equally fine with those which he exhibited in the class for eight. They were Pernana, Gem, ivcryaua. Ktoile de (land, Glodstanesi variegata, and Holfordi, the last a brilliant rosy purple, and quite dazzling. Messrs. Veitch had Flower of the Day. and Magnificeut. white ; Holfordi, Violacca snperba, Rosea superba, and Empress Eugenie, all of which were large specimens and i in remarkably fiuu bloom. Collections were also shown by Mr. I Rhodes, Messrs. Dobson &■ Sons. Mi*. Penuy, gardener to H. H.Gibbs, I Esq.. Regent's Park, Mr. Gill, Mi-. Peed, and Mr. "Wheeler, gardener [ to Sir F. Goldsmid, Bai-t. Awards — For eight: tirst, Mr. Turner: second, Messrs. Veitch and Sous; third, withheld; fourth, Mr. Rhodes. For six: first. Mr. Penuy ; second. Mr. Gill: equal third. Mr. Peed and Mr. G. "N^Tieeler. For six : first, BIr. Turner ; second, Messrs. Veitch ; third, withheld ; foui-th, Messrs. Dobson & Sons. OKcniDS.— In these there was a gi"eat falling off in the number ex- hibited, and the fine collections which Mr. B-iker, Mr. 'Wilson, jmd Mr. Bulleu produced in former j-ears were sadly missed. From_ Mr. Penny came Dendrobium Dalhousiannm and nmcropbyllnm ^gan* teum with four good spikes, the Fox-brush Acrides, Ijfl'lia cuina- barilla, Cypripedium villusum with ten blooms, Phala'uopsis grandi- flora in fine condition, botli as regarils health aud bloom ; tho yellow and crimson-flowered Oncidium sarcodes, Lycaste Skinneii, and a tine variety of it remarkable for tho delicacy of its colour, and Vauda suavis. Mr. Page, gardener to "W. Leaf, Esq., had his Oncidium am- pliatum majus noticed last week, the rich yellow Dendrobium deusi- florum. D. nobilc elegans, deeper in colour 'than the common varieir, Saccolabinm Blnmei with one lino spike. Cattleya Skiuneri. &c. In groups of eight, Mr. Peed had the Atrides Fieklingii with two fine spikes, aud crispura ; Ladia purpurata, with nine large and finely- ( oloured flowers ; Vauda insigDis, suavis, and tricolor ; tho pretty yellow (.Jncidium sessile, and Cypripedium barbatum superbum. Mr. "Wiggins exhibited Trieopilia crifpa with nine of its pi-etty blossoms; .\erides Wameri, Vandas, Cypripediums, Ac. Collections of six came from Messrs. Leo, Jackson of Kingston, Jlr. Rhodes, and Mr. Bull, and comprised varieties of Lycaste Sldnueri, Ladia purpurata, On- cidiums, Dendrobiums, Phala-nopses. CYpripcdium^-, A andas, Chysis bractesccns. and the bright yellow Tulip-like Aneuloa Ch.wesii. Awards — For ton : fii*st, Mr. Penny ; second, Mr. Page. For eight: first Mr. Peed ; second, Mr. Wiggins : third, Mr. J. Wheeler. For Fix; first, Messrs. Lee: second, Messrs. Jackson A; Sons; third, Mr. Rhodes ; fourth, Mr. Bull. Kay 15, 1866. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. 361 Heaths.— Namcrons fine srecimens wore shown l)v Messrs. Rhodes, Peed, Jackson, A. Ingram, and others, particuliu-ly of the following— viz., Victoria, Wehhiana, Devoniana. [H-ofusa, Spenc-criana, ventricosa coccinea minor, Hartnelli \-irens, Cavendishii. afbne, dei)ressa, per- spicna nana, nuitabilis, florida, propeudens tubiaora, and Siudryana, remarkably lino, Spenceriana, fasti^iata lute.sccns, vasiflora," and Alberti major, buff. Awards — For eight (Nursei-ymen) : first, Mr. Rhodes; second, Messrs. Jackson. For eight (Aniatenrs) : first, Mr. Peed ; second, Mr. .J. Wheeler. For six: first, Mr. A. Inqram : second, Mr. liaile ; thii-d, Mr. G. Wheeler. EcSES, as exhibited by Messrs. Lane, of Great Berkhampstead, were magnificent i)3Tamids, standing from ?, to 5 feet in height from the ground, and were covered with blooms individually large and beauti- fully fresh. Such a fine cxhihitiou has not been witnessed for a loug time. The sorts were Paul Pcrraa, splendid ; General .Jatquemiuot, very double ; Louis Peyronuy with about thirty blooms ; Anna do Diesbach, veiy fine ; Seuateur Vaisse ; Charles Lawson, magnificent ; Victor VerJier, Coupe d'Hobc, Souvenir d'un Ami, and Gloire de Dijon. Mr. William Paul also had a beautiful collection, but there were not so many of the brilliant-coloured varieties. It consisted of Juno very beautiful. Beauty of Waltham, Tea Madame Villermoz, President, and Souvenir d'un Ami ; Victor Verdier, Paul Perras very fine, Lajlia, Madame Damaizin, and Anna de Diesbach. Two or three other collections were shown, but nothing to compare with those above m(nti;n3d. ^ Awards — For ten : first, Messrs. Lane ; second, Mr. Wra. Paul. For sis : first and second withheld ; third, Mr. Ten-}-, Yonngsbury ; fourth, Mr. Wiggins. Pelargoxiuiis. — Of tJiese there was a fine baui, and owing to the Show being a week later than that at Kensington, the plants were more fully in bloom. For nine Mr. Turner was 'first with fine plants of Beacon, Lilacinum, Candidate, Empress Eugenie, Lady Canning, Desdemona, Celeste, Rose Celestial, and Fairest of the Fair, the last two particularly good ; and Mr. Fraser, of Lea Bridge, second with Peacock, Beadsman, Fair Rosamond, Osiris, very showy. Fairest of the Fair, Empress F.ugcnie, Rose Celestial, Candadate, and Roseum. la the Amateurs' class Mr. Ward, gardener to F. G. WUkins, Esq., Lejton, was first with excellent specimens of Fairest of the Fail-, Spotted Gem, Rose Celestial, The Bride, Lilacinum, Peacock, Sir Colin Campbell, Fair Rosamond, and Nestor. Mr. Wiggins also e.'Jiibited and received a third prize. Fancy varieties were also well represented in the collections from Mr. Turner and Mr. Eraser, who were respectively first and second. The former had Evening Star, Lucy, Roi des Pantaisies, Undine, Modestum, and Lady Towers; the latter Cloth of Silver, Maroon, Undine, Arabella Go.ldard, Clara Novello, and Marionette. Mr. Weir, gardener to Mrs. Hodgson, Hampstead, was the only exhibitor in the Amateurs' class, and had a first prize for good examples of Acme, Carminatum, Queen of Roses, Madame Soutag, and two others. MiscELL.tNEOus. — Mr. Turner, of Slough, again exhibited a beauti- ful collection of Auriculas, including Alpines, one of which, John Leech, reddi-;h brown, received a first. class certificate. Calceolarias, well grown and in excellent bloom, came from Mr. James and Messrs. Dobson & Sons, of Isleworth ; and Pausies from Messrs. Hooper, James, and Kingston ; and a seedling called Princess Helena, from Mr. Hooper, received a second-class certificate. Messrs. Cutbush, of Highgate, contributed .a number of small neat plants, consisting of A.zaleas, Eriostemons, Heaths, Apbelexis, and Rhododendron Cun- ninghami ; Messrs. Jackson & Sous a basketful of Clerodeudron Thomson,-E B;ili'ourii, a variety with larger flowers than the ordinary form ; and Mr, Dtjnald a fine specimen of L;elia purpiu-ata with a score of blooms. From Mr. W. Paul came a collection of Nosegay Pelar- goniums, also Ijittle Gem, an Oak-leaved variety, with deep rose- coloured flowers; and Messrs. F. i- A. Smith had variegated and Zonale Pelargoniums, among which Magnet seemed a promising broad-petalled bright scarlet variety. A similar collection was ex- hibited by Messrs. E. G. Hendei'son & Son, who also had .^cer palma- tnm atropnrpnreum. a neat bronzy-leaved plant, and their beautiful variegated Dog's-tail Grass. Mr. IJryant, Hounslow, received a first- class certificate for Pansy Colonel Murray, maroon on a yellow gi-ound. Certificates of the same class were awarded to Mr. Bull i'or Sclaginella Mertensii albo-variegata. Primula intermedia, and Rliododendron Bianca ; and second-class certificates for .\bntilon vexillarium, Pepe- romia arifolia, Maranta splendida, and Nidularinm PinelU, all of which have been noticed in previous reports. Mr. Bull also showed new Petunias, Pelargoniums, Machrerium tirmum, and other plants. A brace of a large white-spined Cucumber called Champion of the World was also exhibited by Messrs. A. Henderson & Co. HaU, had a first-class certificate for a highly meritorious exliibition of Giant Mignonette in pots, and another for a remarkably well-grown specimen of Tropxolum Papworth Scarlet. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. _W;ee!lly Show, Mm/ 12tJt.—Xt this meeting Jlessrs. Cutbush re- ceived a first prize for the best collection of miscellaneous plants, and io the class for the best-arranged basket of flowers Messrs. Lucldng were first, and Mr. Young, of Highgate, second. Mr. Y'ouug received a, first prize for a collection of vegetables. Messrs. Cutbush also re- ceived prizes for collections of Caladiums, Azaleas, and ten pots of finely flowered Myosotis intermedia. Rev. Geo. Cheere, of Papworth j CRYSTAL PALACE SHOW.— M.\y 1-iTir. Om this occasion there was a brilliant and varied display, though perhaps not quite so extensive as last year, a cireninstance no doubt attributable to exlnbitors holding back their productions for the great International Exhibition. Following so closely after the Show at the Regent's Park, as might be expected, many of the collections which appeared there were again brought forward, and as these have been already noticed, it will be UHnecessarj to enter into details respectina them. Stove and Gueenhodse Plants.— Among these were remarkablj fine flowering specimens of Dracophyllum gracile, various Choroza- mas, Tetratheca encaifolia, Eriostemons, Epaciis, Erica Cavendishu Adenandi-afragrans, Boronia tetrandia, Ixoras, Genethyllis. and Vines' nllia ; in addition to which there were good examples of Aphelexis Diosma speciosa, and Pimeleas. One collection which would other- wise have taken a higher position in the prize list, was placed fourth because it contained a plant of Dentzia gracUis, which, of course, was not admissible. Some good mixed collections of fine-foliagcd and flowerin" plants were also shown, and included Alocasia metallica, the Variegated Aloe- leaved Yucca, Croton variegatum, Sphrerogyne latifolia, CyanophvUnm magnificum, the Lemon Grass, which emits a grateful" odour "when bruised; a verj- fine Pandauns elegantissimus from Messrs. Lee, Theophrasta imperialis, the Date Palm, Maranta zebrina, Gleichenia spelunca;, &c. Awards— For sixteen: first, Mr. Peed; second, Mr. ,T. Wheeler, gardener to J. PhUpott. Esq., Stamford Hill ; third, Mr. G. Wheeler' gardener to Sir F. H. Goldsmid. Bart., Regent's Park ; fourth, Mr' Kemp, gardener to Eari Percy, Albnry Park. For ten (Nurserymen) : first, Mr. Rhodes ; second, Messrs. Lee ; third, Mrs. Glendinning and Sons ; fourth, Mr. Baxendiue, Guildford. For ten (Amateurs) : first, Mr. Peed; second, Mr. Kaile. gardener to Earl Lovelace, East Horsley Tower. For six : first, Mr. C. Smith, gardener to A. Anderson, Esq.. Norwood. For twelve, Fine.foliaged and flowering plants : first, Messrs. Lee ; second, Mr. Young ; third. Mr. Carr, gardener to P. I^. Hinds, Esq., Byfleet ; foui-th, Mr. Rhodes ; oxtra, Mr. Barnard, gardener to J. AV. Taylor, Esq., Stoke Newington. . , Heatus. — Of these several fine collections were shown, and those from Mr. Rhodes and Mr. Peed were especially good. Coccinea minor from the former was noticeable for the profusion of its richly-edSllred blooms ; and Devoniana, mutabUis, perspicua nana, Victoria, prolusa, Spenceriana, florida, vasiflora, and Sindiyana, in these and other collections were excellent. Awards— For ten : first, Mr. Rhodes. For eight : first, Mr. Peed second, Mr. J. Wheeler. For six : first, Mr. Rhodes ; second, Mr. C. Smith ; equal third, Mr. J. Wheeler and Mr. Kaile ; equal fourtli. Messrs. F. & A. Smith and Mr. G. Wheeler. ^ Azaleas.- In the Nurser\Tnen'3 classes Mr. Turner, of Slongh^ again produced his splendid plants, consisting, with but one or two exceptions, of the same varieties as shown at the Regent's Park, and in equally fine condition. Mr. Penny and Mr. Peed also exhibited some neat pyramidal plants of smaller size ; and there was. besides, a class for twelve plants in 10-inch pots, which drew from Mr. Tuniei- a well.flowered collection, consisting of Flag of Truce, Iveiyana Im- proved, Elegantissima, Gloire de Belgique, and Madame IViiellez, all of them white more or less striped ; Due de Nassau, Kiughorni, and Bernard Andreas, bright rose, the last semi-double ; President, Mars, and Comtesse de Hainault, shades of salmon. Mars being the nearest to scarlet ; and Charles Enkc, rosy salmon, bordered with white. Awards— For eight (Nurserymeii) : first, Mr. Turner ; second, with- held ; third, Mr. Rhodes ; fourth. Messrs. Cutbush. For eight (Ama- teurs) : first, Mr. Penny ; second, Mr. Peed ; third, Mr. G. Wheeler. For six (Nurserymen) : first, Mr. Turner ; second withheld ; equal third, Messrs. Cutbush and Messrs. F. & A. Smith. For six (Amateurs): first. Mr. Penny ; second, Mr. J. Wheeler ; third, Mr. C. Smith ; fourth, Mr. Peed. For twelve : first, Mr. Turner ; second, withheld ; equal third, Messrs. F. & A. Smith and Messrs. Cutbush. Orchids. — There was a fine bank of these, and the collections of twenty were especially good. Mr. BuUen, gardenerto A. Turner, Esq., Leicester, was first with excellent specimens of Dendrobium nobile, tor- tile roseum, albo-sanguiueum, and eburncum, Odonfoglossum nievinm, O. cordatuin with two fine spikes, Cattleya Acldandia) with four blooms. 0. Mossia, Phalicnopsis amabilis and gi-andiflora, Cypripedium Lowii, hirsutissimum, a pan of C. barbatum superbum with nearly three dozen blooms, varieties of Lycaste Skiuneri, Biirliugtonia fragrans, Oncidiums, &c. Mr. Wilson, gardener to W. iHarshall, Esq., Enfield, who was second, had, among others, Dendrobium tortile roseum. form- ing a pretty mass of flowers, having rosy-lilac petals and sepals, and a white liji ; D. chrysotoxum, several Cypripediums, and Pliala?nopsi3 Luddemanniana with four beautiful blooms ; and the same PhaliB- nopsis. as well as P. Schilleriana and Dendrobium Jcnkinsi, a very dwarf evergreen species, which is best grown on a block, came from Mr. Robson, garilener to G. Cooper, Esq., Cohurg Road, who was awarded a third prize. The fourtli went to Mr. Page, gardener to JI62 -JfbtmNAL OP HORTICtJIiTOBE AND CX)TTAGE GABDENER. [ Vty X^, W. Lcnf. Esq., who wftnM Iinvp tnien n higher poation haS his col- lection not contained three Phahpnojtws. In other chMscs there were ^ood examples of the Fo\-brush A^-ridca, CTpripedioms Hookeri and rillo«ani. llneidinm sarcodca. and Llelia pnrpnrata. I'or twelve. Mi. Peony was first. Mr. Pe»d second, and Mr. .1. Wbcoler received an extra pri/o ; for six. Mr. Penny and Mr. Peed were liret and second, and Mi. Wigpins third. Kos£S in potfi ioruied a leading foatnre ; £or not only were Messrs. Xaae's mafniiiccnt iilnnts eihibit<'d, bnt these were reinforced by other fine spicimejia from Mr. Tomer, Messrs. Paal & Son, and Mr. '■William Paul. Among Rpecimens in IS-ineh i>nt9, besides those shovni "on the prerions 'Wednesjay, there were profiiso-hloominR plants of 'Panl Ricant, Kiplictos, Madame de St. .Toseph. Juno. General .Tac- HOcminot, Victor Terdier. and Charles Lawson ; and ic eight. inch pots, of Madamo Bmv\'. Anna AlexiefT. IJevouiensis. Alba rosea. Ma- dame faleot. Virtor \i rdier, HcantT of \VnltbBin,and Alphonse Helin. * Awards* — For ten in Ki-inch pots : first. Messrs. Lane ; second, Messrs. Panl & Son ; third, Mr. i'nmor ; fonrtb, Mr. W. Panl. For twelve in eight-inch pots : equal fir^t, Mr. Tomer and Messrs. Paul ,«Dd Son. For sis : tirst withheld ; second, Mr. Wiggins. ■ Pelakgomcms. — Tliere was a beautiful bank of these; bnt as the names of the varieties in each exhibitor's collection hare been given in the report of the Royal Botanic Show, it is unnecessary here to repeat them. Awards — For twelve : first, Mr. Tnmer ; second, Mr. Fraser. For ten : first. Mr. AVard ; second, withheld ; third, Mr. Weir ; fourth, Mr. WipgiuE. For six Fancy (Nnrsetymen) : first. Mr. Turner; se- cond, Mr Fraser. For six (Amatenrs) : first, Mr. Weir. MiscELLASEors. — OS new or rare plants Mr. Bull, of Chelsea, was ,^s nsnal a Large c xhihitor, and the collection which he furnished con- tained many interesting plants, most of which have been already noticed in these columns, p'irst prizes were awarded him for Lito. brochin tripartita, a pretty Fern : Cvcas Rnmininna, Pha?nicophorinm secbellamm, and Pitcaimia tabnliefonnis, now producing orauge- scarlet flowers : nnd second prizes for the pretty white variegated ■variety of Selagijiella Mertcnsii, Bignonia argyrea violnscens, Ber- toloni'a margaritacea. Costus zebriuns, with green foliage longitudi- nally veined with white, nud brown on the nnder side : Calamus deal- batns. Polystichum angnlare parvissimnm, Ernnthemnm arg^Toneuron, Maranfa splendid!^, Terminalia noLilis, the leaflets of which have prominent purplish midribs ; Zanria cycadifolia, Cyeas plumosa, the white variegated form of PoJocarpus mncrophyllns, Urospatha splen- den.s and grantlis, Pnndauns omatns. Verscbafleltia splendida, and a pretty- whitestripcd Jlai^e. for a similar variety to which Messrs. Carter also received an award. Mr. Bull also exhibited the Long-tailed Radish, Raphanus candatns, of which tho pods, though not full grown, were at least 111 inches long. Nothocbhcna crctacen, from Mr. I'arUer. Toot- ing, received a firbt pri^e ; and from the same came also a new variety piFranciscea calycina. very fine in colour, and a small plant of .\ncuba himalaica, hearing its laige berries. Seedling Pelargonium Sylvia, from Mr. Tnmer, of Slou^, was awarded a first-class certificate ; and ot tricolor-leaved and other variegated l.inds a very beautiful group, Containing numerous fine varieties, came from Messrs. F. A: A. Smith, of Dnlwich. who received and well deserved a prize forthem. Awards were likewise made to Mr. Tnmer for beautiful collections of Tulips and Auriculas : to Mr. .Tnmcfl for Calceolarias : to Messrs. Downie. Laird, & Laiug for Fancy and other Pansies ; to Mrs. Glendiuning and Sons for cut blooms of Khedodendron Fortuni, rosy pink ; and to Messrs. Lane for a fiiio group of Rliododenihons similar to those exhibited at recent shows. Bevcr.al nice tricolor-leaved Pelargoniums vferc sh wn by Messv.-;. Carter i Co., besides the pretty striped .Japan- ese Maize already ^loUced, as well as tastefully filled plant-cases. A number of thesr" likewise neatly filled, came from Messrs. Barr and Sugden. A DielYcnbachia from Xcw Grenada, with dark green leaves lAottled with paler green, was also shown by Messrs. Lee. of Ham- mersmith ; Petunias hi the way of Mrs. Forgnsou by Mr. Bull ; aud Pttifeic^, Bdth-in pots'aud as oat blooms, by iiSx. Jamies. is^-,! .e.iklIIO'j -.^ni'-.J ti-jii; i '■ .' :•■ ■•,> -.-j.m ! r • . , . FBCIT, The showof'Fmil was verj- small. In Pines, of which there were only nine, a Queen w-eighing 1 lbs. o o-/s.. from Mr. Cameron, par- dcnerto the Or.ke of RJchmoiitl. G-oodwood, wus first : an Enville. from Mr. Wallis, gavdeiKT to .T. !>ixon. *Aq.. Astlc -Park, -was second: a PH«Mv Caviime of « lbs., from Mr. Pnicthirdi and a (joeen from lb, CaTTkcU, qai-donerto jl<-.■ - /■ In Black Grapes, good wcU-oolonrod bunches of Black Hamburgh, from Mr. 0 shorn. Fin.aitpv. wejc first: and the same land from Mr. Sfliith. Xivitktnham. also well c»jlonr^>d, second. Mr. Clement, of E4»f Baruet. w"as'n:ird. bnf the berries were vid. Black Frcntiigian. well coloured. \t-nsFhown bv Mr. .^Uport. ranleiier to H. Akrovd. Esq., Doddinpton Park. Good' baskets of Black Hamburgh from Mr. Osbom and Mr. AHpnrt, received first and second prizes respertively. Good hunches of Mnscat of Alexandria, and tolerably ripo for this season, -were shown by Mr. Turner, who was first for White Gr.ipes : and in the same class ii third prize was giveu to Mr. Embery, gardener to J. Drew. Esq.. Homsey, for Buckland Sweetwater. Prizes were also awarded to Mr. Tegg, gardener to the Duke of Newcastle, Clum- ber, for Royal George Peaches and for White Marseilles Figs ; also to Mr. Hepper, gardener to C. Cannon, Esq.. Hampstead, and Mr. Read, gardener to J. Hunt. Esq., Sydenham, for Strawberries. A fine clnslpr of Banana'i, as yet only partially ripe, waji exhibited by Mr. Carr, gardener to P. L. Hinds, Esq., Bytluet, aud was award*^ the tirht ]>ri/.o in tho miscellaneous class : and the third was awarded to Mr. Hepper, for a very good dish of Fulmor's Black-spccklcd Kidney Bean. Scarlet Nonpareil .\pples in goodjpreser^'atiou were shown by Mr. Allen. Merion Itoad ; and a brace of Harrison's Keliancc Cncum- hers by Mr. Koach. The gronnds of Rockhills, the residence of tho late Sir Joseph Puxton. were on this occasion thrown open to the visitors, a privilege of which numbers availed themselves. WALL FRUIT, A^'D OTHER MATTERS. I REE by The Joiulxal ok HoitTicuLXDRE anil other periodi- cals that the blossoms of wall fruit trees have not set well, and that a large proportion of thera have fallen. I have seen the name with my own eyes, both under glass and out of dooi& I )mve lately visited my old nnd valued friend Archdeacon Huxtablo, of Sutton Wal Jrnn, near this place ; and I lind that the wall-fruit blossoms, both outside of nnd under glass, h»T« fallen almost to a totality. It is the same in two other large gardens near here. This leads me to speak of my three old Peach trees at Kushton, the united ages of which are little short of 130 years. They have home in nine consecutive years 4.';(i3 Peaches ; and I have left them with beautiful foliage, without a sign of curl, and they are hearing 377 fine-growing Peaches in their tenth year. They should have borne 437 Peaches to make np the oUOO in ten years ; but, as the trees were cut to a true balance mnch wall has been lost for a time. I tliought it best to put them in good form before bidding them adieu ; otherwise, though unbalanced, they -nould have had wood enough to bear the 437. I have been told since I have been here, that one of those wall-fruit spoilers, jobbing primers, has said that had he pruned the trees above referred to, he would not L.ivc pruned them as I have done. Perhaps not : and I may say that had he pruned them in his fashion (long-fan fashion), they never wonld have borne in ten years 41110 fine Peaches, nor would they have been so hale and strong as they now are. There ought to he an act of parliament to coerce such men to pass an examina- tion before the Rev. T. Brihaut prior to their daily jonrneys to slaughter the wall trees of England. Peach and Nectarine trees, both under glass and out of doors, are with rare excep- tions a disgrace to tho science of arboriculture ; and so they will remain till men study the use of foliage, and tho connec- tion and sympathy between the heads and roots of trees. I have been a short-pruner for years, and I am persnaded that the days of long-pruning are over — it is at least high time. Lofty walls (14 fceti, are incidentally the cause of mischief. I have had a wall built here CiO feet long (three sides of a quad- rangle, surrounding a greenhouse), and I am now ahont to build another of 130 feet long with ten-feet wings at each end. The former is (i feet liigh, and the latter wUl be 7 feet high. They are one brick thick, with nine-inch piers 5 leet apart, the plain surface being southwards. The la'ter wall will not be filled up till autumn. The former wall is tilled np as follows : — Cralande Peach and Kivers's Victoria Nectarine. These were brought from Knshton, and have been twice moved this spring. The former has dropped all its flowers ; the latter has set well, and will have a fair crop. I recommend to novices the fol- lowing Nectarines :— Victoria, Pitmaston Orange, Violette H| ISM.' besutifull; blended. Introduced b; Mr. W. Paul, Waltbam Cross iir ^ rings they are tightly laced together. Thus fixed, tbcy arS". perfectly secure from wind, and with some slight exception,' perhaps, at the joinings, the covering is wat«r]>roo(. Th»' openings at the bottom and joinings, and the innumerablai meshes of the netting, give abundance of ventilation. There. is plenty of room below the net to permit of the cultivator pursuing bis operations without its rtmoral. The PeaelL trees on this wall are supported by means of iron eyes fixedl along the lines of bricks quincunx fashion, and pegs madK of the young growths of the Privet. This, I think, is a greafe advantage over nailing, as it docs not break up and diufigure the wall, and affords but very little harbour for insects. Tlie Apricot wall is protected in the same way as that on which the Peach trees are trained, and last year the fruit set very well, but dro]vped off by the hundred in tlic stoning pro- cess, owing, I have no doubt, to the roots having penetrated 80 far below the drainage of the border as to come in contact with water stagnant and cold as in winter. Owing to the extremely low and level character of the situation of these walls, it ifl quite impossible to have drainage perfect ; but, notwitbstand^ ing, fair crops of fruit are generally taken from these walls. The canvass is put on when the buds begin to show colour, and is not removed tUl the fruit is swelling and all danger of frost past. Protection in this locality is not only beneficial, but absolutely necessary for the security of the crop. The spring months are generally cold, with some boisterous, cold, cutting winds from the west directly off the Cheviot Hills, ths tops of which are often covered with snow well into the fipioBg months. This mode of protection offers some advantage to people living in localities where it is desirable to have the trcea as much forward as possible with safety, so as to give them aU the advantage of the summer months for maturing young wood and fruit buds for another season. I am convinced that with such protection, and shallow sloping borders perfectly drained, and protected from frost and excessive wet during the winter by means of wooden shutters. Peaches might be growo with success further north than they are. " Beta " seems to attribute the cause of his failure to the protection, when he says " I will protect no more," but I think the extreme wetness of the season is sufiicient to account for any failure in fruit not setting. Our trees here (in Kent), were merely protected with Lanrel branches, Ac Peaches have set very well. Apricots have not done 80 Well, but the; ateuot-et all to be called a failure. — Bob. .-: -Mi A PEEP AT THE WOODS IN ODD PLACES.— No: 4. WHITE CEDAR, BLACK ASH, AND DA6SW00D. " What a splendid pile of fencing you have there, Wiiliam t" I exclaimed to a friend as we stood on the edge of a clearing, looking at a large pile of beautiful, clean, straight Cedar cut down and trimmed, ready for being converted into rails, or, to use my friend Wilham's expression, " hauled and ready for splitting." Before, however, we split and use up the«e indi- vidual trees, come \vith me (in imagination), and let us bare a look at tlie beautiful Cedar tree in its own habitat ; and though we cannot expect to make its acquaintance with dry feet, still I feel convinced that the beautiful object itself, with the delicate perfume it sheds aronnd, will amply repay us for all the trouble we shall be obliged to take to obtain a .sight of it. The clearing, on the edge of which I have mentioned that we were standing, occupied one side of a hill, on the crest of which we were stationed. Looking behind ns we saw a pieoe of brown, cold, untidy-looking land covered with a litter of leaves, small twigs, and chips, with the marks of more than one huge fire ; and at every tevr yards, or feet, as the case might be, a forlorn stump, standing some 2 or 2j feet out of the ground. This was the clearing, and to help to fence it off the Cedar trees had been chopped (.AngliC'', felledl, and hauled or brought out of tlie bush to one spot. Looking before us who can describe the beauty of the glimpses, caught be- tween the trunks of some noble timlier trees, of a lovely wood- land view, in one direction contracted to the distance of a few hundred yards by the richly wood-clothed hill opposite us, aad iu another stretching away for miles, displaying a glorious prospect of alternating bill and valley, curiously diversified and ornamented by patches of corn. Potatoes, or some other crop, appearing like small islands planted in a lovely green sea of native forest and bush ? Between us and the opposing hill M«y 16, 186«. ] JOUBNAL OF HORTICUIiTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDBNBB. 367 nms the lively, brilliant, and clear river Credit, rapidly, and at times noisily, hastening its way to Port Credit, on Lalrate theconser^atory or drawing- room, it is not desirnlile to pot a fresh stock each season, as a number of the deciduous shmbs, as Boses, Lilacs, Thorns, Honeysuckles, itc, may by proi^er treatment be made to bloom for several successive seasons Select, therefore, the most suitable plants when removeil fnmi the houses, and give them some kind of temporary sbeber to gradually harden their foliage. Th 'se cramped for pot ->oim shift into pots a size larger, using rich turfy loam, and pliii>i!i' them in an open situation, that the wood may ripen enrlv. These plants, from having been previously forced, will hlocm earlier than the new stocrk, iUy 15,1866. ] JOUENAIi OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENBB. 369 of vMch a portion eliould each year be potted to replace such as become useless for further work. GREENHOUSE AND CONSEUVATOKT. Camellias making their wood should have constant shading, the house to be kept very moist day and night, and the plants frequently syringed. Pay every attention at this period to plants of climbing habit, whether festooned from the roof, up pillars, or on trellhses in pots. Let stopping, thinning, train- ing, &c., be attended to as required. Many of these plants are unproductive of blossom for want of stopping the gross shoots. Weed out the inferior specimens and kiuds in the greenhouse, so as to give plenty of room to the best, and never allow the plants to touch each other during the time they are making their growth. All plants which are becommg shabby must have the old blooms removed immediately, and, if necessary, be cut back and started into fresh growth. Look well to water- ing, but avoid saturation, and give abundance of air at all times, unless you like to eyiinge, and shut up for an hour or two before 4 p.m. Manj' plants, such as Diosmas, Myrtles, and other things which have done blooming, if cut back and repotted will, with attention, make line plants by the autumn. These old plants and many more are veiy valuable in large establishments, where many cut flowers are required for draw- ing-room decoration. STOVE. As regards the plants in this structure, thorough cleanliness, free ventilation, ]denty of atmospheric moisture, and slight shading in bright sunshine, are at present the chief requisites. No means should be neglected to encourage a free growth at this period in Orchids, in order to have their pseudo-bulbs firm, well fed, and ripened betimes. Take care to secure cuttings of such plants as Brugmansias, Glerodeudrons, Erythrinas, Poin- settias, Eranthemumu, and of those useful winter-flowering plants Euphorbia jaoquiuiitflora and Gesnera bulbosa. Con- tinue to attend to the points of cultivation previously recom- mended, remembering that now is the period of rapid growth, and for supplying all the encouragements necessary thereto. PITS .iND FBAMES. These structure* will almost be done with for this spring's planting. Cuttings of dwarf Phloxes, AlysBum saxatile, Arabis, &c., must now be put in. — W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KJICHEN UAKDEN. Prepared for trenehing-down some of the winter vegetables, as Cabbages, Brussels Sprouts, some being yet good, and Scotch Cabbaging Kale, very fair as respects the young sprouts. Planted out more Peas. Some of our friends talk of thinning the rows before staking. Sowing before staking is with us of no use, and equally so with staking if the pheasants can reach through the stakes. Securely staking at once, even if that were effectual, takes more time than we can spare just now, and, therefore, we have sown a lot more under protection in semicircular drain-tiles and boxes. Those transplanted when about 3 inches in height, and staked at once, are doing well, and neither pheasants nor any other enemies have iuterfered! with them, though hen Pheasants have such a love for us as to be sitting on a dozen of eggs close to these Peas. AVe have a lot of Scarlet Eunners in boxes coming on well, but we sowed several rows in nice mellow soil and staked them at once, patting bushy twigg so thickly at the bottom on each side that, it would be no easy matter to get at them. However, staking' takes up rather too much time just now. We have also sowed Dwarf Kidney Beans for succession, and lest the seeds should be meddled with, we have a lot in boxes just coming up that: will replace them, or come in before them. The gardener will pretty well be a match for any intruding enemy in the long run, but it is the time and extra labour that tell, and throw his arrangements out of joint. Pricked out lots of Celery plants in fine soil, with a bottom-' ing of rough rotten dung and soil, so as to have balls about the roots at planting time. Planted out Lettuces : sowed more.^ We Uke to sow thinly in rows, and not to. plant much after this time. Put Iwrb-beds in order; especially planted a bed of Spearmint, and put the tops under a hand-light to strike more plants. Spearmint is with us a shy crop, requiring renewing every year. To suit our purpose the herbs are in a comer rather moist for them, and nothing suffers more than the above Mint. We can only keep it on by fiesh planting. Peppermint, on the contrary, seems- to look after itself, and not seldom we have taken the shoots of the latter for the former without any one being the wiser. Made, also, fresh beds of Sage, merely inserting slips some 8 inches long well into the ground. They will be nice plants before the head stufSng-time comes. Divided some roots of Tarragon, and will most likely fill a hand-light in a shady place with cuttings, as some people think a salad poor without a few leaves or shoots of this herb, and a few sprigs of Chervil. Sorrel also requires dividing, which must be done, as a dish of Sorrel depends for receiving appro- bation, even from those who like it, very much upon being gro^vn in fresh, well-enriched soil. When all such things, and soup herbs in general, are kept in one place, it often saves many a journey and much time. To save both we generally have a little Parsley, Spinach, &c., in the same place, along with Thyme, Pennyroyal, Marjorams, &c. Looked after Cucumbers. Set those intended for GherMns and ridges, also Vegetable Marrows, in a frame in the mean- time, to grow on until we can find room for them. Threw wood ashes and soot over vegetable seeds, and watered Cauli- flowers to hasten them on, as from having our earliest de- stroyed by rats and mice we shall not be so early as usual. Fortunately good white Broccoli will last some time yet. Sowed the main crop of Parsley, and will sow again under protection in the end of June, and that makes us pretty well iudependent of the winter. See previous weeks for general details. FRCIT oaeden. Exm the hoe through the Strawberry quarters and borders to destroy all incipient weeds, and to give an opportunity for the rains to descend. Will take young plants frtim a border for the last forcing. Disbudded trees, thinned shoots, and stopped shoots in the Peach-house and orchard-house ; further thinned shoots in the Fig-house ; regulated the shoots and bunches in vineries — the early Vines, Sweetwaters, in a narrow pit, started at Christmas, came in in the end of April, but the glass was covered with straw covers every night. We have thinned all Grapes that need it, except a few Muscats, and they can wait a few days, as though thick enough they seldom set so very thickly as to injure one another early. Watered fully half of the borders of the orchard-house with manure water. Watered the inside borders of the vineries with drainings from the dunghill, after throwing some soot care- fully over the surface. The ammouia from the soot will do good for some time, even as it escapes into the atmosphere of the house. The earlier vinery-borders outside are still covered with litter, and advantage has been taken of the little heat given off to make a temporary bed, with a rail back and front, and old sashes laid on, whilst beneath them are placed Scarlet Geraniums, that need a little t-trength for beds. The late vinery-border is exposed, only covered with a layer of horse- droppings, and on these, as the showers were coming, we pot a sprinkling of soot, for the rains to wash down. These Vines having borne prodigiously tor many years, we shall give the borders a sprinkling of guano or superphosphate. We lite the latter best, because it is so safe in inexperienced hands. Gave a good watering to the border of the Peach-house, where the fruit is swelliug fast. A little red s'pider appeared at one comer, and we have had the leaves carefully washed with a brush and sponge. At that place the pipes come almo.?t close to the wood and the fruit, the best of all aiTangements for red spider. Here we have placed bricks set in sand on the flat pipe, and poured sulphur on and between the bricks, and also some all along the pipe. We are anxious about this spot, about half a yard, as we know how quickly this enemy spreads, and that prevention is better than cure. With the exception of two or three Strawberry plants, this is the only case as yet in which the enemy has apjieared this season. There has been a little sulphur on the pipe almost eonsfantly. at least sulphur mixed with water and a little soot to colour it, for when of a lightish colour from sulphur water alone, or from sulphur and a little lime in exposed places, so as not to be removed easily, the pipes do not throw off so much heat as when they are darker in colour. The first wet day we shall daub sulphur, made into a paint with strong softsoap water, in open places on the back walls of bouses where the sun has the oliance of striking with full force. Such spots will give off sulphur fumes for a long time. Stopped and regulated Melons for fruiting, being later than usual. OB^IAMENTAL DErARTjrENT. Out of doors chiefly rolling and mowing the lawn ; weeding and rolling walks ; digging beds; protecting and exposing bed- ding plants according to the weather, letting them have all the 370 JOUBNAL OP HOBTICULTUBB AND COTTAGE GAKDENEB. r u»T IS, un. nice mild showers, and protecting tbem {rom the changes of the night ; potting and assisting the latest, and giving a warm syringing to the cuttings of Verbenas, etc., inserted in a bed in a frame as lately detailed, which promise to be all right in a fort- night's time ; fresh arranging houses ; potting Fuchsias, Ge- raniums, 4c. Some good plants of Rollisson's Unique Gera- niums had a few greeu fly on them ; they were placed in a smoking-box and smoked, and kept there for several days, and then were cleaned and well syringed. A box, or a little close closet or room, is very useful for this purpose, as a pinch of tobacco will be as efFectual as a pound or half a pound in a larger place, and tobacco is no trifle in some places where large houses are smoked, and then the disagreeable odour of the fumes lingers for days afterwards. Potted many plants, and gave more head-room, and a little bottom heat to Ca'.adiums in a pit ; shifted those in smaller pots, and started Gesnera ze- brina and its varieties for autumn display. Potted Balsams and Cockscombs, sowed more; and pricked out Stocks, China Asters, and other annuals, &c. — K. F. COVEXT GAKDEX MARKET.— May V2. A GOOD snpply of ont-Joor proiluco is now coming in, and that from undor glass is also irnprovint;, although far from what wo usually have at thi-^ season. Str.iwborries especially beinti very short. A few Peaches, Keotarincs, Melons, aud Figs of guud quality are to hand this wcok. FP.riT. Applos }i sieve Aorioois doz. Cherries lb. Cbestnnts bush. Carrants, Red }-• sieve Black do. Figs F. d. 8, 4 0to8 0 0 0 2 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 doz. 8 0 15 Filberts lb. 0 0 0 Cobs 100 lbs. 0 0 160 Goosobarries ..quart 2 0 0 Grape-s, Hothouse.. lb. 8 0 15 Lemoas ZOO 6 0 10 Raspberries lb. 0 0 Strawberries oz. 0 fi 0 1 Waluuta bush. U 0 20 Q VEGETABLES. Artichokes each Asparagus bundle Beans, Broad., bushel Kidney 100 Beet, Red doz. Broccoli bundle Brii^. Sprouts }.i sieve Cabbage doz. Capsicums 100 Carrots bunch Cauliflower doz. Celery bundle Cucumbers each pickling .... doz. Endive doz. Fennel bunch GarUc lb. Herbs bunch Horseradish . . bundle fl. d. 8. 0 8 too 3 0 8 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 2 0 0 0 3 2 6 Leeks bnnch Lettuce per doz. Mushrooms pottle Mustd.ii Cress, punnet Onions bushel Parsley sieve Parsnips doz. Peas }-2 sieve Potatoes bushel Kidney do. Radishes . . doz. hands Rhubarb bundle Savoys doz. Sea-kale basket Shallots lb. Spinach bushel Tomatoes.... J^ sieve Turnips bunch Vegetable Marrows dz. 9. d. B. d U 8 too 0 1 0 1 6 1 0 2 fl 0 a 0 0 4 0 fi 0 i! fl (1 0 0 9 0 1 6 b II (1 •2 R 4 0 S 0 4 n 0 6 1 0 0 4 0 R U 0 n 0 0 0 0 n 0 8 0 n 8 R (1 n 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 R 0 0 0 0 TRADE CATALOGUES RECEI\^D. W. Hooper, New Wandsworth. — Descriptive Catalogue of Planti. James Backhouse & Son, York. — Catalogue of Stove, Green- house, ami Bedding Plants, Fern.'^, Orchids, d'c/ Supplcjnent to Catalogue of Alpine Flant.<. TO CORRESPONDENTS. ••• We request that 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. Ail communications should therefore be addressed soleli/ to The Editors of the Journal of Horticulture, dc-t 171, Fleet Street, Londm, E.G. NJ3. — Many qucotions must remain unanswered until nest week. Cedab or GoA (C. B. F.).— Tlie Cedar of Goa will not stand frost. It reqttir«js protection in winter near London. Str.\wberry ST.ILKS Gbcb-eatf.s" {An Jrna^*-ur].— The stalks of the leaves and flower-trusses are eateu throUi,'h by a grub, called by gar- deners the "Leather Jacket." It is the Inrva of the daddy-lonplo*:^. Scratch away the earth with a koile from around each plant, and deiJtroy the grubs you find, ,.■> ;;y.i;-ojii.'. - : ..aU Jcii : B. d. s. d Melons each 8 Otol2 0 Nectarines doz. 18 0 36 0 Oranges 100 6 0 12 0 Peaches doz. 42 0 GO 0 Pears (dessert) . . doz. 0 0 0 0 kitchen do;;. 0 0 0 0 Pine Apples lb. 8 0 12 0 Plums H sieve 0 0 0 0 Quinces ii sieve 0 0 0 0 "00 1 S Books (A Yount^ Brfjinnfr).~Thoy treat on two differoat brAOcbes Ot Kardcniug. The Dictionary onainenae-4 the speolrs of pUats and tbeLr culture. "The Science and Prartico of GLirdentng" expUlod all Iho opi-riitiuns of horticulture. You Hhould have b<>tb the volumes. {W. R.). —The third edition of " Hof^g's Fniit Manual" 1m now published. Yoa will have «ien it noticed last wtok. {D. A. B.).—" The Cottage Gardeoar'i Dictionary " in nut published at our ofRco. No nddltions hsve been made t/> it Hince IHOfi. (J. P. O.i—Tho •' Cottaife Oardenor's Dictionary" not bavin;; had auy additions made to it for the last ten yeari, does not iuctudo " all fluwurci now in cultiTatioa." pROPAOATiKo Beooniah a:cd GuoxunAR pBO» Leaves (Jt S.).— Pin ft well-drained pot or pan (the latter is bent for Bfgonlas), to the rim with ft compost of saudy peat and loam and silver sand iu equal partx, and cover the surface with a thin layer of silver Hand. Take a Begonia leaf whiob is about half or three partu developed, cut away the leafstalk to within half an inch at the blade, and iuaert the remaiudcr of the Icafiitalk cloM to the rim of the pot or pan. Lay the leaf flat on the anrfiicc. and peg it down closely so that its ncrvures may be slightly imbedded in the bou. and the whole under -surface lie flat. Kur Gloxinias the pot.-^ should be yrcpared in the same manner, ouly the leaves must be put iu around the sides of the pots like cuttJugs, and with their lower end.s from thre« quarters of an inch to an inch in the soil. Give a gentle watering, and place in a mild hotbed of from 70' to 75*, and a proportionate top heat. JIaiutain a close and moiHt atmosphere, and shade from bright sun, keep- ing the soil moist hut not wet. The Begonias will form litth- plants along the midribs of the leaves, and when of sufficient fiize the y<>nng plants may De taken with their roots, cntting the midribs on both sides, potted singly and retained in heat until established. The Gloxinias will form tubers beneath the fioiJ, and bo well rooted in six weeks. Thev should then bo treated as old ] ApnrcoTfl kot Fbcituto (A Constant R*adfr).— The cause of your trees not fruiting is the imperfect ripening of the wood, which may be occasioned by the roots being in a cold, wet, rich, deep border. If the trees are not old we adWse y.iu to take them up next autumn and replant, not covering the roots to a depth of more than from 4 to 6 inches. The very rich and heavy soil put on the bed would do barm by i)lacing the roots fariher from the surface. Bad pruning would not hinder the fruiting, and the frost yoa say did not injure the fruit. Look to the roots. Water Melon CuLTmn (A JTorff^l.— Sow the seed now in pots filled with rather strong loam, and place in a mild hotbed of from 70" to 75*. When the rough leaves show pot off the seedlings and grow them on treating them io the same laanner as ilclons. ■■.y^ tji^f, ^^,, ffiy is, \m. JOtTRNiL OF HOKilCUtTtJRE' AJTD'co'iTAGB GAU'i'^'NM. m -'Inarching- Bowood Muscat Vine on West's St Peter's iA Lady 8ubscriher].—Th{^ flavour of the Bowood Muscat woiUd not be filtered by inorchiiiti it on West's St. Peter's ; but it would not force bo well as il it were inarched oa the Bliick Hamburgh, for West's St. Peter's reqairce nearly, if not 12 inches wide, should ho planted at these distances apart, according to size. Hyacinths es Beds f/nVml.— Your soilbeinslifiht and well drained the Hyacinths would not be in the least injurcdif left in the ground. In autumn you may ttike them up. remove the small oflFsetP, dress the bed, and replant on the same day. If the soil bo wet yon may take them up immediately after tbe folinge has turned yellow. Cocoa-xut Fibre Refuse as a Mulch (/(ffm).— The ecroa-nut fibre refuse, and not the fibre, should be put around Rose trees. It resembles brown sawdust. Do not use the fibre, which resembles bristles. The refuse dust would form an excellent miilch for Carnations. Cutting Grass with a Machine (/rfz-m)- — The grass is best cut when dry, or when the dew is ofl" in the morning. A slight amount of damp is not objectionable. We have not used the^machiuo in the erening with advantage, fitr the labour power then lags. Canna indica {P. if.).— The soil most suitable for this out of doors is a moderately light loam, enriched by a dressing of leaf mould and well- rotted manure ; bat any description of soU will do if it is in good heart and not a stiff, cold, wet clay. The situation should be warm, and, though open, it is best if sheltered from westerly winds, which injure the foliage. Well harden off before planting out. Batup-A iTETEi.orDES Flower-buds FALLING iiiatnra).—\\e tbink that the fiower-Imds fell from warmth aud drj-ness inducing rod spider, and from want of sutficient moisture ia the soil. A moderately light and well- drained soil enriched by a good dressing of well-rotted mr.nure or leaf mould is best. Dui'iug dry weather, aud particularly when swelling their bads, the plants reqiiii'o to be well watered. The plants which you keep in a greenhouse should be well syriugeil to keep down red spider, giving a light aud airj- situation. Canna Tubers not Growing {Tdevi).—T\ie Canna tubers have probably lost the eyes ; but th. y will sometimes not .'Jtart xmtil late in May. Tliey ought to have started before tbi^ in a hotbed. Charles Lefebvre PtOAE Weak iT-irmt.— The plant is very weak! Tbii will do well to ont it and the dwnrfs in potselosely to two eyes, and when these break retain the stronger, rubbing the other off. DECicrous Cypress fWcml.— The deciduous Cypress is Taxodinm distiphnm, and the speeimeu you sent belongs, as you suppose, to that species. The Evei-green Cypres? is the Cpright Cypress of tbe south of Europe, and is known as Cupressus sempei-virens. The Deciduous Cypress, or Taxodium disticJium, is a native of "North America. Taxodinm, orbequoia, sempeiwirens, is the Redwood or Bastard Cedar. Orciiard-hq.cre Aspect (Inquirer). — For a span-roofed bonSe lot Uff sides face as nearly as possible east and west. For a loan-to, the nearer one side faces the south tho better. Gold EN- LEAVED Ivy Geranium PonEDOtK&fHcdcTo).— Plant H inches from the edge, and the plants from 9 to 12 inche.s apart. Arrasoeiient of a Greenhouse {John Bull). — We approve of your raised border at the back of your house, and the pliinting it as you pro- pose with sis Camellia? ; but you will injure your Caniollias hy bavin? creepers above them also on the wall, which is only V2 feet in height. The Stephanotis will not do in «Tiiter in a teuiporatux*e of less than from 5lj-^ to CO", and that would be tuo much for the Camellias. You might have two brick pits, say 18 inches square, at each end of the border at tho back, and in these plant Passiflora Colvilli and racemoBn co&rulea, and take them along the top of the wqU until the Camellias filled tho place. The other trailers you may want wo would put against the rafters of the roof of the house. The house would be Itu.'^t with a walk all round, the bni'der at back, and shelf iu front, which would leave you room lor a three-feet bod or stage in the centre. Strawberry for an East Bank (If. Ji. IT.).— Most varieties would do well on the bank if the soil is good- We have had Black Prince, Keens' Seedling, and Carolina Superba doing well on not very steep slopes. For a very steep and Oxy bank the most suitable are the Alpine Strawberries. Purple Spinach (Tdem). — The name of Purple Spinach is Atriplex hortensis rubra. It may be sown now in drills as for Spinach, and the seeds covered with light soil. When up thiu out to 6 inches apart. To become bushy it requires to be frequently stopped, though when al- lowed to grow it forms a tine plant 4 to 6 feet in height on good soil, and is very handsome, having a sub-tropicnl appe-arance. The inflorescence is curions, and equally ornamental with the foliage. Lobelias Failing (J. C. ilf.).— We can only acconnt for the Lobelia cuttings failing from your putting in the flowering parts, and we have not the least doubt they damped off from keeping the soil very wet. We find that old plants do not give cuttings that take root so freely as those from plants a year or so from tbe seed. Our practice is to save the best of the plnnts raised from seed in the spring, colour, size of bloom, and compact- ness of plant guiding the selection. If taken up with balls in autumn tbey winter more safely, and give stronger and better-growing cuttings. Lobelias may be continued by cuttings from year to year, but the plants wear out, and most of tbe failures of LobehasVre to be attribvited to this. Put in none but strong cuttings of the parts not showing flower. They will gi'ow well. Ants— WiREWORMS (J. P. F.}. — For ants, see what we said in our last Number, page 3.i3. For wireworme, see what we say to-day In answer to another corresponpent. Names OF Plants (J". E.B.\ — ^l.Drymoglossum piloselloides ; 2,Asple- nium marinum ; 8, Athyrium Filix-feemina var. cristata ; 4, Asplenium ebeneum ; 5, Niphoboliis lingua. (Bnroardi.— Daphne pontica. {Quiz),-— 1, Polypodium vulgare ; 2, Saxifrag.i crasyifolia. (H. G. E.). — The shrub is Forsythia vii-idissima, and the bulb a variety of Karcissus pseudo* Narcissus. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS in the Suburbs of Lotidbn for tlie Week ending May 12tli. f Date. BABOHCTEB. THEBMOMBTElt. ■Wind. Rain In inches. General Klmaeks. Air. 1 Earn. Max. Min. Max. MiD. 1ft. dp. 3 ft. dp. Snn... 6 Hon... 7 Toes. . 8 Wed. . 9 Ttnia. 10 Prt. ..11 Sat. .. 12 Mean ^ 30.221 30.267 29.g03 - 39.943 29^BB9 29.785 80.168 29.998 20.880 ai.778 ».916 S9.38» 29.543 6i cs 6J 70 70 63 59 ^ 43 32 44 40 41 89 33 53 4?i 55 50 55 ■ 50* 56 61 53J -51 55 52 55 61 . s.w. w.'- ^2 = -,Veiiy nine; cloudy; fine throughout. " Slight haiie ; fijie ; very tine. ' Vei'y fine ; overcast ; rain at night. Rain ; cloudy and fine ; fine at uight. Du^ky and white clouds: cloudy: fine at night. ' Heavy rain'; white clouds ; boisterous; hail shower. Rain ; cold showers;. .fine at night. ^vy ■ 29.9&1 29.806 65.14 89.2.S 54.9S i 60.71 O-St PQULTRY; BEE. and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. *-:• POULTRY AS A SOURCE OF INCOME. 9r.; ■ siff OBivTRY IE scimetluug aiore tlmn it appears to be in the sliow- ySa^Ji ■"'WJt4K>«t--tte^,i'rina; in -ahy wfty en- measure to take fronj the pleasure offe'hiWUrrf.'.ctr to 'deprive it of its chttr.icfer as a'llob'by, Vf^.gftnnot 1>ut think of poultry also as an .irticle'of food, more SSpeclally uow when the suljeet Seems to be forced upon 118. il.. :j , I ■ Carried to the full extent of its capabilities, poultry vrould eontrib-ute lara;flly-.ia-the food of tho oonntry, wliil& rearing it nright eke out ft-eeahty incomer but Ave are afraid -we must glTe up the last. It \YOuld almost appear that these who suffer from the most inconvenient ailment of small incomes are also subject to constant attacks of false pride, which forbid them to nse any efforts to increase their means, except such as come withiji the scope of positive gentility. When a subject like that we are writing upon is mentioned, they rejoice in their ignorance, and protest " it is a tiling in which they do not take the slightest interest," while they wonder at opulent neighbours who foUow such things zealously. As indications !of character, perhaps the fact that they do may also explain the difference in the means of the two parties. There is, however, another class who have made a feeble attempt, and given it up at the first dis,^ppointmeut. There is in this, as iu everything else, something to leam from those who do for a liveUhood that which is followed as a hobby by lOtbers. ,. ,,HT '.■13 Ci^^O^c 38,^0 n OT .We o.ften, think jt would be Tvise if poultry-keepers followed ■theekamVie set'lhe'm.liy the gentry and many (ftttie nobility, who. at Covent Garden, become the rivals, and often the suc- ce.sgful rivals, of the professional growers of forced fruit and vegetables. We know a titled lady in the midland counties vvho.pays ill her poultry expenses, and has a. profit left from the -sale of eggs alone. We will grant this may be an excep- tion, but we look with the greatest pleasure on the practical utility of the balance-sheets that appear from time to time in our columns. A paragraph of practice is of more worth than a volume of theory. Every one of these balance-sheets will make a convert, and each of the latter will add to our stock both of food and knowledge. What is the cause of the disappointment of those who have given up keeping poultry after one failure ? First, Having heard that spring chickens are unusually dear. 872 JOURNAL OF HOBTICtTLTUBE AXD COTTAGE GARDENER. T ilty IS, 1S«. and having; thrco hcna that have rromising broods, there is n sort of Ahiaschar ciiloiiliilion — "Each hen has ten chiekens, and these are worth at least 4.i. eaoh. Fnr thirty ehiekeiis this vrill bo £6; tho hens will lay again (llreclly, and second broods may net niaUuas much, but they will sell well — say half price, that will le £3 ; extra eggR will pay exi'enses, and my three hens will pay £'J, £3 each." This dream ia not realised, and then the pursuit is thrown up in despair, and that which affords a pleasant employment and Will realise a small but almost cer- tain return, is relinquished, because it will not carry out an ideal prolit. As market poultry will be that which finds a certain fittle, we would speak of it. It is with poultry as with everything else, that which is produced in advance of its regular season is the most remunerative, but there is one universal condition tockod to all — it must have maturity. Thus, in the mouth of April, there arc tens of thousands of spring chickens about ; they are spring cbiokcns, inasmuch as they are hatched in the spring ; but they arc not saleable for lack of si.-.e till the summer ; they are not tit for market till Juno. The spring chicken that is vnlnable must be mature aud tit for table purposes in April and M.ay. It must be of good size aud fit for sale in the spring, being as large as it would naturally be in the summer. This quality makes its value. The smail spring chicken, so called because it is hatched in the spring, does not bring the largest price because there are thousands like it ; but that which is hatched betweeu November and February, and tit for market in April and May, having all the quahty of the spring chicken and the size of a fowl, is valuable, aud realises a large price because it is rare. Size is gold when joined to youth and good quality. We believe this will give the key to many past dis- appointments and prevent future ones. Those, however, who cannot give the attention neces.^ary for rearing and fattening spring chicken.s, will find summer fowls i-emunerative. The demand for eggs and poultry generally increases yearly, aud there is no doubt it will find a ready sale at all times. Tho fact of supplying the market docs not interfere with exhibiting. On the contrary, the winners of the winter may often be chosen from among the market chickens of the spring. we shall enjoy Wednesday, Sind of August, at Kingsvood. — WlI.T.SHIUE 1(£C'T0II. SOUTHERN POULTIIY SHOWS. This is a subject which possesses peculiar interest to the exhibitors and lovers of poultry residing in the part of F.nglaud south of the mid'and counties. ' The different letters which have appeared concerning poultry shows in the south have, I am thankful to say, ended in something better than words. I'er- mit me a little space about a show that is to take place near Bristol in August next. I ask this, as our good friends in tho north can walk alone, nay, do run alone, on tho poultry show subject ; but in the south there needs every encouragement and help, even the little my pen can give. There is, then, to be a Show on the 22nd of August at Kingswood, near Bristol, attached to the Cottagers' Horticul- tural Society, which it appears comprises six parishes. This Society was only formed in 18G4 ; but it is not only youthful but vigorous. It has this year been determined " to add to the attractions of the Society's programme an exhibition of domestic poultry; and to enhance the value of such exhibi- tion, and to enable the cottager, for whom this is more parti- cularly intended, to judge of the merits of first-class poultry, it has been resolved to offer prizes open to all England." 'JThis is well. In other respects all seems promising. Patrons, Vice- Presidents, and Committee are numerous and influential. There are special prizes for the cottagers' flowers and fruits — sensible useful prizes ; among them " a pair of boots [I hope they will fit the winner], a set of garden tools, a spade, and a prong for working potatoes." May it never turn np a diseased one! Now, these prizes are a thousand times better than useless things. When I turn to the poultry part of the schedule I find for the cottagers of the district suitable money prizes, with an extra lO.s-. for the best pen. Then come prizes of 10». and 5s., first and second class respectively, for amateurs; and "open to all England," first prizes of £2 2s., and .second of £1 1.5. These will doubtless draw together some excellent birds. But this is not all. Mr. Rodbard oiTers " two prii^es of the value of two guineas and one guinea for the best cockerel of any variety, to be exhibited separately." Thus, then, all appears very favourable. May it be (ine weather, may there be plenty of birds and plenty of visitors ; and then I am sure As one who has repeatedly grumbled at the Don-existence of sonthem poultry showB, which, in the words of our Prime Minister, have indeed been " conspicuous by their absence," allow me to congratulate my brother fanciers that " the old order changeth," and that henceforth wo have the promise of a better state of things. I take up the last Number of " our Journal," and instead of baring my bile disturbed, as the " WiLTSHinE Eectoh's " was by reading with dismay a long list of Yorkshire shows with outlandish names, culminating in that crackjaw name of Heckmondwike (!), I now see with a gradually broadening smilo of satisfaction a goodly list of southern, eastern, and western cities, shortly to echo with the " cock's shrill clarion." There is Woodbridge, in Suffolk, with its working Secretary Mr. Dallenger; and a " genuine fellow," a thorough poultry-faucier, is Mr. Wright. Then there are Bury St. Edmunds, and Qhelmsford, and Ipswich. Bravo! say I, to the pluck of the East Anglic.in fanciers ! Turning south- ward— we will not stop at Maidstone, a " close borough," I fear, as regards poultry, limited with sundry other restrictions to Kentish fanciers ; and Porking, where they only show Dor- kings ! — we pass with a sigh the Crystal Palace, scene of former glories, tempting one to paraphrase Moore's lines, for there, indeed — " Wc seem like ono Who truadfl alono Some poultry show dodtrteil ; Whoso Kuests aru fled. The chickens doad, .\nd tho manager dei»arted." Proceeding sonthward Brighton offers a more cheering spec- tacle ; and though last year the cattle show there, given up on account of that delightful " rinderpest," carried with it in its ruin the poultry show, still we have reason to hope that another Brighton show will rise like the pha^nix from tho collapse of tho old one. The " South of England," at Shoreham, greets us with a high-sounding title. May it float as lightly on the waves of success as the name of its projector, Mr. Cork, would bid us augur ! But, Westward, ho ! for tho stately spire of Salisbury attracts us to that ancient city. There in a few weeks will be gathered such a "cock parliament" from all parts of England, as to make old " Mother Birmingham" her- self jealous ! But from the more distant west we hear of other shows. Kingswood by smoky Bristol has raised its standard. Calne has a well-earned name for the love of fowls, and a Gloucestershire show looms in the future! Southampton, too, is "no mean city" for a gathering of the feathered tribe. Lastly, I mnst not pass over one of, if not the very best of, southern shows, and which may be pronounced in the language of the poultry judges, to be " good at all points!" Thrice in three consecutive years has the writer journeyed, on a pleasant summer's day, to the annual gathering of the North Hants, now the " Hants and Berl;s .Vgricultural ;" twice at quaint old Basingstoke ; once at scholastic Winchester did we show our respect for the Show, and give ourselves a treat. " Hiec olim meminissd juvabit." Wo will not par " what our birds did," as we wish to be modest and leave .all the "crowing" to them. But we will say, that though our day at Winchester followed the day upon which, like all the world, we kept what " Punch" calls " the feast of Parbee " upon Epsom Downs, yet the Winchester day was to us as jolly as the other ! Eemember that wo (for there were a party of us), were poultry fanciers ! Now, Mr. "Wiltshire Kector," we all owe you a good turn, for "many's the time and oft," that you have entertained us ; so here is a wrinkle for you in return. Go aud sec tho "Hants and Berks" Show at Beading next mouth. If it is at all like its predecessors, yon will find your fare from Wilts a good investment, repaid in what I Imow you like — seeing folks enjoy themselves wisely and well ! To my brother fanciers let me say. You have a liberal prize list, good accommodation for birds, a tirst-rate Judge, and in Mr. Henry Downs, the " Head Centre " of this (not Fenian lot), Poultry Brotherhood, a most obliging and aide Manager. A good list of prizes calls for a good cntr)', and a good entry or collection is well worth looking at. So when the 15th of June arrives, may the weather be " royal," and may I with all who love poultry " he there to see ! " — BlLVHMA POOIBA. We, southrons, must rejoice in tho prospect held out in your May 15, 1866. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 373 last week's Number by " W. B." I traat that all of us -will try by good entries to make the slinw n success, and then pro- bably we may have it annually. How our {riend " Wiltshihe Rectoe" must rejoice at the prospect! His "grievance" seems really to be dwindling away. AVhy, here, he will have Salisbury and Reading, and now a show proposed in Gloucester- shire ! Still, much of the success or otherwise, must depend on southern exhibitors coming forward freely as competitors. I trust " W. B. " will be able to induce our local railway, G. W. E., to bo " moderate."— Y. B. A. Z. RAILW.VY CHARGES. I snALL have altogether about 110 names to append to the memorial ; all, with the exception of those subjoined, having already appeared in the pages of " our Journal," it is useless occupying the space by again inserting Ihem or the memorial. I have to thank your correspondent Mr. P. Warren for a very valuable suggestion ; and I will immediately put in hand another memorial, to i:e signed by officials of poultry shows. I should only be too glad to receive the names of persons who would undertake the presentation of these memorials, but as yet I have only heard from one person ; in default, I must be content with the post-office. It is only since I have been mixed up with this effort that I have learnt the great value of birds to railways. Why, on some lines they are far more valuable than passengers. One exhibitor writes me that if he goes by third class from his place to London he is charged id. ; if he takes a bird with him the bird is charged 6d. ; if he sends the bird and books it, dd. Under such circumstances the shareholders possibly sing^ " Would that all passengers were birds ! " " Punch " may well dress the Cochins up in trowsers as men, they are more valuable sometimes. The following are the additional names : — Rev. H. J. Bdilv. Mr. Wilfrert liowly, Ss. li:-.iworth ■ Thrush). Third and Fourth, T. H. Cipes, Epworth (Ring Ousle, Tree Pipit). Highly Commended, L, Clarke, Belton (Mule). ' ' • i i ' ■jUDOss.— W. Wood, Esij., of SheffieH, and tfj.' Norton, Esq,, otiniiS IS RVEMEAL A SUBSTITUTE FOR I'OLLEX •.' Some eighteen months ago I was not a little amused by a discussion which took place in this JoiU'nal regarding the car- nivorous and omnivorous propensities of beos — whether they could, like " the lords of the creation," dine on roast beef, and breakfast on mutton chop or tender chicken. This grave question having been referred to your valued correspondent " R. S," was by him subjected to the infallible test of experi- ment, and the result was a complete acquittal of our little favourites of the gross charge so unjustly preferred against them. Since then, the gustative predilections of bees have again been the subject of calumny, originating, apparently, from an Italian source. In the beginning of the present spring a small jjarcel was forwarded to me by a friend, containing three very curious-looking cakes. On opening the accompanying letter I was informcil these were specimens of rape oilcake for feeding bees, recommended by M. Masso, an Italian apioulturist, who, according to the newspaper paragraph enclosed, made the rare discovery that his beiis collected therefrom " balls of provisions which thoy stowed away, and bo continued until the flowers re-appeared in the spring." Very wonderful ! thought I ; but I shall soon see. I hastened to the apiary, tried it in all forms, but found that my Italian bees had no liking for such bovian food. \ few after boggling at it for an instant retired, seemingly much affronted at the indignity offered them. " But what has all this to do with ryemeal as a substitute for pollen?" asks my reader. "Have you tried it?" Yes, I have, and, like M. Masso's rape oilcake, my bees will have none of it. It is quite true numbers became as white as millers by traversing through it, and several got themselves loaded with regular pellets, the dust having accidentally collected iu the little baskets on the thighs, so that to all appearance they looked like bees covered over and laden with the natural poUeu of flowers. As these entered the hive I could not help smiling at the completeness of the illusion. I fancied a few tried to nibble at it, but they soon left off, being unable to discover its use. Such being my experience, I would feel obliged by any of your correspondents who have tried this alleged substitute for pollen kindly favouring us with the results of their experience regarding it. Dzierzon, I believe, was the Urst to make the discovery, and so distinguished an apiarian could not, I ima- gine, be well deceived in the matter. Several other German bee-keepers are also said to have used ryemeal, and likewise wheat, with good results ; and Langstroth, too, has indorsed it with his recoraraendatiou, though it does not very clearly appear that he hims(iU p:;a(;tically tested its value. 374 JOUBNAL Of HQBTICOLTUBB AND OOTTAGB GARDENER. f M«r I«, ISBB. In a Bpnng like the prc»ent, iinporaUeUed for its unpropitioiis and uiigenm cbarnoter, «licn little or no poUcn couM be col- lected from tlowers, a substitute, if such there be, would be an mvaluable adjunct to the usual kiud of feeding roRorted to, and, therefore, it is desirable that apiarians should know how fcr and in what way Dzierzon's discovery raav be made avail- f^^A 'f '■?:^"»t"l can bo really appropriate,! bv bees, and us€d as a substitute for the pollen of flowers.-^ Lowr A BEEICEEPING NOVITIATE. I rincHASED a swarm in a common stock hive on the 4th of June last year It swarmed on that day, and weighed, with hive and floor-board, 15 lbs. About a fortnight later I cut a hole in the top of the hive, and put on an adapter, as directed m Paynes '•Bee-keeping." The top of the hive being round I had to use some mortar to get a level surface ; the mortar and the beesdid not work in it, and after removing it in Septeniber the hive weighed ;J7 lbs. Whenever I speak of the hive please to understand I mean the whole together, hive, board, and adaptor. I now wanted to increase the weight to 42 lbs bv feeding; but now came a difficulty, for I dared not lift np the hive to put food under. I made a small box with one end of glass to put over the hole in the top of the hive. I then took ?in empty sardine box, which held just half a pound of svrup, This piece of deal floats in the box, and rises and falls with the syrup. The sniall box bemg full, I one evening, with trembling hand pushed ,t under the box on the top of the hive ; it was lT„^i'""T '""\^''<^^; ''"'i °» l"«king through the glas^ in the 3 «n^ -f "^ *■'" ^T^ ""'' "" S™''- I "' ^--e took it out, and failed it again. But now I found a fresh difficulty \fter one or two feeds I found that as soon as I withdrew the box to lUl It the bees came pouriiig up, and when I wanted to push it under again I dared not do so, being afraid of hurting the bees but considerably more afraid of their hurting me. I then managed m this way: .ifter waiting a few hours I put the box under and then bored a hole through the top of the large thro gh a piece of indian-rubber tubing, and by means of a MuaU funnel I could then fill the box at pleasure. By these l?„f ? ?/."-' '"7 "I" *" ■*■'' "^^- 0" *1^« 24th of December it weighed 41 lbs., on .Tanuary '2911. .S7 lbs., on March •29th .^4( lbs ^ \^V?^ ','"•• "" ^^^ -*^* •"! "^^•. on tl'e 30th HI lbs. on May 2nd .3iJ} lbs., on the Hrd 2;)J lbs., on the 4th 29} lbs and down to the sth the weight has been stationary Wm you inform me whether it is usual for bees to lose weight so late in the season, as I expected them to gain long before this, and whether you think mine are going on all right also when you thhik I may put on the super? I wish to pre' vent them swarming this ye.ar.— J. i;. Bevtox. [You evinced considerable ingenuity in overcommg the diffi- culty which you experienced in feeding your bees ; but all and more than all the advantages of your apparatus are obtainable in a much more simple and convenient form by the use of an ifTfi fill 5' ;, f^'V"' '' necessary- is a common pickle- bottle, filled with food, and tied over with a bit of cap net, and inverted over the central aperture in the top of the hive, which should be previously covered with a piece of perforated zinc. A perforated block of wood about r, inches diameter, and fittin" closely to its neck, is an important adjunct to the feeding-bottle" obviating, as it does, all risk of a capsize, and effectually ox^ eluding marauders. The recent unfavourable weather is the cause of vour bees remaming stationary, and we should regard the first favourable change as the signal for putting on a super. We know of no work exactly answering vour description. Most bee-books give more or less reliable particulars of the natural history of the insect Much information mav also be derived from aperusal of Kirby and Spence's " Entomologv." and there are good articles ,n the last editions of the " Encvclopn>dia Bntanmca, and Chambers- "Information for the" People." Hnber s " Observations on the Natunil Historv of Bees - is st;U most valuable to the scientitic inquirer; whilst full in- formation on the more recent great discovery of partheno- genesis in the honey bee may be found in Mr. DaUas's transla- tion of \on Siebold's work on that subject, pubUshed by Van nr,°'".i!:.r.r'"i -"1 '° ""'•'«/ .'fora «'« P<"> of ^[r. Woodbury, the lirst of which appeared in our 25th Number, and which were afterwards continued from time to time.] ii),!fT ,• V t",^"','^""*""'' SociETT.-One of the most I »7 f'^n *"?' ' '?' '>""'"" "* "^"""^ for competition on the 20th of 1 ecember by this S..ciety. The prizes varv fr„m two gnmeas downwards, and there are many silver medals in OUR LETTER BOX. CTowth wit f svm^M^ """"^ '■'■ ^''"■^"B ohickcni. Oood .nd proper chicVenVnro o£m .^V'^r'l,"''';''"'''''' "■"• '^"""'i"! »« small si.e Mar cnicHens arc ofteo successtolly sbowu in .Vovembor, e^pecmUj Cocliini. onlv''«dvicrwr'Jn'!l Contracted Feet-G.ipk» IComlanI i!r„d.r).-TJie "raeted jcf h toJ^v^;;'^ }on abonl .voir d„oklin„,, hatched with c'■■''''" "li'"" ^f' «'-in*;"!:i:r (ff. B.l.-Good feedlnff-is Iho onlr he Srink f ,^^M /' ""n ""'"'';'" '"\ ""^ "='"'1 "oo'h". Boor is mucii chilly chickens than water, when the atmosiihcre is damp tmd .r^aa.s are niost probahly infl.aine.1, and we anticipate that she i8too l§? t,.v„ her .^ de8serl.,p(«„f„l of castor-oil twice after a dav°9 uiterv" vhX CO,?." Jr'fll'f f t^'oes with a «ry Ultle barieTmeal added Imt So lcaTl.s,^sdeSr.ablc "^^ ^''""'i'"™ "' «""=° fuod, especially lotluoe W^^T.'iJ^t" l'^' ?■ ^"-^"ii''!")— The temperatnre should be lOr or lO.",'. ^e have not heard reoeiilly anythina about the Orapo vou mouUon. It will lie advertised, probably, in duo time. ' •""""""■ DoiiKlxr. Chickens Dvin,-. U- £. fl.).-Tho symptoms aro tlioso ol ?:ipo„de';tlo-dt'^'"''"" " •"" "' '■»°""">^' - '^•-'«-» '- a^o^r^co?! <.TreTwUl"Lf?,T^'' J?''*'^^/-^- "■■ f-l-The bill should be ot . yellowish broad, and rather w^dcrat the tip than at the base. Head, In.trous Vrcen tai""5eh hfT""' -"'"/i-S '"'""1 ">o "*'-l<. not quite m'etoi SthJ Ba^' dark ^r "i" •j'"^''' ^'■'••"'*l- "ichinf. low down to the water line. ^J;„ ^^1 1?'^<'^°; '""ly. ^o". ^''" "« «■ '^ defect; legs. orant'e, or brown and orange ; weight about 8 lbs. t„'?Mrtv'',l„^°V.!'';'?'-^'^'''';i'"'-"-^'"' "^SS' require from twentyeight [a^.I^^ r I ^"'^t'"?; P '■"" '*™'' '«™" postage stamps with vm.r addiess, and order "The Poultry Book for the Manv." it will be scut to J ou Iree by post. It contains the information you iuenUon. a J.'ii'!.m^'nT^~w-f f °™\^''- •»•>— In tbe absence of guidc-oomba a ver> emcient substitute may be found in the German artideial combs or impressed wax shect.s sold by Messrs. Neighbour. These should !>• cut into stnps of Ij mch in width, and filed ou edge to the under side o» the bars by means of melted wai. The best means of doing this is bj making incisions a quarter of an inch Jeep and about 1 inch r.part along oueedgeof the strip of wax, which should be held between two slips of wood with the lucise.l edge projecting and slightly warmed by a fire ; then gently bend the incised portions at right angles in opposite directions nght ;md left, rapidly wax the b.ir with melted wax, and quiiklv press the bent P'Ttious of the incised edge upon it. If properly managed these strips of ar iflcial comb will adhere lirmly and form most efficient guide- combs. ^^ hen natural combs are used lor the puniose th.'v ^.liould not be old, and all drono-coiubs should be carefully eschewed The latter end of April is usually about thi- time for putting ou supers, but no exact period can be named, as it is always varying with the season and the state of the stocks themselves. POt'LTRY M.VKIvKT.— IVLvv u. Is commou with otlier markets, extreme dullness caoscs iinsatislactorv tradp, nnd lower ciuotations. Wo do not recollect no bad a trade in the month of Mav. s. d. s. d Lar^a Fowls 3 C to 4 U Smaller do 8 0 „ 3 fl Fowls 0 0 „ 0 0 Cliickeiis 1 9 „ 2 G Goslings 6 0 „ 6 G Ducidings 3 & „ Z Q ft. d. 8. Oninea Fowls 0 OtoO Pftrtridgos 0 0 „ 0 Hnros Q 0 „ 0 Kabbita 1 4 , 1 Wild do 0 8 „ 0 Plgeona 0 8 „ 0 Ha; 22, 18«6. ] TOTTRNAL OB- HOKTICULTURB AND COTTAGE GARDENEE. -375 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day OT 21 28 24 25 26 27 28 Day of Week. Tu W Tli F S Son M MAY 22—23, 1860. Whit TrESDAT. E3TBER Week. QoEEK Victoria Bohn, 1819. Phincess Heleka Boun, 1816. Hoven iliL'if.i'.ia. Trinity Sunday. Hovea elliptica. AveraRe Temperature near London. Day. 6B.7 67.6 68.1 66.5 C6.9 6.1.9 67.6 JJlRhl. I Mean. 42.9 44..5 4.S.7 43.7 42.a 4=1.1 44.8 64.3 56.0 E5.4 55.1 54.'J 65.5 66.2 Rain in last 30 yeare. Days. 17 13 11 15 17 21 15 i isnl Sun' RJseB. ' 6im' ' Sets. Mdbn. lUsdS SeU: U*. Jl, 52af7 after. 44 1 45 2 51 8 58 4 64 5 88 .6 li.l, h. \4 ■ 52 16 41 138:1 1 1 2 2 Jloon'f Age. Days. 10 11 12 Cloolk after Sod. or . V*ar. . 142 143 144 145. 146 147 148 From observations taken near London dnrinK the last thirty-nine years, the avcraiie day temperature of th» wook is 66 'C ■ and its niBb**- temparature 439 . The Kreatest heat was 91', on the'2.3th, 18 17 ; and the lowest cold 26', on the 23rd and i!()th, ISliS; and 2'3rd, 1)164. TbaJ """"'" ' ' _ ■ ll greatest fall of rain was 0.97 inch. N.B. — The Calendar contains the names of plants flowering in the greenhouse*. PLANTING 0U1? SUB-TROPICAL AND OTHER HAND SOME -FOLIAGED PL.^NTS. MONGST my regrets is the very great one that I have not had the plcasm-e of see- ing tlie results accomplished in this iva}' at Battersea Parlv — results wliich, in their mag- nitude and the harmony of their arrangement, seem to have ecUpsed all that has heen done in that way formerly. I trust that tliis season I may he able to admire and take notes of sucli arrangements, and also learn whether I have before met with Mr. Gibson, to whom the public are so much indebted for bringing together such fresh combina- tions of the beautiful. Perhaps I could value such com- hmations all the more, though as yet depending on mental ^■ision, as, though of late years I have di5ue little in this way, and this year will be likely to do little or nothing, it is more than thirty years since I noticed what might be done by planting out greenhouse and the hardiest of stove ]ilants in summer : and for a period of some tiftcen years I did less or more of this every year, when such combi- nations were not at all common. Then, as now. wiiat I did, even on a limited scale, was much noticed by those who admu-ed beauty in form as well as in brightness of colouring. In answer to the many inquiries why I do not continue a system the full value of which no one would be more ready to recognise, I will not enter into the economical questions involved, but -will content myself with stating that our little space midcr glass began to be more occupied with the useful as respects the table instead of the merely beautiful : that our lawn is so open and exposed to winds, that all large-leaved plants, as Canuas, Brugraansias. C'as- toroil plants, &c., even \\'ith the greatest care, were liable to have the foliage cut into unseemly ribbons ; and tliat the position formerly appropriated chiefly to this piu'pose became b3' degrees too sliaded to suit the original intention, and other plai'es that would have been suitable have for the present been devoted to other objects. The place where the subtropical plants throve admirably was enclosed by raised banks, running chiefly east and west, though bounded also on the cast and west, the banks crossing each other so as to permit of suitable entrances. These banks were planted ■nitli Laurels, Pinus, &c. ; and as long as they merely kept out the mnds and admitted the sun, tlie plants did remarkably well. Tlie beds in the centre were raised chiefly by Hints ; and a sunlf fountain or cistern in tlie centre was made with flints set in cement against brick. Most of the flints round the beds and roimd the boundary that supported the banks were covered with Mesembryanthemums, Sedums, Saxifi'ages, &c. No doubt No. 269.— Vr.i, X., New Series. 1 ' iir- o '':'!;■.! ivi'l ■•■:],' to f(0J oriX the flints' helped to abSb'rl) Wict' retain heat in these efc- vated beds ; but to increase this heat before planting out, from the middle to the end of June, we used to turn in tlie soil a spit deep in the iifternoou after a sunny day ; and for very tender plants, in addition to this, we used to taJte out a good hole, and hll it with hot fermenting dung and som.e (i inches of rotten dung over it, and then the soil, in wliich we either planted at once or plunged the pot or tlib. As the place gnxdnally became more sliaded these snb- tropical plants were conflned to the sunniest spots. The wliole cft'ect, even on a limited scale, was very good ; tLe tallest and freest-growing plants being placed far enoygh apart, either singly or in groups, to show themselves ofl" well ; whilst those of less growth were placed in smaller groups or singly between the tallest, and the ground was carpeted with Rock Roses, Sedums, Cerastinnis, Cuieraria marifiina, &c. But for the general flower-beds being bo open, tlie iino-foliaged plants might he mixed with good efi'ect in the combinations of the bedding plants : but to sliow how ■O'indy the place is, Coleus VerschafTelti was torn into ribbons, and Cannas and Ricinus were so nicely fringed that a person would have imagined it was their natural condition. ''', Tliat others may liave the opportunity of doing wliat ai present I cannot do myself, and thus give a sub-tropical appearance to a part of their grounds, I will subjoin the i'ollowing list of what I have eitlu'r used myself or seen successfully used, with some short hints as to their treat- ment, merely premising tiiat much of the success 'will de- pend on having ].ilenty of sun heat, protection from 'wind.s, and the ground in a warm state, by whatever means ai;- complished. before turning the plaiifs out : and .also, that thougli many will do well in pots plunged, with oiitlcts far the roots, the greatest vigour will be obtained, iuid less trouble will he required in watering, when the plants ai"e turned out into the soil, merely breaking the outsides of the ball a little. 1. Acacia. — Several of the iine-foliaged ones, as mollis, pubescens, decurrens, lophantha, are very useful and efl'cctive when so treated. I used to plant them out into rich compost, train tliem to a single stem (i or S feet in height, and let theia branoli there : in October raise them, squeeze the roots into a large pot, cut in the head, water well, set the plants in a shady place until tlie i-oots be- gan to ruu, and then house them for (he winter in a shed where there was a stokehole. I pruned-in (he head prett}' closely in spring, and exposed tlie plants in a shel- tered place in April. In tliis and all similar eases tU^ plants should not have much artilicial heat Jjefqfcb^g planted out. ' ,, • ' , f ^-.i 2. Arama. — The lieautiful Aralia papyrifcra I had not the chance of so using. It would make a line centre to a group. The hardy spinosa, which grows s or 111 feot high, has an effective appearance. The pretty Sieboldi is very effective, and in a dry place would need onlj' a little jiro-i tection in winter, _ '; .'i. Arcs DO. — A. donax is one of the finest Reed-loo!v-i*rj^ plants, throwing up stems strong enougli for stakes. It'is very shy of transplanting. This is best done just before it Ko. Oil.— Vol. XXX'V., OU) SULMB. S7G JOURNAL OP HOETICULTOKB AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. [ H*7 Si, isat. btgiaa to move in spring, and people must generally bo con- tent if it keep alive the lirst season. It likes rich Inamy soil «ud plenty of moisture. Arundo donax variecatais pretty, and nearly as strong-growing. Arundo versicolor is a nniversal favourite, as the striped Grass called Gardeners' CInrters ; and one of the most wonderful things about them is, that though I have carefully examined some thousands of blades, I never could find two striped alike. The Garters make a good edging to tall plants, and by frequent cutting and plentiful watering they will retain their freshness to the end of the season. 4. AMAiuxTnTj.s. — Of this there are three sorts vrorthy of attention — melancholicus, the common edging or bedding soft pnrple-leaved plant ; bicolor, with two colours in the leaves ; and tricolor, with three bright colours, one of the prettiest plants we have. I never did any good with it out of doors, except in tho bank-protected place alluded to. The seed of all should be sown in March in a hotbed, and the seedlings bo pricked-ofT, and haidened-off for planting out in June. 5. Brugmansia or Datura. — I'erh.ips of these the best arc sua- Tcolens, with large green leaves, and large trumpet-shaped f ingle white flowers, and Knightii the same, with double flowers, and both sweet-scented. The next best are luteawith yellow flowers, and atropurpurea with dark crimson flowers, and the foliage of both less attractive. These may either be grown as bushes or »3 short standards, with stems from 4 to 7 or 8 feet in height. In this last style the large flowers show to tho best advantage. In May turn out into rich compost, and water dui'ing the sea- son. In autumn take up, prune-in the shoots to half their length, and in spring, after keeping the plants in any plac3 secure from frost, prune back within a few buds of the base of last season's shoots ; expose by the beginning of May where protection can be given them, and when turned out in the end of the month they will produce their flowering shoots from tho middle of July and onwards. 6. Cektauiusa caxptpissima and Varieties. — Beautiful for edgings, and for blending with scarlets, crimsons, and purples. Take cuttings in July, or put in small bits in heat in spring. Treat as respects protection like other bedding plants, giving little pot-room, and little water in winter. 7. CiLENOPODinM ATKIPLEX .\XD I'ORFURASCENS do bCSt whoU sown under glass, potted-off, and planted-out in May, and make strong plants of a purplish hue. 8. Cineraria maiutima. — Fine for edgings and undergrowths for Coleus, Caunas, itc. It is most easily propagated in spring from short stubby shoots or suckers, in a little mild heat. In rather dry ground it is usually hardy, but young plants generally answei: best, as they do not so readily throw up their Hower-stems, and, therefore, they are more compact. 9. Cassia coktmeosa. — In addition to the ."splendid yellow masses of bloom and the fine green foliage, this furni.shes a good example of leaves folding themselves back and sleeping at the approach of evening. It is treated like the Acacias and Brugmansia?, only it requires a little higher temperature in winter, but it does best when not too far advanced when it is planted out. It succeeds best every way when planted out. 10. Calabium esculestuji, cucullatdm, &c. — The safe.'st plan would be to turn them out in July in heated soil, and take up and keep in a dormant state all winter ; but I should like to try csculentum in the ground with a large hand-light over it. and a hood of straw in severe weather. However, that would be more trouble than taking it up. The bulk of the family will neither stand much cold nor damp in winter, or, if damp, they must not be cold. A temperature of about CO" is safe. 11. Canna. — The varieties and so-caUed species are innu- merable, and all bear bright flowers peeping out through large foliage. The plants grow from 18 inches to 3 and 5 or more feet in height. Perhaps the finest for foliage are bicolor, discolor, nigricans, zebrina, Liervalli, Lambertii, mutabilis, mus.-Efolia, hybrida, &c., but all are beautiful when grown in a warm sheltered place where they can have plenty of sun and little wind. They do best when planted out in June, when they have not grown much to make them tender, and by the end of October they should be taken up and potted, some leaves left to encourage rooting, and then have all the stems cleared away and the roots plunged in dry earth in a shed by Christmas, and there they may remain until April. They merely need to be protected from frost in winter when used for out-door work. , 12. CoLsns Blumei, Verschaffelti, &c. — Beautiful plants for a warm place. In cold open places they rarely do well. They make nice bands for Cannas, &c., and blend well with Cineraria maritima and candidissima. They do best when raised from cuttings every spring in a hotbed, and then hardened off gradually until June, and turned out into earth well heated by the sun. 13. DiOKSOsu ANTARCTICA, &c. — Thcse fine Ferns do best plunfcl in their pots, or tubs, with drainage below to prevent stagnation, and the surface covered with moss or Helaginella. Thus treated many Ferns might ornament our flower gardens, aud especially the sub-tropical department, in Eummer. 14. Dk-vo.enas. — These must be lifted in time. 13. EccALVPTCS EOBrsTA and other Gum trees present a singular appearance from their foliage, Ac. I am not aware that any will stand our climate without the protection of a wall, but they do pretty well when treated as described for Acacias. 1(). KRiANxntis Ea\-enn.'e. — This ornamental Grass will look after itself when established, aud like the Pampas Grass shows best by itself. 17. Ficijs ELASTioA. — The Indian-rubber plant is not half so common as it ought to be. Plunged in pots, or planted out and carefully taken up in October, it may do for many years, if the temperature in winter is rarely below 40°, and never at freezing point. Prop.igated by cuttings and suckers. The juice should be allowed to dry before inserting the cuttiflgs, and the plant should be dry before they are taken off. 18. Gnaphaliitm lasatum does well with its hoary leaves and shoots for edgings and carpeting the ground. It is propa- gated by cuttings, and should be kept in a pit or greenhouse in winter. 10. GvNEimjsi ABGENTEra. — All the varieties of the Pampas Grass will take care of themselves in ordinary winters. Pro- pagation is effected by seeds and division of the plant. It is seen to most advantage when planted by itself on a knoll with its pendent grass sweeping over it, and the flower-stems standing alone in their glory. 20. Heueiu. — All the variegated and the smaller-leaved Ivies are useful for edgings and carpeting the ground in such places. 21. HEDVcniUM. — I have never done much with coronarium out of doors, but have had fine spikes of bloom and noble foliage of Gardncrianum in a sheltered place, when planted in rich soil, with two or three barrowloads of good hot dung be- neath it. The roots were taken up and treated only a little better than those of the Canua. 22. Iresine Herbstii. — A good edging plant, or for small groups between larger plants, as recommended for Amaranthns tricolor ; cuttings strike freely in heat. 2:i. LosuTiA FERKUGiNEA. — AProtcad plant with fine foliage, of v.hich I have had a good account, but which I have never had the chance of trying. 21. HiXiANTHDS MA.TOB. — The flowers seldom show, but the leaves have a graceful hoariness about them, and smell when touched much like peas-meal. I have seen good plants sttind some years against a wall, and a plant did well for a time in our little protected place. We took it up in October and kept it in a cool greenhouse in winter. This grows from 8 to 10 feet in height. Minor is a dwarf variety. 25. MEPEMRiiYANTnEMtTMs. — Many of these are very beauti- ful for setting on decayed stumps, rotten stones, and also, like the pretty Califomiau Houseleek, will make nice edgings for small, low-growing groups. 20. NicoTiAXA. — Most of the Tobaccos have fine foliage, and the aroma given oS is very grateful to the lovers of the weed. Tho new Nicotiana wigandioiJcs is very attractive. They are raised from seed sown on a hotbed in March, and the seedlings hardened off before planting out. 27. Neriusi (Oleander). — The white, pink, single and double gi-een, and variegated, do better in such a sheltered place sw described than in pots. If plenty of shoots on large plants are encouraged they bloom well every year. The taking-up, and moderate dryness afterwards, seem to secure the free-blooming in tho following season. The plants must be kept rather dry and free fi-om frost in winter. In fact, where much of this planting-out of large plants is resorted to. houses hke our old orangeries are wanted merely to preserve the plants in life rather than to grow them. 28. EiciNcs (Castor-oil plants). — This is one of the most effective families for the purpose where there is room to dis- play them, and the wind is kept from tearing and ribboning the fine parasol-like leaves ; many kinds, such as bourbonensis, have fine shaded foliage as well as coloured stems and fruit. Among the best are communis, macroearpus, spectabilis, vari- abilis splendens, sanguineus, tricolor, itc. These may all bo grown to a good size, say from 5 to 8 feet. There are also dwarf varieties of less tlian half that height, as viridis, spino- May 22, 13S(5. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 37i sus, niger, i-c. I have taken np these splendid plants and tried to Iteep them over the winter ; but unless a warm place can be afforded them, the trouble is next to wasted, as in a cool place they will always be getting less and less. I have found this plan of keeping them over the winter suitable when, in- stead of a plant with one strong stem, I wished to have a bush ■with five, seven, or more stems, for by cutting back the kept- over plant, say a foot or 15 inches from the ground, growing it on vigorously in spring, and hardening it off, a fine massive bush might be obtained. For general purposes — that is, to have stout single-stemmed plants with huge healthy leaves, the best plan is to sow the beautiful bean-hke seeds early in March in a hotbed, pot off the plants when a few inches high, and keep shifting into larger pots until May, then begin to harden off by giving more air, and plant out in rich soil in June, and let them alone until the frost kills them. Of such kinds as Ober- manni, I have obtained splendid purple-shaded leaves, much larger than the fancy parasols, by placing a larga barrowload of hot dung bt.low the rich soil. When this hot dung system is resorted to for rather tender plants the dung becomes valu- able for the surface compost in tlie following year. Fine effects might be produced with these plants : — Gannas, Coleus, Centaurea, or Cineraria, either when regularly planted in belts and the ground carpeted, or in large beds when these are grouped in masses, with smaller groups of dnarfer plants, as Amaranthus tricolor, Coleus, &c., and all the open spaces covered at back with Cineraria maritima, and in front with yellow Ivy or yellow-leaved Geraniums. Splendid beds of foliage and flowers may also be made with Ricinus at the back, and Canuas and Gladiolus mixed all over until near the side, where a belt of Iresine, or Coleus, and Centaurea would make a fine termination. In fact, grant warmth, shelter, and labour power, and these tine-foliaged plants would soon do away with the stiffness of our flower gardens. 29. SoL.ixcM. — A few of the annuals, as 'Wrightii and others, sent out by our seedsmen, are veiy pretty when raised in a little heat and then planted out after being hardened off to suit the open air. A group of Solanum lycopersieum (Tomato) would be attractive when in fruit, and so would smaller groups of the white and purple S. melongena (Egg-plant) ; but for ornamental foliage and rich-coloured spines, as well as large flowers, we must resort to such kinds as Solanum marginatum, •white-edged, from Africa ; eitrullifolium, large pinnated leaves and large spines ; aculeatissimum, good leaves and very prickly stems ; pyraoantha, with very large orange prickles and singular foilage, from Madagascar ; Balbisii, with large leaves and whitish midribs, and white flowers, from South America, &c. All the spined kinds should have room enough and to spare, and, judg- ing from my experience, should be plrmged in their pots in moss or earth, so as to get at them with the least trouble. Ex- cept in very warm places they should be returned to a cool stove in the end of September, unless, which -would be best in most cases, as they grew with great rapidity, a young stock is kept up and the older plants are allowed to perish. 30. Spik.ea. — A few of these, as Douglasii, Lindleyana, tissa, thalictroides, &c., may be used, and will take care of themselves. 31. Spakmannia AFr.ic.iNA. — This yields fine foUage and huge corymbs of its singular flowers when plSited out. It lifts well, and may be kept almost dormant during the winter in a shady, cool place free from frost. It should be little excited before it is exposed in May, and planted out in June. 32. SrAcnYS laxata. — This woolly-leaved hardy plant would be chiefly useful for carpeting the ground in such a garden — a mode of ornamenting flovrar gardens that is yet in its infancy. The noble pyramidal circipl I saw sometime ago at Woodstock, in Ireland, would have lost a portion of their attractiveness if deprived of their carpeting of moss, as close and compact and green as we could make it here with such Lycopods as SelagineUa apoda, denticulata, &c., under glass and shade. If ever I be privileged to see Woodstock again I hopo that, nnder such an enthusiast as Mr. McDonald, and such en- couragers of the beautiful and progressive in art as the worthy proprietors, I shall see much more of this carpeting system carried out. What I did in this way used to please me much, even when using such plants as Verbena pulchella. Lobelias of the speciosa section, variegated Alyssum, Gnaphalium lanatum, and the Cerastiums, Sedums, Crassulas, &c., with harmonising or contrasting colours, standing in little groups above the ground carpeting, and far enough apart for the beauty of all to be seen. I used to call the plan "spotted ribboning" and " raised carpeting." For instance, how beautiful a close carpet of Cerastium looks, with little groups of dwarf scarlet Geraniums spotted over it ; and then strong plants of eveu the beautifal Mrs. Pollock Geranium are not lessened in their attractious when set on a carpeting of a dense blue Lobelia, and a few flowers of the Lobelias just peering through the foliage, as well as beneath and around the leaves. 33. Stipa pennata. — The Feather Grass is a general fa- vourite. To make it thrive to perfection it requires frequent moving. It is, of course, perfectly hardy. Some variegated Grasses might be introduced with propriety. 34. Strelitzia reoin/-e.— Several times I have had this old resident of our stoves in good order out of doors. It does best plunged and well mulched with rotten dung. 35. Tkitoma uvaria would bo beautiful with its masses of flovrers and Sedge-like foliago. The roots might be protected with moss in winter, in addition to the withering loaves of the phmt, which should not be touched. 38. ViNCAS. — V. major variegata and elegantissima sboold have a place ; and tiie green, yellow, and wliite variegated varieties of minor would be useful for edgings and carpeting the ground, especially in shady places. 37. WiGANDiA CAr.ACASsANA. — 1 ucver had the privilege o! trying this fine plant froin the Cavaccas, but some scores of enthusiasts have told me how well it does under Mi-. Gibson's management. I presume it is kept in a rather warm house in winter. In fact, the winter and spring treatment of such plants is most important, if we cannot rest them in a shed, or place them under a stage, like Cannas, or raise them annually from seed like Castor-oil plants. S8. Yucca. — Who does not admire the Adam's Needles, with their rough picturesque attractions, in bloom and out of bloom? Prom filamentosa to gloriosa, through rccurvifolia, angustifolia, aloifolia, and others, they would lead their grotesque attractions to such a scenery, and in ordinary winters would require no more attention than tying their leaves to- gether by a band, that snow, or even much fiozen wet, should not lodge in the heart of the plants. The tying also protects the leaves from the -n-ind at a time -when it is presumed it would try them the most. 39. Zea curAeuA. — There is a striped Japanese variety of this Indian Corn advertised. The commoner kinds make a fine appearance in a sheltered place. Most seedsmen, out of the varieties grown, can select some of robust growth for pnr- chasers. In such a place as described we have had strong plants from 8 to 12 feet in height, with long broad leaves and with feathery crowns, besides the fruitstalks, beating out of the field all the Arundo donaxes that were ever grown. A few of the varieties of Holcus should also be grown, though they are pygmies beside some of these large Indian Maizes. To have them fine sow single seeds in a hotbed in seiiarato pots in April, repot as necessary, harden off, and plant iu rich soil in the beginning of June or towards the end of May. I thought of contiuing this article to mentioning some two score kinds of plants suitable for sub-tropical out-door de- coration; and amongst those occurring as worthy of being named with the others at present, I will select 40. Ac.'iw: a-ieeicaxa, the green and variegated varieties of which, if large specimens and plunged, would add much to the grotesque interest of the scene. In such a garden I would show neither pot nor tub, so that in this respect the natural should have full sway. And 41. Rhus cotincs (The Venetian Sumach), for its masses of feathery bloom, Rhus typhina, the Stag's-horn Sumach, and a few plants of Ailanthus glandulosa ; the first, the Stag's-horn, for the grotesque appearance of the leafless shoots, and both it and the Ailanthus for the fine tropical-looking foliage. These, with common treatment, will look after themselves. At another time 1 may add to what is here hinted at, as to the combinations of such plants. Meantime, as the subject seems to interest many of the readers of this Journal, I would respectfully solicit help and information to correct what is crude and "to supply what is deficient in this merely pioneer article, confident that where house-room, time, and la'oour, and a suitable protected position can be commanded, sources of enjoyment will thus be opened up, to which even the greatest admirers of vegetable lovehness have hitherto been strangers. — R. Fish. Pp.otection A3AINST Rabbits. — After having tried, iu vain, many things strongly recommended as preventives against the gnawing of the bark of young fruit trees by rabbits, I find the m JOUilNAL OF UOBTICUIiTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. r Uaj 22, VX$. mlitore of slacked lime ^vitli a strong deooction of tobacco, applied with a brush to the lower part of the stems, a most sure .and reliable means of kcepiug the rabbits awny from the trees. — A. Fnndleu in .-InKniiin Gardener's ilontMy. MUNOCII.KTUM ENSIFERUM CULTURK. Tnis very fine wintcr-flowcring plant is deserving of a place in every collection, however select. It cannot be ranked as a stove plant, for it grows too lanky in a stove heat, neither will it thrive in an ordinary greenhouse, l)ut it reiiuircs the tem- perature of an intermediate-hoase, or from 45° to 50° in winter from fire heat. Cuttings are to be taken from the free-growing shoots, their upper part with three or four joints and the growing point. The shoots should be about half ripe, or with their base a little hard and brown ; they will, llieroforc, he from 'A to 4 inches in length. Cut them transversely below the lowest pair of leaves, remove these as well as those on the next joint, and insert the cuttings round the sides of a 4j-inch pot. Drain the pot to one-third of its depth with potsherds, on these place a thin layer of moss, and then fill up with a compost of sandy peat and loam, .10 that when the cuttings arc inserted their bases may be within the least possible distance of the soil ; the pot is then to be filled up with silver sand. Place this pot inside one of larger size, and so that the rims of both may be on a level. Fill the interval between the pots up to within an inch of the rim with small crocks, and the remainder of the space with silver sand. Insert the cuttings up to the lowest leaves, and not so closely as to crowd thcra. Give a gentle watering, and, -when dry, cover them with a bell-glass resting on the sand hetwcen the pots. Tlace the cuttings in a mild hotbed of from 70" to 7.)", shade from bright sun, and tUt the bell-glass an inch or so on one side at night, but keep it close by day. Be careful not to make the sand very wet, otherwise the cut- tings will damp off, and yet it must be kept moist. The pre- .sent is a good time to put in the cuttings. They will be well rooted in six weeks, and, having been hardened off by remov- ing the bell-glass gradually, they should be potted off singly into small pots, using the same compost as for cuttings. After potting, the jilants will require to be slightly shaded, and to be lept in a rather close atmosphere imtil established ; they should then have a light and airy situation in a house, such as a greenhouse during the summer, having a temperature of from 5J' to CO' at night. ^When the jilants fill the pots with roots, shift into 4 J -inch pots, and by September, if they have grown well, they may be shifted into pots a size larger, but this will scarcely be neces- sary, and should not be practised later than the beginning of ihe month, so that the roots may take firm hold of the soil and reach the sides of the pots before dull weather set in. The 5oil for these pottings may consist of one-third turfy sandy peat and two-thirds turfy loam, broken and made rather fine, with the addition of one-sixth of silver sand. It is impera- tively neces.'ary to drain the pots well, for though the plant is as free in growth during the summer months as a Fuchsia it is ty no means so easy to winter. Provision should therefore be .made to keep the drainage free by jilacing over the crocks a thin layer of moss, or the turfy parts of the compost with the soil knocked out. In all pottings, the neck or collar of the plant should be kept slightly elevated in the centre of the pot. In winter the plants should have a position near the glass in a light airy structure having a night temperature of from -;.")"' to .jO", and be very carefully watered. By the following March cuttings treated as above will be sturdy compact plants in 4J or G-inch pots, though equally .good could be obtained at most nurseries for less than half the cost of raising them. However, in whatever way obtained, if ia 4{ -inch pots they should be shifted into (5-inch ones, and if in the latter size into 8-inch pots, using a compost of sandy turfy peat one-fourth, leaf mould well reduced one- fourth, and one-half turfy loam of medium texture. The pots should be of a porous nature, and well washed inside and out- side. Place a rather large crock over the hole ; some of less size above it ; then others broken smaller still, so as to fill altogether one-fourth of the depth of the pot ; and over all a thin layer of moss or the rougher parts of the compost. This, pre- vious to use, should be chopped rather fine, but not sifted, and mixed with a good proportion of silver sand. Having placed a little of the compost over the drainage, the pot is prepared for I age, and pick away the old soil from among the roots ; or, if this I cannot be done without injuring them, loosen the sides of the ball with a pointed piece of wood, and remove the soil from the surface down to the roots. Pot rather firmly but not very tiglitly. and keep the collar of the plant rather high, yet not more than half an inch or so above the surface. Give a gentle watering, and place in a temperature slightly warmer than before for a few days, or keep rather close and slightly shaded for a week or ten days until the roots are working in the new soil. The plant will be much benefited bj- a gentle syringing, and any shoots that grow irregularly should bo stopped up to the end of .Inne, when no further stopping should take place. The growth should be regulated by stopping and tj-ing out the shoots BO as to form an evenly balanced cone. The watering should not be at any time excessive ; no water should be given until really wanted, then sufficient to show itself at the drain- age ; but although the plant is not to be delugfd with water, it must nut be allowed to suffer through the soil becoming dry. A free and sturdy growth can only be secured by the plentiful admission of air, and an abundance of light. In .June, if the pots are full of roots, shift the plants into 12-inch pots, and when the roots take hold of the fresh soil stop the shoots for the last time, for it must be remembered that the flowers are produced from their points. In August expose fully to light, and afford abundant ventil.ation, so as to harden the wood well, and the harder it is the better will the plants winter ; their tendency to go off after blooming is a great ihawback. In September, if the plants have heeu grown in a warm greenhouse during the summer, or in one not very highly ven- tilated, nor shaded by climbers, they will be nice cones a yard or so high, and stiff and compact in growth. A cold pit would be a much better place for the plants from May to September, than any house, for then the requirements of individual plants can be better provided for, and I find that small plants do much better in small than in large, lofty houses. Place the plants in their winter quarters by the middle or end of September, and avoid a place overhung with climbers, and the ventilation distant. Give a light and airy situation near the glass. Do not wet the foliage after this, nor preserve a close atmosphere, otherwise the leaves will become brown at the ends, and avoid watering more than can be helped — that is, give no water so long as the soil appears moist, and the plant does not show the want of it. I find the most suitable tem- perature to be 50°, and not less than 45'. In a higher tem- perature it grows, and the leaves have a sickly hue. The sur- face of the soil should be kept free of moss by frequent stirring, and be careful not to overwater, and then there is no danger if only the drainage be good. When in flower the plant requires more water, and also when expanding and swelling the flower- buds, but any excess at these times ends in the plant going off at the collar after flowering. It is, therefore, well to have young plants in store. After flowering keep the plants rather dry, and do not en- courage growth in winter, but cut them in early in spring, and when the growths are a few inches long repot, picking away the old soil, then shade and keep close for a few days. The shootfi may be stopped up to July, but only those which are strong ; the weaker ones will At require any stopping. — G. Abbey. QUEEN VERSUS SMOOTH-LEA'S^D CAYENNE PINES. I.N order to prevent & wrong impression, wiU you allow me to offer a remark on what your ab^^orrespondent Mr. Robson has said about these t-:\o varieties of Pines in his criticism on the little work on the Pine Apple which I hove recently pub- lished ? He says that Smooth-leaved Cayennes are more ex- tensively grown in Scotland than Queens ; and that here and at Dalkeith, as two instances, the Queen is not so extensively grown as the Cayenne. Doubtless this conclusion has been arrived at on the "part of Mr. Robson from the fact that at the time of his visit the whole of the early Queens had been fruited and used. At Dalkeith Queens are far more largely grown than any variety ; and here the two varieties in question are fruited in about equal proportions, from the fact that there is most demand for ripe Pines during the London season, and from October to March. It is for winter supply that the Cay- enne is so much appreciated, and of sixty Pines that will be cut here for the next three months only three will te Cayennes. I am sure Mr. Eojbson's, wfill-knovm regard for truth and. Jagts May 22, 18«G. 1 JOUENAL OF HORTICULT0RE AND COTTAGE GAIiDENER. 379 will lead him to look on this correction with pleasure. He, I am son-y to say, saw our Pines under very unfavourable cir- cumstances, for, as all who visit here annually know well, our autumn and winter Pines of 18G5 were at least 30 per cent, below their usual mark, which arose from their being started \vithout first making an early summer growth — a circum.stance over which unfortunately I had do control. — D. TnoirsoK. EVERGREEN SHRUBS. At p.ige 312 Mr. Hobson invited attention to a subject which has not received generally the consideration which it deserves. I fully share in the regret there expressed, and hope that he and others will again advert to tho subject; by doing so, they will at least bring under notice objects worthy of attention, and it is to be hoped that such notice may tend to promote an extended distribution and culture of shrubs not at present so well known as they should be. I shall be happy to add my mite of information to tho contributions of irtlier correspondents. There are many beautiful plants attainable that will afford not less pleasure, and, at the same time, cost less trouble than most of those which require the protection of a glass stnicture ; and to those who have not the luxury of a greenhouse, but wish to cultivate a taste for plants, and to seek amusement and instruction from them, there are abundant materials to repay their care. Among them evergreen, deciduous, and flowering shrubs arc distinguished for their beauty, duration, and easy culture ; for, after all, the greatest pleasure of the garden is to be found out of doors. Although new plantations are being constantly made every- where, and grounds laid out, the subjects used to ornament them exhibit a sameness that seems to ignore the existence not only of the many beautiful and interesting shrubs recently introduced, but also of some that have been long known. It is only when plantations have been superintended by persons of experience, and possessing a knowledge of what is available for adding some uew and interesting feature to the shrubbery and kept grounds, that objects now too rarely seen are met with, and when met with are not always passed by unobserved. It is an additional instance of the sound judgment that has marked the proceedings of the Committee of the International Horticultural Exhibition, that by introducing classes for hardy trees and shrubs an important item of out-of-door gardening will be there represented. I subjoin, 80 far as my experience goes, a short notice of the subjects of Mr. Eobson's inquiry, with the addition of a few others not mentioned by him, in accordance with the expressed invitation to correspondents to record their views. SKI5IMI-1 .TAPosicA. — I have had this shrub about five years ; it appears to thrive best if peat be mixed with the common soil in which it is planted. My first plant was too much ex- posed to the sun's rays, which had the effect of discolouring the foliage and rendering it unsightly ; upon removing it to a more shady situation it failed to produce berries, although it bloomed freely, but its growth is slow. Other plants grown in pots, and kept in a cold frame during the winter, produce berries. Desfontainia spixosa did well here for two years after it was planted oiit, it also produced bloom ; it then retrograded from a cause which I was long in discovering ; being placed in a favourable spot near the corner of one of my borders, I at length found to my great annoyance that a neighbour's dog had made it a special object of attention. Removal to another place is restoring it. I am inclined to think that the Desfon- tainia will do well as an out-of-door shrub, if planted in rich light soil sheltered from the north and east. Eugenia Uoni has stood out during the last four winters ; the flowers are pretty but not conspicuous ; the fruit is edible, but too small and of insufficient flavour to be of service. E. apiculata I have not tried. CoTONEASTER SuiMONSii has retained its bright orange scarlet berries all the winter nearly up to the present time. The great drawback to this shrub is, that as soon as the berries begin to be well coloured, the leaves become shabby and fall off. The erect habit of Cotoneaster rigida renders it distinct from C microphylla. Peknettya mucrosata grows rapidly out of doors here, planted in a mixture of peat and common soil. Like Skimmia japonica it blooms freely but does not produce berries, a cir- cumetanee I am unable to account for. It is, however, a beautiful shrub, its glossy deep-green foliage contrasting well with the reddish purple wood of the young shoots. P. epe- ciosa, more compact and with smaller leaves, is also well worthy of a place. GitisELiNiA LiTTORALis provcs hardv here thus far; I have had it about two years and a half. 'When Mr. Kobson first pointed it out to me at Linton seme time ago (it was a stranger to me then), I was at once convinced that it ought to be more generally kno^vn. Its habit and cheerful appearance fuPy justify the occasional favourable mention which Mr. Eobson has made of it. It might be t.iken for Majorca Box but for tho slight turn of its leaves. It is, however, quite distinct. CoLLETiA BicTONENSis is au interesting curiosity; its pro- minent triangular spines give it an appearance quite imlike any other hardy shrub. It gi-ows well in rich light soil. Ceanotbus r.iGiDus will withstand any of our ordinary winters. The severe winter of 1860-Cl was fatal to it here, but other plants of it have done well since. Its delicate blue flowers are very pleasing; and as it blooms freely when young, and. is easily propagated by cuttings in the autumn, there appears to be no obstacle to its being more frequently met with. It is best planted iu a sheltered situation, and allowed to grow freely, not tr.ained against a wall or otherwise. EuoNVMus .lAPoxicDS is a neat compact shrub, with elongate oval foliage ; it looks well in winter, and thrives in almost any soil. There are two or three variegated forms of it, but neither of them so good, in my opinion, as the green kind. They are useful for variety. Bnxcs snrrr.nTicosA elegans should have a place where small and compact shrubs are desirable. It should not be planted in the shade, or the markings of its foliage will be rendered less distinct. This is an evident instance of the influence of direct solar rays upon the variegation of plants. B. balearica is probably better known than any of the preceding ; it is worthy of a passing notice. Ilex dipybena is one of the most distinct of green Hollies — but I am getting into an extensive field — this and Eex opaca ought to be in every shrubbery. It would not be difficult to extend the list. Before conclud- ing I wish to ask for information respecting ChamaTops For- tuni and C. humilis. I have not yet ventured to give them full exposure during the winter. Has any one done so ? — and how do they comport themselves ? Should they prove capable of bearing our climate they will indeed be valuable acquisitions, giving quite a uew feature to the garden. I should also be glad of any information respecting Escallouia montevidensis and E. pterocladon, do they approach in excellence the well- known E. macrantha ? Our old favourite the Laurustinus is found in different species. Does Viburnum macrocephalum form a good shrub, or rather tree ? The subject of this article constitutes a wide field of inquiry, and this, if directed in a proper spirit, cannot fail to be useful and interesting. The common Aucubas here are covered with bloom ; as this is probably the case generally we may expect in time to hear of some fine berried specimens. — AnOLEHna H. Kent. ORIGIK OF THE HAGUE AND LAPSTONE KLDNEY POTATOES. In perusing Tue Joubnal of HoRTicuLTrEE for March 20th, my attention was drawn to an answer by your correspondent, " XJpv.-ABDS AND Onwaeds," to " D., Dcol." respecting the origin of the Hague and Lapstone Kidneys. Tour correspondent has been misinformed, and I beg through your Journal to inform him and the public accurately. These Kidney Potatoes were propagated by Major Hague, but they were raised by his son Joseph, the particulars of which are as follows. I (Joseph Hague) in the year 1827, then residing at Thomer, near Leeds, planted t\Y0 pecks of Potatoes, which I had sent me from Clap Gate, near Harewood. Those Potatoes produced an extraordinary quantity of fine berries, which induced me lo try to raise seedlings from them. In that I succeeded, and selecting the two best from among the quantity, I again planted the seedling tubers, but subsequently removed to Bramham, where I now reside. Having no garden connected with the house I then occupied, I took my seedlings over to Bardsey, and they were planted in my father's garden, and as he was the first to propagate them, the general impression was, and is with man^ people to this day, that he raised them himself; but he never 380 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENER. ( Max ^. 1S86. at any period of his life attempted to raise ccodling Potatoes. I have live brothers, who can all testify to the accuracy of the above statement. Mr. Fuller, Florist, &o., Headingley, near Leeds, but at the time Rardeuer to Ci. Lane Fox, Ksq., of Bram- ham Park, gave the Lapstone Kidney its name. — Joseph ILiGtE, Bramlutm, near Tadcaeter. INTERNATIONAL HORTICULTURAL. EXHIBITION. To-D.iY opens the grandest horticultnrul Exhibition ever held in this or any country ; for extensive as were the kindred gatherings of Brussels and Amsterdam, and rich and varied the treasures there displayed, they each must pale in grandeur before that which has just commenced. Never before have such glorious examples of the beautiful in vegetable life been gathered together in such number, and it may be — nay, most likely will be — that those living will never have an opportunity of seeing such a display again. Let all, then, who can by any possibility visit the Exhibition, do so; for whether they bcprac- tical horticulturists or simply lovers of the beautiful iu Nature, be it in form or colour, in foliage, in flower, or in fruit, they will have their tastes gratified to the full, and, we repeat, such a chance of their doing so, and on such terms, may never occur again. In our Number for April 2-Ith we gave a plan of the way in which tlie ground is laid out ; but no one con realise in imagi- nation the effect produced upon the eye on looking upon a gar- den of nearly four acres of the rarest and most splendid of cultivated plants, all in the subdued light secm-ed by the can- vas roofing. The breadths of relieving shade caused by the groupings on elevated terraced beds ; tlie avoidance of mono- tony by such Tariation of surface, by the not-excessive frag- ments of rockworlc, and by the cascades ; and the relief to the eye given by the turf facings of the terraces, must all be seen to be appreciated. The impression on entering from the Crom- well Road, when the groups of mingled flowers and foliage are first seen, and the broad walks only just sufficiently seen to awaken imagination, is most striking. Nor when the details — the groups — are examined is the first imjiressiou weakened. All is artistic, and not an interruption mars the beautiful. To the right is the Orchid-compartment, 500 feet long by 40 feet wide, heated by 3200 feet of four-inch piping, connected with one of Ormson's multitubular boiler? of great power. At each end are groups, consisting of multitudes of Conifers, Taxads, and hardy shrubs ; and at that near the Cromwell Road entrance Rhododendrons, Agaves, Yuccas, and other natives of the New World prevail. Then the eye encounters in the distance lofty tree Ferns, such as the Cyathea medullaris, one of which stands 25 feet high. Palms, Dragon Trees, lofty specimens of Heritiera macrophylla, Strelitzia augusta, and many more ; whilst grouped at the sides are plants remarkable for the beauty of their foliage, relieved by others in flower, placed at conspi- cuous points. Those grand Azaleas, the splendid flowering specimens from the stove and greenhouse, such as are seen in no other countiy, the Heaths, the Pelargoniums, and a h^st of other floral gems, we cannot now do i(iore than mention ; but the whole constitutes a scene of beauty that the imatiua- tion may picture, but which words cannot adequately describe. Next week we shall publish a full report of the ExhiLiiion, Banquet, and Botanical Congress. We have much pleasure in being enabled to state that the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society, at their last meet- ing, passed a resolution, opening the Chiswick Gardens free to strangers dm-ing the week of the International Exhibition. THE CELINE ROSE AS A STOCK. Mat I ask your readers what is their experience of the Cfiline Rose as a stock for Perpetuals, &c. 1 I have been trying some experiments in a small way with it, and am inchned to tMnk that in some respects it has advantages even over tlie Manetti. It roots quite as freely, and is inclined to throw its Toots more up to the surface, and, therefore, for some soils it would have great advantages. Its roots, however, seem to spread much farther, and not to be so bushy as the Manetti ; but it is far more vigorous, and quite as hardy. I should, however, like to know the experience of other cultivators. I fancy it will be especially suited for the losa vigorous class of Hybrid Bourbons, such as Louise Margottin, Modile da Per- fection, Mdllu. Kmain, Emotion, &c. — C. P. Cleaveu. ROY.\L HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. May ICth. Flor-VL CosniiTTEE. — Messrs. Osbom, Falham, exhibited six very fiat: specimens of HcuiliH in full flower, also u boaatifDl plant of .^cro- plivUnm vc-nosum, Tlicse wero awarded a special cci-titieate. Messrs. Veitch sent somo fine specimens of the double Deutzia crcnata, An- thnrinm Sckcrtzcriauam with its brilliant scarlet spathea, and three seedling Gloxinias — one. Lady Cremome, an erect white flower with deep violet markings ; the great pecuUarity of this plant was ita ten- dency to produce double flowers, a second striea of petals being formed towards the base of the calyx. For this Viiriety a tirst -class certilicate w.as awaided. The oihcr two varieties were Madame Smith, a deep purple, and Lady Lyons, a deep rose. Jlr. George Scott, gardener to .T. S. Gower, Esq., sent a scedliog Calceolaria, Mrs. Scott, of the herbaccoas section, bright yellow with numerous dark spots. The blooms were ill-sbaped, not having tho circnl:\r outline so essential in this gay and attractive flower. From Mr. Keeler, gardener to J. Todd, Esq., camo a seedling Zonole Pelar- gonium, Rose of Dulwich, very far behind this class of flowers : and from Mr. Beer, Hammersmith, seedling Zonale Pelargonium Lady Sruart, of the marbled section, but of no merit. Mr. Bull. Chelsea, sent Castjinea vescu margiuata. an old and well-known plant, and Pitcair- uia tabulreforrais iu flower. The Rev. George Cheere, Papworth Hall, exhibited six well-grown specimens of the large-flowering variety of Mignonette. These plants were grown iu No. 43-pots, and were con- sidered a great success in good cultivation. A special certificate was awarded them. From the same gentleman came also a seedling Tro- piEolum called Papworth Scarlet, with very brilliant deep scarlet flowers. Messrs. Cutbush sent four pots of Myosotia intermedia, both the bine and white varieties; James Batcman, Esq., cut specimens of Deudi'obiam Dcvoaianum, Uropcdium Lindenii, and an Aerides, producing its flower-spike from the exti'emo point of the shoot of the plant ; and the Kev. M. J. Berkeley, a cnt specimen of a seedling Rhododendron, with white flowers, deeply spotted, probably a sport from gnttatnm pictum. From the Society's gardens camo a very fin© specimen of Rhodo- dendron Nuttallii, covered with a profusion of blooms, to which a special certificate was awarded, Epideudrnm aromaticnm. Cyrtochi- lum filipes, six plants of the new variegated 2ea curagna, or varie- gated Indian Com, which, if it retain its variegation, will prove a very useful and ornamental deconitive plant for tho borders ; a Lilac, called Dr. Lindlej, very similar to the cat specimens of Charles X., which were brought from Chiswick ; the clusters of flowers are very large, and conspicuous from the dark colour of the nnexpauded buds. A large collection of small well-grown plants of variegated Zonale Pelar- goniums from the Society's, garden at Chiswick, consisting of Mrs. Pollock, Sunset, Gaiety, Beauty of Onltoii. General Longfellow, and many other?, were much commended for their extremely healthy concUtion and good cultivation. Mr. Prockter, Clifton, exhibited a carious specimen of a Holly branch, which had assumed the stag's Iiom or branching form of flattened shoots, and which tho common Ash tree and others ai'o subject to. Owing to tho veiy cold weather many planta intended to be sent for exhibition were kept back, and the necessary preparjition for the great International Eidiibition next week most probably deprived the meet- ing of veiy many interesting subjects. It is most gratifying to observe bow well tJiese Tuesday meetings are kept np. and how much interest is dispb^yed by the attendance of so many Fellows, whose thanks are due to those exhibitors who so Uberally furnish plants for these meet- ings- Fruit Co:.iMrrn:K. — The only subjects exhibited were a brace of Champion of tho World Cncnmber by Messrs. A. Henderson & Co., and several Citrons by Mr. Scott, of Enaith Hall. FoKTCTGHTLY MEETING. — His Grace the Duke of Bucclcueh, K.G., the President, in the chair. The awards ha%-ing been auuounced, and eighteen new members elected, the Rev. M. J. Berkeley remarked that the plant shown as Psvcbotria macrocephala at the meeting of .-^pril 17th, though figured by M. Lemaii'e under that name, proved to be Rndgea macrophylla of Bentham. A Rhododendron shown by Mr. Johnson was then stated to be' nearly allied to Keysii, of which the flowers bear considerable resemblance to those of a Thibaudia, and one sent by Mr. Luscombc to the last meeting, to bo merely a form of R. niveum. It was also mentioned that several of the blooms of the fine example of lihododeudrou Nuttallii, which came from the Society's garden, had been fertilised with the pollen of other kinds. The Morel exhibited at the meeting of May 1st had on further exam- ination proved to be Morehella crassipcs. a species larger than the common Morel but of inferior merit, for though it may be used when youug,it soon decomposes. Attention was then directed to a cnt speci- men of Aerides ^Ya^neri, flowering in an abnormal naauner ; and Mr. Bateman stated in a letter that Jonesia asoca is now coming finely into flower at Chatsworth, and he hoped to be able to produce it at the I»xt May 22, 1366. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 381 fortnightly meeting. Mr. Berkeley having remarked that Brownea grau- dit^eps, which he had once seen in flower in Fifeshiro, is quite as hand- some as the .Tonesia, passed on to Gloxinia Lady Cremorne exhibited by Messrs. Veitch, which might be compared to the Hose-in-Hose Primula in appearance, but differed from it in not having a coloured calyx lite the corolla, but a corolla in two separate divisions occupying the same relative positions as the two tlivisions in hose-iu-hose flowers. Lilacs Charles X. and Dr. Lindley then came under notice, and the former was described as being by many degree'^ the tiner ; also the Long-podded Radish, the Raphanus caudatus of Linnceus. There are, it was stated, two perfectly distinct varieties — one the Rat-tailed Radish of Madras, the other that sent out by Mr. Bull, of which the pods attain a much greater length. ' A branch of Holly sent by Mr. Vrockter, of Clifton, was the nest object of atteuliou. It was in that peculiar state known as fasciated, which is very common in Asparagus, and arises from several Btems becoming united or grafted together during their growth. The efficacy of sulphur as a remedy for the Hop-mildew was then touched upon, and although a prejudice had existed among cultivators again^^t its use, and the Hop-factors had by their refusal to purchase Hops fi*om grounds where sulphur was em- ployed preventeil those willing to use it from doing so, the factors were now convinced that it exercised no prejudicial effect on the quality of the beer, and Mr. Berkeley added he was happy to hear that they had withdrawn their opposition. TEACUES AND PEAKS IN NEW ZEALAND. We have received from Mr. Swale, of the Avonside Botanical Gardens, a dozen of Royal George Peaches grown by liim. They are of very large size and weight, and fiilly equal to any grown in England. These specimens ehow what can be done here for the cultivation of the Peach, The soil and climate of New Zealand are admirably adapted for this purpose, and it is a subject of regi-et that gardeners do not pay more attention to the culture of this fruit. The bright sunshine we enjoy here is eminently favourable to their growth. The gardeners and amateurs, in too many instances, are satisfied with Peaches, the ordinary production of the ground. Now, the climate is almost similar to their natural habitat, Persia, and with a little care and attention it is possible to raise Peaches equal to those grown on walls in England. The chief requisites are to thin out the crop, and by judicious pruning to admit a free cir- culation of hght among the trees. — Lyttleton Times, Feb. 23?-rf. [Note from the Ghoweh. — One dozen of theso Royal George Peaches weighed 4j lbs. good weight, and in circumference the average size of the Peaches was 8| inches. In this instance I may mention a Windsor Pear tree, about sis years old, which produced me in this unfavourable season with us for Pears a crop weighing nearly 2 cwt. (within 4 lbs.), of good-sized fruit, a register being kept of the weight gach time any were picked xor sale. The crop of Windsor Pears does not ripen he:e all at one time. They are in great demand at Is, per pound. — ^W. S.] ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S MEETINGS. The Aprh:, Meeting was presided over hy the new President, Sir John Lubbock, Bart. Amongst the donations to ths library were the pubUcations of the Royal Society, a monogi'aph of the Plat^'pedes, bj M. Chapuis, (tc. Mr. W. W. Saunders exhibited a remarkable group of eggs of some tmknown insect (most probably a species of Hemerobiidfle), from Aastralia, affixed in a ruw on the bark of a tree by slender peduncles, ■which were alternately directed in opposite angles ; the eggs also, which are oblong, being alternately placed longitudinally and transversely. Also, the lai-v£B of a Beetle, probably belonging to the Lamellicorn tribe, which exhibited an elongated fungus of the genus Sphitria, growing out of each side of the neck like a ram's horn. Also, four larva) of a species of Locust, from Austraha, about half an inch long, attached to a twig ; one of them was tightly held head downwards by the other three, which were themselves so locked in a close embrace, and had their legs bo intricately entangled, that it s.'cmed as if they had been unable to extricate themselves and thus had died. Mr. Rogers sent for exhibition specimens of Pimpla oculatoria, one of the Ichneumonidaa, which he had reared from the egg-bag of a Spider found under the loose bark of an Oak fence. The species had previously been reared on several occasions from Bramble sticks, which had been bored into bj other insects in order to build their nests therein. Mr. F. Smith exhibited a specimen of Bemtex olivacea, which was stated to have been taken many years ago by Dr. Hicks, near Glouces- ter. It had been fignred hy Donovan as BritiBh, under the name of B. octo-puuctata, but as no locahty had been recorded, it had been subsequently doubted whether it is a truly Britiah species. Mr. J. J. Weir exhibited some larvai supposed to he the oommon Mealworm, which had been found in a wine-cellar, where they had - done considerable damage by eating through the corks of port wine bottles, so that tho wine had escaped, the aealingwax with which the cork^ had been capped not having proved a proveulive agaiust their entrance into them. They had only partially attacked the corka of sherry bottles, whieli had consequently escaped, probably in conae- qnence of the flavonr imparted to the cork by the wine not proving palatable to the larvai. It was suggested, as a probable cause for their incursion into the cellar, that bran might have been used in packing tho wiup instead of sawdust. Mr. W. W. Saunders said that numerous instances of the injnry done to wine corks by various insects had been brought before tho Society. Ho remembered a case in which a number of lurvro of Dennestes lardarius (which had been brought into tho Docks with a cargo of skins), made an incursion into a neighbouring warehouse, in which wore stored some manufactured corka, which they perforated and rendered useless. Largo damages were claimed against tho Dock Company, and a lawauit seemed imminent, but tho matter was finally compromised. The May Meeting of the Society was held on the 7th inst., the chair being occupied by W. Wilson Saunders, Esq., F.R.S., &c., Vice- President. The donations to the library received since the last meet- ing were very numerous, iucludiug tho publications of the Royal, Linnean, and Royal Agricultural Societies, the Entomological Societies of the Netherlands and Stettin, and an ostensive series of cntomo- lo^cal works presented by the Secretary, J. VV. Dunning, Ksq. Mr. McLaehlan exhibited some galls found on Ground Ivy a.t Le^visham, supposed to be those produced by Aylax Glechomre, which, however, occur singly, whereaa those now found formed a cluster of four. Mr. Bond exhibited a fine variety of Cabera exantheraaria, reareJ by the Rev. M. Horton. Mr. Newman exhibited some larvffi of Hepialus lupulinns, de- stroyed by a fungus (Sphreria?), which occupied the whole of the in- terior of their bodies, sending out its mycelia in all directions through the skin, whilst in some specimens a stout capitate column rises from the nock of the larvfe immediately behind the head, evidently tho fructification of the fungus. This curious formation is well figured in the "Entomologist" for the present month. Mr. Stainton exhibited some Dipterous larvre, sent from Alloa by Mr. Borthwick, which had entirely destroyed the main stems of young Wheat plants in that neighbourhood. Mr. Saunders, however, stated that the habits of this insect had been previously well observed, and that its result was tho throwing out of an abundant supply of lateral stems, no more injury being done to the crop than by pasturing sheep upon Wheat when growing too luxuriantly at the beginning of the season. Mr. Stainton also exhibited a number of drawing's of the larvse of various species of Microlepidoptera, made by Miss Wing, from speci' mens which he had collected at Meutoue and Cannes, amongst which was Prays oleellus, which is as injurious to the young shoots of the Olive as P. cui-tisellns is to those of the Ash ; also, a di-awing of a true gall formed on the shoots of Gy]isophila eaxifraga by a small Lepidopterous larva (Gelcchia sp. ?). The only other instance hitherto observed of a true gall formed by a Iicpidopterous larva is that pro- duced upon Polygonum aviculare by Asychnia ffiratilla. He also exhibited a drawing of another larva (Gelechia sp. ?), which he had found feeding on the bark of tho Spindle Tree, beneath masses of ex- crement of Yponomeuta Evonymella. Mr. Janson exhibited specimens of Throscus elateroides, a species of small Beetle, new to Britain, taken by Messrs. Brewer and E. Smithy near Rochester. The Chairman exhibited some Interesting nests of Spiders and Oiketici, from Australia ; and Mr. E. L. Layard gave an account of the manner in which tho caterpil ars of the last-named genus (also found at tho Cape of Good Hope. Cevlon, ttc), construct and enlarge the curious sack-hko cases in which they reside. Mr. Howard sent a small collection of insects of various orders, from Port Natal. Mr. Layard called the attention of the Society to the fearful ravages of a small species of White Ant at St. Helena, which had been in- troduced into the island about twenty years ago from the west coast of Africa, and which threatened to destroy every portion of timber- work in the island. Already James Town may be said to be devas- tated by it. The Cathedral was entirely destroyed, as was also tho Library and its contents. Teak is the only kind of wood they will not eat, although they freely bore through it. He also cave an account of the habits of Honey Bees at the Cape of Good Hope, where, although they sometimes took up their abodes in caverns, &c., where they had abundance of space, they swarmed as often as our domestic Bees con- fined in hives, and that, too, notwithstanding various means had been tried, includiug the use of Nutt'a hives, without any satisfactory result in preventing the swarming. Tho following papers were road: — "Notes on Collecting Lepidop- terous Insects during the Spring of 1866 at Hy(;re3," by the Rev. Douglas Timins, M.A. " Descriptions of New British Icbneumonidffi," by Mr. Thomas Desvignes, in which nearly thirty new species belong- ing to Gravcnhorst's genus Tryphon were described. The (Chairman announced that the part of tho Society's "Trans- actions " containing Dr. Wallace's prize essay on the culture of the Ailanthus Silk Moth, was ready for distribution among the members. 382 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTUIIE Ai!D COITAGE GAKDJENEK.. r uuj as, isas. HEATING BY GAS. Dttrino a eonvcrpation relative to the motles of heating ap- phcable to garden Ptructures, one of the Editors of this Journal stated as liis opinion that " there is no mode either more effective or attended by so Bmnll an amonnt of trouble as heating by gas." He qualified his opinion afterwards by reminding his auditors that ho was talking to amateurs who managed their own small greenhouses and conservatories. He was asked to famish a plan, and he endeavoured to escape by referring to tho back volumes of this .Journal. That, however, was not con- sidered satisfactory, and eventually he promised that, if he thought it would be useful, he woulil gather together the state- ments and illustrations scattered through the volumes to v.hich lie had referred. For the use of new snhscribers lie had arrived at an aflFirma- tive conclusion, when a letter from a correspondent, ".]. F., Northampton," inquiring how he could best exclude frost from a small conser\-atory, now erecting, promjiled to the speedy publication of what follows. The simplest mode is using a gas stove. We have employed such a stove, merely to exclude frost from a greenhouse, and it answered very well. It was a small circular stove, with one Argand burner, and an iron tube instead of glass round tho burner. An iron chimnej' carried tff all the noxious gases. A modification of this is the following: — (£•»■' "V^^ Kig. 1. This apparatus (firj. 1), consists of a burner, a — a ring of brass tube — 5* inches in diameter, pierced with lifteen fraall holes, placed 4 inches above the level of the floor. Over the burner is what may be described as an inverted galvanised iron trough, 9 inches wide, 7 inches deep, and 5 feet long, resting on four legs 4 inches high. The buiner is placed under one ex- tremity of this trough ; from the other end runs the chimney, which is of three-inch galvanised iron piping, the joints of whicli are not cemented. This rises H feet, and is then carried across the house 12 feet, andtinallymakesitsexit in the kitchen chim- ney. It must either be carried into a chimney, or, if this is not possible, it should, after being carried across the house, rise .5 or G feet perpendicularly. Placed on tho top of the trough over the burner is an evaporating-pau, 6, containing ahont three gallons. This arrangement, if not ornamental, is cheap and useful, and, with a little expense, may be made more elegant ; at any rate, it is entirely removed during the season when the more attractive flowers of summer invite visitors. Xho house is a lean-to, 14 feet square, and 13 feet high at the back. If hot water ia employed to diffuse the heat, then the amateur has the following modes to select from. The laudations of each arc the inventors', not ours. The greatest advantages the following mode {fiflfs. 2 and 3), offers are the facts that it requires no pxpensive brick fixing, that it can easily he moved and adapted to another green- house in case of removal ; it is clean, can be set in action in % moment, and is easily regulated even by a lady, and, where there is gas, may be kept Jor any time at a comparatiTcly small cost, when the great expense and trouble of the old mode is considered. There is no risk with gas of losing your plants in consequence of the fires going out, and no time lost in at- tending to them. Fiij. 2 is a sectional view of an apparatus in a cellar, from which the pipes are led to the greenhouse. A Is the boiler, composed of two galvanised iron bowls, which may be bought Kg. 2. Fi{7. 2. Sectional Yjcw. Fig. 3. Innvr tube, kept in centre by stay^. for Is. CJ, each, and which are soldered together an inch apart by means of a circular ring of No. 11 zinc, n Is a flow-pipe, with G, a small tube (an inch clear), running through a good part of its length, and communicating as a chimney with the hot-air chamber f. c, Itctum pipe, galvanised iron, 3 inches in diameter, and connected to boiler, e, ting-burner to be bought for l.s. 3(7. n, Circular tube of sheet iron, same size as outer edge of boiler, and made to take away. There must be a small swing-door for lighting gas. i Are holes at bottom for the admission of air. j, Stay from one pipe to another. K, Union joints. These union joints can be in any part of the return-pipe, but can only he beyond the chimney on the flow- pipe. j\s a matter of course, the farther this inner tube goes through the flow-pipe, the greater afterwards is the faci- lity for he&ting rapidly. For some time after heating there can be no heat felt issuing from the tube o, pro-s-ing that the cold water is abstracting all the heat. AMien the water be- comes heated then the warm air escapes ; but, by lowering the burner, and a little attention at first to test its capacity, the loss of heat can be brought very low. Fig. 3 is a section of the flow-pipe, showing how the inch tube is retained by stays in its place within it. One advantage, and it is especially an advantage in a small structure, arises from the whole of a gas-heating apparatus being removable when no longer required. If there is a tap close to the wall on the gas supply-pipe, and the pipe attached to the gas-burner is connected with that tap by a galvanised indian-rubber joint, then the tap may turn oil the .supply of gas, and the stove, boiler, io., be disconnected from it and re- moved at any time. A correspondent states that for the last three years he has Mxj 22, 18<6. ] JOUKNAL OF HOBTICTJLTHKE AND COTTAGE GABDENBB. 883 used indian-rabber tubing alone, for jointing both hot-water and gas-pipes. After a severe test, it answers the purpose admirably. A piece of galvanised iudiau-rubber tube, of a somewhat larger diameter than the pipes to be joined, is passed over the end of each. The vulcanised tubing is then encircled with stout string (S), at a distance of half an inch from the termi- nation of either pipe, and tied up strongly and neatly. The juncUoQ presents the appearance represented ia fuj. 4. Though Fig. i. so simple, this is a most efiEectual joint. Taps can be inserted in a similar manner. The next {Jiff. 5), is in a greenhouse, span-roofed, with glass on all sides, and which is small, being only 12 feet square. From the outside is laid a wooden box, 10 inches by 5, open- ing under the gas-bnrner. To prevent any smell at lighting there should be a continu- atiou of pipe beyond the burners, opening externally. Letting the gas escape from this for a minute ensm-es the pipes being full of gas, and, consequently, it is quickly lighted. This addi- tion is important, as mixed air and gas might puff out in the face, besides vitiating the atmosphere of the house. The boiler, &e., is all of copper, except the chimney, which is gas- pipe, and cost altogether about 70/. Tliree-quarter-iuch pipe is recommended, as after midnight the pressure is only small, although quite sufficient. The apparatus 13 placed under a stage, and when not in use hidden by a pot,.o( Ivy flat-trained on purpose. , Lastly, there is the following {jiff. Ci), patented by Mr. Clarke, Eagle Foundry, Liverpool. In this the boiler is formed of seven tubes, with a ring of jets of gas beneath. There are seven small burners, one fixed exactly under the centre of each tube. The boiler is made of copper, and is 12 inches high by 'J inches iu diameter ; and the water-space is between the tubes upon the same principle as in the locomotive engines. The whole is enclosed in a sheet-iron case just the shape of the boiler, made to fix on the top, and extending down the side nearly to the bottom. This case confines the heat to the outside of the boiler, and to prevent the cold air getting between this casing and the boiler a flange is fixed. In the above drawing, a a are two cast-iron boxes about 9 inches long, and of just sufficient width and depth to admit of an inch-bore pipe being screwed into them. The top one, of course, forms the flow, and the bottom one the return, b Is another box which answers for the return ; c is a small air- tube ; D the supply-cistern, which may be placed wherever most convenient so long as it is above the highest point of the pipes, which should be the box b ; and e is where the supply- pipe, which need not be more than three-eighths of an inch thick, is generally put in. There are four flows and four returns, the surface of which is a little more than two rows of four-inch-bore pipes ; for the circumference of a four-inch-bore pipe is about 14J inches, while that of four one-inch-bore pipes is better than 16 inches. Sometimes only three rows are used, and sometimes only two, according to the size of the house, f Is a slide for lighting the gas, which can be opened and shut at pleasure. There is a tap for drawing the water oiT at any time, n Is a two-inch sheet-iron tube for carrying off the burnt gas. This boiler may stand in the greenhouse and the flue-pipe be taken through the roof, or, what is better, if practicable, put into a chimney-shaft. This boiler contains about three quarts of water. Neither two nor three-inch pipes ought to be used for gas, if economy is to be considered. Supposing, for example, the cir- cumference of a three-inch pipe is 0 inches, 1 foot in length would contain 84.82 cubic inches of water. Now, if we use three one-inch pipes instead of one three-inch pipe, we obtain the same heating surface, and have only 28.27 cubic inches of water to heat ; consequently a great saving in gas is effected. With this gas boiler one-inch bore wrought-iron pipes are used, and the frost is kept out of a greenhouse 20 feet long by 15 feet wide for something like Ss. Gd. or 4s. per week. Wooden truiik for admission of nir. A. The boiler. B. Chimney of two-iueh screwed gas- pipe leading tbroagb the water, c. Steam safety-pipe opening exter- nally, being of one-qoarter-incli powter- pipe. D. To supply water, kept close. E. Two gas-burners in rings. One has been ttifficient at present. F. The door to pass in a light. This is a brass screw ping. Such can be bought at any brassfounder's. The centre has been cut out, and a small piece of talc inserted, as it is satisfactory' to see the light. The door has a cross handle. (;. Is a circular addition to the boiler, and ought to have at least G inches of gi'ound round the bottom. THE MANGOSTEEN. " Again [at Singapore] I tasted the iiangosteen ; and I now boldly record my opinion that this much-vaunted fruit is in- ferior even to a Banana, and not to bo compared with the Mango." — iluUr's Travels, vol. ii., p. 18i. I haf e often closely questioned a naval friend, who has eaten this fruit at I'euang, a place in which alone it is said to be quite perfect. He always talks about it in a sort of rapturons way ; but when I have given him a very fine weU-ripened Nec- tarine, and have said, " Well, what do you now say about the Mangosteen ?" he has paused and said, " This is quite as lino; 884 JOUBNAL OP HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEI^ENEB. I Har 22, 18K. and if the weather were as hot as at Penang I should, as the Chinese say, kick up a bobbery about it, equal to what we do at Penacg aboat the Mangosteen." — T. B. rROFIT FROM FORCING PEACHES. The erection of orchard-houses has now become so general, that a word in favour of their adoption would be unnecessary; but any facts which tend to illustrate their value must prove acceptable to all interested in the cultivation of fruit trees. The rapid mode of transport which has originated within the last quarter of a century, has brought easily within our reach the productions of the gardens of our foreign neigh- bours, and in many cases within a few hours of such being gathered and packed ; yet with all these advantages I am in- clined to assert that the produce furnished by the forcing- houses and gardens of Great Britain has not decreased in value by reason of such competition. The following facts will, I tliink, prove this; and similar evidecee I believe is often obtained under similar circum- stances, but passes unrecorded. If a debtor and creditor ac- count of the marketable value of the produce were kept, it would afford evidence that the cultivation of fruit trees under glass is anything but unprofitable ; though it is in many in- stances difficult to convince the grower to the contrary. But to proceed. In a lean-to house, S3 feet by 16, we have here planted near the centre — that is, within the fourth of the distance of each end of the house, one Royal George Peach tree and one Nectarine. The two occupy the whole area of the house. The growth of the former exceeds the latter by one- fourth. The Peach tree has been planted twelve years. It was removed from the garden wall, against which it had been for some years previous to its removal. Every precaution has been taken to confine the roots to the border prepared for them inside the house, so that they may be entirely subjected to the heated air. The house is heated by means of three rows of four-inch pipes, one flow in front, and two return midway. The trees have been under my care since the autumn of 1861 ; and as we annually dispose of the fruit, of course a faithful account is kept of the sums obtained. That your readers may form a somewhat accurate idea of the value realised I here subjoin the details. Sam received. Year. £ ,. d. Va-Z Ripe June 13th Pcaclies 425 dozen 42 10 0 18t"S Ripe May 28th „ 43 dozen 48 10 0 ISTA Ripe May 1st „ 42 dozen 67 0 0 1865 Ripe April 21st „ 27 dozen 65 0 0 1866 Ripe May 10th , 38 dozen 50 0 0 The Nectarines yield annually about twenty dozen, and the snms obtained average about 15s. per dozen. In deducting the expenses of labour and fuel, it should be considered that the house is but one of a range in which Grapes are forced, and that the whole of the compartments are heated by one of Weeks's No. 4 tubular boilers. — JJichael Davls, Gardener, Rochampton Park. WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. DnKiKo showery weather, such as we have lately experienced, it is difficult to keep down effectually the seedling weeds ; no sooner does the bright sunshine tempt one to cut them up than down comes a shower, and starts many of them into renewed activity. To remedy this it is advisable, after hoeing through such crops as Onions, Carrots, Parsnips, &c., to choose a fine day soon afterwards, and go over the whole with a long-toothed iron rake. The disturbance is generally effectual in killing the ■weeds, and is, moreover, of great benefit to the crops by scari- fying the surface, and throwing it open to receive the full benefit of atmospheric influences. In deep, retentive, and cold soils it is advisable, in order to attain anything like success, to forward early crops by artificial means, and transplant. This practice is very essential, whatever the nature of the soil may be. One general effect of transplanting is to give the plants a check, which throws them sooner into bearing ; at tho same time, if the ground is in good condition, and weU trenched, they are as productive as if sown in the open ground. Beans, make another sowing of Longpod if they are much in request, and take off the tops of those in blossom. Broccoli, make another sowing of Miller's Dwarf White Russian, these will come into bearing in the end of April and beginning of May. Prick-out the Capo Broccoli and CauHJlowers. and keep all seedling crops of this kind well dusted with quicklime, other- wise you will have to repine over the loss of moat of them from snails and slugs. Dwarf Kidiwy Beans, sow tho dwarf sorts for succession, also Scarht Uunners, and transplant those which have been forwarded, if not already done. Sow also Jerusalem Kale, and tho old English Colewort, buth are very useful for planting after Potatoes. Peas, sow in smaller quantities for a succession ; the north side of sloping banks is well adapted for these sowings, being generally cooler and more retentive of moisture. Keep the surface well loosened amongst Peas juBt coming up, and earth-up and stake othei-s as they become ready. Spinach, keep up successions. Turnips, sow another good breadth, and thin-out those advancing ; endeavour to keep them in a healthy growing state, which is one of the best pre- ventives against the curly- sown ones running to seed. FRUIT GARDEN. Poach and Nectarine trees infested with green fly, and having curled or blistered leaves, should be well syringed with strong lime water from a garden engine. Continue to nail-in the young shoots of all kinds of fruit trees as they become suffi- ciently advanced, and keep the finger and thumb at work amongst superfluous shoots. Give the Strawberry-beds a final stirring, and have some available material at hand for laying about tho plants, to prevent the fruit from becoming dirty. Keep a number of figure-1 traps constantly set about the beds, as there are no greater destroyers of Strawberries than mice. FLOWEE GARDEN. Eecently-transplantcd trees and shrubs must be carefully attended to with water until fairly established. It is frequently the case, however, that too much water is given at the root, thereby souring the soil, and rendering it uncongenial to the young rootlets and the after-growth of the plants. The soil should be kept moist, but not to the extent of saturation, and the plants should be watered overhead with the engine on the evenings of bright days, which will be of more service in re- pairing the loss sustained by evaporation than if given in excess to the soil while there is a di-ficiency of active rootlets to absorb it. When Eosesare infested with the grub, it will be necessary to go over the plants frequently to destroy this pest. Green fly is also sometimes very troublesome at this season ; a good washing with the garden engine on two or three successive evenings will greatly assist in exterminating it. With the wind east, and a fair prospect of a sharp frost any night, there is no great inducement to commence bedding-out in earnest. It is to be hoped, however, that we shall have experienced a favourable change before the appearance of this notice, and that the planting of all properly-prepared stock may be proceed- ing under favourable auspices. Begin with Calceolarias, Ver- benas, and Scarlet Geraniums, leaving Heliotropes, Lantanaa, Anagallis, and such things as are easily injured by frost, until planting the more hardy shall have been completed. Branches of evergreens are easily enough obtained in most places, and a sprinkling of these stuck into the beds after planting will be of great service in protecting the plants from the drying effects of bright sunshine, and will also ward off a degree of frost which to unprotected plants would be destructive. All shoots which are long enough to be injured through being blown about by the wind, should be pegged down immediately on planting out, and a good watering should be given to settle the soil about the roots. This, however, will be better done early in the morning, if there is any reason to fear frost. Auriculas should now be pliiceil on a north border, the seed will ripen there very well ; if the pots are well drained, and placed on a layer of ashes to prevent the ingress of wonus, the plants will sustain no injury from exposure. Polyanthuses require more shading than tho Auricula, otherwise they are liable to the attacks of red spider. Carnations and Picotees are growing fast, so are weeds, which must be taken from the pots as they appear. Cut over those which are spindling without showing increase. Do not delay putting down the sticks to wliich they are to be at- tached. Pansies may be shaded, and not too many pods of seed allowed to ripen. Tie up Pinks as they spindle. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. Somelof the earlier-flowering New Holland and other green- house plants will soon be past their best, and a judicious amount of foresight and care will be necessary to avoid being I short of specimens in bloom with which to supply their places. Many subjects in the stove, as Achimenes, Gloxinias, Sco., \ should now be in a forward state, but these must be carefullj I prepared for removal to the cooler and drier atmosphere of the May 22, 1866. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 385 conservatory, otherwise there -will be great risk of injuring the foliage, &s. When circumstances will admit, plants that have grown in a moist, warm atmospli'?re should be removed to an intermediate-house about a fortnight previous to their being taken to the conservatory. Clerodendrons, Alliimandas, &c., will continue growing slowly and blooming for three months at a time, whereas if this is neglected, their beauty may be very short-lived. Aim at maintaining an even temperature in the conservatory after removing plants thence that have grown in the stove, and furnish a little shade on bright sunny days ; also, see that every plant is perfectly clean before placing it in this house, and that the creepers, &c., are not infested with insects. To the last-named class of plants should be added the charming Bougainvillrra, and the beautiful Lapageria rosea. For the former the warmest part of the house should be selected, and if possible its roots should have a little artificial heat. Young stock in pits will now be making rapid growth, and must be carefully attended to as to watering, stopping, train- ing, &c. Examine Heaths frequently for mildew, and apply Bulphur the moment it is perceived, some of the softwooded varieties being very liable to be attacked by that pest at this season. STOVE. The plants here will be growing very freely, and will require frequent attention as to training, stopping, &c. Keep them properly supplied with pot-room, and afford them all the sun- shine that they will bear without scorching, with a moist atmo- sphere, admitting air on mild days. Go over creepers frequently, 60 as to direct their growth, and prevent their becoming en- tangled, which without attention will soon be the case. Syringe and shut up early in the afternoons of bright days, and be as sparing as possible of artificial heat. Afford Orchids in growth a thoroughly moist atmosphere, giving them a good steaming every bright afternoon, by syringing and shutting up early. Admit air in moderate quantities on mild soft days, but care- fully avoid currents of drying winds. Examine the plants in- dividually every other day, and water such as require it, but be careful not to give too much to those starting into growth, and a cool atmosphere will gi-eatly assist in prolonging the beauty of those in bloom. — W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST ^\^3EK. KITCHEN GAKDEN. Took the opportunity of the dry days to run the Dutch hoe among all growing crops, as Cabbages, Cauliflower, Onions, and Potatoes. Prioked-out Lettuces, Cauliflowers, &c., and planted beds of Mint and other herbs, as these little matters are often of more consequence than greater things. A' cele- brated gardener told us that the greatest annoyance he ever endured was to be almost without Parsley, and that season, do what he would, it would not grow, and he only succeeded at last by raising it in boxes, and transplanting it into fresh soil obtained from the sides of the highwaj'. We have heard often enough of land being Clover-sick, but never before of groimd being Parsley-sick. Ever afterwards our friend turned his soil intended for Parsley deeply, in order that there might be fresli soil for it to root in. Previously the Parsley flourished well eaough at first, but then the roots would all rot and damp away without any apparent cause. Fresh soil may remedy the evil complained of by our corre- spondent " Vexed." What seems to vex him chiefly is the supposed fact that Parsley is so much more in demand now that he is short of it. We say supposed, as it may only be a supposition, because, though there is a natural tendency in us to value most that which i? scarcest, there is also a tendency to think that) people are taking advantage of our deficiency, ■when really they are only taking the usual supply. However, in all such matters it is generally sound policy to say as little as possible of being short of anything, as that may give it a Talue.to the consumer which it never had before. On the other hand, the best things will pall on the appetite if pre- sented too often. Only give a lady Kidney Beans every day in December, and they will come to be no more valued than they would be in August. Dwarf Kidney Bcaiis. — Sowed out of doors in rows 2 feet apart ; turned a lot out of four-inch into ten-inch pots, and set them in the front of an orchard-house. Thinned those standing behind the standard trees in the orchard-house, as they were rather too cool and shaded to open their bloom so fast as we wanted. By moving one half to a pit we set the rest in the open spaces, and they will thus form successions. Those early fruiting ones that, after bearing heavily, had been cut bati and planted out in an earth-pit with a little protection, are breaking and showing well, so that at farthest there will only be a few days when we cannot gather. We might have con- tinued with a bed of Newington Wonder, but this small kind is not so good for late as for early forcing, as the Beans are apt to form so quickly even in young pods. We wanted the room very much for Strawberries, and as the leaves were becoming a httle shabby from frequent pruning, we pulled them out, and prepared the place for Strawberries, which see. Potatoes. — We still have a few to plant. Gave plenty of light and air to those under protection. Dug up some beds that have been exposed for some time, and brought back frames again to be placed over Strawberries, lifted and planted out in the soil in which the Potatoes grew. We allude to the matter chiefly to chronicle how well the Potatoes in seven-inch and twelve-inch pots did this season. We have found, after several years' experience, that much more produce in the same room may be obtained from pots than from planting in a pit and frame in the usual way. In the smaller pots we generally put one set, and mostly obtained from six to eight good-sized Potatoes, and from the larger pots nearly as much in propor- tion. Besides, the pots could be moved from place to place, a matter of importance where there is little room under glass. We used also to bo fortunate when placing a set in a four or five-inch pot, and when the stem was G inches- high, plunging the pot and 2 or 3 inches of the stem in leaf mould. The Po- tatoes then lay generally on a level with the surface of the pot, and without the plunging the new Potatoes would have been greened. Counting glass light for li,ght, and under pretty similar conditions as respects artificial heat, we obtained fully one-third more produce from those in pots, and when the pots are not large the Potatoes may be fingered to obtain a few of the best, with less injury to those remaining than when planted out in beds. Cticumbrrs. — Pruned in severely the earUest three lights that bore heavily, to give them a chance of fresh growth, and if they do not come strong will replace with plants now rooting from cuttings. Volunteer we consider one of the best Cucumbers to bear of the rather smooth-skinned kinds. Telegraph is also very good, and grows longer. Conqueror of the West has a nice bloom lor those who wish the Cucumber to appear whole on the table. Ayres's Perfection, a smaU variety of the Ken- yon or Sion House race, is a fine bearer, and ureful for those who want a small fresh Cucumber every day. It is generally very crisp and sweet, when 1 inch, or rather three quarters of an inch in diameter, and 0 or 7 inches long. In front of those in frames, we have applied a lining chiefly of mown gi'ass after it had lain to heat, taldng care that no fumes from it should find their way inside the frames. This would not have been, wanted but for two circumstances : The beds originally, fi-om shortness of material, were made shallow, and the hea\'y rains running down the glass had soaked into the front and cooled the beds there. We used to prevent this by one of two simple modes, and we have been going to do it every day ; but though a smaU job, every day brought so much work, that it is not done yet. The simplest mode is to have boards 1 inch thick, and from 9 to 12 inches wide, to place in a slanting position in front of the frame, so as to catch all the rain that comes from the glass, and throw it all that farther away from the bed. This is a very quick and simple mode, where you can be fortunate enough to lay your hands on the boards, and this we could not manage. The boards will be sure to warp in such a position if lot alone ; but they will be serviceable for this purpose for a long time, it the person who uncovers or looks after the frames would just turn the boards upside down every second day or so, which, notwithstanding sun and weather, would keep them straight and level. Such boards placed close to the frame would also be so far a safeguard against steam rising and penetrating into the frame from the linings. Wherever linings are used, and these are not wrought sweet previously, which we never could think of, care must be taken that no effluvia from them pass into the frame. Some leaves were sent to us the other day that were thoroughly destroyed by rank steam from dung linings. We did not need to be told, that in giving air the sash had been slid down, and thus the steam risuig had free access to the interior. If such jashes had been tilted up at the back, the steam from the front linings, however rank, might have risen, but it would not have passed into the frame. It is just such simple matters as these, when the roughest materials must be used without much preparation, that make all the difference 386 JOUKNAIi OF HORTICULTURE ANB COTTAGE GARDENER. C KiT 33, 1888. between Rneeess anil faihiro. The sUdinR down a sash for air, and the tilting it up Uoliind, may thus be attended with very different results. In all eases where particular care is required, tiltinp is the 6afe?t, not to ppeak of deleterious steams entering from the front ; no fi csU air can then reach the plautn at the back without (irat piissinn through the warm, moist air issuing out. Under ("uoh eirounistanres, even the covorius-up at night is a matter of importance. Oiio man will throw on a mat and tuck it in nicely back and front, so that not a bit of it shall extend beyond the glass sash. Another will throw it on and let it hang over back and front — a matter of little moment if there is no lining, or if that is perfectly sweet, but likely to cause very injurious consequences indeed it rank steam.saro rising from the lining, and these by means of the overhanging mat are encouraged to find their way into the atmosphere of the frame, through every chink, opening, and lap in the glass. Our readers will excuse with their usn.'il kindness this digression that has taken us so far from the second mode of keeping the rain falling on the glass from passing into the front of hotbeds, and thus soaking and cooling them, and that is the fastening a small spout in front for the purpose. Tin, 7.inc, or anything would do, the simplest of all. perhaps, being two slips of wood three-quarters of an inch thick, and 3 inches wide, bevelled and fastened together by the edges so as to resemble the letter V, and one side fastened in a sloping di- rection to the frame, some simple means being provided to take the water away from the lowest end. A little tar, or pitch, run along tho angle of the V makes all water-tight. Such a simple plan saves the front of a hotbed from becoming cooled and drenched. 7RUIT G.\RDI!r. Straa'berrii's. — These, if gathered in bright weather and be- fore watering the pots, we always consider at this season to be preferable to those obtained out of doors. It always goes so far against the grain to gather Strawberries for table, and even more so to pack them for sending away, immediately after the plants have been watered. They travel worse, and the flavour is not so good. There is almost as much difference as between gathering a dish out of doors in bright sunny weather, .and gathering a dish after several days' rain, and little or no sun. The end of May has always proved with us the most troublesome period as respects Strawberries, and chiefly because then we are generally obliged, much against our will," togive a portion of them a place to themselves, instead of continuing, as at other times, to make them merely a subsidiary crop. As yet in a lean-to Peach-house about 11 feet wide, with trees on a front trellis, and trees against the back wall, we have still four rows of Strawberries which receive justice — that is, a row sus- pended about a yard from the back wall, another row suspended about the middle of the house, a third ripening its fruit be- tween the two— at the top of the trellis— and a fourth row near the front. These receive all justice from free exposure to every ray of sunlight ; and as wii can bring a circulation of air all over them and near the glass, we can set the fruit in this house at an angle of 4.5', as we can do nowhere else with so little trouble. As soon as the Peach-house is started, we therefore set the fruit of Strawberries here, and take them into other places, warmer or cooler, according to circumstances, to swell and ripen. As the Peaches, however, are swelling to ripening, we must take all these pots gradually away, so that the fruit, and the wood, too, of the Peaches may have the advantage of the full Sim unobstructed by these suspended shelves.— K. F. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— :\Iay 19. AMON-n onr imports this v:oek v,e hnve rcceiveti. in addition to ihoae named in former reports, AjiriL-Dts and Str.iwberries, neither of which, however, came to hmd in frood condition. Cherries also have been very damp. Poaches and Nectarines aro iraprovin«. Tho supplv and demand are about balanced, with the eriception of Strawberries, which have main- taijQed a high price during the v-eek FRTJIT. ■ Apples ij sieve Apricots do7. Cherries lb. Chestnuts bush. Currant?. Ked ■^i sieve Black do. Pica do7.. Filberts lb. Cobs lOOlbs. fSoose berries . . quart Grapes. Hothouse, .lb. Lemons 100 B. rt. fi. d 4 Oto« n 0 0 n n •-> n 3 n 0 (1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 s n 15 n n 0 n n 0 0 0 n 2 0 0 n S n 1.-) n 6 0 10 0 Melons each 8 Nectarines doz. 15 Oranges 100 6 Poaches doz. 30 Pears (dessertj . . doz. 0 kitchen doz. 0 Pine Apples lb. 8 d. 0tol2 0 0 i 0 so 0 12 0 Plums U sieve 0 0 Quinces % sieve 0 0 Raspberries lb. 0 0 Strawberries oz. 1 0 Walnuts bush. 14 0 VBGETABLKS. Articholicfl each AKpnraguB bundlo IJcnus. Broad.. bu»hel Kidney 100 Beet, Kod doz. Hroccoli bundle Brus. Sprouts Y^ sieve (^ahbngo doz. Capsicumd 100 Ciirrot« bunch ('iiulirtower doz. Celery bundle Cucnmbor-! caeb pickling .... doz. Endive doz* Fennel bunch tliirlic lb. Herbs bunch lIorser.id!8h . . buodlo d. R. 3to0 0 8 3 0 0 4 ^1 6 Leeks bnnoh 0 ! Tiuttnco per dor. 0 Muiihroonis .... pottle 6 , Mustd.A Cress, punnet 0 I OnlonH burth'"l fi I ParHl»>y sieve 0 Parsnips doz. 0 j Po.\a per qnnrt 0 I Potatoes bushid 8 I Kidney do. 0 I Radtshns . . doz. hands 0 ! Rhubarb bundle 0 Sivoys doz. 0 Sen-knlo basket 0 Shallots lb. 0 S;)innch butihel 0 I Tomatoes. . . . i-j siovo 0 Tumip'* bunch 0 ' Yegetnble Harrows dr.. 11. d. «. d 0 1 1 0 0 a 0 4 TO CORRESPONDENTS. Insect on Vink (T. Ilawkdci/i.—U is tho Vino acalo (C jcoos vitia). You may ilestroy it by brushing it over with a creamy mixture of «oft soap and flowcr.-i of sulphur in water. Mrs. PoLi.orK Okp.aniu:i Becoming Ghkex (T. r.).— Ml variegated Geraniums have a tendency to return to th" green stato. If the plant is kept in a shndy plan- there is a greater tendency. It is jnst possible that there might bo a iiiistak'fi know of no cure; bnt wn find a top-dressing of rich compost, and plentiful supplies of water in dry weather, and syrinsins; or sprinkling overhead in the evening of hot davK with aired water, do mnch to lessen tho evil. Tho soil has much to do with it. Vv'c think o:i soil p:irtakiug more or less of ft peaty nature they are rarely attacked. VrauSaEuxiA (Ibis) pavonisa ant) CA?fAPSiA escttt.eiita (O. .S.).— These bulbs aro quite hardy, but grow indifferently in cold situatlona and in wet heavy soils. They require warui situations, and well-drained loam inclined to be sandy, and if these be secured to them they do well. Both aro fine for pot culture : and if your Fitnation is at all cold or exposed, you will succeed better by growim^ thera as you did Camassuv csculenta, in a cool house. They aro very ornamental for tho gracu'uouse and conservatorj*. Books (A T/ii>/;7;i-nrfl.— Loudon's " .*=clf-Instmction for Young G.ar- deners." directs how to measure timber. We cannot «ivo tho details, for it is a common arithmetical proceeding. Stephens' " Book of the Farm "' is ono of the best books on .agi-i culture. {T. O. H.). — I^oudon's " Self- Instruction for Young Gardeners," gives tho information ns to scalo- drawinp, which you require. It is published by Messrs. Longman & Co. TwiNiNi Stems ' Si'ot:i.t).~~Some. as those of the Honeysuckle and Bhick Bryony, follow the apparent motion of the sun, twisting round their support from left to right. Others, as tho Great Bindweed fCftlystegia sepium), twist the contrary way— uamely, from right to left. They never change the direction of their twisting — that is, the Honeysuckle and others never twist from right to left, and the Greit Bindweed Tii'vor twists from left to right. If grown in tlio dark, twining plants lose the power of twining ; but directly they are restored to tho'light. nud renew a healthy growth, they resume their natural direction in twining. Prices in Hf.xry ^III.'s Reion I J. P. 5.).— Wc cannot undertake to calculate whether other fruits and ofitables bore a price proportionate to the Lemon, which then cost "six silver pennies;" but wo can add the prices paid for some articles for tho luns'a use when residing at his Greenwich Palice in the Octoberof 1518. 2 t>oz. fatcaponii, -JS*. Pigeons, 32 doz., sa*. Rabbits, "soucars," 2 doz., 5«. 8-1. Conies, 31 doz.. 62*. Geese, 5 dozen and 8, 23«. 8d. 4 Peacocks, 8i. 13 Peachicks, 8t. Esttts, 2500. as. Apples. 13011. 6.^. Sd. Onions, 13 hunches, 13d. Quinces, 320, Gt. M. Herb^. 4.f.— (tr//< r« and Paperx Temp. Henru VIII. By J. Brficer. Published by Dir.-ction of the MasUr of the Rolh, ii. pt. 2, p. 1515.) RirnoN-BORDKR (.If. n.). — All the three plans would do well, but there mitjht be a difficulty as to height. Using your materials, we think tho following would bo nu improvement, betrinnin;^ at tho back : — Pcrilla ; Calceolaria strong yellow, as nmploxicaulis or Aurnntia multiflora; Ge- ranium, as Stella or JJonle de Feu ; Variegated Mint; Purple King Ver- bena; Calceolaria, dwarf yellow; scarlet Verbena; blue Lobelia; Ce- rastium. Insects {A Suhxeriber). — Your insect Is the common aquatic NotonoctA clauca. {C. C. K.).— Tho red eggs are those of the Bark Mite. The cater- pillars had escaped, the box having been crushed in the post. — W. Sbckle Pear (/>r. C. C. E.). — We have received tho twig, but can see nothing peculiar about it, except that the post-office officials had squeezed and punched it quite flat. May 22. 1866. ] JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 387 Vine Lhates DisFicrRED (H. P.). — The leaves were too withered to enable us to decide absolutely the cftuse of the diafijjurement. There aeemed to be a few mnrltH, ns if there were traces of mildew, but we eould j not be certain., However, the bulk of the spotting left no dnubt on our mind that scaldinp with hot vapour was the chief cause, most likely pro- duced by giving air too late in the morning. Wo would advise diacon- tinuing syrinqinf^ at night, putting a little fire on in cold nights, and leaving a little air on nil night at the highest point of the roof, ^viug more as the sun acquires power. This will prevent the accumulation of close heated vapour. Names of Plants (W. A. S.). — Berberis Darwinii. It is a native of the coast of South Chili, where it was discovered by Mr. Darwin, but was first introduced to this country by Messrs. Yoitch. (A Sub«eriber).—Th0 flower ia evidently a Viola, but was quite smashed when received. It may be valuable for spring bedding, but to determine that the plnnt must be seen. (JVo»pfrn).~We are sorry again to say that it is impositible to name the scraps sent. {li. H.).— Seduin carnosum variogatuni. {J. (/. lieruihaw}. — From the fronds sent wo sec no reason why it should not bo Lomaria gibba. (^/cssiji*-).— 1, Polysticham aculeatum varc; 9, Oyrto- mimn falcatum ; 5, Scolopenilrium vulgare; 6, Asplenium, insufilcient for determination; 7, Onychium japuuicum; 8, Platyloma rotundifaUa. {A Comtant lifoder). — 1, Cnlathea zebrina ; 2, mislaid ; 3, Cytisua pur- pureas ; 4, Cytiius biflorus ; 5, Pi'imua pados; 6, Coronilla emeru-^. .ifrJ METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS in the Suburbs of London for the Week ending May 19th. Date. San. .. IS Mod... 14 Tues. . 15 Wed. . IS Thai-3. 17 Fri. .. 18 Sat. .. 19 BAROMBTES. Max. Min. .'iO.105 30.192 30.35!) 30.S66 80.270 I 30.172 30.149 29.944 SlI.llU 30.161 S0.299 S0.192 30.126 SJ.133 THEmfOUBTER. Max. Min. 1 (t. dp. 2 ft. dp. 53 57 55 .58 61 71 71 32 26 80 28 28 32 32 Mean 30.230 80.139 i 60.85 29.71 54 68 64 53 54 54J 55 51 51 51 5Cj 51 51 51 S.W. W. W. S.E. S. S.E. E. Rain in inches. .00 .00 .00 .110 .00 .00 .00 GsNEaAL Remabss. Colli, with dusky nnd white clouds, fine ; nearly freezing at night. Fine ; uniformly overcast with dusky haze ; frosty. Clear nnd cold ; cloudy ; fine ; frosty at night. Hazy nnd cold ; cloudy ; below freezing at night. Slight haze; verj- fine; frosty at night. P oar frost early ; very fine ; at freezing in the night. Very fine ; hot sun, with dry air ; fine ; cold at night. POTJLTEY. BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. PREVENTINO FOWLS SCllATCHING. We have received the following inquiry : — " Can you tell me of any plan to prevent Bantams scratching in flower-beds ? I have tried sewing up their feet in canvas, hut do not find it effectual." We think that the handwriting is that of a lady, and she adopts the motto, " Firm." If she he " firm of purpose," then she may carry out the suggestion offered in this letter from another correspondent, *' W. Parker ;" — " I lately received a letter from a son of mine who is at Port Xatal, iu which he says — ' Up the coimtry where I have been, they have the most clever way of preventing the fowls from .scratching the ground that ever I heard of. They cut the fowls' toes off when they are first hatched, and I can assure you that it is a perfect remedy, for it is impossible tor them to scratch afterwards." So we should have concluded without any such assurance ! The frost often does in this country that which the natives do at Port Natal— it takes oft the nails of the fowls, and in places where they have the run of the kitchen in cold weather, they get into the wood ashes and burn their nails off. This, we expect, is the African operation. The !iai7 only is removed. This would matter little in a light soil, as the toes will turn over leaves, or loose earth ; but if the toes were removed they would be Tjoultry " Widdringtons," and "hobble on their stumps," even if they were not altogether incapable of loco- motion. To "Fikm" we can state no plan for preventing Bantams scratching; but our plea for them is, they are searching for our garden enemies when they scratch. They are bunting for creatures that do far more mischief than they do. On their behalf we plead guilty to untidyness. A gentleman was complaining to us once of the damage done by Pheasants to the farm crops. We had a hen Pheasant at hand, and opened the crop to examine its contents. It con- tained seventy-one grubs. These would have destroyed twice as much food as the Pheasant would have eaten, and would have given birth to other insects which would have multiplied aeometricallv. CIRENCESTER POULTRY SHOW. The schedule of this proposed Show is now in print, and for the amount of entry payment the prizes are very UberaL Spanish, Dorking, Cochins, two classes ; Brahmas, dark and light, each a class ; (lame, two classes ; Hamburghs pencilled, Hamburghs spangled. Bantams, two classes; Ducks, three classes; any other variety, first prize 30.^., second 10s.; the any oiher variety Dorking, Buff Cochin, and Black-breasted and other Red Game have a third prize of 7.s'. 6rf. ; the selling class has also the same amount of prizes. The entry is the very moder.ite amount of 3s., the Show a one-day show, and the occupants of the pens to be one male and one female. Besides these there are sweepstakes for single cocks 5». each; these are never very popular, but there is the extra induce- ment of a silver cup tor the best bird in the eight classes, in addition to the winnings. There seems to be an omission as to the restricted price for the selling class. There also appears to be an omission of a Poland class ; there is plenty of time to alter this, indeed it would be easy to add a slip to each schedule as sent out. For a first attempt, it is very good. Let the southrons show that they can fill the pens and support it.— Y. B. A. Z. SHEFFIELD POULTRY SHOW. This w.is opened on the 19th inst, and closes this day. Subjoined are the awards, but we mnst defer our remarks till next week. fPANisH.— First, and case of fifty-three pieces of cutlery. H. BeldoD. Second, Messrs. Butch & Boulter. Third, W. Harvey. Highly Com. mended, J. Thresh ; J. Ridpath. Commended, A. O. W orthington ; J- DoKKiNc.s.^ First, Mrs. F. S. Arkwright. Second. Sir St. O. Gore Third, T. Burgess. Highly Commended. H. SavUle; bir bt. U. uore W. Harvev : Admirnl Hornby. „ „, t, • i c»«„„.i Cochin-china (Cinnamon and Buff).-First, C. W.Biierlcy. Second, T. Stretch. Third, .J. Cattell. Highly Commended, K. \V . Bojie ; A. t. Watkin. Commended, J. Poole. ^. . t c>«„i,.>r,.. CocmN-CiiiNA (Partridge nnd Orouse-teathered) -First J. Stephens. Second, E. Tudman. Third, T. Stretch. Commended T^ott ; E.Tudman. Brahha PooTEA.-Fir3t,J. H. PicMes. Second, R. W. Boylo. Third, F. Powell. Commended, R. W.Boyle; W.Harvey. Game (Black nnd Brownbrensted Kedj^First and Third, Sir St. G. flore. Second, Hon. H. W. FitzwiUiam. Highly Couuncndcl, C. ChaJ- loner; T. Burgess. Commended, S.Matthews ; Hon. H. W. iitzwdbam; ^avMM-tn'y other colour).-First, G. HelleweU. Second, W. J. Copo. Third C Cballoncr. Commii^dcd. Sir St. 0. Gore; F. Sales. mm^GH Golden-pencilledl-First, H. Beldon. Second, T. Wngley, iun. Third, C. Tattcrsall. Commended, B. Burrow. HAMBCr.GHlSUver-pencillodj.-First, Sir St. G. Gore. Second, E. D. ^''uS^J^O^lte^iXU^r^^t. A.K. Wood Second, H.Beldon Third .1. New'ton. Highly Commended, S. Mills, jun. Commended, J. Bueklcv; Sir St. G. Gore; J. Roe. p;„l,i;nc HAnmuRGH (Silver-spanglcd).-First and !''«'}?.'■ .^'^"'"•^Jrd2£ Second A. K. Wood. Third, sir St. G. Gore. Highly Commended, bir ^ Poo^T,ma^iwi{hCiWt) -K^^t'-S. Farrington. Second, E. J. Proctor. Pm s" Hnv oThcr coloS -First Second, ;md Egg-stand and Spoons. H. BeWon GoTden)' Highly Commended, sir St. G. Gore. Commended. -■i^^'^rt^.:^r^'t^Stt.on.. E. Foder(Black- ''T;N'?L"'';^\a5^or^fh•ittl"^'ieggcdV--Fixst,.J.W.Mo.ia,Blnc^^ Second; Sir St G. Gore. Highly Commended, Sir St. G. Gore. Com,,, mended, E. Cambridge (White). „ a t- n isMon (Silve*^/, BantLus (Any other colour).-First, Messrs. b. i R. Ashton (suve^^,., laced). Second, H. Beldon (Japanese Bantama). „, j^.^ (Crevij''.' c,^,°l?^?K?^^^X^-(i.^-^^c^^^.^^^-):^ fSlv'commended,Rev. G. Hustler (Houdan); E '■'' ±'^'°"T^^'' ' g Beldon I Black Hamburgh) ; R. Loft (Sultan). Commended, W. DawsojI.,, (White Cochin). SINGLE COCKS. ^ ^ . ^^T^ SPAXISH.-First, H. Beldon. Second, T. B. Hartley. Commended, j^,.. Thresh. i., 01 !■ ■ ■ "•™'^ 386 JOURNAL OP HOBTrCTJLTtmE AND COTTACJE GAKDElJfext.' t Mny: DoRKraos.— First, Sir St. G. Gore. Second, licv. T. O'Gntdy. Com- mended, W. Hnrvey. CocHiK-CnniA— First, W. Harvey. Second, J. Bradock. Highly Com- xaecdrd, B. W. Bovlo. Game.— First nnd Second. C. W. Brierlov. Third, Sir St. G. Gore. HiKbly Commended, H. Crosulcy; Sir St. G. Gore. Commended, A. B. Dyas. HAUsiTRoii (rcncillod).— First, IT. Beldon. Second, Sir St. O. Gore. HAHBrRGll (Siwincledl.— First, Sir St. G. Gore. Seoond, J. Fielding. Hisbly Commended, J. H. Turner. Bantau (G.imc).— Mrst. Sir .St. G. Goro. Second, ,1. Crosulfind. jnn. Third, J. A. Collinpon. Ilit-hly CnminonJed. Hon. II. W. Fitzwilliiun. Commended, R. Tato ; J. W. Uoiris ; U. Buckley ; J. Fryer. Game Hens.— First, Sir St. G. Gore. Second, C. Clmlloncr. HiRhly Commended, J, G. Pearson ; W. Bradley. Commended, W. Harrrreaves : C. Clinlloner. Pais of Hens (.\ny vnrietT>.— First, Messrs. Blireh & Botilter (Spnnishl. Second, Hon. H. W. Filzwillinm IDorkinRs). Hiiihly Commended, W. Roberts (Duckwinir (ianio) ; Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. ■ Polnnrts) ; O. H. Roberts (Brabma Pootrr.) ; H. F. Goodwin (Uhck Hiimbm'Kb) ; \V. Silvester (Golden Polish). Commended, J. G. Pearson Coloured Dorkings; , Ddcks (Wliito Aylesbury).— First and Seoond, J. K. Fowler. Ducks (Rouen).— First, Sir St. Gore. Bart. Second. G. Wostonholm. Ducks (Any other variety).— First. T. C. Harrison (Mandarins). Second, .T. R. ,lessop (Oarolin,i Ducks). Highly Commended, Sir St. G. Gore, Bart. (Grey Calls). Selling Class.— First, H. Sa\illo (Sebastonol Goose and GanderU Second, G. H. Itobcrts (Urnlimii Pootra). Third. Messrs. Kindle and FumisB (Silver-pencilled IlnmliurKb). HiRbly Commended. Kev. P. W. Stoiy (White Feathered-lcf:;ged Bantams) ; .T. Stephens (Laced Bantam); J. Booth fi^ilver-sp.Tnffled Hamlturgb . Commended, H. Beldon; F. Powell: T. Dyson (SUver-iiencilled Hamburgh); E. Loft (sultan): J. Marchaut iSpanisb). PIGEONS. CARnrEES.— reel:.— First, Miss E. Brown. Stcond. J. Smith. Third, R. Fn)ton. Commended. P. Bower. Sen I?irst, B. Fulton. Seoond, G. F. Statter. Third. — Firth, jnn. PowTEKS.—c'oct. —First, W. H.orvey. Second, E. Fulton. Third, G. Wostenholm. Commended, Miss E." Bro\vn : G. Crookes; H. Brown. HsiL— First. F. ICey. Second, W. Harvey. Third, K. Fulton. Highly Commended, W. Harvev. TtmrBLEES (Almond).'— First. R. Fulton. Second, P. Key Third, E. D. Xeardloj'. Commended, F. 0. Bradley: Miss E.Brown. Tumblers (Any other varietv).— First, 11. Fulton (Short-faced). Second, H.TardIey. Third, G. Wostenholm (Mottled). Highly Commended, F. C. Bradley (Black Kite) : H. Yardley. Owls.— First, J. Fielding, jun. (Blue Owls). Second, H. Yardley. Third, W. Pepper. TuRBjTs.— First, \V. T. Wilkinson, jun. Second, Miss E. Brown. Third, H. Yardley. Fantails.— First and Third, H. Yai-dlev. Second, TV. Pepper. jAcoBnis.— First, Miss E. Brown. Second, Messrs. C & E. Royds. Third, H. Yardley. Barbs.— First, H. Beldon. Second and Third, H. Yardley. Highly Commended, G. H. Roberts. Draooss.— First and Third, H. Yardlev. Second, W. Harvey, Akv other Distikct Brt.ed.- First and Third, U. Yardley. Second, W. Harvey (Yellow Swallows). Highly Commended, H. Beldon. Com- mended. Miss E. Brown (Swiss) ; H. Yardlev. Selling Class.— First, Messrs. O. & E.'Eoyds (Swiss). Second, J. J. Wilson (Mottled Trumpeters). Thii-d, H. Beldon (Yellow Turbits). The Jn(Jpea were Richard Teebay, Esq., of Fnlwood. near Preston, nnd Edward Hewitt. E.sq., of Sparkbrook, near Birmingham. LIGURIAN BEES. In your impression of the IStli of Jiily last yon vrere kind enough to insert some rather crude notes from my juui-ual in reference to a stock of Ligurian bees from ^Jr. Woodbury's apiai-y. Since that time I haye been entirely successfnl in raising four queens artificially by following Mr. . Woodbury "s directions in your Journal, and it is only fair to add that I have found every direction coming from that gentleman quite to the point, and very practical. I am sorry to have to aay that in consequence of a little delay in early spring feeding I lost one of my younj; qneens with her subjects, to the number of three thousand. Notwith- standing considerable c.are, a second hive was blown over during winter, and to prevent a chill I never ventured to lift «S the top and inspect them until sunny weather came. On lift- ing the cover I found the combs and frames in a state of con- fusion, -which I could not have beheved possible from a tumble. However, thanks to the form of hive, I succeeded in putting in fresh comb and making matters more comfortable. The hive is now all right, only ii little weak. Of my four queens then, 1 have three left. Of these three I am sorry to say that tv.-o, at any rate, are hybrids ; but I am not sure about the third, as many of the bees are very yellow. But now let me say a word about my pure It.ilian queen. Kor some time I watched the conduct of the bees in her hive, and was by no means pleased at their want of activity and the absence of bees carrying pollen. After two inspections my worst fears were realised. I, found neither brood nor eggs. Alas ! sha is dead, and with her my Fangnino hopes of several pure Italian queens this season. Will Mr. Woodbury kindly tell mo how to proceed, since I cannot feel myself a snccoKafiil apiarian, if I lind it nccdfnl to obtain a fresli stock of ItaliaoB each spring ? I fear such a plan wnnld add largely to the debit side of the bee account. I see no plan, however, but procuring another queen, and in this mailer I shoidd like advice. I m»y just add, that when I found the queen missing I added a brood comb, and have to-day had the pleasure of seeing a sealed queen cell. — E. B., Clericcs, Cumberland. [I much regret the misfortune of my clerical friend, for which, however, he has sugccsted the best remedy — viz., the obtaining another queen. I hope ere long to have the pleosnre of forwarding to him a pure queen at tlio head of a small swarm, whicli he wnll introduce into the well-fnrnishcd hive of a stock of common bees (the rightful inhabitants having been previously expelled by driving), and thus form a pood stock without the ri-k of imiting. — A Pi:vonsui!.i; Ble-kukper.] TOMTITS EATERS OF BEES. 2\iXA r.r, evidence must .il-.v:iys give way to positive testi- mony, and I nm glad to find from the reply of Jlr. Goodsall, that he has been an eyewitness of the ravages committed by the tomtit. The specie? to which 1 alluded as innocuous cor- re.^ponds to the description given by Maunder of the " Cole Titmouse ' (Parus ater). If the samo, it is very oominon in the Fouth of Scotland, and tlie only species that frequents the district in which I reside. I paid particular attention to its habits in tho apiary during last winter, and 1 am bound to say that it seldom visited my hives, excejit when snow was on the groimd, or the day so chilly as to benumb such bees as lingered a short time while out of doors. When suffered to approach the hives and act as instinct dictated, I failed on every occasion to detect it seize either emerging or returning bees. The inactive alone fell a prey. Being curious to know what the stomachs of tomtits con- tained. I had two of them shot and dissected. The contents showed a small portion of the bee mixed with a large nmotmt of other insects. I will not afllrm (hat this species to which I refer never destroys bees in an active state, but certainly it is a foe as little to be dreaded in tho apiary as either the hedge sparrow or the chaffinch, and should create no uneasiness in the mind of a bee-master. — B. S. Eaely LiGtEiAN Swarm. — The first swarm that I have heard of in this county issued from a hive of Italians in my own immediate neighbourhood during tho forenoon of Sunday last, the 13th inst. The parent stock left my apiary last year, and has thriven remarkably well in its present locality. — A Devok- SHiRE Bee-keepei;. OUR LETTER BOX. r>oi. ' is-s Dying (,r. 0. f.).— Seven found dead one inoming in the ro1 in manufactures. There is this to cheer us, we think, in our horticultural shows^that whereas we, in 1851, had to leam how far behind foreigners we were in onr ideas of taste and elegance, we may perhaps reverse it now by saying that the foreigners will ascertain from us that in perfecting the pro- duotione of natui-o they have from us many lessons to leom. And now v.'hat shall wa say, or how attempt to dei^cribo, this marvellous display? There are thousands of the readers of TiiK .loiiiNvL oi" Hoi'.ticvltuhk who will not have been able to .-ee it, and who would gladly know what it was like. One would want an essence made of all the F.oee leaves in the lixliibition to dip one's pen in to give that roseate hue to one's description that it ought to have. Of what use ia it to t«U them that there were three acres and a half covered with canvas, making a teat 503 feet loug by 293 broad — that the skill of one of the ablest landscape gardeners we have, Mr. (iibson, of Battersea Furk, aud his accompUshed son. had been called into requisition to lay it out — that not only tho most celebrated growers of our own land, both amateur and pro- fessionSl, had made tho most wonderful efforts to outrival one another, but that the celebrated names of Linden, Yerschafielt, Thibaut and Keteker, and other foreigners were to be found amongst the exhibitors — that Madame LegreUe d'Hanis sent some of her productions— that the Director of the Royal Gardens at Kew fonvarded some magnificent specimens — and that the Crystal Palace Company were also competitors with some of their noble tree Ferns ? All this to those who were there will afford some notion of what it was ; but we fear that to make it at all intelligible to those who have not seen it is a difficult task indeed. If any of them have ever seen the Botanic Society's shows, then we may say. Multiply that twentyfold, and you may form some notion of what this great tent was. On entering you were at once met very wisely, not by a grand outburst of colour and beauty, but by a screen of Pines, Yews, pyramidal Box, &c. ; and on going round this, on either side, itself being a good deal raised, you then obtained a view of tho iiiagnificont display. Everything had been done to give effect to the Unit rnsemblc. Eockwork had been raised, over which water trickled, aud ought to have had an outlet to keep it clear, while on the rockwork were placed some of those fine specimens of British Ferns which Mr. Ivery knows so well how to produce ; then there were little valleys of Rho- dodendrons, which were planted in the soil ; while all around, on grass mouuds aud terraces, were placed such gorgeous masses of bloom in Azaleas, Geraniums, and Hoses; such won derful variety of form and colour in the different classes ; that it was impossible to take iu all at once, or indeed at all. You were continuiJly stumbling upon something you had overlooked, or beeu drawn off from by some " maniac ' to admire a special hobby of his own. iVnd then when one passed from this great central tent into the Orchid tent, where were placed not only these valued and valuable flowers, but all the new introductions of Linden aud Verschaffelt, of Veitch, and Bull, and WilUams, how difficult not to feel that satiety which comes after such a visual feast as this, as does the same sense to the aldermen of St. Thomas Backchiuch after my Lord Mayor's feast, when callipash and callipce, and salmon, and venison, fat cajrons, itc, have been laid under contribution ! j\jid then what a de- lightful rrunioii it was to meet men from all parts ; some who had known a smooth-faced boy, and could hardly believe he was "grandpapa;" othei-s whose hospitality he had shared abroad, and with whom he had had many a jileasant cliat iu their homes — Linden, and Verdier, and Verschaffelt, Arc. ; to be seized by one friend, who would s.ay, ■' I must let you aud know one another ;" to be accosted by lovers of flowers that we had never seen, but who kuew us ; to meet those with whom one had fired a long-range shot, and to find th.it a hearty shake of the hand dispelled all the fogs and mists that too often arise about one's writing, because we will attach meanings to one another's words they were never intended to bear. There are some days which we mark as "special," for one reason or another. We think few lovers of flowers but will say that the 22ud of May, 18G6, is one to be marked with the very whitest of white chalk. Aud we hope no general plant-lover, who wonders at the be- nighted ignorance of our florists, will say, •' It's like their im- pudence,'' when we assert that to them the main beauty of the Exhibition was to be attributed. We do not by this mean for a moment to detract from the merits, the great merits of Mr. Gibson, to whom, above all others, we believe the main success of the Exhibition, as such, is due ; bnt what would Mr. Gibson have done without the "Florists?" Would he not in despair have looked on the task before him, if he were told no Azaleas, Geraniums, or pot 'Roses were to ha Hay 29, 1866. ] JOURNAIi OF HOETIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 391 adnitted? Not all the cnrious forms and fantastic leaf-colour- ing/not all the beautiful greenhouse plants, or waving Ferns, would have reileemed tlie Exhibition from the lack of colour, which even with thorn some maintained to exist. And let ns add, that these three classes were those which most especially struck our foreign friends. We asked several of the most dis- tinguished amongst them what was the feature in the Exhibi- tion that most struck them, and the general reply was the Eoses, Pelargoniums, and Azaleas. We expected that the formal train- ing of the latter would have been offensive to their ideas and taste ; but they said, No ; the style was different, it was true, to their's, but it was much more difficult. We may demur to this, for, we confess, a less formal style, as we have often said, would please us better ; but it is hopeless to do this untU some exhibitor has the " pluck '" to do what was once done in Fuchsias — go out of the beaten track and exhibit a set naturally grown ; and if the .Judges would then award it, if cateris paribus it were worthy of it — the first prize, harle- quin's wand would not more quickly effect a transformation than it would, and we believe all persons of taste would hail the change with pleasure. Now as to Roses. The class for ten Roses in pots, not more than 13 inches across, was most warmly contested. We candidly say we did not envy the Judges their task here, so evenly balanced were the two collections of Mr. Tamer and Mr. W. Paul ; but we believe the greater evenness and freshness of those of the former grower carried the day. They consisted of Victor Verdier (H.P.), Souvenir d'un Ami (Teii), Vicomte Vigier (H.P.), General Jacqueminot (H.P.), Madame Damaizin (Tea), Souvenir de la Malmaison (B ), Baronne Prevost (H.P.), Charles Lawson (H.C.), a magniticent plant, and Madame BoU (H.P.). Mr. Wm. Paul's collection contained Mad.-ime de St. Joseph (Tea), Gfintiral Jacqueminot (H.P.), Souvenir d'un Ami (Tea), Caro- line de Sansal (H.P.), Paul Perras (H.C.), Juno (H.C.), Louise Odier, Madame Villermoz (Tea), Comtesse de Chabrillant (H.P.), and Baronne Prevost. The third prize was gained by Messrs. Paul it Sou with good plants of Madame de St. Joseph, CfiUne Forestier, John Hopper, Souvenir d'un Ami, Niphetos, Paul Eicaut, Madame Julie Daran, and Cliarles Lawson. These last three were beautiful plants. One wondered why Messi-s. Lane's collection was not ilecnre, for it contained some beauti- ful plants, his Charles Letebvi-e was a picture. Was it that he had but one Tea Rose? if so, we think this would be a point in his favour. They are the most easy to gi'ow as pot plants, and, with rare exceptions, so hang down their heads as to require twice the number of props that those in the other classes take. Mr. Francis had also some nice plants, of which his ChenC'dole and Paul Perras were the best. In the Class for Six New Roses (Class 112), not sent out pre- vious to 1863-61, Mr. Wm. Paul was first with nice plants of Madame Victor Verdier, Alpaide de Eotalier, Elizabeth Vig- neron, Pierre Notting (very fine), Madame de Stella, and Kate Hausburg. Messrs. Paul it Son were second with Paul de la Meilleray, Lord Clyde, Princess Mary of Cambridge (in spite of some adverse criticism, this is a fine Rosel, Achille Gonod, Madame de Stella, and Alpaide de Eotalier. For a single Eose in flower (Class 113), Mr. Charles Turner was first with a beautiful plant of Comtesse Cecile de Cha- brillant, and Mr. Wm. Paul second with President (Tci). Perhaps, however, the most interesting class in Roses was that for twenty in pots not more than 8 inches across (Class 114) ; for, after all, we believe this is the most attractive size, and is a class that ought to be much more encouraged than it is ; they are so much more natural, and the larger number gives greater variety. Mr. Charles Turner was again first here with Souvenir d'un Ami, John Hopper, Charles Lefebvre, Vicomte Vigier, Alba Eosea, Charles Lawson, Prince Camiile de Eohan, Vicomte.sse de Cazes, Victor Verdier, C'Une Forestier, Professor Koch, President. Anguste Mio, General Jacqueminot, Madame Caillat, Madame Falcot, Alphonse Belin, Paul de la Meilleray, and Madame Damaizin. Mr. W'm. Paul was second with a nearly equal collection, comprising Bernard Pahssy, CaroUne de Sansal, Pierre Notting, Madame Alfred de iiougemont, Elizabeth Vigneron, Beauty of Waltham, Alba Eosea, President, Madame Clemence Juigneaux, John Hopper, Madame C. Wood, Comtesse de Brossard (Tea), Le Rhone, Victor Verdier, Madame Victor Verdier, Souvenir d'un Ami, and Eev. H. Dombrain. Messrs. Paul & Son were third with good plants of Charles Lawson, Catherine Guillot, Princess Mary of Cambridge, .\.lfred de Eougemont, Olivier Delhomme, Laslia, Madame Villermoz, Beauty of Waltham, Victor Verdier, Xavier Olibo (fine dark flower), Amural-Giavina, Alba Rosea, Belle Normande (pretty). Adolphe de Eothsohild, John Hopper, Madame Bonnet, Lord Clyde, Dnchesse de Caylus, President, and Anna Alexicf. In the class of six standard Eoses in pots (Class 115), Mr, W. Paul carried off the first prize with excellent e.xamplcs »{ Vicomte Vigier, Paul Perras, Charles Lawson, Juno, Narcisse, and Elizabeth Vigneron. Mr. Charles Turner was second with Francois Lachai-me, Vicomtesse de Cazes, Olivier Delhomme, Madame Bravy, Senateur Vaisse, and Victor Verdier. Messrs. Paul & Son were third with Devoniensis, Madame Derreux Douvilli-, Souvenir d'Elise Vardou, Alba Eosea, Adolphe .de Eothschild, and King's Acre. In boxes of cut blooms, tweuty-five in three trusses of each, Mr. Mitchell, of Piltdown Nurseries, Mr. Wm. Paul, of Waltham Cross, and Messrs. Paul & Son, of CJheshunt, were exhibitors. Most notable amongst Mr. Mitchell's were some glorious blooms of Marfichal Niel, quite enough to bear out its character as the vei-y finest yellow Kose in growth, not even excepting that coy maiden Chromatella (or Cloth of Gold) ; it did not, however, carry suiEcient weight to bring its exhibitor the iu-st ijrize, which was rightly given to Messrs. Paul and Son, the second to Mr. Wm. Paul, and the third to Mr. Mitchell. The amateurs made a very creditable display, and showed that they have largely profited by the tine examples of Rose culture that the growers for sale have submitted to them of late years. Mr. Terry, Toungsbury House, Ware, took first prize in Class 111 with Madame Villermoz, Vicomtesse oee Celestial ; the second to Mr. Turner for Desdemoua ; and tlie third to ilr. Fraser for Sylph. Mr. Turner exhibited, as usual, some fine seedlings of Mr. Hoyle's, amongst which were Alfred, a beautiful dark flower ; Lord Lyon, a splendid rich rose- coloured flower with white throat ; and Favourite, dark. Alfred and Favourite received first-class certificates, whj' Lord Lyon did not we do not know. Mr. Hoyle exhibited a box of blooms of some of his best seedlings, and also some dried petals of Pelargoniums of sixty years ago, showing what progress had been made. This was very interesting. 392 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Umf », 1S66. RrorE A?rD Gnp.FNnorsK Plants con.-ititut«d n very importjint part of the display, and, from bt-inj; iu most caaes placed in juxtn position with mosscsof folia^te, the effe<"t was neatly eiihnnred. A rollection of sii* teen shown by Mr. T. Bnines, p^rdener to H. MirhoUs. K8»].. Bowden. was n remarinibly fineexninple of sntve-jsful rnltivution. It ronnifited of two Ixoms — viz., coocinea aud anmntim-a. the fonner with nnnannlly large beads of bloom; Borouin piunnUi, iluwcriiiK profnsely ; Acro- phyllnm Tenosnm, very fine ; Dipladenia craa>fLnodH, GenetliylHa tnli- pifora. the flowers very large, as well as nnmeron^i ; Krica ventricosn coccinea minor, fine ; E, Cavendishii, a pood sperimen, but the flowers rather ymall : K. tricolor Eppsii ; A^^alean Criterion. Kxtranci, and Ivcryana : Franciscea confertifolia. Apheloxis manmntha pnrpnrea, Epacris Eclipse, and Eriostemon hnxifolinm. In the same class Mr. Peed also contribnted a fine eollectiou, consistinfi of Allamandu pran- diflora, the large yellow flowers of which vr(^Tt very effective ; Ixora alba, fine ; Pimelea Hendersoni, Eriostemonn, a tine specimen of Erica Cavendishii. a largo Kpiu-ris. Azaleas, the pretty Tetratheca ericfffolia, good specimens of Druenpbyllum Rraejle, and Acrophyllnm venosnm, the latter, however, not so large as Mr. Raines's ; GeneUiyllis Hookeriana, Chorozema cordutam splendena, Aphelexis, &c. Jn other collections in the same class, besides plnnts already named, we noticed good examples of Rliyncos])ormTim jasmiuoides. the showy scarlrt Erica westpliahinf:na, Koronia letrandra. Pimelea spectfthilis, the deep bine Lesebenanltia biloba major, Cleroileudron ThomRonn'. and Coleouema rnbru. Awards — First, Mr. Baines. gardener to 11. Micliolls. Esq., Snm- merfield, Bowden ; second, Mr. B. Peed, gardener to Mrs. Tredwell, Lower Norwood ; third, Mr. J. Wheeler, gardener to J. Philpott. Esq., Stamford Hill ; fom-th, Mr. Kemp, gardener to Earl Percy, Albnry Park. In the class for twelve plants, admirable collections were famished by Messrs. Lee. of Ilaramersmith ; K. Cole & Sons, of Withington, near Manchester ; and Mr. Rhodes, Sydenham. Among Messrs, Le^'s plants were excellent exam]»les of Erica ventrieosa eoccinea minor, Azaleas, Eriostemons. Medinilla magnifica. and Acrophyllam venosum. Aphelexie macrantba snperba, splendid in colonr ; Ade- nandra fragrans, well stndded with bloom. Mrs. Cole it Sons con- tribnted excellent specimens of Heaths, Azaleas, Aphelexis, Pimelea Hendersoni, and Ixora coccinea. There was also a largo plant of Phienocoma proUfera Bamesii. bnt far from equal in point of bloom to a similar plant exhibited a year or two ago by Mr. Eraser, of Lea Bridge. Mr. Rhodes hud the finest plant of Dracophyllnm gmcile in the Show, although by an accident it had lost half a dozen of its wliite heads of bloom, excellent Azaleas, Eriostemons, a Chorozema, Aphe- lexis, Cavendish Heath, &c. Awards — First, Messrs. Lee ; second, Mirsi E;' Cole & Sons ; third, Mj:. Rhodes. Collections of ten were exhibited by Mr. Donald, gardener to J. G. Barclay, Esq., Leyton ; Mr. Morse, gardener to T. Canning, Esq., Westbnry-on-Trym, Bristol ; Mr. A. Ingram, gardener to J. J. Blandy, Es<|., Higbgrove, Reading ; and Mr. Kaile, gardener to Earl Lovelace, East Horsley Tower. Noticeable among the plants from these ex- hibitors were the lovely Clerodendrou Thomsoua*, Allamanda cathar- tica, Rhyncospennum jasmiuoides, Aotns gracillimns. with gay yellow and dark crimson flowers, aud not often seen at exhibitions ; Statices, Adenandra fragrans, in fine bloom ; Leschenaullia intermedia, with. showy scarlet flowers; Pleroma elegans. but not in full bloom; Poly- galas, Heaths, Azaleas, and other plants already named. Awards — First. Mr. Donald ; second, Mr. Morse : third. Mr. A. Ingram ; fourth, Mr. Kaile. Collections of six were shown in separate classes, both by amatenrs and nurserjTuen, and comprised among other plants a verT,- fine Azalea Apollo, from Mr, Carson ; an excellent example of Pimelea Hender- soni, from the same ; the white and criinsou-eyed Vinoa oeulata, from Mrs. Glen(.liuning &: Sons; a well- ro^-n plant of Erica Victoria, from Mr. Tantou, the successor to Mr. Dods, of the Kpsom Nursery ; Clero- dendron Ka-mpferi, Imantophyllum niiniatnm, Oxylobium arborescens, with spikes of yellow pea-like flowers, bcjiides several very good ex- amples of Pimelea';, RhjTico=ipermum, Azaleas, Heaths, Chorozemas, GenethylUs, Eriostemons, A'c. . Awards — For six (Amatenrs) : first, Mr. Carson, gardener to W. R. G. Farmer, Esq., Nonsnch Pork, Cheam ; second. Mr. Page, gar- dener to W. Leaf, Esq., Streatham : third, Mr. A. Wilkie. gardener to — McHenry, Esq., Addison Road, Kensington. (Nnrserymen) : first. Mr. J. Stevenson, Timperley ; .second, Mr. Williams, HoUoway ; third. Mrs. Glendinning »!' Sons» Tnmham Green ; foorth, Messrs. Jackson it Sons. • For the finest stove or greenhonse plant, in or ont of flower, and not Iws than 12 feet in height, the first prize was awarded tn Messrs. Teiteh tt Sons, for Brownea encta i?l ; the second toMr. Williams, for a remarkably fine plant of Rhnpala Dp .longhi, probablv not less than '20 feet high ; n»id the third to Mr. Bull, whocontribnted an Aranearia excelsa, 20 feet high ; Ai-alia qninqnefolia. forming a standard IH feet high; and Dracsam austrflli'^, !5 feet high. From Mr. Williams came Dracsna draco Birrhavi, about the same height. Fiue-foliflged stove and greeuhonse plants were shown in great ntonber, and in point of cultivation they loft little to be de- sired. Mr. Bnines had fine examples of Aiocasia uietallica, Theo- phrastn imperiftlis. with ample d4M*p green foliage; Anthnriura grande, aBolfaer' brardkmie largs- leaved phuit; Rhopala coreovadenB«, Daay- lirion ocrotnchnm, Gleichenia speluncse, Croton variegatnm, C. longi- folinm, Dickfionia anfarctica. with the fronds assnming a somewhat droopint; character; Cordyline indivisa, and .\mlia lept/jphyMft. From Mr. Taylor, gardener to J. Yates, Ksg.. Highgate, came a noble plant of SaM Blackhnmianum. Variejated Aloe leaved Yucca, Dion idulc, two species of Kncephalartos, and Cycas revnlnta. Mr. Fair- buini. Sion House, fui'uished the Bird's-uest Fern. Anthnrinm ACftoIo, with leaves a yard in length. AJocasia Lowii, and others of the aamt genus, and a largo Dracana ; and Mr. Croiut, gardener to Lady Ash-** burton, Romsey, the prutty Maranta fasciata. which has th» learet- branded with jmlo green ; Spharotrme latifolia. CvperUh allemifoIiDs variegatns. with its white variegation well developed, an AUocasia. and other effective plants. Several fine Palms, inchiding Areca Ver- scbnffelti, LaUmia horbonica, Astrocan'um rostratnni, the laHt very graceful, come from Madame Legrelle d'Hanis. of Antwerp. SuTeral magnificent groups were exhibited in the nurserymen's class for twelve. That from Messrs. Leo wuk particularly pood, and comprised a veiyi tine variegated Croton, TheopurasLi imperialis, Alocot^ia meLallica, aod Ijowii, both with fine large leaves ; Rhopalai*, Pandanns elogan- tissinins, LaUinia rubra. Oreojianax dactylijfolinm, remarkable for ita deeply-divided foliage, a handsome plant of Cibotium princepa, and a C'yathea. Messrs. Yeitch also exhibited a fine collection, in which were Pandanns Veitchii, resembling an immense fan ; P. reflexus, Cycas revoluta, Rhopala corcovadense. Seaforthia elegans, a fine plant of Dracn-na indivisa liueata, a large Croton pictum, Seaforthia elegans, and other Palms. From Mr. WilUams came Alocaaia metollica. Aloe- leaved Yucca, a spreading plant of Cycas cdrcinalis, Crotons, AJocasia mctalUca, Dion edule, Cibotium princeps, and Pandanns javanicoa varicgatus, all of which were very good. The graceful Fem-like- leaved Jucaranda filicifoUa, a Maple with bronzy foliage, Rhopalua, and other plants already named, came from Messrs. A. Henoersou and Co. In other classes for snbjects of the same character, gooi:ous Shbubs in Flotveb. — From Mr. Tomer. Slongh, came channiug Weigelas, both rose and wliite. Gneldros Roses, variegated Hydrangea, the sweet-scented Philadelphus mex- icanus. Tree Pa'onies in tine bloom, Persian Lilac, Ac, and from Mr. William Paul, Weigela roseo. Brooms, the pink-flowered Robinia hispida, Lilacs, the common Berberry, Coronilla emems. Gnmper's Thorn, a new German variety ; Spinras. Viburnum plicatnm and opulus, and Deut/.ia gracilis. These two collections were placed near the euti'ance from the Royal Horticoltaral Society's garden, and attracted ninch attention. Awards — First. Mi'. Turner ; second, Mr. W. Paul. FiNE-poLiAOED HvunY Decidcocs SHRrBs. — Of these there waa- only one exhibitor, Mr. W. Paul, to whom a third prize was awarded. Noticeable in his collection were a Horse Chestnut with the leaves cnt into small segments, a Chestnut with well-marked Kf^ldon variet^tion, the white variegated Acer negnndo, and another Maple in which the leaves were distinctly variegated with pule yellow, a golden-leaved Elder, I'nrplo Beech, Qnercns cerris variegata with creamy variega- tion, Panlo^vnia iniperialis. Silver Poplar. Ancuba-leaved Ash, Mag- nolia tripetnla and acuminata, Hippopha** rhamnoides, and Sym- phoricarpns variegatus. Hardy Climukrs were shown by Mr. W. PanI, Mr. Turner, and Messrs. Ivery and Son. who were respectively first, second, and third, I and consisted of Clematises Ivies, plain-leaved and variegatod, Honeysneklcs, Aristolochias, Bignonia grandiflora. Climbing Rose«. I and Passiflora cornlea. Hardy Evr.RGiiKr.NS. — In the special classes for these were rery good examples of new Ancnbas. Hollies in great variety, several kinds of Box, Laurns nobilis, LanruBtinus, Berberis Darwinri, Phillyreas, Portugal Laural, Arbutus nnedo, and RoUissoni. and Evergreen Oaks. Of new evergreen trees and shrulw Messrs. Yeitch contributed Ancnl)as : the leather)- leaved Raphiolepis ovata, a great acquisition both as regards tiowers and foliage ; Sfcimmia oblata ; a golden varifgat^d Knt^nymns japonicus, one of the many pretty Japenese introiln< tions ; Knonymus radican^ varie^Titus ; Ilex Fortum ; the Hi^Uy-leaved Gflnmnthus, and a dwarf variegated form of it ; Tom- stKinna species, and a variegated Lignsiram glabrnm. Mr. Standish had, io addition to several of the above, Skimmia fragrans, the tall May 29, 1866. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 393 and dwarf forms of the ^-uriegiitej Osmanthas iliciiolins, and Ligustrom coriaceum. Jtlr. Ball's collection cousistod whoUy of new Aacabas, mole aud female. Awards — For twenty : first, Messrs. Jackman &: Son ; second, Mr. Staudish ; third, Messrs. Lee. For twelve (New) : first, Messrs. Veitch ; second, Mr. Standisii ; third, withheld ; foai-th, Mr. Bull. Alpine and Herbackous PLANTb. — Messrs. Backhonse, of York, exhibited a charming collection of Alpines, many of them very interesting, and Mr. SiUter one of Tariegated plants, consisting of Ftinkias, Sednmis, Coltsfoot, Arabis, Aubrietia. ttc, to the nnmber of fifty. Both of these collections excited much interest, especially that of Messrs. Backhonse, which seemed to be a particular favourite with the ladies. First prizes were awarded to both exhibitors. Orchids. — The tent in which these were eshibit»^d was continDally crowded — so much so, that it was not without difficulty and by the exercise of t-onsiderable patience, that they could be approached. This fact is snfficieut to prove that thev excited no small amount of interest, aud thoy wore weU worthy ot' it. for nearly all the most orna- mental genera were well repn-scnted ; and though the nnmber of collections fell rather short of what might have been expected in a country like this, wb(*re there are so many cultivators of this beautiful tribe of plants, still they were sufi&cient to fill an extent of 4U(1 feet in length. The only exhibitor in the class for tifty was Robert Warner, Esq., of Broomtield, Chelmsford, who sent nnmerons varieties of the beautiful Cattleya Mossiie, several of them remarkable for the size of the blooms and their richness of colour; also Vanda tricolor with three fine spikes ; its variety superba deeper and richer in colour, and with a bright purplish crimson lip ; and V. enavis, remarkably tine. Of Tri- chopilia crispa there was one of the finest examples we remember to have seen, bearing at least a score of finely coloured flowers. Phal^- nopsee -were well n'presentcd by P. amabilis, graudillora, Schilleriana ; and Portei. white, with a rosy purjile lip, was very full of bloom. Of Chysis Limmini;hii, Cypripcdinm barbatum superbum, C. Hookerip, C. viUosnra, and C. hirsutissimum, there were Roiid examples, as well as of La?lia ciunabarina. pnrjiurata, and Schilleriana, the Fox-brush Aerides, aud Dendrobium nobile. In a collection of twenty from Mr. Bullen. gardener to A. Turner, Esq., Leicester, were a tine pot of Cypripedium barbatum snperbum, with fifty blooms, Odontoglossum Pt-scatorei, Cattleya Acklandite, and Sldnneri, the latter very fine : Doutlrobium Parishii, Brassia verrucosa a yard across ; L^elia pni-i)urata, and a remarkably fine specimen of Oncidium ampliatum majus. From Mr. Page, gardener to W. Leaf, Esq., came Vanda teres \vith five good blooms, Phalcenopsis amabilis, Oncidium fiexuisum, and ampliatnm majus, with three long spikes, Saccolabium Blumei, ^rith a spike about 15 inches in length, and Dendrobium anosmum. with six good spikes ; and Mr. Peed, gardener to Mrs. Tredwell, sent good Aerides, C^'pripediums, Oncidinm sessile, with clear yellow fiowers^ Vandas, Deudi'obiums, and a highly coloured variety of Lrelia purjmrata. Mr. Cullen, gardener to V>. Weutworth Bnller, V^sq.. Slifte Raleigh, exhibited C^-jnnpedinm, or as it is called by some Uotauists SL^lenijiedium, candatum with two lai^e blooms, having " tails " nearly *2^ feet long ; Uropedium Lindenii, another Orchid having .similar thoufjb shorter appendages ; the beauti- ful new Phaljtnopsis Luddemanniana with three blooms, a branching specimen plant of Oncidium bifoUum, with large blooms; the white- flowered Bnrlingtouia fragrans. Cypripedinms Lowii and barbatum, and Cattleya Acfclandiaj. none of them large, hut all well grown. Mr. Robson, gardener to G. Cooper, Esq., Old Kent Road, also furnished a collectiou, in which we noticed Aerides crispnm, with a good spike upwards of a foot in length, aud several Onciiliums. In the Nurserymen's Class for twelve, Messrs. Veitch had a superb ■example of Cj'^iripedium barbatum majus with about fiftj" blooms : C. villosum with about thirty flowers ; Saccolabium gutt^itum with remarkably fiue long spikes ; a splendid L«lia pni-purata, Odonto- glossum Pescatorei, oue of the most beautiful of the family, and O. naevium, each with about a score of flowers ; Cattleya Mossiic elegans, and Vanda tricolor superbu. In the collection from Mr. Williams were Phalfenopsis Luddemanniana with six blooms ; and P. grandiflora ; Vunda teres, richly coloured ; a noble plant of V. in- sagois ; Cypripedium Stonei with four fine blooms ; C. barbatum anperbam, very fiue ; splentUd Cattleyas ; aud a verj good Sacco- labium retusum. Among Mr. Bull's twelve were Cypripedium can- datum, and the yellow Tiilip-like Angnloa Clowesii. In the Amateurs" classes excellent exhibitions came from Mr. Penny, gardener to H. H. Gibbs, Esq., Regent's Park; Mr. Wilson, gardener to W. Marshall, Esq., Enfield; Mr. Howard, gardener to J. Brand, Esq., Balham ; and Mr. Fairbaim, Sion House. Among the plants exhibited were remarkably fine examples of TriebcpUia crispa, Phaheuopsis grandiflora, Dendrobium anosmum, D. Dalhonsia- num, D. densitlorum album, and D. nobile ; Saecolabiunts, Cattleyas, Lfclias, Oncidium sarcodes, Cattleya Acklandi« with eight richly- coloured flowers ; and, lastly, Cypripedinms, particularly caudatum, one of which from Mr. Wilson, had nine flowers with petals 28^^ inches long, by far tht- finest specimen shown of that handsome species. Awards — For fifty ; fijrst, R. Warner, Esq. For twenty : first, Mr. Bullen; second, M'r. Page; third, Mr. Peed; fourth, Mr. Cullou. For twelve {Norservmen) : first, Messrs. Veitch ; second, Mr. Williams ; third, withheld ; fourth, Mr. Bull. For ten : first. Mr. Penny ; second, Mr. Wilson ; third, J, Stevenson, Esq. ; fourth, Mr. ^Vlxeeler, gardener to J, Pbilpott. E»i|.i &i«iiiford Hill. For six: first, Mr. HoffAcdr -.: i'-ic-Mc;i.^. ■ -lit -t luiJ second, Mr. Fairbaim ; third, Mr. Young, gardener to W. II. Stone, Esq., Havant; fourth, Mr. A. Ingram, gardener to .1. J. Blandy, Esq. For six (Nurserj-meu) : first, Messrs. Lee ; second, Mr. Rhodes ; third, withheld; fourth, Messrs. Jackson & Sous. In new Orchids, the first prize was awarded to M. Linden, of Brussels, for Aerides japouicum with greenish white sepals and petals barred with rose, and ha\-ing rose markings in the Up ; the second, to Messrs. Veitch, for Angi'a-cum citratum with small white flowers having a slight lemon tinge, closely set on what, for a new Orchid, was a long spike. Messrs. Backhouse sent Oncidium concolor with large yellow flowers ; MessTS. Veitch, Cypripedium lievigatum, a very orna- mental species ; Mr. Williams. Vunda eristata superba; Mr. Warner, Cattleya Mossire Marianaj, a ver)- beautiful variety ; also, Trichopilia crispa marginata, in which the flowers are bordered with white. A fine variety of Miltonia spectabilis, and Dendrobium tanrinum, were shown by J. Bateunm, Esq., of Biddulph Grange. Fot the best specimen Orchid, the first prize was awarded to Mr. J. Charles, gardener to R. Bamett, Esq., Blackheath Park, for Phala"- nopsis Luddemanniana with nine blooms, some of which were ex- ceedingly fine. The second prize went to Mr. Cullen, for a good Phalanopsis amabilis ; the third, to Mr. Bullen, for an immense plant of Dendrobium nobile, measuring some 4 feet acro.ss and in fine bloom ; and the fourih, to Mr. Webb, gardener to J. W. Miles, Esq., Kingswestou, for AnsoUia africana with three fine spikes. Miscellaneous Orchids comprised PhiUa-uopsis Luddemanniana with four fiue blooms ; Trichopilia tortile; Aspasia lunata with a white lip, and the sepals and petals green, marked with brown ; a verv handsome and compact specimen of Dendrobium densiflornm, Saccolabium gnttatum splendeus, and some others, from Mr. WlIsou. gardener to W. Marshall, Esq. ; and Aerides vircns and a few others were shown by Mr. Parkur. of Tooting. Of variegated Orchids, Mr. Williams contributed a fine collection, in which Phalaeuopsis Schilleriana was conspicuous, besides which Goodyera discolor, Ana-ctoehilns petola, Lo\^'ii, setaceus, xanthophyl- lus, and others of the same beautiful genus were in great perfection. A fii'st pri;ie was awarded to Mr. Williams, and a third one to Mrs. Glendinning and Sons. Before concludmg our remarks on the Orchids it is bnt an act of simple justice to Mr. Ormson to state that the whole of the immense tent in which these are exhibited is heated by him, fi"ee of charge, by one of his now wrought-iron multitubular boilers ; and to give an idea of the magnitude of this undertaking, we wiU mention that 3'2()0 feet of pipe aud 1760 gallons of water are employed to heat 400,000 cubic feet of air, and this, be it remembered, not in a glass structure, but in a tent, through the walling of which the keen east winds which w« have lately experienced have been continually finding their way. Palms. — In the classes specially devoted to these there were tine ex- amples of Phcenix dactylifera, Latauia borboniea, Verschaffelti, and Jenkinsii, Thrinax elegans, Conqiha anstralis, Chamjcrops humilis, aud excelsa, Seaforthia elegans,' the Oil Palm, the noble Stevensonia grnndifolia, or Phcenicophorium sechellarum as it is also called, the Cocoa-nut, Arocas, and Astrocaryum mexicanum ; and many others were scattered through various classes. Awards — For six: first, Mr. Fairbaim, gardener to the Duke'of Northumberland, Sion ; second, Messrs. Veitch ; third, M. A. Ver- schaffelt, Ghent. For three : first, Mr. Williams ; second, Messrs. Jarkson it Son ; third, Mr. Bull. For the Lirgest and finest : first, Mr. Young, gardener to B. Barclay, Esq., Highgate ; second, Mr. Bull ; thiid, Mr. Williams. Cycads. — M. A. Vcrschaffelt received the first prize for Zamia cy- cadsfolia, Z. caffra with a trunk 15 inches iu diameter, and Z. Ver- schaffelti. Mr. Taylor, gardener to J. Yates, Esq.. Highgate, who was second, had fine plants of Cycas revoluta, Zamia caffra, and Z. muri- cata ; and Mr. Williams, HoUoway, was third -vnth Dion edulo, Cycas revolnta, and Zamia pungens. Among those from Mr. Bull was Cycaa Riuminiaua, a slendor-stemmed kind from the Philippines. Pand-IXADS. — Among these we noticed remarkably fine specimens of Pandnnns javanicus variegatns, P.oraatus, and P. elegantissimus from Messrs. Veitch : Freycinetia imbricata, and Pandanus utiiis, and ro- flexus from Mr. Williams ; and Messrs. Jackson sent Pandanus imbri- catns. candelabrum, and javanicus variegatus. A fiue specimen of Pandanus utiiis came from Messrs. Veitch ; and Mr. Youug, gardener to R. Barclay. Esq., and Mr. Donald, gardener to J. G. Barclay. Esq., Leyton, respectively sent P. elegantissimus and P. javanicus v.qtopteris snperba, Trichonjaues rat^o-Ani!. Pttris crrHca allio liiicata, Drvnarift morbillo^^a, aud ninny othirfl which it woald bo tedious to cunmerato. Hardy Ferna wore ah^o nomironsly Hhown. Those from Messrs. Ivery and Sou, oud Mr. Marshall, of Eufiold, vcre well worthy of notico. The latter pcutlemiu had a fijie plant of Trichomaucii radiraus, AthjTium Filii-fo'iuiua crispnni, a very prt-tty variety of the Lady Fern, Scolopeudrinm vnlfrare multilidnm, A. F.f. Ficldiugii, a nice plant of Polypodiuai dryopteris, aud the pretty Polypodinm alpcstro Hcxilc, ui;d Ityiutuophyllam tunbridgense. Messrs. Ivui-y exhibited two coUoctions, the plants composing one of which wcto dotted ovor the roekwork at the Cromwell iload end, where they had a charniio;; effect ; and in another wore many inten-htinp varieties of Atliyrium i'ilix-fo-niiua, snch as Frizelliie, plomosnm. Fieldi;c, multicepR. and Ap^debyaunm, several Polystichums, Rtrothiopteris germanica, and a nice case of Trichomaaes radicans. Mr. Salter aud Mi". Ball also furnished good collections. Of new Exotic Ferns, Messrs. BaekhouBO and Messrs. Veitch ex- hibited a few, among which were an Asplenium from New Caledonia, A. anisophyllam, A. rcsectuni, Davjillia alpina, and Trichomaucs fceuiculacenm from Java. New hardy l^nms, shown by Messrs. Iverj', consisted of Tnchomanes Monlci, small but pretty; Polystichnm annulare attenuato-cristatuni, :dendcr and bat slightly crested ; Lastrea Filix-mas Ingramii. a hand- Bomo vigorous variety ; and A. F.f. laeeolatura, with pretty tapering bright green fronds, all of which received first-class certificates, and one of the second class was awarded to A. F.f. pterophorum. Of Lycopods, heautifnl pans were Bhown by Messrs. Veitch, Mr. Bar- nard, gardeaer to J. W. Taylor, Esq., Stoke N'ewiiipton, and Mr. Fairbaim, Sion ; and the following Kinds were piirticulnrly worthy of notice— viz., SelaKinclla Martonsii varlegatu, beanliiuUy vnrieRatcd with white; a pcndulons ppecies from the Solomon I-^hmds, bearing a t^trjkinc resem- blance to a Drncrydinm ; japonica, of a finodcoptn'cen ; juponica vnrie- gata, cn;sia, umbrosa, erjthropus, npoda, Galeotti, Wildenovii, deuticulata, gtoloniferu, and rubricaulis. Awards — For twelve stove or frreenhoa^c Ferns (Araatcars) : first. Mr. Baines ; second. Sir. J. Hill, gardener to U. Hanbm-y, Esq., The Poles, Ware; third, Mr. Bam.ird. Fortwelve (NurRer>men) :"flr.-.t;'Mr. Williams; second. Mr. Bnll. For six Amateurs ) : first. Mr. Younp, gardener to W. H. Stone, Esq. ; second, Mr. CroFs ; third, Mr. Wilson, gardener to W. Marshall, Esq. ; fourth, Mr. A. Ingram. For 6ii(N'urser>Tnen): first. >!^- ; second, Mr. Bull: third, Mr, Williams, Holloway. For twenty-four Hflrdy Ferns: first, Messrs. Ivery ; second. Mr. Salter ; tliird, Mr. liuU. For twelve : first, Mr. Wilson ; second, Mr. Kailc; third, Mr. Kemp, gardener to Enrl Percy. For six Tree Ferns; first, Mr. Williams, Crystal P.alacc ; second, Messrs. Veitch ; third, Mr. Williams, HoUoway. For three: first withheld; second. Mr. Bull; third, Mr. Hntt. gardener to Miss Burdett Coutts. For the finest Tree Fern : first. Mr. Williams. Crystal Palace ; second, Messrs. Veitch ; third. Mr. Bnll. For twelve Lycopods : fii-st, Mr. Bnmard; second. Mr. Fairbaim ; third. Mr. Higgs, gardener to Mrs. Barcbnrd, Putney Hcitb. For six : first, Messrs. Veitch ; second, Mr. Young, gardener to K. Barclay, Esq., Highgalc. Arads, Araliads, and Maraktadh. — For Arads. Messrs. Veitch were first with Dicflenbnchia variegatp, Barnqnininna, Alorasia longiloba. the handsome Lowil, Veitchii, macrorhiza vnriegata. and zebrina. and Agla- onema commutatum variegatum. Madame LcgrcUe d'Hanis and Jlr. Williams also contributed good spucimens. Messrs. Veitch also exlii- bited several very handsome Araiiads, nnd a fine collection of Mar-intads, consisting of the beautiful Maranta Veitchii, zebrina, striata, pplendida, regalis, Vnn den Ileckii, tubispalhn, verj' handsome, and some others. Among those from Madame Legrello d'lJinis, who was second, were M. omata, roseo-lineata, and Phynium Van den Heckii. Dwarf Cacti.— Nice collections of these cnme from M. Charles Pfers- dorff, of Kousal Green nnd Avcnne do St. Oncn, Paris, in which were Echinocactus Cnmmingii with ornngc flowers ; Echinopsis Eyi-esii with large pink flowers ; Echinocereas multicostatns with scarlet blooms. Several very curious kinds of Cereus, Mnmillarias. Echinocactus, and similar subjects ^vero shov.n by W. B. Kellock, Esq.. Stamford Hill; Mrs. Pattisoii. Dorchester : and Mr. Waters, gardener to A. Mougredien, Esu.. Forest HiU. Hardy Taxads.— For these Messrs. Veitch were first with a fine collec- tion, in which were Taxns j:iponica,likc a broad-Icaved Irish Yew ; T. fsis- tigiata, of fine pynmid.nl ;^owth ; a h.mdsomo busby plfint of Cephalo- tasus drnpareii, Arthrotaxus seliiginoldes, Cephnlntixns Fortuuii. and Taxus depressa with deep green foliage. Messrs. Watercr & Godfrey, who were second, hiid Podocarpus andiiia with dtirk foliage, Taxus bnc- cata ercctn, auren, elegnntissima, nnd fastigiata, along with some others j and a third prize was awarded to Mr. Wm. Paul. CoNiPEiis.— The hardy species and varieties were numerously shown, atid among tliem wore manybnarl;?omc specimens though necessarily not large. _ Tho best ooHoction of twenly-fivc come from Messrs. Veiteli. and comprised L:irix Kampferi, n pretty light green species; handsome Retinospor.13 ; Thuja japonica, forming a close p\TJimidal plant ; Thnjopsis borealis and dolabrata. Messrs. Waterer A Godfrey, wlio were second, had Tbnja flliformis of weepinghabit, Lobbi.finduuren; Pinus lasiocnma, atad others. We also noticed in collections from the nhove and other exhibitors, Ciipressus Ln'wsoniana, and a handsome variegated variety of it called argentca ; Filzroya patagonica ; some fine plants of Thuja aurea ; several interesting dH-:trf varieties of Abies pxcelsa. such as Clnubnisi- liana, puiuila. Gregorii, and pygm;ea ; .Tnniporus hibemica compressa, which would form a useful plant for flower-garden beds, &c. Messrs. Jnckmin contributed tine examples of Picea Nordmanniana, P. pinsapo, lasiocarpn. nobilis; Thiija gigantea. nnd Wellingtonia. both handsome plants about 8 feet high ; Cnpressns Lawsoniana, and others, which were studded over therockwork near the fouthern entrance ; whilst at varions parts of the tent Mesi^rs. Lee, Paul A Sou. Staudisb, and others, exhibited thfe same class cf '^nlijects, the collection from :^fo-Prs. Paul & Son, not flllt)wn for compiDtitfon, bein^ very extensire. The only exhibition of Greenhouse Conifers was that of Mr. Bull, confdsting of Araneurin crxCelifa, Bldwilli, Cookii, Cunulgbamii and its variety gluucA, oud I-.iboc«drutt Duniana. Awards— For twenty-five Hardy Conifers : first, Mcssp". Veitch A BoiUi ; Second, Messrs. Waterer & Godfrey ; third. Mr. .1. SIiindi>h. For twelve: (irst, Messrs. J. & C. Loc : second, M^'SKrH. dacknian A S^iu ; third, Mr. C. Turner. For twelve Greenhouse Conifers: first, Mr. W. Bull. CAiaMDM.s, Begoxias, and AsTiiunicMs.— The first were well re- presented in collections from Mr. Goodwin, gardener to A. WattonbaAb, Es(|., Caraberwell; Messrs. A. lU-udcrsun & Co, and Sir. Fairbaim, who stood in this order In the prize list. Cliautini, WIghtii, BellcTmei, bicolor splendens, and the pretty argyritcs were a few of the beet. lu Begonias, well-grown plnnt^i from Mr. Smec, Mr. Wheeler, and Mr Venner were nw.arded prizc= ; and for Begouias in flower Mr. Earley, gardener to F. Pn'or, Esq., Digswcll, received a firdt jiriKC. The most noticeable was Digswelliana, a very useful free-flnweriug dopp rose> Coloured sort. For Anthuriums, Messrs. Veitch were first, Mr. Williams second, and Messrs. A. Henderson A Co. third. Anthurium Schente- rianuui from the Messrs. Veitch bad nine of Us brilliant scarlet spathes of the largest size ; aud the same beautiful specie;* was t>bown in fine con- dition by Mr. Williams, who also had acaulc producing its f*iugular in- florescence. A. cordlfolium was likewise shown in great perfection. NEPtNTOEs AND Sarracf.nias. — Of tho formcr adminible examples were exhibited by Messrs. Veitch, consisting of Douiiniann, Hookeri, hevis, phyllamphora. an unnamed species, and K.afile.'>iana, with fine pitchers- For these a lin-t prize was awarded, nlho for a remarkably fine single plant of Rafflesiana. Excellent Sarraeenias came from Mr. Baines and Mr. Williams, who were pinced first and second. Yuccas, Bkaucauseas, and Dasvliiiions were exhibited by Mr. Williams, M. Jean VerschafTelt, W. B. Kellock. Esq.. Stanifnrd Hill, and Mr. Bull. Yuccas consisted of quadricolor, the variegated Aloe-leaved kind, Stokesii, aud albo-spica; among Beaucameas were Ktricla, recor- vata, and glauca ; and among Dasylu'ions, acrotrichum. latifoliuui, longifolium, and Hartwegii. Awards — First, Mr. B. S. Williams; second, M. Jean VorscbalTelt ; third, W. B. Kellock, Esq., Stamford Hill ; fourth, Mr. Bull. Dracscnas and Cordylines. — Among these were some noble wpcci- niens of C- heliconifolia aud indlvisa, auslraliA Intifolia, Draciena dracOf indivisa, and such kinds as Coopcri, fen'ea variegcta, and nigricans, with finely coloured foliage. Awards — First, Messrs. Veitch. & Sons; second, Mr. Williams; third, Met^srs. Jackson & Son ; fourth, Mr. Bull. Agaves were numerously shown, and assorted well with the rockwork near which they were placed. Noticeable among tbcm wore Schldit'era, with the margins of the leaves set as it were with wood shavings ; filifera and its variety longifolia; the common aud variegated American Aloe, the latter variously striped, in one of its varieties having a broad golden band up the centre of the leaf; pieta longifoli;i, broadly margined with cream colour: CBerulescens, with very very dark foliage, aud dealbata, with long pale green leaves, having a glaucous tinge. VcrscbafTelti, with handsome foliage; Ousseichomiana. pale green; Jacobiana, with broad leaves set with nurplisli spines, aud many other singular kinds came from M. J. Verschafi"elt, of Ghent. Awards — For twenty-four: first. M. J. Verschaflelt: second, Mr. Wil- Hnnis ; third, M. Charles Pfersdorff. For ten ; first, Mr. Williams ; Becond, M. J. Verschafl"elt ; third, W. B. Kellock, Esq.. Stamford Hill. Standard Oranoe Trees, Bavs. Porti-o/i, Laurels, Ac.-— The first were not remarkable for size, but several finely fruited plants were shown by Messrs. Osbom and Bull. There were also fine btaudrrd Myrtles, Bays, and Laurustinus from the last-named exhibitor ; but the best palx of stand.ard Bays came from M. Jean Verscbafltlt ; of Portugal Laurels, from Messrs. Lee; and of Box. from Messrs. Veitch. These stood about 7 feet high, and had handsome round bends. The sr-me firm h»d also a pair of Waterer's variegated Holly 9 or 10 feet high ; and Messrs. Waterer had the same variety, though not so tall. The finest, however, camo from Messrs. Jackman, of Woking, and hud stems r> or 6 feet high, and heads measuring at least as much across. Several good standard Yews were also shown, as well as well as large-headed Portugal liaurcls, tho latter by Messrs. Lee. Awar(is — One Orange tree : second, Mr. Bull ; third. Messrs. Osbom and Sr)ns. Twelve Orange trees: third, Mr. Bull. One pair of btAndard Laurustinus: first, Mr. Bull. One pair of pyramidal Bay trees: first, ^lesars. Veitch ; second, Mr. Bull; tl;ird, Messirs. J. & C. Lee. One pair of standard Bay trees: first, M. J. VcrschnfT^lt; second, Messrs. Veitch ; third, Messrs. J. & C. Lee. One pair of standard Portiigal Laurels: first, Messrs. J. & C. Lee. One pair of standard Hollies: first, Messrs. Jackman and Son; second, Messrs. Veitch & Sons; third, Messrs. Waterer & God- frey. One pair of standard Box trees: fii-st, Messrs. Veileh&Sons; second. Messrs. J. & C. Lee. One pair of .any standard evergreen: first, 5Ir. Bull; second, Messrs. Veitch & Sous; third. Messrs. J. A C. Lee, Hollies were shown in great variety, and sonic of them were very pretty. White and Golden Milkmaid, Chapman's Gold-striped, Gold and Silver Hedgehog, Gold-edged, having dark red young shoots were soma of tho best of the variegated luuds. Of the plain-leaved Ilex comuta, Hodgkinsii, with large dark folingc : scotica, very dark, aud m>TUiuUa, with small dark green leaves, were auionst the most noticeable. Awards— For thirty: first. Messrs. Veitch & Sons; second, "Messrs. Waterer & Godfrey; third. Messrs. J. & C. Lee. New Plants chiefly remarkable for their foliage were nnmeronsly shown. M. Linden, of Brussels, was first and third for six introduced into Euro)ic by the exhibitor ; and Messrs. Veitch A Sons second and fourth. Those from the formcr. to wliich the fir^t prize was nwarded, were Autburimu regale with luiilhery green leaves, with distinct midribs aud vcnr.tion ; Cyanophyllum srcctandurr, with tl:e leaves more oblonc th.tu those of C. maguiiicmn ; Maranta Lmdrni, with beautifully shaded folince, the imder part very prominently lined : Bignonia cmaLn, with handsome glossy green leaves irregularly marked with wliit»; ; Philo- deiidron Lindcni, with handsome cordate foliage; aud Dichorisaiidra niusaica, beautifully marked with numerous white lines. MetorH. Veitch were second with a handsome .\ralia from New Caledonia : Maranta Veitchii; Rhododendron Brookianum ; .\c!ilypha tricolor, with ovate brfiwnish-RreiMi le:ives and some reddish marliings; a pretty Aidielnndm» from Pern, liistiuctly banded with yellow ; and Uraciena albu-marginata, pale green, edged with golden yellow. Among other plants from the same firm were a handsome go'den variegated Croton, quite distinct from the older kinds in the form ol its leaves ; a pretty ArtUia with footstalks exhibiting some yeUow and criiQo* MUy'29, 1868.-] JOmiNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER- S' son marking; nnd Phyllanthus varicgstiis with green leaves variegnted with white. Ptyuhotriii uivos;i with singular white flowers came from U. LiDilen. F6r three new plant=? in flower. Messrs. Veitch were first with Begonia Pearcei, with velvety dark green leaves nnd bright yellow flowei-s ; Palava flexunsa, nnd an Apbelasdra. Mr. Bull was second with siphocampylns f olgeps. with bright scarlet flowers ; Bertolonia raai^aritacea ; and an Australian Mallow. The next class was for one new plant in flower. Here M. Linden was first with the Psycbotria above referred to ; Mr. Standish second with a double Clematis Fortnni; Hes?rs. Yeitch, third, with Darwinia fimbriata. For a now plant not iu flower. M. Linden wiis flr^-t and eqnal socond with Dichorisnndra musaica and Miranta Liudeni; Messrs. Veitch being equal second and third for the Peruvian Aphelandra andMajranta Veitchii ; and Mr. Staudish equal third, for a pretty Atbvrium, from Japan. Mr.Biilleshibitcd avarietvof Pbajus grandifolius with variegated Jeaves ; and M. Ambroise Vi>rsch:iffelt. Z.imia villoma. Jn the class for twelve new plants, Messrs. Veitch were first with the hemitiful rose-apottod Bertolonia guttata, Primula cortusoides atneenn, Coleus Gib^oni, from Xe-.v Caledonia; an Aralia, the new Aphelandra, and some other plants alnmUy noticed. M. Linden, who was second, had Dichi^risandra \-ittala. Maranta virgina^i'^, M. roseo-picta. Sctnd ipsua pictus, Philodcndron Liudeni. Mr. Bull liad, among others, Erjuithenmm arpyroneurum, and two pretty v.ariegated Urospathas; whilst Mr. Williams, who received a tbivd prize in the class for six new plants, had an ornamental Calamus, called Imperatrice Marie ; Teleiantbera ficoidea versicolor, of which the ovate leaves are variegated with rose and red; and a beautifully variegated New Zoiland Flax. MiscELLAN'Eors. — Consoicuous a'UQug such subjects were several plants of Euehari'? amazonica shown by Mr. Howard, gardener to E. Brand. E^q., Balhara. Thciiie were in tubs, and measured not less than n foet across, though it was stated that but two and a half yeai-s ago they had been purchased in three-inch pots. The flowers were of remarkable size, nnd it waa stated that the plants had bloomed three times siuce Christmas. The course of treatment pursued was to keep them gixiwing in bottom heat in the stove, to repot -wbcu necessary, and aljord liberal supplies of manure water. A small collection of Cmadian plants from Mr. Stark. Trinity, near Edinburgh, and variegated Maize uom Messrs. Carter & Co. were shown near these, and at the base of the rocUwork Lilies of the Valley by Mr. Salter and Messrs. Veitch, those from the former having beaulif'ully striped leaves. A. variegated Wellingtonia came from Mr.K. Hartlaud. Cork ; and a gold-edged Trisli Yew. the pretty Berbcris stenophylla, and a new Tlmj^. fi-om Messi-s. Fisher, Holmes, and Co. Mr. Watson, St. Albans, sent a dozen Filmy Ferns, se^-eral of which were very fine: ^Ir. Barnard, gni-deuer to J. Taylor, Esq., a nnmber of aquatics. <;arb t"< Vallisneria spiralis. Aponogoton distachyon, and LimnocharisHumboldii : and Mr. Knicbt. Cbaleau dePontcbartrain, a hybrid Amaranthus with very ornamental foliage, totally distinct in . character from A. melancholicns ruber, and which promises to be useful. Miscellaneous piroups of pi uit-; were exhibited by Messrs. Veitch, Linden. Lee, and E. G. Henderson, that from the last-named including the pretty new variegated Cynosnrus. Mr. Bull had th*- Long-podded P.adish, Pitcairnea tabuheiformis, variegated Maize, Maranta splendida, the singularlj' marked Dioscorca anaectochilus, Goodyera discolor, of which the white midribs formed a marked contrast to the rest of the dark velvety leaves. Erantbcmura argyroneurum, and numerous other in- teresting plants. From M»s^^. Lee came flnely-fruited Ancr.bas; from Mr. ^\'ilson, gardener to W. Marshall, Esq., the Madagascar Lac^ Plant ; and fioia Messi-s. E. 0. Henderson A Son a number of hand-^ome-foliaged soft-wooded plints. A very interesting exhibition being the Ailanthus glandolosa with the silkworm peculiar to that tree feeding on its leaves, together with specimens of the silk, came from Lady Dorothy Nevil. BOUQUETS, AXD OBJECTS OF ORNAMENT IN NATUPv.VL FLOWERS. This week we can do no more than enumerate the prizetakers in each class, but we propOi^e next week to give more details. DiyyEU-TABLE DEConATioxs. — First. Mrs. Lermitte, Knighton's. Finch- ley. Sei'ond, Messrs. Luckini?, Westboume Park. W. Third, Mr, T. Charles March, Ambnssadnr's Court, St. James's Palace. Tablf, Flat- AC— Second, Miss F. A. VTint. 15, Bedford Place, Brighton. Dka^ving-room: Flowkb Stands.— First, Mr. T. Charles March, Am- bassadors' Court, St. J;imf^'s Palace. Drawivg-r-»om Pt.axt Case. — Firs*.. Mr. George Macintosh, Nnrseiy- man. Himme ■.■^mith. Second, Messrs. Clnudet, Houghton, & Son, 80. Hif^h Holborn. Third, Messi-s. Barr & Sugdeu,King Street, Covcnt Garden. Window Box. — First, Messrs. Wm. Catbush & Son, Nurserymen, High- |[ite. HANGiyGBAs CETS.— Second, Hessrs. Wm. CntbushA Son, Nurserymen, High gate. One Wkddin'G BorgrET.— First, Messrs. Lucking, Westbonme Park, W. Second, Mr. John Delamere, Nurseryman, Holm Lane, Orton. Cheshire. Three Bouquets for Balls.— First, Mr. Richard S. Yatos, Sale, Clieshire. Second, Messrs. Lucking, AVestboume Parh, W. Three HEAit-DJu:ssES or. Wreaths.— Second, Mr. Richard S. Yatcfi, Sale, Cheshire. FRL^T. The show of Frnit was not so extensive as might have been expected onisnch an occa-iou — a result doubtless attributable to the curly period of the season. The quality, however, wa!^ generally goad. The only coUectiou of ten dishes wi^'that from Mr. Turner, of Slough, which con- sisted nf two good Pines, Melons, very good bimfhe? of Black HambtiTgh a-id Muscat Grapes, Grosse Mignoanc Peaches, Hunt's Tawny Nectarine, S;rawberries, and Figs. Pines were few in nimibor, but to mate up for this deficiency, several were ver\- good. In Queens. Mr. C.imoron, gardener to the Puko of Richmond. ^\ as lir-t wilh a verv good fruit : Mr. Carr, g;ivdcner to the Rev. J. Mickletbw.'it. Noi-wich, second : and 5Ir. Higgs, gardener to Mrs. Burchard, Putiiev HeUh. third. In Smooth-leaVed Cayennes a flne_ frnit from that vetcrin Pine-crower Mr. Barney girdencrtoLadv RoUe. Eicton, was first, and a very pood oue from Mr. Cameron second. In the class for Providence, the only exhiMtor was Mr. Meredith, Garston, who received a first prize. In the class for any kind, a Smooth-leaved Caycime of 7 lbs. from Mr. Page, gardener to W. Leal, Esq., wne first, bat it was over-ripe at Uie base, and not sufficiently ripe towards th(» crown ; Mr, Waliib, gar-t deuer to J. Dixou, Esq., Astlc Park, second with BUcU Prince, weif^t ■i'i lbs. ; and Mr. Drewitt, gardcnot to Mrii. Cuhitt, Duubies, third with Black Jamaica. Grapes. — In the class for five varieties, Mr. Bannennan, gardener to Lord Bftgot. Blithlield, was first with (ioblcn Hamburyh. Bhuk H:tniburtfh, and Chaa^elaa Mudqn« very well coloured. Black Prijieerfect in colouring; and Mr. Bauntrmau third with good bimchcs uicely coloured, but smaller in l>erry. In the same class Mr. Tumiir exhibited good ilascats, but not ripe emjugh; Mr. Clement an4 Mr. Wallis excellent Black Hambm-gha ; Mr. M. Henderson, gardi-ner to Sir G. Beaumont. Bart., Colo Orton, very good bunoLes of the same kiu(| and of Goldeu H;unbui*gh. In Black Ilamburgbs, three bunches, tho exhibitioun were nnmorous, and generally very goml. Mr. AUpork was first and Mr. Turner second with large bimches well coloured ; Mr. M. Henderson third with well-* grown and nicely- coloured bunches. Good eshilutions in tho same clasn came from Mr. WaUis, Mr. AU&n, gjjdener to Capt. Glegg, Mr. Clement^ Mr. BaaneiTuan. and J. Lermitte, I^st)., Finchloy. For three bunches of any Black Muscat-flavoured Grape, Mr. Allporfe was first with Black Frontigaan, two of the baaches handsomely shouldered ; Mr. Miller, gai'dener to Lord Folay, second with the eam^ kind, and Mr. Fowler, gardener to the £arl of Stair, Castle Kenuedyt third with Musc:»t Hamburgh. In the class for three bxmches of any other Black kind, Mr. Hill waa first with Black Prince; Mr. .\llport second with West's St. Peter's, and Mr. Cruickshauk. gardener to W. Jones Loyd. Esq., third with fins bunches of Black Prince, but scarcely sufficiently coloured. Muscats, as usual at ttiis season, were not in that state of ripeness that they are seen at a later period, but batter in this respect than we have usually seen them at the same time of year. Mr. Turner, who was first, exhibited the ri:»est, and these were fine bunches with large berries. Those from Mr. Chambers, gardener to H. Fowler. Esq., Woodford, werer also very good. Mr. Beasley^ gardener to Mrs. Wood, Twyford Abbey; Aeton, was third. Of White Grapes, with a Muscat flavour, Muscat Troveren from Ma, Standish, was awarded the fii-.=t prize, and Chasselas Musque, from Mr. Fowler, the second. Mr. Ruffett, gardener to Viscountess Palmerston, was third. For thi-eo bunches of any other White kind the first prize was awarded to Mr. Osborne, Finchley", for Backland Sweetwater, ven* fine, and even iu size of berry; the second to Mr. Fowler, gardener to the Earl of Stair, for fair bunches of Goldeu Hamburgh with good-sized borries, but ap- parently not sufficiently ripe, and the third to Mr. Bannerm.an for small bunches of the same Idud, but well ripened. The best single hunch of Black Grapes was Black Hamburgh, well shouldered and finely coloured, from JSIr. AUport. and the second best the siime kind, from Mr. Osborne,largein bunoh and berry, but not quite perfect in colour. In the corresponding class for "VMuto Grapes. Mr. Turner was first, with splendid Mupcat.s just acquiring a yellow tinge. Buckland Sweetwater, from Mr. Osborne, veiy fine but scarcely quite ripe, was awarded the second prize. Of Vises in pots. Messrs. Lane exhibited fo'itr splendid specimens in 20-inch pots, and loaded with large bunche^i. The kinds were Buck- land Swcetw.atcr.Alicante,Black Hamburgh»audFodtoT'9 White Seedling. These were aw;u-ded a first prize, and a like award was made to Mr. Record, gardener to Lieut. tCoI. Lloyd, Hawlihurst. Melons were not numerous. The best of tho Grccn-fleshed was Moriy dith's Hybrid Cashmere, from Mr. Smith, gardener to H. Littlcdalc. &iq-i Liscard "Hall. Mr. Bennett, gardener to G. S. Foljambe, Esq., Osbertoa Hnll.wfls sec3nd;and Mr.Whitiog, g;irdenerto Mrs.Hopo. TheDeepdenc* third. In the Sc:irlct-flesh class, Mr. Lane, gardencj to J. Miles, Esq., was firs., with Scarlet Gem : ISIr. Eatgor, gardeuer to J. Gott, Esq.^ Armlev, second; and Messrs. Gadd, third. Peaches and Nectarisj^s. — But few of cither were exhibited, but what there was was good in quality. Mr. Gardner, gardener to Sir Georgo PhiUips, Ship^ton-oa-Stuur, was first, with what appeared to be RoyaJ George ; Mr. Turner second, with Grosso Mignonno. well coloured, and first in Nectarines with Hunt's T,awny, 3Ir. Tcgg, gardener to the Doket Oif Newcastle, being second. In the class for three dishes of the same fruit, Mr. Evans, gardener to C. :^. Xcwaegatc, Esq., M.P., was first, with Bed Roman, Elruge, and Violotte Hative. Fitis.— Only a few dishes were shown. Very good Bro\\-n Turkey, fn)m Mr. Fairbaim, Siou, was first; tho same kind from Mr. Tegg. Wid, Mr. Snow, Wrest Park, second and third. Some tiuo fruit of the Castle Kennedy, together with branches of it bearing freely, were shown among miscellaneous subjects. - ' STUAWBEnniEs.— Several fair dishes wore exhibited. There was only one exhibitor iu tho chiss for six kinds— Mr. Widdowsou, gardener to J. Barnes, Esq.. Ric k ma u= worth, who had a fii-st prize lor Oocar, Sir Harry, Sii- C. Napier. Presitleuty Empress Eugiiaiie. «ud llivuv's Seedling. For three kinds, Mr. O'Brien, gardener to R. P. King, E.-^q.. Bristol, was fiwt with very good fruit of Oscar, Due do MtUakoff, and Trollope's Victoria, in single dit-hcs. Mr. Drewett, gardener to Mn;. Cubitt. Denbics, was first, with Alice Mauiie ; Mr. O'Brieu, t^ecoud, vrith Trollopo's \'irtoria. and Mr. Irving, gardener to the Duke of Hamilton, Wicliimm, tltird with Mar- guerite. Very good Stniwbcrries iu i>ot3, from Mr. Fairbairn, withthB fruit equally ripened, received a first prize. CiiERp.iEs.— But few were shuwu. Tho first priijc went to Empress Eugenie, from Mr. Ruffett ; the second to BUcIv TnrUrinn, fn-ra Mr. Alltoii gardeuer to Capt. Glegg ; and tbe third t*» Mr, Curd for Knipht'H Earlj Black, and tho same exhibitor had a similaraward f jr Khon. A potplaut of Frogniore Forcing Cherry, a now kind allicil to Werner's Early Haart, and in exeeUeut bearing, was exhibited, by Mr. Tunii:r, of Sloogh, and was awarded a Sr8t>cUs3 certificate. 396 JOURNAL OF HORTICTJLTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. C Mar S9, 1800. Raspbeiuues. — Only two dishes, red ftuil yellow, were shown. Thoso came from Mr. AlU-n, Kardeour Ut E. J. Ilopwood, Esfi., MiiucIu'HttT, and were awarded eocoud prizefl. MiscELLAMSoUB. — In Q olnss Bperially nppropriatrd to Ilannnns a tint! cluster of Masa Cavendiwhii (mm Mr. Carr. gardenor t4) P. L.IHuds, Esq., Byflcct was first ;and a Hinallcr one from Mr. Ilatj;or, Rardeuer tn J.Gott, Esq., Arniloy, Bfrniwl. From the KUfdcns ot O. K. Mexxick. Esq.. there was also fruit cf PhilndL-ndron portusum, and from Mr. Taylor, gardener to J. YatcB, Esq., HiKlij^ato, the curious fruit of Dion cdulo. Mr. C&meron, gardener to the Duke of Richmond, Goodwood, exhibited four fine Quceu Piues; and Mr. Evans, gardener to O. N. Nowdogato, Esq., a bos of well ripened Violetto Hdtive and Elruge Nectarines. Mr. Hasle- wood, Hoddcsdon, contributed oxceUeut examples of Oranges and Citrons ; and Mr. Ford, gardener to W. Ilubliard. Esq., Hor»ham, a collection of Apples and Pears in excellent condition, comprising of Apples Pearson's Plato. Norfolk Boeflng, New Rock Pippin, Dutch Hignonne (line), Alfriaton, Holland Pippin, Ilt^yal Russet, Mannlngton's Poarmaiu, French Crab, Royal Poannain ; and of PeorB, Knight's Monarch, Easter Bourre. and March Bergamot ; also Citrons nnd Oranges of home growth. Mr. Snow, Wrest Park, had very fine Court-Pendu- Plat, Scarlet Nonpareil, Beauty of Kent, Reinette du Canada, Rturmor Pippin, Boston Russet, and Old Green Nonpareil Apples, and The Warden Pear. In a collection from Mr. Barnott, gardener to the Uev. W. Gamett, were Beurre de Ranee, very fine, clear-Hkiuned and soimd, and No plu^ Meuris. Well-licpt Apples also came from Mr. Lumsdcn, gardener to Lady Marj- Hamilton, and Mr. IMvers, of Staplehurst. Vanilla pods were shown by Mr. Bennett, gardener to O. Foljambe, Esq., Osbcrtou ; Orohard-honse trees in frnit of Oranges, Figs, Peaches, and Nectarines by Messrs. Ltine and Mr. T. Morton, Aniersbam. The only examples of training exhibited came from Messrs. Jamin and Durand, Paris, and re- presented various forms of palraotte and pyramidal training as applied to the Apple, Pear, Peach, and Apric(.t. In concluding our remarks on the above portions of the Exhibition, a word of praise is due to Mr. Thomas Moore, the Exhibition Secretary, for the excellence of the ftrrangenientB in his department, in carn.-ing out which he was ably seconded by Mr. R. Dean, the Assistant-Secretarj-, and in the entr}- department Ity Mr. Flood. VEGETABLKS. At this grand Exhibition the old rule in gentlemen's gardens of making vegetables the first consideration, fruit the second, and orna- meutal plants the third, was thoroughly reversed ; for though fruit and vegetables were more than respectable, neither in quantity, nor in quality, could they compare with the magnificence of .the ornamental department. In Class 201, Forced vegetables of six lands, without salading, there were five entries ; the fir.st prize being taken by Mr. Carr, gardener to the Rev. J. W. Micklethwait, Taverham Hall. Norwich, and consisted of Mnsbrooms, rather old ; early Turnips, small ; Carrots, very good; Ash-leaved Kidney Potatoes; Dwarf Kidney Beans, nice and crisp; and Tom Thumb Pea in good condition. Second prize was taken by Mr. R. Budd. gardener to the Earl of Damley, Cobham Hall, Graveseud, and consisted of Tomatoes, ripe ; Carrots, small ; a dish of small Mushrooms, good Sea-kale, young crisp Dwarf Kidney Beans, and a pretty dish of Kidney Potatoes named Mona's Pride. In Class 20*2, Vegetables not forced, six kinds, first prize to Mr. Bailey, gardener to T. T. Drake, Esq., Shardeloes, Amersham, and consisted of Carrots, fine Broccoli, good Leeks, good Cabbage, Pota- toes, and a good bundle of Asparagus. Second prize to Mr. Whiting, gardener to Mrs. Hope, of the Deepdene, Dorldng, for fine round Potatoes, Asparagns, Broccoli, Cabbage, Spinach, and Onions. Third prize to Mr. Bndd, gardener to the Earl of Damley, Cobham Hall, for good Onions, good old Carrots, Broccoli, Cabbage, Leeks, and Asparagns. In Class 203, Salading, ten Borts, first to Mr. Mason, Market Gardener. Lower Road. Deptford, for Mustard and Cress, two kinds of Lettuces, two of Radishes, Onions, Endive, Cucumber and Celery. Second, Mr. Budd, gardener to the Earl of Damley, for a nice collection. Third. Mr. Lumsden, gardener to liftdy M. C. N. Hamilton, Bloxbolm Hall, Slcaford. The Cabbage Lettuces in this collection were extra good. In Class 204, fifty hoads Asparagus, first to George Tippett Hassell, Esq., Barton Hill, Bristol. Second. Mr. Snow, gardener to the Countess Cowper, Wrest Park. Silsoe, Bods. Both good. In Class 205, twelve largest heads of Asparagus, first, George Tippett Hassell, Esq. Second, J. Cockle, Esq., West Moulsey Lodge (J. Pen- old, gardener). In (.;iass 2Uti, Mnshrooms, one punnet, first, Mr. Badd, gardener to the Earl of Damley, for a nice sample. Second to E. J. G. Hop- wood, Esq., Hopwood Hall, Manchester (W. Allen, gardener). Other good dishes of larger Mnshrooms were shown. In Class 207. Potatoes forced. Kidney, first to Mr. H. W. Cordle, gardener to the Earl Fitzwilliam, Coollatten Park, Carnew, Wicklow, for a beantifnl dish of the Prince of Wales Kidney. Second to Mr. Lumsden, gardener to Lady M. C. N. Hamilton. Third, Mr. Whiting, of the Deepdene. In Class 208. Potatoes forced, twenty-fonr of any round kind, first, very nice dish from Mr. Thomas Westbrook, Abingdon, Berks. Second, Mr. Snow, of Wrest Park. In Qass 209, Kidney Beans forced, fifty pods. These in general were fine pods in nice young condition. First to J. S. Oates. Esq., Floral Villa, Hanwell. Second, K. Oates. Esq., Bydorp House, Hanwi.'n (f^ardeuer. Richard Marcliam). Third, J. Gott, Esq., Armley House, Leeds (E. Batger, gardener). In Class 210, Peas, half a peck, only one dish, a good one, exhibited by Mr. Turner, of Slough. In these days of early vegetables, wo were 6nri»ri»».-d that Peas were not more itumerons. In Class 211, Early Carrots, bunch of twenty-four, first, Mr. Snow, of Wrest Park. Second. Mr. AVhiting, of the Deepdene. Most of the Carrots that were not prizctakers were rather young. In Class 212, Early Turnips, hnnch of twelve. Did not perceiTeany shown separately ; of course they could only have been plighUy forced ones. In Class 213, Cucambers, one brace, first. Mr. John Babbitt, gar- dener to the Lord St. John, Melchbonme Park, Higham Ferrars. The kind. Invincible. Second, H. Littledalc, Esq., Liscard Hall. Cheshire {G. Smith, gardener). In Class 214, The handsomest Cncumber, first, Mr. Babbitt, gardener to the Ijord St. John, of Melchbonme Park, for InTinciWe. Again a good-looking show of Cncumbcrs. Second to Mr. H. Carr, Jeffries' Arboretum Kurseries, Ipswich (Jcflfreys' Gem). Third, Mr John Jennings, Shipston-on-Stour. In Class 21o, Cucumber, the longest, first, Mr. John Honse, East Gate Nurnory, Petcrborongh. Second, Mr. H. Carr, Jeffries' Ar- boretum Nurseries, Ipswich. Third. Mr. John Jennings, Sbipslon- on-Stour. Except for securing size and length, the most of the many Cacom- bers exhibited wore too old for use. Where fine-sized fniit formed a feature the card had blown ou a small neat brace of about a foot or 14 inches in length, and great was the commotion oven among the outsiders, as to the reason why these little fresh things should have a prize. If Cncumbers had been shown ou the priueiple of fittest for the table, we confess that in our opinion that small neat brace woald have mn more than hard those three times in bulk and weight. In Class 21fi, Rhubaib, heaviest twelve stalks, first, Mr. Whiting, gardener at the Deepdene. Second. Mr. John Cattell, Nurriervman, Westerham. Third. R. Barclay. Esq., West Hill. Highgato (W. Yonng. goi-dener). The kinds shown were chiefly Myatt's V'ietoria. In Class 217, Cabbage, three heads, first, Mr. Snow, gardener nt Wrest Park, for nice firm compact heads. Second, W. Earley. gardener to F. I'rj-or, Esq., Digswell, Welwyn. These Cabbages were vorj- good, but most of the Cabbages were too young, with flabby leaves, instead of compact hearts getting firm. In Class 218, Caulitiowers, three heads, first to John Cattell. Nnr- seryman, Westerham, Kent. Second, Mr. Snow, of Wrest Park. These colloctious had firm, white, compact heads. There were few Caulitiowers ou the tables. In Class 21H, Broccoli, three heads, first, Mr. Cattell, for Cattell'g Eclipse, very compact firm heads. Second. Mr. Whiting, of the Deepdene, with Cattell's Champion. Third. Mr. T. Record, gardener to Lieut. Col. Lloyd, Hawkhnrst, Kent, with larger bnt more open heads. Besides these, and others not placed, we noticed three tine compact heads of Garaway's late White, from Messrs. Gar.iway and Co., of Durdhani Down Nnrsery, Bristol. These seemed as if they would bridge us over nicely between late Broccoli and early Cauliflower In Class 220, Newly introdnced vegetables, we did not obserre the prizes given, but there were good specimens of Dioscorea batatas from Mr. Cruickshank, gardener to W. Jones Loyd, Esq., liangleyltury. Watford ; nnd from the Messrs. Ivery, of Dorking, though these could scarcely be considered new vegetables. Then a large space was filled with the new Radish, Raphanus candatus. sent by Mr. linll, of Chelsea, which, even in small pots, produced freely its whii)-like i>odfl. We did not taste the pods, and therefore can say nothing of its qnali- ties; but its distinct and singular appearance, and free growth, will. we have no doubt, make it pretty generally diffused ne\t se&son.* IMPLEMENTS, &c. There was next to an impossibility of coming to a dccLsion on the merits of many implements, bocanse there was no chance of trying them in practice, and the absence of cards left the Jurors in doubt whether the objects were intended for competition or not. There did not seem to bo ain'thing new in the great numbtrs of r-niall mowing machines, and the best could only be decided on by trial, and price, ifrc, taken into consideration. This was partly broken through when a first certificate was awarded Mr. Read for syringes, puuijts, and mgines, owing to their superior workmanship ; and an award was made to Messrs. Warner A: Sons for a similar collection, all priced. A horse* shoe covered with wood, to be used for rollinp and mowing lawns, wa« shown by Mr. Henderson, gardener to Sir G. H. Beaumont. Bart., Cole Oi-ton Hall, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, which, if it do not crack, become .slippery, or tnm np the edges of the turf, will have the advantage of not keeping the horse's foet too hot, which boots are apt to do. Thi.? injuring of the feet of the horse from the nse of booty is a great thing against their emidoymeut. uiUess for short periods. Models of Paxton's, Cran.'iton's. and Ingram's Strawl>erry-house3, and Wills's patent fold- ing ground vinery were passed for reasons stated above, and as not now containing anything new. Tubular safldle boilers were exhibited by Messrs. Gumming and Edmonds, Stamford Bridge, Bromptou, S.W., in which the saddle consists of circular tubes. In some c:\^cs the bottom of the furnace is formed of tubes, and in the other of bars in the usual way, and we rather like that best, just as other men of even • This is not a new vegetable. Nearly fifty years ago, Mr. Lambert, President of the Linnean Society, found it growing in a private garden in Wiltshire. Uay 30, 1866. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, 397 greater experience , prefer tabes. These small bgilers, we have no doabt, will answer well for small places, thoagh it is doubtfal whether the tubes of the saJdlo will be better than the common saddleback. Another boiler was exhibited with furnace complete, and a lid fitting the inclined plane to the bars, and at night a galvanised tube to bo £tted to this opening filled witli fut-l to descend gradnally to the bars. We wonder how long such a tube would stand when used by a common labourer. For a careful amateur, who does not like looking to his fii-e often, the supply-tube would bo useful in a cold night. A prize was given to Mr. Gray for his oval double tubular boiler, though there is not much of the oval in it ; but those who have worked it say that it is a powerful boiler when much work is to be done with it. In wheel- barrows there was nothing to merit special attention, though improve- ments are much needed. For sunshades for garden seats a certificate was awarded to Mr. Scowan, patent canopy maker, Allen Road, Stoke Newington, each supported by a stout rod of brass, and which can bo moved according to the direction of the wind. Prices not given. In Class 2H1 (G), a prize was awarded to Mr. W. Karley, gardener to F. Pryor, Esq., Digswell, Welwyn, Herts, for a guard for protecting young trees from animals in parks, &c. It is made of stout ii'on, with feet to go in the ground, with wire for 2 feet in height to keep out small intruders ; is neat and artistic in appearance, and is to cost only 30*". It would he well if exhibitors would state the price of the things ex- hibited. This guard is really good. It is made in two semicircular pieces, and then joined when placed round the tree with screws and nuts. In Class 231 (C), Mr. Charles Lee exhibited a strong two-wheeled transplanting machine, and which can be built for £20. In piiuciple it would act much the same as the old timber-gig. As combining the novel and the adaptable, to circumstances, such as passing through nan-ow gates and on narrow walks, the prize was given to a machine con- structed by Mr. J. Mclndoe, gardener to Coles Child, Esq., Bromley, Kent. Spealdng from memory we cannot well describe its size, &g. ; but the two wheels at back are of iron, occupyiug'about a yard in width altogether, have a strong pole attached by means of bands of iron, which rise far above the level of the wheels. To the sides of the pole are mostly of wood with the cxciqitiou of the framework, but those chairs with metal backs wen on the scale of 40 feet to the inch, the space twenty acres, &c. (Class 235). — The prize was awarded to J. W. Chapman, Hennitage Road, Richjnond, Surrey. The object seems to have been to cluster the offices, &c., on one side of the mansion, and the tiower garden ou the other side and in front close to the house. Garden front, open lawn with but few trees, sides skirted with masses of ehrubs in the picturesque style ; a lake in front in l! e distance. Entrance through a lawn open, but sheltered, and tho i^des, &c., well grouped. A good design. In laying out an oMong of five acres ou a scale of 10 feet to the inch, the prize was awardid to Mr. Thomas J. Capani, King's Road Xurseiy, Newark ; and though there was move of the luiistic shown, and there was more massing at the sides of the lawn and walks through the wood and shrubberies, there was the same principle of an open lawn on the garden front developed and maintained. Such designs will help to show the imitortan<-e of ease and breadth of view close to a mansion. Dotting the lawn with flower-beds would have spoiled the effect in either place. It would imjirove many places if the lawn were enlarged at the expense of flower-beds, and there was more green and less colour, however bright in summer, and less of dull eai-th in winter. Garden Oknaments (Class232). — There were some pretty large vases formed of ribs of iron and then covered with the turf to keep in the soil, ; shown by Mesers. Hunt it Pickering, of Leicester ; and Italian baskets j shown by Mr. Bull, of Chelsea. A certificate was awarded to vases, | fountains, itc, of artificial stone, sent by Messrs. Kosher, Queen's ; Road West, Chelsea. Also, to Mr. Thomas, B, Newcastle Place, and 133, Edgeware Road, Paddington, for wire arches, seats, temples, and trainers, but chiefly for the great variety and artistic beauty of many suspended wire baskets, &c. ; also, for a nice collection of nistic work in wood, of seats, baskets, and tables, of the proprietor of which no name was attached. Also, for some nice garden chairs with wooden- sparred bottoms., but the haph done verj- artistically and nicely vrith metal bronzed. There was a great variety of this style of chairs, Professor De Candolle briefly replied. Dr. SciiULZ BiroNHNus, a Vice-President of the Imperial Lcopol- dino Academy, offered the congi'atnlations of that learned and aucieot body to the President and members of the Botanical Congress. Dr. MooKE then exhibited specimens of Megacaqvea polynndra, a Crucifer with fifteen stamene, which e.vcited great interest among the bptanists present. Mr. RivEKS then made some remarks on seedling Peaches ai^d Nectarines. Professor Caspary then spoke on the movement of the branches of woody plants caused by low degrees of temperature. Mr. Howard's paper on the Cinchonas was then read ; and in tho discussion that followed. Dr. Weddell said that be aj^provcd of tlie spelling of the name of the genus a3 adopted by Tjixma^us. This 598 JOURNAL OP HORTICXJLTUUB AND COTTAGE GAILDENEB. [ Ma7 :29, leec Sapor WAS illustrated by nnniProafl Rpecimen« of Cinchona barkn, of ricd specimens of the plant!), grown in India and collected by Mr. Harkluini, &:c. Professor Kocn then made somo rcmarlra on tlie uomcnclataro of plants, itc, ttnd the mcttins udjonmcd. The second meeting of thu Dutauiciil ConKress was held on Thnrs- dav, in the Sbec|>shauks Gallery, which was well filled throagbont the whole procee-Y. liCt us first mention thu sen-ices that horticulture renders, or may lender, to botany. "Without being myself a horticulturist. I affirm or recognise them willingly, iim advancement of Science rendering it necessary to have recourse to all its collatei-al branches. We no longer live in those times of illusion when botanists merely occupied themselves with European plants, or with a few from the East, andf from a (Spirit of caution rather than from ignorance, pictured to themselves all di-^tant countries as possessing much the same general vegetation, with a few uncommou or exceptional species. A century of discovery has made kno^vn the extreme variety in the . Floras, the restricted limits of many species, and the complicated en- tanglement of their geographical distribution. To see all the different forms of Yt^etation of the worU, one would realise in u degree the history of the Wandering Jew : besides, with thij constant traTclling. wh« re would b^ the opportuoitic!! for that rellecUou or fttudy wbico create trne scituce / The Iravellor is too much exhausted in worm conntriei, too dis- tracted in those temperate regions favourable to active tife, and hi.'^ facultiett are too much benumbed in tlie coldur regiom^, to enable him to devote himself to minnti* researchiis with the lens or the microscope, or even to sketch or properly describe that which be has ^athcrod. Ho sees, in passing, a crowd of things, hut he can scarcely ever stop to- enter into details, especially of those that come in rapid succesuon. Rarely can he see the fruit and dower of a species at the same time. and il is quite impotisible for him to study their completo developmeDt during the whole year. The notes token by the most inteUiaent naturalist arc so affecte>d by thest' futal circumstances, that it is seldom they add itnything to tliat which a dried specimen can teach thu sedentan.' botanist. It is horticulture, then, which brings before us a multitude of exotic plants in a condition best adapted for study. Thanks to the variety of Hjiecies it accumulates and successfully cultivates, the botanist can in- vestigate the most diiticult questions, aud pursue his researches in families whose genera are not indigenous in Europe. In the herbarium, more minute ubgervatious can he made than is generally supposed ; nevertheless, for certain researches, it is absolutely necessary to bav» the living plant, particularly for those relating to relative disposition, the origin and development of the several organs, as well as for study- ing the curious phenomena of fertilisation, the movements and direction of the stem, leaves, and parts of the tiowers. Horticulture has done much to advance the pi-ogresa of pliysiological botany, but it still has much to do. The roost remarkable experiments of phviioloirists — viz.. those of Hales, Duhomol. Knight — have been made in gardens. Also, the long scries of experiments of the younger Gaertner, and, more recently, of M. Naudin, on hybridisation, which relate to the cardinol subjwt of the species. As mueli may be said of the numerous trials which are made, in horticolturol establishments, to obtain new race* or varieties. These hare a great scientific importance, and it is un- doubtedly the horticulturists who arc the teachers of botanists on these subjects. It appears to me, however, that gardens can be made still more useful in currying out physiological researches. For instance : there is mnch yet to be learnt on the mode of action of heat, light, and eloc- trieity upon vegetation. I pointed out many of these deticienries in 1S55, in my " tieographie Botanique Raisonnee."* Ten years later, Mr. Julius Sachs, in his recently published aud valuable work on physiological botany, f points out much the same deficiencies^ notwith- standing tlmt some progress has been made in these matters. The evil consists in this, that when it is desired to ohsen'c the action of temperature, either fixed or varied, mean or extreme, or the effect of light, it is exceedingly difl&cult. and sometimes impossible, when ob- servations are made in the usual manner, to eliminate the effects of the constant variations of heat and light. In the laboratory it is possible to operate under more exactly Jehned conditions, but they are rarely sufficiently persistent ; and tlie obsen-er is led into error by growing plants in too contracted a space, either in tubes or bell-gUsses. This last objection is apparent when it is wished to ascertain the inffaence of the gases diffused in the atmosphere around plants, or that of th» plants themselves upon the atmos]there. Place pliuits under a receiver, they are no longer in a natural con- dition ; leave them in the open air, and the winds and currents, pro- duced at each moment of the day by the temperature, disiwrse the gaseous bodies in the atmosphere. "Every one Ls aware of the nu- merous discussions concerning the more or less pemiciona influence of the gases given off from certain manufactories. The ruin now of a manufacturer, now of a horticulturist, may result from tb«- declaraticn of an expert; hence, it U incumbent on scientilic men not to pro- nounce on these delicate questions without substantial proof. With a view to these researches, of which I merely point out th« general nature, but which are immensely varied in details. I hitely put this question^—" Could not experimental greenhouses be built, in which the temperature might be regulated for a prolonged time, and be either fixed, constant, or variable, according to the wish of the ob- sen-er?" My question passed unnoticed in a voluminous work where. in truth, it was but an accessory. I renew it now in the presence of an assembly admirably qualified to solve it. I should like, were it possible, to have a greenhouse placed in some larffe horticultural tj^tablishment or botanic garden, under the direction of some ingenious and accurate phvsiologist, and adapted to experiments on vegetable phvsiology ; and this is. within a little, my idea of such a construction : The building sliould be sheltered from all external variations of temperatnre ; to effect which. I imofone it should be in a great measure below the level of the ground. 1 would have it bnilt of thick brickwork, in the form of a vault. The upper convexity. which would rise above the ground, should have two openings— one exposed to the south, the other to the north— iu order to receive the direct ravs of the sun or tliffosed light. These apertures should each be closed bv two vcrv transparent glass windows, hermetically tixcd. Besides which, there should be. on the outside, means of • PnKcs 46. 49, 57, and 1M6. , , - a + " liftnflhnch dcr experimcntal-physiologie dorpSarzen," 1 vol. m 8T0. Lcipbig.lbGS. 1 " Olographic Botaniqae," 1855, p-^ges 49 and 1346* May 29, 1866. ] JOUBNAL OF HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 399 pxclndmg the lipbt. in order io obtain complete darkness, and to diminiEh the influence of the variations of temperature when light was not required. By sinkinK it in the ^Tound, liy the tliickness of its walls, and bv the covering of its exterior surfaces with straw, mats, ifcc, the same fixed degree of temperature could be obtaiued as in a cellnr. The vaulted bailding should have an nnderground .communication with a chamber containing the heating and the electrical apparatus. The entrance into the experimental hot- honse should be through a passage closed by a scries of successive doors. The temperature should be regulated by metallic con- ductors, heated or cooled at a distance. Kngineers have already devised means by which the temperature of a room, acting on a valve, regulates the entry or exit of a certain amount of air, so that the heat regulates itself.* Uso conld be made of sncU an apparatus when necessary. Obviously, with a hothouse thus constructed, the growth of plants conld be followed from their germination to the ripening of their seeds, nnder the inflnence of a temperature and an amount of light perfectly definite in inten.sity. It could then be ascertained how heat acts daring the successive phases from sowing to germination, from germination to flowering, and from this on to ihe ripening of the seed. For different species various curves conld be constructed to express the action of heat on each function, and of which there are already some in illustration of the most .simple phenomena, such as germination. + the growth of stems, and the course of the sap in the interior of certain cells.; We should be able to fix a great number of those minima and maxima of tempera- ture which limit physiological phenomena. Indeed, a question more complicated might be investigated, towards the solution of which science has already made some advances — namely, that of the action of variable temperature ; and it might be seen, if, as appears to be the case, these temperatures are sometimes beneficial, at other times injurious, according to the species, the function in- vestigated, and the range of temoerature. The action of light on vegetation has given rise to the most ingenious experiments. Un- fortunately, these experiments have sometimes ended in coutra- ilictory aiid uncertain results. The best ascertained facts are. the importance of sunlight for the development of the green colouring matter, the decomposition of cai-bonic acid gas by the foliage, and certain phenomena relating to the direction or position of stems and leaves. There remains mnch yet to learn upon the effect of diffused light, the combination of time and light, and the relative importance of light and heat. Does a prolonged light of several days or weeks, such as occurs in the Polar Regions, produce in exhalation of oxvgen. and in the fixing of green matter, as much effect as the light" distribnted from twelve to twelve hours, as at the Equator? No one knows. In this case, as for temperature, curves should be constructed, showing the increasing or diminish- ing action of light on the performance of each function ; and as the electric light resembles that of the sun. we could in our experi- mental hothouse submit vegetation to a continued light. 3 A building such as I propose would allow of light being passed through coloured glasses or coloured solutions, and so prove the effect of the different visible or invisible rays which enter into the composition of sunlight. For the sake of exactness nothing is superior to the decomposition of the luminous rays by a prism, and the fixing the rays by means of a heliostat. Nevertheless, a judicious selection of colouring matters, and a logical method of ■performing our experiments, wiU lead to good results. I will give as proof, that the recent most careful experiments concerning the action of various rays upon the production of oxygen by leaves, and upon the production of the green colouring matter, have only confirmed the discoveries made in 1836, without either prism or heliostat. by Professor Daubeny,' from which it appears that the most luminous rays have the most power, next to them the hottest rays, and lastlv those called chemical. Dr. Gardner in 1S43, Mr. Draper immediately after, and Dr. C. M. Gmllemin in 1857,1; corroborated by means of the prism and • See the electric apparatus of M. Carbonnier, exhibited at Chiswick in 1857, figured in the " Flore cles Serres et Jardins," vol. xii. Jliscell. p. 184. + Germination under different degrees of constant heat, by .Mph. de CandoUe, in the ••BibUotbOque Univcrselle de Geneve" (Archives des -Sciences , November, 1865. ; If the curves have not been constructed, the data for their construc- tion are, at least, dispersed throughout our books. I will cite, for instance, the growth of a scape of Dasvlirion, as observed by M. Ed. Morren (" Bclgique Horticole," 1865, p. 822). The flgnres there given are not favour- .able to the accepted notion, that the growth of tissues is more active by night than by day. . .... i The apparatus which produces the most persistent and vivid light is the magneto-electric machine, based on the development of induction by magnetism, as discovered by the illustrious Faraday. The galvanic pile is replaced bv a steam-engine of low power, which sets in motion a wheel furnished with magnets ("Bibl. Univ. de Gemve, Archives Scientif.,1861, V. 10, p. 160."). The working of this machine is inexpensive ; but unfortu- nately, the magnets are very costlv. This svstom has already been applied to two lighthouses— that "at the" South "Foreland, and to that of the "Societe I'Alhance," at Havre— in consequence of the experiments of MM. E. Becquerel and Tresca. J Daubeny. " Philos. Trans.," iaS6, part 1. H Dr. Gardner. "Eduib. Phil. Mag.," 1844. extract in French m ' La Biblioth. Univ. de Geneve." Februarv, 1844; Draper, " Edinb. Phil. Mag.. September, 1844, extract ib., 1M4, vol. 54 ; Guillemin ^C. M.), "Ann. Sc. Nat.," 1857, ser. 4, vol. 7, p. 154. the heliostat the discovery of Dr. Daubeny. which negatived the oitinions prevalent since the time of Senebier aud Tessicr, and which were the result of erroneous* experiments. It was difBcnlt to believe that the most refrangible rays^^olet for instance, which acts the most on metallic boiUes — as in photometrical operations, should be precisely those which have least effect in decomposing the carbonic acid gas in plants, aud have the least effect over the green matter in h;aves. Notwithstanding the con- firmation of all the experiments made by Dr. Daubeny, when repeated by numerous physicists and by more accurate methods, the old opinions, appearing more probable, still influenced many minds, f till Mr. JuHns Sachs, in a series of verj' important experiments again affirmed the truth.; It is really the yellow and orange rays that have the most power, and the blue aud violet rays the least, in the phenomena of vegetable chemistry ; contrary to that which occurs in mineral chemistry, at least in the ease of chloride of silver. The least refrangible rays, such as orange and yellow, have also the twofold and contrary property, such as pertains also to white light, and which produces the green colouring matter of leaves or bleaches them, according to its intensity. It is these, also, which change the colouring matter of flowers when it has been dissolved in water or alcohol. § Those rays called chemical, such as violet, and the invisible rays beyond violet, according to recent experiments, canfirmatory of those of ancient authors — those of Sebastian I'oggioli, in 1817,'' and of C. M. Guillemin — have but one single well-ascertained effect, that of favouring the bending of the stem towards the quarter from which they come more decidedly than do other rays ; yet that is an effect perhaps more negative than positive, if the flexure proceeds, as many still believe, from what is going on on the side least exposed o the light.'" The effect upon vegetation of the non-visible calorific rays at the other extremity of the spectrum have been but little studied. Accord- ing to the experiments we have on this subject, they would appear to have hut little power over any of the functions ; but it would be worth whUe to investigate further the calorific regions of the spectrum by emploving Dr. Tyndall's process— that is, by means of iodine dissolved in bisulphide of carbon, which permits no trace of visible light to pass. How interesting it would be to make all these laboratory experiments on a large scale ! Instead of looking into small cases, or int.) a small apparatus held in the hand, and in which the plants cannot be well seen, the observer would himself be inside the apparatus, and could arrange the plants as desired. He might observe several species at the same time, plants of all habits, climbing plants, sensitive plants, those with coloured foliage, as well as ordinary plants. The experi- ment might be prolonged as long as desirable, and, probably, unlooked- for results would occur as to the form, or colour of the organs, parti- cularly of the leaves. Permit me to recall on this subject an experiment made in 18.53 by Professor \ou Martins." It wiU interest horticulturists now that plants ivith coloured foliage are becoming more and more fashionable. M. "N'on Martins placed some plants of Amaranthus tricolor for two months under glasses of various colours. Under the yellow glass the varied tints of the leaves were all preserved. The red glass rather impeded the development of the leaves, and produced, at the base of the limb, yellow instead of green ; in the middle of the upper surface, yellow instead of reddish-brown, and below, a red spot instead of pnrplish-red. "With the blue glasses, which allowed some green and yellow to pass, that which was red or yellow in the leaf had spread, so that there only remained a green border or edge. Under the nearly pnre violet glasses, the foliage became almost uniformly gieen. Thus, by means of coloured glasses, provided they are not yeUow, horticul- torists may hope to obtain at least temporary effects, as to the colour- ing of variegated foliage. The action of electricity on vegetation is so donbtfnl, so difficult to experiment upon, that I dare hardly mention it ; but it can easily be understood how a building constrncted as proposed might facilitate ex- • Senebier. " Mim. Phys. et Chim.," 2, p. 69 ; Tessier, Mem Acad. Sc., 1783- Gilby "Ann.de Chimie," 1821. v. 17; Succow, " CommenUtio de lucis effectibus chemicis." in, 4to, Jenfi, 1828, p. 61 ; Zantedeschi, cited bv Dutrocbet. Comp. Rend. Acad. Sc. 1844, sem. 1. p. 8o3. "t As a proof of the persistence of the old opinion, I will quote a phrase of Professor T>-ndall's in his most clear and interesting treatise "On Radiation." (London, 1865), p. 6 :— " In consequence of their chemical energv, these ultra-violet ravs are of the utmost importance to the organic, world"" I do not know whether the author had in view the mBuence o[ the chemical ravs over the animal kingdom : but, according to certain passages of Mr. "Sachs, 1 doubt if they have more power over ammals than thev have over plants; but Professor Tyndall did not concern him- self with "these questions, he was content to explain admirably the physical nature of the various rays. ..„i,„ ; The researches of Mr. Sachs first appeared in the "Botanische Zeitnng" thev arc coUectcd and condensed in the remarkable volume called " Handbuch der l*hysiologischen Botanik," vol. 4, Leipsig, 1855, p. 1 to 46. _ io Ao J Sir .John HerseheU, " Edinb. Philos. Joum.," January, 1843. 1 S. Poggioli, "OpuscoU Scientiflci," quoted by Dutrocbet, Compt. Kena Acad. Sc," 1844. sem. 1. p. 850. j j „„ .i,„ i: The rather confused an.l questionable explanations, founded on tno notions of Dutrocbet, of the existence of a deoxidising power on the brightest Bide, clash with the fact that the bine, indigo, and violet rays. the least powerful for deoxidising tissues, arc the most powerful m caus- ing them to bend. •• " Gelehrte Anzeige," Munchcn. 2 Dec, 18s3. _ ^ 400 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUHE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ lUy 29. 1866. perimf nts on this Bnbjiift . Respecting' tlio action of plants on the sor- tvnndiuK air, and the inrinciico of a ci-rtain compoBition of thu atmo- Bphere npon vofjetfttioii, thirt' wonld be by these muanR a lar^e field open for oxptTimeniB. Ni>tiiing would be easier than to create in the experimental hotbonfie uu ntmogphere cbar;:;od witli noxious pas, and to asei'rtain the exact dufO'et- of its action by day and by niyUt. An , almoKplioro of carbonic acid gas mi<4ht also be created, snch as ih snp- I loosed to bavo existed in tbe coal jicriod. Then it might be seen to ; what extent our present vegetation would taUe an excess of carbon from the air, and if its general existence wore inconvenienced by it. i Thou might be ascertained what tribes of plants could bear this con- i dition. and what other families could not have existlate has its number, and each article of letter-press refers only to one plate, by which means the quotations from the work ai*e rendei-ed brief and clear. Many editors have not understood the advantage of this simple arrangement. Tbey have varied their titles, their series, their pagings ; tiiey have atBxed to their plates numbers, then letters, then nothing at all ; the end of which is (and this ought to sene as a warn- ing for the future), that the more they have altered and complicated the form of their jounmls, the shorter time have they lasted. How is it that the^e ]iurely bibliogi-apbical details cause in us such sad recollections ? Of the men just mentioned, who have rendered Bueh eminent sen'ice to botany and horticulture, England has lost three during the year 1865 — Sir Joseph Paxton, Dr. Lindiey, and Sir William Jackson Hooker.* I should certainly fail in what is expected of me if 1 did not express, in the name of the foreigners attending this meeting, our deep regret at such serious losses. Wc know them all by their writings, and many amongst us have known personally the distinguished men I huvo mentioned. Their names follow us at each stop in this the scene of their labours. If we admii-e the boldness of construction of the iron domes that characterise modem buildings, wc think of the Crystal Palace, of Chatsworth. and of the humble gar- dener who became a great architect. If we visit the beautiful establish- ment at Kew, we see everyivhere around ns proofs of the indefatigable activity of Sir William Hooker. Lastly, if wc ask the origin of the garden of the Royal Hoilicultural Society at Kensington, we are told it is only a development of that at Chiswick, where Liudley stood pre- eminent by his knowledge and liis energy ; and of that Society where botanists of my age found in their youth such valuable encouragement in their studies. The names of Sir William Hooker and of Dr. Lindl^y. thanks to their special works, ^vill ever remain distinguished in scien* '■. These two botanists have, mor(.'over, been directors of horticultural journals, and of great hortienltural establishments, and since their influence has been so fully uikuowledged by practical men, I shall have little trouble in showing that science is as useful to horticulturists, as horti- coltnre is to botanists — and this will form the second pai-t of my dis- course. SECONDLY. — TTTE ADVANTAGE OF BOTANY TO HOnTICULTVRE. The principles of vegetable physiology are what horticulturists and agriculturists usually study in books on botany. They do not always find direct answers to theii* questions ; but they can draw from them certain rules, certain ways of experimentalising and reasoning, which saves them from falling into many errors. Should some ridiculous idea be promulgated by some ignoi-amus or charlatan, it is by an app eal to the general rules of physiology that a practical man may at once reject them, or at least, hold them in distrust. On the contrai-y, in- . • Since these lines were in the printer's hand British science has sus- tained a severe lost in the death of the truly amiable and learned Pro- fessor W. Harvey, of Dublin, so well known by liis works on Aigte, and on Ihe Botany of South Africa. I cannot refrain from expressing our sense of this great bereavement* novations, if in hormoDV with tho geneiml principloa of the scionoQ* may bu, and I will even say, ought to be reaoily accepted. l^o not let us put too much faith in the lucky results of experimcnta mode absolutely by chuuce. It is with some of thuso experiments an with dreams and preseutimentji~if they come true onco in a thoneuid times they are talked about, otherwise they are paased over and for* gotten. Besided, it must be »aid, men nearly always are guided, bgr theories ; but the theories of thu ignorant are often absurd and witboat foundation, whilst those of educated men urc bused on probabilitiM or on an aceumolation of fact*"* Conjointly with phj-siology, botanical geography shows the durtti- butiim of plants all over the globe, their stmggle with the element!. their migrations, and already raises a portion of tbe veil which coverfi the obscurity of their origin. All this ought to offer a real interest to horticulturists. We are beginning to have the power of expressing in figures the effect of each climate upon vegetation ; consequeutlr. the possibility of a given species enduring the mean or extreme clunstal conditions of that country to which it is desired to introduce it. Already wc can show, in the clearest manner, the analogy between the vegetation and climate of certain repxms widely separated the one from the other, and point out in which cases new attempts at cnlti* vation should be tried or where they slionld be dLscouraged. A cele* brated geologist was able to say beforehand. There is gold in such a part of New Holland ; and gold was fomid there. We can also say. the Olive tree and the Cork Oak will succeed in Australia ; the eafitem and temperate region of the United Stites is favourable to the growth of Chinese plants, more particularly to that of tea ; and we can assert that that part of America included between San Francisco and the Oregon territory will, one day. supply wiues as varied and as excellent as those European ones produced between Portugal and the Rhine. It is a singular fact that the two principal beverages of the civilised world, wine and tea, which produce similar stimulating effects, but which to a certain extent are the substitutes one for the other in different countries, present atso in the mode of cultivating them the most marked resemblances and differences. The \ ::ie and the Tea- plant succeed best on stony, barren hill sides, of which they sometimes increase the value a hundredfold. According to tho exposure, the soil, tho cultivation and manner of preparing the produce, wine and tea are obtained of unquestionable excellence ; whilst tho neighbonr- ing crops, but a short distance off, may be more or less ordinary in quality. The two shrubs require a temperate climate, but the Vijuj needs heat and no rain during summer, whilst the Tea-plant requiroB rain and but little summer heat ; the result of which is. that these two species are almost geographically incompatible. Vine-growing countries ^vill never produce tea, and rice versa. But, you will say. these examples belong rather to agricnlturo, and concern' neither botany nor gardens. 1 maintain tbe contrary. It is science, in the present day. vrhich points out what plants to cultivate, and into what countries to introduce them. Horticulture makes the trial with infinite pains. If successful, tho young plants are submitted to the less careful treatment of agriculture. Before tlio happy intro- duction of Cinchonas into British and Dutch India could be effected, botanists were required to collect, distinguish, and carefully describe the various species of American Cinchonas ; horticulturists were then called on to make cuttings, gather the seeds, raiso the young plants, transport and establish them in another part of the world ; and so at last they were passed over to the care of the agriculturist. The CoSee plant did not spread gi-adually from Arabia to India, from India to Java; nor was it the American colonists who brought it from its original country to iheirJazendtLH or haciendas. Tho shmb was first described by botanists, and was afterwards introduced by the Dutch into a garden at Batavia ; from thence it was taken to the Botanical Garden at Amsterdam, from whence a specimen was sent to the king of France in 1714. De Clieu. a naval officer, transplanted it from the garden at Paris to the French colonies in America. A multitude of such instances might be named. In tho present day science has progressed, practical men avail themselves of it govem- meuts and nations have abandoned those mistaken ideas in accordance with which it was supposed that a cultivation advantageous to one country was injurious to others. Hence we may hope to see. before long, useful species planted in all regions where they can thrive, to the great advantage of mankind in general. One of the most evident effects of science has been to create in the horticultural public a taste for varied and rare forms. Formerly in gardens there were only to be found certain kind.* of plants which dated back to the time of the Crusades, or even of the Poraims. The discovery of the New World did not produce a change in jiroportion to its importance; perhaps because horticulturists did not travel enough, or acquaint them-^'lves with those conntries whose species were most suitable for cultivation in Europe. Botanists, fortnuatelv. were more ambitious. Their collectors were numerous and dikring. They enriched their herbaria with an infinitude of now forms, and puldished works upon exotic plants, such as those of Hemimdez, Kumphins, Sloane, &c. The immense variety in tho forms of plants was thenceforth re- cognised, and in point of taste the elegant simplicity of the primitiTe tlowers was able U\ vie with tho gaudiness of the double ones. Then ceased the reign of Tulips and Pseouit-* in flower-gardens. Curiosity. that great incentive to all science, having penetrated horticulture, the change in ganlens became rapid. lust^^ad of a few hundred species such as were cultivated at the commencement of the last century, there May 29, 1866. } JOUBKAIi OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 401 are now 20,000 or 30.000 to be fonnd in most of the present oatalof^es. The single faiuilj of Oi-chids has probably more different represi'uta- tives in oar hothouses tliiui was the case with all the families of plants put together a hnudi'ed years ago. Fashion, united to the present curiosity of amateurs, causes, from time to time, old plants to be abandoned for new one?^ ; and thus the entire yefjetable kingdom will ultimately pass under the obseiwatioii of civilised man. AVhat would horticulturists do, amidst this invasion of thousands of species, had not botanists de^fi9ed convenient plans of classification and nomenclature ? The families, genera, and species, have all been an*angcd in books, just as the districts, streets, and numbers of the houses are in our gi'eat capitals — with this superioi-ity of method, that the form of the objects indicates their place — as if, in looking at a house in a town, one could discover, at a glance, to what street and to what quarter it belonged. The plan of giving a single name to each species, besides its generic name, together with the prohibition of changing names without due reason, and of giving the same appellation to two different species, or to two genera, far e::i.cels oiu- plan of dis- tinguishing individuals. How much it would simplify our intercourse with men, and facilitate our inquiries, if, in Um whole world, the mem- bers of one family only bore the same name, and if each indindual had but one ehinstian name, differing from those of the other members of his family. Such is, nevertheless, the admiiable plan of nomen- clature that science has provided for horticulturists, and which they cannot too much appreciate and respect.* THIHDLT. — THE EEXEFICIAL EFFECTS OF THE ASSOCIATION OF BOTA>'Y WITH HORTICULTURE. The pursuit of horticulture demands books and herbaria, as that of scicutihc botany requires cultivated, living plants. Thence the no- cessily, which is more and more recognised, of bringing together the materials for comparison in the same town, the same establishment, and even under the same administration, organised so as to facilitate the use of them. How many institutions in Europe, either private or pubUc, would be bfuefited by this arrangement ! How many towns and countries are now deficient — some in libraries, some in herbaria, some in respect to horticulture. Professional men proffer their com- plaint ; let us hope that public opinion may end by listening to them.+ The bringing together the means of study, I have baid, is desirable. Not less so is the interchange of ideas and impressions, both of bo- tanists and horticulturists. Each of these classes must clearly have distinct characteristics ; but tlie one should be influenced by the other. By these means, some too-retiring dispositions may be brought out, and certain dormant powers developed. Horticulture, for instance, has a commercial tendency wliich may be carried too far. Charla- tanism may slide in amongst flowers. Botany, on the contrary, is a science, and consequently rests on the investigation of pure and simple truth. A horticulturist who allows himself to be influenced by a scientific spirit, necessarily frees himself from over-selfish tendencies. Natural history, on its side, by reason of the perfection of its method, its nomenclature and its minute observations, has something technical and dn' about it. which contrasts with the graudeni' of nature and with the sentiment of art. It is for horticulture, combining, as it does, the planning and the decorations of gardens, to develope the jesthetic faculties of the savant, as of the world in general. A lovely flower, beautiful trees, a splendid floral exhibition, excite a sort of admii-ation, and even enthusiasm, similar to the effects produced by music or painting. The powers of the German composers of modem days, and those of the Italian painters of the sixteenth century, are justly extolled; but may it not also be said that in point of art they are equalled in their way by the beautiful parks of old England? The feeling of hai-mony in "form and colour, is it not also studied in them ? The effect of con- trast, is it not sldlfuUy managed ? The gradual transition from archi- tectural to natural beauties, is it not treated in an admirable manner ? Yes ; decidedly the English landscape gardeners are poets ; they have draiNTi from the same sources of inspiration as the most national writers of their country, and that source is the appreciation, so imi- versal in England, of the beantifnl, in an aspect of nature which is elegant and attractive, thouf^h somewhat severe. Thui^, gentlemen, for the development of our talents, as well as for our actual benefit, Art and Science keep pace together. Let us rejoice over their union, rendered conspicuous to-day by this congress of botanists, held in 'connection with a great floral exhibition ; and after * Two years ago I made a request to the Federation des Societes d'Horti culture Beiges, which appears to have been favourably received, and it miiy not be useless to repeat it here. It consisted in begging the horticulturists; who obtain new varieties not to give them botunical pames, with a Latin designation. 5ut merely arbitrary' names of quite a different nature, in order to avoid confusion and useless researches in books. For example, if they called a Calceolaria Sebastopol, or Triomphe de Gand, every one would understand it meant a garden variety : but if they named it Lindleyi, or rairabilis, the student would take it to be a botanical species, and would search for it in scientific works, or in the Floras of Cbili ; and botanists, happening perhaps to mistake it, would add it to the end of the seuus in their books as a species imperfectly kno^vn. The more horticultural names differ from Latin ones, the better it is, unless they can be appended to the scientific nomenclature : as when we say Brassica campcstris oloifera, instead of, shortly, Colza.. T The Botanical (iiirdens at Kew nffurd a fine example of what should be done, cither on a large or a more modest scale, in many towns where the means of study tu:e yet inconvenient or incomplete. these general observations — perhaps rather too protra ted— let us enter upon the consideration of those more truly scientific subjects, in which many among you are no doubt disposed to take part. THE BANQUET AT GUILDHALL. On Tuesday evenin^^ a grand banquet took place at the Guildhall, at which the Kif:jht Hon. the Lord Mayor presided. Upwards of ^HO were present, and amongst them were Viscount Powerscourt ; Sir Broke Middlctou, Bart.; RiRht Hon. K. C. Nisbet Hamilton; M. A. De CandoUe, of Geneva; Prefessor Koch, of Berlin; Professor Reichen- bach, of Hamburgh ; Professor CaspaiT. of Konigftberg ; Professor Morren, of liiege ; M. Schulz Bipontinus, of Deidesheim ; M. Meissner, of Basle; M. Weddel, of Poitiers; M. Van Houtte, of Ghent; M. A. Vcrschaffelt. of Ghent; M. Linden, of Brussels; Sir Wentworth Dilke, M.P. ; Dr. Hogg, Dr. Maxwell Masters, Mr. Kelk, M.P. ; Mr. J. Glutton, Mr. Sheriff Gibbons, Mr. Alderman Besley, Mr. Pender, Mr. E. A. Bowring, C.B. ; Mr. MichoUs. Mr. Samuel Morley, Mr. George Godwin, F.R.S. ; Mr. J. J. Bhmdy, Mr. W. H. Dixon; Mr. G. W. Johnson; Mr. T. Moore; Messrs. Veitch, Lee Standish, Bull. Williams, Paul, Waterer, Low, V\Y*udland, Fortune and Captain Walker. Grace having been said, and the " loving cup" sent round. The Lord Mayor gave the first toast, " Her Majesty the Queen." He said : " On the throne of this peaceful and coustitutioual country there sits a Royal lady, who reigns not alone over her subjects, but in the hearts of her people. It is amongst the happiest of oar customs, that upon these festive occasions we drink to the health of Hef Majestj-, wishing that her reign may be a long and happy one, and that her people may be prosperous, contented, and free." The Lord Mayor then proposed "The Army, Navy, and Volun- teers." He remarked that the bravery and exploits of the Anny and Navy were matters of history. No one could contymphite what was passing in neighbouiTUg countries without the deepest emotion. There was not a heart that did not sympathise, not a tongue that did not utter the hope that the miseries and honors of war might be averted. This was the eaniest prayer of every Englishman, and he trusted that it might never be uttered in vain. Admiral Sir George Broke Middleton, Bart., in returning thanks made some remarks on the recent events in South America. Though on such an occasion as the present he was unwilling to introduce a subject which would direct the thoughts of those who listened to him to the horrors of war, yet the news that had recently been received from a distant part of the world had cast a shadow over the profession to which he had the honour to belong; and as that profession had been most ungenerously attacked during the last few days, he felt him- self bound to say a few words in its defence. He alluded to what had been said in reference to the bombardment of Valparaiso. He had the honour to call Admiral Deuman his friend, and he knew him to be one of the most high-spii-ited and gallant otHcers in the service. The Lord Mayor next gave " The House of Lords and the House of Commons." There never was a period in the histoid of this counti-y he said, when there was a gieater sympathy than existed at present between the House of Lords and the people ; and with regard to the House of Commons, he thought he might safely say that the intelligence and independence of this great country were fairly repre- sented in that House. Viscount Pow^erscourt after having made a few remarks on the present position of matters in the Houses of Parliament, said that he could not resume his seat without congratulating the Committee of the International Horticultural Exhibition on the very beautiful and highly successful Show they had witnes-cd that morning— an Exhi- bition that must have afforded the greatest pleasure to all who took the least delight in horticulture. Sir C. W. Dilke, Bart., the Chairman of the Executive Committee, proposed " The health of the foreign visitors and the President of the Botanical Congress." This he said had been the most remarkable horticultural Exhibition that had ever been held, and he was happy to add that it had been most successful in the number of visitors it had attracted. As a whole it was an Exhibition that had never been equalled, and he doubted whether it could ever be surpassed. The toast was received with loud cheers. Professor De Candolle, in responding, said : — ** The words of welcome which we have just heard, and the fact that my name has been mentioned in so kind a manner, make it incumbent on me to thank you in the name of the strangers present. You have done them great honour by inritiugthem to this banquet, and, indeed, since their arrival they have not ceased to receive, in private as well as in public, a welcome of which they cannot but be proud, and which will leave manv pleasant remembrances in their minds. This moniing the Pi-in'ce and Princess of Wales and the Priueesses of the Royal Family condescended to express their rcgi-et that they tould not accept the splendid hospitahty over which the chief of thn illustrious city of London presides ; and the bon. baronet who has assisted in all these preparations with a zeal which has been crowned with suet -s, has been kind enough to propose the toast. The only persons wlu> are to be pitied in all this are those botanists and hovticultorists who may have desired to come to London, and who have been prevented from doing so either by their public duties or by the unfortunate state of affairs now existing on the Continent. But let us put on one side the.^e personal considerations, and let us rather congi-atulate ourselves 40^ JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. [ ikikf S». iMe. OD tlio prosperous stale of the sriences and their applications, and particularly iii the progroH^ of Ilorticultnro, of %vh)cb thif; Intoniatioual gathering furnishes a proof. Our age is in this respect a great age. Horticulture has been pnshfil to an extraordinary- dojjree of i>erfectioD, anil the natural ftcieuces have also advanctJ. \\'hat science wants, above all, is liberty — not only politiciJ liberty, which is to u certain extent very necessary ; but, ubovo ull, that liberty which is accordod to each individual by public opinion. Vt\- have sot-n uatious and afjea where, under an absolute uiouarohr, there ha** been a pieut deal of libertj' of thought; and virr ri-rtid^ free conntrieg in which public opinion has exercised an actual tyranny over individuals. Those who seek for scientific truth require to be protected by the jmblie, even more than by a free political tsystem. All the world ou;{ht to know the advantas;e of toliTutiuu of opinion, and public reprehension oupht only to fall on badfaitli. Science prospers when national institutions and public opinion allow it freedom. At the present time horticnlture flourishes more particularly in the West of Kurope, in Eujjlaud, Belgium, and HoUand; and in some cities, such as ParLs, Berlin, and Hamburgh. Evidently a climate offerinj^ neither extremes of cold, nor heat, nor dryness, is favourable to its development. EWdentlv. also, the iutelliRent and painstaking; peoples of these western lands naturally give themselves to the minute details of cultivation : but there is .still a contlition which overrules all. Horticulture, carried to a certain extent, is a luxurv. It supposes riches, and there is no extent of euuntr)' more K'^uerally rich thuu Wisteni Kurope on either side of the Channel. Will International Ilortirnltural Exhibitions spring up in the future on that arena ? We must hope for it as well as for a more important object — peace, for war devours men as well as capital. Ima^^ue to yourself (said M. De CaudoUe). what is the coat of the millious of soldiers at the present day massed together on Continental Europe. You will Hud, perhaps, that with their pay for a single day we could construct a conservatorj' reaching from Paris to Berlin. And here is a piece of advice which may be given beforehand to the horticulturists of the east and south of the Continent — not to make an insignificant imitation of English, Belgian, or Butch culture, bat rather to create a new sj'stem of horticulture as diflfereut from these as possible, suitable to their particular climates — a system of horticnlture having for its foundation the plants of Asia, Africa, and Australia, capable of supporting heat, cold, and dryness. In making efforts in this direction they will do something new and remarkable, and the horticulturists of the west will go to see the exhibitions of eastern and middle Europe with the same pleasure that they visit in the present day their own exhibitions." M. l>e Candolle concluded by again thanking the assembly for the kindness which they had shown to the foreign visitors. The Right Hon. C. Nisbet Hamilton, in proposing *' Success to the International Horticultural Exhibition and Botanical Congress," said : " He had no doubt that those who had witnessed the Exhibition were highly gratified by what they had seen. For his own part he must confess, that although he had seen numerous exhibitions of flowers in many parts of the world, the present Exhibition surpassed tiiem all. Lord Bacon had said, nearly three hundred years ago, ' God first planted a garden, which, indeed, is the purest of human pleasures ; it is the greatest refreshment to the spirits of men , without which build- ings and palaces are but gross handiwork.' This, it should be remem- bered, was an expression employed by one of cur greatest philosophers. In England horticulture was pursued alike by the greatest and noblest, and the poorest and humblest in the land ; and he believed that it had a tendency to elevate the mind. Although, he said, we are proud in this great country of our manufacturing and commercial prosperity, we are proud also that such a meeting as the present cau be held under the presidency of the chief magistrate of the City of London. It was gratifj-ing to observe the taste for tioriculturf that exists among the people, as is evidenced in many of the crowded lanes of the metropolis and other densely populated places, by the care that is taken of a soli- tai-y plant, such as a Geranium or a Fuchsia. Referring, again, to the Exliibition of the morning, he would saythat Brussels and Amster- dam had had their International Exhibitions, and London had followed the exarai)le set by those places ; and he hoped he might say without offence, that in this Show we had been enabled to surpass those that had gone before. He trusted that although this was the first Show of the kind that had taken place in London, it would not be the last.'' Dr. Hogg briefly responded. Sir C. W. DtLKE proposed *' The health of the Lord Mayor and the Corporation of the City of London."' The L«RD Mayor said in reply : " My Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen —Different men, according to their different humours, have formed various plans for bringing the whole human race under one head. A tyrant wished that all mankind might have one neck, that he might strangle it. A gallant bard grieved that * fair womanland could not re8er\'e their smiles for him alone ;' and I, by an inverse process of reasoning, would give my place to-night could I be blessed with a thousand warm and varied tongues wherewith to bid you, from ' heart to very heart.' one and all a sincere and earnest welcome. The gentle- men who honour us with their presence here to-night have invited us to view the most interesting, the most marvellous, and the most "wonderful Exhibition the world has ever seen. I think I may call it the queen of exhibitions. The right honourable gentleman has told us that Lord Bacon says. *• The Almighty Father first planted a garden.' A garden i^. and has been, the foundation of religion — of poetry — of all that is hrightent and holiest amongst men. What is there on earth that 80 much contributes to our delight, to ourenjovnient, as a gurden ? A garden is health — a garden is wealth — a garden is l)appiiief)=i. What i«i more refreshing, more delightful than the sweot fmitit of earth ? What is more fragrant than the breath of flowers ? It has been said that Nature, so fair and bounteous in herself, needs not the hand of man ty train and cultivate her; but Nature in every bhapu rcqaireff cultivation. The luscious Peaeh, the clustering Vine, tlie fn^;nuit JI%-rrh, the Rose divine, abondantly illustrate the truth of thi«. In this age of great competitive and cosmopolitan industry onr neigh- bours are doing with their flowers what we do with our sons — nrgft them to take honours at home, and send them to gain laurels abroacL On the part of this mnnicipalitv, I beg to assure you that we hold oat to yon, one and all. the right hand of fellowshii) — that we recognise the great merits of art, of scienco, and of literature, and wfe look upon this Exhibition as one of the happy and peaceful triumphs of our time. May it flourish, not only fur the present, and for onf sukes. but may it flourish for the future." Prof. Kocii projiosed ** The Executive Committee of the Horticul- tural Meeting, " and Sir D. Coopkr returned thanks. Mr. C. Dn-KE having proposed ** The Lady Mayoress and the Ladies," the Lord Mayor, in acknowledging the toast, said that the Lady Mayoress desired him to say that the sight she had seen that day was one of the most gratifi'ing of hir life. During the evening the band of the Grenadier Guards, nnder thd direction of Mr. D. Godfrey, played a choice selection of mnsic in the gallery. DE.JErN*ER AT MESSRS. "V'EITCH'S. Before commencing the formal business of the Congress on Wednofl- day, the foreign botanists and giirdencrs were invited by Mr. Veitch, the English horticulturist, to a magnificent dejeunir nt the Exotic Nurseries, Chelsea. Tho forei^jn guests were met by a distinguished company of their English confreres, and the occnsion was one of much interest. Among the principal visitors were — Professor Lecoq ; Professor Triand. of Paris: Professor Koch, of Berlin; Professor Morren, of Liige ; Dr. Reicbenbacb, of Ilfiinburg; M. B»rillet, Paris; M. Vilmorin, Paris; M. Pepin, delegated by the French Gnvcmment ; M. ScUo, Potsdam ; M. Nisson. Naples ; Paron O^^y, Antwerp; M. lijndcn, Brussels ; M. Van den Hecke ; M.Willink. Amsterdam ; M. Kreltigc. Haarlem ; Viscount Foree- ville ; Sir Wentworth Dilke, Bart.; Sir D. Cooper, Bart.; Rev. Joshna Dix; Rev. Mr. Berkeley; J. McNab. Esq., Edinburgh ; Dr. Moore, Dublin ; Dr. Hogg; Dr. Masters ; G. Eyles, Esq. ; J.Liddell, Esq., Ac. Mr. Veitch, senior, presided. Among the toasts drtinl; was one to "The Foreigners l>resent." To this the representatives of France. Belgium, Holland, Ger- many, and Italy responded. Several of these gentlemen spoke in English, and expressed their admiration nt the pre-eminence of British horticnl- ture. Mr. J. G. Veitch, who has travelled in Japan, Australia, and other regions searching for new plants, many of which he has successfully in- troduced to cultivation, replying to some complimentary remarks of one of the foreign professors present, spoke In French. Sir Wentworth Dilke, as Chairman of the Executive Committee, returned thanks for the obser- vations made compliinentarv' to this country. The visitors inspected Messrs. Vcitch's valuable collection of plants, (he most notable of which, however, are now being exhibited at tho Show. The whole occasion was marked by the most cordial feeling, and was a matter of luuch gruti- fication to those present. Each guest, on leaving, entered his signatn*© in a book, and received from Mr. Veitch his carte -de -visite as a souvcn'r. DINNER AT ST. MARTINS HALL. Ox Thursday evening upwards of five hundred gentlemen sat down to dinner at St. Martin's Hall, Lord H. G. Lennox. M.P., presiding. Among those present were Sir Wentworth Dilkc, Bart., the Rev. Joshua Dix, Rev. S. R. Hole, Dr. Hogg, Mr. T. Moore, Mr, C. Edmonds, Messrs. Lee, &c. On the removal of the cloth, tho CHArRM.\N said the first toast on the present occasion was one which all EuRlishmen delighted to honour. For many years they had had the happiness of being under the most constitutional of Sovereigns, a Lady whose private life would b^ar com- parison with that of any other in the land. These were great blessings, and would always secure that, wherever the toast was proposed, it would be received with enthusiasm. He was one of those who thought that, possessing such blessings, they could not do better than enumerate them on every possible occasion. The Chairman next proposed that of the Prince of Wales, with that beautiful D;inish Rose which had been transplanted to this country, and who, they trusted, might long flouri'ih on British soil, and the other mem- bers of the Royal Family. Prince Alfred was a true British tar. He had seen him on board of ship in the Mediterranean, where he took all his watches and performed all the duties as the sons or brothers of tho-jc pre-sent would have done if they had been in that position. He trusted aUo that thoy would give an extra cheer for the Princess Helena, who was about to bo married, but who, he was hajipy to say, was not aI)out to leave England* but to remain here to bo a solace to her widowed mother. The Chairman next proposed "The Army, Navy, and Volunteers," associatint; with it the name of The Macleod of Macleod, who briefly returned thanks. The Chairman said he must now crave the indulgence of the meeting while he proposed tho toast of the evening. It was a toast which would naturally tax the powers of a chainnan under any circumstances, for in itself it "possessed an intrinsic interest to all present. Ho trusted that that interest would act as a cloak to cover the deficiencies of him in whose hands it had been placed. The toast, as placed in his hands, was "Success to the Promoters of the Horticultural Exhibition and the Botanical Congress." He himself was one of those promoter^, and it would be indecent to propose success to himself. He would, therefore, with the permission of the meeting, substitute "Succofls to the Horti- cultural Exhibition and the Botanical Congress now sitting in Loudon." From the tirst time this scheme was broached, he had given it his ruost Uay 29, 1836. ] JOURNAL OF HOKXIGULTUSE AiiD COTTAGE GARDENEI?, , 403 cordial support, because he thought it was simply a grateful return for the courtesies which British horticulturists had received in Belgium, France, and Hollnnd. In the nest place, he supported it because he believed it tended in a great degree to foster and to increase in this country a love of horticulture, aud a taste for the growth of flowers. There was no scntimentalism abuut that. It was an undisputed fact that a love of horticulture and a taste for floral creations tended to re- fine and humanise the best feelings of man. Lot any one go to Battersea Park, or to Kew Gardens, and sol- the artisan who, confined for six days by his work, escaped on the seventh to admire the wondrous creations of nature displayed there, and ho would not fail to come back with the strong conviction that through these works a man's mind must be di- rected to Him who was the Creator of them aU. This, then, was an essentially practical matter. As a member of the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society, it had devolved upon him to receive and to read communications without end from the clergy of various denominations in this great metropolis, praying that the Society would afford them assist- ance in providing prizes for window gardens in the poor and densely populated districts of London in which they laboured. One and all of those gentlemen stated, that in giving this aid they would bo doing an im- mense amount of good — an nmnimt of good which would be incalculable. In consequence of these representations they did establish prizes, and last year they expressed their willingness to co-operate with others in providing additional prizes ; but, owing to the illness of a gentleman who undertook the management of the matter last year, the subject had lapsed, only, however, to be revived next year. They had established prizes in the shape of silver and copper medals, for the best cultivated gardens in the largest camps in England and Ireland; and they had re- ceived the warmest testimonials from generals and officers, who had agreed in assuring the Council how much what they had done had con- tributed to the mor.-xUty and the cood order of the regiments where such prizes had been given. Horticultural science had this great advantage, that from the moment a child commenced it, flowers literally grew under his feet. Even the greatest tyro in the study could never feel lunely in the secluded lanes or the wildest district.s of tho country, for wild flowers would crop up aroimd him on every side, giving him ample food for meditation, and so turn out to ho his kindest and most genial friends. Thus much, then, for the reasons which had induced him to give his hearty co-uperation to this scheme, and was it not a scheme that had proved a decided success ? To his mind, there cuuld be but one answer to that question, and that was a most emphatic affirmative. It was an attempt un their part to rival, with all possible kindness, similar undertakings that had been inaugurated in vsirious parts of the Continent. Ho regretted that in the magniticent display they had witnessed there were not more productions from foreign countries ; but, on the other hand, ho rejoiced to think that both in that room and in another place there were professors of botany and horticulture who had come over from foreign lauds to testify their sympathy with the efi'orts which had been made here. Had any one. he would ask, ever seen more l)eautiful specimens of horticulture than those which had beentlisplayed? Had any one ever seen more su«ceH.sful fruits of unwearied patience than the hijrticulturists of this coimtry had famished? Had any one overseen a collection which had been displayed in a more advantageous or pictur- esque manner? strolling down Us long avenues, it really appeared that those beautiful flowers had been placed there by some magic hand, and that it must be one of tho?:e happy places in which they were told in their childhood fairies delighted to dwelL The nest point they had to consider was to whom those great successes which had been achieved were due. Li the first place thanks were due to the gardeuers of this counti-y whose public spirit, enthusiasm, unwearied zeal, and great ability, to- gether with their great disinterestedness in trusting plants of so valuable a nature to all the chances and changes of temperature, could not be too highly commended. Next, thanks were due to ;i public-spirited gentleman, Mr. Oi-mson, who had seen that every thin" tender was warmly housed ; and lastly, thanks were due to Mr. Gibson, who had been selected by the Ex- ecutive Committee to arrange the grounds. Let them for a moment pause to consider the enormous strides this matter had made during the last few years. Some of those present would remember the first Show, how small and comparatively insignificant it was; now the Show extended over 3i acres; and at the Pai-is Exhibition, which it was proposed to hold next year, so confident were Frenchmen of the resources of England, and the public spirit of EngU&h gardeners, that they had apportioned 3^ acres of their space to Em;l;md— a space which they expected English gar- deners to fill. Thev were assembled on the anniversary of that distin- guished Swedish naturalist, Linua-us. In one sense that was to be re- gretted, because the geutlemen who composed the Society bearing his name were holding a banquet that night, a circumstance which de- prived them of the support of many of the professors of botany and horticulture, who otherwise w<-uld have been among=t them. In the latter part of the Ia;'t. century that great man visited this country. If he had gone to the Exhibition and seen those be?aitiful Azaleas, had looked upon the coloured foliaco of the plants which vied with them, or those Orchids.grotesqueiu form but brilliant in colour, would not thoughts have occurred to that scientific mind which would have opened to him a new world of inquir>- "? But while the gardeners of England had done well they must not suppose that he (the Chairmnu} was going tolet them ofl' by saying that thev had done all they could. They had done nothing of the kind. He trusted that if he were spai-ed until next summer, he should see the English gardeners over in P;uis, and that they would show to the French nation what they could do, aud that they were not afraid either of transit by Land, or passage bv water, so that they might rival their friends abroad. He knew that many of their foreign friends were present that evening, so he would conclude bis remarks withan allusion specially addressed to them. He would say to tbem that the great festival which they were now celebrating was a mark— only a feeble mark it might be— of their deep gratitude for the cordial, hospitable, and friendly manner in which they received the British horticulturists when they were abroad. He would tell thiir foreign \-isitors that they were licartily welcome in this countrv, and be trusted that they would accept tho reception which had been given to them as a feeble expression of the gratitude of Enghsh- men for pa-^t liinduesse-s. Above all thev would declare to their foreign friends that night, whether from France, Holland, Eagium, or anywhere else, that the wish of the English people was that they might cast aside old rivalries itud old antiquated jealousies, and do nothing but compete with one another in the most frieudlv contests— not on the battle field, but in the promotion of aU that tended to the advancement of science, of commerce, and of art. He would propose "Success and prosperity to the Horticultural Exhibition, and to tho Botanical Congress, and might the great objects soutrht to be accomplished be abundantly realised." The toast was drunk with loud applause. Mr. W. Paul, in responding, stated that the origin of this movement had been s:u well espIuiuL-d. that he need not further advert to it. For its success It was greatly indel>tcd to Mr. Moore, who had done his very utmost to secure it. They had succeeded in bridging over a chasm be- tween horticulturists and botanists which no doubt would bo turned to favourable account hereafter. Ho maintained that Horticulture was both an art and a science—an ort as pursued from the decorative point of view, a bcience as regards the production of fruits and flowers. Gardening as an art bad produced men of whom every EngUshman had reason to be proud —a Price, a Knight, a Gilpin, a Repton, a Paxton, to say nothing of living men ; and the highest and wealthiest iu the land, tho most refined and intellectual, take a pride and pleasure in the decoration of their gar- dens. Horticulture as a science has so many true sons that it wonld be impossible to name even the most prominent. Is there no science in PJfu^ucing with unerring certainty, alike amid the suows of winter and the heat of summer, those splendid fruits and flowers, without which the ^°Jcrtainments and assembhes of this groat nation would be shorn o£ half their enjoyment ? It is too close upon the event to estimate its re- sults. Of this, however, we may be sure, that while Botany and Horti- culture are promoted by it, it will give fresh life and a wider development to an important branch of natural industry. The Kev. J. Dix said no doubt at the present time the horticultural world was wide awake ; it had been asleep some time. He had been asked to propose as a toast, " The Royal Horticultural and Botanic Societies." In all sincerity of heart he had advocated the claims of the Horticul- tural Society, aud since he became a member of it he had gone through many difficulties. Ho had been called an obstinate opposer, but he had foimd that what was called obstinacy had been productive of very good results. When he mentioned the great success of their Tuesday meet- ings he thought he need say no more. They must remember that their operations were under the searching and scientific eyes of many visitors. As he looked do^vn the tables before him he saw gentlemen who were the very sinews of horticulture, and he had no doubt they would experience the best ret,ults if members of the Society would look after their own in- terests. He proposed " The Horticultural and Botanic Societies," with which he would associate the names of Mr. G. F. Wilson, aud Sir Walter Stirling. Sir W. STiRLrxG, ant? ilr. G. F. Wilsox returned thanks. Dr. Davtd Mooke gave some account of the progress of horticulture in Ireland. Mr. J. G. Veitch proposed " The health of their kind friends, the dis- tinguished Foreign Visitors.'' It was on foreign soil that the first Ex- hibition of this kind took place — \iz., at Brussels, and in England they were only carrying on what was begun there. He assured the foreign visitors that although their reception had not been one of ostentation or splendour, it has been a hearty and a welcome one. M. Van Geert, jun., acknowledged the toast in appropriate terms. Mr. John Lee proposed the health of " Friends from the Provinces," to which the Rev. S. REVN(jr,Ds Hole, Vicar of Caunton, Nottiughamahire, and Mr. A. Dickson, of Chester, appropriately responded. "Friends from Scotland and Ireland," was proposed by Mr Chables TcRNEK, Mr. David Mitchell returning thanks. Sir C. W. DiLKE, Bart., expressed his regret that he was not present earlier, but in common with some friends who had been at the Liunean Society, he had deteiinined to be amongst them as soon as possible. He was always anxious to give as much as-'istance as possible to the culti- vation of horticulture and botany. He felt that it would have been im- possible for him to attend and not propose the toast which ho would ask the company to drink with all the heartiness it deserved — " The Health of the Chairman, Lord Henry Gordon Lennox.'' The toast was drunk with enthusiasm. The Chairman', ia acknowledging it, said he asked himself why he had been invited to preside. It could only have been because he felt a deep interest in the promotion of the sciences they were met to ser\e. Tho position he held had many advantages, but his sole desire was to make them conductive to the general welfare of the Society. The company then separated. One of the best evidences of the entire success of the Exhi- bition is the unanimous wish of the Committee and exhibitors to prolong the time diiring -which it shall be open to the public. There is a general reluctance to have such an artistic accumu- lation of beauty dispersed, and we are verj' pleased that it is to remain in its integrity until Thursday next. The Koyal Horticultm-al Society have also liberally consented to have their garden gratuitously open to the visitors of the Exhibition during the time. We think the Committee would confer a great benefit as well as afford great pleasure to a multitude, if on the last day they allowed four to be admitted for a shilling. Thousands would avail themselves of the privilege who would not lite to spend the shiUing on themselves alone, yet could not afford the same sum for their wives and childi-en. Thk amounts of cash taken at the doors up to Saturday night were — Tuesdav f£l admission) £392 Friday {U. admiBsion) \Vednesdav (10s. do.) . . 1222 Saturday (2.5. Grf. do.j , . Thursday "(2.v. 6d. do.) . . 170S These amounts are quite irrespective of the sa'e of tickets bv the agont«, v^hich is not yet ascertained. £1050 biO 46^ JOOBKAIi OF HORTICTJLTUEE AND COTTAGE OARDENEB. r TtAj S9, wen. ■BOJrK inNTS AS TO THE AKRANGE^rENT 01' IXOWEUBEDS AND BORDl'.l!?^ (Continued from jHige 302.) No. 2t». Centre, Polnrgoninm Stella ; next row, TroiJipolum Elegana ; third row, Verbena Velvet Cushion, with an edging of Unapbaliuni lanntum next the grass. The Gnaphalium must be kept closely pegged down and pinned in, otherwise it will overgrow the Veriena. No. 30. Centre, Verbena venosa — the plants of this should be well established ; 'ind row. Geranium Flower of the Day, with the flowers left on ; 3rd vow, Amaranthus melancholicus ruber, with an edging next the grass of Golden Chain Geranium. No. 31. Centre, Calceolaria Sparkler; '2nd row, Geranium Christine ; 3rd row, Iresine Herbstii, with an edging of Gaitania splendens. This bed would present a very dazzling effect. No. 32. Three or four feet of the centre should be filled with Coleus Verschaffelti ; next to this a two-feet band of Viola comuta, with an edging of .\rabis lucida variegata. No. 33. Geranium Boule de Feu ; "ind row. Verbena Purple King ; 3rd row, Geranium Christine ; 1th row, Lobelia speoiosa ; 5th row. Geranium Queen's Favourite. No. 34. Centre, Centaurea g3'mnocarpa ; 2nd row, Coleus Verschaffelti ; 3rd row, Geranium Hose Eendatler, with an edging of Geranium Spread Eagle. No. 35. Centre, six good plants of Anindo donax variegata ; next, a band 3 feet wide of Dracsena fen-ea variegata, with a foot margin next the grass of Viola cornuta. To be succes.sful with tliis bed and the following, it will be necessary to make proper preparations. The whole of the soil should be taken out, also 16 or 18 inches of the clay below the good soil. These beds .should also be so situated that they may be easily drained. The bottom of the hole should then be filled up with brick rubbish, and this should come up 6 inches or so above the level of the clay ; some chopped sods should then be laid over the brick rubbish to prevent the soil from trickling down amongst the drainage ; the good soil should then be replaced, mixing in with it a good quantity of leaf soil, peat, and rough sand to keep the bed porous. If the soil become soddened and sour, farewell to the expected beauties of the sub-tropical garden bed. By preparing the beds as de- scribed above, and taking especial care to have them well drained, many of the magnificent tropical plants may easily be grown, especially in the south and west of Englalid ; and by taking extra care in preparing the plants previously to plant- ing them out, selecting the warmest and most sheltered posi- tions, much may be done with them even in the north. The wonderful results that have already crowned Mr. Gibson's labours at Battersea Park prove what can be done by energy, perseverance, and skill. What he has succeeded in doing during the past three years would have been thought an im- possibility ten or even five years ago, and cannot be credited even now by many who have not had the advantage of seeing the sub-tropical garden at Battersea Park, which is worth tra- velling three or four hundred miles to see. It is a pity on that account that the great gathering we have witnessed this week was not held later in the summer, so that many gardeners who have not enjoyed the privilege of seeing the sub-tropical department at Battcreea Park might have done so on that occasion ; for most assuredly they would there have learned one of the most useful lessons, not only as regards the out-door department, but would have greatly assisted them in the arrangements of their conservatory, plant-houses, &e. They will even now, thanks to the good judgment displayed by the Committee of Management for the Great International Exhibition in obtaining Mr. Gibson's valuable serWees for the arrangement of the ground on which the Exhibition is held, be able to form some idea of the wonders to be seen in the snb-tropical garden at a later period in the summer. No. 3(;. Large bed. Centre, sixteen large plants of PracicnB terminalis ; then a three-feet space covered with Fuchsia Pillar of Gold ; then a double row of Dracana congesta, with a margin 1 foot wide next the grass of Dactylis glomerata variegata. If the space between the stems of the plants were covered with Viola cornuta this would set it off to great advantage. , No. 37. Large bed. Centre, Caladinm esculentum ; 2nd, Canna bieolor ; 3rd row, Oanna rubra perfccta, with an edging next the grass of Centaurea eandidissima. No. 38. Large bed. Centre, Nieotinna wigandioides ; 2nd row, Solanum macranthum ; 3rd row, Gnaphalium lanatum. The following arrangements lor ribbon-borders would look well either on grass or gravel. In jdanting a ribbon-border I always, if posaible, contrive to have the rows of Verbenas sup- ported on each side by Cieraniums, for the Verbenas uou by this arrangement be so much more easily kept in their proper jiiace. No. 1. Back row, purple Zcliuda Dahlia. This should oc- cupy a space of 3 feet, and the plants ehonld be so planted that they may quickly form a good thick row. Next plant IS incheg of Calceolaria .'Vurea lloribnnda, then a row of Geranium Boul« de Fen ; 4lh row. Verbena Purple King ; 5th row, Geraniam Flower of the Day ; Cth row, Lobelia specioso ; 7th row, Geia- nium Golden Fleece. No. 2. Back row, Dahlia Alba nana lloribnnda ; next row, Ageratum mexicanum ; 3rd row, Iresine Herbstii ; -Ith row, (ieranium Flower of the Day, with the flowers left on ; Sth row, Viola coruuta ; 0th row, Geranium Golden Fleece ; 7th row. Verbena Velvet Cushion. No. 3. Back row. Calceolaria amplexicaulis — these plants should be planted pretty thickly together, and sticks ))laced to support them as soon as they are planted. If this is not attended to they will grow almost any way but the right way. 2nd row, Amaranthus melancholicus ruber ; 3rd row, Geranium Christine ; 4th row. Verbena Purple King ; oth row, Geranium Cybister ; 6th row, Verbena Cicely (pink) ; 7th row. Lobelia speciosa. No. 4. Back row. Calceolaria Sparkler ; 2di1 row, Geranium Flower of the Day ; 3rd row. Verbena Claret Queen ; 4th row, Geranium Bijou ; 5th row. Verbena Pmplo lung ; Gth row. Geranium Little David ; 7th row, Cerastium tomcntosum. No. 5. Back row. Geranium Stella; 2nd row. Calceolaria Gaines's Yellow; 3rd row, Heliotrope Florence Nightingale; 5th row, Geranium Bijou ; Gth row, Iresine Herbstii, kept well pinched in ; 7th row, Arabis lucida variegata. No. I). Back row, largo plants of Iresine Herbstii ; 2nd row, Geranium Christine ; 3rd row. Verbena General Lee ; 4th row. Geranium Flower of the Day ; 5th row, Verbena Velvet Cushion ; 0th row, Mangles's Variegated Geranium ; 7th row. Lobelia speciosa. No. 7. Back row. Geranium Boule de Feu ; 2nd row. Verbena Le Grand Boule de Neige ; 3rd row, Amaranthus melancholicus ruber, kept pinched in pretty clo-sely ; 4th row, Geraniam Alma ; 5th row. Verbena Princess Victoria ; 6th row. Lobelia speciosa ; 7th row^, Geranium Queen's Favourite. No. 8. Back row, Amaranthus melancholicus ruber, large plants ; 2nd row. Calceolaria canariensis ; 3rd row. Verbena Velvet Cushion ; 4th row, A'iola cornuta ; Sth row. Geranium Golden Fleece ; Gth row, Mimulus cupreus ; 7th row, Cerastium Eiebersteiui. — J. Wills. CULTURE OF ^^NES IN POTS. {Continued from par/e 344.) Stoppiso AMD Regtilating TnE Shoots. — After the eyesbav* broken those at the lower part of the cane should be rubbed off closely, and all those along the cane from the Ixittom upwards for the required length to reach the rafter. I think it best to leave them until the eyes have broken, for if removed with a knife prior to breaking the wounds bleed, but if left until bro'.:en there is no danger of tliis taking place, and their being allowed to remain for a time calls into activity roots for their support. The removal of shoots or bnds not wanted leaves more sap for those retained. When the shoots are so far advanced that the fruit is risible at their points, a partial disbudding may take place, lea^•ing, however, more than will be required for a crop, and if they show well every other bud or shoot may be rubbed off, and this will leave many shoots that onglit not to be allowed to cany any fruit, but they will be useful for kecp'ng up a good root- action, which is of primary importance. Take out the points of the shoots at the first leaf above the bunch, tying the shoots loosely to the wires, and being careful not to break the shoots. Laterals will issue from most of tlie joints, stop these at the first joint or leaf, as also the laterals proceeding from the joint at which the principal shoots have been stopped ; as often as these laterals make a leaf pinch out their point. If fruit is shown at the joint to which the shoot is stopped in the first instance, as well as at the joint next below it, make choice of the best bnnch as to size and form, cutting the other away. Brxcnr.s. — Leave bnt one bunch to a shoot, one shoot from a bud, all others to be removed so as to leave the shoots 0 inches apart. From six to eight bunches are a good and almost too heavy crop ; the bunches shoTild therefore be re- May 29, 18«6. ] JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUBE AKD COTTAGE GARDENEB. 405 duced to that number immediately after the flowering is past, and the laterals below the bunches should be broken off close home, keeping those above the bunches closely stopped to one joint, or so soon as a leaf is made take out the point of the shoot ; the tendrils to be pinched ofi close. Keep the shoots well tied down, and properly adjusted to the wires. TniNNiNci THE Benches. — When the berries are the size of No. 4 shot commence thinning, first of all tying up the shoulders of the bunches. Thin out the smallest berries, and especially those with small wiry footstalks, remembering that as the berries are now small tliey must be left correspondingly wider apart than were they not thinned until larger. It is well also to bear in mind that the earlier thinning is commenced the less the nourishment afforded by the roots and leaves will be expended on those berries cut away, and the larger those left will be. It is well to go over the bunches twice, first giving a good thinning, and again in ten days or a fortnight going over them again, giving a final thinning, and if there is anything to be guarded against it is leaving too many berries. I find nothing so good for tying up the shoulders as yellow Japan flax, which from its fineness is scarcely visible, and it is of immense strength, even in very small shreds. In thinning avoid hand- ling the berries, using a small round pointed stick about 7 inches long, and with this raise the shoulders and maintain the bunch steady in a proper position whilst the berries are being thinned out. I stated in a former part of these notes that I would observe on the several descriptions of canes for fruiting at different seasons, but having gone through the whole routine of Vine culture it only remains for me to note the difference between Vines started in autumn and those after January, which con- sists in those started after that not requiring so high a tem- perature to commence with ; 40° should be the maximum night temperature to begin with, increasing 5° fortnightly afterwards. A correspondent finds a difficulty in " starting Vines in au- tumn to obtain strong canes for fruiting in January and Feb- ruai'y. They break well, but make such small straw-like canes as not to equal those raised in January from eyes, the others being strong one-year canes cut in to two eyes." I have ex- perienced the same difficulty not only with Vines started in autumn, but with those raised from eyes — some always lag behind. Any having such will find stopping the Vines when they have grown a foot in length an excellent plan, cutting them immed ately above a joint. A lateral will start from the joint to which the shoot was stopped, which, if allowed to grow, will make a leader, but of weak growth in comparison to that of the original. By the lateral is a bud, and to induce this to push the lateral by its side is to be pinched off closely, otherwise the principal eye would not push until next season. AH the laterals below are to be pinched off closely, and then one or other of the principal eyes will certainly push. The shoot from a principal eye is to be preserved, and trained as a leader, which will usually be strong ; if not, allow it to grow a foot and then stop it as before, and obtain a new leader from a principal eye by closely pinching in the laterals. — G. Abbey. (To be coutinaed.) SOWING VERBENA SEED. I HAVE just read an article in your Number of April 17th on the raising of Verbenas from seed by Mr. Wills, and as his recommendations are entirely contrary to my own experience I write to say that I always find Verbena seed will vegetate, if properly treated, in about a fortnight, and will grow nearly as freely as Mustard. In proof of this, I have Mr. Perry's per- mission to show your correspondent some thousands of plants with the bloom-buds on them, all raised from seed sown in February last. The seed was not sown "2 inches" deep, as recommended by Mr. Wills, or I should not have been sur- prised if it had been from " seven weeks to two years "before the plants had made their appearance, or even if they had never seen daylight. — T. Pointon, GanUncr to C. J. Perry, £«j., The Cedars, Castle Jiromwich, iwar Blmiingham. Daffodil in Ireland. — On looking over the second volume of your " Wild Flowers of Great Britain," I find, under the head the •' Common Daffodil," " Abundant in woods and moist meadows in the south of England. Kare in Scotland and Ire- land." I beg to bear my testimony that it is most abundant in the county of Dublin, amongst old trees and in moist mea- dows, and as far as I can learn it is almost as common in other parts of Ireland. — J. Vernon, Clonlarf. [Our authorities, Hooker and Amott, speak of it as rare in Ireland, and Bentham says that it occurs " in Scotland and Ireland only where introduced." — Eds.] HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION AT THE ANTIPODES. The Horticultural Society of Canterbury, New Zealand, held its final Exhibition for the season on February 28th. The Ex- hibition, I am sorry to say, was not patronised by the public to the extent that it decidedly merited on this occasion. The display of flowers far exceeded the show of fruit and vegetables. This last Exhibition for the season certainly surpassed the pre- vious two as regards the number, variety, and growth of the articles which were contributed. I send you a few notes I made on the occasion, which you must receive in the shape of gossip. I omit the long list of prizes awarded, and if you knew the intrinsic value of each award it would furnish you with a good hearty laugh. I will begin with pot plants, which were shown in great pro- fusion. The Fuchsias were really magnificent ; some of the plants were 5 feet high and 5 feet through. They consisted of Sir Cohn Campbell, Souvenir de Chiswick, Rose of Caatille, Guiding Star, and some others ; these formed the most attrac- tive part of the show of flowers, and I may say there was not much else in this department to arrest the attention of those accustomed to good shows. I must say also that the Fuchsias were the finest I have seen in the province, and equal to any I ever saw at Chiswick years ago. I must specially notice some Gloxinias, Achimenes, Gesnera zebrina, and Clerodendron fragrans, as being without doubt the first time I have seen them exhibited here. They were beautifully in flower and well culti- vated, and much admired by the visitors ; many questions being asked about them as well. I missed from the plant- stages this year Humea elegans and Perilla naukinensis, which had a very graceful appearance mingled amongst the other plants. Stove plants seem to be creeping in to fiU up their place. I am looking forward to see Orchids amongst us at no very distant period. Marble Balsams and Cockscombs were well represented on the table amongst other subjects, and are becoming very fashionable at our exhibitions. They put me in mind of those formerly exhibited at Chiswick about the year 1840 by Mr. Wm. Cock, which no doubt will be fresh in the memory of many of your readers. We have not been able to come up to him yet in growing Pelargoniums to such a large size, nor do I think we ever shall. Our Pelargoniums are grown BO as to form much smaller and more compact plants. We are not far behind, however, in the growth of the Fuchsia. Of native Ferns I noticed only one collection which, accord- ing to the schedule, should be twelve in number. Amongst them were Lomaria elongata, L. nigra, L. discolor, Aspleninm bulbiferum, Cyathea dealbata, Dicksonia squarrosa, Phymatodes Billardieri, C'heilanthes tenuifolia, Leptopteris hymenophyl- loidea, and several others. They well deserved the small prize awarded, 7s. M. Seven-and-sixpence for a prize for twelve Ferns in pots 1 Why, it is ridiculous. I was sorry not to find in the collection Asplenium Hookerianum, for it is pretty plentiful in our bushes. I noticed at the Exhibition, in the shape of dried plants, a handsome species of Gleicbenia, brought from our west coast gold field. I understand that plants of it are looking healthy with us as well. Your Fern- growers will be pleased to hear this. The taste for indigenous Ferns here is quite in the bud. We have an endless vanety of them. I hope in course of time the taste for them will grow fully ripe amongst us, and that we shall see the bud fully ex- panded. We are not short of material to work on, I can assure ycu. In finishing with pot plants I mnst not forget to mention double Petunias, which, mixed with the Fuchsias on the stages, had a very pleasing effect. We have them of all sliades and colours, with flowers exactly like a double Dahlia or Hollyhock, and equal in size to a good Rose, and fragrant in scent. We can grow bedding-out plants here, and well too ; neither are florist's flowers forgotten amongst us. We have progressed wonderfully in this way. Seeds of choice Verbenas, Petunias, &c., keep arriving every mail by post, thanks to our friends at home for sending them. Of cut flowers, our Dahlias were not so fine aa usual, owing 4M JOUBNAL OF HORTICtTLTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDBNER. t Klfilt.' to bad weather ; a good raany were staged. nevertlieleBd. Ri>ge8 were inferior in quality, as is nsnnl at this late Benson. What were shown were of th? Bourbon eection. I never recollect having seen so poor a show of the queen of flowtrn. PaoKies were not so good a-< usual, though competition was being car- ried on in earnest wntli them. I expected to have seen a much better show of tliem and better culture. Some spilies of very fine varieties of Gladiolus attiacted much notice. Some of tiie new varieties amve every year when we receive our annual supply of Dutch bulbs. Marigolds, both French and African, were r.ither meagrely shown ; one or two blooms of the foi-mer were only worth notice. One beiiutiful haudbouqnct exhibited was, to my thinking, faultless. In bouquets, both table and band, I cannot but record a decided and gratifyirg advance on former years. For the first time a collection of Helichrysumg were exhibited, and they were beautifully arranged. Of fruit, some of the kinds of fruit exhibited were fine and large, but as to flavour and quality little was said by the .Judges. I will endeavour to make up for this deficiency by stating what I think about the subjects of exhibition. I will begin with the Grapes. The bunches of Blaclc Hamburgh wore a decided im- provement on other years, the bunches much larger, and of course heavier. They were only deficient in colour, having been cut too soon. We grow ve;y good Grapes out of doors now in sheltered pl.-ices, as well as Fig.^, which we could not grow seven year.-- ago. Peaches were well represented by the Boyal (ieorge and other sorts. Royal Georges being the largust, the Judges awarded the first prize to them, though tliey were deficieiit in colour. Other Peaches were there of mnchbetter colour, and, in my humble opinion, a ripe Peach looks nothing without a good rosy cheek. The temptation to help one's self was nearly irresistible, particularly to taste the Grapes and virgin honey in comb. Apples were a great deal better repre- sented than Pears ; some of the Apples were of very large size. For the first time three Water Melons were e chibited, grown in the open air, and of a good average size. I think I have now enumerated all the fruit worthy of notice. From some cause or other the exhibition of fruit this year cannot be compared with exhibitions of other years. The in- terest felt in exhibiting fruit seems to be dying out and becom- ing neglected. Exhibitors here, as well as at home, have an eye to profit as well as fame. Fruit and vegetables are the " backbone " of our exhibitions here fox the present, and if our Managing Committee would offer better prizes of real sterling worth they would soon find a great improvement in the productions. With better eucouragemcnt, better productions wiU follow no doubt, and more of them for competition. The show of vegetables was highly creditable, and was an evidence of the suitability, soil, and climate of the province to produce, not only the esculents in common use, but likewise those that are regarded as delicacies of the table. To finish with. I may mention that in addition to the prizes awarded by the Judges, a gold medal, mannfiictured of Canter- bnry gold, was exhibited during the day for inspection by one of the_ Managing Committee, and the medal is to be presented as a prize to the gardener who shall have obtained the greatest nnmber of prizes at the three last Exhibitions of the Society. I consider the medal to be a very creditable specimen of colonial workmanship. My brother gardeners here, of old Adam's trade, have determined to celebrate the occasion of this medal being presented by an anniversary dinner.— William Swale, Aron- sfrfc ISotanic Gardcm, Cantcrbuitj, New /.ealand. I Stir the surface of the soil wherever the late rains have oikeii it. Above all things watoli for slugs, which are verv ininioron WORK FOR THE \\T2EK. lilTCnEX GARDEX. See that the directions given in foi-mer calendars have been attended to: where, from unavoidable causos, snch has not been the case, lose no time in doing so now. Prepare trenches for early CehTij by throwing out the soil from 1 foot to 18 inolies deep ; and for the early crop, which is seldom allowed to stand till it attains full size. 21 feet between the trenches will be sufficient. Dig into the trench C inches of old hotbed dung, which for Celery is preferable to that which is rank and new ; and as soon as the plants are ready plant them oarefuUv. making a hole for the ball with o garden trowel, choosinga dnll day for the operation, finishing with a good watering, and where practicable, shade for a time in bright weather. Little else can be added to last week's directions. Keep the hoe going. I'rick-out all sorts of advancing seedlings, that they toay get stocky and gain strength before their final ■planting. this season ; sprinkle crops they are apt to attack with Boot aod lime mixetl, and lay traps for them, such as cabhago loavee, slates, pieces of board, &c., and turn them over daily, when ; numbers v.ill be found on the side that baa been nei^t tb« ground, and can be destroyed. FDHII OABDES. I Strawberry plantations mu3t now have a final hoeing tin 1 aftei- the fruit is gathered, as any stirring of the surface of the soil amongst them would, when the fiiiit is set, cause the sand to adhere to the advancing fruit, and prove very injurious to them. Where spent hops can be irocured cover the ground between the rows with them ; they will keep the fruit clean, and they banish Euails, especially in dry weather, for, by adhering to ! their slimy skin, they make them feel uncomfortable, and, con- sequently, they change their quarters. Where spent hops can- not be procured, the best substitute is wheat straw. Attend to thinning the shoots of Peaches and Apricots on the walls, and lay-in the Apricot wood where sufficiently advanced. PcrBevaro in the destruction of insects on fruit trees as soon as they ore perceived. P>emove some of the watery wood from the Currant bushes, and thin Raspberry suckers. floweb oabden. All annuals should be thinned-out as soon as they are well above ground, for if left to grow too thickly they spoil one another, and never make half the display plants do that are allowed plenty of space, and which are grown strongly from the first. Attend to staking suoh of the herbaeeous plants as require it before they get blown about and injured, and do not huddle the stems together. The early-flowering Tuiij>s, Hya- cinths, Turban Ranuncnlnses, &c., shcidd not be left in the ground after the decay of the foliage, for if wet weather occur* they will bo making fresh roots, which we.iken them for next season. Attend to the propagation of the better t irietiea of Pentstemons, which are very useful plants. Also see to having a good stock of border Picotces and Carnations, whidi are vain- able for cutting. Cuttings of these, if put in before the wood gets too hard, root as freely as Pinks. The time for planting and beddiiii7-out plants in the places where they are to form the great display of the flower garden is now come, and it can- not be too strongly urged upon those who have tliis work to do, that system in arranging the colour is absolutely essential to complete success. By those who have paid much attention to this part of the gardener's business, it must have been often noticed that diiTerent artistes produce very different effects with the same plants, and this upon a careful examination will be fotind to arise more from the judicious arrangement of the colours than from any other circumstance. What can be more beautiful than some of the white Verbenas or the yellow Cal- ceolarias ? but place these two sorts together, and the pure white of the Verbenas is quite destroyed. Neither should colours be placed in violent contrast, because richness of effect is not produced by contrast, but by harmony. Thus, scarlets harmonise with purples or blues ; those again with any orange- coloured flower; pink will harmonise most delicately with any flower of a pure white colour, and violet with yellows. In some eases, however, especially on gravelled terraces, con- trasted colours are very desirable, and the.-e are much more easily managed. Thus, the contrasting colour to scarlet is white, the contrast to purple is yellow, and the contrast of orange is blue, and so on of their different shades. Summer creepers should be grown to some size before being turned out, if early flowers are required. The colours of the flowers of the common Nasturtium are very beantifnl, and if the leaves of the plants are thinned as they grow, interesting effects may be produced by the fli^werp. Plant in rich soil a good supply of Stocks and Asters for the autumn, and sow a succession of anuuaLi for filliug-np any vacancies which may occur, and like- wise another sowing of Mignonette in pots for »he rooms or for filling window-boxes. Look to young shoots of all old Fnohsris stools, let them be thinned out to five or six. Attend dili- gently to standard Roses, constant disbudding is necessary at this period ; also keep down suckers. Let every attention bo paid to propagating reserve 6toth foreign nntl hoine-grnwn produco, nod Uat-j week's qnotatiuu« nro K<^nrraUy maintained. Some Euglinli Greeo PM< fire now cumiiiK in, antl will mutorially infliirnco tho market for those of !-"r*iiih Ktowtli iu fUjother week. Thero bnvo been heavy arrivals of I'otiitoes from the we^t uf England and the Channel Islands, and of good qaality. TEOETABLES. Articbohos each Asparagus handle Boans. Broad., bnshol Kidney 100 Beet, Red do?.. Broccoli bundle Brus. Sprouts >j sieve Cabbage doz.' Capsicums 100 Carrots bonch Cauliflower doz. Celery bundle Cucumbers each pickling .... doz. F-ndivo doz. Fennel bunch Gfirlie lb. Herbs bnnch Horseradish . . bundle Apples }i sieve Apricots do». Cherries lb. Chestnuts buab. Currants, Red ^J BJeve Black do. Figa doz. Filberts lb. Coba 100 lbs. Gooseberries . . (inart Grapes, Hothouse, .lb. Lemons 100 p. d. 8. (1 n 8 too 6 8 0 R 0 0 u II 0 2 0 a 0 a 0 8 0 1 0 0 1 0 6 1) 0 1 0 2 0 0 n II 0 0 4 0 8 a () fi 0 2 0 n 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 II 0 •2 0 u 0 0 H 0 0 1 0 II n 0 S 0 0 2 6 4 0 s. d. «. a 4 OtoS 0 0 0 0 0 ■2 1) :< 0 U u 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 u ir. 0 n (1 0 0 n () 0 0 2 0 0 0 » 0 15 0 i; 0 10 0 Lcoka bunoh Lettuce per doz. Mushrooms jjotlle &IuBtd.& Cress, punnet Onions buRbid Parsley sieve Piirsuips doz. Pens per quart Potatoes bushel Kidney do. Radishes . . doz. hands Rhubarb bundlo Savoys dos. Seft-kalo basket Shallots lb. Spinach bushel Tomatoes.... per doR. Turnips bnnch VoRctable Marrows dz. Melons each 8 Nectarines dox. 15 0 80 Oranges 100 6 Peaches doz. SO Pears (dessert) .. doK, 0 kitchen doz. 0 Pino Apples lb. 8 Pltnns V sieve 0 Quinces .... i^j sieve 0 Riispborries lb. 0 Str.iwborries oz. 1 Walnuts bosh. 14 d. 8. d StoO 0 0 1 ft 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 9 6 n 0 fi 0 0 0 ft 0 4 0 8 0 U 0 0 0 n B 0 0 0 i 0 0 K 1) 4 0 6 0 0 e d. s. i 0lol2 0 0 SO 0 0 12 u 0 4^ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 0 11 0 1) 0 0 0 0 n 1 ft 0 20 0 TRADE CATAIiOGUES RECEIVED. B. S. "Williams, Victoria and Paradise Nurseries, Holloway. — cral Cutnloqut' tif Fla7iLi. F. & A. Dickson & Sons, 100, Eastgate Street, and Upton Nurseries, Chester. — Cataluime of Select Bedding Plants, lic. TO CORRESPONDENTS. • ,♦ We request that no one will wiite privately to the depart- mental writers of tho " Journal of Horticulture, Cottage (lardener, and Connti-y 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, dc, 171, Fleet Street, London, E.C. Insects (B. }iaU\.—V>e examined with a powerfnl mft|?nifier tho soil yon sent, bnt were im»We to discover nny inBccts. If thorc ore ooy %yhich Uide in the soil, j^priuUlu piianu over the surfiice. ExuiBITINo-STASD FOB RoSEs 1 H". H. ilf.|.— Eosc-slnnds shrinld be 1 foot C inches broad, I, inches hi;:h at tho back, and4iuchcs iu front; the leogtb of box will vary according to the nnmber of bl loins. The holes should be abont 6 inches apart, and a tin tube in each to hold water. GERASirjl nj Wixnow {H'.H. 7!.).— 1, We do not reromnlondRnanolob* raised with the soil, bnt yon may nse it advnnlafremisly by dissolrmff an ounce !n a i?allon of water, and with this water the ])lAnt» at every alter- nate watering. 2, The plants should have a shift at once into pots 7 or H inches iin diameter, and not less than 6 inches. 8, Flants thrlTe best in common pots. Devosiensis Rose Flowers sot Opesino (T. r.).— We think the at- mosphere of yimr greonhouso has been kept too cloae and moiat, and th^o temperatnro too low. To open well, a tomporaturo of BO' to 65" is requ- Bite, and a rather dry atmosphere. Bed Spipf.r lUndrr OarJcnfr). — Sec what Mr. Fish says to-day io " Doingfl of Last Week." I EHniTCM.— At page S7C, second column. No. 84, "HeUanthus" shonld b« " UelUnthaB." k ;{:^LJ.iU X''*^-'* May 29, 1866. ] JOUIiNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 409 Azaleas IK Room (M. C.).— Providiuy the room is light, and the plants kept near the glass, yon may keep Azaleas there Jn autumn and winter ; bat they will not dn so well as if kept in a precnhonse ; and thoy will need placing in a warm and moist house to make frrnwth after Ilowering, to secure new growth, and the sotting of the bloom-buds. Though you can keep them in a room,itisnot desirable to do so longer than can be'helped. A few days whilst in bloom do not do them any groat harm ; but, as a rule, it shonld be restricted to that. EucHARiSAMAZONicAKOTRr.noMiNG(Mrm).— Your plant does not bloom becanse the annual growth it* not well ripened. AftertliegroMh is made, expose folly to Hght and air, give no more water than sufficient to prevent the foUflge flngging. and it will bloom in due season. Get a good growth, and well ripen it off. Geraniitm Lord of the Isles Bloom (Idrm).~Thc flowers of this have a tendency to be crumpled and not t.. open flat, it being aggravated Z °i**' ventilating so as to avoid cold currents, and the absence of a slight shade will cause it, as will the plants being attacked by aphis. Wall for Peach Trek (.1 Subscriber, i,i/u/).— Your wall (8 feet), la sufficiently high, and the trees should bo pruned level with the top of the wall. Yon may also raiso the wall as you propose, but it is quite un- necessary, unless you have some other object in view. Seedling Scaelet Pelargoniums ; ThomaJt .9a»t;Mon).— Your seedling Pelargoniiinia appear tu be of the right sort, and although similar to some already before the public, they are of great merit. The deep rose flower of the Christine section is very good, and thn brilliant scarlet Nosegay a very promising flower. There is groat substiuuce and Bmuoth- no?s of petal in all thii a<^odling55, but to arrive at their reapeetivo nierita they must be cnmparcil with others. Seedling PelargnniuiiW are In- numerable. Could you not name thom ? Send some plants for the opinion of tlio Floral Committee, South Kensington ; you would then ascertain their value and merits. Glass (NpoMin^).— Hartley's rough plato glass is the kind you alluda to, probably. Any wholesale draler in glass who advertises in our columns can supply you. You had better write to one or two for prices. Scale (S. ^.1.— The sc.ile ()n your Plum tree may bo a new species of Coccus, but more i)robably C. porsica.'. Applying Guano Water m Dry Weatiier (.^/rn^s)-— There is not the least objoetion to your using guano water, 2 ozs. to the gallon of water, to Strawberries and Roses during dry we.ither; but at such times, and such only, can manure water bo of beiieflt, for in moist weather water is not needed, and any manure applied then are hest given on the surface so that the raius may wash it in. Guano water will injure the blossoms if it touches them. It should be appUed between the ro.vs of the Straw-, berries, a good watering being more efficacious than many dribblets. ,_, Names of Plaitts (H. K".).— Caladium Belleymei. {M. E. M.).—l, Blech-', nam occiilentalo ; 2, Scolopendrium vulgare. rar. cristatum; 8, Asple- nium bulbifcrum. (F. Anoei).—!, Aster fruticosus ; 2. Ciatus ladani- ferus; S, Lisianthus; 4, Cantua buxifolia ; 5, Solanum capsicastrum. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS in the Suburbs of London for the Week ending May 20th. Date. BABOMITEB. THERMOUETER. Wind. Rain in inclies. General Kebiarkb. AlT. Earth. Mai. Min. Max. Mm. 1 Jt. dp. 2 ft. dp. Son... 20 Mon... 21 Taea. . 2-3 Wed. . 23 Thnrs. 24 Fri. .. 25 Sat. .. 2fi Mean 30.875 80.341 .•ie.270 80.140 29.894 29.795 29.627 30.198 80.308 3l].20a 29.905 29.707 29.661 29.590 07 62 &S 71 60 62 73 42 38 SO So 37 40 42 56 67 55J 56 6S 55 65i 02 68 58 58 B2J 52| 58 E. E. E. E. E. E. N.E. .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .50 Very fine thronRliout ; drying wind. Cloudless with lit>t son. and very dry air ; fine at nipht. Dn- haze ; fine bnt cold easterly wind ; and very dry ; frosty at Fine vnth djy air ; fine throu^'liout : eool at night. [night. Cloudy and cold ; boisterous ; fine at night. Very dry easterlv wind ; cold, dry, and windy : OTorcast. 1 nif^bt. Overcast, cold, and dry ; masses o{ white clouds ; heavy rain at tn .'; — r*^ — ' ' — " 30.049 29.987 65.48 37.43 66.71 52.71 •• 0.50 POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE- WOODBrJDGE EXHIBITION OF POULTRY. Tms Show has now heen most successfully carried on for the last five years, and year by year its imi>roved cbaraeter has reflected mnch credit on its management. The whole of the suiTonndin^ neighbour- hood is most rural and pleasant ; and the spring-tide of the year, when the leafage shows in such splendid contrast to the blooms of the Horse Chestnuts, now at their prime, is just the season of all others to attract the visits of those persona whoso lot it may be to spend their days within the limits of popnlons towns. To such individuals the contrast of a " country out " is most covctable, and the attractions of ringing of the church bells, and the perfonnances of the Third Volunteer Band, togetber with a local drum and fife band, each and all vied to draw together as large u company as possitle. Again, the suburbs of Woodbridge are notorious for the abundance of its Nightingales — so much so, that it is not by any means an nncommon occnrrence to hear three or four of these birds singing at the same time on the show grounds, and not a few visitors availed themselves of thii^ opportunity of listening to these charming songsters. In the burial ground belonging to the Seckford Almshouses, not far distant, the Nightingales may also be heard to great advantage, both by night and day, singing as it were a requiem over the bodies of those aged participators in this very excellent charity who are already called to their *' long homo." In proof of the salubrity of this situation, by referinng to the numerous tomhstones we find the shortest-lived had weathered through eisty- four summers, and that the majority had closely approximated to one hundred. By the very kind permission i>f Colonel Long, the Abbey Grounds were thrown open, as heretofore, for the purposes of the Poultry Show. They ore singularly well adapted for such a meeting, and two largo tents erected on the lawn provided thoroughly against every possible exigence of weather that might have aii.sen, but most fortunately the day was very propitious. Mr. Cooke, of Colchester, provided the pens, than which none can he better suited for the purposes of a show. The gi-eatest cleanliness was observed throughout, and the popular ex- pression of gratification was general among all comers. The Woodbridge Show was strong in the (iame classes, Mr. Ma- thews, the well-known Game breeder of Stowmarket, exhibiting a most splendid collection, and as will be seen by consulting the prize list appended, taking no inconsiderable portion of the prizes allotted to these classes, and in the first class all three. A most capital Duck- wing hen shown with one toe altogether deficient, from some previous mishap or other, lost this gentleman, we are told, still another side- board trophy. Sir. James Fletcher, of Manchester, showed some ex- cellent Ductwings, and also obtained a plate premium. The Vvrking does contained a most worthy muster of good birds, but from their owner's mismanagement great numbers of them were sadly diseased in the feet and toes. It cannot be too strongly impressed on Dorking breeders, that the perches used as roostiug-placcs for these weighty birds shonld never bo above 2 feet from the ground. If placed higher, bruised toes and nlcei-ated feet are the inevitable result. Many verjr good individual birds of this breed were shown in the " Selling Class, ' but not matched in feather properly for exhibition. In Cuchim, the Partridge-coloured were mostly very pood, whilst many pons of good Buffs were also shown. The three prize pens of Black iipwnsh wero capital birds, and the two principal ones were exceedingly well shown In Ihahmus. the dark-feathered variety were worthy of especial mention, and obtained the extra cnp for Brahmaa. " dark or light- coloured." The latter variety were deficient in substance. The Golden-spangled Il(imlmrqh.t were remarkably good, and the Silver- spangled but' little inferior. In the last-named class we regret to find Mr. A. K. Wood, of Bumside, Kendal, lost a most excellent hen. She was reported as being dead by the guard in charge of the tram on the railway, on her reaching the" Bishopsgate Station, and certainly ap- peared on her arrival at Woodbridge to have heen dead a considerable time. It is a serious loss to the owner, as it will be an unusually difficult task to replace her. She was without any delay repacked in a small basket and sent back to the owner ; the cock, however, re- mained a solitarv ocenpant of the pen allotted to them, and was a re- markably good specimen. The Silver-pencilled Hamburghs were not at all a first-rate class, bnt the class for " Any other variety of fowls," was capital. La Fliche. Houdans, and Silver-spangled Polands were tho successful breeds ; bnt Rnmpless, White Silks, and a very smgular pen of Cuckoo-coloured Rnmpless, are mentioned in tlie prize list. We cannot speak so highly of the Game Bantam class as of single Game Bantam cocks, the excellence being limited almost exclusively to the winners only. In " Any other variety Bantam class,' Birchen Greys stood first, and some good Japanese were the recipients of the second prize. .,,..■, i-i- The Kouen and Aylesbury Durhs vrere good, bnt the competition was vei-j- limited. Tlie same may be said respecting both the Oeeae and Titrkpiia. . . The /Vi/ivx! premiums being confined to a first and second pm« only, drew out but few competit-n-s, though any breed were "'>• able Tho tirat was taken by Black Carriers, and the soi-oud by Black Magpies. - , , ., Vei7 unfortunately from some mismanagement on the part ot uie raUway authorities, a verj- considerable number ot pens were delayed until tho morning following the arbitrations, and were of neces.sity entirely thro™ out of all chances of prizotaking. In faot, """"Of the baskets of fowls were actaally just come to the Woodbridge Railway Station, when the Judge was baring tho next morning. 1 he re ap- peared to be above a dozen in number by tliis train, mdopendcntly of even a hirger nunntity, that were too late for oompctitiou the night before, though the awBrda had been purposely delayed till erenrng It certainly appears at first sight somewhat inexpUcoble how it should 410 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ H117 29, 1808. oocnr. (bat birJfl sent off iJtogcthor shonltl arrivr in three (llfTcrent consignrnDntfi — n frutnre thtit cnn admit of no other solntion than nc-g- ligcncc on tLo part of the railwny oflicialfi themselves. Certitin it in, do coimiiitteo ronid Ipo raoro uuxiouA to iiI'Uko every one than that ut Wo(*dbriilRD, and nil that tJie mont flcmpulona care add attention <*onld do vas dono in every c^i^e, so Roon as the birds came into iheir hiiuds. Of conrse. to owners it is a matter of cou- siderable SDnoyunee, witbont referring jit all to the wast^'d outlay in carriajic nnd the expense of entrance money. The transit of Hbow poultrj- ou{^ht to be always immediate, to iiroveiit tbefe misbai'H. Gamk (Black-brensted nnd other Reds.— First anil Cap, and Second and Third, S. Matthew, Stowmarket (Brown Reds). HJphly Commended, J. Fletcher. Bloneelnngh, near Manchcptcr (Brown Reds) ; E. Pettitt, Col- ahcptcr (Brdwn Reds). Game (White and Pile?, BlacItB and Brnflt-y-winped).— Prire, S. Hfttihew (Piles). Game (DnckmnpH nnd other Greyn nnd Blnee). — First nnd Cnn, J. Fletcher (DuckwinpB). Sfleond, S.' Matthew (Dnckm'ings). 'Third, J. Goodwin. Hollesley (DtteUwitiRw). Dorking (Coloured vr White).— First rnd Second. H. LioETWood. Need- bam Market (Colom»il). Third, F. Parlctt, Chchuf»(ord (Colourvdi. Hiwhlv Commended. Rev. T. Piilmcr. Trim^ey St. Martin (Coloured); ; J. Frost. Wickhnm Market 'Coloured) : I>. C. Cniupbell. M;D., Brentwood : (Coloured). Couimeuded.W. H. Walker, Shcnfiold, Brentwood (Colourwl) ; I T. Tuthiinj. KJiigstb(irx»e, Northampton. I CocniN-CHJNAirartridKc).— Cup, First and Second, J. Stephens, WniB-iU. 1 Third, W. F. Joeliiig. Chelmsford. CocHiN-ClUNA (Any vftfietv.— First. T. Tathnm (Rnff). Second. Rev. G. Spencer. Attle»H>ro«t;b (Bufl"). Third, U. Linffwood (BuiT). HJKbly Commended. Rev. C. Gilbert, Stumi'shaw HjiU. Norwich. C^inmended. S. Felgate. Ipswjeh (White) ; G. MniininK% Springfield (Buff) ; F. W.Rust, Hastinf:^ (Buff) ; Rev. C. Spencer (Bull'). Spanisu.— First and Second, li. Wright, Holloway Boad, London. Third. J. Stephens. Brahma Pootka (DnrUV— Cup, J. H. Pickles. Bridge Royd. Todmordcn. Second, J. Wrifrht, Woodbridge. iiiwhly Commended, E. Sbecrman^ Chelmsford ; J. Wright; J. K. Fowler. Aylesbury. Brahua Pootra vIiij:;bt)."First .ind Second, J. Pares, Po-stford House, Goildford. Hambcrgh (Gi'dden-Ppanpled). — First. A. K. Wood, Bnrnside, Kendal. Second. E. Garrett. Snnpc Bridge. Highly Commended. J. Wrijjht. Oommended. Rev. T. L. Fellowes, BeiKhton Rectory, Acle, Norfolk ; L F. Lovcrsidge. Newark. Hamecikih (Golden pencilled). — First. C. Havers, Inffatestonep Essex, Second, Rev. T. L. Fellowcs. Highly Commended, Mrs. Burrcll, Ipswich. Hamburgh (?5ilvcr-spanp:Icd\ — First. A, Woods. Second, J. Wright. Haueceoh (Silver-pencilled). — First, T. J. Sal'.marsh, Chelmsford. Second, Kev. T. Ij. Fellowes. Any Varikty. — First and Second. Rev. C. Gilbert (Hnudans and La Fleche). Third, J. Hinton. Hinton, ne;ir Bath (-ilvcr Pobmds). Highly Oommended, Mrs. Bnrrell (Silver-siwngled Polish isnd Silkies) ; E. Pigeon, Lympsitone, ncnr Kxeter (La Flechci; W. A. Lethbrid'.:re. Bottisbam, Cambridco (Creve Ctturf. Comniended. T. Bryant. Chediston, Hales- wortb (Rumple^s); J. Read, Liu^tcod. Mugna (KumplciiEi) ; W. A. Lcth bridge (La Fliohe). Bantams (Gnmel.— First, G. Mr.nnirg. Second. R. E. Poslsns, Brent- wood. Third. H. Snnshall, Gedney, near Wisbeacb. Bamtams (Any variety).— First, Mrs. Pattison. Maldon, Esses (Dnck- wing). Second. E. Pigeon (Japanese). High!y C'-muiended, G. Manning (Golden Sebright : Mrs. Burrcll (RumplessJ ; Mrs. baltmnrsb. Chelms- ford (Gold-lnced Sebright). Selling Class. -First nnd Second, F. A. Kent, Kesprave, Woodbridge, Snffolk (Coloured Dorkings). Third. D. C. Campbell. M.D. ( Coloured Dorkin^-^). Highly Commended, .1. FroFt, Wickhnm Market (Coloured Dorkincsi. Commended. R. Goodwyn. Woodbridge (Game Dnckwing). Game Cock.— First. S. Matthew. Second, E. Pettitt. Highly Com- mended. W. G. Mnriel. WicUjiim Mnrket. Bantam Cock.— First. Rev. G. Raynor. Kelvedon Hatch. Brentwood. Second, Mrs. Sheerman. Highly Commended, E. Pigeon. Commended, R. Garrett. DccKS (White Aylesbnn,-).— First and Second, J. K. Fowler. Highly Comn'cnded, Kev. M. Pi- Bernard, Margavetting, Ingateatone. Ducks (Rouen). — First, P^ev. T. L. Fellowes. Second, J. K. Fowler. GcEsr. — Prize. C. Capon. Frnmlingbam. TuEKEVs.-^Fiitt. C. Capon (Black Noilulk'. Second, R. Garrett. Pigeons (Any variety).— First, J. Bas;:', Ipswich (Corriei-s). Second, E; "Pigeon (Mngpies). Comnicndod, R. Goodwyn l Carriers). Judge; — Edward Hc-witt. F.sq.. Eden Cottage, Sparkbrook. Bir- mincham. SHEFFIELD EXHIBITION OF POULTRY AXI) PIGEONS. "It cannot be dif^pnted that the Show jnst held at Sheffield has f roved by far the be?t that has ever yit taken place in that locality, t arpean that the Sheffield Shows have been hithei-to not so pecn- nianly snccessfnl as was expected, bnt the Comnrittee of this year determined to leave no stono nntnmcd that might tend to increase its popnlarity and con?cnucnt success ; therefore, they have added an exhibition of Bogs, a featnrethat evidently possesses mnch attraction. This leads to a passing remark that may prove usefol to onr •^enaral rwlway companies, if they listen to the snggestion, and may prevent a great amount of vexation and loss to both themselves as publio com- panies, and alto to parties who feel the deepest interest in the objects they exhibit. ^Ve allnde to the verj- rpprchensiblo practice of packing dogs in the same van with poultrj- of any kind duiinf; transit to shows. Every one mnst adroit that dotrs as well as poultry share in tlie general excitement 6f rail^Tay trareUiog, ond, ccnseqneiitly, it cannot be a matter of astonitihmrnt if, when birds are noisily excitable, th^ phonld rereire injnn* from' doiis «hw«ly confined with them — dogs, too, that |>«rhaps have KithfH-to bei-n 1 altogether nnaceosiomed to »nch j>onttry clamour. AU the particnlarii (*f thcso t-aAC« we have not been favonrcd with, thiM'uforo can only give the results eo far as tlm* h*T« i-omo to nnr knowledf^. ^s. Vardley'g well-known pen of Yeltow Dragon I'igeous. the prirc-winners at many and many a show, wtto not only killi-d but almost entirely eaten by a dog on tht^ir jouni* v to the Show, their assailant baring ripped up his ow-n basket and lli-ir's iUso to effcot his purpose. *' lioinaine," a very celobratA^'d bull dog, considered by jndget^ tho best Loll dog of the day. and for whieh thft owner gave £150 only a very few months back, was found dead, ap- parently from suffocation ; and a very valuablo LiUh of tho saiuo excittibi breed proved on itsi arrival so far pone tliat it was only re- covered after great ditlicnUy. coupled with the mo- 1 anii'tns attentioD for several hnnrs. Snrely for the future, railway i-onipanies will aee I the absolute ueeosHity of providing separate vans for dogs; and HPy careful observer at the Sheflield Show might easily perceive by'tho broken phimnge of varions pens, how continnons mast have been the iilarm of the birds from the close proximity of their ferocious a&sail&nts when travelling. But enough has been said on a subject by no means pleaRUnible to tUlatc upon. Tho Show W.13 held on the Cricket Gronnd. about two miles or a little better from the centre of the town — a lovely ?pot for the purpose, bnt to oar mind one a little too far ont for visitors. Tho weather was in every sense '^ Qncen's we-ither." and the public seemed thoroughly to enjoy the treat provided. It is only voiy rarely so capital a class of SjjaniJi fowls meets the eyo of an amateur, and Mr. Bcldon may well he proud of his success; for in addition to first prize in the Spanish clas<^, his excellent pen obtained the extra -prize of a case of fifty-three pieces of the best eutlerj', liberally presented by one of the Committee. Mr. Brown, to insure a jjood entiy. It was quite evident that this prize was intrinsi- cally worth fitr more th»n represented on the prize schedule — a featnre most creditabUi to the donor. The Grey Dor/.i-i{/s were mostly sadly ont of foathcr, bnt there was an abundance of good birds. Somo ^Vlute Dorkings verc also weU shown. Mr. Brierley's Game cocts proved 000 of the great attractions of tho Show, though shown among a whole host of by no means unworthy rivals. Most of tho Game were exceedingly good, bnt several pens lost position from having the ncek-h.ickles and saddle-feathers " trimmed," a practice that is not required by a good bird, and by no means im- proves an iudiflfereut one. It would be well if the habit was abandoned altogether, though, we are sorry to add, it has now become far too general. Though there was a numerous entr}- of Oame. JiaHtariin, the generality of them were not first-rate. Tho Spangled Hamhurtjhs were all that conld he expected^ but tho Pencilled ones were not worthy of remark. The PoUah fowls were an exhibition in themselves. The Brahimtn, though inclnding a numerous entry, were not'soch aa micht have been expected. Tho Cot'hiu classes contained many most excellent specimens, but the end of May is unfavourable to their being shown in first-rate con- dition . The entrj' of the *' Sin,^le Game Hens ' was capital, but. perhaps, no task could have been asjdgned to the .Judges more ciitical than the awarding prizes to Game hens, many of which were inveterat«ly *' broody." The ]>uck classes for Ronens and Aylesburys were really defirient, bnt an unusually good extra Dock class made nmple compensation. In this. Mandarin^. Oarolinas. Grey Calls, and «onie other varietiw wore shoMu in the highest possible perfection of health and plumage. The extra class for '* Any variety of poultry," contained Hoadans, La Fleche, tinelderlandp, Indian (iame, Sec. There were also shewn in the Bantam classes some capital Japanese. Tho ** iSelling Clasws," for both Pigeons and poultri-, were an entire snccess, the entries being most abundant, and sale?; were plentiful. These classes arc, of late, generally well filled, and frequently, too, with birds superior to thoAJ shown for the general prizes. Tlie show of Pigeons was throughout, witbont question, rrmarkahly good ; so nineh so. as not only to elicit tho highest approval of the Judges, Messrs. Hewitt and Teebay. but also the warmest admiration of tho many Pigeon amateurs present. In brief, the Short-faced Tumblers were perfection ittujlf. as were not a few of the Po\\i«rs, Owls, and Toy varieties. The extra prize for the best collection of Pigeons was obtained by Mr. Yardley, of Birmingham, with a very meritorious nnd extensive selection. All the arrangements were good: the Committee, themSelTes 'being amateurs, looked persomiUy to every detail, and the result necessarily was, even,thiug was sernpalonsly clean itnd in order. Under the present management we sincerely hope the Shrffield Committee may be able io secure for their town the high position a ]X)ultTy show ought to maintain in the northern counties, where bo many of our leading ponltry breeders are located. We published the list of prizetakers last week. Cirencester Pottltrt Bnow.^Sinee my few lines on tlus * Show last week, the schcdtilc has undergone some cbajage. A May 2D, 1866. ] JOURNAL OF HOSTICULTDRE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. 411 Polish class has been added, and the second prizes increased in all the classes to 15»., the third prize being withdrawn except in the selling class, the restricted price in this class being fixed at £2. The Bantam classes and tho Duck classes still have second prize 10.>-. In lieu of a silver cup for the best single cock in the sweepstake classes, the best bird in each class will receive an additional prize of 7s. 6rf. This is a good alteration. The prizes arc most liberal for the entry — viz., 3s., and we southerners must trust that the Show will prove Buccessful. — T. B. A. Z. NEW BOOK. The Apiarij : or Bees, Bee Iliies, and Bee Culture. By Alfeed Neighbohk. Second edition. London: Kent & Co., and Geo. Neighbour & Sons. Mb. NEiGHBorE's book, the first edition of which was noticed by us in February 1805, now makes its appearance in a new guise, being reduced from demy 8vo. to crown 8vo., whilst the number of its pages is increased from 134 to 274, with but a slight increase in price. In addition to a description of the various hives and apiarian apparatus sold b; the well-kuown firm of which the author is a member, it contains a con- siderable amount of geucrallv accurate information compiled from the best authorities, Mr. Woodbury's contributions to our pages beiug in particular heavily drawn upon. A new feature in this edition is a couple of steel plates illustrative of the anatomy of the bee, engraved by Mr. E. W. Robinson with his customary ability; embracing also coloured delineations of tho three sexes of the Ligurian or Italian variety of honey bee. Of these illustrations that of the queen is the best, the worker not doing justice to the elegant and graceful form of the original; whilst the drone is simply a faded cabinet specimen wbicli has shrunk to the length of the worker. Mr. Neighbour possesses a very great advantage over a mere compiler in that he is himself a practical beekeeper, and divers anecdotes of his experience are related by him in a light and amusing manner. For this reason, also, the infor- mation conveyed in his pages is, as we have already stated, very generally correct, although he may occasionally be found tripping. For instance : it is stated in page 17 that the eggs of drones and queens " are hatched in warm summer weather, a higher temperature being necessary ;" whereas a queen has been known to be hatched at Christmas, and natural drones frequently make their appearance in March, whUst in stocks possessed of drone-breeding queens they come to perfection much earlier. In page 22 wo are told that " the cause of a swarm learing the stock hive is that the population has grown too large for it," an idea which has frequently been disproved. In the new chapter on the anatomy of the bee we are assured that it is with the foremost pair of its six legs that " the bee mJoads the little pellets from the baskets on her thighs ; " we can only conclude, therefore, that the writer has never seen a worker bee perform this everyday and simple action. In page 169 it is stated that for the successful fonnation of an artificial swarm it is " necessary that the hive contain drones ;" another mistake, as the presence of drones in neighbouring hives is sufficient. We are also told that when bees are likely to in- commode workmen or others, instead of confining them, " it is better to move the hive a few paces." We certainly should not be disposed to envy either the workmen or the beea where such an expedient has been resorted fo. Mr. Neighbour copies the Rev. Mr. Tristram's erroneous statement, that the Italian variety of honey bee is indigenous in Palestine, and remarks thereupon — " Does not evidence such as this point to the conclusion, th.at the bees which Samson found iu the carcase of the li^m were Liguriam) .' and may we not further speculate that the ribs of tho carcase con- stituted the first bnr-hive f" Whatever may be thought of this latter rather fanciful speculation, it is certain that Mi-. Tristram's evidence is inconect, there being no doubt whatever that, as stated by Mr. Woodbury in our pages a few weeks ago, the Syrian hmiey bee is entirely distinct from that of Italy. The engraving copied from KJeine's work and representing a royal cell on the edge of a comb protected by a wire pipe- cover, embodies an idea which, like others of our German friends, is mure ingenious than practical. Wc were omselvcs somewhat taken with it at the time, but having submitted it to the test of experiment in queeu-reariug operations, we soon discovered it to be of no value whatever. We cannot but think that a little: more care might have been advantageously bestowed upon ihe index, which is frequenilj incorrect. A good index is, beyond qutation, a most valuable adjunct to a work of this kind; but one which so often refers the inquirer to a wrong instead of to tho right page, is likely to prove a soro trial both of his temper and bis patience. Notv.-ithstanding this drawback, Mr. Neighbour may be con- sidered as having performed his task in a creditable manner, and substantially to have attained the end at which ho pro- fesses to have aimed — viz., that of producing a "handy book which should contain full and detailed replies sufiiciout to meet all ordinary inquiries." SPARROWS EATING LIVE BEES. I BEE by a letter in your last week's Journal that we bee- keepers need not fear sparrows eating our bees, but only tom- tits perpetrating that enormity. Up to last week I was myself of that opinion, never having seen sparrows attempting apicide nor would I have believed any one who had told me the con- trary, thinking they must have made a mistake. However, on Sunday last, in the middle of the day, I noticed one of these birds jumping up at the hives, and immediately flying a few yards off, and there hammering a bee held iu its beak, and then starting off to its neut with the wiugs and legs of the insect left behind. In a few moments back it came again, renewing the operation, and this time accompanied by its mate, both of them flying away each witlr a ladeu bee. On further watching I not only saw this couple, but two other couples doing the same thing, each flying to its ovm nost and I feeding their young. So rapidly were they doing this, that I there was always one bird at least on the ground iu front of my hives, and sometimes three. Hitherto I have rather en- j couraged these birds building round my house and stables, and i at that time there were at least fifteen or more with young I and eggs in various stages of progi-ession. I immediately ' ordered their destruction, and the next morning. my gardener told me he had found more than fifteen young -birds, which, with skc destroyed by myself, made twenty-one young sparrows offered up to the manes of departed bees. I have kept boos for more than twenty-five years, yet Ihad never before noticed such au occurrence ; and I believe it to be an exceptional thiv.g, ov.ing to the dry, harsh, easterly winds and cold nights preventing the development of insect life, upon which almost entirely the young sparrows are fed. ' Driven hard to find subsistence for hungi-y mouths, the parents had recourse to living bees, and dearly they have paid for their temerity. 'ttTiether this has been the cause or uot I do not know, biit most of iry hives are very backward and no honey collected, whereas this time last year they were making honev fast. — A Bl.\ckhi;ateas. I P.S.— I have this day (23rd), had my first swarm ; very larg*. DO SW.OIMS e\t:r issue before drones MAKE THEIR ^U^rEAR.VNCE '.' My reason for asking is, that on the 14* inst. I opened my Ligurian hive, which I received from Mr. Woodbury in October last, and I could not find the queen, but I found five sealed royal cells. There were not the least signs of drones, drone brood, or drone eggs, and tho population seemed to have de- creased ; and there appeared to be no breeding going on, there being no young brood iu the hive. I opened the .'^amo hive agam on the 18th inst., and found the royal cells being torn open, and the young queens, two of wliich were killed, making their appearance. I captured one, and placed her in a nuoleus-boi with a comb of bees out of the parent hive, and gave her a broodcomb out of a Clack stock. I also placed the comb con- taining the only roval cell that was not torn open into another nucleus-box, after having brushed the bees back into the hive, and added to it a black broodcomb well covered with bees. I could onlv find ono more queen, which Heft in the parent hive. Is it possible that the mother of thoi hive may have led off a swarm ? or what do you think has become of her ? They have never shown the lea<=t signs of swarming. There is not a single drone, cither Italian or English, to be seen in my apiary, which consists of one Liguriau rtock and five Euiihth stoohs, all of which are in Woodbury hives, and the two nuclei before mentioned. I have been vcrv particular to discourage drone- breeding among my black bees by cutting out all the drone- 412 JOURNAL OF HOBTIGULTUBH AND COTTAGK GARDENER. [ Uay 29. 1886. Oomb as fast as it is bnilt, so that my queens may become im- pregnated only by LiRiirian drones ; and now I have no drones at all. My English bees are brfledinp fast, but the Italians seem to bo at a staud-stiil. If my Ligurian mother has gone off with a swarm, or met with her death, may I expect to keep my Ligurians pure under the present circumstances? or, in other words, will the young queens to which I have alluded commence and continue drone-breeding until they become im- pregnated by their own progeny ? or would it be better for me to purchase another swarm or stock containing a good supply of drones ?— A. E., Birmingham. [Swarms rarely, if ever, issue before the appearance of drones ; but in your ease the question does not arise, there appearing, unfortunately, no doubt whatever that the Italian queen is actually defunct, and the stock must, therefore, con- tinue to retrograde until the young queen becomes capable of recruiting the waning population. Notwithstanding the paucity of drones in your own apiary, we beUcve j-our young queens will succeed in their wetkUng" flights. They cannot under the oircnmstances fail of being hybridised, as it is certain that they cannot be fertilised by their own male progeny. We do not see that you can do better than obtain another stock with which, under the circumstances, we doubt not Mr. Woodbury will willingly supply you at a moderate expense.] BEES WINTERED IN THE UNICOMB HIVE. I DEEM it worth mentioning, that I have managed for the first time to presen-e a unicomb hive alive through winter and spring. In former years my observatory hives were always visited with dysentery in winter, and died out before the middle of March. To preserve the requisite degree of heat in such hives, the bees must draw very largely upon their stores ; and if confined by reason of cold only ten days or a fortnight, their bodies become surcharged, and death or dysentery follows. About the end of December last, the unicomb I speak of had dwindled down, through dysentery, to the merest handful of bees, and I had no expectation of preserving any bees alive in it tin the middle or end of January. It occurred to me, how- ever, that it might answer a good end wore I to line the interior of the glass with paper to within 3 inche.^ of the top. I did so, and augured well of the process, from seeing the excellent article of Mr. Langstroth on the employment of wooUen cloth as a covering for wooden hives in winter. As soon as the paper was fouled by discharges, I renewed it. The bees lived and were healthy, and on the 22nd of March the queen com- menced egg-biying. Unfortunately not an egg has been hatched to Ufe, owing to the very small number of bees, and the hitherto ungenial season ; but on the 8th of May the queen and her daily diminishing retinue were alive and vigor- ous, and, as the experiment succeeded in most hopeless circum- Btances, I have since joined the few surviving bees to another hive. In the course of my experiments some interesting facts in connection with dysentery were evolved. For instance : a high wind blowing in at the mouth of the hive invariably brought on an attack, causing as it did the consumption of food to bo doubled. Several times the bees approximated the description given by Mr. Woodbury of the complaint -which he hypotheti- cally termed dropsy. At the close of a gale many of them were greatly swollen, and emitted a fluid nearly transparent. The advantage arising from the paper Uning consisted in the facihtyof ascent which it afforded to the bees seelung egress in vain. A bee labouring under retention of the fieoes has very great difliculty in ascending the cold glass, and often perishes in the effort. This accounts for so many in a dying State being found at the bottom of a nnicomb glass hive after a cold night. From what came under my observation, I have little doubt that a paper Uning would prove a benefit to box hives in presenting them from internal moisture, but as yet I have only partially tested it. Contrary to expectation, I have two hives in boxes made of half-inch wood, which have wintered uncommonly well. They were unprotected in any way, and one of them contained only six frames. Though not intended for the purpose, they are at this moment good stock hives. Frequently in March, at 9 a.m., the thermometer indicated 14° of frost, but it did not seem to affect the bees in the very least, notwithstanding the thin walls protecting them. It must be confessed, however, that the past winter has, on the whole, been very favourable to the apiary. True, the hives are in a backward state, but a little fine weather now would soon pnt them into a very flourish- ing condition. — R. S. OUR LETTER BOX. Rat Trap is. D. .*?.).— Our corrcBpondont wishes to know where " tjnclc JamcB's Intalliblo Kill Trap" moutioned by the Ric Subicriber"*. — You have little to complain of. Your fowls have laid and done well during three months. Towards the end of the laying, it Is common for the eggs to get lighter. Nature is getting tired. Much of the shabbiness of the plumage may be attributed to the long-continued attentions of the cock ; the rest to the fact they have worn the same clothing ever since last antumn, and it is getting shabby. As soon as they leave off laying, the strength that has produced the egg will he diverted into another channel, and will supply fresh clothing. Potatoes are not good food for fowls confined in a small space. They are not nutritive enough. Y'our midday meal is good : let that in the morning and evening consist of oatmeal slaked with water, brewer's grains are too stimulating, and act injuriously. Pheasant Malays een crossed in England with Golden- spangled Hamburghs. The hens weigh about 4 lbs., the cocks 6 lbs. each. The Versicolor Pheasant is a native of Japan. It is not larger than our English birds. A pair of pure binis is worth about £14. Their colour is a rich purple, varying in shade and brilliancy with every motion of the bird. Hee-IJook for a Beginner — Ornasiental Hive (ff. S., Gcdmy). — '* Bee-keeping for the Many" sent free from this office for five stamps. Messrs. Neighbour. 149, Regent Street, and 127, Holbom, or Mr. Pettitt. Snargate Street, Dover, supply ornamental hives. Jim« 9, 1866. ] JOTIRNAIi OP HOBTICTJLTUEB AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. 4U WEEKLY CALENDAR. of Month Day I of Week.! JUNE 5-12, 1866. To W Th F S Sen M Adenandra omsna. Adenandra uiilflDm, Anthocerci'^ viscosa. Aphelcxia haulllis. Azaleas. 2 Sunday after Tkinity. St. Babmabas. AveraKO Temperature Bain in last 39 years. Son near London. Bises. Day. NiRht. Mean. Days. m. h. 70.7 47.1 68.9 22 48 a! 3 66.8 47.7 57.2 •il 47 3 68.9 47.2 58.1 15 47 3 lo.-i 46.8 68.5 15 46 3 69.9 47..'; 68.7 20 46 3 71.1 47.4 59.2 19 45 3 71.7 4«.l 59.9 13 45 3 Son Sets. m. h. 8af8 9 « ATooQ. I Moon Rises Sets. m. b. m. h. mom. I 45afl0 ISalO I 57 11 45 0 I after. 14 1 I 26 2 43 1 ! 45 S 16 2 I S 5 57 2 20 6 Mooto'a Ago. Days 22 ( 24 25 26 27 2S Clod: after Sun. Day of Year. 156 157 158 1.59 160 IGl 162 From obserrations taken near London during the last thirty-nine years, the average day temperatore of the week is 69.9*^ ; and its nigtit temperature 4r.4. The greatest heat was 90^. on the 6th and 7th, 1816 ; and the lowest cold 34^, on the 9th, 1862. The greatest fall o* rain was 1.18 inch. X.B. — The Calendar contains the names of plants flowering in the greenhouse. CULTIVATION OF THE FIG. ON WALLS. , the growth of Figs in our climate a south aspect is indispensable. The trees will gi'ow, and show fruit plentii'idly on east and west aspects sn far north as the Tweed, and yet the;- rarely, if ever, ripen a crop. Even on south walls in exposed and elevated situations the fruit ripens seldom rather tlian in general. Soil. — The Fig tree does best on a wann soil — good sandy or light loam on gravel, and on such soil it will ripen a crop in tlie miijority of seasons. On the other hand, if the soil is strong and cold tlie growth is great, and the fruit are large, but thej' ripen only occasionally, as during a sunny and hot summer like the last. Unless tiie soil be rather light and shallow, gravelly, and well drained naturally, borders afford- ing these conditions should be formed. Dig out the soil to the deptli of 2 feet ;J iuchcs, and let the bottom slope from the wall to the front of the border, where there should be a di-ain to carry off the water, llie bottom should be covered with :> inches of concrete, which may consist of lime riddlings laid on in tliin layers, and beaten firm — it cannot be rammed too firmly ; and on tliis place (i inches of brickbats, broken st against Nature. Wiy, child, the leaves come to feed the flowers !" " You are a dunce, cousin Walter, with all your book learning. It never will have leaves on again ; I am not »are it will ever flower after what you have done. I have cared fcr it, watered it, and kept it clean, and loved it for nearly two jears, all for your great rough hands to knock off." " Non- sense, child, it never meant to flower there, or if it did, why there are lots of buds left. But see, I will show you where the flowers come from — out of the pseudo-bulb down here, and t?ierc is not the least appearance of growth." And cousin Walter pushed it close to a damp wall, and I tried hard to lorget it, not even going to look at it for more than a week. When 1 did go, to my great surpri-e I found it standing in a warm, sunny place in a forcing-vinery. The flower-buds, un- ■ystakeable, were swelling on the old stems, and the leaves on the resting shoots were green, and thick, and leathery. Two or three weeks more and then out it burst into marvellous Veanty, seeming to do all its work one moonlight night. There were five, seven — twelve blooms, all opening as if by magic to the May sun. And then the household flocked out to see the new flower, and the master said, " Who would have thought it!" and the gardener, " I could not have believed it ; but then Tnever had much to do with such things." And cousinWalter Sited his hat to the fair lady flower, and said softly, " Oh ! Ii&nd, I am so sorry I knocked off the buds." And I looked at it, and loved it more, and said, " I will never part with it, for it was a gift," and the giver had gone " far away." So the tn>nt>les of the Dendrobium nobile were at an end. — Maud. LOM) LYON PELARGONIUM. Is jonr report of the International Horticultural Exhibition Tcbserve your reporter says : " WTay Lord Lyon f Pelargonium] Aid not receive a first-class certificate we do not know." Per- mit me, as a great admher and a grower in a small way of Pelargoniums, to express my great surprise that this really splendid flower was passed over by the gentlemen who awarded certificates to Alfred and Favourite. To my mind neither of these flowers was at all equal to Lord Lyon. It is possible, foi I only saw the flowers ou the Friday, that Lord Lyon might Dot have had a good bloom on it when the awards were made ; if it had, I am unable to conceive any reason for passing it over. — P. Messes. Watered & GnnFBEv's Snow of Americ.vs Plants ja the Eoyal Horticultural Society's garden at South Kensing- ton has just been opened, and will well repay a visit. Besides plants in splendid bloom of the best of the older kinds of Bhododendrons, and others rapidly coming on, there are several seedlings shown for the first time. These, and the «xliiIution B^erally, we hope to notice next week..;;,ii._; -^inr:- 1 T015ACC0 CULTURE IN ENGLAND. TiiK growth of Tobacco for fumigating, ornamental, or other purposes is a subject of some importance to the readers of this Journal, consequently I forward for insertion the following correspondence, the replies to my letters coming from an official source— viz.. Inland Revenue, Somerset House : — " Sir, — Can yon inform me how much Tobacco, to be used simply and solely for fumigating-purposes in greenhouses, maj be grown on English, Scotch, or Irish soil without infringing the law ? May the quantity planted exceed one-half of one pole? See sec. 1 of 1 & 2 William IV., c. 13 flS31.) la any person who grows more than the above-mentioned quantity for fumigating-purposes, or ' who sets, plants, or improves to grow ' any Tobacco plants for ornamental purposes liable to a penaltj, and if so, would that penalty be enforced ? — X." " Sir, — I am desired to acquaint yon, in reply to yonr in- quiries of the 1st inst., that the growth of Tobacco is absolutely prohibited in the United Kingdom, with thecxceptions of any ]ihysic garden of cither University, or a private garden for chirurgprv', and in this case the quantity planted is not to exceed half a pole. The penalty for planting in any case, with the above exceptions, is £12 for every rod or pole of ground, and the Board would certainly feel it to be their duty to enforce the law in this respect. — W. C" •• Sir, — I am much obliged to you for your letter of the 5tii inst., and the information contained therein. The only point I am now uncertain about is whether the word 'chirurgery' includes Tobacco grown simply and solely to destroy insects, itc, on plants in greenhouses or elsewhere in a private gar- den.—X. " P.S. — As the subject is of great importance to gardeners and others who do not wish to break the law, would you mind my sending copies of my letters and of the replies for insertion in a .Toumal where the subject is now under discussion, as the law is at present imperfectly understood ? " " Sir, — H.aving laid before the Board your further letter of the 7th inst., I am desired to acquaint you in reply, that the exception to the absolute prohibition of the growth of Tobacco in the United Kingdom in favour of a private garden for chirurgery would certainly not extend to the growtli of that article for the purpose of destroying insects on plants in green- houses or elsewhere in a private garden. The Acts containing the prohibition and exceptions are the 12 Charles II., c. 34, 15 Charles II., c. 7, and the 1 i: 2 William IV., c. 13. I am to add, that the Board have no objection to the publication of this correspondence if you desire it. — W. C." The Acts mentioned will be found referred to at page 287 o'f yoiu: Journal. — X., Surrey. NEW BOOK. Gardm Architrctnre and Landscape Gardening. By JoHtt AiiTHCR HroiTEs. London : Longman & Co. This is a useful and clever book, but, which was not to be expected, it is also an amusing book. It would be amusing if it were only by the style in which it is written. Gratiano tells us that " there are a sort of men" who so deport themselves as if they would say — " I am Sir Ornclo, .\nd when I ope my Ups, let no dog bark ! " (iratiano, however, did not confess that he was one thus seemingly "dress'd in an opinion of profound conceit ; " but Mr. Hughes does not shrink from such confession, and so enamoured is he of his own conceits, that he blazons both at the commencement and conclusion of his volume, that he feels that no apology is needed for its "apparent dogmatism." Apparent ! Wliy it is dogmatism pure and simple from end to end. We do not intimate that the dogmas are erroneous ; but, then, if we are heretical enough not to believe in some, we are made to feel at the time that if our author were Grand Inquisitor of an architectural Inquisition, we should promptly be the prime performers in an avio da re. For example, he begins by saying " Uxiti. that is to say, hrcatith." Now we, not having the fear of the Inquisitor to deter us, venture to say that " Unity is not breadth." There must be unity to render breadth iileasing, but they are not identical. Uiiity may be achieved even in a narrow space. Unity and harm'onv are synonymous in our opinion. Again, in iUufltrating " breadth," Mr. Hughes says that balustrades at the end of a walk should be divided by two piers into three Jane S, 1666. ] JOURNAIj of HOBTICtJLTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. Toids. Now, here we venture to differ from him. One pier in the centre, and only one void on each side, in our opiuiou gives a greater breadth, and is most pleasing to the eye. As " breadih " required tea pages of illustration, we antici- pated that to " variety " and " contrast " at least as many would have been devoted; but Mr. Hughes dismisses them thus — " The writer does not think that variety and contrast need any special illustrations, iua.^much as every one knovrs what is meant by these terms." It is quite true that every ■one knows what is meant by " variety," but it is quite as true that in garden arrangements nothing is more difficult to attain than harmonous variety. Having thus dared "to differ, let us next give a few brief extracts in justihcation of our opinion that it is a useful and clever work. Paeish JliTs. — To many of our readers it will be new and Dsefid information, that " there is a public office in St. James's Square, where may be found the map of every parish in Eng- land, and whtre a copy of any portion can be obtained for a very small sum, and in a very short time." Trees near the House and Lawn. — "Trees in any con- siderable quantity should not be suffered very near the house ; they are causes of much damp. A Cedar is one of the least objectionable trees for such a situation, as it is dry in itself, does not check the current of air like an Elm or Beech, nor does it hold such a body of damp. The Pinaster is equally free fiom objection. A Yew or Thorn will do no harm, be- cause they are mostly of small size, and will not screen large portions of the walls from the sun and wind. But when large £lms. Beeches, and Sycamores, are allowed to almost overhang the roofs, choking the gutters, darkening the rooms, and ne the whole external and internal decoration would have to be changed at great cost ; in the other it is only the trouble of making or destroying a few walks and beds. A few loads of earth to make a bank, and a few yards of cutting, wiU materi- .ally alter the style of a garden ; and as we are prepared for .greater caprice, we are not shocked at slight incongruities. In digging up almost any old garden, remains of still older can be traced, and this in cases where we know the house itself has not been altered. " The writer has always thought that the architecture of gar- dens should be to a certain extent florid — that is to say, more so than the house. Perhaps it is, that being in the midst of flowers, leaves, tendrils, and delicate forms generally, the transition to extreme simpUcity is too violent, and shocks the .spectator. " As an example : A perfectly plain die or pedestal of polished ;granite or marble would bo considered quite good enough, and, indeed, most appropriate to support a handsome vase, tazza, or bust, if within-doors, whether in sculpture-gallery, hall, library, or observatory, yet this does not look well in a garden, where a pedestal of fantastically carved freestone would be more pleasing. The; glitter of the polished. surface ia destruc- trre to all repose;"' X." "'Ji-ivij ud i,ii..jt iii« i U l^'j i^lu .. We cannot afford space for more extracts, although we have many marked. The work is illustrated by more than 130 ex- cellent woodcuts, which render the author's directions and opinions readily understood. PROPRIETORSHIP IN HOME-GRO-WN SEEDS. A gabdesek having collected and dried seeds, having first supplied his master's garden, is the overplus the property of his master or for the gardener's own disposal ? — X. Y. Z. [The seeds belong to the master. His soil produced them, and he paid for the labour which cultivated and dressed them. — Eds.] A PEEP AT THE WOODS IN ODD PLACES.— No. 5. OIL PALM— CANE. Having had a peep at the JMangrove, and a few of its com- panious, I will now show a much more elegant, though not so noble a tree, the one being an exogen, and the other an endogen. Before showing the lovely Oil Palm fElais guineensis), I must ask my reader to follow me out of the Bonny river, where we are at present lying, into the New Calabar river — (these so- called rivers are only different arms of the delta of the Niger, to which sailors give the.se titles in consequence of the re- spective towns standing on them ; thus amongst seafaring men the Thames is almost invariably called the liondon river, and the Mersey the Liverpool river) — and let us pass up stream through the salt marsh district until we reach the higher country, in which the Elais guineensis grows. As we want water for the ship, we will take a boat and some water-casks to bring it back, the boat's crew being composed of Crewe boys, since white men cannot stand the labour of rowing in the sun so well, and are more valuable on board the vessel. The boat is now ready, so we will away. Between the Bonny and New Calabar river is a narrow channel formed by an island on one side, and a gently rising headland, or rather sandbank, on the other. This headland is most richly covered with line Mangrove timber, and presents a very beautiful appearance, yet in spite of its beauty it bears a very evil name, bemg called Crucifixion Point, on account of a most horrible transaction said to have taken place there, in which a boat's crew were captured by the natives and eaten, with the exception of the officer m charge, who was crucified on one of the trees, head downwards, and there left to die. He was discovered and taken on board his ship, where he lived long enough to narrate the story, and then expired. Though numbers of the natives suffered for this foul deed, the actual perpetrators were never known, but one chief in particular was suspected on account of his acknowledged detestation of the whites, and his penchant for cannibalism. Our boat, however, has fortunately escaped safely through the pass, and is now floating in the New Calabar river, so let us turn our faces up the stream, and make the best of our way to the town, for here we shall have to stop for a few hours to enable us to obtain a native to act as pilot and interpreter, for we are going into a country in which neither English nor the Crewe language is spoken or understood ; and as we shall be compelled to hold some communication with the natives of the different territories through which we must pass, all of whom are troubled with the bumps of pugnacity and cannibalism, it would be unpleasant not to know what they mean, should they tell us to stand and deliver some portion of our goods, or demand an explanation of our presence in that country. We should, of course, feel it extremely unpoHshed couduct on our part to go on without returning an answer to what might possibly be a polite speech, through our barbarian ignorance of their euphonious language, the verbal mode of communication of any of these tribes seeming to be carried on by Bounds varying in sweetness from the bass grunt of a pig to the mclUfluous nasai whine of a thorough-bred Yankee. Passing up a fine wide river lined on both sides with mag- nificent foliage of all descriptions, from various kinds of grass to enormous timber trees, we came in sight of the vessels lying moored off the town of New Calabar, the natives of which town liave, as I see by a recent account in a Liverpool paper, been indulging in their old offence of cannibalism, for having gone to war, or rather made a raid upon the Brassmen, and taken a number of prisoners, they, according to custom, killed and made a feast of them. But this having nothing to do with our present trip to view the Oil Palm, we wiU leave them, and having taken our guide and pilot (who is hkewise responsible 418 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ( Jnno :., 1866. for onr welfare) on board, we will proceed on onr journey ; and Bs the reach of tlie rivor in which the town stands ig a Iodr one, we will take this opportanity of describing the guide before entering on the more interesting country. Our pilot is a gentle- man of most decided colour, being as black as the ace of spades, with lips of most astounding size; his uoso looked as if made of black shoemaker's wax, which one day, whilst its owner had been lying on his back in the sun, having been exposed to too great a heat, had become softened and had flattened aud spread over a largo portion of his face. Notwithstanding the general want of comeliness of his features, aud what would be the whites of tho eyes in Europeans, in his being ochro- coloured, the boy, for he was only about fourteen or fifteen years of age, was a very easy, good-tempered being, and con- trived to make himself much liked during the time ho was with ns. He was one of the numerous sons of the king, and a great favourite of his father, consequently, a person of some im- portance, and, therefore, of no small value to us as a guide especially as all the tribes through which we went were, to some extent, inimical to whites. After rounding the first bend in the river the stream became narrower and more rapid ; and though it was now getting on towards evening we continued to row on, for I was anxious to gain a wider part of the river before dark, which our guide assured me could easily be done if the Crewe boys would row well ; and he was right, for success crowned their labours, and we dropped anchor for tho night in a fine wide reach, which was about 500 or GOO vards across. We had been pulling since noon through a beautiful vista of noble trees and twining pknts, to all appearance growing out of the water, for the land is so low and swampy that it seems scarcely to rise above the level of the water, especially as the most lovely little watery ways open in all directions, looking hke green country lanes branching oil from the main high road ; and here was constantly to be seen a solitary canoe paddling away at full speed, or some lazy old alligator swimming leisurely along. Flocks of parrots, too, screamed about amongst the trees, an'd now and then a wizen-faced monkey would pup his head round some branch of a tree, and then spring chattering away. With regard to alligators, they here seem to be held in as much respect as the sharks are about Bonny, for we passed a number of small i and its quality and conVenT.^it houses about 3 feet square, made of a kind of bamboo frame '■ '= ■- ■ • , .''^'?."'^°' covered with white calico, on examining which we foniul onmc i i.nu .."i- i« ■ i,- u " ; — "' " Oil Palm nuts, a pair of liVe white fowlstandsometimes a kmd ^^-f^^^'"^'- l"" ^:^."=^ '^J'- compartments, the flat surface of of cake or bread. These our guide told us were juju— that is sacred, and were intended as sacrifices to the alligators, with ■which the river swarms, to propitiate them, and keep them in good humour. Now, we being hungi-y and partial to poultrv, personated their sacred highnesses the alligators, and took tlie fowls wherever we could lay our hands ou them ; and I must give our guide credit for being more enlightened, or else sunk in much deeper ignorance than his countrymen generally, for he took to robbing the juju-houses quite as readilv, and to the full as eagerly as the unbelieving white men. Early next morning, indeed before dayhght, there being a beautiful moon, we hove anchor and continued our onward passage. About sunrise we came to an extensive open space more than half a mile across, where a number of the arms of the delta converged, and which was dotted with numerous small islets, most exquisitely clothed with tall green grass, and various kinds of tropical p"lantp, chiefly shrubs. Fancy what must have been our delight on suddenly coming from a long straight strip of water not more than 150 yards across, and closed in on both sides by a wall of taU forest trees, to emerge at once upon a lovely scene like this, especially lighted up by the glorious slanting rays of the rising sun, bright and cloudless as it often is iu the tropics, throwing one portion into sombre shade, whilst the other appeared still more brilhantly illmninated by the contrast. It was a scene of such surpassing loveliness, that I have never looked upon the hke since, and I have never forgotten it. This beautiful spot stands between the territories of the Cricqui-men and the Booqui-men, and we had riot gone far into the possessions of the latter before an amusing incident took j.lace, showing how small the communi- cation is between tlie whites and these tribes. We saw a partv on shore around a tire, and our guide told me thev were dning fish, so I asked him to procure some, which after a good deal of coaxing to prevail on them to approach, they never having seen whites before, he managed to efiect. He induced these poor wretches, by setting them the example, to taste some ship's biscuit, which seemed to be quite to their liking ; he then persuaded them to taste some sugar, which they had no sooner done than they paddled ashore to their companions as hard as they conid go, exclaiming, as onr pilot interpreted to ns, that the white men had some salt which tasted like honey. Having passed through the Booqui torritorj-, we at lencth came to that of the Ebo or Elebo men, in which tho Elms gnineensis grows, and where a large portion of the palm oil obtained in this part of Africa, is manufactured. Tho inha- bitants of this district are a powerful, warlike, treacherons race, and much superior to the tribes surrounding them, all of whom seem to stand more or less in awe of them. Here then 13 to be seen the beautiful Oil Palm. It is a tallish tree' and, like all the other Palms, has a long straight stem and an elegant head of feather-like leaves, beneath which grow clusters of fruit, berries are perhaps the best name for them which, when fully ripe, arc of a deep orange or red colour.' These hemes being ripe are gathered and placed in a rat where they are subjected to pressure, and the oil is thus ex- pressed. That which comes first is called not pahn oil, bnt palm butter,, and is the very finest of the oil. It is used by the natives as we use butter, and when fresh is a dchcions substitute for it, being very much of the consistency of fresh butter, bnt of a beautiful deep orange colour. The oil after being expressed is put into large casks or puncheons, which are supplied to the natives by the white traders, who are princi- pally in this neighbourhood Liverpool merchants, the trad© itself having originated ont of the slave trade in the following manner :— The late Sir .7. Tobin, of Liverpool, sent out to the coast of Africa a vessel to be loaded with slaves, but whilst she was loading news came that the slave trade was abolished, and, therefore, another cargo had to be found. The vessel being plentifully supplied with soldiers' buttons fthen a great article of trade), beads, and other commodities suitable for the traffic in niggers, and palm oil, at that time almost unknown m Europe, being tolerably plentiful, a portion of a cargo was at once procured, enough to bring the ship home in more than ballast trim. This was sold at an enormous profit ; and other vessels were at once fitted out to trade for this article, which now forms a large item in the imports of Liverpool. The oil when brought down to the vessels for sale is often most enormously adulterated, either with water, mud, or sand, and its quality and consequent value as far as these adultera- tions go is ascertained in the following manner :— A long, steel, rlinder, in which are compartments, the flat surface of which is fitted with a slide running the whole length of the instrument, is thrust through the bunghole to the bottom of the cask, and then the shde, which has been drawn np, is pushed down, of course enclosing a portion of oil in each division. The contents of these compartments are separately emptied into a copper fning-pan, and heated over a fire, when the oil, which is thick, becomes melted, and nuite fluid ; then the water and dirt, or water or dirt, sink to the' bottom, and the oil is poured off, leaving these adulterations in the pan, and thus showing to what extent the oil is impure. If the oil is taken the cask is hoisted on board the ship, and boiled in a large iron vessel, the oil itself floating on the top, and the impurities sinking to the bottom ; the former is then drawn off, and, whilst hot, run into casks stowed in the hold of the vessel, which, when full, are carefully bnnged-up, and another tier stowed, and so on tUl the ship is loaded. The vessels engaged in the palm-oil trade have to Temain generally for months in some river on the coast of Africa, and as all boiling, &c., goes on upon deck, the first thing done after mooring ship is to house her in. For this purpose the upper masts are brought on deck or sent on shore : large spars are lashed high up between the lower masts, and from these long poles are sloped down nearly to the sides of the ship in jnst the same way a.s the roof of a house is formed; across these, again, lighter poles are lashed, making a trelliswork, and over the whole mats are sewn iu such a manner as to make a cover- ing impervious to rain, aud, of course, to the sun, which in the tropics is nt mid-day, indeed for the greater part of the day, unbearable to Europeans. These mats are made of the pith, or rather inside fibre of a species of cane, which grows np the country. It is a most elegant and beautiful plant, growing from an immense crown after the manner of some of the Grasses, each frond or leaf varying from 10 to IS feet or more in length, tapering from the root to the top, and having oppo- site pairs of lance-shaped leaflets niiuiing all up the leafstalk, the pairs being placed nearer together as they approach the apex, but at the base as much as :j or 4 feet apart. The main rib is semi-cylindrical, and is covered with a strong silicions coat, which is stripped off, and being very durable and elastic — indeed, almost as much so as whalebone — is split into thin Jane 5, 18G6. ] JODBNAL OP HORTICULTUEE AKD COTTAGE GABDENER. 419 slips, and when bound together is used for brooms, and by the natives for many other purposes ; whilst the inside, which greatly resembles the inside of the common Rattan, though of much looser and softer fibre, is ripped into slips, and sewn to- gether by the natives to form mats, which they use for build- ing their huts. They are also used by Europeans, as I have mentioned above, for rooting or housing-in their ships, like- wise for dunnage and various other purposes. — A Suuoeon. NEW ZEiVLAND "\"EGETATION. A GABDENEit residing amongst us here has been on a botanical excursion to our West Coast gold fields. He has just returned, and brought with him a collection of native Ferns and other specimens of plants. I send you what he wrote in one of our local newspapers : — " A portion of them are intended to be cultivated here, and the remainder to be transmitted to England in Wardiau cases. Some of them are of great beauty, and comprise many specimens not hitherto classed in any botanical work on the Flora of the colony." He describes the Mosses found on the West Coast soil as being of a very curious and interesting character — " many of the trees in the bush being so enveloped by pendent Moss, that it is difficult even for a practised eye to distinguish their species." I had the pleasure of seeing some of his specimens in a dried state at our late horticultural show, but I am not able to pronounce much about them; still, if they are really new, they will be a great acquisition for those who love Fern- growing. When they arrive in England, either diy or alive, no doubt we shall soon find out their real worth, and whether they have hitherto been " classed " in any botanical work before. I am sure that it is a fine (new) field now open for a collector from England. — William Swale, Canterbury, New Zealand. THE INTERNATIONAL HORTICULTUR.VL EXHIBITION. On the evening of May 31st this most splendid Exhibition closed, and we visited it during its last day ; but we regret that we did so, for it was like hstening to a harp from which some of the strings were away and others out of tune — the harmony was gone. Though the " banquet-hall " was not quite deserted, yet many were the " garlands dead." None of onr " friends linked together " were there ; and the few visitors adjourned at intervals into the Boyal Horticultural Society's garden, and ate bread and cheese out of pocket-handkerchiefs, and drank cold toddy out of green-glass medicine-bottles. There was no intense absorbing interest in the plants as during the first days. Roses were faded ; Oranges were fallen ; the graceful Dacrydiiun was eihausted ; the Pelargonium flowers were scattered, and so were those of the smaller Azaleas. The Caladiums were curled up, and some, as C. argyrites, dead ; the AmaryUises were bron-ned ; the Orchids were nearly all carried home ; and other plants were set wide and poverty-like apart to fill up vacancies. Yet by far the larger portion of the plants were in full vigour. Tlie larger Azaleas looked as bright as they did on the first morning ; the Rhododendrons were more striking, for their noble heads of flowers were fully expanded ; and the water at the foot of the rockwork was quite clear, evidencing that its turbidity at first was occasioned by the cement lining the basins being then unhardened. It savours of cynicism to dwell as we have upon the unavoid- able falling away of the beauty dependant upon short-lived flowers ; but not a shade of ill will actuates our remarks — they arose simply from regret that there should be any weakening of the memories of that bright and graceful Exhibition, now a thing of the past. It was indeed a most brilliant and most successful concentration of gardeners' achievements ; and in .years to come, when a similar Exhibition is secured, it will be sufficient praise if truth is in the decision, " This equals the Exhibition of 18GG." One of the woodcuts which accompany our pages to-day re- presents a portion of tlie Exhibition which was decidedly the most attractive. Its foreground was occupied by the marvellous Azaleas from Mr. Turner's nursery — marvellous not only on account of their size, but of their skilful cultivation ; and this foreground, flanked by the elevations crowned with tro- pical vegetation, by the rockwork and its Ferns, freshened and enMvened by the cascades, combined in one view fragments of each picturesque feature of the Exhibition. The other woodcut affords a specimen of each of Mr. March's table decorations— the larger bemg one of the three for the dmiug-room, and the other of the three for the drawing-room. Such ornaments for the diuing-table are confessedly the most difficult arrangements that taste has to achieve. If very dwarf they are insignificant, except to the guests beside them ; if of medium height, and closely ornamented with flowers and foliage, they mtercept all ris-a-vis communication, and destroy the effect which ought to be produced by the tout cuaemhlc of the table. If tall, so that a portion of the floral decoration is above the heads of the guests, and the remainder on the level of the table, the effect of those 6e|)arated portions of decoration IS extraordinarily weakened. Mr. T. C. March's designs, we think, avoid all these defects. Though of medium height, the upper part is of a form not to obstruct the eye of the guest in any direction, yet the floral decoration is sufficiently raised to entirely rescue it from being considered insignificant even by the guests most distant from it. The DiNNEii-TAiiLE Decoiution had on the centre device blue and white Iris and double Narcissus, foUage of the same, and a few Ferns and variegated leaves in character. The border had small plants of Lily of the Valley and of Ferns, intermixed with Ivy. The tu-u side devices, rather smaller than the centre, bore crimson and rose Rhododendrons, with buds and foliage of the same ; a few variegated leaves ; Vir- ginian Creeper leaves round the top border, and some Maiden- hair Fern. The frame of each of the devices, or epergnes, was of solid glass, and rested on a plateau of silvered glass ornamented with glass chain work, and there were three corresponding chains of glass from the top to the base. The specimens shown were intended for a large banquet or buffet. The proportions would require to be reduced for an ordinary dinner table. The dinner-table decoration exhibited by Mrs. Lermitte, of Finchley, to which the first prize was awarded, consisted of three cu-cles of looking-glass, having an edging of Ferns, Ly- copods, and a few flowers interspersed, with a few taller fronds, and pieces of the white-variegated Cyperus alteruifolius, stand- ing above the rest, or hanging over the glass. The central glass, which was the largest, was arched over with white coral, partially concealed by fronds of Adiantums and Golden Fern. Altogether this was a tasteful and elegant arrangement, which did the exhibitor much credit. The DiiAwiNG-RooM Decou-ition from Mr. March had for its flowers Lily of the Valley only, with the exception of a purple Lielia, with three blooms, in the centre, a few variegated stove plant leaves, and Japanese Honeysuckle twining up the stem. There was a glass rod in the centre, to which were attached three light glass chains, and the glass dish supporting the rod was placed upon a silvered glass plateau encircled with crystal beads. The Bouquets had one marked superiority over those ex- hibited in preWous years — they were of moderate size, the largest were not much more than 6 inches in diameter. Last year they were full 9 inches in diameter, and appeared a cum- brance rather than a decoration to the bearer. In form, too, we marked an improvement. They were all more tending to the pyramidal, whereas formerly the object seemed to be to form a huge disc, more fitted to fill a tazza than to be held in the hands. One departure from good taste, however, still prevailed, and admits of no defence — namely, bordering bouquets with blonde lace and vanJyked paper. It is an offensive mingUng of the uatmal and artificial. If a fi'inge to a bouquet is needed it should be slight, and of the Maiden-hair or other dehcately- fronded Fern. The Bride's Bouquet, exhibited the first day by Mr. Lucking, which won the first prize, was composed of Orange blossom, Stephanotis, Gardenie-s, white Roses, Lilies of the Valley, white Azaleas, white Primulas, Maiden-hair Fern, and Myrtle. This had faded by the second morning, and was replaced by a bouquet, the first row of which was of white Primulas, the second of white Geranium, the third of Orange blossoms, the fourth of Stephanotis, the pyramid completed by sprays of Lily of the Valley. A \T.BV competent judge has furnished us with the following notes : — " I confess being somewhat disappointed in the collection of decorative objects, as a whole, that were entered for competition at the late International Horticultural Show. Certainly there 4ao JOUBNALi OF IIOBTICULTUEE AKD COTTAGE GABDENEE. ( Jiiao i, uae. were some good dosigna, and one or two now ones deserving o( lurther improvement ; sti)!, as a whole, they did not exliibit that advance which bo niuny of the other features of the Show presented over its contt mporaries. The window-boxes offered little but what may be met with in most squares in London, the hanging-baskets were not by any means good, and the head-wreaths were confined to one set. The plant cases for drawing-rooms, however, were good ; and there were some good designs for dinner and drawing-room table decoration, the former especially being well represented, and deserving of special no- tice as a class. " Excellent and meritorious as was the arrangement of the plants which constituted by far the most important feature of this remarkable Show, the same care and attention to grouping the objects here alluded to were certainly not exercised — in fact, it is not saying too much to observe that many visitors never saw thtm, tlioy being arranged in the arcades at the farthest end of the Horticultural Garden, near the conserva- tory ; and even there they were placed without that regard for general effect which was manifested in the tent. They were, however, near enough the observer to be scrutinised in detail ; and a fair competition was entered into for the prizes for Dinner-table Decoihtions ; and one or two depaitures from the original design of the Misses March showed an advance in the right direction. I must, however, first endeavour to describe those to which the prizes were awarded, and in doing so I at once admit that I cordially agree in the judgment. The first prize was awarded to a neatly dressed glass basket, the bow or handle scarcely exceeding 10 inches high, measuring from the table- cloth ; but springing up by the sides of the handle were glass sprigs resembling some of those fine forms of marine produc- tion 80 often met with in collections of such things. This, being white, hut not transparent, formed a nice gi-oundwork on which to lay a Fern or other foliage ; and in the example given only one small frond was reared against this glass hedge, and it was ample. The body of the basket was also very sparingly dressed, and that, too, with very common things ; and the whole befitted either a dinner table, or, if taken singly, each of its parts might do for the drawing-room. I have said that the whole framework and its dressing were low — not exceeding a foot high at most, thereby enabling company seated at table to have an unlimited view of each other, as has been at times nrged by writers in this .Journal. " The second prize was for a return to what may be called the March design of years ago, though in point of artistic merit the design fell slaort of it. It was a top dish elevated on an ornamental stalk, with the bottom dish divided into com- partments, each containing some good specimens of fruits, as Grapes, Ktrawberries, &c. Valuable flowers tastefully arranged in the dressing of it gave it an imposing appear- ance. There was, however, a sort of intermediate stand or dish up the side of the central stalk, which might, if not care- fully dressed, interfere with that important feature which it is evident the Judges wished to keep clear — that is, the Une of yision. " The third prize was given to Mr. T. C. March's design, which I hope to see again exhibited in a reduced form. A glass stalk rose perpendicularly from the centre of a circular glass mirror, and from the outer edges of this mirror glass chains connected it with the tup of the central stalk. These glass chains were not by any means small and fragile, hut sturdy- looking links, stouter than those of iron tho,t are used by wag- goners for yoking horses, and they, not being tight, gave a graceful and easy bend to what was in reality a brace. The outer rim of this mirror was very tastefully dressed with flowers and foliage; and a little, but very little, of these was laid against the three chains, which formed so important a part of the design, the whole requiring very little of either flowers or foliage. It was the impression of mauy that this design was the most meritorious one shown, and I am inclined to the same opinion ; but it was much too large, and I hope to see it reduced quite one-third in all its parts. •• Following these was a design at once novel and pleasing. A central stem rose from the bottom dish ; and midway up this stem branches, hooked at their ends, projected a little way on each of the three sides, on which small baskets were hung, there being a small top dish as well, but the latter, of course, fixed. The whole apparatus was of glass, and I hope to see it again, or some modification of it ; unfortunately, it struck mo at the time as not being very neatly dressed, otherwise it might have stood a better chance. It was, however, superior to mnuy that were there, and as a move in the direction of furnishing something in the way of a glass cpcrgne, I expect to see it further improved ; as it is, it may be dressed without the pen- dent baskets, but the latter seemed to give it importance. " The other designs were mostly such as have been described in the reports of former shows, and with one or two exceptions were all pretty well done. One cntrj-, however, in this depart- ment had evidently been intended for the next number (222), table plateau, as it presented a scries of scrollwork, being com- posed of slight metal troughs, not more than 2 inches wide, and not so deep, which being clothed with flowers and foliage looked pretty well ; but occupying, as it did, a space of nearly 6 feet long by 3 feet wide, its presence on the dinner table could not be tolerated. The term, however, is evidently not well under- stood by exhibitors, as the only entry fell short of what was considered to imply a table plateau, and I am by no means sanguine that this will ever be popular. It may be all very well to copy a fashionable flower garden, and give its details in miniature, but such things partake more of the toy than of the ornamental. " Flower-stands for the drawing-room table were suppUed by Mr. March, and to one of them the first prize was awarded. It resembled in some degree one of the prize dinner-table de- signs, and was tastefully supplied with flowers, not profusely as were some others which were passed by, but carefully and neatly arranged. I nevertheless think that designs for stands in this department may be yet further improved, and if manu- facturers would take the hint and supply us with something. that required but little dressing, they would confer a boon on those whose means are limited. I haU the first-prize design for a dinner-tacle decoration as a step in the right direction, and- trust to see others equally economically arranged with regard to the flowers required to furnish them. " PiiiNT Cases for the drawing-room were shown in tolerable numbers. Here, however lespecially in the prize ones), the merit of the article was more due to the manager of the plants inside than to the manufacturer; they were mostly glass cases, plain at bottom, with curved or arched tops, and might contain from G to 10 or more cubic feet. The plants generally em- ployed were Ferns, Lycopods, Sedums, and the prize case had a Cactus in flower in it. Most of the cases were planted so as to show the contents on all sides, and many of them were well done, and contained excellent selections of plants ; but it wa* evident that some had been got up for the occasion, and their good looks were not likely to continue. I would commend this branch of the ornamental department to the mechanical world, for it is evident that much improvement in the make of such stands may yet be effected, while still more may be done for window jardinets, which are as yet far from being complete. " Window Boxes were of the usual ornamental type, and appeared to be composed of Staffordshire pottery ; perhaps some were enamelled slabs, and possibly others of iron. A very prettily filled box obtained the first prize, the plants being Lobelia, Geranium, Calceolaria, Mignonette, itc, all wel^ flowered. Those from the other competitors in this class were not so well managed ; the box itself in the prize one was not the best, but its contents were exquisite. " Hanoing Baskets were badly represented, and I do not wonder at it. Plants suitable for this purpose cannot be put in at the moment and made to look well — they must under any circumstances have a few days to re-arrange their foliage ; so- that to look well they ought to he carried to the Show intact, which is not easily accomplished. The baskets to which a second prize was awarded were not hung, and, consequently, could not be judged of projierly. There was one exquisite basket of Maiden-hair Fern, but the conditions required three. Another set was entirely filled with Dracienas, not by any means adapted to the purpose, for which, in part at least, pen- dent plants are indispensable. '• Weddino Bodqlets were rather numerous, but the make and material of one represented the many. Wedding bouquets as a whole are not showy, the absence of coloured flowers is against them. Camellias, Azaleae, Stephanotis, Koses, Orange blossom, with sprigs of Lycopodium, Ferns, and now and then Myrtle, formed the principiJ flowers nsed, not forgetting Lily of the Valley. Generally the bouquets presented the usual Mushroom shape, the flowers flat and formal, which was, however, relieved by a spray of Adiantum, or some other Fern overlying the mass. One or two exhibi- tors had attempted to modify the stifi' Mushroom-headed out- line by inserting sprigs of Spinia japouica and other flowers of like character ; but the misfortune is, that such bouquets wiU not bear the ordinary usage of being held horizontally jmie 5, wee. ] JbtJENAli OP HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB. 421 and obliquely, in which ways, as a matter of necessity, they must be held. Doubtless, it was for this reason that the prizes were awarded to bonquets of the ordinary form, as practice has found out that they endure the wear of use best. I was, however, glad to see, that the largest of these mono- tonous objects were passed by, and I hope to see a further reform in these monsters. Much allowance, however, must be made for these things, as the public are very jealous of any inno- vation, and I noticed one very nice bouquet to which no card of approbation was aSixed. Its flowers and arrangement were faultless, but it had in addition a few sprigs of " Forget-me- not," which, independent of the poetic feeling attaching to the name, improved the appearance of the bouquet very much ; but I suppose it was not held orthodox, and if allowed, Roses of colour. Heartsease, and many other plants alike poetical and emblematical might claim a place, so that, perhaps, it was best to exclude it. "Bouquets ron Balls were in great force, but did not pre- sent anything remarkable in outUne. I have for some time regarded these objects in much the same light as if they were made of wax or artificial work, so truly mechanical are they in their make, and when dissected ii will be seen that wire forms a very important item in their construction. Generally on passing through the middle row of Covent Garden, one may see some examples of the class of bouquets here described, and quite as good. As a whole they were much too large, but the flowers were good. " Head Dresses oe Wreaths were shown only by one ex- hibitor, and I think such ornaments cannot well be exhi- bited without something else with them. The foundation of the flower-wreaths I think ought to be defined by something which the merchant of finery can enter more fully into than I can do ; at the same time natural flowers as objects of orna- ment cannot be too strongly advocated, but let moderation guide the manufacturer. The example at the Show was cer- tainly too bulky." The following is an approximation to the number of visitors to the Exhibition during the past week — viz., Monday, 16,000; Tuesday, 30,000 ; AVednesday, 25,000 ; and Thursday, 11,000. In giving an account of an Exhibition so extensive as that which has just closed, where the subjects numbered thousands and covered acres, many omissions have occurred, and these, as well as a reb~mne of the papers read at the Botanical Con- gress, we purpose to supply in future Numbers. On Friday and Saturday last Mr. J. C. Stevens, the well-known Auctioneer of King Street, Covent Garden, held a sale of plants exhibited by Messrs. Bull, Lee, Standish, Turner, Lane, W. Paul, Fraser, Ivery & Son, Jackman & Son, Osbom, J. Verschaffelt, and others. The following are the prices realised by some of the lots : — Three specimen Hollies from Mr. W. Paul, £2 8s. and £2 Ws. ; a specimen Taxus cheshunt- iensis and T. Dovastoni, £3 ; Thuja gigantea and aurea, £4. From Mr. Fraser, Lea Bridge, Azalea Etoile de Gand, 2J feet by 2, and A. Lateritia, 4 feet by 2}, £3 ; A. Perryana, 4 feet by 2J, and A. Lateritia, 3' feet by 2J,£3; Pleroma elegans, 4 feet by 3}, .£1 lis. From Mr. Tiuner, Slough, Thujopsis borealis, £1 lfi.<. ; Picea Nordmanniana, £4 ; Pseudolarix Kasmpferi and Eetinospora obtusa, £3 17s. 6d. From Mr. Watson, St. Albans, Dicksonia squarrosa, £5 ; Cyathea deal- bata, £8 10s.; C. Smithii, £4; Hymenophyllum cristatum, £5; H. dilatatum, £4 4s. ; H. scabrum, £5 5s. ; H. demissum, £5 ; H. flexuosum, £5 10s. From Messrs. Jackman ct Son, Ilex dipyrena, 3{ feet, and I. Watereriana, 5 feet, £3 12s. Gd. ; PhiUyrea angustifolia, 3i feet, and P. ilicifolia, 5 feet, £1 12s. ; Arbutus unedo, 5 feet, .i'l 14s. ; and lots of twenty-five choice Ehododendrons from £2 10s. to £3 .5s. From M. Bleu, Cala- dium Impfiratrice Eugenie, £12 12s. From Mr. Standish, Ascot, Ehododendrons Nelsoni and Prince Ai-thur, £5 10s. ; General Cabrera and Star of England, £3 .5s. ; other lots of two, £1 12s. to £1 17s. From Messrs. Lane a large specimen Azalea Alba melior, £2 6s. ; Criterion, 4 feet high, and Chelsoni, £2 ; two Chelsoni, £2 10s. ; two Madame A. Verschaffelt, £2 ; standards of Chelsoni and Koi Leopold, £1 10s. each. From M.Jean Verschaffelt, Ghent, Agave Ousselghemiana, £2 ; A. americana medio-picta, £1 10s. ; A. univittata, £1 12s. ; A. Schidigera, £1 ; A. cocoinea, £1 16s. ; A. filifera longifolia, £2 ; A. Ghies- breghtii, £2 2s. ; A. species jalapa, .£2 4s. ; A. filifera, £1 10s. ; A. chloracantha, £1 5s. ; A. americana fol. var., £1 10s. ; A. Xalapensis, £1 5s. ; A. virginica, £2 ; A. stenophylla, £2 ; Dasylirium serratum, £1 10s. ; Bonapartea gracilis, £1 10s. ; a fine specimen Yucca aloifolia variegata, £2 8s. From Messrs. Ivery & Son, Azalea petuniteflora, £3 ; Empress Eugenie and Madame Michel, £2 each. GARDENING PROGRESS IN NEW ZEALAND. To the French settlers of Akaroa we, the residents in Canter- bury, are indebted for the introduction of Salix babylonica in 1840. Upon their way from France they put into the island of St. Helena for the purpose of testifying their veneration for the memory of Napoleon Buonaparte, and they brought thence some cuttings of the Weeping Willow. We now have very large Weeping Willow trees on the plains, and find their shade very agreeable during the oppressive heat we experience at th» present time ; thermometer in the shade 8S , and in the sun 118", hotter than ever previously known in Christchuroh within the memory of "that extraordinary individual" the oldest inhabitant. On the ',tth of January, at 13 p.m., the thermometer stood at 83° in the shade. Akaroa, by us of the plains, is called, on account of its near approach to the sea, its beautiful climate, and beautiful wood- laud scenery — " our Brighton." Its romantic scenery is beyond description, and it is considered to be very salubrious for siok invalids. We are now raising seedling Ehododendrons by the thousand, but it is only recently that we have been successful, after re- peated trials year after year of imported seed. At last, I am happy to state, we have succeeded in obtaining seedlings an inch high, and others far beyond the seed-leaf. I look upon these seedlings as a great boon to Canterbury at large ; they will, no doubt, in course of time be sold like the Oak, Ash, and Elm by the thousand, instead of one solitary plant of the com- mon K. ponticuin for 5s. as at present. This is a very \m- favourable climate for the germinating of small seeds like those of the Ehododendron family, owing to the continued power and intensity of the solar rays dui'ing summer. Evaporation from the soil is so susceptible of change that it almost baffles the skill of man here to retain a uniform moisture for seedlings. — WiLLiAJt Swale, Avonside Butanic Garden, Xcw Xruland. WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Let the gravel walks be occasionally gone over with the weeding-knife, and keep them constantly rolled ; the best time is after rain, when they are dry enough to bear the roller. Detached leaves from Cabbage-beds in bearing to be removed to some vacant quarter to be trenched in, and not left to wither and rot amongst growing crops, forming a harbour for sings and other vermin. Every spare piece of ground should be now trenched up in readiness for planting early Savoys and Brussels Sprouts. Befi, the full crops to be thinned out to about 9 inches apart. Bear in mind our former remarks on trans- planting, if vacancies occur. Brvccnli, a few drills of Cape may be sown in light rich groiind, to be thinned out and kept standing. Cuctimbcm, thin out the young seedlings on ridges, and see that the transplanted ones do not want for water. Tilt the glasses for the admission of air, and shut down close in the evening. Cauliflowers, liberal applications of liquid manure must be given to them, if you would have them fine. Cfhrij, prick out the late-sown, and keep the young advancing crops well supplied with water. Prepare the trenches, and, when fit, lift the plants with a good ball of earth, and plant them at a foot apart, using a trowel or small fork in preference to a dibble, (iive a liberal application of water, and after they have started into growth plenty of liquid manure poured on the soil from the spout of a watering-pot without the rose. If from drought the tops want refreshing, a f prinkling of pure water is best. Lettuce, continue at regular and short intervals to tie them up for blanching, and thin out all advancing crops of the Cabbage varieties, which are always best left to jicrfect themselves where sown, and if small sowings are kept up at short intervals transplanting will be superfluous. Bean and Beans, continue to keep the surface well forked amongst the growing crops ; this is at all times attended with the most beneficial results, as it increases their productiveness, and, by keeping them in a vigorous growing st.ite, assists greatly in warding off the injurious effects of mildew, which often attacks the later-sown ones. Pulverising the soil, besides exposing it more to atmospheric influences, greatly assists in retaining moisture about the roots during diy weather, and drought, 424 JOtTBNAIi OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Jane 5, I8IIB. together with hardness of surface, is, in our opinion, favonrablc to the production of mildow. If this begin to show itself, a very weak solution of salt and water sprinkled over the tops will keep it in check. Turnips, contimie to make .snccessional sowings, and dress both these and other crop?! likely to be infested with the fly with charcoal dust when they are in a wet state. Keep up snccessional sowings of Radishes, Lettuces, and salads, which require to be sown often now, in quantities pro- portioned to the demand ; the north side of a sloping bank is the best situation for these sowings. Viijetable. Marrows on ridges to be treated as advised for Cucumbers. FHUIT GARDEN. Great activity is necessaiy in this department, as the rapid growth of the trees will require constant attention in stopping, removing supertluous shoots, and nailing in. Peaches may now have their final disbudding ; let every shoot not required be removed with a, sharp knife, and nail in the remainder carefully ; if any of the extreme shoots are growing out of bounds, they may be stopped within a few eyes of the base in order to preserve the fruit, but take care to train up another shoot to succeed. Apricots to be thinned. Keep the lateral shoots of Vines closely stopped at the tirst joint. We do not approve of the practice of removing them entirely. By retain- ing the joiut we preserve them for whatever purpose they may serve in the economy of the Vine. We should always en- deavour to assist the operationsof Nature, as well as judiciously check over-luxuriance, and in this respect we know of no tree more tractable than the Vine. FLOWEB G.tRDEN. The directions given for the past two weeks are still appli- cable to operations going on here, and which should be brought to a close this week. Persevere till every vacant bed is tilled. Summer cUmbers will now be in tine condition for planting out, if directions as regards growing, potting, and staking have been attended to. See that they are properly secured from high winds as soon as the operation of planting is finished. Heliotropes and tender annuals may now be planted out with Sifety. Choose the wannest and best-protected parts of the iiower garden for these tender things. As soon as the beds are all filled and finished off, plant out in the flower-borders the odds and ends which are left. Attend to the staking of Car- nations, Picotees, and Pinks as they grow ; this will greatly improve their appearance when in bloom. Put in large quan- tities of different varieties of double Wallflowers in rows behind a no tli wall or hedge. Alyssums, Iberises, and similar plants should be increased by cuttings for another season. Cut the old plants back as soon as they have done flowering, and they may remain among some of the grouping plants in the borders during the summer months. GEEEjmoUSE AN'B CONSEKVATOBT. The turning out of house plants is a proceeding which re- quires some forethought. Although it may not be desirable to turn out some of the tribes so early in the season on their own account, it is at least so in many garden establishments in the country, in order to carry out without impediment the forcing of Imits and other matters necessary for the supply of a family. In this respect country gardens differ much from the gardens around the metropolis. In the latter, display is the principal point ; in the foi-mer, display, although not unheeded, is some- times obliged to give way to more substantial matters. The first step is to provide a proper situation, and one, scarcely secondary, is to secure a good sound bottom on which to place the pots. Wheii the least suspicion of water-lodgements exist drainage should in the first place be secured, and the pots be ele- vated above the ground level. W'e do not mean to assert that house plants must be turned out, we are merely advising it on the score of expediency. Plunging, we should say, should in most cases be resorted to, provided the plunging material is above the ground level. Ail plants with fine hair-Uke roots, as the Ericas and Epacrises, should certainly either be plunged or double-potted — that is, inserted within an empty pot. Another great point is to classifj- the plants with regard to their general habits and character. No plant-cultivator would think of mixing Heaths with Pelargoniums or Cacti. After the bedding-out is accomplished a reserved stock should be immediately taken in hand, and should receive high cultivation in order to fill up blanks the moment they occur either in the houses or in the borders. Some of the hardier stock in the Gonservatory, such as hybrid Rhododendrons, CameUias form- ing buds, and Orange trees in tubs or pots, may soon be set out of doors. This will give more room to the plants which must remain either on acconnt of tBeir tenderness or the display which they make. A sheltered spot should bo selected out of doors, but by no means nnder the drip of trees. A temporary awning, but of a very thin character, should be suspended over them for a week or two at first. .Ml young or other stock growing forward for specimens of high cultivation must now liavo much room. Make it a rule to let no two specimens touch. Very young stock of Ericas, Epacrises, or small fancy New Holland plants will be best in a pit or frame, placing the lights to the north. Pinch off the decaying blossom of hybrid Rhodo- dendrons; give liquid manure, and if wanted for early work endeavour to force them slightly into wood. Get some young Thunbergias put into their final pots for trellising ; these arc useful, and keep up a late display. Look to the runners of the tree Violet, also the Neapolitan, and do not delay any longer with the Chrysanthemums. — W. Kcane. DOINGS OF THE LAST ^VEEK. KITCHEN GAKDEN. Ne^-eb was better weather for the keepirig down and cutting up weeds, and, therefore, took the opportunity to run the Dutch hoe through all growing crops, as even if the weeds are scarcely to be seen, they would soon show themselves if a showery day or two were to come. The bright sun and the cold nights, with east and north winds, are very trying to many things. Com fields, as yet, look well ; but grass grows but slowly, and some of the tender points on our lawn are browned as if frosted. On Wednesday morning early, in a shallow earthenware vessel there was ice one-sixteenth of an inch in thickness. Watered lots of Peas and garden Beans in tiles and boxes, for transplanting. Sowed several rows for succession, as pheasants are not now so keen after them. Removed a row of Tom Thumb from the orchard-house, where they had done good service, and would have done more, only there was plenty to succeed them. DiUistone's Early bears well under a glass case without any artificial heat ; Sangster's does not do well for that purpose, but taken all in all, though not the earliest, it is the most profitable early Pea we have. Watered with sewage water Cauliflowers, Peas, Beans, i-c, and pricked out young Cauliflowers. The fresh quarter, turned out eight days kgo, was watered with clean water. Giving rich nourishment to such young plants is ver}- injurious. Gave sewage water to a bank of Lettuces, to keep them from running prematurely. We use the sewage for these purposes, not only because we like it best, but also because it husbands so far our clear water, of which we have a fair supply as yet ; but in this neighbour- hood it is becoming scarce, and some are purchasing it at SO much a-pail. We have never had the fly worse on early Turnips ; and as for Radishes, unless carefully netted, and the net kept fat enough every way from the seeds, we would never see one. At less than a mile distant, cottagers can throw a dusting of seed into the ground, and every seed will produce a seedUng. Here it is a constant contest with the birds, and they too often con- quer at length, and obtain more than the lion's share. Pricked out lots of Celery of different sowings, the first being now strong plants, which we shall finally turn out as soon as there shall be a change in the weather. Sowed Onions for s.-ilads, Spinach for succession ; filled the vacancies in seed-beJs of winter gi'cens, and would prick out some if wo could find time. Dug up a good portion of the Broccoli stumps ; this crop, though planted between Peas, and rather late, has done wonders, chiefly owing to giving it plenty of sewage water, until the long nights of last autumn came. Pricked out young Cabbages, cleared away all the covering material from Sea-kale, and sent in the last dish ; it wUl want all the summer now to grow. Pulled Rhubarb for preserving ; the huge stalks would be better of a sewage-watering at the stools. That, and rich soil, will make it grow almost any size, and, unlike some other things, large stalks are tender enough, if from dimness and age they do not become too hard. Pntdtacs that had been protected with old sashes are throw- ing their tubers quite near enough the surface. Instinct might have told them to go down after moisture in this parching weather ; but as we cannot do anything in the way of eartliing- up, as they are now so thick, and formerly had early Lettuces betweeu the rows, we will water the beds over if we do not have raiu soon, and then wUl cover the ground slightly with h.alf-rotten leaves to keep the moisture iu and to keep the light Jane 5, 1866. ] JOUENAL OP HOKTICULTDRE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. 423 of the sun from the tubers near the surface. A Potato at all greened, however useful for other purposes, is of email account when cooked. Hoed well between the earliest out of doors, and will earth-up or not earth-up afterwards, accord- ing as the tubers are apt to come or not to come to the sm-- face. When planted in nice friable soil from fi to 8 inches deep, earthing-up in general may be dispensed with. North borders, or the north side of sloping banks, will now be useful for Turnips, Radishes, and Lettuces, and a little Endive may be sown for those who like it early. Most people will care nothing about it so long as they can obtain good Lettuces ; and these, too, always seem best in hot weather. Cucumbi'i-s. — The parching weather has brought the green fly into our frames, and to this result no doubt a coolness at the roots has also contributed. We have, therefore, used to- bacco paper for smoking them, and applied a lining to the front of the beds, and merely backed up against the boards behind. We intended giving this lining two or three weeks ago, but could not get at it, but we believe a little more heat to these shallow bods would have done much towards keeping the fly away, and here, as in most things, prevention is better than cure. We seldom use such linings for throwing heat into the bed at so early a period ; but this season our beds were made much more shallow than usual, and a cold bottom with such a bright sun does not suit Cucumbers or Melons at this season. Took off cuttings of desirable kinds, and from plants quite clean, as these cuttings will fruit earher than seedlings, and will do very well for summer and autumn work. We do not like plants from cuttings for standing the winter. Seedlings seem to have more stamina for contending with the dark days. Plants for ridges. Gherkins, Vegetable Marrows, &c,, we have turned into rather large pots, under protection, as the place in- . tended for them is not yet ready. We have never had them better than on a bank sloping to the south, and without any thing like a hotbed beneath them ; but the soil was turned over after every sunny d.iy, so as to turn the hottest soil down, and the plants were planted out in this heated, aired soil, in the first or second week in June. FKCIT GARDEN. Strawben'ics. — Hoed the Strawberry ground pretty deeply with the Dutch hoe, not only to destroy weeds, however small, but to fill all cracks and fissures produced by the di-y heat in Btiffish loamy soils. Followed with a good watering of house sewage, which will be farther washed in by the first rains. Noticed that previously to the watering the pollen dust was becoming poor and scanty, and setting was taking place but slowly ; but after the watering the footstalks looked up more boldly. To enjoy a Strawberry it should be picked clean with clean hands, and be touched only by the stalk. To keep the fruit clean nothing is better than clean wheaten straw laid along each side of the row. Grass, if at all long, answers very well. We often use common litter from the stables, from which most of the di-oppings have been shaken. This, it applied early enough, will, in general, be washed clean by the rains before the fruit ripens. Spent hops and fresh tan are also good for the purpose, as it is but seldom that the tan is so fine as to rest on the fruit, and both hops and tan are generally disagreeable to slugs, snails, &c. Failing these, boards laid along the sides of the rows are very good — better than tiles or slates ; and fail- ing all such conveniences, if the plants are in rows, a string of small cord stretched on each side and twisted round a stick every 6 feet or so, will answer very well for keeping the fruit from the earth. Some years ago we noticed a basket of nice Strawberries ex- posed thinly to be dried in the sun. They had been mud- encrusted by a thunder shower, had been washed in a pail, and were then prepaiiig for the table. They looked better than could have been expected, but who could have eaten them with satisfaction if the treatment they liad passed through had been known ? In fact, the general system adopted for send- ing Strawberries to table wants a complete overhauling. It matters not how carefully the gardener may pick them by the stalk, not touching a berry with his hands, however clean they may be, instead of being sent in a basket, or just turned over on an elegant dish — and they never look better than when so done — they must be built into cones and pyramids and miniature-shaped haystacks, each berry being taken once or twice between the fingers to get it into the proper shape and form, making sure of a good deal of handling and touching, as if absolutely necessary preliminaries to the future eating and digesting. The time will come when those who grow and gather fruit will also dish it and send it to table. A word to the wise ought to be enough. Lately wo tried to show that the grower of fruit should be the gatherer, directly, or by his assistants, and stated good reasons why ; but the good rule is, perhaps, more broken than observed, causing unpleasantness to many and benefit to none. The young plants raised from the border, and planted out under frames, have set freely and are sweUiug fruit fast. We have now removed two out of the four rows in the Peach-house, and will take out another in ten days. Oa two or three of the plants removed there were traces of red spider, so that they were not moved at all too soon. The fruit has swelled very fast under glass lately, even without any artificial heat. With- out bright sun the mere glass covering accelerates the ripening but little. The pit in which British Queens are ripening and swelling had a good washing against the back and end walls with sulphur and lime, and a little soot to tone down the colour. In the orchard-house observed some fly on two or three small plants, and had them carefully washed with quassia water. The trees have had rather heavy syringings every after- noon in this hot weather, and to save watering we shall top- dress all the pots with a rough mixture of mushroom dung fi-om an old bed, and fresher horse-droppings that have lain and heated long enough to kill the oats that might be in them. Those materials had a little soot and lime mixed with them before being used for top-dressing the pots. The water question alone would make us seriously think of giving up fruit-tree culture in pots. Thinned a lot of the Peach trees of fruit, which comes in for tarts, etc., but no use can be made of Nectarines in the kitchen when in such a young state. In the Peach-house watered the Strawbei-ries, and frequently twice a-day ; in fact, watering and syringing have been our chief work of late, merely to keep things from going back with us. Syringed all the trees freely night and morning, except where the fruit was ripening. The house being about 50 feet in length, would be too long for a single comfortable establishment, as too many fruit would be apt to come in at a time. Our heating-pipes are badly placed, but they answer well in this respect, as the fruit near them comes in first, and long before those on the back wall, so that out of this house we have gathered for from ten to fourteen weeks. In general, however, smaller houses, or a range with divisions, are most suitable for moderate establishments. In addition to the syringing we gave the borders inside and outside a good watering with drainings from the farmyard manure. Though rather ad- mirers of house sewage for common crops, we dislike to employ it much in close places under glass. A good watering when the fruit is swelling fast helps it very much, but it is as well not to soak all the groimd occupied by the roots at once. We watered our border at three times, with an interval of from four to six days between each watering. Owing to this precaution we rarely have a fruit thrown off, even though self-preservation would often tempt the trees to do so, when very heavy ci'ops are left. Vineries. — Went over them in a dull morning and evening, nipping out a few more berries, and reducing laterals in the earliest house, which will succeed the Uttle pit now nearly over ; regulating shoots in the late vinery, and bringing the bunches coming into bloom down more into the house, and away from the glass to which they have a tendency to rise. Gave the earliest of these houses a Uttle warmed water, the border being still covered with old sashes, and bedding plants beneath them. Gave the late vinery border a watering from a cistern in the open air, where the water had become warmed by several days' sun, a peck of superphosphate having been previously scattered over the border. In the earliest house, the Sweetwater Grapes were beginning to become transparent ; we will now leave a little air on all night, say half an inch in two or three sashes at the top of the house. By-and-by we shall treat the second house in the same way. The late cool vinery we are now keeping the closest and the warmest, and will con- tinue to do so until the fruit be set. Those at the top of the house are beginning to set freely. No moisture will bo given except that from the watering of plants and the syriugLng of the pathways. Even in setting in such simny weather, it is well not to have the atmosphere too dry, as it binds the capsule too tightly round the parts of fructification. A good tempe- rature, w"ith an atmosphere moist enough, will also help to draw out the bunch, so that the berries shall not be so densely clustered together. We often think that if many Vines had more of the habit of the Muscat, what a fine time we should 424 JOUBNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAQE GARDENEB. c Jaa* i, iaas. have in thinning. Often when not operated oo, when the i yonng fruit are not larger than bird shot, it is next to im- posBiblo to get the Bcissors into the bunch of clone-setting ' kinds without injuring the berries that are left. Two things ' m thinning Grapes ought always to be avoided : First, using scissors after tho points have become dirty or discoloured with the Vine juice, as the marks are so apt to be left— it is easy to keep them dry and clean ; and the second is, to avoid oiled hair, or hair of any kind, or dirty hands, or clothes saturated with perspiration, coming in contact with the bunch. In thin- ning, those with moist hands should catch tho bunch with a neat hooked stick or clean wire ; but a stick is the better of tho two. J'or air-giving, temperature, &c., see last and previous week's notices. Fit/pit.— Firis in i>ot».— Gave the trees a good watering with manure water, and syringed the tops frequently before shutting- up, about 4 i-.u., BO as to obtain a good amount of sun heat. This shuttmg-up in a moist atmosphere involves the necessity of giving air early in the morning, so that the fruit swelling fast may become dried, as, if the damp hang long on them, a spot will be formed at the point, and from thence it will spread and rot, instead of the fruit swelling and ripening. In dull weather, after such bright sunshine, there will be a necessity of having (ire heat in early houses to permit of more air being given to neutrahse this tendency towards damping. Except when the trees are in a state of rest, it is hardly possible to l overdo iig trees with moisture if the drainage is all right. 1 Stagnant moisture is just as bad for throwing off a crop as l great dryness ; and let it not be forgotten, that whether growing ' m a pot or m a border, if the roots be too dry, they must not be saturated at once, but by degrees, say in four or five days' time. We have seen young trees well loaded throw off their crop from dryness ; we have seen similar trees cast their crop when a copious watering was at once given. The stimulus was aU right enough for growth, but it was more than the young frmt were prepared for, and off they dropped. It is the safest plan to have the soH rather moist before the buds swell much. We must commence as soon as possible on the trees out of doors, which are showing plenty of fruit. We have merely stopped the terminal bud of the shoots showing fruit. ORN-AMKNTAL DEPAr.TMENT. Doing a good denl in the way of potting Balsams, Feathered Cockscombs, Geraniums, watering, and keeping plant-houses moist and shaded to save watering, even if not quite so good for the plants. Winter-flowering Heaths, Epacris, etc., should now have a cold pit, to be kept rather close untU growth is made, and then be hardened off to ripen the shoots. CamelUas and Azaleas done blooming and allowed to stand a week or two after being trimmed, should have a close, warm, moist atmo- sphere to encom-age growth, and that will also do much to check insects, the plants being gradually hardened off as the flower-buds are formed. Many of tho hardier plants, as Cytisus, Acacias, &c., will stand in a sheltered place out of doors, where no other place can be given them. We were forced against our will to smoke Caladiums, on which we never saw green fly before. Gloxinias in bloom should have a shady place, as but little sun spoils the dehcate blossoms. Dahlias we must divide, for we are behind, having kept them in a cool place, and they are just moving. The frosty mornings have rather frightened us from bedding-out ; but if we did not make a commeucement we should never finish, and therefore we have begun, and most likely some thousands will be out before this appear in print. One reason why we do not hurry is, that most of our plants are growing now, planted out, in earth pits. Celery trenches, ice, so that they are not confined as if they stood in Uttle pots. One chief object, however, in so treating them was to avoid the necessity of watering them often. Many beds have only been watered once since the plants were turned out m the beginning of April. Most of them lift well now for planting, and we generally carry them in little boxes, and this saves the ball of earth about the roots. The svstem would not answer so well where the plants must be carried some dis- tance from tho earth pit to the flower garden. Under such circumstances pots and boxes, where the roots are kept near at home, are best ; but the keeping of thousands of plants in small pots is a serious matter, even as respects watering, where labour is rather scarce, — R. F. no scholar, was soroly puzzled to understand tho meaning of " ditto." The next day, being at work with his father, ho said, " Father, what is the meaning of ditto ?" " Why," said the old man, " this hero is one cabbage-head, and that era's ditto." " Drat it !" ejaculated tho indignant sou, " then she called me a cabbage-head!" Cabbaok and Ditto.—" I love you like anything," said a young gardener to his sweetheaH, pressing her hand. " Ditto," said she, returning the pressure. The ardent lover, who was COVEXT GAUDEN ILVRKET.-Junk 2. A WEEK'S finu Kiiiiny iroutllcr Las Rreally imprcvcd onr sappUes, botk lioine-Krown imd otlitsrwiin-, und the French Iruit Konernllf hms been better. I'riccs have accordingly receded, and we may luok for a greater rcduetiun iu the course of the week. Some open-air Strawberries have come to baud, and Green Peas in considerable quantities from Kent and the west of England. VEOKTABLES. Artichokes each Asparagus bundle Beans, Broad.. buBhcl ividney IW Beet, Red d.«. IJroccoli bundle Brus. Sprouts ^i sieve Cabbage doz. Capsicums 100 Carrots bunch Cauliflower doz. Celery bundle Cucumbers each pickling .... doz. Endive doz. Fennel bunch Garlic lb. Herbs buncli Horseradish .. bundle s. d. s. d B. d. 1. d 0 .StoO 6 Lcokii bunch 0 StoO 0 3 0 6 0 Lettuce per doz. 10 16 0 0 0 0 Mu9hrniperus sahina, or common Savin. They are not marketable, nor is Oa.nunda regalis. ONION (K. O. T.I.— The Onion which you received from BriLsscU under the name of Oignon jaune plat we think is the W elsh Omon UMliimi flstulosum). At least, in its present state it entirely corresponds with that kind. _ Names oe Plants (X 0. F.).-You must send better specimons of the confferousplants. It is almost impossible to identify small scraps and to do so costs more time than we can afford. ^B